ABC News(WASHINGTON) -- In what some within the Democratic Party say could be a watershed moment, an excerpt from a new book by former interim Democratic National Committee chairwoman Donna Brazile raises new concerns about the organization's influence in the 2016 presidential primaries.



The excerpt from Braziles new book Hacks: The Inside Story of the Break-ins and Breakdowns that put Donald Trump in the White House, was published Thursday in Politico magazine and potentially shows the depth of coordination between the DNC and Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential campaign. The book also explores whether the contest between the former secretary of State and Sen. Bernie Sanders was weighted against the Vermont lawmaker.



Brazile, a former ABC News political contributor, said she was shocked when she heard that the Clinton campaign had entered into a joint fundraising agreement with the DNC long before it was clear that Clinton would be the partys nominee.



The funding arrangement with (Hillary for America) and the victory fund agreement was not illegal, but it sure looked unethical, Brazile wrote, If the fight had been fair, one campaign would not have control of the party before the voters had decided which one they wanted to lead. This was not a criminal act, but as I saw it, it compromised the partys integrity.



The tell-all has drawn swift reactions from Democrats like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii. President Donald Trump also weighed in.



Two former DNC executives told ABC News Friday they were unaware of the scope of the financial agreement between the Clinton campaign and the organization.



The victory fund money was supposed to be spent between the campaign and the state parties during the general," said Jim Zogby, a former member of the DNCs executive board during the 2016 elections.It was a violation of agreement and process.



Democratic reaction



Reacting to the news Thursday on CNN, Warren said the revelations reveal a real problem with the DNC, and that she agrees with the notion that the Democratic nomination was rigged for Clinton.



What weve got to do as Democrats now, is weve got to hold this party accountable, Warren said, adding that new DNC Chair Tom Perez has to do more to bring Sanders' supporters into the nomination process.



Hes being tested now, this is a test for Tom Perez, and either hes going to succeed by bringing Bernie Sanders and Bernie Sanders' representatives into this process, and theyre going to say its fair, it works, we all believe it, or hes going to fail.



In a video released Thursday night, Gabbard, an early Sanders supporter, said the news reveals just how much the DNC and nomination process needs to be reformed.



This is further evidence of a party and a campaign finance system that needs to be completely overhauled and reformed. These reforms must empower the people and take back our party from the special interests of a powerful few, Gabbard said.



Another former DNC staffer took issue with how Brazile characterized the agreement between the DNC and the Clinton campaign.



"The JFA (joint funding agreement) was signed and made public a year before Donna became chair. Bernie was offered one too and chose not to use it. We should be thanking Brooklyn for funding the DNC when no one else was. Donna is just wrong about this, the former staffer said.



President Trump also weighed in on the issue on Friday -- attempting to divert attention away from potential links between his campaign and Russia during the 2016 election -- saying that he always felt he should have faced Sanders in the general election.



A broken system?



Among the claims Brazile makes about the current state of the Democratic Party is the charge that President Barack Obama left it in very poor financial shape.



Obama left the party $24 million in debt  $15 million in bank debt and more than $8 million owed to vendors after the 2012 campaign  and (the party) had been paying that off very slowly, Brazile wrote.



A spokesman for the former president's office did not respond to ABC News' request for comment.



Others disagree.



It is dramatic overstatement to say that President Obama bankrupted the party. The fundraisers the president did were some of the best that happened for the party," R.T. Rybak, a former mayor of Minneapolis and a former vice chairman of the party, went on.



Julian Zelizer, a history and public affairs professor at Princeton University, says its not abnormal for a party to have to recover after a two-term president, but that the current division within the party after 2016 is more severe.



It is true that usually when a two-term president leaves that his party often is in trouble, but I think there are many who agree that this is on the worst side of the spectrum, and so the party is paying a price for it, Zelizer said.



Zelizer also said instead of arguing about the 2016 election, Democrats should focus on a more universally agreed upon target.



I think the best thing [Democrats] can do is to keep the focus on President Trump, who all Democrats would probably agree is not good for the country,



A case for reform



Zogby told ABC News he hoped Braziles book would buttress reform efforts.



If we do not reform, we cannot unify and if we cannot unify we cannot win. So to me reform is simply a way of bringing the factions of the party together so we can function as a unified whole, he told ABC News.



As a member of the unity commission charged with helping reform the party, Zogby and other members of the panel appointed by Sen. Sanders have been pushing for a stronger and more transparent governance structure.



Specifically, they suggest options such as an open and transparent budget that will be proposed and voted on by the executive committee, an internal judicial review board, budget oversight committee, and a ban on conflicts of interest.



Zogby argues a judiciary review board would allow candidates or state officers who have grievances a place to be heard internally.



If we do not create structures to solve these problems in house then the only time we ever get to deal with problems is when they break in the news a scandal or a problem and then we have to address it, he went on.



Other members of the unity commission speculate the reason there has been pushback on budget transparency is because too many paid consultants also have holding voting power in the party.



In addition to the work being done on the unity commission, former Sanders supporters and new voices need to be represented on the leadership teams, reformists say.



Just last month, Perez removed Zogby and others from their posts on the executive committee. The move angered a lot of progressives in the party, who accused Perez of purging people who either did not back him for his chairmanship position or backed Sanders during the primary.



This is our party too, said Rania Batrice, who worked for Sanders and advised the DNC during the general election. The voices at the DNC have to be balanced.



However, others say those pushing reforms are overlooking the progress made.



There is nothing wrong with the Democratic Party that cannot be solved with democracy, said R.T. Rybak, a former DNC vice chairman and former mayor of Minneapolis.



He cites the very public and drawn out election the party went through in February to elect Perez amid other leadership posts.



This is the most democracy we have had in party leadership in years," he said. "It is a huge difference."



Brazile is set to appear on ABCs This Week with George Stephanopoulos this Sunday to discuss her new book.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Mid Dakota Clinics board chairwoman said the clinic is unlikely to turn back to negotiations with CHI St. Alexius if its proposed merger with Sanford Health is blocked.

We were burned once, board chair and Mid Dakota family practitioner Dr. Shelly Seifert testified in U.S. District Court Friday.

Seiferts testimony was part of four days worth of court hearings in an antitrust case filed by the Federal Trade Commission and North Dakota Attorney General to stop the clinic from merging with Sanford Health.

While this weeks hearings are only for a preliminary injunction to block a merger until a formal FTC hearing in Washington, D.C., Sanford's lawyer Bob Cooper said that these hearings are typically where mergers get decided.

In every unconsummated merger case where a (preliminary injunction) is granted and upheld it has ended the merger, he said.

In her testimony, Seifert told the court that financial projections for the clinic from its CFO show a 27 percent reduction in reimbursement for ancillary services over the next several years. Should that trend continue, as it is expected to, she said the clinic would slowly implode.

The long term viability of (Mid Dakota Clinic) is in great danger if were not able to align with an integrated health system, Seifert testified.

Parrell Grossman of the North Dakota Attorney Generals office argued to the contrary that its his belief that Mid Dakota will continue to be able to stand on its own. He said more harm would be done to patient choice and competition should the merger be allowed to go through.

Seifert called the decision to put the clinic up for sale extremely difficult.

Its easier to simply put our heads in the sand and hope things continue the way they are and ignore financial projections, she said, but waiting around until then is not something she says a responsible board of directors would do.

As reimbursements decline, the clinic is losing its ability to pay above median wages, which has been its main tool for attraction and retention of physicians. And when competing with the likes of Sanford and CHI, the clinic doesnt have the same budget for advertising and other employment perks, such as loan forgiveness.

In early 2015, Mid Dakota was in talks with both Sanford and CHI St. Alexius Health over potential mergers. In spring 2016, Mid Dakota lawyers said CHI St. Alexius walked away for undisclosed reasons.

Seifert said CHI originally met Mid Dakotas terms and the doctors initially chose them over Sanford because they felt more comfortable through familiarity.

That didnt reflect negatively on Sanford, she said. It was just a better fit at the time.

But a day or two before they were set to sign the agreement with CHI, the hospital system withdrew its offer, calling the clinic's executives into the hallway while doctors, who had expected a merger announcement, waited inside.

Seifert said the reason stated for CHIs exit from the deal was not one previously stated by the hospital. The clinic was told there would not be a counter offer and Seifert said they were left feeling played and like they were just being given an excuse.

I think it was a CHI corporate move to get itself out of the deal, she said.

Seifert said CHI further insulted the clinic when it told the FTC it shares the agencys concerns over harm to the community and decrease in quality of health care.

Cooper said CHI St. Alexius Health President Kurt Schley has said he would like to engage in talks with Mid Dakota again but that does not guarantee that the organizations previous reasons for ending talks still exist and that Mid Dakota has made it clear it does not want to re-engage.

The FTC and Grossman summed up their week of arguments, citing testimony from insurers who say Sanfords bargaining leverage would increase with the merger, leading to possibly higher prices for services being passed on to customers. And they said CHI, a merged Sanford and Mid Dakotas only possible source of competition, would not be able to replace the doctors it would lose in the merger for three to 10 years.

The defense countered that CHIs recruitment time estimates were self serving and that Blue Cross Blue Shield would still keep prices down because losing participation in their network would be financially devastating whether a merger went through or not.

U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Alice Senechal said it was her goal to have a decision on the preliminary injunction before Thanksgiving and the FTC announced that the formal hearing on the merger has been pushed back to Dec. 12.

This story has been changed to reflect the correct percentage in reimbursement.
The competition is heating up as firefighters compete for bragging rights for the best chili recipe. Dont miss this amazing taste fest for a great cause. With your freewill donation youll be served up a hearty sampling of chili, and for just $5 you can cast your vote for the best. Beverages and side dishes will be provided.
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Connecticut governor calls for Dominion cooperation

01 November 2017

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The governor of the US state of Connecticut has passed a senate bill that could lead to Dominion Energy being allowed to sell output from its Millstone nuclear power plant alongside other higher-priced clean energy sources, such as wind and solar. However, he said if this is going to happen, the utility must fully cooperate with requests from state authorities for detailed financial information.

The Millstone plant (Image: Dominion)

Yesterday Governor Dannel Malloy passed Senate Bill 1501 - An Act Concerning Zero Carbon Procurement - which, providing it is shown to be in "the best interest of ratepayers", would allow the state's nuclear power plants to enter into a competitive procurement process with other zero carbon energy sources. The bill was approved by the Connecticut General Assembly last week.

An executive order Malloy signed on 25 July directed the state's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and its Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to carry out an assessment of the current and future viability of continued operation at Dominion's Millstone plant. The study is also to consider the role of existing nuclear generating facilities, large-scale hydropower, demand reduction measures, energy storage, and renewable energy in helping Connecticut meet emissions targets whilst maintaining grid reliability.

In a preliminary progress report to Malloy, DEEP said Dominion had not supplied Levitan & Associates Inc (LAI) - consultants to DEEP and PURA - with the necessary financial documentation for their assessment.

"Dominion has not provided the requested information either in writing or through an oral briefing, despite DEEP and PURA's ability to protect confidential business information through a protective order, as is standard practice," DEEP said.

It added, "A primary impetus for Executive Order 59 was the claim from Dominion that Millstone was experiencing the same types of severe financial challenges that other nuclear facilities in deregulated markets have faced due to low natural gas prices and other factors. Owners of existing nuclear facilities in New York and Illinois, for example, provided evidence of their distressed financial position to justify ratepayer-backed financial support mechanisms in those states. For this reason, DEEP and PURA believe that it is reasonable to expect such a demonstration from Dominion."

Boston-based LAI has informed DEEP and PURA that, based on the best available information, Millstone is likely to operate profitably between 2022 (the first year the plant does not have an existing obligation in the Forward Capacity Market) and 2035 (when the operating licence of Millstone unit 2 expires). Under expected market conditions, the present value of Millstone's net after-tax cash flow from mid-2021 through to mid-2035 is about $2.3 billion. Even in a scenario that assumes unfavourable market conditions for Millstone, Dominion's after-tax cash flow is $1.2 billion, according to LAI.

"As such, there is unlikely to be a basis upon which to conclude at this time that Dominion requires electric ratepayers to provide financial support outside the regional market in order for Millstone to continue operating profitably," DEEP told Malloy.

"Absent any information being provided by Dominion, it is unlikely that LAI's analysis will change prior to finalisation of the study," LAI said.

Malloy called for Dominion to fully cooperate with DEEP and PURA to provide the necessary information to complete an accurate assessment of Millstone.

"The importance of this asset to both the state and the region cannot be overstated," he said. "If we are to realise the goals set out by this legislation, there is more work to be done.

"The state needs significantly more engagement from Dominion as other nuclear facility owners have engaged under similar circumstances in other states. I look forward to continuing this conversation and to increased cooperation from the party seeking assistance."

Dominion's Millstone plant is the only nuclear power plant in the state of Connecticut. Its two operating reactors, with a combined capacity of 2088 MWe, generate about 45% of the state's electricity.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

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UK seeks close energy relationship with EU after Brexit

03 November 2017

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The UK government's top priority is to agree arrangements with the European Union related to energy - particularly nuclear energy - that are as close as possible to current arrangements, the country's energy minister last week told a parliamentary inquiry into Brexit and the UK's energy security.

Richard Harrington - undersecretary of state at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) - gave evidence to the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Union, Energy and Environment Sub-Committee on 25 October.

When asked about Brexit's effect on the UK's energy security, Harrington said: "As far as security of supply is concerned, I do not believe it will affect it because we have a very well-functioning, competitive and resilient energy system now." He added, "The capacity market, new nuclear, offshore wind and so on have helped a lot to [achieve diversity of supply]. I believe that government intervention generally - with contracts-for-difference and the capacity market options, for example - has made sure that we are not too dependent on any particular source of supply."

However, he told the committee that the UK benefits from electricity interconnections with other European countries. "Electricity connection is something that we think can deliver benefits in terms of both cost but also security in being part of the larger market."

The UK has 4 GW of electrical interconnection, with a further 9.5 GW having either received or seeking regulatory approval. Construction of two 4.4 GW interconnectors - with Belgium and Norway - is well advanced, he said. Since the June 2016 referendum vote in favour of leaving the EU, construction of two further interconnections - both with France - has also started.

"It suggests that is a growing area, and obviously trade as part of a broader bloc is a good and efficient way of getting the power we need and supplying the capacity," Harrington said. "We will always make sure we have sufficient energy security, whether through domestic or imported means, in the capacity market as well."

He told the committee he does not expect consumer energy costs to be significantly impacted by Brexit. "It is our policy to maintain an affordable energy supply for the UK, and for the EU it is the same." However, he noted: "We cannot assess the energy costs until we know what the new arrangements are, other than to say that I expect a solution that is as near to business as usual as we can possibly get it, and I see no reason why that would affect energy costs."

Nuclear research

Nuclear research is one of four priority areas identified by the government for discussion in the UK's future partnership with the EU. "As we have to keep saying, it is a subject for the negotiations, but it is a very high-priority issue when it comes to looking at what our future relationship with the European Union will be," Harrington said.

He noted that the British government has signalled its willingness to maintain nuclear research collaboration with European partners after the UK leaves the EU. It has committed to underwrite UK funding of the Joint European Torus (JET) fusion project at Culham. The underwriting of those funds will be until the end of 2020, Harrington said, noting this move had "received a lot of support within the industry".

"It is clearly our intention to agree a far-reaching science and innovation agreement with the EU. We want the framework for future collaboration that we have now," Harrington told the committee. "We hope to have a full and open discussion about it, when we can."

Euratom discussions

Harrington was also questioned about the impact of the UK leaving the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom). He said the first round of negotiations has focused on the UK's separation from Euratom. "The key issues we have been looking at there are around the ownership of materials and equipment, and providing legal certainty about contracts that are in place. Those negotiations have been positive, broadly speaking."

He stressed to the committee, "Euratom is to do with safeguards - basically, non-proliferation. Safety is dealt with separately and will not change in the slightest. The current regulatory regime will remain."

David Pollock, a Labour member of the House of Lords, said he believed the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has admitted it will have difficulty in the short-term, at least, in maintaining European standards of safeguarding once the UK leaves the EU.

Commenting on this, Katrina McLeay, head of safeguards and delivery at BEIS's Euratom exit team, said: "We are working very closely with the ONR to ensure that we meet our international obligations when we leave. We have made a commitment to reach Euratom standards." She said the ONR is making progress on recruiting staff and developing its IT system.

Harrington elaborated, saying the government is trying to ensure that the safeguards regime is "in place - and in place very quickly - when we leave Euratom". He said, "We are providing the money necessary to do it - set-up costs of approximately GBP10 million. That is for the IT platform and related things. We are negotiating with Euratom itself about the purchase and transfer of the kit that goes with it." However, he noted, "The money is not the relevant thing; I am sure that that can easily be agreed. The issue is the legal process. Recruitment is beginning, to recruit the necessary inspectors and qualified people to do it."

He said he has "every reason to believe" that the UK will have the necessary safeguards arrangements in place once it leaves the EU. Asked if some of the pre-existing arrangements could be kept in place if it is not achieved in time, Harrington replied: "I am sure that if we had to we might, but I do not think that it will be necessary."

"On the safeguards regime, we hope to replicate the powers that Euratom has, to do with safeguards in the UK. I do not think that there is an issue beyond that," he told the committee. "We have no intention of building a less effective form of regulatory regime - or, indeed, one that is directly controlled by government."

When asked about potential associate membership for the UK of Euratom, Harrington said: "It is not as though there is a pre-prepared associate membership option that we could elect to take. I cannot say directly that we would seek associate membership, because there is no definition of that. However, what we can seek - and are seeking - is an agreement that is as close as possible. Again, there is a mutuality of interest in doing that."

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

Related topics
The pre-release event of Manchu Manojs upcoming film based on the LTTE ethnic conflict, Okkadu Migiladu, took place last night. Speaking on the occasion, Manoj, who will be seen playing dual roles as LTTE Chief Velupillai Prabhakaran in Sri Lanka and a college student in India, said Okkadu Migiladu is not just about the Sri Lankan civil war, but it showcases a universal issue.

Manoj went on to add that the films director Ajay Andrews Nuthakki had penned the films story after he was deeply moved by the heartbreaking photograph of the Syrian refugee boy who was washed ashore after a boat capsized. The passionate actor further said that Okkadu Migiladu features the painful struggles of the Sri Lankan refugees in a realistic manner, and urged everyone to experience the emotional drama.

Okkadu Migiladu is going to release on November 10. The film stars Anisha Ambrose as the female lead. SN Reddy and Lakshmikanth have jointly produced the movie.

Articles that might interest you:
Melvin Rogers in The Boston Review:

Ta-Nehisi Coatess latest book, We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy, is his clearest expression yet of political fatalismhis deeply held belief that white supremacy was so foundational to this country that it would not be defeated in my lifetime, my child's lifetime, or perhaps ever. As in Coatess Between the World and Me (2015), we again encounter white supremacy not as a political ideology, but as the defining feature of the U.S. polityits essential nature. The book comprises previously published essaysone for each of the eight years Barack Obama held the presidencyprefaced by moving biographical and personal meditations that give each chapter philosophical weight. Taken together, it is about Obama and the United Statesand it is about Coates. It charts the course of Coatess career from a time when he could not make ends meet to his recent position of speaking for and to Americans about Black America. Obamas presidency made this possible; it opened the door for a crop of black writers and journalists who achieved prominence during his two terms. This is also a book about shattering a great illusionthe idea that Obamas presidency represented black power. Obama, his family, and his administration were a walking advertisement for the ease with which black people could be fully integrated into the unthreatening mainstream of American culture, politics, and myth. And that was always the problem.

For Coates, Obama represented a possibility that had always been denied, the idea that a black American could one day inhabit the highest office of the land. And if a black American could be president, couldnt the United States be more than the explicit racism of its past and the institutional racism of its present? Coates himself was taken by this seductive idea, something he laments throughout the book. As he explains:

It is not so much that I logically reasoned out that Obamas election would author a post-racist age. But it now seemed possible that white supremacy, the scourge of American history might well be banished in my lifetime. In those days I imagined racism as a tumor that could be isolated and removed from the body of America, not as a pervasive system both native and essential to that body.

Herein lies the explanation for why a man who curries favor with white supremacists assumed the presidency after Obama. Donald Trumps ascendancy was a virulent reaction not only to Obama, but to the idea that his presidency signaled the countrys embrace of a multiracial polity.

More here.
Chris Meyns in The Philosophers' Magazine:

No one is obliged to study any particular topic. But philosophers arent stupid. Theyre trained to step back, reflect, and should notice when their passion-driven work morphs into a collective omission.

Perhaps theres simply little to talk about. A lack of source materials. Did philosophers in early modern times even discuss enslavement?

They did. There are some big name philosophers we know and love. John Locke in his Second Treatise of Government (1690) insists that all men are naturally in a state of perfect freedom  [and] equality, and that no one could sell themselves into slavery for money, even if they wanted to. Some are quick to celebrate anti-slavery pamphlets, such as Montesquieus claim in 1748 that The state of slavery is in its own nature bad.

There are also less familiar names. Meet Phyllis Wheatley (17531784), one of the first African-American published authors, whose poem On Being Brought from Africa to America reflects her own experience. Meet Quobna Ottobah Cugoano (1757ca. 1791), born in present-day Ghana. He survived abduction and forced labour exploitation at the sugar plantations of Grenada. His Thoughts and Sentiments on the Evil and Wicked Traffic of the Slavery and Commerce of the Human Species (1787) refutes point-by-point all attempts of barbarous inhuman Europeans to justify slavery. Cugoano argued for a global duty to liberate enslaved people: Wherefore it is as much the duty of a man who is robbed in that manner to get out of the hands of his enslaver, as it is for any honest community of men to get out of the hands of rogues and villains. Meet also Olaudah Equiano's (17461797), whose The Interesting Narrative and the Life of "Olaudah Equiano" or Gustavus Vassa, the African, published in 1789, presents a host of considerations about enslavement, dignity and empowerment. And meet Doctor of Philosophy, Anton Wilhelm Amo (17031759), originally from Axim (in todays Ghana) and later associated with the German universities of Jena and Halle. Amo published against slavery, in addition to writing on philosophy of mind and philosophical method. Having experienced enslavement first-hand, these philosophers write from a position of epistemic authority.

There is also a ripple of white European women philosophers, who challenge their own subjugated position in society as one of enslavement. If all men are born free, how is it that all women are born slaves?, inquires Mary Astell in Some Reflections Upon Marriage (1706). Judith Drake, in An Essay in Defence of the Female Sex (1696), complains that: Women, like our Negroes in our Western Plantations, are born Slaves, and live Prisoners all their Lives. These white women appropriated images from African-Caribbean plantation enslavement to lament their own social condition.

More here.
Photography by Jen Woo

Artists with Double Lives: Mark Harris, Motorcycle Rental Associate and Collage Artist, Turns Political Conversations into Art
Our Saviours Lutheran Church will offer a presentation for families and friends of those living with Alzheimers disease.

Its AlzheimersIts Time for Extraordinary Love, will be held at the church, 1615 N 18th St., on Sunday after worship, from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.

Pastor Curt Seefeldt, director of church relations for The Lutheran Home Association will facilitate discussion on Alzheimers diagnosis, treatment options, answers to spiritual questions and family care. There is no charge for the event, but a free will offering will be gathered.

To register in advance or to obtain more information, please call 701-255-1039 or email pastor.moldenhauer@gmail.com

A more comprehensive presentation will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 11 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 904 Eighth Ave SE, Mandan. To register call 701-663-5344 or email contact@redeemermandan.com or register online at www.redeemermandan.com/events. Cost is $10.
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

Some early morning breaks in the overcast, otherwise cloudy. High 58F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy. Low 36F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
The Return of the Assyrian Lamassu to Iraq

Assyrian Lamassu flank the entrances to Baghdad International Airport. ( Al Sura) The Ancient Assyrian Lamassu has a long history within the Middle Eastern region which saw the large Assyrian empire make its mark across the lands. The Lamassu was a hybrid of a winged bull or lion with the face of a human male. This appeared throughout the mesopotamian region that was ruled by the Assyrian empire amongst others. The role the lamassu played was a protective deity encompassing all life within them. They first appeared the the Sumerian epic of Gilgamesh as physical entities in the lands. The eventually evolution of the lamassu across the Assyrian and Akkadian empires led to its widespread use in entrances as a protective icon, often two lamassu would flank an entrance to a city or state building. In this time Iraq is defeating ISIS which has attempted to erase any beliefs that are contrary to itself, be it Shia Islamic, Assyrian, Sumerian or Ezidi. It has been imperative for the state of Iraq to not only defeat this terrorism that aims to erase the rich history of the country but also the state must begin to not only preserve but activity enshrine its history across the state. One famous landmark in Baghdad is the Mohammed Ghani Hikmat statue depicting the Sumerian Demi-God Gilgamesh holding together a cuneiform seal which is broken at it's base. This encompasses the effort that the Iraqi government needs to display to preserve its ancient history. Iraq holds within its lands the collective history of several civilizations, all of which are frequently referred to with great pride by many of it's citizens. Given this strong identity to the ancient eras in Iraq, the differentiation of Iraqi identity from the rest of the region where Arab identity is predominant, it follows that Iraq would enshrine this history in its everyday operation. Mohammed Ghani Hikmat statue of the Gilgamesh holding together a cuneiform seal in Baghdad. ( Al Sura) In late September 2017 we saw the Iraqi government expand its efforts despite the ongoing war against ISIS and rebuilding efforts, in expressing the ancient history of the Assyrian peoples. Two winged lamassu were constructed with the help of local artists in entrances to Baghdad International Airport. The Babylonian Ishtar gate was also built in conjunction with the lamassu. These two icons represent some of the most well known civilizations in the world. The emphasis on these icons in Iraq continues to have a profound effect on the identity of Iraqis which have for a long time been characterised as simply Arab and Islamic. The continued work of the Iraqi government as well as the Iraqi people in expressing the ancient history of Iraq shows a clearer commitment to a greater identity than simply Arab or Islamic. Neither Arab nor Islamic appropriately describe the state of Iraq and those two identities are certainly not the only ones the state should encompass.
A Birmingham man was found guilty of capital murder in Jefferson County Circuit Court on Friday, court records show.

Rodarius Kwamaine Grimes, 25, fatally shot 32-year-old Cortez Rhynes outside his vehicle in the 1700 block of 26th Avenue North on March 6, 2016. During a preliminary hearing in June 2016, a Birmingham homicide detective testified that Grimes told police he shot Rhynes in self-defense. Grimes told police he hit Rhynes' vehicle the night before the shooting. Grimes said that after the wreck, Rhynes pointed a gun at him, the detective said.

The day of the shooting, the detective said Grimes told authorities that he met Rhynes to pay for the damage done to the victim's rear bumper. But Grimes said Rhynes didn't want his money and he thought Rhynes was pulling out a gun, the detective testified. Then Grimes told authorities he began firing his weapon.

According to court document, the trial for this case began on Monday. His sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 20, 2018 at 9 a.m.
A person who stole an undercover vehicle from the Morgan County Sheriff's Office was arrested following a cross-county chase on Friday, WHNT News 19 reported.

Morgan County Sheriff Ana Franklin said deputies were assisting a Tennessee law enforcement agency to recover stolen property at a Lacey's Spring home when a person got into an altercation with an investigator. The suspect then stole the undercover vehicle. A deputy tried to stop the vehicle by shooting at the tires, but was unsuccessful.

The chase ended in Huntsville on Ditto Marina Parkway. Franklin said the suspect wrecked the vehicle and tried to flee the crash on foot. The suspect was taken into custody without injuries. The suspect's identity has not been released and charges are expected to be filed.
A lucrative battle against Mexican drug cartels is being fought on the sides of an interstate in three of Alabama's more rural counties.

Civil asset forfeiture has come under fire in recent years, as some law enforcement agencies across the country have deployed the tactic in ways that have been widely criticized as abusive.

But a small drug task force operating in Greene, Marengo and Sumter counties - collectively, Alabama's 17th Judicial Circuit - has leveraged the practice to take millions of dollars worth of cash, drugs and other property off the street in recent years, much of which they say they have seized from Mexican cartels like the Sinaloa and Los Zetas.

In the process, the unit has become one of the most productive law enforcement agencies in the state when it comes to asset forfeiture, according to federal data. That's despite the fact that the total estimated population of the three counties it polices is just 41,135 people - or less than 0.85 percent of the overall state population.

'Major drug-smuggling route'

Three days before last Christmas, an officer with the 17th Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force stopped a tractor-trailer for a traffic violation on Interstate 20/59 in Greene County - Alabama's least populous county, with fewer than 8,500 residents.

After noticing inconsistencies in the truck's paperwork, the task force says an officer performed a search and found 167 pounds of cocaine packaged in bricks and hidden in a secret compartment.

Last year, the drug task force for Alabama's 17th Judicial Circuit released this photograph of the 167 pounds of cocaine it seized in Greene County.

The unit estimated at the time that the value of the cocaine was about $2.2 million, and ultimately turned the case over to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration after determining it was most likely "tied directly to a cartel," according to Clint Sumlin, the task force's commander. The driver of the truck, Silverio Canales-Licona, was ultimately convicted in June of possessing cocaine with intent to distribute, according to court records.

Though luck plays a part in these busts, Sumlin says the fact that I-20 and I-59 combine as they pass through the area under the 17th Judicial Circuit's jurisdiction makes it an opportune place to sometimes make big-dollar seizures from cartels.

"What happens is most of the drugs are coming across the Mexico border and they have to get north," Sumlin explained as he steered his black SUV along a Marengo County back road in September.

"We have a major drug-smuggling route - 20/59 - that runs right through our rural community ... Your big-time drug smugglers are trying to just get through here to get to Atlanta or Charlotte or New York or Any City, USA, or they're trying to get their proceeds back south."

'A nasty bunch'

The 17th Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force, which also runs local undercover investigations and other more typical drug enforcement activities, has made it a priority to make as big a dent in that drug-running game as possible. And the numbers show that it is far outpunching its weight.

In fiscal year 2014, the most recent year for which federal data is available, the task force seized more than $427,000 in cash and property that was either used to facilitate a federal crime or that represented the proceeds of a federal crime. That number, which is higher than that of any other local law enforcement agency in Alabama, amounts to more than 9.5 percent of the $4.9 million in such assets seized in fiscal 2014 in the state, including the nearly $1.75 million seized by the statewide Alabama Department Of Public Safety.

The next-highest haul was about $376,000 seized by the Montgomery Police Department, according to U.S. Justice Department data. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office came in third among local agencies, but brought in only $343,000 in such assets, despite the fact that its jurisdiction is home to more than 16 times as many people as that of the 17th Circuit task force.

These tallies do not represent all assets seized in these jurisdictions, as only those that are seized in connection with a federal criminal investigation are reported to - and shared with - the federal government. Under Alabama law, assets seized during investigations and busts carried out by state and local law enforcement agencies do not have to be reported to the public.

In December 2013, the 17th Circuit task force - which consists of only a handful of officers - seized $386,900 from a passenger bus traveling along a stretch of the same highway in Sumter County, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman said at the time.

The cash had been rolled up into bundles and hidden in hollowed-out heels of women's wedge shoes and between packaged bed sheets, but K-9 dogs foiled the ploy. ICE got involved once task force officers determined that the money belonged to three Mexican nationals.

In 2013, Alabama's 17th Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force seized $386,900 in cash, much of which was hidden inside women's shoes. (Courtesy U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

Raymond R. Parmer, Jr., the Homeland Security Investigations special agent in charge for the agency's New Orleans region, said after the bust that the cash - which he described as "the ill-gotten proceeds of [a] criminal organization" - was headed to Mexico, meaning its transport was a potential violation of currency smuggling laws.

Greg Griggers, district attorney for the 17th Judicial Circuit, said it is important to not only seize cartels' drugs, but to also go after their cash in order to do further damage to the criminal organizations.

"I guarantee those people down in Mexico don't appreciate the work my guys do. We go through down spells because of that. They send it through [Interstate] 40 until they beat them on 40 bad enough, then they start coming back through and we catch them again," Griggers, who oversees the task force, explained.

"It's all about money. That's all the cartels are about. If you can either intercept their product or intercept their profit, then you're making it more difficult for them to operate. Now that's one good thing about cartels: you know they are a nasty bunch, so if we intercept cartel dope and it doesn't make it to where its supposed to go, somebody's head is going to roll. Literally."

A targeted approach

Massive headline-grabbing busts represent just a fraction of the work the task force, according to Griggers.

"It's just as simple as we are acknowledging that in our circuit we've got a corridor that the cartel uses. So then it becomes a decision: do you do something to try to police that corridor or not? We've chosen to police it," Griggers said during a September interview in Demopolis.

"Not only are we trying to help our community, but we're trying to address the real problem here, and that is [the cartels] shipping drugs into our country and making all of our people addicts."

Most of the cartel drugs and money seized by the task force are found during traffic stops for relatively minor violations, like broken taillights or speeding.

While the tactics used to eventually uncover the drugs may seem rudimentary, they are effective. And they represent an alternative approach to asset forfeiture than using it against accused low-level offenders whether or not they are ever convicted of a crime, a practice that has given the tactic a bad reputation nationally in recent years.

Griggers says that rather than spending all of their time seizing $500 from a junkie here and an aging sedan from a small-time dealer there - which the task force does sometimes do - his unit focuses much of its energy on targeting major local suppliers and the interstate traffickers that commonly pass through the counties under his jurisdiction.

"The community sees some of what you do, but they don't really understand how big of an effect it has day in and day out, because drugs unfortunately affect so many things on so many levels," he said.

It's an approach that Griggers believes results in better outcomes both for the members of the local community and the nation. But he is also proud that it is a boon for the task force's bottom line, as the task force gets to keep a percentage of the proceeds from all asset forfeitures it performs that result in condemnation of property.

"I don't understand why people ... are so bashful about saying that the end result of me catching John Doe on the interstate with $320,000 is that it helps my office financially," he said.

"When 40-something percent of my budget [is cut] and I can't afford to employ enough people to do what I took an oath to do in my circuit, if I can do something the right way and be able to supplement my money by something that is done the right way, I'm not the least bit bashful about that."
Birmingham police are investigating the homicide of a local man early Saturday morning. The victim, identified as Antron Grace, 41, was shot at 1409 90th Place, police said.

Police said an argument between the suspect and Grace ended in gunshots at around 4 a.m.. Grace was found dead in the driveway of his home.

"It's really unfortunate what happened to the victim," police spokesman Bryan Shelton said. "Arguing with someone outside your home at that time is unusual. He may have known his killer, and so our focus now is to identify the suspect and bring them to justice."

(Updated Nov. 4 at 9 p.m. to add details throughout)
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The nation's chief law enforcement officer is finding himself in a familiar spot: belittled by the president, pressured to investigate political opponents and sucked back into the center of the storm around the investigation into the Trump administration's campaign ties to Russia.

In President Donald Trump's Cabinet, Attorney General Jeff Sessions appears to be perpetually in the hot seat, yet he has made clear he's not going anywhere. In an administration where top aides serve at the president's displeasure, the former Alabama senator has shown he is more than willing to absorb the blows.

Trump paused Friday to hit Sessions with yet another indignity just before he left the White House for a 12-day Asia trip increasingly colored by his domestic political troubles. Asked if he would fire the attorney general if he doesn't investigate his Democratic political rivals, Trump said, "I don't know." He continued to vent his frustration with the top prosecutor.

"I'm not really involved with the Justice Department," he said. "I'd like to let it run itself. But honestly, they should be looking at Democrats. ... They should be looking at a lot of things, and a lot of people are disappointed with the Justice Department, including me."

Two White House officials quickly cautioned against reading too much into Trump's comments, reiterating that he has no plans to fire Sessions. And although the White House maintains that Trump's tweets are "official record," it says Trump has not ordered Sessions or the FBI to do anything related to Democrats.

Trump issued a flurry of tweets over a 3-1/2-hour span Friday urging the Justice Department to investigate Hillary Clinton and the Democratic National Committee over a joint fundraising agreement they signed in August 2015.

Trump's accusations follow publication by Politico of an excerpt from former acting DNC Chair Donna Brazile's upcoming book. Brazile alleges she found "proof" that the 2016 Democratic primary was rigged in Clinton's favor.

Everybody is asking why the Justice Department (and FBI) isn't looking into all of the dishonesty going on with Crooked Hillary & the Dems..  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 3, 2017

....People are angry. At some point the Justice Department, and the FBI, must do what is right and proper. The American public deserves it!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 3, 2017

The aides said the tweets were a media savvy way to deflect attention from the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller into Russian meddling in the 2016 election. This week, former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and his business associate Rick Gates, who also had a role in the campaign, were indicted on 12 counts, and former Trump campaign adviser George Papadopoulos pleaded guilty to lying about his dealings with Russians who were offering "dirt" on Clinton.

Sessions has become a scapegoat for Trump's anger, allowing the president to avoid some of the political consequences of directly attacking the special counsel.

But the president's lashing was another blow to the attorney general, and came amid calls for him to return to Congress to explain why he said earlier this year he was unaware of information exchanges between Trump's campaign and intermediaries for the Russian government.

Papadopoulos admitted he told Sessions at a March 2016 meeting he had made contacts with Russians who said they could set up a meeting between Trump and President Vladimir Putin. Sessions quickly dismissed the idea and said he'd prefer no one ever speak about it, according to one person who was there, who spoke on condition of anonymity to share the private conversation.

Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Committee are now asking Sessions to follow up.

"This is another example in an alarming pattern in which you, the nation's top law enforcement officer, apparently failed to tell the truth, under oath, about the Trump team's contacts with agents of Russia -- a hostile foreign power that interfered in the 2016 election," Sen. Al Franken wrote in a letter to Sessions.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal also asked Sessions to return to the panel to clarify his comments.

A person close to Sessions said Papadopoulos' comments during the March meeting did not leave a lasting impression on the then-senator, who quickly dismissed them and moved on. The person, who was not authorized to discuss the matter and did so on condition of anonymity, said Sessions does not recall any further interactions with Papadopoulos.

Sessions has been a loyal foot soldier to the president, even after repeated attacks from Trump this summer over his decision to recuse himself from the Russia probe, which Trump has come to view as the original sin in the swirling special counsel investigation.

But Sessions clung to the job he had long desired, in part to enact his hawkish immigration and crime-fighting strategies. And he has since been steadily carrying out Trump's agenda, stumping for Trump policies and praising the president directly in speeches. The two have been lock-step on everything from drugs and gangs to terrorism and immigration. Sessions has been mostly silent as Trump has inserted himself into legal matters, including calling for the execution of the Islamic State devotee charged with mowing down eight people on a New York bike path this week.

There's nothing expressly preventing the president from opining on law enforcement investigations, and Trump is not the first president to have done so. But pressuring the attorney general to investigate a foe would be a violation of longstanding protocol and insensitive to the bright-line boundary between the White House and the FBI.

Sessions also has said he would recuse himself from any Clinton-related investigations.

Still, the president's casual call for an investigation into the Democrats drew outrage from some in Congress, at a time of increasing concern about White House interference with Justice Department doings.

Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein said it was "characteristic of authoritarian regimes, not democracies, and it needs to stop." And Republican Sen. Bob Corker, a Trump critic, said Trump's wading into criminal cases and pushing for investigations of adversaries not only "undermine our justice system but erode the American people's confidence in our institutions."
Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem issued an opinion Friday saying the city of Mandan's response time to an open records request was "unreasonable."

On June 24, S. Paul Jordan asked for employment-related records from the city. Twenty-four days later, Mandan city administrator Jim Neubauer said there were no related records.

The city said at the time it was occupied with other business such as budget meetings, July 4 preparations and job interviews, as well as other open record requests by Jordan.

Jordan, a "prolific and persistent requestor," has submitted over 300 open records requests since 2014 to the city of Mandan, Stenehjem wrote.

"In this case, the city did not need to produce any records responsive to the request but merely had to provide a statement that no records existed," Stenehjem wrote.

As the man eventually received a response, and to remedy the situation, Stenehjem encouraged the city of Mandan to review its obligations relating to open records laws.

North Dakota's open records laws require "when a public entity receives a request for records, it must, within a reasonable time, either provide the records or explain why the records are not being provided," Stenehjem's opinion said.
From the indictments of ex-Trump aides to the presidents double standards on attacks, Al Jazeera highlights the key events the White House faced this week.

From new revelations from the Trump campaign-Russia investigation to a rewrite of Civil War history, Al Jazeera examines some of the key developments from the Trump administration last week.

1. The Trump-Russia probe just got real

It was the moment everyone suspected was coming. Some just wondered who and when. On Monday, the first shoe dropped in what will undoubtedly be a series of indictments in the investigation over whether or not the presidential campaign of Donald Trump colluded with Russia.

US Special Counsel Robert Mueller announced the indictments of two former campaign staffers on 12 counts, including conspiracy against the United States, money laundering, making false statements and failure to report bank accounts.

Paul Manafort chaired the campaign during a critical time in the nomination process, overseeing the convention where Trump became the Republican nominee for president. Manaforts colleague and partner, Rick Gates, was also indicted.

According to the court filings, the pair hid tens of millions of dollars from their work in Ukraine from 2006 through at least 2016 by laundering the money through scores of US and foreign corporations, partnerships and bank accounts. Prior to joining the campaign, Manafort often worked for the pro-Russian government of Victor Yanukovych.

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Manaforts lawyer reiterated on Monday that his client never colluded with Russia and his, was seeking to further democracy and to help the Ukrainians come closer to the United States.

The White House asserts the two mens activities occurred outside their duties with the campaign.

There was no mention of the Trump campaign in the indictment.

Who is George Papadopoulos?

There were plenty of mentions of the Trump campaign in the third indictment of a relatively unknown Trump adviser.

The curious case of George Papadopoulos has raised concerns that he has valuable information the special counsel is now using to get to others from the Trump campaign.

On October 5, Papadopoulos pleaded guilty to making false statements to investigators. That information was sealed until Monday.

Papadopoulos was a foreign policy adviser who joined the Trump campaign in March 2016.

Trump himself praised him as an excellent guy.

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Papadopoulos once appeared on Trumps website at a national security roundtable meeting with the candidate.

According to Mueller, Papadopoulos presented himself to the Trump campaign as someone who had contacts in the Kremlin and reportedly said the Russians had dirt on Trumps opponent Hillary Clinton.

He offered to act as a go-between with Moscow. At least one senior campaign staffer, according to the court documents, encouraged Papadopoulos to go to Russia to meet officials, if it is feasible.

Trump dismissed Papadopoulos as a liar on Twitter and the White House has painted him as a volunteer who attended one meeting with Trump and was quickly brushed aside.

Unbeknownst to the White House before Monday, however, is that Papadopoulos has been working with investigators and is described by Mueller as a proactive cooperator. Stay tuned.

Sam Clovis becomes a casualty of the investigation

He was a fixture on the Trump campaign early on and an important strategist for a man seeking wins in key states. But Sam Clovis, a top Trump adviser, also became a victim of the Mueller indictments this week.

On Thursday, he officially withdrew his nomination as chief scientist for the US Department of Agriculture after his lawyer confirmed he was the campaign supervisor named in the Papadopoulos case.

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According to the documents, the supervisor was in touch with Papadopoulos after his meetings with Russians and told him he had done great work.

The nomination of Clovis was also under heavy scrutiny because he lacked any real qualifications, listing his level of experience in natural sciences as none. His controversial views on climate change, racism and the public education system also raised concerns among Democratic congressmen who had already slowed his nomination.

2. Democrats rigged the system in favour of Hillary

In a scathing hit piece in the publication, Politico, the former Democratic National Committee (DNC) interim chair confirmed what many people suspected: the Democratic nomination for president was rigged in Hillary Clintons favour.

Donna Brazile took over the chair in July 2016 and found a party deeply in debt but more importantly, completely rigged to ensure Clinton would get the nomination no matter what. According to Brazile, under a legal agreement signed a year earlier, the party was required to divert money to the Clinton campaign and away from other candidates, including her biggest opponent, Bernie Sanders.

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This was not a criminal act, but as I saw it, it compromised the partys integrity, she wrote.

Brazile also wrote that she had to mentally prepare for a phone call to deliver the news to Sanders who contested Clinton all the way to the convention in July 2016.

The Brazile revelations have only emboldened Trumps attacks on Clinton, whom he once promised to throw in jail.

At some point, the justice department, and the FBI, he Tweeted Friday, must do what is right and proper.

3. Trumps double standards on attacks

Within two hours of Tuesdays horrific truck attack in New York City, Donald Trump took to Twitter to condemn it as a terrorist incident.

Police said Saipov Sayfullo, an Uzbek national, carried out the attack in the name of ISIS, referring to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

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Saipov, 29, came to the US legally in 2010.

That was all the ammunition Trump needed to launch a 24-hour political offensive on immigrants and foreigners including a promise to shut down the Diversity Visa Lottery Program, signed into law by former Republican President George HW Bush. He also said he would consider sending Saipov to US-run detention prison at Guantanamo Bay.

Many people pointed out the stark contrast to his reaction to other attacks by white assailants in which the presidents reactions were muted and or cautious, even less political.

Following a shooting in Las Vegas by a white man just a few weeks earlier, in which 59 people were killed, and 500 others injured, Trump repeatedly cautioned anyone calling for gun control regulation.

Thats for  at a later time, he said three days after the shooting.

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Others also pointed to his response to the killing of a woman at a counterdemonstration during a white supremacist rally in August.

Heather Heyer, 32, was killed after a man with ties to a white supremacist group allegedly rammed his car into a group of anti-racist protesters in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Trump blamed both sides for the violence. Even when he denounced the attack, he said there were very fine people among the white supremacists and counterprotesters.

4. Trumps Chief of Staff John Kelly rewrites Civil War history

The US Civil War from 1860-1865 has always hung over American racial politics.

But following a march in August by white supremacists in Charlottesville, Virginia  sparked by the decision to tear down Civil War monuments  the conflict has fuelled a number of back-and-forth debates over its legacy by the Trump administration and the media.

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On Monday, Trumps chief of staff, General John Kelly, ignited that debate again. In an interview with Fox News, Kelly said the Civil War  in which the southern Confederate Army took up arms to preserve the institution of slavery  was the result of a lack of compromise.

Critics blasted Kelly for wondering aloud if he was suggesting the US should have compromised on the issue of slavery. Many accused the chief of staff of rewriting history.

Kelly also referred to Confederate Army General Robert E Lee as an honourable man.

The White House did not back down after Kellys remarks

I am not going to get up here and relitigate the Civil War, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters on Tuesday.

If some individuals engaged had been willing to come to some compromises on different things, then it may not have occurred.

5. Trump heads to Asia

It will be Trumps longest foreign trip so far  a 12-day excursion to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

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On Friday morning, the US president took off for a region that has been a major focus of his ire.

In August, Trump set off alarm bells throughout Asia when he told reporters that any attempts by North Korea to develop a nuclear warhead would be met with fire, fury and frankly power, the likes of which this world has never seen before.

Officials say Trump will reiterate his tough talk in Seoul next week while visiting a memorial to Americans who died on the peninsula in the Korean conflict of the 1950s.

Trump will also raise the issue of perceived unfair trade practices by China while in Beijing.

But all eyes will be on him when he meets Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in Manila for the first time. Duterte rejected an invitation from Trump to visit the White House and criticised US congressmen for condemning his reported human rights abuses.

Ive seen America and its lousy, Duterte said in July.
London, United Kingdom  Irish folklore is peppered with tales of giants roaming the land but, when a real giant travelled to London in the 18th century, he met a grisly fate that would rival even the most far-fetched of myths.

His name was Charles Byrne. Born in Northern Irelands County Derry in 1761, he now occupies a glass cabinet surrounded by anatomical and zoological specimens in the Hunterian Museum inside the Royal College of Surgeons, London. His residence is the subject of fierce debate between those who wish to protect the lifesaving quality of his DNA and those who advocate for the burial that he was denied.

Byrne stood at the towering height of seven feet and seven inches  tall enough to light his pipe from street lanterns. Undiagnosed during his lifetime, Byrne suffered from a benign tumour in the pituitary gland of his brain which prompted an excess of somatotropin, also known as human growth hormone.

His stature propelled him. In his late teenage years, he travelled across the Irish Sea to England to seek his fortune as a human curiosity, oblivious to the macabre ending that would befall him.

By the time Byrnes one-man circus arrived in London, his reputation had preceded him and paying crowds clamoured for an audience with the eloquent and elegantly-dressed giant who exhibited himself in an apartment above a cane shop near Trafalgar Square.

Within weeks, Byrne was feted by assorted members of high society, among them a man that would help define Byrnes legacy, for better or worse.

Death and deceit

Scottish-born John Hunter was one of the most esteemed surgeons of 18th century Britain who pioneered an approach of rigorous experimentation and observation. He made important contributions to the studies of anatomy, physiology and pathology. He also developed an attraction to Charles Byrne, although it is unknown if Hunter ever visited him personally.

After a years performing in London, Byrnes finances flourished, but his health was deteriorating as the pain of his untreated gigantism persisted. To compound his misery, his savings  which he unwisely kept on his person when drinking in a tavern one evening  were pick-pocketed.

Following this episode, Byrne became severely dispirited, compounded by the worsening pain of his condition.

In June 1783, he died aged 22.

Hunter boiled Byrne's body, drained all tissue and fat, and years later would unveil his newest exhibit to the world - the skeleton of the Irish Giant which now stands in a glass cabinet, the centrepiece of the museum that bears Hunter's name by

He had contracted tuberculosis and had other complications arising from his gigantism; it was also reported he had been drinking to excess.

Knowing he was dying, Byrne reportedly instructed his friends to bury his body at sea in a lead coffin. He was terrified of being anatomised and displayed in a museum and subject to curiosity, even in death.

But Londons surgical community was quick to act. On June 5, 1783, the Morning Herald newspaper observed a crowd of surgeons surrounding [Byrnes] house just as Greenland harpooners would an enormous whale. However, none were as prepared as Hunter to obtain Byrnes body. Through intermediaries, Hunter made repeated offers of vast sums of money for Byrne to sell him his body upon death, all of which Byrne refused.

The surgeon then bribed one of Byrnes associates who, with a henchman hired by Hunter, opened the coffin and replaced the body with large rocks. They carted the cadaver back to London while Byrnes friends slept.

Hunter boiled Byrnes body, drained all tissue and fat, and years later would unveil his newest exhibit to the world  the skeleton of the Irish Giant which now stands in a glass cabinet, the centrepiece of the museum that bears Hunters name.

Historian Wendy Moore, author of The Knife Man, a biography of Hunter, told Al Jazeera that although body-snatching was common in London, Hunter overstepped the boundaries.Why Hunter hid the skeleton so long remains a mystery, some say it was guilt, while others say it took time to assemble. Much of Hunters collection remained largely private, so it was not unusual to limit public access to an exhibit.

I think initially he was motivated by scientific curiosity of the giant, particularly because he was trying to understand how life on Earth first began and was interested in any deviation from the norm, she said. But it was clear that the giant was going to be a trophy for his museum too. He couldnt help himself; he let his collecting mania get hold of him.

Medical ethicists weigh in

This perceived historical injustice has prompted medical ethicists and other campaigners to lobby the museum to honour Byrnes wishes.

I became sympathetic to the view that his remains had not been given posthumous respect, Thomas Muinzer, a doctor and legal lecturer at the University of Stirling, told Al Jazeera.

There is enough evidence to conclude that Charles didnt want his body to be snatched and put on display. The Edinburgh Evening Courant reported at the time that Byrne would be carried to Margate to be thrown into the sea agreeable to his own request.

The Hunterian Museum, which is currently closed for refurbishment, has consistently defended displaying Byrnes remains, citing the absence of direct evidence of his burial wishes. In 2011, trustees of the Hunterian Museum Brendan rejected calls by Muinzer and others to liberate Byrnes skeleton.

The Hunterian Collecting Trustees consider that the educational and research benefits of exhibiting Byrnes remains merit their retention, a spokesman told Al Jazeera.

A key figure in the establishment of post-mortem examinations, Hunters thirst for knowledge required a constant supply of bodies to cut and probe.

In his time, people tended not to leave their bodies to science, so Hunter had little recourse but to acquire his cadavers from the overflowing cemeteries of London, often obtaining bodies of paupers and criminals.

For this, he maintained a web of undertakers, policemen, coroners and grave robbers on his payroll who would inform him of the latest corpses interred. Most coveted were those of abnormal size or with deformities; they would be delivered by horse and carriage to the courtyard of Hunters home.

These men, The Resurrectionists, were widely feared, including by Byrne, who, hailing from rural Ireland was likely to have been an observant Christian. Such was the literal belief in the dead rising from the grave on the Day of Judgement that any interference with a corpse was thought to compromise a persons acceptance into heaven.

A distinguished doctor and well-respected member of society by day, by night, an obsessive character that liaised with the underworld  it is no surprise a contemporary of Hunter was Robert Louis Stevenson, author of Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

Descriptions of Jekyll and his home bear a strong resemblance to the Scottish surgeon and his Leicester Square townhouse.

Byrne is in the folk consciousness

Muinzers growing interest led him to Byrnes rural homeland to conduct field research, roaming the villages and pubs interrogating the locals about the giants legacy.

Byrne is in the folk consciousness of the older generations who were brought up with his story, Muinzer says.

He used to be associated with a local heritage site called the Giants Grave, so-called because they say Byrne laid down at that site and said: When I die I want to buried here. As he lay there, his friends dug a trench around him, so it made a silhouetted imprint of a man in the earth.

You have to accept the social values of 1780s London - this was a time when live human beings were bought and sold, so it didn't seem that buying and selling dead bodies was such a big deal by Brendan Holland, genetic relative of Charles Byrne with gigantism

Marta Korbonits, doctor and professor of endocrinology at Queen Mary University, London, established the genetic commonality of pituitary gigantism in 2006 after she noticed her patients were all natives of a precise area of mid-Ulster, Northern Ireland.

Consider genetics as a book and every letter is a building block of a gene. A mutation is like one misspelling in the book  the Irish families I met had the same misspelling, imagine the mathematical possibility of this. Clinically the picture began to come clear, Korbonits told Al Jazeera.

Suddenly I remembered there is this famous Irish giant in the museum around the corner and thought, Could there be a link?'

Korbonits subsequently persuaded the Hunterian to allow her to send samples of Byrnes teeth away for DNA tests. The results showed that the part of Ireland Byrne came from was a giant hotspot, and her team embarked on a population screening there to promote early treatment for carriers of the genetic mutation.

Giant genetic relative speaks out

Brendan Holland, 65, admits some creepy similarities between his life and Byrnes.

Both grew up around 10 miles from each other, moved to London as young men and worked near Trafalgar Square  in Hollands case as a civil servant in the ministry of agriculture.

Holland stands at over six feet and nine inches tall and has since discovered he is a genetic relative of Byrne after research into pituitary gigantism found a genetic link.

Its strange to see a human skeleton in a glass case with lights on him, said Holland. You wonder, is that how I would like to end up? On the other hand, I am the beneficiary of his experience through the DNA research, so it is mixed feelings.

I dont suppose anyone wants to end up the way he did since he fully expressed his wishes that he be buried at sea. But I think you have to accept the social values of 1780s London  this was a time when live human beings were bought and sold, so it didnt seem that buying and selling dead bodies was such a big deal.

But some say Byrne times have changed, and Byrne should now be buried.

I believe it would be possible to make a replica of the skeleton, and personally I think Byrne should have his wish and his body [be] buried at sea now. I think its the right thing to do, said biographer Wendy Moore

Such an act would not be without precedent.

In the last decade, the Maori community has arranged a series of repatriations of bones that were seized by American and European anthropologists centuries ago and exhibited in museums and private collections to their ancestral homeland of New Zealand.

Korbonits claims that it is impossible to know what more Byrnes remains may be able to tell us.

If reports from the time are correct, then what happened to Byrnes body is unacceptable. But I would be very short-sighted and full of myself if I claimed that I discovered everything that needs to be known from the remains and there is nothing left to be found.

But for hardliners such as Muinzer, the mere act of displaying Byrne is an outrage.

The Royal College of Surgeons says that he is of great value to medical science but that doesnt presuppose that you need to display the remains as a curiosity piece, or as a freak exhibit as I have heard it described, in the memorial museum to the person who is responsible for the theft of the remains.

Among specimens such as mummified remains, Winston Churchills dentures and the rectum of a former Bishop of Durham, Byrnes haunting skeleton stands in the centre of the museum. A bust of John Hunter is perched on a shelf above, watching over him, their fame forever intertwined.

The museum confirmed to Al Jazeera that Byrnes skeleton would remain on display upon its reopening.

If keeping the skeleton plays a small part in looking after those people and curing them as soon as possible, then it's a small price to pay by Brendan Holland, genetic relative of Charles Byrne with gigantism

Speaking to Al Jazeera by telephone, Holland explained how living with gigantism was a daily struggle before he sought treatment at the age of 20.

Apart from the obvious spurt of growth, I was having headaches, tiredness, fatigue and generally feeling unwell and underpowered. It was affecting my whole immune system, and at one stage I contracted tuberculosis. Before medication became available, most men and women affected by this didnt live beyond their mid-twenties.

Holland, Byrnes genetic relative, says he doesnt want to get on [his] moral high-horse on the ethical argument and instead highlights the importance of raising awareness of pituitary gigantism.

We need to expand the public awareness of the condition, particularly where I am from. Its insidious; it can lie dormant for generations and suddenly pops up and presents itself. If keeping the skeleton plays a small part in looking after those people and curing them as soon as possible then its a small price to pay.
Earlier this year, the then White House Press Secretary, Sean Spicer, argued that the 109 airport detentions authorised under the first Muslim ban were a minor inconvenience to keep America safe. I was among those 109 people who were detained, questioned, handcuffed and body searched under the ban, and nothing about our experiences could be characterised as minor or inconvenient.

An Iraqi man who was detained with me at John F Kennedy airport in New York on the evening of January 27 had waited for two years to receive a visa that would reunite him with his wife and child. As his family waited on the other side of the airport border, I watched him grow increasingly anxious and distraught as he was denied a translator and told that he could be deported back to Iraq. A few hours later, a 76-year-old Sudanese man with health issues was detained in the same terminal and held for 30 hours without medical attention.

At Dulles Airport, some 400km away, a five-year-old boy with a US passport was detained and separated from his Iranian mother for several hours.

For every one of us who was detained at a US airport, many more were prevented from boarding their planes at terminals around the world. In total, more than 100,000 visas were revoked with the stroke of US President Donald Trumps pen, and with it, hundreds and thousands of lives were altered and disrupted. In many ways, the mainstream medias somewhat myopic focus on our detentions, particularly on the detentions of doctors and researchers like myself, masked this reality.

Thousands were separated from their family members, were forced to postpone weddings and important medical procedures, interrupted their studies and lost employment and life savings as a result of the first ban. Because the Muslim ban is also a refugee ban, thousands of refugees, who risked their lives to flee wars and political persecution, were denied safety and refuge after years of navigating a scrupulous, bureaucratic US visa process.

The irony, of course, is that the Trump administration intended to ban citizens of seven countries where US military interventions and policies have created some of the conditions that are forcing people to become refugees.

The curious case of Sudan and Chad

As the Trump administration attempted to implement the third version of the Muslim ban in mid-October, it intended to continue disrupting the lives of thousands with no regard for their safety, dignity or well-being.

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But this latest iteration of the ban brings something else into focus as well, namely that this administration and its corporate partners intend to use citizens of the eight banned countries as bargaining chips to punish or blackmail their governments into playing by their rules.

The curious addition of Chad to the list of banned countries and Sudans removal from it highlights this point quite clearly.

On September 24, the Trump administration announced it would be suspending all non-immigrant and immigrant visas for citizens of Chad, which took Chadian officials and analysts by surprise. In a statement, the White House claimed that Chad does not adequately share public safety and terrorism related information and that several terrorist groups are active within Chad or in the surrounding region, including elements of Boko Haram

This past March, Chad hosted the annual US-led Flintlock military exercise in West Africa, aimed at expanding the US military presence in Africa and at strengthening joint counter-terrorism efforts against groups like Boko Haram. Given Chads active role in leading counterterrorism efforts in partnership with the US and in facilitating the expansion of the US military in central Africa, one might ask, why was it added to the list of banned countries?

Regional experts have speculated that Chad fell into the bad graces of the US, and its Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in particular, after it attempted to demand a $74bn fine from the US oil company Exxon Mobil, for not meeting its tax obligations. Tillerson left his post as CEO of Exxon to join the Trump administration while the company was still embroiled in a prolonged dispute with Chad over a court ruling regarding its tax payments.

While Exxon later reached a settlement with Chadian officials to avoid paying the hefty tax fine, Tillersons role in crafting the newest iteration of the ban was likely shaped by the three-year dispute over it. If anything, the dispute called Chads loyalty as a US ally into question and paved the way for the US government and its corporate partners to begin looking elsewhere in the region for business partnerships around mineral and oil exploration and allies in its war on terror, which brings us to Sudan.

It is deeply concerning to me that a policy as inhumane and unjust as the Muslim ban is being used by the Trump administration as a bargaining chip to punish, shift alliances and extract favours from foreign governments. by

While the Sudanese regime has very little lobbying power in Washington, it has diligently cultivated its relationship with US allies in the Middle East in order to attract foreign investment in its agriculture, mining and petroleum sectors, after the oil-rich South seceded.

Since 2015, the Sudanese regime has sent thousands of combat soldiers to Yemen, where the US government is supporting UAE and Saudi-led efforts against the Iranian-backed Houthis. In return for providing the kind of boots on the ground engagement that the Saudis and Emiratis are unwilling to risk themselves, the UAEs ambassador to the US, Yousef Al Otaiba has been putting his substantial diplomatic weight behind the Sudanese government.

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This past June, as the Trump administration was scheduled to make a decision about whether or not to lift its sanctions against Sudan, President Omar al-Bashirs regime increased the number of Sudanese combat soldiers in Yemen to 8000.

This move gave the UAE the push it needed to step up its lobbying efforts in Washington, which in turn led the Trump administration to postpone its decision on whether or not to extend sanctions against Sudan. In August, the Deputy Commander of the US Africa Command, General Alexander Laskaris, visited Khartoum as both countries worked on resuming military cooperation after Sudan severed its ties with North Korea.

In September, Sudan was quietly removed from the Muslim ban list, and on October 6, after 20 years of imposing sanctions on Sudan, the Trump administration lifted them. To be clear, the lifting of US sanctions comes as a relief to most Sudanese who have borne the brunt of its effects.

What I aim to draw attention to here, is the heavy price being paid for this shift in US policy towards Sudan. Sudanese soldiers are dying in an unjust war that has killed over 10,000 Yemeni civilians. The gradual thawing of the relationship between Sudan and the US is also lending legitimacy to the Bashir regime, which continues its assault on communities in Darfur and the Nuba Mountains.

This is to say nothing of the impact US corporate and military expansion is having on communities across the region. Chads addition to the list of banned countries, for instance, highlights the way US corporate partnerships with foreign governments are shaping and driving US policies in troubling ways.

It is deeply concerning to me that a policy as inhumane and unjust as the Muslim ban is being used by the Trump administration as a bargaining chip to punish, shift alliances and extract favours from foreign governments. There is simply put, nothing minor or justifiable about playing with peoples lives in such a cruel manner.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
With the camp besieged for years, displaced Palestinians say their only way home is in a coffin.

Yarmouk camp remains open to the dead and closed to the living.

This is the ironic reality in the southern Damascus camp for Palestinian refugees, which has been under partial or total siege since late 2012, barring most residents from exit and re-entry.

Yarmouk has all but emptied since then, with multiple attacks causing mass displacements. Hundreds of Palestinians have died in and around Yarmouk in recent years, either as a result of starvation or a lack of access to medical supplies.

But through a complex bureaucratic process, those who died outside of the camp have been able to secure burial within its borders.

For nearly two years, Syrian and Palestinian officials have been helping to facilitate the process of returning bodies to Yarmouk for burial. In Damascus, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) arranges for the bodies to be transferred to Yarmouk, while a Syrian security agency approves a permit allowing them to be brought across a checkpoint separating regime-held and rebel-controlled areas of Damascus. A local organisation, known as the Palestinian Civil Committee, then liaises with Syrian opposition groups in areas bordering Yarmouk to handle funeral arrangements.

There have been several such burials in recent weeks, including that of a one-year-old girl.

They need graves

People are dying every day, and they need graves, Ibrahim, a Palestinian in Damascus who declined to give his last name for security reasons, told Al Jazeera. Before, people were struggling to find cemeteries to bury their loved ones.

More than 315 Palestinians have been buried in Yarmouk under this arrangement since the first burial in January 2016, according to local activists and relief workers.

A manager with the civil committee told Al Jazeera that people insisted on returning bodies to Yarmouk for burial because of the symbolism of the camp and also because of the high prices of graves in cemeteries in Damascus, with the cost for a grave in Damascus pegged at around 300,000 Syrian pounds ($580), compared with 10,000 pounds ($19) in Yarmouk.

Bodies must cross front lines through areas controlled variously by regime forces, rebels and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) fighters.

Ibrahim has had two relatives buried in Yarmouk, accompanying their bodies through the south of the city.

If you are in a regime area, you have to obey their laws, and the same in the opposition areas. In the camp, you have to follow ISILs rules, Ibrahim said.

Much of Yarmouk remains under ISILs control after the group stormed the camp in 2015.

Symbolic ritual

The return to Yarmouk is suffused with symbolism. Palestinian-Syrians sometimes refer to the devastated camp as their piece of Palestine in lieu of Palestine itself. Some 4,500 civilians currently remain inside Yarmouk, compared with a prewar Palestinian population of around 150,000, according to aid agencies.

Everyone who has been displaced from Yarmouk has the hope and desire that one day they will go back  alive or dead, local relief worker Obaydah al-Masri told Al Jazeera. The people who are returned for burial in the camp were born there, raised there. They lived the best days of their lives there.

With Yarmouk still besieged and under the control of armed groups, however, death is all too often the only way that displaced residents can return home. Recent clashes between rebels and ISIL fighters have resulted in fresh checkpoint closures and further access complications. Students and teachers have been refused entry to rebel-held southern Damascus, while civilians injured in clashes have been trapped inside the camp.





Earlier this year, Palestinian-Syrian refugee Wafa Idrees travelled to Damascus with the body of her elderly mother, who died in Lebanon and was finally laid to rest in Yarmouk. It was easy because the PLO was there to help us, to the point that we buried my mother the same day that her body arrived to Damascus, Idrees told Al Jazeera.

It can seem like a miracle of sorts that the passage of the dead involves so many groups active in the Syrian conflict: the regime, the PLO, opposition groups and armed fighters, who provide tacit permission for the process.

Cemetery of the Palestinians

But local activists say that while the PLO might be honouring the dead, it is not doing enough to protect the living, either by helping to transfer emergency medical cases out of Yarmouk and the southern suburbs for treatment, or by pushing for better humanitarian access into and out of the camp.

The status quo is still costing lives on a regular basis. In September, Palestinian refugee Mahmoud Daniel Fadel died of cancer in a neighbourhood next to Yarmouk. Activists and relief workers reportedly appealed to the PLO on several occasions to help get Fadel into Damascus for life-saving chemotherapy treatment, but to no avail.

There are rare exceptions, and last week a handful of ill or injured Palestinians were transferred out of Yarmouk. But for most, the only route in and out of the camp is in a coffin.

Palestinians from Yarmouk arent allowed to enter or leave the camp  except when they are dead and need to be buried, said former resident Muhammad al-Najmeh, who fled towards Germany in 2012.

Palestinians started calling the PLO the cemetery of the Palestinians. Its supposed to be there to help Palestinians, but it can only help them once theyve died.
Hundreds turn out in Sydney and Melbourne to urge the government to bring them here from Papua New Guinea prison camp.

Hundreds of Australians protested on Saturday against the treatment of 600 refugees who are refusing to leave a former prison on Manus Island for fear of being attacked by locals.

In a crackdown against boat people arriving in the country, Australia set up prison camps in the Pacific islands of Manus and Nauru in Papua New Guinea (PNG), nearly five years ago, to process asylum seekers.

The United Nations and human rights defenders have condemned the treatment of asylum seekers amid allegations of rights abuses, and demanded the camps be shut down.

The Manus Island facility was decommissioned on Tuesday, but the 600 men there barricaded themselves in without food and water in defiance of Australian and PNG authorities. They are asking other countries to take them in.

We are pleading the international community to rescue us, said asylum seeker Abdul Azziz Adam in a video message from the camp in Papua New Guinea. What is going on on Manus Island at the moment is a humanitarian crisis and no one will help us.

The men have resorted to drinking rain water and have dug their own wells in order to survive. The UN has called the crisis an unfolding humanitarian emergency.

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Australias government says the 600 men have been offered alternative accommodation elsewhere on Manus Island, but the refugees say it is not safe from locals who want to do them harm. Many asylum seekers have been attacked in the past by Papuans who do not want them on the island.

New Zealand has offered to take in 150 asylum seekers, and its Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will arrive in Sydney on Sunday to discuss the situation with her counterpart, Malcolm Turnbull. So far, Australia has rejected the offer.

We are begging the New Zealand government to rescue us because New Zealand is the only country today, they have been fighting again and again and again, they want to get us out of detention centre, Adam said in the video message.

Al Jazeeras Andrew Thomas, who attended a protest rally in Sydney on Saturday, said the central message among the crowd was for the government to bring them here.

I think the situation on Manus Island is completely and utterly deplorable, a young, male demonstrator told Al Jazeera. I think its really important that the government takes a stand  so we can bring these men who are scared and suffering to Australia.

Hundreds of protesters also converged in Australias second-largest city, Melbourne, on Saturday.
Tokyo, Japan  As US President Donald Trump arrives in Tokyo on Sunday, he and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe are expected to act in lockstep in terms of their messaging on North Korea  nuclear weapons and missile development are entirely unacceptable and all options are on the table in terms of how this threat may be met.

The political phrase all options on the table, of course, encompasses the possibility that the United States and Japan might jointly launch an aggressive military attack on North Korea, which they would portray as being pre-emptive in light of the many verbal threats that have already been issued by the regime of Kim Jong-un.

At a personal level, Abe hardly needs Washington to push him into a hardline stance vis-a-vis North Korea (or China or even South Korea for that matter) because his hawkishness towards mainland Asian neighbours has been part of his political trademark throughout his career. At times, he has associated with even some of the more fringe elements of the Japanese hard right.

As critics point out, support for all options including an attack on North Korea puts Abe in spiritual rebellion to the nations constitution, which mandates that the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes.

Obviously, all options are on the table is precisely the sort of threat of the use of force that Japans post-World War II constitution explicitly bans.

Rewriting the Peace Constitution

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But Abes antagonism towards his nations Peace Constitution is hardly a new development.

In recent years, he decapitated the independent bureaucratic agency that had traditionally guaranteed legislations conformity to the national charter. In the summer of 2015, he went on to force passage of new security policy legislation that some 97 percent of independent legal scholars judged to be unconstitutional.

Even expert witnesses handpicked by the ruling party itself shocked the Abe government by denouncing the unconstitutionality of the bills, which were, thereafter, enacted nonetheless.

Finally, on May 3 of this year  the 70th anniversary of the Constitution  Abe announced his intention to revise the pacifist Article Nine in a video message to a meeting of the Nippon Kaigi (Japan Conference).

The venue was significant. Nippon Kaigi is a controversial nationalist organisation seeking not only constitutional change, but also possessing a sweeping right-wing programme of Emperor-centrism, historical revisionism, opposition to female and LGBT equality, and a rollback of the entire Western conception of rights in favour of enhanced individual obligations to the state.

While Abe has proven to be slow and methodical since returning to power in December 2012, there is not much doubt that groups such as Nippon Kaigi remain his fundamental political base.

Fresh off his third major general election victory on October 22, which was pulled off mainly via the dramatic implosion of the opposition challenge led by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, Prime Minister Abe is now in a position to move forward his lifelong goal of revising the Constitution.





However, while his ruling coalition holds the necessary two-thirds majority in both houses of the legislature, Abe still faces high hurdles. First, he must get his own fractious Liberal Democratic Party and coalition partner Komeito to reach consensus on a specific word-for-word proposal for rewriting the national charter. That task alone may prove his undoing.

But even if he succeeds on that difficult matter, he still must conduct an unprecedented national referendum in which a majority of voters approve the proposed constitutional change.

The latest poll by Kyodo News finds 52.6 percent of the Japanese public are opposed to Abes current proposal with only 38.3 percent in support of it. When one also considers the fact the opposition parties will fight a ferocious campaign against revision  as well as the reality that polling shows deep public distrust towards the prime minister personally  the smart money still suggests that Abe will ultimately fail to achieve his dream.

However, Japanese politics are likely to be tied up by these fierce battles over the Peace Constitution for the next several years. Abe is expected to push forward this issue, even at the cost of his own political life, because he is on the record as a lifelong true believer.

The Norths abductions

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One related matter likely to be highlighted during Trumps visit is that of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea between 1977-1983  another Abe pet issue by which he initially rode to national prominence from 2001-2006.

North Korea admitted in 2002 to kidnapping Japanese citizens in the 1970s and 80s to help train its spies in Japanese language and culture.

North Korea has insisted it resolved this issue in 2004 when five surviving abductees and their families (10 people in total) returned from North Korea. Japan has insisted, on the contrary, that Pyongyang has yet to reveal the full truth and that other abductees may still be alive.

Trump is expected to echo the Japanese line on this issue as a demonstration of his political solidarity with Abe.

The broader trajectory of the North Korea crisis remains a question mark. Abe has repeatedly denounced talks for the sake of talks and called for tougher sanctions on Pyongyang. There has been no indication, however, that he has any realistic diplomatic objective in mind beyond these serial calls for punishment.

Brad Glosserman, senior adviser to Pacific Forum CSIS, echoes many analysts when he observes, Kim Jong-un will not give his nukes, period  Kim Jong-un sees them first as instrumental to his regime survival.

He adds, Without nuclear weapons North Korea is nothing.

There are no serious analysts who believe that economic pressure will induce Pyongyang to disarm itself, even though that is what both the Trump and Abe administrations publicly claim is the objective of their current sanctions policy.

The major wild card without a doubt is Trump. While all other players can be expected to behave in a manner in which they have long been behaving, the unpredictable US president is certainly the most dangerous element of instability.

According to Koichi Nakano, professor at Sophia University, for the first time in many years, the Japanese people are not sure whether the United States, and its president in particular, is a force for good  whether it really provides for the safety of the country and the region.

None of these doubts, however, are expected to be reflected in the shows of mutual friendship and solidarity that Shinzo Abe and Donald Trump will perform for the cameras.

Michael Penn is president of the Shingetsu News Agency
Korean schools in Japan receive bomb threats

Korean schools in Japan are receiving bomb threats as North Korea continues its missile tests and threatens to destroy the country in the event of a nuclear war.
Hariri, in office for less than a year, criticises Iran and Hezbollah for causing disorder and destruction in region.

Saad Hariri has announced his resignation as Lebanons prime minister and implicitly blamed Iran and its Lebanese ally, Hezbollah, for his decision.

In a televised speech on Saturday, he said he suspected there were covert plans to target his life, but he did not elaborate.

Hariri, who made the statement during a visit to Saudi Arabia, said Iran planted disorder and destruction in the country and meddled in the internal issues of Lebanon as well as other Arab countries.

Referring to Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, Hariri said, Irans arm  has managed to impose a fait accompli on Lebanon through the power of its weapons in the last few decades.

They have built a state within a state, said Hariri from the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

I say to Iran and its allies  you have lost in your efforts to meddle in the affairs of the Arab world, he continued, adding that the region will rise again and the hands that you have wickedly extended into it will be cut off.

Hariri, a leading Sunni politician, has been in office for less than a year, but previously served as prime minister between 2009 and 2011.





He assumed office as prime minister again in December 2016 in a power-sharing government headed by President Michel Aoun, a supporter of Hezbollah, whose members have been charged by the International Court of Justice with assassinating Hariris father, Rafik, in a 2005 bombing.

The country spent two years in political deadlock without a president before Aouns election in October 2016, after Hariri endorsed the latter, a move seen by some analysts as a sign of Irans influence in Lebanon.

His resignation now casts doubt on Lebanons political future.

Walid Jumblatt, leader of Lebanons Druze and the Progressive Socialist Party, said Hariris resignation could adversely affect the country.

He said it was the latest evidence of a power struggle between Saudi Arabia and Iran and urged intensification of diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions.

Lebanon is too small and vulnerable to bear the economic and political burden that comes with this resignation, Jumblatt said via social media. I will continue to call for dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Iranian reaction

Irans foreign ministry said Hariris resignation would lead to tension in Lebanon and the region.

In a statement published on the ministrys website, Bahram Qassemi, a spokesman, said: The resigning Lebanese prime ministers repetition of the unrealistic and unfounded accusations of the Zionists, Saudis and Americans against Iran is an indication that this resignation is a new scenario for creating tension in Lebanon and the region.

But we believe that the resistant people of Lebanon will pass this stage easily.

The sudden resignation of Mr Hariri and his statement in another country is not only surprising and regrettable but is also an indication of his playing a game designed by those who want ill for the region, and the winner of this game is not Arabic or Muslim countries but the Zionists.

Earlier, Hossein Sheikholeslam, another foreign ministry official, said in a tweet: Hariris resignation was masterminded by #Trump & Saudi Crown Prince #MBS.

Al Jazeeras Zein Basravi, reporting from Tehran, said: The alliance between Hezbollah and Iran is no secret to anyone. It began and flourished in the 1980s when Lebanon was occupied by Israeli military forces.

In more recent times, Hezbollah has been a key strategic partner for Iran in the conflict in Syria and is an important reason why Bashar al-Assad is still in power in Syria.

Irans approach to regional conflicts is to speak softly and carry a big stick, and Hezbollah has been an extension of that stick in Lebanon and Syria.

Imad Harb, a political analyst at the Arab Center in Washington, DC, said that for Hariri to make the announcement in Riyadh basically means he cant have control over his government or his country.

Hezbollah has been in control of the Lebanese state for quite a while and now its a supposed victory in Syria on the side of the Syrian regime, Harb told Al Jazeera, referring to Hezbollahs role in fighting alongside forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who has slowly taken back control over his country following a six-year civil war.

This has definitely affected Hariris decision to resign, I have no doubt that maybe he is afraid for his life.

Surprise coup

Speaking from Beirut, Kamel Wazne, a Lebanese political analyst, told Al Jazeera: This is a surprise coup by all measures. Everything was fine within the country.

There is an election coming up. Everybody is talking about planning for of the economic future of the country, and a call came from Saudi Arabia and everything changed.

This comes in light of imminent American sanctions against Lebanon, certain threats coming from Israel and escalation by the Saudis.

I think the prime minister probably caved in to the demands of the Saudis and he declared his resignation from Saudi Arabia. This does not bode very well for the stability of Lebanon.
Professors Arang Keshavarzian and Mohamad Bazzi believe they were denied security clearance because of their Shia roots.

New York Universitys journalism department has voted to end its relationship with its campus in the United Arab Emirates following allegations two professors were denied visas because of their religious affiliation.

NYUs Arthur L Carter Journalism Institute said it would discontinue its relationship with NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) amid claims journalism professor Mohamad Bazzi, a Lebanese-born Shia, and Arang Keshavarzian, an Iranian-born politics professor, were denied visas because of their Shia origins.

In a letter to NYU President Andrew Hamilton, 17 academic staff said if the professors were denied visas due to their religious beliefs, it would pose a significant threat to academic freedom on that campus.

Since a member of our faculty has been prohibited from teaching at NYU Abu Dhabi, the Carter Journalism Institute is not prepared to continue its relationship with NYUAD, the department said.

The university should admit that it has bought into a political system that actively discriminates against members of a religious minority because of an overwhelming fear of Iran and hatred of Shia. by Mohamad Bazzi, NYU Professor

Our faculty, a number of whose members have made the trip to NYUAD or taught courses there, voted unanimously at its last meeting to suspend the Institutes participation in the academic program in Abu Dhabi until these issues are satisfactorily resolved.

I signed this letter to NYU's president from the Journalism faculty suspending our participation in NYU Abu Dhabi. https://t.co/BgDjr7FFV8  Jay Rosen (@jayrosen_nyu) November 3, 2017

In a New York Times op-ed in September, Bazzi detailed his experiences at NYUAD, saying he experienced discrimination while teaching there during month-long courses in January 2012 and 2013.

He suggested his application was rejected due to his religious sect, something professors are required to state on forms issued by NYU and the UAE.

It is usually easy for American citizens to get a work visa for the UAE. Why was I denied? he wrote.

When I taught a month-long journalism class at the Abu Dhabi campus, NYU administrators had told me they were worried that I would be denied a security clearance because of my Shia origins, and they twice held back on submitting my application.

They found a way around it by sending me on a tourist visa and describing me as a consultant.

If NYU continues to accept Abu Dhabis largesse, it needs to acknowledge the limitations that the Emirates security and foreign policies impose on academic freedom.

At the very least, the university should admit that it has bought into a political system that actively discriminates against members of a religious minority because of an overwhelming fear of Iran and hatred of Shia. This is far from the free movement of people and ideas to which NYUs leaders claim to aspire.

NYUs Gallatin School of Individualized Studies also urged its faculty not to teach or participate at the Abu Dhabi campus in a resolution passed earlier this week.

Crackdown on academic freedom

The UAE has increasingly cracked down on academic freedom and other liberties, since protests swept through the region after 2011s Arab Spring protests.

Earlier this year, Nasser bin Ghaith, a prominent academic, was sentenced to 10 years in prison over a series of tweets critical of governments across the Arab world.

Bin Ghaith was arrested and forcibly disappeared in August 2015 over what Amnesty International said was an unfair trial.

In the summer of 2012, Matt Duffy, a journalism professor at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi, was also fired and forced to flee after he criticised media restrictions in the country.
DEVILS LAKE -- A Grand Forks-based dry bean processing company will store its stock in a Devils Lake industrial building that housed two failed biodegradable products businesses.

But leaders there said they want to attract a more permanent tenant that will create economic growth.

The Devils Lake City Commission on Wednesday signed a month-to-month lease for Dakota Dry Bean to use the 130,000-square-foot building at 1702 Schwan Ave. N.W. for dry storage, said Mayor Dick Johnson. Dakota Dry Bean will pay $4,000 a month to store its finished product in the building.

Johnson said will be no processing done at the Devils Lake building, so it will not create dust.

I think it is a good fit, he said. It gives them a place to store their product, and it creates some income for us.

The agreement comes days after an eviction hearing was held for BioFiber, a startup that planned to make paper products out of processed cattle manure in Devils Lake. Late last year, BioFiber signed a five-year lease with the city for the building Dakota Dry Bean will occupy, but the startup never made any products and missed three months of rent.

Another biodegradable products company called Ultra Green previously owned the building. It opened in 2012 and promised to create more than 300 jobs. At its peak, it had 50 workers before shutting down in mid-2015.

The city gained ownership of the building in a settlement after Devils Lake sued Ultra Green in order for the city to regain $2 million in incentives it gave to the company.

The BioFiber eviction was finalized Monday, Johnson said.

There has been interest in the building, Johnson said. Now that the eviction is complete, the city can begin to actively recruit potential tenants.

If a permanent resident comes in, they (Dakota Dry Bean) understand that they would have to move out in 30 days, Johnson said.

The city also is reviewing operations at Forward Devils Lake, the citys economic development organization, to determine which businesses it should recruit to the city. That report is expected to be ready by the Dec. 4 City Commission meeting, Johnson said.

Dakota Dry Bean was founded in 1998 in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks, according to its website. It later expanded to the North Dakota cities of Devils, Lake, Washburn, Lansford and Crary.
Moscow says dozens of Russophobic Canadians now barred from entering the country after Ottawa imposed sanctions.

Canadas move to impose sanctions on 30 Russian officials was senseless and reprehensible and has led to retaliatory measures, Russian officials said.

Canada announced the sanctions on Friday against Russian officials it accused of complicity in the death of anti-corruption lawyer Sergei Magnitsky in 2009 while he was in prison after alleging state tax fraud.

Kirill Kalinin, a spokesman for the Russian diplomatic mission in Ottawa, told the official TASS news agency late on Friday retaliatory actions against Canadians had already been set in motion.

Canadas decision on extending anti-Russian sanctions under a false pretext of a hypocritical protection of human rights is absolutely senseless and reprehensible, said Kalinin.

Ottawas move is isolating itself from one of the key global powers and pushes Canadas foreign policy back to the narrow black-and-white world view, incompatible with modern geopolitics, he added.

Dozens of Canadians have now been barred from entering Russia in response, Kalinin said, without specifying who would be affected.

Russias foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed: the list is long, with dozens of names on it.

The foreign ministry said in a statement those targeted are Russophobic Canadian citizens who have consistently worked to destroy bilateral relations.

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In 2008, the whistle-blower Magnitsky accused Russian interior ministry officials of organising a $235m tax scam, but he was then charged with the crimes he claimed to have uncovered. Human rights groups allege he was beaten in prison before he died under unclear circumstances.

His detention and death ignited serious diplomatic tensions between Russia and some western countries, including the United States.

Canada last month passed a Sergei Magnitsky Law, which targets Russian officials for human rights violations. Ottawa followed the Magnitsky Act passed by the US that led to sanctions on more than 40 Russian officials.
Lebanese PM resigned in a televised address blaming Iranian interference and alluded to fears of an assassination.

Saad Hariris journey to becoming Lebanons prime minister began after the 2005 assassination that killed his father Rafik, and ended with a televised address in which he voiced concern that he may meet a similar fate.

The younger Hariris November 2017 resignation, which came after just 11 months in power, ended his second stint as prime minister, a role set aside exclusively for members of Lebanons Sunni community.

He assumed office in December 2016 as prime minister in a power-sharing government headed by President Michel Aoun, a supporter of Hezbollah, whose members have been charged by the International Court of Justice with assassinating Rafik Hariri.

After his fathers death, Hariri went on to the Future bloc (al-Mustaqbal), which draws its support mainly from the countrys Sunni population, and which later formed alliances with other parties from across Lebanons communal divide.





His first stint as prime minister came in 2009 but was only slightly longer than his most recent, lasting just 19 months, and failing in 2011 after ministers aligned with Hezbollah resigned while Hariri was in Washington, DC, meeting the then-US President Barack Obama.

The Shia group and its patron Iran were the focus of Hariris resignation speech on Saturday, which was made in Saudi Arabia, where he holds citizenship.

He blamed Iran for disorder and destruction in Lebanon and called Hezbollah Irans arm, which had imposed a fait accompli on Lebanon through the power of its weapons.

Kamel Wazne, a Lebanese political analyst, described the resignation as a surprise coup by all measures.

He told Al Jazeera Hariri probably caved in to the demands of the Saudis  [which] does not bode very well for the stability of Lebanon.

Important figure

Born in Saudi Arabia on April 18, 1970, Saad Hariri went on to head his fathers Saudi-based construction company, Saudi Oger, one of the largest companies in the Middle East.

When Saad Hariri entered Lebanese politics following his fathers death four years ago, critics chided him for his lack of political experience.





However, a decade after the assassination, the younger Hariri remains one of the most important figures in Lebanese politics and is very likely to continue playing a role after his resignation.

Imad Harb, a political analyst at the Arab Center in Washington, DC, told Al Jazeera that for Hariri to make the announcement in Riyadh basically means he cant have control over his government or his country.

Hezbollah has been in control of the Lebanese state for quite a while and now its a supposed victory in Syria on the side of the Syrian regime.

Harb was referring to Hezbollahs role in fighting alongside forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who has slowly taken back control over his country following a six-year civil war.

This has definitely affected Hariris decision to resign, I have no doubt that maybe he is afraid for his life.
Alarms raised globally over both Kim and Trumps unpredictability  and relative inexperience on the world stage.

Washington, DC  US President Donald Trump will seek to raise international economic and political pressure on North Korea as he visits Japan, South Korea, and China, amid nuclear tensions and rising calls for serious negotiations that the president so far has rejected.

Legislators and foreign policy analysts in the United States are watching closely to see whether Trump, on a 12-day trip to the Asia-Pacific region, continues his threatening rhetoric at Pyongyang or pivots towards diplomacy, as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense James Mattis have advocated.

We need to support our diplomatic team in every way that we can, because short of us, collectively with China and few other countries being able to change the dynamic, we are heading to a very bad place, Senator Bob Corker, Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told Al Jazeera.

Trump has escalated US military deployments in Northeast Asia, sending F-35s, the US most advanced fighter jets, to Japan. He also followed through with the deployment of a THAAD anti-missile system in South Korea, over Chinas objections, and sent three aircraft carrier strike groups to the Pacific.

Minimalist talks





In tweets, the president has belittled North Koreas ruler Kim Jong-un as rocket man and said Tillerson was wasting his time trying to engage in talks. Behind the scenes, the president is said to have effectively shut down US diplomatic efforts to talk to the North Koreans through the United Nations, the so-called New York channel, worrying US legislators.

The minimalist talks that existed are breaking down. Hes made it pretty clear he has no interest in keeping open a dialogue with North Korea, Senator Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat and Trump critic, told Al Jazeera.

No one has been authorised to negotiate by this administration. They need to start over with a strategy that gradually builds up political, economic, and military pressure  ultimately leading to negotiations they have been unable thus far to put together.

Pyongyang has responded to Trump with threats to test a powerful hydrogen bomb over the Pacific Ocean, and issued statements suggesting the president needs medication, calling Trump an aged retard, famously translated in the US from Korean to English as dotard.

The back and forth has raised alarm worldwide and underlined both Kim and Trumps unpredictability  and relative inexperience on the world stage.

South Korea President Moon Jae-in, who has sought detente with the north, has called on the US not to take any military action without South Koreas agreement. Trump has personally disparaged Moon and opened up the question of the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement, which has strategic implications.

The president wants to be in a position that the message that Kim Jong-un receives is that there is a solid front, with no cracks in the mutual security agreement of Korea with the United States, said Don Manzullo, president of the Korea Economic Institute of the US, which supports US-Korea trade.

Un has to realise that the world is united against him.

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Trump will travel first to Japan on Sunday where he will meet with newly re-elected Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has taken a hawkish line on North Korea, advocating at the UN for tougher sanctions and at home for a more robust Japanese military posture. Trump and Abe will hold a bilateral summit and a press conference.

Abe seems to be a bit more of a hawk than South Korea. But ultimately, if the United States supports diplomacy, then everybody in the region supports it too because nobody wants a war, said Tom Z. Collina, director of policy for the Ploughshares Fund, a non-profit group that advocates the elimination of nuclear weapons.

This trip is an opportunity for Trump himself to pivot towards diplomacy as the main way to solve the North Korea crisis, but he may not take it, Collina told Al Jazeera.

In advance of the presidents trip, the White House announced moves designed to increase pressure on both North Korea and China.

Chinese solution?

Officials said Trump will use his meeting with China President Xi Jinping to take tougher measures against North Korea. The Treasury Department announced on Thursday it was cutting off the small Chinese Bank of Dandong from an international transaction network, alleging the bank had helped finance North Koreas missiles.

China is part of the solution to any coherent North Korea strategy, but the strategy needs to start with alliances, and the most concerning thing is the state of the US-South Korea alliance, said Brian Harding, director for Asia-Pacific security policy at the Center for American Progress and a former Defense Department adviser in the Obama administration.

Back home in Washington, the US Congress is advancing additional financial sanctions while signaling legislators are prepared to rein in Trumps ability to launch a military attack. The key objective, they say, is getting North Korea to negotiate.

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Its important that we reassure our allies, South Korea and Japan, that we stand with them, that we are solid, Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat and sponsor of a new bank sanctions bill, told Al Jazeera. We will not accept a North Korea with nuclear weapons and we need to keep pushing. We have got to exert more pressure on North Korea.

But sanctions and military pressure are unlikely to yield results without presidential leadership from Trump on negotiations, experts say.

You dont know what the North Koreans are up to unless you negotiate and talks are not the same thing as negotiations, said Leon V Sigal, director of the Northeast Asia Cooperative Security Project at the Social Science Resource Council in New York and author of the 1998 book, Disarming Strangers: Nuclear Diplomacy with North Korea.

The US needs to put a proposal on the table to address their security needs in return for a suspension of the nuclear programmes. Thats the best you can do right now, Sigal said.
Saudi security official says missile fired from Yemen intercepted near the capitals King Khalid International Airport.

Yemens Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for a loud explosion in Riyadh, saying they fired a long-range ballistic missile that travelled more than 800km over the border with Saudi Arabia.

A spokesman for the rebels told Al Jazeera they launched a Burkan 2-H missile  a Scud-type missile with a range of more than 800km  towards Riyadh late on Saturday.

The capital cities of countries that continually shell us, targeting innocent civilians, will not be spared from our missiles, the spokesman said.

Al Masirah, a TV network run by the Houthi rebels, also claimed responsibility for the attack on Twitter.

Videos on social media showed smoke rising from an area near Riyadhs King Khalid International Airport.

The official Saudi news agency SPA quoted Colonel Turki al-Maliki as saying that at exactly 8:07pm local time (17:07 GMT), a ballistic missile was fired from Yemeni territory towards the kingdom.

Maliki said Saudi forces used a surface-to-air Patriot missile to destroy the missile, which shattered into fragments in an uninhabited area east of the airport.

He added that there were no reported casualties.

Al Jazeera could not independently verify the reports.

In an interview with Al Jazeera earlier this month, Mohammed Abdul Salam, a spokesman for the Houthi rebels, threatened to escalate operations on the Yemeni-Saudi border and target deep inside the Kingdom.

The Saudis started the war. Our response will continue and increase, whether its targeting deep inside Saudi Arabia, targeting military positions where Saudi jets fly from, or military bases inside Yemeni territory, Abdul Salam said.

Abu Dhabi and others that target Yemen, are as far as were concerned, a fair military target. Any country that targets Yemen will be struck by our missiles.

The war in Yemen, the regions poorest country, started in 2014 after Houthi rebels seized control of the capital Sanaa and began pushing south towards the countrys third-biggest city, Aden.

Concerned by the rise of the Houthi rebels, believed to be backed by regional rival Iran, Saudi Arabia and a coalition of Sunni Arab states launched an intervention in 2015 in the form of a massive air campaign aimed at reinstalling President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadis government.

Since then, more than 10,000 people have been killed and at least 40,000 wounded, mostly from Saudi-led air strikes.
We examine Fox News role as President Donald Trumps media mouthpiece. Plus, media strangled in Eritrea.

On The Listening Post this week: As the heat is turned up on US President Trump and his associates, Fox News role as the presidents media mouthpiece becomes clearer. Plus, media is strangled in Eritrea.

Fox News and its Donald Trump coverage

The special investigation into the Trump campaigns alleged collusion with Russia has delivered its first indictments.

This week, three of his former advisers were charged with federal crimes, including tax evasion, conspiracy against the US, and lying to the FBI about contacts with alleged middlemen for Russia.

We look at the polarised coverage and conservative medias attempts to sidestep the story.

Contributors:

Matt Gertz, senior fellow, Media Matters for America

Erik Wemple, media reporter, The Washington Post

Reed Richardson, contributor, Fair Media Watch

David Lawler, deputy newsdesk editor, Axios

On our radar

Kurdish media under fire in Iraq, with one journalist murdered and two channels forced off the air.

Myanmar arrests foreign journalists working for Turkeys state-owned broadcaster TRT, for attempting to bring a drone into the country without a license.

In Russia, newspaper Novaya Gazeta plans to arm its reporters to protect them from attacks.

Reporting Eritrea from the outside

Freedom of the press is virtually non-existent in Eritrea, with state-run media the only news outlets available within its borders.

As a consequence, Eritreans have come to rely on a news outlet operating in exile from France, Radio Erena. The station also offers a lifeline to 5,000 Eritrean refugees who risk kidnapping and death in fleeing the country every month.

The Listening Posts Nic Muirhead reports on Radio Erena, the Eritrean news outlet on the outside trying to make a difference.

Contributors:

Meron Estefanos, host, Voices of Eritrean Refugees, Radio Erena

Abraham Zere, executive director, Pen Eritrea

Biniam Simon, editor-in-chief, Radio Erena
Political foes Ruto and Odinga give their perspectives on last weeks rerun of Kenyas presidential election.

On October 30, Uhuru Kenyatta was declared the winner of Kenyas presidential election for the second time in three months.

Kenyans went to the polls for a rerun of the presidential election on October 26, after the countrys Supreme Court had nullified the result of an earlier vote held in August.

The incumbent Kenyatta won 98 percent of the vote in the repeat  but with the opposition boycotting the election, turnout was low.

Al Jazeeras Mohammed Adow speaks with Deputy President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga on the legitimacy of Octobers vote and whats next for Kenya.

Kenya is progressively becoming a stable progressive democratic state that appreciates that we can have differences of opinion that do not necessarily become division, Ruto tells Adow. Thursday (October 26) was historic, that we actually managed to deliver a rerun or a repeat presidential election, which was unfortunately boycotted by the opposition.

They had good reason to boycott. It was obvious, the writing was on the wall: they had lost the election on August 8, they would lose the election again  so they did.

These were sham elections. In our view, they never took place by Raila Odinga

Kenyas electoral commission, the IEBC, has said that voter turnout was 48 percent  a number that has since been revised down. But according to Ruto, the low turnout does nothing to delegitimise his win and that of his running mate, Kenyatta.

Unlike other countries where it is mandatory to vote, in Kenya, it is a choice  you can vote or not vote. It is not true that [the Kenyans who did not vote] did not participate in the election. They participated in the election, but they elected not to vote, he says. So in fact, every Kenyan participated in this election.

Part 2: Raila Odinga talks to Al Jazeera





Opposition candidate Raila Odinga had withdrawn from the election rerun, and had called on Kenyans to boycott the vote.

These were sham elections. In our view, they never took place. This result should not be allowed to stand, he tells Al Jazeera.

A belief that the electoral commission had taken insufficient action to ensure a level playing field led him to pull out. Going back to the election was basically going for a repeat. That is doing the same thing, the same way, expecting different results. And we said that it was a charade, it was going to be a waste of time and a waste of our resources, Odinga says.

Since the election, Odinga has said that the opposition would pursue economic boycotts, peaceful procession, picketing and other legitimate forms of protest.

But with at least three people dead in election violence already, and 37 dying in the aftermath of the August vote, more protests could again lead to deaths.

Should Odinga accept defeat and move on?

This is the easy option, this is what the government wants, Rodinga says. Then what happens next time? Next time, there will be complete apathy in this country. No Kenyans will turn up to vote at all.

Kenyans will get what they want. I am convinced that Kenyans spirit, the Kenyan dream as coined by the founding fathers from our nation shall be realised. Eventually, Kenyans will get the leaders that they deserve.
President Jacob Zuma has given a positive appraisal of the Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria and reaffirmed governments commitment to improve the countrys healthcare system to ensure that all citizens receive high-quality healthcare as one of governments key priorities. President Zuma undertook a successful visit to the hospital, one of the well-managed and best-performing []http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Appa-sourceTheAfric...
MOORHEAD, Minn.  Concordia College students said multiple signs saying "It's OK to be white" were scattered across campus this week.

Some were on light poles, and one was at the business center at the private college in Moorhead, Minn..

Social media this week exposed multiple signs across the country at Tulane University, Purdue and the University of Alberta.

The sign is linked to a '4chan' online forum: boards.4chan.org/pol/thread/147370754/its-okay-to-be-white-o

It laid out a gameplan for people to dress up in costume during Halloween, put up the signs, and watch as 'the media leftists froth at the mouth...'

However, students interviewed at the campus this week said the whole "plan" goes against the diversity message at the private school.

Senior Micah Ferden said, "(I) was really shocked that someone had the guts to do this because we try to promote diversity so much and seeing this is saying hey, we still have students who aren't fully invested in this diversity message."

Minority students said it appears the community still has a long way to come.

"I just realized how much hate is going on. We live in a world without love, and it's crazy. I thought this was the last place I would see that, but apparently it's happening," said Moshe Mekori, a sophomore.

Mekori and other students interviewed said they're glad the signs were down, removed less than 24 hours after they went up Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

Concordia College administrators, meanwhile, released a statement saying, The posters did not follow the display policy for placing signage on the campus and were taken down."

Despite the evidence being gone, students say the motivation behind the message is still present.

"Grow up. And be human, that's all I'm going to say. Just grow up and think twice," said Mekori.

A spokesperson for Concordia College said President William Craft is working on creating some type of open forum for students to discuss the topic.
I am disillusioned and disheartened. Disillusioned and disheartened by the damage done by absurd social policies. By the damage done to our economy. By the damage done to our military. By successive Congresses and presidents. The damage did not happen overnight. It has been ongoing for decades.

Specifically, it began on 22 November 1963, when Lyndon Johnson was sworn in as president after the assassination of JFK. The difference could not be starker. The nation went from "ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country," to the "Great Society," the alleged goal of which was the elimination of poverty and racial injustice. Johnson's war on poverty created the foundation for the excessive welfare state (and associated entitlement attitude and culture) permeating many communities today, concurrently draining our national treasure and removing the incentive to work. Johnson and his White House staff also micromanaged the Vietnam war, a precedent for wholly inappropriate military oversight, such as undertaken by the Obama administration as described by former secretary of defense Robert Gates. Beginning with Johnson, successive presidents and Congresses have increasingly abdicated their constitutional responsibilities in favor of perpetual re-election mania in pursuit of personal power and enrichment, damaging the democracy in which we live.

The beginnings can be traced back to 1963.

The time was the '60s, a dark period with assassinations, political upheaval, protests (both peaceful and violent), Vietnam, and the rising counter-culture. Many of those from the '60s have been and continue to be the individuals directly responsible for the ills of the nation. While many were serving in Vietnam, other teenagers and young adults of the '60s were marching against them, with all too many seeking and receiving draft deferments (due to unequal management of the draft), ultimately becoming permanent activists, cleaving a sharp divide in the nation. They graduated college and have since wrought havoc across the country, with far too many entering politics. Others entered business and went on to infamy in organizations like Enron and Lehman Brothers. Coming from the same liberal colleges and universities, which were rare at the time, the business and political forces eventually intertwined so that Wall Street pursuits and national-level politics are virtually indistinguishable. Some of the less ambitious university activists from the '60s, those not possessing a strong work ethic, never left academia, becoming perpetual students, obtaining advanced degrees, becoming instructors, gaining tenure, and going on to spew their views of the world to generation after generation of students.

Many of those from the '60s entering politics infested local, state, and federal bodies with a cancer that may never be cured. At the federal level, Congress created a new form of slavery, forcing entitlement after entitlement onto the nation, aiming at minorities (initially the black community, but now almost any minority community). Successive Congresses conditioned citizens to believe they cannot succeed without government assistance, that they are incapable of making their own way in life. Consequently, successive generations of voters have been conditioned not to work, but to be welfare queens and kings. Multiple Congresses produced and perpetuated failed policies that fractured families, tearing apart the nuclear family structure essential for the raising of children.

So now we have the perfect storm, created by lackluster to criminally negligent Congresses passing laws to ingratiate voters and enslave them to government benefits. Congresses and presidents enacted and changed laws to remove personal responsibility and accountability from daily lives and society. All along, these liberals were facilitated by academia as well as state houses gerrymandering voting districts. Not only has the "great society" failed the nation, but the military has suffered at the hands of the same individuals.

Congresses and presidents have wrongly sent our men and women off to war, contributing to a society unwilling to fully support the military. Those who say many of the wars since 1950 have been illegal may have standing. The misstated and misused Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) is not a substitute for a declaration of war, as a reading of the Constitution would have one believe is required for committing the nation to combat. By pretense and obfuscation, employing our military in combat operations has been cloaked in soft-sounding verbiage, ignoring the harsh reality and costs of warfare. Further, the reasons for the AUMF have been inexact and open to wildly different interpretations.

Contributing to the problem is the declining number of military veterans in Congress, removing the voices of those who have been willing to place their lives on the line. Also influential was the elimination of the draft, imperfect as it was. Subsequently, less than one half of one percent of the population even serves on active duty, meaning that fewer and fewer families are invested in protecting the nation. This manifests in politicians willing to send the sons and daughters of others into harm's way. Congresses, academia, and social activists have also looked at the military as a social science laboratory, forcing onto the military countless programs having little to nothing to do with either combat readiness or combat effectiveness, ripping badly needed resources from operational readiness. The money simply is not where it is needed in sufficient amounts, as the abysmal state of Marine Corps F/A-18s amply illustrates.

Congresses now spend money we do not have  not on military readiness, but on the large welfare and other entitlement systems Johnson began. With the primary incentive being to remain in office, the GOP goes along, even if making noises to the contrary from time to time. The multiple successive terms in office corrupt the system and the individuals, so even when handed the White House, Senate, and House, the GOP is as ineffectual as can be.

At the federal level, polices and laws fragmented and weakened families and the military. Funding for failed policies was spent, even when revenues did not meet expenditures. Values once considered commonplace have been set aside. Important institutions were infected by '60s thinking. Throughout, Congress after Congress failed in its constitutional responsibilities. Members of Congress who have never been willing to put their lives on the line for anything have made disastrous decisions time after time, with an eye only to re-election, not truly serving the nation. Military misadventures have become common as presidents and Congresses fail to act in accordance with constitutional mandates. Social programs and entitlements expanded at exponential rates. Instead of good decisions for education, the economy, health care, and national defense, policies and laws promoting entitlement took root, creating generations of welfare recipients rather than generations of wage- and salary-earners.

In sum, the beginnings of the damage can be traced back to November 22, 1963  a monumental shift in thinking and acting, away from honor, hard work, family, patriotism, integrity, and sacrifice. That shift instigated a tidal wave on college campuses, producing graduates who entered and damaged critical sectors of society.

And all of that is what leads to my being disillusioned and disheartened.
Rigging the Democrats nomination is just the icing on the cake when it comes to activity meriting a thorough investigation of criminal activity by the woman who, only a year ago, was presumed to become the 45th president. Dont forget Uranium One, Fusion GPS, keeping classified emails on an unsecured private server, deleting 33,000 emails under subpoena, and, well, you get the idea. Unfortunately, our AWOL AG Jeff Sessions, whose face was last seen on the side of a milk carton, does not. So, we are left with the absurdity of a special counsel looking into Trump-Russia collusion, where there is none, while overlooking the multiple Clinton elephants in the room.

The revelation that both the DNC and the Hillary Clinton campaign were funneling money through a law firm to Fusion GPS to produce a slimy and fake dossier on Trump culled from foreign sources was bad enough. Now we find, courtesy of the one truthful and remorseful Democrat on this planet, former DNC Chairperson Donna Brazile, that the DNC was bought and paid for by Hillary Clinton, who probably violated multiple FEC campaign laws in rigging the primaries against Bernie Sanders and shifted cash around in a manner that could only be called -- whats the word Robert Mueller would use? Ah, yes, money-laundering:

In an excerpt from her upcoming book, Brazile says she discovered a document that explained why the Clinton campaign had such a stranglehold on the DNC. It was published in Politico Thursday.

When I got back from a vacation in Marthas Vineyard, she wrote, I at last found the document that described it all: the Joint Fund-Raising Agreement between the DNC, the Hillary Victory Fund, and Hillary for America. The agreementsigned by Amy Dacey, the former CEO of the DNC, and Robby Mook with a copy to Marc Elias  specified that in exchange for raising money and investing in the DNC, Hillary would control the partys finances, strategy, and all the money raised. Her campaign had the right of refusal of who would be the party communications director, and it would make final decisions on all the other staff. The DNC also was required to consult with the campaign about all other staffing, budgeting, data, analytics, and mailings.

Hillary Clinton staged a political coup worthy of a banana republic. Brazile has confirmed that Hillary Clinton was engaging in money-laundering to help her campaign.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders campaign manager, Jeff Weaver, on Monday criticized a Hillary Clinton campaign fundraising scheme that state party leaders told Politico has been used as a self-serving money-laundering conduit. Despite Clintons pledges to rebuild state parties, Politico found that less than 1 percent of the $61 million raised by the Victory Fund has stayed in the state parties coffers. Secretary Clinton is looting funds meant for the state parties to skirt fundraising limits on her presidential campaign, Weaver said. We think the Clinton campaign should let the state parties keep their fair share of the cash. Sanders and Clintons primary campaigns both raised about $26 million in April, but Politico documented how the Hillary Victory Fund, a supposedly joint fundraising committee, has been exploited to inflate her presidential primary campaign. Secretary Clinton has exploited the rules in ways that let her high-dollar donors like Alice Walton of Wal-Mart fame and the actor George Clooney and his super-rich Hollywood friends skirt legal limits on campaign ontributions, Weaver added. If Secretary Clinton cant raise the funds needed to run in a competitive primary without resorting to laundering, how will she compete against Donald Trump in a general election?

Turns out that even with money-laundering, Hillary couldnt win. On a recent edition of Fox News Sunday. House Oversight Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy, R-SC, noted that in addition to laundering her campaign cash through her wholly-owned subsidiary, the DNC, Hillary Clinton used a law firm to funnel cash to Russia-linked Fusion GPS:

Gowdy said, Im not an election law expert, but the good news is you dont have to be to understand the absurdity believing you can just launder all of your campaign money by just hiring a law firm. Imagine if you and I were running for Congress, and we just hired a law firm and said Hey, you go to all the opposition, you go buy all the television, you go buy all the bumper stickers, you go hire all the experts, and we will launder all of this through a law firm. I cant think of anything that defeats the purpose of transparency laws more than that. He continued, I am interested in that, and I am also interested in sharing some memory tricks with folks at the DNC because no one can remember who paid 10 million dollars to a law firm to do oppo research. I find that stunning. $10 million and no one can remember who authorized it, who approved it. So youve got two issues, a memory issue and then the lack of transparency by laundering money through a law firm.

And did we forget the Clinton Foundation? As Fox News legal analyst Greg Jarrett notes, it was used in an influence peddling scheme to enrich the Clintons and advance their political ambitions, colluding with the Russians to, among other things, sell 20 percent of our uranium supplies to interests and donors aligned with Moscow:

It is against the law for the Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee to funnel millions of dollars to a British spy and to Russian sources in order to obtain the infamous and discredited Trump dossier. The Federal Election Campaign Act (52 USC 30101) prohibits foreign nationals and governments from giving or receiving money in U.S. campaigns. It also prohibits the filing of false or misleading campaign reports to hide the true purpose of the money (52 USC 30121). This is what Clinton and the DNC appear to have done. Most often the penalty for violating this law is a fine, but in egregious cases, like this one, criminal prosecutions have been sought and convictions obtained. In this sense, it could be said that Hillary Clinton is the one who was conspiring with the Russians by breaking campaign finance laws with impunity. But thats not all. Damning new evidence appears to show that Clinton used her office as Secretary of State to confer benefits to Russia in exchange for millions of dollars in donations to her foundation and cash to her husband. Secret recordings, intercepted emails, financial records, and eyewitness accounts allegedly show that Russian nuclear officials enriched the Clintons at the very time Hillary presided over a governing body which unanimously approved the sale of one-fifth of Americas uranium supply to Russia.

Hillary Clinton was the godfather, or is it godmother, that ran multiple criminal enterprises. The existence of a special counsel investigating Trump-Russia collusion is based on a fake dossier she controlled the financing of. Paul Manafort and his co-defendants could make the fruit of a poison tree argument, that since the dossier that sparked the investigation into collusion and resulting indictments was politically motivated and financed, and its unverified contents may have been used by the FBI to obtain FISA warrants, anything that resulted from it should be summarily dismissed.

As for Marc Elias, the attorney for Perkins & Coie t he DNCs law firm -- who carried out the hiring of Fusion GPS, his involvement in legally and ethically dubious activity on behalf of the

Thanks also for the pn=gs.

Thomas Democrats could lead to serious trouble. Remember he sat between former DNC Chair and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and John Podesta as they invoked the Sergeant Schultz (no relation) defense regarding Fusion GPS

Did DNC and Team Hillary attorney Marc Elias lead John Podesta and Debbie Wasserman Schultz into a perjury trap? According to CNN, the two testified to congressional investigators that they did not have any knowledge of the funding for the Fusion GPS dossier that prompted an FBI probe into Donald Trump campaign figures. In recent closed-door interviews with the Senate intelligence committee, Podesta and Wasserman Schultz said they did not know who had funded Fusion GPS, the intelligence firm that hired British Intelligence Officer Christopher Steele to compile the dossier on Trump, the sources said. Podesta was asked in his September interview whether the Clinton campaign had a contractual agreement with Fusion GPS, and he said he was not aware of one, according to one of the sources. Sitting next to Podesta during the interview: his attorney Marc Elias, who worked for the law firm that hired Fusion GPS to continue research on Trump on behalf of the Clinton campaign and DNC, multiple sources said. Elias was only there in his capacity as Podestas attorney and not as a witness. Whether or not this testimony was under oath, it is a crime to provide false testimony to Congress.

Indeed it is. Add it to the list of crimes that go uninvestigated and unprosecuted as AG Jeff Sessions contemplates his navel. A special counsel needs to be appointed and a grand jury empanelled to investigate this list of crimes that would make a mafia don proud. Justice should be blind and not brain-dead. If there is a double standard at play here, there is no equal justice under the law.

Daniel John Sobieski is a free lance writer whose pieces have appeared in Investors Business Daily, Human Events, Reason Magazine and the Chicago Sun-Times among other publications.
Democrat Ralph Northam has a new title: spineless hypocrite.

Last week, the Latino Victory Fund launched an ad depicting a white man barreling down Virginia streets in a truck bearing a confederate flag and an Ed Gillespie bumper sticker. In the ad, the driver of the truck sees a group of minority children and chases them through parks, streets, and eventually to a dead-end alley, where the terrified children huddle together in helplessness.

The ad ends with the same children jolting awake in their beds, the truck and its driver an apparent nightmare. Images of the torch-bearing white supremacists from Augusts Charlottesville rally flash on screen as a narrators voice asks, Is this what Donald Trump and Ed Gillespie mean by the American Dream?

Ultimately, the ad was pulled, but only after a radical Islamic terrorist drove a truck into a crowd of people in New York City on October 31. Yet the disturbing depiction of innocent children running for their lives represented a sickening turn in a gubernatorial race that has sadly become the new archetype in American politics.

Say what you will about the ads Ed Gillespie has run against his opponent -- Ralph Northam certainly has. Northam was all too happy to condemn Gillespies ads suggesting Northams platform was soft on crime, calling them despicable and a bunch of baloney. The Washington Post also piled on, saying Gillespies ads use specious claims and appeals to race and ethnicity to scare and divide. (While it is not clear how Gillespies ads are specious or exploitative of race and ethnicity; it is undisputed that MS-13 uses illegal channels of immigration from Central America to expand its ranks in Virginia.)

Turn the tables, however, and Northam seems content to embrace the benefits of left-wing extremists suggesting his opponent is complicit in murderous white supremacy. The most his campaign could muster -- only after days of intense backlash, I hasten to add -- was to dismiss the ad as one which he would not have run.

Northams cowardice is out of step with what Virginians want in a leader. Not only has the Libertarian candidate in the gubernatorial race called on his rivals to cease lobbing wild-eyed accusations, seasoned political operatives on both sides of the aisle have frowned upon the racial overtones of the race. Even the Washington Posts editors, who previously endorsed Northam, have condemned the Latino Victory Funds ad as vile.

For Virginians deciding which lever to pull on November 7, Northams willingness to smear a good man just to boost his dwindling poll numbers is not just a sign of desperation -- it is a glimpse into the Democratic candidates personal character.

Sure, Gillespie has run ads that attack his opponents softness toward illegal immigration, but let us not forget that encouraging a tougher stance on illegal immigration -- specifically, enhancing border security, as Gillespie wants to do -- was a Democratic talking point as recently as 2013. Indeed, it was President Clinton who oversaw passage of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigration Responsibility Act of 1996, and President Obama deported more immigrants than any other president in history, earning him the moniker Deporter in Chief. Moreover, Gillespie was one of the first Republicans to condemn the white supremacists who spewed their poison in Charlottesville.

On that point, the pro-Northam ad by the Latino Victory Fund was not just below the belt -- it was plainly wrong. Still, Northam remained indifferent.

In sum, the ad was fearmongering at its worst. It reflects in the Latino Victory Fund a foaming-at-the-mouth obsession with painting conservative voters as bloodthirsty racists and minorities as helpless children. The perversity of scaring immigrants as a means to gain power is astonishing, yet it is a tactic Northam seemed content to tolerate. Virginia deserves better.

Thomas Wheatley is a writer living in Arlington, Virginia. A regular contributor to the Washington Posts All Opinions Are Local blog, he holds a law degree from the Antonin Scalia Law School and was a 2016 Publius Fellow at the Claremont Institute. Email him at tnwheatley@gmail.comand follow him on Twitter @TNWheatley.
James O'Keefe of Project Veritas did a fine job of exposing the culture of anti-Trump bias behind the scenes at the New York Times, but the paper of record just...well, trumped him.

How?

On November 1, the Times ran a full-page incendiary ad calling for mass protests to end the "nightmare" of the "Trump/Pence regime" by joining in Antifa-style riots beginning on November 4. So the Times not only is anti-Trump, but stands in direct opposition to our Constitutional Republic and the rule of law  something not even Project Veritas uncovered.

Ask yourself: during the prior administration, would the Times have printed an ad by an extremist group on the right calling for protesters to "end the nightmare" and proclaiming that "the Obama-Biden regime must go"? And if it had printed such an ad, what do you think would have happened next?

By the way, just who exactly sees Trump's agenda to make America safe, strong, prosperous, and great again as a nightmare? Isn't this what everyone wants? On second thought, perhaps it's a nightmare to people who want America to be unsafe, weak, poor, and in the tank  i.e., people who hate this country and want to take it down.

And the ad isn't just about Trump. It reads: "The Trump/Pence regime must go!" Wait a minute. This isn't a third-world country where we have a dictatorship and can oust it only by force. If and when people are unhappy with our leaders, we vote them out of office. And in those extremely rare cases where a president is impeached or steps down for whatever reason, the vice president becomes the president. We don't simply let a riotous rabble kick them both out of office because these malcontents don't like their policies.

And yet we've heard no official response to the Times for running this ad.

Let's put this in perspective.

Recently, presumably under Special Counsel Robert Mueller's directive, federal agents stormed into Paul Manafort's home at 5:00 A.M., barging into the bedroom where he and his wife were sleeping. They ransacked the place, although Manafort had been cooperating with Mueller's investigation and had turned over whatever was requested. Manafort's alleged offense? Improperly filing foreign tax documents and possibly owing additional taxes from business dealings he had overseas a number of years before he joined the Trump campaign  and therefore seemingly of no relevance to Mueller's investigation into possible Russian collusion in the 2016 election.

Compare that to The New York Times, with its iconic reputation and millions of readers, printing a full-page ad paid for by the Soros-affiliated RefuseFascism group, calling for the overthrow of our legitimately elected president. And vice president. That would leave us with President Paul Ryan...

And yet, amazingly, I haven't heard a word about the feds storming the Times and arresting every editor who allowed that ad to end up in print.

That's sedition, folks. Last I heard, it was a serious felony  a kissing cousin of treason.

Apparently, it isn't politically correct to talk about such high crimes. That may be the opinion of our absentee attorney general, who has turned a blind eye not only to this shocking ad, but also to Hillary's potentially treasonous sellout of 20% of America's uranium to the Russians, for a $145-million payment to her, um, charitable foundation.

In fact, the whole mainstream media has been silent regarding the Times' seditious pamphleteering. However, Alex Jones on Infowars held up the ad on air, bringing it to his viewers' attention. You'll never guess what followed. The very next morning, a dozen or more publications, including Newsweek and Salon, accused him of making it up! They stated categorically that the New York Times ran no such ad.

This is twilight-zone stuff.

The ad is for real  you can view it in The New York Times digital version as well as in the November 1 print edition. Your library may have a copy  mine does  and the scandalous ad is there for all to see.

I suppose these other publications figured that most of their readers wouldn't bother to fact-check. Yet it is truly mind-bending that they all rushed to deny the reality and to discredit Alex Jones for exposing the very real and violence-inciting ad that the premier newspaper in the country displayed so prominently.

One more thing: Notice the use of the word "regime" in "The Trump/Pence regime must go!" Americans don't speak of presidential "regimes." That is Soros-speak. Remember that he's a regime changer  someone who prides himself on using his billions to topple regimes across the world, leaving millions of people in chaos and misery.

President Trump doesn't have a "regime"; he has an administration. And until he replaces one of the key office-holders of that administration  his attorney general  we can expect more unchecked lawlessness and more open calls for insurrection that our own press apparently sees fit to promote.
A Spanish judge has ordered eight Catalan ministers to be remanded into custody pending a hearing on whether they should be charged with rebellion, sedition, and misuse of public funds.

Among those sought include Catalonian president Carles Puigdemont, who has gone into hiding in Belgium. Puigdemont's lawyer says he will resist extradition efforts by Spain, setting up a protracted court battle.

Guardian:

The state prosecutor's request for Puigdemont to be detained under the European arrest warrant (EAW) will initiate a procedure designed to speed up the handover of criminal suspects between EU states. But any decision by a lower tribunal in Belgium can be appealed up through the higher courts, lengthening the legal process while straining relations between EU member states. The aim of the EAW system was to do away with political interference in controversial extradition cases. It only requires that the criminal offence for which anyone is extradited must carry a maximum penalty of at least one year in prison in another EU state. The categories of criminal offences covered are very broad and there is no legal precondition that an identical offence must exist in both of the countries involved. The EAW does not provide for refusal to extradite on the grounds that the suspect has claimed political asylum. It does, however, allow a country to refuse to hand over a suspect on the grounds that he or she is being sought on the basis of their "sex, race, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, language, political opinions or sexual orientation".

Might Puigdemont and the other Catalan ministers avoid extradition based on the notion that the Spanish government wants to prosecute them for their "political opinions"? Or perhaps their "ethnic origin"? An expert in E.U. extradition thinks it's possible.

Andrew Smith, an extradition specialist at the London law firm Corker Binning said: "If a Spanish European arrest warrant is issued for Mr Puigdemont and his former ministers, the key questions for the Belgian extradition court are likely to be whether the criminal allegations are politically motivated and whether the Spanish authorities are acting abusively. "Mutual trust is a central tenet of how the European arrest warrant operates between EU member states, but this extraordinary case looks set to test the limits of that trust." Given an inventive legal team, the process could, technically, be slowed by repeated appeals to higher courts. Julian Assange resisted a European arrest warrant in Britain for almost two years before fleeing to the Ecuadorian embassy in London, where he remains.

Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy must be confident in this course of action, considering the potential backlash in Catalonia against the incarceration of the political leadership. With opposition political parties and most of the country behind him  even a strong plurality of Catalans  Rajoy appears to have carte blanche for a serious crackdown.

But there are still questions about whether he is creating sympathy for the Catalan leadership, who haven't yet decided whether they will take part in the regional election scheduled for December 21. Puigdemont, regardless of whether he is in Spanish custody under indictment for charges related to the declaration of independence, may wish to challenge Spanish rule of Catalonia and run a full slate of pro-independence candidates. If that happens, Rajoy may discover he has overplayed his hand, as the severe crackdown underway may work to his disadvantage in the election.

For the immediate future, the fate of Catalan ministers will rest with the Belgian courts. Meanwhile, Catalonia remains calm. Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across the region in a peaceful show of support for the jailed ministers. Obviously, it wouldn't take much to turn those peaceful protesters into rioters.

That's the risk Rajoy is running.
According to an excerpt from a soon to be released book by Donna Brazile, everything we heard about Hillary Clinton fixing the 2016 Democrat nomination turned out to be true. Everything was in place for Mrs. Clinton to be the nominee, no matter how many primaries Senator Sanders won. No one was going to take it away in 2016!

This is a fascinating bit from Politico:

Before I called Bernie Sanders, I lit a candle in my living room and put on some gospel music. I wanted to center myself for what I knew would be an emotional phone call.

Then she called Senator Sanders and broke the news that the nomination was fixed in favor of Mrs. Clinton.

She even lit a candle and played gospel music.

Are you kidding me, Donna Brazile? You need gospel music to break the news to Bernie but support abortion unconditionally?

I guess Miss Brazile now wants to clear her name and get on the right side of history.

Sorry, but this is joke of a book. Did Miss Brazile ever consider calling Mrs. Clinton instead and resigning from the party? In other words, she knew in the summer of 2016 that she was part of a total fraud.

Miss Brazile stayed silent because she was expecting Mrs. Clinton to win. She made a pact with the devil and expected a future President Hillary Clinton to give her one of those fancy jobs with a big office, chauffeur, and access to military planes.

She stayed quiet because she bet that Mrs. Clinton would win and did not want to close the doors of the White House to a possible job. It's like those who donated to the Clinton Foundation reserving their seat at the White House dinner table.

All of this reminds me of an experience in Mexico. I was at a Chamber of Commerce lunch and heard a Mexican bureaucrat complain about corruption. He said he was frustrated and would often go to Confession to feel better about all of the stuff he had to do to keep his job.

After the lunch, I invited the bureaucrat to enjoy an extra coffee and a cigar. I asked him: Why don't you resign? Why do you continue to do a job that you apparently hate so much?

He looked at me, laughed, and said: "My wife likes the chauffeur that comes with my position." (Some high-level bureaucrats get a family chauffeur as a perk.)

I responded, saying: "Entiendo," or "I understand."

I was reminded of that story when I heard that Donna Brazile had written a book about the DNC. She will now have to sell books and pay for her own chauffeur.

PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter.
The prosecutor for the International Criminal Court based in The Hague says she will open an investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Afghanistan.

The investigation will look into reports that detainees were tortured while in U.S. custody. The prosecutor also says she will look into war crimes committed by the Taliban and the Afghanistan government.

Associated Press:

Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said in a statement that a preliminary examination found "a reasonable basis to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity" were committed in Afghanistan after U.S.-led troops moved in following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Once the prosecutor submits her investigation request to the court, which is based in the Dutch city of The Hague, it's then up to the tribunal's judges to decide whether to open one. Bensouda's office said her request will be filed publicly "in the days to come." An Afghanistan probe would be exceptional because up until now all ICC trials have dealt with alleged crimes in Africa. The only case currently under investigation outside Africa is in the former Soviet republic of Georgia. Human Rights Watch welcomed the announcement as a step toward ending impunity for crimes in Afghanistan. "Thousands and thousands of Afghans have suffered horrendous human rights abuses and war crimes over the years and there has been no accountability," Richard Dicker of the group's international justice program told The Associated Press. "The announcement today by the prosecutor opens the door to the possibility that for the first time there may be some justice possible for the victims." Bensouda said in a report last year that U.S. forces and CIA agents may have committed war crimes by torturing detainees in Afghanistan between 2003 and 2014. That opens the possibility that Americans could be among those investigated for possible prosecution, even though the U.S. is not among the court's more than 120 members. Taliban and Afghan government forces also may have used torture and committed other atrocities in Afghanistan's long and bitter conflict, the report said. Bensouda said in a statement Friday that if judges approve an investigation, her office "will investigate, within its mandate and means, in an independent, impartial and objective way, crimes within the Court's jurisdiction allegedly committed by any party to the armed conflict." Americans could face prosecution if their alleged crimes took place in a country that is an International Criminal Court member, such as Afghanistan, and if they were not prosecuted at home. However, legal experts say the chances of American service members being charged and sent to face justice at the ICC are remote.

The U.S. is not a signatory to the agreement under which the ICC operates, meaning that it is extremely unlikely that an American judge will simply hand over Americans to be tried.

Since the Taliban commits war crimes just about every day in its efforts to intimidate the Afghan population into submission, it's hard to believe that any "investigation" by the ICC prosecutor would even come remotely close to getting at the truth.

As for American soldiers in Afghanistan, they operate under independent rules of engagement that may or may not conflict with what the ICC considers acceptable. Soldiers who have violated those rules have already been disciplined. It seems redundant to hand them over to the tender mercies of an international court.

Could a U.S. service member receive what we would consider a "fair trial" from the ICC? Hopefully, we won't have to answer that question.
Thirty-eight years ago today, Iranian "students" occupied the U.S. embassy in Tehran and took dozens of Americans hostage. Ultimately, 52 were held for 444 days before being released on the day President Reagan was inaugurated.

November 4 is a red-letter day for the Islamic Republic, and they celebrate it with a huge parade that passes by the former U.S. embassy, which is now a museum dedicated to the revolution.

Today was a little different. The Iranians paraded a new ICBM with a 2,000-mile range.

Associated Press:

Thousands gathered at the former U.S. embassy in downtown Tehran where a missile, believed to be a 2,000-kilometer (1,243-mile)-range solid-fuel Sejjil, was on display. It was the first time Iran displayed a missile during the annual gathering. Later in the day, the semi-official Tasnim news agency, which has ties to the elite Revolutionary Guard, said the missile was a Qadr-F that has the same range. Hundreds of Iranian militant students stormed the U.S. Embassy following the 1979 Islamic Revolution that toppled U.S.-backed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. They took 52 Americans hostage for 444 days after Washington refused to hand over the shah, who was in the U.S. A crowd chanted "Down with the U.S." and "Death to Israel" during the anniversary celebration. State TV said similar celebrations were being held in other Iranian cities and towns. They also burned flags of both the U.S. and Israel as well as an effigy of President Donald Trump. President Trump refused to re-certify the 2015 landmark nuclear deal between Iran and world powers in October and the U.S. has imposed more sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missile program. The U.S. Congress must now make a decision regarding the 2015 nuclear deal, in which Iran agreed to limit its enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the country's Supreme National Security Council, addressed the crowd, saying Iran will make any sanctions imposed by the U.S. "ineffective" even as the U.S. targets Iran's economic, nuclear and defensive power. Shamkhani, alluding to Trump's threats against North Korea, said even U.S. allies know that Trump "has no power to realize his bluffs, against Iran, too." He called the U.S. the "eternal enemy" of Iran.

Obviously, the Iranians decided to deliver a slap in the face to the U.S. by parading their illegal missile. In fact, the entire exercise of honoring the most egregious violation of international law in centuries is unspeakably crass. Iran never suffered any reprisals for taking and holding Americans as hostage. Neither are they suffering any pushback from the U.S. today when they seize innocent Americans and hold them for years on trumped up charges.

Will there ever be a reckoning for this humiliation? Almost certainly not, or at least not directly. We may be forced to take out the Iranian nuclear program eventually but the inaction of Jimmy Carter in the face of the most serious provocation to our national honor in the 20th century will ultimately define our lack of response.

As for the missile, Europe is too busy making money from the opening of trade with Iran to care if the Islamic Republic has missiles capable of leveling their cities. We will receive no backing for fresh sanctions from the E.U., which means that, as usual, the U.S. will face the threat to our security alone.
DICKINSON -- North Dakota Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner has presented a proposal for oil tax distribution to hub cities in the oil patch to the Western Dakota Energy Association.

The proposal would, he said, make meaningful changes to the states oil and gas tax distribution framework, all with the goal of protecting monies allocated to the 17 western oil producing counties of North Dakota from legislative scrutiny.

Wardner said in an interview after his presentation to the association on Thursday that he wants to get the Hub City funding out of the line of fire and protect it for the oil producing counties that have been hit hard with infrastructure needs.

Oil tax distribution in North Dakota boils down to two taxes -- an oil and gas gross production tax and oil and gas extraction tax. The gross production tax exists in lieu of a property tax and it provides the bulk of funding for Hub Cities.

(The state) told the political (subdivisions) out here in the 1950s, Youre not going to be taxing the oil. But the political subs, the counties, the cities and the school districts have impacts from that, Wardner said. The state said, Well take care of you in lieu of a property tax. 

The production tax is that method of taking care of the oil producing parts of the state, though it is frequently targeted by representatives from other parts of the state, Wardner said.

There are people in other parts of the state who are saying they are getting way too much money. But they dont understand  how weve got hammered out here, Wardner said. Its needs. Were not dealing with wants out here. Were just trying to make sure we can take care of the necessities.

In lieu of a property tax on oil producers, the production tax feeds the state and the political subdivisions of the oil-producing counties. It is a 5 percent tax on production that is divided in 1 percent and 4 percent streams. The 1 percent stream doesnt fluctuate if the price of oil goes up or down. The 4 percent stream fluctuates based on the market -- and it is the stream that Wardner wants to float to Hub Cities.

Heres how it works: Of the 17 oil-producing counties in the state, nine of them receive over $5 million per year. The eight counties who receive less divide their totals with 45 percent going to the county, 20 percent going to the city and 35 percent going to the schools.

For the nine counties who receive more than $5 million per year, the money is distributed differently: 60 percent of it goes to the county, 20 to the cities, 5 percent to the schools, the townships receive two different 3 percentages and Hub Cities receive 9 percent. This leaves schools in well-funded counties receiving proportionally less.

The schools are made whole with funds from the 1 percent stream. Wardners proposal consolidates that and all Hub City money into the 4 percent stream.

The remaining money from the 1 percent stream would go right into the state, with some allotments given to a heritage fund and a reclamation fund.

This proposal would divide the production tax money by a 60/40 split between counties and the state, rather than its current 70/30, accommodating for the additional $101.6 million that will be added into it from the 1 percent stream.

Were not really asking for any more money, and remember when the price of oil goes down, all of these numbers get smaller, Wardner said. Remember if the price of oil goes up, there will be more money here -- the state will get more money, and so will the cities.

If we get more money, it means theres more activity out here. We want more oil work out here, we want more workers out here.

The proposal is intended to protect the Hub City monies while laying down a groundwork to distribute future energy profits, he said, with no new money being added -- its just being distributed in different ways.

Dickinson City Administrator Shawn Kessel said he likes this proposal for the consistency it could bring.

The other intent behind this proposal is that it doesnt get touched for three to five to 10 bienniums, so this might be our ability to finally have some stability in regard to the legislation, Kessel said. Theyve tweaked the way they reimburse cities through the oil and gas gross production tax every session for the last four sessions. For us, its really a great place to start to know that in three years, six years and eight years, we will have access to a certain number of funds. It frees us up to make decision in the long-term rather than the short-term.

The oil tax changes in Wardners proposal include:

A school impact fund would receive 2 percent of the counties 40 percent tax allocation. This impact fund cannot be deducted from, but would expressly be intended for school construction and debt repayment.

There is no longer any crossover from the 1 percent stream; instead, the proposal gives the schools a flat 7 percent of the higher total, resulting in $35.6 million in funding on top of what they get in the impact fund. Which is almost the same (as they get currently) and we have 2 percent in an impact fund for school construction and school debt, Wardner said. I think theyll be fine with that.

Cities similarly see a shift in percentages, but receive comparable levels of funding, going from 20 percent and $81.8 million to 16 percent and $81.4 million.

Counties would receive 48 percent, down from 60 percent, but the amount of actual money theyd receive remains close to what it is currently. Its 48 percent of more dollars, Wardner said. Currently the counties receive $245.5 million, under the proposal they would receive $244.2 million.

Townships get consolidated under a flat 4 percent funding, which leaves them with about $5 million less than they currently receive all-told.

Although townships would receive less money, Wardner addressed that.

Heres what Im advocating: you keep your money, you dont share it with anybody, he said. So if youre in the Big Four, Mountrail, McKenzie, Williams and Dunn youre going to be in the ballpark. There are other counties: Burke, Bowman, Stark, Billings -- they would lose some funding. But wheres the action? Weve gotten to the point where with the surge money, we were able to take care of many of the needs. Those four counties -- thats where the activity is.

This is not the final version of this proposal, which has already undergone five iterations, and Wardner said multiple times he wanted to talk to members of the Energy Association, including school administrators and leaders, to get feedback on this proposal.

From Dickinsons perspective, Kessel seemed to think this proposal was politically realistic and beneficial.

At the end of the day, we have to be very conscious of what we can pass. If you consider that as the finality  I think what Senator Wardner has proposed is an excellent foundational document, Kessel said. I dont think this is the final result yet.
Russia's troll farm has had a field day exploiting black grievances in ads on Facebook. Now a Democratic congressman has blamed it on a lack of diversity from the Facebook employees who should have been stopping it. Fighting racial grievance-mongering with new racial grievances? You can bet that the Russian troll farm is getting busy on that one.

According to WBIR-TV:

SAN FRANCISCO  In a heated moment during this week's hearings on Russian social media ads, Rep. Terri Sewell questioned whether the dearth of African Americans in Facebook's workforce contributed to the company's failure to catch Russian operatives using fake accounts to stoke racial tensions ahead of last year's presidential election. Displayed behind Sewell, a Democrat from Alabama, was one of the Russian-backed ads sharing a famous black-and-white photograph of the Black Panthers from 1968. The message: "Black Panthers were dismantled by U.S. government because they were black men and women standing up for justice and equality."

In reality, the problem is that Facebook lacks diversity of ideas. When everyone shares the same outlook, the tendency from there is to move to the extremes. Facebook is composed exclusively of leftists. Those aren't the people who are going to stop a demagogic ad from Russia's Internet Research Agency such as the one described in the WBIR piece.

Let's scroll back to what this is really about to see how it works.

According to the CIA, the Russian agenda is to create chaos and uncertainty. What better way to do it than to rouse up racial grievances that have such a ready audience, something even President Obama knew as he whipped up racial grievances in places like Ferguson? With false descriptions of what went down as rallying cries, such as "Hands up, don't shoot," Obama didn't bother to correct the false facts that were so inflammatory. He amplified the "narrative" instead because he knew there was political hay to be made.

Is a left-wing Facebook employee, whether black or white, going to act at all differently? If there is leftist political hay to be made with whatever ad comes in front of him, you can bet he is going to make it in the name of reinforcing the cause. Score another win for the Russian troll farm, then.

WBIR does try to make the point that a Baltimore black leader engaged in the protests on the grounds of being able to spot the inauthenticity of the Russian "Blacktivist" ad, encouraging the trolls to come to Baltimore:

Well before those disclosures, the black community had raised suspicions about those posing as activists on Facebook and Twitter, though plenty were duped by the ads. When the Russian-backed "Blacktivist" Facebook page and Twitter account called for a march in Baltimore in April 2016 after the police custody death of Freddie Gray, Rev. Heber Brown III, pastor of a Baltimore church, confronted Blacktivist, asking if those behind the account organizing the police brutality march were local. The account responded that it was not based in Baltimore, but was "looking for friendship, because we are fighting for the same reasons." Brown retorted that Blacktivist should "come learn and listen before you lead." When he later learned that the account was fake and based in Russia, Brown said he was stunned that he had disrupted a "Russian op."

But that is an issue of localism, the fact that no one at Facebook is really from Baltimore's poor neighborhoods. A black person from a cosseted Marin County upbringing employed at Facebook isn't going to be any more helpful in spotting a fake Russian ad than a white person would be. The argument here would be More Localism, not more Facebook employees hired solely because they are black. The cosseted employee, whether black or white, would be responding to the loudest voices from the national press, not the local pastor calling for peace from the place where the trouble is on the ground.

And that gets back to the problem with the troll farm: it exploits racial grievances from the wildest voices, the ones that have a national or international reach, the arguments that stand out and spread, not the local perspective on the ground.

Exploiting black grievances has been an old Russian game since the founding days of the Soviet Comintern and its vast propaganda operations. The Soviets exploited Paul Robeson and other prominent blacks of achievement in the pre-civil rights era, and their acolytes were on the ground during the civil rights era itself. There was a reason Martin Luther King, Jr. was being spied on by the FBI, regardless of how it looks now, given the efforts of communists controlled by the Soviet Union to exploit the civil rights movement at the time.

That the Russian troll farm is still going strong on this shows that it's never gone away. They've just repackaged the same old agenda for the internet age. Hiring a few more black employees at Facebook may be a good thing in itself, but it is not the answer to Russia's longtime expertise in exploiting black grievances to drown out reasonable voices and create chaos. Understanding their agenda and refraining from endorsing demagoguery for political gain is. Fighting grievance-mongering with more grievances just won't work.
The most hysterical pundit on TV thinks he "probably owe[s] George W. Bush an apology." Keith Olbermann believes he should say he's sorry not because he thinks it was unfair to call Bush 43 a "liar" and a "war criminal" and called on him to resign.

He thinks he should apologize because Donald Trump is worse.

Washington Free Beacon:

Far-left commentator Keith Olbermann said Friday on "The View" he probably owed George W. Bush an apology based on what the country has comparatively endured with the political rise of President Donald Trump. Olbermann called Bush a war criminal, liar, traitor and fascist during his MSNBC tenure as anchor of "Countdown," and he also called on the 43rd president to resign at the time. However, Olbermann charges in his new book that Trump is a "psychopath." He has called the president a "fascist," "President Moron," a "deranged soulless twit," and worse on his inflammatory Twitter feed, and so he would prefer to have Bush as president instead. Olbermann told "The View" host Meghan McCain that her father, Sen. John McCain (R., Ariz.), was his favorite person in 21st century politics. "In retrospect, based on what we've seen in the past two years in this country, I owe him an apology, I probably owe George W. Bush an apology," Olbermann said. "Shut up," McCain said in surprise. "And I would happily take a third term of George W. Bush rather than this. That's how serious I think it is," Olbermann said.

It should go without saying that Olbermann has no intention of altering his hysterically exaggerated attacks on Trump. He recently tweeted that Trump did more damage to America than Osama bin Laden and ISIS combined.

The spat began when McCain took issue with Olbermann claiming in a Twitter spat with Donald Trump Jr. that the Trump family had done more damage to America than "Bin Laden + ISIS" combined. Osama Bin Laden was the leader of the al Qaeda terrorist network and mastermind of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people. After panelist Sunny Hostin read out the tweet, the audience applauded, but McCain appeared to be shaking with anger, saying, "the comparison is absurd." "You think bin Laden did less damage to America than President Trump?" McCain asked. "Yes," Olbermann said. As Olbermann sipped from a coffee mug, McCain angrily called his rhetoric "so damaging." "Bin Laden was dedicated to the destruction of everything that we hold dear, and our freedom," McCain said. Hostin cut in to say some people believe Trump is also dedicated to that kind of destruction, implicitly suggesting Trump was as bad as bin Laden. "It's not about disrespecting the troops in the slightest, or the servicemen, or your father's service, which astounds me," Olbermann said.

Olbermann is right. His criticism of Trump is not about disrespecting the military. It's about posting bat-guano crazy and rabidly partisan tweets.

Don't bother asking yourself how anyone with two brain cells working could possibly imagine an American president doing more damage than someone who deliberately ended 3,000 innocent lives. First of all, Olbermann fails the brain cell test. Secondly, Olbermann is a part of the paranoid left, whose current target happens to be Trump  but eight years ago, it was Bush trying to end democracy and establish a fascist dictatorship.

The more things change, the more things stay the same for the radical, hysterical left.
When Trump-supporters at his rallies chanted, "Lock her up!"  referring, of course to "Crooked Hillary"  many Democrats were incensed at what they regarded as sloganeering and poor taste. Now, with the latest revelations, they may well join the chorus.

Welcome to the party, Democrats. Better late than never. Hillary tried to steal the election, but ironically, she stole it from the Democrats. She actually stole their money, their organization, and their most politically savvy potential candidate, Joe Biden, who might otherwise today be the sitting president of the United States.

Hillary Clinton has become the J.R. Ewing of the Democratic Party. The fictional character on the hit TV series Dallas (1978-91), J.R. was the wealthy financial schemer who delighted in destroying his rivals and anyone else whom he randomly decided to ruin. Hillary Clinton is every bit the sociopathic, sadistic schemer Ewing was. Able to look a grieving mother in the eye and lie to her, saying her son, a true American hero, was killed at Benghazi because of a video instead of by Clinton-Obama malfeasance, Hillary revealed to many of us a peek into the dark depths of depravity that is the Clinton soul.

Perhaps her followers will now take a retrospective look and conclude, How could we have been fooled? Or will they?

The sad fact is that many Democrats were not the least bit fooled. Just as "everyone knew" about Harvey Weinstein but said nothing, Democrats had long ago learned to avoid, at all costs, offending the Clintons, while pretending to like them. They sold their political souls to a devil, and they are paying the political price. Pray for them that they lose no more soul than that.

Someday, there will be a TV series about Hillary. An apt title for it would be The Left Wing.

Stay tuned, because this is not over yet.

It is rumored that the reason that the New York Times included the Weinstein scandal in its "news fit to print" category was to dry up his cash flow to the Clintons. Donna Brazile's book, Hacks, (referring to Hillary Clinton's subversive takeover of the Democratic Party), is a second major indication that the partisan machinery Hillary hijacked is beginning to catch her among its cogs and gears. If so, she may expect it to be as merciless as she is.

Hillary once openly declared that if she does in fact go to prison, "I won't be the only one." She will almost certainly drag down others with her, beginning with her closest accomplices and confidants.

If the Constitution did not forbid cruel and unusual punishment, the sentence I would like to see imposed would place both Bill and Hillary Clinton in the same 8-by-12 cell.

In the meantime, let us momentarily join, arm in arm, with our Democrat enemies, and with one united voice, chant...
"Anyone who would threaten our nation should know that America always seeks peace, but if we are forced to defend ourselves or our allies, we will do so with military power that is effective and overwhelming."

 Vice President Mike Pence, in a speech at the Minot Air Force Base.

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"If you get the order that something is needed to launch an aircraft, we're ready. There's no heightened security for us or heightened awareness, we're always ready."

 Senior Airman Hayley Prato, at the Minot Air Force Base.

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"I'm just pleading for these crime victims and for their families. They should know where these cases are. They should know that someone is still looking for a loved one. They should know that someone is still looking for a perpetrator. And they don't, and there's nowhere to turn."

 Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., urging the Department of Justice to prioritize investigations of missing and murdered Native American women.

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"Having worked for three governors and through 13 legislative sessions, I've seen a lot of changes in state government, and I'm optimistic about the future of North Dakota with the great team we have in place at OMB. I appreciate having had the opportunity to serve the state of North Dakota and its citizens over the course of my career."

 Pam Sharp, director of the Office of Management and Budget, who has announced her retirement effective Nov. 30.

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"She was a hell of a director. Just a class act, and she'll be hard to replace."

 Sen. Ray Holmberg, R-Grand Forks, chairman of the Appropriations Committee, discussing Pam Sharp.

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"When we terminate programs, we do give some kind of severance package. But I thought the amount was improper."

 Rep. George Keiser, R-Bismarck, commenting on the severance packages given to employees of BreatheND.

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"Especially for Lutherans, the Reformation is the beginning of our church."

 The Rev. Paul Schauer, of Sunne Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wilton, prior to Sundays celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.

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"We didn't have sleeping bags or nothing, so we were just laying on the ground."

 Dean Decent, discussing how he and Beau Azure slept in a park after the Ruth Meiers mens shelter closed.

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"It's something that's been here from day one and now it's not. It was part of the fabric of Medora."

 Ed Schafer, after the wind took the top off the "hanging tree" in front of the Medora post office. The cottonwood was one of the oldest trees in town.

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"The building has absolutely gorgeous timbers and exposed brick. As you get to the top floor you can see all the timbers in the roof."

 Rolf Eggers, discussing the Anderson Building on West Main Avenue that he is renovating.
BLACK REPUBLICAN BLOG - The Republican Party is the party of civil rights and the four Fs: faith, family, freedom and fairness. The Democratic Party is the party of the four Ss: slavery, secession, segregation and socialism (Quote By Author Michael Scheuer).
Its not just millennials and other young people who are souring on free markets (44 percent according to a new poll)  theres also a growing disenchantment among some conservatives.

Acton Research Director Samuel Gregg explains the conservative angst as rooted, among other things, in the threat that upheaval in market economies presents to the permanency, order, tradition, and strong and rooted communities. Conservatives who advocate for free markets should take this critique seriously and rethink about how to integrate their case for markets into the broader conservative agenda. And who better to make this case than Edmund Burke himself:

Rather fewer people know that Burke was a committed free trader, a strong defender of private property, and a skeptic of government economic intervention. He once described Adam Smiths The Wealth of Nations as being in its ultimate results, perhaps the most important book ever written. Burkes literary executors, French Laurence and Walker King, even claimed that Burke was also consulted, and the greatest deference was paid to his opinions by Dr. Adam Smith, in the progress of the celebrated work on the Wealth of Nations. When Smiths magnum opus appeared in 1776, Burke reviewed it for the widely-read Annual Registrar. He sang the books praises as a text which managed to achieve that most difficult of goals: to teach things that are by no means obvious. Yet even before The Wealth of Nations publication, Burke was arguing the case for greater commercial liberty. In parliamentary debates during 1772, for example, he insisted that the best way for societys poorest segments to receive enough bread was through a market free of legislative interference. Over twenty years later, in the midst of Britains epic struggle with Revolutionary France, Burke penned a carefully-worded memorandum entitled Thoughts and Details on Scarcity to Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger in 1795. Here he explained why the state generally shouldnt interfere with the market-price of goods, services, and labor. Burkes strong belief in economic liberty and the institutions and habits which sustain it are not in doubt. The real question is why he held these views. It turns out that Burkes support for extensive commercial freedom wasnt chiefly based upon what we today would call libertarian premises. His main reasons for embracing free markets were those of a conservative.

Read Edmund Burkes conservative case for free markets by Samuel Gregg at the Burkean Journal.

Image: public domain on Wikicommons. 18th century merchant ship.
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ARTESIA POLICE DEPARTMENT

Nov. 3

LIVESTOCK

4:47 a.m.  Officer dispatched to U.S. 82, mile marker 98, in reference to livestock in the roadway.

HARASSMENT

7:43 a.m.  Officer dispatched to the 300 block of West Dallas Avenue in reference to harassment.

DOMESTIC

7:56 a.m.  Officer dispatched to the 300 block of West Dallas Avenue in reference to a domestic dispute.

Nov. 2

ARREST

3:27 p.m.  Adela Maria Ponce, 19, of Roswell, arrested on a magistrate warrant for failure to comply and failure to pay fines.

ALARM

8:04 a.m.  Officer dispatched to the Abo Apartments in reference to an alarm.

ACCIDENT

8:05 a.m.  Officer dispatched to 1406 W. Champ Clark Ave. in reference to an accident.

BURGLARY

8:06 a.m.  Officer dispatched to 1301 S. Ninth St. in reference to burglary.

8:11 a.m.  Officer dispatched to 1102 S. Ward Ave. in reference to burglary.

ACCIDENT

8:13 a.m.  Officer dispatched to North Roselawn Avenue and West Main Street in reference to an accident.

HAZARD

8:34 a.m.  Officer dispatched to West Hermosa Drive and South Second Street in reference to a hazard.

10:23 a.m.  Officer dispatched to North First and East Main streets in reference to a hazard.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

10:54 a.m.  Officer dispatched to the 1000 block of South Sixth Street in reference to suspicious activity.

11:53 a.m.  Officer dispatched to the 1100 block of Cannon Court in reference to suspicious activity.

PROPERTY INCIDENT

12:46 p.m.  Officer dispatched to 1005 W. Hermosa Drive in reference to a property incident.

ALARM

1:04 p.m.  Officer dispatched to 705 N. 16th St. in reference to an alarm.

1:10 p.m.  Officer dispatched to 2006 W. Currier Ave. in reference to an alarm.

WANTED SUBJECT

2:47 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the Public Safety Complex in reference to a wanted subject.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

5:27 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 1500 block of South First Street in reference to suspicious activity.

ACCIDENT

6 p.m.  Officer dispatched to North 26th Street and Wishbone Lane in reference to an accident.

WANTED SUBJECT

6:14 p.m.  Officer dispatched to North First Street and West Richey Avenue in reference to a wanted subject.

DOMESTIC

8:21 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the Abo Apartments in reference to a domestic dispute.

9:40 p.m.  Officer dispatched to Jaycee Park in reference to a domestic dispute.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

11:16 p.m.  Officer dispatched to North 16th Street and West Zydeco Place in reference to suspicious activity.

EDDY COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

Nov. 3

ALARM

2:36 a.m.  Deputy dispatched to 45 W. Blevins Road in reference to an alarm.

LIVESTOCK

4:47 a.m.  Deputy dispatched to U.S. 82, mile marker 98, in reference to livestock in the roadway.

ACCIDENT

4:53 a.m.  Deputy dispatched to U.S. 82, mile marker 98, in reference to an accident.

Nov. 2

PROPERTY INCIDENT

12:45 p.m.  Deputy dispatched to 1005 E. Hermosa Drive in reference to a property incident.

VANDALISM

3:49 p.m.  Deputy dispatched to 147 W. Blevins Road in reference to vandalism.

LARCENY

5:17 p.m.  Deputy dispatched to 145 E. Pearson Road, Lake Arthur in reference to larceny.

ALARM

6:09 p.m.  Deputy dispatched to 308 S. Sixth St. in reference to an alarm.

ACCIDENT

6:25 p.m.  Deputy dispatched to North 26th Street and Wishbone Lane in reference to an accident.

8 p.m.  Deputy dispatched to U.S. 285, mile marker 56, in reference to an accident.
Asia shows strong demand for the phone compared to last 2 models.

First customers display their iPhone X sets at an Apple showroom in Sydney on November 3, 2017. (Photo: AFP)

Sydney/Beijing: Long, snaking lines formed outside Apple Inc stores in Asia early on Friday as fans flocked to buy the new iPhone X, a turnout that contrasts with the more lackluster launches for the past two iterations of the premium smartphone.

Strong initial demand underscores Apples upbeat sales forecast for the year-end holiday shopping season, provided just hours before iPhone X sales began.

In Australia, around 400 people queued outside Apples flagship store in central Sydney to pay A$1,579 ($1,218) for the 10th-anniversary model, a glass-and-stainless-steel device that CEO Tim Cook billed as the biggest leap forward since the original iPhone.

Just 30 people turned up for the September release of the iPhone 8, an incremental update of the iPhone 7.

Its beautiful bro, what a feeling, Im excited, builder Bishoy Behman, 18, told Reuters after picking up two iPhone X as the first in line. He said he camped outside the store for a week before paying to improve his place in the queue overnight.

The iPhone X comes a decade after the original iPhone, the product that powered Apples rise to become the worlds biggest technology company with a market capitalisation of $868 billion.

The firm opened pre-orders on Oct. 27 and has said demand was off the charts. The handset features an edge-to-edge display designed for deeper color rendition and an innovative camera for face-recognition identification.

Analysts have expressed concern that supply issues might stop Apple satisfying early demand. The camera, for instance, has never before been manufactured in the volume Apple demands.

CFO Luca Maestri told Reuters on Thursday that Apple was quite happy with how manufacturing of the iPhone X was progressing. Production is growing every week, and thats very, very important during a ramp period, he said.

In Apples Omotesando store in Tokyo, some 550 people were waiting in a line stretching to around 600 meters.

Im going home, and after having a rest, Id like to have fun (with the phone), said first-in-line Yamaura, a 21-year-old college student who spent six days in the queue.

In Singapore, two tourists from Thailand  which is not an initial launch market  were the first to receive pre-ordered phones at a flagship store in the Orchard shopping district. Arbitrage traders were also in line in an attempt to take advantage of the strong demand. In Hong Kong, some buyers quickly resold iPhone X handsets for a profit, but the resale premium eased as waiting times fell and supply concerns eased.
The government is implementing various schemes to promote these sectors in order to double farmers' income by 2022.

Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh on Saturday called upon investors to leverage opportunities in the country's agricultural sector.

New Delhi: Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh on Saturday called upon investors to leverage opportunities in the country's farm, dairy, poultry and fisheries sectors.

The government is implementing various schemes to promote these sectors in order to double farmers' income by 2022, he said at the World Food India 2017 event here.

"...the world is eager to study and adapt our growth strategy," he was quoted as saying in an official statement.

He added that India has moved ahead from a country facing food shortages to becoming a food exporter.

He said there are investment opportunities here as India is the world's largest milk producer, second largest fruits and vegetable producer, third in the production of fish and fifth in egg production.

Stating that the government is giving emphasis on boosting agricultural growth, Singh said various steps have been taken including launch of schemes like Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, e-NAM, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana and Soil Health Card.

The government has also allowed 100 per cent foreign direct investment in food processing. Speaking at the event, Nestle India Chairman and Managing Director Suresh Narayan talked about different opportunities in the dairy sector.

The per capita consumption of milk is rising in the country and the milk can be fortified with vitamins thereby increasing its nutritional value, he said.

Nekkanti Sea Foods Director Venkat Rao said the opportunities exist in the shrimp sector and also talked about challenges like traceability being faced by the industry.

"India is cost competitive compared to other nations. Skill development is a major area that needs attention," he said.

Rasna Pvt Ltd Managing Director Piruz Khambatta said the food processing industry will not only promote 'Make in India' but also help in doubling farmers' income.
Despite having hurt his leg while shooting, Rajkummar Rao has his kitty full of films fitting for his calibre.

Actor Rajkumar Rao has always been a delight for the critics. It helps that this year has been especially kind to the actor. From his cutting-edge performance in Vikramaditya Motwanes Trapped, to his portrayal of an upstanding polling officer in Newton, which got selected for the Academy Awards, its safe to say that his plate has been full. Despite breaking his leg during the shoot of a reality show recently, the actor feels blessed. In a chat, he speaks about his upcoming film, the year gone by and more

What losses have your broken ankle caused?

I lost three days when I was in the hospital; otherwise, everything is on track. I have been dubbing and also promoting Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana. The only unfortunate part is that we had to push Fanney Khans shoot. I feel bad for my team but they have been so supportive. Ill be back in action within four to five weeks max.

You seem to be going through an exceptionally prolific year

Its certainly one of the best years of my career, but I never planned it like this. I was just shooting for all these films last year. They released this year. I feel very blessed that Im part of all these wonderful films. I know that every year is not going to be the same. But Ill try and keep doing different films and push myself with every film.

It looks like Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana is another small town rom-com like Bareilly Ki Barfi. Isnt that becoming a bit of a problem?

Yes, it is set in a small town, but its not your usual small town rom-com. As an actor, I try to keep it as versatile as possible. About 70 to 80 per cent our country lives in small towns and they definitely feel a connect to these stories and these characters. I feel that small town rom-coms have a charm. Its fun to explore these characters.

What was it like working with the Shaadi Mein... team?

I had a really good time shooting with our team. Ratna maam (director Ratna Sinha) has done a marvellous job as a debutant director and Kriti Kharbanda, my co-star, had my back during every scene. We lived like one big family in Lucknow for about 40-45 days.

Your other film, Hansal Mehtas Omerta, has been received warmly at the Mumbai Film Festival, Busan and Toronto Film Festival

Omerta is a powerful film. As an actor, it took a toll on my mental health. It wasnt an easy character to portray, but Hansal sir pushed me to my limits. We made the film with a lot of honesty and passion. Its the story of an antagonist, so that way it was a first for us. Toronto, MAMI and Busan are all major festivals and Im really happy that we had such an overwhelming response.
The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir, which stars Dhanush in the lead, seems to be in high demand among foreign distributors.

When Dhanush announced that he would be making his Hollywood debut with The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir, the entire film fraternity was in awe of his achievement.

The Vada Chennai actor has completed his portions for the film, which is currently in the post production stage. Directed by Ken Scott, the film stars Dhanush, Berenice Bejo, Barkhad Abdi, Erin Moriarty and Abel Jafri. The movie is based on the novel The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir Who Got Trapped in an Ikea Wardrobe.

From the shooting spot.

Recently, the first-look poster and the movie stills were released and went viral on all social media platforms. A source in the know reveals, Many foreign distributors are keen to secure the rights of the movie across the globe. The comedyadventure film has drawn much attention and the makers are happy with the reception the film has gained.

According to sources, Sony Pictures has acquired the rights of the movie in July. They will be distributing it in France and in the United Kingdom. Further, the distribution rights have been sold in other areas including Italy, Spain, Australia, Japan, Poland, Greece, Israel, Turkey and Portugal.

It is heartwarming to see him getting such welcome in the international circuit, feel the industry experts. The film, which has been shot in English, will see the light of the day in a couple of months.

The story revolves around a magician (played by Dhanush) who embarks on an eventful journey across Europe in search of his estranged father.
Meanwhile, PM Narendra Modi and Mr Gandhi, both star campaigners for their parties, wooed the Patel community in Gujarat.

New Delhi: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Friday met dalit leader Jignesh Mevani and assured him that the demands proposed by the community would be included in the Congress Partys election manifesto. Mr Mevani, who met the Congress vice-president at Navsari in Gujarat, told the media that Mr Gandhi had said 90 per cent of the demands made by dalits in the state were not demands, but constitutional rights.

After the meeting, Mr Mevani, convenor of the Rashtriya Dalit Adhikar Manch, and Mr Gandhi took part in the Congress Navsarjan Yatra. It might be recalled that on Thursday, Mr Mevani had categorically denied having joined any political party, including the Congress. He had said he would meet Mr Gandhi only if the Congress was ready to discuss its stand on demands by the dalit community.

Meanwhile, PM Narendra Modi and Mr Gandhi, both star campaigners for their parties, wooed the Patel community in Gujarat. While Mr Gandhi led an aggressive pitch, invoking Sardar Patel, asking the community to defeat the BJP in the Assembly polls, Mr Modi attended the silver jubilee celebrations of the Akshardham Temple of the Swaminarayan sect. Most of the followers of the Swaminarayan sect are Patels.

With help from Patidar leader Hardik Patel, the Congress is trying to woo the Patels, who have been traditional supporters of Mr Modi and the BJP. They constitute around 12-14 per cent of Gujarat voters and are believed to be unhappy with the BJP over the reservation issue.

'Mr Gandhi also invoked Sardar Patel and Mahatma Gandhi. He said that just like these two leaders brought the British to their knees, now was the time for the six crore people of Gujarat to root out the BJP from Gujarat after 22 years.

He said the Gujarat election was a fight between truth and lies. On one side, it is Gujarats people, on the other some industrialists, Mr Gandhi said while addressing a gathering at Pardi.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson also asserted that Islamabad had not made any efforts to curb terrorism.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar remarks came a day after India repatriated to Pakistan nine fishermen and four civilian prisoners along with a child. (Photo: Twitter | ANI)

New Delhi: The External Affairs Ministry on Friday rejected suggestions that the recent repatriation of prisoners between India and Pakistan could be linked with the resumption of stalled talks and asserted that Islamabad had not made any efforts to curb terrorism.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar also said India has made 52 requests for consular access to Hamid Nihal Ansari, who is in a Pakistani jail, but it has not been granted.

Ansari had crossed over to Pakistan from Afghanistan in 2012 and then went missing. He was later arrested and tried by a Pakistani military court, which pronounced him guilty of espionage.

Replying to a question on whether the repatriation of prisoners between India and Pakistan was indicative of any thaw in ties and may lead to resumption of stalled talks, Kumar said, "It is not right to extend it to that level. There is regular exchange of prisoners from both sides. So, we should not take it to that conclusion."

Kumar's remarks came a day after India repatriated to Pakistan nine fishermen and four civilian prisoners along with a child.

India-Pakistan dialogue hit a roadblock after the Pathankot terror strike by a Pakistan-based terror outfit in 2016.

Asked about Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed's activities, the spokesperson said the 2008 Mumbai terror attack mastermind is an international terrorist and it is the responsibility of the Pakistan government not to give him space to carry out strikes against other countries.

He also asserted that India believes that Pakistan has not put any efforts to curb terrorism or dismantle terror infrastructure in its territory.

On reports from Pakistan that US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had offered mediation on Kashmir during his recent visit to the subcontinent, the spokesperson said there was no truth in it and the issue never figured during the meetings Tillerson had in India.
The government has imposed a five-year ban on the IRF under anti-terror laws and has declared Naik an absconder.

New Delhi: India will soon make a request to Malaysia for the extradition of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, charged by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for radicalising youth, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said on Friday, adding that it was very clear that Naik was in Malaysia.

MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said Indias internal legal processes before approaching a foreign country with an extradition request was nearing completion in the case of Naik. Elaborating, he said these internal processes involve legal consultations with other ministries.

Asked about reports that Naik has been given permanent residency by Malaysia, which maintains that it has not received any official request from India related to terrorism allegations involving the preacher, the MEA spokesperson said, Any formal request where we are seeking the assistance of a foreign government in cases of extradition requires an internal legal process first... we are nearing the completion of this exercise and once its done, we will make an official request to the Malaysian government on this matter. Kumar also said that the nature of the extradition request will be known in next few days.

India has an extradition treaty with Malaysia. And, according to media reports, Naik obtained permanent residency in Malaysia five years ago.

The NIA has charged Naik and the Mumbai-based non-profit Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), which he founded in 1991, with indulging in unlawful activities and promoting religious hatred. The government has imposed a five-year ban on the IRF under anti-terror laws and has declared Naik an absconder.

The internal security division of the home ministry has started preparing a detailed dossier on Naik which will be forwarded to MEA to take up his extradition with Malaysia.

Sources said the dossier would include all details regarding criminal action initiated against Naik by various agencies, including NIA.

The dossier would also include the chargesheet filed by NIA against Naik in a Mumbai court, details as to why the home ministry banned Naiks organisation, IRF, under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), and various summons issued against Naik by NIA designated court. The NIA has already approached Interpol to get a Red Corner Notice issued against him.
The NTPC has initiated a probe to ascertain the reasons behind the blast.

The death toll in the massive explosion on Wednesday at the state-run power giant NTPCs Unchahar plant climbed to over 30. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: Nine men, who have suffered serious burn injuries in the NTPC plant explosion in UPs Rae Bareli, have been shifted to the Safdarjung Hospital here.

According to hospital officials, five of the patients were very critical. Three out of them have suffered around 80 per cent burns, two have got 60-70 per cent burn injuries. The other four patients have suffered burns ranging between 25-45 per cent, doctors said.

While two of the injured persons were brought to the Centre-run facility at around 8 pm on Thursday night, seven others were admitted in the burns ICU of the hospital early Friday morning.

The death toll in the massive explosion on Wednesday at the state-run power giant NTPCs Unchahar plant climbed to over 30.

The doctors also said that the hospital has arrangements in place and more patients can be accommodated in case they are to be brought.

Minister of state for health Anupriya Patel visited the hospital on Thursday night to oversee and ensure that the blast burn patients get the best treatment and care. More than 85 injured people are being treated at hospitals in Rae Bareli and Lucknow.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath, who is abroad, had announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for the family of those killed and Rs 50,000 for the grievously injured, besides Rs 25,000 for other injured workers.

Union power minister R.K. Singh has also announced a compensation amount of Rs 20 lakh to the next of kin of those killed, observing that the earlier ex-gratia was not enough. The NTPC has initiated a probe to ascertain the reasons behind the blast.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the NTPC had said that at unit number 6 of its Unchahar plant, there was a sudden abnormal sound at 20-metre elevation on Wednesday afternoon.

The 1,550-MW plant supplies electricity to nine states, according to officials, and employs around 870 people.
Father of the victim claimed he was targeted due to his Indian descent after 14-yr-old was punched, knocked down.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said she has asked the Indian Embassy in the US to send her a report on the incident about the beating of a Sikh boy. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has asked the Indian Embassy in the US for a report on the alleged beating of a Sikh boy in the Washington State.

According to news reports, the 14-year-old Sikh boy was punched and knocked down by his classmate in the Washington State with his father claiming that his son was targeted because he is of Indian descent.

"I have seen news reports about the beating of a Sikh boy in US. I have asked the Indian Embassy in the US to send me a report on the incident," Swaraj said in a tweet.

I have seen news reports about the beating of a Sikh boy in US. I have asked @IndianEmbassyUS to send me a report on the incident.  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 4, 2017

The boy was attacked by the classmate as someone recorded it and posted it on Snapchat. In the clip, the classmate follows behind the victim and suddenly punches him, knocking him to the ground.

The victim was punched several more times as he tries to protect his head and crawl away, the report said. However, the school district said it was not rooted in hate, but spawned hate speech online.

The victims father said he fears his son was targeted because he is of Indian descent and is a Sikh.

I am feeling so, so bad because this happened with my son, he said.

With inputs from PTI.
The agency sleuths had also conducted searches at 12 locations in Patna and Ranchi.

New Delhi: Fresh trouble seems to be brewing for Rabri Devi, former Bihar chief minister and wife of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, as the CBI is contemplating registering a case of possessing disproportionate assets against her as part of the on-going probe into alleged irregularities committed in awarding tenders for development of railway hotels at Ranchi and Puri to a private company when her husband was the Union rail minister in 2006.

Agency sleuths are scrutinising property related documents recovered during recent searches at the premises of Rabri Devi and her family members, sources said.

Initiating proceedings under a disproportionate assets case against her and her family members cannot be ruled out, they added.

On July 5, the CBI had registered a corruption case against the RJD chief, his family members, including his wife and son Tejashwi Yadav, in connection with alleged irregularities in tenders allotted to a private company  Sujata Hotels  for development, maintenance and operation of two railway hotels, BNR Ranchi and Puri.

The agency sleuths had also conducted searches at 12 locations in Patna and Ranchi.

The premises which were searched include those of the Yadav family as well as RJD chiefs confidant Prem Chand Gupta whose wife, Sarla Gupta, has been named as an accused in the FIR.

Others named in the FIR included Vijay Kochhar, Vinay Kochhar (both directors of Sujata Hotels), Delight Marketing Company, now known as Lara Projects, and then Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) managing director P.K. Goel.

There are also allegations that a nexus existed between Lalu Yadavs family and the sand mafia, who purchased three flats from Rabri Devi in a housing complex, sources said.

Recently, Bihar deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi alleged that Rabri Devi owned 18 flats and to avoid scrutiny by the income tax department and other agencies, sold three to a member of a sand mafia in June this year.

The deputy chief minister also said that with the help of RJD chief and his family members, the sand mafia allegedly acquired mining lease of sand in six districts of Bihar, including Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali and Jehanabad for Rs 237 crore.
The site was almost ready for launch when the cabinet reshuffle caused the promotion of then I&B minister Venkaiah Naidu.

The PIB website provides governments statements, press releases and other information to the media and common people.

New Delhi: In a major revamp of its media interface, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) of government is set to unveil a new and improved interactive multi lingual website for information dissemination.

Sources stated that the website has been designed to improve interactive abilities, provide live telecast of improtant events through the internet and also enhance the governments abilities in social media connectivity.

The website has been developed in several regional languages so that its accessible to journalists from various regional media houses. Currently, the services of the website are only available in Hindi, Urdu and English. Also, the Information and Broadcasting ministry has finalised the design and layout of the portal which is soon to be launched.

The site was almost ready for launch when the cabinet reshuffle caused the promotion of then I&B minister Venkaiah Naidu.

The PIB website provides governments statements, press releases and other information to the media and common people. PIB is a government wing that disseminates official information regarding its policies, proposals and decisions. Interestingly, the PIB had also taken a feedback from media persons on the new website being unveiled by it.
Three bullets fired from a 7.65mm multi-shot contraband pistol had claimed her life.

Bengaluru: Two months after journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh was shot dead outside her house in Rajarajeshwari Nagar on September 5, her killers continue to be on the loose.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the case, is hoping to get the two assassins, whose sketches they released on October 14, while eliciting credible information from public.

According to sources, while the SIT claims to have definite clues on the assassins, the fact is that with each passing day they are losing precious time, evidence and the trail that the criminals may have left behind.

There could be two possibilities. May be SIT is deliberately keeping a low profile, while closely watching the suspects to get more details. The killers seem to be sharp and trained. The way Gauri was killed indicates that her assassins had closely watched her movements for some, said an officer.

Three bullets fired from a 7.65mm multi-shot contraband pistol had claimed her life. Her assassination bears similarity to the killing of noted Kannada litterateur M.M. Kalburgi on August 30, 2015 in his house in Dharwad.
The woman, who came to India on September 17, befriended the suspect on Facebook.

The Russian woman alleged that on September 22 she was taken to a house, where she was raped and that her ordeal continued since then. (Photo: File/Representational)

Mathura: The branch manager of a nationalised bank was arrested for allegedly raping a 20-year-old Russian woman repeatedly since she came to India in September after they forged a friendship on Facebook, a senior police officer said.

The manager of UCO Banks Vrindaban branch, Mahendra Prasad Singh, has been arrested based on a complaint filed by the woman, deputy superintendent of police Vijay Shanker Mishra said Friday.

The woman has been sent for medical examination.

In her complaint, the woman alleged that the banker threatened me with dire consequences if she disclosed his act to anyone.

According to the FIR, she came into contact with Singh through Facebook on November, 2016.

They had frequent conversations afterwards. On his advice, she came to India on September 17 and stayed in the temple town of Vrindavan, according to the FIR.

She alleged that on September 22 she was taken to a house, where she was raped and that her ordeal continued since then.

She said that the complaint was filed after she met another Russian woman who counselled her to do so.
The low-lying areas in north Chennai including Madipakkam, Kovilambakkam and parts of Tambaram continued to be grim till Friday night.

A boy pushes another in a bathtub in a waterlogged street in Chennai on Friday. Incessant rainfall caused waterlogging and jams in several parts of the city. (Photo: AP)

Chennai: Several parts of Chennai went without electricity on Thursday night as heavy rains pounded the metropolis and its suburbs inundating several low-lying areas.

The rains that began at 3 pm on Thursday continued till the small hours of Friday resulting in water-logging on arterial roads including Mudichur, Kovilambakkam, some parts of Tambaram and Madipakkam. However, the water on major roads receded on Friday morning.

The city received nearly 30 cm rainfall in less than 24 hours with the Marina beach area recording the maximum 29.6 cm rainfall between 8.30 am on Thursday and 8.30 am on Friday with beachfront and service lanes.

Six people died in the city owing to various rain-related incidents. The electricity supply was restored on Friday afternoon. The low-lying areas in north Chennai including Madipakkam, Kovilambakkam and parts of Tambaram continued to be grim till Friday night.

The residents either shifted to upper floors or fled their houses over the fear of flooding. Civic authorities and government officials used motors to pump out water from several areas and opened relief shelters in several areas to accommodate people. Greater Chennai corporation distributed continue distributing food packets. Several ministers went around the city overseeing clearing operations.
Feeling humiliated by the teachers action, the duo, stopped attending classes since Friday, said local district education officer (DEO).

This incident took place in a government high school in district headquarter town of Damoh. (Representational image)

Bhopal: Two female students of Class 10 in Madhya Pradesh were strip-searched by their teacher on suspicion of stealing their friends money, said officials on Saturday.

This incident took place in a government high school in district headquarter town of Damoh.

Feeling humiliated by the teachers action, the duo, stopped attending classes since Friday, said local district education officer (DEO).

The DEO has issued show cause notice to the schools principal. According to the complaint, a student of Class 10 on Friday reported to the teacher that a cash of `70 was missing. On suspecting two students, the teacher initially searched school bags.

The teacher then strip-searched the duo to recover the missing money after the latter pleaded that they did not steal.

The act of strip-searching in the class has left the two students shell-shocked, the complaint read.

We have sought a report from the principal of the school in this regard. Strong action will be taken against the teacher concerned if the charges were found to be true after the probe, the sources said.
Maken attached screenshots of previous tweets against Mr Chidambaram by AAP.

New Delhi: Former home minister, P. Chidambaram, who was approached by the Delhi government to take up the case on division of power between the state and Centre, has now become a target of potshots and jibes within the Congress.

On Friday, the Congress DPCC chief Ajay Maken taunted: Congratulations P. Chidambaram. You have been exonerated by your one time critic Kejriwal and AAP. Would AAP now apologise?

Also, Mr Maken attached screenshots of previous tweets against Mr Chidambaram by AAP. On the other hand, former East Delhi MP Sandeep Dikshit was more direct in his attack. In a Facebook post, he reminded Mr Chidambaram that during his tenure, he always tilted towards his ministry and the Centre, whenever there was a conflict with the then Delhi chief minister, Sheila Dikshit.

Mr Dikshit also questioned Mr Chidambarams decision to appoint R.K. Singh (MoS power in the Modi government) as the home secretary. In his post, he claimed that Mr Singh was arrogant and whenever Ms Dikshit-led Delhi government questioned the formers policies, the then home minister always stood by him. Mr Dikshit then wanted Delhi chief minister Mr Kejriwal to clarify how could he join hands with someone (Mr Chidambaram) whom he always accused of being corrupt.

Meanwhile, it was learned that a section of Congress leaders was upset with Mr. Chidambaram for accepting the brief of AAP. They felt that at a time when AAP was working against the interest of the Congress, how could Mr. Chidambaram accept the brief. While the former home minister refused to be drawn into the controversy, insiders maintained that he had only accepted the brief and not appeared in the case. Also, that the matter is of the division of powers between the Government of NCT of Delhi and not of any particular party.
Was second-in-command in TMC, known for organisational skills.

New Delhi: Former TMC leader Mukul Roy, whose was pulled up for Saradha chit fund scam and Narada case, has officially joined the BJP on Friday. Also, he predicted that the saffron party will come to power in West Bengal in the next elections under Narendra Modi-Amit Shah leadership.

Earlier, Mr Roy was considered as the second-in-command in the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC. He is well-known for his organisational skills. It is said, that he might be accommodated in Mr Shahs team.

Also, he could be given charge of some states and few key tasks in West Bengal. Mr Roy, described by the BJP as the veteran public figure and seasoned politician of Bengal, insisted that the BJP is not a communal but a secular force and said, It will be my proud privilege to work under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah.

He also stated that if TMC did not have an alliance with the BJP led NDA during its formative years, it would not have gained such popularity. Mr Roy is one of the founding members of TMC, which he quit recently, after being sidelined.

Union minister Ravishankar Prasad, who handed the membership certificate to Mr Roy at the BJP headquarters, said the latter had a big role in establishing the TMC.

Following this, Mr Roy met the party president, Amit Shah. Mr Prasad also recalled how Mr Roy fought against the CPI(M) in a very effective manner which had ruled the state for 30 years before the TMC.

The Union minister insisted that Mr Roys joining the BJP would help the saffron party in West Bengal. When asked about corruption allegations against him, Mr Roy said, The law will take its own course. Mr Roy had resigned from the Rajya Sabha and quit the TMC earlier this month. He was suspended from the party for six years for indulging in anti-party activities after he announced that he would quit the party last month.

JP national general secretary and in charge of West Bengal Kailash Vijayvargiya were also present on the occasion.
Shahs tour is a precursor of sorts to Prime Minister Narendra Modis Gujarat campaign in the second week of November.

New Delhi/Gandhidham: Launching a week-long campaign in poll-bound Gujarat, BJP chief Amit Shah on Saturday posed five questions to counter Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, all of which revolved around the Narmada Dam project and UPA-era grants to the state.

Addressing a rally in Gandhidham, Kutch district, Mr Shah said that Gujarat faced maximum discrimination during the UPA regime and people of Gujarat will remember that while voting for Assembly polls next month.

Mr Shah then posed questions to Congress vice-president, asking why permission wasnt granted for completion of the Narmada project by the Congress government and why they had not permitted closing of the gates of Narmada dam. The other questions he posed were: Why was no special grant given to the Rann or salt marshes in the Kutch region?; Why was Gandhinagar not given central grant when UPA was in power?; and Why was crude oil royalty grant denied to Gujarat for many years by the UPA government?

Over the next six days, the BJP president will travel to 33 districts of Gujarat, beginning with Kutch, Morbi and Surendranagar on Saturday.

Mr Shahs tour is a precursor of sorts to Prime Minister Narendra Modis Gujarat campaign in the second week of November.

Mr Gandhi has been extensively campaigning in the state which will go for a two-phased polling on December 9 and 14.

Addressing supporters in Patidar-dominated Varachha, in the diamond hub of Surat, Mr Gandhi had said recently that the reality of BJP and Gujarat were two different things, and the fight was now between the two.

You gave everything and wanted employment, education for your children, treatment for your ailment. Did you get it? Every time you click a selfie, a youth in China benefits, he had said.

Saying that only the small and mid-sized businessmen of Surat can challenge the China story, Mr Gandhi termed demonetisation and the hasty implementation of the Goods and Services Tax as a twin attack on the people of the country.

The Congress leader promised to return to Surat on November 8, when demonetisation completes one year. His visit will clash with Mr Shahs week-long travel plans in the state.

The Congress party has been assiduously wooing the trio of young leaders Hardik Patel, Jignesh Mevani and Alpesh Thakore. While Mr Thakore has already joined the Congress, the other two have extended their support.
Sources claim that the RJD chief is also likely to hold meetings with leaders of other regional parties to draw poll strategies.

Patna: In what appears to be RJD getting battle-ready for the polls in 2020, party chief Lalu Yadav on Saturday hinted that the party had started drawing strategies to corner CM Nitish Kumar and BJP in the state Assembly elections. Lalu Yadav also maintained that as the Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) had lost credibility in Bihar after the grand secular alliance collapsed in July this year, they were directly competing with the BJP.

Nitish Kumar has lost credibility and he will get a fitting reply from people in elections. The fight will be between RJD and the BJP. The JD(U) will be nowhere, Lalu Yadav said.

Sources claim that the RJD chief is also likely to hold meetings with leaders of other regional parties to draw poll strategies. Reports suggest that Lalu Yadav is already in touch with a few regional leaders including the RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha.

RJD insiders claimed that Lalu Yadav and estranged JD (U) leader Sharad Yadav have been making strategies to corner Nitish Kumar and his party on two major issues  liquor prohibition failure and series of scams including Srijan and the recently surfaced toilet scam.

Nitish Kumar can get an idea of scams at any point of time (sic), RJD chief Lalu Yadav said in a tweet. He took a dig at Nitish Kumar after the government officials and NGOs were charged with misappropriating funds to the tune of `13 crores meant for construction of toilets in Patna.

Patna district magistrate Sanjay Kumar had found irregularities in the withdrawal of funds during the review meeting of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED). An initial probe showed that the executive engineer associated with the department had failed to prove that the money was transferred to the NGOs to construct toilets. The committee formed to probe the matter had also found that payments to several beneficiaries for the toilets constructed during 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014- 15 were pending. Two government officials and four NGOs have been charged with misappropriating funds, officials said.

The toilet scam is a major scam after Srijan of Bhagalpur in which over Rs 1,000 crore were allegedly diverted to the account of NGOs.

This government didnt even leave money sanctioned for toilets. What will Nitish Kumar answer to people about these two major scams? Lalu Yadav said.
Researchers find very few links between different aspects of social media use among young adults and possible mental health problems.

Only worrying trend found had to do with vaguebooking, which refers to a person's tendency to write social media posts that contain little actual and clear information. (Photo: AFP)

New York: More time spent on Facebook and Twitter may not lead to poor mental health, according to a study which suggests that how people use social media is more important than the time they spend doing so.

There has so far been no evidence supporting the view that the amount of time spent on social media affects mental health in young people, said Chloe Berryman of the University of Central Florida in the US.

Researchers found very few links between different aspects of social media use among young adults and possible mental health problems such as loneliness, decreased empathy and social anxiety.

"We do not deny the potential for some online behaviours to be associated with mental health problems, rather we propose that research focus on the behaviour of individuals rather than assume media is the root cause of all socio- personal problems," said Berryman, lead author of the study published in the journal Psychiatric Quarterly.

Berryman compared the response that some people have to social media to a form of "moral panic" such as that surrounding video games, comic books and rock music.

Berryman and her colleagues analysed the responses of 467 young adults to a variety of questionnaires.

They were questioned about the amount of time per day they spent using social media, the importance it has in their lives, and the way they used social media.

Their current mental health state, levels of social anxiety, the quality of their relationship with their parents and the amount of social support that they could count on were also assessed.

Aspects such as general mental health symptoms, suicidal ideation, loneliness, social anxiety and decreased empathy were also considered.

The only worrying trend found had to do with vaguebooking, which refers to a person's tendency to write social media posts that contain little actual and clear information, but are worded in such a way as to solicit attention and concern from potential readers.

Young people who tended to often write such posts were found to be lonelier, and to have more suicidal thoughts than others, researchers said.

"Vaguebooking was slightly predictive of suicidal ideation, suggesting this particular behaviour could be a warning sign for serious issues," said Berryman.

"It is therefore possible that some forms of social media use may function as a 'cry for help' among individuals with pre-existing mental health problems," she said.

"Overall, results from this study suggest that, with the exception of vaguebooking, concerns regarding social media use may be misplaced.

"Our results are generally consistent with other studies which suggest that how people use social media is more critical than the actual time they spend online with regards to their mental health," Berryman added.
An inner-city ban went into effect on Wednesday, after a court ruling a day earlier that sided against 4 businesses offering the service.

An inner-city ban went into effect on Wednesday, after a court ruling a day earlier that sided against 4 businesses offering the service. (Photo: AFP)

The beer bike, a 12-seat rolling bar popular among partying tourists in Amsterdam, is no longer welcome along the citys picturesque canals.

An inner-city ban went into effect on Wednesday, following a court ruling a day earlier that sided against four businesses offering the service.

The court agreed with the city that the beer bikes disrupt public order and block traffic in narrow streets, with riders shouting and urinating in public.

The ban is justified because of the combination of traffic congestion, disorderly behaviour and crowded city centre, it said in its ruling.

Amsterdam is well known for its red light district with brothels and coffee shops selling marijuana, but the millions of annual visitors have long been a nuisance for residents.
Fraudulent withdrawal of money from accounts of victims leaves police baffled.

At times, the caller first asks the victim for their Aadhaar number and then tells them it is a verification call. (Representational Image)

New Delhi: Several complaints of fraud, in which money was suspected to be siphoned out of bank accounts of victims on the pretext of linking Aadhaar cards to their respective bank accounts and mobile networks, have left the police in Delhi-NCR baffled.

According to the police, the digital fraud is carried out in a planned way by scammers and seems to be similar to the debit card scams where people used to fall prey and ended up giving confidential information on a phone call. Though the police is investigating a number of these cases, which involves Aadhaar-linked United Payments Interface apps, its just the tip of the iceberg.

A police officer in economic offences wing said that the modus operandi in this racket involves a complicated procedure in which a caller, pretending to be a representative of a bank, calls a customer and says that the victim has not updated or linked his Aadhaar number with the bank. To gain the confidence of the victim, the fraudsters even give out the common 12-digit code on the debit card, which would be unique to each bank, and then ask them to reveal the remaining four digits, unique to each customer. Along with the last four digits, the victim is asked to reveal the CVV (card verification value) number or ATM pin.

At times, the caller first asks the victim for their Aadhaar number and then tells them it is a verification call. The caller then asks them to reveal the code sent to their phone from the Unique Identification Authority of India to complete the verification process. When the victim reveals this number, the fraudsters place orders by using various payment modes like Paytm, Billdesk, and other platforms that immediately generate a one-time password (OTP) on the customers mobile.

As the customer is in the dark about the actual fraud and presumes that the OTP is for linking Aadhaar with debit/credit card, he/she shares the OTP with the fake tele-callers. As the OTP has short validity (between 5 and 15 minutes), the culprits make as many purchases as possible using various gateways. On the other hand, the victim gets confused on seeing a series of alerts regarding purchase of mobile recharge coupons and products online.

A police officer, on the condition of anonymity, said that the fraudsters seem to be operating from Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. However, no arrests have been made till date.
The government had in June last approved the Delhi Solar Energy Policy aimed at generating 1,000 MW solar power by 2020.

New Delhi: In a major step towards implementing the Aam Aadmi Party governments solar policy, the power distribution companies will be able to purchase 1,000 MW of clean electricity by the year 2019.

Power minister Satyendra Jain on Friday said that the government will get more clean energy, if required, to keep air pollution in check.

Discussions with the three discoms were on for six months and they have agreed and an in-principle agreement has been reached. Around 1,000 MW clean energy will be purchased for Delhi, he said.

The government had in June last approved the Delhi Solar Energy Policy aimed at generating 1,000 MW solar power by 2020.

The central government agency, Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) Limited, will be the nodal agency for undertaking the tendering process for the project.

Mr Jain said it was expected that the clean electricity cost will be below Rs 3 per unit. Our expectation is that the cost will be below Rs 3 per unit. The average cost of purchase of electricity in Delhi is at present Rs 5.50 per unit, he said.

The government is planning to provide subsidy to farmers for purchasing solar pumps for irrigation purposes. Shops and cottage enterprises in residential areas using up to 5 KW will be treated under domestic category, bringing down power bills of the poor.
Takes away Rs 1,500, 7,000 Taka.

New Delhi: A Bangladeshi national was allegedly penalised by a fraud posing as a Delhi police crime official near Poland embassy in Chanakyapuri area on Friday. The victim had gone to the embassy to collect his passport where he was penalised for smoking. The accused intimidated him and took a bribe to set him free.

The victim, Mohammad Jabedual Bahar, is a resident of Chittagong in Bangladesh and is presently living in Greater Noida. In his complaint, he said that on Friday while he was waiting in front of the Poland embassy to collect his passport, an unknown person riding a scooter approached him and penalised him for smoking in the no-smoking zone. The accused took Mr Bahar with him on his scooter and when they reached Bihar Niwas, the accused asked him to pay fine or he would take him to the police station.

Mr Bahar, who wanted to avoid going to the police station, paid him 7,000 Bangladeshi Taka and Rs 1,500 in Indian currency. However, the accused did not give any challan receipt to Mr Bahar but allowed him to go. Sensing that he was cheated, Mr Bahar returned to the Poland embassy where he made a PCR call and informed the matter to the police.

He further wrote in his complaint, I am a student of Bangladesh. Now I want to go back to my embassy and dont want any action to be taken in this matter.

However, the police is not in a mood to let the accused go free and has initiated an investigation to nab the culprit.

We have filed a complaint against the unknown person under various sections of IPC. This is a serious matter and we are examining the CCTV footage of the said areas to trace the accused. We will soon identify him and take action as per law, said a senior police official on the condition of anonymity.
Baby was taken away from her mothers lap.

New Delhi: An 18-day-old infant allegedly succumbed to injuries after she was attacked by a pig that caught her in its jaws and mauled her in Bhati Mines in South Delhis Fatehpur Beri.

According to police, the horrific incident took place on Friday afternoon at Bhati Mines in Fatehpur Beri. The deceased was the daughter of Rajpal, a labour, and Puja. The couple have two other children, both sons. The deceased infant, Pushpa, was rushed to AIIMS Trauma Centre where she died during treatment.

Police has registered a case under Section 289/304 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Probe reveals that Puja was breast feeding her child when suddenly the pig came from nowhere and snatched away the infant clutching her under its teeth. It then ran towards the jungle. A shell-shocked Puja immediately raised an alarm, following which the family rushed to save the child. By the time they managed to free her from the animals clutches, it had left her critically injured. The child had sustained critical injuries on her face.

According to the family, while they were trying to free the child, the animal mauled the child by snapping her between its teeth. She could only be freed after the locals attacked the animal with wooden canes. Police was informed and a team rushed to the spot. The child was moved to AIIMS Trauma Centre, where during treatment the child succumbed to her injuries.

Chinmay Biswal, the additional commissioner of police (South), said: We have registered a case under relevant sections and a probe has been ordered to trace the owner of the pet animal. The post-mortem was conducted on Saturday and the body was later handed over to the bereaved family. An investigation is underway in this connection.
Mukul has been roped in by the BJP eyeing panchayat elections next year.

Kolkata: The BJP is planning to introduce Mukul Roy formally to its workers as its key functionary at its rally in the city on November 10. The rally to protest the alleged atrocities by the Trinamul Congress will be held at Shahid Minar ground. It will also be the first public appearance of Mr Roy in a new party and with a new position.

He is also expected to address the rally. It is not however clear which position would be accorded to Mr Roy who has been roped in by the BJP eyeing the panchayat elections in the state scheduled next year.

Sources indicated that the former Rajya Sabha MP would be given the role of strengthening the partys organisation at the booth-level which is known to be his domain. During the day the state BJP leadership held a meeting on the November 10-rally and Mr Roy's participation to it.

State BJP president Dilip Ghosh said, Mr Roy joined BJP as a worker without any condition. He will be assigned the task required in a suitable capacity after discussing it with him. We will fully exploit his capability and experience. In all likelihood he will come here on November 6 and he would be present at the November 10-rally.

He elaborated, Mr Roy ran a party in the panchayat elections and ensured the party's victory. He knows everyone at the booth-level and the people also recognise him. In many booths we do not have our presence. His induction will strengthen our party's presence at the booth level with his followers entry which will be a boost to our base.

On Mr Roy's alleged links with Saradha and Narada cases, the Kharagpur MLA added, The BJP is fighting against corruption. We will not accommodate anyone in our party with corruption links. We however do not hold someone guilty untill his offence is proved.

He however maintained that many others would switch to the BJP courtsey him and not Mr Roy. A day after his induction, Mr Roy called up Mr Ghosh in the afternoon. Their conversation lasted for around half-an-hour during which Panchayat polls came up, sources revealed. Mr Roy is expected to arrive the city from New Delhi on November 6 morning.

He will visit his home at Kanchrapara in North 24 Parganas from where he would travel to the state BJP headquarters at Muralidhar Sen Lane in central Kolkata, sources added. Trinamul minister Firhad Hakim however maintained that Mr Roy's entry to the BJP would not affect the ruling party anyway.
A senior official from the states publicity department said the government was aware of the images being shared.

Mumbai: The state governments decision to commemorate its three years in office by releasing photographs of beneficiaries of government schemes was scorned by netizens, after pictures of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders facing allegations for their involvement in various scams went viral on social media on Friday. The BJP-led state government, which turned three on October 31, has used a mi labharthi (I am the beneficiary) tagline to publicise its various schemes with photos of beneficiaries.

On Friday, the social media was abuzz with the coordinated release of photographs depicting BJP minister Prakash Mehta, Pankaja Munde, Vinod Tawde; rebel Congress leader Narayan Rane and Senas Subhash Desai as the real beneficiaries of the government. Allegations against all these leaders accompanied the photographs. Opposition leaders quickly shared these images on social media. NCPs Chitra Wagh put those on Twitter, followed soon by NCP MP Supriya Sule and other senior members of the party. The pictures went viral first on WhatsApp and Facebook also.

A senior official from the states publicity department said the government was aware of the images being shared. No political party has claimed that the photos were circulated by them. I think it is a political issue and administration should be kept out of it.

Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant also slammed state government. In those photos published by the government, they have shown a road from Bangkok as the one from Maharashtra. It seems just like in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, vikas has gone crazy here as well, Mr Sawant said. The government is suffering from a disease called pathological lying. It has been using fancy taglines to prove that it has worked for people. It is hell bent on spending government money on advertising than on doing actual work, he said.
The GR said that the weight of schoolbags should be 1/10th the weight of students.

Mumbai: Five months since schools have opened and there is still no survey to check the weight of schoolbags, as was directed by the Maharashtra government through a government resolution (GR) in 2015.

The GR said that the weight of schoolbags should be 1/10th the weight of students, which means if a student weighs 40kg, his schoolbag should weigh no more than 4 kg. The GR further said that the department would conduct surprise checks in all schools where weight of the schoolbags was measured by officials.

This year, a notification was once again sent to all schools in June, directing education officers (EOs) in Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Palghar to implement the school bag policy.

However, a source close to the department said, For the past four months, we have been busy with first year junior college (FYJC) admissions, which too, started in June. Hence, it is very difficult to manage.

When this newspaper asked the deputy director of education officials to show data of the survey conducted of all schools in Mumbai city, they claimed that data for Mumbai and Thane was not available.

When contacted, B.B. Chavan, deputy director of education, Mumbai division, said, Though we dont have the data, a monthly survey is conducted and sent to the Maharashtra Government.The policy of reducing the weight of schoolbags was initially framed by the Bombay high court after Swati Patil, a city-based activist filed a PIL raising concern over heavy bags. Patil said, I inquired in schools near me and with the children but they said they havent seen any officers at their schools to measure the weight of schoolbags and conduct the survey. Moreover, they have changed the syllabus of class seven and class nine students this academic year, making the weight of textbooks a bit heavier, Patil told The Asian Age.
The police arrested Atul Tawde (26), who is the brother of Mangles first wife, and worked as his driver and bodyguard.

Mumbai: The Thane polices crime branch arrested the driver-cum-bodyguard of detective Satish Mangle in connection with IAS officer Radheshyam Mopalwars extortion case. The police has also learnt that Mangle used a Sri Lankan SIM card to make extortion calls to the victims. He was planning to leave for Sri Lanka in the early hours of Friday.

The SIM card of a Sri Lankan mobile operator was used by Mangle to make all the extortion calls. He has amassed properties including 2 flats in Nalasopara and Mira Road and has also invested over a crore in a land parcel, said a Thane crime branch officer.

Investigators stated that Mangle also had bought online space in the form of cloud storage in three drop boxes, in which he stored call recordings that he used to blackmail victims. The identities of other victims are in the process of being identified.

The police arrested Atul Tawde (26), who is the brother of Mangles first wife, and worked as his driver and bodyguard. Tawde would accompany Mangle everywhere, even during his meetings with Mopalwar. The meetings between Mopalwar and Mangle took place at a star hotel in Mumbai, a resort in Badlapur, and near Bhiwandi, where Tawde was also present, said an officer of Thane crime branch. The police has asked the resort and star hotel for details of the CCTV footage of the dates when the meetings took place.
The programme began last November 19, when former President Pranab Mukherjee delivered a centenary lecture.

In Himachal Pradesh, the Congress was feeling confident as long as the Bharatiya Janata Party had not declared a chief ministerial candidate because it got an opportunity to taunt the saffron party that it did not have a face to project in the hill state. But now that BJP president Amit Shah has announced Prem Kumar Dhumal as its pick for the chief ministers job, the Congress campaign has lost its bite. In fact, Congress leaders fear that Mr Shahs statement could have ramifications not just in Himachal Pradesh but also in Gujarat, which is headed for polls in December. Now, the boot is on the other foot as it is the BJPs turn to reproach the Congress to declare its chief ministerial candidate in Gujarat. The Congress finds itself on the backfoot here. Though the party has many state leaders like Bharatsinh Solanki, Tushar Chaudhary and Arjun Modhwadia, none of them can be described as mass leaders or crowd pullers. On the contrary, these leaders are a discredited bunch as Congress insiders confess that the electorate is tired of these old faces, which have been on the scene for over a decade and yet have failed to make any impact.

It is said that a man is known by the company he keeps. Likewise, the chief ministers are known by the advisers they appoint. Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is a case in point. He has obviously not learnt any lessons from the late Congress leader Arjun Singh, who was reputed to pick the best bureaucrats as his staff members when he headed the Madhya Pradesh government. Mr Chouhan was recently in the news for his remark that the roads in his home state were far better than those in America. This video clip predictably went viral and Mr Chouhan was trolled mercilessly on social media. It transpires that the chief minister made these comments in the course of a lengthy closed-door meeting but the entourage of bureaucrats, which accompanied him, were in such a tearing hurry to release the details of this conversation to the media that it did not occur to them that they should edit this statement since it was bound to be ridiculed. On the other hand, they are learnt to have convinced the chief minister that he neednt worry as he was on the right track. As a result, Mr Chouhan has continued to speak in the same vein even after his return from a US trip, pointing out proudly that Indore and Bhopal are far cleaner cities than New York and that Madhya Pradesh is far better than the US or England.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi had constituted a 21-member committee last year to draw up a series of events to mark the birth centenary of Indira Gandhi and several sub-groups were set up for specific activities connected with the programmes. The year-long celebrations are to conclude in a grand finale on November 19, for which the Congress is learnt to have booked the Talkatora Stadium.

In addition, there is talk of a massive public rally in Chikmangalur, Karnataka. However, several members of the Sonia Gandhi-appointed panels privately complain that they were not involved in planning the events and have no idea about what has been planned for November 19. In fact, some sub-groups did not hold even a single meeting as senior leaders, considered close to the Congress president, discussed the programmes directly with her. Congress leaders are also upset as they believe the party has not done sufficient justice to Indira Gandhis memory who deserved to be remembered with events befitting her stature. The programme began last November 19, when former President Pranab Mukherjee delivered a centenary lecture.

An exhibition of rare photographs was organised by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, but little is known about any other events which may have been planned by the partys state units.

Though well-known in his home state, Karnataka minister D.K. Shivakumar was not a recognisable figure at the national level. However, he shot to fame last August when the income-tax conducted a series of raids on his properties. The tax raids were carried out at a time when 43 Gujarat MLAs were flown down to Mr Shivakumars resort near Bengaluru to stave off any defection from their ranks before the crucial Rajya Sabha poll. Now months later, Mr Shivakumar is on a public relations drive. He recently wrote personal letters to all Congress leaders thanking them for their support both inside and outside Parliament during the raids. Mr Shivakumar also expressed his gratitude to the party leadership for supporting a local Congressman at such a critical time and assured everyone that although he was under immense pressure he would never let the party down. Needless to say the letter has gone down well with his party colleagues and should help him score some brownie points with the Congress leadership.
Mr Sharifs daughter Maryam and her husband Muhammad Safdar also were present during Fridays hearing.

Islamabad: Pakistans ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday appeared before an anti-graft court which adjourned till November 7 the hearing of corruption cases against him, his daughter and son-in-law spiralling from the Panama Papers scandal.

Mr Sharifs daughter Maryam and her husband Muhammad Safdar also were present during Fridays hearing.

At the start of the hearing, the defence asked the accountability judge to consider the verdict of the Islamabad high court, which on Thursday ordered the accountability court to hear again theplea that Mr Sharifs three cases should be clubbed together.

The anti-graft court last month rejected an application by Sharif that since all three cases deal with assets beyond means, so they should be taken up as a single case.

The decision was challenged in the IHC which referred the case to the anti-graft with an order to re-hear it. However, the IHC did not issue detailed verdict and Mr Sharifs lawyer asked the court to adjourn the hearing till a comprehensive judgement.

Later, Mr Sharif told the media that he was victimised. He said that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Asif Ai Zardari was pleasing someone else by abusing him.

I dont have to say anything as the present situation and actions are in front of everyone, he said. He asserted the PML-N struggled for the freedom of judiciary. I am being punished for initiating China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), restoring peace in Karachi and overcoming load shedding, he added.
Liu Xia has undergone great suffering for many years, simply for being the wife of a man that China has deemed to be a dissident.

London: More than 50 prominent international authors have written a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping urging him to free Liu Xia, the wife of deceased Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo, a report in the Guardian said on Friday.

The letter, signed by Chimamanda Adichie, Philip Roth, Margaret Atwood, Tom Stoppard and George Saunders, appealed to Mr Xis conscience and sense of compassion to release Liu Xia, who has been under house arrest since 2010 despite never being accused of any crime, the report added.

Margaret Atwood

We urge you to lift all remaining restrictions against Liu Xia, and to ensure her freedom of speech, her freedom to meet with others, and her freedom to travel, the joint letter as quoted by the Guardian said.

Liu Xia has undergone great suffering for many years, simply for being the wife of a man that China has deemed to be a dissident.

She is in poor health, she is isolated from those who care for her, and she is grieving deeply for the loss of her husband.

George Saunders

The letter decried her de facto incommunicado detention and cited Chinas own Constitution, which technically guarantees freedom of expression, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in appealing for Liu Xias release.

She is suffering from heart problems and depression, according to friends who have spoken with her.

Liu Xia was last seen publicly on July 15 in photos of the memorial service for Liu Xiaobo, who died in custody two days earlier. In a video posted to YouTube in July she said: I am outside recuperating, everyone please grant me time to mourn, time for my heart to heal and one day I will be able to face you all in a healthy state.

There were concerns at the time the comments were not made of her own free will.

The letter signed by 52 literally and theatre figures was organised by PEN America, a group that advocates for freedom of expression around the world. It was also signed by Teju Cole, Louise Erdrich, Michael Chabon, Chang-rae Lee and Stephen Sondheim. The group also opened the letter to signatures from the public.
Thousands of Iranians protested in Tehran against Trumps policies and to mark the anniversary of the 1979 US embassy siege.

Protesters beat effigies of Trump with sticks in front of the former embassy compound while what appeared to be a dummy ballistic missile was put on display in a sign of defiance following new US sanctions. (Photo: AFP)

Tehran: Chanting Death to America and burning the US flag, thousands of Iranians protested in Tehran Saturday against President Donald Trumps policies and to mark the anniversary of the 1979 US embassy siege.

The storming of the embassy in Tehran by students, months after the Islamic revolution, led to a 444-day hostage crisis and a break in diplomatic relations that continues to this day.

Protesters beat effigies of Trump with sticks in front of the former embassy compound while what appeared to be a dummy ballistic missile was put on display in a sign of defiance following new US sanctions.

This year, Trumps anti-Iranian policies have mobilised more Iranians, Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council.

Trumps administration has taken a tougher line with Iran, threatening to tear up an international accord on its nuclear programme.

Last month Trump refused to certify the 2015 deal between Tehran and world powers that lifted sanctions in return for limits on Irans atomic programme, saying he could pull out at any time.

The United States has also imposed new sanctions over the Islamic republics ballistic missile programme.

A statement read out at Saturdays protest said Iranians see the criminal America as their main enemy and condemn the denigrating remarks of the hated US president against the great Iranian people and the Revolutionary Guards.

Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged Iranians on Thursday to never forget that America is the enemy.

To give in to the Americans makes them more aggressive and insolent. The only solution is to resist, he said.
The Nepal Police nabbed Pappu Shah, a resident of Arariya district in Bihar, following information provided by another drug peddler.

Pappu used to illegally bring narcotic drugs from India and supply in different parts of the country, including Kathmandu. (Photo: File/Representational)

Kathmandu: A 25-year-old Indian national has been arrested in Nepal for allegedly smuggling drugs into the country.

The Nepal Police nabbed Pappu Shah, a resident of Arariya district in Bihar, following information provided by another drug peddler arrested on Thursday.

Pappu used to illegally bring narcotic drugs from India and supply in different parts of the country, including Kathmandu.

In another incident, a Norwegian national was nabbed from Tribhuvan International Airport during a security check while he was about to board a flight to Doha.

Police confiscated over 2 kg hashish hidden in his leather bag.
Islamic State's territory is now reduced to a city in Syria and a village in Iraq. But even without a land base, it remains dangerous as its members could reorganise themselves into an insurgency.

Damascus (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The so-called Islamic State (IS) group is now reduced to a single Syrian border town, a village on a bank of the Euphrates in Iraq and some patches of nearby desert. Despite its latest defeats in Syria and Iraq, there are fears the group will reconstitute as a guerrilla force.

Iraqs Prime Minister Haidar Abadi yesterday announced that government forces re-captured al-Qaim.

On the Syrian side, government forces declared victory in Deir al-Zor, the last major city in the countrys eastern desert where the militants still had a presence. The city is also Syrias main oil-producing area.

Fighting for the city had forced some 350,000 civilians in Deir al-Zor province to flee. In the city itself, engineering units are now searching streets and buildings for mines and booby traps left behind by IS fighters.

IS had designated the area on both sides of the border as its "Euphrates Province" and used it to transfer fighters, weapons and goods between Iraq and Syria.

The cross-border province was also a symbol of the jihadists' intention to wipe out the region's borders and lay to rest the 1916 Sykes-Picot agreement, with which Great Britain and France had carved up the Middle East in their respective areas of influence.

At present, IS controls the village of Rawa, on the Iraqi side of the Euphrates River, and the Syrian city of Albu Kamal. Syrian forces are now about 40 kilometres from the latter, getting ready for the final push.

Officials from both countries confirm that ISs defeat could be easily achieved. IS has now been driven out from about 95 per cent of the land it once held in Iraq and more than 4.4 million Iraqis have been freed from its rule.

However, the group is not yet beaten. Now the danger is that its fighters might morph into an insurgent organisation that could launch attacks despite its lack of a territory.
Islamic groups are making inroads in Indonesias public and political life. Authorities warn against radical infiltrations in student organisations and campuses. Intolerance grows among middle-income Indonesian suburbanites.

Jakarta (AsiaNews/Agencies)  Nearly 20 per cent of high school and university students in Indonesia support the establishment of a caliphate over the current secular government. Nearly one in four students said they were ready to fight for their religious beliefs to achieve a caliphate, this according to a new survey by Jakarta-based pollster Alvara released on Tuesday.

Indonesia, the worlds most populous Muslim country, has in recent years seen its long-standing reputation for religious tolerance come under scrutiny as hard-line Islamic groups muscle their way into public and political life in the young democracy.

Most Indonesians practice a moderate form of Islam and the country has sizeable minorities of Hindus, Christians, and people who adhere to traditional beliefs. Religious diversity is enshrined in the Constitution.

However, at the end of last year, extremist Islamic movements organised mass demonstrations against then Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, an ethnic Chinese Christian also known by his nickname Ahok, whom they accused of insulting Islam.

In April this year, extremists succeeded in preventing his re-election and influencing the court that sentenced him to two years in prison for blasphemy. Civil society groups harshly criticised the sentence, calling it an injustice.

Meanwhile, groups such as the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) demand that sharia be imposed in the country and claim that only Muslims should lead the country.

The authorities have repeatedly warned against the infiltration of radical Islamic ideas in student organisations and in campus activities.

President Joko Widodo and his government are trying to contain the growing influence of Islamists, especially in universities and Islamic boarding schools.

A presidential decree banning any civil organisations deemed to go against the country's secular state ideology was approved by parliament last month. Hizb-ut-Tahrir, an organisation that calls for the establishment of a caliphate in Indonesia, was the first group to be disbanded under the decree.

Widodo has made various speeches at Islamic boarding schools around the country, emphasising the importance of diversity and national unity.

In September, he held a conference with some 3,000 university rectors to promote Pancasila, the country's secular ideology, in education.

Extremism and intolerance in Indonesia are not only spreading among young people, but also among middle-income Indonesians living in the suburbs, findings released by rights group Setara show.

Research conducted from July to October found that Bogor and Depok, two satellite cities in West Java to the south of Jakarta, have become hotbeds for radical preachers who spread radical and hate-filled messages in many places, such as universities and housing complexes.

West Java has been ranked the least tolerant province for the last couple of years, this according to the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM).

In March, members of three Christian congregations had their Sunday services interrupted by protesters at the Griya Parung Panjang housing complex in Parung Panjang district, Bogor Regency.

The protesters said members of the congregations had violated regulations by holding services inside a housing complex, disregarding the fact that the Christians had not been allowed to build a place of worship in the area.

The latter held the services inside a house because their attempts to build a church had been repeatedly denied.
Speaking to members of the International Federation of Catholic Universities, Francis said that it is appropriate to initiate further studies on the remote causes of forced migrations, with the aim of identifying practicable solutions also in the long term. In universities, welcoming, protecting, promoting, and integrating newcomers are needed in the areas of research, teaching, and social promotion.

Vatican City (AsiaNews)  Pope Francis today spoke to members of the International Federation of Catholic Universities at the conclusion of their conference entitled Refugees and Migrants in a Globalized World: Responsibilities and Responses of Universities.

In his address, the Holy Father called for reflection on the complex reality of migration, which has generated xenophobia, including in traditionally Christian countries. The aim is to welcome, protect, promote, and integrate migrants in universities in three areas: research, teaching, and social promotion. In this field, Catholic universities have played a major role. The pope also stressed the urgency of developing this field of research.

For the pontiff, it is appropriate to initiate further studies on the remote causes of forced migrations, with the aim of identifying practicable solutions also in the long term, as it is necessary first to ensure that people have the right not to be forced to emigrate. It is equally important to reflect on the negative, sometimes discriminatory and xenophobic first reactions to migrants in countries of ancient Christian tradition, to propose paths for raising awareness.

In response to the global and complex reality of contemporary migration, it is necessary to overcome the prejudices and fears associated with limited knowledge of the migratory phenomenon. In fact, greater appreciation is due to the many contributions migrants and refugees bring to the societies that welcome them, as well as those that benefit their communities of origin.

With respect to teaching, the pope said that he hoped Catholic universities will adopt programmes aimed at promoting the education of refugees at various levels, both by the provision of distance courses for those who live in camps and centres, and through the granting of scholarships enabling their relocation. By making the most of the dense international academic network, universities can also facilitate the recognition of qualifications and professions of migrants and refugees, for their benefit and that of the societies that welcome them.

To respond adequately to the new migratory challenges, it is necessary to train in a specific and professional way the pastoral workers who are dedicated to the assistance of migrants and refugees: this is another pressing task for Catholic universities.

The area of social promotion sees the university as an institution that cares about the society in which it works, exercising first and foremost a role of critical conscience with regard to the different forms of political, economic and cultural power.

[U]niversities can perform their role as privileged actors also in the social field by, for example, providing incentives for student volunteering in aid programmes for refugees, asylum seekers and newly-arrived migrants.

Finally, Francis told his audience that All the work that you carry out in these great areas  research, teaching and social promotion  find a sure point of reference in the four milestones of the Churchs journey through the realities of contemporary migration: welcome, protection, promotion and integration.
Sardar Muhammad Yousaf argues that the "black law" has a noble purpose, namely to protect all religions and religious leaders. Between 1987 and 2015, 663 Muslims, 494 Ahmadis, 187 Christians and 21 Hindus were charged under the law.

Islamabad (AsiaNews/Agencies)  Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has defended his countrys blasphemy law, arguing that there is no real pressure to repeal it.

Speaking to the Pakistan-American Press Association in the US capital of Washington, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said that the elements propagating the case for secularism in Pakistan were not strong enough to put the government under pressure. He clearly stated that Pakistan will never become a secular state.

The so-called blasphemy law is actually a number of articles in Pakistans Penal Code, which punish insults to Islam with life in prison or the death penalty. They were introduced in 1986by then President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq.

Yousaf dismissed allegations that the "black law" on blasphemy is being used for personal vendettas or to discriminate against minorities. On the contrary, he said that the law was had a great mission, i.e. to protect not only the holy personalities of Islam but those of all religions.

Yet, activists have long complained that blasphemy, punishable by the death penalty, is something that has divided Pakistani society. Just suspicion can provoke a violent reaction among Qur'an's defenders.

A case in point is the brutal lynching of Mashal Khan, a student at Mardan University, who was punished by fellow students after he allegedly promoted the Ahmadiyah faith on Facebook. Ahmadis are considered heretical by mainstream Muslims.

An investigation ordered by the Supreme Court found that the 23-year-old had never said anything offensive against the prophet.

Before him, at least another 62 people were killed between 1987 and 2015, including Punjab governor Salman Taseer, who was punished for criticising the blasphemy law and for defending Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who has been waiting for her appeal trial for the past seven years after she was convicted of offending the Prophet Muhammad.

During this period 1987-2015, 663 Muslims, 494 Ahmadis, 187 Christians and 21 Hindus have been charged under the blasphemy law.
For the Saudis, this will lead to self-sufficiency. The goal is to diversify energy supplies. Contracts will be tendered by the end of 2018 for the first two reactors. For IAEA, Iran continues to fulfil its obligations under the nuclear agreement.

Riyadh (AsiaNews)  Saudi Arabia plans to extract uranium domestically as part of its nuclear power programme to reduce reliance on oil. For Saudi leaders, this will lead to self-sufficiency in producing atomic fuel for civilian use, like its main regional rival Iran.

Extracting its own uranium also makes sense from an economic point of view, said Hashim bin Abdullah Yamani, head of the Saudi government agency tasked with the nuclear plans, the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE).

The goal is to use atomic power for civilian purposes to diversify the kingdoms domestic energy supply. We [will] utilise the uranium ore that has been proven to be economically efficient, Yamani said.

Construction contracts for the first two nuclear reactors should be awarded by the end of 2018. Industry sources are saying that Saudi Arabia is reaching out to potential vendors from South Korea, China, France, Russia, Japan and the US.

Atomic reactors need uranium enriched to around 5 per cent purity, but the same technology can also be used to enrich the heavy metal to higher, weapons-grade levels.

Saudi Arabia would be the second country in the Arab Gulf region to turn to nuclear after the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is set to start up its first, South Korean-built reactor in 2018. The UAE has committed not to enrich uranium itself and not to reprocess spent fuel.

Riyadhs nuclear plans have received extra momentum as part of the countrys ambitious Vision 2030 economic reform programme launched last year by 32-year-old Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Reforms include allowing women to drive and go to stadiums, as well as promoting an open and moderate Islam.

With this in mind, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will be asked to conduct an integrated review of Saudi Arabias nuclear infrastructure and assess efforts to prepare its infrastructure to introduce nuclear power for peaceful purposes.

Meanwhile, IAEA chief Yukiya Amano has recently confirmed that Iran is living up to all its obligations under the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

All those involved in the JCPOA are honouring their commitments," he said in Tehran Sunday at a press conference.

Eight IAEA reports have confirmed Iran's full commitment to its side of the bargain since January 2016 when the agreement between Iran and the P5+1 group (United States, United Kingdom, France, China, Russia+Germany) went into effect.

"Amano is aware of Iran's honesty and adherence to its obligations under the JCPOA and knows that we have not infringed or violated our tasks regarding nuclear issues," said Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI).

However, US President Donald Trump has recently disavowed the agreement, calling on the US Congress to vote new sanctions against Iran and threatening to terminate the deal.
by Vladimir Rozanskij

The anniversary of the October Revolution has been replaced by the day marking the victory over the Poles in 1612. Patriarch Alexy gave it its present name. The symbol of the victory of 1612 is the icon of Our Lady of Kazan, which disappeared during the Bolshevik Revolution and found its way to the Vatican from where it was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church by will of John Paul II.

Moscow (AsiaNews)  Since 2005, Russia has celebrated Unity Day on 4 November in lieu of Revolution Day, on 7 November, a popular festivity, especially among students. Although more than half of all Russians dont know the name of the celebration, and most dont know what it is for, the day elicits great participation.

History aside, early November heralds the arrival of winter, a time that is marked in Russia when temperatures drops below zero, and the first snow falls. For many Russians, it is a see you later to the spring. With the frost, getting out of the house and meeting people in the streets become difficult. Social life slows down. Outdoor actions, festive or protest, have to wait until 1st May, when people celebrate the "return" of the sun and their survival after the long winter.

Todays celebration was established in 1996, as the Day of Accord and Conciliation to replace Revolution Day, a date whose memory had to be removed, without its military parades and speeches. However, the celebration survived as a school holiday, from the 4th to the 7th of November.

The date alludes to 4 November 1612, and the end of the Time of Troubles, which marks the beginning of the reign of the House of Romanov that ended with the rise of the Bolsheviks. The first Romanov tsar, Mikhail, established the date as the Day of Moscows Liberation from Polish Invaders.

It must be noted that the difficult period that followed the death of Ivan the Terrible (1584) saw Russias Boyar families fight each other, leading some to seek an alliance with King Sigismund III of Poland, who tried to conquer what was still called Muscovy. The PolishLithuanian Commonwealth included much of the territory of present-day western Russia, and challenged Moscows dominance in eastern Europe.

The Polish invasion was facilitated by the appearance of a false pretender to the Russian throne, a certain Grigoriy Otrepyev, who claimed to be the son of Ivan the Terrible, the child Dmitry who had died under mysterious circumstances, but was said to have actually survived and fled to Lithuania. The "false Dmitry" was converted to Catholicism and married off to a Polish noblewoman, Marina Mniszech, a follower of the Jesuits who had regained Poland from Lutheranism.

For a few weeks, Grigoriy and Marina settled in the Kremlin assisted by Polish troops and a group of Jesuits (since then the word Jesuit in Russian is associated with all sorts of horrors and intrigues). But they were quickly cast out (literally thrown out of the Kremlin towers). Marina survived and tried to get on with other false pretenders. But in the end, thanks to volunteers assembled by the merchant Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitry Pozharsky, the Poles were crushed and driven back to their kingdom in 1612, never to threaten Russia again.

Since 1818, a monument dedicated to Minin and Pozharsky stands in Red Square, protecting the main entrance to the Kremlin, with one hand as a sign to invaders to stop. Of course, the arms of the two heroes are turned westward, beyond Muscovy.

Afterwards, Napoleon and his Grande Armee (800,000 soldiers, half from Poland) occupied the Kremlin in 1812 only to see Moscow torched by the Russians themselves, forcing back to France, utterly defeated. The victorious tsar, Alexander I, placed the statue of the two popular heroes in front of St Basil's Cathedral to ward off new attacks from the enemy. In fact, although he almost dealt a death blow to Stalin's Russia with his spectacular Operation Barbarossa in 1941, Hitler too failed to seize the Kremlin.

In 2005 the celebration was renamed in accordance with a suggestion from then Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexy II and the Interreligious Council of Russia. The term "reconciliation" did not sound right since the Russians never truly reconciled with the Poles, and many events highlight the countrys internal cleavages like the 1917 Revolution and the subsequent Civil War. What seemed more appropriate was the unity of the people against foreign invaders in the name of Holy Russia and the Orthodox Church, which preaches unity (sobornost) as the foundation of faith.

According to Moscow Patriarchate spokesman Vladimir Legoyda, 4 November has special symbolic meaning on the centenary of the Revolution. "The divisions in society, the destruction of national unity, were the cause of the 1917 revolution, the civil war, and the tragic events that followed." In his view, "driving away the temptations of division allows us to unify society on the bases of faith, love and justice."

The symbol of the victory of 1612 is the icon of Our Lady of Kazan, brought to Moscow by Prince Pozharsky as the patroness of Russian resistance to invaders. During the years of revolutionary chaos, the sacred icon disappeared ending up in the Vatican. The Polish pope, John Paul II, returned it in 2004 to inspire Christian unity, East and West, and eliminate the wounds and tragedies in history.


(taewafeel/Shutterstock.com) (taewafeel/Shutterstock.com)

Picking fruit and working on farms is popular with young people spending a year backpacking in Australia but they are being warned to be aware of rogue contractors.A national inquiry into modern slave labour has heard about exploitative practices in the horticultural industry including workers being paid a pittance and offered overcrowded and substandard accommodation.On a visit to the Mildura region in Victoria the Foreign Affairs and Aid Sub-Committee which is undertaking the inquiry, heard first hand from growers, organisations members of the public about their experiences.It heard stories of workers being enticed by adverts and being paid less than the national minimum wage and told they would be reported to immigration officials if they complained.It also hears that labour contractors are getting away with blatant exploitation because employment and immigration authorities are not taking enough notice of the problems.In Victoria and in other regions the stories have been remarkably similar. Workers are paid $110 for 24 hours work over four days of which $80 is taken as accommodation costs and then $10 going to the contractor, leaving the worker with just $20.In another example a man working on a banana farm in Queensland was working 12 hours a day and housed in what he described as a shed. He and fellow workers were paid by a contractor who took money from their wages for housing, for transport to and from the work and for food leaving them with a paltry amount.Farmers believe that a new visa stream just for agricultural workers would help. Some told the inquiry that labour hire in the agricultural industry varies from state to state and a national approach would improve things.Tania Chapman, the chairwoman of the industry body Citrus Australia, said that the majority of farmers and growers are not involved in bad practice. 'This abuse of power has left a black mark on our industry with both media and outside organisations labelling farmers as complacent or indeed negligent when it comes to supporting the harvest labour force, with words such as slave labour being introduced,' she explained.She pointed out that often growers paid the right amount to the contractors employing the workers but it was not passed on and called for more education to ensure that people looking for work know their rights and responsibilities and understand Australian immigration law.Emma Germano, who represents the horticulture industry in the Victorian Farmers Federation, has suggested that farmers should stop using labour contractors and students and backpackers seek work direct with farmers.She pointed out that Australia's horticulture industry needed 70,000 workers a year, but she had personally stopped using labour hire contractors several years ago after realising that workers were being exploited and underpaid.The Inquiry will collate its findings for a report in December and it is expected that the Government will introduce a Modern Slavery Act in 2018.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

It isnt difficult to get into a rut at work. The excitement of a new job, a new opportunity, will often fade over time, as what we do becomes rote.

Fleet managers can fall into that trap just like any other business manager; if theyve done a good job from the beginning, even more so and more quickly. Any job can become repetitive, even boring, if processes and procedures have been implemented well.

Much of what fleet managers do, on a day-to-day basis, is put out fires. Vehicles break down, registrations expire, orders get cancelled, and drivers have accidents. Other than that, its a weekly and monthly routine of staff meetings (if the fleet manager is fortunate enough to have staff), going over reports with management, the occasional repair authorization, rinse and repeat.

However, here are ways fleet managers can keep the job and their careers more satisfying and fresh.

Pick a Project

A talented and experienced fleet manager, when first on the job, will have plenty of interesting and challenging things to do. Review existing policy, confirm the replacement policy and vehicle selection, research cost reports to look for savings. But there is a law of diminishing returns; the more these early days accomplish, the sooner the later days become the same, week after week, and eventually, the fleet manager becomes a victim of his or her own success in setting up a smooth running department. Stagnation sets in.

At a Glance Some things that fleet managers can do to keep their work consistently engaging includes: Learning more about the company mission.

Engaging more with internal customers.

Keeping an eye on how the industry is evolving.

What to do then? A good start is to pick a project to work on. For example, how would turning the fleet annually impact total cost of ownership? Or the reverse, what would TCO look like if the replacement cycle were extended by a full year, or two, or out past some mileage milestone (past 100,000 miles for a car, 200,000 for a light-duty truck)?

Planning the project would include pinpointing data sources, developing a means to collect the data, how to track it, what form to present it in to management. Choose a team within the department, or the company, to help. Set a schedule and timetable for the project, and be ready to present the results to management. Do this every year; set out a list of subjects to be researched and analyzed.

Using projects to keep stagnation at bay will also likely be appreciated by the aforementioned management, from direct supervisors up to the senior level.

Keep Learning

It is commonly believed in the fleet industry that fleet management encompasses as broad a base of skills, knowledge, and experience as any department head in the company. Personnel skills, communication skills, financial, mechanical and operational skills are all essential. You name it, fleet managers have it.

That said, most fleet managers have a core competency in one or two of these areas. Perhaps the fleet manager came from purchasing or strategic sourcing. Or maybe they have a background in finance or accounting. If hired from externally, some prospective fleet managers may have an automotive background. Whatever that core base of knowledge and experience is, these other areas are ripe for continued learning.

Go back to school; learn accounting, or finance, if thats an area that the fleet manager lacks experience. Night courses are available, and today online courses are ubiquitous. Learning financial disciplines better can help the fleet manager to become more involved in such decisions, including leasing versus ownership, or funding.

What about a mechanical background? Fewer fleet managers today have the kind of technical background that was far more common back when the profession was in its infancy. Your OEM representatives can help steer you in the direction to better understand their makes particular technology and suggest training as well. You dont necessarily need to be able to turn a wrench, but knowing and understanding the basic vehicle systems, such as fuel, brakes, suspension, drivetrain, can help not only in a more thorough understanding of the subject, but even help in managing maintenance and repairs. You might even find yourself handling some basic work on your own vehicles.

Increasing what may be very basic knowledge and understanding of the skills needed to be a successful fleet manager can go a long way toward keeping the job fresh and challenging.

The Company

How much do you really know about your company? Other departments, products and services, or even the people at all levels of the organizational chart who keep it going?

Fleet managers know the company, for the most part, as it pertains to the interaction between the company and the fleet. What drivers need to, what they carry, mileage/territories, and at a basic level how they interact with the companys customers (i.e., how they bring products and services to market, how they service them). But what about the bigger picture? If the company is publicly held, how has the stock done, recently and historically? Does the fleet manager own any? Has he or she read the annual report? Really read it, including all the financial statements and the notes therein? What about, if the company manufactures products, ever toured a plant or assembly facility?

These are some of the more important things fleet managers should know about the company for which they work, and getting that knowledge can not only help them do their job better, but keep it interesting. Relating the fleet to the balance sheet, or to the distribution process the company uses to get products to the customers can only help.

Take a plant tour; modern manufacturing, even just assembly, is a fascinating process to see up close. Note how very seriously plant management takes worker safety. It permeates everything they do, a good lesson on bringing the same focus to safe driving.

Try to schedule a meeting with all of the companys senior management team: C-level executive management, senior field management. Learn about what they do, and what they know about what you do.

Customer Service

Schedule regular ride alongs with drivers and their managers out in the field. There is no better way to assess how well youve chosen vehicles and equipment for the job than to see it in person.

Drivers will usually be fairly direct in their own assessment of the vehicles they drive. Pay attention. Take notes. You may think youve covered all the bases when choosing vehicles, and how to spec them, but hearing the men and women who spend most of their days driving them tell you whether or not youve done a good job is invaluable. Dont dismiss criticisms; if theyre legitimate, do something about it, if not, explain why you cant or wont.

It is not unusual, at the level which faces the customer, for a company to ask for feedback, for customers to assess their experience and the products and services they have purchased. Do the same for your customers: the drivers and their managers. Solicit feedback as to their experience dealing with the fleet department, and any contacts theyve had with your suppliers. Keep statistics, and track what youre doing well, and where you can improve. Producing savings, and keeping vehicles running smoothly and efficiently is only part of the job; providing good customer service to drivers and anyone else that interacts with the fleet department is just as important. You can bank that the above service activity and tracking will keep the job from becoming stale and repetitive.

Teach

Nearly every fleet manager has stories of fellow employees coming to them for advice and counsel as it relates to their personal vehicles, and those of family members. No matter that the fleet manager may not necessarily be a car person, theyre viewed as such.

This phenomenon can be used to help keep the job fresh, interesting, and to help fellow employees as well. Offer to conduct a series of presentations: such as how to buy a car, how dealers work, basic vehicle systems and what they do, safe driving, what your car costs you, etc. Youll be surprised at how your colleagues at work will be eager to learn more about the cars, trucks, and SUVs they drive. You can show off a bit, have some fun (particularly with any Q&A at the end of the presentation; youll get some laughs and surprises there), and have something other than the daily grind to look forward to.

Expand Responsibilities

Much has been written over the years about fleet managers taking on additional responsibilities, related to the fleet management job. These can include handling:

Rental car programs

Air travel

Employee relocation

Meeting planning

In other words, understanding the movement of people and things, along with the logistics such movement requires.

The idea of becoming a manager of all employee transportation isnt new, and it has always been a way that fleet managers can build a career beyond the management of a fleet of vehicles. But most companies dont look at it that way. Most tend to pigeonhole fleet managers as just that: fleet managers, without considering the wide range of skills and experience fleet managers must have in order to be effective.

Be bold; approach a supervisor, or senior management, with a carefully constructed plan for combining all aspects of employee transportation into a people/goods moving position, with the current fleet manager heading it up. Do this, and schedule time with the appropriate decision makers to present it. Make the case that those key fleet management skills: communication, negotiation, asset and budget management, and other abilities that translate well to the new, proposed position. True enough, such a transition would be a big step, and at first glance it may not be taken seriously. Stick with it; note any objections and prepare a response, all the while being careful to be formal and direct. In other words, create your own career path beyond heading up a company department that is limited to managing vehicles.

Keep an Eye on the Future

There is a great deal going on in the transportation industry, with innovation not only in technology (at a dizzying pace) but in the creation of a number of ways to move people from one place to another.

There are ride-sharing programs such as Lyft and Uber, where individuals essentially sell rides to other individuals. OEMs are investing in autonomous vehicles. There are a number of options in alternative fuels, from electricity to propane to liquid natural gas, as well as hybrids which incorporate them with traditional internal combustion engines.

You want to avoid inertia and keep what you do fresh and challenging? Keep an eye on the future; know what technologies, products and services are in the pipeline, learn as much as possible about all of them, and analyze how they might be applicable to fleet management, or an overall transportation solution.

Would a ridesharing service be a better alternative to reimbursement for occasional business travel? What are the pros and cons of alternative fuels? Will autonomous vehicles actually be a real option? These and other questions require research and careful analysis relative to the traditional provision of company vehicles to employees who travel extensively.

Manage and Create Change

Change isnt bad, its just different, a wise man once said. Much change comes at fleet managers from outside, and must be well managed to keep the fleet running smoothly. Maybe new senior management is considering a change from the provision of company vehicles to reimbursement. Have your analysis ready to show why, in most cases, this is not a cost efficient option.

Better yet, be an agent of change yourself. Develop and present new ideas on a regular basis. Maybe downsizing the fleet, using smaller more fuel-efficient vehicles (provided, of course, that they can do the job). Perhaps incorporate several new aspects to employee transportation, including (the dreaded) reimbursement, long-RFQ, term rentals, and ride-share services. Change the way vehicle assignment is determined, or other fleet policies The worst thing that can happen to a fleet manager, particularly one who has become complacent and stagnant in the job, is to have management suggest changes that he or she is not prepared to address.

Create Time

Veteran fleet managers know that much of their time is spent on putting out fires as it were. Drivers call and say their registrations have expired. An executive wants to know why her new company car hasnt arrived. The blue van you ordered to be delivered to a driver in Pittsburgh turns up as a white one in St. Petersburg. How is it possible for a fleet manager, faced every day with such administrative problems, to do any of the aforementioned things that can help the job remain fresh?

By creating time. By doing what is necessary to ensure these problems are addressed, but not necessarily by the fleet manager. First on the list, for fleet managers who are fortunate enough to have staff, is to delegate as much as possible. Train staff to handle these types of daily challenges. Where to go to get a registration renewed quickly. Contact the OEM or lessor to find out where the executives vehicle is, and what if anything can be done to accelerate delivery. Who to call to help drivers whose vehicle may have broken down. Delegating responsibility to staff not only will help keep the fleet manager available for promotion, but will create time needed to initiate new projects, expand skills, and create change.

Lacking staff, look outside to fleet suppliers who can often offer services to handle precisely the kinds of day-to-day issues that arise, and can dominate the fleet managers time. Whatever the means, freeing up time will allow a fleet manager to engage in the kinds of activities that can go a long way to keeping what has become a stagnant, dull job challenging and inspire the fleet manager and those around him or her with new ideas, new challenges, and ultimately a more satisfying career.

Originally posted on Fleet Financials
Lori Rasmussen, president and CEO of PARS, Inc. and current WIFM Chair, speaks to attendees at the Automotive Fleet Leasing Association (AFLA) 2017 conference during a Women in Fleet Management session. Photo courtesy of AFLA.

Women in Fleet Management (WIFM) members Theresa Belding and Sue Miller are accepted in the fleet business as industry veterans today, but they couldnt have predicted that when they started out decades ago as two of the few women in the profession at the time.

Initially, it was a little intimidating, said Belding, who manages a 4,500-vehicle fleet and oversees fleet safety and risk management as director of fleet services for pharmaceutical company Allergan.

Miller felt pretty isolated when she started out. It was definitely the good old boys club. A lot of cigars, martini lunches, and that type of thing.

At a Glance Women in Fleet Management was inspired by the goal of providing networking, mentoring and other opportunities to women and men in the fleet industry. The organization took off when AFLA joined forces with the organization.

Belding is no longer intimidated, and Miller is no longer isolated. Belding has now been in the fleet business for 26 years. Miller directed a 3,500-vehicle fleet for McDonalds for almost 30 years and has been senior fleet account manager for telematics company, Geotab, for the past year and a half. Female fleet managers like these two have made a positive mark on the industry, and Belding, Miller, and other women want to give back to the profession through their membership in the WIFM group.

Celebrating its five-year anniversary this year, WIFM provides networking, mentoring and other opportunities to women and men in the fleet industry. Counting female and male members, along with industry members involved with the group through the Automotive Fleet Leasing Association (AFLA) and LinkedIn, WIFM is now about 1,500 to 1,700 members strong.

WIFM Origins

Belding and Miller have been with the group since the beginning, but Carolyn Edwards, senior vice president for fleet management company LeasePlan USA, first came up with the idea for the WIFM organization.

About 10 years ago, Edwards had just completed LeasePlans Womens Professional Development Series. LeasePlan at the time was looking to bring more women into leadership positions and held a seven-week leadership training course. We learned a ton, and I began networking with other women at LeasePlan who I really didnt interact with, Edwards said. And it just grew. After finishing her work with the series, Edwards began checking to see if the fleet industry had ever formed a womens leadership group.

She heard of earlier efforts to start a womens fleet organization, but none of those lasted long. Edwards decided to start WIFM, and she was among a small group of original members that included Miller, Nancy DAmico of LeasePlan, Gayle Pratt of Ecolab, and Christy Coyte Meyer, then of Johnson Controls and now with Adient. About 25 women and men attended the first gathering, which took place at a meeting of what is now known as the NAFA Fleet Management Association.

It was our first meeting, and everyone wanted more, Edwards said. We were just getting together, saying, Hey, this is Women in Fleet Management, what could it be, what do we want to turn this into, and it was more of a brainstorming session. When AFLA joined forces with WIFM almost immediately afterward, WIFMs growth accelerated.

There is a definite need out there, and I keep mentioning women, but it wasnt just women that signed up, Edwards said. Everyone seemed to enjoy what the mission was about and wanted to learn more and get involved.

Ed Peper, U.S. vice president, General Motors Fleet, is one of several men involved with WIFM. In response to questions from AF, he wrote in an email that collaboration in the fleet industry is needed from many different perspectives. Regardless of gender, everyone in the industry has something to bring to the table, and we can all learn and grow from each others success, he stated.

WIFMs Mission

The organization has met several goals of that statement. WIFMs LinkedIn page has become a strong resource for networking. On LinkedIn, WIFM members post timely articles of interest and participate in topical discussions.

To strengthen networking opportunities among group members, WIFM also formed a book club. Members read Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg, discussed it at a meeting, and later participated in a webinar on the topic. Regular WIFM meetings are another avenue for networking, and the group provides a speaker for one session at each AFLA meeting. At AFLAs recent September meeting in Las Vegas, consultant Kathleen Nalty spoke at a session titled, Outsmart Your Unconscious Bias, showing attendees how to recognize biases that can have an impact on business decisions and relationships.

Susan Lund of global management consulting firm McKinsey and Co. spoke at AFLAs WIFM session last year on the topic of leadership and the importance of selling yourself and your abilities within your own organization. A WIFM presentation at an earlier AFLA conference focused on communications with different generations. Kim Lear, a writer, researcher, and generational expert, talked about understanding the different generations.

The workforce is changing, especially in the fleet industry, and youre seeing more of the younger generation come in, so we thought it was a great topic to kind of bridge the gap between the generations, said WIFM leadership team member Lori Rasmussen of PARS, a fleet vehicle transport company. She added that other speakers, such as Ann Fandozzi, formerly with vanpool company vRide, have spoken to members of the WIFM group about their careers and given personal advice.

Webinars have also become a strong resource to address the portion of the WIFM mission statement that addresses expertise sharing. The Webinars dont always cover fleet specifically. One in January focused on health and wellness and healthy approaches to the new year.

We all had resolutions, and it was one of the highest attended Webinars for AFLA, Rasmussen said.

If Edwards could make a resolution for the whole group in 2018 and beyond, she said it would be for WIFM to experience growth and engagement. She also looks forward to launching the mentoring program and expanding the number of women who serve on WIFMs leadership team.

WIFM leaders have also discussed taking the group global and creating ties with womens fleet organizations in Europe and elsewhere in the world, but were trying to grow what we have here in the states, so I think initially those would just be discussions to see how we could expand, Edwards said.

Collaboration with AFLA

Were a bunch of full-time people trying to make a go of this without any formal training in launching a group. Weve really leaned on AFLA, and they have helped us make this what it is today, said Edwards.

AFLA, she noted, with the assistance of association executive Elizabeth Schlicht, has helped WIFM in the areas of structure, organization, and networking. They align with us perfectly, their mission with our mission. There are synergies there. We wouldnt be where we are today without all that support and all the women who stepped up and wanted to get involved. There was a definite need.

Current WIFM

Leadership Lori Rasmussen (PARS)

Carolyn Edwards (LeasePlan USA)

Susan Miller (Geotab)

Laura Jozwiak (Wheels Inc.)

Katie Keeton (Siemens)

Jann Panzer (Element Fleet Management)

Susan Denaro (Holman Parts Distribution)

Nancy Fitzgerald (iLendingDIRECT)

Michelle Franco-Birriel (VW)

The group senses a need in the industry for a mentoring program, and again, Rasmussen noted that men and women will be involved if WIFMs mentorship program kicks off in 2018. We want to create a network so if someone is looking for a mentor on a specific topic, we would also have mentees we could pair them up with, Rasmussen said.

Rasmussens background would make her a good mentor. She is a majority owner of PARS, and her parents own a small stake. As president of the company, she is responsible for operations, sales and marketing, finance, and strategic planning. She was serving as AFLA president when Edwards asked her if AFLA would support WIFM. PARS is a woman-owned business, so I said, Yes, of course we are. So thats how the relationship started between WIFM and AFLA.

Miller also has the experience that has made her a strong advocate for WIFM, starting out as a fleet manager for Service Master and Keebler before she came to McDonalds. She also served as AFLA president from 1997 to 1998. Her experience made her appreciate the value of mentoring as she remembers meeting Don Fenton, Milo Mattick, Rick Nicoletti, and Mike Larue of the Chicagoland Dealer Group. They helped her navigate the good old boys club early in her fleet career. They took me under their wing, taught me the ropes, treated me with respect and as a businesswoman, and it was beneficial, Miller said.

Rasmussens experience also makes her appreciate the value of WIFMs mentoring program. Rasmussen had a lot to learn when she started out in the fleet industry in 2004. She had exposure to the industry through her fathers work with GM, but she still had much to learn. Elsie Lucia, who is currently fleet manager for Estee Lauder, took me under her wing, taught me a lot, and helped me navigate the fleet industry. I greatly appreciate the time she gave me and the ability to ask her questions freely when I didnt understand things, Rasmussen said. We developed a friendship, and in turn I learned so much. When Carolyn had the idea to start WIFM, I was all for it. It was a way for me to also give back to those who had done it for me.

More on the Benefits of WIFM

Theresa Belding of Allergan has seen growth in the number of women in the fleet industry since she first started out 26 years ago. But she notes that the pharmaceutical industry seems to be a popular landing spot for female fleet managers, and seeing women in the industry back then was encouraging to her. She said that fleet representatives in the pharmaceutical industry seem to have more tenure than in many other industries.

I didnt realize fleet was a thing, I didnt know it was a career, and I certainly didnt know that 26 years later Id still be doing it, but it was good for me to see other women with long-term careers in this industry, Belding said. In addition to Rasmussen, Belding also held a leadership position at AFLA when that organization teamed up with WIFM. AFLA is endorsing the program, supporting its message, and assisting where we can. Early on we provided some minor financial support and time at the conference, and use of our resources, such as mailing lists. She added that the WIFM speakers are popular at the AFLA conference. While its women in fleet management, men come to see our speakers too. Were not an exclusive group. But its definitely a place for women to network and benchmark and provide support for one another.

WIFM member Christy Coyte Meyer, global fleet director for Adient, said the WIFM group has a unique influence and is inspiring. I especially love to see new people entering the fleet world and sharing experiences with them. I also think its a great opportunity for networking and mentoring.

About the author: Daryl Lubinsky is a regular freelance contributor for Bobit Business Media publications, including Fleet Financials and Automotive Fleet.

Originally posted on Fleet Financials
The county has been drawing attention with its new Advance Kern business incentives, and hopes to soon have companies sign up for this program
News / National

by Staff reporter

MDC president Morgan Tsvangirai - who was flown to South Africa last week after his condition had deteriorated - is said to be in high spirits, and looking forward to contest in the 2018 polls.His spokesperson, Luke Tamborinyoka, told the Daily News yesterday that Tsvangirai was more concerned about progress on the Biometric Voter Registration exercise, currently being conducted by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission throughout the country.Tamborinyoka said to fall sick was testimony to the mortality of human life, adding his boss will be home soon."President Tsvangirai is still winding up is health issues. He is still on medical review in South Africa but there is no reason for the nation to panic. The people's leader is well out of danger," he said."He is fine and despite his temporary indisposition, he continues to attend to those issues that require his personal attention, such as the platform of the MDC Alliance principals, where he continues to provide leadership and direction," added Tamborinyoka.Tsvangirai was airlifted to the neighbouring country mid last week in the company of his wife, Elizabeth.He has been to South Africa on more than a dozen times since he publicly revealed that he was fighting cancer of the colon in June last year.The MDC leader was last flown to South Africa mid September, where he spent close to a month holed in a top-notch hospital.Since then, he has taken a backseat from the gruelling political duties on the advice of his doctors who have asked him to take a sabbatical from politics.Tamborinyoka said while there were some who have expressed concern whether he is fit enough to stand the rigors of a grueling election campaign, for now there are no such fears as Tsvangirai is well out of any danger."There are no such fears for now because we are talking of a man who takes seriously the values of transparency, integrity and honesty. That is why he went public about his health."He has an unstinting faith in the values of honesty and transparency, particularly in national leadership and that is why, on 27 June last year, he went public about his affliction."If, and when, he feels he cannot withstand the election, which is not the case for now, he will not last a minute longer than his health can allow him."He is a man I have worked closely with for more than a decade; a man who puts a premium on the interests of the people of Zimbabwe," said Tamborinyoka.He said Tsvangirai will not allow his health to become an impediment to the realisation of the national dream.Like every one of us, Tamborinyoka said his boss was mortal."We all fall sick sometimes but that is no reason for morbid speculations not grounded on objective facts," he said."And we cannot punish or crucify him for that honesty by concocting all sorts of innuendos and unlikely scenarios. He has already shown his qualitative difference from the familiar cultivar of unfaithful and dishonest leadership that occupies the station of our government today. MT is not one to force things."I speak to him every day and there is no reason for anyone to panic or express any misgivings about his candidature next year. For now he remains our best (foot) forward and for now there is absolutely no reason for the nation to be in any state of apprehension. The people's hope is still capable to run," he added.His mounting health woes have also thrown the party's preparations for the crucial 2018 elections in shambles with the coalition he leads now lacking direction while his party's 18th anniversary has been on ice for a couple of months now due to his absence.The MDC currently has three vice presidents namely Nelson Chamisa, Thokozani Khupe and Elias Mudzuri.MDC insiders told the Daily News that there is a silent war brewing between factions in the country's largest opposition party as Tsvangirai continues to excuse himself from critical party businesses due to his heath woes.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Government has defended Justice Rita Makarau for chairing the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and sitting on the bench, saying her appointments are constitutional and there is no conflict of interest. Justice Makarau is a Supreme Court judge, secretary for the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and ZEC chairperson.During Senate's Question and Answer session on Thursday, Midlands MDC-T Senator Lilian Timveos said Justice Makarau's roles were in conflict and there might be a challenge in the event of a disputed election. However, the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Retired Major-General Happyton Bonyongwe, said conflict of interest issues did not arise as the appointments were Constitutional."If elections were to be contested in court, there is only one role which Justice Makarau will play," he said. "She will be a litigant. Since the coming into force of the 2013 Constitution and the appointment of Justice Makarau as head of ZEC in the same year, numerous election petitions and challenges have been filed in the Magistrates' Courts, High Court, Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court. The issue of Justice Makarau being Secretary of the JSC and head of ZEC has not interfered with the decisional independence of judicial officers seized with such matters and neither have appointments of contact or conflict been created."Minister Bonyongwe said in understanding Justice Makarau's roles as JSC secretary, Supreme Court judge and chairperson of ZEC, the public should know that each body was independent of the other."A distinction between the JSC and the judiciary must clearly be spelt out. The JSC is an administrative body which does not give instructions to judges in relation to cases before the courts. The Judiciary is not answerable to the JSC, but to the Chief Justice of Zimbabwe. Judges have security of tenure and have no basis to owe allegiance in any form to the secretary of the Judicial Services Commission. I hope I have clarified these roles," he said.Minister Bonyongwe said there was nothing wrong with a sitting judge being appointed as the chairperson of ZEC as that was in line with the country's Constitution."Where the President exercises his prerogative to appoint a judge to head ZEC, the dual roles of judge and head of ZEC cannot be avoided nor faulted," he said. It may also be important to note that from the time Justice Makarau was appointed chairperson of ZEC in 2013, she has not sat in court to preside over any matter. In essence, therefore, the issue of conflict of roles is unfounded and an unnecessary baseless argument."Minister Bonyongwe said Justice Makarau was appointed as a Supreme Court judge due to her diligence and dedication to the legal fraternity, which should be commended.
A government that's trigger happy now killing animals after killing innocent Kenyans #Resist November 4, 2017

Safaricom has contributed to the brutal murder of our young bright brains, by leaking their details to murderers like Arap nanii... #Resist November 4, 2017

Raila Odinga has condemned the killings of the people of Laikipia and their animals. The Government did not feel c contented after killing the Luos in Nyanza and now killing over 400 herds of cattle.The NASA leader has contrasted the loss of the cattle in Laikipia with the loss of tea, pyrethrum, coffee in the Central region and Sugarcane in Western Kenya. The Maa community has been urged to stay together as the government is busy protecting the rich. The backbone of Maa community is animal rearing."The cattle massacre by police in Laikipia is something to go by. The Maa community needs to be respected. They got your votes and now they are treating like trash. The total number of Cattle that have been shot by Police in Laikipia has reached fifty thousand." Raila Odinga said."The Jubilee government are now tired with killing people and now they have turned to what people eat. I heard someone saying NASA boycott is economic sabotage, what about killing fifty thousand cattle and herders in three months, not an economic sabotage?" he added.
Economic products boycott by NASA. PHOTO | FILE

Weighing on the NASA boycott announced on Friday by the NASA officials in some products, I find it hypocritical for our brothers in Jubilee to start throwing tantrums about the move. Boycotting certain products does not mean economic boycott. Have you asked yourself, will affect the economy of who?They just forget that an orphaned child is always keener in life and sees more than the child of a privileged. They think we don't have eyes to see how many of the products from NASA areas they have boycotted since power and privilege found their way into their homes immediately after independence.The Regimes have made the other regions suffer as they only depend on the Jubilee strongholds. It was done deliberately to make sure everything that is done in Central Kenya has a ready market plus their processing ready industries.Are they aware that the sugar industries in Western, Nyanza and coast all fell because their men in Nairobi decided to get us out of the market so as to import cheap sugar?Are the jubilee members aware that Cotton farming in Ukambani, Coast, and Nyanza cannot be awakened because of greedy importers of Mitumba in Nairobi? Do they know that rice farming in Coast and Nyanza fell so Mwea and importers could have a field day?Do they know the government spends almost nothing to support tourism in Western Kenya circuit?Do they know that hyacinth and even Nile perch are alien things to Lake Victoria that was introduced deliberately by the Moi and Kenyatta regimes to finish fishing and even more that there is more government built fish processing plants in Central region than Nyanza and Coast?Do they know that even recently a proposed inland container handling terminal at Voi was moved to Naivasha? Do you know that every year the government writes off the debts off coffee farmers and sneers at struggling sugarcane farmers in western Kenya?Do you know that the pan paper fell because their businessmen wanted to import cheap paper? Do they know that the government has been paying more in dividends on cash crops to regime sup[porters than to others?Do the Jubilee supporters know that the Coconut farming was introduced in Nyeri and Meru to kill the farming at the Coast? The cashew nut plant in Kilifi and Kwale were both killed only to open one at Thika so that the people from those areas could borrow everything?Why could the government not build and assist the local farmers across Kenya and solely stuck on some few farmers from one region?Do the Jubilee supporters know recently the very regime considered with Chinese to start importing fish so as to kill the livelihoods of people in Western Kenya, Nyanza, and Coast regions?Do they know that the seven folks dams are all in Ukambani and to date Ukambani has the least network of Electricity and Water? They don't know because they are children of privileged and the rest of us are who are orphans have been observing and bidding out time.For the few reasons, I would like to add that doing a shop business in Central will be like selling a pork in UAE. People will not buy even credit because you are not from their tribe and expose you more of being a victim of a robbery day in day out.The way some few people are agitated is because the government has been pampering them with everything from infrastructure to household activities. When the boycott of farming products in their respective areas reach and their products miss market they will squarely know why we need equity for a nation to proceed.We had hoped we too could be allowed to hold power if we managed to organize ourselves but we are told no at all. So if addressing injustice calls for economic sabotage and collapse then economic collapse shall be there to revive the hopes of the marginalized.
The troubled retailer Nakumatt supermarket got a relief after the Tuskys retailer bail it out for offering some of its products to cover the empty shelves as they wait for their dispatch.Retailer Tusker Mattresses Limited has confirmed plans to aid the recovery of Nakumatt Holdings through a strategic restocking programme.Tusker Mattresses CEO Dan Githua said that bailing out the troubled Nakumatt ventures will enable them to expand their business as that will also have a control over it too.As part of a strategic corporate nursing exercise, Tuskys has commenced the restocking of key Nakumatt branches. This exercise will be stepped up through the month of November and into the festive season with the support of key suppliers, Githua said, further pointing it out that, As responsible players in the local formal retail sector, we are duty bound to facilitate the recovery of our market peer and we are glad that key suppliers have responded positively.Key suppliers supporting the progressive restocking programme underwritten by Tuskys, Githua said include Unilever Kenya, Aquamist Water, Mjengo Limited, Bidco Africa, Jackys Limited, Proctor & Allan, Aspendos Dairies and Brookside Dairy.The Tuskys stores have bailed out Nakumatt stores as the Supermarket shelves were going empty. The Nakumatt holdings closed almost Ten branches countrywide due to rental problems as the suppliers decline to assist them due to debts.
Opinion / Columnist

In a recent opinion piece in New Zimbabwe, Hopewell Mauwa hit the nail on the head on one of the reasons why Zimbabwe is seemingly incapable of solving its political and economic problems - our inability to understand the challenge before us and make timeous decision."Competitively, a key strength of developed nations is their 'collectively educated' populace; citizens are capable of factually comprehending problems, critically evaluating options and crucially, they apply insights to act. This is complemented by a well-informed and vigilant media, which is very effective in changing attitudes on issues of 'national interest'. Technological advances have made these countries realise that in the information age, the most adaptable will survive, not necessarily the fittest," argued Mauwa."Zimbabwe, on the other hand, has an impressive literacy rate of close to 90%. However, such 'literacy' appears to have only succeeded in equipping citizens with basics of reading and writing (the definition of literacy!) but not the value-added complex capabilities of critically evaluating options and practically applying insights to solve problems."The most obvious example of Zimbabwe's collective failure is in politics. It took the nation nearly 20 years before we finally admitted that Mugabe was not the liberation war hero with the nation's interest at heart who would deliver mass economic prosperity, "gutsa ruzhinji," as he claimed. He was, just an incompetent, corrupt, vote rigging and murderous tyrant whose only passion was to secure absolute power when if that meant riding roughshod of the people's freedoms and basic human rights including the right to free and fair elections and even the right to life. It was not until the late 1990s that Zimbabwe finally called for democratic change. But even then, as Mauwa has rightly pointed out, many Zimbabweans, including the political leaders themselves, did not have a clue what these democratic changes were.The people of Zimbabwe risked life and limb to elect Morgan Tsvangirai and his Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) friends into power on the promise they would bring about the democratic changes, as their party name implied, the nation was dying for. MDC had their best chances to deliver democratic changes during the 2008 to 2013 GNU by implementing the raft of democratic reforms agreed in Global Political agreement (GPA) drawn up by SADC leaders, who were the guarantor of the agreement. MDC leaders failed to get even one single reform implemented in five years.SADC leaders warned Tsvangirai and his MDC friends not to contest the July 2013 elections without implementing the democratic reforms designed to stop Zanu PF rigging the vote. MDC leaders with the stoic stubbornness of the foolish, who think they know best but know nothing, did not listen. As SADC leaders had warned, Zanu PF went on to rig the elections with the disastrous political and economic consequences we can see today.Even now, with the benefit of hindsight; many MDC leaders, including Tsvangirai himself, have no clues what these democratic reforms are about and so too does many ordinary Zimbabweans. SADC leaders' warning not to contest elections without implementing the democratic reforms first is just as valid for next year's elections as it was in 2013. And yet Tsvangirai & co. are still determined to contest next year's election although not even one reform was ever implemented since the last rigged elections because they lack the "complex capabilities of critically evaluating options", as Mauwa would put it."Arguably, this is an uncorrected colonial legacy whereby native' education was designed to produce obedient functional workers. Add to that, despite fast adaptation of technology, information media is still largely state-controlled, all of which hinders understanding of real' national challenges and consequently change of attitudes. Of-course, national culture plays a role too," was Mauwa's explanation.Personally, I do not buy that explanation. Zimbabwe was not the only nation that was colonized; whereas other nations have, effortlessly, step-out of the shadow of the colonial oppression and exploitation to assume their rightful place in the league of other free, just and prosperous nations we have faltered. I think we had the great misfortune to have had a particularly obnoxious tyrant in Robert Mugabe and particularly naive and gullible individuals around him whom he twisted round his little finger at will and so he did as he pleased.Margaret Dongo, a former freedom fighter and Zanu PF MP herself, once described Zanu PF leaders, MPs, cabinet members, the lot as "vakadzi vaMugabe" (Mugabe's subservient concubines). Of course, she was right.By the time the rest of the populous saw Robert Mugabe for the control freak, vote rigging, corrupt and murderous megalomania he is, the Zanu PF dictatorship was deeply entrenched and the people were naive to believe a simpleton like Tsvangirai would dislodge the cunning fox like Mugabe out of his fox hole!After 37 years of Zanu PF rigging elections it is barmy to take part in the flawed elections on the strength of Tsvangirai and his MDC friends Winning In Rigged Elections (WIRE) strategies! This is just a feeble excuse to justify the insanity of contesting flawed elections hoping against reason for a different result!Right now, the key to ending the Zanu PF dictatorship is in demanding the implementation of the democratic reforms and then and only then agree to the holding of fresh elections.
Three years after a devastating fire ripped through a Palm Harbor Greek Orthodox Church, parishioners have a reason to celebrate.

Palm Harbor church to break ground on new building

Original building destroyed in 2014 fire

Church has been raising funds

On Monday, members of the Saint Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene Greek Orthodox church will break ground on a brand-new basilica-style church.

The original building was destroyed in an electrical fire in 2014.

"I was devastated," said Paula Bamis. "I was in pharmacy school in South Carolina and I couldn't talk to anyone I couldn't come home and be with my fellow parishioners to comfort each other and I was at a loss."

Since then, the members have been congregating at an old restaurant inside a nearby strip mall.

"This is where we have been blessed to be able to hold our services. It is a little unique we do have a very different set up," Bamis said.

"We have the relics of the saints, Raphael, Nicolas and Irene," said Father Panteleimon Maillis. "We're the only church in the United States that has those relics. We were given them by the arch bishop of Greece and they were in the church."

The relics survived the fire without any damage. Parishioners called it a miracle thats been a motivation to re-build and come back stronger than ever. On top of their countless prayers, the community has been fundraising and is now ready to break ground on the 65 feet tall basilica-style church.

Maillis said its all thanks to the dedication and strong faith from church members who have become family.

"The people here are some of the finest Christian human beings I've ever met in my life. Their dedication to this church to building this church to making sure that we come together and stay together as a community. It's very rare," Maillis said.

On Saturday, the congregation hosted a Greek food and music festival to help raise money for church funds.

They will break ground on Monday and the construction should take 18 months to complete.

To donate, visit the church's Go Fund Me page.


Opinion / Columnist

Hundreds of people were left disappointed after ZANU PF representatives actively stopped a positive engagement that was being made by the Chipinge Stands Beneficiaries Association (CSBA) in relation to the misappropriation of funds meant to acquire stands former Manicaland Chairperson, Mubuso Chinguno.The proposed meeting between stands beneficiaries was supposed to be held at Chipinge Country Club until it was disrupted.A certain Prosper Sithole of Clearwater area in Chipinge, an aspiring ZANU PF member of Parliament candidate is the one who led the others against this meeting. The question is who will be what kind of an MP stands against the needs of the people who will vote for him. It is clear enough that people will not vote for him and people like Sithole are a serious shot on the foot for the ZANU PF leadership if they are a about winning the election.ZANU PF members in Chipinge did all their best to disrupt a peaceful meeting between the people who lost their valuable money to the menacing plots by Mubuso and his cohorts within the ZANU PF structure.Their presence at a peaceful gathering and one meant to help all the bitter residents of Chipinge district came as a surprise to many. They hid behind internal party politics informing attendants that the organizers did not have the consent from the police and ZANU PF Chipinge district leadership.However, a signed letter that was addressed to the police and it was signed by officer commanding Chipinge district was brought out as proof that the CSBA was given approval by the police.Angry ZANU PF representatives who were not forthcoming with their names used various intimidations tactics on coordinator of the meeting Mr. Ashirai Mutirikwi Mawere using ZANU PF's name amongst other threats.Since the meeting had been rightfully consented by the police it is not clear that these people were not acting on behalf of ZANU PF and the question becomes who were they acting on behalf of?Here were 3 individuals who are members of ZANU PF, who were supposedly acting on behalf of the revolutionary party by threatening a peaceful meeting by people who fell victim to the devices of a high-ranking member of the ZANU PF hierarchy.It is a basic constitutional right to allow people to air their grievances yet that right was denied to the many who attended the meeting.Is this what the revolutionary party stands for or there are parties interested in silencing people on the Mubuso corruption issue? If that is the case, then what exactly is there to hide. How deep does this fraudulent scheme go?A total of $89 940.00 was deposited into a curiously owned company called Causepun Investment Private LimitedCausepun was used as a front by Mubuso and his cohorts to make bank to bank money transfers to different parties that played a hand in the embezzlement of the money. The bank statement from Causepun can be used to identify the individuals and their spouses who received money from the company.Mubuso was not the signatory of the money that was moved from bank to bank from the company If Mubuso was not the one that transferred this money then the question is who gave the directive to do so?Various citizens from different walks of lives paid their hard-earned money to Pedzisai Mudhende yet there is no evidence of the money being transferred from his account to the company's account. The likes of Mudhende took to the streets to force people to pay money for stands even those who owned stands were threatened into paying.To make matters worse some who paid have not received their receipts as proof of payments. The unscrupulous ways in which the whole thing was handles shows that shoddy dealings were at play.A complaint has already been lodged against Mudhende and those who paid the money to Mudhende were told to go to the police to give their statements.Evidence that has come out show that Mubuso is just a sorry scapegoat of a much larger scheme by ZANU PF high ranking members to misappropriate money that was meant to be used in acquiring stands for youths.Mubuso has been smeared all across the media as the only culprit in the matter but the truth is there are many others.If the evidenced provided is anything to go by the rot goes deep within the ZANU PF structure. Large sums of money were deposited to ZANU PF Manicaland Provincial Commissar, Simon Mapamba. There are also clear indications in the evidence that ZANU PF secretary for Youth Affairs Kudzai Chipanga was very much involved in this fraudulent scheme.It leaves much room to question whether there are party insiders who benefited and some who are trying to protect these thieves by shutting down honest people's attempts of mobilising in order to map out the way forward.Addressing the youths at the meeting, Mawere said, "I know a lot of educated, eloquent, patriotic and articulate youths in ZANU PF, I don't know why they let these punch-drunk individuals occupy such critical positions and allow the masses to be robbed, while they are silent."That indeed is a critical question. Why are people keeping quite when poor citizens are being manipulated so clearly in everyone's eyes? Are they themselves profiting in some ways from this corrupt behavior being practice by their counterparts? That is the most important question to be addressed.In an interview, CSBA co-ordinator Mawere, said he along with other victims involved in this incident were left disappointed by people who supposedly acted on behalf of ZANU PF in order to silence them."We cannot say ZANU PF stopped us but there are people who do not want us to get what belongs to us."The question is who are these people."The truth is there are a lot of people who stole, there are accomplices who helped in this crime and it is clear that Mubuso was not alone."We are not saying that we do not the stands, we still need them and Minister Kasukuwere should help us in this matter."I have donated $3 800 which is meant to help in running the Association's business."A further $5 000 will be injected on condition that a new developer and the council are put on development," Mr. Mawere said.At a time when concerned citizens such as Mawere are doing all their best to rectify the issue, ZANU PF represantatives are only asking people to stand idle and await the decision from the party's top brass.Given the known incompetence that has often been displayed by the police and the courts, the hope will be that these dockets are not closed and the full arm of the law and justice is practiced in order to make these people pay for what they did.The initiative to grant stands to youths across Zimbabwe despite their political affiliations led many youths to applaud the President for his progressive efforts yet this debacle is set to undo all that good work.As we head towards election, the party can ill afford these factions and streaks of corruption within the party to erupt like this.Its most likely that a lot of stand beneficiaries had swayed towards ZANU PF, this debacle is set to be a setback in many ways than not.There is an air of distrust, anger and frustration that was set by the victims and all of this is directed towards the like of Mubuso and to a larger extent the party as a whole.Mawere conceded to the fact that this incident was a bad patch in regards to Mugabe's wishes to win the elections and to gain people's confidence.This whole debacle is a display of incompetence at certain levels with the ZANU PF structure and something should be done indefinitely."If Mugabe is serious about winning elections he should not be fooled by populism and sloganeering, he should be looking facts and the fact is people paid money and that money was misappropriated."If the Savior Kasukuwere is as serious as genuine as we believe he is, he should come down to the ground and not talk to accomplices of fraudsters."If Chipanga claims that Mugabe is the modern-day Jesus why is he as a disciple of his Jesus allowing fraudsters to use the name of his Jesus and put the name of the party in disrepute."Nurses, teachers, youths, disabled people and many others all united under their belief in President Mugabe walked all the way here but they were stopped on the basis that why would they want to talk about this issue."Historical testimonies cannot pay bills. You cannot use intimidation to silence victims. I will not be silenced and at times it takes a few people to make a change. No thief should point a finger at another thief and call for justice."The question is who are these people representing. Mugabe deals with us as a people not political party basis. We should not let people hide behind ZANU PF as if it's a criminal organisation," Mawere said.Mubuso came under heavy criticism late October 2017 when news of his corruption started to come out. A demonstration was held at Chipinge District Rural Council where youths demanded to know why their stands had not been given out.Despite the youth's discontentment that led to the suspension of Mubuso from his post, the National Youth Leaders such as Chipanga failed to come down to Chipinge to solve this issue which has so far been growing bigger with time because of their failure to appropriately deal with it.The ZANU PF National Youth League instead sent out a five-man team to investigate the corruption allegations against Mubuso. The five-man team consisted of National Youth Executive Secretary for Security, Cde. Tungamirai Mutonhodza, Cde. Letwin Dombodzvuku, Cde. Nxobile Ndlovu, Cde Vidah Garakasha and Cde Blessed Ziome.However, in a highly questionable decision, the panel collected their evidence in secluded Checheche area. Initially the complaint was lodged in Chipinge town where the majority of the stand beneficiaries reside.Actions like these leave little to be desired because many beneficiaries in Chipinge urban did not know that a team was sent. It was done anonymously and despite its importance to the residents of Chipinge it gained little recognition as it was given very little salience.An issue as important as this should be given importance in order to show the people that ZANU PF is indeed a party of the people not a band of thieves.With elections around the corner these are the people who vote and much care is needed that they keep their trust in the revolutionary party.
Daylight Saving Time for fall 2017 ends Sunday, Nov. 5. This means that a 2 a.m., time is officially set back to 1 a.m., thus providing an extra hour of sleep that night  or an extra hour at the bar or night club.

For fall, Daylight Saving Time previously took place at the end of October. Then Congress passed a energy bill in 2005 that pushed the date back until the first weekend of November.
Globetrotting Eamonn Holmes has travelled on some of the world's most famous railway journeys, but has surprised TV viewers here by revealing that he has never been on Ulster's most scenic line.

The Belfast-born presenter also upset transport chiefs in the province by saying that people here didn't use the railways.

But Eamonn has told the Belfast Telegraph that he is accepting an invitation to jump on board the scenic Belfast to Londonderry train along the breathtaking Atlantic coast.

He raised eyebrows on yesterday's This Morning programme on ITV after travel expert Simon Calder recommended the top train journeys in the world.

He said one of his favourite trips was from Belfast to Derry.

"It's not the Orient Express but it's absolutely glorious," said Simon, who's not alone in his admiration for the route.

It has also been acclaimed as one of the world's finest railway journeys by Monty Python star and travel programme maker Michael Palin, and former politician and rail buff Michael Portillo.

Yesterday, as pictures flashed up on screen of the Derry train passing Downhill beach and Mussenden Temple, Eamonn admitted he had never been on the track. He told an incredulous Simon: "Northern Ireland is so small that we don't use trains.

"So therefore I would have missed out because we know the coastal roads, we know those journeys."

Simon said he could "thoroughly recommend" the journey and its "wonderful" views over the Foyle estuary on the way in and out of Derry.

He joked that there were particularly good deals available on Sundays on the line, which was used by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh last year.

He told Eamonn: "I'm genuinely shocked and I would urge you to try it out."

Eamonn, who said he'd been on the famous Blue Train in South Africa and the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada, vowed that he would take a ride on the Belfast to Derry train.

He was late back to his presenter's chair after an ad break, and his Strictly Come Dancing star wife Ruth Langsford asked him if he had been sorting out tickets for the Derry train with Simon.

"That's exactly what we were doing," said the presenter, who holidayed in his youth in Ballycastle, Co Antrim, and on the north coast

After the programme Translink tweeted an invitation to Eamonn and Ruth - and Simon - to be their guests on the Belfast to Derry service.

And later Eamonn told the Belfast Telegraph: "We will definitely be taking them up on their offer.

"I tend to drive everywhere at home, but I look forward to seeing the line. Simon Calder is certainly a huge fan."

As for his claim that no one uses trains in Northern Ireland, Translink said: "NI Railways passenger figures have more than doubled in the last decade from six million to over 14 million.

"We are on course for another record year, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of NI Railways.

"We look forward to welcoming Eamonn, Ruth and Simon on board our scenic Coleraine to Derry/Londonderry line."
Eamonn Mallie has decided to sell more than 30 pieces of art

A portrait of poet Michael Longley by noted Ulster artist Basil Blackshaw is one of more than 30 pieces from the collection of the well-known broadcaster, journalist and art lover Eamonn Mallie which will go under the hammer in Dublin later this month.

Works by Neil Shawcross, Tom Carr, Rita Duffy, Robert Ballagh and William Crozier are owned by Mr Mallie, who became a personal friend of the artists as he amassed his collection over the decades.

After recently downsizing, he found he had far more artworks than he could ever hope to hang or display, and has now decided that the time is right to let some of them find a new home.

The award-winning journalist's abiding interest in literature is reflected in numerous portraits of writers, including Ross Wilson's portrait of Lorca, Philip Flanagan's bronze bust of Seamus Heaney, and Robert Ballagh's portrait of Patrick Kavanagh, which Mallie commissioned especially from the distinguished artist.

Ballagh's group of 'cut-out' figures at an exhibition were permanent features in Mallie's home in south Belfast, where they stood six inches from the wall where other artworks hung, conveying a sense of being in a gallery.

The four figures - a young woman, a suited man, a woman in a yellow mac and a child (actually the artist's daughter Rachel) - are all admiring the exhibit.

The auctioneers have put an estimated value of 10,000 (8,900) on the set.

The highlight of the collection is the numerous works by Blackshaw, including not only his portrait of Longley, but also 'Night Rider', a large late work which the auctioneers estimate may go for around 100,000 (89,000).

Speaking of the Longley portrait, created in 1989, Mr Mallie said: "Blackshaw's portrait of arguably Ireland's greatest living poet Michael Longley is another masterwork."

Describing the manner and context in which it was painted, he said: "Michael (Longley) had gone to Blackshaw's studio out in Antrim to sit for him.

"But Basil struggled to get a handle on the sitter for a considerable time, deciding the undertaking wasn't working.

"In fact, he thought he had totally lost it. After some further observation Blackshaw told me he pulled the portrait together rather quickly to his surprise, and simply stopped, knowing to continue might result in his losing what he had achieved.

"What he captured in so little activity on the canvas is very revealing.

"The approach is minimalist, deploying thin oil paint while allowing the canvas to do a lot of the work for him. Clearly some rubbing, sponging and use of a rag took place."

Given Mallie's profession in a place and time wracked by political tensions, intrigue and of course so many tragedies, it is significant that he should have some work that reflects the Troubles.

Ballagh's 'Feile an Phobail' is one such piece.

Commissioned for use on a poster for the West Belfast Festival in 1993, the artwork depicts a concrete bollard, the type used by the Army to block border roads.

But in this instance the mass of concrete is splitting open with new growth breaking through and a dove of peace emerging, like a butterfly from out of a chrysalis.

Painted in 1993, this piece by a politically astute artist pre-dated the IRA ceasefire, which was announced in August 1994. The painting's value is estimated at 4,000 (3,500).

The collection, coupled with Mr Mallie's engaging personal stories and recollections, make the art come alive - and the auctioneers are confident the paintings and sculptures will encourage a new generation of collectors to dip their toes into the art world.

But, as Mallie wryly stated, he doesn't expect to stop buying works any time soon.

"You don't get cured that easily!"

The pieces from the Mallie collection will form part of Adam's auction of Important Irish Art, which will take place at its St Stephen's Green rooms in Dublin on November 22.
A 14-year-old boy needed surgery after he was attacked by a 6ft 2" man aged in his 30s.

The child was out with two friends when they were approached by the man in Green Gables Manor off the Green Road in Conlig, Co Down at around 10pm last Sunday.

The boy was punched in the face.

Police said: "Unfortunately the punch caused serious damage and the young boy has had to undergo surgery on Monday due to the injury on his jaw.

"The male has been described as being in early 30s, 62, muscular build, short brown/dark hair, spiked on top wearing blue Polo top and jeans. This male may well live in this general area and we would appeal that if anyone knows him to please get in touch.

"If this male reads this I would urge him to contact us as we feel confident with community help we will get him identified. You can call us on 101 quoting reference cc2017102901751 or if you wish to remain anonymous then you can call Crimestoppers on 0800555111."
DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds has said London must appoint direct rule ministers to run Northern Ireland "within a few short weeks" if a deal isn't reached to restore devolution.

Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Inside Politics programme last night, Mr Dodds said the ministers could make decisions in conjunction with the Stormont parties.

The DUP and Sinn Fein have nine days to reach a deal before the Secretary of State passes a budget for Northern Ireland in the House of Commons.

James Brokenshire has insisted that this would not mean a return to direct rule.

But Mr Dodds said while he was "optimistic" that the two parties could reach an agreement, key decisions had to be taken on public services.

"I have made it very clear we can only go on in this semi-direct rule in certain areas, welfare and now the budget, for a very short period," he said.

"We need decisions to be taken by ministers and if those aren't going to be Northern Ireland Executive ministers, then I think within a few short weeks we need to move to an appointment of direct rule ministers.

"You can give civil servants the power to spend money, but there are a lot of decisions stacking up and you have to have ministers to make decisions."

Sinn Fein could abandon the talks process if London ministers are appointed but Mr Dodds maintained that there was no other choice.

"The alternative is that we end up with no ministers making any decisions until Sinn Fein come to their senses. So, what happens to public services in the meantime? We can't have the current limbo," he said.

The DUP MP also expressed his disgust at the "horrific" allegations of sexual assault and harassment at Westminster.

Asked by the BBC if his own party's record in the House of Commons was clear on the matter, he said: "I believe so". Meanwhile, Sinn Fein has warned that unless there is "a step change" by Arlene Foster's party and the two governments on the issues of rights, a deal to restore devolution is unlikely.

Upper Bann MLA John O'Dowd yesterday blamed the DUP for the deadlock as the two parties continued to squabble despite the clock ticking on the latest Stormont deadline.

He said: "Unless there is a step change on the part of the DUP and both governments on the issues of rights, it is very unlikely we are going to see any agreement in the next period of time which sees the institutions back in place.

"The issue of rights is not going to go away. The DUP know this. These rights must be satisfactorily dealt with."

The Sinn Fein MLA said his party was committed to restoring the institutions "on the principles of equality, respect and integrity" and this was "the only sustainable way government in the North can function".

He stated: "Threats to public services are a direct result of Tory austerity policies, policies now backed by the DUP as part of their reckless pact with the Tory government.

"The DUP should focus their attentions on ending their denial of rights which citizens enjoy everywhere else on these islands, so we can get local ministers who are best placed to run local public services and prioritise our own political agenda back in place."

Ulster Unionist leader Robin Swann urged Mr Brokenshire to press ahead with a Northern Ireland budget regardless of the opposition from Sinn Fein.

Mr Swann said: "In recent days, Gerry Adams warned that Sinn Fein will consider this phase of the talks at an end if Westminster passes a budget bill for Northern Ireland.

"He has also warned direct rule would be a major breach of the Belfast Agreement, with 'international implications'. This is more nonsense from Gerry Adams.

"He should drop the ludicrous threats. It's all right for him with access to healthcare in the USA when he needs it, but the rest of us want to see our government ensure a budget is in place."

The UUP leader said Sinn Fein should "be thankful" that the British government provided 10bn annually to Northern Ireland.

"If the Secretary of State took Gerry Adams' advice and decided not to legislate at Westminster for a budget for Northern Ireland, just how does Gerry Adams think we will pay for public services, public sector wages or benefits?

"He would be the first person leading the complaints that the British government was not fulfilling its obligations and was infringing the rights of local people if thousands of public sector workers were laid off because the local public sector had run out of money," Mr Swann said.
Opinion / Columnist

Today I had an opportunity to attend the just ended Youth interface rally in Bulawayo and I am disgusted. Bulawayo has been neglected for decades; all initiatives like the Zambezi Water Project never saw the light of the day; the biggest industrial city in the country is now a ghost town yet a whole so-called President of Zimbabwe come to the city to fight his shadow.After travelling all the way from Mandamabwe, I was expecting to hear the so-called President discuss bread and butter issues. What another place could the so-called President have to articulate the vision of the country than Bulawayo - I can call this a city anymore because almost everything is dysfunctional.Industries are non-operational. Ironically, local colleges are producing graduates like hot cakes. Unemployment is almost 99 percent. So why bring people to a rally to threaten to fire vice President Mnangagwa? Why threaten an impromptu election at a rally? Why not make an elective congress true elective and let people compete for your position? How does threatening to fire Mnangagwa going to bring food on my table?It is surprising that the people of Zimbabwe remain calm in the face of such mockery from the supposed highest office. This geriatric has completely lost it and a threat to the security of this country. All he did was to echo what his Certified Nursing Assistant stood (CNA) up to say; no policy issues, no vision for Bulawayo; no vision for the country. Why not go ahead and fire Mnangagwa now and focus on helping us live like human beings again?We are tired of these votes buying gimmicks that surface every time elections are around the corner. Zimbabwe is not Gushungo dairy; ZANU PF is not a Mugabe homestead therefore people cannot afford to let this misguided CNA chart her misguided way forward for the country.Zimbabwe is a country a constitutional country yet we have let this geriatric take us for granted for too long and we must stop him immediately. The chap has already committed International law and a good candidate for the International Court of Justice (ICJ). His declaration of, "I am the law" is enough to get him to The Hague.I will not waste my time on Grace; she has definitely issues that do not warranty any sane person's attention. My appeal is to the people of Zimbabwe to force their purported leaders to expend their energy towards the development of the country not petty power play issues that always surface around election season. If our leaders could spend a third of the effort they spend fighting Mnangagwa towards the development of the country, Zimbabwe will be a developed country.
Seventeen PSNI officers have died by suicide in the last 15 years, it can be revealed

Seventeen PSNI officers have died by suicide in the last 15 years, it can be revealed.

Figures released under Freedom of Information show that is almost 20% of the 96 officers who have died on and off duty since 2002.

Of the 15 who died on duty in that time, seven lost their lives as a result of traffic accidents and three died by suicide.

Two died as a result of terrorism, two from natural causes, and one after an accident.

Of the 81 officers who died off duty, 14 took their own lives.

It has led to calls for more help for front line emergency service workers.

The Police Federation, which represents all ranks up to Chief Inspector, called the figures "a frightening commentary on what is actually happening".

It said: "Behind all of these figures are stories of tragedy and we shouldn't lose sight of the high price that families continue to pay for having loved ones serving the Northern Ireland community.

"Policing today places huge demands on the individual. The service is seriously under-strength, which means fewer officers have to do much more.

"That places great stress, not only on the individual, but on families. Many suffer long-term psychological illnesses, which we are seeking to address. Many have their lives badly disrupted, and this impacts dreadfully on families and relationships."

It added that the organisation worked with charities to support the families of its members.

PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Drew Harris said: "The death of any police officer or police staff member, whether through suicide or any other circumstance, is an absolute tragedy. As a police service, we continually work to ensure that we do everything possible to protect and support our staff to ensure that the risks and pressures of both work, and outside of work, are minimised.

"Policing is a very challenging, and at times dangerous, role and one where officers and staff are frequently faced with having to deal with very difficult, traumatic and tragic circumstances.

"As an organisation we are very aware of the personal impact this can bring, and the proactive and follow-up support that is needed. As a police service we have invested significantly in a range of support services and have one of the most comprehensive and progressive occupational health and well-being departments of any UK police service."

He said officers were offered a range of services to help with physical and mental well-being, including a 24/7 counselling service.

Martina McIlkenny of suicide awareness charity PIPS said: "We feel that more resources need to be implemented in all the front line services - PSNI, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

"We have talked to the services, who are overworked and under extreme pressure to do much more with less resources.

"Psychological illnesses are wide-ranging, with one thing in common: they are exacerbated by the sometimes intolerable pressures of a demanding and heavily-scrutinised job.

"The creation of a supportive, caring and understanding environment, where officers can freely avail of professional help, would be a first positive step."

The Patten Report, published in 1999, set PSNI staffing at 7,600.

PSNI figures from the start of last month show a figure of 6,682 officers.
Celebrity chef Nigella Lawson meets local fan Jane Noble from Bangor during her visit to Easons in Belfast

Self-styled domestic goddess Nigella Lawson caused a thrill in Belfast yesterday when she paid a flying visit to promote her latest book.

Glossy haired and chic in a black poloneck, the London-based celebrity chef and socialite greeted the long queue of fans that formed at Eason's, excited to get a glimpse and a quick word.

Nigella, famed for her decadent recipes, had a dazzling smile for all who turned up to get their copy of At My Table signed by the TV star, who did so with a flourish.

Many took to social media to express their excitement at the meeting.

However, the queue proved too long for some, with Ashley McAllister tweeting a photograph adding: "Papped the AMAZING @Nigella_Lawson in #Belfast today! The queue was too long for me: (next time lovely!".

Following the book signing, Nigella went on to thrill local restaurateur Michael Deane by visiting his flagship eatery Deanes EIPIC for lunch.

Nigella then travelled to Dublin and dined at Etto on Merrion Row, after which she took to Twitter to rave about her meal, commenting: "Red wine prunes w (with) Vanilla mascarpone: last course of a truly exquisite dinner."

She also appeared on RTE's The Late Late Show last night, and tweeted about having a great time on her trip. This morning she is scheduled to take part in another signing at Dubray Books on Grafton Street.
A County Antrim man is to stand trial accused of sexually abusing his ex-partner's young niece, a judge has ordered

A County Antrim man is to stand trial accused of sexually abusing his ex-partner's young niece, a judge has ordered.

The man allegedly assaulted the girl and made her view indecent images when she was as young as five.

The 34-year-old defendant, who cannot be named to protect the girl's identity, appeared before Belfast Magistrates Court yesterday for a preliminary inquiry hearing.

He is charged with two sexual assaults and three counts of intentionally causing the child to look at images of a person engaging in sexual activity.

The alleged offences were committed on dates between October 2012 and April 2014.

During proceedings defence lawyers did not contest prosecution submissions that their client has a case to answer.

Granting an application to have the man returned for a future Crown Court trial, a deputy district judge released him on continuing bail.

The accused is set to be represented by two counsel due to the complexities of the case.
Harris Binotti is believed to be in Glasgow

The family of a Northern Ireland man murdered in Myanmar claim the Home Secretary has ignored their pleas for help in bringing the chief suspect to justice.

Gary Ferguson, who was from Bangor, was killed on November 5 last year, but the man wanted in connection over his death is believed to be living in the UK.

Harris Binotti, a 26-year-old teacher from Dumfries in Scotland, fled the city of Yangon, hours after his colleague Mr Ferguson was beaten to death after a night out.

The Ferguson family wrote to Home Secretary Amber Rudd two months ago asking her to intervene - but have yet to receive a response.

On the eve of the first anniversary of Mr Ferguson's murder, his brother Martin appealed for assistance in securing justice.

Mr Ferguson, a 47-year-old English teacher, was living in Myanmar (formerly Burma) with his wife Supatchaya Sichompor and four-year-old son Jeremy.

He was found dead with head and chest wounds in Yangon.

After his concerned wife couldn't reach him, his body was found in Mr Binotti's flat on November 6.

For months, Mr Ferguson's family believed Mr Binotti had gone on the run in Thailand, but in April it was reported he was back in Glasgow, living with his girlfriend and working in a call centre under an assumed name.

At the same time, Interpol issued a red notice - an international alert for a wanted person - on Mr Binotti.

Despite this, Scottish police said they had "no authority" to arrest a suspect identified in an Interpol alert and said the Myanmar authorities have the lead.

However, no extradition treaty exists between the UK and Myanmar.

The distraught Ferguson family wrote to Amber Rudd in September but have not received a reply.

Martin Ferguson said: "We'd like her (Ms Rudd) to do her duty and get this finished and over with. We want to be able to go on with our lives. There's a lot of people affected by this.

"My relationship with my children is affected, they can see what it's doing to all of us. It's just getting harder and harder.

"It's the Government we're relying on to put an end to all of this. By not acting they're keeping the family in pain."

A Home Office spokesperson said: "As a matter of long-standing policy and practice, the UK will neither confirm nor deny that an extradition request has been made or received until such time as an arrest has been made in relation to that request."

Mr Ferguson added: "I think the UK authorities are worried about the death penalty in Myanmar, so they'll never extradite someone who could possibly be executed.

"We haven't got a clue what's going on. All that we get is that until an arrest has been made we can't be given specific details so until then we're just sitting with the lights out."

Mr Ferguson said the family was deeply shocked to find out Mr Binotti was living in Glasgow, adding that the apparent lack of progress was deeply hurtful.

"Shortly after Gary's death, we had a search going on, believing Binotti was still in Asia. But I believe the Home Office knew he came back soon after to Scotland and didn't disclose it until the red notice was put out and one of Binotti's work colleagues in Glasgow notified a newspaper in Scotland."

He added: "If it wasn't for that colleague we still wouldn't know any better.

"It just seems to get harder for Gary's wife (Supatchaya Sichompor) and son Jeremy. They're still living on what we can provide for them," he said.

"That's very hard for them financially as Gary was the sole provider."

He added: "We can't rest until Binotti's apprehended. Psychologically, it's just damaged us all."

Martin said the family would all be thinking of Gary on the anniversary of his death, but said holding any formal ceremony would be too distressing.
A row has erupted at North Down and Ards Borough Council after a motion to remove prayers at the start of council meetings was put forward.

Green Party councillor John Barry, who has introduced the motion, said it was "not inclusive of those of different religions and beliefs" to have prayers at each meeting. But the DUP Mayor Robert Adair hit back, accusing the Green Party of attacking Christian values.

Cllr Barry said: "As an official part of the agenda the first item on every monthly council meeting is a prayer. It is an official council prayer that is usually set by the chief executive. The last two mayors have also introduced a tradition of Bible readings. I have no issues with people wanting to have a moment's reflection or commune with their god but it has no business being part of the official agenda.

"This is not an attack on Christianity. This is about separation of church and state. It is about the removal of any religious connotation as an official part of council business."

Cllr Adair said: "I will be opposing the motion and voting against it. I just feel it is an attack by the Green Party on Christianity and Christian values. I am a born-again Christian and I live my life by Christian principles and people were aware of that when I was elected to the council. I feel the Green Party would be better not bringing divisive motions to council because there is plenty of local issues we could be spending our time debating."

The council will vote on the motion on the November 14. If passed, a new reflective silence will be adopted.

A spokesman for Ards Churches Together said: "Our scriptures call us to seek peace and prosperity for the towns and cities in which we reside, and to pray for them. We are praying for fruitful dialogue in the forthcoming debate about the place of prayer on local council agendas. The Christian heritage of this place has long played a role in civic life and discussion about the future of religious expressions in council meetings will be well served by those who listen closely to understand one another's views.

"We are grateful to God that people of different viewpoints and ideologies come together on our council to work for the good of the borough and to seek peace and prosperity."

The row comes after Belfast Lord Mayor Nuala McAllister caused a controversy after dispensing with prayers before her installation dinner in September.

Ms McAllister, an atheist, didn't invite anyone to say grace at the event.
Newly released documents have revealed the reason why Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams was barred from the White House.

In March 2016 the Sinn Fein leader was invited to Barack Obama's White House for the annual St Patrick's Day events along with Mary Lou McDonald and the late Martin McGuinness.

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However, on arrival the Louth TD was told by staff there was a security issue which needed to be addressed before he was let in to the event, attended by an array of US and foreign dignitaries. After a 90 minute wait Mr Adams cut his losses and left.

The US Secret Service apologised saying a delay in processing Mr Adams for entry was due to the an "administrative input error".

However, Mr Adams reacted angrily accusing the US Government of treating Sinn Fein "differently" to other political parties. In a scathing attack, he said Sinn Fein will "not sit at the back of the bus for anyone", in reference to civil rights activist Rosa Parks.

Now documents, seen by Irish broadcaster RTE state the reason for his refused entry was because the Secret Service thought the name "Gerry Adams" was the nickname of another guest attending the event.

And when an email was sent to a member of the organisation tasked with the President's security about it, he was out for a run and did not respond for 45 minutes, holding up the process.

The documents released to RTE under Freedom of Information show there was a flurry of emails over the incident.

"I walked into a firestorm... the last flames are just being put out as we speak. Wow, what a day!" wrote one official.
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall attend a service. (Yui Mok/PA)

Britains war dead buried in a foreign field were honoured by the Prince of Wales as he remembered a Second World War pilot awarded the Victoria Cross.

Charles paid his respects when he visited the Taiping Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in northern Malaysia and stopped to view the headstone of Squadron Leader Arthur Scarf.

He was given a walking tour of the pristine graves by Commonwealth War Graves Commissioner Paul Price and Colonel Stephen Hall, British defence adviser to Malaysia.

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Col Hall said the Prince had paused at the grave of the airman, listening to the story of how he won his VC at the age of 28 and marvelling at his heroism.

The officer was posthumously awarded the highest military gallantry award for carrying out a solo bombing raid on a Japanese airforce base in Thailand on December 9 1941.

As he got airborne from RAF Butterworth in Malaya, he watched a surprise attack by enemy aircraft that dive-bombed and destroyed or damaged RAF planes on the airfield which were about to take off and join his raid.

Against the odds, and vastly outnumbered, he continued his mission to Singora and completed it, making a forced landing just over the Thai border in Malaysia at Alor Setar but was mortally wounded.

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Among the nurses working frantically to save his life at the local hospital was his pregnant wife, who donated her own blood in a last-ditch bid to help, but her efforts were unsuccessful. Soon after his death, she lost their unborn baby.

On arrival, Charles was greeted by a military piper from the Royal Gurkha Rifles Brunei and first walked to the Muslim cemetery, laying a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance and bowing his head in acknowledgement of their service.

He then crossed a dusty road to the Christian cemetery opposite, where he paused at the grave of Squadron Leader Scarf and then laid a second wreath at the Cross of Sacrifice, again bowing his head to reflect.

A card on the wreath read: In grateful remembrance of your service and sacrifice.
A British man who now works as a cop in the US has been honoured for rescuing a woman from a burning car.

Detective Chris Godby, 31, was named one of the officers of the month with Grand Prairie Police in Texas, along with two colleagues who also helped save the unconscious woman.

Action filmed on Godbys bodycam shows the officers pulling the driver through the window to get her away from the flames.

Grand Prairie Officers Rescue Unconscious Woman from Burnin Officers Basile, Officer Gray, and Detective Godby were selected as Officers of the Month for the month of November for their efforts in saving a woman from a burning car.Just before midnight on September 14th, a woman crashed her vehicle on SE 14th St, striking a gas line and telephone pole. The driver's side door wouldn't open due to damage done in the accident. The window was down giving Officers Basile and Godby the opportunity to pull the unconscious woman out from the window and take her away from the burning vehicle. Officer Gray was working to put out the fire until GPFD arrived on scene. The officers will be receiving the lifesaving bar for their courageousness. Posted by Grand Prairie Police on Thursday, November 2, 2017

Godby, an Everton fan originally from Warrington and who moved to Texas in 2007, will receive the lifesaving bar for courageousness, according to the police forces Facebook page.

The accident happened on September 14 after the womans car collided with a telephone pole and struck a gas line, prompting the fire.

I didnt really have any time to react to it because I get out of my car and I can smell gas, Godby told the Press Association, recalling the incident. At the time I didnt realise that she had hit a gas main.

Im not sure if you can tell from the video but the vehicle kind of explodes within 10 seconds of pulling her out.

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As Godby and a colleague pulled the woman from the car, another colleague was working to put out the blaze until others from Grand Prairie Police arrived.

The woman was taken to hospital and has since recovered.

People watch police videos and they say what they would have done differently, said Godby. The reality is you have a second to make a decision on what youre going to do.

Its always an honour to get any kind of award, but I feel like theres police officers across the United States and across the world that are doing things like this on a daily basis, and we dont do these things for the awards.

We all took the same pledge to protect and serve, and if I was put in that situation again Id do the exact same thing, knowing that the car could probably explode. Its nice to be recognised.
Indias top counter-terror unit on Friday said it would seek help from the Philippines to question a suspected militant who is in custody on charges that she served as a top online recruiter for Islamic State (IS).

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will send a request to the Philippines seeking access to Karen Aizha Hamidon, who was arrested in Manila last month, either through video conferencing or by sending its team to that country, an official told BenarNews on condition of anonymity.

It is a long process. I can't give you a time frame as to when and if we will be able to get access to her, he said. We want to question her to find out about her links with IS operatives in India who as yet may not have been arrested.

Hamidon is wanted by the NIA for allegedly recruiting Indians for the Middle East-based terror outfit through online platforms, the official said.

About 70 Indians are in police custody and are facing trial for allegedly being IS operatives or sympathizers.

Hamidon is the widow of Mohammad Jaafar Maguid (alias Tokboy), the suspected founder and leader of Ansarul Khilafa Philippines. He was killed in a gun battle with the police in January, months before IS-linked militants began a five-month battle with government forces in Marawi on May 23.

July 2016 contact

The NIA reached out to the Philippines in July 2016 after discovering that Hamidon had been in touch with more than a dozen IS suspects arrested in India through social media platforms such as Facebook, Whatsapp and Telegram, the agencys official said.

We had provided the Philippines with her address in Metro Manila, her phone numbers and her social media IDs, the official said.

On Oct. 18, Philippine police brought up the allegations that Hamidon recruited Indian nationals to join militants in Marawi. Hamidons middle name appears as Aisha on social media accounts.

On Friday, Philippine officials said she had posted about 300 messages on the social media accounts calling on Muslims to join jihad, the Associated Press reported. She denied allegations that she recruited for IS.

Im just a blogger. I am into journalistic articles, composition ... and social media usage but no more, no more than that, she told reporters after appearing before a prosecutor at the Department of Justice. I only use the social media as my avenue to spread the message of Islam for religious purposes, for maximum audiences.

Rohit Wadhwaney in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh contributed to this report.
When Carolina Roman graduated from Cleveland State in the spring of 2016, the mother of six voted Most Distinguished Graduate didnt realize that she would soon be employed with the college as the Hispanic/Latino student support specialist.

Since Ms. Roman has been serving in this role, the college has seen a significant increase in Hispanic/Latino students. Ms. Roman is responsible for providing outreach to prospective students, as well assisting in monitoring and support services to improve retention and completion rates among this particular population of students.

With the Hispanic/Latino population growing throughout our service area, we wanted to be sure that we are doing all that we can to connect with those residents so that they can take advantage of all of the programs we offer at Cleveland State, said Dr. Michael Stokes, vice president for Student Services. Carolina had been a successful student at the college, and was selected as our Distinguished Graduate for 2016, and we were excited that she was available to come on board in a position working with Hispanic/Latino students. She does a great job connecting with prospective students throughout our five counties, and also provides valuable support to students to encourage their success.

Ms. Roman said, I love my job. I love my coworkers and my supervisor, and I love to help people, so I was definitely interested when I found out about this position. I know first-hand how hard it can be for Hispanics to come to college. I know what its like to learn a new language, and I can definitely relate to them, so anything I can do to make them feel comfortable because of the language barrier, Im going to help them.

Ms. Roman can relate to CSCC students in other ways, too. She remembers being scared to go back to school as an adult student. She thought she was going to be the only older student with an accent, but said she realized there were so many international students, as well as older students at CSCC.

Ms. Roman said she is able to assist Spanish speaking students and their parents with any questions they may have about the college enrollment process. When people find out that Im here and can speak Spanish, sometimes they feel more comfortable coming and asking questions. I can help them with any questions they may haveI want them to know Im here to help them with the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), the admissions application, the scholarship application, Ill help them in any way I can.

One of Ms. Romans goals for her position is to help Hispanic students to become more involved on campus. Angie Giraldo, president of the International Club, said, Carolina has helped me feel comfortable in my own culture. Ive referred some of my friends to her. Because she went to school here, she knows what its like and she is always so willing to help. Her story is very inspirational, as wellshe has many children to take care of, but was able to graduate with honors. She is someone I look up to.

Ms. Roman continued, Education changes lives. Cleveland State changed my life. I used to be a stay at home mom, but because of CSCC so many doors have opened for me, so many opportunities. I feel so grateful to have this position and so thankful for the people who helped me get here.






Chattanooga firefighters and volunteers with the American Red Cross teamed up Saturday morning to install free smoke alarms and batteries in Lookout Valley homes. Fire Marshal Beau Matlock said the teams walked door-to-door, and within the span of about two hours, installed 56 smoke alarms and put 20 fresh batteries in smoke alarms that needed them.





This event coincides with the time you change your clocks back one hour to Eastern Standard Time.Chief Matlock said that's a good time to put fresh batteries in your smoke alarms. "Your smoke alarms are your first line of defense if a fire breaks out in your home," he said. "Make sure they have fresh batteries, and also check the dates on the smoke alarms. If any of them are 10 years old or older, they should be replaced."





Any Chattanooga residents who cannot afford to purchase their own smoke alarms can get one for free by calling the Chattanooga Fire Department at 643-5600 during regular business hours.




Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday instructed the armed forces to improve their combat capability and readiness for war.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks while inspecting the CMC joint battle command center as its commander in chief.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and commander in chief of the CMC joint battle command center, speaks during his inspection tour to the command center on Nov. 3, 2017. Xi Jinping on Friday instructed the armed forces to improve their combat capability and readiness for war. [Photo/Xinhua]

"The CMC should lead the armed forces to be ready to fight and win wars, and to undertake the missions and tasks of the new era entrusted to them by the Party and the people," said Xi, in military uniform.

The capability to win is strategically important in safeguarding national security, and strengthening that capability and combat readiness in the new era would provide strategic support to the realization of the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation, according to Xi.

Xi called on the military to closely follow the situation of national security and to ensure military preparedness in all directions and all fields.

Innovation should be made in studying and planning for combat to adapt to the trend of military evolution, said Xi.

Xi demanded progress in joint operation command systems, especially in efficiency at regional theater command level.

Troops were ordered to conduct training under combat conditions.

During the inspection, Xi had video chats with troops at frontier posts and a newly established support base in Djibouti.

Xi encouraged those stationed in Djibouti to help promote international and regional peace and stability.
Premier Li Keqiang pledged his support on Friday to further promote nuclear energy cooperation between China and the United States and develop safe and reliable breakthrough technologies.

Premier Li Keqiang meets with Bill Gates, Microsoft founder and chairman of TerraPower, in the Zhongnanhai compound in Beijing on Friday. [Photo/China Daily]

The premier spoke during a meeting with Bill Gates, chairman of TerraPower and founder of Microsoft, in Beijing.

Li spoke positively of the cooperation the two nations have had in research and development on new-generation nuclear power technologies. He said he was exhilarated to know about the establishment of a joint R&D venture on traveling-wave reactors, a new breakthrough in the field.

Li emphasized that safety is an essential prerequisite for developing nuclear power and that the new technology must be reliable and secure.

The premier also said that the new industrial revolution is proceeding to a higher level while the internet provides vital support. He said that China is carrying out innovation-driven development and making use of the Internet Plus Initiative, both of which involve promoting new technologies and integrating them with traditional industries to accelerate economic transformation and upgrading.

"We wish to further international cooperation and achieve technological breakthroughs by developing China's advantage in rich resources in talent and using internet-based platforms," he said.

New-generation nuclear power technology is vital for mankind to develop energy in the future and the energy supply must be kept clean, safe and reliable, Gates said. He said he appreciates the cooperation with Chinese companies and is willing to make the wishes a reality with an open attitude.

A traveling-wave reactor is a fourth-generation technology that can directly process depleted uranium, natural uranium, thorium, spent fuel from light water reactors or combinations of these materials, which allows the reactor to use fuel in a more efficient way.

China National Nuclear Co signed an agreement with TerraPower in September 2015 to jointly develop traveling-wave reactors, the first time such cooperation has been undertaken since 1985, when China and the US signed a cooperative agreement in nuclear energy. A joint venture was established by the two companies and some other Chinese energy suppliers this September.

The joint venture aims to build and operate small, medium and large power plants using traveling-wave reactors in the next 20 years, which are expected to reduce costs by 20 percent from existing, third-generation nuclear power plants.
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China and Laos have vowed to further strengthen cooperation to jointly build a strong community of shared destiny.

The pledge came during a meeting between Bounnhang Vorachit, General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and president of Laos, and Song Tao, special envoy of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Xi Jinping.

Song, who is also head of the CPC Central Committee's International Department, has been on a visit from Thursday to Friday to brief the Laotian side on the 19th CPC National Congress.

At their meeting, Song conveyed Xi's message that under the guidance of the spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress, the Chinese party and people will make new and greater contributions to promote the building of a new type of international relations and a community of shared future for mankind.

Xi said in the message that both being socialist countries, China stands ready to work with Laos to jointly build an unbreakable community of shared destiny and push for a new realm in the development of the socialist cause, based on the principles of long-term stability, good neighborly friendship, mutual trust and all-round cooperation and in the spirit of good neighbors, friends, comrades and partners.

Bounnhang, for his part, spoke highly of the great achievements of the 19th CPC National Congress and the theoretical contributions of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to the socialist cause in the world.

He said Laos will learn from the outcomes of the 19th CPC National Congress in the innovation of theory and practice, and continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the two parties to jointly build a strong Laos-China community of shared destiny.
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Spanish High Court judge Carmen Lamela on Friday evening issues a European arrest warrant for the sacked Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont and four former members of his cabinet who are currently in Brussels after failing to appear in court in Madrid on Thursday.

Ousted Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont addresses a press conference at the Press Club Europe in Brussels, Belgium, in Oct. 31, 2017. [Xinhua]

Lamela, who on Thursday sent nine former members of Puigdemont's government to prison on charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of funds, added "disobedience" and "prevarication", to those charges for Puigdemont and other four members remaining in Brussels.

The warrant means Puigdemont and the four former members of his government will have to be arrested and appear before a judge in Belgium. If they accept to return to Spain, they will do so within 10 days, but if they refuse judicial proceedings could last up to 60 days.

The Belgian prosecutor's office said it has received Spain's arrest warrant and the prosecutor will study it before it will be given to a judge, Spanish newspaper El Pais reported.

"I confirm that we have received it. We are waiting for translation and then we will study it," El Pais quoted spokesman of the Belgian prosecutor's office Eric Van der Sijpt as saying.

Earlier in the day, Puigdemont gave an interview on Belgian television in which he said he was not looking to evade justice, but that he wanted "the true justice (of Belgium) not of Spain".

He added that he was also willing to be a candidate in the Catalan regional elections scheduled for Dec. 21 -- something that would be possible under Spanish law unless he has been found guilty beforehand, which is virtually impossible as he has not yet been formally charged.

Santi Vila, the only former member of the deposed Catalan government to be offered the chance of bail by judge Lamela on Thursday, left prison on Friday after paying the bail which had been set at 50,000 euros (58,048 U.S. dollars).

The other eight members were held in custody without having bail set.

Meanwhile, the High Court rejected the appeal of the leaders of pro-Catalan independence groups, Omnium Cultural and the Catalan National Assembly, against Judge Lamela's decision taken on Oct. 17 to remand them in custody without bail pending investigation on charges of sedition.

Sedition carried a maximum prison sentence of 25 years in Spain, while the Spanish media comment that the former members of the Catalan government could face jail terms of up to 50 years if found guilty on all counts.
Canada has released 10,700 new work permits for young Irish citizens.

They will be available from tomorrow night for young Irish people aged between 18 and 35.

They include Working Holiday permits, Young Professionals permits, and International 'Co-Op' permits for those who have been granted an internship.

Almost 30,000 people have moved from Ireland to Canada since 2011, and some research has indicated that Canada is where Irish emigrants find the greatest degree of happiness.

Kerryman Ruairi Spillane, is the founder of Moving 2 Canada he is now a Canadian Citizen living in Vancouver after emigrating a decade ago.

He believes it is a land of opportunity.

He said: "There is lots of opportunity, lots of Irish people, especially in Vancouver and Toronto.

"Irish people are doing well, they are simulating well into Canada and they are always very welcome here."

Alan Regan is editor of Move 2 Canada, he says it can be a lengthy process.

He said: "Our advice to people is always to apply early.

"What happens is, every couple of weeks the immigration authorities will invite people to complete their application for their work permit.

By applying early, you are exposed to as many of these draws as possible and that way you have a better chance to receive your permit."

He outlined that in most cases you will not need a job lined up before you get there.

He said: "For the vast majority of work permits that are available you do not need a job lined up before you go over.

"You can move over and find one at your leisure when you arrive.

"For some of the permits, you do need a job lined up, those are called the young professional permits."
Gardai have launched an investigation after a man in his 40s was stabbed in Dublin last night.

The man received a single stab wound at a house on Bath Road in Balbriggan at around 9.30pm last night.
Rapist Michael Murray has had his sentence for the brutal rape of a mother he lured into an apartment in Dublin increased by four years.

Murray, formerly of Killiney Oaks, Killiney in Dublin, was sentenced to 15 years in 2013 but the DPP appealed it on the grounds of undue leniency.

On Feb 12, 2010, Michael Murray lured the woman into an apartment in Dublin city by telling her an elderly woman was dying inside.

She was walking her four-year-old son home from the playground but agreed to go in to see if she could help her.

Once inside, he tied her up and assaulted her before taking her son away and abandoning him in a city centre square in the middle of the night.

He then returned to the apartment where he spent the next 13 hours repeatedly raping and humiliating her.

He was convicted in 2013 and convicted for 15 years but the Court of Appeal today agreed with the DPP that his sentence was unduly lenient.

Murray has already served time for raping four women during a six-day period in 1995.

Considering his record, the appalling nature of what he did and the complete lack of mitigation, Mr J George Birmingham decided a 19-year sentence was more appropriate.
China's rubber-stamp legislature has made disrespecting the national anthem a criminal offence punishable by up to three years in prison amid rising nationalist appeals from the ruling Communist Party under the leadership of President Xi Jinping.

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress passed an amendment to the country's criminal law outlining punishments for people found "seriously" disrespecting the national anthem in public.

The move follows Mr Xi's appointment to a second five-year term as party leader, for which he has touted a vision of achieving a "Chinese Dream" of a powerful, prosperous nation.

It also comes as the anthem, March Of The Volunteers, has in recent months been a political flashpoint in the southern Chinese city of Hong Kong, where tensions are rising over Beijing's efforts to assert its authority over the territory.

According to the amendment passed in Beijing today, penalties include detention, imprisonment of up to three years and the deprivation of political rights.

Such punishments previously applied to the desecration of the national flag and emblem in public, China's official Xinhua News Agency reported.

The legislature also moved to apply a separate, recently passed law on the national anthem to Hong Kong and Macau, Chinese semi-autonomous regions with separate legal systems.

Football fans in Hong Kong have booed the anthem when it is played at games between the home team and teams from China or other countries, leading to fines from Fifa, the sport's governing body.

Pro-democracy activists and politicians fear a national anthem law could be used to undermine freedom of speech in Hong Kong.

The National Anthem Law, which came into effect in October, stated that playing the anthem on occasions deemed improper, including at funerals, or for changing its wording or presenting it in a disrespectful manner could be punished with 15 days in detention.

China's legislature adopted a decision to include the law in Hong Kong's and Macau's mini-constitutions, known in each territory as the Basic Law.

Since his appointment as party leader in 2012, Mr Xi has established a growing cult of personality that leans heavily on his image as a patriotic leader who brooks no slight to national dignity.

Hallmarks of his term in office have included a stronger military, bolder foreign policy and aggressive economic expansion abroad, as well as sharply reduced space for criticism or political dissent at home.

- AP
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Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Friday announced the full liberation of the city of al-Qaim near the border with Syria from the Islamic State (IS) militants.

A statement by the premier's office said Abadi, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of Iraqi forces, "congratulated the people of Iraq for the liberation of al-Qaim by the heroes."

A separate statement by the Hashd Shaabi said that Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a leader of the Shiite-dominated paramilitary brigades, congratulated the Iraqi people for the liberation of the city if al-Qaim and the Husaibah border crossing from Daesh (IS group) militants.

"The defeat of Daesh today is the harshest and most important defeat since the start of the confrontation, as Daesh has actually ended in Iraq after being defeated in the most important point (al-Qaim) that Daesh originally spread from towards the northern and western cities like Mosul and Ramadi in the summer of 2014," Muhandis said.

Earlier in the day, Lt. Gen. Abdul Amir Yarallah, Commander of Liberation of West Anbar Operations, said in a statement that the Iraqi army, Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) forces, paramilitary brigades of Hashd Shaabi and Sunni tribal fighters broke into the areas of Se'da, Karabla and Husaibah, which are part of the city of al-Qaim.

On Oct. 26, the security forces initiated their advance towards the last urban IS stronghold in Iraq near the Iraqi-Syrian border.

Meanwhile, the troops also made a significant progress toward the IS-held city of Rawa, about 80 km east of al-Qaim, and took positions outside the southern edges of the city.

Later, the troops will continue to clear the vast rural areas and desert in north of the Euphrates River.

The IS militants seized large swaths of territory in Iraq in 2014. After three years of battles, the Iraqi forces have retaken most of the occupied areas from the terrorist group, including the country's second largest city Mosul.
Belgium's justice minister has said his government will have no influence over the future of ousted Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont after Spain issued a European warrant for his arrest.

Mr Puigdemont and several aides fled to Belgium after they were fired by Spanish authorities taking control of Catalonia after politicians there voted to declare independence from Spain.
Fraud by Red Cross workers and others wasted more than $6m (5m) meant to fight the deadly Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the organisation has confirmed.

The revelations follow an internal investigation of how money was handled during the 2014-2016 epidemic that killed more than 11,000 people in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.

Up to $2m (1.6m) disappeared due to "likely collusion" between Red Cross staff and employees at a Sierra Leonean bank, the investigation found.

The International Federation of the Red Cross also revealed evidence of fraud in the two other hardest-hit countries during the Ebola crisis, Liberia and Guinea.

Investigators in Liberia found "evidence of fraud related to inflated prices of relief items, payroll and payment of volunteer incentives."

The IFRC estimated the loss at $2.7m (2.3m).

And in Guinea, at least 1m (860,000) disappeared because of fraudulent billing practices by a customs clearance service provider. Two other investigations there are pending, the IFRC said.

Ebola erupted in Guinea and spread rapidly to Sierra Leone and Liberia.

The international aid response was initially slow, and once money arrived it was often disbursed quickly in the rush to purchase supplies and get aid workers into the field.

"I feel disappointed and concerned by the reaction of a few individuals, that their actions detract from the amazing work of the Red Cross staff and volunteers during the Ebola outbreak," said Paul Jenkins, head of the delegation for the IFRC and Red Crescent Societies in Sierra Leone's capital, Freetown.

"Their actions saved thousands of lives and the IFRC will continue to ensure that its funds are used for the purpose for which they are given," he said.

The IFRC said it was strengthening its efforts to fight corruption, including introducing cash spending limits in "high-risk settings."

It also plans to send trained auditors along with emergency operations teams.

Other measures will include additional staff training and the establishment of a dedicated and independent internal investigation function.

The IFRC said it was working with Sierra Leone's Anti-Corruption Commission to "investigate and legally pursue any persons involved."
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Exports of Fords Indian subsidiary, ranked No. 1 exporter of passenger vehicles (PVs) in the first half of 2017-18, have slowed down in the past three months owing to constraints in supply chain and intensive planning for Ford EcoSports new model.
Flagging concerns on the rising trend in iron ore exports, pellet manufacturers have called for a total ban on exports of high grade iron ore fines from the country in the interest of the local steel industry. They feel high grade iron ore is a scarce resource that needs to be conserved for value addition.
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The situation in Syria including access to humanitarian aid and political transition, topped a phone conversation between French President Emmanuel Macron and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Friday, the French presidency the Elysee said in a statement.

The situation in Syria topped a phone conversation between French President Emmanuel Macron (R) and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Friday. [file photo]

Recalling "his commitment to a regular and frank dialogue with Russia", Macron told Putin, a key ally of the Syrian government, to do more "to ensure that the access to humanitarian aid is guaranteed and effective as soon as possible", notably in eastern Ghouta where many Syrian people were in a situation of great distress.

Macron called on "the permanent members of the Security Council (to) put an end to the use of chemical weapons and preserve the non-proliferation regime".

"France will not give in on the fight against impunity and the full and complete dismantling of the Syrian chemical program," he said.

As Moscow was preparing to hold a Syrian congress for national dialogue on Nov. 18 in Sochi, Macron said, "All efforts to achieve a political settlement of the Syrian crisis must be within the framework of the United Nations Security Council."

He said France was ready "to work immediately with Russia, all permanent members of the Security Council and the regional powers, to allow a credible political transition, preserve the unity of Syria and minority protection".

According to media reports, the French president will visit Russia in the first half of 2018.
Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat on Saturday said there is nothing new in Chinese President Xi Jinping's call to the country's army to be ready to fight and win wars.

Commenting on this, General Rawat said, "Every army has to prepare for a conflict. That is the task of every army. There is nothing new anybody is saying. I also have to keep preparing. In peacetime, we all train and prepare for any eventuality. So, there is nothing new in that."

The Army chief was here to unveil the statues of Field Marshal K M Cariappa, and Padma Bhushan and Distinguished Service Order (DSO) awardee General Kodendera Subayya Thimayya, at Cauvery College in Karnataka's Kodagu District.

Recently, President Xi instructed the Chinese armed forces twice to improve their combat capabilities and readiness for war.

On October 27, he urged the country's army to develop itself into a world-class military by the mid-21st century.

He was addressing military officers after being re-elected as CPC Central Committee General Secretary and Central Military Commission (CMC) Chairman at the 19th Congress of the CPC.

On Friday, the Xinhua news agency quoted President Xi, as saying that "The CMC should lead the armed forces to be ready to fight and win wars, and to undertake the missions and tasks of the new era entrusted to them by the party and the people."

His repeated calls for war preparedness left defence experts speculating about its impact on India-China relations, especially after the recent Doklam standoff.

The Doklam stand-off started on June 16, 2017, when Chinese troops with construction vehicles and road-building equipment began extending an existing road southward in Doklam, a territory which is claimed by both China as well as Bhutan. Indian troops objected to this advance and saw it as an act of Chinese aggression.

Finally, on August 28, both India and China announced that they had disengaged their troops in Doklam.
The Congress on Saturday sought to know from Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he will dismiss senior cabinet ministers like Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu and two junior ministers Jayant Sinha of Civil Aviation Ministry and M J Akbar of External Affairs Ministry for allegedly holding the posts of directors in India Foundation, a think-tank run by NSA Ajit Doval's son Shaurya Doval.

The party also demanded that the Prime Minister should act against them by initiating an enquiry by the CBI against them for allegedly holding office-of-profit, conflict of interest, and violating FCRA norms.

It also said the ministers should resign as members of either Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha and fight elections again.

The attack by the Congress came after The Wire news website published an article on the issue.

The party alleged that BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav and A. Surya Prakash, chairman of the Prasar Bharti board, are also directors of India Foundation and investigation should be initiated against them as well.

Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal said if no action is taken against the ministers, then the party will approach the court or may resort to other possible mechanisms to prosecute them.

The Congress also pointed out that in March 2006, party president Sonia Gandhi announced her resignation from the Lok Sabha and also as chairperson of the Advisory Council under the office-of-profit controversy.

"Nothing can be a bigger case of crony capitalism, violation of law and corruption than this," said Sibal.

"It is a cocktail of government, who are directors in the foundation, and private business of billions of dollars, sponsorship by the very companies who seek favours from the departments in which the ministers are directors," he added.

"So, it is civil aviation, commerce, defence and external affairs. Over and above, this is supposed to be a charitable organisation - a public interest organisation.

"How can there be public interest when government and business are on the same platform and they are talking to each other for the benefit of business?" Sibal asked.
Established in 1986, the Authority of India (IWAI) has made minimal progress in the last few decades, partly because of little investment in its initiatives.
Multinational corporations with operations in several countries regularly offer their employees projects away from home. Apart from better remunerations and positions, employees gain a global experience and the companies benefit from utilising the full potential of a highly-skilled worker. But among the top reasons why employees turn down such offers is the obscure future of their families, especially their working partners. While India has made policy changes to extend employment visa to the spouse of an expatriate worker, some stringent conditions are making it unviable. Veer Arjun Singh speaks with Kathleen Van Der Will-Carlton and Michiel W Van Campen, the directors of Permits Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that has been lobbying for liberalising the policy since 2007. Edited excerpts:
A year after the government replaced high-denomination currency notes with an aim to encourage a cashless economy, onion farmers in Nashik, Indias onion bowl, are finding themselves without money to make essential purchases.

Government prodding has ensured that middlemen pay them by cheque, but banking facilities are so few and cheques move so slowly between branches that they take weeks to encash.

Since the rural economy still runs largely on cash, farmers without cash are unable to buy seeds and equipment and to pay labourerswhich can be disastrous if it delays crop sowingforcing them to turn to private moneylenders, who charge high interests.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hinted at a crackdown on 'benami' properties and said the Congress is worried as such assets of its leaders will not be spared in his government's action.

Launching a stinging attack on the opposition party over corruption at an election rally in Sundernagar, Modi said the Congress' campaign against demonetisation was driven by its attempts to mislead the people and create an atmosphere against him before he can raise a "storm" over .

"The time has come to return to the poor what had been robbed of them.... I am going to create a situation that they (Congress leaders) would not be able to reclaim their benami assets," he said.

Heaping scorn on the Congress over its decision to observe the first anniversary of demonetisation on November 8 as black day, he said it was actually "blackmoney day" for the opposition party.

"I tried to get some information from Congress leaders... some (Congress leaders) lost their bags of Rs 500 notes, some of Rs 1000 notes. In the meantime, Modi has come with benami law. Their worry is that Modi will start showing results.

"Their worry is that the like land, flats, shops they have kept hidden like Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes are not going to be spared. Therefore, they are creating an atmosphere so that before Modi raises a storm over benami assets, they observe blackmoney day and mislead the people," he said.

In a 'benami' property, the person who pays for it buys it in the name of some other person.

There would be many Congress leaders, the prime minister claimed, who would have purchased assets like cars and houses in the names of their drivers and cooks.

He would tell these people that they should not return them to these leaders if they are asked to transfer their ownership, Modi said.

"I am going to create a situation that they would not be able to reclaim it. This is people's money. This has been robbed of the masses and would be used for their welfare," he said.

People had given him power in 2014 to fight corruption and he would continue to do so, Modi said.

Mocking at the Congress' campaign against demonetisation, he said that God gives at times the opposition party "wisdom" which comes to his use.

Referring to alleged scams that happened under the UPA, he questioned the Congress's "audacity" to observe 'black day' on November 8.

On the issue of honesty, Indians would not trust the Congress even after 100 years, such are its "sins", he claimed.

Earlier at a rally in Kangra, Modi likened the Congress to termites, and exhorted the people to finish it off by handing over three-fourths majority to the BJP in the November 9 Assembly election.

He said the opposition party would observe "blackmoney day" on November 8 and burn his effigies as it was angry with his fight against corruption.

Modi claimed that the poor and the middle class were back to work but the dishonest people were angry with him and wanted to seek revenge from him as he forced them to deposit their bagfuls of cash with banks.
The implementation of goods and services tax (GST) will give further improve India's ranking in the World Bank's ease of doing business index next year when the impact of the biggest tax reform will be taken into account, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday. India's ranking took a quantum leap to 100 from 130 last year in the latest Doing Business report.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said more reforms will be rolled out to further ease the business climate in the country, while pointing out that the recent jump in Indias rank in the World Banks Ease of Doing Business report was only a beginning.
Union Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has extended the term of Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal by six months upto May 02, 2018..

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Cauvery is an inter?State basin having its origin in Karnataka and flowing through Tamil Nadu and Puduchery before outfalling in Bay of Bengal. The sharing of waters of the Cauvery has been the source of a serious conflict between the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The genesis of this conflict rests in two agreements in 1892 and 1924 between the erstwhile Madras Presidency and Kingdom of Mysore..

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In this regard, Government of India on June 02, 1990 constituted the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) to adjudicate the water dispute regarding inter?state river Cauvery and the river valley thereof among the States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry..

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The Tribunal was asked to submit its report by August 05, 2005.The term of the tribunal was extended for one year upto August 06, 2006 and again for six months upto Februay 05, 2007..

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CWDT gave its report and decision u/s 5(2) of the ISRWD Act, 1956 on February 05, 2007. The party States and Central Govt filed application for clarification/further guidance u/s 5 (3) of the above said Act on April 27, 2007, April 30, 2007 and May 03, 2007 and the Tribunal had to submit a further report within one year from May 03,2007. The Central Govt. on the requests made by the tribunal from time to time extended the period of the submission of the said further report upto November 02, 2017. Now the tribunal has again sought an extension and hence the Govt. has extended the period upto May 02,2018..

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Meanwhile, the Party States also filed Special Leave Petition (SLPs) against the above mentioned report and decision of the Tribunal before the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court on May 05, 2007 granted Special Leave in the matter..

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A Protem Supervisory Committee was constituted for implementation of the final order dated February 5, 2007 as notified vide Notification dated February 19, 2013. The Supervisory Committee consists of the Secretary, Union Ministry of Water Resources as Chairman and the Chief Secretaries of the respective States of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Union Territory of Puducherry as Members. So far eight meetings of this Committee have been held on June 01,2013, June 12,2013, July 15,2013, November 08,2013, September 28,2015, September 12,2016, September 19,2016 and February 17,2017 at New Delhi..

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Decision of CWDT has been challenged by party States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala before Supreme Court by filling Civil Appeals. Supreme Court in its order dated December 09,2016 directed that these Civil Appeals are maintainable and the matter is sub judice in the court..

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Samir/SKP
First Heli Expo India & International Civil Helicopter Conclave Inaugurated Today

The 1st Heli Expo India and International Civil Helicopter Conclave-2017 is inaugurated in New Delhi today by the Uttrakhand Tourism Minister Shri Satpal Maharaja ji in the presence of the Secretary, Civil Aviation Shri R. N. Choubey, CMD Pawan Hans, Dr. B. P. Sharma and other dignitaries. The first issue of Pawan Hans Magazine Aviation Today is also unveiled by the chief guests on this occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the Uttarakhand Tourism Minister said that the helicopter taxi services have a huge potential for enforcing law and order, air ambulance services, to check forest fire and can provide better connectivity to religious and tourist destinations located in rough terrain of hilly areas.

On this occasion the Secretary, Civil Aviation Shri R.

N. Choubey said that India has achieved a growth rate of about 20% in domestic air travel section in the last three years, which is the highest growth rate in the world Civil Aviation Sector. He said however, that this growth rate is confined to fixed wing traffic only and the helicopter traffic is much less in India. He said that the National Civil Aviation Policy tries to address this gap. As per the new NCAP, helicopters are free to fly from point to point without prior ATC clearance in airspace below 5000 feet. Shri Choubey said the aviation agencies should start exploring the option to start helicopter taxi services between Delhi -NCR and other North Indian States.

This two days 1st Heli Expo India & International Civil Helicopter Conclave-2017 is organised by Pawan Hans Limited, a Mini Ratna company of Ministry of Civil Aviation in association with PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry with the theme of Enhancing Connectivity at the Pawan Hans Heliport, Rohini, New Delhi. Experts from Industry and Defence Forces and representatives from ICAO and SAARC countries attended the conclave.

An exhibition is also organised at the venue. The second day is open for public, where one can visit the exhibition and pre-book the Delhi Darshan joy rides by Helicopter.
Shri Nitin Gadkari says government is committed to providing world class transport and logistics infrastructure in the country within two years Work has begun for setting up Logistics Parks at Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Surat and Guwahati

Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, has reiterated the Governments commitment for providing world class transport and logistics infrastructure in the country within to support the growth of economic activity. He was addressing a session on Opportunity in Infrastructure, Logistics Technology and Equipment in the World Food India 2017 conference in New Delhi today.

Shri Gadkari informed that the rate of construction of National Highways has gathered considerable momentum. The country had just 96,000 km of NH three years back, but this has grown to nearly 1.7 lakh km, and will soon reach a length of 2 lakh km. This will provide more farmers in remote areas with access to markets for their produce .

The Minister further said that 44 Economic Corridors and 24 Multi Modal Logistics Parks have been planned under the Governments flagship programme Bharatmala. These are being planned on the hub and spoke model to facilitate efficient movement of freight along routes of economic importance. The Multi Modal Logistics Parks are being planned as centres of freight aggregation with warehousing, cold storage and other such facilities. These parks will be built on NH outside cities, so they will help reduce traffic congestion and also reduce pollution. Shri Gadkari informed that work has already begun for setting up Logistics Parks at Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Vijaywada, Surat and Guwahati. The Economic Corridors and Multi Modal Logistics Parks will facilitate faster movement of farm produce to food processing centres and to markets. This will raise the income of farmers, give a boost to the food processing industry and create a large number of jobs.

Shri Gadkari also said that the Sagarmala Programme of the Shipping Ministry will also be contributing to the growth of the countrys food economy in a big way. 14 Coastal Economic Zones have been planned under this programme.

Two mega food processing parks are being planned at Kakinada and Satara and a cost of Rs 140 Crores. Support is being given to fishermen under the programme to develop their skills and raise their productivity. Facility for processing, grading and packaging of fish will be developed at Paradeep Port. In addition to this, 111 waterways are being developed as National Waterways. River Ganga, Brahmaputra, Barak are already under development. Water transport will reduce logistics costs, which in turn will benefit the food processing industry. The development of River Ganga and Brahmaputra for transport will also make it easier to move our produce to Bangladesh. Further, the efficiency of the 12 major ports has been growing rapidly, and they have been making profits consistenty over the last three years. Dry ports are being developed at Jalna, Vidarbha and Nasik to begin with. The availability of ports will give a boost to movement of goods.

In addition to developing the road and water transport infrastructure, Shri Gadkari informed that the government is also giving priority to developing micro or drip irrigation in the water deficient regions of the country. 13 river linking projects are also on the anvil of which three will be done within three months. All these projects will improve the availability and utilization of water and raise agricultural productivity.
Text of PMs address at the Ease of Doing Business event 4th November, 2017

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Miss Kristalina Georgieva, CEO, World Bank; My Colleagues in the Council of Ministers; Senior Officials, Business Leaders; Ladies and Gentlemen! .

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?? ???? ??? ?? ?????? ???? ?? | ???? ???? ??? ?? ?? ????? ????? ??? ?? ????, ??????????? ?? ???? ?? ??? ???? ?? ??? ??????? ???? ??| ?? ???? ?? ??? ???? ???? ??? ?? ?? 550??? ?????? ???? ????? ?? ???? ???? ???? ?? ???? ????? ???? ??| ??? ???????? ?? ?????? ???? ???? ??? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?????????? ???? ??? | .

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I am very happy to be here today. I sense a well-deserved mood of celebration here. The World Bank has recognized the stupendous work done by us towards improving Ease of Doing Business. We are now among the top hundred countries in the Doing Business rankings. In a short time of three years we have improved forty-two ranks. .

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I thank Ms. Kristalina Georgieva for being with us on this joyous occasion. It shows World Banks commitment to encourage nations to undertake reforms which benefit society and economy. Her presence today will motivate our team to do even better in the coming days and months. .

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Over the last three years, I have been constantly telling the domestic and foreign investor community that we in India are making sincere efforts to improve ease of doing business. .

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And Friends! India has Walked the Talk. .

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This year, Indias jump in ranking is the highest. India has been identified as one of the top reformers. Congratulations to all who have worked for this. You have done the nation proud. .

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This improvement is important: .

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Because it is an indicator of Good Governance in the Country; .

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Because it is a measure of the quality of our public policies; .

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Because it is a benchmark of transparency of processes; .

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Because, ease of doing business, also leads to ease of life; .

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And, ultimately, it reflects the way people live, work and transact in a society. .

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Friends! .

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But all this is for the benefit of concerned stakeholders. For me, the World Bank report shows that quantum change is possible through commitment and hard work. Continued efforts can help us improve even further. .

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?? ???? ?? ?? ????? ??? ???? ??? ?? ?? ??? ??? ?? ???? | ????? ???? ????? ?? ??? ??? ?? ????? ?? ??? ?? | ???? ??? , ???? ??? ?? ?? ???? ??? , ???? ???? ??? ??? ????? ???? ?? ????? ?? ????????? ?????? ???? ?? ??? ?? ?????? ???? ???? ??? ?? ??? ??? ???? ?????? ?? ??? ???? ??????? ?????? ???| .

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I say this because, India has reached a position from where, now it is easier to improve further. Our efforts have gathered momentum. In management terms, we have achieved critical mass for a swift takeoff. .

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For example, this report has not taken into account the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax or GST. As you all know, GST is the biggest tax reform in the Indian economy. And it impacts many aspects of doing business. With GST, we are moving towards a modern tax regime, which is transparent, stable and predictable. .

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?? ????? ?? ?????? ?? ????? ???? ?? ?? ??? ???? ??????? , ???? ?? ??????? ??? ?? ???? ??? ??? ?? ?? ???? ?? ?????? ?? ??? ?? ?? ??????????? ?? ???? ????? ???| ??? ??? ???? ?????? ???? ?? ?????? ???? ?? ????? ?? ???? ?? ?? ??? ???? ???? ?? ???? ????, ?? ????? ?? ???? ???? ?? ???? ????| ??? .. ??? ???? ?? ??? ???, ?? ?? ?? ?? ...?? ???? ?? ??? ????? ???? ????? ?? ???? ?? ??? ?? ?? ??? ????? ???? ??? ?????? ?? ????? ?????? ??????? ?????????? ???? ??? ?? ?? ?????? ??? ?? ?????? ??? ???? ?? ??? ???? ?? ??| .

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??? ?? ??????? ????? ?? ??? ?? ??? ??| ?? ???? ???????, ???????, ????????? ?? ????? ??????, ?????? ??????? ?? ??? ????? ?? ??? ?? ?????? ?????? ?? ?????? ???? ????? ????? ????? ?? ???? ?????? ????| ??? ????? ?? ??? ???????? ??? ??? ????? ???? ???? ?? ?? ???? ??????? ?? ????????? ?? ?????????? ?? ???????? ????? ?? ???? ?? ?? ???? ??? ???? ?? ??? ?? ?? verbatim ??????? ??? ???? ??? ?????? ???? ?? ????? ????????? ?? ????? , ?????? ??????? ?? ???? ?? ???????? ??? ???? ?? ???? ?? ?? ?? ?????? ??? ?? ??? ?? ?? ????? ???? ???? ??????? ???? ??? ?? ???? ??????? ?? ???? ?? ???? ??? ????? ??? ?? ???? ??? ?? ????? ???? ??????? ??????????? ?? ????? ?? ??????????? ?? ??? ?? ?? ????? ??? ?? ???? ???? ???? ?????? ?? positively ??????? ???? ?? ??? ??| ?? ?? ?? ?? ????? ?? ?????? ??????? ?? ?????? ??? ??? ??? ????? ?????? ???? ???? ????? ?? ???? ??????? ?? ?? ???? ?? ??????? ??? ?? ?? ???? ?? ?????? ???????? ?? ?? ???? ???? ??? ?? ?? ?????? ????? ????? ?? ???? ???????| ???? ?????? ?? ??? ?? ??? ??? ????? ?????? ??????? ???? ?? ?? ???????? ?? ??????? ???? ???? ?? , ????? ?? ?????? ???????? ?? ???? ?????? ???? ?? ?? ????? ?? ?? ????? ??? ??? ?? ????? ???? ?? ??? stakeholders ?? ????? ??? ??? ??? ?? ?? ????? ?? ????? ?????? ??? ?? ?? ?????? ???? ??? ?? ?? ????? ?????? ???? ???? ?? ?? ???? ??????? ?? ??? ???? ??? ?????????? ?? foolproof ???? ????? ?? ???? ?? ?? ?????? ?? ??????? ?? ??? ??? ??| .

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?????? ???? ?? ?? ??????? ??? ?? 2017 ?? ?? ?? ????????? ????? ??? ??? ???? GST ???? ??? ????? 2017 ?? ???? ??? ?? | ????? ?? ????? ?? ???? ??? ?? ?? 2018 ??? ????? ???? ?? ????? ?? initiative ??? ?? count ???? ???? ???| .

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There are many other reforms which have already happened, but need gestation and stabilization time, before they are taken into account by the World Bank. There are a few other reforms where our team and the World Bank team need to find common ground. All this, combined with our conviction to do even better, gives me the confidence that India will occupy a place of pride in the World Bank report next year and in the years thereafter. .

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I compliment the World Bank for engaging with countries to improve ease of doing business across the world. I also compliment them for the theme of this years report - Reforming to create jobs. There can be no denying that business is a major force in our lives. It is an engine for growth, employment generation, wealth creation and delivery of goods and services that make our lives comfortable. .

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We are a young country and job creation is an opportunity as well as a challenge. Therefore, to leverage the energy of our youth, we are positioning India as a Start-up Nation and a global manufacturing hub. For this purpose, we have launched various initiatives, such as Make in India and Start-up India. .

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Through these initiatives, combined with the new eco-system of a formal economy and a unified tax regime, we are trying to create a NEW INDIA. An India where opportunities are created and harnessed to the advantage of the needy. We are particularly keen to develop India into a knowledge based, skill supported and technology driven society. A good beginning has been made through the Digital India and Skill India initiatives. .

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Friends! .

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India is swiftly changing for the better. I wish to list some more global recognitions which indicate this: .

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o We have moved up thirty two places in the last two years in the Global Competitiveness Index of the World Economic Forum. This is highest for any country; .

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o We have also moved up twenty one places on the Global Innovation Index of WIPO in two years. .

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o We have moved nineteen places on the Logistics Performance Index of 2016 of World Bank; .

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o We are among the top FDI destinations listed by UNCTAD. .

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??? ????? ?? ???? ?? ?????? 142 ?? 100 ???? ?? ??? ??? ???? ???? ?????? ??? ???? ???? ?????? ????? ?? ??? ??? ?? ???? ?????? ???? ??? ?? ?? ???? ???? ?? ?? ?? ???? ?? ??????? ?? ???? ??? ??? ???? ??? ???????????? ???, ????????? ???, ???????? ????? ???? ?????? ????? ???? ???? ??? ?? ?? ???? ?? ????? ?????? ???? ?? ???? ????? ?? ??????? ???? ??????? ??? ???| ??? ?? ?????? ???? ?????? ???? ???? | ???? ??? ????, ?? ?? ?? ??? ?? ?? ?? ???? ?? ??? ???|.

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???? ?? ?? ????? ?? ??? ?? ?? ?????? ???? ?? Ease of Doing Business ?? ????????? ??? 2004 ??? ???? ?? ??? ??? ?????????? ??? ??| ???? ??? 2014 ?? ??? ??? ????? ????? ??? ?? ?? ?? ??? ?? ??? ??? .

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??? ??? ???????????? ??? ????? ?????? ???? ?? ???????? ?? ???? ???? ?? ???? ???? ?????? ???? ?? ????? ???? ??? ???? ???? ???? ??| .

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??? ?? ???? ??? ?? ?? ?????? ???? ?? ?? ?????? ?? ???? ????? ?? ???? ????? ????? ???? ???? ?? ??? ?? ?? ???? ?????? ?? ?? ?? ????? ???? ?????? ????? ?? ??? ??? ??? ????? ?? ?????? ????| .

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Our mantra is reform, perform and transform. We want to do better and better. I am happy to note that for the first time, the World Bank is helping us in this exercise at the sub-National level too. In a federal democracy like India, it is often not easy to take on board every stakeholder while undertaking reforms. However, over the last three years, there has been a sea change in the response of Governments, both at Central and State level. State Governments are finding innovative ways to create a business friendly environment. While often competing with each other in implementing business reforms, they are also helping each other in implementing them. This is an exciting universe in which competitiveness and cooperation co-exist. .

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Friends, .

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The agenda for boosting growth and employment, required many structural changes, many tough decisions and many new regulations. Besides this, the mind-set of the bureaucracy required change to enable them to work fearlessly and honestly. Over the last three years, the Union Government has done a lot on these fronts. We have resolved a number of regulatory and policy issues facing businesses and companies. .

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Alongwith manufacturing, we are also pushing for faster progress in infrastructure sectors. Therefore, we are continuously working to improve our investment climate. In the last three and a half years we have undertaken bold Foreign Direct Investment reforms in twenty one sectors, covering eighty seven areas of policy. ??? ?? ??? ?? ????? ???? ?? ??? ????..??? ???? ..????????? ..?? ??? ?? ???? , ??????? ????? ?? ????? ?? ??? ?? ????????? ?? ????? ?? ???? ?? ???? ???? ?? ?? ?????? ???? ???? ??? ?? ???? ?? ?? ??? | .

.

These reforms have touched significant sectors like Defence, Railways, Construction Development, Insurance, Pension, Civil Aviation and Pharmaceuticals. More than ninety percent of the FDI approvals have been put on the automatic route. ?? ???? ??? ??? ??| We are now among the most open economies for FDI. .

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This has resulted in increased FDI inflow, which year after year is making new records. The FDI inflows of 55.6 billion US dollars for the year ending March, 2016 were an all-time high. The following year, India registered an FDI inflow of 60.08 billion US dollars, thereby scaling an even higher peak. As a result, the total FDI received in the country has gone up by 67% in a short span of three years. .

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During the current financial year till August, total FDI of 30.38 billion US dollars has been received, which represents an increase of 30% as compared to the corresponding period last year. In August, 2017, India received a total FDI of 9.64 billion US dollars, which is the highest ever FDI received in any month. .

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Friends! .

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Over the last three years, we have systemically and critically evaluated business regulations. We have tried to understand the pain points of businesses with regard to interface with government. We engaged with businesses on a regular basis, understood their concerns and sought to modify regulation to address their concerns. .

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I have often emphasized that technology must be used to transform governance. Use of technology should minimize physical interface and assist time bound decision-making. I am glad to see that a number of Government Departments and State Governments are deploying technology to improve governance and deliver services. .

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Alongwith the tools of technology we also need a complete change of mind-set while dealing with business. Total re-engineering is required both at the level of Mind and Machine. The past mindset of excessive control has to be replaced by the concept of minimum government, maximum governance. This is our goal and my Government is determined to achieve this objective. .

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With this objective, an extensive exercise was undertaken to redesign laws and re-engineer government processes to make business environment simpler and more conducive. An attempt has been made to align the Indian regulatory environment to international best practices. Though, we were putting in efforts to improve Indias rank in the Doing Business Report, reforms undertaken by the Government are far more extensive. To give you one example; we have abolished more than 1200 archaic laws and Acts which were only complicating Governance. They have been deleted from the statute book. Similarly, thousands of important reforms have been carried out by the states as well. These additional efforts are not part of the World Banks requirement. .

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All Ministries of the Central Government, Public Sector Undertakings, State Governments as well as regulators should identify international best practices, consult their stakeholders and align their regulations and processes with international best practices. I have no doubt that people working in these agencies are second to none in the world in respect of their capability and commitment to public service. .

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Friends, ?? ??????? ?? ??? Ease of doing Business ???? ??? ????? ??? ????? ??? ?? ?? Ease of doing Business ?? ??? ?? Ease of Living Life ?? ?? ??????? ??? ?? ??????? ?????? ?? ???? ?? ?? ??? ??? ?? ??????, ??? ?? ????? ???? ?? ?????? ?? ???? ??? ??? .

.

??? ??? ????? ?? ??? ??? ?? ?? ??????? ?? ??? ?? ?????????? ???? ???? ???, ????? ?? ??????? ?? ??????, ??? ?? ???????? ?? ?????? ?? ????? ??? ???? .

.

???? ?? ??????? ??? ???? ????? ????? ??? ?? ??????? ????? ??? ?????? ??? ????? ?? ??? ?? ?? ?????? ?? ?????? ??? ???? ???? ????????? ?? ?? ???? ?? ??? Reform ?? ?????? ?????? ??? ??? ?????? ??? ??? ??? ????? ???? ?? ????????? ??? ???? ????? ??? ??? ???? ????? ?????? ?? ??? ?? ?????? ?????? ???? ???? ????? PF ??????????? ?? PF ?? ???? ??????? ?? ??? ???? ???? ??????? ?? ????? ????? ????? ??? ?? ?? ??? ?????? ?? ??? ??? .

.

???? ?????? ???? ?? ????? ?? ??? ??? ???? ?? ????? ??????? ??? ???? ???? ???????? ??????? ?? ?????? ?? ???? ??? ??? ??? ?????? ??? ???? ??? ??????????? ????? ???? ???? ??? ??? ????? ??????? ???? ???? ??? ??? ????? ????????? ????? ???? ??? ??? ?? ???????? ???? ?????? ??? ????? ??, ?? ?? ????? ?? ???? ??? ???? ??? ?? Ease of Living Life ???? ?? ?? ???? ??? .

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I must make a special mention of the fact that while Ease of Doing Business is important for all businesses, it is critical for small businesses including small manufacturers. This sector provides the bulk of employment in the country and to make them more competitive, we have to reduce the cost of doing business. The work on Ease of Doing Business must address the issues of these small businesses and manufacturers. .

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Once again, let me congratulate the team working on various aspects of ease of doing business for their commitment and dedication. I am sure that together we will write a new chapter in Indias history and transform India so that the dreams and aspirations of our people take wing. .

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I would like to thank the World Bank again for their guidance in our efforts to improve ease of Doing Business. I am told that the experience of bringing about decisive changes in a large country like India without affecting the growth process may become an example for many other nations. There is always scope to learn from others. If required, we will be happy to share our experience with other countries. .

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Thank You! .

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Thank You Very Much !! .

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Mother Nature took a toll on Inc. in the third quarter. Natural disasters including Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria hit Warren Buffetts (pictured) insurance-focused conglomerate hard, dragging down earnings by almost $2 billion and overshadowing positive results elsewhere.
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri unexpectedly resigned on Saturday in a televised speech from Saudi Arabia, saying he feared for his life and accusing Iran and its proxies of destabilising his country and the region.
Farm exports, led by rice, jumped by 13 per cent during April-September as dealers overseas built up stocks amid fears of a ban by the EU, which strengthened quality norms.
Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat has presented the President's Colours to two battalions of the Maratha Light Infantry regiment in Karnataka's Belgaum city.

23 Maratha Light Infantry and 24 Maratha Light Infantry were presented the President's Colours at the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre.

The President's Colours were received by Maj Shourabh Modak and Maj Karan Joseph of the two units, respectively.

The ceremonial parade was commanded by Brigadier Govind Kalwad, Commandant, Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre.

President's Colours to a battalion is an honour, bestowed upon in recognition of exceptional service, rendered by it to the nation, both during war and peace and adorns a place of pride in the Battalion.

Maratha Light Infantry has a glorious history and has been conferred with eight Battle Honours, five Theatre Honours, five Maha Vir Chakras, five Ashok Chakras, 44 Vir Chakras and 15 Kirti Chakras along with various other decorations.

The ceremonial parade was attended by a spectrum of high ranking military and civil dignitaries to include Mr Prabhakar Kore, MP (Rajya Sabha), Mr Suresh Angadi, MP (Belgavi Constituency).

The Army Chief complimented the Regiment for its outstanding performance in all spheres of operational and peacetime commitments.

He exhorted all ranks to continue striving for excellence and keep the nation's flag flying high in times to come.

After presentation of colours, the Chief interacted with soldiers and their families.

During his interaction with the troops, General Rawat awarded Commendation Cards in recognition of distinguished services rendered by selected officers and other ranks of the Regimental Centre.

He was also taken around the Regimental Archives and Historical Section of Maratha Centre, showcasing the history of the Regiment.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Badminton Association of India (BAI) president Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday said that he will take the matter of alleged misbehaviour with ace shuttler P V Sindhu by an Indigo staff to the ministry.

Biswa said, "BAI will take this matter to the concerned ministry so that there is no misbehavior with players. It is also important to ensure that along with the players there is no misbehavior with passengers."

Earlier in the day, Sindhu took to Twitter to report about alleged ill-treatment she received from the airlines while she was flying to Mumbai from Hyderabad.

She tweeted, "Sorry to say ..I had a very bad experience when I was flying by 6E 608 flight to Bombay on November 4 the ground staff by name Mr Ajeetesh."

"Ground staff (skipper) Mr Ajeetesh behaved very badly and rudely with me. When the air hostess Ms Ashima tried to advise him to behave properly with the passenger (me) but to my surprise he behaved rudely with her," she added.

IndiGo, however, has rebuffed Sindhu's claims, saying, the ground operations remained calm with her throughout and were carrying out their duty in the best interest of a safe and reliable operation.

Sindhu, however, did not give any details about the incident but IndiGo in a statement said that the player was carrying an oversized bag and was asked to move it to the cargo hold of the aircraft.

IndiGo further said that after several requests to the shuttlers' manager, they finally consented to the removal of the bag from the cabin.

However, Sindhu's father, PV Ramana, who was also traveling with her, denied IndiGo's statement saying she was carrying her kit bag with her and not any another baggage.

"It was the kit bag and not any baggage which we had been carrying since last 10 years in every aircraft," Sindhu's father said.

"The staff misbehaved with Sindhu while handling her kit bag. Sindhu had requested the staff member to tackle it carefully as there were racquets inside. But the person behaved rudely with her and also the airhostess who interfered," he added.

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Scientists have discovered that a 'rare' type of marine bacteria, which possess a remarkable metabolism, can contribute to greenhouse gas production.

Researchers from the University of Southampton, the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Germany and other European universities showed that Nitrococcus bacterium, which is found in oceans worldwide, has the astonishing ability to live without oxygen by reversing its metabolism.

The usual biological 'function' of Nitrococcus - and a handful of other similar bacteria - is to replenish nitrate (NO3-) in the ocean through the oxidation of nitrite (NO2-) - while at the same time converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into building blocks for their cellular structures.

Through a series of experiments, carried out in the South Atlantic off the Namibian coast, the team found that Nitrococcus can, in the absence of oxygen, 'switch' its metabolism so that it reduces nitrate to nitrite and further to nitrous oxide (N2O), while producing, instead of capturing, CO2.

Lead author Dr Jessika Fuessel from the University of Southampton said that these particular bacteria have not been studied in-depth before, and the team is surprised to find that not only that Nitrococcus bacterium is widespread and abundant, but also that they possess such astonishing metabolic versatility.

"As global oceans continue to warm and lose oxygen, the widespread nature of Nitrococcus could be on the verge of reversing their key nitrogen-preserving role, adding to the effects of global warming," Fuessel added.

Nitrogen is essential for all life on Earth as it is needed for the making of proteins and nucleic acids, and its most abundant and stable form is nitrate.

While the sunlit surface ocean often runs out of nitrate, it accumulates to high concentrations in the deep dark ocean thanks to the activity of nitrite-oxidising bacteria like Nitrococcus.

The authors claimed that this is for the first time that a marine nitrite-oxidising bacterium can contribute to the production of this highly potent greenhouse gas and stratospheric ozone-depleting agent.

Nitrococcus's ability to convert hydrogen sulphide (H2S) to harmless sulphur may then contribute to 'sulphide detoxification' and protect other life forms.

The research appears in the journal of Science Advances.

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Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh on Saturday attended the Guru Parv programme organised at Khalsa school here.

The Chief Minister also visited "Neki ki Diwar" at Bhagat Singh Chowk.

Earlier in the day, President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted the nation on the occasion.

In a message, the President said, "Guru Nanak Dev gave us an enlightened message of peace, harmony and unity of all human beings."

Prime Minister Modi tweeted, "On Guru Nanak Jayanti we bow to the venerable Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and recall his noble thoughts."

Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab and Guru Parv, is observed by the Sikh community across the nation on this day to mark the 548th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the 10 Sikh Gurus.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the Congress has accepted defeat in Himachal Pradesh and will not return to power in near future.

Addressing an election rally here, Prime Minister Modi said, "Leave alone this election, in the years to come, like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the Congress will not be visible even with a microscope in Himachal Pradesh."

He launched a scathing attack on the Congress by saying that the grand-old party has backed off and accepted defeat.

"During elections, generally the top leaders of the party campaign for their parties in the last phase of the campaign, but for the first time Congress' central leaders have not come to Himachal Pradesh. They have accepted defeat. It also seems that they have left Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh to his fate," Prime Minister Modi told a large gathering here in district Kangra.

He also said that the Congress was taking some sort of revenge from Virbhadra Singh, reasons best known to it only.

"Two days back, I had come to Himachal and today I have come again and I can see lotus (BJP's election symbol) everywhere," the Prime Minister said, adding that "people across the country are cutting themselves off from the Congress because of their 'Karnamas' (deeds)".

He also talked about his government's fight against corruption through demonetisation.

"We are fighting corruption whereas Congress is preparing to mark November 8 as black money day and burn my effigies, but they don't know Modi is disciple of Sardar Patel and won't be cowed down," he said, adding that "people who were habitual looters & have had to return their loot today won't let me be at peace. Even you know that".

On November 8, 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1000 banknotes.

The Opposition parties have announced to observe November 8 as 'black day' to oppose demonetisation.

The Prime Minister also apprised the rally about various schemes initiated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led Democratic Alliance Union government.

"Over 18,000 villages did not have electricity since independence. We took up task of electrification of such villages in mission mode. After coming to power, we eliminated procedure for interview for class III & IV jobs. Everyone agreed but the Congress ruled states denied. Through the Mudra Yojana, we are empowering the budding entrepreneurs across the country," Prime Minister Modi said.

He also hailed people of Himachal Pradesh for their service to the nation.

"Himachal Pradesh is the 'Veer Bhoomi'. We are proud of our jawans of this land who guard the country," Prime Minster Modi said.

He also urged the people to vote in large numbers on the day of voting for assembly election.

"Himachal Pradesh has immense scope for development and hence I urge people to turn out and vote in large numbers on November 9. There was maximum development in Himachal when Atal Ji (former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee) was in Delhi and Dhumal Ji (Prem Kumar Dhumal_ was here in Himachal. You have a chance again," the Prime Minister urged.

The battle lines are already drawn for the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly election scheduled to be held on November 9 and the results will be declared on December 18.

The term of the 68-member Himachal Pradesh Assembly ends on January 7, 2018.

On October 31, the BJP announced former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal as its chief ministerial candidate.

After announcement, BJP President Amit Shah said Prem Kumar Dhumal will become chief minister of Himachal Pradesh after December 18.

On the other hand, Virbhadra Singh on November 1 taunted Prime Minister Modi over the announcement of Dhumal as the BJP's chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming state assembly elections by saying "Big titans (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) have gone, and Dhumal ji is a known face".

Since Prime Minister Modi assumed power at the Centre, the BJP has been mainly fighting various elections in his name.

Earlier, Vikramaditya Singh, Virbhadra Singh's son, also had said that announcement of Dhumal's name as BJP's CM candidate shows that the party is on the back foot in the state.

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After a former production assistant accused Dustin Hoffman of sexually harassing her on the set of 'Death of a Salesman', the director of the telemovie, Volker Schlondorff, has come out defending Hoffman against such allegations.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Schlondorff released a statement saying that he has a different memory of Hoffman's behaviour during the production.

In the statement issued, Schlondorff said Hunter has mischaracterised Hoffman's behaviour, whom he insisted was "a kidder" on the set.

The statement read, "Just watch Christian Blackwood's wonderful documentary Private Conversations on the making of DOAS to check what a kidder Dustin was on the set, at all time, with everybody."

"Standard Monday-morning question was, indeed, 'Did you have good sex over the weekend? A joke, a running gag, everybody laughed at," it added.

This statement comes after Anna Graham Hunter accused Dustin Hoffman of sexually harassing her, when she was just 17 and interning on the set of the 1985 TV-movie adaptation.

In an op-ed written, Hunter also said that Hoffman asked "me to give him a foot massage my first day on set".

Responding to this allegation, Schlondorff noted that the foot massages were given to Hoffman because he was on his feet for 16 hours at a time.

"Everybody gave him a foot massage now and then, on the set, amidst the chaos, nothing ambiguous about it.," he added.

The groping that Hunter referred to Schlondorff said he never witnessed himself, but assured that if it did happen, there was "nothing lecherous about it. He was teasing the young, nervous interns, mostly to make them feel included on the set, treating them as equals to all the senior technicians."

Schlondorff claimed that it is irresponsible for Hunter to level these accusations now, and suggests that Hoffman's behaviour was meant to relax her.

He said, "In her innermost she must know that this teasing was not to put her down, but to make her relax with all these celebrities around. She had a self-assured playful way herself. If he knew that she would be upset when he was teasing her, he wouldn't have done it. Not the sensitive man he was, and still is. I wish Arthur Miller was around, he would find the right words, but then he might get accused of sexually molesting Marilyn Monroe."

After the allegations, Hoffman issued a statement and apologised to Hunter for "putting her in an uncomfortable situation".

Hoffman shared, "I have the utmost respect for women and feel terrible that anything I might have done could have put her in an uncomfortable situation. I am sorry. It is not reflective of who I am.

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Due to dengue scare, classes were held outside the classrooms in Dayanand Government School in Patna's Mithapur district after at least 30 students were allegedly diagnosed with the water-borne disease.

"Besides me, four other staff and over 30 students were taken ill due to dengue," a school staff Ganesh Prasad told ANI.

Meanwhile, a student said, "People dump wastes of the nearby vegetable market outside our school premises, which keeps stinking. School toilets are also dirty. We are scared. It's a risk to our health. Our exams are coming up."

On the claims made by the school students, Principal Secretary of the Health Department RK Mahajan said, "Only tests can tell if they are dengue cases. Treatment will be provided if diagnosed with dengue. We have all arrangements in place."

"The state government and Patna Nagar Nigam are aware of the incident and necessary actions will be taken," he said.

Rising cases of spread of dengue and other water-borne diseases have been reported from Tamil Nadu, Telangana, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh.

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Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Saturday extended her warmest greetings on the auspicious occasion of Gurpurab, asserting Guru Nanak as a believer Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).

Sonia Gandhi said that the Sikh Guru was a poet, philosopher, social reformer, religious preacher, yogi and a profound believer in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

"He not only authored the epic Guru Granth Saheb that guides all but resounded that there is One God and his compassion is bestowed on all irrespective of caste, colour, religion or social status," she said.

Sonia Gandhi also stated that Guru Nanak taught people that life's learning is about sacrifice, spirit of giving and sharing with an innate faith in almighty.

"In a world torn by strife, today is the day for each one of us to embrace equality, compassion and humanism more than ever as taught by Guru Nanak ji," she added.

Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Guru Nanak Gurpurab, celebrates the birth of the first Guru Nanak, and is considered one of the most sacred festivals among Sikhs.

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In the wake of India's progress as highlighted in the recent 'Ease of Doing Business' report published by the World Bank, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) opined that this new achievement would help improve the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

"This is a great achievement, which will soon bring about a new wave of information, and ultimately help improve growth in the economy. While there has been a rise in private investment, FDI too will improve post this," FICCI President Pankaj Patel told ANI on the sidelines of the 'India's Business Reforms' session here.

Echoing similar views, Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) president Shobana Kamineni said that job creation needs to be the prime focus hereafter, adding that the 30 place jump will enable greater transparency.

"Following this report, India will be deemed suitable for entrepreneurship and become more attractive as an investment hub. However, following up from this, job creation needs to be the central focus," she said.

The World Bank's recent ' index' showed that India has risen as much as 30 positions to rank 100th amongst 190 countries. As per the 2018 version of the index, India has been amongst the world's top ten improvers worldwide and a leading regional reformer.

"With the eight reforms enforced in the system, India made paying taxes easier by requiring that payments be made electronically to the Employees Provident Fund and introducing a set of administrative measures easing compliance with corporate income tax," said the World Bank in a statement.

The report also mentioned the substantive changes implemented by the Government in 2016-17, including merging of applications for Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Tax Account Number (TAN) for starting a new business.

For the unversed, the report is based on how easy it is for companies to do business as well takes in account certain regulations based on ten parameters including starting a business, getting electricity, dealing with construction permits and paying taxes among others.
The Pakistan Government on Saturday cleared 29 terrorism related cases to be sent to the military courts after the country's Army chief general Qamar Javed Bajwa raised concern over the courts not receiving any such cases since January.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had directed the federal government to inquire about the status of transference of the cases after Bajwa wrote to him, The Express Tribune reported.

Bajwa in his letter to the Prime Minister pointed out that the military courts had not received any terrorism-related cases since January.

"Eighty more cases will be sent to military courts," The Express Tribune quoted Interior minister Ahsan Iqbal as saying in an interview with a private news channel.

"These cases will be first approved in the next cabinet meeting. After this, the interior ministry will not have any more pending cases," Iqbal added.

The 28th Amendment Bill 2017, which sought the extension of military courts for another two years, was passed in the Senate after two-third majority votes came in its favour on March 28.

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Authorities in Pakistan have released the family of a top Baloch leader after they were allegedly abducted by security forces last month.

Fazeela Baloch, the wife of Baloch leader Dr. Allah Nazar Baloch, and her daughter Popal Jan was released by the Balochistan government on Friday.

According to reports, Fazeela and Popal Jan were abducted by Pakistani forces from Sariab Road, Quetta.

Balochistan Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti confirmed on Friday that the security forces had arrested three women and three children, including the family of Dr. Allah Naza.

Fazeela Baloch was in Quetta for treatment after a botched backbone operation. Fazeela had received injuries in the past after Pakistani security forces bombarded their village in Mashkay.

Fazeela Baloch was also diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after the incident in Mashkay.

Earlier, the Baloch National Movement (BNM) had said that the Pakistani forces are violating all international conventions by attacking and abducting Baloch women and children.

The BNM appealed to Amnesty International, the United Nations and other human rights organisations to immediately address the issue.

The Baloch Women Forum (WBWF) had urged governments, the United Nations and human rights groups to take concrete steps to hold Pakistan responsible for the abductions, and demanded the release of Baloch captives.

There are still thousands of Baloch women, children and human rights activist allegedly languishing in Pakistani jails.

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In another blow to studio mogul Harvey Weinstein, facing sexual harassment and assault charges, New York Police has confirmed that an actress, who accused Harvey Weinstein of raping her twice in 2010 "is credible".

According to The Washington Post, the force's chief of detectives, Robert Boyce noted that the authorities continue to gather evidence for a possible arrest warrant.

"If this person was still in New York and it was recent, we would go right away and make the arrest, no doubt. But we're talking about a seven-year-old case and we have to move forward in gathering evidence first," said Boyce.

Adding, "So right now we are gathering our evidence. We continue to do so every day. So that's where we are in the case right now," added Boyce.

This statement comes after the 'Boardwalk Empire' star Paz de la Huerta accused the disgraced mogul of raping her twice during separate encounters in 2010.

Boyce's comments offered a significant signal that Weinstein could face criminal charges.

It is at least the third Weinstein case New York police have investigated in recent years, and Boyce did not rule out others.

It should be noted that Weinstein could take the witness stand to be questioned under oath about the sexual assault allegations, in the first week of December.

Police in Los Angeles and London are also investigating claims against Weinstein.

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Saudi Arabia has intercepted a ballistic missile fired from Yemen near the capital, Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia's Civil Aviation Authority confirmed on Twitter that the missile had been brought down near the International King Khalid Airport in Riyadh.

The authority said in two tweets that the Saudi Air Defence managed to intercept a ballistic missile towards Riyadh and that the rocket landed on the airport campus and did not cause any significant damage.

The Riyadh airport tweeted soon after that it hadn't been affected.

"Travelers across King Khalid international airport in Riyadh, we assure you that the movement is going on as normal and usual, and trips going according to time," the airport tweeted.

Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for firing the ballistic missile.

Al Masirah, a TV network run by the Houthi rebels, claimed responsibility for the attack on their social media account.

According to the reports, the attack was conducted using a Yemeni-made, long-range ballistic missile called the "Burqan 2H.

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United States President Donald Trump is extending his Asia trip by another day to attend the East Asian Summit in the Philippines.

Speaking to the media prior to departing from the White House for his five-nation trip, Trump announced, "We're actually staying an extra day in the Philippines. We have a big conference, the second conference, and I think we're going to have great success," the Hill reported.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders later confirmed the move.

Trump's Asia trip commenced on November 3.

He will tour Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

The trip already includes two regional summits: the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' meeting in Danang, Vietnam, and the U.S.-Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting in the Philippine capital of Manila.

The 12th East Asian Summit will be held in Angeles.

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Crime Branch officials here on early Saturday arrested Ajmeri Abdul Rashid, one of the accused in the 2002 Gandhinagar Akshardham Temple terror attack case, from near the airport.

Rashid, one of the 28 absconding accused in the case, had returned from Saudi Arabia and was picked by the Crime Branch sleuths from near the airport.

The sensational attack on the temple complex in Gujarat's capital Gandhinagar had claimed 32 lives, including 28 visitors. The attackers had used automatic weapons and hand grenades. Three commandos, including one from NSG, and a constable of the State Reserve Police (SRP) were also killed during the operation.

Rashid's brother Adam Ajmeri, along with two others, was awarded capital punishment but it was struck down by the Supreme Court and all three were acquitted in 2014. Three other convicts, one of them carrying a life sentence, were also let off by the apex court.

The other absconders are claimed to be in Pakistan and Gulf countries.

--IANS

desai/vd

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In yet another jolt to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Afghanistan on Saturday imposed a 20-day ban on WhatsApp in the country -- nearly a month after China reportedly blocked all the services of the popular instant messaging app.

In the move seen as an attempt to curb "freedom of expression" of the citizens, the Afghanistan government has asked several private telecommunication companies to suspend WhatsApp as well as a similar app Telegram in the country, reported The New York Times late on Friday.

Both WhatsApp and Telegram had stopped working for the customers of Salaam Telecom, a government-owned service provider, the report added.

People in Afghanistan termed this decision "wrong and illegal".

"According to the Constitution, freedom of expression is inviolable in Afghanistan. WhatsApp and Telegram are tools of free speech -- if the government bans them, it means that tomorrow they could stand against media in Afghanistan too," Abdul Mujeeb Khalvatgar, Executive Director of Nai, a group that campaigns for free speech, was quoted as saying.

The clarity on the reason for the temporary ban was not obtained but the deputy director of the telecoms regulatory authority told the BBC that the ban was due to "security concerns".

"WhatsApp and Telegram are often used by the Taliban and other militant groups to evade government surveillance," the NYT report said.

The Afghanistan government, however, said that the apps were being temporarily banned "to introduce a new kind of technology", because users had complained about the quality of WhatsApp's service, denying that the ban constituted a threat to freedom of expression.

Last month, after blocking videos, voice chats and images on WhatsApp, China blocked texting on Facebook-owned popular mobile messaging service -- sending out a stern message to Zuckerberg who has been trying his best to re-enter the country.

According to a CNN report, the Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI), a global observation network for detecting censorship, surveillance and traffic manipulation, suggested that Chinese internet service providers blocked access to WhatsApp.

Public reports on Twitter indicated that WhatsApp became inaccessible for some people on September 19. Over the last few months, there were a number of WhatsApp disruptions in China.

China has already blocked access to a number of internet companies, including Facebook (since 2009), Instagram, Twitter and Google.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Indian Army chief, General Bipin Rawat on Saturday spoke in favour of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa's name being recommended for the Bharat Ratna.

"We stand proud because of his leadership and I think very aptly brought out, the time has also come to recommend Field Marshal Cariappa for Bharat Ratna," the Army Chief said as he unveiled statues of his predecessors, Field Marshal Cariappa and Gen. K.S. Thimayya at this hill town in Karnataka's Kodagu district, about 240 km from Bengaluru.

"If others can get it I feel no reason why he should not be a deserving personality for the same. We will certainly address this issue on priority," he said.

The statues were unveiled at Cauvery College.

"No amount of words can describe the leadership of a great leader like Field Marshal Cariappa. He may have gone, but he has left behind an indelible mark on each and every soldier who serves the Indian Army today," Rawat said.

Reacting to the Army Chief's comment, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said the Army Chief should desist from making comments on policy.

"The army is the most respected institution because it is anonymous behind the scenes. It is the foundational fulcrum of our democracy," he said.

Singhvi's comments were countered by retired Lt. Gen. Raj Kadyan, who said the Army Chief did not make any comments against the democratic structure.

"Army chief has full right to speak, and what has he said? Has he said anything against discipline and country? He just said the man should have been given the honour," Kadyan told TV news channel News X.

"There is nothing political in his comment, he has not said anything against democratic values of the country," he said.

The bronze statues were installed in the vicinity of the 'Lyn House', the ancestral house of Kodavdira family, to which both the Generals belonged.

Cariappa was the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Army and was conferred the Field Marshal rank on April 1986. He is also a recipient of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his role in the Burma campaign against the Japanese during the Second World War (1939-1945).

Thimayya headed the army from 1957 to 1961. He was the only Indian to command an infantry brigade in World War II.

Cariappa was born on January 28, 1899 and died May 15, 1993 in Bangalore. Thimayya was born on March 30, 1906 and died in harness on December 17, 1965 in Cyprus, where he was commander of the UN Peacekeeping Force.

--IANS

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Two Dutch nationals have been arrested over shooting in a cafe in the Moroccan city of Marrakech, police said on Saturday.

On Thursday, two hooded armed men opened fire in a coffee shop, leaving one person dead and two others wounded before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle, Xinhua news agency reported.

The two suspects, aged 29 and 24, are originally from the Dominican Republic and Suriname, police said in a statement.

The coordination operation made as part of international security cooperation revealed that the arrested have antecedents in cases of international drug trafficking, kidnapping, armed robbery and attempted homicide, the statement added.

The suspects entered Morocco about a week ago and they were staying in two separate hotels, the statement said.

--IANS

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Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) chief Praveen Togadia on Saturday said those pelting stones at the security forces in Jammu and should be "carpet bombed".

Togadia, who is presently on a visit here, also opposed any dialogue with Kashmiri separatists and that Dineshwar Sharma, the new interlocutor on Kashmir, should give top priority to the return of Kashmiri Pandit community to the Valley.

"Those demanding 'azadi' or self-rule should go to Pakistan... they have no right to live in this country," he told media persons here. Terming separatists "Pakistani agents", he said, adding that a dialogue will not help as they "only understand the language of the AK-47".

"Unless Kashmiri Pandits are settled in their homeland, no dialogue is worth its meaning. The fact that they cannot come back to their homes is not only painful, but insulting as well.

"Therefore, I ask Sharma to give priority to the issue and ensure their settlement within a time frame," he said.

The VHP chief also said that special privileges like the Constitution's Article 370 and 35A should be removed if the state of Jammu and has to make progress.

--IANS

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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has called for closer cooperation between China and the US in developing the next-generation nuclear power technology, a media report said.

The Chinese Premier's assertion came as he met with Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and chairman of TerraPower, here on Friday.

Li said the companies of the two countries have set up a joint venture with each holding half of shares and agreeing to share the intellectual property rights, Xinhua news agency reported.

TerraPower, LLC signed a joint venture agreement with China National Nuclear Corporation to form the Global Innovation Nuclear Energy Technology Co., Ltd.

The two companies plan to work together to complete the Travelling Wave Reactor (TWR) design and commercialise the TWR technology.

"This is a pioneering work in China-US high-tech cooperation, which is on a voluntary basis. This shows the open attitudes of both sides," Li said.

He said China hopes to combine its advantage in talent resources with advanced technologies overseas and make good use of the internet platform to promote technological progress that the world can share and benefit from.

--IANS

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A US judge has partially blocked a recent decision by Canada's Supreme Court that required Google to delete search results not just in Canada, but in every other country.

"Citing the Canadian court's ruling as a violation of American laws as well as a threat to speech, US District Judge Edward Davila granted Google a temporary injunction letting the company show the search results in the US," Fortune reported late on Friday.

The judge stated that Google clearly qualified for the Section 230 protection and that holding it liable for search results (which are automatically generated based on others' websites) would wrongly treat the company as a publisher.

The Section 230 ensures that online platforms cannot be held liable for what their users post.

Based on the findings, Davila said he did not need to decide the First Amendment question, though he did note the Canadian ruling had free speech implications:

"By forcing intermediaries to remove links to third-party material, the Canadian order undermines the policy goals of Section 230 and threatens free speech on the global internet," Fortune quoted the decision as saying.

Now, if Google restores the search results in the US, it would be going against the Supreme Court of Canada's decision.

Currently, there are over 300 search results Google has had to suppress.

In a decision in June, Canada Supreme Court agreed by a 7-2 margin to leave the injunction in place.

Meanwhile, Google has sought to stop the Canadian decision from applying in the US, arguing it violated the First Amendment as well as the (Section 230).

--IANS

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India and Armenia on Friday reviewed bilateral ties across multiple sectors in a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan.

The two leaders discussed bilateral as well as regional and multilateral issues during the course of the meeting.

"The two sides reviewed present status of bilateral relations and discussed ways to further strengthen future cooperation in diverse areas including political, defence, space, trade and investment, science and technology, education, culture and people to people contacts," an External Affairs Ministry statement said.

"Specific areas with potential to propel bilateral trade and economic relations were discussed including in the sectors of food processing, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, information technology, mining and jewellery," it said.

Data made available by the External Affairs citing Statistical Service of Armenia, the bilateral trade stood at $32.3 million only.

India's imports from Armenia were at $0.4 million and exports to Armenia stood at $31.9 mn again favouring India.

Indian exports to Armenia consist of bovine meat, agricultural products, electrical equipment, cut and polished diamonds, optical equipment, plastics, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, garments and other chemical goods and cars, while Armenia's exports include non-ferrous metals and rawrubber.

In Friday's meeting, both sides agreed that early conclusion of an India-Eurasian Economic Union free trade agreement would unleash huge opportunities in increasing bilateral trade.

Earlier on Friday, Sargsyan attended the Worl Food India 207 which was inaugurated by Modi.

He also called on President Ram Nath Kovind and met Vice President Venkaiah Naidu.

The Armenian President arrived here on Thursday on a four-day visit to India.

--IANS

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India Inc hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to facilitate ease of doing business and said his endeavour to 'reform, perform and transform' has helped India jump 30 places in World Bank's report.

Modi met business honchos on Saturday morning where he said: "Our mantra is 'reform', 'transform' and 'perform'."

"We are greatly heartened by Prime Minister's reiteration of the government's commitment to reforms for easing business procedures. His mantra of 'reform, perform, transform' has delivered the notable jump in India's ranking by 30 places to 100 and demonstrated that quantum changes are possible to make a New India," said Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII.

CII appreciated Prime Minister's statement that ease of doing business translates into ease of living life, making processes simpler for common citizens.

"Prime Minister's stress on total re-engineering, use of technology and mindset change to reduce excessive control hits the nail on the head," Banerjee said.

Modi said he did not want to "sleep" over the 30 place jump this year - the biggest leap by India ever, and wants to do more.

The Prime Minister said India would be at an even better place in 2018 ranking since issues raised by traders, businesses on Goods and Services Tax (GST) have been positively accepted by the government.

The ranking took into account reforms initiated only till May-end, he said. It did not reflect the impact of GST, which was implemented from July 1, he added.

Reacting to Modi's interaction with the business honchos on Saturday morning, Pankaj Patel, President, FICCI said: "It only reflects the goverment's determination to take bold and far-reaching reforms required to transform India into a New India as envisioned by Prime Minister of "India".

Congratulating the Prime Minister for the significant improvement in 'India's ranking Patel said: "FICCI stands committed to Prime Minster's aim of perform, reform and transform to place India amongst the first fifty countries in terms of ease of doing business. There are number of areas where our rank may not have improved significantly but at least the direction is there to make that process more efficient and simpler in terms of compliance."

"Starting a business, construction permits, enforcing contracts, registering property and other such areas needs improvement for the efficient functioning of the business organisations."

"Government should also consider reforms in the area of regulators as they impact the cost as well as ease of doing business significantly," added Patel.
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned on Saturday, claiming that it stemmed from a "rejection of Iran's political over-extension in the region".

"I declare my resignation from the premiership of the Lebanese government, with certainty that the will of the Lebanese is strong," Hariri said in a televised statement from the Saudi capital Riyadh.

He stressed that the "country would be able to overcome political influence exerted by internal and external forces", Xinhua news agency reported.

Hariri blasted Iran's interference in the region, arguing that the "Islamic Republic has a desire to destroy the Arab world and has boasted of its control over the decisions of Arab capitals".

"Iran's hand would be cut off," Hariri said, adding that "Lebanon would not play a role in destabilizing the region".

He also implicated Hezbollah in what he views as Iran's race to regional domination.

"Hezbollah was able to impose a reality in Lebanon by force of arms and their intervention causes us great problems with our Arab allies," he said.

Hariri also drew a comparison between the political situation in Lebanon today and in 2005.

"The atmosphere in Lebanon is similar to the situation before the assassination of Rafik Hariri," Hariri said, adding he had feared for some time that he might be assassinated.

"When I took office, I promised you that I would seek to unite the Lebanese, end political division and establish the principle of self-sufficiency, but I have been unable to do so. Despite my efforts, Iran continues to abuse Lebanon," he said.

"Lebanon is a great country, governed by laws and protected by one Army and their weapons. We reject any weapons outside the legitimate authority of the Lebanese state. I thank all those who worked with me and placed their trust in me," Hariri added.

His speech was widely broadcast on local television stations.

--IANS

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French President Emmanuel Macron and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin discussed the situation in Syria, including access to humanitarian aid and political transition, the Elysee said.

Recalling "his commitment to a regular and frank dialogue with Russia", Macron told Putin, a key ally of the Syrian government, to do more "to ensure that the access to humanitarian aid is guaranteed and effective as soon as possible", notably in eastern Ghouta where many Syrian people were in a situation of great distress, Xinhua news agency reported.

Macron called on "the permanent members of the Security Council (to) put an end to the use of chemical weapons and preserve the non-proliferation regime".

"France will not give in on the fight against impunity and the full and complete dismantling of the Syrian chemical program," he said during the telephonic conversation on Friday.

"All efforts to achieve a political settlement of the Syrian crisis must be within the framework of the United Nations Security Council."

Macron said France was ready "to work immediately with Russia, all permanent members of the Security Council and the regional powers, to allow a credible political transition, preserve the unity of Syria and minority protection".

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday attacked Congress for questioning the World Bank Report on ease of doing business in India and said with GST and other reforms, its report next year would show further improvement in ranking.

The Prime Minister said those who had worked with the World Bank previously were now raising doubts over India's ranking.

"Some people do not understand the impact of India's ranking going up from 142 to 100, they are not bothered by it. After coming up 42 positions from 142, I don't feel like sleeping," he said while addressing 'India's Business Reforms' event at the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra here.

Modi also said: "I am a Prime Minister who has never seen the World Bank building even while those who were there (in government) earlier knew the World Bank very well. They are now questioning the World Bank ranking."

Modi said he did not want to "sleep" over the 30 place jump this year - the biggest leap by India ever, and wants to do more.

The Prime Minister said India would be at an even better place in 2018 ranking since issues raised by traders, businesses on Goods and Services Tax (GST) have been positively accepted by the government.

The ranking took into account reforms initiated only till May-end, he said. It did not reflect the impact of GST, which was implemented from July 1, he added.

The GST has not just integrated the nation of 1.2 billion into one market with one tax rate but also provided a stable and transparent taxation regime, he said.

"This reform plus others that have already happened but need gestation and stabilisation time before they are taken into account by the World Bank, will improve the ranking. All these combined, gives me confidence that India will occupy a place of pride in World Bank's report in 2018 and the year thereafter," Modi said.

The Prime Minister said when the government decided to bring GST, people were unsure about its implementation. Three months after the tax reform, the GST Council meeting was organised and issues raised by traders and business communities were addressed, he said.

He said the GST Council at its next meeting on November 9-10 will make necessary changes.

On the implementation of GST, Modi said GST is the biggest tax reform in the history of India and it was "fulfilling global expectations".

The Prime Minister said that bringing change to the country and its 1.25 billion people was his mission.

He said that ease of doing business also leads to ease in life. He said India has moved 19 places up on the logistics performance index.

Modi said India has reached a position from where it is easier to improve further.

"Our efforts have gathered momentum. The World Bank has recognised the tremendous work done by us to improve the ease of doing business. In the short time of three years, we have moved up 42 ranks. India has delivered with the highest improvement in rank in a year," Modi said on the economy.

Jump in ease of doing business ranking is an example of good governance, Modi said.

"Our mantra is 'reform', 'transform' and 'perform'", Modi said.

The Prime Minister said the government is improving the investment climate in the country. "More than 90 per cent of FDI approvals have been put on automatic route. FDI inflow has been at all time high. Total FDI has gone up by 67 per cent in the last three years," said Modi.

Emphasising on the importance of technology, he said the use of technology should maximise governance.

"Along with technology we also need to change mindsets. The past mindset of excessive control should be replaced with minimum government maximum governance."

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday greeted the nation on the occasion of Gurpurab - the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of the faith.

"Gurpurab greetings to all. Let us follow the path of peace, compassion and service shown by Guru Nanak Devji," the President said.

Guru Nanak Jayanti also known as 'Gurpurab' and 'Prakash Utsav' is one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism.

Extending his greetings on the occasion, Modi said Guru Nanak was not only the first guru of the Sikhs but also a "guru to the entire world". He urged people to follow Guru Nanak's ideals and teachings.

"On Guru Nanak Jayanti we bow to the venerable Sri Guru Nanak Devji and recall his noble thoughts," Modi tweeted.

In an over one-minute long video message, Modi said Guru Nanak undertook a 28,000-km journey on foot to spread the message of true humanity.

"He envisioned the welfare of all humanity and considered all castes to be equal. He stressed on female empowerment and respect for women."

Modi said: "He ran a 'Langar' which sowed the seeds of the spirit of service amongst fellow beings. Partaking of 'Langar' together created a feeling of unity and oneness in people."

Guru Nanak voiced three messages for a meaningful, fulfilling life -- chant the name of the almighty, work hard and help the needy, the Prime Minister said.

Born in 1469 in Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi (Nankana Sahib, now in Pakistan), Guru Nanak Dev was the first of the 10 Sikh Gurus.

--IANS

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A month after a Foreigners Tribunal in Assam asked a retired JCO of the Indian Army to prove his Indian citizenship, a retired Havildar of the Army was subjected to similar humiliation by being asked to prove his citizenship.

A Foreigners' Tribunal in Assam's Barpeta district has sent notice to retired Havildar Mahiruddin Ahmed and his wife Husniara Ahmed to be present in the Tribunal on November 6 and prove their Indian citizenship.

Born in January 1, 1964 to Basir Uddin, resident of Khablarbhita village in Barpeta district, Mahiruddin passed his Class 10 examination in 1980 and joined the Indian Army in 1986. He retired in August 2004 as a Havildar. His last posting was at the Field Ordnance Depot of the Indian Army at Bathinda, Punjab.

"This is illegal and there is something seriously wrong. We are seeking legal help in this regard. However, it is very hurting and shocking that we are subjected to such humiliation after service in a force like the Indian Army," said Mahiruddin on Saturday.

He said his wife Husniara is the daughter of Sarbesh Ali, a resident of Khablarbhita village in the same district. "She was born in 1972 and her father's name figured in the voter's list of 1966 bearing serial no 659," he said, terming the notice gross injustice.

"While one of my brothers has worked as Assistant Sessions Judge, another brother is working in BSNL. If I am not an Indian citizen, how can I join the Indian Army. The Army recruitment rules are so strict that they would not allow any non-Indian to join the service," he said, expressing his dissatisfaction.

In October this year, a Foreigners' Tribunal in Kamrup district of Assam asked a retired JCO of the Indian Army to prove his citizenship, much to the embarrassment of the police and the Tribunal.

--IANS

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Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday reviewed the situation and defence infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh with Chief Minister Pema Khandu and senior Army officials.

Sitharaman is on a maiden visit to Arunachal Pradesh, large parts of which Beijing claims as part of south Tibet. She will be visiting the forward areas in the eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh bordering Myanmar.

Sitharaman is accompanied by Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra, Eastern Command Chief Lt. Gen. Abhay Krishna, General Officer Commanding of Gajraj Corps, Lt Gen Amarjeet Singh Bedi and General Officer Commanding of 3 Corps, Lt. Gen. Anil Chauhan.

While reviewing the situation besides defence infrastructure, the Defence Minister promised that the Indian Air Force infrastructural facilities in the Advanced Landing Grounds shall be permitted for civilian use.

She also assured that requisite funds will be released for conducting survey for laying the strategic railway line from Assam's Missamari to Tawang, the border with China.

On the issue of strengthening strategic Balipara-Charduar-Tawang road, Sitharaman said the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) would be given clear directions for fast tracking its upgradation and all necessary funds would be provided for maintenance as well.

She informed Chief Minister Khandu that the system of functioning of BRO has been completely restructured with greater autonomy and delegation of powers for faster implementation.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister impressed upon the need to expedite the operationalisation of the Brigade headquarters in Tirap district so as to deal with the problem of insurgency in the region.

The Defence Minister assured Khandu that the brigade headquarter would be made operational by December 2018.

Describing the visit of Sitharaman to Arunachal as a "landmark and historic visit", Khandu raised the urgent need to establish a cantonment in the capital area of Itanagar, for which necessary land would be acquired.

The Defence Minister assured the Chief Minister that this would be accorded high priority.

Khandu also raised the issue of need for expansion of land for Tawang township and urged the Defence Minister to consider freeing up some idle land in the vicinity of the township. She directed the GOC-in-C, Eastern Command to look into this matter favourably and submit a report urgently after consulting the district administration and government officials.

Detailed deliberations were held on a whole gamut of issues in relation to land matters and other important issues of Arunachal Pradesh with Ministry of Defence. The Defence Minister gave an in-principle approval for establishment of three Sainik Schools - one each in Tawang, Pasighat and Tirap-Changlang-Longding (TCL) belt.

The proposal for establishment of an airport at Dirang was also discussed and the armed forces evinced a strong interest in the proposal. The Defence Minister stated that this proposal will be given due consideration.

Earlier, Sitharaman called on Governor Brig. (Dr.) B.D. Mishra (Retd) at Raj Bhavan and discussed wide ranging defence issues, with special reference to Arunachal Pradesh.

--IANS

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From filming in cold weather of Austria to the hot climate of Liwa desert in Abu Dhabi, director Ali Abbas Zafar says the upcoming film "Tiger Zinda Hai" has been shot in extremely challenging weather conditions.

The action-thriller, starring superstar Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, was shot at the Liwa desert for a crucial sequence in the film. The recorded temperature on the days they shot was at 50 degree celsius, a statement said.

"'Tiger Zinda Hai' required a certain scale of desert in the film and Liwa provided that. Temperatures were soaring and as we shot action sequences with a moving car here, the conditions were extremely challenging," Zafar said.

Zafar added that the film's unit stood by the vision and added that "the local crew at Abu Dhabi was also very supportive".

"Tiger Zinda Hai", which is slated to release on December 22, is a sequel to the 2012 spy thriller film "Ek Tha Tiger".

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Actress Kangana Ranaut, known to speak her mind despite the reactions her words elicit, says it is difficult to remain "headstrong" in Bollywood as there are always people who try to make one "feel insignificant". But she continues to fight it.

"Being an outsider in the business, I have fought to carve a niche for myself. I have also been opinionated and I choose to express my views openly," Kangana told IANS in an email interview.

"In our industry, it becomes difficult to remain headstrong as you are often judged for not following the status quo. There will always be a segment that will try to make you feel insignificant, but it is important to channel your strength and confidence and work hard to triumph. It's important to grow a distinct voice to break the clutter," added the National Award winner.

Kangana, a Reebok brand ambassador, is a part of the second edition of the brand's #FitToFight campaign, which fights looming gender demons of eve-teasing and pay disparity.

The actress has been actively talking about her struggle in the industry as well as her relationships with actors like Aditya Pancholi and Hrithik Roshan. She tagged filmmaker Karan Johar as a "flagbearer of nepotism" during his chat show.

Does she consider herself "mentally tough and fit to fight"?

"Absolutely," she said.

"My experiences in life, on the personal and professional fronts, have helped shape the individual I am today. There have been moments in my life when it was very difficult to continue working in unfavourable conditions. But I fought my way, to make a mark for myself.

"I realised the importance of being tough, both mentally and physically, which encouraged me to deliver my best regardless of the odds. In my journey, I learned that challenges may always beset you, but if one is strong-willed and determined, you can overcome them," added Kangana, often tagged the "Queen" of Bollywood.

In her last released film "Simran", she played an imperfectly perfect girl who wants to lead life on her own terms. Does she think such characters hardly exist in real life where girls are always following the norm?

"My career trajectory is full of characters and films where I am trying to redefine the conventional heroine tag. I think it is important to reinvent oneself continuously and diversify your craft.

"I have been fortunate that I have worked in path-breaking films such as 'Fashion', 'Tanu Weds Manu', 'Queen' and 'Simran' where I play individualistic characters. I do know 'Queen' had a strong impact on viewers. I always choose to do roles where there is a message being delivered that makes the viewer think differently and shapes their choices," said the actress, who will next be seen in "Manikarnika".

She also feels "there are many women who aspire to dream bigger and better" and she is one of them. Kangana, who comes from a small town in Himachal Pradesh, says her circumstances never discouraged her from chasing her dreams.

"I encourage women to believe in their strength and value their hard work. My motto has always been to follow my own path and not succumb to norms. I believe it's important to celebrate yourself and grow with each experience," she said.

This is what she is trying to promote with the #FitToFight campaign.

"I hope to inspire other girls through my stories of courage, faith and conviction. I truly believe in the limitless potential that every woman possesses to be physically, mentally and socially fit. I do hope my story and journey of facing adversities, fighting obstacles and emerging stronger and fitter, will inspire other women to be Fit to Fight," she said.

(Nivedita can be contacted at nivedita.s@ians.in)

--IANS

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Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim discussed the situation of three Turkish nationals kidnapped in Libya with his Libyan counterpart Fayez al-Serraj, the Press Office said.

According to a statement from Turkish Prime Ministry's Press Office, Yildirim during the telephonic conversation on Saturday said that Turkey expected the three Turkish citizens to be found "as soon as possible", Xinhua news agency reported.

"We are ready for granting any kind of assistance in this matter."

The Libyan Prime Minister on his part informed the developments and said that his government would use every means available to help rescue the Turkish workers.

An armed group kidnapped on Friday three Turkish and one Germany workers from a Turkish engineering and construction firm in Libya's southwestern Ubari region.--IANS

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The UN Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) has denounced the Australian government for withdrawing support to former Manus Island detainees as the stand-off over the provision of services to more than 600 men entered its fifth day on Saturday.

It comes as the detainees have called for an investigation into the death of a 29-year-old asylum seeker, who was killed in a road accident on the island nation on Thursday, reports the Guardian.

In a statement, Rupert Colville, spokesman for high commissioner Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, said the UN's human rights committee had "serious concerns about the welfare, safety and wellbeing" of the men who remained at the centre in Papua New Guinea, which was formally decommissioned on Tuesday.

Water to the centre and essential medical services were also cut off on Tuesday, while electricity was disconnected on Wednesday morning. The men have been digging for water.

Colville said the men were "too frightened to leave", the Guardian reported.

"We call on the Australian government, as the party who interned the men in the first place, to immediately provide protection, food, water and other basic services which have been cut off since authorities shuttered the facility on October 31."

The Commission repeated its criticism that Australia's offshore refugee processing regime was "unsustainable, inhumane and contrary to its human rights obligations" and said asylum seekers and refugees should be immediately transferred to Australia for processing.

Rallies in support of the Manus refugees were held in Canberra and Brisbane on Friday and planned for Melbourne and Sydney on Saturday.

On Friday, opposition leader Bill Shorten urged Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to accept a renewed offer from New Zealand to take 150 refugees from Australia's offshore processing camps.

--IANS

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India has improved 42 ranks on the World Bank's ease of doing business ranking in a short span of three years, which was a recognition of his government's work and slammed the opposition for voicing doubts over it.

Modi said he did not want to "sleep" over the 30 place jump this year - the biggest leap by India ever, and wants to do more.

Speaking at 'India's Business Reforms' event at the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra here, Modi said India has reached a position from where it is easier to improve further.

"Our efforts have gathered momentum. The World Bank has recognised the tremendous work done by us to improve the ease of doing business. In the short time of three years, we have moved up 42 ranks. India has delivered with the highest improvement in rank in a year," Modi said on the economy.

Taking a dig at the opposition, the Prime Minister said those who had worked with the World Bank previously were now raising doubts over India's ranking.

"Some people do not understand the impact of India's ranking going up from 142 to 100, they are not bothered by it. After coming up 42 positions from 142, I don't feel like sleeping," he said.

Modi also said: "I am a Prime Minister who has never seen the World Bank building even while those who were there (in government) earlier knew the World Bank very well. They are now questioning the World Bank ranking."

Jump in ease of doing business ranking is an example of good governance, Modi said.

"Our mantra is 'reform', 'transform' and 'perform'", Modi said.

On the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Modi said GST is the biggest tax reform in the history of India and it was "fulfilling global expectations".

The Prime Minister said that bringing change to the country and its 1.25 billion people was his mission.

He said India would be at an even better place in 2018 ranking since issues raised by traders, businesses on GST have been positively accepted by the government.

The ranking took into account reforms initiated only till May-end, he said. It did not reflect the impact of GST, which was implemented from July 1, he added.

The GST has not just integrated the nation of 1.2 billion into one market with one tax rate but also provided a stable and transparent taxation regime, he said.

This reform plus others that have already happened but need gestation and stabilisation time before they are taken into account by the World Bank, will improve the ranking, he said.

"All these combined, gives me confidence that India will occupy a place of pride in World Bank's report in 2018 and the year thereafter," he said.

He said when the government decided to bring GST, people were unsure about its implementation. Three months after the tax reform, the GST Council meeting was organised and issues raised by traders and business communities were addressed, said Modi.

He said the GST Council at its next meeting on November 9-10 will make necessary changes.

He said that ease of doing business also leads to ease in life. He said India has moved 19 places up on the logistics performance index.

The Prime Minister said the government is improving the investment climate in the country. "More than 90 per cent of FDI approvals have been put on automatic route. FDI inflow has been at all time high. Total FDI has gone up by 67 per cent in the last three years," said Modi.

Emphasising on the importance of technology, he said the use of technology should maximise governance.

"Along with technology we also need to change mindsets. The past mindset of excessive control should be replaced with minimum government maximum governance."

--IANS

rak/in/rn

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The decision of Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik to have traffic police above the rank of assistant sub-inspector carry side-arms is ill-advised and fraught with risk. The ostensible reason for this move is to help the traffic police cope with the growing instances of road rage in the National Capital Region. Admittedly, the incidence of assaults related to road rage on police personnel seeking to impose traffic rules has seen an uptick. But it is difficult to see how arming traffic police officials, even relatively senior ones, will solve the problem. Most policemen are simply run over by rule breakers, so it is unclear how equipping a policeman with a 9 mm pistol will help matters.
For foreign nationals working in India, contribution to provident fund (PF) can be tricky. The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has offered clarifications on many aspects of contribution, but there are still a few aspects that are left to interpretation, which can possibly lead to disputes.
As many as 10 people, including two police constables, were today killed and over 20 others injured in separate road accidents in Punjab and Haryana which took place primarily because of low visibility due to fog this morning, police said.

In Haryana's Hisar district, four persons were killed and six others including school going students were injured in a head-on collision of a school bus and a school staff van, near Chirod village, on Hisar-Siwani road, they said.

Low visibility on account of fog was said to be the reason behind the accident, the police said.

The ill-fated van was on its way to Himalaya Public School Talwandi Rooka village while the school bus was going towards Kalwas village when the accident took place about 20- km from Hisar, the police said.

The deceased were identified as school teachers Preeti, Jyoti and Kusum, and van driver Sanjay, all residents of Hisar district.

The second accident occurred in Yamunanagar district of Haryana, four persons were killed and six others injured when a private bus hit a motorcycle on the Bilaspur-Jagadhri road, the police said.

After hitting the motorccycle, the bus driver lost control over the vehicle and it overturned, they said.

The deceased were identified as Raj Kumar, Rahul and Rinku, residents of Yamunanagar who were riding the bike, and bus passenger Charanjit Singh, a resident of Bathinda.

The private bus was carrying pilgrims, who had arrived from Punjab for the Kapal Mochan fair in Yamunanagar.

Six other passengers also got injured and they were admitted to a hospital.

A 26-year-old Punjab Police constable died after he rammed into a stationary trolley laden with sand on highway near Uggal Aulakh village in Punjab's Amritsar district, police said.

Bau Singh was going to his office in the morning when the accident took place, police said, adding the constable rammed into the trolley as he could not see it because of fog.

Another Punjab Police constable Harish Chander (40) was killed when his motorcycle was hit by a truck on Fazilka- Ferozepurn road in Guruharsahai in Punjab's Ferozepur district, they said.

The accident occurred when he was on his way to office at 8.30 am, police said, adding he died while being taken to hospital.

In Punjab's Moga district, five persons sustained injuries when a private bus rammed into a minitruck coming from opposite direction near Rajeana village, police said.

The bus collided with a mini-truck after being hit by another bus from behind, police said, adding that the accident took place due to fog.

In another accident which occurred in Hoshiarpur district of Punjab, seven persons sustained injuries when a tempo carrying pilgrims from Amritsar fell into a river near Dashua after driver failed to see the water body because of foggy weather, the police said.

Pilgrims were going towards Dera Baba Vadbhag Singh in Una district of Himachal Pradesh, police said, adding that injured were admitted to local hospital.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Joint Forum Against Privatisation today reiterated its demand to retain the carrier in the public sector saying the sell-off move comes at a time when it's making progress on all operational and efficiency parameters.

It termed the move as a bid to "nationalise losses and privatise profits".

The forum, which met here today, represents the seven employees and officers unions. It comes two days after the Bombay High Court stayed the AI management bid to stop the meeting of the unions.

The meeting also decided to organise a national convention in Delhi later to chalk out future strategies to further strengthen their opposition to privatisation.

Terming the Niti Aayog recommendation as "arbitrary and against national interests", the forum said the planning body has "acted as a vested interest to help corporates, both domestic and foreign."



Blaming the government for being against the AI, they said it must end its anti-Air India policies that have, in fact, led to the financial mess that the carrier is facing now.

They particularly blamed the unwarranted decision in 2005 to order as many as 111 aircraft on debt worth around Rs 70,000 crore for the deep mess that the AI has landed itself into. They also pointed to the hasty decision to merge loss-making Indian Airlines with profitable Air India, for the troubles.

Another reason for the crisis was government forcing Air India to withdraw from several profit-making international routes to allegedly favour new private airlines as well as some foreign carriers. The forum said these decisions were taken ignoring the house panel and COPU recommendations.

Terming the sell-off move as "nationalising losses and privatising profits," the forum said the airline cannot survive without the profit-making subsidiaries, like the engineering arm and its production unit AIESL.

"If the government approaches Air India with the same sympathy it is trying to show to private sector players, (the government is reportedly planning to write off the over Rs 50,000 crore debt of AI before the sell-off) the airline would have no troubles going forward," the forum claimed.

The unions claimed that the overall efficiency and profitability have improved over the past few quarters with the carrier earning operational profits and reducing its debt. Its on-time performance has also improved apart from more connectivity leading to higher load and revenue.

They claimed that the operating cost has more than halved to seven per cent from 15 earlier.

On Thursday, the Bombay HC had issued an interim order staying a communication by the Air India management seeking to deny employees' unions the use of a school hall inside the airline's colony in Mumbai for holding a meeting to discuss the proposed privatisation.

Seven AI employees' unions, representing ground and commercial staff and engineers among others, have called the meeting today.

On October 30, the AI personnel department had asked the school to revoke the permission granted to use the hall by the unions. Following this the unions moved the HC, which allowed them hold the meeting.

On June 28, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) gave an in-principle approval for strategic sale in Air India and five of its subsidiaries.
An American woman charged with subversion in Zimbabwe for allegedly insulting the president on Twitter as a "sick man" made her first court appearance today as her lawyers disputed the charges that carry up to 20 years in prison.

A lawyer for 25-year-old Martha O'Donovan, Rose Hanzi, told the court that the subversion charge was illegal because police did not inform O'Donovan of it when she was taken from her home in the capital, Harare, yesterday morning.

The court disagreed, and O'Donovan will remain in custody over the weekend. Hanzi said they will approach the High Court for bail on Monday. O'Donovan made no statement in court and showed no emotion as the request was dismissed.

O'Donovan is accused of calling 93-year-old President Robert Mugabe a "sick man" in a Twitter post that included a photo illustration of the president with a catheter.

The charge of subversion carries up to 20 years in prison. O'Donovan also is charged with undermining the authority of or insulting the president.

O'Donovan has denied the allegations as "baseless and malicious."



It was the first arrest since Mugabe last month appointed a cybersecurity minister, a move criticised by activists as targeting social media. Zimbabwe was shaken last year by the biggest anti-government protests in a decade. Frustration is growing in the once-prosperous southern African nation as the economy collapses and the president, in power since 1980, is already running for next year's elections.

O'Donovan had been working with local social media outlet Magamba TV, which describes itself as producing "satirical comedy sensations". O'Donovan, a graduate of New York University, has called herself a manager for Magamba TV and a "media activist". Earlier this year, she presented a talk at a republica digital culture conference on "How Zimbabweans Rebel Online."



The group representing O'Donovan, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights says it has represented nearly 200 people charged for allegedly insulting Mugabe, the world's oldest head of state, in recent years.

"This arrest marks the start of a sinister new chapter in the Zimbabwean government's clampdown on freedom of speech, and the new battleground is social media," said Amnesty International's deputy regional director, Muleya Mwananyanda. The statement said Zimbabwe authorities tracked tweets to O'Donovan's IP address.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Over a year after she alleged that the Telugu Desam leadership offered her "crores of rupees" to switch loyalty, YSR Congress MLA Vantala Rajeswari today crossed over to the ruling party in Andhra Pradesh.

Telugu Desam head and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu formally admitted the tribal legislator and her followers into the party at his residence here.

With this, the total number of MLAs who joined the TDP from the YSRC has risen to 22 (one of them died early this year).

"I am joining the TDP for the development of my constituency," the MLA from Rampachodavaram (ST) constituency in East Godavari district told reporters.

Rajeswari found fault with the YSRC decision to boycott the ensuing session of the legislature over the demand that all the legislators who have switched sides be disqualified forthwith.

"I will attend the assembly and raise issues related to my constituency," Rajeswari added.

Defection of YSRC MLAs to the TDP started in February 2016 with Bhuma Nagi Reddy and his daughter Akhila Priya.

Nagi Reddy died of a heart attack in March this year, while 21 others are now with the ruling party though the assembly records continue to list them as YSRC members.

Of the lawmakers who switched sides, four were inducted into the Chandrababu Naidu Cabinet in April this year.

When MLAs from the YSRC were making a beeline to the TDP last year, Rajeswari and a couple of other tribal MLAs had alleged they were offered "crores of rupees" to crossover.

"But there is no question of us leaving the YSRC," those legislators had announced then.

In a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind last week, YSRC chief Y S Jaganmohan Reddy had regretted that no action had been taken against the legislators who crossed over, according to the 10th Schedule of the Constitution, in the last one-and -a-half years despite several petitions filed with the Legislative Council Chairman and the Assembly Speaker.

"Sir, we request you to kindly intervene in the matter and stop this mockery," the Leader of Opposition in the assembly had said in the letter.

The YSRC suffered the latest setback two days before Jagan Reddy is set to launch a six-month-long foot march across the state.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Syrian and allied forces converged today on holdout Islamic State group fighters in the Syrian border town of Albu Kamal, the jihadists' very last urban bastion following a string of losses.

Russian-backed Syrian regime forces yesterday took full control of Deir Ezzor, which was the last city where IS still had a presence after being expelled from Hawija and Raqa last month.

The borders of a "caliphate" that three years ago spanned territory in Iraq and Syria roughly the size of Britain further shrank on the group's surviving fighters when Iraqi forces retook Al-Qaim, also yesterday.

The town lies along the Euphrates River in western Iraq and faces Albu Kamal, which is where many of IS's remaining fighters are thought to have regrouped.

The Syrian army and allied militia groups were still some 30 kilometres from Albu Kamal, but Iraqi paramilitaries crossed the border to take on IS, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

"Fighting pitted Hashed al-Shaabi units against the Islamic State in the Hiri area," said Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Britain-based monitor.

Hiri, just across the border from Al-Qaim, on the outskirts of Albu Kamal, is now the last town of note still fully controlled by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's jihadist group.

Abdel Rahman said IS was able to pin back the Iraqi forces.

The Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation) are a paramilitary umbrella dominated by Shiite militia outfits loyal to Tehran.

The Syrian regime forces, backed by intensive Russian air strikes, are advancing on Albu Kamal from an oil pumping station in the desert west of the town.

Kurdish-led US-backed fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces were making fresh gains further north in Syria's eastern province of Deir Ezzor, the Observatory said.

The offensives were more simultaneous than coordinated in the border area, where the myriad armed forces involved in the anti-IS fight support conflicting agendas.

The Euphrates Valley border area was the heart of the "caliphate" IS proclaimed in 2014 and is now its last redoubt, where a US-led coalition supporting the military effort said around 1,500 jihadist fighters remained.

The parallel offensives have sent thousands of civilians running for their lives, some of them straight into the desert.

Sonia Khush, Syria director at the Save the Children charity, said an estimated 350,000 people have fled the recent fighting in Deir Ezzor province, half of them children.

"The situation in the city, and surrounding countryside, has been especially bleak with civilians trapped between the fighting and all too often caught in the crossfire," she said.

The Observatory said civilians were stranded on an island in a meander of the Euphrates directly facing Deir Ezzor and where some jihadist pockets remained.

Iraqi forces made light work of Al-Qaim, and while Albu Kamal is now the last urban bastion the jihadists have, it is unclear how much resistance they can or intend to put up.

The US-led coalition said anti-IS forces would hunt down jihadists to the last one.

"The coalition must and will deny IS safe haven in Iraq and Syria," spokesman Ryan Dillon told AFP.

As their dream of a jihadist state continues to disintegrate, surviving jihadists are expected to hide in the desert area straddling the border and go dark for some time.

The group has retained its capacity to carry out suicide bombings in cities such as Damascus and Baghdad, as well as to inspire high-profile attacks in the West such as this week's Manhattan truck attack.

Despite its defeats on the battlefield, analysts are warning that IS is not down and out in the absence of a political vision to ensure stability in Iraq and Syria.

"This absence of a long-term strategy leaves Daesh (IS) a lot of room for regrouping in the near future, while continuing to work its networks of supporters around the world," said Jean-Pierre Filiu, a professor at Sciences Po university in Paris.

From the depths of the desert or zones not fully under Iraqi control, "they will attempt to conduct localised attacks to destabilise local governance and maintain external and media operations -- plotting and inspiring attacks overseas and seeking to continue to project a veneer of legitimacy", Dillon said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Army Chief General Bipin Rawat today pitched for conferring the country's highest civilian honour Bharat Ratna on independent India's first army chief, Field Marshal General K M Cariappa.

"The time has also come to recommend Field Marshal Cariappa for the award of Bharat Ratna. If others can get it, I see no reason why he should not, a deserving personality for the same. We will shortly address the issue on priority," he said.

Gen Rawat's comments came in response to a request by Col K C Subbayya from The Field Marshal Cariappa General Thimayya (FMCGT) forum about recommending the Bharat Ratna to Cariappa, who hails from Kodagu district in Karnataka.

Rawat unveiled the statues of Cariappa and General K S Thimayya, also a former Army chief who hailed from Kodagu district in Karnataka, at a function at the Cauvery College at Gonikoppal, Kodagu district.

Terming Kodagu (formerly Coorg) as a 'land of warriors', Rawat said he is proud, privileged and humbled for having got the opportunity to unveil the memorial in memory of Field Marshal Cariappa and General K S Thimayya.

Kodagu continues to serve the nation with a large number of officers and men serving the Army, he said and voiced hope that "there will be more Chiefs in the future who will rise from this great land".

Cariappa was the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army and was conferred the rank of Field Marshal on April 28, 1986.

He was also a recipient of the prestigious order of the British Empire (OBE) for his role in the Burma campaign against the Japanese during the Second World War.

Cariappa also led the Indian forces on the Western Front during the Indo-Pak War of 1947.

He held the five-star rank of field marshal, the highest honour in the Indian Army, which Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw is the only other officer to have held.

Cariappa, whose military career spanned over three decades, retired from the Army in 1953 and later served as the High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand till 1956.

He died in Bengaluru in 1993 at the age of 94.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has said that Article 370 of the Constitution, which guarantees special status to the state, is the nation's commitment to the people of J-K and should be honoured.

The chief minister said that dialogue is the only way forward to resolve the Kashmir issue and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has a "huge mandate", can create history by changing the narrative on Jammu and Kashmir.

"Article 370 is the nation's commitment to the people of J-K and therefore should be honoured," the PDP chief wrote on Twitter.

Her statement comes in the backdrop of a raging debate over the special provision, with calls for revocation of the Article along with Article 35A -- relating to special rights and privileges of permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir.

"Democracy is a battle of ideas and dialogue is the only way forward," Mehbooba said on Twitter after addressing an interactive session here organised by a daily yesterday.

She also batted for re-opening traditional routes for reviving economic activities, saying the country should take advantage of the state's geostrategic location.

"The country should take advantage of J&Ks geostrategic location and revive its traditional routes to foster greater economic activity," Mehbooba said.

An official spokesperson here said that at the session, the chief minister termed Article 370 as a bridge of faith between the state and the rest of the country.

"It is also a historic commitment people of the country made to Jammu and Kashmir people when the Muslim-majority state voluntarily acceded to an egalitarian society of the country," the spokesman quoted Mehbooba as saying.

The chief minister regretted the misconception among certain sections in the country about the special position of the state.

Stating that dialogue was the only way to get Jammu and Kashmir out of the cycle of violence and uncertainty, the chief minister expressed hope that the appointment of a special representative by the Centre would help in creating a congenial atmosphere for a way forward in the state.

"Dialogue with all stakeholders in the state is the dire need of the hour to end bloodshed, acrimony and hatred besides heralding growth of business, trade and economy. For how long can we go like this?" she asked, stressing on a sustained dialogue process to end the violence.

While welcoming the Centre's decision to appoint former Intelligence Bureau chief Dineshwar Sharma as its special representative for a sustained dialogue, Mehbooba said for the first time such an engagement by the Centre has properly been formalised at the highest-level.

She expressed hope that with an illustrious and unblemished track record, Sharma would be able to steer ahead the process to a substantive conclusion.

Mufti underlined the need for supporting this process by all agencies and not do anything which would disturb the ambience of the dialogue process.

"It is all the more important to include all those people in the dialogue process whose ideas about the state are different from ours. Similarly, both India and Pakistan have to learn to live like good neighbours and resolve all differences through peaceful engagement and reconciliation," she was quoted as saying by the spokesperson.

The chief minister said the situation in the state has improved considerably since last year and sectors like tourism and trade have started to pick up pace.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prominent Austrian politician Peter Pilz quit today as head of his newly formed anti-establishment party over sexual harassment allegations.

"I've always fought for strict standards and these standards also apply to me," the 63-year-old said in a statement.

The announcement came after weekly Falter confronted him early today with allegations of sexual misconduct.

A young woman told the newspaper that a very inebriated Pilz had groped her in 2013 at a major annual discussion forum in the western town of Alpbach.

"His hands were everywhere," she was quoted as saying by Falter.

The woman said two other forum participants eventually dragged the politician away.

Pilz said he could not remember the incident, but took the allegations "extremely serious".

However, Pilz rejected claims made last week by a female Greens member who also accused him of fondling her on dozens of occasions when he was still with the party.

He said he would fight the allegations in court.

Pilz is an old hand in Austrian politics, having co- founded the Greens party in 1986.

He split in July and formed an anti-establishment party dubbed the "Pilz List" which won four seats in last month's snap election.

He said he would continue to advise the "Pilz List", made up of artists, academics and entrepreneurs.

The Austrian joins a growing queue of notable men from Hollywood to Brussels and London who face allegations of sexual harassment or worse.

The first major headline on the issue was in October with disgraced US film producer Harvey Weinstein, but has since ensnared movie stars Kevin Spacey and Dustin Hoffman, Britain's former defence minister Michael Fallon and senior European Parliament staff.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Following are the top stories from the Eastern Region at 1730 hours.

CAL2 BH-LD STAMPEDE Begusarai (Bihar) : Three elderly women died of suffocation this morning in a crowded alley near Simariya Ghat where thousands of devotees had gathered for a holy dip in the Ganga on the occasion of Karthik Purnima, police said.

CES1 WB-MICROSCOPE-THEFT



Kolkata : Twenty microscopes were stolen from a laboratory of the Presidency University here, the police said today.

ERG3 OD-RICE-HEADMASTER



Berhampur (Odisha): Headmaster of a government-run school and a rice mill owner were among four persons arrested for alleged diversion of rice meant for mid-day meal (MDM) for students in Ganjam district to the rice mill, police said today.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, who will arrive in India tomorrow, will begin their seven-day maiden state visit to the country with a trip to the iconic Taj Mahal, the Belgian envoy here has said.

Belgian Ambassador to India Jan Luykx said this would be their "first state visit" to India after Philippe ascended the throne in 2013. In 2010, Philippe had led a Belgian Trade Mission to the country, as the then Crown Prince.

The visit aimed at enhancing bilateral ties, including in trade in other areas of cooperation, will also mark 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The theme of the visit is innovative partnership for the 21st century.

According to the official Twitter handle of the Belgian mission here, the first state visit from that country was by King Baudouin and Queen Fabiola in 1970.

King Albert II and Queen Paola of Belgium had also paid a state visit to India in November 2008.

Incidentally, the royal couples in the preceding two visits had also toured the iconic Mughal-era monument in Agra, which is a UNESCO world heritage site.

"The King and Queen will arrive in India on November 5 evening. They will then go to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. The next leg of the visit would be in Delhi, where they would spend two days and finally the last two days in Mumbai.

"They (the couple) will leave on the morning of November 11," Luykx told PTI on the sidelines of an event last evening.

The King will meet President Ram Nath Kovind and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi here.

King Philippe will also be accompanied by a business delegation of nearly 90 people comprising CEOs of Belgian companies. Chiefs of several academic institutions and members from the media would also accompany him during the visit.

The Belgian envoy made the remarks at an exhibition of rare photographs of Mahatma Gandhi that was launched here at the Bikaner House.

The exhibition's opening ceremony was attended by Luykx, Russia's Ambassador to India Nikolay Rishatovich Kudashev, senior officials from the French, German, Dutch and the US embassies among others.

Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi inaugurated the exhibition.

The Belgian envoy, earlier during his address at the event said, "Though Gandhi never visited Belgium but his spirit touches all."



"We have two memorials, statues of Gandhi, one each in Antwerp and Brussels. Besides, we have many streets named after him and a postal stamp was also released in his honour," Luykx said.

Belgium was also among the first European countries to establish a diplomatic mission in India after independence.

The royal couple are to visit India at the invitation of the President. During their stay, they will also commemorate Indian soldiers' effort of defending Belgium during the World War I and lay a wreath at the India Gate.

King Baudouin and Queen Fabiola during their visit 47 years ago, were received at the airport by then President V V Giri. Besides, the Taj Mahal, the royal couple had also paid homage to the Mahatma by laying a wreath at his memorial at Rajghat. The king had visited the Qutub Minar as well.

The official Twitter handle of the Belgian Embassy has shared a black and white picture of the couple sitting against the backdrop of the Moghul monument in 1970.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Bowe Bergdahl, the US Army Sergeant whom the Taliban held for five years after he deserted his Afghanistan outpost, would serve no prison time, a US military judge ruled.

Bergdahl, however, was ordered to be dishonourably discharged from the Army as the judge yesterday ordered his rank to be slashed to private, and imposed a USD 10,000 fine on him.

US President Donald Trump, who had last year called for Bergdahl to be executed, labelling him a "traitor", expressed his disappointment over the court decision.

"The decision on Sergeant Bergdahl is a complete and total disgrace to our Country and to our Military," Trump said in a tweet.

As part of the deal, Bergdahl would forfeit his pay of USD 1,000 for 10 months. Bergdahl was captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan 2009 after he walked off the base. He was under Taliban captivity for five years before he was released under a prison swap by the then Obama Administration.

Bergdahl had faced up to life in prison after pleading guilty to charges of desertion and endangering his fellow troops.

Army judge Col. Jeffery Nance said Bergdahl will be dishonourably discharged and have his rank reduced to private.

reports said Bergdahl was tensed and shaking when he entered the court room.

After he pleaded guilty to desertion and misbehaviour before the Army on October 16, he faced life imprisonment. Prosecutors had sought 14 years of imprisonment for him.

Despite pleading guilty to misbehaviour before the enemy and desertion, Bowe Bergdahl will not serve any prison time for his misconduct in Afghanistan, said Senator Jim Inhofe.

"This is beyond disappointing, especially given that three service members were grievously and permanently wounded as a direct result of searching for Bergdahl," he said.

"I am pleased his separation will be under dishonourable discharge conditions. His actions rightfully disqualify him from receiving the privileges he literally walked away from when he abandoned his fellow service members and his post. Under this discharge, Bergdahl will not have access to any veterans benefits," the Senator said.

Congressman Ron DeSantis, Chairman of the National Security Subcommittee and Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy expressed his disappointment over the court verdict.

"Bowe Bergdahl deserted his unit and endangered the lives of his fellow soldiers.To receive a sentence of zero confinement will strike many Americans as an outrage and will lead many to question the efficacy of the military justice system," he said.

The case had created ripples in the US political circles, with supporters calling Bergdahl a victim of the 16 year old Afghan war and detractors labelling him a turncoat whose action led to severe injuries of fellow soldiers in his unit on search missions for him.

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The Congress today said the gang- rape of a 19-year-old woman in the heart of the state capital was a "blot" on the BJP goverment in Madhya Pradesh.

Leader of Opposition in the assembly Ajay Singh slammed police for its lackadaisical attitude in registering a complaint of the survivor and criticised Home Minister Bhupendra Singh over his absence from the state capital when the heinous crime took place four days back.

"Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan should pull up his home minister as well as the DGP as the shameful incident took place right in the middle of the city and is a blot on the face of the BJP government," he said in a statement here.

"If such a serious crime can take place in the state capital, and police dilly-dally on filing an FIR, then one can imagine the situation in rural areas," the Congress MLA said.

Singh said the home minister has been ineffective in the past also and was slow to react to incidents like firing on farmers in Mandsaur in June and beating of farmers in a police lock-up in Tikamgarh.

While the chief minister chaired a meeting and gave directions to the police after the gang-rape incident, the home minister remained absent from the scene, he said.

The survivor, daughter of a police couple, was allegedly raped by four men on Tuesday night in the vicinity of the Habibganj railway station here. The accused have been arrested.

Five police officials were suspended and a senior cop was transferred by the goverment over delay in filing an FIR in connection with the offence.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Clean drinking water is being provided to the police personnel in Chhattisgarh's Naxal- affected Bijapur district where security forces are not only battling ultras but also the menace of water-borne diseases.

Water purification systems have been installed in all the police stations and camps in the district, about 450-km from here.

Besides, fogging machines had been provided to the police stations and camps located in 16 hyper-sensitive locations of the district to fight mosquito menace, a senior official has said.

Lack of potable water has always been a major challenge for police personnel, particularly for those involved in anti-insurgency operations in the region, Bijapur Additional Superintendent of Police Mohit Garg told PTI.

The police personnel were largely dependent on local and traditional methods to purify drinking water. But that was not enough as when the personnel go on patrolling in interiors they sometime have to drink water from open sources which often causes illnesses, he said.

In view of this, a decision was taken a few months back to provide RO (reverse osmosis) machines to all the 21 police stations and 24 Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) camps in the district and their installation process was completed last week, the official said.

This is perhaps the first time that local police establishments in a district in the Bastar division have been provided with the facility, he said.

Such facilities are available in the camps of central armed police forces, Garg added.

The division, located in the southern part of the state, comprised seven districts - Bastar, Kanker, Kondagaon, Sukma, Narayanpur, Bijapur and Dantewada.

Water-borne diseases, including typhoid, jaundice and skin-related problems, and vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue are common ailments in the interiors of the division.

Several security personnel, deployed for anti-Maoist operations, have succumbed to these diseases in the past in the region, he added.

Till October this year, at least 60 cases of water-borne diseases and 250 cases of malaria and dengue have been reported with the district police, Garg said.

To safeguard the health of security personnel operating in difficult conditions, their camps have been provided with mosquito nets and repellents.

Despite such precautions, the personnel are exposed to mosquitoes due tolong duration operations deep inside the jungles where they have to survive in extreme weather and rough terrains, he said.

The camps and police stations in the district are also infested with mosquitoes. As a result, more than 20 per cent of the personnel fall sick due to deadly diseases like dengue, falciparum malaria and typhoid, among others, he said.

Garg, a young IPS officer of the 2013 batch, himself contracted malaria and dengue three times during his posting in the district.

An MBA graduate from the IIM Ahmedabad, Garg introduced the idea of providing clean drinking water to all the police personnel, not just in the police stations, but also in deep jungles.

He teamed up with Chief Executive Officer of Bijapur Zila Panchayat Abhishek Kumar Singh to execute the idea.

Both electric and non-electric water purification systems with adequate storage capacity have been installed, the ASP said.

Police personnel have also been provided with filter bottles to purify contaminated water inside jungles during long anti-insurgency operations, Garg said.

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Actor Busy Philipps has bashed filmmaker Brett Ratner amid sexual assault allegations, calling him a "garbage human".

Philipps, 38, responded to the that the longtime Hollywood power player, 48, had been accused of multiple cases of sexual misconduct or harassment including by actresses Olivia Munn and Natasha Henstridge in an article published by the Los Angeles Times.

"Olivia Munn has been saying this for years and he has been disgusting about the allegations and to her for years. He is a garbage human," Philipps wrote.

"Also. What @KatharineTowne says in the article is important, Philipps continued on Twitter. "What's 'absurd' is his mouthpiece calling harassment 'giving a compliment.'"



"It shows a pattern of disregard for women because what he wants is more important," she added.

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China today adopted a new law stipulating a three-year punishment for disrespecting the national anthem, which would be enforced in the specially administered provinces of Hong Kong and Macau.

China's national legislature, the National People's Congress (NPC) often referred to as a rubber stamp parliament for its routine endorsement of the ruling Communist Party's decisions voted and passed an amendment to the country's criminal law to punish acts of gravely disrespecting the national anthem.

It has also endorsed the adoption of the National Anthem Law to the Special Administrative Regions (SAR) of Hong Kong and Macau, state-run Xinhua agency reported.

The extension of the law to Hong Kong is significant in view of the unrest among the local population over the growing control of China in the SAR which returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

The amendments were passed at the bimonthly session of the Standing Committee of the NPC.

According to the amendment, punishments previously stipulated for national flag and national emblem desecration in public now also apply to serious acts of public disrespect to the national anthem.

Punishments include deprivation of political rights, criminal detention and imprisonment of upto three years.

The national anthem law, adopted in September, came into force last month to ensure appropriate use of the song.

Those who maliciously modify the lyrics, or play or sing the national anthem in a distorted or disrespectful way in public, can be detained for upto 15 days, and even be held criminally liable, according to the law.

China's national anthem "March of the Volunteers" has lyrics by poet Tian Han and music by Nie Er.

The song encouraged Chinese soldiers and civilians during the 1937-45 Sino-Japanese War.

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A Syrian monitoring group and an Iraqi official say clashes have erupted on the Syrian-Iraqi borders between Islamic State group militants and a group of mostly Shiite Iraqi fighters as the extremist group defends its last stronghold in the region.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says today that IS militants repelled an attack by members of Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces, a paramilitary group of Shiite fighters with Iraqi security forces. The Observatory says the attack took place inside Syria near the border town of Boukamal.

Jaafar al-Husseini, spokesman for Iraq's Kataeb Hezbollah militia, which is part of the PMF, tells The Associated Press his forces clashed with IS from Qaim, the Iraqi border town reclaimed from IS yesterday.

Al-Husseini says his militia fired rockets inside Syria but didn't cross. His militia built berms along the border to prevent militants from sneaking back.

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Several thousand demonstrators converged on Bonn today ahead of UN climate negotiations demanding that governments step up action to halt global warming, starting with a rapid phase-out of coal-burning power plants.

Decked out in red to signify their "Stop Coal" campaign, the protesters chanted and beat drums as they snaked through the former West Germany capital toward the UN centre that will host the 12-day, 196-nation talks, tasked with implementing the landmark Paris Agreement.

Inked outside the French capital in 2015, the world's only climate treaty calls for capping global warming at "well under" two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), and 1.5 C (2.7 F) if possible.

Earth has already warmed by 1 C compared to pre- industrial levels.

"The lives and livelihoods of millions of people are under threat, entire island states are in danger of disappearing from rising sea-levels," a coalition of more than 100 civil society groups said in a statement ahead of the march.

"Tackling climate change means a rapid phaseout of fossil fuels, including the burning of coal."



Coal accounts for roughly a third of global energy consumption, and powers 40 per cent of all electricity - twice as much as the next energy source, natural gas.

Compared to gas and oil, coal produces more carbon pollution per unit of energy, making it the "dirtiest" of the fossil fuels.

Coal demand has slowed, especially in the United States where the natural gas fracking boom has undercut its market share.

But globally, demand is projected to expand until at least 2030, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

That growth seriously threatens the Paris Agreement's temperature goals, UN and energy experts say.

If the world's nearly 7,000 coal-fired power plants - with a combined capacity of nearly 2,000 Gigawatts - operate to the end of their lifetimes, it will add the equivalent of five years' of global CO2 emissions to the atmosphere, the UN's environment agency noted in a report last week.

Another 850 GW of coal capacity is either under construction or in the pipeline, mostly in India, China, Turkey, Indonesia, Vietnam and other Asian countries.

Solar and wind energy - while growing rapidly - still only account for a tiny sliver of global energy production.

According to a study published last week in Environmental Research Letters, holding sea level rise to 50 centimetres (20 inches) by 2100 would become nearly impossible if coal-fired energy is not phased out by mid-century.

"If emissions continue unchecked, oceans could rise by around 130 cm in 2100" - nearly double the maximum forecast in the UN climate science panel's benchmark report, co-author Carl-Friedrich Schleussner, a scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany, told AFP.

For small island nations, and those with densely populated low-lying deltas such as Bangladesh, sea level rise on that scale would be catastrophic, experts say.

That is the hard-to-ignore message that Fiji, presiding this year over the annual climate summit, intends to drive home at every opportunity.

"We can count on Fiji to apply pressure on the major emitting countries in a way they will feel it," Laurence Tubiana, director of the European Climate Foundation and one of the main architects of the Paris Agreement as France's Climate Ambassador, told AFP.

"It is the only thing we can do," said Sabine from nearby Cologne, when asked why she and her two daughters, 16 and 8, had joined the protest.

"I don't know if it will change anything, but we have to try.

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Harassed by troops of monkeys which frequently attack passers-by and destroy crops, residents of Himachal Pradesh are being promised relief from the simian menace by both the BJP and the Congress if voted to power in the upcoming elections.

As many as 2,000 villages across the hill state are affected by simians.

BJP's chief ministerial candidate, Prem Kumar Dhumal, blames the Congress government for not running the sterilisation drive in an effective manner to tackle the growing population of monkeys.

"They have not run this programme in an effective manner and it seems that the number of monkeys has increased rather than going down," he said.

"We will motivate farmers to install net fencing around their fields. We will also take other necessary steps as this problem is not limited to villages and has spread to cities as well," Dhumal said.

State BJP president Satpal Satti, who is seeking re- election from Una, alleged that the Congress government had failed to tackle the problem.

Satti said crore of rupees were spent to catch the monkeys for sterilisation but their number continued to increase.

However, Industries Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said, "We have run sterilisation campaigns and taken other steps as well. We will take more steps needed to tackle the problem."



According to a monkey census carried out in 2015, there were over 2,400 monkeys within the Shimla Municipal Corporation limits and eight forest beats were identified as "endemic areas".

The Assembly election in the state is scheduled for November 9.

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Two influential Congressional sub-committees will hold a joint hearing on Pakistan's commitment in the fight against terrorism, and the review of the US' aid to it even as a Congressman expressed doubts over its commitment to denying terrorists safe harbour.

An announcement to this effect comes nearly three months after US President Donald Trump announced his South Asia policy.

"A productive US-Pakistan relationship is essential to bring stability to the region, but doubts persist about Pakistan's commitment to denying terrorists safe harbour," Congressman Ted Yoho said.

Two subcommittees of the House Foreign Affairs Committee -- Asia and the Pacific, and Middle East and North Africa - would hold the hearing on "The President's Plan for Afghanistan and Pakistan: Objectives and Resources" on Wednesday, November 8.

Alice G Wells, the acting assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia, has been asked to testify before the lawmakers, along with Gregory Huger, assistant to the administrator office of Afghanistan and Pakistan in the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

"In this hearing, the subcommittees will hear the latest on US civilian efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan, determine how they fit into the president's new plan for the region, and oversee the administration's resourcing decisions," said Yoho, Chairman of Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee.

Now that the administration has unveiled its Afghanistan strategy and decided to suspend a significant amount of aid to Pakistan, this hearing will allow members to review the approximate USD 1.1 billion combined FY 2018 budget request for the two countries, Congresswoman Elena Ros-Lehtinen, Chairman of the Middle east and North Africa Subcommittee said.

This hearing will also explore ongoing challenges in Afghanistan, including combating the Taliban, corruption, economic woes, and a lack of prioritisation of counter- narcotics efforts, as well as Pakistan's performance in preventing terrorist groups from establishing safe havens, and assess whether the budget request is meeting US priorities, she said.

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A court here today granted interim protection from arrest to city-based real-estate developer D S Kulkarni and his wife after a case was registered against them on a complaint of a 65-year-old investor.

Kulkarni had filed for anticipatory a bail application through advocate Shrikant Shivade in the court of special judge J T Utpat here.

Shivade said that the court, while granting protection from arrest, stated that no "coercive" action be taken against his clients till next hearing on November 7.

He told the court that his client has returned around Rs 10,000 crore to the investors between 1982 and 2006 and his properties or assets were five times more than his present liability.

He also argued that one Israel-based firm was supposed to finance one of Kulkarni's projects. But that firm ran into the financial crisis, he said.

"Besides that, he met with an accident and because of a series of misfortunes, he ran into troubles. However, his client is working on a war-footing to repay the money to its investors," Shivade argued.

He said in the last few months, his client has returned Rs 28 crore to its investors.

"He has sincere intention to pay all the money and there are no fraudulent intentions," the lawyer submitted.

A case was registered against Kulkarni and his wife Hemanti on October 28 on a complaint by 65-year-old Jitendra Mulekar that he did not get back his investment from the real estate group.

According to some complainants, there are around 8,000 depositors who have invested with D S Kulkarni's group's fix-deposit scheme but they neither got their money nor the interest from the developer.

Following the complaint by Mulekar, the police received scores of complaints from depositors who claimed that they did not get back their money from the developer.

Based on the complaints, the Economic Offence Wing of Pune Police conducted searches at the realtor's offices and residence in the city on Thursday.

According to the police, the complainants' number soared to around 600 on Friday.

For the past several months, all these investors, largely pensioners, have been queueing up at the realtor's office here.

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The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has been asked to explore the possibilities for air travellers to avail of helicopter services connecting Delhi to cities such as Gurgaon, Noida and Ghaziabad, a high- ranked official said today.

Speaking at the PHD Chamber's first Heli Expo India 2017 at Rohini, Civil Aviation Secretary Rajiv Nayan Choubey said these chopper services should serve as an alternative to travelling by road in taxis, which takes a longer time.

The heliport at Rohini, inaugurated earlier this year, was developed at a cost of Rs 100 crore. It is a joint venture between the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Pawan Hans Limited.

"I have asked DIAL to explore the possibilities for making space for helicopters at the Delhi airport, so that heli-services are launched to provide direct connectivity to air travellers. They can avail of such facilities and reach their destinations by air in a much shorter time," Choubey said.

Uttarakhand Tourism Minister and Chairman of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board Satpal Maharaj, who spoke at the event, urged the Centre to encourage and optimise air travel through helicopter services in the hill states and north-eastern parts of the country.

He also urged the government to provide subsidies to the spare parts manufacturers of the helicopters, enabling efficient medical and disaster management operations at a cheaper cost on such difficult terrains.

The country's first integrated heliport, a dedicated landing facility for helicopters, was opened at Rohini in March.

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Catalonia's deposed leader Carles Puigdemont today called for separatists to unite in a December election called by Spain to quell the region's push for independence.

Puigdemont's rallying cry came a day after a Spanish judge issued an arrest warrant against him, with prosecutors seeking to charge him with rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds over his secessionist drive.

"The time has come for all democrats to unite. For Catalonia, for the release of political prisoners and for the republic," he said on Twitter.

The 54-year-old has been holed up in Belgium since Monday and ignored a summons to appear before the judge in Madrid, saying he wants guarantees he will receive a fair trial.

The judge issued the European arrest warrants late Friday for Puigdemont and four of his allies who are also in Belgium, to force them to return to Spain.

The Belgian public prosecutor's office confirmed Saturday that it had received the warrants, saying a decision would happen within 24 hours of them appearing before a judge.

But the authorities said any appeals process could last for up to three months.

"The EU Framework Decision provides that the final decision must be taken within 60 days, with an extension to 90 days under exceptional circumstances," the Belgian justice ministry said in a statement.

The warrants have further fuelled separatists' anger and frustration after deposed members of Puigdemont's government who did not flee to Belgium, including his deputy, appeared before a Spanish judge on Thursday and were detained pending a possible trial.

Protesters in the wealthy northeastern region have held frequent demonstrations, chanting and waving Catalan flags while calling for the officials' release, and a big pro- independence march is planned for November 11.

Spain's deepest political crisis in decades flared up after the regional parliament in Catalonia voted to proclaim an independent republic following a referendum on October 1 that was declared illegal by the country's Constitutional Court.

Puigdemont said yesterday that he was ready to run as a candidate in the election -- which he can do even if detained -- and today called for separatist parties to form a united front.

In a tweet, he referred to an online petition calling for the creation of a combined independent candidate list, which by today afternoon had received over 50,000 signatures.

During the last regional election in September 2015, Puigdemont's conservative PdeCat and the far-left ERC party stood together in a "Together for Yes" coalition.

But there have been growing tensions between the two allies over strategy and it is not clear if they will stand together again.

Separatist parties have a slim majority of 72 seats in the 135-seat parliament, and opinion polls suggest they might again win a majority in the December vote.

"It's absolutely indispensable that we have a joint strategy to battle the repression," Sergi Sabria, a spokesman for the separatist ERC party, told Catalunya Radio, in a sign the two main parties might work together.

Told of Puigdemont's unity call, the ERC's deputy leader, Marta Rovira, responded simply: "We must win (the elections) and that is what we will do."



The leaders of another separatist party, the far-left Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP), met today in the southern French city of Perpignan and said they would make an announcement regarding the elections on November 12.

"We are studying all possibilities", party spokeswoman Nuria Gibert said.

Parties that wish to stand together in a coalition in the polls must announce this by November 7.

Whether Puigdemont and his colleagues in Brussels, Maria Serret Aleu, Antoni Comin Oliveres, Luis Puig Gordi and Clara Ponsati Obiols, will be able to take part in the election is an open question.

The Belgian justice ministry said there were "some situations" where European arrest warrants can be refused, but added: "If the decision is to execute the (warrant), the person is in principle surrendered to the authorities of the issuing state within 10 days following the decision."



The 7.5 million people of Catalonia, which until this past week had considerable autonomy, are fiercely proud of their language and culture but are also deeply divided about the push for independence.

Even though Catalonia is one of Spain's wealthiest regions, Spain's central bank has warned of a possible recession in the region, where unemployment rose sharply in October.

Despite the negative economic headwinds, Peter Ceretti at the Economist Intelligence Unit said pro-independence parties might win the December election, as the jailed ministers could deliver an "important propaganda" boost.

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JKLF chief Yasin Malik today said the Enforcement Directorate (ED) notice against him for alleged forex violation was a "means of coercion" to meet the Centre's newly appointed interlocutor on Kashmir, adding that such tactics cannot break his spirit.

"The Centre is arresting family members of separatists and militants. The son of (Hizbul Mujahideen supremo) Syed Salahuddin was recently arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The NIA and ED are sending a series of notices. What is the aim behind all this?



"...such notices will not break our spirit, rather will increase it. We are ready to sit in prison," he told reporters here.

The Enforcement Directorate had recently sent notice to Malik and a Srinagar-based couple for alleged forex violation of Rs 48.23 lakh under provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), officials said.

The case relates to a 2001 FIR registered by the Jammu and Kashmir police, which seized USD 1,00,000 (about Rs 48.23 lakh as per conversion rates at the time) from Srinagar-based Mushtaq Ahmad Dar and his wife Shamima alias Shazia aias Bitti.

Dar reportedly told the police that the money was given to him by a person in Nepal and was to be handed over to the JKLF chief.

Malik was arrested in the case, but was later let off on bail.

The separatists in the Valley, including the JKLF chief, have expressed their unwillingness to meet the Centre- appointed interlocutor on Jammu and Kashmir.

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A resident of West Bengal was today arrested here on the charges of looting gold worth Rs three lakh from a goldsmith shop where he was working, a police spokesman said.

The stolen gold was recovered on the basis of information provided by arrested accused Vishal Kumar, a resident of Chai Putti in Midnapur Tehsil of West Bengal, the spokesman said.

On July 24, a complaint was lodged by Shashi Paul, a resident of Akhnoor, that an artesian in his shop ran away with gold weighing 98 grams.

A case was registered and an investigation initiated, the spokesman said.

He said Kumar was finally arrested and he admitted his involvement in the theft at the shop.

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Seeking to facilitate knowledge exchange to accelerate solutions for India's diverse energy challenges, a week-long visit to a US university was organised for parliamentarians from different political parties from the country, the varsity said today.

As part of a programme, MPs from six states visited the University of Chicago October 28 to November 3.

"Hosted by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC-India) and the Climate Parliament, the visit was aimed at facilitating knowledge exchange to accelerate solutions for India's diverse energy challenges," the university said in a statement.

As part of an MoU, the EPIC-India and the Climate Parliament have been working towards building the capacity of Indian MPs for confronting various energy and environmental challenges, it said.

The EPIC is confronting the global energy challenge by working to ensure that energy markets provide access to reliable, affordable energy, while limiting environmental and social damages.

The delegation of MPs consisting of Riti Pathak, Rakesh Singh and Sanjay Jaiswal of the BJP; Kalikesh N Singh Deo and Prabhas Kumar Singh of Biju Janata Dal; Vincent Pala of the Congress, Vandana Chavan of the NCP and Vivek Gupta of the All India Trinamool Congress met experts from various departments including the Booth School of Business, Harris School of Public Policy, at the university.

"It's been a wonderful experience and exposure for us and it is great to see the kind of evidence-based research that is going on, especially in the Indian context," Kalikesh N Singh Deo, Lok Sabha member from Bolangir in Odisha, said.

"A lot of that is extremely useful for us as policymakers and to the government," he said.

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The Special Task Force (STF) and Nalanda Police today arrested five dacoits and seized some bombs, arms and ammunition from them at Gajraj Bigga village in Bihar's Nalanda district.

Superintendent of Police Sudhir Kumar Porrika said police carried out a joint operation with STF and seized six cane bombs, three pistols and 12 cartridges from the possession of dacoits who were planning to carry out dacoity at Gajraj Bigga village.

Among the five dacoits arrested by the police, Uday Mallaha, the kingpin of the gang, was the main accused of NHAI engineer Satyendra Dubey's murder case, the SP said adding that that is the resident of Katari village in Gaya district.

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The top diplomats of Germany and Turkey today met for previously unannounced talks in a southern Turkish resort, as a range of bitter rows strain ties between the two NATO allies.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu hosted German counterpart Sigmar Gabriel for the informal talks in Antalya, both sides said in statements on Twitter.

Berlin has been outraged by the detention of German nationals under Turkey's state of emergency imposed after last year's failed coup, while Ankara has accused Germany of meddling in its affairs.

The meeting is the first between the two diplomats since tensions reached a new peak in the run-up to the German elections on September 24.

"I met my colleague @sigmargabriel in Antalya informally to discuss bilateral relations; including the difficult issues and mutual expectations," Cavusoglu wrote on Twitter.

The German foreign ministry issued a similar statement.

Pictures showed the two men, dressed in jackets without ties, chatting informally under blue skies in Antalya, Cavusoglu's home region.

The meeting comes just over a week after German activist Peter Steudtner was released following his arrest along with members of Amnesty International in July on disputed terror charges.

Another German citizen, who was not identified, was also released in a separate case but cannot leave the country, the German foreign ministry said yesterday.

But nine Germans still remain behind bars in Turkey including most prominently Die Welt daily correspondent Deniz Yucel, who was arrested in February, and German journalist Mesale Tolu.

Gabriel had last month thanked former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who retains warm personal ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for helping broker the releases.

But Ankara denied any such deal.

The tensions have risen into one of the worst ever crises between Turkey and Germany, which is home to a large Turkish minority. Berlin has repeatedly expressed scepticism about the future of Turkey's EU membership bid.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged a cut in EU funding linked to Turkey's membership talks to signal the bloc's unhappiness over the crackdown in the wake of the failed July 2016 coup.

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Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar today said the state budget for the financial year 2018-19 is likely to be presented in the month of February next year as against the practice of tabling it in March before the legislative assembly.

Parrikar made this announcement during a press conference held in Panaji at his official residence.

"I am proposing not decided, to get the budget tabled sometime in February so that we can touchthe 95 per cent expenditure next financial year (2018-19). Thisfiscal year we will cross 90 per cent," Parrikar told reporters.

Projecting a sound financial spending during the current fiscal, the chief minister said, the state finance and planning departments are interacting with other departments to ensure that the budgetary provisions made are properly utilised and spent in time rather than rushing during one or two months prior to the ending of financial year, which is a normal tendency.

"One good thing is that this financial year'strend is indicating an extremely healthy and robust spending on infrastructure and capital items," he said.

Parrikar said that normally by September month the spending are around 26-28 per cent, which has been a trend including last fiscal.

"This is basically due to two reasons. First is that the first six-months don't result into adequate financial inputs because budget is for 12 months but around 40-42 per cent of the revenue is received during the first six month. Around 56-58 per centcomes in the second half of the year," he said.

"Obviously the spending also falls on that trend. Due to rains and other issues, the spending gets restricted to around 28 months of the budget expenditure in the six month," the chief minister explained.

"I am very happy and quite contended that this year we could cross 40 per centin terms of spending during the first six months. In fact upto October the figure is over 48 per cent, indicating around 90 per cent of the achievement of the budget by end ofMarch 31," he said.

"If this happens, it will be highest in last 10-15 years," Parrikar added.

He said around 25 per cent of the expenditure this time was spent on infrastructure development through agencies like Goa Infrastructure Development Corporation, Public Works Department, water supply, irrigation and others which is totalling to Rs 1,300 crore.

He said despite additional burden in the form of seventh pay commission, the state managed to cross this 40 per cent spending.

Parrikar said Congress which was in power ten years back had made huge borrowings to the tune of Rs 900 crore of which Rs 700 crore was paid by his government.

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The Haryana government today said it has signed initial pacts worth Rs 2,069 crore with 44 agro-based and food processing enterprises and establishments that will provide employment to 5,012 persons.

The Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed today in the presence of state chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar at the Haryana Session on the second day of the three-day organised in the national capital, according to a Haryana government release.

Assuring the investors of all possible assistance, the chief minister said the state government would soon implement the Agri-Business and Food Processing Policy, 2017.

He said the state government was working at different levels to double the income of farmers by making agriculture profitable.

As compared to 2015-16, food production has increased by 8.67 per cent in 2016-17. Similarly, as compared to 2011- 14, milk production has increased by 16.9 per cent between 2014 and 2017, and production of fish has gone up by 20.1 per cent.

There is a great potential for investment in the agri- based and food processing industry sector.

To make this sector investor-friendly, the Agri-Business and Food Processing Policy, 2017 would soon be implemented.

New drivers of growth such as agro-marketing reforms, development of mega-food parks, registration of more FPOs, promotion of start-ups in agri-business and providing conducive business climate have been given due emphasis in the policy.

The chief minister said in terms of the 'ease of doing business', Haryana has advanced to second place from sixth place.

Recognising the importance of agro and food processing sector, the Enterprise Promotion Policy 2015 identified it as one of the thrust areas.

Several incentives such as investment subsidy on SGST, interest subsidy at the rate of 6 per cent, support for primary processing centres, stamp duty refund, external development charge exemption and power tariff subsidy have been made available to food processing units in the state.

After the Haryana Session, the chief minister inspected the stalls put up by various establishments by going around the Haryana Pavilion at World Food India, 2017.

As many as 14 food processing units of private sector are exhibiting their products and processing procedures.

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The Meghalaya High Court has ordered a CBI inquiry into the criminal aspect of an alleged education scam case of 20082009 pending against politicians, including the then Education Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh.

A bench of Chief Justice Dinesh Maheshwari and Justice Ved Prakash Vaish also directed the probe agency to investigate all the centres where the recruitment of teachers was carried out while cancelling the selection process in five of the centres.

The matter relates to alleged irregularities in the process of selection for the post of assistant teacher in government lower primary schools in Meghalaya in 20082009.

The court, however, said that all untainted candidates of the five centres Shillong Sadar, Jowai, Amlarem, Tura and Dadenggre whether in service or not, shall be allowed to participate in the fresh selection process.

In a 105-page order, the court also took exception to the interference of politicians in the scam stating that it vitiated the normal selection process while ordering that disciplinary action against former education official J D Sangma will continue.

"The large number of public representatives practically assumed that the matter of public employment by open competition could also be dealt with by way of their desires and recommendations.

"We refrain from commenting anything further in that regard but would leave the matter to be thoroughly investigated by the investigating agency," the bench said.

It also said that none of the "untainted/unblemished candidates will be treated as age-barred if he/she was within the age prescribed by the notification dated November 24, 2008."



The court took into account the earlier CBI inquiry and the report of the High Level Scrutiny Committee (HLSC) and directed that the candidates who have been treated as "untainted/unblemished" both in the reports of CBI and HLSC and are in service, may be allowed to continue as stop-gap arrangement until fresh selection takes place.

The HLSC report had said that out of the 365 candidates selected, as many as 268, or 70 per cent, were tainted.

The court said that the candidates who have been found tainted/blemished whether in the report of CBI or that of HLSC or both, will not be taken or retained in service. The service of every such candidate, who is yet continuing, whether by way of regular appointment or in ad hoc arrangement, will stand terminated with immediate effect.

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Volker Schlondorff, director of "Death of a Salesman", has defended Dustin Hoffman against allegations that he sexually harassed a 17-year-old intern on the set of the 1985 TV-movie adaptation, saying allegations that the actor is a "predator is simply going too far."



Schlondorff, 78, a German filmmaker, has come forward following The Hollywood Reporter's publication of Anna Graham Hunter's column about her interactions with Hoffman.

In the piece, Hunter, now 49, claimed Hoffman repeatedly grabbed her buttocks, made crude sexual remarks to her and ordered female staffers to massage his feet.

Schlondorf, however, says Hunter has mischaracterised Hoffman's behaviour, and insists the actor was "a kidder" on the set. "Standard Monday-morning question was, indeed, 'Did you have good sex over the weekend?,' " Schlondorff says. "A joke, a running gag, everybody laughed at."



The foot massages, he says, were given to Hoffman because he was on his feet for 16 hours at a time: "Everybody gave him a foot massage now and then, on the set, amidst the chaos, nothing ambiguous about it."



Talking about the groping that Hunter referred to, Schlondorff says he never witnessed himself, but assured that if it did happen, there was "nothing lecherous about it. ... He was teasing the young, nervous interns, mostly to make them feel included on the set, treating them as equals to all the senior technicians."



Recalling Hunter's behaviour on the set the director says, "She had a self-assured, playful way herself. If (Dustin) knew that she would be upset when he was teasing her, he wouldn't have done it."



Since the publication of Hunter's account, a second allegation of sexual harassment against Hoffman, from screenwriter Wendy Riss Gatsiounis, has surfaced.

Gatsiounis says Hoffman asked her if she had "ever been intimate with a man over 40" in a pitch meeting in 1991, then repeatedly propositioned her after she tried to change the subject.

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US authorities released a 10- year-old immigrant girl with cerebral palsy who had been detained by border agents after surgery because she is in the US without legal permission.

The American Civil Liberties Union and US Representative Joaquin Castro said that Rosa Maria Hernandez was returned to her family yesterday. Her parents brought her into the US from Mexico in 2007, when she was a toddler, and they live in the Texas border city of Laredo.

A cousin who is an American citizen took Rosa Maria from Laredo to a children's hospital in Corpus Christi on October 24, where she was scheduled to have emergency gallbladder surgery.

To get to Corpus Christi, about 150 miles away, she had to pass through an interior checkpoint in South Texas operated by the Border Patrol.

Border Patrol agents followed Rosa Maria and the cousin to the hospital, then took the girl into custody after the surgery and transported her to a facility in San Antonio for unaccompanied immigrant minors, under the custody of the US Department of Health and Human Services.

The Border Patrol has said it had no choice but to detain Rosa Maria, arguing that she was considered an unaccompanied minor under federal law, the same as a child who crosses into the United States alone without legal permission.

The ACLU sued the government on Rosa Maria's behalf Tuesday, argued that the US government violated federal law on unaccompanied minors and endangered Rosa Maria's health by not sending her home.

"She never should have been in this situation in the first place," ACLU lawyer Michael Tan said yesterday. "There is no reason Border Patrol had to target a child."



While Rosa Maria has been reunited with her family, she still faces the threat of deportation. Tan said that Border Patrol agents had issued Rosa Maria a notice to appear in immigration court, but that the case had yet to move forward.

US Customs and Border Protection, which oversees the Border Patrol, declined to comment. HHS declined to comment on Rosa Maria's case, but said the agency's focus was "on the safety and best interest of each child."



Leticia Gonzalez, an attorney for Rosa Maria's family, said the 10-year-old had the mental capacity of a child closer to 4 or 5 years old due to her cerebral palsy. Priscila Martinez, an activist at the Workers Defence Action Fund, said the child had started to show signs of socially withdrawing while in detention and refusing to eat her favourite kind of bread.

Federal immigration authorities have faced strong criticism from advocates and some Texas Democratic congressmen over their handling of the case.

Castro, a San Antonio Democrat, said yesterday that he had tried to see Rosa Maria earlier in the day and had spoken to federal officials about her case. He said Border Patrol agents could have chosen to let Rosa Maria pass through the checkpoint without following or detaining her.

"Staking out the hospital room of a young, sick girl and keeping her away from her family is not a humane treatment for her," Castro said.

But US Customs and Border Protection said in a previous statement after she was detained that "there is no discretion with regard to the law whether or not the agents should enforce the law."



Gabriel Acosta, assistant chief patrol agent for the Border Patrol's Laredo sector, said on Tuesday that his agents moved quickly to get her through the checkpoint and "acted professionally and compassionately to get this child the medical attention she needed.

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Britain's Indian-origin 'chicken king' Ranjit Singh Boparan is set to resume poultry production at his UK factory which had been suspended in the wake of a hygiene scandal.

Boparan's 2 Sisters Food Group said its factory in West Bromwich will reopen next week after "significant changes" had been made at the plant, including retraining of staff and the introduction of full-time UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) officials to oversee its procedures.

"We can confirm that following comprehensive retraining sessions with all colleagues during October, we are restarting production at our site D facility in West Bromwich (w/c 6 November)," 2 Sisters said in a statement.

It said staff had acted with understanding and professionalism during the "unsettling period" of closure of about five weeks in the wake of a joint 'Guardian' and ITV undercover investigation revealing an instance of workers at the plant altering the source and slaughter date of poultry being processed at Site D, potentially rendering it unsafe.

Other sections of the footage, which was filmed in August, showedchickenbeing picked off the floor and thrown back on to the production line, and older poultry being mixed with fresher birds.

2 Sisters Group is among the UK's largest suppliers of poultry to supermarkets in the country, many of whom have confirmed they will resume supplies from the factory.

"We are satisfied the issues have been addressed and work will now be carried out to our high production standards," said Tesco, a view echoed by other supermarkets like Marks & Spencer and Aldi.

However, a few other supermarkets are yet to change their mind about sourcing poultry from the factory, including Sainsbury's and Lidl.

Last month, Boparan had apologised for the "mistakes" and revealed that he has hired a "mystery worker" to spot breaches at his factories in future.

He laid out his new stricter safety plans as he faced the House of CommonsEnvironment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee and assured MPs that "food safety is our highest agenda".

"These four weeks have been very difficult for a lot of people. Mistakes happen but what we try to do is learn from the mistakes and put them right," said the chief executive of the group he founded in 1993.

He has since offered to fund the cost of independent inspectors to monitor all 12 of his chicken plant sites in the UK.

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Italian police have seized 50 million euros worth of tablets of a synthetic opiate destined to be sold by the Islamic State (IS) terror group in Libya to raise funds for attacks, a court said today.

Financial police discovered over 24 million Tramadol tablets being transported from India to Libya at the port of Gioia Tauro in southern Italy.

The painkiller has been described as the "fighter drug" as it is known to be popular among jihadists for its ability to dull pain and suppress fatigue.

The haul is estimated to be worth 50 million euros ($58 million), and was found following a police crackdown sparked by the discovery of a similar shipment in Genoa in May.

Investigators believe the IS group planned to sell the tablets to its foot soldiers for the equivalent of two euros a tablet.

"According to the information shared with foreign investigative sources, the traffic of Tramadol is directly handled by IS to finance terrorist activities planned and carried out across the world," the court in the southern city of Reggio Calabria said.

Part of the money raised from the sales would also go "to subsidise terrorist groups and extremists operating in Libya, Syria and Iraq," it said in a statement.

The court said the seizure had been possible thanks in part to the DEA, the US Drug Enforcement Administration.

"Everything passes through Gioia Tauro, we can't really be surprised to uncover trafficking of this type of drug," prosecutor Gaetano Paci told La Repubblica daily.

But investigators said it suggested ties between the mafia and the IS: it is impossible to smuggle goods through the port without the agreement of the powerful 'Ndrangheta organised crime group, which has a steely grip on the zone.

"We've know about dealings between the 'Ndrangheta and organisations in the Middle East for a while," Paci said.

"Although the port has become a less of a 'safe zone' for clans due to investigative pressures, we have identified several different 'Ndrangheta families that seem involved in trafficking with Middle East organisations," he said.

Renzo Nisi, a financial police captain involved in the May operation in Genoa, said Tramadol, a powerful painkiller, "is produced extremely cheaply in India and Pakistan".

"The pills are used by fighters, terrorists, but by others too because they lower fatigue levels. You need to take four to five a day to get the results," he told Italian media.

Dependence on the drug, which is also used by Boko Haram fighters in Nigeria, has become a serious social problem in parts of Africa and the Middle East.

IS lost its de facto capital Raqa in Syria last month, and its Iraqi stronghold of Mosul earlier this year, but experts fear jihadists -- and their drug trade -- will simply move on to new havens.

The United States said in October that it is considering a stepped-up military presence in North, West and East Africa, where fighters are believed to have relocated.

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Veteran film star Kamal Haasan,who is expected to soon take the political plunge, today lauded the police Department for relief work in areas inundated in heavy rains, saying "good citizens shine with or without uniform".

"Thanks for going beyond the call of your duty. Good citizens shine with or without uniform. More similar Thamizhan's (Tamils) should report to duty", he said in a tweet today.

The actor also shared a picture of senior police officials taking part in relief work in a waterlogged street in Chennai following the heavy rainfall seen in the last week.

In another tweet, Haasan urged his supporters to take part in relief work without disturbing workers of Government agencies.

"I appeal to my fans and supporters to participate in flood relief and rehabilitation works, without disturbing the government workers", he said in another tweet.

With the onset of the north east monsoon on October 27, employees of Government departments are involved in relief work in low lying areas in Chennai and neighbourhood districts,



Kamal Haasan has recently been active politically, levelling corruption charges against the K Palaniswami-led AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu and taking it on over the spread of dengue in the state.

His outburst against the government had prompted strong responses from ministers, including Palaniswami himself, who have hit out at the film star.

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Veteran actor Kamal Haasan, a self- declared atheist, today stressed the importance of protecting water bodies and said rivers and rain should be added to the list of deities to achieve the purpose.

"Add to the list of your deities... start paying obeisance to rivers and rain. If that kind of devotion comes, they will be protected," he said.

The fact that such an appeal came "from an atheist" like him shows how concerned he is about the fate of water bodies, Haasan said.

He alleged that efforts were being made to turn water bodies into real estate.

The actor's comments came at a meeting convened by a coordination committee of various farmers associations.

His remarks also assumed significance in the wake of incessant torrential rains in Chennai and its suburbs and severe water-logging in many areas, leading to fears of a repeat of the 2015 deluge here.

After the 2015 deluge, charges were levelled that unplanned development of real estate, with water bodies and water paths encroached to build concrete structures, had led to the flooding.

Haasan, who had recently visited Ennore creek where he voiced concern over encroachment and fly ash affecting fishermen's livelihood and threat of flooding, also expressed concern over the fate of water bodies in the city.

There is no information on lakes in and around Chennai and attempts are being made to turn them into real estate, he said.

The actor claimed a "river has gone missing" in Tamil Nadu, but did not elaborate on it.

Haasan, who has been dropping hints of taking the political plunge of late, said his supporters and "some friends", numbering around five lakh, have plans to refurbish water bodies in the state.

They would soon meet farmers' representatives to implement the proposal, he added.

"Agriculture is an ancient and fantastic profession. It even inspired wars, but songs, poems and science also grew because of it... the 7,000 year-old agriculture is required even today," he said.

The national award-winning actor also took a swipe at the extraction of hydrocarbons, another issue in Tamil Nadu.

"Hydrocarbons cannot be eaten and are meant to be used in lifeless machines. It is not fit for man and nature. Plundering nature in the name of development and science has affected the world, particularly India," he said.

Locals and farmers have been resisting extraction of hydrocarbons from farm lands in Kathiramangalam and Neduvasal.

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Kerala-born nun Rani Maria Vattali, who was stabbed to death in 1995 in Madhya Pradesh, was today declared 'Blessed', a sacred title in the Roman Catholic church order.

The Vatican's head of the Department for Cause of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato, declared Vattali, popularly known as Sister Rani, 'Blessed', a stage below sainthood.

Cardinal Amato read out Apostolic (Pope's) letter declaring her 'Blessed' in Latin at a Holy Mass at Saint Paul Higher Secondary School's ground in Indore in the presence of large numbers of clerics and Christians.

The nun's killer also attended the ceremony.

Cardinal George Alencherry read out the letter of Pope Francis in English, while Cardinal Telesphore Toppo did so in Hindi at the mass presided over by Cardinal Amato.

Selmy, sister of the slain nun, who along with other family members was present at the ceremony, said she was "overwhelmed" at the declaration. An elated Selmy said she will walk on the path shown by her sister.

"The Blessed title is considered a prelude to beatification of sainthood as was the case with Mother Teresa," Public Relations Officer of Madhya Pradesh Catholic Church, Father Maria Stephen told PTI.

But for canonisation of sainthood, a miracle is required, he said.

All the four cardinals of India - Mar Baselios Cleemis (president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India), Mar George Alencherry (of Syro Malabar Church), Oswald Gracias (Archdiocese of Bombay) and Telephore Toppo (Archdiocese of Ranchi) graced the ceremony.

Sister Rani, then 41, was stabbed about 50 times on-board a bus in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district on February 25, 1995, Stephen said, adding she was a member of the Syro-Malabar Franciscan Clarist Congregation.

Her attacker Samunder Singh was hired to kill the nun as some landlords in MP's Indore region were upset with her work on uplift of landless people, he said.

Singh was sentenced to life in prison by a court. His sentence was later commuted due to his good conduct in prison, Stephen said.

He was also pardoned by Sister Rani's family.

At the ceremont, Singh recalled his brutal act.

"At that time, I was in the grip of evil spirits because of which I did that job (killing the nun). Now, I do not want to say anything on the issue," he said.

Singh, released from jail in 2006, said, "My life has changed. Now everyone in this world is part of my family. Sister Selmi and her relatives too are my family and their affection and love has totally changed my life."



Then Indore Bishop George Anathil initiated the cause for Sister Rani's canonisation process of the Blessed in 2001 by setting up two panels - historical and theological - to examine her life, Stephen said.

The panels submitted their findings to a three-member diocesan tribunal in June 2005 to carry forward the process, the cleric said.

Sister Rani was found to have led a heroic life of Christian virtue. Thereafter, her name was sent to Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints, which reviewed the gathered information and recommended that the Roman pontiff declare the candidate "venerable", he said.

Two months back, the Vatican cleared the canonisation process to promulgate the 'Decree of the Blessed' on Sister Rani. It decided to send a representative of Pope to Indore to officially announce her the 'Blessed' on November 4.

Sister Rani was born to Paili and Elisha on January 29, 1954, at Pulluvazhi in Kerala. She took her first vows in 1974 and was then assigned to Bijnor for mission Apostolate. After serving in Bijnor, she was transferred to Satna and later in 1992 to Udainagar, the MP Catholic Church said in a statement.

She was a champion for the poor and the marginalised, it said.

The nun began organising people who were exploited by moneylenders. Slowly, she was able to make a difference in their lives. Her self-help groups helped the poor and the downtrodden to break away from the clutches of the established money lending community, the release said.

This indeed annoyed the rich and powerful. She was threatened several times, but she was not to be tied down, it said.

Her bold initiatives won hearts of poor tribals, but they did not go down well with those haaving vested interests who ultimately decided to eliminate her, the release added.

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A Kolkata-based doctor was today arrested here on the charge of killing his girl-friend whose body was found in a suitcase near Tatanagar railway station in Jharkhand, the police said.

Police arrested the doctor from a hotel where he has been staying since October 31 and meeting Chainika Kumari, the victim and a para-medic by profession.

Senior Superintendent of Police Anoop Mathew said the accused, who works in a reputed hospital in Kolkata, strangulated the 30-year-old woman on suspicion that she was having another affair.

He then stuffed the body in a suitcase purchased locally and dumped it near the parking lot of Tatanagar railway station last night, Mathew told a press conference.

The 30-year-old unmarried doctor also hid her two-wheeler at a place in Bistupur here which was recovered.

When Kumar's body was discovered, the police found her purse, shoes, comb, mobile phone and office ID card in the suitcase, Mathew said.

Though the victim was on leave for the past couple of days, she used to leave home at her usual time on the pretext of going to hospital to meet the doctor in the hotel and return home at her usual time.

A senior official of the hospital where Kumari worked said her parents called up the hospital when she did not return home.

The staff members then found a packet on her desk bearing the doctor's name and phone number, the official said.

"When we called up that number and enquired about her, he initially said he did not know about her whereabouts. But during another call later, he started crying and said he had killed her," the official said adding that the doctor did not leave the hotel even after that confession.

Police arrested him from there subsequently.

The SSP said the relation between the two had strained for sometime over the doctor's suspicion that she was having another affair with someone.

The two worked at a hospital in Dumdum area of Kolkata three years back where they developed a relationship. Both left that institute later and joined other hospitals.

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Newly released government documents regarding John F Kennedy's assassination say allegations that Lee Harvey Oswald was connected to the CIA were "totally unfounded.

A 1975 CIA memo says a thorough search of agency records in and outside the United States was conducted to determine whether Oswald had been used by the agency or connected with it in "any conceivable way."



The memo said the search came up empty. The memo also said there was also no indication that any other US agency used Oswald as a source or for recruitment.

The National Archives released another 676 government documents related to the assassination yesterday, the third public release so far this year. Under law, all the documents were to be disclosed to the public last week.

Most of the latest release comprises 553 records from the CIA that previously were withheld in their entirety. There also are records from the Justice and Defense departments, the House Select Committee on Assassinations and the National Archives.

University of Virginia historian Larry Sabato complained that many of the documents in the latest release were still heavily redacted. He tweeted about a 144-page record, titled "Material Reviewed at CIA headquarters by House Select Committee on Assassinations staff members," that had writing on only a handful of pages.

President Donald Trump has ordered the release of all records related to the assassination, and they are expected to be made public on a rolling basis during the next three to four weeks. He also directed agencies to take another look at redactions and withhold information only in the rarest of circumstances.

One record showed how US officials scrambled after the assassination to round up information about Oswald's trip to Mexico City weeks earlier.

Officials wondered whether Oswald had been trying to get visas at the Soviet and Cuban embassies in Mexico City in order to "make a quick escape after assassinating the president."



A CIA message sent November 24, 1963, two days after Kennedy was killed, said an "important question" that remained unsolved was whether Oswald had been planning to travel right away or return to the US and leave later.

The message said that although it appeared Oswald "was then thinking only about a peaceful change of residence to the Soviet Union, it is also possible that he was getting documented to make a quick escape after assassinating the president."



Another record dated April 11, 1964, recounted a visit to the CIA by three staff members of the Warren Commission, which was set up to investigate the assassination.

The memo said the staff members indicated that Thomas Mann, former ambassador to Mexico and then-assistant secretary for inter-American affairs, "still has the 'feeling in his guts' that (Cuban leader Fidel) Castro hired Oswald to kill Kennedy. They said, however, that the commission has not been able to get any proof of that."



Also in the latest release was a 20-page FBI analysis of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr dated March 12, 1968 , a month before he was assassinated on April 4, 1968.

One section alleges that King was attracted to former members of the Communist Party in America. It notes that two previous aides were party members and eight others, who helped shape King's organisation in its early stages, had communist affiliations.

The analysis said that in the early 1960s, the Communist Party was trying to get a black labor coalition to further its goals in the United States.

It referenced a May 1961 issue of a communist newspaper that stated, "Communists will do their utmost to strengthen and unite the Negro movement and ring it to the backing of the working people."



The FBI said King and his organisation were "made-to- order" to achieve these objectives.

The FBI's surveillance of King is well-known and the analysis includes several pages about his sexual life. One document said a black minister who attended a workshop to train ministers in February 1968 in Miami "expressed his disgust with the behind-the-scene drinking, fornication and homosexuality that went on at the conference."



"Throughout the ensuing years and until this date, King has continued to carry on his sexual aberrations secretly while holding himself out to public view as a moral leader of religious conviction," the FBI report said.

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Prime Minister of Latvia Maris Kucinskis today called on Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao and discussed matters of mutual interest.

Kucinskis, accompanied by a high-level delegation, met Rao at his official residence Raj Bhavan here.

Matters of mutual interest between Maharashtra and Latvia were discussed at the meeting, said a release from the Governor's office.

A number of senior officials from both sides were present on the occasion. They included Aivars Groza, Latvia's Ambassador to India, and his Indian counterpart Monika Kapil Mohta, it added.

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Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation today, citing Iran's "grip" on the country and threats to his life.

"I announce my resignation from the post of prime minister," he said in a speech broadcast from Saudi Arabia by the Al-Arabiya network.

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Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation today, citing Iran's "grip" on the country and threats to his life.

"I announce my resignation from the post of prime minister," he said in a speech broadcast from Saudi Arabia by the Al-Arabiya network.

"I felt what was being covertly plotted to target my life," Hariri said.

The two-time prime minister, whose father Rafik held the same position for years and was assassinated in 2005, accused Iran and its powerful Lebanese Shiite ally Hezbollah of seeking hegemony in the region.

The 47-year-old Sunni politician's resignation comes less than a year after his government, to which Hezbollah's political wing belongs, was formed.

"Iran has a grip on the fate of the region's countries... Hezbollah is Iran's arm not just in Lebanon but in other Arab countries too," he said.

"In recent years, Hezbollah has used the power of its weapons to impose a fait accompli," he said, reading a speech from behind a desk.

Hariri accused Tehran of "sowing discord among the children of the same nation and creating a state within the state... to the extent that it gets the final say on how Lebanon's affairs are run."



Hezbollah is a vital ally of Syrian President Bashar al- Assad in the war the Syrian regime is waging against the Islamic State group and armed opposition movements.

It enjoys broad support from Iran and is the only Lebanese party to have kept its weapons after the 1975-1990 civil war.

Its arsenal has since grown exponentially and now outstrips that of the nation's own armed forces.

It claims it is the only credible rampart against neighbouring Israel and its refusal to disarm is the main political crux in Lebanon.

Hezbollah members have been accused over the 2005 assassination in a massive car bomb blast of Rafik Hariri, the dominant figure of Lebanon's post-war political landscape.

He made his fortune in Saudi Arabia, where his son Saad was born. Riyadh is Iran's main regional rival and the two powers' tussle for influence has played out in ongoing conflicts in Iraq, Syria and Yemen.

The office of Lebanese President Michel Aoun, a veteran Christian leader allied to Hezbollah, issued a statement confirming Hariri had tendered his resignation.

"President Aoun is waiting for Hariri's return to Beirut to enquire about the circumstances of his decision and decide on the next steps," a statement said.

Hariri said in his speech that the political climate in Lebanon was reminiscent of that which prevailed before his father was killed.

The February 2005 assassination triggered political upheaval that led to Syria's military withdrawal from Lebanon.

Walid Jumblatt, one of Lebanon's political heavyweights and the country's most prominent Druze leader, said Hariri's resignation could adversely affect a country already under huge strain.

He argued it was the latest manifestation of the tug-of- war between Saudi Arabia and Iran and called for intensifying diplomatic efforts to solve the feud.

"Lebanon is too small and vulnerable to bear the economic and political burden that comes with this resignation," he said on social media. "I will continue to call for dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

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Students of the Mahadevi Birla Shishu Vihar today organised a walk to celebrate the school's 70th year of inception.

The school students carried posters reading 'We Care' during their walk from the school premises at Ballygunge area to Rabindra Sarovar in the southern part of the city.

Alan Gemmell, Director India, British Council, and Mikhail Gusev, Deputy Consul, Russian Consulate General in Kolkata, also participated in the walk.

Sonali Sarkar, the school's principal, said 'We Care' for plants, animals and the rich biodiversity.

In short, 'We Care' for the planet, she said.

Two street plays were also organised during the walk, she said.

"The street plays were on pressing issues such as women empowerment and adverse impact of overuse of social media," she told PTI.

The three-day celebration began on November 2.

The institution, which started with only six children 70 years ago, currently has about 2,300 students.

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Shiv Sena chief today hailed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as a "tigress" for decimating the communists in her state, a task, which the saffron party said, the Congress and the BJP had "failed" to do.

The remarks come two days after Thackeray met the TMC supremo at a south Mumbai hotel.

"Some of the stands by Mamata Banerjee may be controversial, and some of them may not match with that of the Sena's. But in her state, she decimated the communists, against whom the Shiv Sena has always fought.

"The tigress did what the Congress and the BJP could not do. She brought to an end the 25-long rule of the communists," the Sena said in an editorial in the party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.

"For doing so, she did not have to tamper with the EVM machines or buy votes. People gave her the responsibility to lead the state with a lot of trust. But attempts are now being made to stall development and create financial problems in West Bengal.

"It is not right to add to the woes of a state and push it backwards just because it does not subscribe to your school of thoughts. That state (Bengal) is a part of India and derailing its development hinders the development of the nation," it said.

Referring to Thackeray's meeting with Banerjee on Thursday, the Sena, in a veiled attack on the BJP, said those who raised questions over the meeting, should explain the rationale behind joining hands with "separatists and pro-Pakistanis in Kashmir for the sake of power".

"Union Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, who had resigned from the then Vajpayee government post the Godhra riots, is with you today, while Kashmiri Pandits are still helpless and displaced and the Ram temple (in Ayodhya) is yet to be built," the editorial noted.

"Before pointing fingers at us, look at these issues with a tinge of 'Mamata' (affection). Those who forged a friendship with pro-Pakistani (Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister) Mehbooba (Mufti), should not point fingers at us," the Sena added.
A Dhaka-bound Indian man has been apprehended at the airport here for allegedly trying to smuggle over USD 12,000 currency by concealing it in a mobile power bank and a charger, the CISF said today.

On-duty Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel last night intercepted a passenger identified as Sarfar Mohammad, 35, at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBI), officials said.

During the x-ray scanning of the baggage of the man, the CISF official detected suspicious images of a mobile charger, power bank and a calculator and hence he was chosen for detailed frisking.

"A total of USD 12,100 currency hidden in the said mobile accessories and calculator was recovered from the baggage of the passenger. The man has been handed over to the Customs authorities for further investigation," CISF spokesperson Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Hemendra Singh said at its headquarter in Delhi.

He was travelling to Dhaka, Singh said.

The value of the seized US dollars is over Rs 8.43 lakh, he said.

On Thursday, in a similar case, two passengers bound for Singapore were apprehended at the airport here for allegedly trying to smuggle over one lakh US dollars by concealing them in power adaptors.

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Mandy Moore's brother Scott has said that the "This is Us" actor was supportive of him when he came out as a gay.

Scott told Access Hollywood that he had a realisation about his sexuality after many prominent people from Hollywood came out as gay.

"I was just very honest about it. I didn't want to hide it so I told my sister right away. She was really one of the first people I told," said Scott.

"(Mandy) was incredibly supportive. She knew a lot of people in the business and she knew a lot of people who were out so for her it was not a big deal at all. Being an actor and being around a lot of kids with different backgrounds it was no big deal for her," he added.

"This Is Us" season two airs in India on Star World every Saturday.

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The Centre has rejected a panel of names submitted by the state government for the selection and appointment of the state DGP (Head of Police Force) and directed it to prepare a panel afresh.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs rejected the panel, containing seven names, chosen for selection and appointment of the DGP (HoPF).

The MHA, in a letter written to AP Chief Secretary Dinesh Kumar on November 2, said, "It is learnt that after the retirement of J V Ramudu in July 2016, the state government has not appointed full time DGP which is in contravention of the Supreme Court orders in Prakash Singh case. Having not found an officer fit for full appointment since July 2016, recommending his name in the panel on the verge of retirement is against the spirit of the Supreme Court judgment."



Referring to the state's letter dated October 23, the MHA said that out of the seven officers (for selection and appointment of DGP-HoPF), three IPS are going to retire within a year.

"In this connection, it is stated that the spirit of the Supreme Court order in the case of Prakash Singh and others vs the Union of India was to provide a fixed to year tenure to the DGP (HoPF) in order to enable him discharge his responsibilities in a professional manner," the MHA observed.

There are currently seven IPS officers in the AP cadre of the rank of Director General of Police.

Of them, one Varun Sindhu Kul Kaumudi is currently on Central deputation to the National Investigation Agency.

Now that the MHA eliminated the names of S V Ramana Murthy (1982 batch), Sambasiva Rao (1984) and M Malakondaiah (1985), the four officers of the 1986 batch are eligible for the DGP (HoPF) post.

Kaumudi is the senior-most of the four and will be in service till the end of November 2022.

Indications are that Kaumudi is ready to return to the state cadre in case the government chooses him for the DGP (HoPF) post.

A topper of the 1986 IPS batch, Kaumudi is the most upright and professional officer who doesnt give in to political whims.

Ram Prawesh Thakur, another front-runner who is currently DG of Anti-Corruption Bureau, has four more years of service while Damodar Gautam Sawang, now Vijayawada police commissioner, will retire only in July 2023.

Vinay Ranjan Ray, current DG of Prisons, will superannuate in September 2019.

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Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile over Riyadh after it was launched from conflict-torn Yemen, with debris landing inside the capital's international airport, officials said.

The missile attack claimed by Iran-backed Shiite Huthi rebels was the first aimed at the heart of the Saudi capital, underscoring the growing threat posed by the raging conflict in Yemen.

Residents in Riyadh reported a loud explosion near the King Khalid International Airport just north of the city after the missile was shot down yesterday, but authorities reported no major damage or loss of life.

"This evening a ballistic missile was fired from Yemeni territory towards the kingdom," the Saudi Press Agency quoted coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki as saying yesterday.

"The missile was launched indiscriminately to target the civilian and populated areas. Shattered fragments from the intercepted missile landed in an uninhabited area of the airport and there were no injuries," he added.

Huthi rebels, who fired the missile from Yemeni territory more than 1,200 kilometres from Riyadh, said they were targeting the airport, according to the Huthis' Al-Masirah television channel.

Civil aviation authorities said the airport was functioning normally and that flights were operating as scheduled, though residents said security vehicles had closed off some roads.

Saudi forces have shot down Huthi missiles before with Patriot surface-to-air missiles purchased from the United States, but few have come so close to a major population centre.

In July, a ballistic missile fired from Yemen was shot down close to Mecca, a month before the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Islam's holiest site.

The attacks highlight how the war in Yemen is increasingly spilling across the border since a Saudi-led coalition began its military intervention in 2015.

Saudi Arabia led the intervention to prop up the government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi after the Huthi rebels forced him into exile.

But two years later, the kingdom appears to be in a quagmire.

Hoping for a quick victory against what it saw as Iranian expansionism in its back yard, Riyadh has so far been unable to remove the Huthis from Yemeni capital Sanaa.

Aside from occasional missiles, Saudi territory has also been hit repeatedly by the rebels' cross-border incursions, raising fears the conflict could drag out yet further.

In the frontier provinces of Jizan and Najran, thousands of mortar rounds and crude rockets have hit schools, mosques and homes.

Thousands of residents have been evacuated from border towns across the southwest to create a buffer zone.

Saudi Arabia does not officially disclose military fatalities, but state media has frequently featured funeral notices for "martyred" soldiers.

United Nations-backed talks have failed to broker a political settlement to end the fighting in Yemen, which has left more than 8,600 people dead since the coalition intervened.

A cholera outbreak has claimed more than 2,100 lives in Yemen since April as hospitals struggle to secure supplies amid a coalition air and sea blockade.

The UN has warned that Yemen now stands on the brink of famine.

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A visiting top Royal Malaysian Navy official and a senior Indian Navy official held an interaction here on naval cooperation, especially in the field of training between India and Malaysia, a defence release said here today.

During their interaction yesterday, Chief of Southern Naval Command (SNC) Rear Admiral RJ Nadkarni has provided an overview of activities conducted by SNC to Vice Admiral Dato Syed Zahiruddin Putra Bin Syed Osman, Commander Eastern Fleet, Royal Malaysian Navy.

The Royal Malaysian Navy official, accompanied by his wife Mariam Suri Binti Ahmad, is on a three-day official visit to Kochi from yesterday, consolidating existing strong bilateral naval relations between the two countries.

During the visit, the Admiral was shown around the Watermanship Survival Training Facility and INS Dronacharya, the Gunnery Training establishment which was of particular interest to him as he had himself undergone the Gunnery specialisation training at INS Dronacharya in 1983, the release said.

The Royal Malaysian Navy official also met four Malaysian Naval officers who are undergoing specialisation courses with Indian Navy here.

India has traditionally enjoyed close and warm relations with Malaysia, due to shared historical and heritage going back thousands of years.

In the recent past, IndiaMalaysia defence cultural and naval cooperation has enhanced exponentially, through increased number of ship visits, high level delegation visits (including between the respective Chiefs of Naval Staff) and training exchanges, it said.

The Admiral had earlier attended the Goa Maritime Conclave held on November one and two, prior arriving Kochi.

He and his spouse will depart from Kochi to Colombo tomorrow.

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Justice J Chelameswar of the Supreme Court today stressed the need to have a complete relook at the legal educational system given the present day challenges.

The course content should be designed as per the future requirements of a law student, said the judge.

Speaking at a seminar at ICFAI Law School here, he said the lawyers should be well-versed with emerging subjects such as Environmental Laws and Intellectual Property Rights among others.

"Do we fine tune the system to identify the students of law, to train lawyers depending upon the possibility of their future aspirations? Everybody who gets into the law college need not necessarily become a practicing lawyer. Some may take up other occupations.

"Assuming that all the students (coming out of law colleges) or 90 per cent of the students would eventually get into the profession at some place or the other, it is necessary that the legal education is to be designed in such way that these students are trained more in those areas of law where it is useful for them or their future activity," justice Chelameswar said.

He said there is a difference in the quality of teaching among law schools in the country, though the system gives equal opportunity to all for practicing the profession.

"All these students who acquire their law degree... they claim equality. Somebody who studied in a school which is functioning in a car garage and somebody who studied in ICFAI, Somebody who graduates from National Law School, Bengaluru... Anybody can walk into the Supreme Court and address the Supreme Court or any court in this country," he said.

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The Trinamool Congress leadership today refused to attach any importance to the recent induction of Mukul Roy into the BJP, adding that he was a "traitor" with no popularity among the masses.

Senior TMC leader and mayor of Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Sovan Chatterjee, said the party was not at all bothered about Roy.

"We do not have time to think about a person who does not have any mass base of his own. We have lot of work at hand and that needs to be done at the earliest," he said.

Another senior TMC leader and state cabinet member Firhad Hakim advised Roy not to dream about dislodging the TMC government in the next West Bengal Assembly polls as it might turn into a nightmare for him.

"He is a traitor who had betrayed the people of Bengal. He won't be able to do any harm to the TMC. In our party, Mamata Banerjee holds the reins. It is good to dream, there is no harm in it... but his dreams should not turn into a nightmare," he said.

Roy, who was long the second-most powerful leader of the Trinamool Congress, joined the BJP yesterday. He claimed that people of West Bengal wanted an alternative to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and will vote the saffron party to power in the next polls.

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Even as Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has began attempts to have a separate IAS cadre for Goa, state Congress chief Shantaram Naik has expressed fear that officers with RSS leaning might be inducted in it.

Parrikar had met leaders in Delhi last week with a demand to have a separate IAS cadre for Goa.

The state is currently covered under Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre.

While welcoming the move to have a separate cadre for the state, Naik in a statement issued here said no "deliberate or mischievous" attempt should be made by the Goa government to induct officers with RSS leanings into the Goa cadre.

Naik said that Goa chief minister should stick to his commitment to demand a separate All India Services Cadre for Goa and should not make a U-turn on the issue.

Naik, who has consistently taken up the issue of separate cadre for the last several years, said he was shocked when he was informed by the then Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Mulapally Ramachandran that Goa is not interested in having a separate cadre of All India Services.

"This matter became known during a debate held in Rajya Sabha in the month of December 2012, when on North-Eastern Areas (Reorganization) Amendment Bill, 2012, which has provided a separate cadre of Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service and Indian Forest Service to Manipur and Tripura," he said.

Naik said that when he had asked as to why Goa was not considered for a separate cadre, the minister replied that Goa has stated that it does not want separate cadre and showed him the letter of the Goa Government dated April 4, 2012, written to the Union Home Ministry.

Later Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiran Rijuju, informed in December 2016, that a proposal sent by Goa government to have a separate cadre for the state in the the year 2014 was still under consideration of the government, said the Congress leader.

He said the state government had put forth five grounds for having a separate cadre, including the fact that the state government was hardly consulted on transfer and posting of the officers as the Home Ministry retained these powers solely.

Naik claimed that he had argued before the central government authorities from time to time, that officers of All India Services posted in Goa are not serious about the jobs entrusted to them as, their postings are for short duration, and that, for the same reason, they do not get themselves involved in projects and schemes of the state government.

Naik said Goa is an independent state, and, however small it may be, it is entitled to have separate cadre.

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Pakistan Customs has seized a large number of smuggled smart phones and tablets worth a whopping Rs 284 million here, a media report said today.

The high-end mobile phones of Q-Mobile company and tablets had been imported by falsely declaring them as LED lights and bulbs, The Express Tribune reported.

The action was taken after a tip-off that some importers were misusing the facility of green channel under paperless system and clearing their goods from Karachi illegally, according to Customs officials.

A 40-feet container loaded on a trawler was intercepted near mobile market in Saddar area here, Customs Collector Iftikhar Ahmed said.

Upon interrogation, it was confirmed that a large number of mobile phones and tablets, worth Rs 284 million (over USD 2.6 million) was present inside the container, which had been brought into Pakistan without the payment of duty and taxes, he said, adding that the container was seized.

The container was carrying Rs 284 million worth of goods, which included 27,200 mobile phones of Q-Mobile worth Rs 136 million, 35,790 assorted mobile phones worth Rs 143.16 million and 531 Amazon tablets worth Rs 5.31 million, the official added.

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Pakistan's Balochistan province government has released the recently detained wife and children of a top Baloch militant commander who is accused of targeting security forces in the restive southwestern state.

Balochistan Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti said three women and three children including the family of Dr Allah Nazar, the chief of the banned Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) - were arrested while travelling illegally into Pakistan from neighbouring Afghanistan last month.

He said that all women and children had been released in keeping with the Baloch traditions.

"The other women included sister of Aslam, alias Acho, commander of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) who was killed in a security operation, and wife of Dileep, another leading commander of the BLF," Bugti was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune.

"The security forces handed over all the women and children to Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri and we have released them. Allah Nazars wife left for Karachi with his (Nazars) brother Mehrullah," he told reporters in the provincial capital Quetta yesterday.

The minister said that during investigation, it was revealed that the women were involved in distributing funds to the banned Baloch outfits.

"Despite committing crimes of illegally crossing border and distributing funds among terrorists, the government treated them with respect," he said.

The minister rejected the rumours that the women were abducted. "They were arrested," he insisted.

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A flight of Pakistan's national carrier today landed in Lahore due to low visibility and asked passengers onboard to travel by bus to their destination, according to a media report.

A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight from Abu Dhabi in the UAE to Rahim Yar Khan landed at the Lahore airport reportedly due low visibility, Geo reported.

The airline staffers offered to take the passengers to their desired destination by a bus. However, the passengers turned down the offer and refused to leave the plane.

Following which the airline staffers switched off the plane's air conditioning system, resulting in suffocation of passengers, including minors, in the plane.

The approximate distance from Lahore to Rahim Yar Khan is 624.5 km.

The passengers said that they had asked the airlines to drop them at Multan Airport which is 292 kilometres away from Rahim Yar Khan.

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Every Six Minutes a Christian Dies for Their Faith Making Christianity the Most Persecuted Religion in the World

Contact: Rev. Patrick Mahoney, 540-538-4741



WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- Christians to gather in prayer and public witness in front of the White House for the persecuted church.



Group to gather Sunday, November 5 at 3:00 P.M. on Pennsylvania Ave. NW in front of the White House.



November 5 is the "International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church." Below is a link to our Facebook Event page: www.facebook.com/events/137699060312410/



The group will pray for the persecuted church and leave a rose in front of the White House every six minutes to remember those Christians who are martyred for their faith.



They will also be praying that the Trump Administration and that America would continue to protect and embrace religious freedom globally.



Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Pastor of Church on the Hill and Director of the Christian Defense Coalition in Washington, D.C., states;

"Every six minutes a Christian dies for their faith around the world making Christianity the most persecuted religion on the planet. We gather in front of the White House to pray for our brothers and sisters and stand in solidarity with the persecuted church on this special day.



"We can never be silent or indifferent when it comes to violence and persecution directed toward those who choose to follow Christ. No one should face intimidation or harassment because of their faith, beliefs or religious convictions.



"We will also be praying and calling upon the the Trump Administration and America to continue to protect Christians and religious freedom around the world."

Kristopher Keating, Director of World Horizons USA and International Director of Hillside Missions Organization, adds:

"As an American, I was born into the privilege of having access to the gospel and Christian community. Much of the world is not born with that privilege. So many Christians face real persecution and oppression as a result of their faith. We in the United States must be grateful for the religious freedom granted to us.



"Also, we must take action on behalf of those people who are oppressed due to their faith simply because they were born somewhere else. We should pray and we should live toward the accomplishment of our prayers. Today, I invite the church to take new steps toward meeting the needs of our Christian brothers and sisters living in the hard places."

For more information or interviews call

Rev. Patrick Mahoney at: 540.538.4741
A petition has been filed in the Madras High Court for setting up a special investigation team to probe charges of corruption and accumulation of wealth against a senior government official.

Hearing the plea, the First Bench comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M Sundar, issued notice to the official concerned- P Sivapriya, Registrar of South Chennai district and the state government and posted the matter to November 27.

The petition was filed by one Varaaki, founder-president of 'Indian Makkal Mandram,' in which he alleged that the official had amassed wealth.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
With Puducherry's Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Parida being transferred to Delhi as part of a bureaucratic reshuffle, Lt Governor Kiran Bedi today said the Union Territory would "benefit by this change".

In her WhatsApp message from New Delhi to media persons, Bedi said she welcomed the change of chief secretary.

"Puducherry will benefit by this change," Bedi said.

Bedi said, "We need a chief secretary who is neutral and listens to all. The chief secretary should be field oriented, coordinates and brings officers together."



The Lt Governor said the UT wants a chief secretary who believes in improving matters and not allowing them to deteriorate as Puducherry deserves the best official.

"Puducherry also needs care and response and relief, justice and fairness and honesty and the poor need to be made self-reliant," she said.

Dismissing reports that she was going to resign as "a rumour," Bedi said that she wanted to know who was spreading it.

"I am in Delhi to receive my IIT Alumni Award today. I am away from Puducherry just for a day and will be back tomorrow to clean up Puducherry from all counts and in every way possible," she said.

As part of the bureaucratic reshuffle, Delhi Principal Secretary (PWD) Ashwani Kumar will be the new chief secretary of Puducherry.

Puducherry Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Parida and another senior officer G Narendra Kumar have been transferred to Delhi in a reshuffle by the Home Ministry yesterday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Punjab government today ordered immediate steps to fill the backlog of vacancies in the state police and has decided to separate the investigation duties of personnel from their law and order function.

The decisions are part of the series of reforms initiated by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh to infuse new energy in the police force and improve the law and order situation in the state, according to an official spokesperson.

The chief minister has issued instructions to the home department to start the recruitment process on urgent basis and also to take up the matter of separation of duties by separating cadres on priority and complete the process by November 30.

With no recruitment having taken place in the prisons department for a long time, Amarinder Singh, who is also the home minister, has now put filling of vacancies in jails on the top of the agenda for his department.

He has ordered recruitment of 1,200 jail staff members, the spokesperson said.

The chief minister has also approved recruitment of 2,000 constables in the Punjab Police in the current year, followed by an equal number to be recruited every year, for the next four years.

He has also ordered appointment of constables and sub- inspectors in the intelligence wing to ensure that the department is fully geared to meet the new challenges posed by radicals and criminal gangs in the state, he said.

The chief minister, chairing a law and order meeting with top police officials two days back, had stressed the need to keep the force always up to date in terms of manpower and equipment.

The absence of a proper policy to induct personnel in the police ranks on a regular basis had, over the years, adversely impacted the effectiveness of the police forces, he was told at the meeting, the spokesperson said.

Under the new system, separate Investigation Units (IUs) and Pairvi Units (PUs) have been envisaged up to the level of police stations.

While the IUs would be solely dedicated to serious and heinous crimes to ensure that the investigation of such cases is completed in a time-bound manner, the 'Pairvi Units' will ensure proper presentation and contesting of criminal cases before the trial courts, he said.

The move will also enable smooth collection of credible evidence by providing the IO with professional and high-level expertise in the same, the spokesperson said.

It has been decided that the IUs will be properly monitored to ascertain if the investigation in a particular case is being carried out in a proper manner or not, he said.

The separation of the two functions will also help in ensuring high conviction rate by infusing professionalism in investigation, and will also create a better police-public interface, the spokesperson said.

At present, the conviction rate in heinous cases such as rape, kidnapping/abduction, robbery and dacoity is in the range of 15-30 per cent, while the overall conviction rate for all crimes, including those under the Excise Act as well as minor cases, stands at around 49.5 per cent.

With the creation of a separate IU, this is expected to go up significantly, the spokesperson said.

The separation of duties is also in line with a Supreme Court directive and Punjab & Haryana High Court's orders in this regard, the spokesman added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
More than 10,000 people in rain- battered Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Nagapattinam districts have taken shelter in over 100 relief camps, the Tamil Nadu government said today.

The state has gauged 174 mm of rainfall between October 27 and November 3, a government statement said.

As many as 10,640 residents in low-lying areas have taken shelter in 114 relief centres in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Nagapattinam, the statement said.

The incessant downpour has brought the districts to their knees.

Special rescue and relief teams have been formed and dams and reservoirs are being monitored to prevent anti-social elements from creating problems, the statement said.

Over 7,000 encroachments on 22,538 water bodies have been removed while 12,070 km of riverways were desilted, it added.

The state civil supplies corporation has been asked to stock essential commodities in vulnerable areas.

In Chennai, adequate number of boats and gensets are avaiable for use as per requirements, the release said.

The government has appealed to people not to believe in rumours of any lake or reservoir breach as it was closely monitoring storage levels.

Here's what people of Tamil Nadu had to say about the ongoing rain fury on Twitter:

Taken today morning near Habibullah Road Jn. T.Nagar, traditional hot spot. #Chennai Corporation was clearing it though. As ground starts saturating we will see more water logging in the coming days of #Chennairains2017 pic.twitter.com/aX9M1rEXwU  Chennairains (@ChennaiRains) November 4, 2017



Heavy rain in tiruvallur pic.twitter.com/73OZlGsG5X  pachaikani (@pachaikani4) November 4, 2017





Just crossed the location 15mins back while returning from office. Yes! Policemen preventing entry of vehicles. Even #MTC buses are plying through #Vandalur - Padapai road.  Vijay (@VjEngr) November 4, 2017


Supreme Court judge Justice M B Lokur today questioned the government over non-utilisation of amounts, collected as compensatory afforestation funds for environmental purposes, and justified judicial activism, saying it had to "come" in the absence of laws or their shoddy implementation.

"The green bench of the Supreme Court has been passing orders and huge amounts of money running into thousands of crores of rupees have been collected by the government. Where has that money gone? Certainly it has not gone for the improvement of the environment, because over the last few years, we have seen degradation of the environment and defoliation of forests," Justice Lokur said.

He was speaking at the valedictory session of the 'International Conference on Environment', organised by the National Green tribunal (NGT).

Union minister Prakash Javadekar rebutted the assertion and said, "The government has a good account of how we have collected the money and it is using it on renewable (energy) and climate change. It is not diverted anywhere."



Justice Lokur said there was a dearth of environmental laws in the country and added that Parliament needed to frame laws on a variety of issues confronting the mankind.

"We need to frame laws, so that there is a clear understanding of the problems," he added.

The apex court judge said that although excellent laws had been framed in the country, the implementation part remained "shoddy".

Responding to the allegations of judicial activism, he said it had to "come about" as there was no option but to be active, due to the absence of laws or their shoddy implementation.

Justice Lokur pointed out that the Supreme Court had been involved in environmental jurisprudence since long and said the courts alone could not bear the burden, the government must also bear it.

Javadekar said India was the only country which taxed coal production at the rate of six US dollars per tonne, which no other country in the world had done so far, and added that the government was committed to using cleaner methods for generating power.

He said the government, in a move to fight pollution, aimed at implementing the Bharat Standard (BS) VI emission norms by January 1, 2020 and added that it had already issued instructions to all the automobile manufacturers in this regard.

"But, you need time and it cannot happen overnight. You cannot stop the vehicles from plying. There has to be a concrete and feasible plan," the minister added.

Stressing on the need for sustainable development, Javadekar said, development and environment were not rivals. He gave the example of the Delhi Metro and said when it was launched, some NGOs had created a controversy over felling of trees.

"Now, there are 200 metro stations and nearly 20,000 trees were cut. But, 60-70 per cent of those were replanted. Three million passengers travel every day in an environment- friendly manner. This is how we should look at the problem holistically," Javadekar said.

The human resource development (HRD) minister said there was a huge challenge before the country as it accounted for 2.5 per cent of the world's land, but had to cater to 17 per cent of the world's population, which was a massive burden on its resources.

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal laid emphasis on ways to combat climate change and said he was looking at 100 per cent electrification of the entire fleet of the railways as even after seven decades since Independence, 50 per cent of the trains entering Delhi had diesel engines.

Stating that India had already achieved 12,200 MW of solar capacity, Goyal reiterated that the country was well poised to reach its target of a 100-GW capacity by 2022.

He said it was the sensitivity of the NDA government and "the commitment of all of us collectively to work towards achieving sustainable lifestyles", which would make it possible.

Goyal, who also holds the coal portfolio, said his ministry used the ISRO's satellite technology to map areas, which had been converted into forests, and put them in the public domain.

Stating that protecting the environment was one of the fundamental principles of all the religions, he quoted from the Granth Sahib: "The purpose of human beings is to achieve a blissful state and to be in harmony with earth and all of god's creations."



NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar also spoke on the occasion and said the green panel had added new dimensions to the facets of environmental jurisprudence.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Seven MLAs, whose extension of tenure as chiefs of government corporations had been rejected by Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi in July this year, have been reappointed as chairmen of the PSUs and companies.

The Union Home Ministry had issued the order yesterday giving its nod to the decision of the Congress government to enable the MLAs resume office as chairmen of the undertakings.

Following this, the Puducherry government issued an order, restoring the MLAs to the posts.

The MLAs had been appointed to function as heads of the Public Sector Banks in 2016 after the Congress came to power, subject to condition of their performance and were restricted to one year only.

While granting approval for their appointment, Bedi had stipulated that the performance of the statutory body under the leadership of newly-appointed chairpersons should be reviewed before considering their continuance.

She had also stipulated that a mid-term measurable performance appraisal of the institution should also be done engaging professionals in the field after six months.

When the terms of the MLAs expired in July 2017, the government decided to extend their tenure and the relevant files were sent to Bedi for approval.

She, however, declined to extend the tenure beyond one year on the ground thatthe mid-term appraisal report of the undertakings and also report of the year end review were not available as the appointment was subject to this condition.

Bedi had then forwarded the proposal to the Union Home Ministry.

The MLAs reappointed are -- T Djeamoorthy (Puducherry Planning Authority), M N R Balan (Road Transport Corporation), E Theepainthan (Slum Clearance Board), V Vijeaveny (Puducherry Distilleries Limited) and N Dhanavelu (Civil Supplies corporation-PIPDIC) (all Congress) R Siva (PIPDIC) and A Geetha (Power Corporation) are the DMK legislators.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today called on Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig (Retd) Dr B D Mishra here and discussed wide ranging defence issues with special reference to the state.

The governor during the meeting emphasized on expediting the proposed Frontier Road project saying that it would boost the economy of the state, particularly in the border areas.

Mishra said the project would strengthen the surveillance of the national borders and promotion in possession of remote land of the state along the border, a Raj Bhavan release said.

The governor also stressed on more recruitment rallies to be conducted in the state to facilitate the youth of the frontier state to join the armed forces.

The Defence Minister assured to look into the issues raised by the governor and explore ways to address it at the earliest.

She presented National Savings Certificates (NSC) to two meritorious students from the weaker economic strata of the society.

The Defence minister also attended a traditional cultural presentation at the Raj Bhavan, the release added.

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The Amboli cops have arrested six persons on charge of kidnapping a businessman for a ransom of Rs 82 lakh from Nallasopara in north Mumbai, police said today.

The kidnappers called up businessman Bhavin Shah's (39) wife by sending video clips of her frightened husband on social messaging application and demanded the ransom amount, an official said.

Shah was kidnapped by unidentified persons from Andheri RTO on October 31, when he had gone there for tanker licence work, he said.

Shah had told his wife that he will reach home before 3 pm after completing the work. But, he did not return home till late in the night and his cell phone too was switched off, an official said.

His wife then went to police station and lodged a missing complaint, said the official.

While, Amboli police launched a search operation for Bhavin Shah, his wife got a call from his cell phone, in which the caller demanded a ransom of Rs 82 lakh and also told her to see the video clip on messaging application, he said.

In the clip Shah was seen requesting his parents and wife to give money to the kidnappers and saying that these people are dangerous and they will kill him if the amount is not paid.

A special team led by senior police inspector Bharat Gaikwad and encounter specialist police sub-inspector Daya Nayak was then formed to rescue the kidnapped businessman, said the official.

The team searched for the accused persons in Sakinaka, Andheri, Vasai, Virar and Nallasopara area, he said.

In the meantime the accused kept on sending video clips of Shah to his wife and also demanding ransom.

Police then decided to trap the accused and told Shah's wife to make payment to the kidnappers. They asked her to get their location, the official said.

Kidnappers told her to come between Andheri to Nallasopara railway stations with money, he said.

She went with the extortion amount to suburban railway station where kidnappers were constantly telling her to change the trains and platforms, he said.

The police who were following the woman arrested two persons while accepting the money, the official said.

Based on information given by the duo, the police late in the night raided a flat in Nallasopara, from where they rescued Shah and arrested all the kidnappers, he said.

The accused have been identified as Mohammad Shanu Rafique Shaikh (36), Sandeep Sharma (38), Chandrabhan Singh alias Udham (32), Anil Pandey (33), Dhiraj Singh (25) and Mohammad Kabadi (32), said police.

Shanu, was the mastermind of the kidnapping as he did business with victim's brother earlier and knew the financial status of the victim, he said.

A country made pistol, three live cartridges, three knives, six mobile phones, one car and Rs 22,000 which were withdrawn using the victim's debit card were recovered from the spot, he added.

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US President Donald Trump has said he would be spending an extra day in the Philippines to attend the East Asia Summit, the White House said.

Trump was to return from the Philippines a day before the summit on November 14 and was to be represented by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

However, minutes before leaving the White House yesterday, Trump told reporters that he would be extending his Asia visit by a day to attend the key summit.

The annual East Asia Summit to be held in the Filipino city of Angeles would see the participation of leaders from 10 ASEAN countries, including India, Russia and China.

"We're staying an extra day, because the following day is actually the most important day," Trump told reporters onboard Air Force One on his way to Hawaii.

Trump left Washington Dc last morning on a 12-day Asia trip to visit Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Inside the plane on his way to Hawaii, Trump explained that he had planned to spend a day in Hawaii at the end of the trip, but cancelled that plan. Instead, he will stay a day longer at ASEAN in the Philippines, which follows the APEC conference in Vietnam.

"I'm going to spend the extra day at the second conference, which is a very important conference," he said.

"Just have a good time everybody. We'll do a good job. As citizens, we will represent you well. Okay? As reporters, I don't know. But as citizens, definitely. Have a good time. Nice to see you," said the US president who has been very critical of the media.

"Getting ready to land in Hawaii. Looking so much forward to meeting with our great Military/Veterans at Pearl Harbor!" Trump said in a tweet before he landed in Hawaii.

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External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today asked the Indian Embassy in Kenya to send the details about reports of an Indian boy being killed in Nairobi.

Her response came after one Netra Parikh tweeted to her saying an Indian boy was assaulted at his home in Nairobi at 3 am local time.

"Suchitra - Please send me a report on this @IndiainKenya," Swaraj tweeted.

Suchitra Durai is the Indian Ambassador in Kenya.

Earlier, Parikh had tweeted, "Madam Indian Family boy shot dead in his home in Nairobi. Can you pls check reports & help/support them. Thanks (sic)."



She also said the name of the boy was Bunty Shah and he was working in the Bobmil Industries Limited.

Responding to another request for help, Swaraj asked the Indian High Commissioner in South Africa to help the family of an Indian citizen, who had passed away while on a tour of that country.

The external affairs minister's intervention came after a tweet by one Shweta Kapur: "@SushmaSwaraj An Indian citizen has passed away of natural causes while on a tour in South Africa (sic).

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The Telangana government today unveiled the food processing policy at the ongoing World Food India 2017 conference being held in New Delhi.

According to an official release here, the policy is aimed at attracting investments to the tune of Rs 20,000 crore in the food processing sector in the state and also creating about 1.25 lakh direct jobs in the next five years.

Unveiling the policy at Vignan Bhavan, IT and Industries Minister K T Rama Rao said the new policy would interlink the food processing sector with agriculture and allied fields for improving the income of farmers.

As part of the policy, food processing clusters and parks will be developed in the state, the release added.

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VHP chief Praveen Togadia today urged the Centre's special representative on Jammu and Kashmir, Dineshwar Sharma to give priority to resettlement of Kashmiri Pandits within a time frame.

He also called for abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A of the Indian Constitution and opposed the dialogue process with separatists.

"Unless Kashmiri Pandits are not settled in their homeland, no dialogue is worth its meaning. The fact that they cannot come back to their homes is not only painful, but insulting as well," he told reporters here.

"Therefore, I ask Sharma to give priority to the issue and ensure their settlement within a time frame," he said.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) chief, who arrived here yesterday, is on a three-day tour of Jammu region.

He is chairing a Hindu Helpline convention in which over 100 delegates from across the country are taking part.

Togadia also spoke against having a dialogue with separatists in the Valley.

Those demanding 'Azadi' or self-rule should go to Pakistan as those talking against the constitution are traitors. They have no right to live in this country.

"As far as Pakistani agents are concerned, a dialogue with them will not help as they would not understand. They only understand the language of AK 47," he said.

The VHP leader added that the "factors coming in the way of complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India, like Article 35A and Article 370, be removed to bring back prosperity to the state".

Article 35A and Article 370 accord special rights and privileges to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

In reply to a question about Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti's "warning" in July that there would be no one in the state to hold the tricolour, if special rights and privileges to the state will be tinkered with, the VHP chief said, "Praveen Togadia and crores of my associates across the country will come to shoulder the flag".

The controversial leader also remarked that those indulging in stone pelting against security forces in the Valley should be carpet bombed.

"We should strive to make Jammu and Kashmir terrorism free and those who indulge in stone pelting against soldiers should be carpet bombed," he said.

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A teenager boy, who is suspected to be playing an online game, left his home in Govandi in the eastern suburbs after leaving a note for his parents that they should not lookout for him, police said today.

The incident came to light on October 29, when his parents approached Govandi police with a missing complaint of their son, police said.

He had left the home the same day at around 9 pm by taking cash Rs 15,000 with him, when all the family members had gone to watch a movie, an official said.

On searching the boy's room, his parents found a note in which he told parents that he knew whatever he was doing was wrong and that they should not look for him and he is not going to return, an official said.

Govandi police has registered a missing case and launched a search operation, he said.

The crime branch of Mumbai is also assisting in investigating the case, said the official.

"It is true that the boy was playing games on internet. But, during the course of our investigation it is not clear or we did not get any confirmation that he left home to complete any task of any online game," Shahaji Umap, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-6) said.

"We are investigating from all the angles and our efforts are on to trace the boy," he said.

As of now it has not been confirmed that he cleared specific steps of some any specific game and to complete next stage he left the home, another official said.

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South Sudan's capital Juba was tense today as more than 100 soldiers surrounded the residence of powerful former army chief Paul Malong in a bid to disarm his bodyguards.

Streets across the city were largely empty as people stayed at home for fear the standoff would erupt into clashes, an AFP correspondent said.

The deployment of troops around Malong's residence in the central Hai Amarat neighbourhood where many government officials live was confirmed by presidential spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny.

He said it was a "routine operation" which should not cause any concern.

"The situation is normal... this is not anything to worry about," he told AFP. It was also confirmed by Information Minister Michael Makuei.

Local residents said there were many troops deployed in roads around Malong's residence.

The move came five days after President Salva Kiir signed an order, a copy of which was obtained by AFP, authorising the arrest and disarming of Malong's bodyguards and the removal of any other arms in his possession.

It also said any resistance "must be met with reasonable force".

There was no indication as to why Kiir had given the order.

Malong, a general who was sacked by Kiir in May, is a hardline ethnic nationalist who belongs to the president's majority Dinka tribe.

He is widely regarded as being the mastermind of fighting that erupted in Juba in July 2016 that left hundreds of people dead and crushed hopes of a power-sharing government between Kiir and Riek Machar, his former deputy turned rebel chief, who is a member of the Nuer tribe.

The Dinka and the Nuer are the two largest ethnic groups in South Sudan and have a history of bloody rivalry.

South Sudan has been gripped by a brutal civil war that has lasted nearly four years, and the standoff in Juba prompted many residents to stay home for fear of violence.

"I have not got out of my house since morning because... fighting may break out," said Moses Alier, a resident of Hai Mouna in western Juba told AFP by phone.

Malong's dismissal in May had sparked fears among residents that it could trigger clashes between his supporters and troops loyal to the president.

The general, who is currently under house arrest, was believed to be inside, sources close to the family said. Under terms of the October 30 order, Malong must not be allowed to leave his residence "at any time" and all visitors have been banned.

In September, Washington imposed sanctions on three senior South Sudan officials on charges of fomenting and profiting from the four-year civil war, including Malong and the information minister.

South Sudan gained independence after the Christian majority south split from the Muslim north in 2011 after a 22 -year civil war that killed hundreds of thousands of people.

But the world's youngest nation quickly fell into civil war in December 2013 after Kiir accused Machar of plotting a coup, with the conflict leaving tens of thousands dead and forcing a third of its 12 million people out of their homes.

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With new losses, the Islamic State group has been driven from more than 96 per cent of the large parts of Iraq and Syria it once held, crushing its goal of establishing a "caliphate" in the region.

Syrian President Bashar Assad's military yesterday announced the capture of the eastern Syrian city of Deir el- Zour, while Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi proclaimed victory in retaking the town of Qaim on the border, the militants' last significant urban area in Iraq.

The militants are left fighting for a final stretch inside Syria and desert regions along the Iraq-Syria border. Three years ago, they had defiantly erased that line, knocking down berms marking the frontier.

Since then, they have lost infrastructure, resources, supply routes, control over about 8 million people and most importantly administration of a contiguous territory. The extremist group may still prove to be a major challenge for months as it turns to a clandestine insurgency.

Iraqi forces' last conventional military fight against IS played out in Qaim, on the western edge of Anbar province along the border with Syria. Operations began there in the last week of October.

On Friday, Iraq said it now controls the town and the nearby border crossing with Syria.

The crossing in the Euphrates River Valley was used by IS to move fighters and supplies between the two countries when the group controlled nearly a third of Iraqi territory.

Brett McGurk, the US envoy for the fight against the Islamic State group, said Thursday the group is now facing "annihilation" with the losses in western Iraq and nearly 96 percent of its territory. He earlier said 6.6 million people have been liberated as the group lost over 90,000 square kilometers (35,000 square miles) in the last year.

The Islamic State "has not reclaimed single meter of this ground. Migrant and refugee flows reversed," McGurk tweeted Thursday.

The Syrian government declared Friday that it has taken full control of Deir el-Zour, where its troops and tens of thousands of civilians have been besieged by IS militants for nearly three years.

Gen Ali Mayhoub, spokesman for the Syrian army, called it a strategic victory, noting Deir el-Zour's location on a crossroads linking Syria's eastern, northern and central regions, and its role in distributing the province's oil.

Mayhoub said IS militants are now isolated and encircled in the countryside east of the city. Government forces are focused on Boukamal, the last IS urban center in Syria.

Kurdish forces backed by the U.S. also are making a bid for the strategic border town from the other side of the Euphrates, renewing fears of a confrontation between the two forces seeking to control the border area.

Raqqa, the IS group's de-facto capital, fell to Kurdish- led forces on October 17, four months after operations to reclaim it began. The city was the group's hub of operations, and its capture was a major symbolic blow.

The first city to fall into IS hands, foreign fighters flocked to Raqqa. The US-led coalition estimated that 40,000 fighters from Europe, North Africa and Asia once flowed into IS territory.

The group carried out beheadings and other killings in a public square in Raqqa to try to project its ruthless nature. The city also was the center of its media operations, where videos about the benefits of life under IS were produced.

Planning for some of the major violence in Europe was traced to Raqqa, including the deadly attacks in Paris in 2015 and in Brussels in 2016.

On October 14, the Syrian government said its troops and allied fighters seized the town of Mayadeen, on the western bank of the Euphrates River. The town had become a refuge for the militant group's leaders from fighting in Raqqa and Deir el-Zour to the north and Iraq to the east.

Mayadeen was also a major point in the race for control of the oil-rich eastern Deir el-Zour province. Washington has feared advances by Syrian troops and allied fighters toward the Iraqi border could help Iran expand its influence in the region and establish a "Shiite corridor" of land links from Iraq to Lebanon, and all the way to Israel.

Iran backs militias fighting alongside the Syrian military.

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Three women were killed and several others injured in a stampede near Simariya Ghat on the banks of river Ganga in Bihar's Begusarai district around 7 am on Saturday, police said.

Sadar Deputy Superintendent of Police Mithilesh Kumar said the incident occurred in a narrow lane next to the ghat, nearly 100 km from the state capital, where people had gathered in large numbers on the occasion of Karthik Purnima.

"We are trying to ascertain the cause behind the stampede," Kumar said, adding that the women's identities have not been ascertained yet.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced an ex- gratia of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of the deceased and free treatment for those injured in the incident.
Three more men have accused Kevin Spacey of varying degrees of sexual misconduct following "Star Trek: Discovery" actor Anthony Rapp's revelation that the Hollywood star made unwanted sexual advances towards him when he was 14-year-old.

Justin Dawes told Buzzfeed that, when he was 16 and Spacey was 29, Spacey invited him and a friend to his apartment to watch "Chinatown". They met Spacey for the first time at a performance of a play the actor was performing in at the time.

Dawes alleged that Spacey instead made them cocktails and played pornography on the television.

Another accuser, a journalist who chose to remain anonymous, said he interviewed Spacey in the early 2000s and while all was normal while they were in the actor's office at the Old Vic theater, Spacey invited him out to a club afterward. There, the journalist alleged, Spacey began groping him.

The journalist said he told Spacey that he was in a serious relationship with a woman and, when he tried to leave the club, Spacey was furious.

"This man was screaming in my face outside of the main bar area, red-faced, spit flying out of his mouth, screaming at me with fury because I didn't want to f*** him," he told the publication.

The journalist went on to say that he did not run a story about his sexual misconduct because he did not want to out Spacey as a gay man.

Another accuser, Mark Ebenhoch, said that, while he was on the set of 1995 film "Outbreak," Spacey often had a group of young men who would hang out in his trailer. One day, Ebenhoch said, he was approached by one of Spacey's assistants, who asked him to come to the actor's trailer.

"They asked flat out to engage in a sexual act. It was enough to stun me. It blew me away," Ebenhoch said.

The three new accusers add to the long list of men to come out against Spacey since Rapp's revelations. Since the story came out, Netflix has suspended production of "House of Cards", the Scotland Yard has opened an investigation into an alleged assault by Spacey, and CAA and publicist Staci Wolfe have parted ways with the actor.

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A US environmental group filed suit Friday against the Donald Trump administration for allegedly stalling on a deal to protect sea turtles from getting trapped in shrimp nets.

Oceana relaunched its lawsuit against the US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross -- who also heads the US Fisheries Service -- after no action was taken on a deal struck in September 2016.

Then, the federal government, headed by President Barack Obama, had agreed to release a proposed rule to protect sea turtles in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico by December 15, 2016.

But Trump took office in January 2017, and the final regulations were not released by the mid-June 2017 deadline, so Oceana pressed ahead with its lawsuit Friday.

"At this point, every single day of delay means more threatened and endangered sea turtles dying preventable deaths in fishing nets," said Oceana campaign director Lora Snyder.

"All that remains is approval of the rule from the White House Office of Management and Budget, yet the Trump administration has taken ample time without taking this straightforward step. Any further stalling is unacceptable."



The proposed rule would require special escape hatches for turtles in US skimmer, pusher-head and wing net shrimp trawls.

Oceana said adding these Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) to shrimp nets would save as many as 2,500 endangered and threatened sea turtles every year.

Less than half of the US shrimp fleet is currently required to use them.

The proposed rule would extend the requirement to about 5,800 other boats in the southeast US region.

The agreement to add more TEDs came after a 2015 Oceana lawsuit that alleged the US government had violated the Endangered Species Act by failing to adequately consider the risk posed to sea turtles by shrimp fishing.

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The five-nation Asia tour by President Donald Trump would be an important trip that would reflect on US' commitment to meet the challenges posed by North Korea's nuclear breakout and China's bid for regional hegemony, according to a media report.

Trump has left the White House on a 13-day trip during which he will visit Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

The trip is not only Trump's longest foreign trip as the US president but also the longest trip undertaken by a US president to Asia in more than a quarter century.

"Donald Trump's visit to East Asia next week is the most important trip of his Presidency so far, and the most important Asian trip by a US president in more than a decade," The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board said after Trump left for Asia.

"His meetings and speeches will send a message, for good or ill, about the US commitment to meet the challenges of North Korea's nuclear breakout and China's bid for regional hegemony," the daily said in a lead editorial.

Tensions have dramatically risen on the Korean peninsula after North Korea, early in September, conducted its biggest nuclear test, which its state-run KCNA agency described as a hydrogen bomb.

The report said Japan, Australia and India are moving toward a quadrilateral alliance with the US that could become the cornerstone of the Indo-Pacific vision.

The rationale is obvious, it argued.

"Constraints on US defence spending limit any military buildup, while China's military budget continues to grow even faster than its economy. Asia's Pax Americana needs to evolve into a collective defence regime among the region's democracies," it said.

However, there are several obstacles in the way, it said.

South Koreans are naturally sensitive about cooperation with Japan given their colonial past.

"India has doubts about Australia's reliability after then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd pulled out of joint exercises a decade ago. Asian countries are increasingly reliant on China as a trading partner and investment source and thus are nervous about offending Beijing," it said.

Meanwhile, the co-chairs of the Democratic Caucus' National Security Task Force Congressmen Seth Moulton, Stephanie Murphy, and Jimmy Panetta in a statement urged the President to use his trip to demonstrate the United States' ironclad commitment to security, stability and economic prosperity in the region, and send a clear signal of steadfastness to ally and adversary alike.

The lawmakers urged the president to chart a careful course that avoids capitulation to, or catastrophic war with, North Korea.

"This trip provides an opportunity for the president to repair any damage to our alliance with South Korea caused by the president's bellicose statements that do not sufficiently recognise the catastrophic risks that military conflict would pose for South Korea, his suggestion that the US might withdraw from the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement, and by his tweet accusing South Korea's president of 'appeasement'," it said.

China in the past had given less access to the American media during presidential visits, Politico reported.

"On previous presidential trips, the Chinese government has often sought to limit the access of the US travelling press corps, attempting to bar reporters from events or limiting their ability to ask questions," it said.

"Past US leaders have typically set aside whatever beefs they had with the media to push back on their Chinese counterparts, but no president has attacked the press like Trump," it said.

The White House, according to Politico, said that it does not expect any problems.

"We are working with our counterparts in China to make sure there is press coverage where appropriate. At this time, we do not have reason for concern and are very much looking forward to being there," White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told the media outlet.

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President Donald Trump paid a solemn visit to Pearl Harbor and its memorial to the USS Arizona, a hallowed place he said he had read about, discussed and studied but had never visited until just before opening his first official visit to Asia.

Trump saluted after entering the memorial following a short boat ride with first lady Melania Trump. They approached a wreath of white flowers a gift from the couple and watched as two sailors who stood beside it at attention placed the wreath near a wall of names of the fallen.

Pearl Harbor was the scene of a surprise attack by Japan that plunged the US into World War II, killing hundreds of service members.

After the wreath was placed, the Trumps tossed white flower petals into the waters above the battleship's sunken hull.

Trump did not speak publicly at the memorial. He said during an earlier meeting Friday with military officials that he eagerly anticipated the visit.

"We are going to visit very shortly, Pearl Harbor, which I've read about, spoken about, heard about, studied, but I haven't seen. And that is going to be very exciting for me," Trump said at the start of a briefing with leaders of the US Pacific Command, which oversees US military operations in the region.

Trump stopped in Hawaii on the eve of his first visit to Asia. He arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Friday after a daylong flight from Washington. He departs Saturday for Japan, the first stop on the five-nation, 11-day journey that will also take him to South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

The president quickly donned a lei after he left Air Force One with his wife, who also wore a wreath of flowers. He signed autographs and gave high-fives to kids who were among a group of civilians and service members that gathered for the arrival.

Trump wasn't the only attraction to arrive on base. A few in the crowd shouted their admiration for White House chief of staff John Kelly.

"We love you Gen. Kelly," one person shouted at the retired four-star Marine general who stood several feet behind the president.

Trump was briefed by leaders of the US Pacific Command. The growing threat from North Korea a crisis that will shadow the entire trip was expected to be among the topics discussed. Trump was also meeting with the governors of Alaska, Hawaii and Pacific US territories, all potential targets of any successful attempt by North Korea to strike the US with a nuclear-tipped missile.

The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor marks the final resting place of more than 1,000 sailors and Marines who were killed on the battleship during the surprise Japanese attack on December 7, 1941. Accessible only by boat, the memorial straddles the ship's sunken hull.

A total of more than 2,300 sailors, soldiers and Marines died as a result of the attack, as well as 68 civilians, according to the National Park Service.

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An MP from the ruling Conservative party has become the latest subject of a growing furore over sexual misconduct involving British parliamentarians after he was suspended by the party over "serious allegations" that have been referred to the police.

Charlie Elphickle, MP for Dover, has denied any wrongdoing and accused his party of informing the media about his suspension last night before informing him directly.

"The party tipped off the press before telling me of my suspension. I am not aware of what the alleged claims are and deny any wrongdoing," said the 46-year-old married MP in a statement on Twitter.

He becomes the latest in a series of names being linked with inappropriate behaviour, including Opposition Labour party MP Clive Lewis being forced to "completely" deny allegations of groping a woman at the partys annual conference a few weeks ago.

The Labour Party, however, has launched an investigation after a formal complaint was made against the Norwich South MP yesterday.

Lewis, a former shadow defence secretary, is alleged by the woman to have hugged her and squeezed her bottom at the event in Brighton in September.

"Is the person mistaken? Have I given them a hug and this has been misinterpreted? I don't know. All I know is that I would not deliberately do that, do what's alleged. I completely deny that," Lewis said.

His denial comes in the wake of another Labour party MP, Kelvin Hopkins, denying sexual harassment allegations made by party activist Ava Etemadzadeh.

The Luton North MP, who was suspended on Thursday while an investigation is conducted, said he had only given Etemadzadeh a "brief, slight hug just before getting into my car".

The highest profile victim of the scandal to hit Westminster politics so far has been former defence secretary Michael Fallon, who resigned from his post this week saying his conduct may have fallen below the high standards expected.

It was widely speculated if it was a so-called "kneegate" incident, involving him touching the knee of a journalist many years ago, that had led to his resignation.

A fellow Tory MP, Anna Soubry, told 'The Times' that the allegations against him went much further.

"Michael Fallon had to resign because of his behaviour towards women. One person with great courage made a complaint to No. 10 [Downing Street] of sexual assault. Theresa May made it very clear she took these allegations seriously and within hours he had gone," she said.

Her remarks came after it had emerged that the Leader of the House of Commons and Tory party colleague, Andrea Leadsom, had also complained about Fallon making "lewd" remarks at party meetings.

Fallon has strenuously denied the latest set of claims and stressed that Downing Street had not put any specific allegation to him before he stepped down as defence minister.

"I've already accepted that I have behaved inappropriately in the past but I have never physically assaulted anybody," he said.

Both the Conservatives and Labour party are working on new policies to deal with sexual harassment in an attempt to get a handle on the crisis that is continuing to spiral out of control with fresh allegations emerging non-stop.

Prime Minister May is due to meet Opposition party leaders, including Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, on Monday to discuss proposals to bring forward a new grievance system for Westminster staff and MPs.

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today visited various hospitals in the state capital and inquired about the medical treatment being given to those injured in the recent blast at NTPC's power plant in Unchahar.

An official statement issued by the state government said the chief minister enquired the well-being of each of the injured, and issued directives to doctors to ensure their proper treatment.

After returning from his Mauritius tour, the priest- turned-politician drove straight to the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute (SGPGI), where he enquired about the injured labourers.

After this, Adityanath headed to Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Hospital (Civil Hospital) and KGMU's trauma centre.

He also issued instructions that the injured labourers be given free medical treatment at state-run hospitals.

The BJP leader also held talks with NTPC officials.

As many as 32 persons had lost their lives in the November 1 mishap, making it the country's worst industrial disaster in eight years.

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Sidharth Malhotra has signed his next, a biopic on Kargil martyr Captain Vikram Batra, and the actor believes it is an important story to be told on big screen.

The actor was in talks for the film for quite some time and now when he is finally on board he wants to do complete justice to the role.

"It is a lovely true story. It is a very heroic and touching story. The family got in touch with him a year ago. Hearing what he did at the age of 24 for the country we want to do full justice to his story.

"There is so much more in his life that we want to say. I am looking forward to it," Sidharth told PTI.

Without sharing much details about the film, the 32- year-old actor said the team will start shooting for the project next year.

"There is prep work required for the film like horse riding and all... We will start rolling by summer next year. It will be mostly shot in real locations."



According to the reports, Sidharth will have a double role in the film and will portray both Vikram and his identical twin brother, Vishal.

The makers are currently working on the script of the film.

Sidharth, whose latest release "Ittefaq" has received positive reviews, is also excited for "Aiyaary", directed by Neeraj Pandey.

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companies reversed their opposition to legislation aimed at squelching the online trafficking of children and now support a Senate measure they earlier criticised as endangering freedom of expression.
The Cyrus Mistry group today moved the Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), seeking to amend its petition demanding action against Tata Sons for "oppression" of minority shareholders and "mismanagement" of Tata Group companies.

Cyrus Investments and Sterling Investments filed the amendment pleas today, after the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on September 21 asked it to approach the Mumbai NCLT. The NCLT is likely to hear the main petition of the Mistry firms as well as the amendment plea November 20 onwards.

The NCLAT had in September allowed Mistry firms plea seeking a waiver of the 10 per cent minimum shareholding eligibility criterion, to be able to move the tribunal against Tata Sons.

A release from Mistrys office said today the two firms have now sought to bring on record facts about the business conducted at the 99th AGM of Tata Sons on September 21. The 99th AGM of Tata Sons converted Tata Sons Ltd from a public company to a private company.

"It is the case of the companies that the facts which are now sought to be brought on record are oppressive in nature and are relevant to the ongoing proceedings," the statement said.

The Mistry family owns 18.4 per cent stake in Tata Sons. But the holding is under 3 per cent if the preferential shares are excluded (a point the Tatas stressed), thus not meeting the criterion of having at least 10 per cent ownership in a company for filing a case of oppression of minority shareholders under the Companies Act.

Mistry is locked in a legal battle with the Tatas since his sacking as chairman of Tata Sons on October 24, 2016, and removal as a director on February 6, 2017.

The appellate tribunal had said although the Mistry companies did not meet the minimum shareholding norm, under exceptional circumstances this statutory requirement can be waived.

It thus directed the NCLT, which had dismissed Mistrys petition against Tata Sons on the ground of not meeting the minimum shareholding criterion, to decide the case in three months.
ITC, PEPSICO, Patanjali and Coca Cola are among the many domestic and multinational firms that have committed to investing Rs 68,000 crore in India's food and agriculture sector, the Centre said on Friday. As many as 13 agreements were signed to this effect on the first day of the three-day World Food India 2017 event, and more investment is set to come over the next few days, according to a statement from union minister for food processing Harsimrat Kaur Badal.

PepsiCo reiterated that, along with its partners, it will invest Rs 13,300 crore over five years to set up a food and beverage plant. Rival Coca Cola will put in Rs 11,000 crore for juice bottling infrastructure, fruit processing plants and equipment. Conglomerate ITC and FMCG major Patanjali signed deals with the food processing ministry to invest Rs 10,000 crore each. ITC is looking to set up 20 integrated food processing and logistics facilities.

Private sector lender Yes Bank signed an agreement to fund Rs 1,000 crore for 100 food processing projects. The government also named Amazon and UAE's Sharaf Group as major investors. "These investments will help us realise the goal of doubling farmers' income as well as generating massive employment in the food processing sector," said Badal.

The event, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is expected to help forge partnerships with global firms in order to increase farmers' incomes and reduce post-harvest losses. Currently, only 10 per cent of India's food is being processed. Leaders from top global firms hailed India's 30-position rise in World Bank's Ease of Doing Business as an encouraging sign for investments in the country, including in the food processing sector.

Nestle chairman of board of director, Paul Bulcke, said top priority should be given to investment in building agriculture capacity amid challenges of scarce natural resources, rising population and growing food demand. "India's consumption market is projected to triple to $4 trillion by 2025 with the bulk of expenditure going into food products," said ITC CEO Sanjiv Puri.

Unilever global president Amanda Sourry said the world is looking towards India. "Rich agri-resources in India create an optimal opportunity to scale up the processing industry here." Hindustan Unilever CEO Sanjiv Mehta said, "India is one of the most attractive markets and as the economy grows, there will be more people coming and moving up." Metro AG COO Pieter Boone said recent policy decisions to improve ease of doing business coupled with demonetisation and GST are driving the positive overhaul in the economic environment.

Tata International MD Noel Tata said that there is a need for significant new investment to increase the scale of food processing, dominated by MSMEs at present. The global CEOs also met the Prime Minister and finance minister Arun Jaitley in two separate roundtables to discuss investment opportunities, regulatory framework for ease of doing business and other issues.
ACT was the only state or territory not to submit data to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare last year due to concerns over accuracy of the data, and is likely not to do so again this year.
"It would be great for workers, and lots of them are working in the area and need to get from one area to the other, and they could bike it instead of driving."
"For us, we like to slow the search down because we're looking for small things as suppose to bombs or large amounts of things the AFP are looking for."
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.
If youre curious to find out whether the city you live in is among the 20 worst places in the world when it comes to traffic, youve come to the right place.



Thanks to data from the 2016 Inrix Global Scorecard, RegTransfers has put together a list of the top 10 congested cities around the world, and its safe to say, its not looking too great for the U.S.

After looking at the average hours spent in traffic for 1,064 cities in 38 different countries, it would seem that Los Angeles is the last place where youd want to get stuck in traffic.

In fact, the average driver will spend no less than 104.1 hours per year in LA traffic, considerably more than somebody living in Moscow, where they spend roughly 91.4 hours behind the wheel on an annual basis.

Rounding off the top ten are cities like New York (89.4 hrs), San Francisco (82.6 hrs), Bogota (79.8 hrs), Sao Paulo (77.2 hrs), London (73.4 hrs), Atlanta (70.8 hrs), Paris (65.3 hrs) and Miami (64.8 hrs).

Other U.S. cities like Washington, Dallas, Boston, Chicago and Seattle are also quite congested, joining the likes of Bangkok, Mexico City, Istanbul, Krasnodar and Jakarta in the Top 20.
Volkswagen is gearing up to launch an assortment of electric vehicles including the ID Buzz and ID Crozz but a new report is indicating the company will eschew plug-in hybrids.



According to Car and Driver, Volkswagen doesnt intend to offer any plug-in hybrids in the United States. The report goes on to suggest the company might not even offer them in Europe either.

The move could prove risky as plug-in hybrids offer some of the benefits of electric vehicles without the necessity of always having to be recharged. This makes them ideal for long distance travel as they can operate on electricity alone for short periods of time before using a conventional engine to power the vehicle on longer trips.

In an interview with the magazine, Volkswagen brand boss Herbert Diess said For America, plug-in hybrids dont make a lot of sense for the upstream emissions and theyre just not incentivized by the tax schemes. Diess went on to say plug-in hybrids make sense in markets such as China but hes not convinced theyre a good fit for European customers.

For the time being, Volkswagen will focus on electric vehicles and Diess thinks they will be cheaper and easier to build than most people realize. As he explained, You always have, in your product range, more profitable cars and less profitable cars. We will already achieve with the first car  the ID Hatch  the same profit range we achieve with the Polo. He went on to say hes okay with the slim profit margins even though they arent great.

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The School of Visual Arts MFA Computer Arts Department is dedicated to producing digital artists of the highest caliber, and that caliber keeps reaching higher.

Recent alumnus Young Gul Cho (MFA 2017 Computer Arts) was selected as a Student Academy Awards winner for her thesis film E-delivery in the Domestic Animation Category. Her animated short critiques the current cultural climate of humanitys total dependency on machines. Cho humorously haunts the audience with the idea of how technology can make human reproduction as easy as making coffee and toast in the morning.

This achievement marks the departments 9th Student Academy Award, and Cho is the first female from the SVA MFA Computer Arts Department to win.

The departments eight previous winners have included Suk Won Shin (MFA 2004 Computer Arts) who won a Silver Medal in the Animation Category with his political 3D short Rock the World; Kun-I Chang (MFA 2007 Computer Arts) who won a Gold Medal in the Alternative Category with his motion graphics piece Fission, at a time when motion graphics began trailblazing in the industry; and Daniel Sierras (MFA 2013 Computer Arts) Oscillate, winner of the Silver Medal in the Alternative category in 2014.

Watch all of SVAs Student Academy Awards winners on their Vimeo channel.

To learn more about what makes the SVA MFA Computer Arts Department so special, the department is hosting an Info Session on November 4, at 1PM. This will provide a unique opportunity to meet the Chair, faculty, department staff, current students, and alumni. To attend, simply register through the SVA Admissions website.

The school will also participate in the Graduate Portfolio Days and Ringling College of Art and Designs Graduate School Fair. Here are the dates and cities when the school will be attending: San Francisco on October 22; New York on October 29; Chicago on November 4; Sarasota on November 15; and Austin on November 18. Please view the National Portfolio Day website and Ringlings Graduate School Fair website for details on each event.

For more, follow SVA today on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Vimeo.
Yet again we see price gouging in the extreme from the gas companies, this includes the Canadian gas company Petro Canada which is suppose to be for Canadians.

While the U.S.A is paying an average of 84 cents Canadian per litre we are told that there is a shortage of gas and because of this the price has had to go up. Yet no such price increases have happened in the U.S.A.

With the Liberals in town let's hope they start doing the right thing and letting the RCMP charge these companies with price gouging

Victor Stockmann
Photo: pixabay

As winter sets in and heating bills start to spike, the NDP government says it will be reviewing two-tiered electrical billing.

Premier Horgan reopened the debate this week, telling reporters at the legislature hes unhappy with the way the previous government brought the system in to save power in 2008.

In a statement to Castanet News on Friday, B.C. Energy Minister Michelle Mungall said her government recognizes there are issues with the graduated system.

Especially in regions of the province not served by natural gas and by people who rely on electricity to heat their homes in the winter, she said. Our government is committed to making life affordable for everyone. In the months ahead, we will work with BC Hydro, FortisBC and the BCUC to address concerns about two-tiered rates.

The comments will give hope to opponents of the system. A BCUC report earlier this year found that two-step billing doesnt negatively impact the majority of low-income customers. However, FortisBC estimated about 10 per cent of their customers were more than 10 per cent worse off.

Mungall encouraged people to let their electricity provider and B.C. Utilities Commission know their concerns.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is working on just that. It is in the process of gathering testimony from residents negatively impacted by two-tiered billing as it prepares to register as an intervener to the FortisBC 2017 rate design application to the BCUC.
Photo: Facebook

Police are investigating after a child found a loaded handgun in some bushes in Mission.

The weapon was found by a three-year-old boy near a Tim Hortons in the Fraser Valley community.

His mother posted a warning on Facebook after the boy picked up the loaded revolver on Halloween.

RCMP confirmed the discovery was made near the Tim Hortons on 1st Avenue and are trying to determine if the weapon had been used in a crime.

 with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: Contributed

A mother is sounding the alarm after her son's death in the Fraser Valley.

Maria Ordenana says drug dealers are preying on rehab patients after her son, Rashid, walked away from a Langley clinic and was found overdosing in a parking lot nearby.

My son told me there was always dealers outside facilities waiting for the patients," Ordenana told CTV. "They know these patients are in recovery and they're addicts, and they are looking for them."

"My son just crossed the street and got some drugs and went back to the facility," she said.

Rashid was a patient at The Cottage, a 25-bed psychiatric unit at Langley Memorial Hospital. But his mother says drugs were just as easy to get around a facility he was previously at in Surrey.

RCMP say they're aware of the problem and have received complaints in the past. They urge people to report suspicious activity so they can respond to it.

"Now it's my son. Tomorrow it's going to be someone else's son," Ordenana said.

 with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: BC Ferries

B.C.'s newest ferry is on its way from Greece.

The Northern Sea Wolf is expected to arrive on the B.C. Coast in early December. It will serve the Port Hardy to Bella Coola run for BC Ferries next summer.

The vessel left Athens Friday and will travel 10,097 nautical miles across the Mediterranean, Atlantic, through the Panama Canal and up the Pacific Coast.

It can carry 35 vehicles and 150 passengers and crew, and was built in 2000.

 with files from CTV Vancouver Island
Photo: CTV

A house fire in the early hours of Saturday claimed the life of a cat in East Vancouver.

Details are few at this hour, but it is believed the residents of the older home were able to escape safely.

The fire happened on Renfrew Street, near Venables Street, just a few blocks from Vancouver's PNE grounds.

Flames could be seen shooting from a side window of the home, and heavy smoke was pouring from the front of the building.

Firefighters were able to stop the flames from spreading to other homes.
Photo: CTV Metro Vancouver residents are paying the highest gas prices in North America.

Metro Vancouver residents are paying the highest gas prices in North America.

And the cost of the liquid gold is expected to rise even more.

The current average in the Lower Mainland is $1.44, but that is expected to break the $1.47 mark this weekend.

The Okanagan is not that far behind, with the pump price coming in at $1.39 despite not having the transit taxes Lower Mainland residents pay on a litre of gas.

GasBuddy analyst Dan McTeague said prices will hopefully top out this weekend.

It may be a sign that things have finally hit their crest and they will start to recede, perhaps pushing us down towards below the $1.40 mark over the next several days, he said.

McTeague blames the uptick on a shortage of gasoline in the Pacific Northwest combined with increased demand from a booming American economy.

The days of oil overproduction are gone and as supplies tighten up, prices rise and McTeague said motorists should expect a general upward trend in gas prices.

According to McTeague, matters are made worse north of the border by the fact that Canada doesnt produce enough gasoline to meet its own needs. That means the country will have to keep buying from foreign markets that might be setting prices based on a very different set of financial circumstances.
Photo: File photo British Columbia Premier John Horgan

British Columbia Premier John Horgan kicked off his party's post-election convention today cheering on the New Democratic Party's rise to power after 16 years of Liberal governments, but he quickly turned to serious topics.

Horgan says the New Democrats face one of the most difficult decisions in the history of British Columbia over the future of the $8.3 billion Site C hydroelectric dam, which has been under construction for more than two years.

An independent government-commissioned report this week found the project in B.C.'s northeast will likely not meet its 2024 completion date and is over budget and could cost more than $10 billion.

The New Democrats say they will make a yes or no decision on Site C, and the fate of the more than 2,000 people currently working on the project, by the end of the year.

Horgan told convention delegates the NDP also faces a looming battle over the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline project, which the party says threatens the province's coast.

Horgan generated large cheers throughout his speech, but the loudest came when he told delegates he will set his sights high and not accept second best.

Horgan hugged federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, who was to deliver a speech to delegates later today.
Wendy Aigner is inviting people to see where food really comes from.

The organizer of Anonymous for the Voiceless Kelowna Chapter will be leading a demonstration from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at The Sails in downtown Kelowna Sunday, Nov. 5.

Tomorrows event is 'International Cube Day', where 194 chapters - i.e. our various demonstration groups - around the world will be taking to the streets to show the public the reality of where their food comes from, said Aigner. We are a controversial yet highly effective animal rights group.

Anonymous for the Voiceless is an animal rights organization that specializes in street activism.

The group shows graphic videos of 'food animals' being slaughtered and the conditions in which they live.
Photo: Contributed Liberals are critical of the current NDP government's consideration to cancel the controversial $9-billion Site C dam project.

BC Liberal leadership hopefuls touted their ideas for bolstering the resource sector and tackling the province's opioid overdose crisis during today's debate in Prince George.

Mike De Jong, Dianne Watts, Michael Lee and Andrew Wilkinson were critical of the current NDP government consideration to cancel the controversial $9-billion Site C dam project.

They say it would result in job losses in rural communities and discourage the development of future infrastructure projects.

Former transportation minister Todd Stone says rural communities are worried about the effects of new U.S. tariffs on the softwood lumber industry and encouraging the tech sector to set up in rural areas would bring jobs that support resource industries.

Sam Sullivan, a former Vancouver mayor, says the opioid overdose crisis is no longer only an urban issue and health care services need to be flexible to adapt to the needs of rural and remote communities.

Candidates also warned the party's next leader must to deliver a campaign strong enough to defeat the NDP's proposed referendum on proportional representation, a model that Watts says would prevent the Liberals from ever holding another majority government.

There are four more debates scheduled across the province before party members elect a new leader in February.
Photo: Randy Millis

Driving conditions have improved in the Okanagan since Thursday's snowstorm, but icy roads remain prevalent in the region.

A vehicle crashed head-on into a pole on Scenic Road near Brenda Road in Kelowna, at about 3:15 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.

A witness said the male occupant didn't appear to be injured, but noted dangerous road conditions at the time of the crash.

"The road was extremely icy and a sanding truck arrived a few minutes after RCMP," Randy Millis said.

The vehicle has since been towed away and the road has been cleared.
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The Supreme Court of Tennessee reversed and remanded for a new sentencing hearing a fatal driving under the influence case from Claiborne County involving the defendants overuse of prescription pain medication. The trial court sentenced the defendant to eight years in prison, but the Court of Criminal Appeals reversed. The Court of Criminal Appeals affirmatively directed the trial court to place the defendant on eight years probation with no jail time. The Supreme Court disagreed with both lower courts treatment of the case at sentencing, concluding that not enough evidence or findings were presented to support either conclusion.

In 2012, defendant Kevin E. Trent was driving a three-quarter-ton pick-up when he struck the vehicle operated by Karen Freeman, who died of her injuries. The defendant pled guilty to vehicular homicide resulting from intoxication, a Class B felony. Under the plea agreement, the defendant was to be sentenced as a standard offender to eight years, with the manner of service of the sentence being determined by a trial court after a hearing.

At the hearing, evidence was presented about the victims life as well as the defendants history, which included a serious motorcycle accident that resulted in the loss of limbs. The defendant, however, had no criminal history. Testimony was presented on the defendants use of Oxycodone, and it was shown that his blood level was above the therapeutic level when tested after the accident. The trial court determined the entire sentence of eight years should be served in prison. The defendant appealed, and the Court of Criminal Appeals found the trial court based its decision on the mere elements of the crime and not on any egregious or aggravating circumstances. Therefore, it directed the trial court to sentence the defendant to eight years full probation. The state appealed to the Supreme Court.

In reaching its decision, the Supreme Court agreed that a trial court cannot deny probation solely on the basis of the offense itself when the legislature has determined the crime is probation-eligible. The trial court made few, if any, findings on how the accident occurred or the extent of the overdose, and it misapplied the enhancement factor. However, the Supreme Court also found the record was not sufficient to agree with the Court of Criminal Appeals decision on full probation because some evidence, especially related to the defendants probability to reoffend, was included in the trial courts initial decision. Moreover, the burden of proving suitability for full probation is on the defendant. The case was sent back to the trial court for a new sentencing hearing.

To read the opinion in State of Tennessee v. Kevin E. Trent, authored by Chief Justice Jeff Bivins, go to the opinions section of TNCourts.gov.








GLASGOW, Scotland  French striker Moussa Dembele scored one and created another two as Celtic thrashed St Johnstone 4-0 to break their own 100-year British record of unbeaten domestic matches

The Scottish champions extended their domestic unbeaten record to 63 to eclipse the Celtic team of Willie Maley who went 62 league games unbeaten -- pre-League Cup whilst the Scottish Cup was not played during World War I -- between 1915 and 1917.

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Brendan Rodgers's team are joint-third now in UEFA's all-time domestic unbeaten records list, alongside Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol.

Gibraltar's Lincoln Red Imps (88) -- who ironically began Rodgers tenure last year with an embarrassing defeat in a Champions League first leg match -- and Romania's Steaua Bucharest -- who won the European Cup in 1986 and reached the final in 1989 -- of the late 1980s lead with 104.

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St Johnstone had been the last side to defeat Celtic on domestic duty back in May 2016, but they never looked like repeating that feat.

Scott Sinclair opened the scoring in the 28th minute before Dembele added a second in the 72nd minute.

Steven Anderson turned a Dembele cross into his own net two minutes later before Olivier Ntcham added a late fourth.

Celtic were unchanged from their Champions League 2-1 home defeat by Bayern Munich on Tuesday but they showed no signs of a European hangover as they quickly warmed to the task in the autumn sunshine.

A sluggish St Johnstone, without a goal since 23 September, went behind from Celtic's first corner of the match.

Stuart Armstrong fired the low corner to the centre of the penalty area where there was plenty of space for the unmarked Sinclair to fire the ball high into the net beyond the despairing Zander Clark.

Celtic began the second half as they ended the first and came close to adding a second shortly after the restart.

An Armstrong corner in the 53rd minute was met by Dedryck Boyata but his looping header was nodded off the line by Aaron Comrie at the back post.

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Celtic doubled their lead when Dembele struck, the French striker started the move on the half-way line and burst into the box to get on the end of Armstrong's cut-back to finish confidently past Clark.

Dembele proved to be a thorn in St Johnstone's side as he set up Celtic's third two minutes later.

Australian midfielder Tom Rogic fed the ball to the striker on the left wing and his attempt to pick out Sinclair with a cut-back came off Saints defender Anderson and trundled into his own net.

The French striker wasn't finished as he then teed up substitute Ntcham to rifle a low strike past Clark with just a minute left as Celtic finished in style.
Chicago homeowners in areas with high property taxes and homebuyers could take a hit under the Republicans proposed tax plan in the U.S. House. (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune)

For Chicago-area residents with simple income streams and uncomplicated tax returns, congressional Republicans proposed tax plan could mean a bigger refund after Tax Day. But homeowners in areas with high property taxes and homebuyers could take a hit.

The plan, introduced Thursday, would nearly double the standard deduction to $24,000 per couple, potentially benefiting taxpayers who dont itemize their federal tax returns. Those who do could see their tax bills increase due to scaled-back deductions tied to their property taxes and interest paid on mortgage loans.

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President Donald Trump wants the House to pass the bill by Thanksgiving and the Senate to pass it by the end of the year. Lawmakers say the bill could save the average American family $1,182 per year.

Exact implications for individuals are hard to predict, though, with variables such as the elimination of personal exemptions, shuffling of tax brackets and other tweaks.

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RELATED: Blue states will be hit hardest by GOP tax plan's limits on deductions

The plan, which could change, would allow homeowners to deduct interest payments only on the first $500,000 of new mortgage loans instead of the current $1 million. It also would trim the amount of property taxes a homeowner can deduct to $10,000 from $15,000. Ultimately, that would mean more of those homeowners earnings would be taxed because the value of their deductions would be lower.

Thats not a problem for homeowners who have property taxes of less than $10,000, like many in the Chicago area do. The average annual property tax bill on a single-family home in Cook County in 2016 was $5,660, according to property data provider Attom Data Solutions. In Lake County, it was a little more than $8,800. But there are people who pay much more.

The annual property tax bill on a $400,000 home in Oak Park, for example, was more than $15,000, according to a recent Tribune estimate based on data from the Cook County clerks office. Compare that with a bill of about $8,700 for a similarly priced home in Deerfield.

Because area property taxes vary widely and are so connected to school funding, it really is a school district-to-school district issue, said Brian Bernardoni, senior director of government affairs and public policy at the Chicago Association of Realtors.

The move could also reduce affordability and change buying patterns, said Oren Jacobson, lead market analyst for New Home Star, a Chicago-based real estate sales management and consulting firm.

RELATED: Analysis: Winners and losers in the GOP tax plan

Consumers who may be stretching their budgets to afford a home could decide to stay renters or not trade up to a more expensive home.

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The No. 1 reason you want people to buy homes is to build wealth, Bernardoni said. That is no longer the blueprint. (The tax plan) is really trying to close the door on that.

The National Association of Realtors and the National Association of Home Builders have strongly opposed the GOP plan.

For people who already live in higher-taxed areas and their representatives, this is going to be one of the major fights thats about to unfold around this bill, Jacobson said.

Others expect the impact on the housing market to be more muted because buying a home is a lifestyle decision as well as a financial one.

Alan Lev, president and CEO of residential real estate developer Belgravia Group, said he doesnt think the proposed change to the mortgage interest deduction will have a huge impact.

If someone buys a $1 million home, for example, and borrows to cover 75 percent of the cost, its the mortgage interest on $250,000 that wont be deductible under the new bill.

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For somebody that can afford a $1 million home, (its) not a game-changer, he said.

Mortgages that reach those heights are in the minority, according to data from Attom. Of all the loans taken out or refinanced this year in Cook County, 7.6 percent  about 7,900 loans  were for more than $500,000.

The percentage in Lake County was similar, at 7.3 percent, but the rest of the collar counties were lower, between about 2 and 3 percent.

Lev said in his experience down payments have continued to increase. Millennials still arent buying homes in droves, and new homebuyers tend to be older. They have more money saved up, and theyre generally putting more down, he said.

Levs firm is developing Renelle on the River, a high-end condominium tower on Wabash Avenue in the River North neighborhood. Buyers there are largely baby boomers who arent looking to take out huge mortgages, he said.

Under the GOP plan, the mortgage interest deduction would end for second homes, affecting not just the snowbirds and those in search of a Michigan beach house. It could hit potential landlords and, in turn, renters.

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People looking to flip houses in up-and-coming neighborhoods are grateful for a break on their efforts to help revitalize an area, said Mabel Guzman, a real estate agent with @properties. If its all the same, then why actually get into a community? she said.

If someone is eyeing a second home to use as an investment property and was counting on that deduction, they could also look at transferring that burden to renters, Guzman said.

That means those thinking of investing in a second property may think twice about where to put their money, said Jacobson, from New Home Star. People who can afford a second property will likely also benefit from some tax bracket shuffling proposed in the bill.

Regardless of the potential changes tied to homeownership, Jacobson said many taxpayers likely will continue taking the standard deduction, which would increase under the plan.

That little change is going to make it a lot simpler for a lot of people, Jacobson said. Whether simple equals better is a totally different question.

amarotti@chicagotribune.com

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Twitter @AllyMarotti

RELATED:

[ Trump personally pushing GOP leaders to use tax bill to undermine Obamacare ]

[ Analysis: GOP tax proposal 'a deficit-exploding tax cut' for the rich and corporations ]

[ GOP tax plan may offer little aid for many in middle class ]
Dear Amy: Earlier this year, my partner of more than 20 years died of brain cancer. Every day is still very hard.

For almost all of those 20 years, we typically spent the holidays with his mother and father and his siblings and their children. (Both of my parents are deceased, and my only brother lives in Europe.)

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We typically went to one of their houses, and even hosted a few times. I became close with all of them, and the kids even called me "Uncle."

Since his funeral, the contact I have had with his family has been very minimal. I checked in with them a few times this year over email, sent birthday cards and gifts to the kids and even offered to host dinner. They declined all of my attempts to see them, so I figured they were still grieving, and did not push too hard.

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I ran into my partner's sister one day, and asked if they were planning to get together for the holidays this year. She was very uncomfortable, and said that they decided they were only going to do "close family" this year, and not do anything "too large." I asked her if I should plan to be there, and she said "probably not."

I am very hurt. I considered these people family for a long time, and now feel like they want nothing to do with me, and that I never existed in the first place.

Several friends gave me the advice that I should tell them how I feel, and let them know how disrespectful they are being to their own son's memory, but I also know they have had a hard year, too.

What do I do here?

-- Grieving

Dear Grieving: I agree with your friends in their counsel to be open about your feelings.

I disagree about chastising these family members, however. You are justified, to be sure, but I just don't think it is useful to tell other people how to behave, while it can be useful (and helpful to you) to tell them how their behavior makes you feel.

Here is some suggested wording: "Since Dean's death I have coped with my own sadness and extreme grief -- and I know you have, too. I have always considered you to be family members, and my connection to you has been a refuge during a very sad time. I'm so sorry to note that this connection seems to be fading, because I sincerely believe that we could help and comfort one another now."

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Dear Amy: I recently met a guy online. We've been going out for about five weeks. We've been on four dates. We're not in a committed relationship, but he's not being upfront about the fact that he's seeing (and probably sleeping with) other women.

Because we are not exclusive, he and I have not slept together and I have told him that we won't unless we are exclusive.

He has made up different excuses for his unavailability. I've confronted him about this but he seems to continue doing it. How should I handle this?

-- Not Easy

Dear Not Easy: Actually, it sounds as if this guy has been fairly upfront about the fact that he is not exclusive with you. You have obviously discerned this somehow, because you have stated your own nonnegotiable stance about it.

You just don't seem to like his answer.

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Perhaps you should just go ahead and assume that when he is not available to you, he is with other women. It is possible that he is doing what you are doing -- dating around. That's sort of the whole idea, isn't it? To meet and date different people until you find the best match?

Ask Amy Daily No-nonsense advice for better living delivered to your inbox every morning. For a limited time, sign up for the Ask Amy newsletter and get the book Ask Amy: Essential Wisdom from Americas Favorite Advice Columnist for $5. >

If he was really into you, he would want to be with you, and you wouldn't wonder where he was or how he felt.

However, four dates really isn't a lot of time to figure out how you feel, unless you are a guy feeling pressured to become exclusive before you are ready. In that case, four dates is plenty.

Dear Amy: I was infuriated by the issue presented by "Feeling Taken Advantage Of," whose brother always chose to fly into the airport furthest away from the house, forcing someone to drive for several hours to retrieve him.

This selfish jerk should get an Uber or cab to deliver him.

-- Infuriated

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Dear Infuriated: Sometimes, flying into the closest airport is the most expensive choice, but I agree that this brother was being selfish.

(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Amy Dickinson, c/o Tribune Content Agency, 16650 Westgrove Drive, Suite 175, Addison, Texas, 75001. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook.)

[ The ups and downs of iGen: More tolerant, less happy ]

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Then-Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump gives a speech on election night at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York on Nov. 8, 2016. (Jim Watson / AFP/Getty Images)

Where were you on the night Donald Trump was elected president?

It was a Tuesday, almost exactly a year ago. Remember?

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Yes, you do.

Im guessing that the memory of that night is seared into the brains of most American adults, however they voted, but even if I didnt remember it, I have the texts to remind me. I found them in my phone the other day.

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Nov. 8, 10:34 p.m., Chicago time.

A friend in California texts: This is terrifying.

I know, I text back. I cut the TV off and am in bed. Feeling so sad.

11 p.m., Chicago time.

Im still awake, lying in the dark, when another West Coast friend texts: Just sick, quickly followed by Just heard that the Canadian immigration site has crashed.

She doesnt explain. She doesnt need to. I know shes watching the returns, which I resolutely am not.

After laughing despite myself at the Canadian line, I say I really am going to sleep, which I do after reading her final words of the night: May you wake up to a happy surprise.

Of course, there was no happy surprise on the morning of Nov. 9, 2016, for the millions of Americans who voted for Hillary Clinton, which was the plurality of voters. Looking back on those texts now  their dismay tinged by hope  feels like listening to the last voice on the black box before the plane goes down.

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Oh, I know. Thats hyperbolic.

In the year since Donald Trump was elected president, the sun has continued to come up on schedule. Flowers still grow, trees still bloom, wailing babies enter the world and their parents rejoice. People of all political persuasions still sing, dance, laugh. Some manage to love each other across the Trump divide. The plane called America is still flying.

But the words sad, sick and terrified have permeated this year of constant combat, a year more rancorous than most living Americans have experienced before.

Its the year we grew almost accustomed to the idea of a president who taunts and tweets and bullies, who rules, if rules is the right word, by insult, chaos and tantrum.

Remember that it wasnt always that way?

Remember that there was a time, not so long ago, that only hardcore political junkies wondered, What will the president say today?

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Its hard to remember because this was the year average citizens learned to expect an outrageous presidential statement as routinely as we expected the weather report.

It was the year we learned to permanently pair Russian and election meddling, that we glimpsed more clearly than ever before the power of Facebook, Twitter and Google to mess with our politics and our minds.

Its the year we heard the president  the president of the United States!  bait the leader of North Korea by calling him Rocket Man, demean a member of his own party by calling him Liddle Bob Corker and tweet that a female TV host was dumb as a rock and bleeding badly from a face-lift.

Its the year the standard for public speech was lowered from the very top.

It was, in short, an exhausting year, one that made it hard to turn away from the news, even for those of us who believe that turning away from the news every now and then would be good for our individual and collective mental health.

And yet for all the ugliness the past year brought, it also brought new energy.

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It was the year hundreds of thousands of women, backed by legions of men, marched in the streets to say we demand our reproductive rights, equal pay, respect.

It was the year women spoke out in greater numbers than ever before  at least thats how the bullhorn of social media has made it seem  against sexual harassment. In this year, a record number of high-profile men in power, including the president, have been called to account by name.

It was a year when the vaunted border wall was not built and Obamacare was not repealed and immigrants were still allowed into the country, and while these may be tentative consolations, theyre better than defeat.

Its the year that women in record numbers expressed interest in running for elected office and people gave impressive sums of money to organizations that defend human rights.

A long year. A hard year. A year that forced us to reckon more strenuously than usual with the fact that liberty and equality do not exist on autopilot.

It was the year that, despite it all, with hope and dismay, we persisted.

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mschmich@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @MarySchmich

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Laura Mendoza, 28, an immigration organizer for the Resurrection Project, poses outside the Instituto Health Science Career Academy on Nov. 2, 2017, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)

Immigrants in Chicago have seen a dramatic increase in legal representation since earlier this year, thanks in part to a fund established by the city, according to an independent study released this week by researchers at Syracuse University.

According to the report, the percentage of immigrants in Chicago who were represented in deportation hearings spiked from 30 percent in May to 57 percent in August.

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The more representation we have in court, the more we have a balanced system, said Mary Meg McCarthy, executive director of the National Immigrant Justice Center, a Chicago-based immigrant advocacy group that partnered with the city to help give legal counsel and services to thousands of immigrants threatened with deportation.

The Legal Defense Fund, approved by the Chicago City Council in January, uses $1.3 million in city funds to pay for immigrants' legal services or to help them navigate other options to try to avoid deportation.

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The fund has been used to hire attorneys at the National Immigrant Justice Center and also issue grants to 10 community organizations for outreach. So far, 1,560 Chicago residents have received free legal screenings, and immigrants have had representation in court for 766 cases. Advocates hope to offer legal representation in 1,000 cases and Know Your Rights training sessions to 20,000 people in the first year, according to officials at the center.

Good legal advice ... reduces the chances of (immigrants) being deported to a country where their lives may be in danger or of them being permanently separated from their families, McCarthy said.

Immigration advocates contend that the outcomes of deportation cases are dramatically impacted by whether a person has a lawyer. Across the U.S., when an immigrant who is not being held in a detention center has representation in court, 63 percent avoid deportation. Only 13 percent of those not in a detention center avoid deportation when they dont have representation. The remaining 24 percent are ordered deported, McCarthy said.

The increase in immigrants using lawyers through Chicagos fund was evident in findings released Monday from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, or TRAC, a research center at Syracuse University that works to make data about government spending more accessible.

Its very unusual to see a spike for a recent time period, said Susan Long, co-director of TRAC at Syracuse University. Theres been a sudden change here, so that even with a very short time frame, people are suddenly finding attorneys.

The research center also released data last month showing that Illinois immigrants facing deportation have lawyers to represent them in court 53 percent of the time. Illinois falls roughly in the middle compared with other states, with immigrants in Hawaii having the highest rate of representation in deportation hearings  83 percent  and Georgia immigrants having the lowest, at 38 percent.

Immigrant advocacy groups and attorneys said immigrants facing deportation are often removed from the country because they cant afford or dont have access to lawyers who can help them to navigate the complicated court process needed to prove that they qualify to stay in the country. Making legal services accessible also helps to keep immigrants facing deportation  often children  away from corrupt opportunists who charge lesser fees than lawyers but offer poor counsel that ultimately can hurt immigrants cases.

Unlike in criminal proceedings, the federal government is not required to provide legal counsel to those without the means to hire an attorney in immigration court.

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But some oppose the idea of using government funds to pay for immigrants legal counsel.

Were defending people that are breaking our laws, said Northwest Side Ald. Nick Sposato, 38th, the lone vote against the city fund, which came from $20 million the city set aside for Mayor Rahm Emanuel's property tax rebate program. That initiative fell flat, with just 12,000 households applying for tax relief to the tune of about $1 million, leaving ample leftover money to pay for immigrant defense.

Sposato said he empathizes with hardworking immigrants who call Chicago home despite being here illegally. But he would rather see city funds go toward public safety, mental health issues or retired city employees who have no insurance.

The bottom line is we have a process here. To jump in front of the line before other people, I just dont think its right, Sposato said.

The TRAC report showed that immigrants in all pending cases in Chicago and the collar counties had higher odds of representation than those in rural areas of the state  inconsistencies that mirror those in other states. In Cook County, immigrants were represented 72 percent of the time; 77 percent in DuPage County; 67 percent in Lake; 76 percent in Kane; 80 percent in Will; and 76 percent in McHenry. Meanwhile, immigrants in downstate Sangamon County were represented 34 percent of the time, and those in Morgan County were represented 39 percent of the time.

Because the data on legal representation is the first of its kind collected, researchers hope it will help both immigrant advocacy groups and the public understand how effective funds like the one in Chicago are over time, Long said.

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Chicago is part of a movement of trying to come up with methods to provide representation. The natural question is how effective is it? Being able to monitor that ... we thought would be very useful, she said.

Laura Mendoza, an immigration organizer for the Resurrection Project, said many immigrants she works with are grateful to learn there is a fund to help cover the cost of legal counsel. In some cases, immigrants facing deportation need documentation from a police station to prove they are victims of a crime who may qualify to stay. Lawyers and legal advocates walk them into the police stations to help get the needed paperwork.

That could be incredibly intimidating. They may not speak the language; they may not know how things work, Mendoza said. Theyre incredibly thankful that there is the ability to be able to get a legal consultation and to get some clarity on the questions that they have.

Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. >

Reem Odeh, a Chicago immigration attorney who owns her own firm, said she was glad to see more immigrants gaining access to attorneys because of the complexity of most cases.

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The laws for immigration are so Draconian, which means you forget one technicality or blow one deadline and you may not be able to reopen that case permanently, Odeh said. You drop the ball on one element and you could potentially destroy that persons future for him and his entire family.

vortiz@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @vikkiortiz

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Chicago police at the scene of a shooting in the 1300 block of South Homan Avenue in Chicago on Nov. 4, 2017. (Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)

Updated Nov. 7, 2017 10:45 a.m.  A man and a woman were killed in separate shootings on the Far South Side and 13 other people, including a 14-year-old boy, were injured in attacks in Chicago between Saturday and Sunday mornings, police said.

In the most recent homicide, 26-year-old Alonte Barber was found shot multiple times in an alley in the Washington Heights neighborhood about 1:25 a.m. Sunday, police said. He was pronounced dead on the scene in the 10500 block of South Green Street.

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Barber had lived in the 8000 block of South Honore Street, the medical examiner said.

Earlier, a 37-year-old woman was killed at a party in the West Pullman neighborhood on Saturday just before midnight, police said. The woman, who was identified as Pamela Enge, was shot in the head in the 100 block of East 117th Place, said the Cook County medical examiner's office and police.

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Enge, of the 400 block of West 118th Street, was pronounced dead at 1:39 a.m. at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, according to the medical examiner's office. An autopsy for Enge is scheduled for Monday.

Earlier, police said she was 29.

A 25-year-old man also suffered a gunshot wound to the right leg in the same attack. He was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where his condition was stabilized.

The 14-year-old was wounded in a double shooting around 12:15 p.m. in the 2200 block of South Oakley Avenue in the Lower West Side community, police said. The boy and a 22-year-old man were both shot by someone in a two-door black sedan. The boy suffered graze wounds to his foot and right leg. The man was shot in his left leg and right arm, and was taken in critical condition to Stroger Hospital. The boy went in a private vehicle to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was in good condition, police said.

In other shootings:

A 20-year-old man was shot in both legs and the abdomen as he was trying to rob someone in the Ida B. Wells/Darrow Homes neighborhood about 1:20 a.m. Sunday, police said. The 20-year-old was waiting inside a home in the 500 block of East 38th Street when a 23-year-old man entered the residence, police said. The 20-year-old announced a robbery and appeared to have a handgun, but the victim, who has a concealed carry permit, drew his handgun and fired shots at the offender. After the shooting, investigators determined the offender had a pellet gun. He was taken to Stroger Hospital, where his condition was stabilized.

Two men were shot in the Englewood neighborhood on the South Side just before 11:20 p.m. Saturday, police said. They were standing with a group of people in the 5600 block of South Emerald Avenue when they heard gunfire and realized they were hit. A 41-year-old was shot in the right ankle and left heel and went in a private vehicle to St. Bernard Hospital, where his condition was stabilized. An 18-year-old was shot in the left leg and taken to St. Bernard Hospital, where his condition was stabilized, police said.

On the Southwest Side, a 26-year-old was shot in the left wrist in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood about 11:10 p.m., police said. He was standing in the 5900 block of South Campbell Avenue when two men came up to him, one of who fired shots. The man was taken to Holy Cross Hospital in good condition.

Also on the Southwest Side, a 20-year-old man was shot in both legs in the Scottsdale neighborhood about 9:40 p.m., police said. He was walking in the 7900 block of South Kolin Avenue when someone in a tan Chevy Malibu traveling north on Kolin fired shots. The man was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where his condition was stabilized.

On the West Side about 5:30 p.m., a 25-year-old man was shot in the head in the 1300 block of South Homan Avenue in the Lawndale neighborhood on the West Side, police said in a media notification. He was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition. Police went to the scene after someone called 911 about a person who had been shot, and officers found the man lying on the sidewalk, unresponsive and with a gunshot wound to the head.

A 21-year-old woman was shot about 12:45 p.m. in the 1200 block of West 89th Street in the Gresham neighborhood on the South Side, police said. She was in the driver's seat of a vehicle when a known suspect fired shots, striking her several times in the right arm. She was not the intended target, police said. She was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where she was listed in good condition.

On the West Side, a 23-year-old man was wounded around 9:15 a.m. in the 1300 block of South Troy Street in the Lawndale neighborhood. The man was shot in the hip, back and hand. Police said someone got out of a vehicle and fired several shots at the man as he was walking through a vacant lot. He was taken in serious condition to Mount Sinai Hospital.

A man and a woman were shot earlier Saturday on the Far South Side in the West Pullman neighborhood. About 5:30 a.m., they were inside a vehicle in the 11600 block of South Racine Avenue when someone walked up and opened fire, police said. The woman, 31, was grazed in the back, and the man, 34, was shot in the right leg. The two went in a private vehicle to Roseland Community Hospital, but their conditions were not available, police said.

No one was in custody.
Nilda Flores-Gonzalez is reunited with her mother, Eva Gonzalez-Monclova, 83, and brother Erving Flores, 57, at her home in Oak Park, on Sept. 29, 2017. They arrived the night before from hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

In the aftermath of Hurricane Marias devastation, many Puerto Ricans fled the Caribbean Island to stay with families in Chicago. A month later, they have learned that the path home may be a long and winding road.

Some remain in the Chicago area, while others have moved farther south on the mainland to be closer to home. Some families have split for now, with one or more members back in Puerto Rico, while others wait out the cleanup. And still others are only just arriving at OHare.

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Eva Gonzalez-Monclova, 83, said she and her son are relying on relatives while they wait for the island to stabilize. She flew to Chicago to stay with her daughter in Oak Park, then to another relatives home in Texas, then another in Arizona  and she may make another stop in Florida, but theres no telling when shell return home.

You leave the place where youve lived all your life, you leave all your belongings although material things are not important, Gonzalez-Monclova said in Spanish. You cant help or even give condolences to the people. Its very difficult.

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Chicago, home to more than 100,000 people of Puerto Rican descent, has seen at least 1,600 people evacuate from Puerto Rico on humanitarian flights to OHare International Airport, said Alicia Tate-Nadeau, the executive director for Chicagos Office of Emergency Management and Communications.

Leaving place youve lived all your life

Gonzalez-Monclova and her son, who both traveled to the U.S. after the storm, are relying on relatives while they wait for the island to stabilize.

As her road home zigzags across the United States, she said shes felt the tug of war between her own desire to return home and her daughters wish for her to remain in the United States.

Im independent, Gonzalez-Monclova said. I drive everywhere by myself.

But her daughter Nilda Flores-Gonzalez, speaking in Spanish and English, said: Yes, but its not the same when you have to be hustling around and finding food.

Its a feeling that only I know, Gonzalez-Monclova said.

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Flores-Gonzalez noticed her mother had trouble making decisions in the days after she arrived in the Chicago. She said she thinks her mother was likely in shock that shed been uprooted overnight.

While Gonzalez-Monclova was staying in Oak Park last month, she had trouble sleeping, she recalled. Thoughts of people left without food and the possibility of diseases spreading in Puerto Rico kept her up.

Instead of being happy, enjoying my daughters, I dont feel like that, Gonzalez-Monclova said in Spanish. I feel like my duty was to stay and help, but I couldnt help (at) my age.

If Gonzalez-Monclova remains in United States much longer  or even permanently  her daughters said at some point they will have to find her a new set of doctors. Shes supposed to have regular checkups to make sure her breast cancer doesnt return.

A storm and a separation

Manuel Torres Marquez and Dinah Kortright Roig briefly bunked with their son in his Lake View East apartment in the first weeks after the storm hit and they fled Puerto Rico. Now he is back in their San Juan home while she is staying for now with their other son in Florida.

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When the husband and wife left Puerto Rico in late September, Kortright Roig said she felt like a character in a dramatic movie fleeing her home.

Dinah Kortright Roig, right, watches live music with her husband, Manuel Torres-Marquez, left, at a cultural event at the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center on Oct. 12, 2017, in Chicago. Dinah and Manuel are staying with their son, Omar Torres-Kortright, after leaving their home in Puerto Rico following the devastation of Hurricane Maria. (Kristen Norman / Chicago Tribune)

When you come here, you are like in this shock, she told the Tribune as she sat in her sons Chicago apartment in recent weeks. You have to process the whole feeling, and you havent had time to visualize yourself in just a couple of weeks or months afterwards.

These days Torres Marquez is teaching college courses on a sweltering, tarp-covered patio. Evening classes at Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico are now daytime weekend classes. And a face mask must be worn when he ventures into his office filled with dust and possible mold. Without electricity the university hasnt been able to do a heavy-duty scrubbing of the buildings.

The powerful Category 4 storm, which killed more than 50 people and injured dozens of others, knocked out the islands power grid. Torres Marquez  like a majority on the island  still doesnt have electricity at home. Tap water must be boiled before it can be used consumed or used to cook. The couples home is habitable, but the family room can no longer be used because the windows and walls were damaged by the strong winds and water. Hes unsure when the repairs will get made now that their budget is tighter, construction supplies are low and other more heavily damaged homes could take priority.

While the island is still cleaning up, Torres Marquez said he feels optimistic as he sees strangers in line for gasoline ask each other with sincere concern about their families.

I have hope, Torres Marquez said in Spanish. (Reconstruction) is slow but you are starting to feel it.

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When the couple will reunite isnt exactly clear. Kortright Roig, 65, said she has some health issues. And while government officials reported most hospitals in Puerto Rico are open again, Torres Marquez, 66, said in a phone interview from Puerto Rico that medical office hours remain irregular more than a month after the hurricane. Thats one reason why shes staying in Florida for a few more weeks.

The couple wanted to be home for the long holiday season, a typically jubilant time in Puerto Rico.

This Christmas for us, Torres Marquez said in Spanish as he started to tear up, will be different.

Street holiday celebrations, which typically last from November to January, will probably be scaled back to more intimate settings in peoples homes, Kortright Roig said.

I also think a lot of people will be missed at that time, she said. Unfortunately, many young couples with children or young professionals will just stay in the states. For us, its like, where do we start again? We just have to get stronger.

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Staying in Chicago

Of the 1,500-plus people who boarded humanitarian flights bound for Chicago, about 135 had asked the city for some kind of assistance as of late October, according to the citys emergency management office.

Cristina Pacione-Zayas, co-chair for the Chicago-based Puerto Rican Agenda, thinks the number could be higher.

People are staying with their family, she said. They might be using their resources instead of calling the city.

Gov. Bruce Rauner announced last week that he wanted Illinois to serve as a host state for people displaced by Hurricane Maria.

For some families who fled Puerto Rico, Chicago will become their new home. Jesus Gomez, 40, flew with his 70-year-old mother, Elena Rodriguez Gomez, from Quebrada Arenas to Chicago this past Sunday to stay with one of his sisters. The hurricane left them without any means of communication, and relatives in the states at one point thought they were dead, he said.

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Theres no going back to Puerto Rico, said Gomez, who once called Chicago home. My houses not good enough to go back there and my mothers house is not good enough to go back there. We are going to stay here and start from zero.

His first days in Chicago were spent in a corner room at Stroger Hospital after having gone weeks without medication for diabetes. Once he is released from the hospital, hell be living out of his sisters dining room until the family manages to come up with enough money to get them their own apartment.

I dont know whats going to happen, he said from his hospital bed last week. Im just anxious, emotional, just stressed and happy that my health is getting better. Thats one thing that Im happy for.

The Associated Press contributed.

emalagon@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @ElviaMalagon

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[ Puerto Ricans fleeing storm's devastation find refuge with family in Chicago area ]

[ Chicago 'Hamilton' cast members 'Rise Up for Puerto Rico' ]
A Chicago firefighter was injured and a woman rescued during a fire at a two-flat style apartment building in the Austin neighborhood Friday afternoon, according to fire officials.

Crews were called to the building in the 100 block of North Lamon Avenue just after 3:25 p.m. and about 10 minutes later firefighters working to douse the blaze called a Mayday alert for a firefighter who couldn't be found, according to the department's media office and fire officials.

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Neighbors who spoke to WGN-TV described a loud explosion, and fire officials said that it appeared the fire included a "backdraft," in which internal pressure is released rapidly out of a building, causing an explosive outrushing of air and fire.

The firefighter was found and determined to be injured, and taken to Stroger Hospital in serious-to-critical condition with what were believed to be non-life-threatening injuries, according to the office.

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The "Firefighter (was) doing well at Stroger. All indications point to classic 'backdraft' blast" in the fire, according to a tweet from the department.

One woman was rescued from the building by firefighters.

The building suffered significant brick damage from the fire and backdraft, according to the department.
Springfield  A former federal prosecutor that has worked on high-profile corruption cases will be the Illinois General Assemblys new top watchdog, as lawmakers continue to try to address the ongoing sexual harassment scandal at the Capitol.

The Legislative Ethics Commission announced former Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie B. Porter was appointed as the new legislative inspector general. She was picked during a private meeting on Saturday afternoon. Porter was a member of the prosecution team in the Conrad Black fraud trial, and worked on public corruption cases including those that led to the conviction of Springfield power broker Bill Celleni and former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

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Porter left the U.S. Attorneys office in 2016 for private practice in Chicago, focusing on criminal defense, investigative work and employment litigation. She will be tasked with taking on more than two dozen ethics complaints that have piled up in the three years the post has been left vacant.

Julie Porter is a skilled attorney who has experience trying public corruption and fraud cases, state Sen. Terry Link, a Waukegan Democrat and chairman of the commission that chose Porter, said in a statement. I look forward to working with Ms. Porter to quickly get the Ethics Commission back on track, address the complaints that exist and move forward.

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Saturdays meeting wasnt open to the public, convened via phone and came over the weekend when few people are paying attention to the news as allegations of sexual harassment have put a spotlight on conduct in Illinois politics.

The increased attention on the obscure legislative post comes after a public hearing in Chicago on Tuesday, when a victim rights advocate alleged that she was harassed by a state senator but her complaints went unanswered for nearly a year.

Denise Rotheimer told lawmakers that Democratic Sen. Ira Silverstein made unwanted comments about her appearance, sent her hundreds of Facebook messages and placed midnight phone calls as she was working with him to pass a bill for nearly 18 months. Silverstein has disputed the allegations and said he apologized "if I made her uncomfortable." He has since resigned his leadership post with the Senate Democrats.

Rotheimer said she complained to Democratic Senate President John Cullerton's office in late November 2016 but heard nothing. Cullerton's office said the matter was referred to the inspector general, saying "it is our understanding there is an open investigation."

However, the complaint instead has sat in a binder and was not reported as a pending case to the Legislative Ethics Commission. Sen. Karen McConnaughay, a Republican member of the commission from St. Charles, has said the panel's executive director told her that a complaint is not considered a case without action from the inspector general -- the post that's long been vacant.

Prior to Saturday's decision, McConnaughay said the interim inspector general's duties will be "limited to resolving the outstanding 27 complaints. Lawmakers will be in Springfield starting Tuesday for the second week of their annual veto session, and sexual harassment is likely to be a key issue. They could consider legislation from House Speaker Michael Madigan that would require sexual harassment training for legislative employees and lobbyists.

Democratic leaders also are looking to change a law that puts a one-year time limit on investigations into claims of wrongdoing against lawmakers.

The time-limit issue centers on a provision in the Illinois ethics act, which states that an investigation "may not be initiated more than one year after the most recent act of the alleged violation" unless "there is reasonable cause to believe that fraudulent concealment has occurred."

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That could mean many of the complaints that have stacked up in recent years have expired. Legislative leaders failed to agree on a full time legislative inspector general, which requires approval of the General Assembly, and without one there is no one to look into the cases.

mcgarcia@chicagotribune.com

kgeiger@chicagotribune.com

RELATED:

[ Illinois Democrats scramble to change law to keep alive ethics complaints stuck in limbo ]

[ Amid harassment allegation, Illinois senator loses leadership spot and a scramble to fill investigator's job ]

[ Victim rights advocate says state lawmaker sexually harassed her, complaint went nowhere at Capitol ]
In this Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017 photo, a United States Customs and Border Protection agent walks away after helping to place an undocumented 10-year-old girl with cerebral palsy in the back of an ambulance to transfer her from Driscoll Children's Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas, to a children's facility in San Antonio for emergency gallbladder surgery. (Courtney Sacco / AP)

HOUSTON  U.S. authorities have released a 10-year-old immigrant girl with cerebral palsy who had been detained by border agents after surgery because she is in the U.S. without legal permission.

The ACLU and U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro said that Rosa Maria Hernandez was returned Friday afternoon to her family. Her parents brought her into the U.S. from Mexico in 2007, when she was a toddler, and they live in the Texas border city of Laredo.

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The ACLU sued the government on Rosa Maria's behalf on Oct. 31, days after she and an adult cousin were followed by Border Patrol to a children's hospital. She was taken from the hospital after surgery to a San Antonio facility, where she was in the custody of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

To get to the hospital, the cousin took her through the Texas border city of Laredo to Corpus Christi, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) away, because the cousin is an American citizen and could accompany her through an interior checkpoint in South Texas without being detained.

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Border Patrol agents said they had no choice but to detain Rosa Maria, arguing that she was considered an unaccompanied minor under federal law, the same as a child who crosses into the United States alone without legal permission.

The ACLU argued that the U.S. government violated federal law on unaccompanied minors and were endangering Rosa Maria's health by not sending her home.

Leticia Gonzalez, an attorney for Rosa Maria's family, said the 10-year-old had the mental capacity of a child closer to 4 or 5 years old due to her cerebral palsy. Priscila Martinez, an activist at the Workers Defense Action Fund, said the child was showing signs of socially withdrawing while in detention and refusing to eat her favorite kind of bread.

Federal immigration authorities have faced strong criticism from advocates and some Texas Democratic congressmen over their handling of the case. But U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement after she was detained that "there is no discretion with regard to the law whether or not the agents should enforce the law."

Gabriel Acosta, assistant chief patrol agent for the Border Patrol's Laredo sector, said that his agents had "acted professionally and compassionately to get this child the medical attention she needed."
When I stopped in on Bob Meduna in the fields just west of Wahoo, I asked, How does the harvest look? Looks pretty good, Bob said. Whats everyone else saying?

It was one of those perfect fall mornings in Nebraska. On the horizon, the rich blue sky seemed to stretch down and touch the amber rolling hills  with two differently colored combines adding depth to the scene.

Nebraskas strength, her character and her tradition are found in the land. It is clearly the most defining element of who we are and what we make. Agriculture creates our habits of being, our culture, our economic largesse. One quarter of our jobs are tied to it. Out of the states total land mass, over 90 percent is farms and ranches. The Cornhusker State is the third-largest corn-producing state and the top popcorn-producing state in America. Our ag sector is a major exporter. One out of every four rows of Nebraska soybeans go to China. We are the No. 1 state for beef exports.

But the little-told story is that agriculture is also Americas strength. It is foundational to Americas economy and our relationships abroad. Feeding the world is something we take for granted because we do it so effectively. Twelve years ago, we averaged 154 bushels of corn per acre; today that number is 178 bushels.

With a new Farm Bill coming up, a lot of the discussion will be on the necessary stabilization policies for agriculture for the benefit of Nebraska and America. At the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island this summer, the federal delegation held an important panel discussion with farmers from our diverse agricultural sectors. The challenge moving forward is to broaden our thinking from just expanding markets to creating healthy farm income. Low corn and soybean prices and higher input costs are parts of the challenge. But there are other drags on the equation, such as health insurance costs. You can buy fertilizer through your co-op, but you cant buy health insurance. This is an unfair choke point inhibiting more solutions for farmers and small businesses who do not benefit from the risk-pool diversity of larger corporations. Washington seems to be waking up to this reality  admittedly, a bit late  but I am hopeful for a sensible bipartisan solution.

Moving up the value chain from raw commodities, some of the most forward-thinking ag work in the world is being done right here in Blair. Novozymes' business in the production of biofuels, amino acids, lactic acid, glycine and enzymes from local grain production provides value-added products for human and animal nutrition and even new source material for bioplastics.

A glance across the pond shows the potential of small-scale production agriculture. Under the mantra of twice as much food using half as many resources, Dutch farmers are reducing water use for key crops by up to 90 percent with a staggering increase in output. The Netherlands is the No. 2 exporter of food as measured by value, close on the heels of the United States, which has 270 times more landmass.

It may surprise you that, after a long period of decline, the number of people engaged in agriculture is growing. Expanding our ag family with innovative opportunities that add value to our commodity groups, augment specialty crops and reconnect the farmer to the family, the urban to the rural, will expand local economies and tap into the important growing trends of knowing your food and artisanal agriculture.

Someone told me recently to keep Nebraska a secret. Tempting. I knew what he meant in a deeper sense. Our current economic construct, however, was at one point somebodys innovation. Our best protection is to keep moving forward  preserving, enhancing and creating new possibilities under that rich blue Nebraska sky.
All votes in the CO-3 election won't be counted until the end of this week
In recent weeks state senators outside of District 22, and even some in the community, have been using the phrase, big increases in local subdivision spending have created the property tax crisis." These ideas have caught the attention of several school districts and boards of education across the state. It is very common for these groups to blame local spending for the property tax dilemma across the state, but lets look at some actual, audited data and information to form our own thoughts on this notion.

Due to term limits and a lack of a historical perspective in the state Capitol, many senators may or may not know that K-12 education used to be as high as 32 percent of the state budget but now is only 27.6 percent. They also may or may not know that the unwillingness to adequately provide funding at the calculated amount to fund K-12 public education forces an overreliance on local property taxes. Property taxes statewide have increased dramatically in some areas because of inadequate school funding at the state level. State aid to schools is property tax relief if or when properly funded. The Legislature has tried to patch this with property tax credits that dont have an impact on the tax levy.

In 1998, the Legislature enacted spending and levy authority lids on school districts that limited schools to a $1.05 general fund levy per $100 valuation. State aid to schools is determined each year by the Legislature. State funds are then dispersed to cover the remaining budgeted needs through equalization aid or general state aid dollars to schools. This has only happened in its entirety three or four times since 1998. To show how this affects us locally here in Columbus, here are some statistics:

 The tax levy for Columbus Public Schools in 1994 was $1.51 per $100 valuation.

 In 1998, that was reduced to $1 per $100 valuation through statute.

 From 2010-11 to 2011-12, state aid to CPS was reduced by $2,525,178 from $14,536,247 to $12,011,068.

 That same year CPS raised the general fund levy 5 cents to help reduce the loss of state revenue. This still left CPS $1.8 million short in revenue from the previous year.

 In 2017-18, CPS state aid dollars are $11,523,048. This is a reduction of $3,013,199 in state funds since 2011.

 From 2010 to 2018, the general fund local tax request did increase from $16,616,161 to $18,290,788, an increase of $1,674,627. This is a negative $1,338,572 gap in revenue over that time.

Here are some facts and figures from the U.S. Census Bureau and annual audit of Columbus Public Schools:

 Nebraska K-12 schools receive 49 percent of their funding from local property taxes while the national average is 29 percent. CPS receives about 51 percent of our funding from local property taxes.

 Nebraska K-12 schools receive 33 percent of their funding from state sources while the national average is 47 percent. CPS receives only about 31 percent of our funding from state sources.

 Nebraska's K-12 average cost per student is $11,902. CPS spends $10,909 per student, which is 8.34 percent less than state average.

 CPS enrollment has increased by 418 students from 2001 to 2017. In 2001, enrollment was 3,418 and current enrollment is 3,907.

It is easy for elected officials and others to blame local spending for high property taxes. Maybe we should spend more time and energy on fixing how our schools are funded. We have a funding problem that negatively impacts numerous school districts and communities across the state. Expanding our tax base and looking at the hundreds of millions of dollars in incentives we give away each year that could alleviate the property tax burden could be a place to start as we work on finding revenue outside of local property taxes.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping's trip to Vietnam and Laos from Nov. 10 to Nov. 14, his first overseas trip after the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), will help enhance Asia-Pacific cooperation and ties with neighboring countries, senior officials said in Beijing on Friday.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs holds a press briefing on Chinese President Xi Jinping's trip to Vietnam and Laos, Nov. 3, 2017. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, will attend the 25th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Da Nang, Vietnam, on Nov. 10-11 and pay state visits to Vietnam and Laos from Nov. 12 to 14. [Xinhua]

In Vietnam, Xi will attend the 25th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Da Nang.

Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong said at a press briefing that President Xi's attendance at the APEC meeting in Da Nang shows China's high regard for Asia-Pacific cooperation.

Xi will speak at the APEC CEO summit, attend a meeting between APEC economic leaders and ASEAN leaders, and meet leaders of other APEC economies.

Economic leaders will exchange views on topics including regional economic integration, inclusive development, innovative growth, connectivity, agriculture and food security.

China hopes the Da Nang APEC meeting will follow the general trend of opening up and development in the Asia-Pacific region, discover new driving forces in the region, strengthen connectivity and map out a new vision of future cooperation.

"China will work with all parties to boost the development and prosperity of the region and the world," Li said.

On the economic and trade front, Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen said a framework for APEC cross-border e-commerce is expected to be approved and a supervision framework for supply chains connectivity action plan be drawn.

This year's meetings are expected to further implement the outcomes of 2014 APEC summit in Beijing, continue development of the Free Trade Agreement in the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), and support a multilateral trading system.

On the state visits to Vietnam and Laos from Nov. 12 to 14, Assistant Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong said the trip marks the opening of a new chapter of neighborhood diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in the new era.

During his stay in Vietnam, Xi will meet with Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and the Chair of the National Assembly of Vietnam, Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.

The leaders will discuss governance, development strategies, economic cooperation and cultural exchange, Chen said.

During his visit to Laos, the first state visit by top Chinese leader since 2006, Xi will meet with Bounnhang Vorachit, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and president of Laos, Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and President of the Lao National Assembly Pany Yathotu, Chen said.

The leaders will attend the foundation-laying ceremony of Lao's livelihood project built with Chinese assistance, he added.

"The visits will generate new opportunities and inject positive impetus into bilateral relations as well as the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Southeast Asian countries," Chen said.
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Vietnam and China have pledged here to seize the opportunities brought about by China's Belt and Road Initiative to achieve common development and common prosperity.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong on Friday. [Photo: fmprc.gov.cn]

The pledge came when General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi separately.

In his meeting with the Chinese foreign minister on Friday, Nguyen Phu Trong congratulated Xi Jinping on his re-election as the general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the elevation of the Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era into the party's guiding principles.

Nguyen Phu Trong said his country will learn from China's successful experiences to further push forward the development of its own socialist cause.

He said the forthcoming visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Vietnam shows that China attaches great importance to the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries and Vietnam is willing to work with China to further deepen cooperation between the two sides in all fields.

For his part, Wang Yi said Chinese President Xi Jinping, while meeting with Hoang Binh Quan, special envoy of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong days ago, noted that remaining true to the original aspiration and keeping the mission firmly in mind also apply to the development of China-Vietnam relations, both sides should view the China-Vietnam relations from a higher vantage point and a deeper level and firmly promote the building of a community of shared future.

The two countries should elevate the bilateral ties to a new high and open a new chapter for the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries by building a community of shared future, Wang said.

Also on Friday, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met with the Chinese foreign minister. The prime minister said Vietnam and China are both socialist countries and Vietnam is willing to unswervingly stride forward along the socialist road with China.

He said to further consolidate the traditional and friendly ties and deepen cooperation in all sectors between the two sides are in the interest of both peoples and no forces can undermine the development of bilateral ties.

Wang said China's Belt and Road Initiative creates important opportunities for China and Vietnam to carry out pragmatic cooperation, which will accelerate the achievement of common development and common prosperity between the two sides.

In his meeting with the Chinese foreign minister on Thursday, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said Xi's forthcoming visit to Vietnam will become a new milestone in the communication history of the two parties and the two countries.

Pham Binh Minh said Vietnam values the friendly ties with China and will work with China to ensure Xi's visit a successful one.

Wang said Xi's forthcoming visit to Vietnam is the most important political agenda in the bilateral ties this year.

The Chinese foreign minister hoped that the visit will determine the development direction of the relations between the two parties and the two countries.

Wang believed that the visit will further consolidate the political and strategic mutual trust and the basis of public opinion of the friendly ties between the two countries.
The nation's top economic regulatory body will specify sensitive industries to further curb "irrational" outbound investment, while expanding the green light for nonsensitive projects, according to a draft guideline issued on Friday.

An official from the National Development and Reform Commission, who asked not to be named, told China Daily the country will not loosen its grip on proper regulation of irrational and unauthentic investment behavior. The official declined to comment on whether the move represents a major policy shift in regulating outbound investment.

Analysts said the move is aimed at improving the quality of the country's outbound investment. Previously, some enterprises invested in overseas projects that were not business-savvy or got involved in dubious overseas deals that were suspected of constituting money-laundering.

Compared with the previous version published in 2014, a major difference in the current version is the expanded list of "sensitive sectors".

Enterprises making investment in those sectors will receive more government scrutiny and must get approval from the commission before making investments in foreign countries.

Weaponry manufacturing and industries that the government regards as irrational have been added to the list, which in the guideline compiled in 2014 already included media and water resource industries.

The commission will release a full category of which sectors will be regarded as sensitive, providing more guidance for companies planning to invest overseas, according to the draft guideline.

"The general message is that the government hopes to see more high-quality overseas investment to better promote China's going-global initiative, rather than massive irrational overseas investment sprees," said Bai Ming, a senior researcher at the research institute of the Ministry of Commerce. "The trend is that investment in encouraged categories, say, projects involved with the Belt and Road Initiative, will possibly be approved more quickly by regulators."

In August, the State Council, China's Cabinet, classified overseas investment into the three main categories of encouraged, restricted and prohibited.

Some existing restrictions on investment in nonsensitive industries will be reduced or removed in the future, according to the guideline.

For instance, enterprises investing $1 billion or more in nonsensitive industries would not need to get approval from the commission in the future; instead, they would only need to have their projects registered with the commission.

Looking ahead, the government may adjust policies based on the overall economic situation and changes in the amount of overseas direct investment, according to the NDRC official.

After years of rapid expansion, China's outbound investment slowed this year after the government strengthened efforts to crack down on "irrational" overseas investment.

China's nonfinancial outbound direct investment dropped by 41.9 percent year-on-year in the first three quarters, Ministry of Commerce data show.
Pilots prepare for the third test flight of the home-developed C919 on Friday in Shanghai. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The C919, China's first home developed large passenger plane, made its third test flight on Friday morning, 36 days after its previous test flight on Sept 28.

Taking off at 7:38 am from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, the C919 passenger jet flew to Nantong in Jiangsu province, northwest of Shanghai, then flew back and landed at Pudong airport at 11:26 am.

On its third voyage, the jet's flight time increased from the initial 79 minutes duration of its debut flight, to 166 minutes for its second test flight, to 228 minutes this time, according to the Commercial Aircraft Corp of China Ltd, the manufacturer of the C919.

The aircraft maintained a flying altitude at around 10,000 feet during most of the flight, when it was circling around the sky above Nantong.

On Thursday evening, COMAC successfully finished the ignition test of its second C919 aircraft. The aircraft manufacturer said the second aircraft will undergo ground tests, and prepare for its taxi test and maiden test flight, which is likely to happen by the end of the year.

So far, the C919 has received 730 orders from 27 Chinese and overseas customers.

Lin Zhijie, an aviation industry analyst and columnist at Carnoc.com, China's leading civil aviation web portals, said the C919's entry to the market won't occur very soon, with an expected customer-delivery date at sometime from 2020 to 2022.

"The C919 aircraft still needs to constantly upgrade its performance and services, and find some market share in the global aviation market. For China's high-end manufacturing, the development of a large-scale airplane serves as a key index to assess a country's industrial and technical manufacturing capacity."

"Currently, China has its own military aircraft and small-scale commercial jets. The successful flying of large passenger aircraft indicates that we will be able to make a significant breakthrough."

Meanwhile, COMAC is currently undertaking research and development of a widebody aircraft, called the CR929, together with Russia's United Aircraft Corp, and the two sides have sent their R&D teams to each other's countries.
ISTANBUL  China's growing power is offering great opportunities for Turkey and other parts of the world, Turkish and Chinese speakers said on Friday at an economic forum in Istanbul.

China is expected to produce $12 trillion in GDP in 2017, thus keeping its status as the second largest economy in the world and contributing as much as 30 percent to the global growth, noted Qian Bo, the Chinese consul general.

In the next five years, China is set to import goods valued at $8 trillion, draw $600 billion in foreign investment, invest abroad as much as $750 billion and have as many as 700 million nationals travel abroad, offering Turkey and other countries an expanding market, more capital, a richer variety of products and more precious opportunities for cooperation, Qian told an audience of about 300, mainly students and teachers from Okan University where the forum was held.

As the largest trading partner for more than 130 countries, China remained Turkey's second largest in 2016, the Chinese envoy said, noting bilateral trade volume hit $15.94 billion in the first nine months of this year.

He voiced hope for an early substantial breakthrough in bilateral consultations over such megaprojects as a high-speed rail linking Kars in Turkey's east and Edirne in the west and the third nuclear power plant in the country.

On the part of the Turkish speakers, they described China as a successful country, in particular in the development of its economy and socialism. As Beijing is pushing for a transformation driven by technology and innovation, they see a country leading the future for the world.

One Turkish speaker spoke of the huge market in China and the growing purchasing power of the Chinese, seeing more opportunities for Turkey to export there more meat and dairy products.

ICBC Turkey, a subsidiary of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the country's largest lender by market value, has signed a cooperation agreement with Borsa Istanbul on Chinese RMB/Turkish Lira futures contracts with a view to facilitating the use of national currencies in trade and investment.

Since Sept 5, ICBC Turkey has became the direct traders market maker of Chinese RMB/Turkish Lira, providing both buying and selling quotations for direct trade to the market as well as liquidity for the market.

China's Huawei Technologies Company has become one of the leading ICT solution providers in Turkey after 15 years' operation in the country.

Xu Xiaobo, Huawei's regional PR director, said his company's success lies in its efforts to develop a long-term sustainable local strategy, make full use of local talents, boost cooperation with local companies for win-win, keep efforts on innovation, and fulfill social responsibilities to local communities.
SEPANG  The Malaysian government and Alibaba on Friday jointly launched a regional e-commerce hub located near the Kuala Lumpur airport area, as a part of Alibaba founder Jack Ma's vision to create an Electronic World Trade Platform (eWTP) where people can "buy global and sell global."

The operation of the eWTP, first of its kind outside China, coincided with the establishment of a joint venture between Alibaba's logistics affiliate Cainiao and Malaysia Airports Holdings (MAH), in which Cainiao will hold a 70 percent stake while MAH retains the remaining 30 percent, according to a filing sent by MAH to the stock exchange Bursa Malaysia on Friday.

The JV, with a total paid up capital of 206.67 million ringgit ($48.84 million), will implement and carry out the development of the regional e-commerce and logistics hub, comprising the development of cargo terminals, sorting centers, warehouse and fulfillment centers, and other facilities for the e-commerce industry, according to the filing.

Currently, the logistics center is partially operational to serve Lazada, the largest Southeast Asian online shopping platform incorporated in Singapore.

Alibaba said cargo clearance time has been cut from six to three hours, with the help of robots and cloud computing technologies.

A senior executive with Cainiao told Xinhua that the logistics hub will help Alibaba achieve its goal to ship products to anywhere in the world within 72 hours.

The event was witnessed by Jack Ma, also Alibaba's executive chairman, and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is pushing for the Digital Free Trade Zone (DFTZ) to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) via e-commerce and logistics.

In his second visit to the southeast Asian nation this year, Ma awed the audience with a pledge to help the young people and SMEs, whom he said didn't get the opportunities in the last 20 years of globalization.

"We want to build up a platform that every small business and any young people, they can global sell global buy global fund (get the money) global pay and global deliver the products through our logistics network, and global have fun and travel," said Ma in his speech.

Najib said a total of 1,972 SMEs have applied to join the DFTZ. In cooperating with Alibaba, the DFTZ initiative can bring high-paying jobs to Malaysia, as many as 60,000 by 2025 and Malaysia can become the regional leader in e-commerce.

The eWTP marked a further step by the Chinese internet giant to bet big on Southeast Asia, after it took Alipay, the mobile payment platform under its affiliate Ant Financial to Thailand and Malaysia and gained controlling stake in Lazada. It also launched its 24-hour Singles' Day Global Shopping Festival in Malaysia this week.

When asked about Alibaba's next move, after it reported a 61-percent surge in its quarterly revenues and 83-percent rise in profits, Ma said the group is interested in building infrastructure and cloud computing for small businesses.
Chen Xi, the new head of the Organization Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attended a graduation ceremony on Friday of the Party School of the CPC Central Committee as the school's new president.

He presented certificates to 453 autumn semester graduates. Three student representatives delivered speeches at the ceremony, stating their determination to study, spread and implement the spirit of the 19th National Congress of the CPC, which was held in Beijing between Oct 18 and 24, according to a news release.

Established in 1933, the CPC Central Committee Party School is the higher education institution that trains Party officials. It currently has more than 1,100 staff members and an average of 3,000 Party officials study at the school each semester.

Before Chen, Liu Yunshan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the 18th CPC Central Committee, had served as the school's president since late 2012.

Chen, 64, was elected as a member of the Political Bureau of the 19th CPC Central Committee on Oct 25 and later became the new head of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee. The department is mainly in charge of personnel arrangements.

Chen said on Tuesday that the Party will make more effort to cultivate officials with high-quality and professional knowledge. The Party will also adopt more active, open and effective talent policies, he said.

Chen worked at Tsinghua University in Beijing for 26 years, including serving as the university's Party chief between 2002 and his appointment as vice-minister of education in 2008.

He received a master's degree from the university's Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering in 1982, and was a visiting scholar at Stanford University in the United States from 1990 to 1992.
The Communist Party of China will launch a major campaign on the study, promotion and implementation of the "spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress." The campaign will be the prime political task for the Party and for the country, according to a decision of the CPC Central Committee released Thursday.

The document summarized the essence of the congress and made detailed requirements for Party members and organizations during the campaign.

The Central Committee requires full training for Party members, as well as courses specifically for Party officials.

Textbooks will also be compiled, said the document, dated Wednesday.

A series of publicity projects targeting non-Party members, netizens and the overseas audience will help them understand the spirit of the Party congress. The use of new media and online video streaming services were highlighted.

The campaign should be integrated with efforts to improve the Party's leadership and self-governance, as well as the ongoing reform and development, the decision stated.

Xinhua
China has imposed efficient management on overseas NGOs and provided more convenience for their activities in the mainland thanks to a law adopted early this year, public security authorities said.

Since the law on the management of overseas NGOs on the Chinese mainland took effect on Jan 1, 242 representative institutions of overseas NGOs have been registered, according to figures from the Ministry of Public Security released on Friday. Of them, 61 are from the United States, the largest country of origin.

Under the law, overseas NGOs must be registered and regulated by central or provincial-level police authorities.

The number of overseas NGOs that are registering and holding activities on the mainland keeps rising. For example, another 65 US NGOs are now working on their registration applications, according to the ministry.

Also, 344 temporary activities that overseas NGOs applied to conduct in the Chinese mainland have been approved, the new figures show.

Representative institutions and those holding temporary activities covered more than 400 overseas NGOs from 28 countries and regions, since those two groups may overlap in some areas. The subject areas involved include economy, education, health, technology, environment and poverty alleviation, according to the ministry.

Li Xiaodong, head of the overseas NGOs administration office with the Beijing Public Security Bureau, said 83 of the 242 registered institutions are based in Beijing. "The law makes our management more efficient and gives us clear procedures to follow on how to offer overseas NGOs better services," he said.

Li said such services include explaining the law and registration procedures to overseas NGOs via social media platforms like WeChat and via telephone hotlines. Police officers who handle related matters are good at English to facilitate communications, he said.

Now, an overseas NGO will be told whether they can register or not within 60 days. "If they have any question regarding the registration, such as how to submit materials or which department is responsible for their activities, we'll tell them in detail to make sure their problems are fully solved," Li added.

Jennifer Driscoll, senior manager at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, said they have intensified communication with the bureau since the law's adoption. "We wanted to get registered and meet the requirements as quickly as we could to ensure our ongoing operation in the country was not affected.

"The transition and services are very smooth, so we feel positive about that. We also have confidence that our problems will be solved quickly, so we're not concerned, and (we) just look forward to seeing the ongoing partnership."

Katherine Wilhelm, a program officer at the Ford Foundation, also applauded the efforts the bureau made after the law took effect. But she noted that the social sector is undergoing rapid change and innovation, and regulations need to keep pace with the times.

She also said there are many overseas NGOs that have no office in the mainland and no Chinese-speaking staff, so "an English website could be very helpful".
Premier Li Keqiang meets with Bill Gates, Microsoft founder and chairman of TerraPower, in the Zhongnanhai compound in Beijing on Friday. [Photo bu Wu Zhiyi/China Daily]

Premier, Bill Gates discuss safe and reliable energy breakthroughs

Premier Li Keqiang pledged his support on Friday to further promote nuclear energy cooperation between China and the United States and develop safe and reliable breakthrough technologies.

The premier spoke during a meeting with Bill Gates, chairman of TerraPower and founder of Microsoft, in Beijing.

Li spoke positively of the cooperation the two nations have had in research and development on new-generation nuclear power technologies. He said he was exhilarated to know about the establishment of a joint R&D venture on traveling-wave reactors, a new breakthrough in the field.

Li emphasized that safety is an essential prerequisite for developing nuclear power and that the new technology must be reliable and secure.

The premier also said that the new industrial revolution is proceeding to a higher level while the internet provides vital support. He said that China is carrying out innovation-driven development and making use of the Internet Plus Initiative, both of which involve promoting new technologies and integrating them with traditional industries to accelerate economic transformation and upgrading.

"We wish to further international cooperation and achieve technological breakthroughs by developing China's advantage in rich resources in talent and using internet-based platforms," he said.

New-generation nuclear power technology is vital for mankind to develop energy in the future and the energy supply must be kept clean, safe and reliable, Gates said. He said he appreciates the cooperation with Chinese companies and is willing to make the wishes a reality with an open attitude.

A traveling-wave reactor is a fourth-generation technology that can directly process depleted uranium, natural uranium, thorium, spent fuel from light water reactors or combinations of these materials, which allows the reactor to use fuel in a more efficient way.

China National Nuclear Co signed an agreement with TerraPower in September 2015 to jointly develop traveling-wave reactors, the first time such cooperation has been undertaken since 1985, when China and the US signed a cooperative agreement in nuclear energy. A joint venture was established by the two companies and some other Chinese energy suppliers this September.

The joint venture aims to build and operate small, medium and large power plants using traveling-wave reactors in the next 20 years, which are expected to reduce costs by 20 percent from existing, third-generation nuclear power plants.
We felt a strong need to connect and collaborate to provide an opportunity for organized conversation based on stories and comments we have been hearing throughout the area, over the past year, as we rolled out our Heart & Soul Project, said Lindsay Varner, director of the Greater Carlisle Heart & Soul Project. "That served as the framework to consider what additional partners and community conversations should take place in order to continue being proactive helping people in the community and being advocates for positive change."
Chinese rocket engine designers have used their expertise to create a new twist on an old idea to help buildings withstand earthquakes.

The basic idea, known as seismic base isolation, is to decouple a building's superstructure from its underlying support structure, so that shock waves from an earthquake are absorbed.

While the basic concept is not new, engineers at the Academy of Aerospace Solid Propulsion Technology in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, found a way to adapt some techniques used in the production of flexible joint nozzles - key parts on rocket engines - to make seismic base isolators that perform better than others of their kind on the market.

The academy is part of the country's major space contractor, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, and mainly makes solid-fuel engines for Chinese carrier rockets and ballistic missiles.

You Junfeng, a chief designer of solid-propellant rocket engines at the academy, said designers developed a new type of base isolator with multiple layers of steel plates and rubber matting.

Such base isolators can help a building withstand earthquakes by mitigating about 80 percent of the seismic force, he said.

"The capabilities of our product are better than the requirements in the national standards and those of similar products in the market," he said. "This is because we used special molding and optimization methods in production. Such methods are typically employed in the production of space products rather than civilian goods, so other isolator makers don't have them."

The isolators have a service life of at least 60 years, he added.

Bai Xueshuang, a seismic analyst at the China Academy of Building Research, said deploying base isolators beneath a building is common in the construction industry, but it has not been widely used in China because it costs more for builders.

"The space engineers' design appears to be effective and reliable. If they can give it an affordable price, the product will have a lot of opportunities in the industry," Bai said.

The isolators can also be retrofitted to existing buildings, Bai said, though doing so would likely be expensive.

"China is one of the most earthquake-prone nations in the world, so it needs reliable and effective means to protect its buildings, especially the vast amount of old, low-rise residential structures," he said.

At Dali County Experimental Primary School in Shaanxi province, base isolators designed by the rocket experts have been used in three newly built buildings. There are 30 isolators laid beneath each building, with 6 meters between them, according to Tang Chunyu, an official at the academy in charge of marketing the product.

He said the academy is striving to promote the isolators to the construction industry. The market potential is large, as there are only about 3,000 buildings on the Chinese mainland that have used any kind of base isolation technology, he said.
In a move to ensure women's rights, Chinese lawmakers pushed for clarity on Friday regarding rural land contracts.

Although the current rural land contract law says all members of a rural community are entitled to contract a piece of land jointly owned by the community, it does not include a clear definition of who is qualified to be a member - an omission that affects rural women, said Dong Zhongyuan, a member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, during a panel discussion.

In practice, the question is left to local laws, regulations, policies and village customs.

Long Chaoyun, another committee member, said at the same session that the vague definition leaves women at a disadvantage.

In some cases, daughters are considered members of a household and have the right to contract the land, but daughters-in-law are not; while in the other cases the situation is reversed.

"In many cases, when daughters get married they are excluded from their parents' household and have the contracted land withdrawn, and no land is allotted to them in the household they've married into," Long said. "The law should define it, and any customs and practices that are against the law should be corrected."

Dong expressed agreement with Long that the draft revision should not dodge the issue since existing laws related to rural land failed to address it.

Noting that it might be difficult to impose a single standard on diverse rural communities, Yan Junqi, another committee member, suggested taking more time to do research and work out a solution.

The focus of the draft revision, which was submitted for first reading, was to introduce new concepts related to rural land rights.

Since the country adopted its household responsibility system in the early 1980s, property rights related to rural land have been divided into two layers: an ownership right that belongs collectively to a rural community, normally a village; and a use right, which is held by an individual household that contracts a piece of land from the village.

The draft revision further separates the use right into a "contract right" and a "management right".

Under the bill, farmers would be able to retain their contract rights over allotted land and only transfer the management right if they choose to lease the land to others, mortgage it to banks or invest it in a cooperative in exchange for shares.

"The bill caters well to the urgent needs and interests of rural residents," said Xu Aihua, an NPC deputy and chief of a chicken farm cooperative in Zhejiang province. "Clarifying land management rights will help farmers put contracted land to better use and boost the rural economy."

Xu said it was important to properly register both contract and management rights.

The bill removes an article forcing users to end their contracts and return land to the village when they migrate to cities and change their household registrations, or hukou.

"Migrant workers welcome this act and care most about the consistency of rural land contracts," said Fang Xin, a committee member. "Although they no longer farm at home, they feel more secure holding the land contracts. For many rural people, land is the root of their life."

Xinhua

(China Daily 11/04/2017 page4)
A member of the 18th China Medical Team in Rwanda examines a patient on Wednesday.[Photo by LVE TIANRAN/XINHUA]

The 18th China Medical Team in Rwanda began a week of free treatment on Wednesday in Rwanda's Kibungo town. Hundreds of residents gathered at the clinic in Kibungo, Eastern province, around 9:30 am to seek help from the Chinese doctors. The doctors - who come from the fields of orthopedics, internal medicine, surgery, stomatology, acupuncture, anesthesiology and maternity - provided consultation and treatment. They also donated medicine.

"I have been suffering from painful swollen legs for the past two years and have visited several healthcare centers in my area," said Jean d'Arc Mukandutiye, 47, who received a diagnosis, medicines and a recommendation for further medical checkups from the Chinese doctors.

"It's expensive to get a checkup and treatment in the hospital. I tried, but I couldn't afford it," the mother of seven said.

The patients at the site reported health problems ranging from their teeth to malaria, hypertension, diabetes, reproductive health, influenza, arthritis, typhoid and skin diseases.

Emmanuel Ndayambaje, 60, who has suffered severe headaches for the past six months, said the health centers he visited failed to diagnose the problem. But the Chinese doctors were able to explain the cause to him, he said.

He expressed his gratitude for the free service, as it had been difficult for him to get help in Kigali because of his financial constraints.

Eugenie Imurinde, head of the Kibungo clinic, thanked the doctors for their work.

"Many patients, especially in rural areas, fail to get treatment even for minor problems because of a lack of money, and sometimes the long distances involved," Imurinde said.

"When our clinic can't handle complicated health problems and refer these patients to hospitals, the may choose not to go because they don't have the money," she said.

Providing free treatment and convenience for Rwandans is one of the Chinese medical teams' main assignments, according to team leader Lu Jun.

China began sending medical teams to Rwanda in 1982. Hundreds of Chinese medical professionals have worked in Rwanda since then.

Xinhua
President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and commander in chief of the CMC joint battle command center, speaks during his inspection tour to the command center on Nov 3, 2017. Xi Jinping on Friday instructed the armed forces to improve their combat capability and readiness for war. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping on Friday instructed the armed forces to improve their combat capability and readiness for war.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks while inspecting the CMC joint battle command center as its commander in chief.

"The CMC should lead the armed forces to be ready to fight and win wars, and to undertake the missions and tasks of the new era entrusted to them by the Party and the people," said Xi, in military uniform.

The capability to win is strategically important in safeguarding national security, and strengthening that capability and combat readiness in the new era would provide strategic support to the realization of the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation, according to Xi.

Xi called on the military to closely follow the situation of national security and to ensure military preparedness in all directions and all fields.

Innovation should be made in studying and planning for combat to adapt to the trend of military evolution, said Xi.

Xi demanded progress in joint operation command systems, especially in efficiency at regional theater command level.

Troops were ordered to conduct training under combat conditions.

During the inspection, Xi had video chats with troops at frontier posts and a newly established support base in Djibouti.

Xi encouraged those stationed in Djibouti to help promote international and regional peace and stability.


BEIJING -- China's top legislature Saturday confirmed that Sun Zhengcai, former party chief of Chongqing, was disqualified as a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC).

Sun, former secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Chongqing Municipal Committee, was dismissed from his post of NPC deputy by the Chongqing Municipal People's Congress in September for serious violation of disciplines and suspected violation of law.

He was expelled from the CPC in October, after being removed from his Party post and put under investigation in July.

The NPC Standing Committee also confirmed the dismissal of three other deputies, Li Chaoxing from northern China's Tianjin, Zheng Hengri from northeastern Jilin and Mo Jiancheng from eastern Jiangxi.

The NPC now has a total of 2,900 deputies.
HONG KONG -- The government of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) announced on Saturday that the National Anthem Law will be enacted in the HKSAR through local legislation.

"In pursuance to Article 18 of the Basic Law, the National Anthem Law will be applied in the HKSAR by way of appropriate local legislation consistent with the HKSAR's constitutional and legal regime," the HKSAR government's Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau said in a statement.

The bureau said the move followed the decision of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress at its meeting on Saturday to add the National Anthem Law to Annex III of the Basic Law.

During the legislative process, the HKSAR government will carefully consider the views of the public and legislators, the bureau added.
People wearing costumes pose for a photo at a Disney exhibition in Los Angeles, July 15, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

Rambling in the beautiful campus of the University of Southern California (USC) with family members, Ding Hong, a Chinese tourist from East China was fascinated by picturesque views of Romanesque buildings, exquisite sculptures and murals.

Finally, he stopped in front of the bronze statue of the Trojan Shrine, one of the most recognizable figures of school pride at the USC, and coaxed his 6-year-old son to take a photo to mark the occasion.

"Study hard and you will get a chance to study here when you grow up," he told the boy.

USC's campuses, located in the heart of Los Angeles, welcome thousands of visitors each year.

Ding, a professional with a real estate company in East China's Jiangsu province, was among the increasing number of Chinese tourists who appeared on the USC campus.

The USC and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) are popular stops for Chinese tourists, especially for those who are seeking a college education for their children in the United States.

"We enjoyed the beauty of the campus and I hope my son can feel the different cultural atmosphere here," Ding told Xinhua.

"We've been to some beautiful university campuses in China, but this is the first time for us to visit an American university. There are some differences obviously. For example, it's a university without walls and we can meet students from all over the world," said Ding's 70-year-old father.

As Chinese tourists are taking more outbound trips now than ever before, Ding's family and other Chinese tourists are welcomed by Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board which initiated a "Nihao China" program with more than 150 member businesses in three years, including Universal Studios Hollywood, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, the Getty Center, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County among other landmark tourist attractions and famous hotels, restaurants and service providers. Nihao means hello in Chinese. The program is aiming to attract more Chinese tourists and serve them better.

"Los Angeles is very proud to be the first US city to welcome 1 million Chinese visitors. This is a huge milestone for us. We are continuing to invest in the market," said Kathy Smits, vice-president of international tourism for the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board.

"If you looked at the Chinese visitors over the past ten years, at first we were seeing lots of groups from China. Now, we are seeing a shift. More and more either individual travelers or those who are purchasing perhaps airline (tickets) and hotel together and then figure out the rest of their experience," Smits told Xinhua in an interview last Thursday at annual "Nihao China" trade show at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood.

"We are seeing more Chinese self-drive tourists. So they may come to Los Angeles interested in driving down the coast or they may want to experience the sports, or they may still want to shop or to discover the wonderful restaurants here," she added.

China was the second largest international market for LA, only behind Mexico. China accounted for 75 percent of the destination's overall growth of international tourism and the number of Chinese visitors is projected to climb rapidly in coming years.

Some 42 percent of Chinese travelers visit cultural institutions because history, heritage and iconic masterpieces appeal to them very much, according to the data of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board.

"China is a strategic market for us," said Gary Soloff, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood's director of marketing, at the "Nihao China" trade show, "We are working on building a mandarin tour."

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is looking for mandarin tour guides and plan to provide mandarin tours every single day for Chinese tourists from the next year. Tourists can get a behind-the-scenes look at TV and movie sets on a Warner Bros. studio tour. They can see backlots and sound stages from Friends, Batman, The Big Bang Theory, and more.

"We've seen lots of interests from Chinese guests to actually see the Big Bang Theory set," Soloff added.

"Chinese visitors are learning more and more about Los Angeles. If you look at all the changes that happened in Los Angeles, we have new hotels, we have new museums, like Lucas Museum coming to LA. Many years from now, we have 2028 Olympic Games coming, that will continue to have excitement as you have winter Olympic Games coming up in China. We expected that the interests in LA is just going to grow and grow," Patti MacJennett, senior vice-president of Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, told Xinhua in a recent interview.
Hermes exhibition called Harnessing the Roots in Shanghai with a focus on the brand's origins as a harness maker. Photos Provided to China Daily

To mark the 20th anniversary of Hermes in China, the French luxury house has launched an exhibition called Harnessing the Roots in Shanghai.

"We arrived in Shanghai in September 1997 and opened Hermes Maison in Shanghai in 2014. Now we have 24 boutiques in China and will open stores in Changsha and Xi'an. The Chinese market is very important for Hermes. And we hope this show about the DNA of Hermes will help people understand what we want to do," says Hermes Greater China chief executive officer Luc Hennard.

The exhibition comprises five parts: Brides de Gala; The Horse and Its Tack; the Saddle, Buckled Up and Ties and Straps.

The focus is on Hermes origins as a harness maker and the way in which these origins have influenced the bags, garments and accessories throughout the brand's 180-year history.

The objects at the exhibition are arranged by theme rather than in chronological order.

The exhibition also includes a video of the whole process of making a saddle recorded by Robert Dumas (the fourth generation of Hermes) in 1962.

Chinese visitors can listen the audio done by Chinese actor Wang Qianyuan, best actor winner at the Tokyo International Film Festival in 2010.

Pierre-Alexis Dumas, artistic director of Hermes says, "We believe that every design is remembered. The old memory is never a drag but inspires us to move on."

Bruno Gaudichon, the curator of the exhibition, who is also the curator at the "La Piscine" Museum of Art and Industry in Roubaix, in northern France, says: "Hermes always finds a balance between innovation and heritage. It creates the trend while not forgetting to inherit the tradition."

The exhibition will open to public through Nov 18.
Taylor Walker-Lear is amazed after climbing to the highest spot of the Great Wall in Beijing on June 6. [Photo/Xinhua]

Australian schoolgirl with cerebral palsy shows willpower in China

Once built to keep invaders out, the Great Wall, one of China's best-known faces, has now become a platform to bring people together. For Taylor Walker-Lear, an 11-year-old Australian schoolgirl, it is a magic ladder which carried her closer to her dream.

Taylor was born with cerebral palsy, a disorder that affects movement and coordination. But her indomitable willpower has sent her on missions to create public awareness about the disorder and raise funds for people living with it.

In March 2016, she summited Mount Kosciuszko, the highest mountain in Australia at 2,229 meters above sea level. When her mother Toni asked her what her next goal was, she answered: "Mount Everest might be a little too hard right now, but maybe the Great Wall."

On June 6 this year, her wish came true. With her walking aid, the sup-port of her parents and sponsor, and accompanied by a group of primary school volunteers from Beijing, Taylor realized her dream in China by climbing the stretch of the Great Wall known as Mutianyu despite rain and an ensuing chill.

The Mutianyu part was built by General Xu Da in the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) more than 600 years ago, and was mainly used for military defense.

Taylor moved ahead slowly yet steadily, and with determination. When the stairs were too steep to maneuver on her own, her parents lifted her, encouraging her to keep going.

The journey started near Watch Tower No 14, somewhere in the middle of the Mutianyu Great Wall. In the dim and cramped tower, Taylor attentively listened to the guide narrating the long history of the Great Wall. Then she went to a little window in the tower to look at the magnificent view below.

"It's amazingly beautiful!" she told Xinhua.

Her father Simon said China holds a "magical appeal" for Taylor, even though she couldn't define it exactly.
A sold-out concert performed here last Saturday by China National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) Orchestra caught the attention of the whole audience by showcasing a unique combination of Western and Chinese music.

The concert, performed at the Symphony Center in Chicago, started with Chinese composer Zhao Jiping's Violin Concerto No 1, with Ning Feng as the soloist.

Zhao's piece was commissioned by the orchestra and just had its world premiere in Beijing a couple of weeks ago, said Lu Jia, music director and chief conductor of the NCPA Orchestra.

"Zhao's music is fantastic," Lu said, in praise of its harmonious combination of Western music with Chinese elements.

Zhao is one of the best-known composers in China. He gained his international fame for his music scores in films, such as Farewell My Concubine, directed by Chen Kaige in 1993, and Raise the Red Lantern and To Live, directed by Zhang Yimou in 1991 and 1994 respectively.

The concert also features the use of pipa, a four-stringed Chinese musical instrument, with Wu Man, a world-renowned pipa virtuoso, as the soloist. Wu played American composer Lou Harrison's Pipa Concerto with String Orchestra, which was commissioned for her in 1997.

"I'm so thrilled to play it with China NCPA Orchestra in the United States," she told Xinhua.

Wu said she had played Harrison's piece hundreds of times with foreign orchestras in Europe and the United States, but last Saturday night's concert marked her first time to play it with a touring Chinese orchestra outside China.

"I feel very honored," she said, adding that the concert's characteristic use of pipa made her feel "a major change" in her efforts in introducing traditional Chinese musical instruments to Western audiences.

The audience so enthusiastically greeted Wu's performance that she had to return to the stage with an encore of White Snow in Spring, a famous traditional pipa score that enabled her to demonstrate more playing skills.

"We carefully selected from Chinese music that spans over half a century," said Patrick Ren, managing director of China NCPA Orchestra. "We are staging our performances at the best venues in the US for this tour."

Chicago is the first leg of the current tour of the NCPA Orchestra. The orchestra will make its debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City, and will stop by in Philadelphia, San Francisco and Chapel Hill.

Besides the repertoire in Chicago, the orchestra will perform Chen Qigang's Reflect d'un temps disparu and Yin Chengzong and Chu Wanghua's Piano Concerto Yellow River in other cities.

The concert concluded with Johannes Brahms' Symphony No 4 in E minor with two more encores, and finished with Bao Yuankai's familiar tune of Bamboo Melody.

"This is my first time to hear pipa," said Jordi Pedrola, "It feels very natural and harmonious, generating a very positive emotion."

"I'm very impressed by the musicians' skills," said Joseph Mastron, a graduate student at the University of Chicago.

This is the second time that China NCPA Orchestra has staged at the same venue. In 2014, it made its debut tour in North America at the Symphony Center, which has 2,000 seats.

"Different from three years ago, our musicians are much more experienced and our repertoire much larger," Lu said.
China will make high-standard arrangements for the reception of US President Donald Trump and fully prepare to ensure that the upcoming visit will be historic and successful, said a senior diplomat.

Trump's visit to China from Wednesday to Friday will be the first by a head of state to China since the Communist Party of China's 19th National Congress, which ended on Oct 24, and it comes at a significant moment in China-US relations, said Zheng Zeguang, vice-foreign minister.

Apart from regular arrangements such as a welcoming ceremony, formal talks, reception banquet and meeting with the media, China has also set some informal interaction procedures that will provide sufficient time for the two presidents to fully exchange views on major issues that jointly concern the two sides, Zheng said.

In April, when President Xi Jinping visited Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump arranged for a considerate and grand reception for Xi, and in return, China will also make some special arrangements for the US president, Zheng added.

According to the vice-minister, the two presidents will exchange views on hot topics such as bilateral trade and the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

Zheng said he is optimistic about the future of China-US trade, since there is great potential for economic cooperation between the world's two largest economies.

"The core of China-US economic and trade ties is win-win cooperation," he said, adding that two-way cargo trade volume reached $524.3 billion last year.

China-US economic and trade relations created 2.6 million jobs for the United States in 2015 and saved $850 for each US family on average during the same period, he said.

China and the US are in different positions of the global supply chain, and the two countries have complementary economies, he said, adding that China has a surplus in cargo trade but a deficit in service trade with the US.

The vice-minister also reiterated China's stance on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, saying that China upholds dialogue and coordination to solve the issue and opposes any use of force.

On Thursday, US National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster said in Washington that Trump looks forward to his upcoming visit to China and is ready to work with Beijing to promote peace and prosperity in the region and beyond.

China is "an immensely important part of ... regional security as well as protecting and advancing the systems that have benefited all of us," McMaster told reporters.

Xinhua contributed to this story.
I had the privilege or reading a pre-release version of "God Shines Forth: How the Nature of God Shapes and Drives the Mission of the Church." Here are 20 quotes from the book, which you should pick up.
An art maven's weekly fix of the local arts scene: what to see, what to hear, what to do and musings about how art makes people feel-their ArtFeel.

ArtSee (and drink): A demitasse cup of Greek coffee arriving on a bird cage style tray at The Olive Oil Restaurant in The Woodlands. You can order this specialty coffee of Turkish descent either straight, sweet or sweeter. Make sure to see the "kaimaki" foam on top and sediment at the bottom of your coffee ensuring it was done right! Pair it with a baklava or the Greek custard for an artful dessert. www.oliveoilgreekrestaurant.com
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UPDATED: 10:21 a.m., Nov. 8:

Challenger Carol Stromatt rode a strong early voting lead to victory Tuesday, defeating incumbent Laura Fillault for the Position 7 seat on The Woodlands Township Board of Directors.

"I am ecstatic. I am so grateful," an exuberant Stromatt said in a telephone interview with The Villager. "So humbled. I'm here, we are celebrating. This is one for the community."

Stromatt, who fended off a fake campaign flier falsely attributed to her and a barrage of robocalls from the Texas Right to Life PAC during the last week of the race, said she credited her victory to, "Integrity, hard work, [and] people who care about this community."

"This is fantastic," Stromatt added. "We have worked so hard for this."

Stromatt also offered congratulations to unchallenged incumbents John McMullan and Ann Snyder, who both easily cruised to victory with 100 percent of the votes cast.

Enjoying a victory celebration at a local restaurant, Stromatt said she wanted to thank her supporters and campaign volunteers. She also said her goal was to reject "divisive" politics.

"It's a privilege to serve on the Woodlands Township board," she added.

Fillault, who lost by 480 votes, was emotional after the loss and issued a brief statement via email on Wednesday.

"It has been a pleasure serving The Woodlands Township," Fillault said in the email. "Congratulations to Carol Stromatt, and I wish her the best of luck."

The incumbent was ousted from office after serving only one term. Fillault had drawn unwelcome attention to herself in the past several months after posting a series of questionable Tweets on her Twitter account, using foul and abusive language towards other Twitter users.

With 100 percent of Montgomery and Harris county precincts reporting totals, Stromatt garnered 2,694 votes-or more than 54 percent of the votes. Fillault nabbed 2,214 votes, or more than 45 percent.

---

Early voting totals in The Woodlands Township Board of Directors race were released by Montgomery County elections officials with challenger Carol Stromatt holding a considerable lead over incumbent Laura Fillault for the township Position 7 seat.

The early voting period ran from Oct. 23 until Nov. 3, with slightly more than 2,100 voters casting ballots. The early results favor Stromatt, who garnered more than 59 percent of the votes to Fillault's more than 40 percent. The other two seats on the township board were uncontested, and early voting totals had incumbents Ann Snyder and John McMullan with 100 percent of the votes each.

A couple of supporters for both sides were outside the polling place at the South County Community Center on Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. Voting turnout was light, with a car pulling in every few moments. Several supporters for Stromatt and Fillault were holding campaign signs up as voters arrived and departed.

Stromatt supporter Lucia Queen stood holding a vote Stromatt sign in the community center's parking lot. She described the turnout as "steady, maybe average."

Queen said the reason why she supports Stromatt is simple.

"Carol has lived in the community for years," Queen said. "She's been very active in volunteer activities, (doing) many things to support the community."

Stromatt's husband, Richard Stromatt said, "Tonight is the night," before adding he felt tired and "Ready for this to be over."

Fillault supporter Jean Mann was also standing in the parking lot and holding a Fillault sign.

"I'm feeling good about the race, happy about her performance," Mann said. "I'm hoping the best person will win."

---

When voters in The Woodlands Township head to the polls Tuesday, they will have a much quicker time casting their ballots than in 2016.

And, based on early voting totals as of Nov. 3, there will be tens of thousands fewer voters than last year's election.

In 2017, just one of three positions on the ballot for The Woodlands Township board of directors is contested, Position 7, where incumbent Laura Fillault is being challenged by Carol Stromatt.

Incumbents John McMullan in Position 5 and Ann Snyder in Position 6-are not being challenged for their seats.

In 2016, a busy slate of candidates for four seats and impassioned election antics equated into a huge turnout with three victorious candidate receiving more than 21,000 votes in their favor. The fourth seat-between Mike Bass and Brian Boniface-was decided by 924 votes out of more than 34,000 cast.

As of Nov. 3, the Montgomery County Elections web site listed 2,173 voters casting ballots during the early voting period of Oct. 23 through Nov. 3.

Following a year marked by well-funded political operations pumping hundreds of thousands of dollars into the various races, and the now locally-famous slate of candidates called the "Residents' Advocates," the 2017 slate may seem like a mild-mannered Sunday afternoon tea party to hardened veterans of the political scene in The Woodlands.

The 2017 race between Fillault and Stromatt has offered some controversy: with a fake campaign flier falsely attributed to Stromatt posted-then quickly removed-on Facebook last week, robocalls from the Texas Right to Life PAC backing Fillault and bashing Stromatt made to as many as 5,000 residents on Oct. 31, and the fast and furious barrage of unsavory Tweets from Fillault bringing the incumbent unwanted scrutiny.

On Tuesday, voters can cast ballots from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Check out The Villager's 2017 election coverage package on Page 4, which includes question-and -answer package from both Stromatt and Fillault, as well as information about unopposed candidates Snyder and McMullan.

Be sure to follow election night coverage on Nov. 7 online at yourwoodlandsnews.com and yourconroenews.com
When Harris County voters go to the polls Tuesday, they will decide dozens of bond issues and other matters that municipal utility districts, or MUDs, have placed on the ballot.

But understanding what they're voting on could be challenging for MUD residents.

The Crosby MUD in eastern Harris County, for example, is asking voters to approve the creation of a "defined area," but the ballot measure doesn't explain what that is and the answer isn't an easy one.

The Mount Houston Road MUD, which serves a community about 10 miles north of downtown Houston, wants to sell more than $100 million in bonds. The district mailed a one-page information sheet to residents, but it doesn't have a website where detailed documents could be posted. The district also won't release phone numbers for its board of directors.

Tuesday's election, the first since Hurricane Harvey flooded several MUDs in the Houston area, renews questions about the transparency of special purpose districts, which include water districts and MUDs.

RELATED: Election holds big decisions, little interest for voters

In Harris County, nine MUDs and one water control and improvement district have 25 issues on the ballot. They're asking voters to authorize $826 million in bond sales for water, sewer and drainage systems, as well as roads, parks and refinancing. Voters in three districts will elect board members.

MUDs are highly popular among Texas developers, who hold great sway over how they're created and benefit from their ability to issue tax-exempt bonds and levy property taxes to cover infrastructure costs.

But for residents of the districts, it can be difficult to find out who's in charge. MUD board members are not required to live in the communities they represent, and board meetings often are not held in the districts. Instead, MUD boards frequently meet in the offices of their law firms in downtown Houston  during the afternoon, when many residents are working.

Turnout in MUD elections is typically very low. Four years ago, the percentage of registered voters who cast ballots on MUD issues in Harris County ranged from 3 per cent to 16 percent.

"People are worried and concerned that government doesn't work for them, and if they can't put a face and a name to it, then it makes it even more remote," said Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston. "In that way, it's not surprising that people don't participate in this process. They don't understand what's happening."

Supporters of MUDs and other water districts say they are the best form of government because they are close to the people.

"Providing for a means of local control to shorten the permit and development processes is one of the many ways MUDs reduce the cost of development (while still providing quality municipal infrastructure) and hence reduce the costs of new homes in Houston's suburbs," wrote Barton Smith, an emeritus economics professor at the University of Houston, on the web page of the trade group representing water districts.

Robert Fivecoat, president of the Crosby MUD board of directors, wouldn't talk about Tuesday's ballot issue. He referred questions to the district's attorney, Jon Pfennig.

Voters are being asked to approve the creation of a "defined area" and authorize the district to sell $15 million in bonds for improvements there. By designating 193 acres that have been annexed to Crosby MUD as a "defined area," the district can charge a higher property tax rate there, Pfennig said.

VOTING ESSENTIALS: Where and when to vote, and things you need to know

Plans call for 450 single-family homes to be developed by Castlerock Homes and the property owner, Murff Family Land LLC. Home owners would pay the district's existing property tax rate  $1,500 per $300,000 of assessed valuation.

They would pay additional taxes to repay bonds sold to reimburse the developers for putting infrastructure such as water and sewer pipes in the "defined area." The added property tax would be $2,370 per $300,000 of assessed valuation, according to a report by the district's engineering firm.

Altogether, homeowners in the newly developed area would pay the MUD $3,870 per $300,000 of assessed valuation.

Pfennig said the board of directors for the district, which was created in 1965 by the state legislature, wants the new homeowners to pick up the full tab for the infrastructure that will benefit them.

Without a "defined area," Pfennig said: "You'd have to pass that cost to your existing taxpayers, and the board has determined they don't want to do that because it raises the taxes."

Mount Houston Road MUD wants voters to allow it to sell $121 million in bonds  $48.5 million for projects and $73 million to refinance existing bonds. The proceeds would be used to "rehabilitate and repair" 40-year-old water, sewer, and drainage systems, said Julianne Kugle, an attorney with the Houston law firm SKLaw, the district's general counsel.

The district, which serves about 1,200 single-family homes, included a one-page information sheet about the ballot issue in residents' water and sewer bills. Kugle said only a few residents had questions. The information sheet includes the phone numbers for SKLaw and the district's operator, Marlon Ivy & Associates.

But residents with questions for the board members  who are elected officials serving four-year terms -- will have some work to do to get answers.

The state agency that reviews requests by MUDs to sell bonds has an online database that lists board members, but districts can provide the phone number of their law firm rather than board members' work or home phone. That's the case with the Mount Houston Road MUD board.

Board members are paid $150 for each day of "necessary service," up to $7,200 per year. Directors also can receive reimbursement for travel and other expenses.

Then-state Comptroller Susan Combs tried unsuccessfully in 2013 to get the legislature to pass a bill requiring MUDs and other water districts to post budget and long-term debt data on the web.

Kugle said the district has decided not to have a web page, in part because it has had limited operating funds but also because no one has asked for one. She said board agendas and minutes are e-mailed to 15 to 20 residents who have attended monthly meetings. Information also has been posted on the homeowners' association web page and nextdoor.com, she added.

"We feel like we are getting the word out better that way than having a website that no one visits that costs $10,000 to set up and maintain," Kugle said.

***

MUD MONEY: Municipal Utility Districts in Texas having sweeping power to sell bond, levy taxes. Read our full investigation here. Read more about how Harvey affect MUDs here.
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CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio - Underage Consumption, North Main Street: Three teens face juvenile court charges for underage consumption Oct. 26 during the annual pumpkin roll prank on Grove Hill. One boy, 17, fled from his father after being cited and released at the police station. He remained at large from 3 a.m. until later that morning.

Dumping, North Main Street: After driving a truckload of pumpkins and dumping them 11:15 p.m. Oct. 25 on the top of Grove Hill, a South Russell man, 51, was charged with placing injurious materials in the road and obstructing traffic. He faces a mandatory appearance in Bedford Municipal Court.

Traffic Stop, North Main Street: After driving outside of marked lanes and failing to stop for a traffic light 7 p.m. Oct. 23, a Mentor man was found to be operating a vehicle while intoxicated. He was charged with all three infractions and faces a court date.

Fraud, North Main Street: A family member reported on Oct. 26 that someone may have taken $3,000 from a victim's bank account. The matter is under investigation.

Fraud, West Washington Street: A woman received two Facebook messages from someone posing as a police officer requesting cash donations via Paypal for the police department. She reported the matter Oct. 27. The police department confirmed that this is a scam and is not an appeal from them.

Drunken Driving, West Carriage Drive: A Chagrin Falls woman, 55, faces several charges from an 8:20 p.m. Oct. 28 incident when she hit two parked cars after driving while intoxicated. She caused minor damage to the vehicles. She was charged with reckless driving, drunken driving, and having a blood alcohol content exceeding the legal limit.

Drunken Driving, East Orange Street: While driving under the influence of alcohol 2:30 a.m. Oct. 29, a Chagrin Falls woman, 53 struck a parked vehicle. She had a blood alcohol content of .210 and faces two charges related to that as well as reckless driving.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Officials have identified a 2-week-old baby girl who was killed by a family dog Friday.

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office has identified her as Sophia Booth, spokesman Chris Harris confirms.

The incident happened just before 7 p.m. on Carrington Avenue near West 130th Street in the city's Puritas-Longmead neighborhood, Cleveland police spokesman Det. Reginald Lanton said.

She was taken to MetroHealth Medical Center where she died, police said.

Police responded to a report of a child who suffered head trauma from being bitten by the dog, Lanton said.

She was in the first floor of a bedroom when the dog, a German Shepherd, got loose from the kitchen where it was fenced in and bit her.

The city's prosecutor's office will consulted for possible charges.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Saturday's crime and courts comments section.
State Supreme Court Justice William M. O'Neill, a Chagrin Falls Democrat, announced last week he's running for governor - but said he wouldn't resign as a judge for now.

O'Neill's platform will call for "legalization of recreational marijuana, a higher minimum wage, a decrease in in-state tuition, and the funding of mental health institutions across the state."

O'Neill said he'd remain on the Supreme Court until he's "certified for the ballot in February of 2018 ... To do so any earlier is unfair to the 2 million Ohioans who elected me." Meanwhile, to separate O'Neill the justice from O'Neill the candidate for governor, O'Neill has recused himself from taking part in any new cases that come before the Supreme Court.

With all due respect to O'Neill "2 million Ohioans," it's not clear, thanks to Ohio's low-info judicial ballot, if the voters who supported him were specifically thinking "Bill O'Neill" - or a candidate they thought they "knew" because he had an Irish-American surname that sounds like the names of former or incumbent Justices Kennedy, O'Connor, O'Donnell (Republicans) and A. William and Francis Sweeney (Democrats).

State Auditor David Yost, a Columbus Republican running for attorney general, said O'Neill should step down from the high court now.

Ohio's Code of Judicial Conduct, it says "a judge shall resign from office when he or she becomes a candidate in a primary or general election for a nonjudicial office." But the code doesn't define when someone (officially) becomes a candidate, so O'Neill, given that ambiguity, appears to be following the canon's spirit.

The Supreme Court's now 6-1 Republican, with O'Neill its lone Democrat. So maybe it's Democrats who should have a beef with O'Neill. Assuming he does leave the court to run for governor, Republican Gov. John R. Kasich would appoint O'Neill's successor, likely one of the GOP's two endorsed 2018 Supreme Court candidates, Court of Appeals Judges Craig Baldwin, of Newark, or Mary DeGenaro, of suburban Youngstown. Baldwin or DeGenaro would gain the advantage of incumbency.

Four Democrats already are running for governor - former Rep. Connie Pillich of Cincinnati; Sen. Joseph Schiavoni of suburban Youngstown; former U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton, of suburban Akron; and Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley. You wonder what they're thinking as they campaign night and day while O'Neill, for now, stays above it all.

The real question is why O'Neill is the Supreme Court's only Democrat. For some reason, Democrats lost their one-time focus on electing a pro-injured-Ohioans Supreme Court. In the '70s, for instance, Democrats and the AFL-CIO helped elect A. William Sweeney and former Cleveland Mayor Ralph S. Locher to the court, giving it a Democratic majority.

Democrats bolstered that in 1978, when voters promoted Justice Frank D. Celebrezze to chief justice. Celebrezze, as head of Ohio's judiciary, may have been his own worst enemy. But it's virtually impossible to imagine Celebrezze's court ruling as the GOP-majority Supreme Court did last December. It limited the damages a teenage rape victim could win - thanks to a 2005 ("tort reform") bill sponsored by then-Sen. Steve Stivers, a suburban Columbus Republican now in Congress.

"I cannot accept the proposition," Justice O'Neill wrote in his dissenting opinion, "that a teenager who is raped by a pastor fits into a preordained formula for damages. Are we really ready to affirm the legislature's decision to say to a "future" victim, 'We don't know you, we don't know the facts of your case, and we don't know what a duly empaneled jury is going to say, but your damages are a maximum of $500,000?' No parent of a teenage daughter would accept that outcome as being just."

But Ohio's Supreme Court did.

Thomas Suddes, a member of the editorial board, writes from Athens.

To reach Thomas Suddes: tsuddes@cleveland.com, 216-999-4689

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IOWA CITY, Iowa-- As Ohio State and Iowa battled through the first 15 minutes of Saturday's game, patients at the University of Iowa Children's hospital waited in anticipation for the first quarter to end.

The end of the first quarter signals the start of the "The Wave," a new tradition during which the entirety of Kinnick Stadium turns its attention to the 12th floor of the Children's Hospital and waves in support.

The patients watching above smile and cheer as they wave back to the thousands of greeters below.

We caught "The Wave" from the top floor of the hospital, capturing the excitement from the patients and their families during the new tradition.
STRONGSVILLE, Ohio -- Swimmers at the Ehrnfelt Recreation Center in Strongsville have been navigating the stairs to first-floor locker rooms from the basement-level aquatics center since April because the pool locker rooms are closed for renovation.

Carpet runners line the hallways to reduce the likelihood of slipping as swimmers, some still wet from the pool, walk up the stairs and down a hallway to the two locker rooms that aren't under construction.

All four of the locker rooms, on the pool and the main levels, should have been renovated by now.

The city signed a contract in March with Alabasi Construction, Inc. of Cleveland that specified all four locker rooms would be completed within 180 days in exchange for payment of $662,750. That timeline puts the completion date for four locker rooms at mid September.

It's now November. None are finished. And some of the rec center users wonder whether the city is getting soaked.

"I have lost sleep over this project," acknowledged Strongsville Building Commissioner Tony Biondillo.

"Like any contractor, you always have issues. It's not finished yet and the issues we are dealing with are why it's not being finished," said Bryan Bogre, director of recreation and senior services for the city of Strongsville. "It's being dealt with through the legal department and the contractor."

Because of that, officials say they are limited in what they can say to the public while negotiations are ongoing. Alabasi won the contract with the lowest price in a competitive bid process over seven other qualified bidders. The contract does have a penalty clause: $1,000 for every day past the 180-day deadline.

The city's goal now is to work with the contractor to get the two locker rooms under construction finished as soon as possible, said Biondillo. That resulted initially in a plan to have them done by early October. Now, the target date agreed to by the contractor is Dec. 8, for the lower two locker rooms.

TC Architects in Akron designed the renovations, which involved gutting the locker rooms and installing all new fixtures, counters, benches and rust-resistant lockers, new floor drains, accessible showers, tile and painting. They're also building a new entryway from the pool area to the locker rooms.

Residents who use the pool, meanwhile, are tiring of the wet and chilly walk to the upstairs lockers.

"I can't tell you how horrible it is to walk through that place with your swimsuit on," said resident Mindy Bedrossian, 63, who uses the rec center pool for her physical therapy sessions. She contacted The Plain Dealer looking for answers because she said the staff of the rec center weren't forthcoming with information.

"People understand locker rooms get redone, and these locker rooms were nightmarish, worse than of my high school locker rooms by a long shot. Dark and dismal," she said. "But this has been since March! This length of time? I can't believe it. Where was the city in overseeing this?"

Alabasi Construction says it is now committed to the Dec. 8 deadline for the Aquatic Center locker rooms. "We're trying very hard to get this job done," said Kim Alabasi, whose husband, Hayder Alabasi, is president of Alabasi Construction. A lawyer, Kim Alabasi has represented the company during contractor meetings with the city.

So why the delay?

"There have been things that generally come up in construction projects," said Kim Alabasi. "For example, there is a specified tile, only one kind, from Mexico. We thought it would take a couple weeks. Well, it took a couple months. Nobody knew it was going to take this long."

The company has met regularly with city officials, who say a number of issues -- including the delay in obtaining the tile -- have contributed to the tardiness of the project.

Residents were under the impression, said Bedrossian, that the pool locker rooms would be finished by June, before the competitive swimming season. That's why the city scheduled them to be done first.

Competitive swimmers, including Strongsville High School's swim team, have been forced to use the alternate upstairs lockers.

"It's frustrating for the residents and I understand," said Biondillo, the building commissioner. "We're just going to soldier on and work our way through this and get the lower level locker rooms done."
For all the obvious reasons, the Republican Party gets most of the attention these days. For starters, it controls the White House, the Senate and the House, and the party in power always warrants more scrutiny, even when its operating smoothly.

Of course, thats not happening.

The GOP is running as smoothly as a dry Slip N Slide made from sandpaper. That the party is as dysfunctional as the human resources department at the Weinstein Company stems from a host of ideological, political and structural problems that are only compounded by the fact that the president grabs the publics attention like a spider monkey running through a church with a lit stick of dynamite.

The Democratic Party, meanwhile, has gotten drunk on the spectacle. And as with many a drunk, its grown oblivious to its own decrepitude. Like a bitter lush sitting in his own filth amidst a sea of empty bottles, moldering pizza boxes and fried chicken bones, it shouts at the TV and boasts how it could do better.

Donna Brazile, the longtime high-ranking Democratic functionary, was made interim chair of the party shortly before the 2016 election in the wake of revelations that the previous chair, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, seemed to be playing favorites in the primaries, tilting the scales toward Hillary Clinton and against Bernie Sanders. In an excerpt from her forthcoming book, Hacks, Brazile reports that Wasserman Schultz wasnt simply partial towards Clinton. She was in fact Clintons vassal.

Its widely known that Barack Obama left the Democratic Party in shambles. On his watch, the party lost more than 1,000 elective offices at the federal, state and local level. One underreported reason for this is that Obama opted to create a parallel institution out of his 2012 campaign outfit, Organizing for America. The renamed Organizing for Action siphoned money and the presidents energies from the DNC.

Brazile reports that the party was so hollowed out with debt that Hillary Clinton essentially scooped it up in a distress sale. Wasserman Schultz cut a deal with the Clinton campaign in which Clinton would raise millions ostensibly for the party, particularly at the state level. But those funds were sluiced back into the Clinton campaign coffers in Brooklyn, and the campaign extracted de facto control of the partys messaging and hiring. Team Clinton mocked Sanders as a paranoid dotard for claiming that the Democratic primary system was rigged against him. As it happens, his paranoia didnt go far enough.

It seems axiomatic that any party weak enough to be taken over by Hillary Clinton is not in good health.

Today, the Democratic Partys sole unifying principle is opposition to Donald Trump. Given Trumps standing in the polls, that may be good enough for the 2018 midterm elections. But when it comes to ideas about governing, all of the passion is reserved for two things.

First, there is Sanders idea of socialism, which is really an unworkable stew of banalities and nostrums stemming from a nostalgic idea of a Scandinavian model that no longer exists (if it ever did). Its as if Fabian socialists created an Epcot Center exhibit of Sweden in the 1950s, and irascible tour guide Bernie rides by in a trolley, shouting: This could be us!

The second source of passion is the angry, sanctimony-besotted identity politics popular on college campuses and a handful of left-wing websites. The DNCs data services manager recently sent out an email soliciting applications for new hires in the IT department. She cautioned that she wasnt looking for any cisgender straight white males.

If you want to know how Trump was elected, ask yourself how a laid-off, cisgender, straight, white, male coal miner who went back to community college to learn computers might react to that.

Again, you wouldnt be crazy for thinking the GOP is like a runaway fire at a soiled diaper reclamation center. And Im sure Ill have opportunities in the near future to expand on that.

But the important point is that dysfunction isnt zero-sum. Right now, the best argument Republicans have is were not Democrats, and the best argument Democrats have is were not Republicans. Like two punch-drunk pugilists leaning on each other in the 12th round, if one falls, the other may well fall too.

Everywhere else in America today, disrupters  Uber, Amazon, etc.  are dismantling established institutions. Perhaps both political parties are the next institutions to crumble under creative destruction. Or maybe not. But if it happens, no one can say they didnt have it coming.

Jonah Goldberg is a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a senior editor of National Review. You can email him at goldbergcolumn@gmail.com.
CORNWALL, Ontario  Returning for its fifth year in a row, Crafting a Cure took over the NAV Centre on the evening of Friday, November 3, to offer a fun-filled chance for people to support research and awareness for juvenile diabetes through their enthusiasm for hops and barley.

The local craft beer tasting event now features 17 breweries, and one winery. With brewers coming from across Canada, many from the local area, the evening gives people the chance to sample the best in local craft beer, while learning about and supporting research for type 1 juvenile diabetes.

All the money we raise goes to JDRF, said lead organizer Jeff Lalonde, referring to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Tonights been a fantastic goits a full house, everybodys having a good time.

Weve had some cheque donations we werent expecting tonight, so thats been great, said Lalonde.

Guests were treated to food, craft beer, and talks from people living with type 1 juvenile diabetes, such as Tiffany Hayes, author of the popular Travelling Pint Beer Blog. Hayes has lived most of her life with the illness, and gone on to travel the world.

Jeff, and wife Cherie were inspired in 2012 to start Crafting a Cure, since the issue hit a bit close to home. Both of Jess and Cheries two children have been diagnosed, and are living with type 1 juvenile diabetes.

Community support has been absolutely phenomenal. Every year weve raised about $5000 more. Its really the community that has helped make this a successful event, said Lalonde.
Adoption of digital payments: 2017

A recent study, sponsored by MasterCard, one of the top American multinational financial services corporations, has said that, despite the self-inflicting shock  by demonetizing its currency a year ago, India beats just one country, the neighbouring Pakistan, in what it calls digital experience  a term used for identifying adoption for online transactions. Carried out by the Fletcher Schools Institute for Business in the Global Context at the Tufts University, bringing this to light, the study ranks in all 60 countries countries regulatory, infrastructural, and identity- and interface present in the digital environment, identifying the countries by speed, quality, and ease of use when transacting online.However, from the 60 countries, it chooses 42 countries for ranking "digital experience."Principal investigator of the study, Dr Bhaskar Chakravorti, senior associate dean of International Business and Finance at the Fletcher School, says , the lesson from the study is that digital adoption will not be meaningful unless users can trust the infrastructure to reliably deliver.Chakravorti adds, If your policy does not, simultaneously, improve the state of friction-freeness in the digital experience, do not plan on the technology delivering transformational change.Says Chakravorti, In India, With the exception of the Unified Payments Interface, a payments system that facilitates instant fund transfers between bank accounts on mobile platforms, all other digital payments transactions have declined.He adds, All things considered, this modest change in digital uptake could deliver over the longer term, but it is not clear why invalidating 86% of the countrys cash was necessary to promote a single payment platform.Chakravorti underlines, The Indian experience also helps us explore the reasons why the adoption of digital payments did not accelerate as one might have expected after demonetization. The explanation relies on an understanding of factors that drive digital adoption.The quality of the digital experience is one such factor. If nothing else changes in their environment and incentives, and users digital experiences are poor, they will go back to the predigital status quo, he believes.One of the criteria used for analyzing digital use experience, which primarily concerns use of online transaction, the study seeks to find the answer of how do users experience the digital trust environment?. It says, India alternates between maintaining momentum and self-inflicting shocks to its system by demonetizing its currency.Pointing out that India, along with China, are two countries where the digital economy has been given high priority by their policy makers, the study says, India, for its part, reframed a drastic policy move that demonetized 86 percent of its currency overnight, which has created the effect of nudging consumers and businesses towards digital payments  mixed results.In its broader Digital Evolution Index (DEI) analysis of 60 countries underlying drivers  Supply Conditions, Demand Conditions, Institutional Environment, and Innovation and Change  the study ranks India 53rd.The top-ranking ten countries on the DEI score are Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Singapore, South Korea, UK, Hong Kong, and USA. India is one of the ten bottom countries along with Philippines, Kenya, Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan, Algeria, Cameroon, Bolivia and Bangladesh.All of Indias competitors in the BRICS nations rank much better  Brazil 46th, Russia 39th, China 36th, and South Africa 43rd.
Cloud News

Partners Eager To Learn More At Dreamforce About Salesforce's Roadmap For Upgrading Its Einstein Intelligence Platform

Joseph Tsidulko

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At last year's Dreamforce conference, Salesforce introduced partners to Einstein, a broad platform for infusing artificial intelligence across the cloud-computing giant's product portfolio.

Now that Einstein is a year old, partners headed to Dreamforce 2017 next week in San Francisco are eager to learn more about how Salesforce's AI capabilities have matured, and if they will soon see a broader toolset making Einstein a more agile, customizable, and powerful solution to bring to customers.

As market demand for artificial intelligence heats up, Salesforce looks like it will not disappoint. An entire day of Dreamforce, Tuesday is packed with AI and Einstein sessions, and the technology will be a centerpiece of an on-stage discussion Wednesday between Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and IBM CEO Ginni Rometty.

[Related: Salesforce Updates Consulting Partner Program, Helping Partners Separate From The Pack Based On Industry And Product Expertise]

Solutions architects at SpringML, a Salesforce implementer with a strong focus on machine learning, will be educating peers on how customers are adopting machine learning in the Einstein Theater at Dreamforce, while also hoping to learn more themselves about the direction of Salesforce's intelligence portfolio.

"Beyond just the basic APIs, and the announcements they've made to date, we're looking forward to seeing the depth of their machine learning and AI offering," Charles Landry, CEO of the consultancy based in Pleasanton, Calif., told CRN.

Questions include how Salesforce is making it easier to embed Einstein into core applications, how Einstein solutions will appear on the recently revamped AppExchange marketplace, and how consulting partners will be enabled to leverage the platform to deliver industry-specific solutions.

Landry also wants to hear more about how IBM's Watson cognitive computing platform will integrate with Einstein, a topic that should be discussed in depth by Benioff and Rometty.

Latane Conant, chief marketing officer at Appirio, a Salesforce integrator based in Indianapolis, told CRN that with a day devoted almost exclusively to artificial intelligence, she expects to hear a lot at Dreamforce about Salesforce's evolving capabilities around the technology.

"It's a hot topic right now, and rightly so," Conant said. "AI is going to play a huge role in pushing marketing technology to the next level in creating true one-to-one customer journeys."

Artificial intelligence, of which machine learning is a central component, had a breakout year in 2016, with most major cloud providers innovating and launching products that made major strides in democratizing that long-promised technology.

However, now that Salesforce's solution has spent some time in the hands of real-world customers, partners have a better sense of how Einstein needs to evolve to continue penetrating that market.

"Einstein has come a long way since its release a year ago," said Kai Hsiung, chief growth officer at Silverline, a Salesforce partner based in New York City.

But there's still a lot that can be done to make the solution more valuable to customers, Hsiung said, and he wants to learn more at Dreamforce about coming upgrades, particularly in facilitating sales projections.

"They're going to say Einstein is going to be released with forecasting in the next year," Hsiung said.

The capability would evaluate historical data, apply it to the customer's pipeline, and "spit out a forecast," he said. "It's something I'm looking forward to since everybody struggles with forecasting. That's something that's worthy of talking to the customers about."

Customers, be they media, retail, consumer goods, energy, or tech companies, want to take the data in their CRM and external systems and leverage machine learning to predict sales, Landry, of SpringML, also told CRN.

"You can see the pace of progress really picking up, moving beyond this initial phase of hype and romance with machine learning and into the early days of practical use cases, with the right toolsets to enable it, drive business in marketing, services and sales, or operational capabilities with IoT implementations," Landry said.

Salesforce Service Cloud users are looking to Einstein to help manage and service customers better by delivering predictions on what tickets will be challenging to deal with as opposed to run-of-the-mill, and what cases need to be escalated sooner. On the marketing side, Salesforce's AI technology can be used to analyze campaigns and predict revenue outcomes, evaluate the effectiveness of messaging and integrate that with social channels, Landry said.

In recent months, SpringML has seen several customer engagements to deliver those types of capabilities, Landry said.

But to really tackle the market opportunity, especially across specific verticals, Einstein needs to extend beyond the initial capabilities launched last year with more-prevalent capabilities partners can embed into core applications, Landry said.

"We are expecting, and optimistic, to hear about Einstein capabilities that are customizable to the depths and requirements of the customer," Landry said. "What we're really excited to see are what are the customizable components, and the APIs they're going to release, that enable partners such as ourselves to build custom solutions."

SpringML does a lot of work for the medical device industry, and for those customers, "the generic just won't fit," Landry said. Generic artificial intelligence "just won't serve the customer as well as customized solutions purposed for them to adapt data from their custom objects."

Salesforce partners also tell CRN they are looking to learn more about efforts to accelerate adoption of the Lightning platform for developing next-generation user interfaces because Lightning's development impacts Einstein's market potential.

The Lightning framework was introduced two years ago to make it easier for partners to enhance and customize user interfaces without writing code.

Einstein only works inside Lighting, as Salesforce partner Bluewolf, owned by IBM, explained in a recent blog post.

Most new customers deploy Lightning. But many of the legacy ones still haven't migrated to that user interface, which undercuts their ability to leverage Einstein.

Salesforce's channel has been trying to develop programs to encourage and facilitate migrations, but legacy customers aren't moving as fast as many, including Salesforce, had hoped, mainly because doing so "is more than a weekend effort," one Salesforce partner, who asked not to be named in this article, told CRN.

The time requirements of Lightning migration projects and the inherent disruptions to business as they proceed have slowed the platform refresh.

"You have to answer the Lightning question before you can answer the Einstein question," that partner said.
Contributed Photo

WESTPORT A town resident was charged after threatening to shoot his landlord who initiated an eviction process against him, police said.

Around 11 p.m. Oct. 28, officers were dispatched to a Weston Road address on a report that a tenant, Jamie Green, was upset. The victim told police Green had threatened to shoot him and had frightened other people in the house.
Brockmiller Construction, Inc. a full-service, multidisciplinary commercial contracting firm that works with public and private sector clients throughout Southeast Missouri announced that it has transferred 100 percent ownership of the company to its office employees via an Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

An ESOP is a qualified retirement plan that buys, holds, and sells company stock for the benefit of the employees, providing them with an ownership stake in the company.

Paul Brockmiller, president of Brockmiller Construction, and Cindy Detring, vice president of Finance, will both retire in December after three decades each with the company.

Bill Giessing will succeed Brockmiller as president of the organization. Colin Rogers has been named vice president. Gina McCain has been appointed corporate secretary and operations manager. The three new officers have a combined total of more than 50 years of experience with Brockmiller Construction.

The company they are today would not exist without the hard work, dedication and skills of employees.

Becoming an ESOP company will involve the employees even more in the companys success and will further inspire them to provide the outstanding service that the company is known for, said Brockmiller. We have developed a succession plan within the company that has resulted in incredibly talented leaders. Bill, Colin and Gina are ready to assume these greater responsibilities.
Mrs Mays personal behaviour has been faultless. This vicars daughters character is rooted in decent moral values

For many Prime Ministers there comes a point when they suddenly lose their authority and become the victim of events rather than their architect.

Labours Harold Wilson was never the same after he was humiliatingly forced to devalue the pound in 1967. His successor, Edward Heath, lost political credibility for nationalising the almost-bankrupt Rolls-Royce  a decision which meant abandoning the Tories free market principles.

Even Margaret Thatcher, the greatest British Prime Minister of the modern era, finally lost her authority over the flawed introduction of the poll tax.

I believe historians may conclude that the first week of November 2017 was the point when Theresa May lost her control of the Tory Party. The brutal truth is she looks utterly beleaguered in the wake of a series of allegations about inappropriate sexual conduct of a number of her ministers.

There is an irony here. Mrs Mays personal behaviour has been faultless. This vicars daughters character is rooted  as voters realise  in decent moral values. Moreover, these traditional principles, it should be said, are better appreciated by the wider electorate than they are in the less moral environment of Westminster.

Nevertheless, Mrs May has not handled the crisis well. And I would stress that there is no evidence from his past record that Jeremy Corbyn would have tackled such a problem with better judgement. Indeed, Labours handling of allegations of sexual impropriety against one of its own MPs has been nothing less than disgraceful.

Despite being given several warnings about the conduct of 76-year-old Kelvin Hopkins, who is said to have sent inappropriate text messages to a 24-year-old party activist, Corbyn blithely promoted him to a senior front bench job.

No wonder Jess Phillips MP said her party has failed to treat allegations of sexual misconduct seriously enough.

Much more disturbingly, the most serious allegation since the Westminster sex scandal erupted involves the appalling way Labour officials hushed up allegations that a young party activist was raped by a senior colleague at a Labour event.

But as Prime Minister, the spotlight has inevitably been on Mrs Mays reaction to the drip, drip, drip of allegations, accusations and the witch-hunt inspired by social media.

Sadly, along with the Tories generally, Mrs May seems to have lost her sense of priorities. The fact is that the Tort Party has succumbed to a bout of collective hysteria and needless infighting.

Most shocking of all is the treachery of Andrea Leadsom, one of the Cabinets more senior members. There is no reason to doubt her claim that Tory colleague Sir Michael Fallon made some deeply unpleasant remarks to her when they were both on the Treasury Select Committee between 2010 and 2012.

But if Mrs Leadsom was so offended, why, as a seasoned political street-fighter, didnt she either give Fallon a piece of her mind or lodge an official complaint then? Why did she wait five years  for a moment when her ministerial career was in the balance and she reckoned on being able to inflict the maximum damage?

For her part, it looks as if a weak Mrs May has allowed her junior colleague to force the resignation of one of her most senior and valued ministers and, more worryingly, sabotage her government.

Veteran Tory MP Gary Streeter has remarked that the May government is starting to remind him of the John Major administration of the mid-Nineties  mired by sleaze allegations and infighting over Europe.

If Mrs Leadsom was so offended, why, as a seasoned political street-fighter, didnt she either give Fallon a piece of her mind or lodge an official complaint?

He has a point. Increasingly, Mrs May looks like the leader of a rudderless government  also split over Europe and brought low by a series of sleaze scandals.

She risks being outflanked by an invigorated Labour Opposition  even though its economic policies are reckless and it faces much more serious charges with regard to the Westminster sex scandal.

Tragically, Mrs May seems incapable of dealing proportionately with the string of allegations or with her disloyal and treacherous colleagues. Why has the PM allowed the serially dissident backbencher Anna Soubry to indulge in what has been nothing less than a damaging and contemptible running commentary in public about the Government  regularly spitting bile and rebuking the leadership.

Also, we witnessed fellow Remainer Ken Clarke arrogantly cocking a snook at Mrs May by joining arch-Europhiles Nick Clegg and Labours Lord Adonis on a trip to the European Commissions HQ in Brussels that was seen as a blatant attempt to undermine Brexit. No leader should allow such treachery.

It must never be forgotten that disloyalty and backbiting during the Major years resulted in the Tories catastrophic election defeat in 1997, leading to the Conservatives being out of power for the next 13 years.

No, the party needs to pull itself out of this nervous breakdown that is convulsing it. Talk of a leadership challenge is madness.

Indeed, this weeks treachery of Mrs Leadsom  and remember, she still sees herself as a future party leader  is a vivid warning that to get rid of Mrs May would result in a catastrophic blood-letting that would hand Mr Corbyn the keys to No.10.

Of course all this is manna from heaven for all those who want a second EU referendum and dont seem to mind if Britain is damaged in the process.

But not all is doom and gloom. There is a possible way back for Mrs May. She must build on that hard core of public support for her personal decency and devise a strategy that will seize back the initiative and see her through to the next election in 2022.

That means keeping the economy healthy, delivering Brexit and reminding voters of the profound dangers of a Corbyn government.

This can be achieved by a bold Budget and a wide-ranging Cabinet reshuffle that gets rid of traitors and plotters. Theresa May has had similar opportunities in the past  but fluffed them. She is running out of last chances.

The folly of asking Sir Cover-Up for help

One of the many failings of the political class to deal with the Westminster sex scandal properly was the decision to ask Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood to conduct an official inquiry into whether junior trade minister Mark Garnier broke the ministerial code by asking an assistant to buy two sex toys.

It is always a mistake for a Cabinet Secretary to get involved in such matters. Heywoods predecessor, Richard Wilson, made a similar error (as he later acknowledged) when he allowed himself to be bullied by then Prime Minister Tony Blair to hold an inquiry into Peter Mandelsons complicated business dealings.

Garniers shopping requests to an aide have nothing to do with his role as a minister.

It is therefore not a case for a Cabinet Secretary  particularly one nicknamed Sir Cover-Up for having tried to neuter the Freedom of Information Act, which allows access to Government documents, and who was accused of trying to block the release of Iraq War papers to the Chilcot Inquiry.

Garniers sex toys are a matter for internal Tory party discipline.

The most solemn time of the year is Remembrance Day, when the country marks the sacrifice of those servicemen and women who gave their lives in the two great wars of the last century, as well as other smaller wars.

We would not enjoy the freedoms we have today without their heroism.

I worry that their memory is not being sufficiently honoured.

While walking in Central London this week, I was passed by more than 30 pedestrians before coming across one person who was wearing a poppy.

Its a shame that so many of todays young  who enjoy a far higher standard of life than their grandparents did, having lived through the war  are disdainful of past generations selfless acts of sacrifice.

If we forget Poppy Day, we are disregarding everything that is best and finest about Britain as a nation.

Boris Johnson shouldnt have backed Cabinet colleague Priti Patel after the revelation she met Israeli businessmen and one of the countrys most senior politicians on a recent private holiday in Israel.

According to the BBCs James Landale, Ms Patel didnt inform the Foreign Office  thus breaking a convention that ministers must tell the FCO whenever they conduct official business overseas so as to stop any suggestion of private lobbying.

Ms Patels enemies have suggested she was trying to woo wealthy pro-Israeli Conservative donors who might fund her in a potential future party leadership bid.

We must be told what she discussed. Why were no officials present? Was No.10 informed?

Israel is a key British ally but ministers mustnt pursue their own private foreign policy with the country.
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It's the event that heralds the official beginning of Melbourne Cup Carnival.

And while many think the true action of Derby Day is on the field, just as many of us were keeping our eyes firmly trackside, where A-listers and the fashion elite showcased the very best in race day fashion.

With its typical black-and-white theme, celebrities including Rachael Finch, Jennifer Hawkins and Jodi Anasta stepped out in elegant monochrome hues and beautiful headpieces.

From two-piece pant suits to pretty florals and laser-cut lace, here FEMAIL rounds up Derby Day's best dressed.

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Fine fillies: Derby Day got off to a stunning start on Saturday - and while the weather was poor, the celebrities dressed perfectly - getting it right early were Jodi Anasta (left), who plumped for Toni Maticevski, Rachael Finch (centre) in a Misha Collection pant suit and Jennifer Hawkins (right)

Leading the style stakes and among the first to show off her put-together outfit was model and mother-of-two, Rachael Finch.

The 29-year-old former Miss Universe Australia stunned in a two-piece black pant suit by Misha Collection, and a pearl-encrusted headpiece by the designer-to-the-stars, Viktoria Novak.

It was clear to see Rachael enjoyed dressing for the occasion - as she captioned an early Instagram snap: 'My favourite day for dressing at the Melbourne Cup Carnival'.

Elsewhere, others got the chic and sophisticated memo - including Jodi Gordon, who plumped for a stunning Toni Maticevski strapless dress, which she paired with an over-sized black bow from Kim Fletcher Millinery and a bag by St Xavier - the Marcela clutch.

Leading the style stakes and among the first to show off her put-together outfit was model and mother-of-two, Rachael Finch (left), who paired her pant suit with pearl-encrusted headpiece by the designer-to-the-stars, Viktoria Novak; Jodi Anasta also impressed with her pretty dress and oversized ribbon (right)

Jennifer Hawkins also looked stylish, as she joined the 100,000 plus guests at Derby Day, wearing a laser-cut lace Jonathan Simkai dress which fell below the knees, and a hat by Anne Shoebridge.

International supermodel and Victoria's Secret star, Shanina Shaik, was also a highly-anticipated name on the event guest list.

The 26-year-old superstar's outfit, however, divided the fashion critics. She paired an Aje mini dress with a black hat, Stuart Weitzman over-the-knee boots and a slim black hat as she partied in the Mumm marquee at the event.

Jennifer Hawkins also looked stylish, as she joined the 100,000 plus guests at Derby Day, wearing a laser-cut lace Jonathan Simkai dress which fell below the knees, and a hat by Anne Shoebridge (pictured)

PR queen, Roxy Jacenko (left and right), kept things simple and tailored with a buttoned-up black mini dress, an up do and sunglasses to shield her eyes from the occasional glimpse of sun; meanwhile Australia's racing royalty, Kate Waterhouse (centre), looked chic in a white jumpsuit

On the white side of the black-and-white theme, Kate Waterhouse looked simple and chic in white.

Australia's racing royalty looked effortless in an asymmetric white one-shouldered jumpsuit, which she paired with a veil and headpiece from Net-a-Porter.

Meanwhile, PR queen, Roxy Jacenko, kept things simple and tailored with a buttoned-up black mini dress, an up do and sunglasses to shield her eyes from the occasional glimpse of sun.

Bec Judd's (pictured) outfit was also one of the more divisive of the day; her fringed dress by Alexis featured some elements that are very much on-trend, including tassels and an off-the-shoulder style and yet some were not overly fond of her fascinator

Nadia Bartel looked stunning in white on the day, pairing a peplum-hemmed Dion Lee dress with a wide-brimmed hat by Melissa Jackson, Louboutin shoes and a Valentino clutch (pictured)

Bec Judd's outfit was also one of the more divisive of the day. Her fringed dress by Alexis featured some elements that are very much on-trend, including tassels and an off-the-shoulder style.

And yet, some were not overly fond of her Danica Erard Millinery fascinator or some of the details.

Bec paired her outfit with a pretty waved hairstyle and strappy sandals.

Nadia Bartel looked stunning in white on the day, pairing a peplum-hemmed Dion Lee dress with a wide-brimmed hat by Melissa Jackson, Louboutin shoes and a Valentino clutch.

Elsewhere, on the fields of style, the recent winner of The Block, Elyse Knowles, looked pretty in white (pictured); she appeared with her partner, Josh Barker (centre) and appeared to channel a Grecian goddess with her outfit

WAG, Jessie Habermann's, outfit was also a chic hit; with its batwing sleeves, asymmetric hemline and pretty straw hat, she looked like an Italian movie star (pictured)

Elsewhere, on the fields of style, the recent winner of The Block, Elyse Knowles, looked pretty in white.

Appearing with her partner, Josh Barker, the model stepped out in a white lacy cut-out dress, complete with gold accessories, metallic make up and a centre parting.

The 24-year-old appeared to channel a Grecian goddess with her girly outfit.

WAG, Jessie Habermann's, outfit was also a chic hit. With its batwing sleeves, asymmetric hemline and pretty straw hat, she looked like an Italian movie star.

Brooke Hogan excelled with the black-and-white theme, with a dress that was quite literally half black and half white (pictured); the Aussie model paired her dress with a Zimmermann hat and Kurt Geiger heels

Brooke Hogan excelled with the black-and-white theme, with a dress that was quite literally half black and half white.

The Aussie model paired her dress with a Zimmermann hat and Kurt Geiger heels.

Lisa Clark and Elyse Taylor also both looked pretty in black and white respectively, thanks to Lisa's stunning starry silver headpiece and Elyse's prom-ready princess white dress.

Lisa Clark (left) and Elyse Taylor (right) also both looked pretty in black and white respectively, thanks to Lisa's stunning starry silver headpiece and Elyse's prom-ready princess white dress

Among the best places to witness the racing action was the Mumm marquee, hosted by international supermodel, Shanina Shaik.

Glamorous faces including It girl and social media star, Pia Muehlenbeck, and fiance, Kane Vato, supped on champagne from the marquee.

Pia, meanwhile, looked as stylish as ever - in an Audrey Hepburn-inspired black dress and huge straw hat.

Natalie Roser's pretty dress and chic up do proved popular at Derby Day - her dress was by Con Ilio
Big sister: Samantha hasn't seen Meghan in nearly a decade

There are many reasons why Samantha Markle will never forget the day she found out her half-sister was dating Prince Harry.

The news itself, a bombshell for any group of relatives, was all the more remarkable given the less-than-elevated circles in which the Markles, a working-class family from Los Angeles, moved.

But it was how the news was delivered that speaks volumes about the different worlds these two women inhabit. For the announcement came not from Meghan herself, or even from another family member, but from a friend who had read it in a magazine.

She said: Are you sitting down? Did you know your sister is dating Prince Harry?  recalls Samantha, who shares a father with Meghan. My friend obviously thought Id be shocked.

With good reason. For while Samantha today is eager to paint a picture of affection and pride in the little sister, 16 years her junior, who has captured Prince Harrys heart, in truth their relationship is far from close.

Indeed, so fractured are the Markle family bonds  amid claims of racial slurs and financial tension  that the sisters havent seen each other in almost ten years. It is a situation that Samantha, 52, a writer and mental health counsellor who lives in Florida, is trying desperately to address.

For while Samantha today is eager to paint a picture of affection and pride in the little sister, 16 years her junior, who has captured Prince Harrys heart, in truth their relationship is far from close

She claims this is the little sister she helped to raise, the one who could always light up a room. By Samanthas own account, she helped Meghan learn to walk and talk and insists the little girl adored her. The pair were once so close that she would walk around the house with Meghan on her hip.

She used to call me Daff Duck because Id make Daffy Duck noises to get her to laugh, she says. She called me that up until she was 12, then she would call me Babe. Shed ring me up and say: Hows it going, Babe? 

There have been no Hi Babe phone calls from Meghan for some years now.

Samantha last saw her sister in 2008, when Samantha graduated from university and Meghan  by then a successful actress  flew in to share her big day. Will the next shared celebration be Meghans wedding day?

Samantha, twice divorced herself (Meghan divorced producer and actor Trevor Engelson in 2013) and who has limited mobility after having multiple sclerosis diagnosed in 2008, doubts she will make the guest list.

Left, Meghan Markle as a baby with her half sister Samantha, who was 16/17. Right shows Samantha's graduation in 2008

Im in a wheelchair. I dont know that its that easy to travel. But if I were invited I would find a way, out of love and respect, she says. I would never be disrespectful or make her feel that I wasnt sharing her joy. I would be honoured to go  but that will come down to Meghan and her heart. It will be what it will be.

But there is a substantial question mark over which members of the Markle clan  if any  might be welcome at any forthcoming royal wedding.

To call Meghans family background complex would be an understatement. And if the couple do tie the knot, the royal wedding organisers in charge of the seating plan will have their work cut out, given the history of fall-outs, feuds and simmering hostilities among the would-be in-laws.

While Samantha insists there has been no falling-out with Meghan  I dont like the word estranged, she says sharply there are more than enough issues with other members of her family who are, she tells me, no strangers to court appearances, bankruptcy and years of racial bigotry.

Are the Markles, I ask her, a dysfunctional family?

(Left to right) Meghan at 11 years old with her nephew Thomas Dooley, her father Thomas Markle Sr, her nephew Tyler Dooley and then-sister-in-law Tracey Dooley, who was married to Meghan's older brother Thomas

I dont think we are more dysfunctional than any other family, she says. Every family has their issues and challenges and you have to roll with them. With all due respect, the royals have had their own issues. They havent had perfect lives themselves.

But where to start with the potential royal in-laws?

Samantha, the product of the ill-fated marriage between Thomas Markle, a Hollywood lighting technician, and his first wife Roslyn, burst into public consciousness last month when it emerged that not only did Meghan Markle have a half-sister, but one who planned to write a book about her entitled The Diary Of Princess Pushys Sister.

Samantha was immediately criticised for cashing in on her half-sisters fame. Trying to deal with the backlash today, she says we have got it all wrong. That book title, she insists with breath-taking audacity, is ironic.

The title is a mockery of the media, she says. It wasnt me who called Meg pushy, it was the tabloid newspapers. She is not pushy. The book isnt going to be negative  its a warm, witty, honouring book  unfortunately, the negative sing-song has gone round the world.

Today, Samantha claims she defended Meghan from racist slurs within her own family

She says she wants the book to be about her and Meghans childhoods, but also about the interracial evolution of the United States.

There is little doubt Samantha is keen to promote the notion that she looks set to be the sister of the first bi-racial princess in royal history. A worthy claim to fame  were it not for the allegations that members of Meghans own family, including Samantha, subjected the young girl to appalling racial abuse.

Today, Samantha claims she defended Meghan from racist slurs within her own family. Older members of the Markle clan, she alleges, were opposed to the relationship between her father Thomas, who is white, and Meghans mother, Doria Ragland, who is black. And when baby Meghan was born, they were distinctly unimpressed.

There were a couple of family members from older generations who were not evolved and made pretty horrible comments when my sister was born, Samantha says. There was certainly the use of the N word, which I hate.

You are talking about people who were raised in an environment where this kind of bigotry was the norm. But the rest of our house was colour-blind  her childhood was magical. We made it fun for her.

So far, so enlightened. But what to make of Samanthas mother Roslyn, who has made some explosive claims of her own?

Speaking to the Mail earlier this year, Roslyn alleged that far from being proud of her bi-racial family (Pictured is Roslyn Markle with Meghan's niece Noelle Rasmussen)

Speaking to the Mail earlier this year, Roslyn alleged that far from being proud of her bi-racial family, Samantha used to tell friends her stepmother was the maid because she is black.

Roslyn, 71, who lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has since disowned Samantha, saying of her daughter: She trashes Meghan, she trashes me, her dad, her brothers. She has just been trashing everybody in her life forever.

Samanthas brother, called Thomas like his father, has also entered the fray, branding Samantha an attention-seeker who should leave Meghan alone.

Samantha denies all this. She is not a nice person, she says of her mother, who split from her father when Samantha was 12. I was so unhappy with her. She resented me because I looked like my dad.

When her father met Meghans mother Doria, now a yoga teacher but at the time a make-up artist at ABC television, Samantha says she was delighted.

She was a really stylish woman, very intelligent and lovely. She made me feel included and I could talk to her about anything.

The pair married in 1979 and the family settled in middle-class Woodland Hills, Santa Monica. She says she was happy to see her dad marry Doria. They made each other laugh. They were always going off on adventures.

She recalls Meghan being a joyous and easy baby. She was always laughing. Babies laughs are always magical, but she could light up a room. She was never really cranky or colicky

What about when she discovered Doria was pregnant, though? Most teenage girls would find this tricky. She insists not  possibly a little too fervently.

I remember seeing the ultrasound images when they came home from getting the scan. It was definitely fun. And when Meg arrived, she was incredibly beautiful, like a little rosebud, delicate and so pretty.

So Samantha wasnt jealous, as Roslyn has claimed?

I hear this muck  no! I mean, I wasnt a child any more, so there wasnt that sibling rivalry thing. I was definitely the big sis, more of an aunt figure, actually.

She recalls Meghan being a joyous and easy baby. She was always laughing. Babies laughs are always magical, but she could light up a room. She was never really cranky or colicky.

She was a determined and meticulous child, Samantha says, always anxious to surround herself with nice things, even as a toddler.

I wouldnt say pernickety, but she started to develop a taste for the finer things in life  nice shoes, music boxes, her dolls. She loved dressing up her Barbie dolls.

Samantha's public utterances on the subject of Meghan havent exactly been supportive of late

She was really neat, too. Most kids just throw things on the floor, but she would organise her things meticulously. She liked pretty things on her body, too. She had a beautiful sense of style.

There was one thing Meghan didnt like, though: her hair.

It was thicker, more coarse than she liked. She used to tell me it bothered her. She wanted hair like the other girls. She struggled a lot with that. But Meghan never had to look like the other girls  she was always so pretty.

I was looking forward to the day when she would get a sense of self and rise above all that.

So, when will we get to read Samanthas warm and honouring account of growing up with Meghan? She is vague. I have to leave that to the publishers. Who are they? I cant talk about that.

A pity, some might think, to be sworn to silence over such details, given what Samantha has felt able to talk about in recent weeks. For her public utterances on the subject of Meghan havent exactly been supportive of late.

She has called her sister a social climber, questioned her charity work and her responsibilities to her family and been less than respectful about her expected future brother-in-law, pointing out that Meghan, whose first husband had reddish hair, had a soft spot for gingers.

It was 2008 when Samantha, had MS diagnosed. My world turned upside down, she says

This last reported remark is one she disputes. I never said that, she insists. I may have said that our father has auburn hair, so perhaps that is her type, but I was not disrespectful.

It is impossible not to feel some desperate back-pedalling is going on. I feel awful, she says. Im sure I made some comments that could have been put in a different way.

Those comments included some Samantha made about a lack of financial and emotional support from Meghan when her family were going through tough times.

It was 2008 when Samantha, by then a mother of two and with a patchy career that had included acting, writing and a stint in the U.S. Air Force, had MS diagnosed. My world turned upside down, she says.

Where was Meghan at this time? Although she had yet to land the role in the TV drama Suits that would make her famous, her acting career had taken off and she was dating film producer Trevor Engelson, whom she went on to marry in 2011.

I was dealing with disability; she was travelling the world, Samantha says. I wasnt going to bring her down with my hardships.

Unable to work, Samantha admits she suffered financially, as did their father Tom.

Both were declared bankrupt and Samantha challenged Meghan on her lack of financial support.

We did have a conversation once. I felt she should help my dad when he was having a hard time. But maybe he wouldnt have wanted her help.

People have said: You are being stupid. She could call you and be more supportive, but I cant demand or presume to know what she could squeeze in.

But I was honest about my feelings. I felt that we had drifted apart. In retrospect, when I search my heart, maybe she just got very busy.

These things happen in families. And when you are in a high-profile family, these situations are brought into big, dramatic focus.

She sighs. I would have loved more of a sisterly relationship.

Princess Pushys Sister sure has a funny way of showing it.
Dear Bel

I am writing because I feel I know you, and I feel so low and horrible I need advice.

My wonderful husband Ted and I seemed to live a charmed life in the past, with three children and a comfortable lifestyle based near Liverpool. Then, in 2007, we received the devastating news that our eldest son, David (married with a stepson), had cancer. He died in 2009 aged 34.

When Dave was ill, he found us a beautiful chocolate Labrador called Barney, who is now eight. This dog has been an absolute dream for us all, giving us so much comfort through a terrible time.

Now to the present: my lovely husband died in January after two years of illness, a heart bypass, a bleed on the brain and finally pulmonary fibrosis. He was just 72.

In the past three weeks, our dog, Barney, has been diagnosed with cancer and hasnt got long to live.

I feel as though my world is closing in on me and I hate it, but I dont know where to turn next.

With Barney so ill, I cant believe this is happening to us all again, and right now I cant stop crying. Usually I am such a strong and upbeat person, but this last blow has tipped the scales.

Neither of my beloved children, Sarah, 39, and Alan, 34, have partners, but both have houses close by. I have Teds sister and her husband, but my only sibling lives in Nottingham. There is no one else and I feel that our world is slowly shrinking.

What on earth are Sarah and Alan going to do if anything happens to me? How will they cope after all the sadness we have had in the past ten years?

The sun rises in spite of everything and the far cities are beautiful and bright. I lie here in a riot of sunlight Watching the day break and the clouds flying. Everything is going to be all right. Derek Mahon (Northern Irish poet, b 1941) Advertisement

Usually I am a very outgoing person  I still see old school and work friends, and have joined the WI with my sister-in-law  but I cant shake off this sad feeling.

Both my children have gone to counselling and I wonder if I should do the same? I did for a short time after our son died and it did help.

My other problem is our huge house, which has been on the market for a year  but has had not one viewing. Ive always been able to cope with the practical things life throws at me, but this is something else.

At 71, I am stuck in this empty place, and when my darling dog goes, it will feel even emptier. I cant move on until its sold. Both children say its not the same since Dad went . . . and now Barney. What can I do?

Anne

Readers should know that in the time between your email arriving and my return from holiday, you sent another message to say that Barney had died.

You and your children, Sarah and Alan, had taken the heartbreaking decision that he must not suffer.

This email made me cry as I felt particularly vulnerable  today marks the date on which my precious little Maltese dog Bonnie died two years ago.

Then you sent me a wonderful photograph of your daughter holding a brand new puppy  another adorable chocolate Labrador  whom you will collect from the breeder at the end of this month. Seeing that image made my day!

Want to write to Bel? Bel answers readers' questions on emotional and relationship problems each week. Write to Bel Mooney, Daily Mail, 2 Derry Street, London, W8 5TT, or email bel.mooney@dailymail.co.uk. A pseudonym will be used if you wish. Bel reads all letters but regrets she cannot enter into personal correspondence. Advertisement

I know some people say they cannot simply replace a dog theyre mourning, but (as I explain in my book Goodbye Pet & See You In Heaven) for some people (like me and you) the love you have felt for one animal puts you into training for the next one, and you long for the space at home to be filled.

Its not a replacement, but a continuation  a further expansion of the heart.

Im so very happy that soon you will no longer be alone, and (as a reader wrote recently) I should mention that rescue homes are full of dogs and cats who can transform lives.

Your letter is about loss  and we both understand that the grief felt for a beloved animal who was part of the family only serves to reopen the wounds of other losses.

You suffered the worse thing that can happen to any parent: the death of a (in your case adult) child. Your beloved husband shared that grief, and then died, leaving you bereft.

You both loved Barney, who was a living, breathing, loving link to Dave. Is it any wonder that the shock of Barneys diagnosis (and then the reality of his death) should push you near the edge?

Please take heart. You have been through so much, but have strength and love on your side.

Now you must look forward to your first Christmas with this new puppy, as well as your two lovely children who live nearby and (I hope) your sister-in-law and her husband.

Make the most of it  which is surely what your late husband would have wanted. Do it for him  especially as last Christmas must have been so miserable. Open champagne for Ted and for David  and toast Barney, too.

Let the bubbles burst into the air joyfully, each one carrying into the atmosphere all the love you had for them, and the love they gave right back.

Dont worry about the future, live for now.

It may well be your last Christmas in this house, so celebrate the good years. But you should recognise that the market is sluggish at the moment  my daughter and my best friend have both had their beautiful houses for sale for a while with no bites  so do consider you may have to drop the price, and do so boldly.

I believe it would be worth it for you to have a new start in 2018, finding a cosy little place in that area  just right for you and the baby pooch who will become a new light in your life.

Oh, good luck!

If he doesn't propose soon, I'm off!

Dear Bel

Im 36 and have been with my partner for a little over two years. I probably sound really sad, but I just want to get married. I have had a few failed relationships and dont want to put the effort into one which then amounts to nothing.

I love my partner dearly and I want the commitment from him, so that my effort will be worthwhile. I have spoken to him about this, but we dont really resolve anything.

He says he wants to get married to me, but I dont get a timeline. Im at the point of saying that if we are not engaged by the third year then Im not interested.

That would be a huge shame because we have a wonderful relationship, but Im lost! I dont know what to do.

Melissa

Why is it sad to want to get married? Im easygoing about whether people want to live together or get married, but old-fashioned when it comes to children. If people want to start a family then I do not see why they cant be adult and make a serious commitment to each other, with all it implies.

And Finally...Party girls break their bad habits Some of you may have seen the Channel 5 series Bad Habits, Holy Orders, on Thursday nights. Next week is the last, but its easy to catch up. The series has made a big impression on me  reinforcing my conviction that within so many people theres a vacuum. Since nature abhors a vacuum, its easy for bad things to fill the space  in this case, mindless partying, drinking and sex. Its a fascinating experiment. Five young self-confessed party animals head to an unknown place for a reality TV show. But Paige, Tyla, Rebecca, Gabbi and Sarah arent told its the Sacred Heart convent, in Swaffham, Norfolk. The challenge was to see how they got on without their phones, make-up, booze, clubbing  a whole lifestyle. How would a lingerie model, dancer, nightclub hostess cope? Not to mention the tattooed wild child Rebecca whos lost count of the number of men shes slept with, and whose father detests her habits. These women have turned themselves into brainless sex objects. Will they be able to see there is much more to life? At first the answer is no. Theyre shocked, bored and try to rebel. But since then we have seen touching conversations, confusion  and change. When the girls are temporarily allowed the confiscated phones, the lingerie model shows a sweet nun her sexy selfies. She looks so ashamed  but the nun tells her gently that she has seen the real Gabbi, so those pictures are meaningless. Near to tears, the pretty girl says how much that means to her. I recently wrote a big piece in the Mail about the boozy, promiscuous world of reality TV shows such as Geordie Shore  the very world of these girls. Yet the calm atmosphere of the convent and the kindness of the nuns infiltrates their hearts. Yes, real transformation is possible  even for the sinner. The space within the human spirit represents a great yearning for something more. For love, for honesty, for kindness, for respect, for meaning. Advertisement

I know marriage isnt for ever (hardly!) but I do believe in the Marriage Foundations (marriage foundation.org.uk) manifesto: We want to see fewer relationships breaking down and more people forming healthy, stable relationships. This would mean fewer people being drawn into the family justice system  not the 500,000 each year as now.

Fewer children whose wellbeing and life chances are diminished. Fewer people experiencing the emotional pain and financial costs of broken relationships. And less cost to society, not the current 44 billion each year. We believe that marriage can help build more stable relationships, and that marriages can be strengthened and helped to survive difficult times.

So there we are, Melissa  thats where Im coming from. Im sorry to mention children when you didnt; I just feel very strongly about this and feel sad that so many women find themselves in your position.

They long for their men to commit to the relationship, to a shared future, to all the delightful small habits of a contented couple. Are you living together? I sometimes wonder if women do that too readily, because then the chaps have it all, dont they?

But maybe that point about contentment is a problem for your boyfriend. Maybe he is afraid of losing the romance or the magic  or some other such nonsense.

Even if you are living together (with no exchange of rings), the excitement always disappears in time  but its usually replaced by something just as good. For me, that is real companionship.

Now, Id be worried were you to make a timetable and stick to it. Surely it would be a mistake to let him know too much detail. You need to be more subtle than that  manipulative, if you like.

I dislike game-playing, but perhaps hes the kind of man who will respond. Only you can know whether, for example, he might be more interested if you make him jealous by saying you ran into an old lover and would he mind if you went for a drink with him? He might say No, of course . . . In which case, go out with a girlfriend then look knowing when you return.

That approach could work with a certain kind of guy who needs nudging to realise the value of what he has.

Otherwise, why can you not be straightforward? Do you ask When? if he says he wants to marry you? Do you say you are bored waiting? I dont have a needy tone in mind, but a strong, independent one  the matter-of-fact voice of a woman who will up sticks if he messes her about.

You say: I dont get a timeline  as if the man is in charge. Why should he be? Tell him what you want for Christmas. A ring. Theres plenty in the shops.
The Duchess of Cornwall donned a pinny to prepare and serve plates of food to orphans in Kuala Lumpur today as her husband Prince Charles laid a wreath at a Second World War memorial.

Camilla was visiting The Lighthouse Children's Welfare Centre when she offered to chop up strips of papaya and hand it out to the waiting children, along with dishes of delicious chicken curry.

The royal ended up with her hands sticky with food and probably, she said, a few spots on her beautiful flowing green Anna Valentine tunic and scarf, but was bowled over by the 'gorgeous' children she met.

All smiles: The Duchess of Cornwall donned a pinny to prepare and serve plates of food to orphans in Kuala Lumpur today

Camilla arrived at the centre, which helps underprivileged children, after attending church at St Mary's Cathedral in the centre of the city

Prince Charles lays a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance at the Taiping Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall visit Malaysia

Camilla arrived at the centre, which helps underprivileged children, after attending church at St Mary's Cathedral in the centre of the city with Prince Charles mid-way through their 11-day tour of south east Asia on behalf of the Queen.

While her husband flew off by helicopter into the jungle for a day of engagements afterwards, she went to learn more about the valuable work of Lighthouse Children's Welfare Home, which houses 60 disadvantaged children, aged one to 18 years old.

She was also briefed on The Lost Food Project which reclaims high quality surplus food from supermarkets and manufacturers, sorts them, and distributes them to a wide variety of charities.

The organisation currently gives out more than 50,000 meals a month  all made with high quality ingredients - and minimises waste by composting any food unfit for human consumption.

Camilla was visiting The Lighthouse Children's Welfare Centre when she offered to chop up strips of papaya and serve chicken curry

The royal ended up with her hands sticky with food and probably, she said, a few spots on her beautiful flowing green Anna Valentine tunic and scarf, but was bowled over by the 'gorgeous' children she met

The Duchess was greeted by the project's Chairwoman and Founder, Mrs Suzanne Mooney, and shown a wide variety of the fresh produce that is delivered by the Lost Food van to charities throughout Kuala Lumpur.

Camilla also met volunteers and supporters of the projects, as well as staff and residents of the children's home, bending down to chat to the youngsters who were engaged in a variety of craft activities.

Then it was time to roll up her sleeves and help.

Camilla, a mother of two herself and a grandmother five times over, put on her apron and rolled up her sleeves, dextrously chopping up papaya and them sprinkling it with lime juice to make it taste sweeter.

Then, much to the surprise of the staff, she got stuck in handing the plates out  even roping in members of the media to help her too.

The Duchess was briefed on The Lost Food Project which reclaims high quality surplus food from supermarkets and manufacturers and delivers it

Camilla, a mother of two herself and a grandmother five times over, put on her apron and rolled up her sleeves, dextrously chopping up papaya

'Come on, give me a hand,' she laughed.

Once the papaya was chopped up and handed out to the smiling, eager youngsters, she turned her hand to giving out plates of sticky rice and curry with vegetables.

'This looks and smells delicious,' she enthused, ' I think we should stay for lunch.'

At one point the royal had the curry all over her fingers. Looking for something to wipe them on, she joked: 'Unfortunately I can't wipe them on myself today!' pointing to her beautiful outfit.

In the event, she was handed a tea towel  and laughed uproariously when she discovered that it had been specially made for her with the words HRH The Duchess of Cornwall printed on it.

Always a good sport, she held it up for the cameras.

Camilla, 70, also spent time talking to many of the children and was given a pink bead bracelet by Ariana Lewis, four, the grand-daughter of the Lighthouse's founder, and immediate put it on her risk. 'How sweet she is, I love this,' she said.

In the event, she was handed a tea towel  and laughed uproariously when she discovered that it had been specially made for her with the words HRH The Duchess of Cornwall printed on it. Left: She was given a pink bracelet by a young girl

Once the papaya was chopped up and handed out to the smiling, eager youngsters, she turned her hand to giving out plates of sticky rice and curry with vegetables

Indeed, the duchess was so taken by the gift that she went back to ask for another one from Ariana for the Daily Mail's royal correspondent, Rebecca English.

As she left Camilla was given a beautiful handmade portrait of a peacock made from each of the children's fingerprint and appeared genuinely touched by the thoughtful gesture.

A note on the back read: 'Your Royal Highness. This painting was specially done for you and His Royal Highness Prince Charles . We used our thumbprints to do this painting. We put in a lot of colours and also a lot of love for you. Hope you like it!! With all our love from the Lighthouse family.'

'That is just so beautiful she said, thank you so very much,' she replied.

The Duchess of Cornwall meeting staff during a visit to The Lost Food Project - the first professional food bank in Malaysia

The Duchess of Cornwall meeting residents at The Lighthouse Children's Welfare Centre, during a visit to The Lost Food Project

Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales gives a speech as he attends a Gala Dinner to celebrate 60 years of UK/Malaysia diplomatic ties at the Majestic Hotel on November 4, 2017

The Prince received a round of applause as he took the stage to make his speech

Afterwards she headed off to the airport to fly to meet her husband to take tea with His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak, Deputy Agong (King) of Malaysia, at his official residence, the Istana Iskandariah.

The Duchess of Cornwall met Sultan Nazrin Shah in October 2017 at Worcester College Oxford where she opened the campus's new Sultan Nazrin Shah Centre. The Sultan is an alumnus of Worcester College, as his her own son, Tom Parker Bowles.

On Friday Charles and Camilla got their very own golden thrones when they met His Majesty The Agong of Malaysia.

The couple met with the country's ruler at the Istana Negara, the national palace, in Kuala Lumpur on the second day of their official visit to the country.

Prince Charles has paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the Second World War as he laid a wreath for both Christian and Muslim servicemen today.

The Prince visited the Taiping Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Malaysia, praising the hard work of the volunteers who look after it.

Prince Charles lays a wreath at the Cross of Sacrifice at the Taiping Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery

Prince Charles during a visit to the Taiping Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery

He was given a walking tour of the pristine graves by Paul Price, the CWG Commissioner, and Colonel Stephen Hall, British defence advisor to Malaysia.

Greeted by a military piper from the Royal Gurkha Rifles Brunei, he first walked to the Muslim cemetery, laying a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance and bowing his head in acknowledgement of their service.

He then crossed the dusty road to the Christian cemetery opposite, where he paused at the grave of VC winner Squadron Leader Arthur Stewart King Scarf.

Laying second wreath at The Cross of Sacrifice, the Prince again bowed his head to reflect.

A card on the wreath read: 'In grateful remembrance of your service and sacrifice.'

Introduced to four local volunteers who tend to the cemetery, the Prince asked them how long they had worked there - two or three years each - and said he had heard there was a problem with wild boars digging in the grass.

'You look like you take very good care of it,' he said. 'It makes such a difference. I can't thank you enough.'

Moving into the shade of a gazebo, the Prince spent time meeting around 60 veterans, who served with the Commonwealth or British forces in the Second World War, Malayan Emergency or Borneo Campaign.

Brigadier General Dato' Lau Kong Cheng (rtd), a Malaysian Air Force veteran who served in the Malayan emergency, said veterans had travelled from far and wide to meet the Prince.

Prince Charles walks along the graves at the Taiping Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery

'He asked us about where we had served and was very interested in listening. It's a great honour.'

Dato' Hj Ahmad Tejuddin bin Hj Abdul Majeed, from the National Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association, said: 'It was fantastic. How do you describe it when you're too happy? Overjoyed!

'I never expected the next King to be so polite and kind.'

First Admiral Datuk Kay Hai Thuan (rtd), Vice President of the Malaysian Armed Forces Chinese Veterans Association, said: 'He was very pleased to see all the veterans here.

'For His Royal Highness to come and see this is quite something.

'The families of the people buried here, will be very proud and honoured.'

Mr Price said the cemetery was currently mostly visited by historians and researchers, and the families of those laid to rest there, as he welcomed the wider interest the Royal visit would bring.

'It's a great honour to have His Royal Highness visit the Taiping Commonwealth War Graves.

'Anything that gets people interested and wanting to visit to learn more is a wonderful thing.

Laying a wreath: Prince Charles arrives to the Taiping Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery

'We want as many people as possible to come, learn about what happened and pay their respects.'

Colonel Hall said the Prince had paused at the grave of Arthur Scarf, listening to the story of how he won his VC at 28 and 'marvelling at his heroism'.

On December 9, 1941, Squadron Leader Scarf had been at the Royal Air Force base at Butterworth, Malaya, when he was on duty as all available aircraft were ordered to attack the Japanese Air Force at Singora, Thailand.

Instead, before the could take off, they were dive-bombed by the enemy, which destroyed or damaged everything but the Blenheim piloted by Squadron Leader Scarf which was already airborne.

Against the odds, and vastly outnumbered, he continued the mission to Singora and completed it, making a forced landing at Alor Star mortally wounded.

Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall attends a service at St Mary's Cathedral

The pair sang hymns during the service in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday morning

Among the nurses working frantically to save his life at the local hospital was Elizabeth Lunn, his pregnant wife who donated her own blood in a lady-ditch bid to help.

Her efforts were unsuccessful. He died and, soon afterwards, she lost their unborn baby.

He now lies in Taiping Cemetery, one of 35 Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemeteries in Malaysia, created by the British Army after the defeat of Japan.

There are 864 Second World War Commonwealth casualties and one Dutch casualty commemorated on the site, built in 1947; more than 500 of whom are unidentified.

Before leaving, the Prince signed and dated the visitor book.

According to staff, it is the first time a member of the British Royal Family has visited the site.

Charles and Camilla were ushered by the king's Grand Chamberlain, Datuk Padua Maharajelela Going, into the Seri Maharaja room to await heir host's arrival.

They were seated in two elaborately gilded chairs that looked like royal thrones as they awaited the arrival of the Agong, His Majesty The Yang di-Pertuan Agong XV Sultan Muhammad V.

After a short wait he joined them, taking his seat in an even larger 'throne' for official photographs.

Suits you Charles! The Prince of Wales looks right at home as he settles down into a throne at the official royal residence of Istana Negara, Yang di-Pertuan Agong XV Sultan Muhammad V

Royal treatment: Charles and Camilla were ushered by the king's Grand Chamberlain, Datuk Padua Maharajelela Going, into the Seri Maharaja room to await heir host's arrival

Old friends: The Prince of Wales and The King of Malaysia most recently met in May 2017 at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies where Charles, who is the centre's Patron, opened its new buildings (Charles is pictured here with a dignitary, awaiting his host's arrival)

The Prince of Wales and The King of Malaysia most recently met in May 2017 at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies where Charles, who is the centre's Patron, opened its new buildings.

During the event the prince gave a speech calling for a strengthening of ties between the Muslim and Western worlds.

The Duchess of Cornwall was mobbed by crowds of excited school children after touching down in Kuala Lumpur on Friday - just hours after joking of her wish to 'slow down'.

Camilla, 70, was visiting the International School at ParkCity in the Malaysian capital with Raja Zarith Sofiah, the Queen of Johor, and the school's principal Andrew Dalton, as part of her south-east Asian tour with husband the Prince of Wales.

The Duchess of Cornwall later changed into a floor-length powder pink gown for a gala dinner to mark 60 years of diplomatic ties between the UK and Malaysia

Prince Charles was dapper in a tux as he escorted his wife into the gala dinner in Kuala Lumpur

The Duchess of Cornwall visits Kuala Lumpur's International School in ParkCity with Principal Andrew Dalton (centre) and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Johor

Close encounter: Charles was almost mistaken for a Time Lord when he stepped out of a TARDIS at the Worq Co-working space for Young Entrepreneurs - but luckily there wasn't a Dalek in sight

It came after the Duchess told the wife of the Sultan of Brunei: 'It's more tiring as you get older.

'I keep trying to tell everybody that I'm not as young as I used to be, and have to slow down.'

Meanwhile, Charles was almost mistaken for a Time Lord when he stepped out of a Tardis - but luckily there wasn't a Dalek in sight.

The Prince walked into Doctor Who's famous time machine when he visited a co-working space for start-up companies in the city, but was only transported a few feet into a members-only area.

Mobbed: The beaming Duchess is barely visible among the throngs of brightly-dressed pupils as she meets staff and teachers at the International School at ParkCity

Camilla, 70, was visiting the International School at ParkCity in the Malaysian capital as part of her south-east Asian tour with husband the Prince of Wales

Gruelling schedule: The pit stop came after the Duchess told the wife of the Sultan of Brunei: 'I keep trying to tell everybody that I'm not as young as I used to be, and have to slow down'

The heir to the throne, who is on an 11-day tour of south-east Asia and India, met young entrepreneurs, tech savvy school children showcasing projects, and established businesses during his tour of WORQ.

A Tardis has been created as the doorway from the public space into the private members area and, as staff walked through a nearby side entrance, Charles emerged from the replica of the BBC character's sci-fi machine.

He joked with the waiting press saying 'I should have gone through the side (door)' before sitting down to a meeting with executives from some of Malaysia's established technology firms.

Andrew Yeow, 28, co-founder of WORQ which opened in March, said they had tried to create a relaxed, fun and practical working environment for fledgling businesses offering facilities like a gym, sleeping pods and a cafe, and much needed space for firms to grow.

The Prince walked into Doctor Who's famous time machine when he visited a co-working space for start-up companies in the city, but was only transported a few feet into a members-only area

The heir to the throne, who is on an 11-day tour of south-east Asia and India, met young entrepreneurs, tech savvy school children showcasing projects, and established businesses during his tour of WORQ

The Tardis has been created as the doorway from the public space into the private members area and, as staff walked through a nearby side entrance, Charles emerged from the replica of the BBC character's sci-fi machine

Charles joked with the waiting press saying 'I should have gone through the side (door)' before sitting down to a meeting with executives from some of Malaysia's established technology firms

The royal points to his framed signature written in Arabic - a gift to the museum - at its unveiling by Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, The Sultan of Perak, during his visit to the Islamic Arts Museum on Friday

Missing Camilla? Charles looks pensive as he views exhibits during his visit to the Islamic Arts Museum on Friday

Solo engagement: The Prince of Wales meets 12-year-old Ariff Almir Ali with his 'child abuse detector' device, at a tour of MyDigitalMaker Student Showcase during his visit to Worq Co-working space for Young Entrepreneurs on Friday

He said: 'The response to the Tardis has been good so far, a lot of people find it really cool.

'They don't realise it's a door it's quite quirky and helps with the ambience.'

The 28-year-old added: 'This is the first of its kind in Malaysia - a co-working productivity community, what I mean by that is we try and solve two big problems for new businesses.

'Real estate, issues of having to get an office, and issues entrepreneurs have like increasing sales or trying to connect with regulators or partners - we're trying to help them by providing a supportive community.'

Welcome present: The Duchess receives a gift from a child at Pusat Anak Permata Negara (PAPN) Putrajaya during the first day of their visit to Malaysia on Friday

Camilla (seated with Datin Paduka Seri Hajjah Rosmah Mansor, First Lady of Malaysia) is entranced by a group of children who performed a traditional Malay wedding dance for her in the Malaysian capital

Dinner time! The Duchess chats to adorable youngsters during her trip to Pusat Anak Permata Negara (PAPN) Putrajaya

Earlier, Camilla was entranced by a group of children who performed a traditional Malay wedding dance for her in the Malaysian capital.

The Duchess was visiting the Permata Negara, an educational facility for children up to four, when the youngsters, dressed in traditional Malaysian outfits, entertained her with a 'Silat' for the Bride.

'How sweet, they are just adorable,' the royal said.

Camilla was greeted by Datin Paduka Seri Hjh. Rosmah Mansor, First Lady of Malaysia and founder of the PERMATA, who led her on a guided tour of the facility just outside Kuala Lumpur.

Non-stop: Camilla also watched youngsters decorating 'flower eggs,' or Meghias Bunga Telur, and 'creating flowers' ( bunga manggar ), as well as meeting teachers leading the activities

Colour coordination: Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, the Queen of Johor and the Duchess of Cornwall visit The International School at ParkCity in Kuala Lumpur on Friday

She saw youngsters decorating 'flower eggs,' or Meghias Bunga Telur, and 'creating flowers' (bunga manggar), as well as meeting teachers leading the activities.

Camilla was also charmed after two of the children greeted her with a double handshake while another took her hand and held it to their heart, a sign of honour.

The PERMATA Programmes were founded by the First Lady of Malaysia with the objective of providing a platform that enables children to achieve their potential through cultural learning.

PERMATA Negara cares for new-borns up to pre-school aged children.
Needing a victory to validate their majorities, congressional Republicans have chosen not to emulate Shakespeare's Henry V before Agincourt. He advocated stiffening the sinews, summoning up the blood and lending the eye a terrible aspect. The Republicans would rather define victory down.

What began with a bang of promises of comprehensive tax reform will end with a whimper: The only large change will be to the national debt. Consider a small proposal -- repeal of the estate tax. It will be paid by an estimated 5,500 people dying this year, raising about $20 billion -- a pittance in the $3.88 trillion budget. Repeal's significance would be philosophic rather than economic.

In 1975, Phillies pitcher Tug McGraw explained what he would do with his $75,000 salary: "Ninety percent I'll spend on good times, women and Irish whiskey. The other 10 percent I'll probably waste." If you work hard, make a pile, then choose to squander it on dissipations, go ahead, it's a free country. But try to pass the pile to progeny, grasping government will intervene. Ending the estate tax would extinguish the government's delusion that it has the duty and skill to prevent the intergenerational transmission of family advantages (of which, money matters much less than transfers of social capital -- habits and aptitudes, which government cannot redistribute).

Desperate to propitiate impatient constituents, Republicans say this is no time (actually, there never is a time) to fret about the national debt, which was $9 trillion a decade ago and passed $20 trillion two months ago, having increased 22 percentage points under the Republican president who preceded the present one. House Speaker Paul Ryan says do not worry, "We finally have a president who is willing to actually balance the budget." Ryan underestimates the president, who has promised to eliminate not just the budget deficit but the national debt in just eight years, without touching entitlements.

Beneath the froth of political discord, America's granite-like harmony persists. The comparatively superficial discord distracts attention from this bipartisan consensus: We shall have a generous entitlement state and not pay for it. Instead, we shall offload onto future generations a substantial portion of the costs of our current consumption of government. As Nicholas Eberstadt of the American Enterprise Institute naughtily reminds us, during half a century of Republican rhetoric of frugality, 1960 to 2010, entitlement spending grew 8 percent faster under Republican presidents than under Democrats.

In the ninth year of an unusually long expansion, and with the economy near full employment (ignore the dismal workforce participation rate), the budget deficit for the past fiscal year was $666 billion, up $80 billion from the previous year. To partially recoup revenue lost from reduced rates, Republicans reportedly flinched (Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz says his fellow Republicans were "asked to vote for a budget that nobody believes in so that we have a chance to vote for a tax bill that nobody's read") from a "border adjustment tax" on imports ($1 trillion in a decade) and now have gone wobbly about completely ending the deductibility of state and local taxes ($1.3 trillion). Republicans might still be contemplating steep reductions in the amounts that individuals can put into tax-deferred 401(k) retirement accounts. This will displease the approximately 32 percent of workers who have 401(k)s, and will worsen the inadequate savings rate of a nation where defined-benefit pension plans are now mostly luxuries for government workers and where almost a majority of people approaching retirement have nothing saved for it. The current median Social Security payment is about $16,000 a year.

When the president said tax reform is "going to be so easy," he overlooked this fact: The tax code's baroque complexity that demands radical reform makes the code almost impervious to such reform: Every provision was put there to placate a muscular faction or to create a grateful faction.

Republicans should have heeded Dwight Eisenhower's axiom: "If a problem cannot be solved, enlarge it." They should have made the case for large reforms that annoy democratically -- almost everyone, simultaneously -- but for a large purpose. The aim should have been a revenue system that stops subordinating economic efficiency to social engineering and rent-seeking, thereby maximizing the probability of economic growth sufficient to fund the entitlement state. Such a bold aim requires a commensurately bold argument -- for a consumption tax or a carbon tax or a zero corporate tax rate or anything for which public-spirited people might stiffen their sinews and summon up their blood.

George Will's email address is georgewill@washpost.com.
They say you should always try before you buy, and for many women its no different when looking for make-up.

But using make-up testers in stores is probably not a good idea, a microbiologist has warned, because of the risk of herpes and salmonella.

Using the same lipstick as other people can mean picking up tiny droplets of their saliva which carry the herpes virus.

Using the same lipstick as other people can mean picking up tiny droplets of their saliva which carry the herpes virus

Meanwhile, mascara wands or eyeliner, whether tried out as testers on make-up stands or shared between friends, may lead to a nasty case of pink-eye.

Other risks from shared make-up include salmonella and e.coli, as well as skin flare-ups from bacteria on other peoples faces.

Dr Amreen Bashir, a microbiologist from Aston University in Birmingham, said: Most people would never consider sharing a toothbrush with a stranger, yet they happily use make-up testers. There is a real risk of catching bacterial infections and herpes, as we all have different organisms living on us and one cosmetic tester can be used by 30 or 40 different people, which spreads the risk of infection.

A US woman is suing a beauty firm, claiming she picked up the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores and is carried by more than two-thirds of of the population.

Dr Bashir confirmed this is possible in an article for website The Conversation, in which she wrote: Herpes causes blisters on the lips and around the mouth that can last up to ten days.

Lipsticks and make-up brushes that touch these parts of the face can spread the infection to other people.

Other risks from shared make-up include salmonella and e.coli, as well as skin flare-ups from bacteria on other peoples faces

A study of 67 cosmetics last year found three-quarters contained the staphylococcus bug. While this can live harmlessly on the skin, there are concerns that shared make-up could transmit a less friendly version  methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, the deadly superbug MRSA.

When it comes to eye make-up, Dr Bashir writes: Studies have revealed that 43 per cent of eyeliners and mascara wands contain contaminants. I know many friends who have been left with a pink eye after sharing mascara or using ancient mascara thats been sitting in their make-up bags.

Finally, make-up brushes should not be shared because they gather bacteria including Staph aureus, E.coli and streptococcus. Dr Astor said: If all of these horror stories tell us one thing, its to stay away from sharing make-up products, both among your friends and especially in cosmetic stores.
Next week, it will be 40 years since scientists first created life in a test tube  and IVF was born.

The first baby born from this revolutionary breakthrough, Louise Brown, now 39, has been speaking about the devastating impact of the NHS rationing of fertility treatment.

Shes right, of course. Fertility treatment on the NHS is an iniquitous situation, because different health authorities sanction different numbers of treatment cycles.

Figures this week showed that just 12 per cent of areas in England gave the full three cycles of IVF treatment that Nice recommends. (In 2013, it was 24 per cent.)

Campaigners such as Louise Brown want it to be readily available to everyone who wants it. And while I understand this sentiment, its not a view I share.

A generation ago, infertility was a life sentence. Medicine could offer no help, and couples had to choose between adopting or remaining childless. But with the advent of IVF, a whole industry has developed around fertility (stock photo)

Yes, the IVF postcode lottery is unfair on couples who are desperate to conceive, and I dont for a second deny the heartache this can cause, but theres another kind of unfairness here, too.

Im afraid, as unpopular as this opinion may be, that in the real world of scant resources in the NHS, the desire to have a child simply because you want one is not something I think our health service should be prioritising.

A generation ago, infertility was a life sentence. Medicine could offer no help, and couples had to choose between adopting or remaining childless.

But with the advent of IVF, a whole industry has developed around fertility. IVF clinics are now established in most large hospitals, not to mention the array of private fertility clinics. It has all served to promote the idea that having a child is a right, not a biological privilege.

Any challenge to this is controversial, so sensitive is the subject matter to so many people and so strong the sense of entitlement.

But while IVF doctors champion their specialty and the incredible advances that have been made in recent years, many other doctors are more reticent about its widespread use in the NHS.

Those who work in services where funding is often tight, such as dementia care, cancer services and geriatrics, and who face having to make decisions based on cost, rather than what would really be best for their patients, question funding such procedures on the NHS when so many medications or treatments which could have a dramatic effect on peoples lives are denied because the money is not available.

And those, such as myself, who have worked with children in care, question the sense of bringing more children into a world where there are already so many who are desperate for a loving and stable family life.

But while IVF doctors champion their specialty and the incredible advances that have been made in recent years, many other doctors are more reticent about its widespread use in the NHS

But theres another angle to all this that people rarely talk about, and thats the psychological toll of going through IVF. Couples embarking on IVF can struggle to appreciate quite how gruelling, exhausting, frustrating and  for many  ultimately futile it will be.

Even for those for whom it is a success, the toil of treatment  the unpleasant hormone injections, surgery to retrieve eggs and then implant embryos, the weeks of waiting anxiously to find out if its worked  can leave nerves frayed and relationships on the rocks. I have two friends who are both now separated from their partners because of the strain of IVF treatment.

But because the technology exists, there is an implicit assumption that those who struggle to conceive will go down the IVF path.

It is sold as a definitive answer to infertility, when the reality is less straightforward. The brave new world of reproductive technology that was ushered in with the birth of Louise Brown promised a cure to the alleged blight of infertility. Yet this has not proved to be the case.

IVF still fails more often than it works. According to the NHS, IVF is successful for about one-third of women under 35. This drops to 13 per cent in women aged 40-42 and to 5 per cent in women aged 43 to 44. Thats pretty poor odds for something that is so costly and so emotionally draining.

A study conducted nearly 20 years ago showed that after five years or more, couples still had significant psychological problems, and that this was most marked in those who did not conceive, thanks largely to the sense of failure that this brings.

For all the joy it has brought to some, IVF has also heralded an era where childlessness is seen as even more stigmatised. Sadly, I fear it often causes far more problems than it solves.

Death of the family dinner

Eating alone increases the risk of obesity, according to research published this week.

It is thought that this is because people who eat alone are more likely to be isolated, which can have an overall impact on someones health. It also means theyre more likely to make unhealthy food choices.

But its not just single people who should take note. As our lives become more frenetic, sit-down family meals have almost become a thing of the past. From a medical perspective, I lament its loss. In fact, its actually something I go so far as to prescribe for families struggling with a mental health issue.

It does far more than make sure everyone in the family gets at least one proper meal a day, its also key to psychological well-being.

Family mealtimes used to be an opportunity to spot when youngsters were struggling or didnt quite seem themselves. Now, too many childrens experience of mealtimes is a take-away or microwave meal eaten on the sofa, with no interaction, because half the family are glued to their phones and the other half to the TV screen.

It astonishes me that so many families I advise to introduce an evening meal struggle to implement it. No TV, no mobile phones  they are the only rules.

Yet time and time again its the parents, not the children, who cant seem to do without constant stimulation.

Is it really any wonder that childhood mental health problems are on the rise?

Fewer bosses, more doctors

The NHS is desperate for more doctors, and theres an urgent shortage of nurses. Yet what does it get more of? Managers.

Latest statistics show the number of managers in the NHS has soared, with senior management increasing by 13 per cent in less than three years. This is shameful.

Part of my prescription to save the NHS would be to axe at least one entire echelon of management, as so many contribute absolutely nothing to patients.

A few years ago, one of the senior managers I worked with went on long-term sick leave.

No one had told me, and it was nearly six months before I realised she wasnt working.

Im sorry, but to me that says it all about what managers contribute to the overall running of the NHS.





Our MPs need a reality check

With increasing frustration, I have been watching the Westminster sex scandal unfolding.

Yes, the accusation that a rape took place and was hushed up is utterly chilling  and, if proven, unforgivable.

But the majority of the scandal has, to date, been a list of various people being propositioned, touched or spoken to inappropriately.

Of course, this is humiliating and it shouldnt happen. But what has annoyed me is how hours and hours of time and energy have been devoted to dissecting these indiscretions, while I have patients who have been seriously sexually assaulted  and yet the provision for them is beyond pitiful.

In the past month, two of my patients have told me theyve been raped: horrific, violent attacks that are likely to stay with these poor women for the rest of their lives.

I know them both well and spent several hours talking to them, but Im not an expert in this area.

What has annoyed me is how hours and hours of time and energy have been devoted to dissecting these indiscretions, while I have patients who have been seriously sexually assaulted  and yet the provision for them is beyond pitiful

One, in particular, had started self-harming as a result and clearly needed specialist help  but what provision is there for these women?

One of my patients was too distressed to call the local rape support centre, so I did it for her while she sat in the room with me.

I was told that after an initial assessment by a nurse, victims are eligible for psychotherapy  but theres a six-month waiting list. Thats half a year before they can even begin to get the support they need.

My question is, where are the campaigns to improve their lot?

I find the discrepancy between how politicians act when sexual assault is found to affect their tiny privileged clique and what goes on outside the Westminster bubble nauseating.

It is hard not to see the current fuss as self-congratulatory navel gazing when you compare the allegations with what has happened to some of my patients.

To me, this is the real scandal. Not the fact that some dull man in a grey suit made some smutty innuendo a decade ago.
Men with low testosterone are less likely to develop prostate cancer, scientists have found.

The discovery could lead to new methods of treatment by reducing the hormone.

Oxford scientists who looked at 19,000 men found those with the lowest testosterone levels were 20 per cent less likely to get the cancer.

Oxford scientists who looked at 19,000 men found those with the lowest testosterone levels were 20 per cent less likely to get the cancer

However, if they did get the disease, they were 65 per cent more at risk of suffering an aggressive form.

One in eight men will develop prostate cancer, with approximately 46,700 cases a year.

But little is known about what causes the disease as, unlike most cancers, it does not seem to be linked to obesity, exercise, smoking or alcohol. Study co-author Professor Tim Key said: This is an interesting biological finding that could help us understand how prostate cancer develops and progresses.

Researchers believe that as prostate cancer tumours need testosterone to grow, men with lower levels are less likely to get the illness.

The study will be presented next week at a National Cancer Research Institute conference in Liverpool. Professor Malcolm Mason, of Cancer Research UK, said: Its possible that this could help unravel ways to diagnose and treat fatal prostate cancers before they can do any harm, but thats very far down the line.
If ever there was a moment when Don Johnson realised hed become a sex symbol, it was during the second season of Eighties hit show Miami Vice. He and co-star Philip Michael Thomas, as undercover cops Crockett and Tubbs, were filming a scene in New York surrounded by high-rise office blocks. We were running down the street, says Johnson, and something was falling all around us. When they said Cut I turned around and there were about 10,000 bras and panties covering the street. It turned out the ladies working in the offices were throwing their underwear at us.

Of course, he adds, it ruined the shot.

The show, which introduced pastel-coloured Versace jackets and designer stubble to the world, turned Johnson into the sex idol of the universe. Never one to shy away from fast living, he was soon an advert for Hollywood excess, from drink to drugs to women, though on todays evidence you couldnt possibly tell. Tanned, slim and immaculately turned out in blue shirt and jeans, hes a picture of health. He turns 68 in December and frankly looks better than most men in their 40s.

Don Johnson became a sex-symbol when he starred in the eighties classic TV series, Miami Vice

Hes laid-back too  sober for years, yet happy to sit in the bar of the Los Angeles Peninsula hotel, where he nurses a sparkling water and puffs on an electronic cigarette, his only vice. Its a far cry from the days when less salubrious company was itching to make his acquaintance.

Drug dealers were big fans of the show, which was kind of weird because I was playing the cop who was arresting them, says Johnson. Once, in a nightclub one of the local drug dealers said to me, I love you in that show. Let me give you some of this. He pulled out this bag with about half a pound of cocaine in it and I said, Thanks, but Im not doing any drugs right now. I was clean and sober and wasnt about to do any of that.

Such was his fame that even the President, Ronald Reagan, solicited his advice on drug policy. I said, if you legalise drugs, it takes the fun and glamour and criminality out of it and then you can tax it. So it solves a lot of problems in one fell swoop. And how did he respond? He looked at me like I had four heads, laughs Johnson.

After advising the White House on matters of national health, its fitting that Johnsons latest project is called Sick Note. The dark comedy features Harry Potter star Rupert Grint as habitual liar Daniel Glass, who is misdiagnosed with cancer by incompetent doctor Iain Glennis (Nick Frost), yet continues to fool everyone around him into believing hes ill in order to elicit sympathy.

Johnson with Rupert Grint in Sick Note. I based him on Donald Trump, says Johnson of his character Kenny West

Johnson plays Daniels boss, Kenny West, who is boorish, potty-mouthed and totally lacking in self-awareness. I based him on Donald Trump, says Johnson. Kenny is such a narcissist, so I thought hed be a good model. Kenny speaks like the President  anything can come out of his mouth at any moment.

Johnson has known Trump since the late Eighties, when the actor raced powerboats and Trump was a sponsor. Hes a very charming guy and hes managed to become President of the United States, so hes not stupid. Hes just Johnson, a student of Buddhism, mulls over his choice of word: Unconscious.

Johnson readily admits that hes been enjoying a renaissance in his career of late. After his Golden Globe-winning turn in Miami Vice, he had further hits such as Tin Cup (1996) and the TV cop series Nash Bridges (1996-2001). After a slight career lull, his role as a racist vigilante in 2010s Machete earned him rave reviews. This was followed by Quentin Tarantinos Oscar-winning Django Unchained and the 2014 indie film Cold In July.

Leading men can be very one-dimensional, he says, so its been fun getting to use the skills I was trained for by playing these outrageous characters.

His life has been pretty outrageous, too. Johnson was just 12 when he lost his virginity to his 16-year-old babysitter. I would say, You girls took advantage of me,  he jokes. But it was a different time back then. People were getting married in their teens.

Don Johnsons ex-wife Melanie Griffith with their daughter, Dakota Johnson

His own parents, Wayne, a farmer, and Nell, a beautician, were themselves teenagers when Don was born, separating when he was 13. Johnson admits to being a mischievous kid. He left home at 16 and worked to put himself through university. He moved to LA in 1969, where he lit up both stage and screen, most notably in 1973s The Harrad Experiment starring Tippi Hedren as the teacher of a school where the pupils are encouraged to experiment sexually. The film was also notorious for the fact that Johnson, then 22, and Hedrens 14-year-old daughter, Melanie Griffith, started dating.

The relationship is shocking to read about today, but Griffith said she was totally self-sufficient and responsible when she got together with Johnson, and scarcely anyone batted an eyelid at their relationship back in the permissive Seventies. The couple moved in together when she was 15, married in Vegas when she was 18 and divorced a year later.

In a recent interview, Hedren admitted that while Johnson wasnt a bad man the relationship was out of place and said he had subsequently apologised to her. Of the couple getting together when Griffith was just a teenager, Johnson says: Tippi wasnt disappointed  she liked me.

Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith in the 1970s. Griffith was just 15 when they started dating

Johnson then dated actress Patti DArbanville (with whom he had a son, Jesse, now 34), before reuniting with Griffith in 1989. They had a daughter, Dakota Johnson, now the 28-year-old star of the Fifty Shades Of Grey movies, before divorcing again in 1996. The exes famously get along, with all the families and assorted children sharing birthdays and holidays. Some people are just meant to be together, and I think that was true for Melanie and me, so we got married twice. I dont believe that if you love someone, that love dies  it changes and becomes something else.

Johnson has been married to third wife Kelley Phleger, a nursery school teacher, for 18 years and they have three children  Grace, 17, Jasper, 15, and Deacon, 11. People dont develop to the place where they can have long-lasting, mature relationships till theyre in their 30s, and for some of us, he adds, gesturing to himself, it takes even longer than that.

Hes honest, too, about his struggles with drink and drugs. When I was a young man in Hollywood, drugs, alcohol and partying were everywhere and it was hard to escape. It doesnt become a problem immediately, it takes time, and it led to some poor choices.

By the late Noughties, Johnson had got shot of everything in his life that was extraneous, selling off his 20 cars and his ranch in Colorado (the things that once defined Don Johnson). A few years later, he won a $19 million settlement for a share of the profits from Nash Bridges, which he had conceived with the writer Hunter S Thompson.

Nowadays, his only concession to fast living is a Tesla car. Self-possessed and happy in his own skin, he has ridden the Hollywood rollercoaster and come out the other side. Hes much in demand these days with projects including the movie Book Club  a comedy starring Jane Fonda and Diane Keaton, whose lives are changed when they start reading Fifty Shades Of Grey. Is he ever going to watch the whips-and-paddles blockbuster that turned his daughter into a star?

No, he says unequivocally. I mean, there are some images as a father that you just dont need in your head.

Sick Note is on Sky 1 from November 7, 10pm
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27

Im in Los Angeles, a city agog with fear, self-loathing and retribution amid the Harvey Weinstein scandal.

Tonight, I attended Baftas Britannia Awards at the Beverly Hilton hotel. Host Jack Whitehall, still smarting from me beating him in the Radio Times TV 100  a list of the most influential people on television  quickly tested the notoriously sensitive PC-crazed Hollywood humour valves.

This is the night where we heap praise like Americans but drink like Brits, he began. I always forget that in this town, sobriety is something you should be proud of. You meet these people at parties who say, Hey, Im Jim, Ive been sober for six years, to which I reply, Hi, Im Jack, Ive been drunk for ten I win!

One of Piers's favourite frenemies Jack Whitehall hosted the Bafta's in LA

The big screens cut to stony-faced American actress Kate Mara, who appeared utterly appalled. Star honouree of the night was Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang legend Dick Van Dyke, now 91 but looking decades younger.

Tonight, Brits are celebrating a man who is solely responsible for every Americans dodgy English accent, said Whitehall. To be fair to Dick, cockney is a completely different language. They have this thing called rhyming slang: apples and pears means stairs, dog and bone means phone, James Blunt means Whitehall paused. Ooh, that reminds me Piers Morgan is in this evening as well.

The room erupted into howling hysteria.

Piers is currently in America filming his documentary Killer Women, he added. Its chilling. Staring into the cold, dead eyes of a sociopath and the women he interviews are pretty scary too.

The room exploded again, led by Sir Kenneth Branagh, whose head appeared on screen heaving so hard I thought it would snap off his neck.

Whitehall turned his barrels on President Donald Trump.

On behalf of everyone in Britain, Id like to thank America. After Brexit, we thought we were going to be the most ridiculed country on the planet. Then America went, HOLD MY BEER!

Claire Foy received an award for her brilliant portrayal of our monarch in The Crown. On stage she declared: Dick Van Dyke, I would like to say that as the Queen of England I think your English accent is perfect!

Kevin Spacey then presented the man himself with his award for Excellence in Television, revealing: Dicks mother conceived him out of wedlock, which was scandalous in 1925. Somehow, in over 90 years, thats the only scandal Dicks ever been involved in, even passively.

If the current lurid rumours swirling around Mr Spacey are true, then very soon the same may not be said of him.

Van Dyke chuckled: Im assuming that after 60 years, Im finally off the hook for excoriating your accent. None of the cast told me, and they were all Brits. So I blame Julie Andrews!

He high-kicked his way off stage to a standing ovation. Next up was the Charlie Chaplin Award for Excellence in Comedy.

Chaplin was born in Britain, came to America and became much loved, said Whitehall. But then upset the powers that be and had to leave. So, a very similar story to Piers  if you take out the became much loved bit.

Kevin Spacey presented Dick Van Dycke with the Excellence award

The winner was razor-tongued US comedian Aziz Ansari. I was in London and had to fly to LA just to accept a f******British award, he raged. They said, Aziz, John Lithgow is going to be there. I was like, Who cares? He probably hates his family and was looking for an excuse to leave the house.

As even Lithgow fell about laughing, Ansari added: Weve all done this s*** so many times. You get in your tux, someone comes to your house and puts gunk in your hair, you board an SUV, you eat this f****** awful, repulsive awards-show food

Whitehall reappeared. This was going to the moment when I bring out the head chef and thank him, he said, but hes just thrown himself off a balcony.

Of course, the unspoken elephant in the room all night was Weinstein, though Hollywood is talking of little else.

Branagh, another award recipient, struck a positive tone: We take our place in the City of Angels with gratitude and, at its best, for the privilege of helping to make dreams for the world and to be in the company of Caractacus Potts!

Whitehall then wound up the night.

The after party is right here  unless youre Piers Morgan, in which case its at Soho House three miles away.

Afterwards, I was chatting to Whitehall (Im a very forgiving person) and Branagh, when sprightly Van Dyke strutted past with his 45-year-old second wife, Arlene. (He once told me the secret to his eternal youth: I gave up cigarettes and alcohol 30 years ago. And I have to have someone to love and to care for or Im a dead man.) Dick! Piers! Did you enjoy that? Oh, I loved every second! he replied with a massive grin. They made an old man very happy.

Kenneth Branagh found Jack Whitehall's jokes about Piers highly amusing

As I left the awards, I spied the new issue of Hollywood Reporter piled up for guests to take home. Its front page featured a gruesome photo of a beast-like Weinstein, his teeth altered to fangs.

It was a night designed to celebrate the best of Hollywood. But here, lurking in the shadows, was a reminder of the worst.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30

Star Trek actor Anthony Rapp has publicly accused Kevin Spacey of sexually molesting him when he was 14 years old. In response, Spacey said he was horrified, couldnt remember the drunken encounter and came out as gay. The dark, ugly Hollywood floodgates have been smashed open. Who knows how many more big names will drown in the storm?
Murder On The Orient Express Cert: 12A 1hr 54mins

Rating:

David Suchet played Hercule Poirot, Agatha Christies much-loved Belgian detective, for an extraordinary 24 years, delivering a performance that eventually felt so definitive  albeit on the small screen  it was difficult to imagine any other actor even daring to have a tilt at the role.

So, as a new version of Murder On The Orient Express arrives in cinemas, its important to remember that there have been other Poirots; good ones, too.

Death On The Nile would not be Death On The Nile without that great polyglot and raconteur Peter Ustinov, while Albert Finney secured an Oscar nomination for the star-festooned 1974 version of Murder On The Orient Express. Even if it was his legendary co-star Ingrid Bergman who actually won.

Sir Kenneth Branagh (above with the all-star cast) directs and stars in this gorgeous-looking and thoroughly entertaining adaptation of Agatha Christie's Murder On The Orient Express

And now the baton  not to mention the moustache and cane  pass to Sir Kenneth Branagh, who has already had a go at one overseas detective  the gloomy Swede Kurt Wallander  and clearly likes the challenge of another.

Indeed, he likes the challenge so much hes not only playing Poirot but directing the film as well.

The result is a gorgeous-looking and thoroughly entertaining period delight, a riot of crystal glassware, mahogany-lined railway carriages and pyrotechnic flambe pans; not to mention the most extravagant moustache since General Kitchener.

While Suchets Poirot favoured modesty and waxed precision when it came to facial hair, Branaghs goes all out for size.

Cast-wise, it doesnt quite rival the Oscar-winning 1974 version, but with the likes of Michelle Pfeiffer, Derek Jacobi and Judi Dench (above with Olivia Colman), it certainly runs them close

Cast-wise, it doesnt quite rival the 1974 version, when Finney and Bergman were joined by Lauren Bacall, Sean Connery and John Gielgud.

But the likes of Johnny Depp and Michelle Pfeiffer, as well as Branaghs old Renaissance Theatre colleagues Derek Jacobi and Judi Dench, certainly run them close, even if the inadvertent result is an actress as well-known as Penelope Cruz having a justifiable claim to feeling under-used.

I loved the opening, which  helped by some impressive, if never quite invisible visual effects  does an outstanding job of evoking the pre-war Levant of 1934, that golden era when a gentleman, or dowager duchess or gung-ho governess, come to that, could travel from London to Baghdad by train, changing only in Paris and Istanbul.

Poirot, however  having got the film off to a great start by harnessing those little grey cells to spectacularly crack a case in Jerusalem  is travelling in the opposite direction, boarding the train in Turkey after an urgent telegram summons him back to London.

Branagh the director does eventually over-indulge Branagh the actor, but he draws an unexpectedly decent turn from Johnny Depp (above) as Ratchett

But it is not just an avalanche that derails his journey; this being Agatha Christie, murder very clearly lies ahead.

The obvious difference between Branaghs Poirot and Suchets is that Branaghs is less camp.

Along with that macho moustache, hes even been given a beautiful and unmistakably female ex. Ah, Katherine, he sighs over an old photograph: Mon amour.

As for the detectives famous fastidiousness, thats now evolved into a variety of what might be lazily dubbed OCD. Its not dirt that upsets this Poirot but disorder, a point cleverly underlined when he steps into a pile of horse-muck.

The new Poirot doesnt shriek and demand a new pair of clean shoes; he simply steps into the muck with the other shoe as well. Order, symmetry, has been restored.

Story-wise, its hampered only by the towering improbabilities of the tangled plot. A sequel is clearly in the offing if this one proves a success (above Derek Jacobi and Penelope Cruz)

This near-phobia for disorder, he explains, makes most of his life unbearable: But it is useful in the detection of crime, a line emphasising the fact that American screenwriter Michael Green, who, with both Blade Runner 2049 and Logan to his name, was an unlikely candidate for a Christie adaptation, wants to take his source material seriously rather than send it up.

Which is to be admired. Even the rather contemporary-sounding but box-office-boosting points he brings in about race (of the 13 suspects, one is black, another Hispanic) fit in well.

Branagh the director does eventually over-indulge Branagh the actor, particularly as that Christie staple, the climactic reveal of whodunit, nears. But he draws an unexpectedly decent turn from Depp, and the best performance for a while from Pfeiffer.

IT'S A FACT Agatha Christie came to hate her creation, Hercule Poirot, whom she called a 'detestable, bombastic, tiresome, ego-centric little creep'. Advertisement

Shot in 70mm  possibly just to capture the full magnificence of that moustache  some of the cinematography is dazzling. Look out for a fabulous tracking shot as Branagh and Pfeiffer meet for the first time and make their way through the train.

At other times, however, the combination of the widescreen, high-resolution format and swooping camerawork somehow inadvertently reveals the artifice  the model-making, the visual effects  that lies beneath. Were always entertained by this film but we never quite forget that its not real.

Story-wise, its hampered only by the towering improbabilities of the tangled plot and by the fact that Christie clearly found the inspiration for her story in the real-life tragedy of the Lindbergh kidnapping  in which the 20-month-old Charles Lindbergh Jr, son of aviator Charles Lindbergh, was abducted and murdered  which occurred barely a year before she sat down to write her book.

In these more sensitive times, such overt commercial exploitation would draw censure rather than admiration.

But, eight decades on, I think we can safely let that pass. The presence of Star Wars Daisy Ridley in the supporting cast signals that this is an Agatha Christie for a new generation.

With a sequel clearly in the offing if this one proves a success, we may not have seen the last of those super-sized whiskers. Or those little grey cells, come to that.

SECOND SCREEN

The Killing Of A Sacred Deer (15)

Rating:

The Son Of Bigfoot (PG)

Rating:

Yorgos Lanthimos is a Greek film-maker best known for making really weird movies, such as the 2015 comedy The Lobster. His follow-up, The Killing Of A Sacred Deer, is not quite as bizarre but is certainly nastier, although it takes a little while to realise just how nasty.

Thats partly the fault of Colin Farrell, who has starred in both films and gives exactly the same deadpan, matter-of-fact performance here, playing a successful cardiac surgeon.

As a result, were expecting similar levels of comedy, while the reality  despite Nicole Kidman, in a strange sex scene in which she impersonates a beautiful woman under the effect of a general anaesthetic  is that there are even fewer dark laughs here.

Nicole Kidman (above) as the wife of a cardiac surgeon (Colin Farrell) who seems to have it all in Yorgos Lanthimos' latest bizarre film,The Killing Of A Sacred Deer

Steven Murphy (Farrell) appears to have it all  successful career, beautiful wife (Kidman) and two happy children. So why is his relationship with Martin, an odd, surly 16-year-old, so unsettling? Is he really mentoring the over-persistent boy, as he claims, or is there a more sinister explanation?

Very soon, Steven is having to make the most appalling decision.

Kidman is good and the extraordinary-looking Barry Keoghan excellent as the unnerving Martin, but Farrells one-note performance seems wrong in a film that takes for ever to reach its unedifying conclusion.

The Son Of Bigfoot is a childrens cartoon that has terrific animation but relies on a script that may not thrill accompanying parents with its repeated use of the phrase holy crap and slightly misfiring plot details.

Its a shame because the underlying story  of a young teenager whose long-missing scientist father turns out to be Bigfoot  is a promisingly entertaining one, while the main subplot, linking big hair with power, couldnt be more topical. Who could they have been thinking of?
Harry Styles Hammersmith Apollo, London

Rating:

Back in April, Harry Styles was on course to be a superstar. His first solo single had gone straight in at No 1. It was a departure from his work with One Direction: comparisons were drawn with Elton John, even David Bowie.

His album was a sure-fire hit, and he was about to make his feature-film debut in Christopher Nolans Dunkirk.

Which just goes to show that six months is a long time in pop culture. The follow-up singles have flopped, the album was last seen at No 73, and Dunkirk proved to be all set pieces and no proper story.

Back in April, Harry Styles (above) was on course to be a superstar but a lot has changed in six months and starting his first solo tour, he needs to turn the ship around

Starting his first solo tour, Styles needs to turn the ship around.

He still has the fans on his side. The Apollo, heaving with hormones, offers a glimpse of what Beatlemania might have been like if the mobile phone had arrived 50 years earlier. The air is thick with piercing screams and glowing screens.

At 23, Styles has some of what it takes to be a star  the baby face, the glossy hair, the cheeky grin, the decent voice.

But going solo throws a spotlight on what he doesnt have: the physical presence, or the musical personality.

He still has the fans on his side. The Apollo, heaving with hormones, offers a glimpse of what Beatlemania might have been like if the mobile phone had arrived 50 years earlier

His sparkly gold suit cant hide the fact that his movements are wooden. And his album, entitled Harry Styles, should really be called Other Peoples Styles.

There are tunes that borrow from Elton (in Bennie And The Jets mode), Robbie Williams and Kasabian.

Its a relief when the band launch into Fleetwood Macs The Chain: although the silky magic of the original goes missing, it is at least a classic song, not a cheap knock-off.

Even the patter is apt to be secondhand. My job for the next hour and a half is to entertain you, Styles tells the crowd. Your job is to do whatever you want.

The formula is naggingly familiar, but I cant place it, so I search the notes on my phone  and there it is, uttered by Ed Sheeran on this very stage in 2012.

The air is thick with piercing screams and glowing screens yet going solo throws a spotlight on what Styles doesn't have: the physical presence, or the musical personality

There are a couple of redeeming moments: a stompy revamp of One Directions Stockholm Syndrome, and a sweet ditty called Dining Table, with a thousand teens joining in on backing vocals.

But Sign Of The Times, Harrys only hit, falls flat because its doubly derivative  a stab at a late-Beatles ballad, filtered through Noel Gallagher.

One Direction are officially taking a hiatus. On this evidence, a reunion cant be far away.

Harry Styles is on tour April 7-14; hstyles.co.uk

ALBUM OF THE WEEK

Sam Smith The Thrill Of It All Capitol, out now

Rating:

You know youve made it in music when your album is released in November.

High hopes are pinned on Sam Smiths follow-up to In The Lonely Hour, which sold 12 million copies. Deeply sensitive and widely popular, he is the male answer to Adele.

After hitting the jackpot, its all too easy to make a difficult second album. Smith, whos 25, has said that he found it hard adjusting to fame, but it doesnt show here.

Sam Smith's second album sees him carrying on doing what he does best: emoting and the best tracks here  Burning, HIM , No Peace  glow with intensity

There are no identity crises, no panic moves, no guest spots for Justin Bieber. Smith just carries on what he does best: emoting.

He has such a presence at the microphone  intimate, tremulous, lachrymose  that it hardly matters what hes singing. His natural habitat is the gospel-tinged ballad, but he could find the hidden sorrow in Good Vibrations.

The best tracks here  Burning, HIM, No Peace  glow with intensity. Even with a couple of Motown-ish chuggers, the sadness still lingers. Smith calls them dance-and-cry songs.

Tears are not enough, ABC once assured us. In this case, theyll do nicely.

Steely Dan O2 Arena, London

Rating:

Can a duo keep going when one of the members has died? That was the question as Donald Fagen brought Steely Dan to BluesFest, only eight weeks after losing Walter Becker.

Were the Steely Dan organisation, Fagen told a packed O2. Were a little different than we were a few months ago, but Ive got to live with that. It was hard to tell if he was too bereft to mention Beckers name, or just anxious not to milk the situation.

The music, though, was the same as ever: intricate, inventive; soporific when Fagens 11 musicians veered towards jazz, scintillating when they remembered to rock. My Old School and Reelin In The Years were just delicious.

Fagens voice has lost its suppleness but retained all its quirks. Throwing his head back at the keyboard, he ruled the room like a cross between Ray Charles and Mel Brooks  and convinced you that hed made the right decision.

THIS WEEK'S CD RELEASES

By Adam Woods

Bryan Adams Ultimate USM/Polydor, out now

Rating:

Bryan Adams has grown into something of a gentleman rock star  an album every few years, always good for an all-star concert. Ultimate doesnt diverge much from previous hits collections, except to add two from 2015s Jeff Lynne-produced Get Up and two new ones: peace sign-flashing rocker Ultimate Love and the Prince-ish Please Stay

Lucinda Williams This Sweet Old World Highway 20, out now

Rating:
My Name Is Prince

The O2, London

Until January 7

Rating:

Ever since the day Prince died, on April 21, 2016, I have been unable to listen to his music. Its just too hard. But how on earth will I cope without him? When I broke up with my first proper boyfriend, I sat by my tape machine, listening to Adore by Prince, over and over again. You dont know what you mean to me! he sang, in that tremulous falsetto. Even the memory makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Prince was my consoler. When he died, there was no one left to do that job.

And so it was with trepidation I went along last week to the world premiere of the new exhibition celebrating his life. As I did, all those old feelings of unrequited love bubbled  I will definitely never marry him now!

I remember my dad driving me to Chelmsford, just so I could buy the album Parade on the day of its release in 1986. I was disappointed, not at the music but because the album was just far too short. For all my adult life, I simply couldnt get enough of Prince: I saw him, front row, on 17 consecutive nights at Wembley; by night ten, he would fold his tiny arms, shrug, roll those enormous eyes and look at me as if to say: Oh no. Not you again.

Whats clear from this exhibition, though, is that Prince bent gender rules so far they snapped, writes Liz Jones

So. Its me again, Prince. Gasping anew at the album cover of Dirty Mind, Prince in a pair of bikini briefs against an upturned bedspring. He had a one-track mind, and for a virgin like me he was my only introduction to sex, and boy did he set a high bar.

While this exhibition is tiny compared to the 2013 Bowie retrospective at the Victoria & Albert Museum, Prince beat him hands down in the love stakes. Bowies most romantic line was I absolutely love you. Prince, on 1988s Lovesexy (that album was a first, in that P made it seamless, so you had to listen in the order he dictated), writes: Race cars burn rubber in my pants. Crikey!

But even better than seeing all the album covers again in what is a (thankfully) chronological tour through his voracious work ethic  and watching the videos on big screens (my heart still leaps at my all-time favourite, Alphabet Street, where you can see those mascarad lashes close over green eyes)  is the wonderful array of costumes. The slightly shabby purple trench from 1999 and Purple Rain. The baby-blue cloud play suit from Raspberry Beret. The peach all-in-one from the 1987 Sign O The Times tour, which reminds me my ticket stub for the Paris leg dictated the audience all wear peach or black; gosh, he was bossy! His rather sad box of Chanel and Mac make-up and Dove soap. The case containing his shoes (he had them custom-made by a cobbler in Old Street, London, of all places) with the four-inch heels, the concealed platform. It all feels so vulnerable, these relics of a man I thought so out of reach, so magical. He was human, after all.

The Raspberry Beret cloud suit (right); Purple Rain coat (left)

My only gripes are that the exhibition feels far from exhaustive. Id have loved videos from the people he worked with: the president of the UK fan club (hello, Eileen!); Cathy Glover, his elusive dancer; and Susannah Melvoin, the love of his life (bitch!). And there could have been a snatch of his film Under The Cherry Moon, just so you could see his bare feet running across the floor (the only time he is unshod, on record) and notes from fans, too: P was always so gracious, giving us front-row seats, and special releases.

There are lots of leopard-print guitars here, but Id have loved to have seen the white-buttoned crop top and sombrero from Kiss; his 1985 Oscar for Purple Rain; and the cage where he kept two doves, Diamond and Pearl, on the atrium at Paisley Park, his lavender-scented HQ in Minneapolis. Sent to interview him back in 1996, the first words I uttered were: Prince. Those doves really shouldnt be confined. He was both shocked and amused.

Prince's chainmail policemans hat from 1993

Whats clear from this exhibition, though, is that Prince bent gender rules so far they snapped. I dont even think Prince was a man: thats far too pedestrian; he wore a Carmen Miranda turban, for Gods sake! He used lesbian mirrored imagery in the video for When Doves Cry. He wrote probably the best song, ever: If I Was Your Girlfriend. And he made up new rules for what it is to be sexy.

Prince's Symbol mic stand

I wish his costumes  all with that toreador high waist to lengthen his legs  had been displayed at floor height, not on plinths, so visitors could stand next to all 4ft 10in of him (I saw his passport when I was researching his biography; it stated his distinguishing feature was dwarfism; they really should have said genius) and marvel at the power from such a little man.

Much has been made of the fact those heels meant his joints suffered, meaning he died from an addiction to painkillers. But if he had been of normal height, he wouldnt have had to nurture such a dirty mind, or such a great sense of humour. My favourite item on show is his handwritten (in purple pen!) script for Purple Rain. For one scene, he writes: Lisa and Wendy coming out of house. Obviously not day people.

At the exit to the exhibition, as well as the inevitable shop, is a wire fence and a shrine where fans can leave scribbled notes. At first I thought this was a bit mawkish. But I left mine. It was just one word. Thanks.

As P would say, life is just a party. And parties arent meant to last.
The Exorcist

Phoenix Theatre, London Until March 10 2hrs 10mins

Rating:

With its wobbly sets, The Exorcist feels doomed long before you hear the (uncredited) voice of Ian McKellen as the Devil. Doing his fruitiest baritone, hes like Gandalf gone to the bad.

This is the stage version of the infamous 1973 horror film of William Peter Blattys novel about the daughter of a film star who lives in Washington DC. She is possessed by evil after she plays with a ouija board in the attic.

Clare Louise Connolly (as 12-year-old Regan) soon starts lip-synching the Devils lines  some of them terribly rude  while tied to her bed, on which she writhes like a hissing snake.

Clare Louise Connolly (as 12-year-old Regan, above) soon starts lip-synching the Devils lines  some of them terribly rude  while tied to her bed, on which she writhes like a hissing snake

Father Merrin is sent for to do the exorcism. Hes played by Peter Bowles, who sloshes holy water about and acts at all times like a bumbling headmaster

Father Merrin is sent for to do the exorcism. Hes played by Peter Bowles, who sloshes holy water about and acts at all times like a bumbling headmaster.

The exorcism itself is, if anything, played down by director Sean Mathias. Instead of the films flying, pea-soup vomit, the girl sprays consomme politely to the side of the bed. Her head does rotate  nice work from illusionist Ben Hart  and theres a self-harming scene that got a shriek of Ohmigod! from the stalls.

But Regan doesnt properly levitate and theres no spider walk (famous in the film) down the stairs  surely they could have got in a Cirque du Soleil acrobat lookalike? Despite the self-slamming doors and the flying drawers, The Woman In Black is far more frightening.

Tristram Wymark  as the doomed family friend  tries vainly to find the laughs in John Pielmeiers leaden script and Jenny Seagrove is teeth-achingly mumsy as Regans parent. Adam Garcia is the young priest Karras, whose crisis of faith is a boring adjunct to the main story.

We are, mercifully, spared the films lingering ability to pollute your mind. With this tosh, once youre out of the frying pan and into the foyer youve already forgotten it.

Christmas Eve

Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal, Bath Until Nov 18 1hr 15mins

Rating:

A smartly dressed, middle-aged philosophy professor is pulled out of her car by the police on Christmas Eve. The interrogation cell is dank, with a heavy steel door. Thomas, the plainclothes man, thinks shes planted a bomb. Julia, the radicalised academic, knows her rights.

Niamh Cusack plays Judith, who talks of structural violence against the capitalist West. The two play cat-and-mouse as they conversationally probe each others emotional defences

This two people, one room, real time drama is by Daniel Kehlmann, whose hit play The Mentor was recently in the West End. Patrick Baladi is the cop. Niamh Cusack plays Judith, who talks of structural violence against the capitalist West. The two play cat-and-mouse as they conversationally probe each others emotional defences.

The creepy soundscape of clanging doors and buzzers adds a sense of urgency and menace oddly lacking in the script (translated by Christopher Hampton). But the suspect/interrogator routine feels a bit hackneyed.

Short and well acted, its a clever-clogs thriller that never quite gets your pulse up.

The Slaves Of Solitude

Hampstead Theatre London Until Nov 25 2hrs 5mins

Rating:

This loving adaptation  by Nicholas Wright  of Patrick Hamiltons forgotten novel is set in 1943 in a suicidally dull boarding house in Henley-on-Thames, away from the Blitz.

Its the story of the timorous thirtysomething Miss Roach, whose romance with a flirty Yank lieutenant is met with competition from a fellow female resident, an ageing German refugee sexpot. Much of the action is set in the dining room, with its small flock of old ladies  one of the evenings chief joys.

It all rests heavily on a rich, performance from Fenella Woolgar, below, as the prim Miss Roach, whose life is disturbed by a violent, erotic love

Here, the ghastly resident Mr Thwaites (Clive Francis, fabulous) rules with his mock- Tudor lingo: Hast thou not been seen in a hostelry with a young fraulein of Hunnish heritage? etc.

Blending cruelty and comedy, wartime is evoked not just in the cliched Spam fritters and pink gins: you can feel the residents mustnt-grumble loneliness seeping into the wallpaper.

Fluidly directed by Jonathan Kent, it all rests heavily on a rich, performance from Fenella Woolgar as the prim Miss Roach, whose life is disturbed by a violent, erotic love. An absorbing evening of soup plates and quivering hearts.





Romantics Anonymous

Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, London Until Jan 6 2hrs 20mins

Rating:

Who doesnt love chocolate? So this show, in which the confection is centre stage (and you are even offered a piece as you walk in), is on to a winner from the start.

Just as pleasingly, Emma Rice bows out of her short tenure as artistic director of Shakespeares Globe with a sweet production that has her style written all over it  as if in swirly, piped chocolate lettering.

Based on a French- Belgian film, Les Emotifs Anonymes, it follows in the tradition of Rices film adaptations for the Kneehigh company: Brief Encounter (back in the West End next year) and The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (look out for ironically worn berets and Breton tops here too). The story is of Angelique, a talented chocolate savante who loses her job and is so cripplingly shy that she swoons rather than face up to new people and joins the self-help group of the title.

Her prospective new boss is smitten but just as geeky and backward in coming forward. On their eventual first date, he is so nervous he sweats through numerous frilly Seventies shirts.

Will their hearts melt at the crucial point, just like chocolate? This is, of course, a bittersweet affair that has the audience rooting for a happy outcome for the pair  delightfully played by Carly Bawden and Dominic Marsh, left  cajoled along by the eye-rolling employees of the chocolate factory (a chorus who also play innumerable other roles with great aplomb).

Michael Koomans songs mix classical and cod-French sounds with more modern-style numbers, and there is cheerful innuendo in Christopher Dimonds lyrics, such as the ironically titled Savoire Faire, and Rices direction has her usual attention to detail, quirkiness and goofy humour.

It may all be a little soft-centred but you would have to be the human equivalent of that teethclogging toffee languishing alone at the bottom of the selection box not to warm to this charming, tongue-in-cheek confection.

Mark Cook
Impressionists In London Tate Britain Until May 7

Rating:

A wide avenue in suburban south London. There is nothing remarkable about it apart, perhaps, from the grand Victorian church at one end.

But it would cost you many millions if you wanted to purchase the same view in The Avenue, Sydenham, painted by Camille Pissarro in 1871. When Pissarros Paris street scene, Le Boulevard Montmartre, Matinee De Printemps, went under the hammer at Sothebys in 2014, it sold for 19.9 million.

The Sydenham painting is one of over 100 works at the Impressionists In London exhibition, many of them coming to the capital for the first time. Paintings such as a pair of ravishing near-Pointillist views of Kew, also by Pissarro, and a whole room of Monets paintings of the Houses of Parliament guarantee this show blockbuster status  but they also tell us much about the relationship between the French and the English and the origins of Impressionism itself.

Houses Of Parliament, The Sun Shining Through The Fog, by Claude Monet, 1904

Kew Green, by Pissarro, 1892

Why were Pissarro and Monet in London in 1871? The answer, as it so often is when Europe is in turmoil, was Germany. In 1870 the Prussian Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck, determined to create a unified nation out of conflict, and engineered a dispute with the French. Their Emperor, Napoleon III, fell for it and declared war but, complacent and ill-prepared, his armies crumbled. Edouard Manet, Edgar Degas and James Tissot all served on the front line, and Pissarros home outside Paris was overrun by enemy troops.

When Napoleon III was taken prisoner and then exiled himself to Chislehurst, just a bus ride from Sydenham, France was declared a republic. Radical Paris established its own fiercely egalitarian revolutionary government, the Commune, which in turn was mercilessly suppressed by French government forces with German help  and witnessed by Tissot. His small, otherworldly watercolour, The Execution Of Communards By French Government Forces At Fortifications In The Bois De Boulogne, is a revelation. The corpses of the executed are flopped at the bottom of a high rampart, the next Communard caught Icarus-like in mid-descent.

Tissot was fortunate to have aristocratic connections in England. Monet arrived with little money and a wife and son to support. While he was here, his father died. Yet without his English interlude, the rest of Monets career might not have happened. At a gallery in Londons New Bond Street, he was introduced to Paul Durand-Ruel, a visionary Paris art dealer whose purchases would help create the Impressionist movement.

As well as connecting with each other, the artists were also discovering a city at the height of its influence. London was the heart of the largest empire the world had ever known and capital of its greatest industrial power. Pissarros Lordship Lane Station, Dulwich, 1871, may look elegiacally rural to us, but the suburban steam train was a symbol of Britains comfortable modernity.

Wounded Soldier, by James Tissot, 1870

The Avenue, Sydenham, by Camille Pissarro, 1871

South London was kind to Pissarro (he married the family maid, Julie Vellay, at Croydon register office), and he in return was even kinder to south London. After all, The Avenue, Sydenham turns a middle-class suburban street into a grand boulevard complete with villas and carriages, and then floods it with unlikely winter sun.

The British weather is a recurring theme. When Pissarro visited Kew, the master of plein air painting was obliged to go indoors and paint through the window of a rented house because of the rain, and Monet, stuck in the gloom hanging over the Thames, famously said: Without fog, London would not be beautiful.

The six Monet Houses of Parliaments here include a luminous version from the Musee dOrsay in Paris, in which a pale sun glows through a shroud of mist and the buildings become an exquisite, unearthly abode. Pissarro and Monet were great admirers of Turner, and Monet infuses the scene with sunlight until he arrives at the same transcendent point Turner had reached with Norham Castle, Sunrise in 1845.

Unlike Monet, Pissarro found a ready home in London  his mother and brother lived in Norwood. If Pissarro harboured thoughts of a swift return to France, they must have been displaced by a letter from Theodore Duret, a friend of Manet, in May 1871. It is as if there had never been painters and artists in Paris, Duret wrote. The horrors and terrors are everywhere. So Pissarro stayed, and from his house he set out on a series of career-defining journeys that illuminate this often wonderful show. In Norwood, he wrote to a friend, I studied the effects of fog, snow and springtime.

The snow heaped on streets, the heat haze of steaming locomotives, the fog on the river, the sheer blur of London life, led the Frenchmen towards the shifting intersection of movement and colour, to art that grabbed the moment. England made Impressionism possible.
A Short History Of Drunkenness Mark Forsyth Viking 12.99

Rating:

Stephen Hawking started it, back in 1988, when he gave us A Brief History Of Time. Since then, publishers have issued Brief Histories galore.

There have been Brief (or Short) Histories of, to list just a few: Globalisation, Foxhunting, Canada, Japan, the Future, Fantasy, Humankind, Feminism, Neo-Liberalism, Truth, Thought, Opera, the Dead, Progress, the Motorcycle, Christianity, Atheism, Slavery, Islam, London, Irish Traditional Music, Disease, Medicine, Mozambique and the Middle Ages.

It cant be long before theres a Brief History Of Brief Histories. Until that moment comes, why not a Short History Of Drunkenness? Mark Forsyth wrote an unexpected bestseller a few years ago, The Etymologicon, a jokey book about words, and now he has written a jokey book about drunkenness.

Mark Forsyth wrote an unexpected bestseller a few years ago, The Etymologicon, a jokey book about words, and now he has written a jokey book about drunkenness

Forsyths jokes are snappy and well delivered. Unlike most comical writers, he never falls into the trap of confusing long-windedness with irony. He has a sharp sense of timing, and virtually every sentence feels that it might end with Boom! Boom!

The trouble is that A Short History Of Drunkenness is not just jokey, its incessantly, relentlessly, almost claustrophobically jokey. The Ancient Egyptians were a funny lot, is the way his Ancient Egypt chapter begins. Likewise, his Bible chapter begins: Noah planted a vineyard. It was the first thing he did after the flood, and to be fair he probably needed a drink.

Reading it reminded me of listening to a raucous best mans speech at a wedding. For a few minutes you sit back and enjoy the gags, but soon it dawns on you that the speech will consist of nothing but gags, and that they will stifle anything more interesting or heartfelt.

Where does a joke end and the truth begin? Humorous exaggeration tends to muddy the division.

Jokes can also blunt compassion, or any sort of feeling. For instance, in his chapter on drunkenness in Russian history, Forsyth says of Ivan the Terrible: The punishments were imaginative to say the least. Ivan had a roguish way about him of raping and killing (and occasionally releasing hungry bears on to unsuspecting monks, which does sound rather fun).

Well, I suppose it does if you think it didnt really happen, or if you think that anything that happened 500 years ago is so distant in time that it doesnt really matter to us now. This is history for gigglers, or history for people who would prefer to be reading anything other than history. And this is a shame, because drunkenness is a very interesting subject, and Forsyths writing is charged with energy. If only he had calmed down a bit, he might have produced a fascinating work; instead, he has produced something closer to a Horrible History for grown-ups: a succession of wisecracks in search of a book.

Yet the material is all there. Take his Russian chapter, for example. He starts by wondering whether Tsar Nicholas IIs decision to outlaw the sale of vodka in 1914 led to his overthrow.

Did the loss of what amounted to a quarter of the countrys revenue hinder the Russian forces in the Great War? Did enforced sobriety sharpen working-class minds to the way they were being treated? These are fascinating questions, and though Forsyth raises them, he is too fidgetily humorous to answer them, forcing any approaching seriousness to make way for the next joke.

One of the problems with humour is that its promiscuous, and wants to get its hands on everything. The name Stalin always comes up in discussions of Russia, which is funny really as he wasnt Russian and Stalin wasnt his name. Faced with this endless gabble of ho-hos, you begin to think: Oh, just get on with it!

Without wishing to be a killjoy or a sobersides, Id also argue that Forsyths strict regime of humour forces him to laugh off the darker aspects of alcohol. In a chapter on the 13 years of Prohibition in America, he writes of bootleg liquor: This was very low-quality stuff. A lot of it was made with stolen industrial alcohol and a lot of people got very ill. But even worse than the medical consequences was the taste.

An Italian advertisement for dessert wine from 1925

But it didnt just make people very ill: it killed them. The true story  which Forsyth leaves out  is that US authorities were determined to eradicate the misuse of industrial alcohol (designed for embalming, and antifreeze, and so on) so they decided to add strychnine to it. As a result, 11,700 US citizens died in 1927 alone, poisoned by their own government.

Now, either Forsyth didnt know this fact, or he did know it and judged it too unfunny for inclusion. Throughout A Short History Of Drunkenness he fails to mention the misery that comes with alcoholism, unless it is located so deeply in the past that he judges it permissible to transform it into comedy.

Perhaps I am being too harsh on him. After all, the book is blokishly subtitled How, why, where and when humankind has got merry from the Stone Age to the present, so I suppose that grants him the right to concentrate on alcohols happier side.

With this aim in mind, he ropes in many strong advocates. Benjamin Franklin, for instance, thought that the existence of wine was proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy. He also argued that the placing of the elbow showed that human beings were designed for drinking wine: If the elbow had been placed nearer the hand, the part in advance would have been too short to bring the glass up to the mouth.

The great William James, philosopher brother of the novelist Henry, was another unlikely cheerleader for alcohol, regarding it as a bulwark against the stuffy negativity of puritanism. Sobriety diminishes, discriminates, and says no, he wrote. Drunkenness expands, unites and says yes. A visionary, might William James have been thinking ahead a century or more to the diminishing, discriminating, negative age of the teetotal President Trump?

Forsyths whistle-stop tour of different cultures in history  Ancient Egypt, the Romans, the Dark Ages, the Wild West  inevitably works best when the subject is as comic as his treatment of it.

Personally, I found his items about the effect of alcohol on animals very funny, though others, more animal-minded than I, might disagree. Judge for yourself: on an island off Panama, monkeys regularly feast off the fallen fruit of the astrocaryum plant, which is 4.5 per cent proof. They get boisterous and noisy, and then they get sleepy and stumbly, and then sometimes they fall out of the trees and injure themselves, notes Forsyth. If you adjust their alcohol intake for body weight, they can get through the equivalent of two bottles of wine in 30 minutes.

Charles Darwin also found the sight of drunken apes amusing and was intrigued by the way natives in north-east Africa caught baboons by providing them with pots of beer, which then caused them to have terrible hangovers.

On the following morning they were cross and dismal, wrote Darwin. Needless to say, he drew from this sorry spectacle evolutionary links between apes and mankind. They held their aching heads with both hands and wore a most pitiable expression An American monkey, an Ateles, after getting drunk on brandy, would never touch it again, and thus was wiser than many men. These trifling facts prove how similar the nerves of taste must be in monkeys and men.
Pasta Loco

37A Cotham Hill

Bristol BS6 6JY

Rating:

Pasta Loco is a small Italian restaurant in Bristol, which sits in the smart-scruffy borderlands between Clifton and Redland. Theres a tiny bar, with a glass vat of ready-mixed negronis, plus lots of blonde wood, blackboards and piles of well-thumbed cook books.

Including Brindisa, River Cafe and Claudia Roden on Italy, classic, timeless tomes that somehow give one faith for the lunch ahead. Owned by two Bristolian cousins, restaurateur Dominic Borel and chef Ben Harvey, they specialise in, yup, youve guessed it, fresh pasta. And theres an admirable and forthright simplicity to everything they do.

The menu is short, rather than terse, with three starters, mains and puddings. Two courses for an astonishing 12.50, three for 15.

I say astonishing because their pasta is very good. Very good indeed. In fact, I would happily compare it to Padella, that evercrowded Borough beauty that bends an elegant knee to tagliatelle, pici and the rest. But Ive never actually made it inside.

Gnocchi cacio e pepe; Fettuccini with wild boar ragu; Squid ink orzo risotto

Quince and hazelnut crumble (right), salt cod fritters (left)

Loitered suspiciously in the queue, yes, but the smell of that slow-cooked ragu, and the sight of all those flour-dusted, handrolled noodles, was too much for my gentle disposition to bear. I simply didnt have the patience to wait. Back at Pasta Loco, and my first mouthful involves no pasta at all.

Instead, salt cod fritters, the size of a forks head, so light I fear they will float away. Seriously, when you crunch through the crisp coating, the gently salted filling is as soft and ethereal as a mermaids sigh, and they sit upon a bed of charred aubergines, scattered liberally with thyme, with a few intensely sweet oven-dried tomatoes and bright yellow blobs of punchy saffron mayonnaise.

In the wrong hands, this could all be too much, but Harvey knows exactly when to pull back. The dish has blessed balance, and a simple, no-nonsense art. Just like the cacio e pepe gnocchi, which merrily straddle that fine line between light and heft. There a lusty, nose blasting hit of pepper, as is right and proper.

The Romans like their flavours forthright. Plus leaves of wild sage, and handfuls of pert trompettes de la mort and chanterelles, with the merest grunt of truffle. Its the sort of dish you think you could make at home, says my friend Mark, between bites. 'But just cant. Damned right.

The autumnal flourishes bring a rosy glow to the cheeks, but its the pasta thats the star. Then a course appears from the kitchen unbidden. I start to hum and haw, and mutter things about ethics, and not being allowed to accept freebies and all that. But my vanity is swiftly popped. Its for Mark, a regular, not me.

If I want to have a try, feel free. Its curried goat tortellini, a mouthful of such cross-cultural genius that Im rendered temporarily speechless. The filling is lovingly spiced, with hints of habanero and allspice, and a whisper of Vesta curry powder. Enclosed in a silken pasta embrace. Theres an arancini ball made with kidney beans and peas, plus rare slices of what tastes like goat fillet.

Mark tells me its a dish inspired by late-night visits of the Caribbean restaurants of the area. Jamaica and Italy all come together in a dish of pure Bristolian brilliance. But theres more. A risotto of orzo, stained black with squid ink, with plump cockles, and charred tentacles, and cool, sharp slivers of fennel. Again, the pasta is gloriously al dente, the acidity is beautifully judged, the whole dish possessed with a full fathom five marine profundity.

Wild boar ragu, rich and extravagantly creamy, is tangled with fettucine so delicate that, like those fritters, they threaten to flutter away. The sauce may be sublime but the pasta is, once again, the star. Even puddings, a sharp quince crumble with a surprisingly delicate Pedro Ximinez ice cream, plus just-wobbling pistachio and olive oil panacotta, share the same expert, no-nonsense clarity of purpose seen everywhere else.

FROM THE MENU Gnocchi 8.50 Mussels in sherry 6 Orzo risotto 15 Wild boar ragu 18.50 Chocolate delice 6.50 Advertisement

Because at Pasta Loco, everything  from the warm, wonderful service and well priced wine list, to the classic soul that plays in the background, along with one of the best negronis Ive ever drunk, served with proper ice in proper heavy glasses  is done properly. And the room has an unforced, genuine warmth, a generous soul that makes it feel like a club to which everyones invited.

On Wednesday lunch, its packed. But dinner is booked up for the next few months. Seriously, bagging a table here at night is cause for almighty celebration. And all this hand-formed joy for about the same price as lunch at Pizza Express.

Thats truly astonishing. Once again Bristol shows exactly why its such a fine eating city  theres a fierce local pride here, mixed with raw talent and an utter lack of posing and pretention. No place for edible pseudery here. Bells Diner, Bellita, Casa Mia, Wallfish Bistro and Wilsons. Classics all. And now Pasta Loco. Damn you, Bristol. One more cracker like this, and I might just have to move there for good.

Lunch for two, minus drinks: 30

What Tom ate this week

Friday

Dinner at new Notting Hill branch of Killer Tomato. Pork belly and crackling burrito, cheeseburger, and sticky chicken tacos, plus a couple of Cheladas. Excellent, as ever.

Saturday

My daughters disco birthday party, so crisps and Bella Napoli pizza for lunch. Then down to my sisters for steak with Thai salad and dressing.

Sunday

5/2. Yawn. Although new Itsu instant noodle pots (the chicken ones) are damned good. So good, in fact, that Id even eat them of my own free will.

Monday

Dinner at the newly refurbished Princess Victoria on Uxbridge Road. Looks incredible, but salt and pepper squid under seasoned. Decent pizza and burger, though.
Blue Planet II

Sunday, BBC1

Rating:

Ginos Italian Coastal Escape

Wednesday, ITV

Rating:

The Great British Bake Off

Tuesday, Channel 4

Rating:

The only fish my family ever owned were won by my dad on the rifle range at a fairground. Fred died after five days when my mother tried to keep him going with oxygen tablets; I think it was the eighth that finished him off. Horace outlived him by six days. We then moved onto dogs, which at least ensured we did not have to attend fortnightly funerals.

Maybe it was this that gave me a hatred of even eating fish  and that someone once told me many of our sea friends get their nourishment in sewage emptied from cruise ships. Try getting the bowel habits of thousands of people off your mind when a fish finger next stares back at you.

Walrus mother and calf in Blue Planet II. I know Im going out on a limb here  or a fin, in this case  but Blue Planet II left me as cold as the Arctic Pole

If anyone could change my mind about fish, surely it would be Sir David Attenborough, veteran broadcaster and naturalist and an altogether adorable man. I once met him, assuring him of my keenness to learn about natural history; but he didnt convince me then and he hasnt now. I know Im going out on a limb here  or a fin, in this case  but Blue Planet II left me as cold as the Arctic Pole to which the first programme travelled.

Yes, I know that advanced digital equipment, not to mention the bravery of surf cameramen (who knew they even existed?) makes for stunning images  dolphins surfing, giant trevallies leaping out of the water to catch poor fledglings learning to fly, orca whales ODing on unsuspecting herring  but for me technology is ripping the heart out of natural history programming.

Attenboroughs great strength has always been his adherence to BBC founder John Reiths core values: to inform, educate and entertain. His passion for his subject, getting down and dirty among the animals, even in potentially dangerous situations, is what made him and his programmes truly great.

At 91, his passion remains undiminished, but apart from standing at the helm of a boat, his presence here was merely a voiceover  and one with a weak script. There was far too much speculation  maybe, possibly, perhaps, probably. Warming conditions, resulting in poor walrus mums struggling to find ice havens for their young, are probably the result of human activity.

Well is it or isnt it? If it is, then I want to know exactly what kind of activity. We were told that dolphins intimate knowledge of reefs was spurring us to search for new medicines here too. Is it? What are they? Maybe the rest of the series will expand on these generalisations and pin down the possibles and probables to hard scientific fact, but this opener was little more than a lesson in camerawork, albeit brilliant.

Well probably all be able to do it on the iPhone X soon, anyway.

Gino DAcampo was tucking into fish in Italian Coastal Escape on the Amalfi coastline, which has to be one of the most beautiful in the world.

Two days before, Gino had been on Loose Women, where he spoke of losing his father at 60 and his mother, one month ago, at just 64. He was not maudlin in the least and talked of his joy that he had so many years with her and that she saw him married and knew her three grandchildren. His comment that this was something to celebrate earned him a well-deserved round of applause. He was also hilarious.

It is that very humour and zest for life, as well as his passion for food and wine, that lights up the screen in everything he does. His message that it is simple food, simple ingredients that define Italian cooking saw him begin his journey in the part of his home country renowned for lemons, olive oil, great wine and anchovies. Oh dear. Anchovies. My least favourite food on the blue planet. Along with capers and olives. So that bruschetta with all three, along with tuna tartare, wont exactly have me rushing to the fish market.

Still, I learned that a white, fruity and floral wine complements raw tuna. Or gets rid of all four vile tastes, in my case.

So, to another final of The Great British Bake Off, which saw Sophie crowned champion (a result that wasnt too hard to predict after Prues mis-timed tweet). Apart from the presenters (Noel Fielding is a joy), the show has changed little in its move from BBC2.

Like her predecessor Mary Berry, Prue Leiths mouth is too close to her microphone, which picks up every chew and nibble, and the ovens are still way too small. There were also the usual X Factor-style families wheeled in to talk about their offspring, and Steven even brought tears to the proceedings. I havent let go of that dream of still winning, he choked, after falling at the final hurdle. Oh put a custard sock in it, mate. Already the hunt is on for the next batch of hopefuls. And there are, as we know, plenty more fish in the sea.
A tourist bus driver was killed and 36 passengers injured after the vehicle overturned and hit the fence along the road on Yamuna Expressway on Friday morning.

Those injured included 27 students and six teachers from a school in Himachal Pradesh.

The driver lost control of the bus after its tyre burst near Khandoli toll plaza at around 10am.

The school bus collided while on a tour of Agra and surrounding areas, resulting in the death of the driver

The deceased driver was identified as Harish Kumar.

Tour operator Bharat Bhushan is recuperating at Agra's Jay hospital. All the injured were rushed to different hospitals throughout Agra.

Police later informed students' parents about the accident. It was later learnt that the students are from Alok Bharti Vidyalaya of Kotli town in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district.

Those who were injured in the collision were sent to various hospitals for urgent treatment

The pupils were on a tour of Agra, Vrindavan and Fatehpur Sikri, and had hired two buses from Chandigarh, police said.

While one of the buses was involved in the fatal collision, the other ended up reaching the hotel they had booked into, without knowledge of the accident.

Police said nine of the injured students are in a critical condition.

'We were sleeping when the tyre burst and the bus hit the fence along the road. There was panic all around before we were brought to hospital,' said Ankit Malhotra, a class nine student.

In another incident, six people, including four children, were killed and eight injured when a CNG vehicle, travelling towards Delhi from Chhata in Mathura, rammed against a stationery truck on NH2.

The injured were taken to a district hospital, where five were later discharged after receiving treatment. The condition of the other three was stated to be serious but stable.
Surprise, surprise! China for the fourth time blocked India, the US and other nations' bid to list Pathankot terror attack mastermind Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, arguing that 'there is no consensus' within the members of the sanctions committee.

New Delhi's reaction was pointed. 'Deeply disappointed that once again a single country blocked international consensus on designation of an acknowledged terrorist Masood Azhar.

'India strongly believes that double standards will only undermine international community's resolve to combat terrorism,' the ministry of external affairs said, adding that 'India hopes there will be realisation that accommodating with terrorism for narrow objectives is shortsighted and counterproductive.'

Sanctions

China was the only member in the 15-nation UN Security Council last year to put a hold on India's application despite all the other members supporting New Delhi's bid to place Azhar on the 1267 sanctions list that would subject him to an assets freeze and travel ban.

Despite the latest block, Beijing's chutzpah is to be admired. It has gone ahead to suggest that it is 'ready to work with India to promote constant progress of bilateral relations guided by this diplomacy with Chinese characteristics for the new era,' by highlighting China's efforts at making consistent efforts to promote bilateral relations and develop mutual political trust with its neighbours over the past few years.

The BRICS' declaration of 2017 issued at Xiamen, China, had generated significant euphoria in India. The 43-page declaration, adopted by the five-member states of the BRICS grouping, took a strong stance against terrorism for the first time since its inception, expressing 'concern' over the security situation in the region and the violence caused by the Taliban, ISIS, Al Qaeda and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani Network, Lashkar-e-Tayyeba (LeT), Jaishe-Mohammad (JeM), Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Hizbut-Tahrir.

This was a remarkable turnaround for a grouping that was unwilling to talk of groups like LeT and JeM based in Pakistan till last year.

Indian Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers patrol along the India-Pakistan border

At the 2016 Goa summit of BRICS, China had led the way in scuttling any mention of these groups in the declaration despite India making it a priority issue.

This had caused considerable dismay in India with many observers questioning the very utility of BRICS platform for India of even on issues like terrorism there was little or no convergence among the five member states.

This year's BRICS summit happened under the shadow of Sino-Indian stand-off at Doklam and so China's acceptance of India's case has come as a surprise to many.

New Delhi successfully managed to convey its strong feelings on the issue of terrorism to Beijing and Xi Jinping, who wanted to make the BRICS summit a success, had no compunction in taking on the issue as part of the declaration.

Stand

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang justified his country's stand by suggesting that with this declaration, BRICS countries have, 'shown their concerns to the violent activities raised by these organisations These organisations are all sanctioned by the UN Security Council and have a significant impact for Afghanistan issue,' Geng underlined.

That Pakistan saw this as a real challenge was evident in foreign minister Khawaja Asif's remarks: 'We (Pakistan) need to break our false image. We have no stake but there is baggage. We need to accept the history and correct ourselves.' Islamabad was worried about China's stance and Asif made it clear that Pakistan needed 'to tell our friends that we have improved our house. We need to bring our house in order to prevent facing embarrassment on an international level.'

While there is much to commend in the way Indian diplomacy managed to get Chinese support on this issue and the likely pressure it put on Pakistan to clean up its act, it should have also been evident that it won't change much on the ground in so far as Sino-Pak ties were concerned.

Indian Army personnel patrol near the Air Force Base in Pathankot on January 2, 2016 during an ongoing attack on the base by suspected militants

Days after the declaration, Beijing assured Pakistan that there is 'no change' in its policy with Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong underscoring that 'the BRICS declaration mentioned organisations which are already banned.'

Terrorism

Pakistan's foreign minister too paid a visit to China when he was reassured by the Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, that 'there has been no change in Chinese policy regarding Pakistan... Pakistan and China are in constant contact regarding regional challenges'.

He further stressed that China supports Pakistan's stand on terror. The two nations also joined hands to rebuff the Trump Administration's new Afghanistan policy.

US President Donald Trump (R) and Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) shake hands during dinner at the Mar-a-Lago estate in West Palm Beach, Florida, on April 6, 2017

Taking a contrary stand to that of Trump's, Wang suggested that Pakistan has not been given 'full credit' for its efforts to battle terrorism by 'some countries.' Weng said, 'When it comes to the issue of counterterrorism, we believe Pakistan has done its best with a clear conscience. In comparison, some countries need to give Pakistan the full credit it deserves.'

Given China's and Pakistan's close ties, this should hardly be a surprise. China's support for the BRICS declaration was merely a tactical ploy to make the summit a success given New Delhi's categorical stand on the issue but its long-term strategic interest has always been to build Pakistan as an equal to India to block New Delhi's ascent in global hierarchy.

And that long-term strategy is not going to change any time soon.

With its recent action on Masood Azhar's case, China has once again made it clear that it doesn't see good Sino-Indian relations as a priority. It is guided by its shortterm tactic of scuttling India's regional and global rise.

India should prepare itself economically, militarily, and diplomatically for a long-term rivalry with China.

The writer is Professor of International Relations, King's College London
In a shocking incident, a pet pig has mauled a 20-day-old baby girl, Pushpa, to death, while she was being breastfed in south Delhi.

The baby's mother was feeding her at home in Bhati Mines on Friday, when the animal suddenly entered through the main door, which had been left open, and rushed off with her into the street.

According to police, Pushpa's shocked mother screamed and ran after the pig. Local residents, alerted to her cries for help, pelted the animal with stones to make it drop the baby.

This is the pig that attacked the baby girl, according to villagers

Pushpa's grieving family

But, by then it had eaten the infant's head.

Once the animal had dropped the baby onto the ground, locals immediately picked her up and rushed her to AIIMS trauma centre, where she succumbed to her injuries.

A police official said: 'It has been learnt that it was a pet pig which was roaming free. A case has been registered against unknown people under IPC sections 289 and 304A.'

Rampal, the baby's father, said many people in Bhati Mines kept pigs as pets.

He had been fearing such an attack, explaining: 'On Friday, when Pushpa's mother was breastfeeding her, a pig entered inside and took away my daughter. These pigs create a ruckus in the area and are very violent. Every day, we have to be cautious or else a pig could attack us.'

Feral pigs roaming an area on the outskirts of New Delhi

Children play near pigs in village streets

Her grieving family also claimed that a delay in the arrival of police officers, and the rush to get the mauled baby to the AIIMS trauma centre contributed to Pushpa's death.

'After the call was made to police, the team reached [the area] very late and then took her to the hospital, which was 30 km away. Traffic snarls delayed the journey,' they claimed.

Chinmoy Biswal, additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (south), said that an investigation was being carried out to identify the pig's owner.
Christopher Bailey is quitting Burberry after almost nine years

Exit Mr Nice Guy. Talk to anyone in fashion and theyll tell you Christopher Bailey doesnt have any enemies.

You can believe it just by looking at him. Those cherubic cheeks, that tousled blond hair  his cheeky smile alone could turn prospective mothers-in-law to jelly.

British designers, such as Alexander McQueen and John Galliano, were a rude and unlovable bunch, but here was someone who always seemed too polite, too well-rounded, almost too, well, decent, for the scorpion-infested world of fashion.

Which made this weeks announcement that he would be departing Burberry  the once fusty heritage brand he transformed into British fashions most glamorous export  appear all the more tragic.

But while fashionistas wept into their beautifully tailored trench coats, hardened City observers recognised that his departure had been a long while coming.

For Baileys last eight years serve as an Aesop-like fable of ego, power and reckless over-indulgence.

His turnaround job at Burberry is well-documented. When Bailey arrived 16 years ago  via spells at DKNY and a not particularly happy spell at Gucci, it was a dowdy label favoured by retired colonels and outdoorsy types. Bailey injected some impish glamour into its designs.

Catwalk shows became global events. Gorgeous ad campaigns featuring Sienna Miller and Eddie Redmayne were launched, which were unashamedly British.

In 2002 the company went public and  following an unfortunate chav interlude  landed in the FTSE 100 in 2009.

By now creative director, there was no doubting Baileys talent. But much of his success was achieved under the stewardship of Angela Ahrendts, a brilliant operator with the business nous to sell his designs.

When she departed for Apple in 2014, chairman John Peace panicked. Worried he might soon lose the second half of the brands dynamic partnership, he allowed Bailey, with zero boardroom experience, to become her successor.

Shareholders were rightly nervous. It was like Barcelona making their mercurial playmaker Lionel Messi player-manager-cum-president.

Beauty and the chief: Christopher Bailey with actress Kate Beckinsale and model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Predictably, the share price began to sour, as did earnings  pre-tax profits fell over the next three years, from 444.6million in 2015 to 394.8million for the most recent period.

While Bailey was still happy to take his creative bow at catwalk shows, he went AWOL when the results came in, never once facing City journalists to explain the slump.

His rewards, however, were stratospheric. In 2015 he was paid 8million, putting him on par with the boss of HSBC, which included a ludicrous 440,000 clothing allowance.

The quiet boy from Yorkshire, where he still keeps a home with his husband, Old Etonian actor Simon Woods, and their two daughters, had begun to look like one of fashions prima donnas.

The beginning of the end came last year when Peace recruited Marco Gobbetti, a smooth-talking Italian with a proven executive record at Celine, to replace Bailey as chief executive. The sell was that Bailey would concentrate on his creative role while Gobbetti would look after the bottom line.

To soften the blow, Bailey was made president, a patronising honorific usually reserved for ageing company dignitaries.

To the fury of shareholders, he was also allowed to keep the same salary. The merry charade was palpable nonsense, of course.

A new boss will always want his own people and, with Burberry struggling to achieve the profit margins being made by rivals LVMH, many feel the brand is crying out for a creative overhaul.

When Gobbetti made soothing noises about the future at Julys AGM, the once golden boy of British tailoring sat silently in the background  for the first time in his dazzling career finding himself in a position where no one in this notoriously fickle business can ever afford to be. He was out of fashion.
The floats of Bakkavor and Arqiva worth have been cancelled

The floats of a supermarket supplier and a TV mast business were both axed yesterday.

Bakkavor, food supplier to a host of supermarkets, became the latest company to ditch plans for a stock market flotation.

The company, which is also the UKs biggest maker of hummus, had been planning an IPO this month which would have raised around 100million in a deal that valued the firm at 1billion.

Meanwhile, mobile infrastructure firm Arqiva postponed plans for a 6billion float.

The firm, owned by Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Macquarie, is the UKs largest owner of mobile, TV and radio towers.
Famed for his McLaren F1 supercar, a host of Formula 1 racing cars, and his flat-pack Ox truck for developing countries, cult car designer Professor Gordon Murray has set up a new manufacturing arm to produce his own 21st-century supercar.

He gave a flavour of it when he brought together some 40 of the cars he has created over the past 50 years under one roof at his new premises at Dunsfold Park in Surrey.

The first picture of McLaren F1 designer Gordon Murray's new supercar

The aerodynamic car will use a new version of his super-lightweight iStream production system.

All future in-house projects built by Gordon Murray Automotive will feature the IGM brand.

Gordon Murray and Ray Massey at the launch of the car designer's his #OneFormula exhibition at Dunsfold Park, Surrey

Murray with one of his OX vehicles, designed for use in Africa and the developing world



Clear the slow lane... Veterans on the annual London to Brighton run

A century before the age of speed cameras, motorists marked the lifting of one infamous speed restriction with a celebratory drive from London to Brighton, known as the Emancipation Run.

Until 1896, the law had required a man with a red flag to walk ahead of all cars, which meant they could not exceed walking pace  4 mph.

The repeal of the so-called Red Flag Act saw the speed limit raised to 14 mph, and later 20 mph.

Golden age: One of the teams from the London to Brighton Run pose with their vintage motor

The occasion is celebrated to this day in the annual London to Brighton veteran car run, which dates back to 1927 and was immortalised in the Fifties film Genevieve.

Tomorrow's event will see more than 450 'horseless carriages' set out on the 60-mile drive from capital to coast.

Celebrity drivers taking part include Charley Boorman, driving a 1904 Rover 8 hp from the British Motor Museum, and BBC presenters Chris Evans and Alex Jones.

The first car will be flagged away from Hyde Park at 7.03am precisely and vehicles must reach the Brighton finish line by 4.30pm to qualify for a medal.

But roadworks in Brixton mean this year's Run has to take a different route out of London.

On the eve of the event in the capital today is the free-to-view Regent Street Motor Show where more than 100 of the automobiles taking part will be on display with many of the drivers and passengers in period costume.

For more information, visit regentstreet motorshow.com; londonmotorweek.co.uk

Land Rover is today celebrating its new Discovery being named Scottish Car of the Year by donating one to be used as a helicopter support vehicle by Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance.

Land Rover Discovery joins Scotlands Charity Air Ambulance service after winning 'Scottish Car of the Year accolade (C Land Rover)

Once a familiar sight, the much-loved Duckhams brand of oil with its distinctive yellow cans disappeared from view when its owner BP saw fit to favour its Castrol brand.

Now it's being relaunched by a group of British entrepreneurs, who have bought Duckhams from BP.

Founded in 1899 by Alexander Duckham, the oil helped French aviator Louis Bleriot complete the first powered cross-Channel flight in 1909 to win the Daily Mail's 1,000 prize.

Its relaunch is at next weekend's NEC Classic Motor Show in Birmingham.

BMW TURNS CANNIBAL BMW is turning cannibal. Bosses realised that budget-minded owners of its older cars can't always stretch to buying new replacement parts, so scour scrap yards to 'cannabalise' them from old wrecks. Now BMW is recycling older cars itself to provide owners with such rescued parts. It's already happening in Germany and is likely to come here says global sales and marketing director Ian Robertson.

Fancy a new Aston Martin for the price of a family runaround? Now you can buy one for just under 16,000, but there's a catch. It's a bicycle.

The firm has teamed up with Storck, of Germany, to produce 107 carbon-fibre Fascenario 3 Aston Martin Edition models.
Investor Sir Chris Hohn has demanded LSE chairman Donald Brydon (pictured) resigns

A top City investor has called for the chairman of the London Stock Exchange to quit  accusing him of forcing out chief executive Xavier Rolet.

Sir Chris Hohn, head of The Children's Investment Fund, has demanded that chairman Donald Brydon resigns.

He has also called for an extraordinary shareholder meeting to try to persuade Rolet to stay on, after he recently announced plans to leave next year.

Hohn's 13billion hedge fund owns a 5 per cent stake in LSE.

In a letter to fellow investors, he says he had a meeting with Brydon this week to 'understand the basis for your decision to remove him as chief executive'.

He adds: 'We received no satisfactory answer. We seek your resignation.'

The investor said that as Rolet is only 57 he could easily serve another five years.

The Frenchman is popular with shareholders and has increased LSE's value from 800million to nearly 14billion during his eight years at the helm.

However, he has been criticised for trying to sell the 216-year-old company to German rival Deutsche Boerse.
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PAIR JAILED Two fraudsters have been jailed for stealing 7.5million from 193 vulnerable and elderly people by selling them worthless land.

Drew Hales, 32, and James Byrne, 59, worked for a business called Paramount Land which persuaded victims to hand over their life savings.

They were locked up respectively for four years and three months, and 18 months.

OIL FLOAT Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaskas EN+ has set its IPO at $14 per share  the lower end of its guidance.

The power-to-aluminium company wants to raise around 750million at a valuation of around 6billion, to help pay down debt.

It will be the first IPO by a Russian company in London since Moscows annexation of Crimea, which triggered sanctions from the West.

REVENUE RISES Surging sales across its luxury division helped boost cosmetics giant LOreal.

Sales grew 5.1 per cent in the three months to the end of September to 5.4billion  driven by sales in the luxury division which was up 11.2 per cent.

PROFITS SOAR The owner of the New York Stock Exchange made a 427.6million profit in the three months to September 30  up 21 per cent on a year earlier.

Bosses at Intercontinental Exchange launched a 919million share buyback offer for investors.

SOVERIGN CASH Singapores sovereign wealth fund is investing 90million in business lender Oaknorth in exchange for a 10 per cent stake.

The bank last month raised 154million from The Clermont Group, Toscafund and Coltrane.

TECH INVESTMENT Currency business Transferwise has raised 214million from investors including Silicon Valley venture capital firm IVP  an early backer of tech titans Netflix, Twitter and Snap.

LICENCE BID Pre-paid card company Cashplus is seeking a banking licence from the Financial Conduct Authority to boost its profits.
Advertisement

Homeowners wanting a state-of-the-art loft conversion can now transform their house in just 14 days after a firm vowed to install them for 45,000.

Typically, loft extensions are laborious and time-consuming tasks but Landmark Lofts claims it can finish the job in two weeks - complete with lighting, heating and a bathroom.

The renovation usually takes up to three months and during winter can prove to make a British home even colder.

But London-based Landmark Lofts gets its lofts 'custom-built' in their factory in South Yorkshire instead of making them on site - which reduces the overall building time.

Their unique process begins when the scaffolding is set up around the home and on day two the roof is removed. Just 24 hours the pre-made loft is delivered by HGV and a crane is used to position the unit in its correct place. Some of their models come pre-fitted with tiled bathrooms and can have pre-plastered walls

Once the structure is put in place, staff from Landmark Lofts then install the stairs and made sure the utilities are all connected before signing it off after one last inspection

James Gold, the company's managing director, told the Evening Standard: 'Our lofts are custom-built in our South Yorkshire factory. This cuts down the build time to as little as two weeks without compromising on custom and quality.'

Their unique process begins when the scaffolding is set up around the home and on day two the roof is removed.

Just 24 hours the pre-made loft is delivered by HGV and a crane is used to position the unit in its correct place. Some of their models come pre-fitted with tiled bathrooms and can have pre-plastered walls.

Once the structure is put in place, staff from Landmark Lofts then install the stairs and made sure the utilities are all connected before signing it off after one last inspection, the Standard reports.

The company's lofts are build will a cold rolled steel frame and they claim the extension should be ready to furnish and carpets can be laid in just 14 days.

It said a loft conversion on a mid-terrace Victorian house can cost between 45,000 and 50,000.

Pictured is one of Landmark Lofts' creations, featuring a double bedroom and en-suite bathroom. Once ordered, the company promises to have your dream loft conversion finished in just two weeks

Another of Landmark Lofts' conversions complete with a bedroom for a small child. The firm claims they can be completed in just a fortnight
President Donald Trump said on Friday he did not remember much about a meeting last year with a former campaign aide who pleaded guilty last month as part of a federal probe into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 US election.

Asked about a meeting in which aide George Papadopoulos suggested arranging a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump told reporters: 'I don't remember much about that meeting. It was a very unimportant meeting.'

According to court documents filed by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, Papadopoulos said at the meeting of foreign policy advisers in March 2016 'that he had connections that could help arrange a meeting between then-candidate Trump and President Putin.'

A photograph posted on Trump's Instagram account shows Papadopoulos sitting at the same table with Trump as well as Jeff Sessions, now Trump's attorney general, and several others.

President Donald Trump (seen above with Melania Trump in Hawaii on Friday) said on Friday he did not remember much about a meeting last year with a former campaign aide who pleaded guilty last month as part of a federal probe into alleged Russian meddling in the election

Papadopoulos has pleaded guilty to lying to Federal Bureau of Investigation agents about contacts with people who claimed to have ties to top Russian officials, in the first criminal charges alleging links between the Trump campaign and Moscow.

His plea was made public this week.

Sessions is under pressure from Senate Democrats to testify again about the Trump campaign's Russia contacts.

In testimony to the Senate Judiciary committee, Sessions has denied knowing anything about contacts between the campaign and Russians or Russian government intermediaries.

The president spoke before leaving for a trip to Asia, where his domestic woes are expected to dog him.

Trump denies any collusion with Russia and Moscow denies interfering in the 2016 election.

Asked about a meeting in which aide George Papadopoulos (above) suggested arranging a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump told reporters: 'I don't remember much about that meeting. It was a very unimportant meeting'

Sessions is also under pressure from his boss, who has made clear he thinks the Department of Justice should look into his former presidential rival, Hillary Clinton, and her campaign's behavior with the Democratic National Committee during the presidential primary race.

Trump told reporters on Friday that many people were unhappy with the Department of Justice, including him.

Those comments followed remarks he made during 'The Larry OConnor Show' on WMAL radio in which he lamented not having more say in the department's work.

'The saddest thing is, because I am the president of the United States, I am not supposed to be involved with the Justice Department. Im not supposed to be involved with the FBI. Im not supposed to be doing the kind of things I would love to be doing. And I am very frustrated by that,' he said.

Trump on Friday repeated his urgings that the Justice Department and FBI investigate Clinton.

'Everybody is asking why the Justice Department (and FBI) isn't looking into all of the dishonesty going on with Crooked Hillary and the Dems,' he said on Twitter.

His comments elicited criticism from several US senators.

'President Trump's pressuring of the Justice Department and FBI to pursue cases against his adversaries and calling for punishment before trials take place are totally inappropriate and not only undermine our justice system but erode the American peoples confidence in our institutions,' Republican Senator Bob Corker, who has frequently sparred with Trump, said in a statement.

A photograph posted on Trump's Instagram account shows Papadopoulos sitting at the same table with Trump as well as Jeff Sessions, now Trump's attorney general, and several others

Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein said: 'We cant allow ourselves to become numb to the president of the United States calling on independent law enforcement organizations to investigate his political opponents. Thats characteristic of authoritarian regimes, not democracies, and it needs to stop.'

Trump has expressed frustration repeatedly over the Russia investigation, which has overshadowed his administration, at times referring to it as a 'hoax' and a 'witch hunt.'

Federal investigators this week charged Trump's former campaign manager Paul Manafort and another ex-aide, Rick Gates, with money laundering and other crimes. In a court filing on Friday, Mueller estimated he would need three weeks to present his case against Manafort and Gates if it went to trial.

Both men pleaded not guilty.

Manaforts attorney Kevin Downing said in a filing on Friday that he would challenge what he called 'evidence improperly obtained by search warrant, subpoena or otherwise.'

FBI agents seized documents and other material from Manaforts Virginia home in a July raid.
Three Republican lawmakers called on Friday for Robert Mueller to resign as special counsel investigating Russia and the 2016 US election.

This is the latest in a series of conservatives' criticisms of the FBI and Justice Department during the probe of how Moscow may have influenced the campaign.

Representatives Matt Gaetz, Andy Biggs and Louis Gohmert accused Mueller of a conflict of interest because he was director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation when former President Barack Obama's administration approved an agreement allowing a Russian company to buy a Canadian company that owned 20 percent of US uranium supplies.

President Donald Trump's fellow Republicans have been calling for an investigation into the Uranium One deal, amid news of Mueller's first indictments of Trump associates as the special counsel investigates allegations that the Trump campaign colluded with Moscow.

Three Republican lawmakers called on Friday for Robert Mueller (above) to resign as special counsel investigating Russia and the 2016 US election

Moscow denies any effort to influence the election, and Trump has dismissed the investigation as a 'witch hunt.'

On Monday, the day the indictments became public, White House Chief of Staff John Kelly said a special counsel should be appointed to investigate Democrats over the uranium deal.

Another group of Republican lawmakers, including House of Representatives Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte launched an investigation last week to examine issues including the role of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Trump's 2016 opponent, in the uranium deal.

Democrats have dismissed the Republicans' activities as a partisan effort to distract from Mueller's probe and from efforts to ensure that a foreign government, Moscow, does not influence future US elections.

Rep. Matt Gaetz (above) has called for investigations of issues related to Clinton previously, including accusing former FBI Director James Comey of colluding with Mueller on the FBI's investigation of Clinton's emails

The other two members of Congress who called for Mueller to resign are Louis Gohmert, a Republican from Texas, and Andy Biggs, a representative from Arizona

Gaetz, Biggs and Gohmert are all members of the House Judiciary Committee, which has oversight over the FBI and Department of Justice.

Gaetz has called for investigations of issues related to Clinton previously, including accusing former FBI Director James Comey of colluding with Mueller on the FBI's investigation of Clinton's emails.

'Evidence has emerged that the FBI withheld information from Congress and from the American people about Russian corruption of American uranium companies,' Gaetz said.

'A confidential US witness, working in the Russian nuclear industry, revealed that Russia had deeply compromised an American uranium trucking firm through bribery and financial kickbacks.'

On Thursday, Trump belly-ached that he could not pressure the Justice Department to investigate Clinton, his former political rival, because that's part of being president.

Trump was sitting down with WMAL's Larry O'Connor, who had wanted to pick the president's brain on why he couldn't fulfill his campaign promise to 'lock her up,' something he would encourage his supporters to shout about Clinton.

'But you know the saddest thing, because I'm the president of the United States I am not supposed to be involved with the Justice Department. I am not supposed to be involved with the FBI,' he explained.

'I'm not supposed to be doing the kinds of things I would love to be doing and I'm very frustrated by it.'

The three Republican lawmakers say Mueller has a conflict of interest because he served as then-President Barack Obama's director of the FBI when the administration approved a deal allowing a Russian company to purchase 20 percent of American uranium

Another group of GOP lawmakers launched an investigation last week to examine issues including the role of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (above), Trump's 2016 opponent, in the uranium deal

Trump didn't stop there.

'Why aren't they going after Hillary Clinton with her emails and with the dossier, and the kind of money?' Trump mused. 'I don't know, is it possible that they paid $12.4 million for the dossier? And how was it  which is total phony, fake  and how was it used?' he continued.

Last week, a law firm used by Clinton's campaign and the Democratic National Committee acknowledged its role in paying for a dossier filled with unsubstantiated opposition research about Trump's ties to Russia, gathered by a former British intelligence agent.

The president has used this Clinton-Russia connection to muddy the waters as three of his own associates on Monday were indicted as part of Mueller's expansive probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

O'Connor, a D.C.-based conservative radio host, told Trump that his listeners ask all the time why Clinton couldn't be more thoroughly investigated.

In July 2016, then FBI head James Comey held a press conference and said that he wouldn't recommend charges to the Justice Department over Clinton's use of a private email server while serving as secretary of state, as there were legal concerns over her handling of classified information.

The FBI briefly looked at Clinton's emails again in October, shortly before the presidential election, when more messages were found on disgraced congressman Anthony Weiner's computer, as part of another case.

The messages belonged to his wife, the top Clinton aide, Huma Abedin.

Since then there's been no indication that Clinton is under investigation, though two House committees are looking into the Uranium One deal, as Clinton as secretary of state was one of the decision-makers on a deal that gave the Russian 20 per cent of American uranium.
How hard it must have been for the Queen to tear herself away. With the workmen finally gone, there was the shiny new kitchen  the first for 30 years  in the house where she and Prince Philip feel, and behave, like normal people.

Theyd spent a few days together last week at Wood Farm, the spacious but modestly furnished cottage on the Sandringham estate that for years has been their bolthole from Palace formality. But the Queen  at 91  had to return to her duties in London.

The Duke of Edinburgh, 96, went with her on the helicopter flight. But then he flew on to Windsor Castle where he is staying until after the weekend.

Then its back to Wood Farm. Now retired from his official life, it was he who organised the new kitchen, one of the subtle changes their lives have undergone lately.

He loves it there and has made it his retirement base, reading, painting watercolours, writing letters and having friends to stay.

Now Prince Philip has retired from his official life, it was he who organised a new kitchen at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate - the house where he and the Queen feel, and behave, like normal people

An old friend says: He is enjoying reading things hes always wanted to read and gets up to what he wants without an equerry telling him he has to be elsewhere, or a camera following him.

This is all with his wifes blessing. For more than ever as they approach their record-breaking 70th wedding anniversary on November 20, does the Queen feel a need to show her love and gratitude to the man that she emotionally described on their 50th anniversary as her strength and stay.

One has to say it is surprising for a couple who have been together for so long to be spending more time apart as they reach such a remarkable landmark in their lives.

But as a courtier explains: The Queen feels the Duke has earned a proper retirement. She knows him too well  if he was still at the centre of royal life hed feel he had to be involved. Being at Wood Farm means hes not too far away, but far enough to be able to relax.

The Prince loves it at Wood Farm (pictured) and has made it his retirement base, reading, painting watercolours, writing letters and having friends to stay

Their weekend together was the first for several weeks  they have always made a point of being at Wood Farm for the Halloween weekend. And they still know how to have fun. A few weeks ago at Balmoral, they judged the end-of-summer staff fancy dress competition.

Its always a jolly evening when footmen, housemaids, cooks and gamekeepers compete to wear the most original costume. They still chuckle over the time that Philip had to explain to the Queen that Oompa-Loompas were characters in a Roald Dahl story.

This time, the choice came down to two finalists, one of whom was dressed as Wonder Woman, the other as a winners envelope from the Oscars awards ceremony. Wonder Woman won.

What is plain to those who surround this elderly couple is that the Queen and Philip have settled comfortably into a new rhythm of married life.

She does miss him, though, especially at the breakfast table, which they always shared. Now, she sits alone and is rarely seen before the daily 11am meeting with her private secretary.

The younger royals, particularly Princess Anne and the Countess of Wessex, have been spending more time with the Queen since Philips retirement. There is also a granny rota for the grandchildren, who make sure they are around more, especially at teatime.

Of course, this marriage has had ups and downs like any other  more than most, in fact, with crises, rancour and multiple divorces.

Long ago, when still Princess Elizabeth and giving a talk to a local Womens Institute, the Queen described divorce as awful, little knowing it would strike at all but one of her own four children.

Who would have expected Elizabeth and Philip, when they married at Westminster Abbey in 1947 in a glitter of post-war excitement and extravagance, to preside so effortlessly over such an extraordinary period of social change?

Divorce often runs in families and she and Philip set such a good example they thought the children were bound to follow, says a senior courtier. This has been a huge disappointment to them.

Yet here they are now, at the head of a family whose members, for once, seem at peace with one another. And, having welcomed the great granddaughter of a Geordie coalminer into the family, they are on the brink of embracing a beautiful and bright young lady born in Los Angeles whose maternal great-great-great-great grandfather was a slave.

Who would have expected Elizabeth and Philip, when they married at Westminster Abbey in 1947 in a glitter of post-war excitement and extravagance, to preside so effortlessly over such an extraordinary period of social change?

No one really knew how well this marriage would work. Navy man Philip was an odd mix of Greek royal family privilege (albeit penniless) and the common touch, blunt-speaking with spiky opinions. He was also so rakishly good-looking that fears were expressed that he couldnt possibly be faithful.

This allegation has always dogged the marriage and is the theme of the next series of The Crown, the Netflix blockbuster that returns in December.

But if Philip really was a bit of a devil, how the Queen, outwardly so placid, has privately loved him for it.

While hes admired her for having tolerance in abundance, shes commended him for the way he has, according to a courtier, managed to remain himself, the same charismatic and engaging man she married. From him, she gets the unvarnished truth. Hes probably the only person on earth who treats her as a normal human being. More than once hes been overheard calling her a bloody fool.

How revealing of the young Queen, already a mother of three children (Charles, Anne and Andrew) to be squealing and shrieking, Stop it, Philip, stop it as he hurried her up the stairs pinching her bottom on a weekend at Broadlands, home of Uncle Dickie Earl Mountbatten.

The Queen had long accepted she had married a man who takes a lot of amusing, and resigned herself to the fact that women simply found him very attractive

Giggling and cries could still be heard as they reached their room at the top and the door closed. Then silence. At the time theyd been married for 15 years.

For his part, walking one pace behind his wife on official occasions has never really bothered Philip as it might other men.

Hes seen it as a consideration for those who want an unobstructed view of the Queen without him getting in the way, says a friend. Its the same reason why she sits further forward with the aid of cushions in cars and carriages.

But while the Queen is head of state, Philip is the acknowledged head of the family.

It was his hand, not hers, who penned those warm though unflinching letters to Princess Diana during the most turbulent months in the crisis of her marriage to Charles, asking her to recognise there were faults on both sides while reassuring her of how fond he and the Queen were of her.

Those familiar words, I cannot imagine anyone in their right mind leaving you for Camilla, in a letter which he signed Fondest, Pa were an enormous comfort to Diana.

Both he and the Queen desperately wanted the marriage to survive, but she left it to Philip to write the letters because he, just like Diana, had been an outsider marrying into the Royal Family.

As for another who married into the Firm, the Duchess of York, here was someone over whom Philip and the Queen have never seen eye to eye.

Infuriated at the embarrassment heaped on Prince Andrew and the House of Windsor by Fergies toe-sucking adventures with American John Bryan, Philip refused to have anything more to do with her. When she walked into a room, he would walk out. Veteran Windsor Castle staff remember a Sunday at the time of the Yorks divorce when the Queen mentioned that Sarah was joining them for tea.

One servant recalls: The Duke said: I cant face that. Im having tea in my study.

All these years later the Queen still takes a different line from Philip, firmly maintaining a wifely independence in seeing her former daughter-in-law fairly regularly.

For the past 20 years she has been well aware of the chronic arthritis which made Philips public duties harder

She does it because she dotes on Andrew, her favourite son, who  21 years after their divorce  still shares his home, Royal Lodge, just a short step from Windsor Castle, with his ex-wife.

And, of course, she does it for her granddaughters, the princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, who often pop in to see her. Family aside, Philip has firmly maintained his role supporting his wife as Queen. As he wrote to Diana . . . the only person in the family with a defined job is Ma, who is the Head of State . . . The rest of us simply have to get on with life as best we can.

Philip did get on with life, too much so, in the eyes of some. They saw in his travels  on one occasion with friends sailing the world aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, he was away for four months  a consort near to being off the rails. One cleric close to the Royal Family believes none of this would have happened had George VI lived a few years more. His death aged 56, catapulting the Queen onto the throne at 25, ended the blissful, virtually private family life she and Philip hoped to enjoy for longer.

Prince Philip needed more time to get used to what was ahead, says the cleric. Suddenly jobless by having to give up his life at sea, then to be bound by all the royal conventions, he found it hard to cope and simply had to get away.

It does seem hardly credible today, as they approach their Platinum anniversary, that Philips wanderings were seen as such a potential crisis back in the Fifties that the Palace had to issue its one and only statement about the state of the marriage.

It declared that it was quite untrue there is any rift between the Queen and the Duke. The Queen always viewed the gossip about her husband and women  none of it accompanied by hard evidence  with a sophistication surprising for a woman who, as one friend puts it plainly, has only ever herself had an intimate relationship with one man.

Although wounded by the talk, the Queen had long accepted she had married a man who takes a lot of amusing, and resigned herself to the fact that women simply found him very attractive.

As for the affairs, another friend has recalled advice given to the Queen in the early days by Lord Mountbatten: Some men have certain needs, which doesnt mean they love their wives any less.

Philips free spirit has always been at the forefront of the Queens mind. In the early days of her reign, the ex-Naval officer found himself without a proper role.

For a time he thought of making himself useful by involving himself in public matters rather as the last Consort, Queen Victorias husband Prince Albert, had done almost a century earlier.

But when, just 20 days after the death of George VI, he watched a Commons debate from the Peers Gallery  just as Albert did  objections were raised with Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Churchill said he saw no harm in it but, pointedly perhaps, Philip never went again.

As things turned out, he found much to do, from establishing his Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and co-founding the WWF (now the World Wide Fund for Nature) to involvement in hundreds of charities and the Armed Forces.

And he always had one key role alongside the Queen  as her ice-breaker. The smile she has taken into thousands of rooms full of people, all of whom are looking at her expectantly, would not have been nearly so steady over the decades but for Philip.

Even after all these years, the Queen still has to gather herself on such occasions.

As the distinguished artist Michael Noakes, who has painted her several times, says: When Philip has seen that happening, he has taken over in a subtle way and made sure everything was OK. He says he can make people laugh within 15 seconds.

Now, things have changed. The Queens public engagements been cut back, they are shorter and with line-ups, rather than her having to mingle in rooms full of guests. Life has become just that bit tougher for the Queen than for Philip, but as a former lady-in-waiting explains: Im sure the Queen doesnt mind that in the least. She fell in love with him at 13 when they first met and she is still in love with him. Shes always had a special look in her eyes when she looks at him, and still has it. She believes hes earned some peace and quiet.

For the past 20 years she has been well aware of the chronic arthritis which made Philips public duties harder. But far from it increasing his legendary crustiness, the Duke is, according to former lady-in-waiting Jean Woodroffe, much kinder (to the Queen) than he used to be. He was never unkind, of course, but became more protective.

This has extended to jovially castigating family members failing his punctuality test at informal gatherings when the Queen had already arrived.

At a recent birthday party, he grabbed one of the younger royal women by the wrist as she walked in, tapped her watch meaningfully and, amid laughter, rasped: It seems to be bloody working.

Nothing illustrates the Queens devotion more than her marking his 90th birthday by bestowing on him one of her own titles, that of Lord High Admiral. Cut adrift for so long from the life at sea hed loved, it meant hed been effectively returned to the Senior Service. Friends describe him as being almost in tears at the gesture.

Which brings us to Remembrance Sunday. When Philip decided that he would not participate in the Cenotaph service, but watch from the sidelines  a Foreign Office balcony  it didnt take the Queen long to decide that her place was with him there.

A courtier explains: Had she asked him to lay a wreath as usual, he would have done so. But she didnt want to press him because she knew he would say Yes, and she thought of his arthritis. She didnt want to do it on her own. Its a testament to their bond.

Philip has marvelled at his wifes grit at the Cenotaph. To ease the burden of standing for close to half an hour in the November chill and to make it less hazardous as she laid her wreath before gingerly stepping down backwards, the heels on her Anello & Davide shoes were lowered and broadened.

Her wreath, now to be laid by Charles, was also made lighter.

At Wood Farm, with its simple furnishings and open fires, Philip does have help. There is a page, housekeeper, chef and footman to take care of him, but unlike the liveried Palace staff, he prefers that they wear ordinary clothes.

As for their 70th anniversary, once such a milestone would have heralded a major gathering of friends and family. But with great age inevitably comes great loss, especially of friends, which is one reason why the dinner at Windsor Castle will be relatively low key.

Its hard to think now that in their courtship days when Philip began to understand the restrictions he would be expected to live under as the Queens husband, he briefly toyed with the idea of throwing in the towel and returning to Greece. How often since then has he  and his wife  been thankful that he didnt.
A Sydney teenager, suspected of trying to travel to Syria to fight for Islamic State, has been arrested in Lebanon and has provided details of other Australians linked to the militants, local officials say.

The Lebanese Internal Security Forces said in a statement it had arrested a Lebanese-Australian man, who had lived in Sydney for several years and 'embraced extremist ideology'.

The ISF said the man, born in 1999, had become radicalised by watching and reading online material from the terror group and arrived in Lebanon on August 20.

A Sydney teenager arrested in Lebanon has provided details of other militants (stock picture)

Local officials say he lived in Sydney for years and 'embraced extremist ideology' (stock picture)

'After his arrival in Lebanon he continued with members of 'Daash' in Syria via the internet,' the ISF statement said.

The statement added the teenager was detained two days before he was due to depart for Syria and had given up information on other Australian fighters, and supporters and financiers of the militant group.

The ISF claimed the Australian man was linked to an IS co-ordinator in a neighbouring country.

The teen will face a local court at a future date, the statement added.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it was providing consular assistance to an Australian man detained in Lebanon, but would not provide further comment.
A person whose actions are being looked at by Special Counsel Robert Mueller said Friday that 'it's every man for himself' in the Trump White House.

The individual who declined to be identified said that the ongoing investigation into alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during the election has associates close to the president in a panic.

The source's comments suggested that individuals entangled in the probe may be eager to strike their own deals with prosecutors in order to avoid harsh prison sentences.

The remarks, which came just a few days after the arrest of three former Trump campaign officials, were first reported by CBS News.

A person whose actions are being looked at by Special Counsel Robert Mueller said Friday that 'it's every man for himself' in the Trump White House. President Donald Trump is seen right with White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders aboard Air Force One on Friday

The person quoted in the story maintains that he is innocent. He has also expressed frustration over the fact that his name has not been cleared.

Still, he did acknowledge that he believed the Russian government tried to interfere in the election.

According to CBS News, this same individual has in the past dismissed any suggestions that Moscow sought to tilt the election in Donald Trump's favor.

Now he is singing a different tune.

Trump's ex-campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, and Manafort's business associate Rick Gates have pleaded not guilty to felony charges of conspiracy against the United States and other counts. They are targets of Bob Mueller's investigation into Russian meddling in the election

Rick Gates (above) departs the Prettyman Federal Courthouse in Washington, DC, on Thursday

Mueller (seen above in a 2011 file photo) says he'll need three weeks to argue his case against Paul Manafort and Rick Gates

'I do believe the Russians interfered or tried to interfere,' he said.

Still, he says he is innocent, and that it was others who may have been involved in possible crimes.

'I don't know what they were doing,' he said.

'Whatever those people did, that's on them.'

After this week's arrest of ex-Trump campaign officials Paul Manafort and Rick Gates, Washington is now bracing for the next round of unsealed indictments.

'I think everyone in the entire circle is potentially a target,' a source close to the Trump administration told CBS News.

Among the names being discussed as potential targets of Mueller are Michael Flynn, the former national security adviser; his son, Michael Flynn, Jr; Felix Sater, a former Trump business associate; Carter Page, a former foreign policy adviser for the campaign; Sam Clovis a former top campaign official; Michael Cohen, Trump's personal attorney; and Jared Kushner who is the president's son-in-law and one of his top advisers.

Mueller estimates his prosecutors will need three weeks to present their case against Manafort and Gates to a jury, according to a court filing made public Friday.

US District Judge Amy Berman Jackson set a tentative timeline for filings in the case, scheduling a possible May 7 trial date.

Responding to Judge Jackson in Washington, Mueller prosecutor Kyle Freeny wrote that the government will likely need 15 trial days to present evidence supporting a 12-count indictment unsealed earlier this week alleging violations of federal money laundering, banking and foreign lobbying laws.

Another campaign-era aide, George Papadopoulos, has pleaded guilty to lying to FBI agents about his contacts with Russian agents during the 2016 presidential election and is cooperating with Mueller's investigators, court records unsealed this week revealed

After this week's arrest of Manafort and Gates, Washington is now bracing for the next round of unsealed indictments - possibly against people in Trump's inner circle like former national security adviser Mike Flynn (left) and Jared Kushner (right)

Manafort, who served for five months as Trump's campaign chairman, and his former deputy Gates have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Both men were released on multimillion-dollar bonds but placed on house arrest. Manafort has asked a judge to ease the terms of his pretrial confinement, calling Mueller's case 'embellished,' in court papers filed this week.

Manafort's lawyer, Kevin Downing, said he expects to file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence 'improperly obtained by search warrant, subpoena or otherwise' by Mueller's investigators, a court filing Friday shows.

Manafort's Virginia home was raided in July by FBI agents.

The charges against Manafort and Gates were the first criminal charges stemming from Mueller's six-month probe of potential ties between Russian operatives and the Trump campaign.

Another campaign-era aide, George Papadopoulos, has pleaded guilty to lying to FBI agents about his contacts with Russian agents during the 2016 presidential election and is cooperating with Mueller's investigators, court records unsealed this week revealed.

Mueller's charges against Manafort, 68, and Gates, 45, relate to their financial dealings while lobbying for Russia-friendly political interests in Ukraine as far back as 2012.

Trump wrote on Twitter this week that there was 'NO COLLUSION' between his campaign and Russia and said the case centered on acts that occurred 'years ago,' well before Manafort got involved with his campaign.
The man who allegedly molested Brooklyn Nine-Nine star Terry Crews at a Hollywood party has been identified as star agent Adam Venit.

Venit, the head of talent agency William Morris Endeavor's motion picture group, was identified by Variety as the powerful executive whom Crews accused on Twitter of groping his privates.

Venit is now on leave pending a company probe into the claims. Among those he represents are director Brett Ratner and actors Casey Affleck and Dustin Hoffman, all of whom have also been accused of sexual harassment or abuse.

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TV star Terry Crews (seen left with wife Rebecca King Crews) said last month that a Hollywood exec grabbed his crotch. The man is reportedly Adam Venit (left, with wife Trina)

Crews made the allegations on October 10, in the wake of the claims against Harvey Weinstein that opened up a Pandora's Box of alleged Hollywood abuse.

'This whole thing with Harvey Weinstein is giving me PTSD. Why? Because this kind of thing happened to ME,' Crews tweeted.

He recounted how he had been at 'a Hollywood function' in 2016 with his wife, Rebecca King-Crews, when 'a high-level Hollywood executive came over 2 me and groped my privates.'

Venit is a top William Morris Endeavor (WME) agent; Crews is signed with the company. Venit is now reportedly on leave pending an investigation by MWE

Crews says that he jumped back and asked what the man was doing, but 'He just grinned like a jerk' at him and his wife.

Venit wasn't identified in the tweets, but sources told Variety that Crews was planning to name him in recent days; Crews is managed by William Morris Endeavor (WME).

It's not clear whether the alleged groping was intended sexually, or as a deeply inappropriate prank.

Representatives for (WME), Venit and Crews declined to comment to Variety.

Crews said he feared fighting back - despite being 6'3" and 240lbs - because he was worried he would be thrown into jail.

But even stronger was the fear that even telling anyone about it would result in the groper destroying his career.

'I decided not 2 take it further becuz I didnt want 2b ostracized par 4 the course when the predator has power n influence,' he wrote.

'I let it go. And I understand why many women who this happens to let it go.

'Whos going 2 believe you? (few) What r the repercussions?(many) Do u want 2 work again? (Yes) R you prepared 2b ostracized? (No)'.

Venit represents three people who have also recently been accused of sexual harassment or abuse: Hoffman, Ratner and Affleck.

Although he is physically imposing, Crews (seen in 2006) said he was worried about having his career crushed by his abuser. He has not confirmed whether Venit is the man in question

Dustin Hoffman was accused on Wednesday of groping and harassing a then-17-year-old actress on the set of a 1985 TV movie adaptation of Death of a Salesman.

'He was openly flirtatious, he grabbed my a**, he talked about sex to me and in front of me,' Anna Graham Hunter told The Hollywood Reporter.

Upon being contacted for the story by the magazine, Hoffman responded: 'I have the utmost respect for women and feel terrible that anything I might have done could have put her in an uncomfortable situation. I am sorry. It is not reflective of who I am.'

Among those that Venit represents is Dustin Hoffman, who has now been accused of sexual harassment by two women in incidents from 1985 and 1991

A second claim emerged today, when Wendy Riss Gatsiounis told Variety that in 1991, Hoffman had propositioned her under the pretense of wanting to adapt her play, 'A Darker Purpose.'

When she turned down his offer to let her 'explore' his body, she said, he and colleague Murray Schisgal, who wrote Hoffman's 1982 cross-dressing comedy Tootsie, dropped her play.

Hoffman declined to comment to Variety; Schisgal told Variety: 'Dustin Hoffman and I took many meetings with writers and playwrights over many years. I have no recollection of this meeting or of any of the behavior or actions described.'

Ratner, director of the critically mauled X-Men: The Last Stand also been accused of abuse, including rape, by alleged victims speaking to the LA Times on Wednesday.

Species star Natasha Henstridge said that he forced her to perform oral sex on him in the early 90s, when she was 19, while Olivia Munn said he masturbated at her on set in 2004. Four other women said he propositioned them.

Ratner 'categorically' denied the claims; his lawyer said: 'I have represented Mr Ratner for two decades, and no woman has ever made a claim against him for sexual misconduct or sexual harassment.

'Furthermore, no woman has ever requested or received any financial settlement from my client.'

Also represented by Venit are director Brett Ratner (left), who allegedly raped one woman and harassed others; and Casey Affleck, who is alleged to have harassed two women

On Friday, Melanie Kohler accused him on Facebook of raping her about 12 years ago when she was drunk.

Ratner is now suing her for defamation, saying the statement is 'entirely false, fabricated, and fictional', and asking for damages to be determined at trial.

Meanwhile, Golden Globe winner Casey Affleck has been accused of sexually harassing and pressuring two women while filming I'm Still Here with Joaquin Phoenix.

Both women sued, and he settled out of court with both for an undisclosed amount in 2010.

Others represented by Venit include Adam Sandler, for whom he worked out a multi-movie Netflix deal; Gal Gadot, for whom he negotiated the role of Wonder Woman, and director M Night Shymalan.

He is currently helping to put together Creed 2 for director Sylvester Stallone.
Denied claim: Kelvin Hopkins, 76, with his wife Pat

Jeremy Corbyn was struggling to keep a lid on Labour sleaze allegations last night after promoting an MP accused of sexual harassment.

The Labour leader appointed Kelvin Hopkins, who has now been suspended, to the shadow cabinet despite being aware of the allegations.

And it emerged last night that Clive Lewis, one of Mr Corbyns key allies, is under investigation for allegedly groping a woman at the Labour conference in September.

Earlier this week, Labour was rocked by claims that activist Bex Bailey was raped at a party event but told to keep quiet by a senior figure because it could damage her career.

Mr Hopkinss alleged victim, Ava Etemadzadeh, has accused him of sending lewd texts three years ago.

She said she complained twice to Mr Corbyns office but was left disillusioned after the Labour leader gave him a job as shadow culture secretary.

Following the appointment, then-chief whip Dame Rosie Winterton raised the alleged incident with Mr Corbyns office, but Mr Hopkins remained in post.

Miss Etemadzadeh, 27, said yesterday the promotion of the MP after she made her allegations left her feeling powerless and isolated and alone.

She said she complained to the whips office in 2015, and again in 2016 to the Labour leaders office through a regional party office. But Mr Hopkins, 76, the MP for Luton North, was suspended only after she went public with her complaint on Wednesday.

Miss Etemadzadeh told BBC Radio 4s World at One: Im very disillusioned because just a few months [after the second complaint was made] I realised that Jeremy Corbyn promoted Kelvin Hopkins to the Shadow Cabinet despite the fact that the leaders office was aware of this.

What really destroyed me was that the leaders office knew this and they didnt act on it.

'Attractive': The text message Labour MP Kelvin Hopkins sent

The activist said she met Mr Hopkins at an event on a university campus.

When I was saying goodbye to him he hugged me too tightly and rubbed his crotch on me. It made me feel extremely uncomfortable and I was really shocked and it was a very revolting act, she said.

The Labour MP denies this, but admits that he later sent her a message saying a man would be lucky to have [her] as a lover.

Miss Etemadzadeh raised concerns about the text but was told she could not make a complaint anonymously, so she decided not to take the matter further.

Dame Rosie reprimanded Mr Hopkins for his behaviour and informed Mr Corbyns office of the complaint.

Asked if she had been taken seriously, Miss Etemadzadeh replied: By Rosie Winterton, yes, but by the leaders office, no.

In early 2016, Mr Corbyns office received a second complaint about the text through a regional office, which Miss Etemadzadeh said was ignored. Months later, Mr Corbyn appointed Mr Hopkins  one of the 36 MPs to nominate him for Labour leader  to the Shadow Cabinet.

Claims: Ava Etermadzadeh

Labour has not contested this version of events, but is understood to have considered the matter closed following the reprimand. Mr Corbyns office is thought not to have known about the incident with the crotch until Wednesday, when Miss Etemadzadeh attended a meeting in the Whips Office.

She said she was told she would have to make a formal complaint through Labours National Executive Committee before they could act on her claims.

But just hours later, minutes before a newspaper published her story, Labour announced that Mr Hopkins had been suspended.

Labour MP Jess Phillips said it was absolutely right that Mr Hopkins was suspended over the allegations. She questioned his promotion to become the partys culture spokesman, but said she believed the decision was more cock-up than conspiracy.

Mr Hopkins accepts he had sent the text but denies rubbing his crotch against her.

He said last night: I absolutely and categorically deny that I in any way engaged in any such inappropriate conduct.

I simply put an arm around her shoulder to give her a brief, slight hug just before getting in to my car. I did not hold her tight. I did not rub any part of my body, let alone my crotch, against Ava.

She waved me off as I drove away and did not say anything whatsoever to suggest that anything had occurred that upset her let alone revolted her.

A Labour spokesman said: On the basis of allegations received by the Labour Party, Kelvin Hopkins has been suspended from party membership, and therefore the Labour whip, while an investigation takes place.

The Labour Party takes all such complaints extremely seriously.

On Tuesday, Miss Bailey revealed she was raped by a senior official at a party event in 2011 when she was just 19, but was advised against making a complaint. She said: It took me a while to summon up the courage to tell anyone in the party, but when I did I told a senior member of staff... it was suggested to me that I not report it.

Jeremy Corbyn appointed Kelvin Hopkins, who has now been suspended, to the shadow cabinet despite being aware of the allegations

I was told that if I did it might damage me and that might be their genuine view, it might be that that was the case, in which case that shows we have a serious problem in politics.

Miss Bailey said she did not report the rape immediately as she was scared and ashamed, and said she believed that for some, party loyalty came first.

Last night Labour said it would appoint a specialist organisation to offer advice to anyone affected by sexual harassment within the party. It has also appointed Karon Monaghan QC to investigate the partys handling of rape allegations made by Miss Bailey.

The party is also investigating Sheffield Hallam MP Jared OMara, who is accused of making sexist, racist and homophobic comments in articles.
Gambling industry lobbyists held meetings with civil servants or ministers in charge of betting policy 16 times in 11 months.

Campaigners for gambling curbs claimed it showed the industry had open-door access to the Culture Department after talks took place every three weeks on average.

Those pushing for restrictions on fixed-odds betting terminals  known as the crack cocaine of gambling machines  warned that the figures suggested the department had been infiltrated.

The government are considering plans to reduce the maximum stake on fixed odds betting terminals which can be as high as 100 per game

Brian Chappell, of Justice for Punters, said: How can they be independent when they are continually being fed gambling industry propaganda?

The revelations from a Freedom of Information request came amid fears that a crackdown on the terminals, which earn 1.8billion for bookmakers every year, will be a damp squib.

This week, a long-awaited review of the machines, on which punters play addictive casino-style games in high street bookies, led to fury when hopes for an immediate cut in the maximum 100 stake to just 2 were dashed.

Instead, ministers proposed another review and suggested the top stake could still be up to 50.

A Culture Department spokesman said it was nonsense to suggest the Government was in the pocket of the gambling industry and said officials also met campaign groups for tougher gambling laws.

An Association of British Bookmakers spokesman said that in the past year the Government had consulted the industry on horse and greyhound racing, gaming machines and responsible gambling.

He added: Consequently, it would be expected for the industry to meet officials on a regular basis.
Laura Plummer, 33, from Hull, claims she was forced to sign a 38-page Arabic confession before being locked in a tiny cell with dozens of other women

A British holidaymaker says she is facing the death penalty in Egypt for carrying painkillers in her suitcase.

Laura Plummer, 33, from Hull, claims she was forced to sign a 38-page Arabic confession before being locked in a tiny cell with dozens of other women.

She was arrested with tramadol tablets with a 'street value' of 23 after flying in to a Red Sea beach resort for a break with her Egyptian husband Omar.

Mrs Plummer brought the prescription pills for her husband, who suffers from back pain but lives in Egypt where the drug is illegal and sometimes used as a heroin substitute.

Her mother Roberta Synclair, 63, believes Mrs Plummer is being prosecuted for drug trafficking but told The Sun: 'She had no idea she was doing anything wrong.

'The painkillers were placed at the top of her suitcase, she wasn't hiding them.

'We've been told she's facing either 25 years in prison or the death penalty. We're beside ourselves worrying that they'll make an example of her.

'Shes gone through the worst pain imaginable - shes going through hell.

'Ive been out twice to see her and going out again so I can see her on Thursday.'

Mrs Plummer was held for five hours at the airport with no interpreter.

She then signed a statement she believed would allow her to leave.

Omar suffers from back problems, which Mrs Plummer claims was the reason she brought the tablets to Egypt

Mrs Plummer is said to still be wearing the same clothes she flew out in and was handcuffed to a gun-wielding policeman when she first appeared in court. She is due to appear in the dock again on Thursday.

Her mother claimed she looked 'dead behind the eyes' and repeatedly begged for help as she faced judges.

Laura Plummer, left, is being held by Egyptian authorities after taking tramadol into the country

Laura is pictured with her sisters Rachel Plummer and Jayne Synclair

Drugs and the death penalty in Egypt In Egypt capital punishment is carried out by hanging. The state carried out at least 44 executions last year. Possession, use and trafficking illegal drugs can be punished with death. Carrying small amounts can result in lengthy prison sentences of 25 years. It is common for people convicted to life imprisonment in drugs cases to face life imprisonment with no chance of parole or pardon. In 2015 Cairo Scene reported that tramadol was the 'most abused drug in Egypt'. An anti-addiction hotline found that 40.7 per cent of drug users take the painkiller. Advertisement

Laura is being held in a 15ft by 15ft cell with 25 other women with her family spending 10,000 on legal bills.

But she was stopped at Hurghada airport as she jetted in for a fortnight stay with Omar - who she sees four times per year.

She was carrying 29 strips of 10 tramadol tablets to ease back pain Omar suffers following an accident. She also had Naproxen.

The last text message sent by the shop keeper was to her father, Neville, and said: 'Im in trouble and I need your help.'

When the 70-year-old tried to reply her phone was switched off and he has now spent 10,000 on legal bills.

Tramadol is prescription-only in the UK and a pill is worth 8pm, which means Mrs Plummer could have only made a maximum of 23.20 if she had intended to sell them.

Laura Plummer, right, was held for five hours at the airport with no interpreter and could now face the death penalty

Mrs Plummer, left, could face 25 years in prison with no parole, life imprisonment or even the death penalty

The painkiller tramadol can be bought with a prescription in Britain, but is illegal in Egypt where it is a popular heroin substitute

Roberta and daughters Rachel, 31, and Jayne Sinclair, 40, have visited her and she has been in court twice, each time being returned to cells for 15 days.

The Foreign Office confirmed they are assisting a British national in Egypt.
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President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump laid a wreath and threw hibiscus flowers into the sea on Friday at a Hawaii memorial for US soldiers who died at Pearl Harbor nearly 80 years ago.

Embarking on his first official tour of Asia, Trump said he eagerly anticipated a visit to Pearl Harbor, where thousands of service members paid the ultimate sacrifice.

'Getting ready to land in Hawaii. Looking so much forward to meeting with our great Military/Veterans at Pearl Harbor!' Trump tweeted aboard Air Force One as he neared the end of a 10-hour flight from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump took a ferry to a memorial for soldiers killed during the attacks on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The memorial for those who died on the USS Arizona is located on Ford Island and is only accessible by boat

A U.S. Coast Guard gun boat protects President Trump and his entourage as he departs by boat from the USS Arizona Memorial in Honolulu

The president and the first lady throw flowers during their visit to the USS Arizona Memorial on Friday in Honolulu. Admiral Harris and his wife Bruni Bradley accompanied the Trumps

Soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor, it was decided that the USS Arizona would remain at the bottom of the harbor as the final resting place for those lost

The president and first lady look down into the water at the wreckage of the USS Arizona

The Trumps are seen laying a wreath at the USS Arizona Memorial on Friday. The memorial honors the lives of 1,177 sailors and Marines who were killed

Almost half of the casualties at Pearl Harbor occurred on the Arizona, which was hit four times by Japanese bombers

There were 37 confirmed pairs or trios of brothers assigned to USS Arizona on December 7, 1941. Of these 77 men, 62 were killed, and 23 sets of brothers died

The president's senior adviser and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, attended the wreath-laying ceremony

Trump's national security adviser, HR McMaster, looks on during the wreath-laying ceremony

Two US Navy sailors stand beside the wreath laid by President Trump and the first lady at the USS Arizona Memorial

White House Chief of Staff John Kelly (right) takes a moment to himself after the wreath-laying ceremony

Kelly reads the names of the fallen soldiers on the wall of the memorial. A retired four-star Marine general, Kelly's son was killed while serving in Afghanistan

The monument is run by the US National Park Service. An NPS official is seen above briefing the president and the first lady on their visit

Trump toured the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, which marks the resting place of more than 1,000 sailors and Marines who were killed on the battle ship during the Japanese surprise attack on December 7, 1941.

Accessible only by boat, the memorial straddles the battleships sunken hull.

More than 2,300 sailors, soldiers and Marines died as a result of the attack, as well as 68 civilians, according to the National Park Service.

Trump saluted after entering the memorial following a short boat ride with the first lady.

They approached a wreath of white flowers - a gift from the couple - and watched as two sailors placed it near a wall of names of those who died after a surprise attack by Japan that plunged the US into World War II.

The Trumps then tossed white flower petals into the water above the battleship's sunken hull.

Trump did not speak publicly at the memorial. He said during an earlier meeting with military officials that he eagerly anticipated the visit.

Trump landed in Hawaii on Friday as he set out on the longest trip to Asia by an American president in more than a quarter century, looking for help to pressure North Korea to stand down from a nuclear crisis.

Trump and his wife arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam late Thursday after a daylong flight from Washington.

President Trump is welcomed by US Navy Admiral Harry Harris, commander of United States Pacific Command, at its headquarters in Aiea, Hawaii

The US Pacific Command oversees US military operations in the region. Recent tensions with North Korea have kept American military commanders preoccupied

A key discussion topic likely will be North Korea's nuclear threat, a crisis that will shadow Trump's trip

Trump will also tour the USS Arizona Memorial, part of the Pearl Harbor site dedicated to the attack that drew the US into World War II

Also accompanying Trump on his trip is White House chief of staff John Kelly, who is seen left looking on during the president's meeting with Admiral Harris (second from left)

Trump looks on during a meeting with military brass at US Pacific Command (PACOM) in Aiea, Hawaii. PACOM covers more of the globe of any of the other geographic combatant commands and shares borders with all of the other five geographic combatant commands

He departs Friday for Japan, the first stop on the five-nation, 11-day Asia journey.

The First Lady left Washington in a winter jacket in electrifying cobalt blue but changed mid-flight into a sleek white sun dress that bared her arms.

Upon landing, the Trumps were both handed traditional leis, the wreath of flowers worn around the necks that are presented upon arriving or leaving Hawaii as a symbol of affection.

Just after 1pm local time, Trump and the first lady were greeted on the Hickam Air Force base tarmac by Hawaii Governor David Ige and his wife Dawn Amano-Ige.

President Trump and his wife arrived in Hawaii on Friday as he set out on the longest trip to Asia by an American president in more than a quarter century, looking for help to pressure North Korea to stand down from a nuclear crisis. The Trumps are seen at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii on Friday

Trump departs Friday for Japan, the first stop on the five-nation, 11-day Asia journey. The first couple is seen after disembarking Air Force One

The First Lady left Washington in a winter jacket in electrifying cobalt blue but changed mid-flight into a sleek white sun dress that bared her arms

Also on hand to welcome the president and the first lady were Admiral Harry B. Harris and his wife, Bruni Bradley, according to the Honolulu Star Advertiser.

Nine-year-old Mikayla Webb, a fourth-grader from a local school, gave the couple lei and received a hug from Melania Trump.

'Im going to give the president and his wife a lei,' Mikayla said before Air Force One landed.

When asked what she would say to the Trumps, Mikayla said, 'Aloha and welcome to the islands.'

'They wanted a Hawaiian, military girl to offer lei,' her mother, Tanya Webb, said.

After receiving lei, the Trumps then greeted some of the roughly 150 people who gathered to welcome them to Hawaii.

Several of those who waited to see the Trumps were wearing red 'Make America Great Again' hats.

While Trump greeted supporters, there were also protests planned for his visit.

The president is deeply unpopular in Hawaii, a state that leans heavily towards the Democrats.

Large crowds of protesters were expected to line the streets as the presidential motorcade made its way around the island on Friday, according to The Los Angeles Times.

It is Trump's first visit to Hawaii as president.

After his arrival, Trump met with leaders of the US Pacific Command, which oversees US military operations in the region.

A likely discussion topic was North Korea's nuclear threat, a crisis that will shadow Trump's trip.

He'll also meet with the governors of Alaska, Hawaii and Pacific US territories.

President Trump waves to the gathered crowd at the military base as he and First Lady Melania Trump deplane from Air Force One

The Trumps are expected to stay overnight on the island of Oahu before continuing on their way to Asia

The first couple appeared fresh after a nearly 10-hour flight from Washington, DC to The Aloha State

The Trumps are seen holding hands as they descend the steps from Air Force One while a supportive crowd waits to greet them

Upon landing, the Trumps were both handed traditional leis, the wreath of flowers worn around the necks that are presented upon arriving or leaving Hawaii as a symbol of affection

The Trumps are seen shaking hands with a throng of supporters after their arrival at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam

US servicemen and women were eager to shake Trump's hand and snap a picture of the president up close on Friday

Trump gives a high-five to a young supporter on hand at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam just after his arrival

President Donald Trump bends to receive a flower lei as First Lady Melania Trump (far right) and Dawn Ige, the wife of Hawaii's governor, David Ige, look on

Nine-year-old Mikayla Webb, a fourth-grader from a local school, gave the couple lei and received a hug from Melania Trump

President Trump's chief of staff, John Kelly (center), shares a laugh with Hawaii Governor David Ige (far left) and his wife, Dawn Ige

Security and trade will loom large during Trump's first official visit to Asia.

North Korea's missile and nuclear weapons programs are likely to be the issue dominating the first part of his trip, which includes stops in South Korea's capital and Beijing as well as Tokyo.

Trade will figure throughout, both in North Asia and at his stops in Southeast Asia for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Vietnam and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders' meeting in the Philippines.

Trumps 12-day trip to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines, ending on November 14, takes him out of Washington at a time when he has been beset by several issues.

These include an intensifying federal investigation into Russian meddling in last years election, New Yorks recovery from an attack earlier this week that killed eight people, and debate over a Republican tax-cut plan that if approved by Congress would be Trumps first major legislative victory.

The trip began just days after Trumps former campaign manager Paul Manafort was indicted in the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election and after his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, faced Democratic calls to appear before Congress again to clarify his previous testimony about the campaigns Russia contacts.

Amid the furor caused by the revelations, the Kremlin said on Friday that a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at an Asian economic summit next week was being discussed, and Trump said it might happen.

Trumps 12-day trip to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines, ending on November 14, takes him out of Washington at a time when he has been beset by several issues

The president and first lady walk away after Trump briefly spoke to reporters just before his departure on Marine One at the White House on Friday

Trump left the capital on Friday as the nation was focused on an intensifying federal investigation into Russian meddling in last years election, New Yorks recovery from an attack earlier this week that killed eight people, and debate over a Republican tax-cut plan that if approved by Congress would be Trumps first major legislative victory

Before their departure, the first lady stopped to take a selfie with a supporter just moments before she and her husband stepped aboard Marine One

'We may have a meeting with Putin,' Trump told Fox News.

'And, again  Putin is very important because they can help us with North Korea. They can help us with Syria. We have to talk about Ukraine.'

Court documents made public on Monday also disclosed that a Trump campaign foreign policy adviser, George Papadopoulos, pleaded guilty early last month to lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The documents cited a March 2016 meeting, when Trump was campaigning for the presidency, and attended by Trump and Sessions, in which Papadopoulos offered to help arrange a meeting between Trump and Putin.
Apples latest iPhone has smashed through the 1,000 mark, but that didnt stop long queues forming at its worldwide launch yesterday.

The iPhone X starts at 999 for the 64GB standard model, rising to 1,149 for the 256GB version. Some owners will pay more than 2,800 for packages on contract deals.

Despite the cost, people queued at Apple stores across the world yesterday, on the tenth anniversary of the launch of the first iPhone. One of the first in line at Londons Regent Street store was Marco Pierre White Jr, son of the Michelin-star chef.

The reality TV star, 22, was pictured in a hoodie and covered in blankets as he queued up to buy one for his girlfriend.

The iPhone X starts at 999 for the 64GB standard model, rising to 1,149 for the 256GB version

The iPhone X is the first Apple smartphone to feature facial recognition technology, known as Face ID, which is used to unlock the device. It is also the first to have an edge-to-edge OLED screen, allowing more vivid colours.

Most handsets today are bought on the basis of a 24-month package, which spreads the cost but also puts up the final bill.

For example, the 999 handset rises to 1,150 on a 24-month deal with Apple and the 1,149 one goes up to 1,323. The Three mobile network has gone even further with the launch of a two-year package at an eye-watering 117 a month  a total of 2,808. This includes unlimited data and talk time, but the cost has been described as crazy on social media.

Children are 'twice as likely' to lose sleep by using smartphones in bed Children are more vulnerable than adults to losing sleep from taking smartphones and tablets to bed, according to researchers. Experts have warned that children are more sensitive to the blue light from electronic screens because their eyes have not fully developed. It means the light is better able to disrupt their body clocks, keeping them awake. US researchers have reviewed more than 60 studies on childrens screen time in front of televisions, computers, tablets and smartphones. Lead author Dr Monique LeBourgeois, from the University of Colorado in Boulder, said: We know younger individuals have larger pupils, and their lenses are more transparent, so their exposure and sensitivity to that light is even greater than in older individuals. The gadgets keep us awake because their short-wavelength blue light signals to the retina that it is not yet night-time. This suppresses the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin, making us less tired. And it seems to happen more in children than in adults, according to the review in the journal Paediatrics. One study found when grown-ups and schoolchildren were exposed to the same amount of light at the same brightness, childrens melatonin fell by almost twice the amount. Advertisement

Consumer expert Helen Dewdney, who runs The Complaining Cow website, questioned Apples prices, adding: For crying out loud, who on earth pays this sort of money for a phone?

Aside from the fact that I think people are crazy spending that sort of money on a phone, they could be inviting other problems. Last month a Home Office report showed that mobile phone theft rose to over 700,000 in the last year. It showed that children under 15 were the most common victims. Recent research also showed that children will lose more than 1,000 items throughout their school years so parents would do well to think on that.

Check your contents insurance as to whether it covers your phone outside of the house. It probably doesnt.

Ernest Doku, mobiles expert at uSwitch.com, said: Judging by pre-orders, many see the iPhone X as being worth every penny. But its well worth doing your research before you hand over hard-earned cash.

Purchasing the handset outright can significantly lower the total cost of ownership and when paired with a decent sim-only deal you could see overall savings total hundreds.

He added: It stands to reason that if youre going to be carrying something around in your pocket thats twice the price of a brand-new TV, youre going to want to protect it. Insurance can help give peace of mind.

Sales of the iPhone X will super-charge the profits at Apple, which is already the richest corporation in the world in terms of stock market value at a staggering 663billion.

Apple has a history of charging British consumers more and the iPhone X is no different. In the US, the standard iPhone X is $999 (763) and the 256GB version is $1,148 (878). Apple blames the differences in sales tax and the cost of doing business.
Sgt. La David Johnson (pictured) was killed last month during a gunfight in Niger

One of the four American soldiers killed in an deadly ambush in Niger last month may have first been abducted by Islamist militants.

Pentagon officials have not revealed how the body of Sgt. La David Johnson was separated from the rest his unit following a violent skirmish in the village of Tongo Tongo.

CBS News, however, may have uncovered new evidence that suggests that Johnson was taken by ISIS fighters while the soldiers stopped to get supplies.

Evidence of the battle still remain in the isolated community, with spent bullet casings and bushes splattered with blood doting the rural landscape.

One village elder told CBS News that the Islamist guerrillas lured the Americans into a trap and ambushed them with heavy artillery fire.

Adamou Bububaker said he saw the three US soldiers stripped naked and loaded into a truck belonging to the militants.

'Two of the bodies were in the vehicle and another on the ground,' he said.

New evidence and eyewitness testimony suggests that La David Johnson may have been kidnapped

Pentagon officials have not revealed how the body of Sgt. La David Johnson was separated from the rest his unit (Pictured: Sight of gunfight in Tongo Tongo, Niger)

Johnson's body, however, was found two days later, about a half mile away from where the fighting took place. His hands had been bond together with rope.

According to CBS News, Nigerien military sources believe that ISIS militants attempted to abduct Johnson, shooting him later and dumping his body near a bush.

The Pentagon said the troops were in the area for a reconnaissance mission, but Nigerien military sources tell CBS News that the soldiers were there to take out a terrorist leader.

The exact nature of the operation remains unclear and a spokesperson for the Pentagon was not immediately available for comment.

Shortly after the operation became public, President Donald Trump fell into a row Johnson's widow over the account of a phone call they shared shortly after her husband' death in Niger.

Johnson's body was found two days after the violent skirmish with his hands tied

'He couldn't remember my husband's name,' Myeshia Johnson said on ABC's 'Good Morning America' program on October 23.

'The only way he remembered my husband's name was because he told me he had my husband's report in front of him, and that's when he actually said "La David".'

'I heard him stumbling on trying to remember my husband's name and that's what hurt me most,' she said.

The president quickly pounced on Twitter following Myeshia Johnson's interview.

'I had a very respectful conversation with the widow of Army Specialist Sgt. La David Johnson, and spoke his name from beginning, without hesitation!' he tweeted after the interview ended.

In the interview, Johnson also demanded answers for what happened to her husband, and why she hasn't been allowed to look at his body yet.

Johnson says the Army first told her that her husband went missing on October 4 after coming under a 'mass of gunfire'.

They returned a few days later and said that he had been killed in action, but didn't go into further detail.

The couple met when they were just six years old, and have two children together - a two-year-old son and a six-year-old daughter. The couple's third child, a daughter, is due in January.
'Suggestive': Law chief Joe Egan

The chief of a top legal institution yesterday apologised to BBC presenter Mishal Husain for making a sexist joke.

Joe Egan, president of the Law Society, the professional body for solicitors, made the comments on stage during an awards ceremony at which Miss Husain was giving out the trophies.

He is reported to have said: Thank you all for coming. If none of you had come, it wouldnt have been any good. It would just have been me and Mishal on our own.

Mr Egan then added: Which, actually and raised his eyebrows in a manner described by audience members as being suggestive.

The lawyer made his joke at the end of the event staged at a London hotel, at which excellence awards had been handed to a number of lawyers, including one to the Woman Lawyer of the Year for work as a diversity champion and promoting female career progression.

Although Miss Husain, 44, brushed off the remark, it went down badly with some lawyers online. It could still prove deeply embarrassing to the society, which has repeatedly proclaimed its dedication to the principles of inclusion and equality for women.

Mr Egan, 68, said yesterday: I am sorry if any off the cuff remarks caused offence to Mishal. This was never my intention.

But Miss Husain, who is said to be among a group of female presenters who have encouraged victims of sexual abuse at the BBC to complain to bosses, said that she had not regarded the joke as off-colour.

I do not recognise this interpretation of Mr Egans words and took no offence at all, she said.

The event was held on October 19, nearly a fortnight after the Harvey Weinstein scandal broke, but before sex pest allegations began to circulate in Westminster.

Presenter: Mishal Hussain was at a Law Society awards night

The legal website Roll On Friday, which publicised the row, said that there had been complaints from the audience. One lawyer is said to have protested that the Today presenter was reimagined as a ******* dolly bird by the President of the Law Society, in case any of the women there had got confused thinking that the work we do is more important than the dresses we wear.

But other lawyers accused Society members of over-reacting. Barrister Laura Perrins said: The moral panic sweeping across the ruling class is frightening to behold. Miss Perrins, co-editor of the Conservative Woman website, added: It is ridiculous that Mr Egan felt the need to apologise. I was raised in Catholic Ireland and the level of prudery now gripping this country would give the nuns a run for their money.

Mr Egan, the son of a coal miner who set up his own law firm in Bolton in the 1980s, has been head of the 192-year-old Law Society since the summer.

The Law Society, which represents more than 160,000 solicitors in England and Wales, has consistently promoted equality for women as one of its major concerns. It runs a Women Lawyers Division, and its vice president, Christina Blacklaws, complained earlier this week that much more needs to be done to advance their cause.

Generalised complaints about offensive behaviour towards women are frequently heard in the legal profession, and sometimes lawyers involved are named.
Priti Patel met politicians and officials in Israel without telling the Foreign Office, it was claimed yesterday.

The International Development Secretary, who had travelled to Israel on holiday, met the leader of a political party and visited several organisations where official business was allegedly discussed.

She was accompanied by an influential pro-Israeli Conservative lobbyist, the BBC reported.

International Development secretary Priti Patel met Israeli officials during a 'private' holiday

No investigation is being carried out whether she 'broke' rules by meeting Israeli officials

It said she had broken convention by failing to inform Boris Johnsons department, which is in charge of UK foreign policy.

Downing Street said Miss Patel was in Israel for a holiday she had paid for herself, and no investigation was being carried out into whether she broke ministerial rules. She was also backed by Foreign Secretary Mr Johnson. However, one former minister said the allegations were ten times worse than those that prompted the resignation of Liam Fox from the Cabinet in 2011.

The Liberal Democrats accused Miss Patel of making a grave error of judgment and demanded to know whether she had broken the ministerial code.

The Prime Ministers spokesman said: I think while she was there she took the opportunity to meet some people and organisations, but it was a private holiday and entirely paid for by the Secretary of State. Ive not been made aware of any concerns. No investigation is taking place.

Mr Johnson tweeted: [Miss Patel] is a good friend and we work closely together for GLOBAL BRITAIN. Quite right that she meets with people and organisations overseas.

Yair Lapid, of Israels centrist Yesh Atid party, had tweeted a picture of his meeting with Miss Patel, describing her as a true friend of Israel.

According to the BBC, Miss Patel was accompanied by Tory peer Lord Polak, who is honorary president of the Conservative Friends of Israel lobbying group. The pair were also said to have visited Beit Issie Shapiro, an Israeli disability charity and campaign group. A former minister compared the row to Dr Foxs 2011 resignation as defence secretary after it emerged that he held unauthorised meetings with his friend Adam Werritty on a string of foreign trips.

Mr Werrittys travel was reportedly funded by firms that stood to benefit from government decisions.

This is ten times worse than what Liam Fox had to resign for, they said. She was with a donor/lobbyist meeting officials of a foreign government  that is not acceptable.

She cant for a second claim this was just a social event when the meetings she had are having a direct influence on government policy.

Lib Dem international development spokesman Baroness Sheehan said: Priti Patel has made a grave error of judgment... it is objectionable that [she] chooses to use her position of influence to inappropriately foster her own political ambition, disregarding both common courtesy due to the Foreign Secretary and Government procedures.

[Miss Patel] now must answer questions over whether she has broken the ministerial code of conduct. If she has, her position as Secretary of State is untenable.

A Department for International Development spokesman said: This was a private holiday paid for by the Secretary of State herself. This was not a secret visit and while there she took the opportunity to meet some people and organisations.
Paul Harvey: String of convictions

A notorious criminal walked free from court after a police officer failed to turn up to give evidence.

Paul Harvey, 21, had been accused by a shopkeeper of stealing from the till, harassing him and making racist threats.

CCTV appeared to show him in the takeaway pizza shop and raiding the till. But the case was dismissed by magistrates after the officer failed to attend court.

It is the latest embarrassing example of police falling down on job. The Daily Mail has highlighted how forces around the country find time to mount silly stunts, despite often complaining of being cash strapped.

Victim Luqman Qadir says he has lost all faith in the ability of police to protect him and other shopkeepers. Mr Qadir, who owns City Pizza, in Middlesbrough, said: I feel absolutely let down  its a disgrace.

The alleged crimes were committed between August 19 and September 1, and Harvey, who denied the charges, was due to stand trial at Teesside Magistrates Court on October 26.

Cleveland Police say they have apologised to Mr Qadir but have not explained why their officer was not there.

Harvey, who has previously been convicted of attacking his mother and threatening to kill his pregnant girlfriend, has made more threats against the shop owner since the bungled case, Mr Qadir claims.

On Tuesday he reported Harvey to police once again for making death threats  but officers said they could not take a statement for two days.

Mr Qadir, 34, a former community police officer in London, said: I have zero trust in the police. They have no idea what they are doing, and the way they treat us is absolutely atrocious.

Caught in the act: CCTV showing the raider in the pizza takeaway

There was massive damage  smashed windows, everything was upside down. We had the CCTV. When he was arrested he had a nine-inch machete. He threatened the police officer.

Police say Paul Harvey should not be allowed on this street and yet they dont turn up to court to get him convicted. Mr Qadir also claims Harvey set fire to his shop on September 1 as three people slept in the flat above, and that police failed to investigate properly.

The trio escaped harm but the attack cost him 14,000 in repairs and lost business.

Harvey, who lives a few doors from the shop, has been convicted of more than 20 offences, including a robbery when he was aged 14.

Other traders on the street said police had regularly overlooked anti-social behaviour and gang violence on the street.

Last month police chiefs were told by a retired senior Scotland Yard detective that their increasingly bizarre gimmicks are undermining the job of tackling crime and that they should get officers back on the beat.

The takeaway's owner Luqman Qadir

After figures showed that almost every type of crime was up, officers were criticised for garishly painting their nails, posing for photos in bumper cars and stroking puppies for stress relief.

At the time, the Mail reported that a pharmacy, in Stockton-on-Tees, which is also in the Cleveland Police area, had been forced to hire a 1,200 per month ex-Royal Marine as a bouncer because the owner could not trust the same force to protect the shop and his customers.

Commenting on Mr Qadirs case, a force spokesman said: We acknowledge that, had a particular police witness been present at court, the case would in all likelihood have gone ahead. We share the victims disappointment that [the case] did not proceed.

We are firmly committed to the pursuit of all forms of hate crime and we have offered to meet the victim to apologise.

Meanwhile further inquiries will be carried out to establish what exactly went wrong.

She added that the alleged arson did not result in a charge due to insufficient evidence.
The scale of anti-semitism within Labour has prompted training sessions for 1,200 party members in a drive to stamp out the vile online abuse.

Labours Jewish wing is holding the events that use a slide show of hate-filled messages posted on the internet by the partys own activists.

The Daily Mail has chosen to reproduce the comments despite their shocking content in order to highlight the enormity of the problem.

The abuse includes one Labour member describing Jews as a corrupt master race controlling sex-trafficking, pornography and wars worldwide.

Another wrote: Every f****** Jew that died in the Holocaust was a blessing.

One councillor suggested there was a worldwide Jewish conspiracy and that Israel wanted to commit atrocities across the whole world.

Last night MP John Cryer, who is chairman of the Parliamentary Labour Party, said that the tweets were stomach-churning and awful.

Jeremy Corbyn was forced to deny he was leading the new nasty party, and the Labour leader of Brighton council threatened to ban the party from holding its conference in the town unless it cracked down on racism amongst activists

I have no idea why people who hold these views would want to be a member of the Labour Party, he said.

The Labour Party has been at the forefront of confronting Nazism right from the 1930s  so what possesses these people to become members I dont understand. I have seen tweets like this at our disciplinary body and what I know is these people are quickly suspended and expelled.

The Jewish Labour Movement (JLM) held a training session at Septembers Labour conference  itself blighted by accusations of anti-semitism  in a doomed attempt to nip the problem in the bud. Some 1,200 members have attended the official Labour Party sessions, which are carried out by the JLM, in the past 14 months.

Slides from the event obtained by the Mail  which were not leaked by the JLM  show party members have had to be told anti-semitism means making mendacious, dehumanising, demonising or stereotypical allegations against Jews as such or the power of Jews as a collective.

Members were told this includes commenting on the myth of a world Jewish conspiracy, Jews controlling the media or holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel.

They were shown examples of anti-semitic abuse hurled at JLM chairman Luciana Berger on Twitter, and JLM member Rhea Wolfson.

The event said that among elected Labour representatives denial of anti-semitism is particularly common, as was the idea that Jewish people are wealthy or interested in wealth or finance.

A message was shared from the online Labour Party Forum, showing a man with a large nose reading the BBC Six OClock News alongside the caption: B***** BBC is Zionist propaganda puppet show.

Another message from an unknown Labour councillor contained echoes of the blood libel, the JLM events are told.

The tweet showed an Israeli flag dripping with blood along with the words: The genocidal murderers of innocent women and children: Moses must be proud of you. The message was headlined: Israel is evil, long live Palestine.

Former London mayor Ken Livingstone has been accused of anti-semitism in the past

A Scottish Labour member shared a Holocaust denial cartoon, showing a Jewish stereotype withdrawing cash from a Holocaust memorial.

A councillor shared a picture saying: The modern state of Israel was created by the Rothschilds, not God  and what they are doing to the Palestinian people now is exactly what they intend for the whole world. Alongside a picture of a child in a hospital bed, it said: Today its a Palestinian child: soon it will be your child.

A Labour forum discussed the master race and included a picture of nine large-nosed people alleged to be in control of Wall Street, internet spying, Hollywood and TV, the law courts, the cancer industry, pornography, wars for Israel, sex-trafficking and fake opposition.

One member wrote: I see the corrupt master race side-stepped into this graphic, to which another replied: Lol [laugh out loud] be careful you might get accused of being anti-semitic.

This led to a discussion about paid disinfo agents and Blairites running to the MSM [mainstream media] with mention of the Zionism problem. Just look at who owns what, one said.

And another Labour member simply tweeted: Every f****** Jew that died in the Holocaust was a blessing. Imagine how bad the world would be now if 6 million more of them had survived? Accompanying notes to the slides make the point that Labour members often end up sharing comments from the far-Right because they agree with their comments on Israel.

Holocaust denial and revisionism now also being seen on the Left

Labour people often end up tweeting proper Nazis either by ignorance or because they fall for their posts on Israel/Palestine. Holocaust denial and revisionism now also being seen on the Left, it said.

The notes also said that denial of anti-semitism is known as the Livingstone formulation in a reference to comments by former London mayor Ken Livingstone in which he said that anyone critical of Israel was accused of anti-semitism.

A JLM spokesman said: The training programme is starting to have an impact across the country. The examples used are actual samples of anti-semitism, and are regularly updated.

They are anonymised in order not to prejudice ongoing disciplinary cases.

The issue of anti-semitism overshadowed the Labour conference after activists at an anti-Zionist fringe event demanded the JLM be expelled.

One speaker even suggested that questioning whether the Holocaust happened was a legitimate form of free speech.

The JLM demanded the expulsion of one Labour member, Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi, who chaired the fringe event.

Jeremy Corbyn was forced to deny he was leading the new nasty party, and the Labour leader of Brighton council threatened to ban the party from holding its conference in the town unless it cracked down on racism amongst activists.
With Bonfire Night falling on a Sunday this year, many of us will be heading out to celebrate tonight.

But large parts of the country can expect heavy rain, hail and thunder, and for all it will be a chilly evening, so woollies and wet weather gear will be essential, according to forecasters.

Following unsettled overnight weather, drier and colder conditions will move in with a slight frost possible in the east and south of England.

Weather forecasters claim this weekend's festivities could be hit by bad weather

Following unsettled overnight weather, drier and colder conditions will move in with a slight frost possible in the east and south of England

But in the west of the country, from Devon and Cornwall through Wales and north-west England, there is the chance of heavy showers. Met Office forecaster Charlie Powell said: Its going to be cold everywhere tonight so people going to bonfire parties should wrap up warm.

Areas in the east will be generally clear and cold, with temperatures down in the low single figures and, in some places, a degree or two below freezing.

In the western half, there will be heavy showers which could include hail and thunder, and cold winds which could make it feel as cold as in the east.

Mr Powell said tomorrow will generally be drier and brighter across the country, although isolated showers are possible. Temperatures could fall as low as -4C (25F) tomorrow night across England and Wales, and -6C (21F) in Scotland.

Next week will begin settled in England and Wales, but a band of wind and rain arriving in Scotland and Northern Ireland is expected to move south from Tuesday.

n An 80-year-old tradition of white residents in Lewes, East Sussex, blacking up as spear-carrying Zulu warriors for a big Bonfire Night parade has been scrapped after it was branded incredibly offensive.

More than 1,200 people signed a petition branding the tradition racist and the Lewes Borough Bonfire Society has agreed to alter its costumes for tonights event after a Zulu dance troupe taking part took offence.

Thanda Gumede, 32, leader of the group Zulu Tradition, sent messages to a member of the society asking them to consider using a different colour that is drastically different from black  perhaps green up or other bright colours?

The organisers have agreed to take the advice, but after the row erupted over the petition earlier in the week, society chairman Jason Winter said: Its a lot of white do-gooders jumping on a bandwagon.
A campaigner battling to stop a council felling hundreds of trees left court with a 16,000 bill yesterday and a warning that protesters flouting the law will be jailed.

Calvin Payne, 45, was found to be in contempt of court for twice breaching a High Court injunction banning campaigners from going within safety barriers around trees and for encouraging others to do the same on Facebook.

One of a small group of protesters stopping workmen in Sheffield from chopping down trees under a controversial road maintenance contract, he was given a three-month prison term suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay 16,000 of the councils costs.

Calvin Payne, 45, was found in contempt of court for twice breaching court orders

Mr Payne wanted to stop the destruction of trees along this road in Sheffield

Contractors removed the large trees and replaced them with saplings, pictured

He said he did not know how the bill would be paid but a crowd-funding site may be set up to help him. He vowed to do whatever he can legally to stop the destruction of Sheffields heritage.

Payne, who was made redundant from his social care job three years ago, spends all his time campaigning to save trees including elms, oaks, sycamores and limes.

Passing sentence at Sheffield Crown Court, which was packed with fellow protesters, Mr Justice Males implied future breaches would lead to a custodial term. He said Payne could have no complaint if he had been jailed, although he was being given a final chance because he was a law-abiding and decent man of good character.

But he added: Lest anyone be under the impression that breaches of the injunction do not matter or will be treated lightly, let me make it clear that the time will come  and in my judgment has come  when deliberate and repeated breaches must be punished.

He told Payne: You have made it clear you regard yourself above the law. Your conduct in breaching the injunction was intended to and has prevented Sheffield City Council from carrying out work which has been held to be lawful. The judge noted that the councils work was controversial but said public defiance in breaking the court injunction was damaging to the rule of law.

Payne said outside court he was obviously slightly relieved not to have been jailed. He added: This will all continue in one form or another. I felt what I did was necessary and although it was illegal, it was also peaceful and justified and I believe Sheffield is a better place for it.

I have no contempt for the judge or the court, but I do have contempt for the councils policy we are fighting. So far 5,500 trees have been felled under a 2.2billion 25-year PFI deal with contractors Amey and another 500 are due to be chopped down before the end of the year. The authority insists contractors are removing only dead, dying, diseased, damaged or dangerous trees as part of the deal signed with the Labour-run council. But residents have been incensed by the loss of trees, many of which they claim were healthy and had stood for decades.

A spokesman for the council said: We hope people will now protest peacefully outside safety zones without breaching the injunction.
Police are searching for a man who punched a 26-year-old woman in the face in a country street 'because she was wearing a shirt with the slogan ''born fabulous not straight'' on the front'.

The woman was walking through a park in Sale, regional Victoria, with her dog when she was approached by three men, according to police.

One of the men looked at her t-shirt, reading the slogan before making a comment and punching her in the nose.

Police are searching for a man who punched a 26-year-old woman in the face in a country street 'because she was wearing a shirt with the slogan ''born fabulous not straight'' on the front' (shirt pictured with blood after the attack)

The bright-pink lettering of the slogan was written in capitals  and hovered above a rainbow and two pink sex symbols on the otherwise plain white t-shirt.

But after the attack the t-shirt was covered in blood. The attack happened at about 2.30pm in Guthridge Parade, near Lake Guyatt and Stephenson Park.

The men, who have been described as 'in their 20s' ran away from the woman after the attack.

They were wearing black jeans and black or grey hooded jumpers, according to police, with one man described as having a full face of acne.

'Every Victorian has the right to feel safe and secure in the community. Victoria Police does not tolerate violence and takes all crime seriously, including that which is motivated by prejudice, racism or discrimination,' police said.
A 14-year-old girl who survived a deadly flu attack which pushed doctors to put her into an induced coma claims she saw an angel watching over her.

Mercedes King believes her miraculous recovery was assisted with help from the angel that she saw while lying in a hospital bed.

'When I was coming off my medication I saw an outline of an angel on the roof,' the teenager told 7 News.

A 14-year-old was fighting for life after a severe case of the flu caused her organs to begin shutting down believes she saw an angel during her time in hospital

Mercedes King now believes an angel was looking over her as she lay in bed ill

Mercedes suffered a deadly flu which caused her organs to start shutting down in October.

Her mother Becky Seadon said that although her family are not religious, Mercedes is certain she saw the figure and also believes her daughter was being watched over.

'I'm not religious at all but she'd talk about seeing an angel,' Ms Seadon said.

'I honestly believe people are looking over her. I wholly, wholly believe in that. I just think she's destined for big things. She's definitely very lucky.'

Mercedes (pictured) has now returned home to Mackay after two months in hospital

Now the student is back on her feet and wanting to return to her former lifestyle and she works to move past the sickly close call.

'I am going to go and visit friends and stuff soon,' she said.

The high school netballer said she was feeling ill on the night of August 27, and just hours later, she was in an ambulance rushing to Mackay Base hospital.

Mercedes' infection spread quickly and in response, her organs began to shut down.

Mercedes King (pictured with her family) went to bed feeling a little sick on August 30 however by 3am the next day she was rushed to hospital in an ambulance and has spent the past two months there

Mercedes King went into organ failure after she was rushed to hospital in August

In a desperate attempt to slow her rapidly deteriorating condition, the Mackay girl was put into an induced coma.

The bright teenager was diagnosed with influenza B, pneumonia, sepsis and a bacterial infection.

Both of her lungs had collapsed and the promising netballer had been put on dialysis as medical professionals struggled to save her.

Doctors at the time told her parents, Troy King and Becky Seadon, they could have lost their child in just hours had they not called an ambulance when they did.

Doctors at the time told her parents, Troy King and Becky Seadon, they could have lost their child in just hours had they not called an ambulance when they did

Even then, Ms Seadon told the paper doctors had been unable to tell her whether the girl would recover from her illness.

'Her kidneys had shut down, her liver wasn't good, her heart was not overly well,' Ms Seadon said.

To keep her alive, equipment was flown in to keep her alive from Lady Cilento Children's Hospital in Brisbane along with a team of doctors.

When she was stable, Mercedes was flown to the capital city for further treatment.

After two months in the confines of a hospital room, the resilient teenager n home on Thursday, having lost six kilos as she fought for her life.
Rapper Macklemore has revealed he was scared for his life before singing his marriage equality anthem at the NRL grand final last month.

The Seattle-born wordsmith admits that before he took the stage to the 80,000-strong crowd and the millions watching from home he was wondering if he would make it out the other side.

'I was honestly a little bit scared to perform when I was flying over,' the father-of-one told the New York Post.

'I was checking to see what our security was like.'

Rapper Macklemore says he was scared for his life before singing at NRL final

The Seattle-born wordsmith admits he was worried about security at the game

Prior to the superstar's October 1st performance in Australia, Macklemore had faced online backlash, which included a petition backed by former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, from crusaders calling for his marriage equality anthem to be banned from his set.

'Some people were saying, ''He's trying to push the gay agenda,'' or, ''You'll turn gay if you listen to Macklemore,'' ' the rapper said.

Macklemore defiantly played the famed track during the NRL Grand Final pregame October 1 show despite calls from the former prime minister to ban the artist from performing the song.

On Twitter Abbott had openly voiced his opposition to the song, saying fans shouldn't be subjected to the agenda.

'Footy fans shouldn't be subjected to a politicised grand final. Sport is sport,' he said at the time.

Prior to the superstar's arrival in Australia, Macklemore faced online backlash

On Twitter former PM Tony Abbott openly voiced his opposition to the song

Macklemore later responded to the comments in a radio interview, dismissing the idea he wouldn't perform the song.

'It's interesting actually cause I'm gonna play Same Love and they're going through trying to legalise same-sex marriage in Australia.'

'So I'm getting a lot of tweets from angry old white dudes in Australia. Today I think there is a petition to ban me from playing,' he said.

Macklemore closed his pregame show with the hit as the NRL displayed 'We Stand For Inclusiveness' on the big screens around the stadium.
Officials in South Carolina are investigating after an 11-year-old killed herself with a rifle.

Toni Rivers from Hampton County apparently told five of her friends that she 'couldn't take it anymore' after being bullied at school, and informed them she was going to kill herself.

Family members said the sixth grader committed suicide Wednesday after being bullied at her Hampton County School District 1 elementary school.

Toni's 14-year-old sister called 911. Deputies found Toni lying on her back with a gunshot wound from a small caliber rifle.

Toni Rivers from Hampton County apparently told her friends that she 'couldn't take it anymore' after being bullied at school, and informed them she was going to kill herself

Toni Rivers was 11-year-old who was full of life and loved being outside, family members said

The sixth-grader used her own rifle to take her own life. Her older sister found her with a gunshot wound. She died 72 hours later

She managed to survive for a further 72 hours before succumbing to her injuries.

Initially family members thought the shooting was an accident because the rifle that was used in the shooting belonged to Toni, although the bullets were supposedly kept separately from the guns.

Toni's mother, Amy Thomas, claimed that her daughter's school was told about the bullying two months ago and had even called the school four times in the days before the shooting.

One parent claimed the bullying had been ongoing for a year with the school and district taking minimal action to prevent or stop it.

'She was so energetic,' said Brandy Rivers-Dixon, Toni's aunt, to WTOC. 'Never sat down, never. She was born two-pounds, four-ounces, so she's always been a fighter, fighting from the moment she entered this world.'

'We go out to Toni's home in the country thinking that there'd been an accident, you know?' said Maria Petersen, another of Toni's aunts. 'And when we get there, we find out that it wasn't an accident, and it was the result of Toni not being able to handle it anymore.

'Obviously, we're devastated beyond any type of words, and we're angry,' Petersen said. 'We're angry at a school system that failed that little girl, failed this family, and failed this community.'

Toni's family have said they want bullies to be held accountable and punished for their actions.

Relatives said they initially thought the shooting was an accident since the gun was her own

Toni's family have claimed the bullying had been going on for more than a year

The family claim and they had contacted the school on several occasions but that little was done to try and stop the bullying

The school has released a statement but not yet commented on the young girl's death or bullying allegations.

"It is with heavy hearts that the Hampton One family mourns the loss of one of our students. Our sympathy and prayers go out to the family and friends affected by this tragedy. Counselors have been made available and will continue to be available to offer any needed support. Student matters are confidential and we believe it would be inappropriate to comment further on this tragic incident."

Six families with children at the school have agreed to be interviewed as part of the inquest into the child's suicide.

The state's Law Enforcement Division is investigating the death.

A GofundMe page has been set up by the family to help cover funeral and medical costs.
The man suspected of carrying out a deadly terror attack in New York City on Tuesday made a phone call immediately before ramming his truck into group of pedestrians and cyclists.

The FBI said that Mukhammadzoir Kadirov, a 32-year-old native of Uzbekistan, received a phone call from the suspected attacker Sayfullo Saipov shortly before he used his vehicle to kill eight people in Manhattan.

The discussion between the two, who authorities describe as friends, remains unknown, according to ABC News.

Mukhammadzoir Kadirov (left), 32, received a phone call from suspected terrorist Sayfullo Saipov (right) minutes before carrying out a deadly car ramming attack on Tuesday

Sayfullo Saipov, 29, is accused of using his truck to kill eight people on Tuesday in New York City

Kadirov voluntarily came into into questioning on Wednesday after authorities releasing his picture to the media. He is currently not being treated as a suspect.

Saipov, a 29-year-old Uzbekistan immigrant who has been living in New Jersey, was charged on Wednesday with committing the attack in the name of the Islamic State militant group.

U.S. law enforcement officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, separately on Wednesday said Saipov had been in contact with Kadirov and one other person.

The officials, who asked not to be identified because the investigation is ongoing, did not provide further details.

Kadirov was located after the wanted poster went out, William Sweeney, assistant director-in-charge of the New York FBI office, told a news conference. He declined to disclose any details.

'Earlier as we came in this evening, we were seeking information about an individual,' Sweeney said. 'Many of you in this room received that alert. We are no longer seeking that individual,' he said.

Authorities said the two men are 'friends.' The FBI, however, said Kadirov is not currently a suspect

The New York FBI office on Twitter said it was still seeking any information the public might have on Kadirov.

On October 31, Saipov rented a pickup truck at a Home Depot in Passaic New Jersey, drove into Manhattan and then mowed down people on a bike path along the Hudson River - killing eight and injuring 12.

Saipov charged on Wednesday with committing the attack in the name of the Islamic State militant group

Eventually Saipov crashed into a minibus carrying special needs children, got out of the truck and started menacing drivers on the West Side Highway with a paintball gun.

A 28-year-old cop brought the massacre to an end by shooting Saipov in the stomach.

As he was recovering in the hospital on Wednesday, Saipov asked if he could hang an ISIS flag in his hospital room and said 'he felt good about what he had done,' according to the criminal complaint.

Brought to court in a wheelchair, Saipov was held without bail on charges that could bring the death penalty.

According to the criminal complaint, Saipov chose the attack date to target Halloween crowds.

During the last few weeks, Saipov searched the internet for information on Halloween in New York City and rented a truck to practice turns.

He chose a route along a lower Manhattan highway and initially hoped to continue to hit more pedestrians on the Brooklyn Bridge, the complaint said.
A planned day of protests against President Donald Trump in cities across the nation has some fearing that the marches will be hijacked by violent anarchists - but organizers say they just want to peacefully demonstrate.

The organizers, a group called Refuse Fascism, have vowed to continue the protests 'day and night' in nearly two-dozen cities until their demand is met: the removal of Trump's 'regime'.

'RefuseFascism.org has called for non-violent protests to begin on Saturday, November 4 in cities and towns across the country to raise the single demand: This Nightmare Must End: The Trump/Pence Regime Must Go!' the group said in a statement on its website.

'The plan is for these protests to continue every day until this demand is met,' the statement continued.

Protest organizers Refuse Fascism have vowed to continue the protests 'day and night' in nearly two-dozen cities until their demand is met: the removal of Trump's 'regime' (file photo)

Antifa protesters gather at the entrance of the 'Boston Free Speech' rally in August. A planned day of protests has raised fears of violence, but organizers say they will be non-violent

The group said it hoped to emulate a series of popular demonstrations in South Korea that began in October 2016, culminating in the impeachment of that country's president months later in March.

Among the at least 22 cities where rallies are set to occur are Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle.

'Our protest must grow day after day and night after nightthousands becoming hundreds of thousands, and then millionsdetermined to act to put a stop to the grave danger that the Trump/Pence Regime poses to the world by demanding that this whole regime be removed from power,' organizers wrote.

Far-right media outlets have breathlessly described the impending protests as the 'antifa apocalypse', issuing dire warnings that 'antifa supersoldiers' will terrorize the nation.

Far-right media outlets have breathlessly described the impending protests as the 'antifa apocalypse'. Pictured: Antifa protesters in Salt Lake City last month

Antifa, short for anti-fascist, are a coalition of far-left radicals who advocate 'direct action' against their ideological opponents, who in the past have included outright neo-Nazis as well as Trump supporters.

Homeland Security and the FBI have deemed antifa 'domestic terrorists'.

But one Refuse Facism organizer has scoffed at the idea that the November 4 protests will be marked by violence.

'It's absurd. Calling for a civil war?' Andy Zee told the Washington Post. 'Pick a date for a civil war? Honestly, what do you say to this?'

Zee described the goal of the demonstrations: 'Impeachment, the 25th Amendment - they will determine the means and ways when it becomes clear there is a tremendous crisis of confidence.'

The organization is engaged with a broad coalition of groups, including the Revolutionary Communist Party.
Homeland Security is now watching America's borders to make sure that Harvey Weinstein doesn't try to flee his impending rape charge, it has emerged.

The disgraced Hollywood producer, 65, who was last seen in Arizona, stands accused of raping actress Paz de la Huerta, 33, on two occasions in 2010.

On Friday, the NYPD said that if he had still been in the city, he would likely have been arrested already. Now they have contacted the feds to make sure he doesn't flee the country.

'We dont want another Roman Polanski on our hands,' a source told Page Six.

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The NYPD have ensured that Harvey Weinstein (seen left in Arizona on Thursday) cannot leave the US. Police say he's expected to be charged soon with raping actress Paz de la Huerta (right)

Weinstein is alleged to have raped de la Huerta on two separate occasions in Manhattan in 2010. He was supposedly in Arizona to attend a rehab clinic

Sources said that Homeland Security was notified by both NYPD and Manhattan District Attorneys Office, but that Weinstein can still fly internally in the US.

He was last seen with a male friend in Phoenix, Arizona on Thursday, eating in a small restaurant.

While he's in the US, the police can still arrange for his return to New York City, where he allegedly raped de la Huerta.

But if he flees the country then he'll be in the wind - much like Polanski, the film director accused of raping a 13-year-old girl in LA in 1977, who fled the LAPD and has never returned to the US to face trial.

On Friday, Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce said that Weinstein being out of New York was delaying his arrest, as was the age of the case.

'If this person was still in New York and it was recent we would go right away and make the arrest, no doubt,' he said.

Police are reportedly concerned that Weinstein will follow the lead of film director Roman Polanski (pictured), who fled the US in 1977, after being charged with rape

'But we're talking about a seven-year-old case. And we have to move forward gathering evidence.'

He said that de la Huerta contacted police 10 days ago, and that detectives had been working with her since to ensure that the case was robust.

'We have a credible and detailed narrative, and even though the incident occurred seven years ago there has been corroboration from a number of individuals,' he said.

He went on to say that investigators contacted the district attorney's office soon after they interviewed de la Huerta and 'started working the case together.'

'We have an actual case here, so we're happy with where the investigation is right now,' said Chief Boyce.

'Mr Weinstein is out of state, [so] we would need an arrest warrant to arrest him. So right now we're gathering our evidence and we continue to do so, every day. So that's where we are in the case.'

Chief Boyce also made it very clear that de la Huerta was a strong witness, noting her 'ability to articulate each and every movement of the crime, where she was, where they met, where this happened and what he did.

The case was further bolstered because De la Huerta was the first victim who was allegedly assaulted by Weinstein after 2006, when New York did away with the statute of limitations in instances of rape, criminal sexual act or aggravated sexual abuse in the first degree.

The assaults alleged by the other two women took place before that law was changed, which means that even if the district attorney's office files charges against Weinstein in those cases they could be tossed out of court by a judge.

NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce said on Friday that Weinstein hadn't been arrested because he wasn't in New York and because the incidents allegedly occurred back in 2010

The NYPD confirmed that they have the beginnings of a strong case. De la Huerta contacted them 10 days ago. Pictured: Mayor Bill de Blasio and Commissioner James O'Neill above

Chief Boyce seemed to suggest on Friday that those probes have been put on hold while the focus turns to de la Huerta's allegations.

At the same time, the Manhattan District Attorney's office has assigned a senior sex crimes prosecutor to work on the case.

WEINSTEIN PROBES NEW YORK POLICE DEPARTMENT Lucia Evans (Claims Weinstein forced her to preform oral sex on him in 2004 - not being pursued by NYPD) Jane Doe 1 (Claims she was sexally assaulted by Weinstein pre-2006 - not being pursued by NYPD) Paz de la Huerta (Claims Weinstein raped her twice in 2010 - being pursued by NYPD and DA's office) LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT Italian model-actress (Claims Weinstein raped her at hotel in 2013) Jane Doe 2 (Claims she was the victim of unknown Weinstein offense in 2015) LONDON'S SCOTLAND YARD Jane Doe 3 (Claims Weinstein assaulted her in London during 80s) Lysette Anthony (Claims Weinstein raped her in her London home in 80s) Jane Doe 4 (Claims assualts in Camden and Westminster in 2010, 11 and 15) Jane Doe 5 (Claims she was assaulted in Westmoreland in 1992) Jane Doe 6 (Claims she was assaulted outside the UK in thew 80s) Jane Doe 7 (Claims she was assaulted in Westminster in mid-90s) Jane Doe 8 (Claims she was assaulted in Westmoreland in 1994) Advertisement

'As to others, I'm not going to close the door and say others wont come forward, but this is what we have right now, this is what we're moving forward with,' said Chief Boyce.

On Thursday, Weinstein was spotted for the first time since he claimed to have entered rehab in Arizona.

Weinstein was was seen slurping on some soup at Chestnut, a farm-to-table restaurant in Phoenix, along with an unidentified friend.

He managed to keep a low profile throughout the meal despite the fact that over 100 women have now accused him of sexual harassment and/or assault.

That feat was accomplished in large part because of his disguise, with Weinstein wearing a blond wig over his bald head and orange makeup covering his face before heading out in public.

His guest also appeared to be wearing a wig, with the man keeping a hand on the side of his head during their meal.

Weinstein has been in Arizona for close to a month, where he reportedly attended a week of in-patient rehab at an undisclosed location and is now receiving out-patient treatment.

De la Huerta said on Thursday that Weinstein first raped her in October 2010, claiming that he joined her for a drink at her apartment after the two ran into one another at the Standard Hotel and then forced himself on her despite her protests.

'He stuck himself inside me,' said de la Huerta, noting that she was 'afraid and 'it all happened very quickly.'

She also stressed that it was non consensual.

'When he was done he said hed be calling me. I kind of just laid on the bed in shock,' said the actress.

The second incident happened two months later when Weinstein came to her apartment, de la Huerta said. She claimed she had been drinking and was therefore unable to give consent.

New York County District Attorney Maxine B. Rosenthal has also been looking into de la Huerta's claims, with the actress's lawyer confirming that he turned over information and files to her office earlier this week.

The detective leading the Weinstein investigation for the NYPD said that the evidence needed to make an arrest is in place after Paz de la Huerta's report (actress above in undated photo)

Among the items turned over were notes from her therapist confirming that de la Huerta spoke about the alleged assault at the time.

'I recall you telling me that Harvey Weinstein was seeking sexual contact with you on more than one occasion with the promise of additional roles,' wrote SueAnne Piliero in a letter to the district attorney's office.

'I recall you reporting to me a sexual encounter with Harvey Weinstein involving intercourse in your apartment in 2010 that resulted in you feeling victimized.

'I recall you telling me that it felt coercive to you and that you didnt want to have sex with him, but felt that you had to as he was a man of power and rank and you couldnt say no to his sexual advances.'

On Friday, de la Huerta's lawyer Aaron Filler detailed his client's experience with Weinstein on 'Megyn Kelly Today.'

'She had known him for years because she met him when she was 14 years old when she did Cider House Rules, and she had seen him,' said Filler.

'She lived in the neighborhood in Tribeca, where he lives, and right up the street from the Weinstein Company.'

Then, a decade after they met, the two ran into one another at a nightclub in the city, with Weinstein offering the actress a ride home.

De la Huerta was 25 at the time and Weinstein was 58.

In the beginning: De la Huerta first met Weinstein when she was 14 on the set of 'Cider House Rules' (de la Huerta is seen above in the film)

When they got to the actress' building, Weinstein tried to make his way into her apartment, despite her pleas that he leave for the night said her lawyer.

'And they argued in front of the doorman. And as we've heard in the tape from the wire and from 2015 in New York [with Ambra Battilana], convinced her to let him in. And then, rape ensued.'

That was just the beginning though according to Filler.

'And following that, he began to call her, repeatedly and saying, "I'm waiting at your home. I'm in your lobby. I'm parked out front. When are you coming home?" And the doorman would warn her. She would stay away,' said Filler.

'She was afraid to come home.'

Another incident followed a short time later in Los Angeles, said Filler, who seemed to struggle with his appearance on Today.

'She decided to confront him and tell him, "You're a stalker. You raped me. You've got to stop." She confronted him in the hotel. She had come to meet him with some other people,' said Filler.

'And when she gave him the message. He exposed himself. And she left.'

'This has been going on for two months. And she decided she was going to confront him. She was very upset. The whole period of stalking and not being able to come home, day after day, really had tremendous impact on her.'

Charges were never filed against Weinstein the last time he was investigated for assault in 2015 by the NYPD, despite police sources saying they thought there was enough evidence to indict the mogul after passing off the case to the district attorney's office.

Three days after meeting with Battilana at their office, a spokesperson for Manhattan District Attorney Vance announced that the probe into the incident did not find enough evidence to pursue a case.

'This case was taken seriously from the outset, with a thorough investigation conducted by our sex crimes unit,' said Joan Vollero at the time.

'After analyzing the available evidence, including multiple interviews with both parties, a criminal charge is not supported.'

The New York Times revealed last month that Weinstein surrounded himself with a very connected team of litigators before learning that charges would not be pursued in the case.

He retained Elkan Abramowitz, a former law partner of Vance, and Daniel S. Connolly, who was also a former prosecutor.

Linda Fairstein came on as a consultant and introduced Weinstein's lawyer Abramowitz to Martha Bashford, the head of the district attorneys sex crimes bureau.

'Any allegations of non-consensual sex are unequivocally denied by Mr. Weinstein,' said his spokesperson Sallie Hofmeister in a statement shortly after the first exposes were released about his behavior.

'Mr. Weinstein has further confirmed that there were never any acts of retaliation against any women for refusing his advances.'

She went on to state: 'Mr. Weinstein obviously cant speak to anonymous allegations, but with respect to any women who have made allegations on the record, Mr. Weinstein believes that all of these relationships were consensual.

'Mr. Weinstein has begun counseling, has listened to the community and is pursuing a better path. Mr. Weinstein is hoping that, if he makes enough progress, he will be given a second chance.'

There is still no confirmation that Weinstein ever entered rehab or sought counseling.
First-hand footage from one of the most intense battles of the Vietnam War has emerged.

Video from the Battle of Dak To, shot over three weeks in November 1967, shows American soldiers from the 4th Infantry battling against the Vietcong in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam.

The Battle of Dak To was is known as one of the bloodiest of the Vietnam War, in which roughly 5,000 American troops assaulted a force of 6,000 Vietcong entrenched in hilltop defensive positions.

The Vietcong aimed for the destruction of an entire American unit, something which they thought was achievable at Dak To. As such, four regiments were dedicated to the offensive.

The Battle of Dak To was is known as one of the bloodiest of the Vietnam War, in which roughly 5,000 American troops assaulted a force of 6,000 Vietcong entrenched in hilltop positions

The Vietcong aimed for the destruction of an entire American unit, something which they thought was achievable at Dak To

The Americans had been informed about the planned attack prior to it going ahead, though, as a result of a former North Vietnamese commander defecting to the South.

Their response was to establish a base and bolster defenses, before attempting to methodically push the Vietcong back from their positions.

Over the next three weeks several pitched battles resulted in the loss of 376 American soldiers and approximately 1,200 Vietcong, though this number is heavily disputed.

In the rare footage of the battle, soldiers can be seen firing rifles, throwing grenades and launching heavy artillery toward North Vietnamese positions.

Pitched battles resulted in the loss of 376 American soldiers and approximately 1,200 Vietcong, though this number is heavily disputed

The North Vietnamese had hoped to destroy American forces to such an extent that they had to be reinforced with infantry from the cities

Footage also shows a series of air strikes being carried out by the US Air Force on enemy positions.

The North Vietnamese had hoped to destroy American forces to such an extent that they had to be reinforced with infantry from the cities, leaving space for the Tet Offensive in January 1968.

As it happened, though, three of the four regiments which took part in the attack at Dak To were weakened to such an extent that they could not take part in the planned attack the following year.

Toward the end of the battle, the 4th Infantry were ordered to take what was being referred to as Hill 875, a strategic position in the region. The successful completion of this mission contributed heavily to the body count.

Three of the four regiments which took part in the attack at Dak To were weakened to such an extent that they could not take part in the planned attack the following year

All in all, approximately 1,441 American soldiers were wounded in the bloody battle at Dak To

Despite forcing the Vietcong to retreat from their base and losing far fewer men, many in the American army failed to see Dak To as a victory after the considerable number of men that were lost.

All in all, approximately 1,441 American soldiers were wounded, while the army used 151,000 artillery rounds, 2,096 tactical air sorties and 257 B-52 strikes. Over 2,000 Army helicopter sorties were flown, and 40 helicopters were lost.

'There was no reason to take that hill,' said Matt Harrison, one of the men on the ground whose unit was ordered to take Hill 875.

'I doubt there's been an American on that hill since November 23,' he said. 'We accomplished nothing.'
A Minnesota woman was knocked off her feet and lost consciousness after her washing machine exploded while she was doing laundry, it was reported on Friday.

Sara Van Beck, a mother of five from Freeport, Minnesota, said that she was in her home washing her clothes when she heard a 'whistling noise' coming from the laundry room last week.

When she rushed over to investigate, she saw the washing machine 'shaking' and 'howling' as it neared the end of its spin cycle.

When she bent down to check the machine, a Whirlpool Duet she bought three years ago, she heard an explosion.

'It sounded like a bomb,' Van Beck told CBS News. 'It was so surreal.'

Sara Van Beck, a mother of five from Freeport, Minnesota, said that she was in her home washing her clothes when she heard a 'whistling noise' coming from the laundry room last week

When she rushed over to investigate, she saw the washing machine 'shaking' and 'howling' as it neared the end of its spin cycle

When she bent down to check the machine, a Whirlpool Duet she bought three years ago, she heard an explosion

The explosion flung open the plastic door. Ball bearings then flew out of the machine and hit her in the stomach

The explosion flung open the plastic door. Ball bearings then flew out of the machine and hit her in the stomach.

'The force blew me off my feet,' Van Beck said.

'I fell backwards and hit my head.'

The force of the fall rendered her unconscious. When she woke up, she reached for her phone.

'The force blew me off my feet,' Van Beck said. 'I fell backwards and hit my head.' The force of the fall rendered her unconscious. When she woke up, she reached for her phone

Unfortunately, the force of the blast hurled the phone into another room.

'I remember waking up. My head hurt. I couldn't move,' Van Beck said.

Van Beck then used her Apple Watch. She asked Siri to call her husband, Noah, who works as a first responder for the Freeport Fire Department.

'He's literally a lifesaver,' Van Beck said. 'If I called 911, he'd be the one to come.'

Noah rushed home and then took his wife to the emergency room, where doctors diagnosed her with a concussion and sinus cavity injury.

Van Beck posted a photograph of the washing machine and wrote a long message on Facebook warning others.

The post was shared by over 17,000 people and generated thousands of responses.

Unfortunately, the force of the blast hurled the phone into another room. Van Beck then used her Apple Watch. She asked Siri to call her husband, Noah, who works as a first responder for the Freeport Fire Department

'I felt like as a mom it was the right thing to do,' Van Beck said.

'Everyone has that in common - everyone does laundry.'

She said she hopes her message will prevent more 'freak accidents' like this in the future.

After the Facebook post, a representative from Whirlpool reached out to her and agreed to replace the washer and dryer.

'We are in contact with the consumer and are in the process of exchanging the washer (and the dryer) so we can analyze what happened,' Whirlpool spokesman Kristine Sherman told CBS News.

'Although we cannot speculate about what happened with this particular product, Whirlpool is committed to delivering safe, innovative products to consumers.'

Van Beck said she plans to fill out a claim for medical expenses.

'It could have been a lot worse,' Van Beck said.

'If it would have been one of my children, that could have been deadly.'
BMW has recalled more than 1 million cars and SUVs in the US due to the risk of fires under the hood, and it's recommending that they be parked outdoors until repairs are made.

In the two separate recalls, the German carmaker says the risk of fire is very low in both cases, but the vehicles should say outside 'in an abundance of caution.' Repairs are expected to start on December 18.

The first voluntary recall affects certain BMW 3 Series models from 2006 to 2011, the company said in a statement.

The issue is related to potentially faulty wiring of the climate control blower fan which 'in extremely rare cases' could cause a fire, it said.

The second recall will address a problem with a heater valve in certain 2007-2011 BMW models equipped with a 6-cylinder engine.

In Brookhaven, Georgia, after an unexpected snowfall in January 2014, one motorist left his BMW E36 M3 on the impassable road overnight. It burst into flames before he returned

The BMW in Brookhaven, Georgia was quickly engulfed in flames as police looked on

'Irregularities in the manufacturing process could lead to corrosion and in extremely rare cases may lead to a thermal event,' the company said.

BMW MODELS AFFECTED BY RECALL Model Years 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3 Model Years 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i, 335i xDrive and 335is Model Years 2008-2011 128i Model Years 2009-2011 335d Advertisement

Documents posted Friday by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that a heater for the positive crankcase ventilation valve can overheat and cause the valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire even when the vehicle is not in use. Dealers will replace the heater.

The heater is designed to prevent the valve from freezing in cold temperatures, BMW spokesman Hector Arellano-Belloc said. But irregularities in manufacturing can cause corrosion can lead to overheating.

Both recalls are for some 700,000 cars each but because there are 'a lot of overlaps' the total number of affected cars is around one million, spokesman Michael Rebstock told AFP.

The affected cars were produced in Spartanburg, South Carolina as well as in Germany, South Africa and several other countries, the spokesman said.

The largest of the recalls covers over 740,000 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles from 2007-2011. Also included is the 2008-2011 128i. All have 6-Cylinder engines.

The other recall covers nearly 673,000 cars including the 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3 from the 2006-2011 model years. Also covered are the 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is, and the 2009-2011 335d.

More than 40 parked BMWs that are not under an open recall have caught fire in the US over the past five years, according to a new report out Thursday

A parked 2012 BMW X6 is seen engulfed in flames in Delray Beach, Florida in July 2015

The mass recall is the latest setback to hit the German titan, after its Munich headquarters was raided by EU antitrust regulators late last month as part of a probe into alleged collusion between German carmakers.

The recall comes just six months after a shocking investigative report from ABC News in May, which found over 40 cases of BMWs catching fire while parked over the past five years.

The inexplicable fires ranged across several models, years, and generations of the iconic luxury brand's vehicles, which can range in price to over $100,000.

At the time, BMW denied that they've found 'any pattern related to quality or component failure' and says that out of the 4.9million vehicles it has on US roads, fire incidents are exceedingly rare.

The dramatic, sudden fires in parked cars left dozens of drivers bereft of their prized luxury vehicles, and at least one man homeless when a car fire in his garage burned his home down.

In October of 2016, Tar Zaide had just parked his 2011 BMW 328 in an Oshwa, Canada parking lot on his way to visit a client when it began smoking and then burst into flames

In December of 2015, Bill Macko was in his Olney, Maryland when his wife parked their 2008 BMW X5, which originally retailed for $46,200, in the garage after a short drive,

Macko, a lifelong BMW enthusiast who had purchased seven of the high-end cars over the years, told ABC that he walked into the garage to investigate a strange smell, and heard a 'snap, crackle, pop' as he entered.

The car burst into flames, and Macko and his wife ran out of the house and watched as firefighters battled the inferno, which ultimately engulfed and gutted their home.

Sixteen months later, he and his wife are still staying with relatives, unsure when they will be able to return to their rebuilt home.

In another case, in New York's Westchester County, the owner of a 2003 BMW told fire crews it had been sitting parked for three or four days before bursting into flames.

'Which we thought was a little peculiar,' Mamaroneck Fire Chief Tracey Schmaling told WABC.

In October of 2016, Tar Zaide had just parked his 2011 BMW 328 in an Oshwa, Canada parking lot on his way to visit a client when it began smoking and then burst into flames.

John Minkhe of Sweden said his BMW X5 burst into flames a few minutes after his wife and children switched off the engine and got out of the car

'My son saved by seconds,' wrote the person who posted a video of the fire on YouTube. 'Cannot believe what we were seeing.'

In Brookhaven, Georgia, after an unexpected snowfall in January 2014, one motorist left his BMW E36 M3 on the impassable road overnight.

Before he returned the next day, the car was engulfed in flames, the Associated Press reported.

Across the Atlantic, John Minkhe of Sweden got a rude surprise in April 2014.

'An explosive fire started in our BMW X5 a few minutes after my wife and two kids switched off the engine and left the car,' he explained in a post on YouTube.

The car was 'totally flashed over' within 10 minutes, Minkhe wrote.

'My family has had BMW since beginning of 2000s, we thought we invested in quality and safety according to the premium brand BMW considered to be - unfortunately we were wrong,' he added.
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For the ninth year in a row, Sydneysiders out for a Saturday afternoon stroll were ambushed by what looked like some stray extras from the cast of The Walking Dead.

But it was actually the Sydney Zombie Walk 2017, initiated by creative university student Michael Berman in 2009 to raise money for charity.

The annual event, where people dress up as zombies or as undead versions of their favourite characters has only grown over the years.

Adults and children of all ages turned out covered in blood, brains and special effects make up for the Sydney Zombie Walk

Many of the participants had been working on their costumes and masks for months ahead of the annual November event

People sported gunshot wounds, fake scars and red contact lenses to transform themselves into members of the undead

'Running the zombie walk has been the highlight of my life over the past eight years,' said Mr Berman.

'Seeing all of you get together just to be a little silly in the middle of the city has brought endless joy to my heart.

'Weve donated tens of thousands of dollars to [The Brain Foundation] over the years, and theyre a very worthy cause.'

This young participant rocks a convincing imitation of Two-Face complete with false rotten teeth, fake blood and scarring

Some participants used props like old toys and Barbie Dolls to create an all-round terrifying zombie costume for the walk

More than a eager thousand zombies dragged their rotting limbs through Prince Alfred Park in Sydney on Saturday afternoon

The walk raises awareness and raise funds for The Brain Foundation, which is dedicated to funding world-class research Australia-wide into neurological disorders, brain disease and brain injuries.

With more than a thousand people dragging themselves through Prince Alfred Park this afternoon, over $10,000 was raised for the charitable organisation.

This clever make-up connoisseur has used red sequins, fake blood and make up to make it look as if he had tentacle suckers

Children took part in the fun as well. One girl matched flowers and a parisole with a very bloody face to terrify the onlookers

The Sydney Zombie Walk is an initiative created by university student Michael Berman in 2009 and has run every year since

Along the way, participants were treated to touch-ups by makeup artists, food trucks with Zombie-themed treats, Zombie exhibits, competitions and prizes.

This year, the featured exhibition was a terrifying recreation of the camp site from The Walking Dead with replica of Daryl's motorbike.

Zombies who had some energy left after the march then moved onto the Undead After Party at the Shark Hotel.

Along the way, participants were treated to touch-ups by makeup artists, food trucks with Zombie-themed treats and prizes
Rallies in support of the refugees on Manus Island have been held in Sydney and Melbourne  with recorded messages from men within the detention centre being played to hundreds of people.

Those present heard an emergency situation is unfolding on Manus Island where refugees and asylum seekers have no safe place or security.

Recorded messages from two men on the island were played at the rally outside the State Library in Melbourne on Saturday, as they described their situation.

Rallies in support of the refugees on Manus Island have been held in Sydney and Melbourne

Those present heard an emergency situation is unfolding on Manus Island where refugees and asylum seekers have no safe place or security

Food, electricity and running water were cut off at the detention centre after it officially closed on Tuesday.

They said they have no basic provisions or medical supplies following the closure of the detention centre this week, where 600 people have barricaded themselves inside.

'We are forgotten people who have been tortured  even though we have committed no crime,' one of the men said.

'Our situation is getting worse and we need your help,' the other man said.

Refugee Action Coalition spokesman Ian Rintoul told those present the Australian government was trying to drive the refugees and asylum seekers out of the centre and 'into even more unsafe conditions'

Federal Greens MP Adam Bandt also addressed the crowd in Melbourne, criticising the 'cold eyes' of Immigration Minister Peter Dutton, and said the detention centre on Manus Island was a 'hell-hole'

Protesters held banners and signs in support of the refugees and asylum seekers on Manus Island

'Will Australians stand up and speak for humanity if you think refugees are humans?'

In Sydney, hundreds of people gathered at Hyde Park on Saturday afternoon to call for an end to the stand-off on the island.

Refugee Action Coalition spokesman Ian Rintoul told those present the Australian government was trying to drive the refugees and asylum seekers out of the centre and 'into even more unsafe conditions'.

Hundreds of people gathered at both Sydney and Melbourne in support of those on Manus Island

Recorded messages from two men on the island were played at the rally in outside the State Library in Melbourne on Saturday, as they described their situation

They said they have no basic provisions or medical supplies following the closure of the detention centre this week, where 600 men have barricaded themselves inside

Nicole Judge, who worked for the Salvation Army on Manus Island, said she advocated for closing the detention centre but didn't want people left there to suffer.

She said the men who chose not to leave the camp feared for their safety outside it.

Food, electricity and running water were cut off at the detention centre after it officially closed on Tuesday.

The large crowds gathered on Saturday afternoon and listened to speakers talk about the situation on Manus Island

Nicole Judge, who worked for the Salvation Army on Manus Island, said she advocated for closing the detention centre but didn't want people left there to suffer

The protest in Melbourne was organised by the Refugee Action Collective of Victoria against the treatment of the refugees and was followed by a march through to Flinders Street.

Legal worker Sophie L'Estrange told the crowd about her experiences working on the island during the Good Friday shooting earlier in 2017.

The protest in Melbourne was organised by the Refugee Action Collective of Victoria against the treatment of the refugees and was followed by a march through to Flinders Street

Many of the signs were critical of Immigration Minister Peter Dutton

She said she could hear the sounds of people dying for 45 minutes.

Federal Greens MP Adam Bandt also addressed the crowd in Melbourne, criticising the 'cold eyes' of Immigration Minister Peter Dutton, and said the detention centre on Manus Island was a 'hell-hole'.
Federal opposition leader Bill Shorten has offered his sympathies to the family

A family and colleagues are grieving after an Australian Federal Police officer took his own life at the agency's Melbourne headquarters, the second to do so in less than a year.

He was found by colleagues at the La Trobe Street AFP headquarters at around 9am.

'It is not possible to put into words the grief and acute impact today's loss will have on all within our close knit AFP family,' said commissioner Andrew Colvin.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin said the death was not suspicious

The officer died of a gunshot and was found at 9am at the La Trobe St headquarters (pictured)

'My thoughts are with his loved ones and the broader AFP family,' commissioner Colvin added.

He will be joined by Deputy Commissioner Mike Phelan, Assistant Commissioner Frank Prendergast, the management team in Melbourne and the Welfare Officers to provide support for the officer's family and colleagues.

'The circumstances around this tragic incident are being investigated by Victoria Police, who will prepare a report for the coroner,' Commissioner Colvin said.

'Our colleague's death is not believed to be suspicious,' commissioner Colvin said.

'Out of respect for the family, friends, and the colonial process, we will not be providing any further comments.'

The death is the second at the building this year, after a female officer died in February also from a non-suspicious shooting.

A report is being prepared for the coroner examining the circumstances around the death

Federal opposition leader Bill Shorten urges anyone who may be mentally unwell to seek help

Federal opposition leader Bill Shorten says he has spoken with the AFP and passed on his sympathies to the family.

'Anyone, anywhere, who's mentally unwell and doing it hard or you know someone who is, please go and get help,' he told reporters at a press conference in Melbourne.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.
Fighting for his sight: Muhammed Nawshad Kamal

This is the delivery driver who was sprayed in the eyes with acid by two schoolboys who tried to steal his moped.

Muhammed Nawshad Kamal, 32, is likely to lose his sight after the vicious attack in Walthamstow, east London on Thursday.

The teenagers, who were riding their own moped, tried to steal his 2,500 scooter before carrying out an almost identical acid attack 30 minutes later.

Last night police were interviewing a 14-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.

Mr Kamal, who has lived in Britain for eight years after moving here from Bangladesh, had just dropped off a pizza when he was approached by two teenagers who demanded the keys to his scooter at 6pm on Thursday.

When he refused, he was sprayed with acid. Screaming in agony, Mr Kamal desperately banged on the door of the house he had just delivered to.

But his customers refused to open the door while his attackers continued to drench him in acid on their doorstep.

Their attack was only halted when a woman in a car nearby called for help. Within minutes, firemen and police arrived and poured water over Mr Kamal, who was struggling to breathe after inhaling the liquid.

A source close to the investigation said: 'He had his helmet open and it went in his eyes and nose.'

The attack comes days after Scotland Yard Commissioner Cressida Dick said she was shocked at the 'extraordinary' surge in moped crime. In the year to September there were more than 19,385 'moped-enabled' crimes in the capital, an average of 53 a day.

A takeaway delivery driver is fighting for his life and will probably be left blind after he was sprayed in the face with acid in an attempted robbery in Walthamstow

The victim, 32, was attacked by two suspects on a moped who tried to steal his scooter yesterday as the acid attack menace continues to plague the capital

Tough new laws to clampdown on acid attacks Tough new laws could see criminals twice caught with corrosive substances without good reason handed an automatic prison sentence of at least six months. The rise of acid attacks has forced ministers to tighten laws and the proposed 'two strikes' rule would be similar to the laws around knives. The Government also said it had plans to create a new offence of possession of a corrosive substance in public without a good or lawful reason. As it stands, corrosive substances are treated as offensive weapons and possession of them carries a maximum four-year prison sentence. Advertisement

Detective Chief Inspector Gordon Henderson last night said the victim's injuries were shocking. 'It is likely that he will lose sight in both eyes,' he said.

Yesterday friends of the victim described his horrific injuries. Imran Rumel said: 'I have been to see him in hospital and he is in a terrible state ... I don't know if he will ever see again.'

Police believe the same gang struck again at 6.30pm the same day in Tottenham in another attempted robbery a mile and a half away. A second delivery driver who is also 32 was approached by two men on a scooter who attempted to rob him and sprayed acid in his face.

The driver was also treated in hospital, but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Mr Henderson said: 'We have a suspect who is 14. I believe that the others who may be involved are of a similar age.' He appealed for anyone with information to contact police, and added: 'This attack has left a man fighting for his life... it is imperative we arrest those responsible.'
Just minutes before a 4WD came crashing through her Edmonson Park home, Padma Chaudhary was directly in its path as she nursed her one-year-old baby girl.

The mother said she is relieved that her her family escaped injury when a Honda CR-V slammed into their front bedroom around 10.30am on Saturday.

The 34-year-old female P-plate driver was also uninjured when her vehicle became 'stuck in reverse', mounted the footpath and forcefully smashed into the home.

Padma Chaudhary and her baby girl (pictured) were directly in the path of a 4WD two minutes before it came crashing into their home on Saturday morning

The mother 'thanks God' she and her family escaped injury when a CR-V slammed into their front bedroom (pictured) around 10.30am on Saturday.

Police have described the incident as an 'innocent accident', Seven News reports.

'We heard the sound of the big bang, I was like "is there a bomb somewhere outside?",' Ms Chaudhary told Nine News.

'She was sitting on the bed, two or three minutes ago before the accident happened,' the mother-of-three said.

Hours earlier and 40 kilometres north in South Windsor, another family awoke to a similarly frightening collision.

The 34-year-old female P-plate driver was uninjured when her vehicle became 'stuck in reverse', mounted the footpath and forcefully smashed into the home (pictured)

'We heard the sound of the big bang, I was like "is there a bomb somewhere outside?",' Ms Chaudhary said

The Van Trumps jolted from their sleep around 5am when an out of control Holden Commodore ploughed into their kitchen.

Veering from the road and clipping a power pole, the vehicle spun before smashing through a fence and a brick wall at the side of the home.

Jackie Van Trump was downstairs shortly beforehand and described feeling extremely lucky she retreated to her room when she did.

Jackie Van Trump (pictured) was downstairs shortly beforehand and described feeling extremely lucky she retreated to her room when she did

The Van Trumps were jolted from their sleep around 5am when an out of control Holden Commodore (pictured) ploughed into their kitchen

'Luckily I went upstairs and went to bed but if I was down there for another five minutes it would have been a different story,' she said.

The 42-year-old man behind the wheel also escaped injury and returned a negative breath test.

Engineers have assessed the damage and are working to stabilise the home, but SES officers predicted it could be up to a week before it's deemed safe.

Police are investigating the circumstances of the incident.

The 42-year-old man behind the wheel also escaped injury and returned a negative breath test
The Duchess of Sussex told the latest episode of her $30million Archetypes podcast for Spotify that her confidante is the reason why she didn't stop campaigning for 'women and girls' after joining the Royal Family. Meghan did not name the woman who spoke to her on the eve of her wedding day, but there was immediate speculation on social media that it could be Oprah Winfrey or Serena Williams, who both saw her walk down the aisle at Windsor Castle in May 2018 (right). The Duchess of Sussex interviewed British actress and influencer Jameela Jamil and the American-Iranian star of X-Men and 24, Shohreh Aghdashloo, 70. Ms Aghdashloo spoke about the fight to 'bring democracy back' to the country of her birth amid ongoing protests in Tehran and across the country over the treatment of women breaking strict hijab rules. In an episode entitled: 'The Audacity of the Activist', released this morning, she said: 'It reminded me of a message that was shared with me just a few days before my wedding by a very, very influential and inspiring woman who for her own privacy, I won't share who it was with you. But she said to me: "I know that your life is changing but please don't give up your activism, don't give up because it means so much to women and girls". And I kept doing the work for women and girls because it matters, yes, but also because she encouraged me to do so'. Meghan and her guests discussed why activism and 'big ideas' from women are 'often deemed audacious' and used against them to make them 'feel small' - at one point the Duchess claims that women get 'no credit and all the blame'. Meghan also thanked her friend Jameela for 'fighting back' for her after the British actress and influencer claimed the royal has been 'demonised' since she started her relationship with Harry. Miss Jamil, 36, revealed the former Suits star privately reaches out to women 'in our most lonely and desperate moments'.
Low-cost airline Jetstar is in the midst of a multi-million dollar project to spruce up cabins in 43 planes in its fleet in a bid to improve overall passenger flight experiences.

While customers can look forward to cheaper airfares, those with longer legs might be disheartened to learn that spacing between each seat will remain unchanged.

The Qantas subsidiary has instead added in a whole extra row, making each aircraft capable of carrying an extra six people per flight, Nine News reports.

Jetstar's multi-million dollar overhaul of 43 of its fleet will not offer more leg room, but it says customers can look forward to cheaper airfares

Each of the aircraft's dramatic refurbishments is conducted across 12 days and sees its entire innards completely ripped out and replaced with modernistic alternatives.

'Part of the process is stripping out the cabin, but also cutting into the fuselage to add to extra windows to make sure that every seat row and customer still has that window outlook,' CEO Dean Salter said.

As part of the fleet's giant face-lift, each plane has been fitted with new seats, windows, lighting, and overhead storage compartments.

The low-cost airline has added in a whole extra row of seats, making each aircraft capable of carrying an extra six people on every flight

Mr Salter is confident customers will appreciate the extensive renovations, saying they made each aircraft 'feel brand new'.

'More seats means lower fare ultimately. Lower cost and lower fares and more availability for passengers,' he said.

There will be space for an extra 600,000 people to fly every year, without the airline adding any flights to its schedule.
Australians are being warned to reconsider travelling to the Philippines amid fears of a 'high threat' of terrorist attacks.

The government has issued a warning for Australians to be 'alert to possible threats around locations that have a low level of protective security and places to be possible terrorist targets'.

Some of the areas most under threat include eastern Mindanao, the island's central and western regions, and the capital of Manila.

Military trucks drive past destroyed buildings and a mosque in the main battle area in Marawi

Also under high threat is Marawi, where ISIS allies are hiding in the city's ruins.

There are also warnings of possible lone wolf attacks carried out against travellers.

'Be alert to possible threats around locations that have a low level of protective security and places known to be possible terrorist targets,' advice on the smartraveller.gov.au website reads.

'Exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines overall.'

Australians travelling to the Philippines are told to be alert for possible targets for terror attacks, including transport hubs, the metro system, hotels, shopping malls, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, markets, places of worship, outdoor recreation events and tourist areas.

Australians are being warned to reconsider travelling to the Philippines amid fears of a 'high threat' of terrorist attacks

Martial law has been extended in Mindanao until December 31 following a request from controversial President Rodrigo Duterte.

In July, the United States warned of 'credible information' that terrorists planned to conduct kidnapping in the provinces of Palawan, Cebu and Bohol in the Philippines.

There is a heavy police presence across the country and there is a very high threat of kidnapping in the southern part of the Philippines.
Glamorous Russian policewomen have taken to posting pictures of themselves on Instagram.

The officers have built up something of a fan club in the country that hosts an annual competition to find the most beautiful police officer.

As well as policewomen entering the official competition, other officers posed for photographs in their uniforms.

Comments left by admirers pay tribute to our charming inquiry officers and the beautiful and attractive officers.

The competition, which started as part of the Day of Police celebrations in Russia, aims to find the country's 'prettiest' female police officer.

The women have entered the bizarre beauty contest to show women can be beautiful and strong.

Last years winner was road safety inspector Daria Pletneva had to compete against seven others from across the country for the title, which she won at an awards ceremony in St Petersburg.

The 27-year-old, who has a two-year-old son, impressed judges during two talent shows on the night, performing a song and dance routine.

The Russian Interior Ministry was recently forced to crackdown on woman police officers wearing short skirts.

The crackdown was brought in to combat the trend toward shrinking hemlines witnessed among female police officers, local media reported.

Russian policewomen have taken to posing for pictures on Instagram and Facebook

A glamorous officer wearing make-up and sunglasses poses for selfie while riding in a police car

The pictures appeared on the site of a Russian police blogger and have acquired large following of male admirers

Russian policewomen have in recent years begun a trend for posing for pictures on social media

The blogger who posted the pictures says he is not affiliated to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation

The annual competition to find the most beautiful woman police officer in Russia is part of Day of Police celebrations

Some of the officers posed in combat fatigues as well as traditional police uniforms

As well as posing individually, women also posed with their colleagues for the pictures

The Russian ministry of the interior was recently forced to crackdown on policewomen wearing short skirts

Russian police officers are not afraid to flaunt their beauty as these pictures show
Most Americans have given a thumbs down to President Donald Trump's tax plan saying it would mostly benefit the wealthy.

According to a new ABC News/Washington poll, 60 percent say the plan favors the rich  including six in 10 of the wealthy themselves.

The sampling of 1,005 adults showed that Americans oppose the tax plan by a 17-point margin.

Overall, 55 percent of American adults don't support the plan and 33 percent do support it. The remaining 17 percent are undecided.

Most Americans have given a thumbs down to President Donald Trump's tax plan (pictured, Thursday unveiling the new tax plan) saying it would mostly benefit the wealthy

Overall, 55 percent of American adults don't support the plan and 33 percent do support it. The remaining 17 percen, are undecided (Pictured, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, left, and Trump on Thursday unveiling the new tax plan)

One of the overarching criticisms of the new plan is that it would benefit the rich, with 60 percent of those polled agreeing. Just 13 percent think it favors the middle class, two percent say it favors the poor, and 17 percent say all groups are treated equally.

Even among those with incomes of $100,000 or more, 61 percent think the plan chiefly will benefit the wealthy.

Support for the Trump plan peaks at 75 percent among Republicans and those who approve of his job performance overall in the poll, produced for ABC by Langer Reseacher Associates.

But opposition hit a high of 79 percent among Democrats and 78 percent among Trump disapprovers.

House Republicans released their long-awaited legislation to overhaul the tax code on Thursday, proposing major cuts to corporate and individual tax rates.

The 429-page bill, titled the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, represents the beginning of the GOP's fight to rewrite the tax code for the first time in more than 30 years.

Support for the Trump plan peaks at 75 percent among Republicans. Meanwhile, opposition hit a high of 79 percent among Democrats

Even among those with incomes of $100,000 or more, 61 percent think the plan chiefly will benefit the wealthy

The bill, unveiled by GOP leaders on Thursday, would slash the corporate tax rate from 35 to 20 percent and reduce income-tax rates for most families and individuals.

Poll Do you support the Trump tax plan? Yes No Undecided Do you support the Trump tax plan? Yes 204 votes

No 343 votes

Undecided 24 votes Now share your opinion





It would also eliminate some tax deductions for businesses and households, while repealing the estate tax assessed when someone dies and their heirs inherit property or other assets worth over $5.49million.

The bill also puts Americans into five tax brackets at zero, 12 percent, 25 percent and 35 percent tax rates, with top earners continuing to pay 39.6 percent of their income.

'The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will simplify the code so you can file your taxes on a form the size of a postcard,' Speaker of the House Paul Ryan said on Thursday, a pledge Republicans have been making for months.

Ryan, a Republican from Wisconsin, also claimed the plan would save $1,182 for the average family of four.
Newly released government files related to President John F. Kennedy's assassination show officials scrambled to gather information about Lee Harvey Oswald's trip to Mexico City weeks earlier.

Documents released Friday show officials questioned whether Oswald had been trying to get visas from the Soviet and Cuban embassies in Mexico City in order to 'make a quick escape after assassinating the president.'

A secret CIA message sent on November 24, 1963 - two days after Kennedy was killed - said an 'important question' that remained unsolved was whether Oswald had been planning to travel right away or return to the US and leave later.

Documents released Friday show officials questioned whether Lee Harvey Oswald had been trying to get visas from the Soviet and Cuban embassies in Mexico City in the weeks prior to President John F. Kennedy's assassination

The message says although it appears Oswald 'was then thinking only about a peaceful change of residence to the Soviet Union, it is also possible that he was getting documented to make a quick escape after assassinating the president.'

Another record dated April 11, 1964, recounted a visit to the CIA by three staff members of the Warren Commission, which was set up to investigate the assassination.

The memo said the staff members indicated that Thomas Mann, former ambassador to Mexico and then-assistant secretary for inter-American affairs, 'still has the 'feeling in his guts' that (Cuban leader Fidel) Castro hired Oswald to kill Kennedy. They said, however, that the commission has not been able to get any proof of that.'

The National Archives released another 676 government documents related to the assassination on Friday - the third public release so far this year. Under law, all the documents were to be disclosed to the public last week.

Most of the latest release comprises 553 records from the CIA that previously were withheld in their entirety. There also are records from the Justice and Defense departments, the House Select Committee on Assassinations and the National Archives.

Kennedy and his wife Jackie are seen the morning of his assassination. The National Archives has released 676 documents related to the assassination, many revealed for the first time

Oswald is seen holding a rifle and communist newspapers in a backyard in 1963. The new transcript reveals that Soviet officials were dismissive and brusque as he asked for travel visas

President Donald Trump has ordered the release of all records related to the assassination, and they are expected to be made public on a rolling basis during the next three to four weeks. He also directed agencies to take another look at redactions and withhold information only in the rarest of circumstances.

One of the newly revealed document says a CIA internal investigation found that allegations that Oswald was connected to the agency were 'totally unfounded.'

The 1975 CIA memo says a thorough search of agency records in and outside the United States was conducted to determine whether Oswald had been used by the agency or connected with it in 'any conceivable way.'

The memo said the search came up empty. The memo also said there was also no indication that any other US agency used Oswald as a source or for recruitment.

Also in the latest release was a 20-page FBI analysis of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. dated March 12, 1968 - a month before he was assassinated on April 4, 1968.

One section alleges that King was attracted to former member of the Communist Party in America. It notes that two previous aides were party members and eight others, who helped shape King's organization in its early stages, had communist affiliations.

President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy smile at the crowds lining their motorcade route in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963. Minutes later the President was assassinated

The analysis said that in the early 1960s, the Communist Party was trying to get a black labor coalition to further its goals in the United States. It referenced a May 1961 issue of a communist newspaper that stated, 'Communists will do their utmost to strengthen and unite the Negro movement and ring it to the backing of the working people.'

The FBI said King and his organization were 'made-to-order' to achieve these objectives.

The FBI's surveillance of King is well-known and the analysis includes several pages about his sexual life. One document said a black minister who attended a workshop to train ministers in February 1968 in Miami 'expressed his disgust with the behind-the-scene drinking, fornication and homosexuality that went on at the conference.'

'Throughout the ensuing years and until this date, King has continued to carry on his sexual aberrations secretly while holding himself out to public view as a moral leader of religious conviction,' the FBI report said.
An Australian teenager who was arrested in Lebanon was allegedly getting ready to become a suicide bomber.

The 18-year-old, known only by the initial A.M. was detained by security forces after they suspected he was about to travel to Syria to join Islamic State.

The Lebanese Internal Security Forces claimed the teen, who had lived in Sydney for several years, had showed a willingness to carry out an attack, The Daily Telegraph reports.

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An Australian teenager who was arrested in Lebanon was allegedly getting ready to become a suicide bomber (stock image)

'About a week before his arrest, he contacted a cadre of the Daesh (Islamic State) organisation in Syria and showed his willingness to carry out a suicide or explosive operation in Lebanon,' the ISF told the publication.

The organisation claimed the dual national had arrived in the country on August 20 after becoming radicalised by watching and reading material online from the terror group.

They also alleged he had downloaded instructions for 'manufacturing explosives', as well as videos of 'previous assassinations carried out'.

'Hewas convinced of the idea of jihad, and the implementation of suicide operations in favour of Daesh,' they said.

The organisation claimed the dual national had arrived in the country on August 20 after becoming radicalised by watching and reading material online from the terror group (stock image)

They also alleged he had downloaded instructions for 'manufacturing explosives', as well as videos of 'previous assassinations carried out' (stock image)

A statement from the security forces said the teenager was arrested in Tripoli on October 28, two days before he was due to depart for Syria.

The Information Division of ISF was behind the arrest, with the teen put under surveillance since his arrival in Lebanon.

The teenager also reportedly gave up information on other Australian fighters, and supporters and financiers of the militant group.

The ISF claimed the Australian man was linked to an IS co-ordinator in a neighbouring country.

The teen will face a local court at a future date, with The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirming it was providing consular assistance to an Australian man detained in Lebanon.
Stephen Parry, the leader of the upper house, has resigned over his citizenship

Shorten suggested that Turnbull's Liberal party must have 'something to hide'

However, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has rejected the proposition outright

Bill Shorten has suggested that all federal politicians are audited before election

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has rejected outright a proposition that would oblige every every MP to disclose their family history.

Put forward by federal Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten, the idea would see an audit on all federal politicians.

But Malcolm Turnbull told Channel 9 that it was ultimately a decision that should be left to the high court.

Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten has suggested that all MPs disclose their family history

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has rejected the proposition, saying it was a matter for court

'Every member of parliament has a continuous obligation to comply with the constitution,' Mr Turnbull said.

'What is Turnbull hiding, what does he know that we don't?' My MPs are happy to come forward, all of them,' Mr Shorten said.

The opposition leader said it is 'hypocritical' of the prime minister and it's a 'completely gutless lack of leadership'.

Mr Turnbull has hit back, saying, 'If Mr Shorten or any other member of the house believes there are, that there is a member who is not eligible to sit in the house, then of course they can move to refer the matter to the high court.'

Mr Turnbull revealed Mr Frydenberg's mother was born in a Budapest ghetto in 1943 and fled

Malcolm Turnbull this week blasted warring politicians for starting a 'witch hunt' over the citizenship status of Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg.

The prime minister revealed Mr Frydenberg's mother was born in a Budapest ghetto in 1943 and fled to Australia to avoid certain death during the Holocaust.

'It is a miracle they weren't killed, as so many of their relatives were. Three quarters of all the Jews in Hungary were murdered in the Holocaust,' he said on Friday.

'Are people seriously claiming that Josh Frydenberg is the citizen of a country which has stripped his mother and her family of their citizenship?

'(They) would have pushed them into the gas chambers had it not been that the war was ended before they had time to do so.'

Stephen Parry, the leader of the upper house, will reportedly submit his resignation Thursday

The call by Mr Shorten comes after five out of seven MPs under investigation were ousted from parliament for holding dual citizenship.

Barnaby Joyce, Senator Ludlam, One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts, Greens MP Larissa Waters and Nationals MP Fiona Nash have all been booted from office.

Meanwhile, Stephen Parry, the leader of the upper house and a member of Turnbull's Liberal party, said he will submit his resignation on Thursday after he being told that along with his Australian citizenship he also held British citizenship by descent.
Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott has wrongly claimed 16-year-olds can fight for their country as a reason for why the voting age should be lowered.

Speaking in a video posted on her official Facebook page, the Labour MP said: 'I believe in votes at 16.

'If you're old enough to fight for your country, you're old enough to vote.'

But Abbott didn't realise that soldiers cannot be selected for combat until they are 18.

It is the latest in a series of gaffes by the shadow home secretary. In May she was humiliated in an LBC radio show when she said it would cost just 300,000 to pay for an extra 10,000 police officers - and later said 'I mis-spoke'.

The shadow home secretary made the gaffe ahead of the second reading of a private members' bill seeking to reduce the voting age to 16 on Friday

Ms Abbott made a series of gaffes during the general election campaign in which she tried and failed to get across Labour's spending plans

Abbott made today's gaffe ahead of the second reading of a private members' bill seeking to reduce the voting age to 16 on Friday.

The bill was later shelved after MPs failed to get to a vote in time.

While soldiers can technically join the army at 16, current legislation prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from engaging in a hostile situation.

Facebook users were quick to point out the gaffe, with one person writing: 'You can't fight at 16. You can join the forces but definitely no fighting until your 18. That is international law. Straight away wrong with a simple fact.'

'Sixteen-year-olds don't fight on the frontline... yet again Abbott doesn't know the facts,' a man added.

While another joked: 'She was never good with numbers!'

It's not the first time the Labour MP has been criticised for not getting her facts straight.

In July Ms Abbott appeared confused in a TV interview about Labour's plans to fund the police.

Speaking to ITV about rising crime figures in England and Wales, she attempted to explain Labour's plan for 10,000 extra officers.

But she came unstuck when she tried to outline how Labour would raise the 300 million it says is needed for the policy.

Ms Abbott, a close ally of leader Jeremy Corbyn, said Labour would do so by reversing cuts to capital gains tax.

But she could not recall the figure and looked desperately off camera for help before being prompted by the reporter.

Speaking to ITV about crime figures earlier this year Diane Abbott attempted to explain Labour's plan for 10,000 extra officers but had to look for help behind the camera (right)

The embarrassing incident recalled a series of gaffes during the general election campaign in which Ms Abbott tried and failed to get across Labour's spending plans.

She took sick leave shortly before polling day and a replacement filled her post as shadow home secretary for several days.

In the July interview Ms Abbott said: 'What we have is we would find the money to recruit the ten thousand police people by cutting the.... we would find the money because we would look at capital gains tax.

'The Tories have cut capital gains tax and we want to restore it.

'That would give us I think 170... sorry.'

Ms Abbott appears to look to an aide before continuing: 'We would find the money by restoring capital gains tax.'

Told by the reporter it was 300million, Ms Abbott said: 'We think that by restoring the cuts in capital gains tax that would give us another 300million a year.'
A Belgian backpacker had been in North Queensland just three days before he died of suspected heatstroke while working on a fruit farm near Townsville.

Olivier Max Caramin collapsed as he was picking watermelons in 30 degree heat on Tuesday, and was taken to hospital around 5pm.

He was treated at Ayr Hospital before being transferred to Townsville Hospital where he passed away at 4.50am the next morning, aged 27.

Olivier Max Caramin (pictured) had been in North Queensland just three days before he died of suspected heatstroke while picking watermelons near Townsville

The backpacker was working in 30 degree heat before collapsing on Tuesday, and was taken to hospital around 5pm

A friend of Mr Caramin said he was a well-like popular man, describing him as a 'good guy', the Cairns Post reports.

An autopsy will be carried out to determine the exact cause of his death, but its believed soaring temperatures played a significant role.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death has reportedly been launched by Queensland's Workplace Health and Safety body.

Detective Inspector Leonie Steyger said the man's family have been contacted and issued a warning to other backpacking farm workers affected by heat.

A friend of Mr Caramin said he was a well-like popular man, describing him as a 'good guy'

'We encourage people to really take care of themselves and their mates, stay hydrated and be sun smart,' she said.

Workers should drink up to eight litres of water a day to avoid dehydration, wear sunscreen, hats and long-sleeve shirts.

The mother of British backpacker Mia Ayliffe-Chung who was murdered in Home Hill in last year has been campaigning for reform in the backpacker tourism industry.

Rosie Ayliffe called for a thorough investigation into Mr Caramin's death.
Federal Greens MP Adam Bandt has accused Immigration Minister Peter Dutton of being a 'terrorist' over the treatment of 600 asylum seekers at the now-closed Manus Island detention centre.

'What is happening between Canberra and Manus has ceased to be government and has become terror,' Mr Bandt told a rally in Melbourne's CBD attended by hundreds of people on Saturday.

'If the definition of terror is to use violence and threaten people's lives for political purposes, then Peter Dutton is a terrorist.'

Adam Bandt accused the Immigration Minister Peter Dutton (pictured) of being a 'terrorist'

Greens MP Adam Bandt speaks at a large refugee rally in Melbourne on Saturday atfernoon

More than 600 refugees have barricaded themselves in the mothballed detention centre, which closed on Tuesday.

Food and drinking water has run out and the group is too scared to move to alternative accommodation in the main township out of fear they will be attacked by locals.

Mr Bandt says the immigration minister must be held to account for what's happening on Manus.

'To look at the face of Peter Dutton is to stare into the cold eyes of someone who is prepared to kill someone for political gain,' he said.

Mr Bandt says the immigration minister must be held to account for the Manus Island situation

Two men who remain inside the closed detention centre have pleaded with Australia for help

Two of the men who remain inside the closed detention centre have pleaded with Australians to help them.

'We are forgotten people who have been tortured ... even though we have committed no crime,' one man said in a recorded message played at the rally.

'Our situation is getting worse and we need your help,' the other man said.

Refugees at the Manus detention camp in Papua New Guinea refuse to leave on closing day

A passionate protest organised by the Refugee Action Collective of Vic kicked off on Saturday

Legal worker Sophie L'Estrange told the rally she was working on the island during the Good Friday shooting earlier this year.

She said for 45 minutes she heard what she believed were the sounds of people dying.

The protest, organised by the Refugee Action Collective of Victoria, began outside Victoria's State Library in Swanson Street and was followed by a march to Flinders Street.
Details of a deal Hillary Clinton made with the Democratic National Committee back in 2015 have emerged after it was claimed she was allowed input on party finances and staffing prior to her winning the nomination for president.

A memo was signed by Clinton's campaign and the DNC in August 2015 that established she would get some input in exchange for her financial support of the committee to help them repay a $24 million debt, NBC reports.

The details of the memo emerged after former DNC interim chair Donna Brazile made explosive claims in her upcoming book that Clinton had siphoned money out of the party and effectively took it over months before she captured her party's nomination.

Details of a deal Hillary Clinton's campaign made with the DNC in 2015 have emerged after it was claimed they were allowed input on party finances and staffing prior to her winning the nomination for president

The memo, which emerged on Friday, stated that '(Hillary For America) personnel will be consulted and have joint authority over strategic decisions over the staffing, budget, expenditures, and general election related communications, data, technology, analytics, and research.'

It stated that the DNA had agreed to hire one of two candidates that the HFA had said was acceptable.

Former Democratic National Committee interim chair Donna Brazile made explosive claims in her upcoming book that Clinton had siphoned money out of the party and effectively took it over months before she captured her party's nomination

The memo stated the arrangement concerned the general election, not the primary season, and that it wasn't exclusive to the Clinton campaign - meaning it left the door open to other candidates to make similar arrangements.

'Nothing in this agreement shall be construed to violate the DNC's obligation of impartiality and neutrality through the Nominating process. All activities performed under this agreement will be focused exclusively on preparations for the General Election and not the Democratic Primary,' the memo read.

'Further we understand you may enter into similar agreements with other candidates.'

Brazile had alleged in her book that she had found 'proof' the 2016 Democratic primary was rigged in Clinton's favor. She noted, however, that she believed no laws were violated.

The fundraising agreement, signed in August 2015 during the primary process, was unusual for an open seat.

Months later, Clinton's chief challenger, independent Senator Bernie Sanders, signed his own agreement with the party.

In a series of tweets, President Donald Trump slammed a 'crooked' Clinton and accused her of 'cheating' and stealing her primary win over Sanders

In an expert of her book, Brazile alleged that before Clinton became the Democratic nominee, her campaign signed the joint fundraising agreement with the DNC and HVF, in which her campaign would finance the DNC in exchange for oversight from the Clinton campaign.

Usually, the nominee doesn't take over fundraising until after they have accepted the nomination.

In a series of tweets, President Donald Trump slammed a 'crooked' Clinton and accused her of 'cheating' and stealing her primary win over Sanders.

'I always felt I would be running and winning against Bernie Sanders, not Crooked H, without cheating, I was right,' Trump tweeted late Friday morning.

'Bernie Sanders supporters have every right to be apoplectic of the complete theft of the Dem primary by Crooked Hillary!' Trump wrote.

He repeatedly encouraged the FBI to investigate.

'Everybody is asking why the Justice Department (and FBI) isn't looking into all of the dishonesty going on with Crooked Hillary & the Dems,' Trump wrote on Friday.

'New Donna B book says she paid for and stole the Dem Primary. What about the deleted E-mails, Uranium, Podesta, the Server, plus, plus...People are angry. At some point the Justice Department, and the FBI, must do what is right and proper. The American public deserves it!'
Alec Baldwin quit Twitter on Saturday after being accused of 'victim blaming' for controversial comments he made about Rose McGowan accepting a $100,000 settlement from Harvey Weinstein in 1997.

In an interview with PBS on Friday, Baldwin, 59, admitted hearing a 'rumor' McGowan had been raped by Weinstein but doing nothing about it along with the rest of Hollywood.

He said it was 'for' McGowan to prosecute it and later said it was an 'issue' that victims of sexual harassment were sometimes silenced by cash settlements because it thwarted the course of justice.

'You heard the rumor that he raped Rose McGowan. You heard that over and over. We have heard that for decades.

'But what happened was that Rose McGowan took a payment of $100,000 and settled her case with him. And it was for Rose McGowan to prosecute that case,' he said.

McGowan, who has led an unrelenting commentary on the Weinstein sexual assault scandal since it erupted last month, responded furiously to his remarks.

'Told you everyone knew. No one cared. Men ran the show. Women toed the line. No more,' she said.

Announcing his Twitter hiatus, Baldwin said it was 'never his intention' to 'blame the victim' and said that his 'heart goes out' to anyone affected by sexual harassment.

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Explaining why no one else spoke up, he said it was because it remained an unproven rumor and argued that 'everyone' in every type of industry gives colleagues and emoloyers 'the benefit of the doubt'.

Rose McGowan responded to his interview furiously saying it was proof 'everyone knew' and 'no one cared' that she had been raped

Earlier, he attempted to explain why neither he nor anyone else in Hollywood acted on the rumor that Weinstein had sexually attacked McGowan.

'Where do you draw that line, meaning we all go to work and assume... we give people the benefit of the doubt,' he said.

Baldwin, who earlier this week admitted treating women in a sexist way himself, went to say it was an 'issue' that women accepted cash in return for silence.

'Do the settlement of these cases hurt the cause of exposing and bringing us to a place of real change?

'When women take money and are silenced by that money... does it set back the cause of change?

'Thats an issue, I think,' he said.

He acknowledged that women who take the settlements had been ill-advised that it may harm their careers if they did not, saying: 'they were told, beyond the money, it was the right thing for them to do, keep quiet, dont make too many waves, it is going to hurt your career.'

Towards the end of his PBS interview, Baldwin said the 'innately different' treatment of women by men must end. 'A men, all men, during the course of their lives...treats women differently than they treat men unconsciously.

'You dont mean to. Youre not sitting there going, well, this woman is less than me, her ideas are less valid, this person is less valuable to the process were doing.

McGowan took a $100,000 settlement from Harvey Weinstein over an alleged incident in a hotel room in 1997. The pair are pictured in 2007

On Friday, Baldwin, 59, said it was down to McGowan to pursue her case against Weinstein and admitted he and others heard rumors about the mogul's alleged attack on her for 'decades' but nothing was done to address it

'We just innately treat women differently, because men have typically been in charge. I have certainly done that in my life. And thats something I think needs to change.'

McGowan accepted $100,000 from Weinstein in 1997 after an alleged encounter in hotel room. It was part of an agreement that the case would not be prosecuted further but was not an admission of guilt on Weinstein's part, according to The New York Times which viewed a legal document detailing the agreement.

After a handful of women aired claims that Weinstein had either harassed or raped them at the start of October, McGowan claimed on Twitter that she had been raped by 'HW'.

Baldwin addressed the scandal on Twitter on Saturday afternoon and signed off from social media

She did not use his name but said she told Amazon studio head Roy Price about the attack and said nothing was done to help her. Price has been fired by Amazon in light of separate claims he sexually harassed a lesbian TV producer.

On Saturday, McGowan's fans supported her criticism of Baldwin and his remarks.

'Finds a way to blame women. Not rapist,' said one.

'Leave it to Alec Baldwin to perpetuate the victim blaming. Now it's Rose McGowan's fault that Harvey Weinstein kept assaulting women.'

'The money is NOT the reason they don't speak out and Alec Baldwin is victim blaming,' another quipped.

Baldwin's fans defended him, saying his comments were not aimed at the victims and that he was offering a wider commentary on the mere existence of such cash settlements as those he described.

'Mr Baldwin is not blaming anyone. He's pointing out that women are cornered to accept these settlements,' said one.

Baldwin was accused of 'victim blaming' for suggesting that cash settlements between abusers and victims stalls the course of justice

McGowan (above on October 27) has been leading an unrelenting commentary on the Weinstein scandal since it erupted

Baldwin and his wife Hilaria (above together in September) are expecting their fourth child together. He said this week that he has treated women unfairly in the past and wants to improve his behavior

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Baldwin reflected on the Weinstein scandal and acknowledged there was a wide pool of victims and alleged predators in the industry.

He suggested the only reason Weinstein, 65, has been exposed with such volition was because he is an 'unlikable' character.

'There was a pool of gas on the ground. Its interesting to me how the match that was struck was struck on Harvey. If Harvey wasnt so unlikable, would it have had the velocity that it has and the intensity? I think what enabled this was Harvey was somebody that many people, not myself, but many people were just itching to bring down,' he said.

Baldwin, who recently announced he is expecting his fourth child with wife Hilaria, added that while he was not the subject of any accusations, he needs to 'improve' his treatment of women.

'I have been guilty of playing into that, where womens opinions and womens analysis and womens participation and contributions are slightly less than mens. I dont think I do that much now, but in the past.'

Weinstein, 65, (file image) is hiding out in Arizona. The NYPD this week said they had enough evidence to prepare a warrant for his arrest

It echoed his earlier apologetic admission that he had treated women in a sexist way in the past.

''I certainly have treated women in a very sexist way.

'I've bullied women. I've overlooked women. I've underestimated women. Not as a rule, [but] from time to time I've done what a lot of men do, which is  when you don't treat women the same way you treat men. You don't.

'I'm from a generation where you really don't and I'd like that to change. I really would like that to change,' he said.

Weinstein is hiding out in Arizona where he may be arrested any day and extradited to New York to face charges.

The NYPD announced this week that it believed it had credible and sufficient evidence to issue a warrant for his arrest.

He is also being investigated in London and Los Angeles over separate sexual assault and harassment claims.

The exposure of Weinstein by The New York Times and New Yorker last month has led to an avalanche of accusations against other men across Hollywood and in other industries.

Baldwin's representatives declined to comment on the PBS interview and his remarks when contacted by DailyMail.com on Saturday.
A church in Florida is changing its outdoor sign after a message about forgiveness was misinterpreted by many as a sexual innuendo.

The white board outside the Bella Villa Baptist Church in Edgewater read on Friday: 'Forgiveness is swallowing when you want to spit.'

A woman in the community posted the sign on Facebook, saying she was driving past the sign and made a U-turn to come back and take a photo.

Bella Villa Baptist Church in Edgewater, Florida, is changing its outdoor sign after a message about forgiveness was misinterpreted by many as a sexual innuendo (pictured)

Several commented on the hilarious post, with one person writing: 'Don't think they thought this through.'

Others wrote: 'I can't believe it.'

Another posted the photo on Instagram and captioned it: 'I think someone is a little mad at their wife.'

Representatives from the church told Local 10 News the sign was 'completely innocent' and was 'intended as encouragement to forgive'.

'We apologize if anyone was offended,' wrote church officials, who intend to take it down.

Just one week ago, a South Carolina church got into some hot water after an allegedly offensive sign.

The sign at Full Gospel Tabernacle of God in Buffalo, read: ' Work Harder Millions on Welfare Depend on You.'

Representatives from the church (pictured) told Local 10 News the sign was 'completely innocent' and was 'intended as encouragement to forgive'

Senior pastor Reverend Ricky Cook apologized, saying the sign was a joke and not meant to offend anyone.

He said he read the quote in a book and thought it was funny, so he put it on the sign.

Even with the backlash, Rev Cook believes welfare is a burden on the economy and the system needs to be fixed.
A tank has been prevented from parading on this year's Remembrance Day in Lincoln, where the weapon was invented, to commemorate its entry into the First World War.

The replica Mark IV tank was to have joined in a parade in Lincoln 100 years after the Battle of Cambrai, when tanks were first used in mass formation, as part of a Channel 4 documentary.

But the city's council said it could not guarantee the safety of the public because of the 8 metres long, 30 tonnes vehicle's size and lack of manoeuvrability.

The replica was built by motorbike racer and TV presenter Guy Martin, who lives in Lincolnshire, for the documentary and it is filming of key sequences featuring the tank will now take place in France instead, the Daily Telegraph reported.

The replica Mark IV tank was to have taken part in the Remembrance Day parade

The tank was built by motorbike racer and TV presenter Guy Martin, who lives in Lincolnshire

The vehicle was built for a documentary about the 100th anniversary of the first time tanks were used in mass formation at the Battle of Cambrai

The council said because of the size of the vehicle and its lack of manoeuvrability, the public's safety could not be guaranteed

Tom Norton from the documentary's production team North One TV, said: 'Following meetings with the local council and the emergency services, we have come to the difficult decision that it will not be possible to bring Guy's tank to Lincoln city centre as part of our upcoming Channel 4 programme.

'Ultimately public safety has to be our number one priority and after meeting with the police it was decided that the proposed location was simply too challenging to guarantee that the activity wouldn't put members of the public at risk.

'We hope that at some point the tank will be able to make a visit to Lincoln.'

Naval officer Walter Wilson came up with the idea for the tank William Tritton, managing director of William Foster and Co Limited, in a Lincoln hotel

For the documentary Mr Martin, went to the city's White Hart Hotel where William Tritton, managing director of William Foster and Co Limited, and naval officer Walter Wilson came up with the idea for the tank.

They brainstormed the idea of developing such a vehicle, scrawling their ideas onto the back of cigarette packets.

Simon Colburn, Assistant Director for Health and Environmental Services at Lincoln City Council said the borough was keen for the tank to parade.

But he added: 'At The Lincoln Safety Advisory Group meeting it was decided that the plan could not proceed safely in its current form and that changes would need to be made.

'It was then left with North One Television to revise their plans, and they decided not proceed with filming.'

The decision left locals baffled that the 'home of the tank' would not see one parade on Remembrance Day.

Dave Corby, a HGV lorry driver from Lincoln, said: 'How can the Council celebrate Lincoln as Home of the Tank and place the memorial on Uni roundabout and then refuse something that involves the Tank in question?'
Hollywood,



If you spent a little time reading the threads rather than trying to troll people and attempting to control them while you hijack threads, you might learn something. Let's revisit the instant case:



Clara007 asked another poster if they had read the Bible. I asked Clara007 if he / she had read the Bible and reminded him / her what that book has to say relative to the OP. Nothing more, sir and nothing less. My response was related to the OP based upon the book a poster inquired about.



In doing so, any credibility given to the Bible is between Clara007 and myself. It don't have squat to do with you and the authority of the Bible is not at issue here. This thread is not about whether or not the Bible has any authority. I answered a poster's question. Period.



I asked you politely that if you wanted to argue the Bible START ANOTHER THREAD. Now, either you cannot read OR you have no respect for your fellow posters. And here's the deal:



You are all over this board with ******** this and **** that, always pretending to be the Head Honcho in Charge and never starting threads that articulate YOUR position. You're satisfied being everyone else's judge. You think the world revolves around you and you hate the Bible because you've decided that you're God. Time you got that bubble bursted: Nobody died and left you in charge. You are not God and I don't owe your fat *** a damn thing.



I came here to post about topics, not have a never ending personality contest with a loser that is so henpecked that the only way he feels important is to demean and bully people he's never met. You lack the guts to start threads and show people where you stand. You blow hot air that you cannot and will not say to a person's face. That's why you act this way anonymously on the Internet. I'm just not your boy. I'm damn sure not someone you can bully. And if you don't have enough respect to leave people alone when politely asked, someone should figure a way to hold you accountable.



You don't have enough IQ nor common sense to evaluate what I put on this board. If you weren't so totally uncouth, you'd take a hint and leave people alone when they asked it of you. I don't like your smart *** attitude and you will never be good enough to judge me.
Netflix has removed Kevin Spacey from the cover photo of House of Cards on the heels of news that the company was cutting all ties to the actor.

The previous poster for the long-running political drama featured Spacey's character of Frank Underwood and Robin Wright's Claire Underwood.

The current cover photo features a still of just Wright, wearing a black coat and looking into the distance.

In addition, the overview section of the show's page features a still of Claire Underwood sitting in the Oval Office chair.

The company announced Friday night that it wouldn't make House of Cards as long as Spacey was involved, and that it was dropping a biopic of writer Gore Vidal that he had been set to star in amid more claims of inappropriate behavior.

Netflix has removed Kevin Spacey from the cover photo of House of Cards and replaced it with solely Robin Wright (pictured)

In addition, the overview section of the show's page features a still of Claire Underwood sitting in the Oval Office chair.

Previous posters of the show featured both Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright (left and right)

On Friday night, BuzzFeed News spoke to three more men who accused Spacey of inappropriate conduct - including one who said the actor invited him to watch gay porn and gave him cocktails when he was 16.

'Netflix will not be involved with any further production of House of Cards that includes Kevin Spacey,' the company said in a statement.

'We will continue to work with [Media Rights Capital, the production house behind the show] during this hiatus time to evaluate our path forward as it relates to the show.'

'We have also decided we will not be moving forward with the release of the film Gore, which was in post-production, starring and produced by Kevin Spacey.'

Netflix has now cut all ties with Spacey, saying it won't stream his movie Gore, or any seasons of House of Cards that feature him. Also Friday three more accusations were made

The statement is vague about the fate of House of Cards, but Page Six reported that production would continue without Spacey's involvement. It is unclear whether that is speculation; the claim isn't attributed to any source.

The show began with production house Media Rights Capital (MRC), but Spacey has an executive producer credit on the show, and his own company - Trigger Street Productions - has been involved in the show over the first five seasons.

Star Trek: Discovery actor Anthony Rapp was the first to make claims against Spacey, saying the actor drunkenly grabbed him and lay on top of him when he was just 14

It's not clear whether the first five seasons of the show will remain on Netflix.

Spacey's woes came after Star Trek: Discovery actor Anthony Rapp claimed that Spacey had come onto him when he was just 14 years old, after a party at Spacey's, when they were the only ones in the apartment.

He said the actor had drunkenly picked him up 'like a bride,' and then lay down on top of him. Spacey said the story 'horrified' him and said he didn't recall the encounter, but said he apologized 'if I did behave then as he describes.'

Since then, a claim has emerged that Spacey made a 'gesture and remark' on the set of the first season in 2012 that resulted in him undergoing a 'training process'.

And on Friday another three claims were fired at the Oscar-winner - one of them again involving a teenager, another one claiming that he grabbed a man's penis and chased him around a club, and the third saying he got an assistant to request sex on set.

Spacey's lawyer did not respond to BuzzFeed's request for comment on the new claims.

Justin Dawes told Buzzfeed that he was working as a 16-year-old volunteer theater usher in 1988 when he met Spacey, then 29, after a play he was appearing in.

The actor invited him and a male friend over to watch Roman Polanski's Chinatown at an apartment he was renting for the duration of the performance.

This was some 11 years after Polanski himself was infamously charged with getting a 13-year-old girl drunk and raping her.

Dawes said that he and his friend arrived at Spacey's home to find no-one else there, and the TV playing gay pornography. Spacey mixed them cocktails, he said.

Spacey (seen in 1986) allegedly approached a 16-year-old in 1988 and invited him to watch a movie. When the teen got to Spacey's home, he said, gay porn was on the TV and Spacey was making cocktails. But the now-38-year-old said Spacey was 'cringey' and 'benign'

'We all had a drink, and we were kind of like, "Oh, no one else is coming?" And he's like, "Oh, no one else decided to come," and he never mentioned that this porn was playing,' Dawes told BuzzFeed News. 'It was really awkward.'

He said it was 'cringey' and 'benign' but that it was obvious he was not an adult at the time: ''He knew that I was in high school. It was pretty clear. It's not like I was pretending to be an older, cooler person.'

Friends of Dawes, who is straight, confirmed that he had told them about the story around that time, but the friend allegedly at the party couldn't be contacted.

Friday's second accuser was an unnamed journalist who said that Spacey grabbed his crotch during an interview in London in 2009.

Spacey, who was then head of London's famous Old Vic theater, was starring in Inherit the Wind there when the journalist met him.

He said that Spacey was 'charming' during the interview, but grew lecherous after he invited the journalist out to a nighclub.

'He just kept reaching between my legs and, you know, just grabbing my d**k,' he said.

'I would move his hand away, and say something that I thought was pretending was funny or whatever at first. And then I was starting to get annoyed by it, and that was pretty clear.'

He says he repeatedly tried to move away from Spacey and shoo him off, but that Spacey kept following him, touching his legs.

Even saying he was in a committed relationship with a woman didn't put off Spacey, he said: 'He had somehow convinced himself that this was a sexual liaison that we both wanted.'

In 2009, during this production of Inherit the Wind in London, Spacey allegedly grabbed a journalist's penis and chased him around a club

The journalist said that Spacey's entourage did nothing to help, and that he felt compelled to stay because he was on an assignment.

'I was trying not to make a big scene, because I had an assignment to write about him,' he said. 'So it wasn't clear to me that I should just, like, knock his teeth out, or something. I was in a weird dynamic of I wanted to be able to do my story.'

He said he ended up not printing the story because Spacey was in the closet, and he didn't want to out him without the man's permission.

'It has occurred to me since then that there's this weird way that Spacey had discovered that the closet would shield other things,' the journalist said.

'Being closeted has for him enabled him to use this privacy claim as a shield against anybody looking closely at his actual behavior.

'And then it may have served as this strange, protective mechanism, to say, "My whole sexual life is off limits because of my sexuality."'

Military advisor Mark Ebenhoch (pictured) said that on the set of Outbreak, one of Spacey's 'harem' of assistants asked him to go to Spacey's trailer and have sex with him

Spacey came out in his response to Rapp's allegations - which empowered the journalist to speak out, but also led to a backlash from people who felt he was trying to distract from the claims against him while also selling out the LGBT community.

The third claim came from Mark Ebenhoch, who met Spacey on the set of 1995 thriller Outbreak, when he was 35 and Spacey around 36.

Ebenhoch, who is gay but was in the closed at the time, was working as a military consultant on the film, in which Spacey plays an Army virologist.

He said that Spacey had a 'harem' of young male assistants according to those on set, and one day, 'out of the complete blue', one of them propositioned him on Spacey's behalf.

Ebenhoch said there was no veiled invitation or euphemism involved: 'They asked flat out to engage in a sexual act. It was enough to stun me. It blew me away.'

Warner Bros, the film's distributor, declined to comment when approached by BuzzFeed News.

Ebenhoch said he avoided Spacey for the rest of the shoot, fearing what might happen if he was outed. 'As a military adviser the last thing you'd want anyone to know is that you were gay,' he said.

On Thursday, MRC said it 'will continue to thoroughly investigate all current claims and any new claims that are formally brought to our attention, and will continue to monitor our own production and practices to ensure that our cast and crew feel safe and supported.'
Dramatic police body cam video has captured the moment officers saved a suicidal man who tried to jump off an Ohio overpass onto a busy freeway.

Two officers had been dispatched to an area near the Interstate 71 in Columbus last Saturday following reports that two men were fighting.

When officers Ryan Erney and Scott Wright arrived at the scene, a witness identified the suspect who started the fight.

Dramatic police body cam video has captured the moment officers saved a suicidal man who tried to jump off an overpass onto a busy freeway in Columbus, Ohio last Saturday

But when Erney tried to speak to the man, he reached into his waistband and shouted: 'Kill me'.

Police say the suspect then fled and ran towards the nearby overpass.

The officer radioed for help as he pursued the suspect on foot.

The man tried to jump over a concrete wall that would have been a straight drop down onto the busy freeway.

Erney grabbed the man's arms to stop him falling.

One of the officers grabbed hold of the man's arms, while another held onto his pants (pictured above) before they were able to lift him to safety

The officers managed to lift the man over the concrete barrier. It would have been a straight drop down onto the busy freeway if the officers hadn't grabbed hold of him

Wright's body cam footage showed him running across to help his colleague and captured them struggling to keep hold of him until backup arrived.

With the help of two other officers, they were able to lift the suspect over the concrete barrier to safety.

The man was found to have active warrants out against him, including failure to register as a sex offender and probation violation.

He was handcuffed and taken into custody.

Police have not revealed the suspect's identity.
Ronan Farrow says he was menacingly threatened by Harvey Weinstein's team repeatedly before publishing his explosive New Yorker piece revealing 13 women accusing the producer of sexual harassment and assault.

Farrow appeared on Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show' detailing how Weinstein's people tried to block the piece with a lawsuit and other 'threatening and menacing' statements.

'There were multiple moments where people around me would sit me down and say, ''look are you sure you want to keep going with this.'' There was a lot of pressure... and it wasn't just directed at me, it was directed at a whole range of reporters.'

He says the threats never came directly from Weinstein. 'I was threatened with a lawsuit by his lawyers and intermediaries did a lot of threatening and menacing statements.'

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Ronan Farrow (left) on Stephen Colbert how Harvey Weinstein's people threatened him with a lawsuit and menacing statements to stop him from publishing his explosive report

Colbert pressed with questions, however Farrow said the conversations between he and Weinstein's people are 'private communications'

Colbert pressed. 'You'll never work again, that Hollywood stuff?'

'I don't want to get into the private communications on this, but yeah menacing stuff. You've heard the legends of how he behaves, you get the idea.'

'This was a public safety issue,' Farrow said of his report. 'You can't stop going if you have evidence there's maybe an ongoing pattern of behavior that's endangering people.'

He also says he did not anticipate the 'cascade' of others who came forward with their own allegations against people outside the Weinstein scandal uncovered in his piece and the first bombshell report in the New York Times- both in the early weeks of October.

'This machine that was so instrumental in keeping this quiet as long as it was quiet  I think there is much more to be said about just how far that went,' he teased of his next installment.

The NYPD have ensured that Harvey Weinstein (seen left in Arizona on Thursday) cannot leave the US. Police say he's expected to be charged soon with raping actress Paz de la Huerta (right)

Colbert informed his viewers Farrow originally worked for months on his report for NBC News, 'and they did not want to broadcast the report you had come up with, so you took it to New Yorker.

'How much sooner would you have been able to talk about this if NBC had broadcast it?' Colbert queried.

Farrow said there 'maybe more to say about the NBC piece of this' later, but that the focus now needs to be on the 'flood of women' who are coming forward.

'It is very clear, if you look at this story and how long it stayed quiet, that it is of the utmost importance that any news organization that has damning evidence of ongoing criminal activity needs to run that, needs to investigate itand run it,' Farrow responded to Colbert pressing on NBC's decision not to run his piece. 'That's what I'll say about that.'

Weinstein is alleged to have raped de la Huerta on two separate occasions in Manhattan in 2010. He was supposedly in Arizona to attend a rehab clinic

Meanwhile Homeland Security is now watching America's borders to make sure that Weinstein doesn't try to flee his impending rape charge, it has emerged.

The disgraced Hollywood producer, 65, who was last seen in Arizona, stands accused of raping actress Paz de la Huerta, 33, on two occasions in 2010.

On Friday, the NYPD said that if he had still been in the city, he would likely have been arrested already. Now they have contacted the feds to make sure he doesn't flee the country.

'We don't want another Roman Polanski on our hands,' a source told Page Six.

Sources said that Homeland Security was notified by both NYPD and Manhattan District Attorney's Office, but that Weinstein can still fly internally in the US.

He was last seen with a male friend in Phoenix, Arizona on Thursday, eating in a small restaurant.

While he's in the US, the police can still arrange for his return to New York City, where he allegedly raped de la Huerta.

But if he flees the country then he'll be in the wind - much like Polanski, the film director accused of raping a 13-year-old girl in LA in 1977, who fled the LAPD and has never returned to the US to face trial.

On Friday, Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce said that Weinstein being out of New York was delaying his arrest, as was the age of the case.

'If this person was still in New York and it was recent we would go right away and make the arrest, no doubt,' he said.

Police are reportedly concerned that Weinstein will follow the lead of film director Roman Polanski (pictured), who fled the US in 1977, after being charged with rape

'But we're talking about a seven-year-old case. And we have to move forward gathering evidence.'

He said that de la Huerta contacted police 10 days ago, and that detectives had been working with her since to ensure that the case was robust.

'We have a credible and detailed narrative, and even though the incident occurred seven years ago there has been corroboration from a number of individuals,' he said.

He went on to say that investigators contacted the district attorney's office soon after they interviewed de la Huerta and 'started working the case together.'

'We have an actual case here, so we're happy with where the investigation is right now,' said Chief Boyce.

'Mr Weinstein is out of state, [so] we would need an arrest warrant to arrest him. So right now we're gathering our evidence and we continue to do so, every day. So that's where we are in the case.'

Chief Boyce also made it very clear that de la Huerta was a strong witness, noting her 'ability to articulate each and every movement of the crime, where she was, where they met, where this happened and what he did.

The case was further bolstered because De la Huerta was the first victim who was allegedly assaulted by Weinstein after 2006, when New York did away with the statute of limitations in instances of rape, criminal sexual act or aggravated sexual abuse in the first degree.

The assaults alleged by the other two women took place before that law was changed, which means that even if the district attorney's office files charges against Weinstein in those cases they could be tossed out of court by a judge.

NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce said on Friday that Weinstein hadn't been arrested because he wasn't in New York and because the incidents allegedly occurred back in 2010

The NYPD confirmed that they have the beginnings of a strong case. De la Huerta contacted them 10 days ago. Pictured: Mayor Bill de Blasio and Commissioner James O'Neill above

Chief Boyce seemed to suggest on Friday that those probes have been put on hold while the focus turns to de la Huerta's allegations.

At the same time, the Manhattan District Attorney's office has assigned a senior sex crimes prosecutor to work on the case.

WEINSTEIN PROBES NEW YORK POLICE DEPARTMENT Lucia Evans (Claims Weinstein forced her to preform oral sex on him in 2004 - not being pursued by NYPD) Jane Doe 1 (Claims she was sexally assaulted by Weinstein pre-2006 - not being pursued by NYPD) Paz de la Huerta (Claims Weinstein raped her twice in 2010 - being pursued by NYPD and DA's office) LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT Italian model-actress (Claims Weinstein raped her at hotel in 2013) Jane Doe 2 (Claims she was the victim of unknown Weinstein offense in 2015) LONDON'S SCOTLAND YARD Jane Doe 3 (Claims Weinstein assaulted her in London during 80s) Lysette Anthony (Claims Weinstein raped her in her London home in 80s) Jane Doe 4 (Claims assualts in Camden and Westminster in 2010, 11 and 15) Jane Doe 5 (Claims she was assaulted in Westmoreland in 1992) Jane Doe 6 (Claims she was assaulted outside the UK in thew 80s) Jane Doe 7 (Claims she was assaulted in Westminster in mid-90s) Jane Doe 8 (Claims she was assaulted in Westmoreland in 1994) Advertisement

'As to others, I'm not going to close the door and say others wont come forward, but this is what we have right now, this is what we're moving forward with,' said Chief Boyce.

On Thursday, Weinstein was spotted for the first time since he claimed to have entered rehab in Arizona.

Weinstein was was seen slurping on some soup at Chestnut, a farm-to-table restaurant in Phoenix, along with an unidentified friend.

He managed to keep a low profile throughout the meal despite the fact that over 100 women have now accused him of sexual harassment and/or assault.

That feat was accomplished in large part because of his disguise, with Weinstein wearing a blond wig over his bald head and orange makeup covering his face before heading out in public.

His guest also appeared to be wearing a wig, with the man keeping a hand on the side of his head during their meal.

Weinstein has been in Arizona for close to a month, where he reportedly attended a week of in-patient rehab at an undisclosed location and is now receiving out-patient treatment.

De la Huerta said on Thursday that Weinstein first raped her in October 2010, claiming that he joined her for a drink at her apartment after the two ran into one another at the Standard Hotel and then forced himself on her despite her protests.

'He stuck himself inside me,' said de la Huerta, noting that she was 'afraid and 'it all happened very quickly.'

She also stressed that it was non consensual.

'When he was done he said he'd be calling me. I kind of just laid on the bed in shock,' said the actress.

The second incident happened two months later when Weinstein came to her apartment, de la Huerta said. She claimed she had been drinking and was therefore unable to give consent.

New York County District Attorney Maxine B. Rosenthal has also been looking into de la Huerta's claims, with the actress's lawyer confirming that he turned over information and files to her office earlier this week.

The detective leading the Weinstein investigation for the NYPD said that the evidence needed to make an arrest is in place after Paz de la Huerta's report (actress above in undated photo)

Among the items turned over were notes from her therapist confirming that de la Huerta spoke about the alleged assault at the time.

'I recall you telling me that Harvey Weinstein was seeking sexual contact with you on more than one occasion with the promise of additional roles,' wrote SueAnne Piliero in a letter to the district attorney's office.

'I recall you reporting to me a sexual encounter with Harvey Weinstein involving intercourse in your apartment in 2010 that resulted in you feeling victimized.

'I recall you telling me that it felt coercive to you and that you didn't want to have sex with him, but felt that you had to as he was a man of power and rank and you couldn't say no to his sexual advances.'

On Friday, de la Huerta's lawyer Aaron Filler detailed his client's experience with Weinstein on 'Megyn Kelly Today.'

'She had known him for years because she met him when she was 14 years old when she did Cider House Rules, and she had seen him,' said Filler.

'She lived in the neighborhood in Tribeca, where he lives, and right up the street from the Weinstein Company.'

Then, a decade after they met, the two ran into one another at a nightclub in the city, with Weinstein offering the actress a ride home.

De la Huerta was 25 at the time and Weinstein was 58.

In the beginning: De la Huerta first met Weinstein when she was 14 on the set of 'Cider House Rules' (de la Huerta is seen above in the film)

When they got to the actress' building, Weinstein tried to make his way into her apartment, despite her pleas that he leave for the night said her lawyer.

'And they argued in front of the doorman. And as we've heard in the tape from the wire and from 2015 in New York [with Ambra Battilana], convinced her to let him in. And then, rape ensued.'

That was just the beginning though according to Filler.

'And following that, he began to call her, repeatedly and saying, 'I'm waiting at your home. I'm in your lobby. I'm parked out front. When are you coming home?' And the doorman would warn her. She would stay away,' said Filler.

'She was afraid to come home.'

Another incident followed a short time later in Los Angeles, said Filler, who seemed to struggle with his appearance on Today.

'She decided to confront him and tell him, 'You're a stalker. You raped me. You've got to stop.' She confronted him in the hotel. She had come to meet him with some other people,' said Filler.

'And when she gave him the message. He exposed himself. And she left.'

'This has been going on for two months. And she decided she was going to confront him. She was very upset. The whole period of stalking and not being able to come home, day after day, really had tremendous impact on her.'

Charges were never filed against Weinstein the last time he was investigated for assault in 2015 by the NYPD, despite police sources saying they thought there was enough evidence to indict the mogul after passing off the case to the district attorney's office.

Three days after meeting with Battilana at their office, a spokesperson for Manhattan District Attorney Vance announced that the probe into the incident did not find enough evidence to pursue a case.

'This case was taken seriously from the outset, with a thorough investigation conducted by our sex crimes unit,' said Joan Vollero at the time.

'After analyzing the available evidence, including multiple interviews with both parties, a criminal charge is not supported.'

The New York Times revealed last month that Weinstein surrounded himself with a very connected team of litigators before learning that charges would not be pursued in the case.

He retained Elkan Abramowitz, a former law partner of Vance, and Daniel S. Connolly, who was also a former prosecutor.

Linda Fairstein came on as a consultant and introduced Weinstein's lawyer Abramowitz to Martha Bashford, the head of the district attorney's sex crimes bureau.

'Any allegations of non-consensual sex are unequivocally denied by Mr. Weinstein,' said his spokesperson Sallie Hofmeister in a statement shortly after the first exposes were released about his behavior.

'Mr. Weinstein has further confirmed that there were never any acts of retaliation against any women for refusing his advances.'

She went on to state: 'Mr. Weinstein obviously can't speak to anonymous allegations, but with respect to any women who have made allegations on the record, Mr. Weinstein believes that all of these relationships were consensual.

'Mr. Weinstein has begun counseling, has listened to the community and is pursuing a better path. Mr. Weinstein is hoping that, if he makes enough progress, he will be given a second chance.'

There is still no confirmation that Weinstein ever entered rehab or sought counseling.
Four years ago, well before the furor over allegations Moscow meddled in the 2016 election that put Donald Trump in the White House, at least 195 web addresses belonging to Trump, his family or his business empire were hijacked by hackers possibly operating out of Russia, The Associated Press has learned.

The Trump Organization denied the domain names were ever compromised. But a review of internet records by the AP and cybersecurity experts shows otherwise.

And it was not until this past week, after the Trump camp was asked about it by the AP, that the last of the tampered-with addresses were repaired.

The Trump Organization denied that 195 web addresses were ever compromised by Russian hackers. But a review of internet records by the AP and cybersecurity experts shows otherwise

After the hack, computer users who visited the Trump-related addresses were unwittingly redirected to servers in St. Petersburg, Russia, that cybersecurity experts said contained malicious software commonly used to steal passwords or hold files for ransom. Whether anyone fell victim to such tactics is unclear.

A further mystery is who the hackers were and why they did it.

The discovery represents a new twist in the Russian hacking story, which up to now has focused mostly on what U.S. intelligence officials say was a campaign by the Kremlin to try to undermine Democrat Hillary Clinton's candidacy and benefit Trump's.

It is not known whether the hackers who tampered with the Trump addresses are the same ones who stole Democratic officials' emails and embarrassed the party in the heat of the campaign last year. Nor is it clear whether the hackers were acting on behalf of the Russian government.

The affected addresses, or domain names, included donaldtrump.org, donaldtrumpexecutiveoffice.com, donaldtrumprealty.com and barrontrump.com. They were compromised in two waves of attacks in August and September 2013, according to the review of internet records.

After the hack, computer users who visited the Trump-related addresses were unwittingly redirected to servers in St. Petersburg, Russia

Many of the addresses were not being used by Trump. Businesses and public figures commonly buy addresses for possible future use or to prevent them from falling into the hands of rivals or enemies. The Trump Organization and its affiliates own at least 3,300 in all.

According to security experts, the hackers hijacked the addresses by penetrating and altering the domain registration records housed at GoDaddy.com, a seller of web addresses.

Accounts at GoDaddy, like at any site that requires a user name and password, are often subject to malicious messages known as phishing attacks, which are designed to trick people to reveal that personal information to hackers.

Computer users who entered or clicked on one of those Trump addresses probably would have had no idea they were redirected to servers in Russia.

Within days after the AP asked the Trump Organization about the tampering, the affected web addresses were all corrected.

The White House referred questions to the Trump Organization. The FBI did not respond to a request for comment.

It was not until this past week, after the Trump camp was asked about it by the AP, that the last of the tampered-with addresses were repaired

GoDaddy spokesman Nick Fuller said the company had no breaches of its system in 2013 and has measures in place to monitor for malicious activity. Fuller would not discuss any customers in particular.

Some cybersecurity experts said there is an outside chance the tampering was a probe - an attempt to test security for an eventual effort to gather information on Trump or his business dealings. But those experts were only guessing.

There was no evidence the hackers ultimately broke into server computers at the Trump Organization or other Trump interests.

"This is beyond me," said Paul Vixie, CEO of the San Mateo, California-based internet security company Farsight Security Inc. "I have simply never seen a benefit accrue from an attack of this kind. I'm at loss, unless it's a demonstration of capabilities."

Vixie said the Trump Organization's apparent failure to detect what was happening probably suggests inadequate cybersecurity at the company.

"There's no way something like this could go by in the Bloomberg empire without this being seen," Vixie said.
A woman is under heavy fire on social media after she attempted to blast a news reporter for wearing what she deemed inappropriate clothes.

On Wednesday, Facebook user Jan Shedd posted about Channel 8's traffic reporter, Demetria Obilor, in Dalls Texas complaining about her dress fitting.

'Has anyone seen Channel 8's new morning traffic reporter? Her name is Demetria Obilor & she's a size 16/18 woman in a size six dress and she looks ridiculous,' Jan said in the post that has since been deleted.

Scroll down for video

On Wednesday, Facebook user Jan Shedd posted about Channel 8's traffic reporter, Demetria Obilor (pictured), in Dalls Texas complaining about her dress fitting

'Has anyone seen Channel 8's new morning traffic reporter? Her name is Demetria Obilor & she's a size 16/18 woman in a size six dress and she looks ridiculous,' Jan said in the post that has since been deleted

'I understand that when I watch Channel 8 I'm going to get biased reporting and political correctness, but clearly they have taken complete leave of their senses. I'm not going to watch Channel 8 anymore.'

Shared by the likes of Kinfolk Kollective and Mother of Draggings, the picture of Jan's post quickly circulated and garnered a lot of backlash towards the woman - who is white - and support for the Nigerian American reporter.

'BIIIIIIG MAD,' said Chance the Rapper.

'Jan just mad she look like aged leather strips with her lazy eye don't mind her,' added another.

'BIIIIIIG MAD,' said Chance the Rapper

'Jan just mad she look like aged leather strips with her lazy eye don't mind her,' added another

A different user said: 'Jan is big mad. Don't be like Jan.'

'That old sack a s**t jan mad demtria slayin that dress all while jan dresses saggin off hee a*s and t*****s,' said a user.

'I'm bout ta turn on channel 8 right now! I need to c Miss Demetria...as for u Jan, #ByeB****,' said actor David Alan Grier.

A different user said: 'Jan is big mad. Don't be like Jan'

'That old sack a s**t jan mad demtria slayin that dress all while jan dresses saggin off hee a*s and t*****s,' said a user

'I'm bout ta turn on channel 8 right now! I need to c Miss Demetria...as for u Jan, #ByeB****,' said actor David Alan Grier

Another user spoke on the racial implications of Jan's attack and added: 'This is precisely how women of color are treated in the workplace wearing the same exact shit the white girls have on'

Another user spoke on the racial implications of Jan's attack and added: 'This is precisely how women of color are treated in the workplace wearing the same exact shit the white girls have on.'

The news reporter took to Facebook on Friday to address Jan and the rest of her 'haters.'

She said: 'This is the way that I'm built. This is the way I was born. I'm not going anywhere, so if you don't like it, you have your options.'

The news reporter took to Facebook on Friday to address Jan and the rest of her 'haters'

Obilor thanked those that supported her and showed love to her fans.

Jan would later go on to talk about how she was attacked by the 'racist mafia' after making the racist post.

'Frankly, I didn't even notice that she was black. I was shocked that Channel 8 would put someone on the air that dressed so provocatively,' she said, according to Ebony.

'The racist mafia did not appreciate the criticism and now they are harassing me.'

The woman's claim that she was somehow unable to see Obilor's race but couldn't see past her curves left a lot of people confused and further annoyed.

She has since been blocking those that criticize her.

.
Its hotels are the real-life Fawlty Towers, where guests complain of dirty rooms, broken toilets, and stained bedclothes and towels.

But the Britannia group  dubbed the worst hotel chain in Britain by consumer magazine Which?  has seen its operating profits soar to nearly 20 million, according to its latest accounts.

Founder Alex Langsam, 79, has amassed an estimated 240 million fortune since he founded the company 30 years ago. He lives in a sprawling ten-bedroom former hotel worth 3.4 million in a leafy suburb of Cheshire.

Founder Alex Langsam, 79, has amassed an estimated 240 million fortune since he founded the company 30 years ago

The Britannia group has seen its operating profits soar to nearly 20 million, according to its latest accounts. Pictured is the Britannia Hampstead in North London

Langsam lives in a sprawling ten-bedroom former hotel worth 3.4 million in a leafy suburb of Cheshire

The company's remarkable financial performance comes despite damning reviews by Britannia guests on ratings website TripAdvisor.

A guest staying at one of the chain's more expensive hotels  the Britannia Hampstead in North London  described the scene as 'something out of a horror movie'. The room smelt of 'stale smoke', offered stained towels and sheets, and the toilet was broken.

The company's branches in Manchester fared little better: 'The hotel is very dated and in serious need of refurbishment,' wrote one last week about its city centre site.

Another person staying at the Britannia near the city's airport advised travellers: 'Do yourself a favour and either spend a bit more or sleep on a bench at the airport.'

An undercover Which? investigator sent to stay at a Britannia hotel found 'an air of neglect' to the 'dated' property, with stained carpets, a cracked sink and lumpy mattress.

Current prices for one person for an overnight stay midweek range from 100.50 in London's Canary Wharf to 29.50 at the Grand Metropole in Blackpool.

A guest staying at one of the chain's more expensive hotels described the scene as 'something out of a horror movie'

The room smelt of 'stale smoke', offered stained towels and sheets, and the toilet was broken. Pictured is a stained mattress

An undercover Which? investigator sent to stay at a Britannia hotel found 'an air of neglect' to the 'dated' property, with stained carpets, a cracked sink and lumpy mattress

In June this year the company was fined more than 265,000 for seven breaches of food safety and hygiene regulation at the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool  once one of the city's most prestigious addresses. Kitchen inspectors found live cockroaches, and mice and rat droppings.

City councillor Steve Munby called the establishment 'an embarrassment' and added that 'the way the Adelphi is run at the moment would make Fawlty Towers look like a five-star hotel'.

Previously, Britannia was fined 18,000 for food hygiene offences at its Coventry hotel and 200,000 in 2013 for putting guests at risk of asbestos exposure in Folkestone.

Current prices for one person for an overnight stay midweek range from 100.50 in London's Canary Wharf to 29.50 at the Grand Metropole in Blackpool. Pictured is a room at the Britannia

City councillor Steve Munby called the establishment 'an embarrassment' and added that 'the way the Adelphi is run at the moment would make Fawlty Towers look like a five-star hotel'. Pictured is the Hampstead Britannia

A Britannia spokesman called the Which? survey 'fundamentally flawed'. 'We have a wide range of hotels, all of which offer customers excellent value for money,' he said

Britannia directors claim that the group offers 'increasing levels of comfort and service while maintaining its highly competitive prices and reputation for good value'.

The company has received undisclosed sums from the Government to house refugees and asylum seekers. Many guests complained after realising they were sharing their holiday hotel with migrants. The Red Cross said hotel accommodation was 'inappropriate' in these cases.

A spokesperson for Britannia Hotels said: 'We pride ourselves on offering our customers fantastic value at a range of great hotels, which include some of the most iconic buildings in the finest locations across the UK.

'We welcome more than nine and a half million guests a year and our 12,000 employees work tirelessly all year round to deliver the outstanding service and value that those customers both expect and deserve.

'We were very disappointed with the results of the Which? survey but have examined its methodology and found it to be fundamentally flawed.

'We do not recognise its findings, not least the suggestion that our average price is 80, which is around double the actual price paid by most of our customers.'
This astonishing map shows the movement of millions of migrants across Europe in the past 15 years - during what researchers have branded an 'unprecedented' period.

Experts at the Igarape Institute think-tank in Brazil produced the time-lapse video which reveals the extent of the refugee crisis which has gripped the continent for years.

The 'heat map' shows that migrants often move from poor countries to other impoverished nations as they flee armed conflict.

Experts at the Igarape Institute think-tank in Brazil produced the heat map which reveals the extent of the refugee crisis which has gripped the continent for years

It shows that migrants often move from poor countries to other impoverished nations as they flee armed conflict

It also reveals a 'tight correlation' between terrorism and refugee flows - as people escape danger by travelling to safe haven countries.

Cities are the primary reception point for new arrivals including refugees - ensuring the protection, care and eventually the integration of newcomers.

At least 80 cities of sanctuary in the UK are committed to welcoming refugees, asylum seekers and others seeking safety.

Cities are the primary reception point for new arrivals including refugees - ensuring the protection, care and eventually the integration of newcomers

The map also reveals a 'tight correlation' between terrorism and refugee flows - as people escape danger by travelling to safe haven countries

They raise public awareness, create linkages with sister cities and foster partnerships through the arts.

One of their most vocal proponents is the mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees who is seeking to build global networks of urban sanctuary.

The data visualisation was developed by Carnegie Mellon University's CREATE Lab with data from UNHCR.

The data visualisation was developed by Carnegie Mellon University's CREATE Lab with data from UNHCR

The Igarape Institute's research director Robert Muggah told the World Economic Forum: 'The last time humanity came even close to these levels was during the Second World War'

The Igarape Institute's research director Robert Muggah told the World Economic Forum: 'The world is facing unprecedented levels of population displacement. At least 65 million people are on the move.

'That means that one in every 100 people globally is displaced from their home.

'The last time humanity came even close to these levels was during the Second World War.

He continued: 'Clearly, the best way to end the refugee crises is to end conflicts generating population flight.

'This will require more international engagement, not less.

'As nation states default on their sovereign responsibilities, cities will also need to step up to meet this challenge.

'They will find strength in numbers, acting collectively rather than in isolation.'
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Thousands of pro-Palestinians demonstrators took to the streets of London today to protest against the 100 year anniversary of the Balfour Declaration which lead to the creation of Israel.

Activists carrying signs which read 'Free Palestine' and 'Justice for Palestine' were seen, while chants of 'Free, Free Palestine' and 'Occupation no more'.

It comes as Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Britain to celebrate the centenary of the then-foreign secretary Arthur Balfour's promise that the UK would support calls for a Jewish homeland.

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of London carrying placards which read 'Free Palestine', '#StopArming Israel' and 'Justice now! Make it right for Palestine'

Protesters marched through the streets of West London carrying banners (left) while other poked fun at Donald Trump and Theresa May at the march (right)

TV reports claimed that some members of the crowd called for the destruction of Israel, chanting 'from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free'.

Some broadcasters estimated there were around 3,000 protesters took to the streets around Westminster. Counter-protesters also arrived at the scene, brandishing Israeli flags nearby.

Theresa May said that Britain was 'proud' of the role it played in helping to create Israel during a meeting with Netanyahu, but warned that Isreali settlements were a 'barrier' to peace.

One man was pictured praying as others around him walk on at the march through central and west London

Mrs May said: 'The United Kingdom is proud of the role that we played in the establishment of the State of Israel and we're approaching this commemoration with respect and honor,' she said.

'I obviously, as we commemorate the Balfour Declaration, recognize the sensitivities that this raises. We, obviously, want to see a resolution of the issue for the Israelis and Palestinians. And we remain committed to a two-state solution.'

Netanyahu said on Friday that Palestinians must come to terms with the creation of the Israeli state.

Jeremy Corbyn said Britain should mark the Balfour Centenary by unilaterally recognising Palestine.

The 'Make It Right For Palestine' march attracted visitors both young and old. These young girls wave a Palestinian flag at the protest

The march arrived in Parliament Square on Saturday. Speakers addressed the crowd at Grosvenor Square, near the US Embassy, before the march through central London via Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square

A placard with the words '#StopArmingIsrael' above a picture of the Houses of Parliament is held outside the US Embassy and another woman holds two banners reading 'Freedom for Palestine' and 'Balfour, UK liable, free Palestine'

Protesters allegedly called for the dismantling of the Israeli state at the march according to broadcast reports, with some shouting 'from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free'

Other people at the protest called for FIFA to expel Isreael from the football body. Oters demanded an apology and compensation on the placards they held up

Theresa May said that Israeli settlement were providing a 'barrier' to peace in region as she met with the Israeli prime minister
The parents of a middle-class Muslim convert from Oxford who claims he has been tortured by Kurdish militia plan to sue the Foreign Office in a bid to force the Government to bring their son home.

Jack Letts, nicknamed Jihadi Jack after he travelled to Islamic State-controlled Raqqa in Syria in 2014, was captured by Kurdish PYD forces after he escaped from IS.

This newspaper disclosed last week that nothing has been heard of Letts, 21, since July 8, when he sent his parents, John and Sally, anguished messages from his prison cell in Syria.

His parents solicitor, Tayab Ali, last night revealed that besides suing the British Government, he will this week also file a criminal complaint against Kurdish officials at the PYDs European office in Berlin.

John and Sally Letts (above), the parents of a middle-class Muslim convert from Oxford who claims he has been tortured by Kurdish militia, plan to sue the Foreign Office in a bid to force the Government to bring their son home

He will allege that, by defending Lettss treatment and unlawful detention, they are complicit  a crime under German law. Both actions are being supported by the human rights charity Reprieve.

Letts insists that he did not fight for IS, and before his escape he publicly condemned them  for which, he says, he was detained in the terror groups jails.

The basis for the case against the Foreign Office is the claim in messages from Letts to his parents that his Kurdish interrogators had been supplied with questions by British officials, suggesting the UK knows where he is and who is holding him.

Mr Ali wrote on Friday asking the Foreign Office to intervene with the PYD to obtain Lettss release.

Jack Letts (above), nicknamed Jihadi Jack after he travelled to Islamic State-controlled Raqqa in Syria in 2014, was captured by Kurdish PYD forces after he escaped from IS. This newspaper disclosed last week that nothing has been heard of Letts, 21, since July 8, when he sent his parents anguished messages from his prison cell in Syria

He stated that it should also make representations that under no circumstances should Jack Letts be subjected to torture, inhuman or degrading treatment You will understand that sending questions while Jack is being subjected to torture may make UK agents complicit in that torture.

Mr Ali told The Mail on Sunday that if his request is refused, he will file a High Court judicial review  on the grounds the Government is failing in its duty to assist British citizens.

He said: The PYD are our allies, and they have confirmed they have not even received a request to transfer Jack Letts to UK custody. There can be no adequate reason for refusing even to ask for him to be handed over.

Last week, Sinam Mohamad, the PYDs European representative, issued a statement denying Letts had been tortured.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said she had nothing to add to previous statements: the Government could do nothing while Letts was in Syria, because there is no UK consulate there.
I came downstairs to find my wife looking dismayed and frazzled. One of the team caring for our disabled daughter was quitting, she said  and we both knew what that meant: another frantic search to find someone we can trust to come into our home to care for a young woman with highly complex needs and a life-threatening condition.

Months of advertising on websites, contacting colleges, sounding out specialist groups, talking to friends.

Applications from people who are patently unsuitable, approaches from all over the place, then a barrage of wearily-intensive interviews.

It has never been easy to find people to assist Iona. She is blind, unable to walk or talk and cannot feed herself.

And she needs round-the-clock care. Iona's key problem is complex epilepsy that demands constant vigilance day and night.

Ian Birrell is pictured with his disabled daughter Iona (centre) and her two carers at home

At any moment she can have a seizure that requires emergency medication, which occur almost daily and can quickly escalate into a life-threatening situation.

These seizures can be accompanied by screams and thrashing limbs, which is distressing for her but also for observers.

Even after 24 years, seeing these can be soul-destroying. Any plans must be abandoned while she sleeps off medication for several hours.

Yet she is a cheerful character when well  and over the years has been helped by an army of dedicated women to live an enjoyable and fulfilling life.

Some have been Brits. Yet most hail from further afield, coming to our London home from places such as Algeria, Colombia, France, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

But the bulk have been from Eastern Europe. We have had carers from Poland in particular, but have also been privileged to hire some fabulous people from the Czech Republic, Latvia, Romania, Slovenia and Slovakia.

Suddenly, however, this search for staff who keep our daughter safe, our family afloat and alleviate the pressure on public services has become significantly harder.

For while care demand rises fast in our ageing society, the pool of people prepared to do this challenging but crucial work is drying up after the disastrous Brexit vote.

And I fear it is going to get far worse, to the detriment of families such as my own.

Last time it took more than three months to find someone for a part-time care post.

Increasingly, my wife and I worry that our daughter's support system might simply collapse due to a dearth of staff.

Frankly, I find the situation terrifying. We have struggled for more than two decades to cope with the impact of a profoundly disabled child, adapting our home (by increasing our mortgage) and our lives to care for Iona within a family environment.

Now everything could be jeopardised by a nationalist surge, stirred up by self-serving populists, and a misguided crackdown on migrants.

These are deemed the sort of low-skilled foreign workers that politicians and pressure groups love to say Britain does not need.

Yet they glue together society by doing all those unglamorous jobs in care homes, fast-food outlets and fruit farms.

Our personal situation symbolises wider issues that confront the country's most important public services. Like it or not, we need these migrants in Britain.

Mr Birrell is fearful that Brexit is threatening the number of people coming from Europe to take on the challenging job of caring for severely disabled young people like his daughter

Last week, it emerged there has been an 89 per cent fall in the number of nurses and midwives coming to work in Britain from Europe since the referendum vote last year. Yet the beleaguered NHS is struggling with a 40,000 shortfall of nurses.

There were an average of almost 2,000 people from Spain joining the Nursing and Midwifery Council's register each year from 2012 to 2016.

Over the past 12 months, this has fallen to just 104 people. So why is this happening? Partly it is because Theresa May has, shamefully, used the 3.6 million European Union citizens living and working in Britain as a bargaining chip in negotiations over Brexit rather than clarifying their status.

This has left them facing an uncertain future after a vote that sent out a signal they were not wanted here. 'Everyone I know is very worried what will happen,' said one of our Eastern European carers.

Regardless of any final deal, the Government is simply being cruel to play political games with the lives of people contributing so richly to Britain.

Even key Brexiteers have condemned Mrs May for her shameful refusal to resolve this situation.

As economists point out, migration is not just a matter of countries setting controls. People must decide to move  and right now, with a thriving Polish economy and a fallen pound, fewer of them believe it is worth uprooting lives to move to Britain.

Net migration from East and Central Europe has halved since the Brexit vote, with figures from the 'A8 Countries', which includes Poland, at their lowest level since these nations joined the European Union in 2004. Fewer are coming here and more are leaving.

'The recent fall is smaller than the declines we would expect if free movement is abolished, so is really just a taste of what is likely to come,' warned Madeleine Sumption, director of the Migration Observatory at Oxford University.

This hurts the care sector, as my own family has found. Studies indicate that in London about six in ten care workers come from overseas.

It is easy for politicians to say Britons should fill the gap. Perhaps they should listen to the likes of Cloe Sinden, 24, who has been working with Iona for two years after three previous years working in an Essex residential home.

'British friends always ask me why I want to wipe bums,' she said, revealing the dismissive attitude so many natives have to such a vital job.

'Almost everyone I have worked with has been from abroad. Many of them are really over-qualified.

'In my last job I could have earned far more working in Tesco,' she added. 'You do this job because you love it, not for the money.'

It can be tough caring for a person with profound disabilities, especially one with a life-threatening condition.

The hours are anti-social, the days uncertain and the financial rewards never huge, even when earning significantly above market rates.

Yes, there is also big upside for the right kind of caring person - such as sharing the pleasure with Iona when she hears music, has a massage, enjoys dancing in her wheelchair or simply feels the wind in her face on an autumnal walk.

Theresa May has, shamefully, used the 3.6 million European Union citizens living and working in Britain as a bargaining chip in negotiations over Brexit rather than clarifying their status, writes Mr Birrell

Certainly market forces could be used to pay carers more, which I would welcome. But any rise in costs would, of course, increase financial pressures on families and taxpayers.

Already more than half the spending of local authorities goes on social care for adults and children, with demand soaring. Yet the number of old people being helped has dropped due to cash restraints.

It would cost the State much more if Iona was in a residential home and regularly clogging up a hospital's accident and emergency ward, as well as leading to a deterioration in her health and quality of life, as we have discovered in the past.

Additionally, we would not want any old jobsworth in our home looking after our precious daughter.

There have been too many appalling cases of abuse and failure in care homes, especially involving people with learning difficulties.

Mrs May pledged in her election manifesto to make it a 'priority' in Brexit negotiations to ensure 140,000 staff from EU countries can carry on 'making their vital contribution to our health and care system.' Sadly, she has failed to do so.

Yet the Care Quality Commission watchdog warned last month that social care is 'straining at the seams' while Care England, representing almost 4,000 providers, has said there is now a 'significant' problem caused by this exodus of EU nationals.

'We are finding it harder all the time,' said Nicki Nicholls, director of nursing at Focused Healthcare, which provides paediatric support for families.

'We are struggling because demand is outstripping supply.' This problem is partly one of success since human beings are living longer.

When I was born in 1962, the number of centenarians was in three figures. By the time I am 75, in just 20 years, it is predicted there will be more than 100,000.

Medical advances also ensure that more children with profound disabilities such as my daughter are surviving into adulthood.

All of this means more people in Britain needing help, more patients with complex conditions  and more demand for carers.

Few voters show much sympathy for these issues until confronted by them in their own family. I know I was the same.

The health service is seen as sacred, yet the entwined social care system gets treated like some embarrassing poor relation.

This gathering storm over care staff underlines Brexit's real impact. It is easy for politicians to make pledges to cut migrant numbers and issue sweeping statements about stopping low-skilled foreigners coming to our shores.

But the impact if this flow of dedicated workers dries up  on families, on struggling communities and on crucial public services  could be catastrophic.

Sadly, the evidence that it is already happening can be seen all too starkly.
I see that Trump's willful base is still unconcerned about the Russia investigation, even with 2 indictments, a guilty plea and probably more on the way--considering the wording of the Manafort indictment. Of course, like Trump, they KNOW MORE than all the prosecutors even though Muellers Dream Team of lawyers hail from the Ivy League and top law firms like Wilmer Hale, and many are former federal prosecutors, Supreme Court clerks and Justice Department veterans. They arent snowflakes  theyre the iceberg on the horizon of Trumps Titanic. Over the next six months, their investigation will continue to gobble up the time and attention of staff and family members who, as close observers have pointed out, remain willfully ignorant of their own ignorance. Instead of turning campaign pledges into policy, these Trump loyalists will spend more and more of their time controlling the damage. And they will struggle with even that because they are not the best and the brightest.AND the dreamers think.......If only Trump could take over the justice system.
David Crook, a young pilot with 609 Squadron, sat nervously in the narrow cockpit of a Spitfire and prepared for his first flight. He had been waiting for this moment for two years. After taxiing out to the runway, he made his final checks and opened the throttle. What happened next took my breath away, he wrote a few months later.

The engine opened up with a great smooth roar, the Spitfire leapt forward like a bullet and tore madly across the aerodrome and before I had realised quite what had happened I was in the air.

Crook was 25 and an experienced flier in May 1940, yet he felt the machine was completely out of control and running away with me. However, he collected his scattered wits, raised the undercarriage and looked round for the aerodrome  which to his astonishment was already dwindling miles behind him.

In May 1940 David Crook was an experienced pilot when he first sat in the cockpit of a Spitfire

Mr Crook said he felt the machine was completely out of control as it went down the runway

After an hour in the air, Mr Cook returned to the aerodrome 'light-headed with exhilaration'

An hour later, after playing around in the air with his superb new toy, he landed light-headed with exhilaration and feeling that I could ask nothing more out of life.

The many accounts of a first taste of a Spitfire describe the same process: initial alarm at the wonderful power of the beast and the delicacy of the controls, quickly giving way to the realisation that for all its sophistication and potency, it was in fact not that difficult to fly, and so light on the controls that it could be operated with an index finger and thumb.

More than that  it was an absolute joy. In the research for my latest book on the RAF in the Second World War, Air Force Blue, I was struck by the way men who were often uncomfortable expressing emotions abandoned restraint when it came to the Spitfire.

They spoke of it as if it were a beautiful woman, and used the language of love. She really was the perfect flying machine, remembered George Unwin, a gruff, Yorkshire-born sergeant pilot who was one of the first to try it out.

She hadnt got a vice at all. She would only spin if you made her and shed come straight out of it as soon as you applied opposite rudder and pushed the stick forward Ive never flown anything sweeter.

Flying ace Brian Kingcome, the debonair ideal of the Fighter Boy, settled the question of which was the supreme RAF fighter of the war, once and for all. He wrote: At the outset there was endless friendly banter between Hurricane and Spitfire pilots as to which was the better aircraft.

But in the real world there could be only one answer The Hurricane was a solid, reliable, uncomplaining workhorse but the Spitfire personified symmetry and grace. She was a thing apart, denying comparison. She was as relaxed, as elegant, as obviously and effortlessly at home in her environment as a swallow, and equally poetic in motion.

To compare the two models, he concluded, would be as invidious as comparing a champion ice skater to a skilled morris dancer.

According to Mr Cook: 'She hadnt got a vice at all. She would only spin if you made her and shed come straight out of it as soon as you applied opposite rudder and pushed the stick forward Ive never flown anything sweeter'

According to Mr Cook, the Hurricane, rear, was 'solid and reliable' while the Spitfire 'personified symmetry and grace', like comparing an ice skater to a morris dancer

So for almost everyone who ever handled one, it was a case of love at first flight. The big question, though, was: fast, nimble and beautiful to behold as it might be, was the Spit a match for the enemy aircraft it would be up against? The answer, thankfully, was an emphatic yes.

The Luftwaffes best fighter was the Messerschmitt 109. Although smaller than both the Hurricane and Spitfire, it was marginally faster at high altitude and initially better armed, carrying two 20mm cannon as well as twin machine guns, against the British fighters eight rifle-calibre machine guns.

The RAF was able to thoroughly test the 109s capabilities after capturing one intact during the Battle of France. An early report concluded that it was not as manoeuvrable as either the Hurricane or the Spit. Crucially, it could not turn as tightly as the British fighters, which could give them the edge in a dogfight.

The Spitfire and Messerschmitt first went head-to-head in earnest during the air battle around Dunkirk in 1940.

In an early dogfight, Al Deere, a New Zealander with 74 Squadron, found himself being chased by two 109s near Calais.

Deere discovered that he could comfortably turn inside his pursuers so that the roles were reversed and he was now chasing them.

He was now in a position to fire deflection bursts, shooting ahead of the target so that it flew into the stream of bullets. He aimed at the second enemy aircraft and was gratified to see bits flying off.

The Messerscmitt ME-109 could out dive and outclimb the Spitfire up to 20,000 feet, but the Spitfire could easily out-turn the German machine

The three chased each other in ever tighter circles until Deere ran out of ammunition and headed for home. The experience was eagerly analysed and the conclusion was reached that whereas the Messerschmitt could outclimb the Spitfire up to 20,000ft and always out-dive it, it was less agile at all altitudes and the Spit was superior in most other fields and vastly more manoeuvrable.

The assessment seems to have been shared by at least some Germans. A rueful story put about after the war told how Luftwaffe chief Hermann Goering confronted the fighter ace Adolf Galland at the height of the Battle of Britain wanting to know why the 109s were unable to subdue their opponents. What more did he need, he demanded?

Herr Reichsmarschall, a squadron of Spitfires, Galland is said to have replied.

David Crook left behind a vivid account of his first victory over a 109 off Weymouth during the Battle of Britain. The victim I had selected for myself was about 500 yards ahead of me and still diving hard at very high speed, he wrote. God, what a dive that was! I came down on full throttle from 27,000ft to 1,000ft in a matter of a few seconds and the speed rose with incredible swiftness I never reached this speed before and probably never shall again I pulled out of the dive as gently as I could but the pain was terrific and there was a sort of black mist in front of my eyes.

The Messerschmitt was now directly in front of him and he gave him a terrific burst at very close range hundreds of bullets poured into him and he rocked violently, then turned over on his back, burst into flames and dived straight into the sea a few miles off Swanage.

The Messerschmitt ME-109 could climb faster than the Spitfire but couldn't out turn it

In theory, the job of the Spitfires in the Battle of Britain was to deal with the escorting 109s as they cruised high over the bomber fleets, waiting to dive on the Hurricanes as they went in to attack the raiders. In practice, the roles often overlapped.

There were, of course, more Hurricane squadrons than Spitfire squadrons in the Battle  29 against 19  and for every two German planes a Spit knocked down, the Hurricanes dealt with three.

But it was the Spitfire that captured the public imagination and, despite heroic attempts by historians to give the Hurricane its correct place of honour, that is how things are likely to remain.

One of the Spits great strengths was its adaptability. It possessed a unique capacity for development, with each of its incarnations delivering greater speed and destructive capability.

The Mark I, with which the RAF started the war, was a puny thing compared with the later versions, which carried engines with more than double the horsepower of the original Rolls-Royce Merlin. The Spit was seen in every theatre where the British war was fought: in Europe, North Africa, the Far East and the Pacific. As the Seafire, it even flew off aircraft carriers.

The biggest threat the Spitfire faced was the Focke-Wulf 190 which entered service in 1941

It was an interceptor, a photo-reconnaissance machine and latterly a fighter-bomber  with the Hawker Typhoon, it helped clear the road to Berlin.

The biggest threat it faced was from the Focke-Wulf 190, which, after going into service in August 1941 in the skies over occupied Europe, wrested air superiority from the RAF.

With the arrival 11 months later of the Spitfire Mark IX, the balance tilted back. By the time D-Day dawned, the RAFs fighters enjoyed near mastery of the air.

In the months before the invasion, Spits were converted to fighter- bombers and took part in precision raids on high-value targets in the preparations for the landings.

Once the troops were ashore, the Spitfires roamed the battlefield dealing death and destruction. The air war was a different game now, with the faint atmosphere of chivalry that clung to the early weeks of the Battle of Britain long gone.

Geoffrey Page was one of The Few and was badly burned after being shot down in August 1940. He had numerous operations as one of pioneering plastic surgeon Archie McIndoes Guinea Pigs in order to return to operations, and he relished the chance for revenge.

In June 1944, Page arrived in France at the head of 132 Squadron. Initially, he was disappointed by the Luftwaffes absence and had to content himself shooting up targets of opportunity on the ground. Then, one day, while on a test flight with another pilot 30 miles behind enemy lines, he got his chance, running into a formation of 30 Messerschmitt 109s near Lisieux.

Despite the odds, he plunged to attack. In the dogfight that followed, Page was hit by a cannon shell and wounded in the leg. He dived to treetop level and, pulling out, looked round to see only a lone Messerschmitt now dogging him. Hatred brought with it a new strength, he wrote.

His opponent pulled up the nose of his 109 to get enough deflection on his target.

The move was fatal. Already on the point of stalling when the German pilot opened fire, the recoil slowed the airplane sufficiently to flick over and strike the trees 20ft below. Circling the funeral pyre, I watched the column of black smoke rising with morbid fascination.

The Spitfire was only one of dozens of doughty aircraft that made the RAF the formidable force that it was, in my view contributing more than the traditional services to the Allies victory.

It was, though, the one that struck the loudest chord in the hearts of the British people. The Spitfire had a starring role in numerous war films, starting with The First Of The Few in 1942 which told the story of its designer R. J. Mitchell, right down to this years mammoth hit Dunkirk. With more than 50 models still in working order, the sight of a Spit rolling and wheeling in the skies above an air display is part of the British summer scene.

One reason for the Spitfires status is because it sent a message that endures today. It symbolised how Britain regarded itself  how it was and how it wanted others to see it. The Spitfire seemed to point towards a brighter future.

The pilots that flew them and the fitters and riggers who kept them in the air were representative of the social changes that had taken place in the decades between the world wars. They were men of their time, many of them from ordinary homes. They were forward-looking, ready for challenges and reluctant to give automatic deference to authority unless it had been earned.

The Spitfire, with its clean but efficient lines, summed up Britain at that hour: small perhaps, but defiant and determined and bristling with deadly intent. It offered hope and pride, much needed commodities in those dark times.

 Patrick Bishop, 2017
A British holidaymaker's family who is allegedly facing the death penalty in Egypt was swindled out of 10,000 by men posing as lawyers who said they can help free her.

Laura Plummer, 33, was apparently fleeced by two men who turned up at her cell and offered to help her after she was arrested for bringing Tramadol painkillers into the country.

But the fraudster allegedly demanded 10,000 up front before dropping her case.

Laura Plummer is pictured with her sisters Rachel Plummer and Jayne Synclair

A source at Hurghada resort's prosecutor's office told The Sun: 'The tricksters conned the British lady and her family her when they were desperate for help.

'They promised her they would get her out of jail and fight the charges but demanded a down-payment of around 10,000.

'Egyptians wary of this kind of scam would never have parted with money until after a court hearing, but this lady was vulnerable and thought it was the right thing to do.'

The MailOnline has contacted her family for a comment.

It comes as her sister, Jayne Synclair, 40, said Ms Plummer is being held in a 15ft by 15ft cell with 'murderers, heroin addicts and prostitutes' and was being 'kicked and kicked' until the leader of the cell intervened.

Ms Plummer, 33, from Hull, claims she was forced to sign a 38-page Arabic confession before being locked in a tiny cell with dozens of other women

Ms Plummer, from Hull, brought the medicine into the country to give to her Egyptian boyfriend Omar, who suffers from severe back and arm pain after being in a car crash a few years ago.

But the drug, which is available in the UK on prescription, is banned in Egypt and sometimes used as a heroin substitute.

Ms Plummer has claimed she was forced to sign a 38-page Arabic confession before being locked in a tiny cell with dozens of other women.

Ms Synclair said her sister is 'naive and child-like' and 'didn't even check what the drugs were'.

Speaking to the Mirror, Ms Synclair said: 'Her life is in danger. We went out to see her last week and my mum collapsed at the sight of her. She looked over at us and said 'mum, mum, please help me, help me'. It was horrendous.

'We are quite a glamorous family and she looked absolutely shocking. Her hair has fallen out and she has a really bad ear infection which has caused her whole face and neck to swell.

'She can't stay in there any longer or she will be murdered or kill herself.'

Ms Plummer was arrested after flying in to a Red Sea beach resort for a break with Omar.

She claims she was recommended the pills - of which she was carrying 29 strips, each containing ten tablets which has a 'street value' of 23.20 - by a colleague when discussing Omar's consistent pain.

Her mother Roberta Synclair, 63, believes Mrs Plummer is being prosecuted for drug trafficking but told The Sun: 'She had no idea she was doing anything wrong.

'The painkillers were placed at the top of her suitcase, she wasn't hiding them.

Omar suffers from back problems, which Mrs Plummer claims was the reason she brought the tablets to Egypt

'We've been told she's facing either 25 years in prison or the death penalty. We're beside ourselves worrying that they'll make an example of her.

'She's gone through the worst pain imaginable - she's going through hell.

'I've been out twice to see her and going out again so I can see her on Thursday.'

Mrs Plummer was held for five hours at the airport with no interpreter.

She then signed a statement she believed would allow her to leave.

Laura Plummer, left, is being held by Egyptian authorities after taking tramadol into the country

Drugs and the death penalty in Egypt In Egypt capital punishment is carried out by hanging. The state carried out at least 44 executions last year. Possession, use and trafficking illegal drugs can be punished with death. Carrying small amounts can result in lengthy prison sentences of 25 years. It is common for people convicted to life imprisonment in drugs cases to face life imprisonment with no chance of parole or pardon. In 2015 Cairo Scene reported that tramadol was the 'most abused drug in Egypt'. An anti-addiction hotline found that 40.7 per cent of drug users take the painkiller. Advertisement

Mrs Plummer is said to still be wearing the same clothes she flew out in and was handcuffed to a gun-wielding policeman when she first appeared in court. She is due to appear in the dock again on Thursday.

Her mother claimed she looked 'dead behind the eyes' and repeatedly begged for help as she faced judges.

Laura is being held in a 15ft by 15ft cell with 25 other women with her family spending 10,000 on legal bills.

But she was stopped at the airport as she jetted in for a fortnight stay with Omar - who she sees four times per year.

The last text message sent by the shop keeper was to her father, Neville, and said: 'I'm in trouble and I need your help.'

Tramadol is prescription-only in the UK and a pill is worth 8pm, which means Mrs Plummer could have only made a maximum of 23.20 if she had intended to sell them.

The Foreign Office confirmed they are assisting a British national in Egypt.

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, or see samaritans.org for details.

Laura Plummer, right, was held for five hours at the airport with no interpreter and could now face the death penalty

Mrs Plummer, left, could face 25 years in prison with no parole, life imprisonment or even the death penalty
From the outside, it is an unexceptional glass and marble building on the northern edge of St Petersburg.

But this is the nerve-centre for the shock troops of Vladimir Putin's cyber army, whose round-the-clock outpouring of bile on to Western social media and comment forums is credited with playing a crucial role in sabotaging Hillary Clinton's election campaign and propelling Donald Trump to the White House.

And now The Mail on Sunday has uncovered dramatic new evidence that the same web warriors were dragooned into service backing the pro-Brexit camp in last year's EU referendum.

This is the nerve-centre for the shock troops of Vladimir Putin's cyber army, whose round-the-clock outpouring of bile on to Western social media

Russian interference in the vote has long been suspected, but we have spoken to an IT worker who admits posting fake messages purporting to come from British citizens during the Brexit campaign.

This is the first direct account of Putin's meddling, and the whistleblower also revealed that Russia's determination to sow dissent in the UK extended to this year's General Election.

Fearful for the consequences of speaking out in Putin's Russia  where dissident voices can be ruthlessly despatched  the source has asked for anonymity.

The IT worker revealed: 'We were active on social media including Twitter, mainly posting on contentious topics obsessing the Brits.'

A number of fellow 'trolls' had studied or worked in Britain, said the source, who added: 'There were Twitter and for example Facebook accounts maintained by our teams and directed at the United Kingdom, and there still must be today.'

The troll, who speaks good but accented English, said the posts were in favour of leaving the EU, adding: 'It was mainly stoking up online debates about the bad impact of immigration on working-class whites, and moaning about Brussels deciding everything, proud Brits ruled from abroad.

The trolls are credited with a crucial role in sabotaging Hillary Clinton's election campaign and propelling Donald Trump to the White House

'Our workers were given a line to take and what we wrote was monitored by our chiefs.'

The revelations will increase the focus on the detached four-storey block at 55 Savushkina Street, currently at the centre of the US Senate intelligence committee's investigation into Russian interference with last year's race for the White House.

Hundreds of well-paid young recruits, many students, man the terminals in 12-hour shifts to keep the venomous flow of anti-West propaganda and bogus stories spewing on to the internet and into Western media forums.

Workers, many posting in English, first cloak their Russian location by using proxy servers, then weigh in on the subjects of the day, dictated by their bosses, almost certainly on orders from the Kremlin.

Washington insiders suspect Donald Trump's victory in the 2016 Presidential election was engineered in this building and others like it  officially known as the Agency for Internet Studies  far more decisively than it was in any US polling booth.

One spectacular example of how sophisticated the agency has been emerged on Friday, with the revelation that a Twitter user named Jenna Abrams, supposedly a Right-wing young American woman, was, in fact, a fictitious product of the troll factory.

'Ms Abrams' was astonishingly successful in getting her views on all kinds of matters aired, and they were picked up by media organisations, including the BBC, CNN, The New York Times and the Washington Post. As the US election loomed, the Tweets to her 70,000 followers became more overtly political, such as: 'I'm not pro-Trump. I am pro-common sense.'

Now it appears the Brexit vote might have been similarly compromised. The Electoral Commission last week launched an investigation into whether donations and loans from Brexit campaigner and Ukip donor Arron Banks and one of his companies broke campaign finance rules in the run-up to the referendum.

They will examine donations worth 2.3 million, assessing whether Mr Banks was the 'true source' of loans made in his name, and that of his company Better for the Country Ltd.

'We know nothing about this agency and have never had any contacts with it even if it exists indeed,' Putin's(pictured) spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Not surprisingly, the Kremlin officially denies all knowledge of the troll factory, even questioning its existence.

'We know nothing about this agency and have never had any contacts with it even if it exists indeed,' Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

But one PR executive took a very different view. 'If Joseph Goebbels was alive today, he'd be proud of this operation,' he said, branding the facility as 'sinister, powerful and skewing democracy'.

Despite the mantle of secrecy surrounding Savushkina, occasionally a small chink of light has been cast into the building by disaffected whistleblowers such as Lyudmila Savchuk, the 34-year-old single mother-of-two who turned the tables on the agency two years ago, following a two-month stint working there.

Most comments were in Russian, she said, 'but I know that some also write English posts.

'Ukrainian also plays a major role. I also heard about German, but not in this building,' she added, indicating that there are other 'factories' actively pumping out the Kremlin's message.

She described an atmosphere of 'utmost secrecy' within the building and never once saw any sign of the shadowy bosses in overall charge. Postings flooded Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Livejournal.com, as well as Russian-language networks such as VK.com and Odnoklassniki.

Ms Savchuk recalled talk of other bases for this internet insurgency. 'A few colleagues reported about work trips to a Moscow office,' she said.

'There is also information about a further, highly secretive, building in St Petersburg.'

She said one group of workers operate fake news portals posing as genuine news sites in Ukraine with names such as 'Kharkiv News' or 'Federal News Agency'.

'We had video bloggers. Some made themselves look like members of the Russian opposition,' she told Der Spiegel.

Tasks from her mysterious superiors included sickeningly branding Barack Obama a 'monkey' and dismissing Ukrainians opposed to Putin as Nazis.

And when Putin rival Boris Nemtsov was shot dead in the shadow of the Kremlin in 2015, Ms Savchuk recalled feeling sickened as she and colleagues were ordered to smear him on the web, claiming he was probably killed by his friends who had turned on him.

Tasks from her mysterious superiors included sickeningly branding Barack Obama(pictured) a 'monkey' and dismissing Ukrainians opposed to Putin as Nazis

Another whistleblower, Marat Burkhart, 40, recently spoke of his time at the troll factory. He said that trolls were paid according to their output. 'It's a real factory. There are production quotas,' he said.

'The quota is 135 comments per 12-hour shift.'

A journalist from investigative newspaper Novaya Gazeta who got a job inside the troll factory said he was shown screenshots of his predecessor's work to help him understand the requirements.

Americans were depicted as 'oafish and grasping, and the movies are soulless'.

Some of the output of the factory is subtle, but other material is far more heavyhanded. One fake video they are said to have produced showed a black man having sex with a prostitute made up to resemble Mrs Clinton.

Student Alan Baskaev, 25, who worked there for six months, told opposition Russian channel TV Rain that he was shown one video aimed at discrediting Mrs Clinton, made sometime before 2015.

'Nobody would ever believe it  so this is how all was done there, with this kind of foolishness,' he said.

Baskaev's salary of 55,000 roubles a month (710) for using his good English to pose as Americans commenting on stories was almost 50 times his monthly student allowance.

Recently, respected anti-Putin campaigner Alexei Navalny, who runs an organisation called the Anti-Corruption Fund, said he had confirmed what many suspected  that the man behind the troll factories including Savushkina Street was a 55-year-old former convict nicknamed 'Putin's Chef'.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, a former hot dog salesman, was a modest restaurateur in 2001 when Putin happened to dine at his establishment, and the pair struck up a rapport when the owner waited on the Russian premier personally.

Soon, he emerged as 'something like a court jester' in the president's circle, said Navalny. 'Later he was in charge of organising Putin's birthdays.'

Prigozhin once spent nine years in a Siberian prison on robbery and violence charges, but since his elevation to Putin confidant, has raked in an astonishing 2.5 billion over the last five years in Kremlin contracts, including his covert IT work, claimed Mr Navalny.

The sums would explain the opulent lifestyle of Prigozhin, who lives in a splendid 7.5 million St Petersburg mansion on its own ten-acre estate in a coastal nature reserve, boasts a portfolio of other luxury property and owns a private jet.

According to his glamorous daughter Polina, her father's 5 million, 37-metre yacht, St Vitamin, has six bedrooms as well as a dining room, two decks, two terraces and quarters for the staff.

Exposed: How Vladimir Putin's troll factory DID twist the Brexit vote Russian internet trolls pretending to be British posted Facebook messages as part of a concerted campaign to ensure the UK voted in favour of Brexit, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. A whistleblower speaking to this newspaper has provided the first direct confirmation that Vladimir Putin's Russia used subterfuge in an attempt to interfere in the vote, as has long been suspected. The former worker from a notorious state-sponsored Russian 'troll factory' spoke of being part of a team posing as British voters and spreading propaganda on social media and comment forums. The whistleblower yesterday disclosed how the cyber war had been waged from an anonymous office block in St Petersburg in the run-up to the Brexit vote, and also before this year's General Election. 'It was mainly stoking up online debates about the bad impact of immigration on working-class whites, and moaning about Brussels deciding everything,' said the source, who asked not to be named because of fears of reprisals. The Russian troll factory is already at the centre of an inquiry by US special counsel Robert Mueller into how Moscow may have influenced the 2016 presidential campaign. But our dramatic revelation brought fresh calls from MPs for a British Government inquiry into how far the Brexit vote was compromised by Putin's meddling. Former Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw urged Downing Street to come clean. 'The Government can no longer ignore the mounting evidence of major Russian subversion of the Brexit Referendum,' he said. 'This new confession by a Russian operative to The Mail on Sunday is just the latest in an avalanche flowing from the Mueller investigation in America. It's time the British Government broke its silence on this threat and told us what it knows and what it is doing to counter it.' The former insider at the 24-hour Russian troll factory revealed: 'At the time of the Brexit referendum, the gist of posts was in favour of leaving the EU. 'Our workers were given a line to take and what we wrote was monitored by our chiefs.' During the Election, messages were sent out on social media and political debate forums 'supporting Labour Party arguments, attacking May and backing Corbyn.' Asked what the objective was, the troll replied: 'You have to ask the high-level bosses, but it seems to me, to make discord in London and the UK.' Advertisement

When she got married, the ceremony was held in the Konstantinovsky Palace, a glittering former royal property in St Petersburg dating back to the Romanovs.

'The most difficult thing was to get millions of natural flowers,' said Polina  ironically enough on her own social media account  explaining how they cascaded from the ceiling.

Just as critics of Putin live in fear of their personal security, anyone who criticises Prigozhin can expect to be dealt with viciously.

Take independent liberal commentator Yulia Latynina  a strong critic of the country's ruling elite  who was attacked on her way to work by a man who accused of 'pouring c**p' on her motherland.

The attacker emptied a bucket of excrement over her head.

'I have spoken about Mr Prigozhin several times,' she said.

'I don't doubt that I got on the list because of this... and the most horrible thing is that if we don't stop it, this will end with dead bodies.'

This year her car and house were attacked with a mysterious 'military poison'.

'It is an extremely toxic substance that affects your kidneys and liver,' said Dmitry Muratov, her editor at Novaya Gazeta newspaper, who is now arming his journalists to protect them.

The authorities have failed to find out who ordered or carried out the attacks, but there seems little doubt that it was linked to Latynina's story linking the internet addresses from the troll factory to attacks on anti-Putin activists in Moscow and St Petersburg.

A spokesman for Concord Management and Consulting  the company linked to Prigozhin  said aspects of the Navalny report were 'not consistent with reality', and that the campaigner had misinterpreted the facts.

In particular, the company disputed the amount it had received in state contracts  but gave no alternative figure.

'Lawyers who represent the interests of Yevgeny Prigozhin are now working at legal evaluation of the declarations made by Alexei Navalny and further legal moves are not excluded,' said the spokesman.
Dustin Hoffman was pictured for the first time on Friday since accusations emerged that he sexually harassed young actresses in the 1980s.

Hoffman, 80, was pictured with his wife Lisa as they arrived at a friend's house for a party in Los Angeles on Friday night.

A short time after being dropped of by their chauffeured car, the pair were taken home and he was seen entering the house with a coffee cup in his hand.

The actor apologized last week after Anna Graham-Hunter, a former production assistant, described in length how he sexually harassed her on the set of Death of a Salesman in 1985.

Graham-Hunter was 17 at the time and Hoffman was in his mid-forties.

She detailed in journal entries that he, newly-married at the time to Lisa, told her he wanted 'soft boiled clitoris' for breakfast and accused him of telling others on the set that he wanted to feast on their breasts.

Dustin Hoffman, 80, was pictured arriving home after a friend's party in Hollywood on Friday night clutching a cup of coffee. It is the first time he has been seen since he was accused of sexual harassment earlier this week

In a statement in response to her claims, Hoffman said: 'I have the utmost respect for women and feel terrible that anything I might have done could have put her in an uncomfortable situation.

'I am sorry. It is not reflective of who I am.'

He has not yet addressed the accusations of a second woman who claims he also harassed her in the 1990s.

Wendy Riss Gatsiounis, now 52, told Variety last week how she met Hoffman in 1991 when she was 26 and he was 53.

She claimed that he sexually propositioned her during the second of two meetings which had been scheduled to discuss turning her play, A Darker Purpose, into a movie.

They took place at the offices of Hoffman's company Punch Productions in the Rockefeller Center and screenwriter Murray Schisgal was present, she said.

Hoffman was joined by his 63-year-old wife Lisa. The pair attended a friend's party then returned home

The actor and his wife were driven by a chauffeur in a dark car. Hoffman wore a leather vest and denim shirt

The actor and his wife have been married since 1980, five years before he is first alleged to have committed sexual harassment

A friend greeted the pair outside the home as they showed up for the house party late on Friday

TV writer Wendy Riss Gatsiounis (left in an undated photo) says Hoffman propositioned her in 1991 when she was in her twenties and he in his mid-fifites. He is pictured, right, that year

'I go in, and this time its, like, Dustin Hoffmans really different,' she said, explaining how he had behaved appropriately at their first meeting.

'He says, "Before you start, let me ask you one question, Wendy  have you ever been intimate with a man over 40?"

'Ill never forget  he moves back, he opens his arms, and he says, "It would be a whole new body to explore".

'Im trying to go back to my pitch, and Im trying to talk about my play. Then Dustin Hoffman gets up and he says he has to do some clothing shopping at a nearby hotel, and did I want to come along? Hes like, "Come on, come to this nearby hotel,"' she said.

Anna Graham Hunter (above in a recent picture) accused the star of harassing her in the 1980s

Riss Gatsiounis said that he later backed out of a project to adapt one of her plays into a film as a result of her refusal to go with him.

Schisgal, now 90, responded to her comments by saying he could not remember any such meetings.

Hunter detailed his shocking alleged behavior in The Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday.

'He was openly flirtatious, he grabbed my a**, he talked about sex to me and in front of me.

'One morning I went to his dressing room to take his breakfast order; he looked at me and grinned, taking his time,' she said.

'Then he said, ''I'll have a hard-boiled egg  and a soft-boiled clitoris.'' His entourage burst out laughing. I left, speechless. Then I went to the bathroom and cried.'
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First Lady Melania Trump kicked off her heels and opted for a pair of comfy flats as she and President Donald Trump waved goodbye from Air Force One as they prepared to leave Hawaii.

The commander-in-chief is headed on a 12-day tour of Asia, the longest trip to the continent by an American president in more than a quarter century.

The First Lady was wearing a long green dress decorated with blue and black palm leaves with a light pink trim on the bottom and matching pink flats as well as her standard oversized sunglasses.

She was escorted by Command Commander Admiral Harry Harris to Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam as the Trumps prepared to travel to Yokota Air Base in Fussa, Japan.

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President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump greet people before departing for a 10 day Asia trip from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump waved goodbye from Air Force One as they prepared to leave Hawaii.

The First Lady was wearing a long green dress decorated with blue and black palm leaves with a light pink trim on the bottom and matching pink flats as well as her standard oversized sunglasses.

She was escorted by Command Commander Admiral Harry Harris to Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam as the Trumps prepared to travel to Yokota Air Base in Fussa, Japan.

The commander-in-chief is headed on a 12-day tour of Asia, the longest trip to Asia by an American president in more than a quarter century.

The President and First Lady laid a wreath and threw hibiscus flowers into the sea on Friday at a Hawaii memorial for US soldiers who died at Pearl Harbor nearly 80 years ago.

Before embarking on his first official tour of Asia, Trump said he eagerly anticipated a visit to Pearl Harbor, where thousands of service members paid the ultimate sacrifice.

'Getting ready to land in Hawaii. Looking so much forward to meeting with our great Military/Veterans at Pearl Harbor!' Trump tweeted aboard Air Force One as he neared the end of a 10-hour flight from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump took a ferry to a memorial for soldiers killed during the attacks on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The memorial for those who died on the USS Arizona is located on Ford Island and is only accessible by boat

A U.S. Coast Guard gun boat protects President Trump and his entourage as he departs by boat from the USS Arizona Memorial in Honolulu

The president and the first lady throw flowers during their visit to the USS Arizona Memorial on Friday in Honolulu. Admiral Harris and his wife Bruni Bradley accompanied the Trumps

Soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor, it was decided that the USS Arizona would remain at the bottom of the harbor as the final resting place for those lost

The president and first lady look down into the water at the wreckage of the USS Arizona

The Trumps are seen laying a wreath at the USS Arizona Memorial on Friday. The memorial honors the lives of 1,177 sailors and Marines who were killed

Almost half of the casualties at Pearl Harbor occurred on the Arizona, which was hit four times by Japanese bombers

There were 37 confirmed pairs or trios of brothers assigned to USS Arizona on December 7, 1941. Of these 77 men, 62 were killed, and 23 sets of brothers died

The president's senior adviser and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, attended the wreath-laying ceremony

Trump's national security adviser, HR McMaster, looks on during the wreath-laying ceremony

Two US Navy sailors stand beside the wreath laid by President Trump and the first lady at the USS Arizona Memorial

White House Chief of Staff John Kelly (right) takes a moment to himself after the wreath-laying ceremony

Kelly reads the names of the fallen soldiers on the wall of the memorial. A retired four-star Marine general, Kelly's son was killed while serving in Afghanistan

The monument is run by the US National Park Service. An NPS official is seen above briefing the president and the first lady on their visit

Trump toured the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, which marks the resting place of more than 1,000 sailors and Marines who were killed on the battle ship during the Japanese surprise attack on December 7, 1941.

Accessible only by boat, the memorial straddles the battleships sunken hull.

More than 2,300 sailors, soldiers and Marines died as a result of the attack, as well as 68 civilians, according to the National Park Service.

Trump saluted after entering the memorial following a short boat ride with the first lady.

They approached a wreath of white flowers - a gift from the couple - and watched as two sailors placed it near a wall of names of those who died after a surprise attack by Japan that plunged the US into World War II.

The Trumps then tossed white flower petals into the water above the battleship's sunken hull.

Trump did not speak publicly at the memorial. He said during an earlier meeting with military officials that he eagerly anticipated the visit.

Trump landed in Hawaii on Friday as he set out on the longest trip to Asia by an American president in more than a quarter century, looking for help to pressure North Korea to stand down from a nuclear crisis.

President Trump is welcomed by US Navy Admiral Harry Harris, commander of United States Pacific Command, at its headquarters in Aiea, Hawaii

The US Pacific Command oversees US military operations in the region. Recent tensions with North Korea have kept American military commanders preoccupied

A key discussion topic likely will be North Korea's nuclear threat, a crisis that will shadow Trump's trip

Trump will also tour the USS Arizona Memorial, part of the Pearl Harbor site dedicated to the attack that drew the US into World War II

Also accompanying Trump on his trip is White House chief of staff John Kelly, who is seen left looking on during the president's meeting with Admiral Harris (second from left)

Trump looks on during a meeting with military brass at US Pacific Command (PACOM) in Aiea, Hawaii. PACOM covers more of the globe of any of the other geographic combatant commands and shares borders with all of the other five geographic combatant commands

He departed Friday for Japan, the first stop on the five-nation, 11-day Asia journey.

In Japan, Melania will have an all-female squad to protect her.

Tokyo police has trained an all-female riot squad to protect Melania and Ivanka Trump

Their task is to protect the first lady and first daughter from 'female admirers' who may try to approach them with gifts and flowers, according to Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun.

Police say they are expecting large numbers of eager admirers to gather in order catch a glimpse of them, particularly Ivanka who is seen as a fashion icon.

The First Lady left Washington in a winter jacket in electrifying cobalt blue but changed mid-flight into a sleek white sun dress that bared her arms.

Upon landing, the Trumps were both handed traditional leis, the wreath of flowers worn around the necks that are presented upon arriving or leaving Hawaii as a symbol of affection.

Just after 1pm local time, Trump and the first lady were greeted on the Hickam Air Force base tarmac by Hawaii Governor David Ige and his wife Dawn Amano-Ige.

President Trump and his wife arrived in Hawaii on Friday as he set out on the longest trip to Asia by an American president in more than a quarter century, looking for help to pressure North Korea to stand down from a nuclear crisis. The Trumps are seen at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii on Friday

Trump departs Friday for Japan, the first stop on the five-nation, 11-day Asia journey. The first couple is seen after disembarking Air Force One

The First Lady left Washington in a winter jacket in electrifying cobalt blue but changed mid-flight into a sleek white sun dress that bared her arms

Also on hand to welcome the president and the first lady were Admiral Harry B. Harris and his wife, Bruni Bradley, according to the Honolulu Star Advertiser.

Nine-year-old Mikayla Webb, a fourth-grader from a local school, gave the couple lei and received a hug from Melania Trump.

'Im going to give the president and his wife a lei,' Mikayla said before Air Force One landed.

When asked what she would say to the Trumps, Mikayla said, 'Aloha and welcome to the islands.'

'They wanted a Hawaiian, military girl to offer lei,' her mother, Tanya Webb, said.

After receiving lei, the Trumps then greeted some of the roughly 150 people who gathered to welcome them to Hawaii.

Several of those who waited to see the Trumps were wearing red 'Make America Great Again' hats.

While Trump greeted supporters, there were also protests during his visit.

The president is deeply unpopular in Hawaii, a state that leans heavily towards the Democrats.

Some protesters carried signs that said 'welcome to Kenya', referencing former President Barack Obama's father, who was born in the east African country.

Obama himself was born in Hawaii, but Trump's support of the 'birtherism' conspiracy - questioning the former president's birth place - prompted demonstrators to carry signs reading 'Immigration gave me my family', according to The Independent.

It is Trump's first visit to Hawaii as president.

After his arrival, Trump met with leaders of the US Pacific Command, which oversees US military operations in the region.

A likely discussion topic was North Korea's nuclear threat, a crisis that will shadow Trump's trip.

He'll also meet with the governors of Alaska, Hawaii and Pacific US territories.

President Trump waves to the gathered crowd at the military base as he and First Lady Melania Trump deplane from Air Force One

The Trumps are expected to stay overnight on the island of Oahu before continuing on their way to Asia

The first couple appeared fresh after a nearly 10-hour flight from Washington, DC to The Aloha State

The Trumps are seen holding hands as they descend the steps from Air Force One while a supportive crowd waits to greet them

Upon landing, the Trumps were both handed traditional leis, the wreath of flowers worn around the necks that are presented upon arriving or leaving Hawaii as a symbol of affection

The Trumps are seen shaking hands with a throng of supporters after their arrival at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam

US servicemen and women were eager to shake Trump's hand and snap a picture of the president up close on Friday

Trump gives a high-five to a young supporter on hand at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam just after his arrival

President Donald Trump bends to receive a flower lei as First Lady Melania Trump (far right) and Dawn Ige, the wife of Hawaii's governor, David Ige, look on

Nine-year-old Mikayla Webb, a fourth-grader from a local school, gave the couple lei and received a hug from Melania Trump

President Trump's chief of staff, John Kelly (center), shares a laugh with Hawaii Governor David Ige (far left) and his wife, Dawn Ige

Security and trade will loom large during Trump's first official visit to Asia.

North Korea's missile and nuclear weapons programs are likely to be the issue dominating the first part of his trip, which includes stops in South Korea's capital and Beijing as well as Tokyo.

Trade will figure throughout, both in North Asia and at his stops in Southeast Asia for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Vietnam and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders' meeting in the Philippines.

Trumps 12-day trip to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines, ending on November 14, takes him out of Washington at a time when he has been beset by several issues.

These include an intensifying federal investigation into Russian meddling in last years election, New Yorks recovery from an attack earlier this week that killed eight people, and debate over a Republican tax-cut plan that if approved by Congress would be Trumps first major legislative victory.

The trip began just days after Trumps former campaign manager Paul Manafort was indicted in the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election and after his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, faced Democratic calls to appear before Congress again to clarify his previous testimony about the campaigns Russia contacts.

Amid the furor caused by the revelations, the Kremlin said on Friday that a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at an Asian economic summit next week was being discussed, and Trump said it might happen.

Trumps 12-day trip to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines, ending on November 14, takes him out of Washington at a time when he has been beset by several issues

The president and first lady walk away after Trump briefly spoke to reporters just before his departure on Marine One at the White House on Friday

Trump left the capital on Friday as the nation was focused on an intensifying federal investigation into Russian meddling in last years election, New Yorks recovery from an attack earlier this week that killed eight people, and debate over a Republican tax-cut plan that if approved by Congress would be Trumps first major legislative victory

Before their departure, the first lady stopped to take a selfie with a supporter just moments before she and her husband stepped aboard Marine One

'We may have a meeting with Putin,' Trump told Fox News.

'And, again  Putin is very important because they can help us with North Korea. They can help us with Syria. We have to talk about Ukraine.'

Court documents made public on Monday also disclosed that a Trump campaign foreign policy adviser, George Papadopoulos, pleaded guilty early last month to lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The documents cited a March 2016 meeting, when Trump was campaigning for the presidency, and attended by Trump and Sessions, in which Papadopoulos offered to help arrange a meeting between Trump and Putin.
Muslims raising funds for the Royal British Legion have hit back at critics who have branded the poppy a racist symbol  pointing out that thousands of Muslim soldiers have fought and died for this country.

And followers of Ahmadiyya, a branch of Islam favouring integration, say they have been abused for their efforts, branded infidels by other Muslims and traitors by Left-wing critics for selling poppies.

Last year, Ahmadiyya members  who are not recognised by mainstream Islam  raised more than 100,000 at stations and on high streets, and this year are aiming for a record 250,000 as they field more than 400 sellers.

But they are acutely aware of the negativity surrounding Remembrance Day as a chorus of Left-wing critics such as writer Robert Fisk denounce the poppy as racist.

Naveed Uz Zafar (right, with fellow Muslim poppy sellers) told The Mail on Sunday how he was harangued last week by an angry, white Left-winger in a crowded station who claimed that selling the poppy was a betrayal of Palestinians  until he was shouted down by passers-by

We have all heard the calls of infidel and the suggestion that poppies are somehow racist, said Dr Ijaz Rehman, a leader of the movement, which has 30,000 followers across the UK.

But its rubbish. Our motto is Love for all, hatred for none, said Dr Rehman, president of the Ahmadiyya Elders Association, and as we live in this country, are protected by this country, then we are loyal to this country, as many of our ancestors were.

We draw a distinction between the political arguments about where an army might be fighting and supporting the soldiers and their families, which is what the Royal British Legion does and we are proud to help with.

Veteran foreign correspondent and author Mr Fisk claims that the poppy is synonymous with the First and Second World Wars yet ignores hundreds of thousands of civilians killed in more recent campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Muslims raising funds for the Royal British Legion have hit back at critics who have branded the poppy a racist symbol  pointing out that thousands of Muslim soldiers have fought and died for this country

Muslim poppy seller Naveed Uz Zafar told The Mail on Sunday how he was harangued last week by an angry, white Left-winger in a crowded station who claimed that selling the poppy was a betrayal of Palestinians  until he was shouted down by passers-by.

Mr Uz Zafar, 53, whose uncle flew in the RAF, said: Several of us were in Euston Station on Thursday and this man came up to loudly accuse us of betraying Muslims and Palestine.

'But then other people came over and told him we were doing something for our country and asked him what was he doing and he wandered off.

Then, as we were going down the Tube escalators carrying all our poppy paraphernalia, a man on the up escalator saluted us and about seven other people on that side all joined in. It was very moving.
Thousands of Basque protesters took to the streets of Bilbao earlier today to support Catalonian independence.

Despite the rain, thousands of demonstrators waved Basque and Catalonian flags as Madrid judges have issued an European Arrest Warrant for the return of Catalonia's President Carles Puigdemont.

Members of the Catalonian leadership face up to 30 years in prison for their attempt to breakaway from Spain, which has seen several former government ministers arrested and taken to Madrid.

Thousands of people took to the streets of Bilbao despite the rain to support Catalonia

Demonstrators carrying both Basque and Catalan flags walked side by side in the rain

The demonstrators marched peacefully through the centre of the city despite the heavy rain

Worryingly for Madrid, the Basque region, which has its own separatist movement, is also unhappy with its relationship with the rest of Spain.

Puigdemont wrote in Dutch on his Twitter account Saturday that he would 'cooperate' with Belgian authorities, although his lawyer has said the pro-independence politician would fight a forced return to Spain.

'We are prepared to fully cooperate with Belgian justice following the European arrest warrant issued by Spain,' Puigdemont wrote in Dutch on his Twitter account.

Prosecutors in Belgium's capital, Brussels, said they were examining the arrest warrants for Puigdemont and four of his associates Saturday and hope to launch extradition proceedings as soon as possible.

Federal prosecutors in Belgium shared the warrants with their city counterparts due to links the five politicians from Catalonia have to Brussels, a statement from the Brussels prosecutors' office said.

The reaction by Madrid to the Catalonian independence declaration has caused alarm in other semi-autonomous regions of Spain such as the Basque country and Galicia.

Demonstrators in Barcelona described the jailed Catalonian ministers as 'political prisoners'

Trade unionists joined the demonstration in Bilbao which criticised Article 155 of the Spanish constitution which gave Madrid power to take over the Catalonian institutions

In the Basque region, a terrorist group ETA was responsible for the deaths of more than 850 people between 1959 and its ceasefire in 2011.

In April, the terrorist organisation handed over its weapons to authorities in France. Although one terror expert fears Spain's use of Article 155 could provoke a violent reaction.

Dr Evan Jean Lawrence of the University of Central Lancashire told The Express: 'If Spain goes in strong and tries to take control of everything, like with in Catalonia, you very well could see ETA poking it head back up to see whats going on.

'The Basque region has a long history of having a separatist movement and, unfortunately, a terrorist group.

'Spain handles conflict really badly, so were all just waiting with bated breath to see whether the terrorist movement has a resurgence.'

According to the New York Times, almost 63 per cent of Basques are opposed to following the Catalan method of independence, compared with 22 per cent who believe such a unilateral approach would be welcome.

Some 44 per cent would like greater freedom from Madrid only 23 per cent want full independence.

Barcelona fans unfurled a banner calling for justice at the Camp Nou during last night's game

Demonstrators said Article 155 of the Spanish constitution was anti-democratic

In a statement on Twitter, Puigdemont wrote: ''It's the moment for all democrats to unite. For Catalonia, for the freedom of political prisoners and the Republic,'

Spanish government spokesman Inigo Mendez de Vigo said Friday that politicians, even those who are jailed on suspicion of a crime, can run in the upcoming election unless they are convicted before it takes place. Puigdemont has left the door open to running.

Back in Barcelona, the government seat of Catalonia, pro-union parties criticised Puigdemont for his flight to Europe's capital 662 miles away.

Albert Rivera, the leader of the liberal Citizens party, said that Puigdemont had gotten what he asked for when he pushed ahead with plans for secession despite warnings from Spanish authorities that he was breaking the law.

'Mr. Puigdemont, wherever you are, come back to Spain and show your face before the law,' Rivera said. 'When you once bragged about flouting the law, you cannot now be indignant when a judge opens an investigation into your acts.'

Miquel Iceta, leader of Catalonia's Socialists, said at a separate rally: 'We have members of the government in prison, and others in Brussels trying to avoid the law. This is time to build bridges, not raise frontiers.'

Puigdemont and the four former ministers are being sought for five crimes, including rebellion, sedition and embezzlement, for their roles in pushing regional lawmakers to declare independence from Spain.

But the longer Puigdemont can delay his arrest and extradition, the greater chance he would have of being a factor in the Dec. 21 election.

Spain faces various groups who want various forms of independence from Madrid

Belgian Justice Minister Koen Geens said his government will have no influence over the future of Puigdemont or the other Catalan officials because the European arrest warrant 'is a completely legal procedure.'

He said, unlike a normal international extradition, 'the executive power does not play any role in the EAW procedure. Everything goes through direct contact between the justice authorities.'

Puigdemont's Belgian lawyer did not answer calls requesting comment on the arrest warrant but has said his client would fight extradition to Spain without requesting political asylum. Belgian federal prosecutors said they could question Puigdemont in coming days.

'We will study it, and put it in the hands of an investigating judge,' prosecutors' spokesman Eric Van Der Sijpt told The Associated Press. 'That could be tomorrow, the day after or even Monday ... we are not in any hurry.'

In all, Spanish prosecutors are investigating 20 regional politicians for rebellion and other crimes that could be punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

While Puigdemont and his four aides hid in Belgium, nine members of his deposed government complied with a summons to appear in a Madrid court. National Court judge Carmen Lamela jailed them all, although agreed to let one former regional minister go free on bail.

On the other side of the political divide over Catalonia, a senior official of a large separatist party, the Republican Left, conditioned her party's participation in the December 21 elections on the release of all the jailed separatists.

One of them, Republican Left's president, Oriol Junqueras, is the region's former vice president.

'If (Spain) wants democratic elections, if it wants to show that it is really democratic, it is necessary that it releases the main leaders of one of the options that will run for elections,' Republic Left general secretary Marta Rovira said.

Rovira appeared to issue a veiled threat that, saying that if her party's demands were not met, separatists could try to scuttle the elections by encouraging pro-independence local officials to not manage the election or open their town halls as polling places.

'Elections here can only happen here if we say they do,' Rovira said.

Fueled by questions of cultural identity and economic malaise, secessionist sentiment has skyrocketed to reach roughly half of the 7.5 million residents of Catalonia, a prosperous region that is proud of its Catalan language spoken along with Spanish.

The separatist majority of Catalonia's Parliament voted in favor of a declaration of independence on October 27.

The next day, Spain's central government used extraordinary constitutional powers to fire Catalonia's government and dissolve its regional parliament.

Spain's Constitution says the nation is 'indivisible' and that all matters of national sovereignty must be handled by the Spanish Parliament.
Donald McGovern, from Tallahassee, Florida filed to change his middle name to 'Trump' a few days before the 45th president was sworn into office in January

Some people take being a fan too far and for one Florida man, the chance at changing his name to pay homage to President Donald Trump is just too hard to pass up.

Donald McGovern, from Tallahassee, Florida filed for the change of his middle name to 'Trump' a few days before the 45th president was sworn into office in January.

'Because I totally, totally believe in the man,' McGovern, whose middle was originally Charles, said to the Tallahassee Democrat.

'Because I totally believe in his forwardness.'

Filing on January 6, the father-of-two got his wish fulfilled in mid-April.

'He was originally an actor or a showman. That's what you have to be in today's world as a president,' the man added.

'Because I totally, totally believe in the man,' McGovern, whose middle was originally Charles, said about Trump to the Tallahassee Democrat

The staunch supporter has stood behind a majority of what the president has done up until now.

McGovern said: 'I don't understand a couple of things that he's done. But still, he's our chief and commander.'

Speaking passionately, with tears in his eyes, McGovern was said to speak similarly to Trump and even worked in real estate formerly.

But this practice of presidential name homage is something that the man is all too familiar with: both his children have middle names Kennedy for JFK.

But this practice of presidential name homage is something that the man is all too familiar with: both his children have middle names Kennedy for JFK

Claiming to be a lance corporal in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam war, McGovern is proud of his service and remembers the legacy of six comrades who perished, one in his arms.

'We never give up. That's what you hear about the Marines, and it's true. We do not give up,' McGovern added.

He continued comparing this determination to that of Trump, who actually deferred service in Vietnam five times.

He said: 'He will be recognized, I hope, not only by this country, but by the world  as a true, true, leader of leaders.'
The former chair of the Democratic National Committee Donna Brazile says she seriously considered replacing Hillary Clinton with Joe Biden as the party's 2016 nominee.

Brazile made the revelation in her bombshell new book, set to be released Tuesday, that details the so-called dysfunction in the Democratic Party.

She said she had secret deliberations to remove Clinton and her running mate Senator Tim Kaine as the party's nominees in the aftermath of her fainting spell in New York in the September.

Brazile claims she had settled on Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Cory Booker as replacements to beat Donald Trump.

Former DNC chair Donna Brazile claims she considered replacing Hillary Clinton with Joe Biden as the party's 2016 presidential nominee after her fainting spell in September 2016

However, she decided against it because she ultimately didn't want to get in the way of the first woman to run for president.

'I thought of Hillary, and all the women in the country who were so proud of and excited about her. I could not do this to them,' she wrote in her book, in an excerpt obtained by the Washington Post on Saturday.

Also included in Brazile's upcoming memoir is the dysfunction and mismanagement that she claims to have uncovered at the organization she was brought in to run after hacked emails revealed efforts by party insiders to tilt the scales toward Clinton.

Brazile, who was herself thrown into controversy when it was revealed she passed on debate questions to the Clinton camp, unloads on her predecessor, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and discloses a smoking gun document in the form of a fundraising agreement that sent resources to the Clinton camp.

Brazile only learned of the party's financial troubles in July after she was named interim chair after Wasserman Schultz stepped down, in a call with CFO Gary Gensler.

Brazile claims she had settled on Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Cory Booker as replacements to beat Donald Trump

Also included in Brazile's (above in July 2016) memoir is the dysfunction and mismanagement that she claims to have uncovered at the organization she was brought in to run

'What?' I screamed. 'I am an officer of the party and they've been telling us everything is fine and they were raising money with no problems,' she writes that she told him.

Clinton's fundraising took care of the remaining debt as part of an agreement that allowed her input on party finances and staffing prior to her winning the nomination for president.

A memo was signed by Clinton's campaign and the DNC in August 2015 that established she would get some input in exchange for her financial support of the committee to help them repay a $24 million debt, NBC reports.

The details of the memo emerged after former Brazile made explosive claims in her book that Clinton had siphoned money out of the party and effectively took it over months before she captured her party's nomination.

The memo, which emerged on Friday, stated that '(Hillary For America) personnel will be consulted and have joint authority over strategic decisions over the staffing, budget, expenditures, and general election related communications, data, technology, analytics, and research.'

It stated that the DNA had agreed to hire one of two candidates that the HFA had said was acceptable.

Details of a deal Hillary Clinton's campaign made with the DNC in 2015 have emerged after it was claimed they were allowed input on party finances and staffing prior to her winning the nomination for president

The memo stated the arrangement concerned the general election, not the primary season, and that it wasn't exclusive to the Clinton campaign - meaning it left the door open to other candidates to make similar arrangements.

'Nothing in this agreement shall be construed to violate the DNC's obligation of impartiality and neutrality through the Nominating process. All activities performed under this agreement will be focused exclusively on preparations for the General Election and not the Democratic Primary,' the memo read.

'Further we understand you may enter into similar agreements with other candidates.'

Brazile had alleged in her book that she had found 'proof' the 2016 Democratic primary was rigged in Clinton's favor. She noted, however, that she believed no laws were violated.

The fundraising agreement, signed in August 2015 during the primary process, was unusual for an open seat.

Months later, Clinton's chief challenger, independent Senator Bernie Sanders, signed his own agreement with the party.

In a series of tweets, President Donald Trump slammed a 'crooked' Clinton and accused her of 'cheating' and stealing her primary win over Sanders

In an expert of her book, Brazile alleged that before Clinton became the Democratic nominee, her campaign signed the joint fundraising agreement with the DNC and HVF, in which her campaign would finance the DNC in exchange for oversight from the Clinton campaign.

Usually, the nominee doesn't take over fundraising until after they have accepted the nomination.

In a series of tweets, President Donald Trump slammed a 'crooked' Clinton and accused her of 'cheating' and stealing her primary win over Sanders.

'I always felt I would be running and winning against Bernie Sanders, not Crooked H, without cheating, I was right,' Trump tweeted late Friday morning.

'Bernie Sanders supporters have every right to be apoplectic of the complete theft of the Dem primary by Crooked Hillary!' Trump wrote.

He repeatedly encouraged the FBI to investigate.

'Everybody is asking why the Justice Department (and FBI) isn't looking into all of the dishonesty going on with Crooked Hillary & the Dems,' Trump wrote on Friday.

'New Donna B book says she paid for and stole the Dem Primary. What about the deleted E-mails, Uranium, Podesta, the Server, plus, plus...People are angry. At some point the Justice Department, and the FBI, must do what is right and proper. The American public deserves it!'
It begins. Fox News is going to be really into this. A week after news broke that special counsel Robert Mueller had handed down the first indictments in the investigation into the Trump campaigns potential collusion with Russia, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has introduced a resolution calling for his recusal.Gaetz, along with Reps. Louie Gohmert of Texas and Andy Biggs of Arizona, cite Muellers involvement in the Uranium One controversy. He was serving as FBI director at the time.Evidence has emerged that the FBI withheld information from Congress and from the American people about Russian corruption of American uranium companies. A confidential U.S. witness, working in the Russian nuclear industry, revealed that Russia had deeply compromised an American uranium tracking firm through bribery and financial kickbacks [] These deeply troubling events took place when Mr. Mueller was the Director of the FBI. As such, his impartiality is hopelessly compromised. He must be shut down immediately, Gaetz wrote in the statement.Heh Heh. Today, Students, we're going to see how many synonyms we can come up with for the verb "distract". Ready. Set. Go.
Racist flyers have painted a Sikh candidate running for mayor of a New Jersey town as a terrorist.

The advertisements, left on car windshields in Hoboken, were directed at City Councilman Ravi Bhalla just days before Election Day on Tuesday.

'Don't let TERRORISM take over our Town!' read the larger message on the flyers, placed directly above a photo of Bhalla in his turban.

The flyer used the majority of an advertisement originally run by fellow mayoral candidate Michael DeFusco that attacked Bhalla over an alleged conflict of interest and added the larger print.

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Racist flyers have painted a Sikh candidate running for mayor of a New Jersey town as a terrorist. 'Don't let TERRORISM take over our Town!' read the larger message on the flyer placed directly above a photo of Bhalla in his turban (pictured)

The advertisements, left on car windshields in Hoboken, were directed at City Councilman Ravi Bhalla (pictured, left, and right, with a supporter) just days before Election Day on Tuesday. If elected, Bhalla would be Hoboken's first Sikh mayor

'My wife was in tears. The hardest part as a father was answering my daughter's questions, asking: "Why are people attacking you because you wear a turban?"' said Bhalla (pictured, right, posing with supporters)

'There's been an undercurrent of racism I've seen in this campaign,' Bhalla, who would be Hoboken's first Sikh mayor, told the New York Daily News.

'That sort of whispering campaign has come to the surface now, where people have the audacity to send a flyer like that.'

Bhalla, the first Sikh to hold elective office in New Jersey, wears a turban as required by his religious beliefs.

He said his wife is in tears over the incident and he is having a hard time explaining the offensive flyers to his 10-year-old daughter.

'My wife was in tears,' said Bhalla. 'The hardest part as a father was answering my daughter's questions, asking: "Why are people attacking you because you wear a turban?"'

'That's a hard question to answer to a little girl, 10 years old.'

The flyer used the majority of an advertisement originally run by fellow mayoral candidate Michael DeFusco that attacked Bhalla over an alleged conflict of interest and added the larger print (Pictured, the original advertisement)

DeFusco (right), vying to become Hoboken's first gay mayor, quickly denied any part in printing or distributing the attack ads against Bhalla (left). 'I condemn this piece of racist garbage in the strongest possible terms,' he said, ripping up one of the offensive flyers at a press conference on Saturday

Courtesy of News12 NJ

The flyers were first seen tucked beneath the windshield wipers of parked cars by a volunteer for Bhalla's campaign on Friday evening.

Bhalla tweeted a picture of the flyer, writing: 'Yesterday, a flyer [with the] word terrorist above a pic of me was circulated in Hob[oken]. Of course this is troubling, but we wont let hate win.'

DeFusco, vying to become Hoboken's first gay mayor, quickly denied any part in printing or distributing the attack ads.

Bhalla and DeFusco tweeted about the flyer, condemning its racist message

'I condemn this piece of racist garbage in the strongest possible terms,' he said, ripping up one of the offensive flyers at a press conference on Saturday. 'Political stunts like this are everything that's wrong with politics today.'

Hoboken Police Chief Kenneth Ferrante said authorities are investigating the flyer distribution as a potential bias crime, including bias intimidation or harassment.

The city of 54,000 people has six candidates vying to replace Mayor Dawn Zimmer, who did not seek re-election. The citys elections are non-partisan.
Rand Paul's neighbor has been arrested after he allegedly assaulted the Senator while he was mowing the lawn of his Kentucky home.

Kentucky State Police said in a news release Saturday that Paul suffered a minor injuries when 59-year-old Rene Boucher assaulted him at his Warren County home in a gated community on Friday afternoon.

The release did not provide details of the assault or the nature of Paul's injury. In a statement, Paul spokeswoman Kelsey Cooper said the Republican senator is 'fine.'

The statement said Paul was 'blindsided' by the assault but she did not provide further details.

Neighbors told local TV station WAVE that the pair share a corner adjacent to their homes and have been in the midst of a feud.

Boucher allegedly ran onto Paul's property and tackled him from behind.

According to the arrest warrant the Republican politician suffered injuries to his face and had trouble breathing because of a blow to the ribs.

The FBI is also investigating to see if the assault is politically motivated. Online records state that Boucher's party affiliation is Democrat.

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A man has been arrested and charged with assaulting and injuring U.S. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky (left pictured with Trump in October)

Neighbors said the pair share a corner adjacent to their homes and have been in the midst of a feud

Boucher, of Bowling Green, is charged with fourth-degree assault with a minor injury.

He is being held at Warren County's jail on $5,000 bond.

An automated phone system at the jail did not provide access to lawyer information for Boucher.

Kentucky State Police said in a news release Saturday that Paul suffered a minor injury when 59-year-old Rene Boucher (above) assaulted him at his Warren County home on Friday afternoon

Online real estate sites say Paul's home is worth around $500,000.

It is believed Boucher is an acquaintance of Paul's.

The charge of fourth-degree assault is a Class A misdemeanor and he could face up to a year in prison.

According to the Bowling Green Daily News, Boucher is an anesthesiologist and pain specialist who developed a product called Therm-a-Vest.

It is a cloth vest partially filled with rice that is supposed to help with back pain.

He once marketed the product on the QVC shopping channel.

In May, Boucher posted on his Facebook page about Trump 'bullying' NATO leaders and an article about and Congressman Greg Gianforte assaulting The Guardians Ben Jacobs in Bozeman, Montana.

In a statement, Paul spokeswoman Kelsey Cooper said the Republican senator (above) is 'fine'

Boucher (above) is an anesthesiologist and pain specialist who developed a product called Therm-a-Vest
Caroline Lawson, 29, allegedly had sex with a 17-year-old male student at her Tampa, Florida home on Wednesday

A Florida teacher has been arrested for allegedly having sex with a 17-year-old male student.

Authorities say the student went to the home of Caroline Lawson, a 29-year-old English teacher at Lennard High School in Ruskin, on Wednesday, Fox 13 reports.

The pair allegedly had consensual, unprotected sex.

Alleged text messages between Lawson and an unidentified individual are being used in the investigation.

In the alleged exchange, Lawson writes: 'I cheated on [redacted] with a student.'

The individual replies: 'When you say cheated, do you mean slept with?'

Lawson replies: 'Yes.'

The now-former teacher resigned on Friday, and she was arrested at her Tampa home on the same day.

Lawson was an English teacher at Lennard High School in nearby Ruskin. She resigned from her post on Friday, and was arrested on the same day

She has been charged with unlawful sexual activity with a minor and her bond was set at $30,000, Patch reports.

Hillsborough County Public Schools released a statement to parents alerting them to the facts of the case.

The school said that Lawson had been an employee since August 2014 and had had no previous complaints or issues.

'We're certainly going yo be very proactive and aggressive on prosecuting this case and trying to determine if there are other victims or not,' Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office Corporal Larry McKinnon told Fox 13.

The former teacher has been charged with unlawful sexual activity with a minor. Alleged text messages between Lawson and an unidentified individual are being used in the investigation, authorities say
Another day, another MP embroiled in the dual citizenship scandal that has already claimed the seats of five politicians.

Assistant Immigration Minister Alex Hawke may have inherited Greek citizenship from his mother, which would make him ineligible to sit in Parliament.

The country's citizenship is automatically passed down 'if said person is born to a parent of Greek nationality' even if it wasn't activated.

Assistant Immigration Minister Alex Hawke may have inherited Greek citizenship from his mother, which would make him ineligible to sit in Parliament

'That is, the offspring of a Greek Citizen, even if the parent has not exercised his/her Right to Citizenship,' the embassy's website states.

Mr Hawke, who was born in Wollongong after his mother immigrated to Australia in the 1950s, denied he ever held Green citizenship.

'I was born in Wollongong, have lived my whole life in Australia and have only ever solely held Australian citizenship,' he told the Daily Telegraph.

'I am an Australian citizen only and have never held or acquired or sought Greek or any other citizenship.'

Mr Hawke, who was born in Wollongong after his mother immigrated to Australia in the 1950s, denied he ever held Green citizenship

Though Greek citizenship is automatically passed on, dual citizens still have to be 'duly registered in the Records of a Municipality of the Hellenic Republic'.

Mr Hawke was the third MP to face questions about their Greek heritage after his Liberal colleague Julia Banks and Industry Minister Arthur Sinodinos.

The Greek Embassy at the time confirmed Ms Banks wasn't registered and Mr Sinodinos said he had 'never held Greek citizenship'.

Mr Hawke spoke of his Greek heritage in his first speech to Parliament, describing how his family settled in Australia after the Second World War.

Mr Hawke was the third MP to face questions about their Greek heritage after his Liberal colleague Julia Banks and Industry Minister Arthur Sinodinos (centre)

He also tweeted about it in 2014, saying: 'I can't help being born half Greek, in fact I'm proud of it.'

Questions about Mr Hawke's eligibility came just days after Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg was accused of holding Hungarian citizenship.

Greens senators Scott Ludlam and Larissa Waters, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and his Nationals colleague Fiona Nash, and One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts were all booted out of Parliament last month for holding dual citizenships.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten last week demanded all MPs have their citizenship audited but Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull refused, saying it was for the High Court to decide.
A beluga whale living in captivity with bottlenose dolphins has astounded researchers after it was recorded speaking their unique 'language'.

The sea creature was moved to the Koktebel dolphinarium in Crimea in November 2013 when it was four years old where it was monitored by scientists.

Despite some initial difficulties, the whale quickly integrated into the pod, which consisted of one adult male, two adult females and a young female, according to researchers Elena Panova and Alexandr Agafonov from the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow.

The sea creature was moved to the Koktebel dolphinarium in Crimea in November 2013 when it was four years old where it was monitored by scientists. Pictured: A beluga whale

Within months, the whale started to imitate the dolphins before losing its signature beluga call altogether, Science Alert reported.

'Two months after the beluga's introduction into a new facility, we found that it began to imitate whistles of the dolphins, whereas one type of its own calls seemed to disappear,' researchers said.

But, they added: 'The inspection of the audio recordings made before and after the beluga's introduction revealed that the cross-species imitation was not reciprocal.

'While the imitations of dolphin whistles were regularly detected among the beluga's vocalisations, we found only one case in which the dolphins produced short calls that resembled (but were not identical in physical parameters) those of the beluga.'

Within months, the whale started to imitate the dolphins before losing its signature beluga call altogether. Pictured: Bottlenose dolphins

But while the whale was able to effectively imitate its companions, it is not known if the creature was able to understand the language.

Dubbed 'sea canaries,' beluga whales make a wide range of whistles, grunts and clicks, and use echolocation to navigate under ice and find prey in murky water.

They mostly eat fish, squid, crustaceans and octopi and have 34 teeth designed not for chewing, but for grabbing and tearing prey.

The research was published in the journal Animal Cognition
We were in the legendary Pump Room bar of a hotel on Chicago's Gold Coast, one-time favourite of the Rat Pack.

My friend Melissa, who has lived in the Windy City for decades, approached the full and large coupe of vodka martini with lips puckered. Her cocktail looked capable of stunning a bull elephant.

'Clint and Mrs Eastwood were here last time I dropped by. Boy, is he looking old,' she said, casually.

The only way is up: Rising above Lake Michigan, Chicagos skyscrapers make a statement

We tripped into the night air and headed down to the junction of Rush St and North State. This is the apex of Viagra Triangle, where silver-haired 'manthers' with big wallets and young partners drink Napa Valley's grandest crus.

'Let's check out Hugo's Frog 'Let's check out Hugo's Frog Bar. It's more French than anything in Paris.' She was right. I live in France.

'Hey look, it's JB Pritzker,' she said loudly, pointing at a portly 50-something sitting nearby. 'He's standing for Illinois state governor next year for the Democrats. He's also the owner of Hyatt hotels.' In a stage whisper, she said: 'He's worth $3.5 billion.' Two glasses of good sauvignon blanc came to $50, but Melissa coughed up before I had even fumbled for my wallet.

Cinematic: Downtown Chicago has been the backdrop for many films, including Batman

Chicago is the place to come if you are a food lover who likes sport, art, music and architecture. And bars. It's cooler than New York, easier to get around and, despite a reputation for violence, is one of the friendliest places on the planet.

After the Frog Bar and a stupendous dinner at upmarket steakhouse Maple & Ash, we went to Buddy Guy's Legends.

This is a sprawling cavern of a Chicago Blues bar where you could easily bump into Eric Clapton, Robert Cray or any number of big blues names. Buddy himself was playing to a full house. I nursed a pint or two of Guinness slumped on a barstool.

Above me were the Stratocast-offs of Keith Richards, John Lee Hooker and BB King.

Owing to jetlag I don't remember much after that, until waking up in the New York Life Insurance Building in the financial quarter. This elegant art deco early skyscraper was recently converted into the Kimpton Gray Hotel.

Built by William LeBaron Jenney, the father of the skyscraper, it's one of the finest buildings in a city whose architecture is more restrained and refined than that East Coast dazzler, the Big Apple (though Trump Tower strikes a jarring note on Chicago's otherwise elegant riverside).

Musical: Live blues is played across the city

Around the corner from the Gray is a very well-known location from many films, including the recent Batman films  the Chicago Board of Trade building, with its statue of the Roman goddess Ceres on the roof. We later took a skyline helicopter trip, flitting among the rooftops, which put the scale and grandeur of the place into perspective.

Chicago rears up from the shores of Lake Michigan  from a swamp where Algonquin Indians grew onions and garlic. Still a little jetlagged the following morning, I cycled the river path and then a short stretch of Lake Michigan before visiting the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the second-largest opera venue in the world (New York's Met is bigger).

It's a staggeringly grandiose palace of art deco and art nouveau, which opened a week after the Wall Street Crash. Maria Callas made her U.S. debut here. That afternoon, the echoey palace of sound was full of ghosts.

Down on the pedestrianised Chicago Riverwalk is the City Winery, beside the bridge made famous in the great car chase in the 1980 hit movie, The Blues Brothers.

The Winery buys grapes and makes its own wine, so Melissa and I shared a carafe before wandering across the river to the House of Blues, the music venue co-founded by The Blues Brothers star Dan Aykroyd.

It was pretty empty because it was mid-afternoon, but was still full of atmosphere.
Everyone's going on about Lisbon.

Portugal's capital city has long been beautiful - but now we all want a piece of the action.

City of Light: Europe's sunniest capital is especially glorious outside of the summer season

There are boutique hotels aplenty, new restaurants opening all over the place and (gulp) stags and hens parading the narrow streets. But you can easily lose them. Go now - outside the summer crowds - and you're more likely to find a seat on the trundling trams.

WHAT'S THE STORY? Lisbon was devastated in 1755 when an earthquake, then a tsunami, destroyed the city, killing 60,000 people. The gothic Carmo Convent is a monument to the disaster. It was left roofless, open to the stars, to commemorate those who died within.

The arches going nowhere are haunting, and there's also an archaeological museum with creepy 16th-century mummies from Peru. Entry for adults is 4 (3.50), museuarqueologicodocarmo.pt.

Sombre: The Carmo Convent remains unfinished, to commemorate those killed in the quake

Impressively, Lisbon was rebuilt within ten years. Like Rome, the city is built on seven hills. Walking is a great way to see it: my phone pedometer recorded 25,000 steps one day. But opt for trainers - the gradients and cobbles are unforgiving.

ARTY SIDE: The new Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT) in Belem, by architect Amanda Levete, is surreal inside and out. It looks like a curving velodrome, with a rooftop giving wide river views. The art is challenging. Admission costs 5 (4.40), maat.pt.

More accessible is the nearby Berardo Collection, where there's work by Modigliani, Henry Moore and a section devoted to British pop art. Entry is free on Saturdays, en.museuberardo.pt Even if you don't fancy art, this is still a good place to wander and soak up the riverside scenery. Cars crossing the great big 25 de Abril Bridge create a rumbling backing track.

ON THE TILES: It's easy to appreciate Lisbon's tiles. Navy and white polka-dots, Moorish patterns and green glazed beauties decorate houses on every street.

But the National Tile Museum - in a serene former convent, Madre de Deus (Mother of God) - is worth visiting, especially for the panorama of Lisbon before the 1755 earthquake, which shows buildings that were destroyed, sailors navigating the Tagus River and the potteries' chimney stacks smoking gently.

There's more recent work, too, such as the grasshopper-patterned tiles by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro (c. 1905).

We walked, but it's wiser to take the bus from the centre. Entry is 5 (4.40), museudoazulejo.gov.pt.

SWEETEST TREATS: Portuguese pasteis de nata (custard tarts) are no good for throwing - you'll want to gobble them up whole. Pasteis de Belem is the home of custard tarts, and you'll queue for them.

Pie perfection: Don't leave Lisbon without scoffing a Portuguese 'pastel de nata' custard tart

But the tarts at Manteigaria, on Rua do Loreto, in the Bairro Alto district, are also very good. A bell is rung when a fresh batch comes out of the oven. The coffee is cheap, too - 1 (88p) for an espresso and 1 for a tart.

I'll walk miles for an ice cream and Nannarella is worth the trek. They've just opened a new gelateria in Belem.

The owner is Italian, the ingredients Portuguese and the portions generous. From 2.50, nannarella.pt

DISH OF THE DAY: There are millions of places to eat, but Tapisco, a new tapas joint in Principe Real from famous Portuguese chef Henrique Sa Pessoa, is fantastically tasty and done up like a stylish diner.

His restaurant Alma has a Michelin star, but you'll enjoy his food for less here. Sit at the gleaming bar and watch the chefs marinade octopus.

At lunchtime in the Alfama, head for Pateo 13, with its open-air grill and chefs peeling bucketloads of roasted red peppers.

BOUTIQUE SLEEP: Casa Das Janelas Com Vista in the lively Bairro Alto has the sort of relaxed feel many of us long to recreate at home. Tall ceilings, lovely linens, mismatched chinaware and vintage furnishings.

Fine dining: The restaurant at five-star hotel Memmo Principe Real has views across Lisbon

My room has an old-fashioned tailor's dummy. In the morning, the breakfast table groans with goodies. The openplan kitchen living room is available 24 hours a day and tea is on tap.

Beware, there are no lifts and lots of stairs, so pack light. Rooms from 116.99, dorisanddicky.com.

ROYAL DIGS: The Principe Real district is an aristocratic neighbourhood - the name means Royal Prince - and, unsurprisingly, it's plush. Now, there's a new boutique five-star hotel.

Classic transport: Trams, in operation since 1873, are a charming way to see the city sights

Memmo Principe Real has views across the city rooftops, a bar serving white port and tonic in famous for crystal glasses, and a pool made for posing.

Our room overlooks the lot. The bed is gargantuan and the bathroom products are by Hermes. Staff are enormously helpful, parking our dusty Kia Picanto (blushing amid the Porsches) and recommending local restaurants.

You can join a free tour of the neighbourhood at 5pm each day. Our guide took us to the first church to feature coloured tiles, the Church of Sao Roque, with its extraordinary lapis and gold chapel dedicated to St John the Baptist.

The guide described the political situation in Portugal thus: 'Not the best, but not the worst democracy. We can't complain. It's sunny. The food is great. The people are nice.'
A camouflaged two-man canoe sat near the back wall of the museum in Bordeaux. When I asked an attendant at the Centre National Jean Moulin if there was any information about this mysterious exhibit, he offered the sort of pained expression a French waiter might make if you told him you were vegetarian. He shrugged his shoulders and pulled down the corners of his mouth. Rien du tout, he said. Nothing.

Its a peculiar oversight, especially as next month marks a key anniversary in the remarkable story behind this vessel (the one in the museum is actually a re-creation of the original).

In December 1942, HMS Tuna, a Royal Navy T-class submarine, surfaced a few miles off the coast of South West France and swiftly prepared to disembark 12 highly trained marines and their camouflaged canoes (the party was quickly reduced to ten when one of the canoes was damaged).

The new TGV high-speed rail service from Paris to Bordeaux (pictured) takes just two hours. Back in the 12th Century, you would be lucky to complete the journey from London to Aquitaine in two weeks

They were ordered to paddle into the Gironde estuary on a mission  dubbed Operation Frankton  that has been hailed as the most courageous raid of the Second World War. Leading the so-called Cockleshell Heroes was Herbert Blondie Hasler, 27, who had made it clear to his men that they were facing the greatest danger: expectation of a long life, he said, would be very remote.

Conceived as a bold thrust against an apparently invincible German military, the daring mission aimed to destroy blockade-avoiding ships in Bordeaux harbour  proving that after three years of a war in which the Allies had been almost permanently on the back foot, Britain was now ready to fight back.

Britain, after all, has had a history of fighting in this part of France  waging war in Bordeaux for hundreds of years. Take a city tour and history comes at you thick and fast. When we think of the Golden Age of Bordeaux, explained our guide, we think of the 12th Century.

The 12th Century? I havent felt the need to contemplate the 12th Century since first-form history. The relevant chapter of our textbook dealt sparingly with the events between the Battle of Hastings and Magna Carta: many recall Henry I, who is said to have expired after a surfeit of lampreys  eating too many eels.

Henrys grandson, Henry II, married Eleanor of Aquitaine, and her wedding gift to her husband was the whole of Aquitaine  everything from Bordeaux down to the Spanish border, including Dordogne and the Lot et Garonne.

You can trace the journey of the Cockleshell Heroes, pictured here in training, from the Operation Frankton memorial at Le Verdon sur Mer to the commemorative plaque next to Hangar 14  near Place Frankton  on the harbourside at Bordeaux

The new TGV high-speed rail service from Paris to Bordeaux takes just two hours. Back in the 12th Century, you would be lucky to complete the journey from London to Aquitaine in two weeks.

Aquitaines distance from England meant that it would inevitably fall prey to covetous attacks from neighbouring French provinces. In the 14th Century, this finally gave rise to the Hundred Years War (to be accurate, this series of wars lasted 116 years), at the end of which France reclaimed Bordeaux.

When war came to Bordeaux in 1940, Britain and France were on the same side.

After the French government, which had relocated to Bordeaux, surrendered to the Germans, the enemy made good use of the port both as a base for submarines and as an important harbour for Japanese ships bringing essential war material from the Far East.

In 1942, Britain had few successes against Germany to celebrate. Big raids on St Nazaire and Dieppe had successfully raised national morale but had brought a heavy loss of life. Haslers raid on Bordeaux promised spectacular results from a tiny force.

Further mishaps to the canoes soon whittled the number down to just two, so the crew members could easily have been forgiven for abandoning the mission. Instead, they pressed ahead with exceptional pluck.

The 15th century La Porte Cailhau in Bordeaux

You can trace their journey from the Operation Frankton memorial at Le Verdon sur Mer to the commemorative plaque next to Hangar 14  near Place Frankton  on the harbourside at Bordeaux.

For a panoramic view of their journey, I started my memorial tour with a visit the citadel at Blaye, where you get a grandstand sight of the route the men took.

The fact that even four men managed to reach Bordeaux to attach limpet mines to enemy ships was an outstanding achievement.

Standing on the quayside today, its easy to see why Bordeaux was recently named the best place in Europe for a short break. The city is incredibly pretty.

Happily it escaped heavy wartime destruction that flattened other ports. But now an extensive  and expensive  urban revival programme has revitalised Bordeaux, and it would be hard to think of a more attractive or a more stimulating city in the whole of Europe.

If you come here, spare some time to pay tribute to the courage of the Cockleshell Heroes.

Of the ten commandos who began the journey down the Gironde, only two  Hasler and Bill Sparks  eventually returned to the UK, after a perilous escape through France to Spain. Six members  Samuel Wallace, Robert Ewart, Albert Laver, William Mills, John Mackinnon and James Conway  were caught and summarily executed by the Gestapo, while George Sheard and David Moffat were presumed drowned.

The sacrifice was heavy, but the results were extraordinary: five vessels in the harbour were damaged  even worse was the harm done to the Germans belief that they were untouchable.

As we approach the 75th anniversary, it is surely time for the Jean Moulin museum to tell visitors the full story of this attack  and a perfect moment to put this remarkable canoe in a place of honour.
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Horses are par for the course in the Wild West, but there are a few roaming the wild east of America as well.

Cumberland Island - off the Atlantic coast of Georgia - is home to the only unmanaged feral herd of horses on the east coast. Pretty much deserted, the islands former grand inhabitants have moved on but the horses have remained. Theyve been snapped, over a decade of visits, by French photographer Anouk Masson Krantz, for the soon-to-be released book Wild Horses of Cumberland Island, published by Images Publishing.

Pretty Cumberland Island is made up of white sand beaches, immense rolling dunes, old growth maritime forests and a salt marsh tidal estuary. Its only accessible by boat and theres only one hotel to choose from - The Greyfield Inn, one of the few buildings on the island that isnt a majestic ruin.

As well as being home to around 150 wild horses, the island has had a chequered history. It's thought that horses originally would have arrived with Spanish settlers in the 17th century. There were plantations and Civil War battles there in the 19th century, after which the wealthy Carnegies bought most of it in the 1880s.

The legendary industrialist family lived there with their own horses but it was sold to the National Park Service in 1972. A descendant of the original owner, Thomas Carnegie, Oliver Mitty Ferguson runs the island's hotel.

The Cumberland horses arent native to the island but as they're descended from domestic breeds, it's thought their ancestors must have escaped during the Civil War. Scroll down to see horses taking free rein of a treasured environment in a scintillating set of pictures.

Horses for courses: Around 150 wild horses live on America's Cumberland Island, which has just one hotel

The horses have been left alone without human interference for decades. Their numbers have stayed steady at around 150

Neigh-bours: It's thought that horses have been on the island since the 17th century

The Greyfield Inn is the only hotel on the island, which is now owned by the National Park Service

The horses on the island are locally famous. Visitors can arrive by boat and spend the day on the island or stay overnight at the hotel owned by a descendant of Thomas Carnegie, who bought the island in the 1880s

Wild horses: The horses spend their days cantering on the sand, foraging for sea moss and grazing inland

Industrialist Thomas Carnegie lived on Cumberland Island for a time with his family and their domestic horses

Cumberland Island has been a national park since 1972. The horses are the only herd in east coast America that aren't managed in any way by humans

Photographer Anouk Masson Krantz shot her book The Wild Horses of Cumberland Island over 10 years

The horses eat, play and explore together away from any human interference

These majestic beasts are the star attraction for visitors to Georgia's peaceful Cumberland Island

Anouk Masson Krantz's book captures the freedom the horses have on Cumberland Island. They've never been ridden or domesticated by humans

Holiday home: The horses have an idyllic life on the pretty island, which sits just off the coast of Georgia, US

This small family of horses has plenty of room to explore. They can roam across white sand beaches, ancient forests and a salt marsh

No longer really inhabited (apart from one hotel), Cumberland Island was popular with the Carnegies but now nature has taken over

The Georgian island has been home to Spanish settlers, plantation owners and multi-millionaires over the years. The historic maritime forests make for an atmospheric setting

Peaceful: This hypnotic image captures the beautiful tranquility of the island, which is a treasured coastal preserve
Sofia Vergara's ex Nick Loeb has filed a motion to dismiss her lawsuit against him.

The Modern Family actress, 45, filed a suit requesting Loeb to be officially blocked from using their frozen pre-embryos without her written consent back in February.

And Loeb, 41, submitted legal documents to California Superior Court - obtained by DailyMail.com - stating 'defendant denies each and every allegation' on Friday.

Dismiss: Sofia Vergara's, 45, ex Nick Loeb, 41, filed a motion on Friday to dismiss her lawsuit against him attempting to block him from using their frozen pre-embryos; (pictured September and 2015 respectively)

The motion 'further denies that Plaintiff is entitles to any equitable or legal relief against Defendant on any ground whatsoever.'

In the February lawsuit, Vergara asked for declaratory relief and a permanent injunction against Loeb in regards to the embryos they created in 2013 as a couple.

According to the original documents, 'The terms of the Contract expressly state that neither party may use the pre-embryos created from the IVF procedure without the explicit written consent of the other party.'

The papers also mention that two of Loebs exes have had abortions during their relationships, 'a fact directly contradictory to his alleged pro-life views.'

EXCLUSIVE: Loeb submitted legal documents to California Superior Court - obtained by DailyMail.com - stating 'defendant denies each and every allegation'

Vergara is asking for unspecified general and also special and punitive damages and court costs shes accumulated over the two-year legal battle.

In December, a judge dismissed a case Loeb brought against Vergara.

The Louisiana judge said the court had no jurisdiction over the embryos, which were conceived in California.

Public battle: The exes have been fighting in a nasty and public legal battle since early 2015; (pictured 2013)

According to court documents, the judge referred to the embryos as 'citizens of California' and said that a decision concerning the case could require an evaluation of the embryos' rights.

The exes have been fighting in a nasty and public legal battle for years. Loeb sued Vergara in early 2015 for custody of the female embryos they created together while they were engaged in 2013.

While they were dating, the former couple signed a document saying they both had to consent to implant the embryos in a surrogate.

Baby names: Loeb and Vergara created two frozen embryos while they were engaged in 2013. By May 2014, they had broken up. Loeb wants to see the frozen embryos, which he has named Emma and Isabella, grow to term ; (pictured September)

The pair broke up in May 2014. Loeb wants to see the frozen embryos, which he has named Emma and Isabella, grow to term and become his daughters while Vergara, who is now married to Joe Manganiello, wants to see them remain frozen.

Loeb dropped his case in 2016 a day before another one was filed by an unknown third party in Louisiana representing the embryos as plaintiffs.

After the Louisiana dismissal, it is uncertain if Loeb plans to refile another lawsuit.

Frozen: Vergara wants to see the embryos remain frozen, (pictured in June)

In July, Vergara filed a motion in Los Angeles to use her ex fiance's deposition from a previous lawsuit in her court order to ensure her frozen embryos are not carried to term.

Court documents obtained by DailyMail.com in July showed that Vergara claimed her ex's deposition from the 2015 case is relevant to her court order to prohibit him from suing again for the embryos.

The case has garnered the interest of pro-life groups because it called into question the rights of the embryos created at ART Reproductive Center in Beverly Hills.

Vergara and her lawyer have accused Loeb of trying to keep himself in the public eye by drawing attention to the case.

He wrote an opinion piece in the New York Times in 2015 that argued if a woman has a right to chose to carry a pregnancy to term, a man should have the same rights when it comes to an IVF embryo.

After the Louisiana dismissal, it is uncertain if Loeb plans to refile another lawsuit.

Vergara has a 24-year-old son, Manolo Gonzalez-Ripoll Vergara, from a previous relationship.

She married Magic Mike actor Joe Manganiello in a lavish Palm Beach ceremony in November 2015.
Very Frustrated Trump Becomes Top Critic of Law Enforcement



One of President Trumps biggest disappointments in office, by his own account, was discovering that he is not supposed to personally direct law enforcement decisions by the Justice Department and the F.B.I. So, instead, he has made himself into perhaps the most vocal critic of Americas system of justice ever to occupy the Oval Office.



Just this week, he denounced the criminal justice system as a joke and a laughingstock. He demanded that the suspect in the New York terrorist attack be executed. He spent Friday berating the Justice Department and F.B.I. for not investigating his political opponents. He then turned to the military justice system and called a court-martial decision a complete and total disgrace.



The repeated assaults on law enforcement cross lines that presidents have largely observed since the Watergate era, raising questions about the separation of politics and the law. But as extraordinary as Mr. Trumps broadsides are, perhaps more striking is that investigators and prosecutors are so far ignoring the head of the executive branch in which they serve while military judges and juries are for the most part disregarding the opinions of their commander in chief.



You know, the saddest thing is that because Im the president of the United States, I am not supposed to be involved with the Justice Department, Mr. Trump said in a radio interview on Thursday on the Larry OConnor Show. I am not supposed to be involved with the F.B.I. Im not supposed to be doing the kind of things that I would love to be doing. And Im very frustrated by it.

And all this time, Trump thought being president was more of less the same as being dictator. Life's little disappointments.....More frustrations: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/03/...gate-democrats.html?google_editors_picks=true
She's the New Zealand-born star who found fame modelling for Victoria's Secret.

And now, Georgia Fowler has revealed the backstage secrets of the world's most popular fashion show, claiming that there is a lot more to it than meets the eye.

In an interview with Weekend Today on Saturday, the 25-year-old gave viewers a rare insight into what goes on behind the scenes and beyond the catwalk, claiming that the models are surprisingly supportive.

'I was really surprised': Georgia Fowler has revealed all about the backstage secrets and life associated with being a successful Victoria's Secret model in an interview with Today on Saturday

'All (the models) are really encouraging, they're veterans that have done it heaps of times,' she said.

'I was really surprised too, even the girls who had done it so many times before were backstage nervous before they went out.

'She added: 'It shows how much it really means to them.'

Since Georgia debuted on the runway for the lingerie brand, she has been to catapulted her into international stardom beyond her wildest dreams - something that she said she is still adjusting to.

''All (the models) are really encouraging': Georgia was surprised at the level of support that all the girls provide to each other backstage

'Now I go out sometimes and I get caught by paparazzi': Following her debut on the brand's catwalk last year, Georgia's life has changed drastically, and being a model has catapulted her into international stardom

'Now I go out sometimes and I get caught by paparazzi, or I go out and there's a lot of famous names,' she said.

'I try not to think about it too much and focus on work, it comes along with it (the job).'

'I was absolutely pinching myself last year': Georgia claimed that she was completely shocked to have been included in the lineup last year

She also claimed that she was completely shocked to have been included in the lineup, and that she hopes to take in the event in all its entirety even more this year when she walks for the second time.

'I was absolutely pinching myself last year...I was geeking out.'

Modelling for over a decade, Georgia's dream came true last year when she was cast for the 2016 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Paris, alongside the likes of Bella Hadid and Adriana Lima.

Georgia will walk in her second consecutive show for Victoria's Secret this year, when the event kicks off in Shanghai on November 29.
She is fashion royalty as one of the leading British supermodels of the moment.

And Kate Moss put her best fashion foot forward when she attended the launch of luxury Japanese beauty brand Decorte at Selfridges in London on Friday.

The 43-year-old model best showcased her slender figure in a slinky gold patterned top, which featured a petal shaped edge which caught the eye.

Scroll down for video

She's got style: Kate Moss showed off her slender figure in slinky gold top when she attended the launch of luxury Japanese beauty brand Decorte at Selfridges in London on Friday

Parading her slim physique, Decorte's brand ambassador slipped her envy-inducing frame into skintight navy trousers.

Accentuating her youthful looks, the Croydon born beauty let her glossy locks frame her face in loose golden curls.

Fashionista Kate looked positively glowing as she bore a neutral make-up palette at the glamorous beauty event.

The fashion icon was joined by the great and the good of the showbiz world including 52-year-old actress Sadie Frost.

On trend as ever: The 43-year-old model best showcased her slender figure in a slinky gold patterned top, which featured a petal shaped edge which caught the eye

Kate was famously discovered at New Yorks JFK airport when she was 14 by Sarah Doukas, founder of Storm Models management.

At the tender age of 17, the model landed her first huge assignment in the industry for Calvin Klein underwear with actor Mark Wahlberg.

Speaking to The Telegraph, she recalled how her mum told her she wasn't 'photogenic' before she embarked on her stellar modelling career.

Quipping about how she has gone on to prove her wrong, she enthused: 'And my Mum always said I wasn't photogenic. Well, hello. 'She was like: "Kate, do you really think you can be a model?"'

Great company: The fashion icon was joined by the great and the good of the showbiz world including 52-year-old actress Sadie Frost (pictured with Jess Morris)

No Frost(y) reception here! The showbiz group cosied up to one another with Sadie catching the eye in her loud dress which featured bird patterns

Leggy lady: Sadie also put on a very leggy display in the thigh-skimming dress while her pal Jess went for an edgy vibe in PVC trousers

As well as taking the modelling industry by storm, Kate is the doting mother to her 15-year-old daughter.

The mother-of-one gave birth to Lila Grace in 2002, amid her romance with Dazed & Confused magazine's co-founder Jefferson Hack.

And mother like daughter, Lila secured her first modelling success as the face of the Braid Bar at the tender age of 14.

Having a wonderful time! Fashionista Kate looked positively glowing as she bore a neutral make-up palette at the glamorous beauty event

As for romance, Kate went onto marry The Kills guitarist Jamie Hince, 48, in a romantic ceremony in Gloucestershire in 2011.

It wasn't meant to be as the former flames parted ways in 2015 and their divorce was settled outside of court in 2016.

She has been going strong with her younger lover and German aristocrat Count Nikolai von Bismarck, 30.

Delightful: Sadie and Jess were in high spirits as they browsed the beauty brochure for the launch of the Japanese luxury brand

She's a natural choice! As one of the supermodels of the moment, it is no surprise Kate was chosen to be the brand's ambassador

Parading her slim physique: Decorte's brand ambassador slipped her envy-inducing frame into skintight navy trousers as she wrapped her arms around her pal Serena Rees

Accentuating her youthful looks: The Croydon born beauty let her glossy locks frame her face in loose golden curls, joining Linda Moss and Phoebe Hitchcox at the event

Standing tall: The golden-haired beauty added to her statuesque height in sky-scraper high boots when she sashayed through the venue
She is a familiar face on the Melbourne social circuit.

And Rebecca Judd was front and centre as she attended Derby Day on Saturday.

The 34-year-old opted for an unusual look for the big day, wearing a black and white off-the-shoulder lace dress with fringing detail on the sleeves and hems.

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A delight in black and white? Rebecca Judd opts for an unusual modern monochrome dress and headpiece at Derby Day

Bec's hair was styled in her signature waves by UVA Salon, and her dramatic makeup done by freelance artist Kate Fletcher.

She looked stunning as she attended the race day along with her AFL star husband Chris by her side,

The pair looked as smitten as ever, as they cuddled up together and posed for the cameras.

The Carlton and West Coast legend looked dapper in a traditional tailored grey suit, white shirt and a black tie.

Accessories: She teamed the frock with an oval-shaped fascinator by Danica Erard Millinery and a pair of studded stiletto

Loved up pair: She looked stunning as she attended the race day along with her AFL star husband Chris by her side

Looking sharp! The Carlton and West Coast legend looked dapper in a traditional tailored grey suit, white shirt and a black tie

Bec debuted her futuristic look for the star-studded occasion and earlier documented her glam process via her Instagram account.

The striking brunette juggles her career duties in addition to family life with husband Chris and children Oscar, six, Billie, three, and one-year-old twins Tom and Darcy

The youngest Judd members celebrated their first birthday in late September with a fun family birthday party.

'Twin birthday rules: Always have two cakes. Always sing Happy Birthday separately,' she noted in a social media shot from the special occasion.

Glowing: Bec was at her stylish best on Saturday, as she prepared to step out to attend the city's annual Derby Day celebrations

Chic: She also shared a snap of her hair, styled in her signature waves by UVA Salon, and dramatic makeup done by freelance artist Kate Fletcher

'Twin birthday rules: Always have two cakes. Always sing Happy Birthday separately,' she noted in a social media shot from the special occasion

The busy businesswoman revealed on Wednesday she had wrapped filming her Melbourne-based travel show, Postcards, for the year.

She shared a selfie to Instagram as she shouted out Crittenden Wines and clothing brand Steele.

'Last day filming @9postcards for 2017!' she exclaimed, adding a range of emojis.
She's the sought-after Australian model who has walked the catwalk for Givenchy at Paris Fashion Week.

And Montana Cox once again turned heads on Saturday, as she opted for a VERY busty look at Derby Day.

The former Australia's Next Top Model winner displayed her cleavage in a plunging dress, while leaving her decolletage free from accessories.

Fit for a... princess? Model Montana Cox turns heads in a cleavage-baring white frock with puffy sleeves as she preps for Derby Day in Melbourne

Earlier in the day, the 24-year-old poked fun of her white frock with large puffed sleeves on social media, making a reference to the 2001 film The Princess Diaries.

Montana captioned her glamorous selfie: 'Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldi. Princess of Genovia.'

Her fans were amused by her description, writing: 'the caption hahah love it', 'like Cinderella baby!' and 'you look like a princess.'

Her makeup was flawlessly applied, with a dusting of blush, simple winged eyeliner and a dramatic red pout.

Taking the plunge: The former Australia's Next Top Model winner displayed her cleavage in a plunging dress, while leaving her decolletage free from accessories

'Princess of Genovia': The 24-year-old poked fun of her white frock with large puffed sleeves on social media, making a reference to the 2001 film The Princess Diaries

Styled in messy curls, Montana's brunette locks were worn down with a black bejeweled headband.

She took to Instagram Stories to document her prep, joking her hair stylist was 'MJ' as they wore a white glove to use the hot curling tongs.

Only two days earlier Montana had returned to Australia from America.

Princess: Her fans were amused by her description, writing: 'the caption hahah love it', 'like Cinderella baby!' and 'you look like a princess'

She posted a photo from Etihad's luxe business class, writing: 'Made it home safe and sound and feeling refreshed for once! Thank-you Etihad for the best flying experience and for treating me like a queen.'

2017 has thus far proved a successful year for Montana, who was earlier announced as the face of Bendon Lingerie.

She also landed herself another lucrative role as ambassador for skincare brand Neutrogena in August.

'MJ on the hair': She took to Instagram Stories to document her prep, joking her hair stylist was 'MJ' as they wore a white glove to use the hot curling tongs
Glamorous U.S. socialite Heather Kerzner could lose millions after bankrolling disgraced PR firm Bell Pottinger shortly before it went bust. But at least one of her investments has paid off.

I hear that American-born Heather has pocketed a 1 million profit after selling her New York penthouse less than two years after buying the four-bedroom apartment in the heart of Greenwich Village.

A friend says Kerzner decided to sell her New York base earlier this year because the 4,317 sq ft apartment was hardly used.

Following the 15 million sale, Kerzner will now be based in Chelsea, and is rebuilding her life following a horrendous time after fiance James Henderson quit his job as CEO of Bell Pottinger when the firm imploded due to a race hate scandal in South Africa.

The well-connected couple, above, had sent out invitations to a wedding in Chelsea on November 25, with rock stars and royalty on the guest list.

U.S. socialite Heather Kerzner will now be based in Chelsea, and is rebuilding her life following a horrendous time after fiance James Henderson quit his job as CEO of Bell Pottinger when the firm imploded due to a race hate scandal in South Africa

But the event was postponed when Bell Pottinger went into administration in September, leaving Kerzner facing financial hardship, as she had invested several million pounds into the company four months before its collapse.

Kerzner has hired dispute resolution lawyer Dan Morrison to explore whether she can recover any of the substantial sum she has lost.

Morrison continues to work closely with Kerzner as she considers her legal options, which could see her suing Bell Pottingers former directors, including the man she plans to marry.

Morrison said: My client invested a substantial amount into Bell Pottinger at the end of April 2017, only a short time prior to the collapse of the company. We have been engaged to advise in relation to the legal claims that arise as a result.

Kerzner, 48, and Henderson, 52, were introduced in 2015 by the Duchess of York, and became engaged over dinner at Scotts restaurant in Mayfair on Valentines Day. The couple have spent time apart since the Bell Pottinger scandal erupted, and friends say they are understandably focused on rebuilding, rather than setting a new wedding date.

A source says: They have decided to take off the pressure of a new wedding date for the next six months.

Film star Liam Neeson surprised Hollywood when he announced in September he was retiring from action movies.

Now, to the delight of fans, the 65-year-old is eating his words. Its not true, look at me! Youre talking in the past tense, he says.

Im going to be doing action movies until they bury me in the ground. Im unretired.

Fergie's keen to put on her gladrags after jetting back from a charity trip to help build a school in Rwanda.

Fergie hits the town in 1,000 'lion' Gucci shirt

Fergie's keen to put on her gladrags after jetting back from a charity trip to help build a school in Rwanda.

The go-getting Duchess of York enjoyed two nights out on the trot, painting the town red on Thursday with elder daughter Beatrice in a Gucci shirt that costs almost 1,000.

After leaving a London hotel in high spirits, the 58-year-old revealed the elaborate floral lions head embroidery on the back of her black silk chemise.

You have to hand it to Fergie  at least she knows how to have a roaring good time.

The go-getting Duchess of York enjoyed two nights out on the trot, painting the town red on Thursday with elder daughter Beatrice (left) in a Gucci shirt (right) that costs almost 1,000

Channel 4 shocked the industry by appointing Ian Katz, the editor of Newsnight, its director of programmes, despite him having no experience of running a TV channel.

However, influential TV producer Stephen Lambert, head of Studio Lambert and creator of Gogglebox, said it was an inspired choice.

Intriguingly, Studio Lambert was in talks a few years ago to make a show about Mumsnet, the parenting website co-founded by Katzs wife Justine Roberts.

We did work on developing it, but it was never commissioned, says a spokesman for Lambert.

Now Katz is Channel 4 boss, it may stand a better chance.
Gigi Hadid donned two different shoulder-baring ensembles at a West Village loft Friday night for the launch of her new limited-edition Maybelline collection.

The 22-year-old IMG Model first sported a black cut-out Bardot top, $475 Flip in Sky jean by Jean Atelier blue jeans, and black high-heeled booties selected by stylist Elizabeth Sulcer.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum showcased one of her eye shadow palettes for the cosmetics-loving, Manhattan crowd.

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Choices, choices: Gigi Hadid donned two different shoulder-baring ensembles at a West Village loft Friday night for the launch of her new limited-edition Maybelline collection

And Gigi (born Jelena) not only displayed her collection, she also hosted an 'international master class' with her make-up artist Erin Parsons.

Hadid enjoyed getting in on the action, applying her products directly on one of the three models on hand for the tutorial.

Hairstylist Bryce Scarlett made sure the 5ft10in brunette's tresses were scraped back into an updo to better sell the Maybelline covering her face.

And nail artist Mei Kawajiri made sure to paint the New York cosmetic brand's logo directly on the Malibu-born socialite's silver glitter manicure.

Her night: The 22-year-old IMG Model first sported a black cut-out Bardot top, $475 Flip in Sky jean by Jean Atelier blue jeans, and black high-heeled Giuseppe Zanotti booties selected by stylist Elizabeth Sulcer

Pretty in a package: The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum showcased one of her eye shadow palettes for the cosmetics-loving, Manhattan crowd

Tutorial: And Gigi (born Jelena) not only displayed her collection, she also hosted an 'international master class' with her make-up artist Erin Parsons (2-L)

Hands on: Hadid enjoyed getting in on the action, applying her products directly on one of the three models on hand for the tutorial

Ready for her close-up! Hairstylist Bryce Scarlett made sure the 5ft10in brunette's tresses were scraped back into an updo to better sell the Maybelline covering her face

For her second outfit, Gigi opted to wear a lopsided grey double-breasted blazer with matching pumps featuring pink- marabou ankle straps.

Hadid sweetly named her reddest lip shade 'Khair' in honor of her 21-year-old sister Bella, whose middle name translates to 'benevolent' in Arabic.

'Her favorite color is red,' the New School drop-out explained to Vogue.

'It's a great basic cherry that looks great on everyone...Honestly, I wear red lipstick more than Bella does.'

Talons: And nail artist Mei Kawajiri made sure to paint the New York cosmetic brand's logo directly on the Malibu-born socialite's silver glitter manicure

Business meets boudoir: For her second outfit, Gigi opted to wear a lopsided grey double-breasted blazer with matching pumps featuring pink- marabou ankle straps

'Her favorite color is red': Hadid sweetly named her reddest lip shade 'Khair' in honor of her 21-year-old sister Bella, whose middle name translates to 'benevolent' in Arabic

The New School drop-out explained to Vogue: 'It's a great basic cherry that looks great on everyone...Honestly, I wear red lipstick more than Bella does'

Cheers! The nepotistically-privileged daughter of Yolanda Hadid appeared to have a blast being the woman of the hour, sipping champagne, and mingling with her guests

The nepotistically-privileged daughter of Yolanda Hadid appeared to have a blast being the woman of the hour, sipping champagne, and mingling with her guests.

Gigi last made headlines by calling Muslim-hating political activist Laura Loomer 'a f***ing moron' on Twitter the day after New York's terrorist attack which killed eight.

The half-Jordanian beauty and her half-Pakistani boyfriend, former 1D boybander Zayn Malik, dressed up as Black Cat and Spider-Man to celebrate Halloween on Tuesday.

This month marks two years of dating between Hadid and the limber 24-year-old Englishman, whom she first met at a friend's birthday party in 2014.

Flying solo: Her boyfriend was spotted out and about in New York the same day

Shady: He tried going incognito as he had his hood up

Cool guy: He sported a hooded black leather jacket over a Marlboro T-shirt, grey jeans and boots

Hijab hater: Gigi last made headlines by calling Muslim-hating political activist Laura Loomer 'a f***ing moron' on Twitter the day after New York's terrorist attack which killed eight

'Spidey's girl!' The half-Jordanian beauty and her half-Pakistani boyfriend, former 1D boybander Zayn Malik, dressed up as Black Cat and Spider-Man to celebrate Halloween
Izzy Judd - the wife of McFly drummer Harry - has revealed their two-month-old son Kit was rushed to hospital with bronchiolitis.

The violinist revealed on Thursday that their baby boy had been hospitalised with a mystery illness, but took to Instagram on Friday to assure fans that they were now home and explained the events of the evening.

Sharing a picture holding onto her little one's hand, the 33-year-old musican wrote: 'Theres no place like Home. Thank you so much for all your caring and comforting messages.'

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On the mend: Izzy Judd - the wife of McFly drummer Harry - has revealed their two-month-old son Kit was rushed to hospital with bronchiolitis but took to Instagram on Friday to assure fans that they were now home and well

Speaking out: The violinist had revealed on Thursday that her baby boy with McFly drummer Harry had been hospitalised with a mystery illness, but took to Instagram on Friday to assure fans that they were now home and explained the events of the evening

She added: 'On Tuesday morning I was home alone with Lola when Kit suddenly deteriorated and started struggling for breath. I was terrified and had no option than to phone for an ambulance.

'The paramedics arrived within minutes, however those minutes were the longest and the worst of my life. Poor little man has bronchiolitis, a really nasty virus so needed help with his breathing and feeding. We are now home and Im trying to recover from the trauma!

'Thank you again and Im sending love and strength to all the parents out there with poorly bubbas tonight xxxx #ournhsrocks #nhs'.

Harry also took to the photo sharing site to assure fans that his wife and baby were well as she shared a sweet picture of the pair asleep along with their cat.

He wrote: 'Mummy & Kit are Home and well. Thanks for all youre messages' .

Sweet: Harry also took to the photo sharing site to assure fans that his wife and baby were well as she shared a sweet picture of the pair asleep along with their cat

The post came after Izzy praised the NHS for looking after her 'distressed' son.

Sharing a picture of her baby boy in a hospital cot on Thursday, she had written: 'A seriously tough week... Kit has been a poorly boy and we ended up in hospital. The little man is doing better tonight and were hoping to get home tomorrow.

'Whilst I sit by his bed I just want to take a moment to say how amazingly lucky we are to have the #nhs who in our hour of need came to our rescue.

Upsetting news: The post came after Izzy praised the NHS for looking after her 'distressed' son as she shared a picture of her baby boy in a hospital cot on Thursday

Good sign: Izzy made the announcement in an Instagram post but revealed their baby boy was on the mend and was likely to be released from hospital soon

She continued: 'We have been looked after by the most amazing paramedics, doctors and beautifully caring nurses. A very frightening experience was eased by a very kind and reassuring nurse who held my hand when my little boy was very distressed.

'Tonight Kit has given me the most beautiful smiles, my heart has longed to see those for the last few very long days.'

She concluded: 'I have experienced so many emotions but what I have learned is dont be afraid to call for help and ALWAYS remember a mothers instinct is very powerful.'

Happy family: The couple welcomed a daughter, Lola in January 2016 after a long and traumatic process of IVF. They then conceived Kit, who was born in August this year, naturally

The couple welcomed a daughter, Lola in January 2016 after a long and traumatic process of IVF.

Harry then described the 'miracle' of the birth of their son Kit, who was born in August this year after being conceived naturally.

Violinist Izzy - who suffers with polycystic ovaries - has been open about the couple's difficulty to start a family, talking about them in her book Dare to Dream.

Proud parents: Violinist Izzy - who suffers with polycystic ovaries - has been open about the couple's difficulty to start a family, explaining their traumatic IVF journey

Adorable: Harry and Izzy describe Kit as their 'miracle' baby as they conceived naturally after struggling with rounds of IVF to have elder child Lola

She said: 'Wanting a child and feeling pressure in the public eye is difficult. I remember one day I was wearing dungarees and someone asked me if I was pregnant. It's a natural thing - once you get married you have babies.

'Harry and I made the decision to be open about our story and what happened and most women who go through it are grateful to hear its not easy for everybody.

She added: 'I think with that you never want to think anything but this is going to happen for us so for me it was very important to believe and especially going into IVF your perspective is so important that it's not this awful experience and that it's positive.'

Sharing : Izzy previously said of her fertility struggles 'Harry and I made the decision to be open about our story and what happened and most women who go through it are grateful to hear its not easy for everybody'

Izzy recently revealed that she had suffered a miscarriage in 2014 as she encouraged other women to speak about their fertility struggles during Baby Loss Awareness Week.

The mother of two shared her tragic experience, which she detailed in her caption: 'I wanted to share this with you having suffered a miscarriage after our first round of IVF in November 2014...'

She went on to reveal her utter heartache: 'I felt our little soul leave me, a physical feeling I will never forget. There, lying helpless, all our hopes and dreams. How were we supposed to flush them away?' It was a feeling so cold and terrifying, so utterly lonely-the sensation of losing something so precious- it will never leave me.'

Izzy expressed her sympathy for fellow miscarriage sufferers: 'Im thinking of all those who have loved their own little angles in the sky or to anyone going through their own heartache.'
She's the leader of the fashion pack everyone has their eyes on come race day.

But Jennifer Hawkins' thunder was stolen at Derby Day on Saturday after Channel Seven racing presenter Francesca Cumani stepped out wearing the same dress.

The stylish British commentator began presenting from Melbourne's Flemington Racecourse in a Jonathan Simkhai cocktail frock, before deciding to put on a black jacket after the model arrived.

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Oh dear! Disaster as Channel Seven racing presenter Francesca Cumani wears SAME dress as Derby Day queen Jennifer Hawkins... and quickly puts on a jacket when model arrives in The Birdcage

Meanwhile, the 33-year-old Myer ambassador flaunted her figure in the same extravagant monochrome dress in the Birdcage.

Jennifer told Daily Mail Australia she couldn't have cared less about the debacle.

'No biggie! Its never happened to me before. Francesca looked so gorgeous!' she said.

All the talk on social media was about who wore the dress better, and if Francesca was told to cover up her dress.

'@7horseracing who stuffed up?! @francescacumani looks stunning. Someone give Jennifer Hawkins a hessian sack to wear,' one viewer tweeted.

'So @francescacumani & @jenniferhawkins are wearing the same dress. Well done @myer #DerbyDay #fail,' another said.

Awkward: The stylish British commentator began presenting from Melbourne's Flemington Racecourse in a Jonathan Simkhai cocktail frock, before slipping on a long black jacket after the model arrived

Double-up: Meanwhile, the 33-year-old Myer ambassador flaunted her figure the same extravagant monochrome dress in the Birdcage

One viewer suggested Francesca put on a jacket for reasons other than the weather, saying: 'Did Jennifer Hawkins make Francesca cover up her dress?'

Francesca opted to leave the large jacket on, even once the sun came out during the afternoon.

A Myer spokesperson said Francesca had to wear a brand stocked by the department store as part of an arrangement with Channel 7.

'We are only aware of Jens brand which is Jonathan Simkhai. Francesca is not our talent. Channel 7 wardrobe manage her,' the spokesperson told news.com.au on Saturday afternoon.

'Contractually, Channel 7 talent must wear Myer brands. No further comment will be provided.'

'Who stuffed up?': All the talk on social media was about who wore the dress better, and if Francesca was told to cover up her dress

'Did Jennifer Hawkins make Francesca cover up her dress?': One viewer suggested Francesca put on a jacket for reasons other than the weather

Fail: Another viewer took to social media to suggest the double-up was a fail on Myer's end. But a Myer spokesperson said Channel 7's wardrobe manage Francesca
Their love affair started on The Bachelor's debut season in 2013.

And Anna Heinrich and Tim Robards are anticipating their long-awaited wedding day, 'ticking the boxes' as the date nears.

The lovebirds spoke with Daily Mail Australia on how far they are into planning, details on Anna's dress and more during Derby Day in Melbourne on Saturday.

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Excited: Anna Heinrich and Tim Robards (pictured at Derby Day 2017) are anticipating their long-awaited wedding day, 'ticking the boxes' as the date nears

'[The wedding planning] is actually going good! We have a lot of it organised,' Anna, 30, declared.

'We haven't got everything, but most of it. We've got the location and I've got my dress,' she continued.

'We're having it in Antarctica!' Tim, 35, interjected with a joke. 'There's a lot of snow there, so you gotta plan.'

'We haven't got everything, but most of it. We've got the location and I've got my dress,' she continued

Anna acknowledged the sizable amount of work that goes into tying the knot, acknowledging Tim 'has been great, he's been helping a lot'.

'I had no idea [how much work it would be],' she admitted.

'Honestly, we locked in the location, and we're just ticking the boxes as we go,' he added.

Teamwork: Anna acknowledged the sizable amount of work that goes into tying the knot, acknowledging Tim 'has been great, he's been helping a lot'

Anna, who featured on the cover of Cosmopolitan Bride earlier this year, shared some insight into her dress for the special day.

She confirmed her bridal gown was not one of the dresses from her magazine spread.

'My sister said it was a dress she expected me to wear, and I actually didn't think it was,' she offered.

'But I don't want anyone to know. I don't even know how to describe it, honestly,' she added.

Anticipated: Anna, who featured on the cover of Cosmopolitan Bride earlier this year, shared some insight into her dress for the special day

The couple confirmed their nuptials will definitely take place next year.

When asked what they are most looking forward to about being married, Anna gushed it was 'about starting a life together'.

'[I'm most looking forward to] people not asking us [anymore] about getting engaged!' Tim quipped, in reference to fans' speculation on their relationship.

'Now it will be people asking us when we're having kids,' he laughed.

The lovebirds revealed they haven't decided on a honeymoon location as yet.
They say food is the key to the heart.

And Sophia Bush, 35, and Emmy Rossum, 31, seem to agree with that statement while attending the grand opening of Eataly in Century City, California, on Friday.

Both actresses were all smiles as they were seen digging into the Italian cuisine at the new three-story restaurant slash marketplace.

Yum: Sophia Bush, 35, and Emmy Rossum, 31, seem to agree with that statement while attending the grand opening of Eataly in Century City, California, on Friday

Feast your eyes: Both actresses were all smiles as they were seen digging into the Italian cuisine at the new three-story restaurant slash marketplace

Sophia stepped out in a stylish ensemble, with a $198 Fleur du Mal 'Galaxy Lace' pencil skirt and a sparkly blue long-sleeve shirt that read 'starry starry nights'.

The One Tree Hill vet teamed her fashionable look with a pair of white boot heels.

Sophia wore natural make-up, while styling her dark-highlighted tresses in loose curls.

The 35-year-old actress carried a navy-blue handbag in her hand as she tried the wide variety of Italian dishes.

Chic: Sophia stepped out in a stylish ensemble, with a $198 Fleur du Mal 'Galaxy Lace' pencil skirt and a sparkly blue long-sleeve shirt that read 'starry starry nights'

Emmy showed up in an all-black ensemble with a sweater and trousers.

The Shameless star kept her silky brunette locks in waves as she let her natural looks shine by going make-up free.

Also at the culinary extravaganza was chef slash co-host of The Chew, Mario Francesco Batali.

At the event, Sophia and Mario were seen enjoying the showcasing of the new Eataly cooking school- which is also located in the three-story venue.

He's a pro: Also at the culinary extravaganza was chef slash co-host of The Chew, Mario Francesco Batali

Digging in: Fran Drescher attended the grand opening and was seen stuffing her face with Eataly's wide variety of cheeses

Fran Drescher attended the grand opening and was seen stuffing her face with Eataly's wide variety of cheeses.

The Nanny actress slipped into a chic gray midi dress, along with suede taupe booties.

Joining in on the fun was Andy Garcia and Dino Borri, who seemed keen of the 3,000 different assortments of wine -which is Eataly's largest wine store.

Ofcourse the Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti was a part of the star-studded event, as he took part in the 'Pasta Ribbon' cutting.

Eataly Los Angeles is now open daily and seats about 300 costumers indoors, while also seating 120 on the patio.

The outdoor seating marks the first-ever patio area the culinary company has ever created.

Cheers: Joining in on the fun was Andy Garcia and Dino Borri, who seemed keen of the 3,000 different assortments of wine -which is Eataly's largest wine store
PR queen Roxy Jacenko thought her marriage was over when she 'made a mistake' and was photographed kissing ex-boyfriend Nabil Gazal in April.

The Sydney publicist had the affair with the millionaire while husband Oliver Curtis was serving a 12-month prison sentence for insider trading.

Now the 37-year-old has revealed to Daily Mail Australia at Melbourne's Derby Day that the couple's 'mistakes' have put them 'on a very level playing field now.'

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EXCLUSIVE: 'I've made mistakes as Ollie has': Roxy Jacenko says she and husband Oliver Curtis 'are on a very level playing field now' after she was caught kissing ex-lover Nabil Gazal and he served time in jail for insider trading

Roxy, who has admitted to speaking to a divorce lawyer while Oliver was in jail, recently reignited her love for her husband after he romantically re-proposed upon his return home as a free man.

'I've made mistakes, as Ollie has. We are on a very level playing field now,' she said.

She confessed, 'life is difficult at times, you just ride it' and shrugged over the past events by saying 'everything passes.'

Pucker up! Roxy thought her marriage was over when she 'made a mistake' and was photographed kissing ex-boyfriend Nabil Gazal (pictured) in April while Oliver was serving time in jail

'Life is difficult at times, you just ride it': Roxy, who has admitted to speaking to a divorce lawyer while Oliver was in jail, recently reignited her love for her husband after he romantically re-proposed upon his return home as a free man

Roxy and Oliver put on a united front at Derby Day, with Roxy saying having her husband beside her was 'very nice'.

'Obviously my last year was very different... for him to be with myself, it's great fun,' the mother-of-two said, referring to her turbulent year.

Not only was Roxy living through uncertain times with her husband, but she was also diagnosed with breast cancer.

Since going into remission, Roxy said the health scare became a real 'eye-opener' for her in terms of the way she lives her life: 'Life is short and make the most of it!'

'For him to be with myself, it's great fun': Roxy and Oliver put on a united front at Derby Day, with Roxy saying having her husband beside her was 'very nice'

They had history: The Sweaty Betty PR founder was pictured wrapping her arms around her ex Nabil's neck whilst the pair kissed during a party at the millionaire's lavish apartment in May. They previously dated before Roxy met Oliver and split in 2010

The Sweaty Betty PR founder was pictured wrapping her arms around her ex Nabil's neck while the pair kissed during a party at the millionaire's lavish apartment in May.

In a tell-all interview with The Daily Telegraph, Roxy detailed the extent of their tryst, claiming Nabil reached out to her shortly after her breast cancer diagnosis in July last year.

'I was in my most vulnerable state. It was the toughest time of my life,' she said, confirming it was more than just a 'drunk kiss' with the Sydney property developer.

'Yes there was a relationship and I am not going to deny it,' she told the publication.

'I was in my most vulnerable state. It was the toughest time of my life': In a tell-all interview with The Daily Telegraph , Roxy detailed the extent of their tryst, claiming Nabil reached out to her shortly after her breast cancer diagnosis in July last year

Sentenced: In June 2016, NSW Supreme Court Justice Lucy McCallum handed down her sentence to Oliver as a maxium two year imprisonment

In June 2016, NSW Supreme Court Justice Lucy McCallum handed down her sentence to Oliver as a maxium two year imprisonment.

The judge told the court that Oliver knew what he was doing was 'very wrong' - but he had used his insider trading with his former best friend to fund a 'lifestyle of conspicuous extravagance'.

Justice McCallum acknowledged Curtis had become a father and his lifestyle had changed since he committed the crimes, aged 21 and 22.

Becoming a free man: The newspaper reported that Oliver told an inmate while behind bars that he would forgive the PR queen for her 'indiscretions' over the past year if she would look past his 'mistakes that put him in jail' (Pictured: Oliver leaving Cooma Correctional Facility in June 2017)

A report at the time by the Daily Telegraph claimed disgraced stockbroker Oliver was ready to look to the future with his wife Roxy following his release.

The newspaper reported that Oliver told an inmate while behind bars that he would forgive the PR queen for her 'indiscretions' over the past year if she would look past his 'mistakes that put him in jail'.

The pair have since flaunted their loved-up relationship on social media and in public with their two children, five-year-old Pixie and three-year-old Hunter, even enjoying a family holiday to Bali in July.
There are few things more spectacular than supple supermodels in full flow.

And that was certainly the case when Romee Strijd and Josephine Skriver struck a variety of yoga poses during a thrilling Victoria's Secret Sport shoot in Los Angeles on Friday.

The flexible friends looked like twins as they showed off their fabulous form in exceedingly tight black spandex during the sweat-inducing session in the trendy Venice area.

Flexible friends: Romee Strijd and Josephine Skriver looked like twins as they struck a variety of yoga poses during a thrilling Victoria's Secret Sport shoot in Los Angeles on Friday

Taking a breather: The dynamic duo struck a natural pose as they relaxed in their tight outfits

And it was not only the ladies who would have been perspiring as they got their hearts pumping during the session, which took place both on and near the beach.

Indeed one photographer was surely making good use of the shake-reduction feature on his camera as he took snaps of 22-year-old Dutch beauty Romee as she lay on her back while pretending to be exhausted from her exertions.

Thankfully the hardworking professional seems to have captured just what he was hoping for, as the ladies were able to don a wide variety of outfits for their day by the seaside.

What a view: The horizon looked spectacular on the pleasingly cool day at the beach

Worth the weight: The professional clotheshorses indulged in some lunging

She looks g-lovely: All eyes were on the toned model's choice of gloves

Loving it: She seemed to be having a great time as she got pumped for the cameras

Top of the props: She wrapped a skipping rope around her neck as the excitement reach fever pitch

Unfortunately for her rabid legion of fans, Romee is currently in a relationship with Laurens van Leeuwen.

The Dutch couple - who began dating in 2009 - reportedly met through his sister while the saucy model was still a teenager.

And she gushed over her man earlier this year, saying: 'I want to marry him and have children. We have had serious talks about it together.'

This is becoming a theme: She seemed to be spending more time sitting than exercising

Seeing double: The pair seemed to revel in striking the same poses

That's a stretch: She pushed her workout bra to the limit as she struck yoga poses

Plotting he next move: She reclined on a wall as she pondered her next activity

On her bike: And soon she was riding with wild abandon on a BMX

The blonde beauty is always quick to give her fans a treat on social media, and she recently gave her fans a thrilling insight into a New York City shoot in which she was dress in just a lace bra and panties.

Professional clotheshorse Romee was joined in a behind-the-scenes image from a studio session by fellow lingerie specialist Jasmine Tookes.

The girls were side by side in a makeup room that had old-fashioned bulbs around the mirror.

Meanwhile: Josephine proved she is no slouch when it comes to posing in tight outfits

Bottoms up: And her delightful derriere was truly a sight to behold during her yoga session

Angel-ic smile: She grinned for the cameras as she showed off her assets in another outfit

Supple: Romee made it look easy as she stretched her hamstrings during a warmup

Ab-solutely fabulous: Her marvellous midsection was another highlight

Meanwhile her shoot co-star Josephine's had a busy schedule these last few days.

Aside from attending a party for BVLGARI, she appeared at a Halloween bash in New York.

She attended the exciting event with fellow Victoria's Secret models Sara Sampaio, Jasmine Tookes, and Lais Ribeiro.

And it will not be long until they are all be packing their bags for Shanghai.

Cheeky girl: She rested her peachy posterior against the wall as she pretended to be tired

What a leg-end: Her lithe legs were an impressive sight in her tight leggings

What a pro: The photographer no doubt made use of his camera's anti-shake feature as he took some up-close shots

Pumping iron: She made it look easy as she held a one pound weight

What a plank: And she put her strength to the test by striking yet another challenging pose

What a tease: A cheeky crew member left a bottle of water just out of her reach

Bra-vo: Her perky chest was highlighted to the maximum in a grey number

In the pink: Just when it seemed it could not get more exciting she donned a pink number

Bun-believable: Her pert posterior certainly looked in fine form in her grey bottoms

Both of the girls will be strutting their stuff down the runway as part of the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in China.

This year, Lais will be the one to wear the multi-million dollar Fantasy Bra.

In addition there will be live musical performances, celebrity attendees and, perhaps most excitedly of all, the Angels and various other professional clotheshorses prancing around in their underwear.

The runway show will air on CBS on November 28.

Hard to stomach: No doubt planks and crunches are the order of the day to maintain her midsection

Bag lady: She seemed to be delighted with her sporty holdall

Lovely seat: She grinned as she took a well earned rest on a stool between takes

Anything she can do: But Josephine proved she can look just as lovely when sitting down

Skater girl: The Danish clotheshorse seemed to be having a great time on her wheels

Must try harder: But she seemed to struggle at kicking her board up

Expert ball handler: She was then put through her paces with a basketball

Bouncy: There was much dribbling going on as she ran around the court
Amir Khan was spotted enjoying a night on the town with a stunning brunette in London on Thursday evening, believed to be Brazilian model, called Bella Gusmao.

The outing comes just days after his pregnant ex-wife Faryal Makhdoom broke her silence on their messy split.

The 30-year-old boxer was seen heading into a cab with the stunner, who bears a close resemblance to his expectant estranged partner, following a night out in London, where they were seen outside a shisha bar.

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New romance? Amir Khan was spotted enjoying a night on the town with a stunning brunette, believed to be Brazilian model Bella Gusmao, in London on Thursday evening, just days after his pregnant ex-wife Faryal Makhdoom broke her silence on their messy split

In what will undoubtedly be a shock to his wife, Amir seemed relaxed as he headed out with the gorgeous brunette who was clad in a sizzling ensemble.

She was seen wearing thigh-high boots with a saucy pair of denim shorts all layered beneath a camouflage jacket - to add a low-key touch to the outfit.

Bella divides her time between London and Los Angeles.

The duo seemed totally at ease during the outing, as she was seen holding a rose while he tucked a stylish Louis Vuitton washbag under his arm.

Happy days? The 30-year-old boxer was seen heading into a cab with the stunner, who bore a close resemblance to his expectant estranged partner, following a night out in London, where they were seen outside a shisha bar

Sizzling: Amir's stunning female companion is believed to be Brazilian model Bella Gusmao who divides her time between London and Los Angeles

Happier days: Amir filed for divorce from wife Faryal, 26, in September. She is pregnant with their second child and their relationship has played out publicly, particularly since the split

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline earlier in the week, Faryal, 26, exclusively told MailOnline that she will teach her daughter to be an 'independent and strong' example for Muslim women hot on the heels of her split from her husband.

New York-born Faryal and former unified light-welterweight world champion Amir, who married in 2013, share three-year-old daughter Lamaisah.

After months of public problems, including a family spat, rumours of a sex tape and cheating allegations, Amir and his wife sensationally split earlier this year.

The boxer, from Bolton, who is worth 23million, announced their split in a tweet that read 'So me and the wife Faryal have agreed to split. I'm currently in Dubai. Wish her all the best'. -Weeks later, Faryal revealed she was expecting their second child.

Home time? The duo both clamoured into a taxi following what looked to be a wonderful night out

Off out: Amir was playing the chivalrous gent as he helped her into the cab and held the door open

Keeping refreshed: He held on to a bottle of water as they stepped out for the night out

MailOnline has approached Amir and Faryal's representatives for comment.

Last month Faryal deleted her pleading apology after the boxer appeared to snub her attempted reconciliation. Faryal posted a lengthy message on Twitter saying it is time for her and Khan to put their 'differences behind us'.

Bumping along nicely: Last month Faryal deleted her pleading apology after the boxer appeared to snub her attempted reconciliation. Faryal posted a lengthy message on Twitter saying it is time for her and Khan to put their 'differences behind us'

Chic: Amir gave a hint to his superstar star status with his Louis Vuitton bag tucked under his arm

Heading off: She was seen wearing thigh-high boots with a saucy pair of denim shorts all layered beneath a camouflage jacket - to add a low-key touch to the outfit

Taxi time: The handsome boxer was keeping things low-key in a crew-neck T-shirt

Strutting their stuff: The duo were casual as they walked down the streets looking laid-back

Coming up roses: The happy pair were looking stylish as they walked down the streets

Tough times: Amir put his troubles behind him for the evening out

Sizzling: Bella bears a striking resemblance to Amir's estranged wife Faryal

Stunning: Bella hasn't been afraid to share sizzling snapshots with her followers

The businesswoman also apologised for all the 'infighting' between her and Khan's parents, which she revealed has had a 'terrible effect' on her marriage.

But soon afterwards Khan took to Twitter, confirming to fans their divorce would go ahead and wishing her well. Faryal had tweeted the statement of apology to her 180,000 followers just hours after announcing the launch of her own lipstick brand.

She wrote: 'The past three months have been really tough on me and my marriage. Matters haven't been helped by the fact that my husband has been out of the ring for quite some time... it's been very stressful for us as a couple, and a family.

On the town: The duo seemed totally at ease during the outing, as she was seen holding a rose while he tucked a stylish Louis Vuitton washbag under his arm

Heading off: The happy duo seemed laid-back in one another's company

Stunner: His pal looked stylish in her ensemble, which boasted tiny shorts

'I now recognise that all this infighting between me and my in-laws has had a terrible effect on my husband and I... and for that I would like to sincerely apologise.

'My mother and father-in-law are the elders of our family and as such deserve love and respect just as much as my own parents do. I've said things in the past out of anger... I didn't really mean and regret now.'

She added: 'My daughter and unborn child do not deserve a broken home. That is why I have decided that it is time to put our differences behind us, and start afresh.

'All families go through hard times. It is unfortunate for us that our difficulties were played out so publicly. I also apologise for my part in that.'

On the way home: 'All families go through hard times. It is unfortunate for us that our difficulties were played out so publicly. I also apologise for my part in that'
She's the former Bachelorette star known for her stylish red carpet looks.

And on Saturday, Georgia Love didn't disappoint as she attended Derby Day at Flemington Racecourse in a showstopping mini dress.

Making heads turn, the 28-year-old flaunted an ample glimpse of cleavage in the plunging floral frock, which was designed by brand Atoir.

Making an entrance: On Saturday, Georgia Love made all heads turn in her ruffle mini dress at Derby Day

Georgia's unusual dress featured voluminous ruffle detailing around the shoulders and sleeves, as well as a daringly short hemline.

Keeping all attention on her statement frock, the reality stair added a set of understated basic heels to her look.

Georgia also kept her accessories minimal adding a black clutch from Olga Berg and a black fascinator.

Making heads turn: Georgia stunned in a grey dress from the brand Atoir

Gaining attention: All eyes were on her sleeve accents that saw large ruffles starting at her shoulders

Simple: Keeping all attention on her statement frock, the reality stair teamed basic silver heels to her look

The TV journalist sported a fresh and luminous complexion that was completed with a red lip, while her brunette locks were left out and styled into loose effortless waves.

Joining her for the annual day out was boyfriend and Bachelorette winner Lee Elliott.

Taking to Instagram to showcase his look, he wrote; 'And they're off and racing'!

Loved up: Joining her for the annual day out was boyfriend and Bachelorette winner Lee Elliott

Lee donned a grey suit for the event and accessoriesed with a black tie.

Flaunting a shorter cut than usual, his hair was styled over on one side with heavy-duty gel.

The pair recently celebrated their one-year anniversary after falling in love on national television.

Couple: Taking to Instagram to showcase his look, he wrote; 'And they're off and racing'
She's an acting legend famed for her stylish ensembles, whether they be running errands, or promoting her latest film on the red carpet.

And for Salma Hayek, Friday was no exception as she enjoyed a romantic date night with husband Francois-Henri Pinault in Beverly Hills.

The 51-year-old Mexican actress embraced the rock chic look for her evening at Mastro's steakhouse, donning a classic leather jacket adorned with metal studs.

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Meal out; Actress Salma Hayek, 51, embraced rock chic on Friday as she donned a studded leather jacket for a Beverly Hills date night

Salma teamed the stylish cover-up with relaxed bootcut jeans and black boots as she put on a loved-up display with her husband, exiting the eatery hand-in-hand.

Billionaire Francois donned a sharp suit for the outing, holding hands with his wife as the pair confidently exited the steakhouse.

The couple have been married for eight years, after tying the knot on Valentine's Day in 2009, and have a ten-year-old daughter together.

Style Queen: Salma rocked the grunge-inspired cover-up as she exited Mastros steakhouse hand-in-hand

Salma was recently honoured for her incredible work in the film industry, attening the SCAD Savannah Film Festival to receive the Outstanding Acheivement in Cinema Award.

One of Salma's most recent films was also screened at the event, the independant film Beatriz at Dinner, which was released in cinemas in June.

In the barebones role, Salma plays a health practitioner who emigrated to America from Mexico.

When her character crosses paths with cuuthroat billionaire, played by John Lithgown, at a dinner party, neither of their lives will be the same.

Happy: Salma has been married to husband Francois for eight years

Salma is earning rave reviews and early Oscar-buzz for her performance, but she was also excited to give a voice to the immigrant community.

The film has also drawn some questions as to its representations of Trump's America, and Salma has strongly voiced her support for those involved in the Women's Marches in light of trumps inauguration.

She said: 'What I think was beautiful about the march...[it was] a form of communication and in time, I hope that President Trump - that's the first time I've said that - will see what it was for what it was.'

'The majority of America did vote, and the majority of the vote did not go to Mr. Trump. It's a lovely reminder, peacefully, to say, 'hey, we are America too.'
She's the Townsville radio host who is known for her candid approach to revealing details about her personal life.

And on Saturday, Mel Greig once again bared her soul in an impassioned post about a former friend, who she claimed had verbally attacked about a dog.

Taking to Instagram, the 34-year-old claime that her pet dog had 'saved her life' and that she was 'disappointed' with her friend after she claimed she had a 'problem' with her beloved pet.

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Opening up: On Saturday, Mel Greig revealed her Miniature Maltese Poodle Mia had been verbally attacked by a former friend

'This is @moodlemia and Mia isn't just a 'dog' Mia is my fur baby and to be honest she helped save my life by getting through my dark times,' she wrote.

'Very recently I had an encounter with someone who I thought was my friend who said amongst other crap 'Aslong [sic] as I don't have to see her an aslong as she's not near me we won't have a problem'.

'This person isn't a dog person but to detest someone so pure and loving is a reflection of YOU not her,' continued Mel in the lengthy post adding the hashtags 'She's not the problem' and 'I choose Mia'.

Not happy: 'Very recently I had an encounter with someone who I thought was my friend who said amongst other crap 'Aslong [sic] as I don't have to see her an aslong as she's not near me we won't have a problem'

Posing with Mia in a selfie on the beach, the radio host sported reflective shades and multi-coloured nail polish.

And Mel's unfortunate friendship breakdown comes after recently revealing a former lover had stolen $1000 from her after she 'stupidly' let him move in after their first date.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Mel said she fell for salesman James because it was rare for him to show his 'vulnerable and emotional side'.

Her baby: Posing with Mia in a selfie on the beach, the radio host sported reflective shades and multi-coloured nail polish

'If they open up to you asking for help, you are more inclined to trust their story,' she told the newspaper.

'And like most females, we care and want to fix people, which then leaves you open to be taken advantage of,' she continued.

According to the animal lover, James claimed he didn't have access to his bank account so she loaned him $1000.

But after he never returned to her home, blocked her from all social media accounts and didn't give back the money, she knew she had been scammed.
She is always the centre of attention in her glamorous and revealing ensembles.

And Joanna Krupa ensured all eyes were on her as she went out for dinner in West Hollywood on Friday, minus her underwear.

The Polish model, 38, chose to forgo both her bra and knickers as she arrived at Catch restaurant, showing off her underwear free and lithe physique in a figure-hugging LBD with a racy chain detail cut-out section.

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Flesh-flashing: Joanna Krupa ensured all eyes were on her as she went out for dinner in West Hollywood on Friday, minus her underwear

Leggy: The Polish model, 38, chose to forgo both her bra and knickers as she arrived at Catch restaurant, showing off her underwear free and lithe physique in a figure-hugging LBD with a racy chain detail cut-out section

Showing off her confidence,the blonde beauty posed and pouted confidently as she strutted in, flaunting her toned legs and ample assets in the bodycon number.

The former Real Housewives of Miami star added height with silver stiletto heels.

Her California blonde tresses were styled in loose waves while her make-up look featured metallic eyeshadow, fluttery lashes and pastel pink lipstick.

Her outing came after she accused some of the women who have spoken out in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein expose of 'trying to get famous'.

Peace: Showing off her confidence,the blonde beauty posed and pouted confidently as she strutted in, flaunting her toned legs and ample assets in the bodycon number

Cheeky: Her California blonde tresses were styled in loose waves while her make-up look featured metallic eyeshadow, fluttery lashes and pastel pink lipstick

The star said she believes it is the alleged victims who are the ones taking advantage, while defending actor Jeremy Piven, 52, after he was accused of sexual misconduct earlier this week, something he fiercely denied.

'I think people are taking advantage of the whole situation with Weinstein, and theyre trying to make a living or theyre trying to get famous,' she declared outside Craig's restaurant on Wednesday night, according to The Blast.

'I love Jeremy Piven, like Ive known Jeremy Piven for a very long time. Hes like the nicest f***ing guy Ive ever met.

Toned: The former Real Housewives of Miami star added height with silver stiletto heels

Wow factor: Joanna posed and pouted with aplomb as she stood outside the seafood restaurant

Jeremy never did anything wrong to me. Hes always been an amazing friend to me, so I support him.'

The former reality star then claimed to have known 'about Harvey Weinstein over 10 years ago'.

'Do I have any issues with him? No,' she stated. 'I will not say more, but come on now. I'll just shut up right now because I'll get me in trouble.'
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She is set to make her screen debut as Wonder Woman in the highly anticipated Justice League this month.

And reuniting with her co-stars in London on Saturday, Gal Gadot, 32, commanded attention as she stepped out sporting a thigh-grazing mini dress for the upcoming release's photocall.

The actress looked simply sensational in the statement frock that made for a very leggy display, thanks to its eye-wateringly short hemline.

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Gal Gadot, 32, commanded attention as she stepped out sporting a thigh-grazing mini dress for the upcoming release's photocall

Brunette beauty Gal stunned on her arrival to the photocall and made sure to showcase her svelte frame in her chosen attire.

Her stylish yet scanty attire boasted a lip motif pattern all over, along with a plunging bodice - that teased a look at her cleavage - and lace puffball sleeves. Gal's dress nipped in at the waist, before sheathing her lithe physique with its form-fitting skirt that came complete with gold kiss marks.

She added extra height to her ensemble with a pair of black barely-there heels, that only drew further attention to her lengthy legs.

Say cheese! The actress reunited with her co-stars as they cuddled up together for a selfie

Beaut: She looked simply sensational in the statement frock that made for a very leggy display, thanks to its eye-wateringly short hemline

Pretty: Her stylish yet scanty attire boasted a lip motif pattern all over, along with a plunging bodice - that teased a look at her cleavage

Delight: It came complete with lace puffball sleeves and Gal's dress nipped in at the waist, before sheathing her lithe physique with its form-fitting skirt

Sweeping her tresses back from her face, Gal wore her locks back in a sleek up-do and completed her getup with a glamorous, yet subtle, make-up look that flaunted her striking features.

The Fast & Furious 6 star appeared in high spirits at the event and was seen flashing a smile for photographers as she struck up a series of poses on her arrival.

She was later joined by her famous faced co-stars including Ben Affleck, who plays Batman, Game of Thrones star Jason Momoa (Aquaman) and Henry Cavill (Superman).

Eye-catching: Her stand out design featured a two-tone bodice and came complete with lip motifs all over

Leggy: She added extra height to her ensemble with a pair of black barely-there heels, that only drew further attention to her lengthy legs

Sweeping her tresses back from her face, Gal wore her locks back in a sleek up-do

Elegant: The beauty had all eyes on her as she arrived at the star-studded photocall

Gorgeous: She completed her getup with a glamorous, yet subtle, make-up look that flaunted her striking features

Justice League brings together the DC Heroes, including The Flash, played by Ezra Miller, and Cyborg, played by Ray Fisher. It also boasts an impressive supporting cast made up of Amber Heard, Jesse Eisenberg, Amy Adams and Alfred Pennyworth.

Its stars were seen uniting at the photocall, where all eyes were on Gal as she injected a dose of glamour into the male dominated leading cast.

And showcasing their sense of humour, the group, who transform into the DC Heroes in the flick, were seen cuddling up together as Momoa captured a selfie, with his co-stars pulling a number of funny faces in the process.

United: She was later joined by her famous faced co-stars including Ben Affleck, who plays Batman, Game of Thrones star Jason Momoa (Aquaman) and Henry Cavill (Superman)

Leader: Affleck transfroms into Bruce Wayne aka Batman in the movie

Doing it for the girls: Gardot, meanwhile, plays Diana Price aka Wonder Woman

Rugged: Momoa steals a look at his muscular physique as Arthur Curry aka Aquaman

Unique: Ray Fisher finds himself with superhero powers as Victor Stone aka Cyborg

Speedy: Ezra Miller takes on the role of Barry Allen aka The Flash

Strike a pose! Justice League brings together the DC Heroes, including The Flash, played by Ezra Miller, and Cyborg, played by Ray Fisher

Snap happy: Game of Thrones star Jason Momoa couldn't resist taking several selfie with his co-stars

Justice League - directed by Zack Snyder and Joss Whedon - sees the stars of DC Comics join together to stand against a newly awakened enemy. Bruce Wayne enlists the help of newfound ally Diana Prince and together they quickly recruit a team to form an unprecedented league of heroes; Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and Flash.

They attempt to work together in a bid to save the planet from an assault of 'catastrophic proportions'.

Fans will see Gadot reprise her role of Wonder Woman, following her leading role in the character's eponymous movie released in May earlier this year.

Amusing: Showcasing their sense of humour the group were pulling funny faces at the camera

Risque! Gal's frock came complete with an eye-wateringly short hemline

Smile: Ben Affleck was in great spirits as he addressed the crowd gathered at the photocall

I salute you! The star was casually clad in dark jeans and a complementing polo top

Having a ball: Momoa appeared to be in great spirits as he snapped away with his phone

Dapper: Henry Cavill, meanwhile, made for a dapper figure in navy trousers and a grey roll neck

Happy to be here: Ray Fisher, who plays Cyborg in the new release, made sure to entertain those in attendance

Working it! As did Ezra Miller who channelled his character The Flash

At the time, Gal had spoken out about playing such an iconic role, telling Variety: 'Growing up, I had Superman and Batman to look up to. All the boys and all the girls, thats what we had.

'I think that its so important that we have also strong female figures to look up to, and Wonder Woman is an amazing one... its great that after 75 years that this character had been around, finally she gets her own movie.'

Speaking about Wonder Woman's addition to Justice League, Gal credited her character for being the 'glue' that bonds together the DC Heroes.

She said: 'For me it was really important that she would be the glue for the team, that we track the same character that we had victoriously established in the Wonder Woman movie.

Thrilling: Justice League sees the stars of DC Comics join together to stand against a newly awakened enemy

Give us a wave! The stars seemed thrilled to be back in one another's company

Smile! Jason flashed his pearly whites as he showcased his edgy style with ring-adorned fingers and a leather brown jacket

Stand-out: The former Game of Thrones star paired together burgundy trousers with a velvet waistcoat

'One of her most beautiful qualities is that she just cares for people in the most sincere way. I made a point about the importance of Diana being this glue - she would make every one of [the team] feel stronger, loved and capable.'

Gal had been pregnant with her second child while she was shooting scenes as Wonder Woman for Justice League. She gave birth to her youngest child, daughter Maya Versano, in March earlier this year.

Gardot is also mum to daughter Alma born in 2011. She shares her two children with husband and Israeli real estate developer Yaron Versano. They married in September 2008.

Justice League hits screens on November 17.

She's back: Fans will see Gadot reprise her role of Wonder Woman, following her leading role in the character's eponymous movie released in May earlier this year

Iconic: Gal had spoken out about playing such a role, telling Variety: 'I think that its so important that we have also strong female figures to look up to, and Wonder Woman is an amazing one'
The Real Housewives of Sydney has become an instant classic courtesy of its dramatic cat-fights.

But with whispers that several of the show's conflict-prone socialites won't be returning for the second season, Foxtel has reportedly been on the hunt for a new star.

According to The Daily Telegraph, former fashion designer Rebecca Davies is in talks with the network to sign on for the series, due to hit screens next year.

Coming seen to screens? According to The Daily Telegraph, former fashion designer Rebecca Davies is in talks to star in the second season of The Real Housewives of Sydney

55-year-old Rebecca boasts a background perfectly suited for the Real Housewives franchise.

The beauty was once Sydney's hottest clothier, dressing a number of stars in her label Bare by Rebecca Davies, before she fell on tough times.

According to a previous report published in The Daily Telegraph, the busty blonde was once married to high-powered investment banker Bryan Davies, allowing her to close the doors on her business in 2007.

Perfect for the show: 55-year-old Rebecca boasts a background perfectly suited for the Real Housewives franchise (pictured in 2003)

Smiling again: Rebecca fell on tough times following the breakdown of her marriage in 2012, but has a thriving new business (pictured this year)

The couple had three children and lived in a $10 million mansion in Sydney's ritzy Point Piper, before their shock split in 2012.

Rebecca claims Bryan left her for a 26-year-old 'Lithuanian secretary'.

Shortly after, Rebecca declared bankruptcy, claiming she had just $300 cash to her name.

Family package: Producers are reportedly also interested in the Rebecca's children, including daughter Daisy, who appeared on Australia's Next Top Model

These days, the star has opened a new beauty clinic in the eastern suburb of Edgecliff, and an appearance on Real Housewives could be good for business.

Producers are reportedly also interested in the star's children, including daughter Daisy, who appeared on Australia's Next Top Model, and her transgender son, Ares.

There has been no official word on which of the original seven Sydney castmates may not be returning for the new season, however its believed fan favourite Lisa Oldfield is on board.
He recently moved to New York to study photography.

Yet with his girlfriend Chloe Moretz currently in Toronto, it seemed Brooklyn Beckham was struggling with their long distance relationship, as he sent a sweet video to his girlfriend on Saturday.

The 18-year-old son of David and Victoria Beckham posted a black and white video on Instagram with the caption: 'Missing my baby so much @chloegmoretz.'

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Miss you: Brooklyn Beckham, 18, seemed to be missing girlfriend Chloe Moretz, 20, on Saturday as he posted a touching Instagram video to her

In the video, the camera can be seen shakily heading towards Brooklyn, rocking a camouflage cap, who then gives an acknowledging gesture to the camera.

Chloe has been on set in Toronto filming her latest project The Widow, and was seen on Thursday recording scenes in the middle of a rainy downpour.

The Widow follows the story of a waitress called Frances who embarks on an unlikely friendship with the much older widow Greta (Isabelle Huppert) - whose intentions soon turn out to be sinister.

The movie will also star Maika Monroe, Zawe Ashton, Colm Feore and Stephen Rea.

Adorable: Brooklyn and gilfriend Chloe Moretz who reunited in August, have been going long distance while Chloe films her new movie The Widow in Toronto

See you soon: Despite the video being mute, Brooklyn gave an acknowledging gesture to his beau as he donned a stylish camouflage cap

Funny: The video, which saw the camera moving at a shaky pace, showed Brooklyn running towards the camera before waving to Chloe

Meanwhile Brooklyn has been in New York studying a degree in photography at the Parsons School of Design, and has been vocal about missing both his girlfriend and his family.

The teen posted a snap of him and brother Romeo on social media on Wednesday with the caption: 'Missing my family so much :(:(:( @romeobeckham love you guys.'

Chloe and Brooklyn - who first started dating in 2014 - spent time in Ireland together last month when filming of Chloe's drama moved there.

Loved-up: The couple have posted adorable pics to each other on social media while Chloe is working in Canada

After splitting in 2014, the Atlanta-born beauty first appeared to confirm they had reconciled in August, commenting with a heart emoji under one of his Instagram posts.

Luckily Brooklyn recently relocated to New York - where Chloe resides - to study photography so the couple will be back in the same city soon.

The actress shared a sweet candid photo of her boyfriend on Instagram last week captioning it simply with the date it was taken '10.7.17'.
Fans were left in tears by Tuesday's agonising finale, as heartthrob Elvis Harte was killed off in tragic fashion.

And Jess Wright proudly congratulated Our Girl leading lady Michelle Keegan on Saturday after the success of the third series, as she was posted a touching tribute to her sister-in-law on Instagram.

Michelle, who is married to Jess' brother Mark Wright, had been working abroad to film scenes for the BBC drama, and Jess praised the star for staying strong while spending so much time away from her husband.

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Sister love: And Jess Wright proudly congratulated Our Girl leading lady Michelle Keegan on Saturday after the success of the third series, as she was posted a touching tribute to her sister-in-law on Instagram

Jess posted a selfie of her and Michelle along with Jess' sister Natalya as they gleefully enjoyed some rare family time together.

She penned a caption reading: 'Missing this one! So proud of how hardworking & strong she has been being away from her loved ones for soooo long & doing such an amazing job on Our Girl not long now girl !!!! @michkeegan all missing you lots!!!!'

Michelle has spent a large amount of time overseas filming the army drama, while Mark has been in the US establishing a presenting career with ExtraTV.

Jess recently returned from a trip to visit her brother in Los Angeles, after the pair were spotted leaving TAO restaurant in the city.

Happy: Michelle has been married to Jess' brother Mark for two years

Fans were left distraught by the Our Girl finale on Tuesday, as Elvis was killed by a bomb detonated in front of him during an enemy attack in Kabul.

Following the shock ending, actress Michelle shared a heartwarming selfie of herself and actor Luke Pasqualino with their arms wrapped around one another following the emotional scene, insisting that their characters love will continue despite Elvis' death.

She captioned the hugging snap: 'That's it... Season 1 finished! Thank you so much for all your lovely comments!!!Thankyou to everyone who was involved in the making of the 4 eps! Feel very lucky to be part of such a great show. #elvisandgeorgieforever.'

Emotional: Fans were left distraught by Our Girl's emotional finale on Tuesday, which saw the death of character Elvis

Heartbreak: The character, played by Luke Pasqualino, had been trying to escape an enemy when a bomb went off - minutes after his love Georgie Lane (above) had agreed to marry him

Never forget: Following the heartbreaking ending, Michelle shared an adorable snap of her and actor Luke Pasqualino hugging on Instagram

Viewers took to Twitter to express their sadness at the shock death, looking for support in light of the conclusion of the four episode Nepal Tour series.

One kicked things off by writing: 'I CANT BELIEVE THEY'VE KILLED ELVIS I knew it would happen and I'm still so shocked'

While another added: 'How can they let Georgie and Elvis finally be happy and then kill him off like that, literally heartbroken.'

Further fans confessed they were distraught by the ending, adding: 'Thanks our girl for breaking my heart into a million pieces tonight' and 'This has actually broken my heart in two how dare they.'

While another particularly passionate fan admitted: 'I think I need compassionate leave from work after that episode of #OurGirl. I'm devastated'

Farewell: Elvis' death had been revealed as a shock twist earlier this week, with show creator Tony Grounds admitting it had been due to actor Luke's busy work schedule
They've enjoyed vacations to Miami, Puerto Vallarta and Italy since going public with their romance in September.

And on Friday, Scott Disick and Sofia Richie were spotted enjoying some sunshine in Los Cabos, Mexico.

The father of three, 34, and the 19-year-old daughter of Lionel Richie were seen relaxing on loungers together during their holiday.

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Staying close: On Friday, Scott Disick and Sofia Richie were spotted enjoying some sunshine in Los Cabos, Mexico

Sofia flashed her flat stomach in a loose gray crop top with low-slung baggy patterned bottoms.

The teen added a gold necklace for a touch of sparkle to her otherwise low key ensemble.

She pulled her platinum blonde locks back into a low ponytail, opting for a deep side part.

Sofia appeared to peek over boyfriend Scott's shoulder before sitting down on a lounger next to him.

Holiday! Sofia was seen wearing a tight black one-piece swimsuit as she headed out into the sun

The father of three, 34, and the 19-year-old daughter of Lionel Richie were seen relaxing on loungers together during their holiday

How romantic: Sofia appeared to peek over boyfriend Scott's shoulder before sitting down on a lounger next to him

Scott donned his swimsuit trunks for his sun tanning session with his teen girlfriend.

Sofia and Scott, who has three children with ex partner Kourtney Kardashian, took a private plane to Los Cabos.

Sofia shared a snap of her large Hermes Birkin bag and Scott's Louis Vuitton backpack to her Instagram story.

The doting dad posted a photo to Instagram showing off the plane.

Humble: Sofia shared a snap of her large Hermes Birkin bag and Scott's Louis Vuitton backpack to her Instagram story

Family guy: The doting dad posted a photo to Instagram showing off the plane

Gentleman: He posted about heading out town on his Instagram story on Friday

According to People, their relationship is 'starting to fizzle.'

The magazine's source added that 'they're starting to argue more' and that it's 'bothering Sofia.'

People's insider said that the teenager thought Scott 'would be more serious about their relationship' but she's getting 'more frustrated with him as time goes on.'

Adding: 'Everything everyone has been telling her to look out for, she's starting to see for herself.'

Sofia and Scott went public with their romance in late September, however they were linked as far back as May.

In September, they spent time together during a romantic trip to Miami.

Scott and the teen enjoyed a PDA filled trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico at the start of October.

Just weeks ago, Sofia and Scott jetted off to Milan and Venice, Italy for a brief holiday.

Inseparable: Sofia and Scott went public with their romance in late September, however they were linked as far back as May; pictured heading to lunch in Beverly Hills on Tuesday

Whirlwind: Just weeks ago, Sofia and Scott jetted off to Milan and Venice, Italy for a brief holiday; pictured in front of the Duomo di Milano

Not shy: In September, they spent time together during a romantic trip to Miami

Helpful: Scott shared a photo of Sofia clipping his toe-nails

Relaxing: The two looked like they were happier than ever to spend some one-on-one time

What a view: Scott and Sofia spend a relaxing day by the beach
She's been caught in a very messy and public spat with her estranged husband Amir Khan since they announced their separation in August.

And Faryal Makhdoom appeared to be reflecting on the end of her marriage to the boxer as she shared a thought-provoking quote alongside a snap in a bridal gown, one day after pictures emerged him on a night out with another woman.

Taking to Instagram on Saturday, the pregnant model, 26, posted: 'One day, you will find peace in the burning of the past.'

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Making a statement? Faryal Makhdoom appeared to be reflecting on the end of her marriage to Amir Khan as she shared a thought-provoking quote alongside a snap in a bridal gown on Saturday

Quoting the popular internet writer R.M Drake, the message accompanied an elaborate picture of herself in traditional Pakistani wedding wear.

Modelling bridal wear, Faryal looked statuesque adorned in jewellery sat in front of an ornate bookshelf looking into the distance.

The post came a day after Amir, 30, was seen with Brazilian model, Bella Gusmao, outside a shisha bar in London, before they jumped into a cab together and headed off.

Amir, who has been out of the ring for nearly two years after suffering a heavy knockout, seemed in good spirits with the brunette stunner, who bore a striking resemblance to Faryal.

In happier times: New York-born Faryal and former unified light-welterweight world champion Amir, who married in 2013, share three-year-old daughter Lamaisah

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline earlier in the week, Faryal said that she will teach her daughter to be an 'independent and strong' example for Muslim women hot on the heels of her split from her husband.

New York-born Faryal and former unified light-welterweight world champion Amir, who married in 2013, share three-year-old daughter Lamaisah.

After months of public problems, including a family spat, rumours of a sex tape and cheating allegations, Amir and his wife sensationally split earlier this year.

The boxer, from Bolton, who is worth 23million, announced their split in a tweet that read 'So me and the wife Faryal have agreed to split. I'm currently in Dubai. Wish her all the best' - Weeks later, Faryal revealed she was expecting their second child.

Shock: After months of public problems, including a family spat, rumours of a sex tape and cheating allegations, Amir and his wife sensationally split earlier this year

Last month Faryal deleted her pleading apology after the boxer appeared to snub her attempted reconciliation. Faryal posted a lengthy message on Twitter saying it is time for her and Khan to put their 'differences behind us'.

The businesswoman also apologised for all the 'infighting' between herself and Amir parents, which she revealed has had a 'terrible effect' on her marriage.

But soon afterwards Amir took to Twitter, confirming to fans their divorce would go ahead and wishing her well. Faryal had tweeted the statement of apology to her 180,000 followers just hours after announcing the launch of her own lipstick brand.

She wrote: 'The past three months have been really tough on me and my marriage. Matters haven't been helped by the fact that my husband has been out of the ring for quite some time... it's been very stressful for us as a couple, and a family.

Stunning: Faryal's post came a day after Amir, 30, was seen with Brazilian model, Bella Gusmao (pictured) outside a shisha bar in London, before they jumped into a cab together

'I now recognise that all this infighting between me and my in-laws has had a terrible effect on my husband and I... and for that I would like to sincerely apologise.

'My mother and father-in-law are the elders of our family and as such deserve love and respect just as much as my own parents do. I've said things in the past out of anger... I didn't really mean and regret now.'

She added: 'My daughter and unborn child do not deserve a broken home. That is why I have decided that it is time to put our differences behind us, and start afresh.

'All families go through hard times. It is unfortunate for us that our difficulties were played out so publicly. I also apologise for my part in that.'
She joined the Coronation Street cobbles in Manchester in recent months following her success in the limelight in America.

But Victoria Ekanoye recalled her dramatically different dominatrix role in E! series The Royals in a recent interview with The Mirror.

Reflecting on her roles, she told the publication: 'Imagine if I muddled the two roles up. If I turned up for The Royals and said, "Eh up Queen, fancy a brew?".

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Kinky: Coronation Street star Victoria Ekanoy reflected on her role as a racy dominatrix in E! series The Royal,

'Or if a whip fell out of my bag in the Rovers while I was reaching for a baby bottle.

'Oops, sorry about that. So I really dont want to mix them up, absolutely not. They couldnt be more opposite.'

Across the pond from the cobbles, the actress previously played the dutiful secretary to Elizabeth Hurley's character Queen Helena Henstridge in The Royals.

Dramatically different: The British born beauty recalled the 'hilarious' scene where her dominatrix character Rachel has the prime minister on all fours and she is whipping him

Funny: Victoria joked that she worried about messing up her accents in the different roles, saying: 'If I turned up for The Royals and said, "Eh up Queen, fancy a brew?"

Racy: Victoria joked that she worried about accidentally pulling out a whip in the Rovers Return

Rude: The Corrie star revealed that she struggled to keep up with the fast-paced workload in Corrie at first, especially when she was working on the two shows at the same time

Committed: Victoria played a double-sided role in The Royals, as both the Queen's Private Secretary who was also a dominatrix

But Victoria's character Rachel also had a very raunchy secret - she's got a dominatrix alter ego.

The British born beauty recalled the 'hilarious' scene where Rachel has the prime minister on all fours and she is whipping him.

She told The Daily Star: 'I played the private secretary to the Queen whose alter ego is a dominatrix.

'Theres a scene where I have the prime minister on all fours and I am whipping him. Its hilarious.'

'Imagine if a whip fell out my bag in the Rovers': Coronation Street's Victoria Ekanoye reflected on her dramatically different dominatrix role in E! series The Royals

As seem on screen: Now Victoria stars in British soap Coronation Sreet as Mary Taylor's daughter-in-law Angie Appleton, wife to her son Jude

Now Victoria stars in the British soap as Mary Taylor's daughter-in-law Angie Appleton, wife to her son Jude.

The couple returned from South Africa with their baby son, where they moved for a better life after attending university together.

Arriving to attend Mary's wedding to Norris, which started as a secret plot to win a Mr and Mrs competition for Mary to visit son Jude in South Africa, Angie quickly becomes suspicious of how genuine their relationship is.

And stirring up further secrets from her mother-in-laws past, Angie is shocked to learn about Mary was raped as a teenager, resulting in her pregnancy with Jude.

Different role: Across the pond from the cobbles, the actress previously played the dutiful secretary to Elizabeth Hurley's character Queen Helena Henstridge in The Royals

The E! star confessed her transition from the American drama to the hit British ITV soap hasn't been plain sailing in an interview with The Radio Times.

'I find I'm working a lot harder and faster here on Coronation Street,' she admits. 'The turnaround is so much quicker. My script pile for Corrie is huge! So it's a big change. And because I'm filming both at the same time, I'm back and forth to London, making sure I get the accents right.

'Angie is originally from the North West, but Rachel on The Royals has received pronunciation. So it's a completely different headspace,' she admitted.
Blac Chyna posted a Snapchat video on Saturday of herself enjoying a drive in Los Angeles - with a male companion.

Sitting beside Chyna, with animated hearts floating around his face, was none other than the rapper Playboi Carti, who used to date Rubi Rose.

Chyna, 29, wore a Playboy Bunny necklace over her Adidas sweater.

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Two rode together: Blac Chyna posted a Snapchat video on Saturday of herself enjoying a drive in Los Angeles - with company - the rapper Playboi Carti, who used to date Rubi Rose

Shortly after Chyna uploaded her Snapchat video, Rubi put up an Instagram photo of herself captioned: 'Sis how my a** taste'. It is unknown if the posts are related.

As TMZ have pointed out, Playboi racked up a domestic battery arrest this summer - but was not charged - over a conflict with a girlfriend.

There is a rumor out there now that Chyna is being courted for the inaugural season of an American edition of Celebrity Big Brother, per Us Weekly.

Chyna has two children: five-year-old son King Cairo by the rapper Tyga, and infant daughter Dream by the reality star Rob Kardashian.

Clever: Chyna, 29, wore a Playboy Bunny necklace over her Adidas sweater

Having split from Tyga in 2014, Chyna had been with her Rob & Chyna co-star off and on since early 2015, and she gave birth to Dream last November.

Rob and Chyna split in December - Rob posting a Snapchat video of himself wandering miserably through their empty house - but reunited soon after.

This July saw their latest and most dramatic breakup, with Rob posting explicit photos of Chyna to Instagram during a rant that got his account removed.

History: As TMZ have pointed out, Playboi racked up a domestic battery arrest this summer - but was not charged - over a conflict with a girlfriend

In short order, Chyna lawyered up with Gloria Allred's daughter Lisa Bloom and won a restraining order against her rotund used-to-be.

Meanwhile, Rob chose for his attorney Robert Shapiro - who with Rob's father had been a member of O.J. Simpson's defense team during O.J.'s murder trial.

The mother of Rob's child gave a press conference featuring Lisa, who has also co-starred in a press conference with Kathy Griffin, as well as one with Quantasia Sharpton, who claimed Usher exposed her to herpes.

Related or not?: Shortly after Chyna uploaded her Snapchat video, Rubi put up an Instagram photo of herself captioned: 'Sis how my ass taste'

Though Chyna has accused Rob of abuse, TMZ reported last month that she let that allegation drop as part of a deal that got her $20,000 in child support a month.

A day after reporting that child support figure, TMZ revealed Chyna was still gunning for a payout of at least $1 million by way of the revenge porn case.

In a bizarre twist, Tyga for some time dated Rob's now 20-year-old half-sister Kylie Jenner, who is rumored to be pregnant by her own current beau Travis Scott.

Hearts on herself: Chyna also posted Snapchat images of herself modeling her outfit, complete with a glistening watch
They're the iconic Australian band known for their inspirational political messages.

And Midnight Oil returned to Hanging Rock on Saturday, putting on an electrifying performance in front of a packed house as part of the band's Great Circle tour.

The stage was set for Peter Garrett and company as they walked onto the arena, with 20,000 punters turning out on a chilly night in rural Victoria to see them.

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Rocking the rock! Midnight Oil lit up the stage with an electrifying performance at Hanging Rock in rural Victoria as part of the band's Great Circle tour on Saturday

Before turning back the clock with prestigious hits from their plethora of classic Australian albums, Peter acknowledged the crowd and complimented the turnout.

'Hey Hanging Rock, you Victorians sure know how to turn on a balmy night, don't you?' he exclaimed, before launching into the techno-tinged Redneck Wonderland.

Peter's eccentric stage antics were in full swing as he wildly flailed his arms in time to the beat.

Busting out his with his signature moves, his rock star persona marked a significant contrast from his career detour into federal politics, which he renounced in 2013.

Donning a navy blue collared shirt which had a white print featuring different sea creatures, the bald-headed frontman sang with conviction as he belted out the politically-charged lyrics to Australian anthems Beds are Burning.

Hey Hanging rock': Before turning back the clock with prestigious hits from their sizable back catalogue, Peter acknowledged the crowd and complimented the turnout

Hasn't changed a bit! Peter's eccentric nature had not changed one bit, wildly flailing his arms with his signature moves in time to the beat

Beckoning to the crowd to join in and sing the anti-conservative anthems, Peter also took time to speak out as a long-term supporter of environmental sustainability and indigenous rights.

And while Midnight Oil has always heralded the former politician as the group's star, its other musicians also gave it their heart and soul.

Never looked better! Guitarist Jim Moginie sported a wide-brimmed akubra for the performance, and strummed and picked his way through the band's enormous back catalogue

Guitarist Jim Moginie sported a wide-brimmed akubra for the performance, during which he held his instrument close as he strummed and picked his way through the band's back catalogue.

The band closed out their set with an awe-inspiring performance of The Power and the Passion, with drummer Rob Hirst banging the skins hard and delivering his signature solo towards the end of the number.

Midnight Oil reformed earlier this year, and kicked off their Great Circle tour in Brazil in April.

Tickets are still on sale for The Great Circle tour. Head to the band's website for more details.
It is the sensational costume drama thats brimming over with sex, swords, slaughter  and sorcery.

Yet this is not Game Of Thrones  but the lavish new series Britannia.

Starring David Morrissey and Kelly Reilly, the Sky series is based on the hard, historic facts of what happened after the Roman invasion and conquest of Britain in 43AD.

There is a huge buzz of anticipation for the new show which is due for broadcast early next year on Sky Atlantic, coming along just at the right time for the legions of tearful fans who will be bidding farewell to Game of Thrones in its final season.

Chock-full of epic battle scenes, nudity and a cast of warrior princesses and brooding anti-heroes, Britannia shows the island nation bathed in blood with tribes so busy fighting against each other that they hardly noticed the Romans had landed.

Only later do the Britons  led by terrifying demonic druids  band together to face their new common enemy: the armies that represent the awesome might of the Roman Empire.

Here, The Mail on Sunday presents a spoiler-free snapshot guide to the similarities between the two shows.

SCARY SADISTS

BRITANNIA : Office star Mackenzie Crook is unrecognisable as the psychotic druid Veran who fondles the severed head of one of his victims at the beginning of episode two.

To be fair Veran doesnt always murder his enemies. Sometimes he uses his own brand of hallucinogenic drugs to brain ash them.

GAME OF THRONES : The murderous Ramsay Bolton played by Iwan Rheon took sadism to new heights and regularly had his enemies flayed alive. Viewers could hardly watch when he savagely beat and then castrated his slave Reek.

Office star Mackenzie Crook plays a psychotic druid in Britannia, left, while Iwan Rheon made sadism an art form during his portrayal of Ramsay Bolton during Game of Thrones

VENGEFUL QUEENS

BRITANNIA: Queen Antedia (Zoe Wanamaker) is hellbent on avenging her son who was castrated by warrior Princess Kerra on their wedding night.

The desperate Queen will co-operate with anyone even the Romans on condition they will hand over Kerra alive.

GAME OF THRONES: Cersei Lannister - Queen of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros - has lost count of the number of people she has crossed to hold onto the reins of power. Lannister, who is played by Lena Headey, is the personification of ruthless ambition and a fearful lust for power.

Zoe Wanamaker, left plays Queen Antedia in Britannia, while Lena Headey is Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones who has been particularly ruthless in her attempts to seize power

KICK-ASS HEROINES

BRITANNIA: Warrior Princess Kerra (Kelly Reilly) listens to no man - not even her father King Pellenor played by Ian McDiarmind. Kerra is handy with a knife and a bow and is hell bent taking full advantage of the divisions between the different warring tribes.

GAME OF THRONES: A skilled horsewoman and fighter, Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) is more than a match for any of her male counterparts. She is blessed with magical powers including telepathy beyond even the abilities of Britannias Princess Kerra.

Warrior Princess Kerra, right, and Arya Stark, left, are more than a match for any man

SEX & SAUCE-ERY

BRITANNIA: Little is left to the imagination from the very first episode onwards, after the nude sex scene when Prince Phelan (Julian Rhind-Tutt) discovers his wife Amena (Annabel Scholey) making love to his cousin Lindon. The Celtic trio prove to have an unconventional arrangement they have agreed to. Amena certainly isnt complaining - but Phelan tries his best to grin and bear it.

GAME OF THRONES: Mother of Dragons Daenerys Targaryen (British actress Emilia Clarke) has a lack of inhibition stands out even in a series notorious for the amount of bare flesh on display. Shes been seen naked in the bath, in the bedroom - and walking through fire.

British actress Emilia Clarke spent a great deal of time in GoT naked

DASHING SWORDSMEN

BRITANNIA: David Morrissey plays Aulus, the brave but brutal commander of the invading Roman forces. He can be merciless when it comes to dealing with his enemies and doesnt think twice about crucifying captured British slaves. But he is an anti-hero with brains as well as brawn. He realises that a successful invasion depends as much on co-operation as it does on conquest.

GAME OF THRONES: The show has more brooding anti-heroes then you can shake a dagger at, but the standout is surely Jaime The Kingslayer Lannister a skilled swordsman whose reputation was sullied by his back stabbing of a King, not to mention an incestuous relationship with his sister Cersei.

David Morrissey plays Aulus, the brave but brutal commander of the invading Roman forces, left, while the standout is surely Jaime The Kingslayer Lannister, right

EVIL MAGIC

BRITANNIA: Where there are Druids there is magic and mysticism. Their powers may be real or they may be the product of some rudimentary drugs. Whatever the truth, otherwise sane Britons believe they have been on a journey to the other side where they have conversed with the dead.

GAME OF THRONES: Where to start? This is the show where magic and flying dragons are an everyday part of life. But it is the White Walkers - the ancient, unhuman race from the far north of Westeros - who have struck terror into the hearts of viewers.

Britannia has Druids with magic and mysticism, while GoT has the White Walkers

PS: NOW CZECH OUT THE LOCATIONS...

Never mind the show title, Britannia is largely filmed in the Czech Republic, where a replica Stonhenge was built amid the dense woodland that passes for ancient Britain - while Game Of Thrones has made its Belfast locations a tourist attraction.
Jockey Ryan Moore celebrates after riding Mendelssohn #1 to a win in the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Turf, on day one of the 2017 Breeder's Cup World Championship, at Del Mar Race Track in California, on November 3

Mendelssohn powered to victory in the $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf on Friday, giving Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien yet another Grade One win and possibly a glimpse of a Kentucky Derby contender.

With jockey Ryan Moore in the irons, Mendelssohn broke sharply from the first stall and settled in behind the leaders.

Turning for home Moore swept around the Richard Fahey-trained Sands of Mali and pulled away to beat Untamed Domain by a length with Voting Control third, a further half-length back.

The victory in the one-mile race was O'Brien's 27th in a Group or Grade One race this year.

He had broken the late Bobby Frankel's world record with his 26th when Saxon Warrior won the Racing Post Trophy last Saturday.

O'Brien notched his 12th Breeders' Cup victory, and opened Europe's account in the 2017 edition of the two-day, 13-race, $28 million flat racing extravaganza, being held for the first time at Del Mar Racetrack in the seaside town north of San Diego.

Moore proved a quick study on the unfamiliar circuit. After finding himself boxed in aboard 2-1 favorite Happily in the Juvenile Fillies Turf and finishing last, he made sure Mendelssohn had room to run.

Mendelssohn ridden by jockey Ryan Moore (#1) wins the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Turf on day one of the 2017 Breeder's Cup World Championship at Del Mar Race Track on November 3, 2017 in Del Mar, California

"It went very smooth," Moore said. "He's still learning, but he got away well, He traveled very kindly the whole race. He always felt like he was going the best and he was able to ease his way out. To be fair, he won, and I feel he still had plenty to give.

"When he hit the front, he wasn't quite sure how to get down and gallop yet. So I think there's more to come from him. He's a big, very raw horse still and I think he will improve with racing and with experience."

O'Brien said Mendelssohn's breeding from US dirt runners could see him pointed next year at the Kentucky Derby, the most celebrated leg of US flat racing's Triple Crown.

He opted not to test him on the dirt at this Breeders' Cup because the colt had been progressing so well on grass but added: "We had it in our head that if everything went well today he could be a horse that we could train for the Kentucky Derby."

- Dirt pedigree -

Making that goal a little easier is the addition of Kentucky Derby trials in Europe, which could let Mendelssohn earn his place in the field for the May race without leaving home.

"We always felt that he has that pace that could be a dirt horse, and obviously he's a pure, American dirt pedigree, so he's exciting hopefully," O'Brien said.

Graham Motion, trainer of Untamed Domain, said his colt "ran awesome" under jockey Jose Ortiz, who was pleased to steer clear of trouble.

"I saw on the inside going into the backside, lots of guys were checking. A lot of people were in trouble and clipping heels. I knew we were going to be a little wide, but I'm glad I had a clear run to get second."

Frankie Dettori, aboard the first of his six Breeders' Cup mounts in the George Scott-trained James Garfield, had a bumpy ride.

"It was a very rough race," Dettori said. "He was knocked about all over the place for four furlongs. He had no chance."
The GE-Alstom Block Island Wind Farm stands off Block Island, Rhode Island, on September 22, 2016

Renewable energy continues to grow in the United States, despite US President Donald Trump's moves to dismantle clean power, deregulate industry and promote fossil fuels like coal, experts say.

Five months after Trump declared the United States would withdraw from the 2015 Paris climate accord, the Republican leader continues to unravel the environmental legacy of his predecessor, Democrat Barack Obama.

A signature piece of Trump's strategy has been to roll back regulations, including the Obama-era Clean Power Plan, which aimed to cut US emissions from power plants for the first time.

"They are trying to put their fingers on the scale in favor of coal and other polluting fossil fuels, and trying to do things to slow down the penetration of clean, renewable energy technologies, so that is the landscape," said Alden Meyer, director of strategy at the Union of Concerned Scientists.

But many state and city governments have pressed on with their fight against climate change, and the job force of those working in renewable energies continues to expand nationwide.

"The trend is very clear," added Meyer.

"To fight Trump, the investment and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency have continued growing."

Employment in the solar industry grew 24.5 percent in 2016 compared to a year earlier, reaching a workforce of nearly 374,000 people, according to an Energy Department report.

Traditional fossil fuels employed just 187,000 people, it said.

Employment in US wind energy rose 32 percent to nearly 102,000 people.

"The renewable energy industry is already working here," said Frank Maisano, senior principal at Bracewell, a law and government relations firm serving the energy industry.

"Jobs are growing dramatically in both wind and solar."

- With or without Trump -

Solar and wind energy combined now produce 10 percent of the total electricity in the United States, according to the Energy Department.

In March, eight percent of the nation's electricity came from wind and two percent from solar.

In states like California, renewables made up an even larger proportion of electricity production.

Climate science expert Michael Mann, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, said it is possible that the United States will reach its commitment to cut emissions under the Paris accord regardless of what Trump says or does.

"There is enough progress now at the local and state level, commitment from major companies, movement toward renewable energy etc. that most pundits now think we'll reach our Paris targets with or without Trump's explicit complicity," Mann said in an email to AFP.

Elliot Diringer, an expert at the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, a non-governmental organization in Washington, agreed.

"We recently looked at the different analyses and it looks to us like even with the situation at the moment our emissions in 2025 are likely to be 14 to 18 percent below 2005," Diringer said.

- Another America -

Obama's goal had been to get to a 26 to 28 percent cut, added Diringer.

"There are a lot of opportunities to go further," he said, citing city and state level actions.

"We can achieve that reduction without the federal policies."

A movement called "We Are Still In" was launched in June, shortly after the announcement that the US would pull out of the 190-nation Paris deal.

Organized by billionaire New Yorker and former mayor Michael Bloomberg, it includes some 1,800 businesses and investors, 252 cities and nine states including California -- America's largest -- and New York.

"I think the 'We Are Still In' initiative is so important because it shows there is another side of America, it's not Trump and you don't even have to wait three or four years to engage with the real America that remains committed to Paris, that is a very important signal," said Meyer.

Numerous participants in the movement are expected to attend the 23rd UN climate conference in Bonn on Monday, and may be even more visible than members of the US delegation led by career diplomat Thomas Shannon, experts say.

"People in the US business community know that climate change is a serious issue and that international engagements are important," said Maisano.

"And I know that there are people in the Trump administration that think that as well."

According to a source close to the White House, the US pullout from Paris cannot come into effect before the end of 2020, and is far from a done deal.

"I think it remains an open question," the source said on condition of anonymity.
Sahrawi refugee Selembouha Dadi can only imagine the homeland she dreams of but has never seen, agonisingly out of reach beyond the Algerian refugee camp where she has spent her whole life

Selembouha Dadi can only imagine the homeland she dreams of but has never seen, agonisingly out of reach beyond the Algerian refugee camp where she has spent her whole life.

"They tell me it was beautiful," the 25-year-old told AFP.

The territory that Dadi yearns for is Western Sahara, a sprawling swathe of desert on Africa's Atlantic coast that has been disputed by Morocco and independence fighters from the Polisario Front for decades.

Her father Moulay abandoned everything and fled 42 years ago when Moroccan troops arrived in 1975 during the rush to claim the former Spanish colony as Madrid let it go.

Sahrawi refugee Selembouha Dadi can only imagine the homeland she dreams of but has never seen, agonisingly out of reach beyond the Algerian refugee camp where she has spent her whole life

Now, along with tens of thousands of other refugees, their family of nine lives in one of a string of refugee camps just 50 kilometres (30 miles) away, beyond the Algerian border and a "defence wall" erected by Morocco in the 1980s.

Morocco and Mauritania were meant to share Western Sahara when Spain relinquished control, but in 1976 the Polisario proclaimed the independence of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic -- and was determined to fight for it.

Mauritania in 1979 gave up its claim, leaving Morocco to seize most of the 266,000 square kilometre (100,000 square mile) territory, but it was not until 1991 that a UN-backed ceasefire came into force.

Rabat considers Western Sahara an integral part of Morocco and proposes autonomy for the resource-rich territory, but the Algerian-backed Polisario Front insists on a United Nations-backed referendum on independence.

The 2,700-kilometre barrier erected by Morocco slicing from north to south divides the 80 percent of Western Sahara controlled by Morocco from the 20 percent held by the Polisario.

- 'Left everything behind' -

Moulay Dadi, 72, served tea in a large traditional tent, a vestige of the Sahrawis' nomadic past, and cooler than the nearby family cottage with its zinc roof.

A Sahrawi refugee sits in her tent at the Boujdour camp in Algeria, just 50 kilometres (30 miles) away from her dispute homeland

He recalled his life back in his desert homeland herding the family's animals. He was 30 when the Moroccan forces arrived.

"We fled and we left everything behind us, our animals, our property, the houses," he said.

"We left everything behind us."

He settled in Algeria's Tindouf region with his wife and parents, who did not live to see their homeland again.

Some 100,000 Sahrawi refugees live today in the camps around Tindouf. They belong to a mosaic of nomadic tribes who have for centuries plied the sandy expanses of the Sahara with their camels.

The Dadi family's Boujdour camp, which, like the other camps, bears the name of an area of the Western Sahara controlled by Morocco, is dotted with brown-walled houses the colour of the surrounding desert, one of the most inhospitable in the world.

Their home consists of a large living room, a small dining room and a kitchen. The shower and toilets are in a separate building.

A Sahrawi refugee walks through the Boujdour camp in Algeria, just over the border from the disputed territory of Western Sahara

There is intermittent electricity and no running water. Trucks pass regularly to fill a large canvas water reservoir.

Like the Dadis, many Sahrawis have set up traditional tents next to their houses in the camp, where life moves slowly.

After the morning prayer, Selembouha Dadi and her mother, in her sixties, cook and clean.

The youngest of the children, 12-year-old Mellah, goes to school.

Some of her brothers work on building sites and the others are in the army of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.

Sahrawi refugees in Algeria live mostly on funds from exiled relatives in Europe and on international aid.

A Sahwari refugee walks in the Boujdour camp in Algeria, over the border from the disputed desert territory of Western Sahara

The European Union provides some, $11.6 million (10 million euros) a year, despite the Polisario Front being accused of embezzlement in recent years.

Some residents have set up small shops -- groceries, bakeries, fruit and vegetable stalls -- in the camps.

Others work as officials for the SADR, which has its central administration in Rabouni, not far from Tindouf.

Isolated for decades and largely forgotten by the world, many Sahrawis still believe that they will one day return to the lands of their ancestors.

"We want our land whatever we find there," Selembouha said.
US Marshals wait to accompany an armored vehicle with Mustafa al-Imam as it leaves after a hearing at a US District Court on November 3, 2017, in Washington

A Libyan accused of involvement in the 2012 attack on the US diplomatic complex in Benghazi that killed four Americans, including the US ambassador, appeared Friday before a federal judge in Washington.

Mustafa al-Imam, who authorities said is approximately 46 years old, had been days earlier captured in Libya by American commandos.

Dressed in an orange prison suit, he was officially informed via a translator of criminal charges that include killing a person during an attack on a federal facility using a firearm, providing material support to terrorists resulting in death, and use of a firearm in connection with a violent crime.

The first two counts could carry a potential life prison sentence.

No details on the circumstances of Imam's capture were provided.

According to the prosecution he was in a group of some 20 armed men who on September 11, 2012 entered the diplomatic complex in Benghazi before setting ablaze a building occupied by US ambassador Chris Stevens.

The ambassador and Sean Smith, a State Department technician, died of smoke inhalation.

The group later fired mortar rounds at a building used by the CIA, killing Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods, two former members of the Navy SEALs working as contractors.

Assistant US Attorney Opher Shweiki ruled out the possibility of bail for Imam, citing a "serious risk of flight."

"He has no ties in the US; he poses a serious danger," Shweiki said. "There is no condition ensuring the defendant will appear in court."

After the approximately 30-minute long hearing concluded US Judge Deborah Robinson ordered Imam remain in custody pending another hearing Thursday.

An alleged mastermind of the attack, 46-year-old Ahmed Abu Khattala, is already on trial in the United States, accused of being a commander of the Ansar al-Sharia militia.
The ship is a larger version of the one China used to dredge sand, mud and coral for transforming reefs and islets in the South China Sea into artificial islands capable of hosting military installations

China has unveiled a massive ship described as a "magic island maker" that is Asia's largest dredging vessel, state media reported Saturday.

The ship, capable of building artificial islands of the sort the country has constructed in the contested South China Sea, was launched Friday at a port in eastern Jiangsu province, according to the state-owned China Daily.

The boat named Tian Kun Hao is capable of digging 6,000 cubic meters an hour, the equivalent of three standard swimming pools, the newspaper said.

It is a larger version of the one China used to dredge sand, mud and coral for transforming reefs and islets in the South China Sea into artificial islands capable of hosting military installations.

When testing of the ship is completed next June, it will be the most powerful such vessel in Asia, the paper noted, nicknaming it the "magic island maker".

Beijing's aggressive campaign of archipelago building in the South China Sea has been a point of contention with neighbouring countries that lay claim to parts of its waters.

China claims nearly all of the sea, through which $5 trillion in annual shipping trade passes and which is believed to sit atop vast oil and gas deposits.

Its sweeping claims overlap with Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei, as well as Taiwan.

China has previously said that it had completed its reclamation projects in an area of the sea known as the Spratlys.

But a US think tank, the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, said in August that Beijing has continued the work in a northern part of the waters around the Paracel islands.
US President Donald Trump is due to arrive in South Korea Tuesday, after first visiting Japan

North Korea ruled out talks and threatened to increase its nuclear arsenal in a fresh warning to Donald Trump's administration Saturday as the US President set off on a tour of Asia.

Trump departed for his first presidential trip to Asia Friday, with tensions over North Korea's nuclear and missile threats looming large. He is due to arrive in South Korea Tuesday, after first visiting Japan.

The North's state-run KCNA news agency said in a commentary that the US should be disabused of the "absurd idea" that Pyongyang would succumb to international sanctions and give up its nuclear weapons, adding that it is in "the final stage for completing nuclear deterrence".

"It had better stop daydreaming of denuclearisation talks with us", said the commentary titled "Stop dreaming a daydream".

"Our self-defensive nuclear treasure sword will be sharpened evermore unless the US hostile policy toward the DPRK is abolished once and for all", it said, using an acronym for the official name of North Korea.

The White House said Trump will deliver a speech at South Korea's National Assembly and urge "common resolve in the face of shared threat".

But there is widespread concern in South Korea that the US president's visit might worsen the situation if Trump fails to rein in his fierce rhetoric.

Trump and the North's leader Kim Jong-Un have traded insults and threats of war in recent months.

"Because of his tendency to veer off the script, many Koreans are worried that he may let loose", Professor Yang Moo-Jin of the University of North Korean Studies told AFP.

Some 500 protesters took to the streets in Seoul Saturday, chanting slogans and waving banners as they accused Trump of bringing the Korean peninsula to the brink of war.

"No Trump, No War", read one of the banners, while others portrayed the US President wearing a Nazi uniform.

Nearby, a rival group of some 100 Trump supporters, including many military veterans, chanted: "Welcome to Korea, We believe in Trump".

Trump, who dismissed direct talks with Pyongyang as "waste of time", will meet with President Moon Jae-In, who came to power early this year advocating for engagement with Pyongyang, a stance denounced as "appeasement" by Trump.

Professor Koh Yu-Hwan at Dongguk University, a leading policy advisor to the government, said Seoul expected Trump to avoid putting Moon in a quandary by renewing pugnacious threats against the North, particularly with South Korea hosting the Winter Olympics in February next year.

Moon has had to dial back his policy of engagement with the North in the face of Pyongyang's persistent nuclear and missile tests.
US President Donald Trump Trump and his wife Melania tossed flower petals into the waters of the USS Arizona memorial, later taking part in a wreath-laying ceremony to honor soldiers who died in a Japanese surprise attack in 1941

After stopping in Hawaii to pay his respects at a Pearl Harbor memorial, US President Donald Trump reboarded Air Force One on Saturday for a marathon Asia tour as North Korea's nuclear threat looms large.

Trump and his wife Melania tossed flower petals into the waters of the USS Arizona memorial, later taking part in a wreath-laying ceremony to honor soldiers who died in a Japanese surprise attack in 1941 that triggered the US entry into World War II.

But it was the threat of conflict with another East Asian power that was set to dominate talks on the almost two-week trip that takes him from Japan to South Korea, China, Vietnam and finally the Philippines.

Months of verbal escalation between Washington and Pyongyang have raised the specter of nuclear war, and left allies South Korea fearing the US president's propensity to veer off script and launch into fiery tirades may worsen the situation.

Trump is also seeking to leave behind domestic woes, including recent developments into the probe on Russian election meddling, as he holds closely-watched meetings with leaders ranging from powerful Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to controversial Philippines strongman Rodrigo Duterte.

Trump told reporters it was "very special being in Hawaii," later tweeting: "Remember #PearlHarbor. Remember the @USSArizona!"

- Golf diplomacy -

US President Donald Trump joins his "friend" Shinzo Abe on Sunday a new round of golf -- following the one they shared in Florida last February -- before a series of meetings aimed at underscoring the strength of the US-Japanese alliance

He joins his "friend" Shinzo Abe on Sunday a new round of golf -- following the one they shared in Florida last February -- before a series of meetings aimed at underscoring the strength of the US-Japanese alliance.

Abe is riding high after seizing a "super-majority" in Japan's parliament following a snap election, and has vowed to push to amend the country's pacifist constitution.

In South Korea, Trump -- unlike many of his predecessors -- will not travel to the Demilitarized Zone dividing the Korean peninsula. Instead he will deliver what is set to be a closely-scrutinized speech before the country's national assembly.

Seoul will be hoping during Trump's two-day visit starting Tuesday for a reaffirmation of its alliance with Washington, at a time when the North is pushing ahead with its nuclear and ballistic missile programs in defiance of the international community.

There is widespread concern in South Korea that Trump's visit might worsen the situation if he fails to dampen his fierce rhetoric.

"Because of his tendency to veer off the script, many Koreans are worried that he may let loose", Professor Yang Moo-Jin of the University of North Korean Studies told AFP.

Some 500 protesters took to the streets in Seoul Saturday, chanting slogans and waving banners as they accused Trump of bringing the Korean peninsula to the brink of war.

After Seoul, the 45th US president heads to Beijing next Wednesday to meet his counterpart Xi Jinping just weeks after he was formally handed a second term in power, solidifying his grip on the world's most populous nation.

As a candidate Trump railed against China's trade imbalance with the United States, but after gaining power has been carefully in dealing with the Asian giant.

Analysts predict Xi will grant Trump a lavish welcome but few concessions.

Trump will round off his trip with a visit to Vietnam, where at an APEC summit he will deliver his vision for a "free and open Indo-Pacific region" -- remarks eagerly awaited by the business community following the president's rejection of the Trans-Pacific Partnership on his first day in office.

Trump will wrap up his trip in Manila on November 12-13, taking part in a summit of South East Asian leaders, and will hold what could turn out to be a colorful one-on-one with the outspoken Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte

He will wrap up his trip in Manila on November 12-13, taking part in a summit of South East Asian leaders, and will hold what could turn out to be a colorful one-on-one with the outspoken Duterte.

Both men have shocked with their use of threatening language. Trump has even praised Duterte for doing an "unbelievable job on the drug problem" -- despite warnings from rights groups of death squad-style killings
More than 600,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh since late August

The US wants Myanmar to repatriate hundreds of thousands of Rohingya in their own villages following their exodus from the country's violence-wracked Rakhine state for Bangladesh, a senior State Department official said Saturday in Dhaka.

Simon Henshaw, acting US assistant secretary of state who visited refugee camps in southeast Bangladesh, said Myanmar should also punish those who committed atrocities in Rakhine.

More than 600,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh since late August carrying accounts of murder, rape and arson at the hands of Myanmar's powerful army during a military crackdown dubbed as "ethnic cleansing" by the UN.

They have taken refuge in squalid camps in southeast Bangladesh, joining the more than 200,000 Rohingyas who had set up homes there after escaping earlier bouts of violence.

"First of all, it is (Myanmar's) responsibility to return security and stability to Rakhine state. Secondly, it's their responsibility to investigate reports of atrocities and bring those who committed them to accountability," Henshaw told reporters in Dhaka.

"Part of bringing people back to Rakhine state requires these people be allowed to return to their land.... And for those whose villages are burnt, quick efforts need to be made to restore their homes and their villages," he said.

After weeks of intense global pressure, Myanmar agreed to take back Rohingya who meet "verification" standards. But the criteria remains vague, raising fears it will be used to restrict the number of returnees.

Experts say repatriation will also be complicated by the scale of destruction in Rakhine, where hundreds of Rohingya villages have been reduced to ash.

Relief workers say some refugees have expressed a reluctance to return if it would mean living in camp-like settlements or being barred from occupying the land they had before.

US lawmakers on Friday proposed sanctions against Myanmar's military, in some of the strongest efforts yet by Washington to pressure the Southeast Asian nation to end abusive treatment of the Muslim minority.

Myanmar authorities say the security crackdown was in response to attacks by Rohingya militants on police posts in late August.

For decades, the Rohingya have faced discrimination in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship and denigrated as illegal "Bengali" immigrants.
Talon's plans for recovery have seen a wave of industrial action in recent months

Benin's government and health sector unions have reached an agreement to end a crippling two-month strike that saw treatment in public hospitals and clinics grind to a halt, the government said on Saturday.

Workers walked out in August over proposed privatisation plans, which are part of wider free-market reforms from President Patrice Talon's government to kick-start the country's slowing economy.

The walkout is said to have been responsible for the deaths of a number of patients and led to mounting public anger.

But a government source said an agreement was signed late Friday and that nearly 2.5 billion CFA (3.7 million euros) would be made available towards improving salaries and conditions.

Benin's economy is largely dependent on trade with its larger neighbour to the east, Nigeria, which has itself not long emerged from a months-long recession.

Talon's plans for recovery -- at a time of rising costs of living and tax -- have seen a wave of industrial action in recent months, including the court and education sectors.

One union leader said the government had agreed to postpone the creation of a working group to look into the implementation of the privatisation plan.

Development minister Abdoulaye Bio Tchane, who led the negotiations, said: "The government showed its willingness to meet the demands of the health sector unions and to end the strike in this very crucial sector."

The government gave "its agreement in principle to resolve, in the shortest time possible, concerns about workers' jobs in the sector", he added.
South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has given an order authorising the arrest of the former army chief's bodyguards

South Sudan's capital Juba was tense on Saturday as more than 100 soldiers surrounded the residence of powerful former army chief Paul Malong in a bid to disarm his bodyguards.

Streets across the city were largely empty as people stayed at home for fear the standoff would erupt into clashes, an AFP correspondent said.

The deployment of troops around Malong's residence in the central Hai Amarat neighbourhood where many government officials live was confirmed by presidential spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny.

He said it was a "routine operation" which should not cause any concern.

"The situation is normal... this is not anything to worry about," he told AFP. It was also confirmed by Information Minister Michael Makuei.

Local residents said there were many troops deployed in roads around Malong's residence.

The move came five days after President Salva Kiir signed an order, a copy of which was obtained by AFP, authorising the arrest and disarming of Malong's bodyguards and the removal of any other arms in his possession.

It also said any resistance "must be met with reasonable force".

There was no indication as to why Kiir had given the order.

Malong, a general who was sacked by Kiir in May, is a hardline ethnic nationalist who belongs to the president's majority Dinka tribe.

He is widely regarded as being the mastermind of fighting that erupted in Juba in July 2016 that left hundreds of people dead and crushed hopes of a power-sharing government between Kiir and Riek Machar, his former deputy turned rebel chief, who is a member of the Nuer tribe.

The Dinka and the Nuer are the two largest ethnic groups in South Sudan and have a history of bloody rivalry.

- Visitors banned -

South Sudan has been gripped by a brutal civil that has lasted nearly four years, with Saturday's standoff emptying the streets of Juba, the capital

South Sudan has been gripped by a brutal civil war that has lasted nearly four years, and the standoff in Juba prompted many residents to stay home for fear of violence.

"I have not got out of my house since morning because... fighting may break out," said Moses Alier, a resident of Hai Mouna in western Juba told AFP by phone.

Malong's dismissal in May had sparked fears among residents that it could trigger clashes between his supporters and troops loyal to the president.

The general, who is currently under house arrest, was believed to be inside, sources close to the family said. Under terms of the October 30 order, Malong must not be allowed to leave his residence "at any time" and all visitors have been banned.

In September, Washington imposed sanctions on three senior South Sudan officials on charges of fomenting and profiting from the four-year civil war, including Malong and the information minister.

South Sudan gained independence after the Christian majority south split from the Muslim north in 2011 after a 22-year civil war that killed hundreds of thousands of people.

But the world's youngest nation quickly fell into civil war in December 2013 after Kiir accused Machar of plotting a coup, with the conflict leaving tens of thousands dead and forcing a third of its 12 million people out of their homes.
Aramco, which controls Saudi Arabia's massive energy assets, plans to list nearly five percent of its shares in the stock market

US President Donald Trump on Saturday urged Saudi Arabia to choose Wall Street as a venue for the initial public offering of shares of oil giant Aramco in 2018.

Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Tokyo that he had spoken to the Saudi king during the flight, saying he "would like them to consider" US exchanges.

"I know they're looking at London, I know they're looking at others, they're probably looking at themselves, they have a much smaller stock market," the US president said.

"So I would like them to consider the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ."

The Aramco IPO is expected to be the largest in history, raising around $100 billion in much-needed revenue for the kingdom.

Aramco, which controls Saudi Arabia's massive energy assets, plans to list nearly five percent of its shares on the stock market.

Trump's remarks followed a Twitter missive posted from Hawaii ahead of the Asia trip: "Would very much appreciate Saudi Arabia doing their IPO of Aramco with the New York Stock Exchange. Important to the United States!"

Plans are to list the offering in the second half of 2018 on the Saudi stock market as well as an international exchange, with markets in New York and London vying for the business.

CEO Amin Nasser said in an interview with CNBC television in October that the listing venue "will be discussed and shared in due course."

Saudi Arabia has posted $200 billion in deficits in the past three fiscal years due to the slump in global oil prices.
US warns diplomatic staff over Mogadishu threat

The US mission to Somalia on Saturday urged all of its non-essential staff to leave Mogadishu immediately following a specific threat against them at the capital's international airport.

The warning came just hours after US forces confirmed carrying out their first-ever drone strikes targeting Islamic State (IS) jihadists in the Horn of Africa nation.

"Due to specific threat information against US personnel on the Mogadishu International Airport, the US Mission to Somalia has directed its non-essential US citizen employees to depart Mogadishu until further notice," a statement posted on its website said.

It reiterated warnings that the situation in Somalia was "extremely unstable", saying the threat level against US citizens remained "critical".

In a statement released in Washington late on Friday, the US military's Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the strikes, saying they hit northeastern Somalia and killed "several terrorists".

The first strike occurred around midnight on Thursday (2100 GMT) with the second taking place on Friday morning, some 11 hours later. There were no civilians in the area at the time, a spokesman told AFP.

Quoting an official in the port town of Qandala in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland, a report by Voice of America said six missiles hit an IS base in Buqa village, 60 kilometres (35 miles) away.

In recent months, US forces have repeatedly hit jihadists from the Shabaab rebel group that is aligned with Al-Qaeda, but the drone strikes were the first such strikes targeting IS, the spokesman said.

Several dozen armed men belonging to an IS-linked group briefly seized control of Qandala in October 2016, holding it for around six weeks before Somali forces retook it.

In May this year, the group claimed its first suicide attack in Somalia, killing at least five people in Bosaso, a coastal city some 70 kilometres (45 miles) west of Qandala, as it stepped up activities in a region dominated by the Shabaab.
Five of the eight people killed in the October 31 attack were friends from Argentina celebrating the 30th anniversary of their high school graduation

Argentine President Mauricio Macri is set to travel to New York to pay tribute to the victims of the bike path truck attack and seek investments, his office said Saturday.

Five of the eight people killed in the October 31 attack were friends from Argentina celebrating the 30th anniversary of their high school graduation.

An Argentine national is also among the 12 people injured, while four other Argentines -- all from the same group -- survived the attack unscathed.

Macri, who travels to New York late Sunday with his wife Juliana Awada, is set to hold a ceremony at 9:00am (1500 GMT) at the site of the truck attack.

The previously scheduled two-day visit will include meetings with business people interested in invested in Argentina, as well as UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, a government statement said.

Sayfullo Saipov, a 29 year-old immigrant from Uzbekistan, is under arrest on terrorism charges for allegedly driving a rented pickup truck down the mile-long stretch of bike path in Manhattan and hitting cyclists along the way.
The Red Cross has uncovered several cases of fraud by officials during efforts to combat the Ebola outbreak that struck West Africa in 2014-2016, estimating losses of $6-million (5.2 million euros).

In a statement, the Geneva-based International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said it was "outraged", and said it would "ensure any staff involved are held to account."

The Ebola virus killed more than 11,300 people and infected an estimated 29,000, mainly in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.

The IFRC said the operations set up to contain the outbreak "were among the most complex in recent humanitarian history," with several groups moving quickly to deploy staff and mobilise volunteers, and spending tens of millions of dollars on medical equipment and other supplies.

In Sierra Leone, it said it had found evidence of "likely collusion" between former IFRC employees and a bank, leading to a potential loss of $2.1-million.

Overbilling and fake invoices by a provider of customs clearance services in Guinea cost the organisation $1.2 million, and two other investigations in the country are under way.

The IFRC also said it had previously found that in Liberia, inflated prices for relief items and payroll costs had cost it $2.7 million.

The organisation said it was "committed to holding all those involved in any form of fraud to account, and to reclaiming all misappropriated, diverted, or otherwise illegally taken funds."

It also said that since 2014 it has bolstered efforts to root out corruption in its operations, including cash spending limits in "high-risk settings" and deploying trained auditors when sending out teams.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the resignation of Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri should be an "alarm call" to the world about Iran's ambitions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that the resignation of Lebanon's premier, and his stated reasons, should serve as an "alarm call" to the world about Iran's ambitions.

Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri said earlier he was stepping down, citing Iran's "grip" on his country and what he called threats to his life.

"The resignation of Lebanese Prime Minister Hariri and his remarks are a wake-up call to the international community to take action against Iranian aggression," Netanyahu said in a Hebrew-language statement released by his office.

Israel says that Lebanon's Iran-backed Shiite movement Hezbollah has long held the reins of power in Lebanon and is seeking to strengthen its role in neighbouring Syria, where it is allied to President Bashar al-Assad in the country's brutal civil war.

Iran, said Netanyahu, "is trying to turn Syria into Lebanon II".

"This aggression endangers not only Israel, but the entire Middle East," he added. "The international community must unite and stand up against this aggression."

In a speech broadcast from Saudi Arabia by the Al-Arabiya news network, Hariri accused Tehran of "creating a state within the state... to the extent that it gets the final say on how Lebanon's affairs are run".

"Iran has a grip on the fate of the region's countries," Hariri said. "Hezbollah is Iran's arm not just in Lebanon but in other Arab countries too."

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said that Hariri confirmed what Israel has long been saying.

"In practice Lebanon has been occupied by Hezbollah and the Iranians," he told the private Reshet TV channel on Saturday.

"This axis is operating inside Lebanon, inside Syria and is extending its patronage into the Gaza Strip," Lieberman said.
A missile was destroyed near Riyadh's King Khaled international airport, which was functioning normally

Saudi Arabia on Saturday intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile near Riyadh's international airport after it was launched from conflict-torn Yemen, in an escalation of the kingdom's war against Iran-backed Huthi rebels.

The missile attack was the first aimed by the Shiite rebels at the heart of the Saudi capital, underscoring the growing threat posed by the raging conflict in Yemen.

A loud explosion was heard and smouldering debris landed inside the King Khalid International Airport, just north of Riyadh, after the missile was shot down but authorities reported no major damage or loss of life.

"This evening a ballistic missile was fired from Yemeni territory towards the kingdom," the Saudi Press Agency quoted coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki as saying late Saturday.

"The missile was launched indiscriminately to target the civilian and populated areas. Shattered fragments from the intercepted missile landed in an uninhabited area of the airport and there were no injuries," he added.

Huthi rebels, who fired the missile from Yemeni territory more than 1,200 kilometres (750 miles) from Riyadh, said they were targeting the airport, according to the Huthis' Al-Masirah television channel.

Saudi border guards keep watch along the border with Yemen in the al-Khubah area in the southern Jizan province

Civil aviation authorities said the airport was functioning normally and that flights were operating as scheduled, though residents said security vehicles had closed off some roads.

Saudi forces have shot down Huthi missiles before with Patriot surface-to-air missiles purchased from the United States, but few have come so close to a major population centre.

The brazen attack could escalate the proxy conflict between Riyadh and Tehran in Yemen.

The bitter regional tensions were underlined earlier Saturday when Lebanon's Saudi-allied Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned while on a trip to Riyadh, citing Iran's "grip" on his country and threats to his life.

- Escalating conflict -

The missile attack highlights how the war in Yemen is increasingly spilling across the border since a Saudi-led coalition began its military intervention in 2015.

Saudi Arabia led the intervention to prop up the government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi after the Huthi rebels forced him into exile.

But two years later, the kingdom appears to be in a quagmire.

Hoping for a quick victory against what it saw as Iranian expansionism in its back yard, Riyadh has so far been unable to remove the Huthis from Yemeni capital Sanaa.

Aside from occasional missiles, Saudi territory has also been hit repeatedly by the rebels' cross-border incursions, raising fears the conflict could drag out yet further.

In towns along the southern border, thousands of mortar rounds and crude rockets have struck schools, mosques and homes, forcing thousands to be evacuated.

Saudi Arabia does not officially disclose military fatalities, but state media has frequently featured funeral notices for "martyred" soldiers.

United Nations-backed talks have failed to broker a political settlement to end the fighting in Yemen, which has left more than 8,600 people dead since the coalition intervened.

A cholera outbreak has claimed more than 2,100 lives in Yemen since April as hospitals struggle to secure supplies amid a coalition air and sea blockade.

The UN has warned that Yemen now stands on the brink of famine.
A protester carries portraits of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) and ex-premier Yitzhak Rabin, with writings in Hebrew reading "Scared" (L) and "Leadership" (R) at a rally to mark the 22nd anniversary of Rabin's assassination

Tens of thousands of people attended a memorial rally for slain Israeli premier Yitzhak Rabin Saturday, with organisers banning political speeches and stressing a message of unity across political divides.

"We want to hold the rally this year under a banner that unites rather than divides us," said Darkenu, one of the organisers -- a group which says on its English-language website that it speaks for "the moderate majority".

Television cameras mounted on buildings overlooking central Tel Aviv's Rabin Square showed the large public space packed with people and overflowing far along adjoining streets.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld estimated the crowd at "tens of thousands of people".

Rabin was gunned down in Tel Aviv at the square which now bears his name as he left a peace rally on November 4, 1995.

The killer was Jewish extremist Yigal Amir who opposed the Oslo peace accords, which envisioned an independent Palestinian state.

Israelis attend a rally to mark the 22nd anniversary of the assassination of former Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin, on November 4, 2017, at Rabin Square in Tel Aviv

Rabin, a former head of Israel's armed forces, won the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize jointly with Shimon Peres and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat for his role in negotiating the Oslo accords.

Netanyahu and his Likud party have often been accused of taking part in a hate campaign that preceded Rabin's assassination.

At an official graveside memorial ceremony on Wednesday, Rabin's son Yuval said the same divisive atmosphere still persisted and he challenged Netanyahu to make a public call for tolerance.

"There is no one to say 'Stop this madness'," Yuval Rabin said.

"It is time for a statement from the house on Balfour Street that calls for the total eradication of violence and hatred," he said, referring to the location of the premier's official Jerusalem residence.

Netanyahu responded shortly afterwards from the podium of Israel's parliament, addressing himself directly to Rabin's son.

"I understand your pain in the face of the waves of slander and smears against your father," he said.

"I am picking up the gauntlet," Netanyahu added. "I call for national reconciliation and brotherhood."

"I have done this many times before, but in light of your moving call, I repeat this message with all my might," Netanyahu added.
The revelations from the two former presidents, pictured in the center ib October 21, 2017, represent the strongest criticism to date from the Bush family on why their Republican successor is uniquely unfit to hold office

Former US president George H.W. Bush voted for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election and called Donald Trump a "blowhard" who was driven by "a certain ego."

His son George W. Bush left his ballot blank and said of Trump: "This guy doesn't know what it means to be president."

The revelations, contained in historian Mark Updegrove's "The Last Republicans," available in bookstores later this month, represent the strongest criticism to date from the Bush clan on why their Republican successor is uniquely unfit to hold office.

"I don't like him," the elder Bush told Updegrove in May 2016 before the elections in November of that year, according to excerpts of the book obtained by AFP.

"I don't know much about him, but I know he's a blowhard. And I'm not too excited about him being (our) leader."

While traveling to Tokyo on Air Force One, Trump walked back to the press cabin and responded to the Bushes' criticism.

"I don't need headlines. I don't want to make their move successful," he said.

- 'Doesn't understand the job' -

The younger Bush was skeptical about then-candidate Trump's chances in a race in which his younger brother Jeb was an early favorite.

"Interesting, won't last," was his initial reaction when Trump entered the race.

Once the bombastic billionaire real estate magnate secured the Republican nomination, Bush expressed surprise and worried about Trump's lack of humility, and thus his inability to recognize his own limitations and surround himself with more knowledgeable people.

"As you know from looking at my family," Bush said, humility "is a certain heritage, that's what they expect, and we're not seeing that" in Trump.

After Trump said, "I'm my own advisor," Bush quipped: "Wow, this guy really doesn't understand the job of president."

The comments are sure to escalate a long-running feud and come after George W. Bush gave a speech last month that condemned bigotry, bullying and lies in US politics in what was widely seen as a broadside against Trump even though the president was not mentioned by name.

The book's title was inspired by the younger Bush's concerns that he had been "the last Republican president" -- not just because Clinton was seen as favorite to win the election, but because Trump represented a major break from traditional conservatism.

A White House official hit back, telling CNN: "If one presidential candidate can disassemble a political party, it speaks volumes about how strong a legacy its past two presidents really had."

"And that begins with the Iraq war, one of the greatest foreign policy mistakes in American history," the official added.

The younger Bush also pushed back hard on the widely-held perception during his time in office that his vice president Dick Cheney and secretary of defense Donald Rumsfeld controlled the White House from behind the scenes.

They "didn't make one fucking decision," he told Updegrove.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is widely seen to be stamping out traces of internal dissent before a formal transfer of power from his 81-year-old father King Salman

Saudi Arabia's newly formed anti-corruption commission arrested 10 princes and dozens of former government ministers on Saturday, Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television reported, citing unnamed sources.

The arrests came soon after the commission, headed by powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was established by royal decree.

"Arrest of 10 princes and dozens of former ministers in Saudi Arabia," Al Arabiya tweeted.

There was no official confirmation of the arrests.

The 32-year-old crown prince, often known as MBS, is set to be the first millennial to occupy the throne in a country where half the population is under 25, though the timing of his ascension remains unknown.

Already viewed as the de facto ruler controlling all the major levers of government, from defence to the economy, Prince Mohammed is widely seen to be stamping out traces of internal dissent before a formal transfer of power from his 81-year-old father King Salman.

In September the authorities arrested about two dozen people, including influential clerics, in what activists denounced as a coordinated crackdown.

Analysts said many of those detained were resistant to Prince Mohammed's aggressive foreign policy that includes the boycott of Gulf neighbour Qatar as well as some of his bold policy reforms, including privatising state assets and cutting subsidies.
On November 1, 2017, a joint anti-jihadist force linking forces from Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mauritania began operating with support from the French military

Niger will allow US forces stationed in the country to arm the drones being used to track jihadists, having previously allowed their use only for surveillance, the government said Saturday.

The decision comes a month after jihadists ambushed a joint US-Niger patrol in a volatile area near the border with Mali, killing four American soldiers and four Nigerien troops.

But Defence Minister Kalla Moutari said the decision had been taken before the October 4 attack at Tongo Tongo.

"It was a negotiation that had been underway for a while. Arming the drones is an option we decided on before we learned of the tragedy at Tongo Tongo," Moutari told state radio.

"We are dealing with very well-armed groups," he said, and "armed drones are an appropriate and decisive response for fighting terrorism."

Niger had been reluctant to let either the US or French troops on its soil use the drones as weapons, in part because of fears for civilian casualties.

"There is a possibility of mistakes, but there's no such thing as a clean war," Moutari said.

Last month's attack was the deadliest US combat incident since President Donald Trump took office in January, and shocked many Americans unaware of the military presence in the country, which at some 800 soldiers is the largest US deployment in Africa.

On Wednesday, a joint anti-jihadist force linking forces from Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mauritania began operating with support from the French military, aimed at restricting the freedom of movement jihadist groups have had in the region.

The G5 Sahel's activities will initially be confined to Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, where governments have weak control over remote areas.

The United States this past week pledged $60 million to support the counter-terrorism force.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The mayor of Philadelphia on Thursday took steps to take control of the city's struggling public school system after 16 years of state oversight.

Mayor Jim Kenney said that it is time for the city to be accountable for the education of its 200,000 schoolchildren.

"If we don't take responsibility for the fate of our schools, then we will continue to relegate generations of Philadelphia's families to poverty," he said.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney speaks at City Hall in Philadelphia, Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017. Kenney on Thursday called for the panel that governs the city's schools to be dissolved and replaced by mayor-appointed board. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, a fellow Democrat, supports local control. So the commission that now governs the nation's eighth-largest school system is expected to be dissolved by the end of the school year and be replaced by a mayor-appointed school board.

Philadelphia schools face a $100 million deficit in the next fiscal year and project a $1 billion deficit by fiscal year 2022.

More than a third of the district's students have been siphoned off by charter schools, which get public funds, as the district has had to shutter more than 24 schools and lay off nearly 4,000 employees.

Kenney wants the city to cover the budget deficit as well as some capital improvements, including remodeling of classrooms and libraries, though he didn't say where the money would come from.

"There will be no easy solutions for funding these resources," he said. "The district has nothing left to cut."

"So, the final plan we will propose to meet the district's needs will be difficult, and it will require everyone to pitch in - but the alternative is far worse," the mayor said.

The state seized control of the school district in 2001 as it struggled with a huge deficit, low test scores, chronic teacher shortages and crumbling buildings. At the time, it was the largest district in the country to be taken over by a state government.

The president of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers said in a statement that Kenney has taken "a huge step toward ending what has been a long, failed experiment in state control of public schools."

Kenney said mayoral control has benefited school districts in New York, Boston and Washington.

"If we don't create quality schools, then the brief renaissance our city is experiencing will evaporate when families choose to move in search of a better education for their children," he said.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, left, shakes hands with members of City Council after speaking at City Hall in Philadelphia, Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017. Kenney on Thursday called for the panel that governs the city's schools to be dissolved and replaced by mayor-appointed board. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Audience members cheer as Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney speaks at City Hall in Philadelphia, Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017. Kenney on Thursday called for the panel that governs the city's schools to be dissolved and replaced by mayor-appointed board. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney speaks at City Hall in Philadelphia, Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017. Kenney on Thursday called for the panel that governs the city's schools to be dissolved and replaced by mayor-appointed board. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney speaks at City Hall in Philadelphia, Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017. Kenney on Thursday called for the panel that governs the city's schools to be dissolved and replaced by mayor-appointed board. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AP) - President Donald Trump paid a solemn visit Friday to Pearl Harbor and its memorial to the USS Arizona, a hallowed place he said he had read about, discussed and studied but had never visited until just before opening his first official visit to Asia.

Trump saluted after entering the memorial following a short boat ride with first lady Melania Trump. They approached a wreath of white flowers - a gift from the couple - and watched as two sailors who stood beside it at attention placed the wreath near a wall of names of the fallen.

Pearl Harbor was the scene of a surprise attack by Japan that plunged the U.S. into World War II, killing hundreds of service members.

CAPTION ADDITION LOCATION: U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump offer flowers at the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii, Friday, Nov. 3, 2017. Trump begins a five country trip through Asia traveling to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

After the wreath was placed, the Trumps tossed white flower petals into the waters above the battleship's sunken hull.

Trump did not speak publicly at the memorial. He said during an earlier meeting Friday with military officials that he eagerly anticipated the visit.

"We are going to visit very shortly, Pearl Harbor, which I've read about, spoken about, heard about, studied, but I haven't seen. And that is going to be very exciting for me," Trump said at the start of a briefing with leaders of the U.S. Pacific Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in the region.

Trump stopped in Hawaii on the eve of his first visit to Asia. He arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Friday after a daylong flight from Washington. He departs Saturday for Japan, the first stop on the five-nation, 11-day journey that will also take him to South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

The president quickly donned a lei after he left Air Force One with his wife, who also wore a wreath of flowers. He signed autographs and gave high-fives to kids who were among a group of civilians and service members that gathered for the arrival.

Trump wasn't the only attraction to arrive on base. A few in the crowd shouted their admiration for White House chief of staff John Kelly.

"We love you Gen. Kelly," one person shouted at the retired four-star Marine general who stood several feet behind the president.

Trump was briefed by leaders of the U.S. Pacific Command. The growing threat from North Korea - a crisis that will shadow the entire trip - was expected to be among the topics discussed. Trump was also meeting with the governors of Alaska, Hawaii and Pacific U.S. territories, all potential targets of any successful attempt by North Korea to strike the U.S. with a nuclear-tipped missile.

The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor marks the final resting place of more than 1,000 sailors and Marines who were killed on the battleship during the surprise Japanese attack on Dec. 7, 1941. Accessible only by boat, the memorial straddles the ship's sunken hull.

A total of more than 2,300 sailors, soldiers and Marines died as a result of the attack, as well as 68 civilians, according to the National Park Service.

___

Associated Press writer Darlene Superville in Washington contributed to this report.

CAPTION ADDITION LOCATION: U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump lay a wreath at the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii, Friday, Nov. 3, 2017. Trump begins a five country trip through Asia traveling to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Adorned with lei, President Donald Trump walks towards the motorcade with first lady Melania Trump to meet servicemen , Friday, Nov. 3, 2017 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam in Honolulu. (Jamm Aquino/The Star-Advertiser via AP)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump wear leis as they arrive at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii, Friday, Nov. 3, 2017. Trump begins a 5 country trip through Asia traveling to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippians. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

President Donald Trump attends a briefing at U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM), Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, in Aiea, Hawaii. Trump begins a 5 country trip through Asia traveling to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippians. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump, right, wears a lei as they greets guests at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii, Friday, Nov. 3, 2017. Trump begins a 5 country trip through Asia traveling to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippians. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii, Friday, Nov. 3, 2017. Trump begins a 5 country trip through Asia traveling to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippians. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii, Friday, Nov. 3, 2017. Trump begins a 5 country trip through Asia traveling to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippians. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
LIMA, Peru (AP) - A German man says the bodies of three of his college-student friends remain trapped in the wreckage of a bus five days after it crashed in Peru.

Four students from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology were among 20 people who died when their bus plunged off a bridge into a river in the southern Andes. The Germans had come to attend the wedding of Martin Schlegel, who told The Associated Press from the crash site that the bodies of three of his friends have yet to be recovered.

He criticized the bus company's lack of a passenger list, the five-day delay in identifying his friends and the slow response from authorities.

Last year more than 2,600 people were killed in traffic accidents in Peru.
President Donald Trump embarks on his first official visit to Asia, which begins Sunday in Japan.

North Korea's missile and nuclear weapons programs are likely to be the issue dominating the first part of his trip, which includes stops in South Korea's capital and Beijing as well as Tokyo. Trade will figure throughout, both in North Asia and at his stops in Southeast Asia for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Vietnam and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders' meeting in the Philippines. Here's what people in those countries have to say about their expectations for the visit.

JAPAN

In this combination of images made from video, top row, from left to right: Yoh Kawakami and Yumu Katsuyama from Japan; Ock Hyun-woong from South Korea; Ding Chenling and Zhao Yingran from China; Bach Ngoc Lien from Vietnam; Jeanne Vivar and Lorenzo Nakpil from the Philippines; are interviewed by the Associated Press about President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to Asia. (AP Photo)

Yoh Kawakami, employee at an information management solution company:

"I do wonder whether things will be OK, like, what will the world turn into? I wonder about his (Trump's) response to North Korea and other things. There are things that scare me. He is becoming friendly with Prime Minister Abe and I don't know if that is right or not."

"I do want him (Trump) to be more cool-headed. If he continues only provoking, the situation may actually become explosive."

___

Yumu Katsuyama, employee at nonprofit for international clinical childcare:

"Honestly when he first became president, I did question whether he was OK. But my American friends have said that after he became president, their lives and the economy has gotten better. Personally, I have started thinking that it may be a good thing that he became president."

SOUTH KOREA

Ock Hyun-woong, company worker:

"President Trump is known to be a man of coercive control who makes controversial statements that get the attention of foreign media. While I don't oppose President Trump's visit to South Korea, I hope he can work well with South Korean-U.S. issues, like the economy."

CHINA

Ding Chenling, technology investor and well-known tech blogger with 700,000 followers on China's microblogging website Weibo:

"Well, maybe our system is not that perfect yet, but it's like a kid to the teacher. We don't want to be lectured by the teacher. We want to have our own way. We want to grow our own self by ourselves. So I think that's the reason the Chinese people like Trump. He casts aside the political correctness. He says 'Oh yeah, it's good, America may do business, we want to do business, we want to make money together.'"

___

Zhao Yingran, business development manager for a virtual reality video company:

"So I very much respect President Xi from the bottom of my heart and I think under his leadership, China will lead the world sooner or later especially with the focus on technologies and humanity. I think all of the policies executed by President Xi should set a good example for Donald Trump, which Donald Trump will need to learn to make United States great again."

VIETNAM

Bach Ngoc Lien, development expert:

"Donald Trump is a controversial character. He often has negative comments about migrants, makes unfavorable policies about climate change, the areas where the U.S. used to be the leader and plays an important role internationally. Human rights, women's rights are values that the U.S. used to uphold, but I find that these values are fading under Trump's presidency."

"During his campaign, President Donald Trump had a slogan 'Make America Great Again' and for his Asian trip, I have a slogan for him: 'Make America Friendly Again' because the U.S has always been a friendly country, being the dream of many people, up until now. I hope Donald Trump will not distance the U.S and isolate it from other countries. I hope he will make the U.S friendly again like it used to be."

PHILIPPINES

Jeanne Vivar, student:

"I don't like the conservative policies of Trump and obviously it has affected the Filipinos working in America. Ironically, there are a lot of people who are in favor of Donald Trump."

"In Asia, especially the problem in North Korea is escalating, so my message will be when Trump arrives here in Asia and the Philippines, I hope the tensions will ease instead of him making it worse."

___

Lorenzo Nakpil, architect:

"My opinion on Trump is mixed. I don't agree with some people in the West they say he is racist and he wants to build a wall blocking Mexico and he gives immigrants a hard time. He is very conservative in that sense but in a way I respect that. Where I agree with Trump is where he agrees with (Philippine President Rodrigo) Duterte and he supports the Philippines' war on drugs. He doesn't buy it that Duterte's way of stopping drugs is a human rights violation. Our president with the support of Trump, they're actually doing a good job."

In this Oct. 22, 2017, image made from video, Yoh Kawakami, employee at an information management solution company, is interviewed by the Associated Press about President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to Asia in Tokyo, Japan. (AP Photo)

In this Oct. 22, 2017, image made from video, Yumu Katsuyama, an employee at nonprofit for international clinical childcare, is interviewed by the Associated Press about President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to Asia in Tokyo, Japan. (AP Photo)

In this Oct. 30, 2017, image made from video, Ock Hyun-woong is interviewed by the Associated Press about President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to Asia in Seoul, South Korea. (AP Photo)

In this Oct. 30, 2017, image made from video, Ding Chenling, a technology investor and well-known tech blogger with 700,000 followers on China's microblogging website Weibo, is interviewed by the Associated Press about President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to Asia in Beijing, China. (AP Photo)

In this Oct. 31, 2017, image made from video, Zhao Yingran, business development manager for the virtual reality video company VeeR, is interviewed by the Associated Press about President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to Asia in Beijing, China. (AP Photo)

In this Oct. 30, 2017, image made from video, Bach Ngoc Lien, a development expert, is interviewed by the Associated Press about President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to Asia in Hanoi, Vietnam. (AP Photo)

In this Nov. 2, 2017, image made from video, Jeanne Vivar, a student, is interviewed by the Associated Press about President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to Asia in Manila, Philippines. (AP Photo)
PORTLAND, Texas (AP) - Actor Lou Diamond Phillips faces a driving while intoxicated charge in Texas for an incident that happened just hours before he appeared at a speaking engagement in Corpus Christi.

Police in Portland, Texas, arrested Phillips around 1:30 a.m. Friday. Jail records show the "La Bamba" star was freed after posting bail, which had been set at $2,500.

Police Chief Mark Cory says an officer was conducting an unrelated traffic stop when the 55-year-old Phillips drove up and asked for directions. The officer suspected Phillips had been drinking.

This undated photo provided by the Portland Police Department shows Lou Diamond Phillips. The actor has been charged with DWI in Texas just hours before a scheduled appearance in Corpus Christi. Police in nearby Portland arrested Phillips early Friday, Nov. 3, 2017. Jail records show bond wasn't immediately set for Phillips, who starred in "La Bamba." (Portland Police Department via AP)

Cory says Phillips' blood alcohol level was .20 percent - more than twice the legal limit for driving.

Cory says Phillips, who listed a California address, was cooperative.

Jail records listed no attorney for Phillips, a 1980 graduate of Corpus Christi's Flour Bluff High School.
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AP) - The Latest on President Donald Trump's visit to Hawaii (all times local):

6 p.m.

President Donald Trump has paid a solemn visit to Hawaii's Pearl Harbor and its memorial to the USS Arizona.

U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump lay a wreath at the USS Arizona Memorial at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii, Friday, Nov. 3, 2017. Trump begins a five country trip through Asia traveling to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Trump saluted after entering the memorial following a short boat ride with first lady Melania Trump. They approached a wreath of white flowers - a gift from the couple - and watched as two sailors placed it near a wall of names of those who died after a surprise attack by Japan that plunged the U.S. into World War II.

The Trumps then tossed white flower petals into the water above the battleship's sunken hull.

Trump did not speak publicly at the memorial. He said during an earlier meeting with military officials that he eagerly anticipated the visit.

Trump departs Saturday for Japan, the first stop on his Asia tour.

___

1 p.m.

President Donald Trump is stopping in Hawaii on the eve of his first Asia trip.

Trump arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam late Thursday after a daylong flight from Washington. He departs Friday for Japan, the first stop on the five-nation, 11-day Asia journey.

In Hawaii, Trump is scheduled to meet with leaders of the U.S. Pacific Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in the region. A key discussion topic likely will be North Korea's nuclear threat, a crisis that will shadow Trump's trip. He'll also meet with the governors of Alaska, Hawaii and Pacific U.S. territories.

Trump, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, also tours the USS Arizona Memorial, part of the Pearl Harbor site dedicated to the attack that drew the U.S. into World War II.
Nine-year-old Jacob Thompson loves Christmas, but his doctors in Maine have told his parents he may succumb to his advanced-stage cancer before then.

So his family is planning an early Christmas for him and asking people to send Jacob homemade Christmas cards now.

WCSH-TV reports Jacob was diagnosed at age 5 with stage 4 neuroblastoma, a cancer that starts in the nerve cells and generally affects infants and young children.

Doctors say that nine-year-old Jacob Thompson, who was diagnosed at age 5 with stage 4 neuroblastoma, may not live through the month

Jacob is pictured with his grandparents, John, and Memere T. His family has asked for homemade Christmas cards to be sent to him as a means to help him celebrate Christmas early

He has survived to the age of 9, but his doctors now say he might have less than one month to live, Good Morning America reports.

The TV station says Jacob's family will decorate his hospital room with a Christmas tree, lights and fake snow. Santa Claus also will be there.

Roger Guay says his son loves getting Christmas cards and is particularly fond of homemade cards.

'Jacob loves Christmas,' Guay told the TV station.

The cards should be sent to Jacob at Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall St., Portland, ME 04102.

Since the initial announcement, Jacob has been inundated with cards and presents, the latter of which will be shared with fellow children at the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center.

'It's been surreal really,' his mother, Michelle Thompson Simard, told WCSH 6. 'There has been a huge outpouring of support, prayers and love.'

Jacob is pictured opening a present at the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center in Portland

He is pictured reading a homemade Christmas card. His family wrote on his GoFundMe page: 'We want to send out a huge thank you for all the love and support. We will be paying this forward and giving back to the childrens cancer community. Please continue to keep checking for detail'

An update to his GoFundMe page yesterday reads: 'We want to send out a huge thank you for all the love and support. We will be paying this forward and giving back to the childrens cancer community. Please continue to keep checking for detail.'

'We were lucky enough today to celebrate a family Thanksgiving, naturally because it comes before Christmas. We also have continued to open Christmas cards and gifts. Thank you everyone for your well wishes, generosity and continued support!'
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AP) - President Donald Trump paid a solemn visit to the memorial at Pearl Harbor, a sacred journey for a commander-in-chief about to depart on an Asia trip that will be shadowed by fears of another international conflict.

Trump saluted Friday after entering the USS Arizona memorial following a short boat ride with first lady Melania Trump. They approached a wreath of white flowers - a gift from the couple - and watched as two sailors who stood beside it at attention placed the wreath near a wall of names of the fallen.

The Trumps then tossed white flower petals into the waters above the battleship's sunken hull, as the president then peered down where the rusted wreckage is visible at the water's surface.

CAPTION ADDITION LOCATION: U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump offer flowers at the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii, Friday, Nov. 3, 2017. Trump begins a five country trip through Asia traveling to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Nearly 1,200 crew members died on the USS Arizona during the December 7, 1941 surprise attack by Japan that plunged the U.S. into World War II.

Trump, who had spoken earlier in the day about being eager to see the sacred site for the first time, appeared moved by the visit. As the wreath was quietly placed into position, Trump crossed his arms in front of him, closing his eyes as he bowed his head in remembrance.

As the sun began to fade over the Pacific, Trump then listened intently to a National Park Service tour guide, stopping briefly at a display that explained how some survivors of the attack, when they die years later, have chosen to be cremated and have their ashes placed in the sunken ship alongside the remains of their fallen colleagues.

Trump said not a word about North Korea or its nuclear ambitions on Friday, the eve of his first official visit to Asia. He will arrive in Japan on Sunday morning, the first of five countries he will visit over 11 days as he exhorts Asian allies to increase pressure on Pyongyang to abandon its deadly ambitions.

Hawaii acted as a sort of midway point on Trump's trip halfway around the world. He arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Friday after a daylong flight from Washington.

The president quickly donned a lei after he left Air Force One with his wife, who also wore a wreath of flowers. He signed autographs and gave high-fives to kids who were among a group of civilians and service members that gathered for the arrival.

Trump wasn't the only attraction to arrive on base. A few in the crowd shouted their admiration for White House chief of staff John Kelly.

"We love you Gen. Kelly," one person shouted at the retired four-star Marine general who stood several feet behind the president.

Trump was briefed by leaders of the U.S. Pacific Command. The growing threat from North Korea - a crisis that will shadow the entire trip - was expected to be among the topics discussed. Trump was also meeting with the governors of Alaska, Hawaii and Pacific U.S. territories, all potential targets of any successful attempt by North Korea to strike the U.S. with a nuclear-tipped missile.

"We are going to visit very shortly, Pearl Harbor, which I've read about, spoken about, heard about, studied, but I haven't seen. And that is going to be very exciting for me," Trump said at the start of a briefing with leaders of the U.S. Pacific Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in the region.

The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor marks the final resting place of more than 1,000 sailors and Marines who were killed on the battleship during the surprise attack on what President Franklin Roosevelt deemed "a date which we live in infamy." Accessible only by boat, the memorial straddles the ship's sunken hull.

A total of more than 2,300 sailors, soldiers and Marines died as a result of the attack, as well as 68 civilians, according to the National Park Service.

The visit to the memorial comes soon after Trump was embroiled in a controversy over his attempt to console the grieving families of America's war dead. The family of one of the four soldiers killed in a Niger ambush last month said the president disrespected them when he called to offer a condolences, a charge Trump vehemently denied.

And The Associated Press discovered that a number of families of soldiers killed since Trump took office had not received a call from the president, despite his claim that he had called nearly all of them.

___

Associated Press writer Darlene Superville in Washington contributed to this report.

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Follow Lemire on Twitter at http://twitter.com/@JonLemire

CAPTION ADDITION LOCATION: U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump lay a wreath at the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii, Friday, Nov. 3, 2017. Trump begins a five country trip through Asia traveling to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Adorned with lei, President Donald Trump walks towards the motorcade with first lady Melania Trump to meet servicemen , Friday, Nov. 3, 2017 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam in Honolulu. (Jamm Aquino/The Star-Advertiser via AP)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump wear leis as they arrive at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii, Friday, Nov. 3, 2017. Trump begins a 5 country trip through Asia traveling to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippians. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

President Donald Trump attends a briefing at U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM), Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, in Aiea, Hawaii. Trump begins a 5 country trip through Asia traveling to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippians. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump, right, wears a lei as they greets guests at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii, Friday, Nov. 3, 2017. Trump begins a 5 country trip through Asia traveling to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippians. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii, Friday, Nov. 3, 2017. Trump begins a 5 country trip through Asia traveling to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippians. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii, Friday, Nov. 3, 2017. Trump begins a 5 country trip through Asia traveling to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippians. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
MOSCOW (AP) - They played key roles in Russia's 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, which triggered a civil war that killed millions, devastated the country and redrew its borders. A century later, their descendants say these historic wounds have not healed.

As Russia approaches the centennial of the uprising, it has struggled to come to terms with the legacy of those who remade the nation. The Kremlin is avoiding any official commemoration of the anniversary, tip-toeing around the event that remains polarizing for many and could draw unwelcome parallels to the present.

Alexis Rodzianko, whose great-grandfather was speaker of the pre-revolutionary Russian parliament and pushed Czar Nicholas II to abdicate but later regretted it, sees the revolution as a calamity that threw Russia backward.

In this photo taken in Oct. 1917, provided by Russian State Archive of Social and Political History, members of the revolution Red Guards pose for a photo with their arms at the Smolny Institute building which was chosen by Vladimir Lenin as Bolshevik headquarters during the October Revolution in 1917. The 1917 Bolshevik Revolution was long before the digital revolution allowed anyone to instantly document events. But the clumsy cameras of the time still caught some images that capture the period's drama. (Russian State Archive of Social and Political History via AP)

"Any evolutionary development would have been better than what happened," Rodzianko, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia, told The Associated Press. "The main lesson I certainly would hope is that Russia never tries that again."

He said the revolution and the civil war, combined with the devastation of World War II and the overall legacy of the Soviet system, eroded Russia's potential and left its economy a fraction of what it could have been.

A similar view is held by Vyacheslav Nikonov, a Kremlin-connected lawmaker whose grandfather, Vyacheslav Molotov, played an important role in staging the Bolshevik power grab on Nov. 7, 1917, and served as a member of the Communist leadership for four decades.

Nikonov describes the revolution as "one of the greatest tragedies of Russian history."

The anniversary is a tricky moment for President Vladimir Putin.

While he has been critical of revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin, Putin can't denounce the event that gave birth to the Soviet Union and is still revered by many of his supporters. But Putin, a KGB veteran, disdains any popular uprisings, and he certainly wouldn't praise the revolution, which destroyed the Russian empire.

"The last thing the Kremlin needs is another revolution. The last thing Russia needs is another revolution," Rodzianko said. "And celebrating the revolution saying: 'Hey, what a great thing!' is a little bit encouraging what they don't want, and so they are definitely confused."

He believes the befuddled attitude to the anniversary reflects a national trauma that still hurts.

"To me, it's a sign that people aren't quite over it. For Russia, it's a wound that is far from healed," he said.

The Kremlin has blamed the U.S. for helping to oust some unpopular rulers in former Soviet nations and for instigating Arab Spring democracy uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa. Putin has also accused Washington of encouraging big demonstrations against him in Moscow in 2011-2012.

Nikonov echoes Putin's claims of outside meddling.

"Our Western friends are spending a lot of money on all sort of organizations, which are working to undermine the Russian government," he said.

The government's low-key treatment of the centennial reflects deep divisions in Russia over the revolution, said Nikonov, who chairs a committee on education and science in the Kremlin-controlled lower house of parliament.

A nationwide poll last month by the research company VTsIOM showed opinions over the revolution split almost evenly, with 46 percent saying it served interests of the majority and the same number responding that only a few benefited; the rest were undecided. The poll of 1,800 people had a margin of error of no more than 2.5 percentage points.

During Soviet times, Nov. 7 was known as Revolution Day and featured grand military parades and demonstrations on Red Square. After the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia stopped celebrating it, although the Communists still marked it.

"There is no way you can celebrate the revolution so that the majority of the public would support that," Nikonov said. "There is no common interpretation of history of the revolution, and I don't think it's possible in any foreseeable future. So I think the best way for the government in that situation is just keep a low profile."

Vyacheslav Molotov remained a steadfast believer in the Communist cause until his 1986 death in Moscow at age 96. Nikonov, his grandson, believes the revolution denied Russia a victory in World War I.

"At the beginning of the year, Russia was one of the great powers with perfect chances of winning the war in a matter of months," he said. "Then the government was destroyed. By the end of the year, Russia wasn't a power, it was incapable of anything."

Nikonov insists the current political system can meet any challenges, adding: "I don't think that Russia faces any dangers to its stability now."

Putin has famously described the 1991 Soviet collapse as the "greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century," but he also has deplored the 1917 revolution. This ambivalence is rooted in his desire to tap the achievements of both the czarist and the Soviet empires as part of restoring Russia's international clout and prestige.

"He will not celebrate this event," said Andrei Kolesnikov, an analyst at the Moscow Carnegie Center. "It couldn't be used for the legitimization of Putin, because he's a counterrevolutionary. For him, Lenin disrupted a great empire."

Putin uses the symbols of various eras to burnish national glory. He has restored the Soviet-style national anthem and kept the imperial tricolor flag and double-headed eagle coat-of-arms.

He has ignored demands to remove Lenin's embalmed body from its Red Square mausoleum for burial. But he also has encouraged the steady growth of power and influence of the Russian Orthodox Church and conservative elements in society. Monuments and shrines to Nicholas II, who has been glorified as a saint, have sprouted across Russia, although they are still far outnumbered by statues and memorials to Lenin.

Rodzianko said his great-grandfather, Mikhail Rodzianko, quickly regretted pushing the czar to abdicate.

"He always tortured himself," he said. "'Could I have done anything else to prevent this?' was the phrase that I heard he apparently used."

Days after the monarchy fell in February 1917, the Duma speaker found himself sidelined as too conservative for the new provisional government. When that liberal entity was swept away by the Bolsheviks, he joined the White movement in the civil war against the Reds, then left Russia after its defeat. Mikhail Rodzianko died in Belgrade in 1924.

While Rodzianko's great-grandfather fought for the White cause, Nikonov's grandfather, Vyacheslav Molotov, was Lenin's right-hand man throughout Russia's revolution and civil war.

Molotov later became No. 2 to Josef Stalin, serving as his prime minister and then foreign minister in the 1930s-1940s. He fell from favor in Stalin's last years; in 1949, his wife was arrested and sent to the Gulag.

"My grandmother was arrested under the accusation of being the head of a Jewish conspiracy in the Soviet Union," Nikonov said. "They had to divorce, and that was the only chance for them to survive. Because one of the reasons she was arrested was to prepare the next trial against Molotov, and he knew that pretty well."

After Stalin died in 1953, Molotov won her quick release from prison.

Molotov's predecessor as Soviet foreign minister, Maxim Litvinov, also played a key role in the revolution and spearheaded the Bolsheviks' first contacts with Britain in 1918. Litvinov was foreign minister in the 1930s and ambassador to Washington during World War II before his death in Moscow in 1951.

His grandson, Pavel, became a dissident and was one of seven people who protested the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in a Red Square demonstration that earned him five years in Siberia. He then left for the United States, where he has lived since then.

Pavel Litvinov said in an interview in New York that his grandfather "tried to create a better life for the Russian people and probably the whole world," and believed in Lenin but was disillusioned under Stalin.

Pavel's son, Dima, joined Greenpeace and spent more than two months in jail in 2013 for a protest at a Russian oil rig in the Arctic.

"I think it's a family tradition to challenge authorities and to fight for the right thing," Dima Litvinov said in Stockholm, where he lives. "There is a sort of a link, a similarity. We're fighting against injustice, and if that means we have to question and challenge authorities - well, that's what we do."

Dima Litvinov said his great-grandfather "would be horrified by the extreme nationalism and religious intolerance that is going up in Russia."

"I think he would want to challenge and oppose all of these things," he said.

Dima Litvinov said Russia now faces some of the same problems that led to the 1917 revolution.

"Russia, in a way, hasn't moved on," he said. "People feel detached from the ability to affect their fate and the government. The authorities like it that way."

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Associated Press writers David Keyton in Stockholm and Kate de Pury in Moscow contributed.

In this photo taken in Oct. 1917, provided by Russian State Archive of Social and Political History, members of the revolution Red Guards pose for a photo with their arms at the Smolny Institute building which was chosen by Vladimir Lenin as Bolshevik headquarters during the October Revolution in 1917. The 1917 Bolshevik Revolution was long before the digital revolution allowed anyone to instantly document events. But the clumsy cameras of the time still caught some images that capture the period's drama. (Russian State Archive of Social and Political History via AP)

In this photo taken in Nov. 7 1918, provided by Russian State Archive of Social and Political History, Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin addresses a crowd during the first year of Revolution in Red Square in Moscow, Russia. The 1917 Bolshevik Revolution was long before the digital revolution allowed anyone to instantly document events. But the clumsy cameras of the time still caught some images that capture the period's drama. (Russian State Archive of Social and Political History via AP)

In this photo taken in Oct. 1917, provided by Russian State Documentary Film and Photo Archive, Russian State Documentary Film and Photo Archive, armed soldiers carry a banner reading 'Communism' march alone Nikolskaya street towards to the Kremlin Wall in Moscow, Russia. The 1917 Bolshevik Revolution was long before the digital revolution allowed anyone to instantly document events. But the clumsy cameras of the time still caught some images that capture the period's drama. (Russian State Documentary Film and Photo Archive via AP)

In this photo taken in Oct. 1917, provided by Russian State Archive of Social and Political History, armed revolution workers warm themselves at a bonfire in St.Petersburg, Russia. From left: Ivanov, Yarosh and Gribovsky. The 1917 Bolshevik Revolution was long before the digital revolution allowed anyone to instantly document events. But the clumsy cameras of the time still caught some images that capture the period's drama. (Yakov Steinberg, Russian State Archive of Social and Political History via AP)

In this 1917 photo provided by Karl Bulla Historical Foundation, members of of Red Guards on Konnogvardeisky Boulevard pose for a photo in St.Petersburg, Russia. The 1917 Bolshevik Revolution was long before the digital revolution allowed anyone to instantly document events. But the clumsy cameras of the time still caught some images that capture the period's drama. (Karl Bulla, Karl Bulla Historical Foundation via AP)

In this photo taken in Oct. 1917, provided by Russian State Documentary Film and Photo Archive, junkers get ready at their position atop of the Kremlin Wall in Moscow, Russia. The 1917 Bolshevik Revolution was long before the digital revolution allowed anyone to instantly document events. But the clumsy cameras of the time still caught some images that capture the period's drama. (Russian State Documentary Film and Photo Archive via AP)

In this photo taken in Oct. 1917, provided by Russian State Archive of Social and Political History, soldiers of the Grenadier Regiments lieby wait for Lenin's arrival on the parade ground near the barracks in St.Petersburg, Russia. The 1917 Bolshevik Revolution was long before the digital revolution allowed anyone to instantly document events. But the clumsy cameras of the time still caught some images that capture the period's drama. (Russian State Archive of Social and Political History via AP)

In this photo taken in Oct. 1917, provided by Russian State Documentary Film and Photo Archive, people line up to get food at Tverskaya Zastava, in Moscow, Russia. The 1917 Bolshevik Revolution was long before the digital revolution allowed anyone to instantly document events. But the clumsy cameras of the time still caught some images that capture the period's drama. (Russian State Documentary Film and Photo Archive via AP)

In this photo taken in Oct. 1917 provided by Karl Bulla Historical Foundation, armed workers of Vulcan plant, called themselves as Red Guard pose for a photo in St.Petersburg, Russia. The 1917 Bolshevik Revolution was long before the digital revolution allowed anyone to instantly document events. But the clumsy cameras of the time still caught some images that capture the period's drama. (Karl Bulla, Karl Bulla Historical Foundation via AP)

In this photo taken in spring-summer of 1917, provided by Russian State Documentary Film and Photo Archive, Russia's deposed Czar Nicholas II, sits on a tree stump, three of the soldiers that held him captive standing in the background in Tsarskoe Selo, the residence of the Russian czar, outside St. Petersburg, Russia. Nicholas, his wife Alexandra and their five children were executed by Bolsheviks in 1918 . The 1917 Bolshevik Revolution was long before the digital revolution allowed anyone to instantly document events. But the clumsy cameras of the time still caught some images that capture the period's drama. (Russian State Documentary Film and Photo Archive via AP)

In this photo taken in July 4, 1917, provided by Karl Bulla Historical Foundation, Russian troops fire on demonstrators with machine guns, on the corner of Nevsky Prospect and Sadovaya Street, in St.Petersburg, Russia. The 1917 Bolshevik Revolution was long before the digital revolution allowed anyone to instantly document events. But the clumsy cameras of the time still caught some images that capture the period's drama. (Karl Bulla, Karl Bulla Historical Foundation via AP)

In this photo taken in Feb. 1917, provided by Russian State Archive of Social and Political History, soldiers stand at the barricade in Liteyny Avenue in St.Petersburg, Russia. The 1917 Bolshevik Revolution was long before the digital revolution allowed anyone to instantly document events. But the clumsy cameras of the time still caught some images that capture the period's drama. (Yakov Steinberg, Russian State Archive of Social and Political History via AP)

In this photo taken in Oct. 1917, provided by Russian State Documentary Film and Photo Archive, machine-gunners guard the Kremlin's Borovitsky Gates, in Moscow, Russia. The 1917 Bolshevik Revolution was long before the digital revolution allowed anyone to instantly document events. But the clumsy cameras of the time still caught some images that capture the period's drama. (Russian State Documentary Film and Photo Archive via AP)

In this photo taken in Oct. 1917, provided by Russian State Documentary Film and Photo Archive, a machine gunner looks through a window at his position near the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia. The 1917 Bolshevik Revolution was long before the digital revolution allowed anyone to instantly document events. But the clumsy cameras of the time still caught some images that capture the period's drama. (Russian State Documentary Film and Photo Archive via AP)

In this photo taken in Oct. 1917, provided by Russian State Documentary Film and Photo Archive, people walk at the damaged Nikolskaya Tower right after the revolution fighting in Moscow, Russia. The 1917 Bolshevik Revolution was long before the digital revolution allowed anyone to instantly document events. But the clumsy cameras of the time still caught some images that capture the period's drama. (Russian State Documentary Film and Photo Archive via AP)

In this photo taken in Aug. 1917, provided by Russian State Archive of Social and Political History, Vladimir Lenin, disguised by being clean-shaven, as he hid out in a village near Razliv railway station, 35 kilometers north-west of St. Petersburg, Russia. The 1917 Bolshevik Revolution was long before the digital revolution allowed anyone to instantly document events. But the clumsy cameras of the time still caught some images that capture the period's drama. (Russian State Archive of Social and Political History via AP)

FILE - Russia's Czar Nicholas II, seated second from left, Czarina Alexandra, center rear, and their family are shown in this undated file photo. Bottom row left to right, Princess Olga, Czar Nicholas II, Princess Anastasia, Prince Alexei and Princess Tatiana. Top row left to right, Princess Maria and Princess Alexandra. The 1917 Bolshevik Revolution was long before the digital revolution allowed anyone to instantly document events. But the clumsy cameras of the time still caught some images that capture the period's drama. (AP Photo, File)

This two-pictures combo shows the Zimny (Winter) Palace and Dvortsovaya (Palace) Square in downtown St. Petersburg, photographed in 1917, left, and in October 2017, right. In this left photo, taken in 1917, people walk past Zimny (Winter) Palace at the snow-covered Dvortsovaya (Palace) Square in downtown St. Petersburg, Russia. In this right photo, taken on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017, people walk past Zimny (Winter) Palace at the Dvortsovaya (Palace) Square in downtown St. Petersburg, Russia. (AP Photo/Karl Bulla, Dmitry Lovetsky)

This two-pictures combo shows Nikolskaya street in downtown Moscow photographed in October 1917, left, and in October 2017, right. In this left photo, taken in Oct. 1917, armed soldiers march along Nikolskaya street towards the Kremlin carrying a banner reading 'Communism', in Moscow, Russia. In this right photo, taken on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017, school pupils walk along Nikolskaya street towards the Kremlin for a tour on the Red Square, in Moscow, Russia. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev, Russian State Documentary Film and Photo Archive via AP)

This two-pictures combo shows Nikolskaya Tower of the Moscow's Kremlin photographed in November 1917, left, and in October 2017, right. In this left photo, taken in Nov. 1917, people walk past Kremlin's Nikolskaya Tower after it's been damaged by artillery shelling during the revolution fighting in Moscow, Russia. In this right photo, taken on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017, Chinese tourists make selfies as others walk past Kremlin's Nikolskaya Tower at the Red Square in Moscow, Russia. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev, Russian State Documentary Film and Photo Archive via AP)

This two-pictures combo shows the Zimny (Winter) Palace in downtown St. Petersburg, photographed in 1917, left, and in October 2017, right. In this left photo, taken in 1917, a ship floats up Neva river past Zimny (Winter) Palace in downtown St. Petersburg, Russia. In this right photo, taken on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017,a touristic ship floats up Neva river past Zimny (Winter) Palace in downtown St. Petersburg, Russia. (AP Photo/Karl Bulla, Dmitry Lovetsky)

This two-pictures combo shows Tverskaya zastava square in downtown Moscow photographed in October 1917, left, and in October 2017, right. In this left photo, taken in Oct. 1917, people queue to buy food in a store, in downtown Moscow, Russia. In this right photo, taken on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017, people walk in a street past Tverskaya hotel in downtown Moscow, Russia. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev, Russian State Documentary Film and Photo Archive via AP)

CORRECTS THE NAME OF THE AVENUE TO CONFORM WITH AP STYLE This two-pictures combo shows Liteiny Prospekt (Avenue) in downtown St. Petersburg, photographed in October 1917, left, and in October 2017, right. In this left photo, taken in Oct. 1917, soldiers carry a revolutionary banner as they march in Liteiny Prospekt (Avenue) in downtown St. Petersburg, Russia. In this right photo, taken on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017, traffic is jammed as pedestrians walk by in Liteiny Prospekt (Avenue) in downtown St. Petersburg, Russia. (AP Photo/Dmitry Lovetsky, Russian State Archive of Social and Political History via AP)

CORRECTS THE SPELLING OF THE NAME OF THE AVENUE TO CONFORM WITH AP STYLE This two-pictures combo shows Liteiny Prospekt (Avenue) in downtown St. Petersburg, photographed in February 1917, left, and in October 2017, right. In this left photo, taken in Feb. 1917, soldiers stand at a barricade in Liteiny Prospekt (Avenue) in downtown St. Petersburg, Russia. In this right photo, taken on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017, people walk crossing the Liteiny Prospekt (Avenue) in downtown St. Petersburg, Russia. (AP Photo/Yakov Steinberg, Dmitry Lovetsky)

Pavel Litvinov answers questions during an interview at his home, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017, in Irvington, N.Y. Pavel Litvinov said in an interview in New York that his grandfather "tried to create a better life for the Russian people and probably the whole world," and believed in Lenin but was disillusioned under Stalin.(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Pavel Litvinov answers questions during an interview at his home, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017, in Irvington, N.Y. Pavel Litvinov said that his grandfather Maxim Litvinov "tried to create a better life for the Russian people and probably the whole world," playing a key role in the revolution, and believed in Lenin but was disillusioned under Stalin.(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Pavel Litvinov holds up a photo of his grandfather, Maxim Litvinow, who served as Foreign Minister under Stalin from 1930 to 1939, during an interview, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017, in Irvington, N.Y. . Pavel Litvinov said that his grandfather Maxim Litvinov "tried to create a better life for the Russian people and probably the whole world," playing a key role in the revolution, and believed in Lenin but was disillusioned under Stalin.(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
WASHINGTON (AP) - Terrorism, taxes and Russia tribulations provided fertile ground for President Donald Trump and others to sow confusion over the past week.

Over days of head-snapping developments, the special counsel's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election produced indictments and a guilty plea reaching into Trump's campaign team, then eight people died in New York City in what authorities called a terrorist attack by a man acting in the name of the Islamic State group.

Trump opened an Asia trip after House Republicans came out with a tax overhaul that, if successful, could mark Trump's first major legislative achievement after a series of health care flops.

In this Nov. 2, 2017, photo, President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting on tax policy with Republican lawmakers in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, with House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis., and Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, right. Terrorism, taxes and Russia tribulations provided fertile ground for President Donald Trump and others to sow confusion over the past week. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

A look back at the rhetoric:

TRUMP: "It's a tax bill for middle class; it's a tax bill for jobs, it's going to bring a lot of companies in; and it's a tax bill for business, which is going to create the jobs." - meeting with business leaders Tuesday.

HOUSE SPEAKER PAUL RYAN: "The focus is on middle-class tax relief. The focus is on directing that tax relief to the people in the middle and the people who are trying to get there. And that is why we put our emphasis on that tax relief for those people who are in the middle." - news conference by House Republicans on Thursday.

THE FACTS: Let there be no doubt the middle class is a politically glorified group. Ryan can't talk about the "middle" enough; GOP leaders mentioned middle-income earners 14 times at the news conference. But the tax plan is tilted to companies and the wealthy. Some in the middle class are bound to pay higher taxes, some lower.

How that crapshoot plays out depends on more than income.

The plan promises tax savings next year of $1,182 for a typical household of four with a gross income of $59,000, leaving the family's tax bill at $400.

But the proposal's conflicting provisions and phase-outs of certain benefits suggest that taxes could rise for some middle-class earners over time. Middle-income people in states with high state income taxes or who have many children, high medical bills or heavy student debt are particularly at risk of a bigger tax hit. Others may benefit modestly from the lower tax rates and revamped credits and deductions.

The big numbers tell part of the tale. Of the $1.5 trillion the plan is designed to cost over 10 years, $850 billion goes to companies, according to the government's Joint Committee on Taxation. Almost all of the savings for families and individuals come from the repeal of the Alternative Minimum Tax and the Estate Tax - changes that benefit the wealthy.

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TRUMP tweets Wednesday: "The terrorist came into our country through what is called the 'Diversity Visa Lottery Program,' a Chuck Schumer beauty. I want merit based." "'Senator Chuck Schumer helping to import Europes problems' said Col. Tony Shaffer. We will stop this craziness! @foxandfriends"

THE FACTS: The lottery program is no more the creation ("beauty") of the New York Democrat than it is of Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, GOP Sen. Orrin Hatch and many other Republicans who helped bring it into law in 1990. It had bipartisan support, breezed through the Senate on an 89-8 vote and was signed by GOP President George H.W. Bush.

The suspect from Uzbekistan who is accused of the deadly New York attack entered the U.S. legally in 2010 under the lottery and Trump wants to eliminate it. Schumer supported getting rid of it three years ago as part of an immigration overhaul that failed in Congress.

Trump also misplaced Uzbekistan in Europe when he referred to importing Europe's problems. It's in Asia. The State Department, though, lists Uzbekistan and other former Soviet republics under Europe in its lottery. The program lets 50,000 people in a year from countries with low emigration rates to the U.S.

Trump spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders later said Trump was not really holding Schumer culpable in the attack.

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TRUMP RE-ELECTION AD: Says health insurance premiums are skyrocketing "while Democrats in Washington, D.C., block a better plan to repeal and replace Obamacare once and for all - obstructing our president just to score political points with the radical left."

THE FACTS: It's a diversion to describe Democrats as being responsible for the GOP's failure to repeal and replace Barack Obama's health care law. Trump's party, which controls the House and the Senate, had a chance to pass a new health law without a single Democratic vote in the summer.

Recent health care plans backed by the White House stalled chiefly because Republican senators such as Susan Collins of Maine and John McCain of Arizona opposed specific fixes.

It's true premiums are rising, but that's not entirely due to the health law. The consulting firm Avalere Health says premiums for the most popular Affordable Care Act plans are going up an average of 34 percent and the Trump administration's actions are contributing to the price increases by adding instability to underlying problems of the health law's marketplaces.

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TRUMP tweet Tuesday: "Few people knew the young, low level volunteer named George, who has already proven to be a liar."

THE FACTS: George Papadopoulos, a Trump campaign adviser who pleaded guilty to lying about his Russian interactions, was not as obscure as Trump makes him out to be. Trump named Papadopoulos to his foreign policy advisory council in March 2016, where he joined a short list of experts helping the candidate with international affairs.

"Excellent guy," Trump told The Washington Post at the time. Trump also tweeted a photo of his March 31 advisory council meeting, with Papadopoulos among several advisers at the president's table. Jeff Sessions, then a senator and now attorney general, was helping Trump's campaign and attended at least two meetings of the advisory council with Papadopoulos also there.

In April 2016, Papadopoulos met a professor with connections to the Russian government for breakfast in London and was told Moscow had "dirt" helpful to Trump, namely Hillary Clinton emails. Investigators said Papadopoulos emailed a Trump campaign policy adviser the next day, saying, "Have some interesting messages coming in from Moscow about a trip when the time is right."

Investigators said his position with the campaign, though not senior, was significant to those who wanted to pass on helpful information. The allegations unsealed Monday state that "the professor only took interest in defendant PAPADOPOULOS because of his status with the Campaign."

The adviser met later with more apparent Russian intermediaries.

Altogether, this episode provided evidence in the first criminal case connecting Trump's team to Russian interests.

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TRUMP tweet Monday: "Sorry, but this is years ago, before Paul Manafort was part of the Trump campaign."

THE FACTS: Not true, according to the indictment against Manafort, who was Trump's campaign chairman for months last year, and against Manafort associate Rick Gates.

They are charged with criminal activities that go back to 2006 but extend to February of this year. The charges do not refer to Manafort's activities with the campaign but rather accuse him of laundering money and conspiratorial acts before, during and after he was campaign chairman.

Manafort and Gates face 12 counts, which do deal largely with activities from 2006 to 2015, before Manafort joined the campaign in March 2016.

But both are charged with conspiring together and with others to knowingly and intentionally defraud and commit crimes against the U.S. from 2006 to this year.

And both are charged with conspiring together to make false statements and conceal crimes against the U.S., and to causing others to do so, from November 2016 to February 2017.

The indictment emerged from the broad investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election and possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. It does not go to the heart of that matter.

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Associated Press writers Richard Lardner and Ken Thomas in Washington and Steve Peoples in New York contributed to this report.

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Find AP Fact Checks at https://apnews.com/tag/APFactCheck

Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl leaves the Fort Bragg courtroom facility as the judge deliberates during a sentencing hearing at Fort Bragg, N.C., Friday, Nov. 3, 2017. The judge ruled that Bergdahl to get dishonorable discharge, lose rank, forfeit pay in addition to getting no prison time. Bergdahl, walked off his base in Afghanistan in 2009 and was held by the Taliban for five years, pleaded guilty to desertion and misbehavior before the enemy. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
HONOLULU (AP) - President Donald Trump is off to Asia, where he'll visit Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines. A look at some of those who will accompany him on the 12-day trip, the longest by any U.S. president to Asia since George H.W. Bush in late 1991 and early 1992.

Who's going:

First lady Melania Trump

In this Nov. 3, 2017, photo, first lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump walk to speak with reporters before departing the White House for a trip to Asia in Washington. A rotating cast of Trump White House aides will accompanying the president on his trip. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

The first lady has taken a more visible role in the White House lately, and has been a frequent presence at the president's side during the pomp and ceremony on previous foreign trips. During the first one, which took Trump to the Middle East and Europe, she drew attention for appearing to swat away the president's hand and for laughing when Pope Francis joked about a sweet treat from her homeland of Slovenia. She is expected to leave the trip after they stop in China.

National security adviser H.R. McMaster

McMaster, the target of a far-right attack campaign over the summer, has been instrumental in organizing the trip. A three-star general, McMaster has declared that "there is a military option" that could be used against the nuclear threat posed by North Korea.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson

Tillerson has come under withering criticism from Trump in recent weeks and has had to fend off rumors that his time as secretary of state is short. Trump has upbraided Tillerson, former CEO of Exxon Mobil Corp., for advocating a diplomatic solution to the North Korea crisis. Trump took to Twitter to say, "Save your energy, Rex." And Tillerson has had to deny he reportedly called Trump "a moron" after a July briefing at the Pentagon about American interests overseas.

White House chief of staff John Kelly

The retired four-star Marine general, who has tried to better organize the White House and streamline the flow of information to the president, took a rare recent turn in the public eye when he defended Trump's outreach to the grieving families of slain soldiers. Kelly went on the attack against a Democratic congresswoman who criticized the tone of one of Trump's condolence calls.

White House senior aide Jared Kushner

Kushner is expected to take on a less prominent role on this foreign trip than on the president's first one in May. His wife, Ivanka Trump, the president's daughter, spoke at a women's entrepreneurship event in Tokyo on Friday but scrapped plans to travel with her father in Asia so she can help sell his tax plan back home. Kushner, who helped organize Chinese President Xi Jinping's April visit to Mar-a-Lago in Florida, has been dogged by questions about his contacts with Russians. He remains a leading voice in the administration's China policy. He will leave the trip after Beijing.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders

This will be Sanders' first foreign trip as press secretary. She was deputy to Sean Spicer during the president's previous trips. She is the public face of the administration, frequently pushing back against in reporters in at-times contentious White House press briefings.

White House senior adviser Stephen Miller

Considered one of the few remaining hard-line nationalists in the White House, Miller has become one of the president's most trusted aides and a regular speechwriter. The White House has not confirmed how much of a role Miller will play in drafting the two major speeches planned for the trip: one to the Korean National Assembly in Seoul, the other to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Da Nang, Vietnam.

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer

Ross, the commerce secretary, and Lighthizer, the U.S. trade representative, will be at the forefront over trade negotiations with Japan, South Korea and China. Trump had signaled unhappiness with existing trade deals, believing they are unfair to American workers. Ross - the richest member of the Cabinet with worth estimated at $2.5 billion - is traveling separately from the president.

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Who's not going:

Vice President Mike Pence

For security purposes, it is exceedingly rare for a president and vice president to both travel overseas at the same time. Pence, who made his own trip to Asia earlier this year, is set to remain in Washington.

Defense Secretary James Mattis

Mattis, who holds outsized influence in the administration, just returned from his own trip to Asia. The retired Marine Corp general has publicly endorsed finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis in North Korea but has pledged that the Pentagon would be ready for any outcome.

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Gary Cohn, director of the National Economic Council

Both men are staying behind in Washington to promote the Republican tax overhaul plan. Republicans on Capitol Hill have expressed concern that failure to adopt the measure could spell doom for the GOP at the ballot box in next year's elections. This week, Trump made clear that he wanted to see progress on the plan while away.

In this Nov. 2, 2017, photo, White House national security adviser H.R. McMaster speaks during the daily press briefing at the White House in Washington. A rotating cast of Trump White House aides will accompanying the president on his trip. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

White House senior adviser Jared Kushner, center, attends a wreath laying ceremony with U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump at the USS Arizona Memorial at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu, Hawaii Friday, Nov. 3, 2017. Trump paid a solemn visit Friday to Pearl Harbor and its memorial to the USS Arizona, a hallowed place he said he had read about, discussed and studied but had never visited until just before opening his first official visit to Asia. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

President Donald Trump's Chief of Staff John Kelly, center, speaks with Hawaii Gov. David Ige, left, and his wife Dawn, right, as President Donald Trump arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii, Friday, Nov. 3, 2017. Trump begins a 5 country trip through Asia traveling to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippians. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Adorned with lei, President Donald Trump walks with first lady Melania Trump to meet servicemen, Friday, Nov. 3, 2017 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam in Honolulu. (Jamm Aquino/The Star-Advertiser via AP)

Ivanka Trump, advisor to and daughter of U.S. President Donald Trump, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrive for a dinner at a restaurant in Tokyo, Japan, Friday, Nov. 3, 2017. Ivanka Trump came to Japan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and is set to leave one day before her father arrives here Sunday. (Kimimasa Mayama/Pool Photo via AP)

Vice president Mike Pence greets employees at Correct Craft world headquarters, a boat manufacturing company, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2017 in Orlando, Fla. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP)

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson listens as President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, testifies during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on "The Authorizations for the Use of Military Force: Administration Perspective" on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
MILAN (AP) - The only woman to have been the first lady of two countries said Saturday during an international nutrition summit held in Italy that a major challenge in making the eradication of malnutrition a global priority is that the problem "is a hidden pandemic."

"It is not visible in daily life," Graca Machel, a campaigner for the rights of women and girls and the widow of both Mozambican President Samora Machel and South African President Nelson Mandela, said at the meeting in Milan.

Despite difficulty in galvanizing resources, organizers of the summit announced $640 million in new commitments to tackle global malnutrition, bringing pledges over the next decade to $3.4 billion. The meeting brought together national government representatives, foundations and non-governmental agencies.

Mandela's widow Graca Machel meets former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan during the Global Nutrition Summit at Palazzo Reale, in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017. Kofi Annan and Graca Machel are addressing a summit on the global crisis of malnutrition that is an underlying cause of half of child deaths. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

The funds are supposed to go toward a range of programs that support the United Nations' goals of zero hunger and malnutrition by 2030 and targets the World Health Organization has set for 2025 - reducing stunted growth in children under the age of 5 by 40 percent and reducing anemia in women of childbearing age by 50 percent.

Malnutrition is an underlying cause of half of child deaths worldwide, according to a report commissioned for the meeting and based on data from UNICEF, WHO and the World Bank. Some 155 million children globally suffer physical and cognitive impairments from being malnourished, the report said,

Still, Machel says progress is being made.

"For many years, nutrition was seen as something which belonged to health. Now, it is being viewed at the center of development" and moving up as a governmental priority, she said.

Former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan concurred.

"Governments are realizing that malnutrition affects the economic bottom line," Annan said in an interview. "They are realizing it pushes up health bills. "

Annan's own foundation is trying to tackle malnutrition in his native Ghana by working with small-scale farmers and promoting orange flesh sweet potatoes as a source of Vitamin A to prevent stunted growth.

"If we tackle malnutrition effectively, we will be improving the general health of the population," he said. "We will be preparing young kids who are able to take advantage of the education."

Machel also has a foundation that focuses on Pan-African advocacy, especially in the areas of child health, nutrition, and the economic empowerment of women. Progress on reducing malnutrition has been made in such countries as Nigeria, Niger, Tanzania and Rwanda, where governments are funding nutrition programs, she said.

Presenting governments with research demonstrating the importance of nutrition to children's mental and physical development, particularly in the first 1,000 days of life, but also during other critical stages such as adolescence and pregnancy, has proven an effective tool, Machel said.

"It is not that governments are insensitive," she said. "Once this is clear to them, they will understand that as much as it is important to have resources for education, if we have not tackled nutrition, particularly in the first 1,000 days, it is a bit late because this child will never reach the full potential."

Mandela's widow Graca Machel gestures as she answers to the Associated Press journalist during an interview at Palazzo Reale, in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017. Former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan and Graca Machel are addressing a summit on the global crisis of malnutrition that is an underlying cause of half of child deaths. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Mandela's widow Graca Machel answers to the Associated Press journalist during an interview at Palazzo Reale, in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017. Former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan and Graca Machel are addressing a summit on the global crisis of malnutrition that is an underlying cause of half of child deaths. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Mandela's widow Graca Machel meets former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan during the Global Nutrition Summit at Palazzo Reale, in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017. Kofi Annan and Graca Machel are addressing a summit on the global crisis of malnutrition that is an underlying cause of half of child deaths. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan attends the Global Nutrition Summit at Palazzo Reale, in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017. Kofi Annan and Mandela's widow Graca Machel are addressing a summit on the global crisis of malnutrition that is an underlying cause of half of child deaths. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan attends the Global Nutrition Summit at Palazzo Reale, in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017. Kofi Annan and Mandela's widow Graca Machel are addressing a summit on the global crisis of malnutrition that is an underlying cause of half of child deaths. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
BERLIN (AP) - The foreign ministers of Germany and Turkey have held informal talks as the two countries try and repair their strained relations.

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu tweeted Saturday they met in Turkey "informally to discuss bilateral relations, including the difficult issues and mutual expectations."

Multiple issues have caused friction between the two countries in recent months, including the jailing of several Germans on terrorism-related charges in Turkey following a 2016 coup attempt. Germany has protested the arrests.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, right, meets with Germany's Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, right, in the southern seaside province of Antalya, Turkey, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017. (Cam Ozdel, Pool via AP)

A human rights activist was allowed to return to Germany, but others remain jailed.

Turkey has accused Germany of harboring members of an outlawed Kurdish group. It also criticized Germany's refusal to allow Turkish politicians to appear at rallies before a referendum on the Turkish president's powers.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, right, walks with Germany's Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, left, prior to their meetinfin the southern seaside province of Antalya, Turkey, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017. (Cam Ozdel, Pool via AP)
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The San Francisco Police Commission has voted to arm police officers with electric stun guns in the wake of a deadly shooting.

Friday's 4-3 vote was met with shouts of "Shame!' from activists who contend that the supposedly less-lethal weapons can kill and could escalate rather than de-escalate confrontations, leading to deadly encounters.

After one speaker refused to stop talking, the commission recessed for about an hour and returned in another room before taking the vote.

The commission voted to equip police with Tasers beginning in December 2018. It did not indicate whether some or all officers would receive the weapons. Equipping all of them could cost about $8 million, according to a city estimate.

Among the largest U.S. cities, only San Francisco and Boston do not equip officers with stun guns.

The city has considered providing stun guns to its police for more than a dozen years. But it always rejected the concept, in part because of community opposition.

However, the idea gained new traction in 2015 after police shot and killed a knife-wielding man after failing to stop him with pepper spray and beanbag rounds.

In a report last year, the U.S. Department of Justice said that San Francisco should consider the use of stun guns.

"They could not believe we did not have these," Commissioner Thomas Mazzucco said at Friday's meeting. "They believe it will save lives."

Opponents, including several commissioners, argued that the police department should concentrate on enforcing a new policy that calls for officers to de-escalate confrontations and use force as a last resort.

Giving stun guns to officers "will derail the progress we have made," Commission President L. Julius Turman said.

"De-escalation has been a topic that the San Francisco Police Department has taken very seriously," Police Chief Bill Scott said. "The reality is there are times when de-escalation does not work and officers have to use force as safely as possible."
BEIRUT (AP) - Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri's bombshell resignation in a televised speech from Saudi Arabia took the nation by surprise Saturday.

In his announcement, Hariri accused Iran and its Lebanese ally, Hezbollah, of holding Lebanon hostage and destabilizing the Arab region.

But what is behind his resignation and what does it mean for Lebanon?

In this photo released on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017 by Lebanon's official government photographer Dalati Nohra, showing Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, right, meets with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Hariri resigned from his post Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017 during a trip to Saudi Arabia in a surprise move that plunged the country into uncertainty amid heightened regional tensions. (Dalati Nohra via AP)

THE BACKGROUND

Hariri became prime minister in late 2016 in a coalition government that included the Shiite militant group Hezbollah.

It has been an uneasy partnership between Hariri, a Sunni Muslim aligned with Saudi Arabia, and Hezbollah, Iran's Shiite proxy in Lebanon, which has sent thousands of its fighters to shore up President Bashar Assad's forces in Syria's civil war.

As Hezbollah and Iranian-backed Syrian troops made successive military victories, Hariri came under pressure from Washington and Riyadh to distance himself from the group.

In recent days, Lebanese government ministers have bickered publicly over sending an ambassador to Damascus and repatriation plans for hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees living in Lebanon. Officials denied the tension threatened the unity government.

Then suddenly, Hariri flew to Saudi Arabia earlier this week in a previously unannounced trip. He flew again to Riyadh Friday.

It is not clear what exactly prompted his shock resignation - unprecedented in the way it was announced in a televised address from an undisclosed location in Riyadh. Even close aides seemed not to know it was coming.

In his speech, Hariri said he feared for his life, suggesting he may not be coming home soon. Hariri was prime minister from 2009 until 2011, when Hezbollah ousted him from office. He had until last year lived in self-imposed exile in Saudi Arabia and France.

SAUDI IRAN RIVALRY

Hariri's resignation is a reflection of the growing power struggle between Iran and Saudi Arabia in the region. The Iran-Saudi rivalry is rooted in both countries' claim to represent different strands of Islam, Shiite and Sunni, a more than thousand-year-old dispute. Iran's Islamic revolution in 1979 unsettled the ultraconservative Sunni Kingdom. But the explosive modern race grew with Iran's rising influence in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, where Tehran is supporting various players.

Hezbollah, one of Tehran's most reliable partners, has been a key player in the wars in Syria and Yemen, undermining Saudi clout in Syria, and reaching the kingdom's borders by supporting Yemen's anti-Saudi rebels.

With the ascension of the ambitious firebrand Mohammed Bin Salman to crown prince in Saudi Arabia, the rivalry with Tehran took a sharper turn. In one interview, he threatened to take the war to Iran.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

Hariri's resignation has to be accepted by President Michel Aoun, a formality. It effectively shatters the national unity government and plunges the country into uncertainty and potentially a prolonged period of political paralysis.

Aoun must appoint a new prime minister, but it will be difficult to find a consensual Sunni figure able to form another coalition government. According to Lebanon's sectarian-based power-sharing system, the president must be a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Muslim Sunni and the parliament speaker a Shiite Muslim.

A new government that leans further toward Hezbollah would risk isolating the country and subjecting it to U.S. sanctions.

POTENTIAL INSTABILITY

Already, Lebanon's Hezbollah has been targeted by U.S. sanctions aimed to block the flow of money to the group, a move that threatened to cause major damage to the country's solid banking sector if passed into law. Washington considers Hezbollah to be a terrorist organization and U.S. lawmakers called it Iran's leading "terrorist proxy."

With Israel, Saudi Arabia and the U.S. seeing eye to eye on the need to stem Iran's growing clout, many fear Lebanon may be the place for a showdown with Iran's ally, Hezbollah.

Israel and Hezbollah have fought a number of wars, the last of which ended in a stalemate in 2006. Israel has recently said it will not tolerate an Iranian presence in Syria, spearheaded by Hezbollah, which has also established a presence near the Syria-Israel border.

___

Associated Press writer Zeina Karam in Beirut contributed to this report.

In this photo taken on Friday, Sept. 8, 2017, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, left, arrives for a mass funeral of ten Lebanese soldiers at the Lebanese Defense Ministry, in Yarzeh near Beirut, Lebanon. Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri has announced he is resigning in a surprise move following a trip to Saudi Arabia. In a televised address Saturday, Nov. 4, he slammed Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah group for meddling in Arab affairs and says "Iran's arms in the region will be cut off." (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
NEW YORK (AP) - It took less than a week for two-time Oscar winner Kevin Spacey to go from admired stage, TV and film star to a pariah, under investigation by the police and fired from his Emmy-winning role in "House of Cards." Here's a look at key developments in his still-unfolding case.

BLOCKBUSTER CLAIM

Sunday, Oct. 29

FILE - In this April 27, 2015 file photo, Kevin Spacey arrives at the Q&A Screening of "The House Of Cards" at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, Calif. Netflix says Spacey is out at "House of Cards" after a series of allegations of sexual harassment and assault. Netflix says in a statement Friday night, Nov. 3, 2017, that it's cutting all ties with Spacey, and will not be involved with any further production of "House of Cards" that includes him. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)

In an interview with BuzzFeed, actor Anthony Rapp said he attended a party at Spacey's New York apartment in 1986, when he was 14. At the end of the night, an inebriated Spacey picked him up, placed him on his bed, and climbed on top of him, Rapp said. Rapp said the 26-year-old was holding him down tightly, but he was able to get away and left the apartment. Rapp said he was inspired to come forward in the wake of allegations swirling around Harvey Weinstein.

APOLOGY... AND MORE

Monday, Oct. 30

Spacey posted on Twitter that he didn't remember the Rapp encounter. "But if I did behave then as he describes, I owe him the sincerest apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behavior," he said. Spacey, who has fiercely protected his private life, had never disclosed his sexuality before but said Rapp's story encouraged him to speak and he came out as a gay man. Many observers thought it was an odd time for Spacey to address his sexuality or was even an attempt to deflect blame.

ONLINE FIRESTORM

All day, Spacey faced condemnation from gay activists and fellow performers, including actor Zachary Quinto, comedian Wanda Sykes and musician Lance Bass, as well as the gay rights group GLAAD. Netflix and the "House of Cards" producer, Media Rights Capital, announced the show would end after the conclusion of season six (though they added that such a decision had been made before the allegations) and some show executives arrived in Baltimore, where the series is shot, to make sure actors and crew "continue to feel safe and supported."

ANOTHER ALLEGATION

Tuesday Oct. 31

Mexican actor Roberto Cavazos wrote on his Facebook page that he encountered Spacey at the bar of London's Old Vic Theatre, where Spacey was artistic director from 2004-15, and the actor tried to fondle him against his will. "It was more common for this guy, when he was in the bar of his theater, grabbing whoever caught his attention," Cavazos wrote. "I didn't stand for it, but I know some people who were afraid to stop it." In a statement, the Old Vic expressed "deep dismay" at the sexual assault allegations and said "inappropriate behavior by anyone working at The Old Vic is completely unacceptable." Spacey did not respond to requests for comment. Tuesday's episode of the NBC drama "This Is Us," which had initially referred to a Spacey film, was reedited to replace him with Christian Bale.

'TOXIC' SET

Thursday , Nov. 2

CNN reported that eight current or former "House of Cards" workers claimed that Spacey made the production a "toxic" workplace and one ex-employee alleged the actor sexually assaulted him. CNN reported that all of the people described Spacey's behavior as predatory. The report accused Spacey of allegedly targeting staffers who were typically young and male with nonconsensual touching and crude comments. More fallout came when Spacey's talent agency Creative Arts Agency said it was no longer representing Spacey, and his publicist also parted ways with the actor.

DEEPENING CRISIS

Friday, Nov. 3

London police said they had begun investigating an alleged 2008 sexual assault reportedly linked to Spacey. The Sun newspaper said the new allegation comes from a man who was in his early 20s at the time. In America, Netflix said it would cut all ties with Spacey, and will not be involved with any further production of "House of Cards" that includes him. The company also said it will not release the film "Gore," starring Spacey, which was in post-production. In another blow to Spacey's wallet, a Dutch business forum canceled his headline appearance at their conference Nov. 29 in Rotterdam.
NEW YORK (AP) - Wireless carriers Sprint and T-Mobile called off a potential merger, saying the companies couldn't come to an agreement that would benefit customers and shareholders.

The two companies have been dancing around a possible merger for years, and were again in the news in recent weeks with talks of the two companies coming together after all. But in a joint statement Saturday, Sprint and T-Mobile said they are calling off merger negotiations for the foreseeable future.

"The prospect of combining with Sprint has been compelling for a variety of reasons, including the potential to create significant benefits for consumers and value for shareholders. However, we have been clear all along that a deal with anyone will have to result in superior long-term value for T-Mobile's shareholders compared to our outstanding stand-alone performance and track record," said John Legere, president and CEO of T-Mobile US, in a prepared statement.

T-Mobile and Sprint are the U.S.' third- and fourth-largest wireless carriers, respectively, but they are significantly smaller than AT&T and Verizon, who effectively have a duopoly over U.S. wireless service. The two companies have said they hoped to find a way of merging to make the wireless market more competitive.

Sprint and its owner, the Japanese conglomerate SoftBank, have long been looking for a deal as the company has struggled to compete on its own. But Washington regulators have frowned on a possible merger. D.C. spiked AT&T's offer to buy T-Mobile in 2011 and signaled in 2014 they would have been against Sprint doing the same thing. But with the new Trump administration, it was thought regulators might be more relaxed about a merger.

Sprint has a lot of debt and has posted a string of annual losses. The company has cut costs and made itself more attractive to customers, BTIG Research analyst Walter Piecyk says, but it hasn't invested enough in its network and doesn't have enough airwave rights for quality service in rural areas.

T-Mobile, meanwhile, has been on a yearslong streak adding customers. After the government nixed AT&T's attempt to buy it in 2011, T-Mobile led the way in many consumer-friendly changes, such as ditching two-year contracts and bringing back unlimited data plans. Consumers are paying less for cellphone service, thanks to T-Mobile's influence on the industry and the resultant price wars.

"T-Mobile does not need a merger with Sprint to succeed, but Sprint might need one to survive," Piecyk wrote in an October research note.
Huge crowds queued outside Apples Regent Street store overnight to buy the new iPhone X as it went on sale in the UK.

Reality TV star Marco Pierre White Jr, the son of the famous chef, was one the first to buy the new device at the store, where the phone launched as the most expensive iPhone ever, starting at 999.

Marco Pierre White Jr holds his new iPhone X outside the Apple Store on Regent Street, London (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

The former Celebrity Big Brother contestant paid for two new handsets in cash while live streaming his experience on a Samsung smartphone.

The iPhone X is the first Apple smartphone to feature facial recognition technology, known as Face ID, which is used to unlock the device.

It is also the first iPhone to feature an edge-to-edge OLED screen, which Apple says will provide a brighter, more detailed display.

Industry experts had predicted large queues for the launch, after the iPhone 8  released in September  was met with a muted response.

iPhone sales

Smartphone expert Ernest Doku, from uSwitch.com, said many consumers had chosen to wait for the X as they saw it as the main event phone.

White told reporters he was buying devices for himself and a friend.

People enter the Apple Store on Regent Street

Last year, the model admitted in court to racking up thousands of pounds on a ex-girlfriends bank card, which the court was told included a visit to an Apple Store and paying for an Uber.

Labelled the future of the iPhone by Apple boss Tim Cook, the iPhone X uses Face ID facial recognition to unlock the device, doing away with the Home button and Touch ID fingerprint sensor of previous iPhone handsets.

A man uses the facial recognition feature on an iPhone X

Hundreds queued overnight to ensure they were among the first to buy the device, including White, amid reports of limited early stock being available in the first days of sale.

Many other customers who pre-ordered the iPhone X had been given delivery dates up to six weeks away, after the initial stock sold out in minutes when pre-orders began on October 27.

Large queues were reported outside Apple retail stores globally, including in Australia and China.

iPhone X is here! A big thank-you to all our customers in Sydney, and everyone turning out around the world Friday!  pic.twitter.com/5NKXUnePLu  Tim Cook (@tim_cook) November 2, 2017

Tweeting early on Friday morning, Apple chief executive Mr Cook thanked customers who were turning out around the world to buy the new phone.

The launch comes in the wake of strong quarterly financial results on Thursday night, with Apple predicting revenue in the next quarter of more than 80 billion dollars (61.3 billion), a suggestion that the company is confident of strong sales of the X.
Sir Michael Fallon has told Julia Hartley-Brewer he does not blame her for his resignation as Defence Secretary, the journalist has said.

The Tory heavyweight stepped down after it emerged he had repeatedly touched her on the knee during a dinner.

When Sir Michael wrote to Prime Minister Theresa May to say he could not continue in his post, he said his past behaviour had fallen below the high standards required.

Sir Michael Fallon. (Leon Neal/PA)

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Ms Hartley-Brewer said it appeared claims subsequent to hers may have been the final nail in his coffin.

Since his resignation, I have exchanged text messages with Sir Michael in which he made it abundantly clear that he does not blame me for his resignation, Ms Hartley-Brewer said.

The journalist said the chain of events had been set off completely by accident when she told what she thought was an amusing story.

Sources say Fallon went because what he did with @JuliaHB1 was not a one-off and others he flirted with may have been less understanding than her. Though no one has yet come forward to complain about him  Robert Peston (@Peston) November 1, 2017

Ms Hartley-Brewer said she had threatened to punch an MP in the face for repeatedly putting his hand on my knee at the 2002 Tory party conference, but she had told the tale without malice aforethought.

Voicing concern over the current furore over sleaze in Westminster, she said it risks returning to a puritanical age where every interaction between any male politician and Any Woman He Has Ever Met is now the subject of righteous investigation.

Several male MPs from both Conservative and Labour parties have been accused of behaving inappropriately towards female colleagues and staff.

The allegations include unwanted advances, harassment and assaults and a list of alleged offenders has emerged, although the veracity of a number of the claims has been questioned.

Ms Hartley-Brewer said Westminster was in the grip of a media witchhunt that risked creating a sterile world, where men and women never speak or touch in the workplace.

Thats not the world most of us want to live in, she said.
British forces will train Malaysians in anti-poaching techniques to help protect endangered wildlife species like the tiger, the UKs High Commissioner to the country has announced.

The counter-poaching specialists  who have worked in Africa  will next year teach groups like rangers how to track down poachers over great distances and long periods of time.

Stunning views of #Malaysia from above as The Prince travels to Belum to attend a conservation summit with the Sultan of Perak #RoyalVisitMY pic.twitter.com/PIDVofSwKP  Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) November 4, 2017

The Prince of Waless charitable body supported the project financially when it was in its infancy and Charles attended a conservation summit in Malaysia where High Commissioner Vicki Treadell made the announcement.

Support for the initiative has also come from the Duke of Cambridges wildlife conservation charity, Tusk Trust, which William supports closely as royal patron, and has given funds to the scheme.

Charles had the chance to see the sort of habitat Malayan tigers live in when he was taken on a boat trip in the Royal Belum State Park, in northern Malaysia, where the conference was held.

Wearing a life jacket over his cream suit, the Princes boat, also carrying his entourage, sped over rainforest-fringed Lake Temenggor for 45 minutes.

Following a @WWF Conservation Summit, HRH enjoys a narrated boat tour around Temenggor Lake, hearing about the areas wildlife #RoyalVisitMY pic.twitter.com/Fe3sVwZ6Km  Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) November 4, 2017

Speaking briefly at the end of the summit, Ms Treadell told delegates: Im pleased to announce, albeit a small sum, we have identified an initial 30,000 or 165,000 ringgit  depending on the rate of exchange  to develop some capacity building programmes working across Malaysia.

She added: The other commitment that we will make today is that we will bring British military anti-poaching training expertise to Malaysia next year to run some training of anti-poaching.

Of course we will do it here in Belum but we also hope to take it to other parts of Malaysia. That is our commitment to take the work that flows from this summit forward.

The numbers of Malayan tigers have fallen by around half to just 250 animals during an 11-year period to 2014  but global figures for the big cats have increased by 700, from 2010-16, to 3,900.

Here's 1st Welsh Guards in Kenya #WorldElephantDay Did you know our troops train anti-poaching teams in Africa? pic.twitter.com/h0WRHYEwpm  British Army  (@BritishArmy) August 12, 2016

The British Armys project to train countries in anti-poaching skills has been piloted in Malawi during the summer.

Commanders see the initiative as a way of enhancing soldiers tracking skills which have not been needed in conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Charles listened to the conclusion of the two-day conference where wildlife conservation groups and government and state organisations pledged to increase their efforts to safeguard a range of habitats from coral reefs to rainforests in the region.

Charles during a visit to the Belum Rainforest Reserve in Malaysia

During his tour of the parks lake, Charles was ferried to and from the motor boat in a golf buggy  complete with yellow curtains  and was joined by the High Commissioner and others.

The Sultan of Perak, who like the Prince has a keen interest in the environment, was among the group as the Royal Belum State Park lies within his state.

Charles and Camilla had tea earlier with the Sultan, who is Malaysias deputy Agong or King, at his lavish palace Istana Iskandariah in the royal town of Kuala Kangsar.

Royals gifts were exchanged with the Prince given artwork and the Duchess a large silver water flask, while Charles gave the Malaysian ruler two sets of table mats featuring his watercolours.

The heir to the throne, who is on an 11-day tour of south-east Asia and India, had travelled from the capital Kuala Lumpur by helicopter and returned to the city as the hot and humid conditions turned to a heavy downpour.
Alex Salmond has said Westminster politics is decaying before our eyes as he issued a rallying cry to supporters of independence.

The former first minister of Scotland told a conference of the Scottish Independence Convention that the timing had never looked better for the cause.

The Build: Bridges to Indy event brought together around 1,600 activists at Edinburghs Usher Hall to explore the future of the movement.

Alex Salmond

Addressing the audience, Mr Salmond said: Obviously our strength is great, look around the hall, feel our strength as a movement but also understand the weakness of our opponents.

Looking forward to speaking at the Independence Convention this weekend. Only a limited number of tickets remaining: https://t.co/brqOMmr6Kc pic.twitter.com/N1AZbs4HhM  Alex Salmond (@AlexSalmond) November 2, 2017

Ive been active in politics for 30 years, elected politics, and Ive never seen the British state in a state of more disorientation and chaos. Were Johnny no mates in Europe, not a single friend across the continent.

The structures of Westminster politics are decaying before our eyes. So this is a matter not just of our strength but their weakness.

That also dictates the timing of the campaign and that is another factor for us to consider. I would say the timing has never looked better for the national cause of Scotland.

Mr Salmond said the platform the movement decided upon would dictate the timing of another referendum, repeating his belief that membership of the European Free Trade Area (EFTA) would be the best course for an independent Scotland.

In that case the referendum must be held at the point of hard Brexit or at the point of transitional agreement beyond hard Brexit, he said.

Such a position would offer an island of certainty in a sea of confusion and that would be of enormous value in winning the next independence referendum.

Mr Salmond, who lost his Gordon seat in Junes snap General Election, acknowledged that lessons had to be learned from the previous campaign, highlighting the Scottish Governments white paper on independence.

He said: The independence white paper perhaps strayed too much into the form of a party manifesto as opposed to a national platform.

But equally, no sane person would suggest that in Scotland we should replicate the empty white sheet of paper that the pro-Brexiteers advocated during the UK referendum.

We have to get a balance between offering a vision of a future and having something which is so detailed it goes into what should properly belong in the manifestos of the political parties contesting the first independence election after our constitutional aspiration is achieved.

Mr Salmond said he would like that platform to evolve together with the Scottish Independence Convention, adding: Theres always an understandable reason that people have to say were not ready for independence, were not ready for another referendum campaign, were not ready to move into that again.

The only way you overcome these reservations is by leadership going into the campaign. And by leadership I dont mean one individual or even one political party. Im talking about the national leadership of a national campaign like this. You have to put the matter to the touch.

There is an army of interest waiting to be led. The question for us and for the leadership is the platform and the timing that arises from it.
SOFIA, Nov 3 (Reuters) - These are some of the main stories in Bulgarian newspapers on Friday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

-- The governments of Bulgaria and the Republic of Macedonia will hold a joint meeting on November 23 in Strumica, Bulgaria's government information service said. The Balkan neighbours' governments will discuss topics of mutual interest and the focus of the talks will be on the progress in good neighborly relations (Trud, 24 Chasa, Standart, Monitor)

-- Korneliya Ninova, the leader of the opposition Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), said that the BSP would begin consultations next week with two other minority parties on a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Boyko Borissovs coalition government - a move that, however, mathematically and politically, seems destined to come to nothing (Trud, 24 Chasa, Standart, Monitor)

-- Greece's Eurobank Ergasias, which owns Postbank in Bulgaria, said it expects the Bulgarian economy to expand by 3.8 percent this year and to slow its growth to 3.5 percent in 2018 (Standart, Monitor)

-- Number of residential permits issued in Bulgaria in the third quarter rose 29 percent year-on-year, reaching 1,526, the national statistical office said (Trud, Standart)

-- Billa Bulgaria, the local arm of supermarket chain Billa owned by Germany's REWE Group, said it will open a new store - its 114th in the Balkan country, in the city of Kardzhali
By Babak Dehghanpisheh

BEIRUT, Nov 4 (Reuters) - Iran put a ballistic missile on display as thousands marched on Saturday to mark the anniversary of the 1979 seizure of the U.S. embassy, with a senior official accusing President Donald Trump of a "crazy" return to confrontation with Tehran.

Turnout for the annual Iranian street rallies commemorating the embassy takeover, a pivotal event of the Islamic Revolution, appeared higher than in recent years when Trump's predecessor Barack Obama pursued detente with Tehran.

Last month, Trump broke ranks with European allies, Russia and China by refusing to re-certify Iran's compliance with its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, reached during Obama's tenure. Under that deal, most international sanctions on Iran were lifted in exchange for Tehran curbing nuclear activity seen to pose a risk of being put to developing atomic bombs.

Iran has reaffirmed its commitment to the deal and U.N. inspectors have verified Tehran is complying with its terms, but Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has threatened to "shred" the pact if the United States pulls out.

"All the governments confirm that the American president is a crazy individual who is taking others toward the direction of suicide," Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, told a rally in Tehran, state media reported.

"Trump's policies against the people of Iran have brought them out into the streets today," Shamkhani said.

He did not identify the governments he had in mind. The other parties to the nuclear deal - Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany - have voiced disquiet at Trump's opposition to it, fearing this could stir new Middle East instability.

But the Europeans share U.S. concern over Iran's ballistic missile programme and "destabilising" regional behaviour.

NOT NEGOTIABLE

Senior Iranian officials have repeatedly said that the Islamic Republic's missile programme is solely defensive in nature and is not negotiable.

In a sign of defiance, a Ghadr ballistic missile with a range of 2,000 km (1,240 miles) was put on display near the ex-U.S. embassy in Tehran, now a cultural centre, during Saturday's street demonstration, Tasnim news agency said.

"That America thinks Iran is going to put aside its military power is a childish dream," said Brigadier General Hossein Salami, deputy head of its elite Revolutionary Guards which oversees the missile development, according to Tasnim.

Fars news agency posted pictures of demonstrators nearby burning an effigy of Trump and holding up signs saying "Death to America".

Iran and the United States severed diplomatic relations soon after the 1979 revolution, during which hardline students seized the embassy and took 52 Americans hostage for 444 days.

Shamkhani spoke a few days after Khamenei said the United States was the "number one enemy" of the Islamic Republic.

U.S.-Iranian tensions have risen anew at a time when Tehran has been improving political and military ties with Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Tehran on Wednesday. Khamenei told him that Tehran and Moscow must step up cooperation to isolate the United States and help defuse conflict in the Middle East.

Iran and Russia are both fighting on the side of Syrian President Bashar al Assad against rebels, some of them U.S.-backed, and Islamist militants trying to overthrow him. (Reporting by Babak Dehghanpisheh; editing by Mark Heinrich)
BEIRUT, Nov 4 (Reuters) - Lebanon is too weak to bear the consequences of Saad al-Hariri's resignation as prime minister and cannot afford to side against Iran, Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt said on Saturday after Hariri stepped down.

Hariri, an ally of Saudi Arabia, said there was an assassination plot against him and attacked Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah during his resignation speech on Saturday.

Hariri's resignation thrusts Lebanon back onto the front line of Saudi-Iranian regional rivalry and seems likely to exacerbate sectarian tensions between Lebanese Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims.

"I am concerned about the economy, of course, and I am concerned about politics. We cannot afford to fight the Iranians from Lebanon," Jumblatt told Reuters. He advocated compromise with Hezbollah in Lebanon while waiting for regional circumstances to allow Saudi-Iranian dialogue.

"Lebanon has enough problems. It is too weak for such a resignation, because it will have a tremendous negative impact," said Jumblatt, one of Lebanon's most influential politicians. He described Hariri's resignation as "incomprehensible".

The Druze are an important minority in Lebanon's sectarian system of government. Jumblatt has frequently played kingmaker in Lebanese politics. (Reporting by Tom Perry; editing by Andrew Roche)
BEIRUT, Nov 4 (Reuters) - Iran said on Saturday the resignation of Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri would create tension in Lebanon and the region.

Hariri accused Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah of sowing strife in the Arab world in his resignation statement earlier on Saturday.

"The resigning Lebanese prime minister's repetition of the unrealistic and unfounded accusations of the Zionists, Saudis and Americans against Iran is an indication that this resignation is a new scenario for creating tension in Lebanon and the region," Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said in a statement published on the ministry website.

"But we believe that the resistant people of Lebanon will pass this stage easily." (Reporting by Babak Dehghanpisheh; editing by Andrew Roche)
Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith yesterday said he had requested President Maithripala Sirisena in writing to ban tuition classes on Sundays at least for several hours.

Cardinal Ranjith who was addressing the Catholic Teachers Day programme at St Josephs College Colombo last morning said he had written to President Maithripala Sirisena requesting him to ban tuition classes on Sundays at least for several hours.

I wrote to President recently and made this request as I have found out that children do not have the time to go to temple or two the Church on Sundays because of tuition classes, he said.

I have seen school children in uniform at bus stands with their books even during late hours. Even small children in grade four or five go to tuition classes today.

We during our childhood used to run to the playground straight after school but today children go to tuition classes. They do not get a chance to enjoy their childhood because of busy lifestyles they lead today, he added.

Further, Cardinal Ranjith said the school van mafia, which prevails today puts extra pressure on parents who are already carrying a heavy burden on funding their childrens education. These school vans he said charged heavy fees.

The head of the Sri Lankan Church also said schools and teachers face more challenges today than ever before when it comes to bringing up citizens with good moral values. (Yohan Perera)
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday stressed the need for a new education system under which Government funded schools could play a greater role in educating children.

Mr Wickremesinghe made this proposal during a ceremony held at St Josephs College Colombo to mark the Catholic Teachers Day in the Archdiocese of Colombo last morning.

We have to help the Government funded schools further. Government is already supporting these schools but more support has to be given. I have advised the Minister of Education to have a discussion with Cardinal and with the Buddhist schools such as Musaeus College and determine how the Government could support them further.

It can be considered whether Government funded schools could be allowed to collaborate with other schools located close to them. If Government funded schools collaborate with a small school nearby it would be possible to develop both these schools. We need to think of new avenues. We need to redesign the countrys school system. It is also essential to have disciplined teachers, the Prime Minister said.

He said the first two years of the Government was spent to devise a system to administer schools.

Some schools have gained high standards with the systems provided by the Buddhist organisations, Catholic and Protestant Churches. School system is far from being sound today. Schools run by religious organisations do not provide and subject based education alone but builds up characters.

The standard of the schools system today had given rise to tuition classes and international schools. If the Government kept only a few schools under its purview and allowed others to be run by religious organisations as in the 1960s, countrys system would have been much better.

Children have to go out of the country for higher studies today but those days foreign children came here to study, he added.

The Catholic Church had done great service with regard to education throughout the world. People were educated in places of worship in the past when there was feudalistic society. In Sri Lanka education was provided in temples. In Europe this service was provided by the Church.

This was how knowledge was provided. Some religious institutions became centres of higher education. There were Pirivenas in Sri Lanka.

Some of these religious institutions which provided higher education were later converted into Universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. The Protestant Church introduced a school system.

This system came to Sri Lanka in the 19th Century. The first school was started by the Government. The Protestant Church also started schools in Sri Lanka later. During this time there was a notion that other religions too should be allowed to start schools.

Schools were then taken over giving rise to protests. The then Bishop Christopher Bonjin was instrumental in bringing in a concept of Government funded schools.

Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu and Muslim schools came into existence as a result of his efforts. Catholic Church therefore rendered a great service. There were mostly Government funded schools mostly in the 1960s.

There were Government schools as well such as Ananda and Nalanda and Visakha. The Church of England also owned schools. The Church was also involved in hospital work as well. The Government in the 1960s decided to take over private schools but allowed some schools to stay on as private ventures.

They were asked to find their funds themselves. Late President J. R. Jayewardene and Dudley Senanayake said do not take over schools at once but do it gradually.

Many schools were made Government funded schools. Buddhist organizations handed over all schools which were run by them to the Government, Catholic and Protestant schools kept some of the schools. Some Buddhist schools should have remained as private schools. There are no Buddhist schools today in Sri Lanka as a result of handing such schools over to the Government, he said. (Yohan Perera)
Thousands of Sri Lankan motorists queued for fuel on Friday after the state-run fuel retailer limited supplies following a delay in a fuel shipment and a rejection of another shipment due to the wrong specification, officials said.

Rajitha Senarthne, the government spokesman, said supplies would return to normal on Tuesday as a shipment ordered by the state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) is expected on Monday.

The supply has been limited because there is a delay in the shipment ordered by the CPC, Senarthne told Reuters.

Trade Unions at the CPC said the situation was aggravated after a shipment imported by Lanka IOC, a subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation, was rejected for being the wrong specification.

D.J. Rajakaruna, senior official at the CPC trade union said the state-run oil retailer has only limited storage in Sapugaskanda, 15 km from capital Colombo, and the government should therefore increase the storage facility to avoid similar shortages in the future.

He blamed a government deal to hand over 99 oil tanks in the island nations eastern port city to Lanka IOC for lack of storage as the Indian firm is utilising only 15 tanks and not allowing the CPC to use them for storage.

Lanka IOC said that although its shipment was rejected it has no problem with its inventories.

The shipment for the rejected parcel will come in 10-15 days. But we have adequate inventories. Once the CPC shipment comes in the supply will be as usual, Shyam Bohra, the Managing Director of LIOC told Reuters.

The CPC trade unions protested with a strike in April demanding the government scrap the deal which they say would give India too much influence over fuel prices. [

Supplies were affected across the country and there were long queues of motorists at petrol stations in many areas, local media reported.

Sri Lanka has agreed with India to jointly develop and operate all oil tanks in the oil storage facility situated in the port town of Trincomalee near the worlds second deepest natural harbour.

IOC has agreed to build a second refinery with a capacity of at least 100,000 barrels per day (bpd) in Sri Lanka, while Modi in 2015 pledged to establish a petroleum hub in Trincomalee.

A Lanka IOC official had told Reuters that due to trade union pressure CPC would be allowed to use 10 of the 84 tanks earmarked for the joint venture between the two companies.(Reuters)
Looking back on almost five decades of shooting and hunting, I can honestly say that it took me way too long to come to this realization: youre never going to shoot well with a gun that youre afraid of!

Any firearm that kicks you back into yesterday and splits the stratosphere with its muzzle blast is going to mess with your delicate nervous system. Once youve been beaten and battered by a particular firearm, your subconscious is absolutely going to scream every time you repeat that horrific experience.

In anticipation of the upcoming smack down, your mind will signal to your upper body muscles that its time for them to tighten up. Next, youre going to cringe and scrunch your eyes closed against the blast. And finally, youll yank the trigger just to get the nasty business over with. As you might imagine, none of these shenanigans are particularly conducive to accurate shooting.

The good news is that with disciplined practice you can train yourself to overcome these exaggerated responses. But my question is: In reality, does your particular style of hunting really require you to use a hard-kicking, fire-breathing magnum cartridge? Is it possible that a more modest cartridge might still fulfill all of your ballistic requirements?

One of my least favorite annual range sessions used to involve a lightweight Remington 870 and a handful of those nasty 3  2 oz. turkey loads that the gun magazine writers love to crow about. Every time that I was about to touch off one of those bad boys, my shoulders would stiffen, my eyes would cross, and Id brace my whole body in anticipation of that obnoxious cheek and shoulder-thumping recoil.

As you might image, follow up shots only made matters worse. Eventually, I saw the light and repented of my folly. I starting using Remingtons excellent 2  Express loads topped off with 1  oz. of #5 shot. To my utter amazement  and despite the lack of magnum bite and bark  turkeys at the receiving end of this payload give up the ghost with little fanfare.

I attribute my magnum mania to the fact that I am a child of the 50s. Here in America the magnum craze really took hold in the early 60s. It seemed that a calendar year wouldnt pass without the introduction of yet another belted magnum wonder or two. Suddenly, all of the traditional standard cartridges that had been laying game low for well over a century became passe. Several noted gun writers of the day (think Elmer Keith, Col. Charlie Askins here) even mentioned in print that if the brass case didnt wear a belt and have the internal volume of a thermos bottle, then it was inadequate for anything but the smallest of deer.

Of course, I willingly surrendered my will to the incessant tug of this market-driven propaganda. Through the succeeding decades a bevy of belted beauties passed through my quivering, sweaty hands. I bought and shot 7mm Magnums, .300 Magnums, 270 Magnums, and .338 Magnums. More than one shoulder-pounding 3 and 3  shot slinger accompanied me to the duck marshes and goose blinds.

In truth, I did slay a truckload of deer, antelope, elk and waterfowl with these boomers. But if Im perfectly honest with myself, I bet that most  if not all of these animals  could have been cleanly taken with any of a number of more moderate rounds.

Over the past decade there has been a renaissance of sorts in regards to the efficiency of yesterdays standard, non-magnum cartridges. Experienced hunters have rediscovered what knowledgeable bow hunters have known all along. If the projectile  be it a broadhead or a bullet  is able to enter and disrupt the animals vital organs, in short order, the critter is going to die. Death comes as a result of massive internal hemorrhaging, not tons of shock. So, if your rifle cartridge has enough velocity to get a well-constructed bullet into the animals vitals, its going to end up in your freezer. Bullet construction is critical; in most hunting scenarios, magnum velocities are not required.

Please dont get me wrong. This is not to say that magnum cartridges dont have a place in the sporting world. They do, in fact, fill a highly specialized niche. A magnum of some ilk might be just the ticket if youre wading around in thick cover after large, dangerous game. Or it might be ideal if you need to reach out with authority to anchor an animal at extreme ranges.

Magnum-class cartridges are not unlike high performance automobiles. Both have wide appeal to the masses, but very few individuals possess the skills to capitalize on their specialized performance. Certainly if you have need for the ballistic advantages of a magnum cartridge or shot shell, and are willing to put forth the effort to master it, by gosh, have at it. But for the vast majority of recreational hunters, a mild-mannered .243, 7mm-08, .308, .270, or 30-06 or 6.5 Creedmoor, 2  or 3 shot shell might be just the ticket.

I attribute my magnum mania to the fact that I am a child of the 50s.
ELKO  The similarities between Elko and the province of Ontario struck representatives of about 10 Canadian mining services companies visiting the state this week through the Nevada Governors Office of Economic Development.

Im surprised at how similar this area is to Ontario, said Kevin Kozar, president of Kozar Engineering Inc., based in Thunder Bay, Ontario, during a reception at the Elko Conference Center on Nov. 1. And the people are great. They have the same mentality.

Kozar related to Nevadas sprawling open lands dotted with small mining towns, saying his home province is laid out much the same way. He referred to Nevadans enjoyment of the outdoors, and said his countrymen and women feel the same way.

Agreeing was John Febbraro, director of business development for the Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, economic development corporation.

You literally can transpose one place on the other, Febbraro said. The mining sector  its a small family.

Group members also found common ground and possible opportunities to expand into the local mining industry.

Its a reciprocal-type mission that would add value for both countries, Febbraro said. There are a lot of synergies between both countries  [that] would bring mining to the next level.

The itinerary included mine tours, including Newmont Mining Corp.s Gold Quarry and Barrick Gold Corp.s CodeMine, and roundtable discussions with area mining professionals. The governors economic development office hosted a similar trip for an Australian delegation in late October.

This is a quid pro quo, said Paul Reid, business development officer for the City of Greater Sudbury, Ontario. We can all benefit from this exchange. It helps build communities.

Canadian companies that sent agents included Hurley Ventilation Technologies Inc., Jannatec Technologies, Kozar Engineering Inc., Maestro Digital Mine, O.P.C. Construction Supplies Inc., Pneuma-Tool, RDH Equipment and Schauenburg Flexadux Corp.

These guys are great, and they have a lot of potential in Nevada, said Sheldon Mudd, Nevadas GOED mining industry specialist, who teamed up with Paul Bradette, trade and investment specialist for the mining supply and services sector for the Ontario government, to organize the mission.

During the roundtable discussion in Elko on Nov. 1, local industry professionals  representing Barrick, Newmont, Jerritt Canyon Gold and Geotemps  talked about what it would take for these prospective businesses to be successful in Nevada. Providing stellar customer service and reliable products, keeping inventory nearby, and offering competitive prices topped the priority list.

The No. 1 recommendation, however, from nearly every local operator and supply chain director was the need for a local presence.

You really have to plunge yourself into Elko, said Nigel Bain, executive director of Barrick U.S.A., who explained that Barrick makes an effort to patronize businesses with Nevada addresses.

Stimulating the local economy is also important to smaller operations such as Jerritt Canyon Gold.

Its important to me to know that Ive made my contribution, said Jerritt Canyons Bill Hofer, because mining money spent locally stays in and supports the community. If the supply chain is here  it helps the economy.
ELKO  A former Wells elementary teacher facing charges of sex with multiple high school students waived her preliminary hearing in justice court Nov. 1.

Tennille Whitaker was scheduled for a hearing Nov. 7 in Elko Justice Court on 12 counts of sexual contact between a school employee or volunteer and pupil, a category C felony. The charges are spread among four male Wells High School students between the ages of 16 and 18 years old.

Court documents stated the conduct took place on school property. Whitaker was an employee of the Elko County School District for 11 years and resigned in August.

By waiving the preliminary hearing, Whitaker is bound over to Elko District Court for arraignment at a later date which has not been set.

Whitaker was released from custody after posting bail the day after her arrest in June.
Falling tree kills hunter in Idaho

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP)  Authorities say a North Carolina man hunting in central Idaho was killed when a tree fell on top of him as he was sleeping.

The Post Register reports that authorities with the Custer County Sheriff's Office say 67-year-old Kenneth Lawrence Horton was hunting with family members in the Salmon-Challis National Forest when the dead tree fell, causing a chest injury on Wednesday.

The sheriff's office dispatched ambulances and a search and rescue unit to his location nearly 12 miles west of Challis. Air ambulance personnel reported Horton dead Wednesday afternoon, and he was taken to a funeral home in Challis.

4 inmates hurt in fight at Ely prison

ELY (AP)  A state official says a fight in a wing of Nevada's maximum-security prison in Ely left four inmates injured, including two who were taken to hospitals in Las Vegas, 250 miles away.

Department of Corrections spokeswoman Brooke Keast didn't immediately say Friday what sparked the melee involving men using handmade weapons about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Ely State Prison.

She says about 40 inmates in two groups were involved, and that guards contained the fighting.

Keast says two inmates were treated at local hospitals, one underwent surgery and all four were returned to the prison by Friday.

She described the injuries as stab wounds that were not life-threatening. No staff members were injured.

Ely State Prison has about 1,100 inmates, and houses the state's death row and execution chamber.

Utah mortuary's license suspended

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  State regulators have suspended the license of a Utah mortuary accused of mixing up remains from cremations and stealing jewelry from the dead.

The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing released an emergency order Thursday suspending the licenses of Carver Mortuary Service and two of its funeral directors in South Salt Lake.

One of the directors, Shane Westmoreland, told the Deseret News the claims are false. He says they came from disgruntled former employees.

The state order accusing the mortuary of "a pattern of incompetency" says dead bodies sometimes were left outside of refrigerators.

Two former employees told state regulators that taking jewelry, watches and rings form bodies was a common practice.
In considering the indictment of former Donald Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and an associate, I am reminded of former Bill Clinton aide and defender James Carville's line about the ability of a grand jury to "indict a ham sandwich."

Manafort and a longtime business partner, Rick Gates, pleaded not guilty to all 12 counts against them. Manafort is under house arrest after posting an outrageously high bond of $10 million. Gates' bond was set at $5 million.

George Papadopoulos, who was a foreign policy advisor to the Trump campaign, has pleaded guilty to making a false statement to the FBI about his foreign contacts with several top Russian officials.

Predictably, the major media are celebrating this as the beginning of the end of the nascent Trump presidency.

What Manafort stands accused of has nothing to do with the 2016 election, or with Russian "collusion." No one, so far, has produced any evidence the Russians affected the election's outcome. This is all about overturning the results and keeping "the swamp" full for those who live in it and reject change.

Real collusion might be in the significant share of U.S. uranium sold to the Russians during Hillary Clinton's tenure as secretary of state (she signed off on the deal), followed by a $500,000 fee paid to her husband for a speech in Moscow and the millions of dollars that subsequently flowed into the Clinton Foundation from uranium investors.

Special counsel Robert Mueller and Congress should investigate that Russian connection, along with the role of the Democratic National Committee and the Hillary Clinton campaign (and the earlier Republican role) in creating an anti-Trump dossier that has been shown to be a fraud and yet was used to justify the appointment of Mueller.

If the reason for Mueller's appointment is fraudulent, how can it be said that his investigation, which includes staff attorneys who made donations to Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, is not tainted?

Among the many problems with this investigation is that it has no legal, subject or monetary limits. If Mueller and his associates are unable to prove collusion with the Russians, one can count on them coming up with something else. Far-left members of Congress, such as Maxine Waters, D-California, openly state that their objective is to "take out" the president  and they don't mean to lunch.

There is also the matter of leaks from the grand jury. Not surprisingly, the details of the indictments matched the leak to CNN. Unless that network employs mind readers and engages in paranormal activity, those leaks are felonies and the leakers should be prosecuted.

Meanwhile, Republicans in Congress are firing up investigations of their own, including long-overdue looks into various questionable and possibly illegal activities by the Clintons. Congress is the proper avenue for such investigations, not special counsels, who can "go rogue" if they wish.

These seemingly endless accusations and investigations are what so much of the country hates about Washington, the "D.C." that increasingly seems to stand for "dysfunctional city." No matter which party controls government, the other party does all it can, by whatever means, to undermine those elected. This behavior solves no problems. It is only about grabbing and holding onto power.

Given the many moving parts in the Mueller probe and the loss of focus on the primary reason for it, the government may have a difficult time proving its case in court. But with unlimited funds and a staff of lawyers who have Democratic affiliations, you can bet they will try to make more than a ham sandwich out of it.

Cal Thomas is a columnist syndicated by the Tribune Content Agency. Email him at tcaeditors@tribpub.com.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday rebutted Congress criticism of the improvement in India's ease of doing business ranking saying those who worked with World Bank are now raising doubts over its ranking. (File Photo)

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday rebutted Congress criticism of the improvement in India's ease of doing business ranking saying those who worked with World Bank are now raising doubts over its ranking.

At an 'Ease of Doing Business' event here, he hardsold India as an investment destination saying ranking will improve further when the impact of the GST and all reforms are accounted for.

"If reforms like Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and commercial courts would have taken place during their times, the rating would have improved earlier," he said without naming anyone.

Stating that the 'ease of doing business' ranking by World Bank was started in 2004, he asked which party was in power for the following 10 years.

"I am a Prime Minister who hasn't even seen the World Bank building whereas those running World Bank used to be in this position," he said in oblique reference to his predecessor Manmohan Singh.

He said an array of reforms during the last three years has led to India's ease of doing business ranking jumping 42 places to 100th in the world.

Modi said the ease of doing business ranking improved because the government initiated reforms to end difficulties in the lives of people.

These included simplification of tax filing, PF registration and withdrawal, quicker registration for new companies, simpler judiciary process for commercial dispute, easier construction permits and getting power connection.

He said he has "one life, one mission" of bringing change to India and its 1.25 billion people.

The ranking for 2017 takes into account reforms initiated only till May 2016 and does not reflect the impact of the GST, which was implemented from July 1.

The GST, he said, is the biggest tax reform and will have in "moving towards a modern tax regime, which is transparent, stable and predictable" that facilitates business.

Also, many other reforms that have already happened, but need gestation and stabilisation time, for them to be taken into account by the World Bank, he said, adding once all these combined are taken into account India will "occupy a place of pride in the World Bank report next year and thereafter."

The Prime Minister said reforms undertaken by his government are far more extensive and went on to list out abolition of more than 1,200 archaic laws that complicated governance.

"India has reached a position from where, now it is easier to improve further. Our efforts have gathered momentum. In management terms, we have achieved critical mass for a swift takeoff," he said.

The Prime Minister said his government's moto is "reform, perform and transform."

The agenda for boosting growth and employment, required many structural changes, many tough decisions and many new regulations as also changing the mind-set of the bureaucracy were required.

"Over the last three years, the Union Government has done a lot on these fronts. We have resolved a number of regulatory and policy issues facing businesses and companies," he said.

Listing out initiatives of his government, he said manufacturing and infrastructure sectors are being given a big push, bold foreign direct investment reforms have taken place in 21 sectors and significant reforms have taken place in defence, railways, construction, insurance, pension, civil aviation and pharmaceuticals sector.

"We are now among the most open economies for FDI," he said.

Over the last three years, business regulations were systemically and critically evaluated to understand the pain points, he said. "With this objective, an extensive exercise was undertaken to redesign laws and re-engineer government processes to make business environment simpler and more conducive."

An attempt has been made to align the Indian regulatory environment to international best practices, he said.

He said India jumping by 42 positions in three years - 30 position in last one year alone, to be ranked as 100th easiest place in the world to do business is a well deserved celebration.

"Over the last three years, I have been constantly telling the domestic and foreign investor community that we in India are making sincere efforts to improve 'ease of doing business'. And Friends! India has Walked the Talk.

The World Bank has recognised the "stupendous work" done by his government in improving ease of doing business, he said adding India has been identified as one of the top reformers.

The improvement in ranking is indicator of good governance, measure of the quality of public policies and a benchmark of transparency of processes. "And, ultimately, it reflects the way people live, work and transact in a society."

"I must make a special mention of the fact that while Ease of Doing Business is important for all businesses, it is critical for small businesses including small manufacturers.

"This sector provides the bulk of employment in the country and to make them more competitive, we have to reduce the cost of doing business. The work on Ease of Doing Business must address the issues of these small businesses and manufacturers," he added. PTI DP NKD ANZ MR 11041504 NNNN
Kollywood, so far, hasnt really tried to expand its reach and make films for the global audience. But it looks like the trend is slowly changing now. Right from doing projects in association with international production houses to hiring cast and crew from across the world, filmmakers are now creating content, which would cater to foreign audiences as well.

For instance, Idhu Vedhalam Sollum Kadhai (IVSK), directed by Rathindran Prasad, is a Tamil language film, which boasts cast and crew from across the Europe. Another Tamil project, Jallikattu 5-23, has now been backed by Kazuko Kurosawa, daughter of acclaimed director Akira Kurosawa, through Kurosawa Studios and Shankars magnum opus 2.0 is also being dubbed in multiple languages.

DC speaks to filmmakers and experts as they open up about how it is high time for Tamil cinema to expand its market.

Director Rathindran, whose upcoming film IVSK, which stars Ashwin Kakumanu and Guru Somasundaram from Kollywood, Bollywood actor Abhay Deol and British actor and stunt master Greg Burridge, states that right now is the best time for Tamil filmmakers to make global cinemas. If not now, there would never be a right time! Especially with the digital platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, we filmmakers have a lot of avenues to resort to and make movies for wider audience, he asserts.

Speaking about what inspired him to make a Tamil film that would have a global appeal, he states, I want to do something in which I truly believe in and not do projects just to cater to the market. That is one of the reasons why I

waited for so long so that the industry is ready to accept something like this. Also, Ive a strong urge to work with technicians from various countries. Every time you work with a different set of people, you learn something new because the way they see films could be completely different from the way we see it.

Explaining why he feels projects like IVSK are so important, Rathindran opines, As we get into more and more of a global age, we shouldnt see this just as an expansion of markets, but more as an expansion of culture and ideas. Korean, Thai and Turkish films which we get to see here, are made for global audience  this kind of trend hasnt come here yet. Im not just talking about art-house films; Im just talking about interesting concepts, which will appeal to the audience from every part of the world.

On the other hand, Santhosh, the director of the upcoming film Jallikattu 5-23, which is being dubbed in Japanese by Kurosawa Studios, says, These kinds of attempts enhance Tamil films stature in global arena. If you take my film for instance, it is about the Tamil peoples pride over their language and culture. This resonated with Japanese culture  as they also hold their language and culture with great respect. So, they had this connect. Thats why the production house was willing to come forward to take this project to Japanese audience.

Santhosh adds, Taking the film outside borders is not necessarily a new thing. Recently, Baahubali 2 was released in Germany and China and turned out to be a huge hit. Similarly, Dangal, too, turned out to be a blockbuster in China. The core theme of films can be sometimes universal  thats why it turns out to be successful.

When ask about the challenges involved in making such films, Rathindran replies, Pitching our films to foreigners might be difficult  because the moment we say Indian cinema, all they think of is Bollywood and people running around the trees! I would really want us to change this attitude  how they see India and Indian cinema. Weve immense dimensions that needed to be explored. I can safely say that pitching a Tamil film to a foreign producer is 100 times difficult than pitching it to a Tamil producer!

He continues, To be honest, any aspiring filmmaker, who wishes to direct films for a wider audience, should start making small films. Through our production house Whole Wide World Films, we are planning to give an opportunity to exciting young filmmakers and come up with small independent films for international audiences.

In certain cases, Tamil filmmakers have also gone a step ahead and made Hollywood projects with a mix of technicians and artistes from both the industries. Lake of Fire, one such project by Raj Thiruselvan, stars Indian-American actor Parvesh Cheena and renowned Hollywood actor Christopher Atkins. In an earlier interview with us, Raj stated, We want to show that Indian talent is equal to that of Hollywood. And we should definitely start doing global projects in order to really compete with other industries.

(With inputs from Kirubhakar Purushothaman)
The site also published a photo of the two men holding a symbolic voucher valued at 9,999 Swiss francs, dated October 2017.

A shot of Macallan whisky purportedly made in 1878 that a Chinese man paid $10,000 for at a Swiss hotel was actually distilled between 1970 and 1972, local media reported Friday.

In August, the young customer entered the Devil's Place Whisky Bar at the luxury Waldhaus Hotel in St. Moritz, northeast Switzerland, and expressed particular interest in rare Macallans.

The bar, which has a whisky collection honoured in the Guinness Book of World Records, had 47 options, ranging from seven Swiss francs to ten grand per glass.

The customer chose the bottle marked as an 1878 vintage, which went for 9,999 Swiss francs ($10,000, 8,500 euros) for a two-centilitre (0.66-fluid-ounce) measure.

Whisky experts were not convinced.

According to the Swiss news site 20minuten.ch, specialists at Rare Whisky 101, who regularly serve as consultants at whisky auctions, established that the bottle's label was a fake.

The proprietor of the Waldhaus, Sandro Bernasconi, then travelled to Beijing and refunded the customer to prove that "the Swiss are honest people and do not engage in scams", 20minuten quoted him as saying.

The site also published a photo of the two men holding a symbolic voucher valued at 9,999 Swiss francs, dated October 2017.

Bernasconi said the bottle with the fake label was bought 25 years ago by his father who previously ran the hotel.

"This whole time, we never doubted that the bottle was an original," Bernasconi told 20minuten.
With India having committed to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to three billion tonnes through increased forest cover by 2030, the involvement of every individual and institution in planting and protecting trees acquires new importance. Recognition also needs to be given to all those working in remote interiors to protect our flora and fauna, to save endangered wild life and green spaces from extinction. It is for this reason that the annual event to honour the countrys Earth heroes acquires added importance.

Committed to promoting sustainable livelihoods in ecologically vital landscapes of the country, for the seventh consecutive year, the Royal Bank of Scotland recognised and felicitated its Earth heroes recently. Of the 57 entries received, an eminent jury of veterans in nature and wildlife management selected nine of them; two of them joint awards. Jadav Payeng, who has single-handedly created a forest on 1,360 hectares of a sand bar on the Brahmaputra near Jorhat, epitomises the spirit required to combat climate change. Better known as the Forest Man, he has been an inspiration not just in India but globally.

Iprah Mekola from Arunachal Pradesh has spent 17 years in wildlife conservation. He is a member of the State Wildlife Advisory Board and an honorary wildlife warden of the lower Dibang Valley. As the head of the Mekola clan, Idu-Mishmi tribe, he has used his clout to create environment awareness among his people and started the movement for declaring the land of the Mekola clan a community conserved area. He has pioneered the formation of the Biodiversity Management Committee of Mekola and the Peoples Biodiversity Register of Gimbo village. He has helped the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) in the rescue and translocation of the hoolock gibbon and is working closing with the Bombay Natural History Society in the protection and regeneration of the endangered Bengal florican.

The Green Warrior says its a big bird, easily spotted and killed. There are just 300 of them in the world and a few in Arunachal Pradesh. To protect the florican, he released 500 mithun or local cows into their habitat and as per local customs, the area became his and no one can enter the area to shoot birds or wildlife. Now Iprah is working with village boys on bird conservation. He trains them to guide birdwatchers. On sighting a florican, a guide may be paid as much as Rs 500. There are just half a dozen floricans in the Dibang Valley, says Iprah. An unexpected bonus for the ecology of the region was the spurt in butterflies because of cow dung, says Iprah.

The story of the 19 hoolock gibbons he has rescued is equally fascinating. Gibbon meat is relished by some tribes and frequently when trees and forests are cut, the young gibbons fall down and are picked up and killed by dogs and hunters. With the support of the WTI, he has rescued gibbons and moved them to protected areas.

In 2013, Iprah even rescued two tiger cubs after their mother was killed. The tigress had a litter of four cubs. With the mother one cub was killed. The second cub disappeared in the jungles and Iprah rescued the remaining two and took them to Itanagar zoo. The male cub was named Mekola after him. Iprahs latest worry is elephants and rebuilding of their forest corridors.

To stop hunting and killing of wild animals for their meat are two other major concerns. Self-imposed taboos are being subtly introduced. For five days after killing a wild animal, the man cannot ask his wife for sex, says Iprah. For economic empowerment, women in four villages adopted by Iprah, have been supported for broom grass cultivation. Bringing in money for the family, the women discourage men from going for hunting.

Another RBS Inspire Award winner, Rohan Chakravarty, 30, is a dentist-turned-wildlife cartoonist. He has pledged to use his award money to travel to Iprahs Dibang Valley to document through drawings and cartoons wildlife of the area, and prepare a wildlife map of the region, which will be shared with the forest department and conservationists.

Rohan always drew and sketched but it was dentistry that he studied in college. On a visit to a tiger reserve near his hometown, Nagpur, he saw a magnificent tigress, which he went home and captured on paper. The tigress sighting changed his life and he plunged into wildlife cartooning. Sanctuary Asia began publishing his cartoons in 2012 and then Savus, also a wildlife magazine from Mumbai followed. Today he has weekly columns in English dailies, Round Glass, an environment magazine from Bengaluru and his comic strip, Green Humour, is syndicated by Universal Press Syndicate. His pet projects are illustrated maps. He particularly likes documenting tribes living around nature parks and the interdependence of parks and tribes. Currently, for WWF Hong Kong, he is documenting Hong Kongs parks and wild species.

Though it has been a challenge to make the switch, it has been good for Rohan. A Web store, Red Bubble in the US, has a page for his artwork and it prints and ships his drawings and cartoons. For inspiration he goes on bird walks and revels in introducing lesser-known species to the layman. His most popular cartoon strip was of the Arctic tern. It migrates from one Pole to the other and has seen the polar bear as well as the penguin. His strip showed the tern mimicking the polar bear to the penguin and vice-versa.

Has there been a tangible impact of his cartoons? Yes, says Rohan. When he did a strip on the population of the marmoset  the smallest monkey species from the Amazon basin in South America  shrinking because of their demand as pets, a reader from Peru wrote back to assure him she would never keep a marmoset as a pet.

In addition to the individuals who received awards, the over 900 sq km Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in the West Champaran district of Bihar adjoining Nepal, received the Earth Guardian award. According to Dr Ranjit Sinh, chairman of the jury, VTR enjoys the top spot for governance of parks. It has the third best gharial terrain and the hog deer is staging a comeback.

According to R.B. Singh, chief conservator of forests (Bihar) and Amit Kumar, the parks deputy director, though VTR came into existence in 1994, it was fragmented, had a porous border with UP and Nepal and till 2005 was a hub of criminal activities. When the forest department began planning for its development, it found a serious staff shortage. So 500 Taru tribals of the region were employed as contractual staff; 44 anti-poaching camps were established in the reserve and thereafter the focus shifted to improvement of the habitat.

Barely two to three per cent of the 900 sq km was grasslands, so vital for ungulates and wildlife. From 2008, weeds were removed and grasslands regenerated and the herbivore population improved. The tiger population bounced back and today there are 31 adult tigers and nine cubs, taking VTR to become the countrys top 15 tiger reserves. National Highway 28, passing through the buffer area and creating disturbance, was moved out of the reserve. Since the Gandak river often enters the reserve in the monsoons, six km of anti-erosion work was done to keep the river out of the protected area. Though the railway track and the trains passing through could not be removed, the speed of the trains was reduced from 60 kmph to 40 kmph to prevent wildlife being hit. The construction of road connecting India and Nepal through the reserve for movement of security forces was also averted. The construction of the metre-gauge railway link between Narkatiaganj and Bhiknatori near Nepal border was also stopped because it could affect a potential tiger breeding area.

This year over half a dozen rhinos from Chitwan National Park of Nepal strayed into VTR. Hopefully, the rhinos will return to VTR permanently making the park a tourist attraction like Corbett and Kanha.

The other heroes are Khenrab Phuntsog and Smanla Tsering who look after the Hemis National Park of Ladhak; Atul Deokar, East Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra who with the support of the community is protecting the wild buffalo, the vulture and the giant Indian squirrel; Shekhar Kumar Niraj, additional principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), Tamil Nadu, who is working with TRAFFIC has done tremendous work to arrest poaching; and Chandrakant Naik, deputy range officer, Karnataka forest department, who worked tirelessly for the recovery of the Kali Tiger Reserve.

The writer is a veteran journalist based in New Delhi
She went through the security gate and managed to pass herself off as the child of adults around her. (Photo: AFP)

A seven-year-old girl who ran away from her parents managed to take a train to Geneva airport and board a plane despite having no ticket.

The girl gave her parents the slip near Genevas central railway station on Sunday, then took the one-stop ride to the airport. Her parents rang the Swiss police, who tracked her progress through the airport on security videos, airport spokesman Bertrand Staempfli said.

She went through the security gate and managed to pass herself off as the child of adults around her, before using her small stature to slip through the departure gate without being noticed and boarding a plane, the airport said in a statement.

On her first attempt she followed a crew towards the plane and was turned back. She melted into the crowd and pretended to look for her parents. The second time, she managed to get into a plane, was spotted by an official, stopped, and handed over to police.

Staempfli declined to say which airline was involved or where it was flying to, but he said it was leaving from the airports French sector and the destination was in France.

Geneva airport straddles the French-Swiss border and passengers can leave from France or Switzerland.

The airport said in the statement it would tighten safety rules and boarding procedures as a result of what it called the highly regrettable incident.

This should never have happened, Staempfli said.
HYDERABAD: A quarrel over a pet dog dirtying the childrens play area took a violent turn at Lodha Belleza Apartments, KPHB Colony on Thursday. Police said Dr S.B.V. Ramana Reddy had warned the domestic helps of his neighbour Surekha Vemuri, a tenant, against walking the dog in the play area as its poop could pose health risks to children. On Thursday, the domestic helps, Mr M. Dinakaran and Ms M. Madhavi, took the dog for a stroll in the play area, leading to a quarrel. The doctor reportedly pushed Mr Dinakaran. This led to the domestic helps and Ms Vemuri getting into a heated quarrel in front of the doctors house.

Ms Vemuri said, The doctor was using very vulgar language because of which I had to hit him with my slipper. Dr Reddy denied that he pushed the domestic help and said, To save themselves they are blaming me. Lodha committee member K. Ajay said the tenants would be asked to vacate the premises as they did not follow the pet rules. A case has been registered against Dr Ramana Reddy on Ms Madhavis complaint under IPC Sections 323 (causing hurt), 509 (outraging modesty) and the SC/ST (Prevention Of Atrocities) Act. The doctor also lodged a complaint.
Washington: When suspect Warren Demesme told New Orleans police to "just give me a lawyer dog," he thought he was exercising his right to counsel, albeit with a touch of slang.

Unfortunately, neither detectives nor the Louisiana Supreme Court saw it that way.

The court ruled officers were not required to stop interviewing the 22-year-old over alleged child sex offences, as there was a possibility he was asking for representation from an actual dog -- meaning it was apparently not clear he wanted a human lawyer.

According to the court, police do not have to stop questioning if a suspect "makes a reference to an attorney that is ambiguous or equivocal in that a reasonable police officer (...) would have understood only that the suspect might be invoking his right to counsel."

In this case, the court ruled Demesme's use of the slang word "dog" was open to interpretation.

"In my view, the defendant's ambiguous and equivocal reference to a 'lawyer dog' does not constitute an invocation of counsel that warrants termination of the interview," Associate Supreme Court Justice Scott Crichton said in a concurrence published in late October.

Whether canine lawyers actually exist is another matter altogether -- and there is debate over whether the statement should have been transcribed as "give me a lawyer, dog," with a comma to eliminate the apparent confusion.

Prosecutors told the Washington Post Demesme -- charged with aggravated rape and indecent behavior with a juvenile -- went on to make incriminating statements during the October 2015 interview.

As a result of the ruling, they can be used as evidence during his pending trial.
An unfortunate fortune teller in France is being sued after telling a customer that she would be dead within six months.

According to news reports the 35-year-old said she suffered from severe psychological trauma after the prediction by the telephone clairvoyant last July.

The woman, apparently, paid 25 for the premium-rate call, and was told her doctor had wrongly diagnosed the stomach and chest pains she had been feeling.

The woman, Magalie said that the fortune teller had told her that shed be dead within six months.

"So I went to see another doctor, who told me there was nothing whatsoever wrong with me. Following which she called the clairvoyant back, but she stuck to her prediction, and told the woman that a lot of doctors were incompetent.

Soon after she started feeling traumatised and saw a therapist who advised her to take legal action against the clairvoyant.

The case is due to come before a judge in Thionville, eastern France, later this month.
Politics has played out in parliaments, on daises and on the streets, but taking it online and on social media has been a new phenomenon. But whats even more intriguing is seeing politicians use their social media accounts in a humorous fashion. While there are several who do it abroad, including Canadian politician Norm Kelly who makes rap references on Twitter, Indian politicians have been fairly to the point for far too long.

Rahul Gandhi's dog Pidi

However, Rahul Gandhi, who has started to use humour in his tweets, this week joked that his dog Pidi was behind his funny tweets. And the funny reactions it generated shows that maybe its time to add humour to social media politics. We speak to social thinkers and politicians if public personalties should take on a lighter vein online, to make themselves more appealing.

It is a necessity for a politician to be funny

I think it is essential for any public figure these days to use social media to get in touch with the masses directly. For a politician, it was a choice but now I think it is a necessity. It is a good tool to let people know about the activities they are doing, to keep people updated and also for crisis management and clearing the air about any rumours about them.

I think it is great because most of the youth are active on social media; using humour is a good idea. Barack Obama, for example, participated in a lot of funny debates, stand-up shows and more and created a good aura. People should get to see the politicians personality as it is and not just a serious individual. I welcome using sarcasm and humour on social media platforms!

Kiruba Shankar, Social Media Expert 

Jokes like this help in building a positive image

It was a cool move by Rahul Gandhi  we dont have politicians with a sense of humour. I think politicians should be able to take criticism and a guy who can take joke on himself is at least showing signs of taking disapproval. If a joke is made about them, they should not be angry which is how political parties tend to respond. By putting up such a joke, it helps in building a positive image. What it does is, show people that politicians are people and are capable of having a laugh. I would be really interested to see Lalu Prasad Yadav tweet. Honestly, if I am ever bored I just watch videos of him in Parliament.

 Karunesh Talwar, stand up comic

Humour shows a more humane side of the politician

I think laughing at one self is the best kind of humour there is. One, of course, it is humorous and second, it lightens up the topic. Humour shows a more humane side of the politician. Trolls crop up due to the negativity many politicians put out. So if you are able to put something in a lighter note, you arent dealing with as much negativity. Ever since the 2014 election, the atmosphere of political dispose has become so low it disgusts you as a politician. You have to express your opinions but there are some things that you can put out on lighter note. Although there are many others, I would like to see the Karnataka Chief Minister, S. Siddaramaiah showing his humorous side since he can come across as intimidating.

 Kavitha Reddy, Politician

One doesnt have to force humour on themselves

Humour is always good for a politician to build a rapport with people. But if a person tries to consciously break his image of a serious man to a funny guy, it might have a negative impact. Each person has a basic nature, body language and style; it might not be appealing for everyone. But if their intentions are aimed at a public cause, they will definitely earn a place in peoples heart. They dont have to force humour upon themselves. Moreover, in the process of creating an image of what they really arent, they might blurt out jokes in the wrong situations and might make a fool of themselves. So, I feel, it is always better for politicians to project their real selves and not try to be funny if they cant do it.

 V.P Chandran, LDF leader, Kochi

Such Statements always garner eyeballs

Social media is useful to express ourselves, especially things that we normally cant say up front. In fact, Id rather vouch for legislators who can express and highlight problems with good humour. Statements with humour always garner eyeballs, and social media also brings out your expressive side.

 KhaleeqUr Rahman, Politician

I would love to see manmohan singh put out tweets

Anyone who has a sense of humour gives me hope, especially when it is a politician. Look at Barack Obama and his correspondence dinner. I wasnt on the same page with Jaya Bachchan when she voiced her objections against poking fun at parliamentarians in 2014. It broke my heart. A sense of humour also shows wit and intelligence. I think Lalu Prasad Yadav is funny. I would love to see the former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh put out witty tweets for a change. I would love to see him fight back.

 Neeti Palta, stand-up comic
Ahmedabad: The alleged prime conspirator in the 2002 terror attack on Akshardham temple in Gujarat's capital Gandhinagar, Abdul Rashid Ajmeri, was arrested at the Ahmedabad airport after he arrived from Riyadh, a senior official said.

The arrest was made late on Friday night.

"Ajmeri is one of the prime conspirators behind the Akshardham temple terror attack. He was arrested from the airport after he landed here late last night. We had inputs that he is travelling to Ahmedabad from Riyadh to meet his brother," the Deputy Commissioner of Police of Ahmadabad Crime Branch, Deepan Bhadran, said.

It was alleged that he had planned the terror attack and helped Lashkar-e-Taiba in carrying it out.

Ajmeri, an Ahmedabad resident, "had absconded to Riyadh before the terror act was committed," Bhadran said, adding that more names may come out during his interrogation.

Two terrorists, allegedly with links to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, had attacked the temple in Gandhinagar on September 24, 2002, killing 32 and injuring over 80 people.

The attackers were killed by the National Security Guard (NSG) commandos.

The Supreme Court had, in May 2014, acquitted all six convicts arrested earlier, including three facing death sentence, in the case.
An indigenously developed light weight 'Glide' bomb has been successfully tested in Chandipur in Odisha, marking a major milestone in developing such weapons. (Screengrab)

New Delhi: The government said on Friday that an indigenously developed light weight 'Glide' bomb has been successfully tested in Chandipur in Odisha, marking a major milestone in developing such weapons.

The bomb - SAAW (Smart Anti Airfield Weapon) - was dropped from an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur on Thursday.

"The guided bomb released from the aircraft and guided through precision navigation system, reached the targets at greater than 70 km range, with high accuracies," the defence ministry said in a statement.

It said a total of three tests with "different release conditions" and ranges were conducted and were all successful.

The guided bomb is developed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), along with other laboratories of the DRDO and the Indian Air Force.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman congratulated the DRDO scientists and IAF for the successful tests.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and chairman DRDO, S Christopher, congratulated the team and said SAAW will be inducted soon into the Armed forces.

Director General Missiles and Strategic System of DRDO G Satheesh Reddy termed the test a major milestone in the indigenous capabilities to develop guided bombs.
The stampede took place on Saturday morning during the Kartik Purnima celebrations which at Simaria Ghat where devotees had gathered for the holy dip. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

Begusarai (Bihar): Three people were killed and at least 10 others injured in a stampede on the banks of river Ganga in Bihar's Begusarai district where devotees had congregated for Kartik Purnima celebrations.

The stampede took place on Saturday morning during the Kartik Purnima celebrations of Simaria Ghat where devotees had gathered for the holy dip.

According to Sadar Deputy Superintendent of Police Mithilesh Kumar, the three killed were women and their identities have not been ascertained yet.

Talking about the cause of the stampede Kumar said, "We are trying to ascertain the cause behind the stampede."

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to those who lost their lives in the stampede at Simaria Ghat.

Reacting on the incident, former Bihar chief minister tweets, "Saddened to hear the news of stampede at Ganga ghat during Kartik Purnima bathing ritual. The state government should have focused on crowd control measures."

Kartik Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of the Karthika month of the Hindu lunar calendar.
Senior Congress leader Kamal Nath said the CBI has turned into a 'Shakha of the RSS'. (Photo: PTI)

Indore: Taking a swipe at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for its "clean chit" to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the Vyapam scam, senior Congress leader Kamal Nath on Friday said the investigation agency has turned into a "Shakha of the RSS".

"Has any court given him (Chouhan) a clean chit? The CBI, which gave him a clean chit, has reduced itself to a department (shakha) of the RSS," Kamal Nath told reporters.

The Congress veteran leader said the CBI was asked to investigate the scam but the agency has started delivering the verdict. "This proves that this investigating agency has turned into a 'Shakha' of the RSS."

The CBI, in the chargesheet filed in a special court on October 31, said the forensic analysis of the hard disk drive, recovered from Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board (also known by its Hindi acronym Vyapam) officer Nitin Mohindra, showed that the discs carrying reference to the letters 'CM' had been tampered with.

Kamal Nath termed the state government the "most corrupt" in the entire country, and claimed that 160 scams had surfaced during the last 14 years of BJP rule.
New Delhi: The Central government on Friday informed the Supreme Court that no penal action would be taken against all those who had approached the top court seeking extension of time limit for depositing old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes post-demonetisation.

Attorney General K.K. Venugopal gave this assurance before a three-judge bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A.M. Khanwilkar and D.Y. Chandrachud during the hearing of a fresh writ petition seeking time for depositing the old notes.

Following this assurance, the Bench did not pass any order though advocate Pranav Sachdeva insisted on permission to allow the petitioners to deposit the old notes for now. A Constitution bench is already examining the validity of demonetisation.

It was submitted that some of the petitioners are old, sick and some were abroad and they should be allowed to deposit their notes.
New Delhi: Former home minister, P. Chidambaram, who was approached by the Delhi government to take up the case on division of power between the state and Centre, has now become a target of pot shots and jibes within Congress.

On Friday, the Congress DPCC chief, Ajay Maken, took pot shots at Congress and tweeted, Congratulations P. Chidambaram. You have been exonerated by your one time critic Kejriwal and AAP. Would AAP now apologise? Mr Maken also attached screenshots of previous tweets against M. Chidambaram by AAP.

On the other hand, former East Delhi MP, Sandeep Dikshit was more direct in his attack. In a Facebook post, he reminded Mr Chidambaram that during his tenure, he always tilted towards his ministry and the Centre, whenever there was a conflict with the then Delhi Congress chief minister, Sheila Dikshit. Mr Dikshit also questioned Mr Chidambarams decision to appoint R.K. Singh (MoS power in the Modi government) as the home secretary.

In his post, he claimed that Mr Singh was arrogant and whenever Ms. Dikshit led Delhi government questioned the formers policies, the then home minister always stood by him.

Mr Dikshit then wanted the Delhi Chief Minister, Mr Kejriwal to clarify how could he join hands with someone (Mr Chidambaram) whom he always accused of being corrupt.

Meanwhile, it was learned that a section of Congress leaders was upset with Mr. Chidambaram for accepting the brief of AAP.

They felt that at a time when AAP was working against the interest of the Congress, how could Mr. Chidambaram accept the brief. While the former home minister refused to be drawn into the controversy, insiders maintained that he had only accepted the brief and not appeared in the case.

Also, that the matter of the case is of the division of powers between the Government of National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi and not of any particular party.
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad High Court on Friday told the state government not to change nature of the land belonging to Victoria Memorial Home in Saroornagar for the construction of the Rachakonda police commissionerate complex.

A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ramesh Ranganathan and Justice Abhinand Kumar Shavili was dealing with a PIL by Mr L. Buchi Reddy, president of V.M. Home Orphan Old Students Association, challenging the decision of the state government to lease 10 acres of land belonging to the home to the Rachakonda police. Additional advocate-general J. Ramachandra Rao said the government was prepared to file a counter in the matter and sought an adjournment till Monday

Mr Sarasani Satyam Reddy, senior counsel appearing for the petitioner, said the the government had taken up the ground clearance works. More than 50 trees were removed and officials were trying to demolish an old building. He presented photographs showing the work in progress, and a board claiming that the land belonged to the Rachakonda police. He contended that the government had no power to affect this transfer as it was only a custodian of this endowment property and land belonged to the trust.

Mr Ramachandra Rao said the endowments department had granted permission for the lease. He said the government had the power to enter into a lease agreement in view of the permission from the endowments department. Making it clear that nature of land should not be changed, the bench adjourned the case to Tuesday.

Seek options from petitioners TS, AP told

The Hyderabad High Court on Friday directed the TS and AP governments to invite options from 1,260 employees who have approached the court against their allotment to AP.

A division bench comprising Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy and Justice M.S.K. Jaiswal said the dispute had not been resolved though a committee headed by a retired judge had heard the matter. Maintaining that inviting the options from the petitioners would pave way to settle the issue, the bench asked both governments why they had not sought options from the petitioners.

TS Advocate General D. Prakash Reddy said the government was ready to invite options and was ready to admit employees opting for Telangana state. AP special counsel D. Ramesh said the employees were sidelined by the TS on grounds of nativity. The bench said when the TS government had came forward to admit employees in its power utilities, the AP government should take the initiative to resolve the dispute.

Mr Vedula Venkata Ramana, senior counsel, said he was appearing for 500 employees and chances were that 40 per cent of them would opt for Telangana state. Mr Prakash Reddy said they will prepare a format to seek options from the employees.

Appointment of Justice challenged

A petition has been moved before the Hyderabad High Court on Friday challenging appointment of Justice D.V.S.S. Somayajulu as additional judge of the High Court. City advocate U.D. Jai Bhima Rao and two other advocates moved the petition stating that the appointment was violative of Article 217(2) of the Constitution.

They submitted that judges are appointed from the Bar and those who have held judicial office for not less than 10 years. They said that Justice Somayajulu was not the member of the Bar of any High Court.

No permission for Galis London visit

The Hyderabad High Court on Friday refused permission to mining baron Gali Janardhan Reddy to visit London to attend his daughters first marriage anniversary.

Gali Janardhan Reddy

Justice M. Satyanarayana Murthy was dismissing two petitions by Mr Janardhan Reddy, accused in illegal mining case of Obulapuram Mining Corporation, seeking a direction to the special CBI court to release his passport. He moved the High Court after the CBI court rejected his plea. Opposing the plea, CBI counsel said it would be a Herculean task for the agency to get back the petitioner if he disappeared in London and cited the case of liquor baron Vijay Mallya.
Bengaluru: In a move which would spell trouble for some Bharatiya Janata Party leaders in the run-up to next years elections to the Legislative Assembly, a cabinet sub-committee on illegal mining has recommended handing over of several cases of illegal export of iron ore from Mangaluru and Belekeri ports to the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

The investigation by SIT, which would help counter the onslaught by BJP leaders against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and some of his cabinet colleagues, would commence soon after a formal go-ahead by the cabinet, according to chairman of the sub-committee and RDPR minister H K Patil.

He told the media here on Friday the sub-committee favoured a probe by the SIT as the CBI declined to probe these cases on technical grounds. In a letter to the chief secretary, the top brass of CBI had expressed helplessness to go ahead with the investigation on technical grounds though about 130 companies (54 in Mangaluru and 76 in Belekeri) had illegally exported 3.65 lakh tones of iron ore worth over `5,000 crores from these two ports.

On receipt of a formal communication from the CBI, the state government constituted the cabinet sub-committee to explore possibilities of handing over the investigation to other agencies.

Our panel has favoured a probe by the SIT. The cabinet will take a final call on the investigation, he added.

Official sources said that the SIT, probing cases of illegal ore export below 50,000 tonnes, has registered 72 cases so far and filed chargesheets in 22 cases. Officers of the SIT are likely to invoke provisions of Criminal Justice Act against the guilty as it would be difficult to punish the guilty under existing rules, sources added. The move on illegal export of iron ore comes close on the heels of reports that the state government has drawn up the final report on power purchase scam during the previous BJP regime with an intention to embarrass state BJP president B S Yeddyurappa and Member of Parliament Shobha Karandlaje.
They then took him at gunpoint to the shop and took away rice, sugar and other groceries. (Representational Image)

Wayanad: A six member gang, suspected to be Maoists, threatened a shop keeper at gunpoint and took away some groceries from his outlet at a village in the district, police said on Saturday.

Police said the gang first went to the man's residence on Friday afternoon and demanded food and were told there was nothing in the house. They then took him at gunpoint to the shop and took away rice, sugar and other groceries.

They later escaped into the nearby forest, police said, adding a search was on to nab them.
Chennai: Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Friday visited several areas affected by the overnight incessant rains including the worst-hit north Chennai and insisted that his government worked on war-footing to ensure that there was no water logging on major roads across the city.

Accompanied by deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam, cabinet colleagues and senior officials, Palaniswami visited R. K. Nagar, the erstwhile constituency of J. Jayalalithaa, Pallikaranai and Perungalathur in Kancheepuram district on Friday afternoon and met with people affected due to the heavy rains that pounded through the night. Palaniswami, who visited the relief camps where people living in low-lying areas were lodged, distributed food packets, biscuits and water to them and also listened to their grievances.

Brimming Narayanapuram lake on 200 feet radial road in Pallikaranai. (Photo: DC)

Palaniswami dismisses Opposition charges

People at the camps asked Palaniswami to devise a permanent solution to prevent inundation of low-lying areas in Tambaram to which he responded in the affirmative. Speaking to reporters, Palaniswami dismissed Opposition claims that the government did not make adequate preparations to tackle the monsoon rains.

We ensured there was no stagnation of water this year despite the heavy downpour, the chief minister said, adding that the city received 36 cm of rainfall in just two days. You saw how much of water stagnation was witnessed in Bengaluru and Mumbai when rains pounded these metropolitan cities, Palaniswami said, adding that government functionaries worked on war-footing and stagnant water has been removed.

Talking about the government's efforts to ensure city does not suffer during rains, he said a stormwater drain system is being constructed for the citys needs and the work is over on 300 km of the proposed 386 km long system, he said. Palaniswami said the government acted in accordance with the plans devised post-December 2015 deluge that submerged the city in water and ensured that people don't suffer.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said she has asked the Indian Embassy in the US to send her a report on the incident about the beating of a Sikh boy. (Photo: File | ANI)

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has asked the Indian Embassy in the US for a report on the alleged beating of a Sikh boy in the Washington State.

According to news reports, the 14-year-old Sikh boy was punched and knocked down by his classmate in the Washington State with his father claiming that his son was targeted because he is of Indian descent.

Also Read : Amid rising hate crimes, Sikh teen beaten up in US school

"I have seen news reports about the beating of a Sikh boy in US. I have asked the Indian Embassy in the US to send me a report on the incident," Swaraj said in a tweet.

I have seen news reports about the beating of a Sikh boy in US. I have asked @IndianEmbassyUS to send me a report on the incident.  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 4, 2017

The boy was attacked by the classmate as someone recorded it and posted it on Snapchat. In the clip, the classmate follows behind the victim and suddenly punches him, knocking him to the ground.

The victim was punched several more times as he tries to protect his head and crawl away, the report said. However, the school district said it was not rooted in hate, but spawned hate speech online.

The victims father said he fears his son was targeted because he is of Indian descent and is a Sikh.

I am feeling so, so bad because this happened with my son, he said.

With inputs from PTI.
Salem: The long-pending demand by the tribal people of Neyyamalai village in the hill area near Salem for a bitumen road may soon find the light of day, thanks to an assurance by a concerned district collector Rohini R. Bhajubakare. During an inspection of the area and adjoining hamlets, she promised to take steps to build a pucca road to reach the tribal village.

After reviewing panchayat development works at Neyyamalai and Pethanaikenpalayam villages, the collector said here on Friday, about 800 families are residing in the village and they have to travel eight-km through dense hills areas to reach other nearby places to sell their agricultural produce and for other domestic purposes. The village does not have tar road for a three-km stretch as it traverses through the reserved forest limit. But considering peoples demand for a proper road for transportation purposes, steps will be taken to lay a road.

The collector also announced that local residents would be distributed pattas for their houses and lands at the scheduled grama sabha meeting on December 12. The certificates would be helpful for getting assistance under government schemes to construct houses. Already 62 tribal residents have been given house-site pattas. Similarly, officials have been told to create awareness on various needs of tribals in the area, Ms Rohini explained.

In the course of her inspection tour today, the collector also visited a government school in the village and spent some time to take lessons for the students. The district forest officer (Athur), Periyasamy, revenue divisional officer, Selvam, DRDA executive engineer, Arumugam and plan officer (tribal welfare), P. T. Sundaram were among those who accompanied the Salem collector.
Hyderabad: Adapa Gauri, 40, a housewife, who had consumed poison along with her husband Raghunandan, 45, over health issues, died early on Friday.

According to the police, the woman was suffering from cancer and the family had spent huge amount of money on her treatment. Deprived of cash, the couple decided to end their lives.

On Monday, the couple consumed poison at their house in Nizampet and were rushed to the Gandhi Hospital by their relatives. The man died on Wednesday while the woman succumbed early on Friday. The police registered a case under Section 174 of CrPC and handed over the bodies to relatives after conducting a postmortem.
Hyderabad: Its raining gold at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Shamshabad. Over the past seven months, customs officials have seized about 37 kilograms of gold being smuggled into the city from foreign countries. This is 300 per cent the amount of gold seized in the same period last year.

Between April and October this year, officials have charged 93 persons smuggling gold and seized 37 kg of gold. In the same period last year, they registered 25 cases and seized a total of 11.453 kg of gold.

A senior customs official says that the department has tightened its intelligence network and hence been successful at apprehending gold smugglers. The collection of intelligence plays an important role in tracking down gold smugglers. Additionally, some new techniques have been adopted to track and trap gold smugglers, says the official.

Officials say that of the 27 cases registered in October alone, 16 were against persons who arrived at the airport from Dubai and three were against persons who arrived from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

Large consignments are being split into smaller ones and scattered among carriers who smuggle the gold into the country. Orga-nised syndicates of smugglers ensure that large consignments are not brought in, he said.

If gold worth over Rs 20 lakh is seized, the smuggler is arrested. Other-wise, the property is seized and the smuggler is issued a notice, which is why they avoid large consignments, the official added.

First time travellers lured to carry gold consignments

Jewellery-making units and shops in and around Gulzar Houz and Ameerpet continue to be the final destination of the gold smuggled into the city from countries such as Dubai.

Gold is smuggled into the city through a chain of persons, which includes women. People coming to India for the first time are lured into carrying gold bars as they are unsuspecting and they easily get through the airport exit, says a customs official.

The smuggling syndicates keep a close watch on the modus operandi adopted by customs officials to catch smugglers and accordingly develop their own methods to evade them.

Gold is usually smuggled in biscuit form, concealed in footwear or undergarments. The carriers are usually small-time workers in the Middle East who are easily lured by free tickets, says an official. The carriers hand over their consignments to persons standing outside the airport before collecting their commissions and leaving.

Sources say that such receivers are only employed when persons unfamiliar to the country act as carriers. Otherwise, local youths are sent to the Middle East on tourist visas to bring gold back with them. In such cases, the consignments are collected from their homes. The youth are paid a commission as well as offered free tickets, visas and accommodation. Apart from gold, they also smuggle electronic items into the country.
Ballari: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted that attempts are being made to distort history and disturb communal harmony in the state while inaugurating Hampi Utsav at the UNESCO world heritage site, Hampi on Friday,

The Vijayanagar rulers were secular and Muslim men were a force to reckon with in the kingdom, he said, adding, "King Sri Krishna Devaraya was so secular that he inducted Muslims into his army.

But serious attempts are now being made to misinterpret history. This is nothing but a betrayal of history itself", he said while referring to the Tipu Sultan controversy with the BJP opposing the celebration of Tipu Jayanti on November 10.

Tipu was a secular ruler and a pro-Kannadiga and most important of all, he was against colonial rule. He was a democratic ruler who was supported by contemporary Hindu rulers like the Maratha Peshwas in his war against the British," he asserted.

The CM also said that his government has been reaching 98 per cent of people in society through its many Bhagya welfare schemes.
TD leaders are not so comfortable with the new entrants as it would create more competition for election tickets in 2019.

Vijayawada: Rampachodavaram YSRC MLA V. Rajeswari joined the Telugu Desam in the presence of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday, the 22nd Opposition legislator to defect to the ruling party.

Her defection comes just two days before YSRC president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy sets out on his padayatra. Another three or four MLAs are expected to join the TD during the course of his padayatra.

For the TD, the timing of the YSRC defection couldnt have been more right. The YSRC chief, however, is also relieved and has reportedly told his party cadre that he is glad be-cause the defections will give him the opportunity to select more deserving freshers.

Speaking to the media, Ms Rajeswari said she had joined the TD because she had witnessed the impressive development that was taking place under Mr Naidus leadership.

She said, she also disagreed with the YSRC chiefs decision to boycott the Assembly session.

Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy is the Leader of the Oppo-sition and the YSRC is the only Opposition party in the Assembly. The decision to boycott the session sends out the wrong signal, said Ms Rajeswari.

TD leaders are not so comfortable with the new entrants as it would create more competition for election tickets in 2019. The Centre has not assured Mr Naidu about the enhancement of the Assembly seats to 225 from 175.

Our party is heading towards bad days as YSRC MLAs joining the TD are a liability, a TD leader said and added that genuine TD leaders will have to struggle to get tickets. Unless there is enhancement of seats, accommodating all these defected MLAs in 2019 itself would be greatly difficult, he felt.

Leaders in the YSRC camp feel that the YSRC chief and other seniors are just observing how things roll and are waiting for their turn to react. which they will do during the padayatra.
New Delhi: Hinting at a fresh crackdown against benami properties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday ridiculed the ruling Congress in Himachal Pradesh by likening it to termites and urging voters in the hill state to wipe out the party by giving an unequivocal mandate to the Bharatiya Janata Party in the November 9 Assembly elections.

Himachal ko bimariyon se dur karne ke liye Congress rupi dimak ko Himachal ki jad se nikalkar phekna zaroori hain (Congress needs to be dumped to rid Himachal of its ailments), Modi said.

Addressing a rally in Himachal Pradesh, the Prime Minister said the Congress campaign against demonetisation was driven by its attempts to mislead people and create an atmosphere against him before he can raise a storm over benami assets.

Modi also launched a scathing attack on Himachal Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh who is facing corruption charges.

He went on to add that if people elect a BJP chief minister in the state, development will increase like it did when Atal Behari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister and BJP leader Prem Kumar Dhumal was the state chief minister.

In the upcoming elections, the BJP has declared Dhumal as it chief ministerial candidate.

Chiding the Congress' decision to mark the first anniversary (November 8) of demonetisation as a black day, Modi said that it was actually blackmoney day for the Opposition party and other vested interests who are unhappy with him for his fight against corruption.
Hyderabad: Senior Congress leaders on Saturday reviewed the arrangements for the tour of AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi on November 20 in Warangal where a massive public meeting will be organised. TPCC president N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said Mr Gandhi has tentatively agreed to attend the meeting and final confirmation would be known within next few days.

The leaders at Saturdays meeting decided to take up agitational programmes against demonetisation by organising rallies and dharnas across the state. PCC general secretary Dasoju Sravan who briefed the media after the meeting said as per the AICC directions, protests will be organised against Prime Minister Narendra Modis decision by observing it a black day.

The meeting was attended by TS party incharge R.C. Kunthia, Leader of Opposition K. Jana Reddy and Shabbir Ali (Council), PCC working president Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, former PCC chief V. Hanumantha Rao and former Union ministers Balaram Naik and Sarve Satyanarayana. The party decided to focus involve the common man in every protest to expose how the Centres decision on demonetisation had affected small traders and the people.
Hyderabad: The Telangana state has been losing nearly Rs 10,000 crore worth of fruits and vegetables every year due to lack of sufficient cold storage facilities. A report by the horticulture department says over 36 lakh metric tonnes of fruits and vegetables perish every year. Of this vegetables alone comprise of 16.50 lakh metric tonnes. While Telangana State needs 216 cold storage units to meet the production demand, only 56 exist at present, leaving a major portion of vegetable and fruit produce to rot.

The report was presented by the horticulture department at the recent National Conference on Agriculture for Rabi Campaign - 2017-18, held from September 19 to 20 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Fruits, vegetables and spices are grown on 26.34 lakh acres in Telangana - 10.87 lakh acres for fruits, 8.68 lakh acres for vegetables, and spices on 6.79 lakh acres. The total fruit production in the state is 47.52 lakh metric tonnes per year. The production of vegetables is 50.01 lakh metric tonnes and spices 13.28 lakh metric tonnes. According to the report, 16.50 lakh metric tonnes of vegetables, 19.50 lakh metric tonnes of vegetables and 3.98 lakh metric tonnes of spices get spoilt every year because of lack of storage facilities.

This wastage is leading to shortage of vegetables and fruits and escalation in prices, imposing unnecessary additional financial burden on consumers. Agriculture minister Pocharam Srinivas Reddy said the agriculture department in coordination with the marketing department has decided to set up cold storages in all districts. The government is also encouraging private players to set up cold storages across the state and offering various subsidies for the purpose.
Hyderabad: The low survival rate of the sheep distributed to Yadavs and Kurumas has become a cause for concern for the government of Telangana.

The sheep purchased from other states are falling prey to diseases. Additionally, some shepherds have been selling the sheep given to by them.

As per the reports sent by officials of the department of animal husbandry of various districts of the state government, over 50,000 sheep have died of disease and 1.25 lakh sheep have been sold by shepherds to butchers and meat dealers. The sale of sheep peaked during the recent Bakri Id festival due to high demand.

Under the sheep distribution scheme, which is aimed at encouraging enrolment in caste-based professions, the government intends to distribute over one crore sheep in two years, of which 10 lakh have already been distributed.

Alarmed by the reports of sheep deaths, the government has directed officials to take up a ground-level survey to determine how many of the 10 lakh sheep have survived, and how much money the government and the beneficiaries have lost due to the sheep deaths and the misuse of the schemes benefits.

Each shepherd family receives one unit, which consists of 20 sheep and a ram, valued at Rs 1.25 lakh. Of this, the government pays Rs 96,000, while the beneficiary pays the remaining Rs 29,000. Though the scheme is supposed to help shepherds earn profits, several families have been left fuming as a result of their share of the payment going down the drain with the death of their sheep.

Sheep deaths have been reported in districts Vikarabad, Sircilla, Medak, Mahabubnagar, Adilabad, Nalgonda, and Khammam.

Minister of animal husbandry Talasani Srinivas Yadav says, The outbreak of diseases is a common phenomenon which can be controlled by deploying veterinary doctors. If deaths have occurred on account of diseases, the government will ensure that compensation is paid to the families by insurance firms as the department has paid the premium.

The government will recover the money from the beneficiaries if it finds that they have sold the sheep to meat dealers. The scheme is meant to encourage the rearing of sheep.

He says that some breeds of sheep which have been purchased from states such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal have had some difficulty in adjusting to local climatic conditions, and this could be one of the reasons for their death.

We have ordered an inquiry into the issue. We are deploying mobile vet clinics to assist beneficiaries, and ambulances are being sent to each Assembly constituency. Over 100 ambulances are being purchased, Mr Yadav says.
Following this, the DEO issued show cause notice to the principal of the school.

Bhopal: Two girls, students of Class X in a government high school in a Madhya Pradesh town, were strip-searched by their teacher on suspicion of stealing their friends money, officials said on Saturday.

Feeling humiliated by the teachers actions, the two victims, students of government high school in district headquarters town of Damoh, have stopped attending classes since Friday, local district education officer (DEO) said. The victims parents reported the matter to the DEO.

Following this, the DEO issued show cause notice to the principal of the school.

A student of Class 10 in the school had reported that Rs 70 was found missing from her bag.
At the end of a four-hour meeting, the Telangana state convinced the Krishna River Management Board to allot it an additional 4 percentage point share in the main storage in the Krishna river.

Hyderabad: At the end of a four-hour meeting, the Telangana state convinced the Krishna River Management Board to allot it an additional 4 percentage point share in the main storage in the Krishna river. When the issue of wasting of waters under Nagarjunasagar left (Telangana state) and right (AP) canals was raised, the board agreed to appoint a sub-committee with officials from the two governments to look into the issue.

The meeting was attended by board chairman S.K. Srivatsav, member secretary A. Paramesam, Special Chief Secretary (TS irrigation) S.K. Joshi, AP water resources Sasi Bhu-shan Kumar, Engineers-in-Chief C. Muralidhar (TS), M. Venkateswara Rao (AP), Chief Engineers S. Suneel (Nagar-junasagar) and C. Narayana Reddy (Srisailam dam). When Mr Joshi again mentioned that since Hyderabad is the common capital city for both the states, the drinking water allocation for the city should be shared by AP, Mr Bhushan Kumar retorted, albeit in a lighter vein that the matter had already been discussed and is a closed affair. And, if the common capital logic is to be applied, then TS better allocate some share in the revenues from Hyderabad to Andhra Pradesh.
Mr Modi claimed that the Congress has already conceded defeat and has left the field open for the BJP.

NEW DELHI: Hinting at a fresh crackdown against benami properties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday ridiculed the ruling Congress in Himachal Pradesh by likening it to termites and urging voters in the hill state to wipe out the party by giving an unequivocal mandate to the BJP in the November 9 Assembly elections.

He said that the Congress is worried as illegal assets of its leaders will not be spared. The time has come to return to the poor what had been robbed of them... I am going to create a situation that they (Congress leaders) will not be able to reclaim their benami assets, Mr Modi said.

Mr Modi claimed that the Congress has already conceded defeat and has left the field open for the BJP. No senior Congress leader has come here to campaign.

They have already left the field leaving everything on fate, he said. The BJP has made the fight against corruption its poll plank in the state. Mr Modi said that there is anger amongst the people of Himachal Pradesh and they will give a befitting reply to the Congress for its sins.
There is some irony in the fact of former Union home minister and well-known lawyer P. Chidambaram accepting the brief of the AAP government in Delhi in the matter of division of powers between the National Capital Territory of Delhi and the Centre, which is now before the Supreme Court. The running fight on this score has hobbled the relations between the AAP and the BJP.

However, there is a personal and a political angle here. AAP leader and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal had no qualms about attacking senior Congress leaders, including Mr Chidambaram, as corrupt when the AAP was in the process of building its image as a crusader against corruption. On account of this, some Congress leaders have taken light-hearted pot-shots at Mr Chidambaram.

The political side of the story is that the Congress, not unlike the BJP that is now ensconced at the Centre, has traditionally favoured the idea of the Union government exercising power over the elected government of the Union Territory of Delhi in crucial matters such as land use, law and order (control over Delhi Police) and the transfer and postings of officers of all-India cadres seconded to the Union government.

In his avatar as the home minister, Mr Chidambaram too had appeared to endorse the status quo. The apex court also indicated the other day that the constitutional provisions appeared to suggest the superior authority of the Centre in respect of the contentious areas, though the idea of expanding the role of the elected government of Delhi could be looked at. Perhaps this is the case Mr Chidambaram might seek to present.
The couple were acquitted by the Allahabad High Court on October 12 after they were convicted in 2013 by a lower court for the murder of their daughter Aarushi and domestic help Hemraj. (Photo: PTI/File)

A fair criminal trial must meet three criteria  an independent judge, a fair prosecutor and thorough and honest investigation by the police. On October 12, the Allahabad high court acquitted Rajesh and Nupur Talwar on the charge of murder of their only child, Aarushi, and their domestic worker, Hemraj Banjade. They had suffered imprisonment for four years. The entire case rested on circumstantial evidence. The investigation was conducted by the CBI. Their senior defence counsel, Tanveer Ahmed Mir, said: The investigating officer manipulated the case and fabricated statements of my clients in such a way that the court would summon them.

The high court censured the trial court judge, Shyam Lal, for convicting the Talwars. Like a film director, the trial judge has tried to thrust coherence amongst facts inalienably scattered here and there, but not giving any coherence to the idea as to what in fact happened.

The British historian Patrick French, who wrote an admirable book on Partition, carefully followed this case and was always convinced of the couples innocence. French holds that the CBI did realise that there was actual physical evidence tying another suspect to the scene of the night: Krishna. The said Krishna was formerly a compounder in the clinic of the dentist couple.

Rather than step back and admit a mistake, the CBI concocted an implausible typographical error to explain why a pillowcase found in Krishnas room in a neighbouring building was stained with Hemrajs blood. This discovery strongly suggested that Krishna had been present in the Talwar home at the time of the murders.

He concludes: The last I heard, Krishna was unemployed and had moved from Noida to Delhi to live with relatives. Although he was born in Nepal, he has lived most of his life in and around Delhi. If the case of the murder of Aarushi and Hemraj is reopened, he and the other men who were present in the Talwars house that night must be ready to answer questions.

What the case establishes is a lesson of wider impact. It is not a media trial but a careful, scholarly account that can establish the truth and expose the flaws in the investigation and the trial.

On October 9, the Gujarat high court commuted the death sentences to life imprisonments of 11 accused in the death of Hindu activists in the Godhra train arson attack on February 27, 2002  which became an excuse to stage the Gujarat pogrom. A correspondent who carefully followed the case for years pinpointed the flaws in the judgement; in particular, acceptance of the conspiracy theory against Muslims.

The trial of Z.A. Bhutto for conspiracy to murder a political opponent was a travesty of justice. The judge who presided over the trial, Maulvi Mushtaq Hussain, was a sworn enemy of Bhutto. Then chief justice Muhammad Yaqub Ali was removed and chief justice Sheikh Anwarul Haq was appointed in his place. He fully lived up to Gen. Zias expectations. The Supreme Court of Pakistan upheld the conviction by 4-3. Execution on a divided verdict is reprehensible.

The International Commission of Jurists was represented at the appeal before the Supreme Court by John Melville Williams QC, an experienced criminal lawyer of the English bar. He was able to examine the record of the trial and study the judgement, the grounds of appeal and other relevant documents. He referred to the apparent failure of the Lahore high court to examine critically the evidence of accomplices. Indeed, instead of so doing they seem to have permitted, if not encouraged, them to change their evidence to make it more favourable to the prosecution.

In his view, The suspicion that the judges accepted the evidence because of their antagonism to Bhutto rather than on a true assessment of the reliability of the witnesses is not one that can be removed by the appeal court so that a rehearing is the only appropriate solution.

Mr Williams opined: It is clear from the variety of statements made by many of the persons involved that all witnesses were subject, or believed they were subject, to great political and personal pressures so that evidence is also suspect on that ground. Sadly none of the books on the trial do any justice to the subject.
The babu crisis in Telangana is so severe that chief minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao wants to set up a new state service. (Photo: PTI/File)

In the Modi sarkar, Indian Police Service officers are carrying a grievance. While the government has been inducting officers from services other than the Indian Administrative Service as joint secretaries, the IPS officers are lagging behind. Though both IAS and IPS officers are supposed to get promoted to joint secretary level scale in 14 years, the government seems to be leaning in favour of the IAS officers.

Sources say that the IPS officers are peeved that IAS batches are being regularly upgraded, while they are not. The example of 1996 batch IPS officers whose promotion took 19 years is often cited as an example of the neglect. It is felt that the IAS fraternity continue to wield their considerable clout over senior appointments, at the cost of the other services.

Clearly, this is another example of the turf war which continues to wage within the all India services, with the heaven born using their clout to protect what they believe is rightfully their stomping ground. Apparently, things were better during the United Progressive Alliance regime when all service batches were upgraded at the same time.

Crisis management in Telangana

The babu crisis in Telangana is so severe that chief minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao wants to set up a new state service. The proposed Telangana State Administrative Service (TSAS) will be filled with officers equivalent to those from Group-1 and Group-1 B in the present structure.

Sources say that the Telangana State Public Service Commission, in consultation with senior general administration department (GAD) officials and the department of personnel and training (DoPT) of the Central government will decide the guidelines.

The decision stems from the failure of the Centre to acquiesce to the state governments repeated requests to allot at least 40 IAS, 35 IPS and 30 IFS officers to the state to ensure smooth administration. A committee consisting of deputy CM Kadiyam Srihari, ministers Harish Rao, Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, Etela Rajender, chief secretary S.P. Singh, senior officials S.K. Joshi, Suresh Chandra, Ajay Mishra, B.R. Meena, Rajiv Ranjan Acharya, Adhar Sinha and DGP Anurag Sharma is working on the proposal which will be sent to the Centre soon.

Babus gagged in Rajasthan

While the Modi sarkar aggressively uses a variety of digital tools and platforms, and encourages its babus to use digital platforms to communicate with the public, the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Rajasthan doesnt seem to share the enthusiasm. Recently, the state government has directed all officers and other employees to not make any baseless comments or allegations against any person, party or organisation through press or social media.

A circular issued by state personnel secretary Bhaskar A. Sawant refers to the All India Services (Conduct) Rules 1968 and Rajasthan Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, and states that no officer or other employee shall over any media make any statement or opinion which has the effect of an adverse criticism of any policy or action of the government.

The employees through the circular issued recently were warned of disciplinary action if found involved in making baseless allegations or comments. In the circular, Mr Sawant also warned of strict disciplinary action if any officer or employee failed to comply with the directions.
Does the Prime Minister have an ideology? This might be a strange question to ask because his partys website advertises its ideology and gives it a name: Hindutva. But it needs to be asked because one of our most intelligent politicians has said that the party doesnt have a proper ideology. Former finance minister P. Chidambaram was asked a question by a business daily on where he would place the BJP in its philosophical interpretation of the role of the State as a promoter of welfare, provider of health and education for furthering equality or a complete laissez-faire approach?

This is not a simple question to answer. Laissez-faire is an approach where the government does not participate in the economy and lets private players run everything. This can roughly be described as a society which people like Ayn Rand wrote about, in which heroic capitalists make the world better through competition, and the incompetent government does not meddle, leaving even health and education to the private sector and letting citizens fend for themselves.

During the 2014 campaign, it was suggested that Narendra Modi might be advocating such a system, which was different from the socialism that was favoured by the Congress. Of course, what has come to be in the last three years is that the socialist schemes like MNREGA, etc, that

Mr Modi promised to shut down he has left intact. There seems to be no difference between the National Democratic Alliances approach to the role of the State and the approach of the United Progressive Alliance under Manmohan Singh.

This is what Mr Chidambaram challenged in his reply. He said: The BJP does not have a core economic ideology or philosophy. The BJPs core ideology is only Hindutva and majoritarian government. Any government must have a core economic philosophy that would give an indication of where it stands in the Left-to-Right spectrum. The BJP has, as a party, never reflected on its place in terms of the Left-to-Right spectrum of economic philosophy. Therefore, it is wandering all over the place.

One can read these as harsh words from an adversary. But though I am not a Congress voter, I think it is important to examine where

Mr Chidambaram is going with this. He said: Contrast the Congress approach, and I would be the first to admit that there were many deficiencies in the implementation of the programmes. But the Congress placed emphasis on three or four issues which defined its core philosophy. First of all, nobody should die of hunger or starvation. That is why we brought the MNREGA and the National Food Security Act.

The other issues he adds as the defining ones are  pregnant women, lactating mothers, infants and under-five children, interventions in health, including the immunisation programme and the National Rural Health Mission. Mr Chidambaram says that these interventions defined the Congress core beliefs and philosophy and adds that such specific direction is absent in Mr Modis outlook.

Pointing to a report that 282 children died in Gorakhpur, he said: It is not impacting the Central government. It is not impacting the UP government. It is not moving anyones heart... To them, lighting up Varanasi on Diwali and building a temple that exemplify their Hindutva philosophy are more important than infant/maternal mortality, malnutrition or hunger.

The question is not whether the UPA was better at governance than the NDA, Mr Chidambaram is accepting his governments flaws. The question is: does the BJP and specifically the Prime Minister have an ideology and a vision from which their actions are emanating? Or is Mr Chidambaram correct in saying that there is no coherent narrative that is holding together all the grand initiatives.

Make in India, Swachchh Bharat, demonetisation, surgical strike, bullet train, Start Up India, GST: are these all part of something grand and whole? Or are they individual parts with no meaning attached to them and no linkages with one another? This is a troubling question that all of us, including BJP voters, need to ask.

The Congress says it tried to focus on certain specific problems. It was unable to convince us, rightly, that it was competent at executing them, even if the intention may have been right. That is behind us now. It is the turn of the BJP to explain what it is seeking to do and what the grand plan is. Personally I hope Mr Chidambaram is wrong, and that there is some focused thinking going on in the NDA on what its five year and 10 year achievements should be. Because if the ideology is just Hindutva, meaning cattle slaughter, temple issue, love jihad, joined with random acts on the side of economics and foreign policy then we are in deeper trouble than we think.
The population of the Baikal earless seals, also known as nerpa, is estimated to be around 130,000. (Photo credit: AP)

Russian authorities were investigating whether 141 Baikal earless seals starved to death after their carcasses washed up in Siberia on the shores of the worlds deepest lake, officials said Friday.

The dead seals  most of them pregnant females  started appearing along Lake Baikal last weekend, the Irkutsk regions government said. The population of the Baikal earless seals, also known as nerpa, is estimated to be around 130,000. The lake in southeastern Russia near the Mongolian border, 2,600 miles (4,185 kilometres) east of Moscow, contains 20 percent of the worlds freshwater and is home to 1,500 species of plants and animals that exist nowhere else in the world.

Alexei Kalinin, a prosecutor for West Baikal who monitors the environment, told the Interfax news agency that one of the likeliest causes of the deaths could be the scarcity of food because of the growing nerpa population. The dead animals were all hungry. There was no food in their stomachs, Kalinin said.

Authorities have ruled out a disease outbreak, and say lab samples havent shown what could have killed the animals. The population of the nerpas, Baikals only mammal, shot up after hunting them was outlawed in 2009. A number of scientists and local leaders, however, have called for allowing limited hunting to control the lakes growing seal population.

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Eugene Kaspersky said his companys widely used antivirus software has copied files that did not threaten the personal computers of customers, a sharp departure from industry practice that could increase suspicions that the Moscow-based firm aids Russian spies.

The acknowledgement, made in an interview last Friday as part of the Reuters Cyber Security Summit, comes days after Kasperskys company said its software had copied a file containing US National Security Agency hacking tools from the home computer of an agency worker in 2014. Kasperskys firm has for years faced suspicions that it has links with Russian intelligence and state-sponsored hackers. Kaspersky denies any cooperation with Russian authorities beyond cybercrime enforcement.

In September, the US Department of Homeland Security banned Kaspersky software from use in federal offices, citing the companys ties with Russian intelligence. The company is the subject of a long-running probe by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, sources have told Reuters. Antivirus software is designed to burrow deeply into computer systems and has broad access to their contents, but it normally seeks and destroys only files that contain viruses or are otherwise threatening to a customers computers, leaving all other files untouched.

Searching for and copying files that might contain hacking tools or clues about cybercriminals would not be part of normal operations of antivirus software, former Kaspersky employees and cybersecurity experts said. In the Reuters interview, conducted at Kaspersky Labs offices in Moscow, Eugene Kaspersky said the NSA tools were copied because they were part of a larger file that had been automatically flagged as malicious.

He said the software removed from the agency workers computer included a tool researchers dubbed GrayFish, which the company has called the most complex software it has ever seen for corrupting the startup process for Microsofts Windows operating system. Kaspersky said he had ordered the file to be deleted within days because it contained US government secrets. But he defended the broader practice of taking inert files from machines of people that the company believes to be hackers as part of a broader mission to help fight cybercrime. From time to time, yes, we have their code directly from their computers, from the developers computers, Kaspersky told Reuters.

Three former Kaspersky employees and a person close to the FBI probe of the company, who first described the tactic to Reuters this summer; said copying non-infectious files abused the power of antivirus software. The person associated with the FBI said in one case Kaspersky removed a digital photo of a suspected hacker from that persons machine. Eugene Kaspersky declined to discuss specific instances beyond the NSA case, saying he did not want to give hackers ideas for avoiding detection.

Sometimes we are able to catch a cybercriminal, thats why I am not so comfortable to speak about this to media, he said in the interview. Many of them are very clever, they can learn from what I am saying.

Other industry experts called the practice improper. Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer at Finnish security company F-Secure, said that when his firms software finds a document that might contain dangerous code, it will prompt the user or the administrator and ask if it can upload a copy to us. Dan Guido, chief executive of cybersecurity firm Trail of Bits, which has performed audits on security software, said Kasperskys practices point to a larger issue with all antivirus software. All of them aggregate a huge amount of information about their clients, which can be easily exploited when put in willing hands, he said.

US news organizations have reported that Kaspersky, or Russian spies hijacking its service, have been searching widely among customers computers for secret files, citing anonymous US intelligence officials. Reuters has not verified such reports. Kaspersky said he hoped to alleviate concerns about his company by opening up his source code for review by third parties in independently run centres, as well as by raising the maximum amount it offers for information about security flaws in its programs to $100,000.

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With growing usage and limited supply, cryptocurrency is on a boost and will only grow in the future years.

Cryptocurrencies have become the new fad among money minters and investors alike. Many of these people are using cryptocurrencies to invest their money in without any hindrances and hesitations. Cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin, have become quite popular in the recent years amongst finance enthusiasts. Plus, they has proved to be really lucrative for people who sailed this boat early on. But, still many investors, including the layperson, are confused whether to invest in cryptocurrency or not.

Why invest in cryptocurrency now?

If you are still mulling whether you should invest in cryptocurrency or when you should invest in it, then here you will get all the answers to your dilemma. Let me tell you that it is really worth it to invest in cryptocurrency and the right time is now. Better late than never!

This is because cryptocurrency is on a surge for a few years and it is better to invest in it right now if you want to earn great returns. And, even though the cryptocurrency market is unregulated and carries heavy risks with marked manipulation, it still has a lot of potential irrespective of its volatility. This means that the rollercoaster ride of cryptocurrencies can actually make you rich.

The question that might now come to the forefront is where to buy cryptocurrency. The easiest and probably the safest method is to buy it from an exchange that has a long-standing reputation and a high user satisfaction rate. Bitcoin exchange CEX.IO holds a special place among the oldest and the most reputable exchanges. It is a UK-based cryptocurrency exchange that has been successfully running around the world since 2013. As an officially registered business, CEX.IO complies with the laws and regulations imposed on any business providing financial services, which implies the security and integrity of the users funds. CEX.IO is constantly enriching its cryptocurrency market and put special attention to customer demand before adding new coins to their trading platform.

Top cryptocurrencies to consider

Now, that you know that right now is the correct time to invest in cryptocurrencies, you would be wondering which one should you invest in. Lets put together a list of different cryptocurrencies in which you can put your money according to their ranking in the digital fiscal world.

Bitcoin

To start with the different cryptocurrencies you can invest in right now, Bitcoin is your best wager. Of course, you would have heard of it. Still, let me tell you that Bitcoin is the most popular and common cryptocurrency making the rounds right now. However, before I tell you about the vast hike in Bitcoin, let me tell you what it is and how it came about.

Bitcoin was created in 2008 by Satoshi Nakamoto and was launched in the year 2009. Bitcoin is a type of digital currency, which is created as well as held electronically without any controlling power. Unlike euros and dollars, Bitcoin is not printed; rather it is created by people and majorly businesses that run computers worldwide and make use of software that deciphers mathematical problems.

This digital money is decentralized and is based on a structure of peer-to-peer, which can be joined by anyone. Currently, Bitcoins are mined at the rate of 20 Bitcoins per 10 minutes with a limit of 21 million. It is anticipated that this cap will be touched in the year 2140.

The rise of Bitcoin has been really drastic. Bitcoin actually caught the interest of media and investors in April 2013, when it boosted at a record of $266 for every Bitcoin after a tenfold rush in the previous 2 months. The digital currency reached its zenith market value at more than $2 billion.

To explain it to you in simpler terms, let me provide two examples, make-believe and real. In the year 2010, the value of Bitcoin was nearly 1.5 US cents. This means if you had bought $25 of Bitcoin back then, you would have essentially made $7.6 million by now. Moreover, 3 years ago, one Idaho teenager put in $1000 in Bitcoin and today he owns more than a million dollars. Yes! Bitcoin has been so high.

Ethereum

Ethereum is a great technology to invest in and is proving to be a lucrative one as well. Founded in 2015, this digital currency has since grown by more than 1,100%. It is an open-source network that is superior to other blockchain networks.

It is only wise to invest in Ethereum since it is supported by Fortune 500 firms, it includes more applications as compared to Bitcoin, and it is being integrated by financial institutions. Ethereum is great for everyone who wants to invest their money in something similar to gold. It has a really good long-term potential for other purposes as well. However, if you are a trader who wants to make quick income on the unstable oscillations of Ether (digital currency of the network), then it can be a bit hard for you to get a clear idea on its short-term moves.

Emerging altcoins to consider

Besides Bitcoin and Ethereum, there are other cryptocurrencies as well that you can ponder while investing. A lot of firms have launched their own substitutes to Bitcoin after recognizing its rapid growth and success. Some of these altcoins include:

Ripple: Launched in 2012 by Chris Larsen, the technology entrepreneur who founded OpenCoin, Ripple is another rival of Bitcoin. Just like Bitcoin, Ripple works as both a payment system and a currency with a component of XRP.

Bitcoin Cash: Bitcoin Cash is the most recent entry into the digital currency bandwagon. It was introduced in 2017 on August 1. This is an offshoot of Bitcoin since it is created by splitting or forking Bitcoins. However, it has an increased block code and size.

Litecoin: One of the leading rivals of Bitcoin and Ethereum is Litecoin, which is particularly designed to process smaller transactions swiftly. Created on October 2011 by Charles Lee, it is termed as "a coin that is silver to Bitcoins gold. Litecoin has a cap at 84 million.

Dash: Dash, formally called Darkcoin, has a quite similar software like Bitcoin, but addresses a few issues faced by Bitcoin, like slow transaction processing time. This digital currency, which was established in January 2014, provides enhanced privacy, instant transactions, and double verification with the name of Masternodes.

Iota: This digital currency was launched in 2015. It is famous for being based on a blockless blockchain technology, which is the very first in the world. Plus, IOTA does not have any miners, unlike Ethereum and Bitcoin and works on Tangle.

OmiseGo: OmiseGo or OMG is a token based on ERC20 Ethereum network provided by the Omise company and was launched in July 2017. This digital currency is sold during an ICO (Initial Coin Offering) to investors. It has a growing potential of 50 times.

Cryptocurrency Price as of October 21, 2017

Bitcoin: $6107.11

Ethereum: $299.71

Ripple: $0.206840

Bitcoin Cash: $324.36

Litecoin : $58.65

Dash: $289.15

Iota: $0.369136

OmiseGo: $7.31

Practical considerations in investing in cryptocurrency

Before you invest in any cryptocurrency, you must be diligent as much as when you invest in the stock market. However, you need to take some extra considerations too, while knowing:

 There is not a clear regulation and law concerning cryptocurrencies as investments;

 Most of the cryptocurrencies do not have any intrinsic value as compared to stocks, wherein the value is connected to the revenues of the companies;

 Cryptocurrencies are very volatile, which means you can lose a part or all of your invested money as soon as you gain it.

With those tips in mind, some may dismiss the idea of investing in cryptocurrency, while others will decide to proceed further.

Conclusion

It is great if you decide to invest in cryptocurrencies and it would be far better if you do it right now in order to reap maximum benefits. Your first choice should be Bitcoin and then Ethereum if you plan to invest in cryptocurrencies. You can also consider some other rising altcoins.

However, it is necessary that you treat your investment in digital currency with speculation just like you do in your regular investments. This means you should know that you are at a risk of losing a major portion of your investment. However, with growing usage and limited supply, cryptocurrency is on a boost and will only grow in the future years.

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The app has a simple interface design and will allow kids to set their own passwords to avoid siblings from controlling their profiles.

YouTube Kids, launched in 2015, is getting an upgrade. The app is adding a number of new features, that change based on a childs age. Each child who uses the app can have his/her own profile, which allows a custom design feature based on his/her date of birth. It also comes with additional security controls for parents and kids.

The app has a simple interface design and will allow kids to set their own passwords to avoid siblings from controlling their profiles. However, parents can override the password. Parents can sign-in with their Google account in order to create customizable profiles for their children. A new setup process has been introduced for the parents that includes detailed description to help them with the parent control options.

Younger children will see less text when using the app and older kids can see more contents. The app has music and a curated collection of contents appropriate for kids. It will have contents from Jim Henson TV, Mother Goose Club, Talking Tom and Friends, National Geographic Kids and DreamWorks TV to name a few.

Were looking at ways to build an even better experience for families. Coming soon, well give parents the option to have more content available in the app experience for their child. Our team is working to identify the most relevant content categories for tweens to make the app even more awesome, writes Balaji Srinivasan, the YouTube Kids engineering director, in a blog post. YouTube Kids is now live in 37 countries and has more than 70 billion views.

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Will the single camera on U11+ be replaced with a dual camera with next htc flagship?

HTC was once renowned for innovation in the smartphone arena, from the metal unibody designs to introducing the trend of powerful dual speakers (dubbed as BoomSound) on a smartphone. In fact, they were the first mainstream manufacturer which released a dual camera phone EVO 3D  sporting glassless 3D with a lenticular display and with two rear cameras to capture 3D photos and videos in real-time.

Further, the 2014 flagship M8 was the first phone to include a depth sensing secondary camera to create bokeh shots, which are all rage these days. However, for past three years, HTC has abandoned the use of secondary cameras in favor of single senor solutions prioritizing image quality. It is ironic to note that once HTC left the arena, new entrants LG, Huawei, Xiaomi, Apple and even Samsung who long resisted the temptation to incorporate the feature have launched flagship devices with the dual camera as a key feature.

According to Engadget , HTC president Mr. Chialin Chang admitted that his company will re-enter the dual-camera smartphone space in 2018.

"We'll definitely be releasing a dual-camera phone next year, but we'll need to figure out how to make this feature stand out," he said in a media interview session post launch of flagship U11+ at Taipei.

Currently there are several ways, by which the dual camera system is being implemented. For instance, with Apple and Samsung its a combination of telephoto lens and a regular lens, resulting in lossless zoom and blurred effects. LG, on the other hand, provides a combination of a regular lens with an ultra wide angle lens for capturing more of your surroundings in a single image. Huawei and Nokia have their color + monochrome sensors for B/W shots and improved dynamic range and pixel-level details.

It will be interesting to see how HTC implements their take on dual cameras. Will it be an evolution of existing technologies or a complete revolution? We hope its the latter.

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Despite the daunting obstacles, South Korean-born Yun has told colleagues and others he hopes his diplomatic efforts can lower the temperature in a dangerous nuclear stand-off. (Photo: AFP)

Washington: Saddled with the toughest job in American diplomacy, the chief US negotiator with North Korea stands between a US president who insists he doesn't want to talk and an enemy who shows no interest in listening.

While veteran State Department Asia hand Joseph Yun might be Washington's best diplomatic hope for reducing the risk of a devastating war on the Korean peninsula, he serves an administration riven by divisions over how to handle Pyongyang.

On the other side, North Korea's young leader, Kim Jong Un, shows little interest in negotiating either, at least not until he has developed a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the US mainland.

Despite the daunting obstacles, South Korean-born Yun has told colleagues and others he hopes his diplomatic efforts can lower the temperature in a dangerous nuclear stand-off, according to Reuters interviews with more than a dozen current and former US officials and South Korean diplomats.

Most were deeply skeptical about his chances.

"He's such a dreamer," a White House official said, with a note of sarcasm.

"We don't think this is going anywhere," said another US official, although he suggested it was still worthwhile to keep engaging at some level with the North Koreans as long as Yun does not appear to be undermining President Donald Trump's public rejection of direct negotiations.

Trump has told aides that his military threats will drive North Korea to capitulate and rein in its nuclear and missile programs, four White House officials said, a view not shared among most US intelligence agencies.

Yun, however, is quietly pursuing direct diplomacy with North Korean officials at the United Nations and has a mandate to discuss issues beyond the release of US citizens, a senior State Department official said this week. In June, he secured the release of US student Otto Warmbier, who returned to the United States in a coma and died days later.

'Running Out Of Time'

Trump headed to Asia on Friday as a senior aide warned the world is "running out of time" on the North Korea crisis. Behind the scenes, Yun is trying to keep open a fragile line of communication that could be used to prevent any miscalculation by one side or the other from spiraling into military conflict.

Further aggravating tensions, two US strategic bombers conducted drills over South Korea on Thursday. That followed word from South Korea's spy agency that North Korea may be preparing another missile launch.

US officials have said privately that intercepting a test missile is among options under consideration, though there is disagreement within the administration about the risks.

In the midst of this is Yun, a soft-spoken, 32-year foreign service veteran who took on the job a year ago, near the end of the Obama administration.

He is grappling with Trump's strident rhetoric as well as disagreement among the president's top aides over whether saber-rattling will force Kim to capitulate and what the threshold for any military actions should be, according to several US officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Concern about Yun's difficulties has surfaced in Seoul, where he visits regularly and where Trump will travel next week on the second stop of his Asian tour.

Several South Korean officials expressed worry that Yun's diplomatic efforts with North Korea lack any real underpinning of support from the White House.

"Things are clearly not easy for him," one South Korean diplomat said. "Yun is precisely that person (to talk to North Korea), but Trump is killing the whole process."

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters on Sept. 30 the United States was probing for a diplomatic opening, only to be slapped down by Trump, who told him via Twitter this was a waste of time.

At the same time, CIA Director Mike Pompeo, who regularly briefs Trump on intelligence matters and is considered one of the most hawkish voices on North Korea in the president's inner circle, has apparently gained stature.

Several officials familiar with those discussions say Pompeo is feeding Trump assessments that US military threats will force Kim to bow to US demands for nuclear disarmament, a position that some US intelligence officers privately contest.

The CIA declined comment.

North Korean Negotiator 'Shocked'

A US official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Yun has become diplomatically "untethered," not fully connected to a core US approach that is emphasizing economic sanctions and the threat of military action rather than diplomacy.

The one tangible achievement of Yun's diplomatic efforts in the past year was winning the release of 22-year-old Warmbier in secret talks with North Korean officials in Oslo and New York. Yun flew to Pyongyang in June to medically evacuate Warmbier.

When Choe Son Hui, head of the North Korean foreign ministry's North America bureau, met Yun in Oslo, she was unaware of how serious Warmbier's condition was, a source in Washington knowledgeable about the matter said.

But once she learned about it she was "shocked" and Yun was summoned urgently to meet a North Korean diplomat in New York, which quickly led to Warmbier's return home, the source said.

Warmbier's death complicated Yun's efforts as it contributed to a chilling of US -North Korean contacts around that time, the State Department official said.

Stumbling In The Dark

Despite Trump's threats of military action against Pyongyang, the State Department official said Yun's view was "the less you engage diplomatically, the more likely you are in the dark."

Even so, Trump's rhetoric has raised questions among allies, and possibly even in North Korea, about how serious, if at all, his administration is about diplomacy and how much of a mandate Yun may have to pursue it.

Trump "personalized" the conflict - deriding Kim as "Little Rocket Man" - against the advice of his national security and intelligence experts, some of whom warned it could be counterproductive, a senior national security official said.

Another official pointed out, however, that Trump, who in May said he would be honoured to meet Kim, had not hurled any fresh insults at Kim in recent days, raising hopes for an altered approach.

A South Korean official in Seoul said it was necessary for Washington to have someone in contact with North Korea to help spur future negotiations if they are ever to take hold.

But Trump's national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, told Japan's NHK television this week: "What we cannot afford to do is enter into these long, drawn-out negotiations that allow North Korea to use these negotiations as cover for continuing their nuclear and missile programs."

Former US negotiators sympathise with Yun, whose authority to negotiate has been undercut by the tug-of-war between a White House breathing fire and a State Department pushing a peaceful solution.

"Nobody doubted my authority," said Wendy Sherman, one of the lead US negotiators who achieved the 2015 deal under which Iran agreed to restrain its nuclear program in return for relief from economic sanctions. "All of this undermines our ability to do the job."

Robert Gallucci, who was chief US negotiator during the North Korean nuclear crisis of 1994 and has had recent contact with Yun, said the envoy is "realistic about the challenges of negotiating in the current atmosphere, including the tone set by the president, but he believes in the mission even as his approach is guided by realism."
A photograph posted on Trump's Instagram account shows Papadopoulos sitting at the same table with Trump as well as Jeff Sessions, now Trump's attorney general, and several others. (Photo: File)

Washington: President Donald Trump said on Friday he did not remember much about a meeting last year with a former campaign aide who pleaded guilty last month as part of a federal probe into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 US election.

Asked about a meeting in which aide George Papadopoulos suggested arranging a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump told reporters: "I don't remember much about that meeting. It was a very unimportant meeting."

According to court documents filed by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, Papadopoulos said at the meeting of foreign policy advisers in March 2016 "that he had connections that could help arrange a meeting between then-candidate Trump and President Putin."

A photograph posted on Trump's Instagram account shows Papadopoulos sitting at the same table with Trump as well as Jeff Sessions, now Trump's attorney general, and several others.

Papadopoulos has pleaded guilty to lying to Federal Bureau of Investigation agents about contacts with people who claimed to have ties to top Russian officials, in the first criminal charges alleging links between the Trump campaign and Moscow. His plea was made public this week.

Sessions is under pressure from Senate Democrats to testify again about the Trump campaign's Russia contacts. In testimony to the Senate Judiciary committee, Sessions has denied knowing anything about contacts between the campaign and Russians or Russian government intermediaries.

The president spoke before leaving for a trip to Asia, where his domestic woes are expected to dog him. Trump denies any collusion with Russia and Moscow denies interfering in the 2016 election.

Sessions is also under pressure from his boss, who has made clear he thinks the Department of Justice should look into his former presidential rival, Hillary Clinton, and her campaign's behaviour with the Democratic National Committee during the presidential primary race.

Trump told reporters on Friday that many people were unhappy with the Department of Justice, including him.

Those comments followed remarks he made during "The Larry O'Connor Show" on WMAL radio in which he lamented not having more say in the department's work.

"The saddest thing is, because I am the president of the United States, I am not supposed to be involved with the Justice Department. I'm not supposed to be involved with the FBI. I'm not supposed to be doing the kind of things I would love to be doing. And I am very frustrated by that," he said.

Trump on Friday repeated his urgings that the Justice Department and FBI investigate Clinton.

"Everybody is asking why the Justice Department (and FBI) isn't looking into all of the dishonesty going on with Crooked Hillary & the Dems," he said on Twitter.

His comments elicited criticism from several US senators.

"President Trump's pressuring of the Justice Department and FBI to pursue cases against his adversaries and calling for punishment before trials take place are totally inappropriate and not only undermine our justice system but erode the American people's confidence in our institutions," Republican Senator Bob Corker, who has frequently sparred with Trump, said in a statement.

Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein said: "We can't allow ourselves to become numb to the president of the United States calling on independent law enforcement organizations to investigate his political opponents. That's characteristic of authoritarian regimes, not democracies, and it needs to stop."

Trump has expressed frustration repeatedly over the Russia investigation, which has overshadowed his administration, at times referring to it as a "hoax" and a "witch hunt."

Federal investigators this week charged Trump's former campaign manager Paul Manafort and another ex-aide, Rick Gates, with money laundering and other crimes. In a court filing on Friday, Mueller estimated he would need three weeks to present his case against Manafort and Gates if it went to trial.

Both men pleaded not guilty.

Manafort's attorney Kevin Downing said in a filing on Friday that he would challenge what he called "evidence improperly obtained by search warrant, subpoena or otherwise." FBI agents seized documents and other material from Manafort's Virginia home in a July raid.
Martin was wanted by the authorities for allegedly leading a fuel theft ring that illegally taps pipelines to steal gasoline and diesel. (Photo: File/Representational)

Mexico City: A Mexican crime boss was murdered on the operating table as he underwent plastic surgery to change his face and erase his fingerprints, officials in the central city of Puebla said.

Gunmen burst into the clinic where Jesus El Kalimba Martin was undergoing the procedure on Monday afternoon and executed him along with three other people, Puebla state prosecutors said.

Martin was wanted by the authorities for allegedly leading a fuel theft ring that illegally taps pipelines to steal gasoline and diesel - a risky but lucrative business that has become Mexicos second-biggest organized crime problem after drug trafficking.

He was trying to change his identity with a series of plastic surgery procedures to alter his face and remove his fingerprints so he couldnt be identified, prosecutors said in a statement.

The medical personnel involved are also being investigated.

Monday was a bloodbath in Puebla, where a total of 12 people were killed in what investigators say was a settling of scores between rival members of Martins gang.

Five were murdered in the village of Tlaltenango on a farm where authorities found tubes, valves and pumps for illegal pipeline taps, as well as three stolen vehicles.

Three other victims appear to have been passersby caught in the crossfire, investigators said.

Prosecutors said the hits appeared to have been ordered by another crime boss known as El Irving who had the same rank as Martin within the gang.

Puebla is the epicenter of the booming fuel theft racket, which state oil company Pemex estimates has cost it $2.4 billion since 2010.
Trade will figure throughout, both in North Asia and at his stops in Southeast Asia for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Vietnam and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders meeting in the Philippines. (Photo: File)

Washington: President Donald Trump embarks on his first official visit to Asia, which begins Sunday in Japan. North Koreas missile and nuclear weapons programs are likely to be the issue dominating the first part of his trip, which includes stops in South Koreas capital and Beijing as well as Tokyo.

Trade will figure throughout, both in North Asia and at his stops in Southeast Asia for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Vietnam and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders meeting in the Philippines. Heres what people in those countries have to say about their expectations for the visit.

Japan

Yoh Kawakami, employee at an information management solution company: I do wonder whether things will be OK, like, what will the world turn into? I wonder about his (Trumps) response to North Korea and other things. There are things that scare me. He is becoming friendly with Prime Minister Abe and I dont know if that is right or not.

I do want him (Trump) to be more cool-headed. If he continues only provoking, the situation may actually become explosive.

Yumu Katsuyama, employee at nonprofit for international clinical childcare: Honestly when he first became president, I did question whether he was OK. But my American friends have said that after he became president, their lives and the economy has gotten better. Personally, I have started thinking that it may be a good thing that he became president.

South Korea

Ock Hyun-woong, company worker: President Trump is known to be a man of coercive control who makes controversial statements that get the attention of foreign media. While I dont oppose President Trumps visit to South Korea, I hope he can work well with South Korean-US issues, like the economy.

China

Ding Chenling, technology investor and well-known tech blogger with 700,000 followers on Chinas microblogging website Weibo: Well, maybe our system is not that perfect yet, but its like a kid to the teacher. We dont want to be lectured by the teacher. We want to have our own way. We want to grow our own self by ourselves. So I think thats the reason the Chinese people like Trump. He casts aside the political correctness. He says `Oh yeah, its good, America may do business, we want to do business, we want to make money together.

Zhao Yingran, business development manager for a virtual reality video company: So I very much respect President Xi from the bottom of my heart and I think under his leadership, China will lead the world sooner or later especially with the focus on technologies and humanity. I think all of the policies executed by President Xi should set a good example for Donald Trump, which Donald Trump will need to learn to make United States great again.

Vietnam

Bach Ngoc Lien, development expert: Donald Trump is a controversial character. He often has negative comments about migrants, makes unfavorable policies about climate change, the areas where the U.S. used to be the leader and plays an important role internationally. Human rights, womens rights are values that the U.S. used to uphold, but I find that these values are fading under Trumps presidency.

During his campaign, President Donald Trump had a slogan `Make America Great Again and for his Asian trip, I have a slogan for him: `Make America Friendly Again because the U.S has always been a friendly country, being the dream of many people, up until now. I hope Donald Trump will not distance the U.S and isolate it from other countries. I hope he will make the U.S friendly again like it used to be.

Philppines

Jeanne Vivar, student: I dont like the conservative policies of Trump and obviously it has affected the Filipinos working in America. Ironically, there are a lot of people who are in favor of Donald Trump.

In Asia, especially the problem in North Korea is escalating, so my message will be when Trump arrives here in Asia and the Philippines, I hope the tensions will ease instead of him making it worse.

Lorenzo Nakpil, architect: My opinion on Trump is mixed. I dont agree with some people in the West they say he is racist and he wants to build a wall blocking Mexico and he gives immigrants a hard time. He is very conservative in that sense but in a way I respect that. Where I agree with Trump is where he agrees with (Philippine President Rodrigo) Duterte and he supports the Philippines war on drugs. He doesnt buy it that Dutertes way of stopping drugs is a human rights violation. Our president with the support of Trump, theyre actually doing a good job.
US President Donald Trump headed to Japan on the first stop of his five-nation tour of Asia on Saturday, looking to present a united front with the Japanese against North Korea as tensions run high over Pyongyangs nuclear and missile tests.

Mr Trump, who is on a 12-day trip, is to speak to US and Japanese forces at Yokota air base shortly after arriving in Japan on Sunday and looked to stress the importance of the alliance to regional security. Joined by his wife Melania on part of the trip, Mr Trumps tour of Asia is the longest by an American President since George H.W. Bush in 1992. Besides Japan, he will visit South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Mr Trump extended the trip by a day on Friday when he agreed to participate in a summit of East Asian nations in Manila. His trip got off to a colorful start in Hawaii. He was taken by boat out to the USS Arizona Memorial, where lies the WWII ship that was sunk by the Japanese during the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941.

The Trumps tossed white flower petals into the waters at the memorial in honor of those who died at Pearl Harbour. Well be talking about trade, Mr Trump told reporters at the White House. Well be talking about obviously North Korea. Well be enlisting the help of a lot of people and countries and well see what happens. But I think were going to have a very successful trip. There is a lot of good will.

Mr Trump will seek a united front with the leaders of Japan and South Korea against the North before visiting Beijing to make the case to Chinese President Xi Jinping that he should do more to rein in Pyongyang. Trade will factor in heavily during Mr Trumps trip as he tries to persuade Asian allies to agree to trade policies more favorable to the US. Meanwhile, North Korea has ruled out talks and threatened to increase its nuclear arsenal.

State-run KCNA said in a commentary that the US should be disabused of the absurd idea that Pyongyang would succumb to international sanctions and give up its nuclear weapons, adding that it is in the final stage for completing nuclear deterrence. The White House said Mr Trump will deliver a speech at South Koreas National Assembly and urge common resolve in the face of shared threat. But there is widespread concern in South Korea that the US Presidents visit might worsen the situation if Mr Trump fails to rein in his fierce rhetoric.

Trump aide says had contacts with Russia

An adviser to Donald Trumps presidential campaign has admitted meeting with Russian government officials in 2016, according to a report in the New York Times which cited his testimony before a congressional committee. Carter Page, a former Navy officer and investment banker who advised Mr Trump on foreign policy, had previously denied or side-stepped the question of whether he had met with Russian officials in previous interviews with the Times.

Shortly after a July 2016 trip, Mr Page sent an email to at least one Trump campaign aide describing insights he had after conversations with government officials, legislators and business executives during his time in Moscow, the Times reported. Mr Page later confirmed the meetings to the Times, and told CNN that Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich was among those he met. But he downplayed the significance of the meetings, saying he had a very brief hello to a couple of people.
Protesters beat effigies of Trump with sticks in front of the former embassy compound while what appeared to be a dummy ballistic missile was put on display in a sign of defiance following new US sanctions. (Photo: AFP)

Tehran: Chanting Death to America and burning the US flag, thousands of Iranians protested in Tehran Saturday against President Donald Trumps policies and to mark the anniversary of the 1979 US embassy siege.

The storming of the embassy in Tehran by students, months after the Islamic revolution, led to a 444-day hostage crisis and a break in diplomatic relations that continues to this day.

Protesters beat effigies of Trump with sticks in front of the former embassy compound while what appeared to be a dummy ballistic missile was put on display in a sign of defiance following new US sanctions.

This year, Trumps anti-Iranian policies have mobilised more Iranians, Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council.

Trumps administration has taken a tougher line with Iran, threatening to tear up an international accord on its nuclear programme.

Last month Trump refused to certify the 2015 deal between Tehran and world powers that lifted sanctions in return for limits on Irans atomic programme, saying he could pull out at any time.

The United States has also imposed new sanctions over the Islamic republics ballistic missile programme.

A statement read out at Saturdays protest said Iranians see the criminal America as their main enemy and condemn the denigrating remarks of the hated US president against the great Iranian people and the Revolutionary Guards.

Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged Iranians on Thursday to never forget that America is the enemy.

To give in to the Americans makes them more aggressive and insolent. The only solution is to resist, he said.
Saad Hariri is a vociferous critic of Iran, the powerful Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah and neighbour Syria which he blames for his fathers killing.

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation on Saturday, citing Irans grip on the country and threats to his life. I announce my resignation from the post of Prime Minister, he said in a speech broadcast from Saudi Arabia by the Al-Arabiya news network. I felt what was being covertly plotted to target my life, Mr Hariri said.

The two-time Prime Minister, whose father Rafik held the same position for years and was assassinated in 2005, accused Iran and its powerful Lebanese Shiite ally Hezbollah of seeking hegemony in the region. The 47-year-old Sunni politicians resignation comes less than a year after his government, to which Hezbollahs political wing belongs, was formed.

Iran has a grip on the fate of the regions countries... Hezbollah is Irans arm not just in Lebanon but in other Arab countries too, he said. In recent years, Hezbollah has used the power of its weapons to impose a fait accompli, he said, reading a speech from behind a desk.

Mr Hariri accused Tehran of sowing discord among the children of the same nation and creating a state within the state... to the extent that it gets the final say on how Lebanons affairs are run.Hezbollah is a vital ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the war the Syrian regime is waging against the ISIS and armed opposition movements.

It enjoys broad support from Iran and is the only Lebanese party to have kept its weapons after the 1975-1990 civil war. Its arsenal has since grown exponentially and now outstrips that of the nations own armed forces. Hezbollah members have been accused over the 2005 assassination of Rafik Hariri.
Xi, 64, who heads the powerful Central Military Commission, is the only civilian leader in the body which is otherwise packed with top officials of the armed forces. (Photo: PTI)

Beijing: President Xi Jinping has instructed the Chinese armed forces to improve their combat capabilities and readiness for war, an official media report said on Friday.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks while inspecting the CMC joint battle command centre as its commander-in-chief.

The CMC should lead the armed forces to be ready to fight and win wars, and to undertake the missions and tasks of the new era entrusted to them by the party and the people, Xi was quoted as saying by state-run Xinhua news agency.

CMC is the overall high command of the 2.3 million-strong Chinese PLA, the worlds largest army.

This is the second time Xi has highlighted the role of the armed forces since he began his second term after securing the endorsement of the key Congress of the ruling CPC which concluded here on October 24.

He was re-elected as president, general secretary of the party, and head of the military.

Xi began his second tenure on October 26 with a meeting of top military officials, regarded as a main source of his power base, after the once-in-a-five-years CPC Congress endorsed his leadership for another term and also conferred on him a powerful status, equating him with party founder Mao Zedong by including his ideological thoughts in the Constitution.

Xi, 64, who heads the powerful Central Military Commission, is the only civilian leader in the body which is otherwise packed with top officials of the armed forces.

In his meeting with the military top brass, he ordered them to be absolutely loyal to the party, to focus on how to win wars, to pioneer reforms and innovation, to scientifically manage commanding a unit, to lead troops in accordance with the strictest standards and to be in the forefront in complying with laws and regulations.
Pappu used to illegally bring narcotic drugs from India and supply in different parts of the country, including Kathmandu. (Photo: File/Representational)

Kathmandu: A 25-year-old Indian national has been arrested in Nepal for allegedly smuggling drugs into the country.

The Nepal Police nabbed Pappu Shah, a resident of Arariya district in Bihar, following information provided by another drug peddler arrested on Thursday.

Pappu used to illegally bring narcotic drugs from India and supply in different parts of the country, including Kathmandu.

In another incident, a Norwegian national was nabbed from Tribhuvan International Airport during a security check while he was about to board a flight to Doha.

Police confiscated over 2 kg hashish hidden in his leather bag.
The PIA flight switched off it's air conditioner when passengers refused to deboard. (Representational Image | AFP)

Lahore: A flight of Pakistan's national carrier on Saturda landed in Lahore due to low visibility and asked passengers on-board to travel by bus to their destination, according to a media report.

A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight from Abu Dhabi in the UAE to Rahim Yar Khan in Pakistan landed at the Lahore airport reportedly due low visibility, Geo News reported.

The airline staffers offered to take the passengers to their desired destination by a bus. However, the passengers turned down the offer and refused to leave the plane.

Following this, the airline staffers switched off the plane's air conditioning system, resulting in suffocation of passengers, including minors, in the plane.

The approximate distance from Lahore to Rahim Yar Khan is 624.5 km.

The passengers said that they had asked the airlines to drop them at Multan Airport which is 292 kilometres away from Rahim Yar Khan.
Professional competence of those being considered for appointment as judges can best be determined by the members of the higher judiciary and not by the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the Supreme Court collegium has said.



The apex court collegium, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, has said this while recommending the names of three of the four advocates for appointment as judges of the Jharkhand High Court.

"As regards comments of Intelligence Bureau about professional competence...we are of the view that professional competence can best be determined by the members of the higher judiciary who have the opportunity to observe his performance on a daily basis," the collegium, which also comprised Justices J Chelameswar and Ranjan Gogoi, said.

About the report touching upon integrity of the candidates, the collegium said the same are qualified by Intelligence Bureau's own statement that 'there is nothing on record'.

"In our view, it would not be appropriate to take cognizance of any unsubstantiated information based on discreet inquiries made by the Intelligence Bureau," the collegium said.

The apex court collegium has recommended the names of advocates Rajesh Kumar, Anubha Rawat Choudhary and Kailash Prasad Deo for appointment as judges of the Jharkhand High Court after finding them suitable for elevation to the bench.

Similarly, the collegium has also recommended the name of advocate Arindam Lodh for elevation as a judge of the Tripura High Court. The collegium also recommended for extension of terms for three additional judges of Gauhati HC.
A new batch of files, mostly secret CIA records, related to the November 1963 assassination of US president John F Kennedy was released by the National Archives today.



Nearly 680 records were made public including 553 never- before-seen files from the Central Intelligence Agency, which had objected to their release previously on national security grounds.

Among the CIA files released were detailed records, for example, of efforts to recruit Soviet diplomats serving in foreign missions, complete with transcripts of wiretaps.

The National Archives said the other documents published online were from the Justice Department, the Defence Department and a House committee which conducted an inquiry into Kennedy's November 22, 1963 assassination in Dallas, Texas.

The official Warren Commission which investigated the slaying of the charismatic 46-year-old president determined that it was carried out by a former Marine Corps sharpshooter, Lee Harvey Oswald, acting alone.

The commission's formal conclusion that Oswald killed Kennedy has done little, however, to quell speculation that a more sinister plot was behind the murder of the 35th US president.

Hundreds of books and movies such as the 1991 Oliver Stone film "JFK" have fed the conspiracy industry, pointing the finger at Cold War rivals the Soviet Union or Cuba, the Mafia and even Kennedy's vice president, Lyndon Johnson.

Kennedy scholars have said the new documents are unlikely to contain any bombshell revelations or put to rest the rampant conspiracy theories.

Today's document release by the National Archives is the third this year and in compliance with a 1992 act of Congress that mandated that all Kennedy documents be released within 25 years.

President Donald Trump has given the FBI and CIA six months -- until April 26, 2018 -- to make their case for why remaining documents should not be made public.

The National Archives released 2,891 assassination documents on October 26 and 3,810 records on July 24.

Oswald defected to the Soviet Union in 1959 but returned to the United States in 1962.

He was shot to death two days after killing Kennedy by a nightclub owner, Jack Ruby, as he was being transferred from the city jail. (AFP) CK
Shamika Ravi, a senior fellow at Brookings India, would be appointed as a part-time member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), a senior government official said.



Headed by NITI Aayog member Bibek Debroy, the EAC-PM includes NITI Aayog's Principal Advisor Ratan Watal as its member and economists Surjit Bhalla, Rathin Roy and Ashima Goyal as part-time members.

"The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has cleared the appointment of Ravi as a part-time member of the EAC-PM," a senior government official told PTI.

Shamika leads the development economics research vertical at Brookings India. She is also a visiting professor of economics at the Indian School of Business where she teaches courses in Game Theory and Microfinance.
In one of the strongest efforts yet by Washington to pressure Myanmar to end its abusive treatment of the Rohingya Muslim community, US lawmakers on Friday proposed sanctions against the Southeast Asian nation's military.



House Republicans and Democrats introduced legislation that would curtail assistance or cooperation with Myanmar's military and require the White House to identify senior military officials who would have US visa bans imposed on them.

A bipartisan group in the Senate, including Senate Armed Services Committee chairman John McCain, introduced its bill on Thursday.

It calls for renewal of import and trade restrictions on Myanmar, including re-imposing a ban on jade and rubies from the country.

"Our legislation would hold accountable the senior military officials responsible for the slaughter and displacement of innocent men, women and children in Burma (Myanmar's older name), and make clear that the United States will not stand for these atrocities," McCain said in a statement.

The tough proposals came as US President Donald Trump departed for an extended trip to Asia, where he will attend a summit with Southeast Asian nations, including Myanmar.

The US, while condemning the deadly violence that has prompted more than 6,00,000 people to flee to the neighbouring Bangladesh, has been careful to say it holds the military responsible, not Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government.

House Democrat Eliot Engel said lawmakers wanted to send a "clear message" with the targeted sanctions, both to the military and the civilian leadership, about the violence that has left hundreds of people dead.

"This violence must stop, perpetrators must be held accountable, and there must be meaningful civilian control over Burma's military and security forces," Engel said.

Lawmakers also want Myanmar's military to ensure the safe return of refugees displaced from the northern Rakhine State, where the military has been accused by the United Nations of a campaign of ethnic cleansing.

"There will be consequences for their crimes against humanity," said Senator Ben Cardin, a Democratic sponsor of the bill.

Myanmar officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

But dealers in Myanmar's gem industry - a lucrative sector that was under US sanctions until last October - shrugged off the threat, saying China was still the top buyer.

"If (sanctions) are reimposed, there will be no harm to us. We used to work under sanctions in the past as well," Tun Hla Aung, secretary of Myanmar Gems and Jewellery Entrepreneurs Association, said.

The fate of the legislation may rest in part with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a longtime friend and ally of Suu Kyi.

The two politicians spoke by telephone in September, when she assured McConnell she was working to get aid to Rohingya Muslims.

McConnell defended the Nobel peace laureate after the call, warning that "publicly condemning Aung San Suu Kyi, the best hope for democratic reform in Burma, is not constructive".

Suu Kyi has been hammered by the international community for failing to use her moral power to speak up in defense of the Rohingya.

On Thursday, she visited Rakhine for the first time.

McConnell's office said the Republican leader was reviewing the sanctions legislation. As Senate leader, McConnell determines which bills get to the floor for a vote.
Army Chief General Bipin Rawat today pitched for conferring the country's highest civilian honour Bharat Ratna on independent India's first army chief, Field Marshal General K M Cariappa.



"The time has also come to recommend Field Marshal Cariappa for the award of Bharat Ratna. If others can get it, I see no reason why he should not, a deserving personality for the same. We will shortly address the issue on priority," he said. Gen Rawat's comments came in response to a request by Col K C Subbayya from The Field Marshal Cariappa General Thimayya (FMCGT) forum about recommending the Bharat Ratna to Cariappa, who hails from Kodagu district in Karnataka.

Rawat unveiled the statues of Cariappa and General K S Thimayya, also a former Army chief who hailed from Kodagu district in Karnataka, at a function at the Cauvery College at Gonikoppal, Kodagu district. Terming Kodagu (formerly Coorg) as a 'land of warriors', Rawat said he is proud, privileged and humbled for having got the opportunity to unveil the memorial in memory of Field Marshal Cariappa and General K S Thimayya. Kodagu continues to serve the nation with a large number of officers and men serving the Army, he said and voiced hope that "there will be more Chiefs in the future who will rise from this great land".



Cariappa was the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army and was conferred the rank of Field Marshal on April 28, 1986. He was also a recipient of the prestigious order of the British Empire (OBE) for his role in the Burma campaign against the Japanese during the Second World War. Cariappa also led the Indian forces on the Western Front during the Indo-Pak War of 1947. He held the five-star rank of field marshal, the highest honour in the Indian Army, which Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw is the only other officer to have held. Cariappa, whose military career spanned over three decades, retired from the Army in 1953 and later served as the High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand till 1956. He died in Bengaluru in 1993 at the age of 94.
The branch manager of a nationalised bank was arrested for allegedly raping a 20- year-old Russian woman repeatedly since she came to India in September after they forged a friendship on Facebook, a senior police officer said.



"The manager of UCO Bank's Vrindavan branch, Mahendra Prasad Singh, has been arrested based on a complaint filed by the woman," Deputy Superintendent of Police Vijay Shanker Mishra said yesterday.

The woman has been sent for medical examination.

In her complaint, the woman alleged that the banker "threatened me with dire consequences" if she disclosed his act to anyone.

According to the FIR, she came into contact with Singh through Facebook on November, 2016.

They had frequent conversations afterwards. On his advice, she came to India on September 17 and stayed in the temple town of Vrindaban, according to the FIR.

She alleged that on September 22 she was taken to a house, where she was raped and that her ordeal continued since then.

She said that the complaint was filed after she met another Russian woman who counselled her to do so.
New Delhi, PTI: King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, who will arrive in India on Sunday, will begin their seven-day maiden state visit to the country with a trip to the Taj Mahal, the Belgian envoy here has said.



Belgian Ambassador to India Jan Luykx said this would be their "first state visit" to India after Philippe ascended the throne in 2013.

In 2010, Philippe had led a Belgian Trade Mission to the country, as the then Crown Prince.

The visit aims at enhancing bilateral ties, including in trade and other areas of cooperation, and will also mark 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The theme of the visit is innovative partnership for the 21st century.

According to the official Twitter handle of the Belgian mission here, the first state visit from that country was by King Baudouin and Queen Fabiola in 1970.

King Albert II and Queen Paola of Belgium had also paid a state visit to India in November 2008.

Incidentally, the royal couples in the preceding two visits had also toured the iconic Mughal-era monument in Agra, which is a Unesco world heritage site.

"The King and Queen will arrive in India on November 5 evening. They will then go to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. The next leg of the visit would be in Delhi, where they would spend two days and finally the last two days in Mumbai.

"They (the couple) will leave on the morning of November 11," Luykx told PTI on the sidelines of an event last evening.

The King will meet President Ram Nath Kovind and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi here.

King Philippe will also be accompanied by a business delegation of nearly 90 people comprising CEOs of Belgian companies. Chiefs of several academic institutions and members from the media would also accompany him during the visit.
The UK's charity watchdog has opened a compliance case against the National Council of Hindu Temples (UK) after the group was accused of inviting a controversial speaker to a seminar in the Parliament complex.



The umbrella group for Hindu temples and organisations in Britain had invited Tapan Ghosh, the founder of Hindu Samhati based in West Bengal, to give a keynote address at an event titled 'Tolerating the intolerant: The abuse of Hindu human rights in Europe and India' last month, during which he is accused of voicing extremist views.

The UKs Charity Commission, in charge of regulating all charitable institutions registered in the country, confirmed today that it had opened a case which will involve questioning the trustees to decide if any further action was required.

"The Commission has opened a case into the National Council of Hindu Temples (UK) to assess concerns raised regarding a speaker at an event linked to the charity," the Charity Commission said in a statement.

Meanwhile, members of the Association of British Muslims, the Asian Mums Network, and the Women Against Radicalisation Network have co-signed an open letter to the Charity Commission demanding the National Council of Hindu Temples (UK) be stripped of its charity status.

"We believe the NCHTUK should be stripped of its charity status for inciting religious hatred...(Ghosh) runs a hardline Hindu militant group whose sole purpose is to demonise and 'protect Hindus from Muslim aggression'," the letter reads.

The event in the House of Commons complex in October was hosted by Conservative party MP Bob Blackman as chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Hindus.

Ghosh "made no abhorrent remarks at the meeting, and I am quite clear that I and the National Council of Hindu Temples do not agree with the views he previously stated," he said.

The NHCTUK has stressed that the core subject of the event was the "sustained targeting and abuse of Hindu and Sikh girls their selection on the basis of their religion and their subsequent physical and emotional abuse for the purposes of forced conversion to Islam".

During his visit to the UK, Ghosh also attended a Diwali event organised by the Hindu Forum of Britain last month alongside Cabinet ministers including home secretary Amber Rudd, who has been forced to distance herself from his views.

"The home secretary fundamentally disagrees with Ghoshs views on Islam. The home secretary accepted an invitation from the Hindu Forum of Britain to attend an event in Parliament... to celebrate Diwali. She did not speak to Ghosh and was not present when he spoke," her spokesperson said.
The alleged prime conspirator in the 2002 terror attack on Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar, Abdul Rashid Ajmeri, was arrested at the city airport after he arrived from Riyadh, a senior official said.



The arrest was made late on Friday night.

"Ajmeri is one of the prime conspirators behind the Akshardham temple terror attack. He was arrested from the airport after he landed here late last night. We had inputs that he is travelling to Ahmedabad from Riyadh to meet his brother," Deepan Bhadran, DCP of Ahmadabad Crime Branch, said on Saturday.

It was alleged that he had planned the terror attack and helped Lashkar-e-Toiba in carrying it out.

Ajmeri, an Ahmedabad resident, "had absconded to Riyadh before the terror act was committed," Bhadran said, adding that more names may come out during his interrogation.

Two militants, allegedly with links to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba, had attacked the temple in Gandhinagar on September 24, 2002, killing 32 and injuring over 80 people.

The attackers were killed by the National Security Guard (NSG) commandos.

The Supreme Court had, in May 2014, acquitted all six convicts arrested earlier, including three facing death sentence, in the case.
North Korea ruled out talks and threatened to increase its nuclear arsenal in a fresh warning to Donald Trump's administration Saturday as the US President set off on a tour of Asia.



Trump departed for his first presidential trip to Asia Friday, with tensions over North Korea's nuclear and missile threats looming large. He is due to arrive in South Korea Tuesday, after first visiting Japan.

The North's state-run KCNA news agency said in a commentary that the US should be disabused of the "absurd idea" that Pyongyang would succumb to international sanctions and give up its nuclear weapons, adding that it is in "the final stage for completing nuclear deterrence".

"It had better stop daydreaming of denuclearisation talks with us", said the commentary titled "Stop dreaming a daydream".

"Our self-defensive nuclear treasure sword will be sharpened evermore unless the US hostile policy toward the DPRK is abolished once and for all", it said, using an acronym for the official name of North Korea.

The White House said Trump will deliver a speech at South Korea's National Assembly and urge "common resolve in the face of shared threat".

But there is widespread concern in South Korea that the US president's visit might worsen the situation if Trump fails to rein in his fierce rhetoric.

Trump and the North's leader Kim Jong-Un have traded insults and threats of war in recent months.

"Because of his tendency to veer off the script, many Koreans are worried that he may let loose", Professor Yang Moo-Jin of the University of North Korean Studies told AFP.

Some 500 protesters took to the streets in Seoul Saturday, chanting slogans and waving banners as they accused Trump of bringing the Korean peninsula to the brink of war.

"No Trump, No War", read one of the banners, while others portrayed the US President wearing a Nazi uniform.

Nearby, a rival group of some 100 Trump supporters, including many military veterans, chanted: "Welcome to Korea, We believe in Trump".

Trump, who dismissed direct talks with Pyongyang as "waste of time", will meet with President Moon Jae-In, who came to power early this year advocating for engagement with Pyongyang, a stance denounced as "appeasement" by Trump.

Professor Koh Yu-Hwan at Dongguk University, a leading policy advisor to the government, said Seoul expected Trump to avoid putting Moon in a quandary by renewing pugnacious threats against the North, particularly with South Korea hosting the Winter Olympics in February next year.

Moon has had to dial back his policy of engagement with the North in the face of Pyongyang's persistent nuclear and missile tests.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the Congress has conceded defeat in Himachal Pradesh as its senior leaders have "run away" from campaigning in the state leaving Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh to his fate.



At a rally in Kangra, the state's largest and politically key district, he launched a stinging attack on the Congress over corruption, likening the party to termites, and exhorted the people to finish it off by handing over a three-fourth majority to the BJP in the November 9 Assembly polls.



The alleged corruption of the Congress and his government's pro-poor development works were the central theme of Modi's two election meetings.



He vowed to continue fighting corruption, claiming that it had angered the opposition party which was observing "black money day" on November 8, the first anniversary of demonetisation decision.



The prime minister said the Congress has run away from the battlefield conceding defeat in the 68-member Assembly.



"Elections are a few days away and senior leaders generally do an intensive campaign in these last few days... It seems Congress leaders have left (Chief Minister) Virbhadra Singh to his fate. It seems they have not only left him to his fate but rather hung him by his fate," he said.



Why such a revenge the Congress is inflicting on him at such an age, Modi said sarcastically. Singh is 83.



Lashing out at the Congress over corruption in the UPA government as also the party dispensation in the state, he said its "sins" speak to the people, who will not trust it on the issue of honesty for 100 more years.



While most states have accepted his request to do away with interviews for Class III and IV posts, the Himachal government has not, he said, accusing it of breeding corruption in the name of interviewing candidates.



Not only senior leaders of the opposition party but even its next generations of leaders have been infected with this disease, he said.



"Their rotten mindset and rotten work culture will set rot in India's democracy," he said, asking the people to punish the party in the polls.



The Congress was now reduced to propping up rebels against the BJP to create instability in the state following polls but the saffron party was getting huge support, he said.



"The Congress will not improve until you punish it severely," he said, claiming that it will not be seen even through a "microscope" following the poll results in Himachal Pradesh as is the case with it in Bihar and UP.



He said the state had progressed most when Prem Kumar Dhumal was its chief minister and Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the prime minister as the central government pumped in money which Dhumal used effectively for development of the hill state.



Modi said he and Dhumal, who is the party's chief ministerial candidate, will take Himachal to new heights of development, adding that its infrastructure and tourism sectors needed a boost.



Seeking votes for a "commoner" like Dhumal, he asked the people to vote out "royals", a reference to Singh.



He cited his government's move to provide cooking gas cylinders to poor households, Mudra scheme to boost entrepreneurship, its decision to cap prices of medicine and medical equipment like heart stents, reducing cost of LED bulbs and other measures to showcase its pro-poor and pro- development credentials.



Himachal had received more rail and road projects from his government at the Centre than it had received in many years before, he said, adding that development is solution to all problems.



Modi is scheduled to address a rally each at Palampur, Kullu and Una tomorrow.

Counting of votes in the Assembly polls would be held on December 18.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hinted at a crackdown on 'benami' properties, and said the Congress is worried as such assets of its leaders will not be spared in his government's action.



Launching a stinging attack on the opposition party over corruption at an election rally in Sundernagar, Modi said the Congress' campaign against demonetisation was driven by its attempts to mislead the people and create an atmosphere against him before he can raise a "storm" over benami assets.

"The time has come to return to the poor what had been robbed of them.... I am going to create a situation that they (Congress leaders) would not be able to reclaim their benami assets," he said.

Heaping scorn on the Congress over its decision to observe the first anniversary of demonetisation on November 8 as black day, he said it was actually "blackmoney day" for the opposition party.

"I tried to get some information from Congress leaders... some (Congress leaders) lost their bags of Rs 500 notes, some of Rs 1000 notes. In the meantime, Modi has come with benami law. Their worry is that Modi will start showing results.

"Their worry is that the benami assets like land, flats, shops they have kept hidden like Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes are not going to be spared. Therefore, they are creating an atmosphere so that before Modi raises a storm over benami assets, they observe blackmoney day and mislead the people," he said.

In a 'benami' property, the person who pays for it buys it in the name of some other person.

There would be many Congress leaders, the prime minister claimed, who would have purchased assets like cars and houses in the names of their drivers and cooks.

He would tell these people that they should not return them to these leaders if they are asked to transfer their ownership, Modi said.

"I am going to create a situation that they would not be able to reclaim it. This is people's money. This has been robbed of the masses and would be used for their welfare," he said.

People had given him power in 2014 to fight corruption and he would continue to do so, Modi said.

Mocking at the Congress' campaign against demonetisation, he said that God gives at times the opposition party "wisdom" which comes to his use.

Referring to alleged scams that happened under the UPA, he questioned the Congress's "audacity" to observe 'black day' on November 8.

On the issue of honesty, Indians would not trust the Congress even after 100 years, such are its "sins", he claimed.

Earlier at a rally in Kangra, Modi likened the Congress to termites, and exhorted the people to finish it off by handing over three-fourths majority to the BJP in the November 9 Assembly election.

He said the opposition party would observe "blackmoney day" on November 8 and burn his effigies as it was angry with his fight against corruption.

Modi claimed that the poor and the middle class were back to work but the dishonest people were angry with him and wanted to seek revenge from him as he forced them to deposit their bagfuls of cash with banks.
Militants today fired on a police team in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, injuring two security personnel, the police said.



"Militants fired upon a naka party of police near Police Station Rajpora in Pulwama, resulting in injuries to two of our personnel," deputy inspector general (DIG) of police S P Pani told PTI.

Pani said the injured policemen have been rushed to a hospital for treatment and their condition is stated to be stable.

The area has been cordoned off and a search for the attackers has been launched, the DIG said.

He said it was not an attack on the police station.

Meanwhile, a police official identified the injured constables as Abdul Salam and Munir Ahmad.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images(HONOLULU) -- President Donald Trump this weekend kicks off his inaugural visit to Asia, but he first stopped in Hawaii on Friday to visit the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor and to receive a briefing from U.S. Pacific Command.



The president and first lady Melania Trump participated in a wreath laying ceremony inside the USS Arizona Memorial in honor of the more-than-2,400 Americans who died in the attack by Japan. In a somber moment, the two then tossed white flower petals onto the sunken USS Arizona, and stood back to view the underwater battleship as the petals drifted away. They were accompanied by U.S. Pacific Commander Admiral Harris.



This was the president's first visit to Pearl Harbor -- something he described during the U.S. Pacific Command briefing as something he's "read about, spoken about, heard about, studied, but I haven't seen," adding that the visit "is going to be very exciting for me."



At the White House in July, the president honored a group of three World War II veterans who survived the attack on the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor.



"For these three World War II veterans, Dec. 7, 1941, the brutal attack on Pearl Harbor, is forever seared into their memories. It's also seared into America's memory because, on that grim day, this mighty nation was roused to defend freedom itself," Trump said at the time.



The stop precedes his inaugural visit to Asia -- a 13-day, five-country tour to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines. Trump said Friday he would be staying an extra day in the Philippines, a last-minute addition confirmed by the White House press secretary.



The president later explained to reporters on Air Force One that he would be spending one more day to attend the East Asia Summit because it's "actually the most important day."



This is a high-stakes trip that will focus heavily on the nuclear standoff with North Korea, with the White House warning that Trump will not moderate his freewheeling rhetoric.



Asked if Trump will threaten North Korea with "fire and fury" in the region, national security adviser Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster said, "The president will use whatever language he wants to use."



"Well, I dont think the president really modulates his language," McMaster said Thursday. "Have you noticed him do that? He's been very clear about it."



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Chanting "Death to America" and burning the US flag, thousands of Iranians protested in Tehran today against President Donald Trump's policies and to mark the anniversary of the 1979 US embassy siege.



The storming of the embassy in Tehran by students, months after the Islamic revolution, led to a 444-day hostage crisis and a break in diplomatic relations that continues to this day.

Protesters beat effigies of Trump with sticks in front of the former embassy compound while what appeared to be a dummy ballistic missile was put on display in a sign of defiance following new US sanctions.

"This year, Trump's anti-Iranian policies have mobilised more Iranians," Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.

Trump's administration has taken a tougher line with Iran, threatening to tear up an international accord on its nuclear programme.

Last month Trump refused to certify the 2015 deal between Tehran and world powers that lifted sanctions in return for limits on Iran's atomic programme, saying he could pull out "at any time".

The United States has also imposed new sanctions over the Islamic republic's ballistic missile programme.

A statement read out at today's protest said Iranians "see the criminal America as their main enemy and condemn the denigrating remarks of the hated US president against the great Iranian people and the Revolutionary Guards."

Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged Iranians on Thursday to never forget that "America is the enemy".

"To give in to the Americans makes them more aggressive and insolent. The only solution is to resist," he said.
The Supreme Court ticked off the Karnataka government for holding up promotions of officers citing a review petition pending before it.



The fate of hundreds of state officers hangs in the balance after the apex court on February 9 quashed a state law providing for reservation in promotions for SC/ST employees.

A bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta described the state government's stand as "unethical".

The state government had issued a circular on March 22 directing all departments not to give effect to any promotion in view of the verdict of the apex court.

Aggrieved by the circular, a group of BBMP officers had approached the Karnataka High Court, which rejected their plea.

Setting aside the High Court's judgement of May 5, the SC on Friday (Novembe 3) directed it to have a fresh look at the plea of the officers. State government employees led by Renukamba R and others had contended that their promotions were stalled following the apex court's February 9 judgement. The HC had relied upon the state government's plea that its review petition against the February judgement was pending before the apex court.

Challenging the HC's order, petitioners' counsel Balaji Srinivasan contended that the employees who belonged to general category were on the verge of retirement.

The employees, holding different posts such as First Division Assistants (FDA), Second Division Assistants (SDA), and Health Inspectors, also challenged validity of the government circular to put all promotions on hold.

'Revise seniority'

Hearing a batch of petitions for contempt proceedings against top state officers, a separate bench had earlier on September 8 given the state government time to revise seniority list by November 30, 2017 and take further consequential action by January 15, 2018.

The court had also clarified that if any government department finalised the seniority list before such time, it can take subsequent steps ahead of the extended deadline.

The apex court had on February 9 directed revision of the seniority list of employees within three months. It also declared as unconstitutional the provisions of the 'Karnataka Determination of Seniority of the Government Servants Promoted on the Basis of Reservation (To the Posts in the Civil Services of the State) Act, 2002'.

It had said the consequential promotions granted to serving employees, based on seniority, would be treated as ad hoc and was liable for review.
Even four days after the deadly blast at the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) plant in Uttar Pradesh's Raebareli district, that claimed 33 lives, many labourers are still missing.



The kin of the missing labourers continued to run from pillar to post to trace their near and dear ones, according to reports.

On Friday, fathers of two labourers, identified as Ram Babu and Indradeo, who had been missing since the blast on Wednesday afternoon, reached the NTPC plant to ascertain their whereabouts.

They were sent to the district hospital at Raebareli by the officials and from there to the police station at Unchahar but they failed to trace their sons.

The duo, both of whom hailed from UP's Sonebhadra district, said that the list of the dead and injured did not have the names of their sons.

District officials said that they had a list of 30 dead and 49 injured. ''We have no information about any missing labourers,'' said a senior official in Raebareli.

Many labourers and their kin had, a couple of days back, created a ruckus outside the gates of the plant alleging that many of their colleagues were missing since the blast.

They had also alleged that the NTPC officials were not allowing them to enter the plant nor were providing any information about the ''missing'' workers.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, who visited the plant on Thursday, was also told by the labourers that many of their colleagues were missing.

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday met the injured admitted to different hospitals here and inquired about their health. He also directed the police to register an FIR in connection with the incident.
A World Bank study released in October has expressed serious concern over "extreme shortfalls" in the learning levels of school children in India and various other low and middle-income countries.



It has called the situation a "global learning crisis," observing that the elementary and secondary schools in these countries are not equipping their students with the education and skills they must acquire in order to lead "healthy, productive and meaningful lives."

Millions of young students in these countries face the prospect of lost opportunities and lower wages in later life as consequence of their "learning deficit," the study, titled 'Learning to Realise Education's Promise,' warned.

"The average student in low-income countries performs worse than 95% of the students in high-income countries, meaning that the student would be singled out for remedial attention in a class in high-income countries," it noted.

Many "high-performing" students in middle-income countries (like India) - young men and women who have risen to the top quarter of their cohorts - would rank "in the bottom quarter in a wealthier country," it added.

The study placed India at second position after Malawi in a list of 12 developing countries, observing that over 80% Grade 2 students of Indian schools in rural areas failed in reading a single word of a short text during a survey.

With nearly 80% of Grade 2 students in rural schools failing to perform two-digit subtraction, too, the study placed India at the top of a list of seven developing countries, including Uganda and Ghana, on that measure.

"Schooling is not the same as learning. In rural India in 2016, only half of Grade 5 students could fluently read text at the level of the Grade 2 curriculum, which included sentences in the local language such as 'It was the month of rains' and 'There were black clouds in the sky.' These severe shortfalls constitute a learning crisis," the study observed.

The report attributed the shortfalls in learning among schoolchildren to various factors, including lack of motivation and required pedagogical skills among teachers and poor management of schools.

It has identified "unhealthy politics" as one of the "deeper system-level problems" in India so far as actualising the reforms in school education to scale up learning outcomes is concerned. "Many education systems encounter political impediments and rent-seeking, making alignment in education systems much harder to achieve. Unhealthy politics can intensify misalignments in education systems," the study said.

It cited the infamous Vyapam scam in Madhya Pradesh as a case in point.

"In the Vyapam case, several bureaucrats, fearing adverse career repercussions, allegedly joined the scam, making it much worse than otherwise possible. What started out as a small-time operation allegedly became informally institutionalised as people began to believe they would lose out if they questioned the status quo," the report noted.

The report also identified the designing of an appropriate curriculum as another major problem in India.

The curriculum in India has been designed "for the elite," it underlined. "Teachers and textbooks focus on advanced topics that are of little use in helping struggling students. These students then fall even further behind- eventually so far that no learning whatsoever takes place." Most such students belong to the disadvantaged sections of the society, it noted.

"Schools do not offer struggling students a chance to catch up. In many contexts, the pace of classroom instruction is determined by the need to cover an overly ambitious curriculum rather than by the pace of student learning." This leaves teachers no choice but to ignore students who are falling behind.

"Schooling without learning is a wasted opportunity. More than that, it is a great injustice: the children whom society is failing most are the ones who most need a good education to succeed in life," the report said, warning that such an education system would further widen social gaps.

The study noted that education systems in India and other lagging countries are delivering learning outcomes "well below" what is possible given the current levels of funding.

"In India, excess teacher absenteeism in the public sector is estimated to cost $1.5 billion a year," it underlined, suggesting that teacher attendance would improve if their accountability is "strongly aligned" with learning.

The report recommended three policy actions to address the crisis. "Assess learning, to make it a serious goal. Act on evidence, to make schools work for learners. Align actors, to make the system work for learning," it said.
Prince Charles of the UK and his wife Camilla Parker Bowles will be in India for a two-day-visit from Wednesday.



The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi announced that Prince of Wales, Charles Philip Arthur George, accompanied by Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla Parker Bowles, would be on a visit to India next week as a part of a 10-day tour to four nations in Asia.

Raveesh Kumar, spokesperson of the MEA, said that the visit of the royal couple was aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

The Prince is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discuss a wide range of issues, including that of the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which will take place in April 2018 in the UK. They will also discuss other issues like climate change, sustainable development goals, and economic cooperation.

With bilateral trade worth $12.19 billion, India is the third largest investor in the UK and the second largest international job creator in the UK.

The UK is the third largest inward investor in India, with a cumulative equity investment of $24.37 billion for the period from April 2000 to June 2017

The visit of the Prince of Wales to India is going to be his ninth since 1975.
Union minister Uma Bharti is the new entrant in the controversy surrounding the release of movie Padmavati.



Uma tweeted an open letter on November 3 stating she cannot remain neutral over the Padmavati controversy and urged people not to link the matter just with the Rajput

community since the overriding factor is of "women

pride".

The saffron robed minister, days after the BJP sought a temporary stay over the release of the movie, has described Muslim emperor Alauddin Khilji as a "licentious invader" who had an "evil eye" on exceptionally

beautiful Chittor princess, Padmavati.

She, in an open letter, said she "hates" Khilji and "respects" Padmavati after reading this episode of history. She also described men, irrespective of their religion, as "descendants of Khilji" who throw acid at women.

Bharati made it clear that she will not tolerate any absurd notion against women pride."I am today's Indian woman, few things are above politics. As a proud woman I have to take care of the pride of every Indian woman - past present or future..I stand firm. No non-sense with Indian woman's pride - past, present or future," she tweeted.

She suggested to form a committee, comprising historian, film maker and representatives of critique, to take a decision on objections on some content of the movie before its release.

Her fiat on the movie follows the BJP's concern that the magnum opus may have romantic scene between princes Padmavati, played by Deepika Padukone, and Khilji, characterised by Ranveer Singh in movie that may upset the Rajput community.

The BJP unit of Gujarat sought a stay on the film till the state assembly elections scheduled next month. The Congress too has sought a pre-release screening of the film so that objectionable scenes could be deleted to assuage feelings of Rajputs.

The minister for drinking water and sanitation did not spare director Sanjay Leela Bhansali either.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi may have a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on the sideline of the East Asia Summit in Manila later this month.



New Delhi and Beijing are in touch to explore possibilities of a bilateral meeting between Modi and Li when the two leaders will be in capital city of Philippines to attend the ASEAN outreach meetings and the East Asia Summit, which will be held between November 10 and 14. Modi may meet Li in Manila. Relations between the two neighbours was further strained this week as China once again blocked India's efforts to get the United Nations impose sanctions on Masood Azhar a the founder and leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a terrorist outfit based in Pakistan.
With the government's 'special representative' on Kashmir, Dineshwar Sharma, set to begin his mission to explore a peaceful resolution in the insurgency-hit Valley from Monday, mainstream political parties on Saturday received formal invitations for meetings with the Centre's emissary.



However, main Opposition National Conference is yet to receive a formal invitation. According to officials, Sharma, who will visit Kashmir for four days from Monday, has left it to the parties to decide the time of the meeting.

State Congress president G A Mir said they will discuss with the party leaders and decide on an appropriate time to meet Sharma. "We are ready to talk to him and know what agenda he has come up with," Mir said.

CPM state secretary M Y Tarigami, independent legislator Hakeem Yasin and heads of smaller parties have also received invitations from Sharma.

Despite a signal from the Union government on its willingness to push for a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue by appointing Sharma, former Intelligence Bureau chief, separatists have refused to talk to him. They have termed Sharma's appointment "a new tactic" by New Delhi after it "failed in its muscular approach" in the troubled state.
A formidable third front has long eluded the polity of the hill state where the Congress and the BJP hold sway over voters.



This upcoming elections is no different. There was earlier a grimmer of hope with talks about the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) making its Assembly poll debut in Himachal Pradesh. But that, too, is now grounded with the AAP deciding against contesting.

This, despite the fact that the AAP, dubbed a political greenhorn, made sizable footprints in neighboring Punjab after it won 20 seats in a keenly fought triangular contest less than nine months ago.

Interestingly, the Samajwadi Party (SP) has fielded one candidate this election. Mayawati's BSP and the CPM, too, are in the poll fray, but none of these parties have been able to generate a narrative that tends to help them in elections.

The lack of a third front limits options for voters. The desirability of a credible face to lead a third front also leaves much to be desired.

Their political worth in Uttar Pradesh notwithstanding, political outfits like the SP and the BSP have remained reduced to fringe parties in Himachal Pradesh.

The SP has been fielding candidates in Himachal Pradesh since 1998.

In the previous poll, the Samajwadi Party fielded 15 candidates with a record high of 20 in 2003. But the party never won even one seat and its vote share remained a dismal 0.1% in the last election.

All its candidates lost security deposits.

This time the SP has just one candidate, the poorest of all in the poll fray.

The BSP, too, is contesting on fewer seats since last poll- down to 42 this time. The CPM, which is believed to have a voter base in state capital Shimla, won its lone seat way back twenty-four years ago.

It's contesting from just 14 seats this time. The number of independents have gone up and poses a tough challenge to mainstream party candidates.

The AAP had contested all four parliamentary seats in the hill state in 2012, but lost all. Party sources said despite the local unit projecting an encouraging voter base and seeking funds to contest, the central leadership of the AAP did not respond.

Young voters in focus

Political parties in Himachal Pradesh are vying to woo the significant chunk of young voters in the state.

Nearly 51% of the registered voters in the state fall in the age group of 18-40, while 36% are in the 25-40 age category.

Despite projecting 73-year-old Prem Kumar Dhumal as its Chief Ministerial candidate, the BJP is building its narrative around Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It is promising development and more jobs with the BJP governments in both state and Centre.

Manifestoes and vision documents of both Congress and BJP highlight a slue of measures for the youth. The grand old party has promised lakhs of jobs and free laptops to the state's youngsters.

BJP is facing this Assembly polls with the advantage of getting significant leads in all Assembly segments during the 2014 Lok Sabha poll, despite being ousted in 2012.

Ironically, both the parties have fielded veterans despite focusing on young voters.
President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday asked Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, to invite alumni, to come back and teach even for short periods or for specific courses.



All great universities of the world, he said, have a deep and thriving engagement between old students and the institution. "They invite alumni to contribute, not merely in terms of financial assistance but more in terms of knowledge sharing and time."

Kovind was addressing the annual convocation of the IIT-Delhi.

The President said that the obligation was on IIT Delhi authorities to involve and invite alumni. "If procedures need to be simplified to achieve this, then efforts must be made in that direction," Kovind said.

The President said the IIT system in general a and IIT Delhi specifically a has been the gold standard of technical education in our country.

"IIT alumni have been the bedrock of India's engineering capabilities, its IT industry and our startup culture. They have been brand ambassadors of India's intellectual and technological strength across the globe, from Singapore to Silicon Valley," he said.

The President noted that IIT Delhi now has more post-graduate students than at the undergraduate level. He stated that this is a healthy sign.

"We are moving towards research-based learning and churning out products and technologies for nation building. I am also happy to note that researchers at IIT Delhi have invented and developed products that have contributed to the well-being of fellow citizens," he said.

The President said, "There is also the social role of IITs and the place they have in the Indian imagination. For many young Indians, studying at an IIT remains the ultimate dream."
Babycare products maker Chicco, a part of a1.44 billion Artsana Group of Italy, is looking to expand its manufacturing base in India, hoping to strengthen its toys business.



The company, which markets brands like Chicco and Boppy in India, already has presence in manufacturing toiletries and baby-fashion in the country. Talking to DH about plans to expand operations, Chicco India CEO Rajesh Vohra said, "We are looking for opportunities to partner with local toy manufacturers. We are in discussion with some players."

Chicco has already initiated the process by partnering with an Indian manufacturer, as it hopes to scale the proposition soon. With about six production partners in the toiletries segment, and some in the fashion segment, the company sources about 35% of its Indian sales locally.

Marketing its entire range encompassing toys, travel, fashion, nursing and toiletries in India, Chicco has marked a growth rate of 30% in the last five years.

The company has set up 11 branded stores across the country, one of which, is in Bengaluru. It further has over 100 shop-in-shops, which it plans to expand aggressively. "We will concentrate on expansion in key accounts as shop-in-shops are our biggest marketing channel. We will be more selective about branded stores," he said.

Going forward, the company expects high growth in its travel segment. "With the rise in urban families and low penetration of the travel segment in India, there is high opportunity for growth. Some of our strollers and prams need to be customised to suit Indian climate, and we are working on that," said Vohra.

Vohra further said, "We want to be a category leader in the 0-3 years baby care market in India. There is stiff competition, but with rise in spending and our price-points, we are confident of achieving that."
A surprise awaited IPS officer H S Revanna, the newly appointed DIG prisons, when he visited Parappana Agrahara Central Jail recently.



An unfamiliar voice said, "Namaskara, sir. Chennagidira?" (Greetings, sir. How are you doing?)

It turned out to be Ilavarasi, sister-in-law of V K Sasikala, ousted AIADMK general secretary. Convicted in a disproportionate assets case, Ilavarasi and Sasikala are serving jail terms in Bengaluru.

"I am not facing any trouble," Ilavarasi said in Kannada when Revanna asked if she had any grievances.

For six months, she has been spending time on her Kannada lessons. "She has successfully cleared Class 1 and 2 Kannada exams," an official told DH.

Ilavarasi can strike a decent conversation in the language. "She is also beginning to read it," the official said. All this was possible thanks to a makeshift school inside the prison. A woman teaches Kannada to inmates who show interest. Ilavarasi's Kannada classmates include two Nigerians, two Maharashtrians and six female convicts.

However, Sasikala and V N Sudhakaran (disowned foster son of Jayalalithaa) have shown no interest in learning Kannada.
Once touted as the ultimate answer to Bengaluru's traffic woes, the 60-km Outer Ring Road donned the freeway tag with pride. But that was between 1996 and 2002, when it opened up in sections. Today, when the city has far outgrown its confines, the Ring Road is a telling picture of peak-hour chaos in dire need of repair and maintenance.



This rush is palpable right through the day at the junction where the ORR crosses the Old Madras Road right under the K R Puram cable-stayed bridge. The bridge, by design, is so poor that it lets traffic pass under it at just one overcrowded spot: Where luggage-holding passengers from the K R Puram railway station spill out in hundreds, triggering unimaginable chaos.

K R Puram chaos

Vehicles speeding down the ORR piles up right before this junction, before crawling out towards Marathahalli, Bellandur and beyond. Private and BMTC buses that pick up and drop commuters right at the bridge entrance only add to the mess. A bus bay, built a few hundred feet ahead of the bridge is rarely used.

Getting caught in the peak-hour rush on the ORR beyond K R Puram is the ultimate nightmare for commuters heading home from office. If the commute upto Marathahalli is relatively smooth, the pile-up starts from Kadubeesanahalli, the hub of tech parks housing several IT firms. Traffic spills over onto the badly maintainted service roads, made worse by the recent rains.

Rush-hour trucks

But what makes it even more messy is the unregulated entry of heavy vehicles during peak hours. The slow movement of the massive trucks, particularly between K R Puram and Silk Board junction, takes a huge toll on the already shaky traffic management.

Shashidhara, a frequent commuter on this stretch blames the traffic police for not stopping these trucks at any point. The stretch passes through the jurisdiction of Mico Layout, Madiwala, HSR Layout and K R Puram traffic police.

According to a government notification, all goods vehicles beyond three-ton capacity should be banned from entering the city limits between 6 am and 10 pm. The only exceptions are vehicles linked to water supply, garbage, police, military and hearse vehicles.

ORRCA companies

This continuing mess has everyone hassled. But the Outer Ring Road Companies Association (ORRCA) wants to find a way out by partnering with the government. Recently, the association representatives met Mahindra Jain, Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development Department, and emphasised the need to explore long-term solutions.

Explains the representative, "ORR is one of the fastest growing IT corridors in the world. Today it has a current commercial office capacity of 60 mm square feet which is expected to grow to 85 mm square feet by 2020 equivalent to approximately 800-850 thousand employees."

Based on such projections, ORRCA highlighted the importance of short and long-term planning to improve infrastructure on ORR to make this growth sustainable.

Short-term measures

But the traffic police, often at the receiving end of commuters' ire, feel short-term steps should be taken up on a war-footing. "The biggest problem with the city's road road is flawed design," points out R Hithendra, Additional Commissioner of Police, Traffic.

For instance, there are no bus shelters on any of the service road stretches of ORR. Buses halt on the main road for passengers to board and alight, triggering congestion. Besides, in many areas, service roads are not properly developed at all, Hithendra adds.

Median breaks

Multiplicity of median breaks add to the chaos. There are as many as 28 openings linking the service road and main road on the ORR stretch between K R Puram and Silk Board junction. Vehicles taking U turns and entering the main road raises big problems for smooth flow of traffic.

In some ORR stretches, the drainage is either above the road or below the road. The ongoing Metro rail construction work has also affected vehicular movement.

Design issues also plague other ORR stretches. For instance, the ORR's width between Nayandahalli and Bannerghatta road junction is grossly inadequate considering the high volume of traffic.

The traffic police topbrass agree that the movement of heavy good vehicles partly contributes to the congestion. Explains Hithendra, "We have banned entry of heavy goods vehicles into the city between 7 am and 11 am and from 5 pm to 9 pm. We can ban the entry, but not the movement of these vehicles."

Split lanes on Hebbal flyover are also cited as another contributing factor for the increased congestion on ORR. The police say these design issues should be tackled first, using funds earmarked for beautification of flyovers and underpasses.
By Casey Michel

31 October 2017

(The Washington Post)  Off all the information contained in yesterdays bombshell indictment of Paul Manafort, one significant fact has gone unremarked. According to the indictment, Manafort was linked to nearly a dozen limited liability companies (LLCs) that helped to funnel cash from accounts in places like Cyprus and the Seychelles. Notably, though, these LLCs werent based in traditional offshore havens like Panama or the British Virgin Islands. Instead they were in Washingtons backyard, in states like Delaware, Virginia, and Florida. Little noticed by most Americans, the United States has become one of the worlds leading offshore havens.In so doing, Manafort joined others who have used U.S.-based shell companies, like Teodorin Obiang, the son of Equatorial Guineas dictator, who presided over assets allegedly running into the hundreds of millions of dollars  and including Michael Jacksons crystal-studded glove  while the vast majority of his countrys populace remain among the poorest in Africa. Another member of the club: Viktor Bout, the so-called Russian Merchant of Death, whose arms transports reportedly buried an untold number of bodies in Angola and Liberia. Then theres former Ukrainian Prime Minister Pavlo Lazarenko, who, at one point, earned a spot on Transparency Internationals list of top-10 wealthiest corrupt officials internationally. All three have been known to use U.S. shell companies to store funds or purchase real estate.A few years ago, people in the market for financial opacity would have set up shop in more traditional secrecy havens, from Switzerland to Belize. Places that had little oversight and promised to pose fewer questions, and that prioritized security over self-identification. Places that the United States has now challenged  or surpassed  when it comes to financial secrecy.Led by state legislatures in places like Delaware, Wyoming, Nevada, and South Dakota, the United States has joined in an international race to the bottom when it comes to financial secrecy, either in the form of shell companies or trusts as opaque as they are expansive. And that has drawn the attention of corrupt leaders from around the world, who are always in search of new places to squirrel away their wealth from prying eyes (and their own impoverished citizens).Indeed, the United States recent anti-kleptocracy drives  campaigns that have captured or frozen billions in stolen monies  have been undercut, and in certain respects undone, by Americas transformation into a global financial secrecy center. The United State provides the perfect combination of security and anonymity. It boasts an independent court system, local authorities willing to turn a blind eye to ones business  and an executive branch whose head has profited handsomely from the cloak of secrecy surrounding the real estate sector.U.S. shell company providers are notably unwilling to collect the most basic information about those setting up American shell companies. According to a 2014 study, U.S. company service providers turned out to be worse than any other country surveyed when it came to transparency compliance. Small wonder that Mossack Fonseca, the Panamanian law firm that helped clients set up shell companies  many of which were later exposed in the Panama Papers  specifically hawked Wyoming and Nevada to its clients. [more]
31 October 2017 (Save EPA)  The draft EPA strategic plan released by Trump/Pruitt earlier this month is woefully inadequate on all accounts.

Save EPAs Comments on the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan

Dear Administrator Pruitt:Save EPA is a volunteer organization made up of retired and former employees of the Environmental Protection Agency. We have expertise in environmental science, law and policy. We are using our collective expertise to educate and advocate about environmental science, environmental protections and the current Administrations assault on EPA and our public health. We are writing now because we have grave concerns about EPAs s draft strategic plan.

Missing Performance Measures

The Draft FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan, released by EPA on 2 October 2017 is extraordinarily insufficient in multiple ways. In general, it is so lacking in detail as to be almost meaningless. There are few if any measurable goals to which EPA can be held accountable to the public or even gauge internally whether it has achieved success. Historically, one purpose of a strategic plan is to clearly describe what the agency hopes to accomplish, in a way where commitments are clear and success of failure can be tracked. That level of detail is almost entirely missing from this plan.The plan contains vague commitments, many times only restating what programs are required to do in general terms  and sometimes not even that. It contains very few performance measures which would improve accountability, and no longer-term (four-year) measures (as did previous plans), which allow EPA to truly plan and meet goals, and allow the public a clear way to understand EPA priorities and intentions. The draft plan commits to nothing other than following some of EPAs legally-mandated requirements  which of course EPA does not need a strategic plan to do. Further, the budget cuts proposed by the Administration seed doubt that even the few items left in the plan can be accomplished adequately. In summary, the draft plan does not even nominally describe a path to EPAs core mission to protect public health and the environment.

Goal 1  Core Mission: Deliver real results to provide Americans with clean air, land, and water.

Goal 1 highlights that EPA plans to produce real results.. In this context, real results is surprisingly backward-looking  it implies that, to date, results have not been real, contrary to evidence. The plan should clearly spell out how results will somehow be more real than they have been in the past, and the environmental and public health will benefit as a result. For instance, the plan should include clear and forward-looking goals using more appropriate descriptors such as improving, protecting, or cleaning up various environmental areas. The five strategic goals from the most recent strategic plan is an example of how this might be described.The subgoals of Goal 1 fall far short of what the agency needs to accomplish under the even the most restrictive reading of various statutes. Again, there is a disconnect between these priority goals and the mission of EPA, which is to protect human health and the environment. For instance, one of the priority goals is to accelerate permit decisions. We note that this goal should, but currently does not, include making sure that permits are appropriately protective and have adequate public input. While accelerated review may be worthy at times (although likely does not rise to the level of a strategic goal), its worth declines if it comes at the cost of shoddy review and skipping necessary steps. All goals should be specifically tied back to EPAs mission of protecting human health and the environment.

Air Quality and Climate

The plan reduces EPAs entire air and radiation program down to a single strategic measure: Reduce the number of non-attainment areas. Please clarify that this goal does not come at the cost of redefining attainment, or failing to update the National Ambient Air Quality Standards as needed to reflect the best science. Indeed, EPAs recent attempt to delay the ozone NAAQS gives rise to fear that reducing the number of non-attainment areas will come by papering over the definition of attainment rather than increased environmental protection.Perhaps the most egregious omission is the deletion of all climate goals. We note that climate, or greenhouse gas emissions, has been included throughout decades of EPA strategic planning, in both Republican and Democratic administrations. This omission is unconscionable and goes far beyond the Administrators controversial statements on established science. Even if the Administrator continues to question established science on climate, or chooses to elevate legitimate questions to the level that recklessly delays urgently-needed action, shouldnt the plan include a strategic goal to find out? Similarly, there is no mention of adaptation, which is certainly needed regardless of the cause of climate change. The fact that neither of these is includes raises the question as to whether that decision was based on political expediency rather than on environmental science.In addition radon programs (required by law), indoor air (immediate issues with human health), energy star (popular programs to reduce energy use and consumer costs), and many more programs are gone. There is nothing about continuing research on health effects, keeping up with science, improving modeling & monitoring (except greater reliance on the private sector). There is nothing about research or innovative programs to address cumulative or combined exposures, which are especially critical to our most vulnerable populations.

Water Quality

There is only one priority goal for the entire water program, to increase the percentage of water infrastructure projects funded through EPA grants, loans, or public-private partnerships that achieve or maintain compliance. While important, this reflects only a sliver of the task at hand. The only strategic measures for the water program are to reduce the number of community water systems out of compliance with health-based standards; increase the percentage of water infrastructure projects funded through EPA grants, loans, or public-private partnerships that achieve or maintain compliance; and reduce the number of square miles of watershed with surface water not meeting standards. All geographic-specific programs, climate resiliency programs, water sense, urban waters, ecosystem protection, programs to address non-point sources, and more, are gone. As one illustration, it is difficult to imagine achieving significant improvements in water quality across the nation without reducing non-point sources. Finally, while the water programs strong state and local component is highlighted, EPAs role is not. Aside from working in partnership, the plan should specify the role that EPA intends to play.We take special note of one of the strategies listed  to invest in infrastructure to spur environmental benefits and economic growth. While is it true that investments in water infrastructure can spur economic growth, that is not the goal of such investments nor is it a part of EPAs mission, both of which focus on providing and protecting clean healthy water.

Emergency Response

The goals for EPAs Emergency Response are extremely vague, and seem more like summary of requirements and procedures more than a true strategic review of needs. In addition, much more explanation is needed on the top ten process for Superfund sites, specifically the impact on and process for furnishing resources, selection criteria, opportunity for public input, and preferred stage of reclamation, if any. In addition, this section has nothing about sustainable development, or municipal waste management and waste prevention programs including food recovery. Perhaps EPA views some of this as beyond what is minimally required by law. Nonetheless, these forward-looking programs, and others like them, are the keys to preventing the types of problems that the rest of EPA is dedicated to addressing after the fact, and it is extremely short-sighted to omit them. Finally, as we have recently seen, adaptation as it pertains to waste sites becomes critically important in areas of possible sea level rise or extreme weather events. Yet the strategic plan includes nothing on this.

Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals

The last section on the programmatic goals concerns EPAs newly invigorated chemicals program. Yet the other programs in this area are completely omitted. The pesticide program has no measures at all. The lead poisoning prevention program is likewise completely omitted  meaning that even when parents or landlords want to ensure that their properties are lead-safe, there will be no assurances from EPA that those doing the work are properly trained. Research is completely absent, yet this is how we find out more about existing and emerging dangers to human health. Pollution prevention programs are also omitted, yet these are low-cost voluntary programs designed to help avoid problems down the road. It is short-sighted to exclude them.

Goal 2  Cooperative Federalism: Rebalance the power between Washington and the states to create tangible environmental results for the American people.

Goal 2 discusses cooperative federalism. While it can be worthwhile to review state/federal working relationships, describing this as a rebalancing of power is puzzling and inappropriate. The plan is also unclear as to how the joint governance model will be developed. Like Goal 1, this goal implies that power has been unbalanced at EPA.

State/EPA Relationships

In our decades of experience, we have found that EPA normally tailors oversight to states, with strong state programs getting little oversight and weak ones getting more, including sharing work, and while highlighting the need to work across states. We would be happy to furnish you with dozens of examples of cooperative and productive partnerships between EPA and states, as well as dozens of examples where we have worked to maximize public input.What unbalancing does this plan address? What will change in EPA activity, as a result of this strategic goal, to allow it to better achieve its mission of protecting the environment and public health? Instead, we recommend that the plan focus on optimizing the relationship, using the criterion that both entities are working together effectively and in partnership to advance environmental and public health protection to the maximum extent possible, rather than whether power is somehow balanced (whatever that means). We further recommend that the partnership section of the most recent strategic plan be used as a starting point.

Enforcement & Oversight

An essential part of cooperation with partners is enforcement (who does it and when), yet this is not addressed. Yet the plan includes a measure to address the elimination of unnecessary reporting from regulated community. We recommend that decisions on whether reporting is unnecessary be placed in an enforcement context; it is unclear how this fits with this objective.In a startling omission, the plan makes no mention of increasing oversight to avoid occurrence such as what happened in Flint, Michigan. We ask that the plan align its focus on community-based work with the fact that the agency is eliminating funding for these types of activities, such as urban waters, environmental justice, geographic programs, environmental education, and other programs.

Goal 3  Rule of Law and Process: Administer the law, as Congress intended, to refocus the Agency

Goal 3 discusses Rule of Law and Process. This is an odd formulation because EPA normally adheres to laws and required processes without having to describe it as a goal in a strategic plan. For instance, this was included as a core value in the most recent strategic plan. This goal seems to say that EPA will do no more than specifically obligated. However, EPA, like other agencies, does many things that are not statutorily required, such as maintaining email systems, websites, and security details for its Administrator. We suggest that, this goal be clarified to specifically say what will and will not be done, and to allow public comment on that. We also point out that obeying the law compels EPA to move forward with work on climate.

Make-work Instead of Meaningful Priorities

Several of the items in this category sound like they are not worthy of priority attention given other pressing demands on EPAs time that contributes directly to protection of human health and the environment. For instance, re-engineering permitting and contracting has already been done a number of times. Developing a base catalog of EPA responsibilities seems like a poor use of time  this has been done by many offices already and is also reflected in agency-wide documents. While the items listed in section 3.5 may have merit, they have also been done in recent years; review should be (and is) a normal part of business, hardly a priority goal.The highlighted measure (increasing the percentage of decisions using EPA science) to be puzzling, as we believe it is now at or close to 100%.

Scientific Integrity

Finally, like others, we are concerned about the scientific integrity of the various science boards discussed in section 3.3 if anyone who has ever received EPA money is excluded, particularly given that many others will receive funding from industry. Thank you for considering our comments on this important statement on Agency direction.Joni Teter & Carol Campbell, for the Save EPA Steering Committee
On the evening of 3 November 1957, barely a month after the Soviet Union sent the world's first human-made satellite into orbit, a rocket lifted off from a secret site in Kazakhstan, carrying its second  this time with a live passenger on board. A week before the mission began, Moscow Radio had broadcast an interview with the cosmonaut in question, described as ''a small, shaggy dog''. It was a one-way ticket  Laika was never meant to return to earth. "I asked her to forgive us and I even cried as I stroked her for the last time," says 90-year-old Russian biologist Adilya Kotovskaya, recalling the day she bid farewell to her charge Laika. The former street dog was about to make history as the first living creature to orbit the earth on a one-way journey. The launch of Sputnik 2 was timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the October Revolution, and the craft itself was an appropriately showy statement of Communist know-how - six times heavier than Sputnik 1, designed to fly nearly twice as high, and, most impressive of all, containing a live passenger. Western newspapers were initially confused about what to call her. Introduced as Kudryavka ('Little Curly'), she was also known as Limonchik ('Little Lemon') and Damka ('Little Lady'). A Soviet spokesman eventually clarified that her name was Laika ('Barker'), which did not to stop a columnist at Newsday from referring to her exclusively as ''Muttnik.'' Laika was far from the first dog to ride aboard a Russian rocket. Six years earlier, a pair of dogs named Dezik and Tsygan had reached the cusp of outer space, and since then more than two dozen others had followed. In each case, the Soviets had chosen their test subjects from among Moscow's strays, on the theory that surviving on the lean streets of the capital was good preparation for the rigors of spaceflight. The dogs had to be small, but not too small, and they had to have brightly coloured coats, so that they would show up on film. They also had to be female, to simplify the design of their suits. As Asif Siddiqi recounts in his book Challenge to Apollo: The Soviet Union and the Space Race, 1945-1974', the stringency of the requirements prompted a local dog catcher to ask whether the animals needed ''to howl in C major,'' too. The dog only lived for a few hours in space before succumbing to dehydration caused by the heat of the Sun, flying around the earth nine times. Nonetheless, "Those nine orbits of earth made Laika the world's first cosmonaut - sacrificed for the sake of the success of future space missions," says Kotovskaya, who remains proud of her pioneering work as a scientist training Laika and other early space animals. For Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, Laika's voyage was yet another space feat to discomfit the Americans. The USSR took an early lead in space exploration  it also sent the first human, Yuri Gagarin, into space  though the US eventually 'won' the space race by landing a man, Neil Armstrong, on the moon. Sensing a PR opportunity, the Soviets paraded other rocket dogs before the press, allowing them to be photographed in their little space outfits. But soon animal lovers chimed in on poor Laika's behalf. She was ''the shaggiest, lonesomest, saddest dog in all history,'' The New York Times's editorial board lamented; to subject her to such an experiment was ''monstrous'' and ''horrible''. An employee of an animal shelter noted Laika's inability to consent to the flight, calling it ''morally, spiritually, and ethically wrong''. Early articles in the American press speculated that the Russians were likely to try to bring her back alive, and the director of the Moscow Institute of Astronomy seemed to confirm that this was true. Ultimately, though, the Soviets admitted that Laika would never again set foot on earth. After a week in orbit, the Los Angeles Times reported, she would be fed poisoned food, ''in order to keep her from suffering a slow agony''. When the moment came, Russian scientists reassured the public that Laika had been comfortable, if stressed, for much of her flight, that she had died painlessly, and that she had made invaluable contributions to space science. Though much of the coverage of Sputnik 2 centered on Laika, she had very little to do with the mission's larger political message. Much as she amused contemporary commentators, they did not fail to realise that a missile powerful enough to put a satellite into orbit could also deliver a nuclear payload to any major American city. While the military significance of 'Sput the First', as one newspaper dubbed it, could be poo-pooed - the satellite weighed only a 148 pounds, after all - the second Sputnik, larger and more advanced, was harder to ignore. It was not just the fact of it but the pace of it: as Russian satellites got bigger and better, the Americans were still struggling to build one of their own. Edward Teller, the so-called father of the hydrogen bomb, warned that in a short time the USSR would have intercontinental ballistic missiles armed with nuclear warheads. But the Soviet advances also swayed American public opinion for a stronger space programme.








Infosys engages more engineers to clear GSTN glitches

Infosys Ltd is reported to have deployed more IT experts and engineers across states to steady the Goods and Services Tax Net (GSTN), the GST return-filing portal, amidst criticism over the lackadaisical manner in which the system is being implemented.

Five months into the roll-out of the GST Network the teething problems of the system have not yet been resolved. Traders now blame Infosys and the government for its failures and have even demanded a CBI inquiry into the issue.

"Infosys has started deploying more engineers and IT experts for the GSTN project. They are being sent to major states to address issues and help states better understand the system," said a government official.

Infosys, which won the Rs1,380-crore contract to build the GST backbone in 2015, has failed to deliver a perfect system as the outages continue to bedevil functioning, especially during peak tax and return filing times.

Infosys says the government did not adhere to its time-lines that allowed the company no time to complete the testing.

Businesses have complained of problems faced in filing of returns on the GST-Network portal on the last days, forcing the government to extend deadlines.

In fact, the Confederation of All-India Traders (CAIT) has demanded an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), into the failure of Infosys in keeping the GSTN running smoothly.

''Even after four months of GST implementation in the country, the GST portal, which was supposed to function properly from 1st July itself, is still working like an experiment project causing much harassment and mental concern to traders across Country.'' The traders' body in a statement said.

''The CAIT has also demanded the government to release a white paper on the as-on-date status of the GST portal. The poor functioning of the portal has brought bad name for a good taxation system like GST and utter frustration to the traders who are mostly unable to make GST compliance on account of malfunctioning of the portal,'' the statement added.

Infosys vehemently denied allegations made by the CAIT as ''completely inaccurate'' and passed the ball in government's court. The IT major blamed government's rapidly changing policies for the glitches. ''Given the complex nature of the project and rapid change management, there have been several stakeholder concerns that have also been raised. Some of our finest engineers are supporting the GSTN team as they work towards resolving these and serving all stakeholders,'' the company said.

It turns out that the government's ever changing policies and changes in the rate structure have made implementation of the project difficult for Infosys, which, however, cannot officially complain of the difficulties faced because of the prestige associated with the project.

At the same time, government officials are not happy with the time taken by the company to come up with a solution.

While some believe that the onus was on Infosys to ensure a glitch-free system, others say that the last moment finalisation of rules relating to returns took a toll on the system's performance.

As per the data with the GSTN, a huge chunk of businesses file their returns after the expiry of the due date. While it had extended the date for maiden GSTR-3B return filing in August, the due date for final returns GSTR-1, 2 and 3 has also been extended.

Glitches in invoice matching while filing GSTR-2 was flagged at the meeting of Group Of Ministers (GoM) on 28 October following which it directed Infosys to deploy more software engineers in every state to assist state tax officers with the new IT system.

Government officials said Infosys has already deployed more than 100 IT people in their team for GSTN functioning.

Infosys won a 5-year government contract worth Rs1,380 crore in 2015 to develop the IT system for the biggest indirect tax reform GST.
The ministry of food processing has signed memoranda of understanding with 13 global and domestic companies that have committed to invest a cumulative Rs68,000 crore in India's food processing sector over the coming years. The in-principle agreements with the 13 companies were signed at the World Food India 2017 event in New Delhi. PepsiCo Inc has committed an investment of Rs13,340 crore for setting up beverage and food manufacturing units over the next five years. Rival Coca-Cola Co proposed to invest Rs11,000 crore in the supply chain as part of its plan to increase use of Indian fruits in its beverages. Among domestic companies, ITC Ltd said it will invest Rs10,000 crore in food processing over the next five to seven years while Yoga guru-turned businessman Baba Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurved Ltd signed a memorandum of understanding to invest Rs10,000 crore for setting up food processing units across the country. Other companies included Amazon and Metro Cash and Carry. Most of these companies had earlier announced their investment plans in India until 2020, and the investment figures proposed on Friday are part of those previously declared plans. Other proposals include Rs5,000 crore of investments by Saraf Group in farm produce and processing, Rs4,000 crore by Yes Bank Ltd for financing food processing projects across the back-end infrastructure and Rs3,450 by US-based online retailer Amazon.com Inc., which will invest in food retail, according to a statement by the ministry of food processing industries. Hyderabad-based Janani Food Pvt. Ltd (Rs2,000 crore), German retailer Metro Cash and Carry (Rs1,690 crore), Cargill Inc. (Rs1,500 crore), biscuit maker Britannia Industries Ltd (Rs1,500 crore) and US-based chocolate maker The Hershey Co are among the other prominent investors. ''Metro is convinced of India's potential and strongly committed to expansion in your country. We prepare with innovative solutions on various levels from supporting farmers as key factors in supply chain to empowering the competitiveness of traditional kirana stores while retail monetization for sizing these opportunities and playing our role in the transformation of India's food market,'' said Pieter Boone, chief operating officer of Metro AG and chief executive officer, Metro Cash and Carry. Amanda Sourry, global president, foods, at Unilever Plc, said the company is committed to bringing its global expertise to India. ''We, at Unilever, are excited about India foods opportunity. Unilever has globally loved portfolio of food and refreshment brands - Kissan, Brooke Bond, Knorr, Kwality Walls, to name a few. Some of these brands have been present in India for over 70 years. We are committed to bringing our expertise and experience in identifying emerging needs, educating people on making informed food choices and providing the highest quality products that are sourced and distributed sustainably,'' added Sourry. Food processing minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said the $600 billion retail sector is set to treble by 2020. ''The government is helping set up 42 mega food parks where common facilities can be used by companies instead of setting up individual plants Our goal is to transform India's food economy and double farmer incomes,'' she added. Finance minister Arun Jaitley said over 250 highways were under construction, 35-40 new airports were being added and 400 railway stations being modernised. ''Each village is being connected through a road. By 2019, every village home will be connected to electricity. This will raise the quality of life.'' Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with CEOs representing the top companies engaged in the food processing and related sectors across the world. The interaction was part of the ongoing World Food India event. ''Food processing is a priority sector under the Make in India programme,'' the prime minister said at the inauguration of World Food India 2017. Steps such as allowing 100 per cent foreign direct investment in food retail, a single-window facilitation cell for foreign investors and attractive incentives from central and state governments have made India a preferred investment destination, Modi said. CEOs and officials from Amazon (India), Amway, Britannia Industries, Cargill Asia Pacific, Coca-Cola India, Danfoss, Future Group, GlaxoSmithKline, Ise Foods, ITC, Kikkoman, LuLu Group, McCain, Metro Cash & Carry, Mondelez International, Nestle, OSI Group, PepsiCo India, Sealed Air, Sharaf Group, Spar International, The Hain Celestial Group, The Hershey Company, Trent Ltd, and Walmart India were present at the meeting. The CEOs complimented the prime minister on the massive improvement in India's ranking in the recent World Bank Doing Business Report. Many CEOs said that they were inspired by the prime minister's vision of doubling farm incomes, and the pace and progress of economic reforms over the last three years under his leadership. They especially appreciated the structural reforms and bold initiatives such as GST and the liberalisation of the FDI regime. The participants stressed that the food processing sector is vital for raising farm productivity, food and nutrition security, creating jobs, and adding value to agricultural produce. The CEOs presented an overview of their engagement and initiatives for inclusive growth in India's food processing, agriculture, logistics, and retail sectors. They showed keen interest in opportunities that exist for strengthening the post-harvest infrastructure. They reaffirmed their commitment to be a part of India's growth story. The prime minister said that India's rising middle class and the policy-driven initiatives of the government are opening up several win-win opportunities for all stakeholders in the food processing ecosystem. He also underlined the government's resolve to reduce input costs for the farmer, and eliminate losses due to wastage of farm produce. He invited the global CEOs for a deeper and more productive engagement with India. (Also see: Modi invites global investors for contract farming in India)








RTE should feature more Irish language news reports on mainstream RTE TV news programmes, according to Minister of State for Gaeilge, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Joe McHugh T.D.

Minister McHugh told an audience in Kerry, where he launched the annual cultural celebration Oireachtas na Samhna, that the national broadcaster already has an excellent record on promoting Irish.

However the Minister said: We have a situation  which I often see  where a news report appears on the Six One News in English and the same report appears on TG4 an hour later in Irish.

It often involves regional reports from Gaeltacht areas which were filmed originally as Gaeilge and the reporter is asked to do an English version.

Why cant RTE broadcast the original report in Irish and include sub-titles in English? I think they can do that; the technology is there and I know the willingness is there.

The Donegal Fine Gael TD, who says he continues to learn new Irish words every day, said the audience for such news reporting is nationwide.

It appeals to that gaelscoil child and his or her parent in Meath or Louth or Dublin or Wexford  and tells them their language, their native language is part of the main news programme and is relevant, said McHugh.

I know RTE News Now does broadcast TG4 news reports; and no-one is asking RTE News to change their news agenda or their running order on news stories. But I think this would be another small step in taking the language to a mainstream audience.

He added: "Locally in Donegal both traditional printed newspapers and online papers often carry Irish content and I know our local radio stations also serve the language well. All these initiatives - taken together - have had a hugely positive impact on the use of Irish."
Three local agencies will receive a portion of funds from a $3.8 million grant awarded by Gov. Kay Ivey to assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or child abuse.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will administer the grants from the funds made available by the U. S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The House of Ruth Inc., the Exchange Center for Child Abuse Prevention and the Southeast Alabama Child Advocacy Center are local recipients.

The House of Ruth Inc., will receive $142,988 to assist domestic violence victims in Barbour, Bullock, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Pike counties.

The funds we receive will go toward assisting in the many services including our non-shelter outreach services, advocacy programs, our prevention and educational programs, said House of Ruth Executive Director Beverly Youse.

According to Youse this is a continuous grant received annually to help with the cost of providing the services to all nine counties.

The Exchange Center for Child Abuse Prevention will receive $39,919. The Exchange Center provides counseling and other services to victims of abuse in Barbour, Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Pike counties.

The funds we receive will go toward continuing our Baby Whisper Program, said Exchange Center for Child Abuse Prevention Executive Director Pam Miles. Currently we offer our program to all parents delivering a child at the Southeast Alabama Medical Center. However, in the very near future, this program will also be available to all parents delivering a child at Flowers Hospital. This program educates parents in helpful and healthy ways to deal with a crying infant. Our goal is to make sure each family participating in the program leaves the hospital ready to begin their family life in a safe and healthy manner for the children. These funds will also help assist with the Baby Box Program distribution which provides each family a safe place for an infant to sleep. The boxes are available after a mother watches a 15-20 minute video online at the Baby Box University website. The boxes are made of durable cardboard and contain a firm box-sized mattress and other baby care items in an effort to decrease the state's infant mortality rate."

The Southeast Alabama Child Advocacy Center will receive $27,527 to assist children who are victims of child abuse in Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston Counties.

Funds received through this grant will continue to assist the many programs offered through the Southeast Alabama Child Advocacy Center including, therapy, crisis intervention, forensic interviews and educational programs.
Wang briefed the Vietnamese leader on major contents and outcomes of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

He noted that Vietnam and China share many similarities in development ideals and path, as well as favorable conditions to strengthen practical cooperation in all fields, benefiting the people of both countries and for peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world.





Wang said that CPC General Secretary and President Xi Jinpings State visit to Vietnam and his attendance at the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting is his first trip abroad after the 19th CPC National Congress, which shows the Chinese leaders and the CPCs special sentiments to Vietnam.

For his part, CPV General Secretary Trong congratulated the CPC for the successful 19th Congress, expressing his belief that under the leadership of the CPC and General Secretary Xi Jinping, the Chinese people will complete all targets set at the congress.

He stressed that the Party and State of Vietnam always pay great attention to fostering and promoting the Vietnam-China traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

The Party chief welcomed the upcoming visit to Vietnam by CPC General Secretary and President Xi Jinping and his attendance at the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting.

He stressed that, in the future, the two sides should continue increasing meetings between senior leaders, while promoting practical cooperation in all fields, and effectively implementing all important common perceptions and already signed agreements, thus enhancing political trust with respect to each others legitimate interests and proper settlement of existing problems in bilateral relations./.
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PM Phuc congratulated the success of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), noting that amid the complicated and unpredictable regional and global situation, the stable and healthy development of Vietnam-China relations will help maintain peace and stability, and promote cooperation and development in the region and the world.





He applauded the outcomes of bilateral cooperation in politics, diplomacy, defence, security, economy and trade, adding that the current scale and level of cooperation have yet to be on par with the two countries huge potentials; therefore both sides should step up cooperation and actively remove obstacles in order to bring about greater benefits.

PM Phuc called on China to promote balanced and sustainable growth of bilateral trade. China should facilitate the import of Vietnamese goods, especially products that Vietnam has advantages and China has demand for, while creating favorable conditions for Vietnamese businesses and Vietnams trade promotion office in China, he said.

China should increase investments in hi-tech and environmentally-friendly projects and ensure the quality and progress of joint projects, particularly those which the two countries leaders have discussed, so as to promote Chinese investors prestige in Vietnam, PM Phuc stressed.

The two sides should enhance connecting the Belt and Road initiative and the Two Corridors and One Economic Belt framework in line with each countrys interests, capacity and conditions, he added.

The Government leader asked the two countries to boost production capacity cooperation in the fields matching their demand and strength and step up the signing of a framework agreement on building a Vietnam-China cross-border economic cooperation area in line with their respective laws.

PM Phuc also proposed China provide optimal conditions for Vietnam to access preferential loans while effectively carrying out its assistance packages for the nation.

The two countries should also enhance ties to cope with climate change, use cross-border water resources in a sustainable and effective manner, soon sign a new rail transport agreement, and facilitate cooperation in aviation, he said.

Regarding maritime issues, the Vietnamese leader urged both sides to seriously implement agreements and common perceptions reached by leaders of the two Parties and countries, including the Vietnam-China agreement on basic principles guiding the implementation of sea-related issues.

He held that Vietnam and China need to well control disagreements, maintain peace and stability in the East Sea, actively promote negotiation mechanisms to achieve practical progress, and intensify mutual trust, thus creating a foundation for solving more complicated affairs.

He also told the two foreign ministries to coordinate to prepare for CPC General Secretary and President Xi Jinpings upcoming State visit to Vietnam and his attendance in the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting.

For his part, Wang highly valued PM Phucs opinions on measures to bolster bilateral relations, adding that he will actively promote the fields and issues Vietnam is interested in, particularly in terms of economy, trade and investment.

He affirmed that the Party, Government people of China attach great importance to the friendly neighbourliness and comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry is ready to work with its Vietnamese counterpart to foster win-win cooperation in all spheres and control and appropriately settle disagreements, thereby helping to reinforce the two countries comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in a healthy and stable manner, he stressed./.
To build the largest and most complete Amateur Radio community site on the Internet - a "portal" that hams think of as the first place to go for information, to exchange ideas, and be part of whats happening with ham radio on the Internet. eHam.net provides recognition and enjoyment to the people who use, contribute, and build the site. This project involves a management team of volunteers who each take a topic of interest and manage it with passion. The site will stand above all other ham radio sites by employing the latest technology and professional design/programming standards, developed by a team of community programmers who contribute their skills to the effort. The site will be something of which everyone involved can be proud to say they were a part. We welcome your comments. The eHam.net Team, Revision 07/2020.
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There is news out of Washington D.C. this afternoon that the US will not approve any more extensions of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Central American counties which include El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. According to a report in the Washington Post , the Secretary of State has informed the Department of Homeland Security that conditions in those countries no longer warrant ongoing protection from deportation.It was not clear from the Washington Post reporting whether Tillerson's letter specifically deals with El Salvador, since only a decision on Honduras and Nicaragua needs to be made next week. Still, most analysts have assumed that the three Central American countries would be handled in the same way. Although the Secretary of State does not have the final word, it seems likely that the DHS will follow his lead and terminate TPS for Honduras and Nicaragua next week, and for El Salvador in January 2018.There are approximately 195,000 Salvadorans who currently enjoy TPS protection, and they have an almost equal number of children who were born in the US and enjoy US citizenship.So what does the end of TPS mean? For each person who enjoyed that protection, they revert to their status in 2001 at the time of the earthquakes. For someone who was undocumented and unknown to the US government, they return to being undocumented but now they are known to the government. The government would need to commence removal proceedings against that person, a process which can take years in immigration court. For someone who had a final order of removal already entered, that order will be effective again and they could be immediately picked up and placed on a plane to El Salvador. For someone who was in the midst of deportation proceedings, their case presumably resumes where it left off, if the government wants to pursue it.People with lawyers will find ways to challenge and delay removal. People without lawyers will find little a system which cares little for the fact that they have lived as law abiding residents of the US for 16 or more years.This will not be a situation where suddenly one day 195,000 Salvadorans arrive at Oscar Arunlfo Romero International Airport. Instead, one can anticipate a growing volume of deportations, as the Trump administration adds TPS recipients to the queue, along with asylum seekers, unaccompanied minors, refugees and others.What is the impact for El Salvador? First, the country has made few preparations to receive them. San Salvador mayor and 2019 presidential candidate Nayib Bukele retweeted the Washington Post story and commented: "And it appears that we will lose TPS. Are we prepared for that? The president ought to go immediately to try to avoid this catastrophe."In a country where large portions of the work force are underemployed and working in the informal economy, there is little capacity to absorb an increased flow of deportees, much less the existing flow.An optimist might say that the country should welcome with open arms the return of productive citizens with the fruits of their years in the United States. Yet there is little research to suggest that deportees will be coming back with savings and plans to invest those savings in El Salvador. Moreover, deportees will no longer be sending remittances from the US back to El Salvador to support families here.Much research and planning needs to be done. For example, what percent of the current remittance flow is from TPS holders? What is the current economic status of TPS holders? How many TPS holders have final orders of removal and could be deported very quickly? What parts of the country are TPS holders likely to return to? How can the country take advantage of the skills acquired by TPS holders in the past 16 years?It has always been likely that TPS would terminate following the election of Donald Trump. Now that termination is imminent, there is much to be done.
It is not a bad thing for us, that the route known as the Goldene Strae or the Golden Road as we will get to know it- has escaped the attention of so many. It has been spared being overrun by hordes of tourists and as you will discover the
Just after news hit that Vincent Herbert wasnt going down in his divorce with Tamar Braxton without a fight, her mother, Evelyn Braxton has spoken out. And she said shes afraid for her daughters life when it comes to Tamars interactions with Vince!

Evelyn made it clear that Vince better not touch Tamar. And it was pretty obvious that this already happened before.

I dont really have anything to say to Vince, Evelyn told TMZ at LAX Friday afternoon. One thing, keep his hands off of my child. Stop before he hurts her or kills her. I love Vince but I dont want him to kill my child. Its as simple as that. Stop.

Tamar filed for divorce from Herbert in late October. While many fans were shocked as it came just before the two were going to celebrate nine years of marriage, Tamars family didnt seem to be too surprised by her decision. In fact, it might be safe to say they were relieved.

Fans saw much of Tamar and Herberts relationship play out on national television. They starred in the entire familys show, Braxton Family Values on WeTV before they landed their own spin-off, Tamar & Vince. While they clearly had a rocky relationship and fought off divorce rumors for years, the two put on a united front together in public as if all was well in the Herbert household. It looks like Braxton was tired of keeping up any charades that were going on behind closed doors.

If a person really means what theyre doing, then theyll go and get help, the matriarch continued. Theyll go and get counseling. I think he needs to go and get counseling. I really and truly do.. before someone gets killed.

Herbert is reportedly open to going to counseling to save his marriage, TMZ reported just hours before the site caught up with Evelyn. Apparently, Herbert isnt willing to give up on his marriage but instead thinks it can be fixed with consistent counseling. Its not clear if hes open to going to anger management if needed. Still, it was said that Tamar getting fired from The Real was the beginning of their marital woes. But her family says things went awry long before that and Herbert was covering up something.

Meanwhile, he just signed rapper and Love and Hip Hop: New York star Remy Ma as his newest artist.

Tamar & Vince season 5 premieres on WeTV Thursday at 9/8c. Keep up with Enstars for the latest.
In these achhe din when the Hindutva bullet trail has killed people with impunity for speaking what it does not like, the recent threats against Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd should not be taken lightly. Of course, the Hindutva brigade is not known to warn its victims. Narendra Dabholkar, Comrade Govind Pansare, M M Kalburgi, Santanu Bhowmik, and recently Gauri Lankesh were not forewarned. In this case, both Ilaiah Shepherd as well as the representatives of the AryaVaisya community filed police complaints against each other. It does not mean that because the threat was publicly issued, the issuer would be marked if something untoward were to take place.

The Sanatan Prabhat, the mouthpiece of the Sanatan Sanstha, has issued a standing threat to all rationalists whom it wants to have killed as demons to establish the kingdom of god. When Dabholkar was gunned down, it had the temerity to justify the act in a celebratory tone, with no legal consequence. Contrast it with thousands of Dalits and Adivasis incarcerated for years just under the suspicion of being connected with Maoists!
Hi im new here i just lodged a tourist visa for my husband to come to visit australia for 3months my question is should i have lodged a partner visa first? He came to australia but before we were married and gis family sponosored him during that time. This is ny first time sponsoring my husband on this tourist visa, i lodged a tourist as we are still saving money up for a partner visa and i just wanted him here for the christmas period i am hopeing we get approved as he does havr a job to go back home to has savings in his account but no major assests. Has anyone done this before lodge a tourist visa for a partner before a partner visa?
HI,



Need to get Birth Certificate, Name Change Affidavits. Is e-stamp allowed? As I see if we scan the E-stamp paper I get COPY.



Can some one help me out?



Thanks!
I have FD certificate that has today's date. Is this OK? I am uploading all document to ONIP on Monday?



I read somewhere FD certificate shouldn't be today's date.



Please let me know!





Thanks!
Thanks Fashyman.



It's kind of confirmed on VFS website :

"PRP

Applicants applying for a permanent residence permit maybe required to undergo an interview process and for this purpose applicants will be asked to meet a Home Affairs officer at the nearest Visa Facilitation Centre while submitting the completed BI 947 application form and documents along with the prescribed fee, if applicable. In the case of married couples or spousal partners, where the spouse is party to this application, both the applicant and the spouse must sign this form and attend the interview, if applicable."





Rz
Were realising that we (Thailand) are low on stock and our people are consuming a lot more and we want to restock, but we want to restock on quality, and thats why Australia is seen as the right partner, Mr Ruangvichatron said.
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Santex Rimar Group, a leader in the world market of machine manufacturers for weaving, textile finishing, nonwovens, technical textiles, and green technologies for water treatment and drying processes, recently hosted one of the final events of Premio Gaetano Marzotto award function, by the Gaetano Marzotto Association, at its SMIT workshop in Italy.During the event, five start-ups have been selected and awarded by Santex Rimar Group, Illycaffe, Santa Margherita wine producer Group, Selle Royal Group, and ZCube - Zambon Research.

Santex Rimar Group, a leader in the world market of machine manufacturers for weaving, textile finishing, nonwovens, technical textiles, and green technologies for water treatment and drying processes, recently hosted one of the final events of Premio Gaetano Marzotto award function, by the Gaetano Marzotto Association, at its SMIT workshop in Italy.#

Santex Rimar Group has awarded Indigo AI, the first AI platform that uses chatbots and machine learning to automate customised experiences between companies and customers.Stefano Gallucci, CEO of Santex Rimar Group said, Santex Rimar Group is developing 4.0 projects focused on the relationship with more than 30,000 customers located all over the world. Our new technologies will help to save energy, understanding the processes and avoiding time waste and lack of quality. We offer services that enable our customers to achieve and maintain quality production standards and implement predictive maintenance. With this startup, we can develop solutions to solve customers problems faster and better.Stefano said, We want machines that can assure that there is no waste, no second quality, that can prevent errors and suggest how to repair malfunctions. Machines that allow low downtime and help schedule maintenance. These machines will help solve the challenges of such a competitive textile industry.The final event of the seventh edition of the Premio Gaetano Marzotto will be held on 23, November, 2017, in Rome. (GK)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
- Clients and partners share best practice and learn about latest FINEOS product offerings

FINEOS Corporation, a market leading provider of core processing systems for Life, Accident and Health insurance, today concluded its annual FINEOS Global Summit in San Francisco. This year's event had the theme 'The Rise of the Digital Insurer: A Sea Change for Life, Accident and Health' and was attended by representatives from over 30 organisations from the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. The Summit is a unique, interactive event for FINEOS clients and partners to come together to share best practice and hear how their peers are driving improvements with innovative approaches to management.

FINEOS CEO, Michael Kelly said, "This year's Summit has been a tremendous success for FINEOS. It was great to see our clients and partners sharing knowledge with one another and learning from real-world experiences. We were also delighted to announce the general availability of both FINEOS AdminSuite and FINEOS Absence."

Prior to the official opening of the Summit, both the North American and Asia Pacific Customer Advisory Groups met to discuss current projects and brought questions and feedback to FINEOS management.

The Summit then kicked off on Thursday morning with a keynote presentation by Mike Connor, CEO Co-Founder, Silicon Valley Insurance Accelerator who looked at how technology InsurTech will shape the future of the insurance industry. This was followed by a presentation from Michael Kelly, CEO, FINEOS on the FINEOS Company Strategy. The morning was concluded with an update on the FINEOS Product Strategy.

The afternoon focused on specific FINEOS Product updates including FINEOS Claims, FINEOS Policy, FINEOS Billing and FINEOS Absence. The audience were also introduced to the FINEOS Target Operating Model (TOM).

On Friday morning, the keynote was given by Rachel Shaw, president of Shaw HR Consulting, who discussed mental health in the workplace and the impacts on productivity and workplace health. This was followed by a presentation from a large FINEOS customer which detailed their transformational journey with FINEOS to consolidate core software and digitally enable their business. The afternoon consisted of an executive panel discussion which saw executives from across the globe engaged in a moderated discussion on the top challenges, trends, and opportunities they are seeing in the Life, Accident Health insurance industry today. The day was concluded with a presentation on the FINEOS Insurance Cloud.

Throughout the event, there were numerous opportunities for networking with peers and with the FINEOS Management. In addition to main stage presentations, there were demonstration booths and informal lounge sessions. The Summit has continued to grow every year since its inception and has become the go-to for FINEOS customers to interact with FINEOS staff and other like-minded insurers.

FINEOS is a global market leader in core systems with customers in nine countries and has been chosen by 8 of the top 20 Group Life, Accident Health insurers in the US and 4 of the top 5 Life, Accident Health insurers in Australia. FINEOS has many years' experience working with insurers in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

About FINEOS Corporation

The FINEOS flagship product, FINEOS AdminSuite, is a cloud based core product suite for Life, Accident and Health carriers. FINEOS AdminSuite delivers full service Policy, Billing, and Claims, providing best-in-class functionality for Group, Voluntary, and Individual administration on a single platform, while also supporting self-admin, full-admin, and TPA models. FINEOS delivers innovative core systems to a global market and has customers, employees, and established bases in North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific markets. For more information, visit www.FINEOS.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171103005926/en/

Contacts:

FINEOS Corporation

Victoria Jamison, 353 1 639 9700

Marketing Manager

Victoria.Jamison@FINEOS.com
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 4, 2017 / Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Rio Tinto plc ("Rio Tinto" or the "Company") (NYSE: RIO). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 9980.

The investigation concerns whether Rio Tinto and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here to join a class action]

In August 2011, Rio Tinto acquired certain Riversdale Mining Limited coal assets in Mozambique for approximately $3.7 billion. In or around December 2012, the Chairman of the Board of Rio Tinto ordered an investigation into the true value of these coal assets. In January 15, 2013, the Company's Board determined that the assets were severely impaired and should be written down to $611 million. On February 15, 2013, Rio Tinto disclosed the initial impact of the impairment to investors in a press release announcing the Company's financial and operating results for 2012. On this disclosure, Rio Tinto's American Depositary Receipt price fell sharply over the following trading sessions, damaging investors. After recording hundreds of millions of dollars in additional impairment charges, Rio Tinto ultimately sold the assets at issue for $50 million (less than two percent of the original $3.7 billion acquisition price).

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.

SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 4, 2017 / Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Vitamin Shoppe, Inc. ("Vitamin Shoppe" or the "Company") (NYSE: VSI). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 9980.

The investigation concerns whether Vitamin Shoppe and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here to join a class action]

On May 10, 2017, Vitamin Shoppe released first quarter 2017 financial results that were lower than the market had been led to expect and slashed its fiscal 2017 guidance by 45%, yet claimed that the Company's "reinvention plan" was still succeeding. On this news, Vitamin Shoppe's share price fell $6.30, or 33.15%, to close at $12.70 on May 10, 2017. Then, on August 9, 2017, Vitamin Shoppe announced that it was taking a $168.1 million impairment charge on the goodwill being carried on its books associated with its retail segment, and that, as a result, the Company would report a loss per share of $6.73. In addition, citing "the potential increase in variability of the Company's results due to the number of initiatives being launched in the back half of the year," Vitamin Shoppe withdrew its fiscal 2017 earnings per share guidance.

On this news, Vitamin Shoppe's share price fell $3.50, or 36.45%, to close at $6.10 on August 9, 2017.

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.

SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
Blockchain Startup iExec has Announced the SDK Release of its Decentralized Cloud Network at Devcon3 in Cancun, Mexico

LYON, FRANCE / ACCESSWIRE / November 4, 2017 / Decentralized cloud network iExec has announced the release of its first Software Development Kit (SDK) product during Devcon3 in Cancun, Mexico. The service will enable blockchain applications to access an affordable, scalable, transparent and secure off-chain computing cloud. Several other announcements were made during the conference keynote of CEO Gilles Fedak's, including the first App Store for decentralized applications, some recently-made partnerships, and a new research program.

iExec has been focused on building the first blockchain-based decentralized Cloud Computing platform for some time and this weeks announcement of its first SDK product at Devcon3 Conference follows months of stellar work by the iExec development team. The announcement is seen by the company as its first major goal on its roadmap to eventually create a future decentralized economy by providing a unique platform for unlimited computing power to blockchain applications.

iExec is also creating the first decentralized marketplace for cloud resources (servers, storage, applications and data sets). In April 2017, the company published its official white paper, detailing its plan to bring its vision to market. The team remains perfectly on track and has been delivering on schedule and up to promise. iExec is often known as the Airbnb for servers as its platform automatizes peer-to-peer interactions among users and providers in a safe, secure, transparent, and trustworthy blockchain experience.

On November 3rd, Gilles Fedak, PhD, CEO and co-founder of iExec, made several major announcements during his keynote speech at the (Devcon3) Ethereum Developer Conference:

Thanks to this first release, the developers are now able to overcome the limitations of the blockchain in terms of storage and computing capacities. By relying on the iExec SDK (Software Development Kit), developers can deploy and execute complex applications from the blockchain. This innovation, called "off-chain execution," allows them to broaden the application usage of Ethereum and address an important scalability issue which is the high processing cost of "on-chain execution."



In addition, developers are now able to earn RLC tokens by renting their applications on the blockchain. iExec has announced that developers will also be able to promote their business on the first App Store for decentralized applications. The targeted sectors are applications focused on AI, Big Data, IoT, fintech, and green IT. All the major digital trends could be powered by the platform.



Being very product-oriented, iExec has already started working with companies in order to see concrete deployments of its platform. The first proof-of-concept will be in finance. iExec wishes to stay at a cutting-edge level: PhDs are working on the state-of-the-art design of a proof-of-contribution protocol (PoCo) and on secure and trusted execution of off-chain computations.

During his address, Gilles went on to outline the company's recent progress, stating,

"This first version of iExec shows that we are able to overcome several limitations from the blockchain technology. We are proud to release this product only six months after the start of the project. It opens new perspectives for decentralized businesses and new opportunities for developers and startups."

About Blockchain and Ethereum

Blockchain is the technology powering Bitcoin. It is the best way to assure traceability and transparency during digital transactions without the need of a third party. A blockchain is a chain of blocks recording and time-stamping each transaction. Ethereum is the second generation of blockchains, which can be programmed thanks to smart-contracts.

About iExec

The massive transformational goal of iExec is to provide the computing solution to each digital entrepreneur developing remarkable ideas on the blockchain. Indeed, iExec aims to create the platform providing unlimited computing power to blockchain applications that want to create the future of the decentralized economy.

The technology behind iExec leverages more than 15 years of work from its founders. Haiwu He and Gilles Fedak, who have published more than 80 scientific papers in the pioneering field of Desktop Grid and cloud computing. iExec released RLC tokens in April 2017, during an Initial Coin Offering (ICO), raising the equivalent of 12 M$ in less than 3 hours.

Learn More About iExec Here - https://iex.ec

Read the Whitepaper Here - https://iex.ec/app/uploads/2017/04/iExec-WPv2.0-English.pdf

Find iExec on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/iexecteam

Follow iExec on Twitter - https://twitter.com/iEx_ec

Official iExec Medium Blog - https://medium.com/iex-ec

Join iExec on Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/iexec

Join iExec on Slack - https://slack.iex.ec

Visit iExec on Bitcointalk here - https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=1746241.0

Check out iExec on Github - https://github.com/iExecBlockchainComputing

Media Contact

Name: Jean Charles

Email: jean-charles.cabelguen@iex.ec

Company: iExec

Location: Lyon, France

iExec is the source of this content. Virtual currency is not legal tender, is not backed by the government, and accounts and value balances are not subject to consumer protections. This press release is for informational purposes only. The information does not constitute investment advice or an offer to invest.

SOURCE: iExec
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 4, 2017 / Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of SCANA Corporation ("SCANA" or the "Company") (NYSE: SCG). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 9980.

The investigation concerns whether SCANA and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here to join a class action]

On July 31, 2017, Scana's subsidiary South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. ("SCE&G") and Santee Cooper, South Carolina's state-owned electric and water utility, announced that they would abandon construction of two nuclear power plants in South Carolina, citing rising construction costs. On August 11, 2017, The Post and Courier of Charleston reported that Kevin Marsh, Scana's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, had advised state lawmakers that SCE&G might not resume construction on the nuclear power plants even if a new partner for the project was found.

Following this news, Scana's share price fell $1.32, or 2.13%, to close at $60.69 on August 11, 2017.

That same day, after the close of trading, The Post and Courier reported that a class action had been filed against SCE&G on behalf of South Carolina ratepayers, alleging that SCE&G had overcharged its customers for electricity for nearly 10 years by raising their rates to pay in advance for the construction of the company's subsequently abandoned nuclear plants. On August 29, 2017, The Post and Courier reported that a second class action had been filed on behalf of SCE&G customers, accusing SCE&G and Scana of fraud and negligence in the years preceding the decision to abandon construction of the company's nuclear power plants.

Following this news, Scana's share price fell $0.84, or 1.39%, over the following two trading sessions, to close at $59.75 per share on August 30, 2017.

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.

SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
Technavio has announced the top five leading vendors in their recentglobal compensation software marketreport. This research report also lists 22 other prominent vendors that are expected to impact the market during the forecast period.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170821005562/en/

Technavio has published a new report on the global compensation software market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire)

The global compensation software market is expected at a CAGR of almost 9% during the forecast period. One of the major reasons for this growth is the need to streamline data management and compensation workflows in enterprises, enabling decision makers to make informed reward decisions. Compensation software consolidates compensation and performance-related data securely in one place and utilizes advanced analytical tools to drive and report employee reward strategies.

Competitive vendor landscape

This report provides an exhaustive list of all the global vendors that provide the compensation software. Vendors are identified based on the revenue and market dominance in terms of their geographical presence, product portfolio, and R&D. The vendor matrix included in the report gives a detailed comparison of the features, deployment model, training and support, customer size, and geographical presence of each major vendor.

"The global compensation software market is witnessing intense competition because of the presence of many vendors. The major vendors are constantly competing for a leadership position in the market. The major vendors such as ADP, Oracle, SAP SuccessFactors, Ultimate Software, and Workday in the global compensation software market are identified based on the market visibility, market penetration, and market momentum," says Amrita Choudhury, an industry expert in enterprise application research from Technavio

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Top five compensation software market vendors

ADP

ADP offers cloud-based HCM solutions that integrate payroll, talent management, HR, time management, and tax and benefits administration. The company offers HCM solutions for both SMEs and large enterprises.

Oracle

Oracle provides hardware systems (includes Oracle engineered systems, storage, servers, networking), database and middleware software, application software, cloud infrastructure software, along with support and related services.

SAP SuccessFactors

SAP acquired SuccessFactors a provider of cloud-based human capital management software for talent management, core HR, and HR analytics in 2012. After the acquisition, the company functions as an independent entity and was renamed SAP SuccessFactors. This acquisition has helped the company to establish its presence in cloud services and analytics.

Ultimate Software

UltiPro, the cloud-based solution from Ultimate Software, simplifies and improves work experiences for all employees. The solution helps the organizations to manage global people, data, and process easily.

Workday

Workday provides enterprise cloud applications for finance and HCM. The company provides software solutions for financial management, HCM, and analytics. In addition, the company also provides professional services, training and support, and customer services.

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About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 10,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com.

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According to the latest market study released by Technavio, the global network video recorders (NVR) server marketis expected to grow at a CAGR of close to 15% during the forecast period.

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Technavio has published a new report on the global NVR server market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire)

This research report titled 'Global NVR Server Market 2017-2021' provides an in-depth analysis of the market in terms of revenue and emerging market trends. This report also includes an up to date analysis and forecasts for various market segments and all geographical regions.

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The market research analysis categorizes the global NVR server market into the following type of end-user segments:

Government

Industrial

Residential

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Government

To safeguard the security of people in public places and to maintain border security, the government and institutional users are increasingly adopting video surveillance solutions. The surveillance of highways, streets, bridges, stadiums, parks, educational buildings, religious buildings, government buildings, embassies, airports, railway stations, and bus stops is done using video surveillance solutions. These solutions are necessary for the government to increase the security of people.

According to Chetan Mohan, a lead analyst at Technavio for data center research, "One of the major drivers for the NVR server market is the installation of video surveillance systems in strategic locations such as airports, railway stations, and bus stops. This assists the government to curb terrorism. Internet infrastructure will improve due to the adoption of smart city concepts, which will have a major impact on the implementation of NVR servers. A city whose infrastructure has been equipped with various information and communication technologies is called a smart city. The development of smart citieshas become the focus of several countries."

Industrial

The adoption of NVR servers is assisted by the installation of video surveillance systems by industrial users at locations under their control. For the prevention of any unwanted incidents, these systems are installed in locations such as offices and lodgings. In retail stores, to prevent theft and monitor the activities of people, video surveillance systems are used.

"Video surveillance systems are also used to enhance the security in hospitals. In operation theaters, IP cameras and NVR servers are used to capture the whole procedure. These videos are used for the performance evaluation of a doctor or for a peer review by clinic heads. Additionally, to monitor operations in warehouses and industrial buildings, video surveillance systems are used," says Chetan

Residential

The growing need to prevent unauthorized access has paved the way for adoption of video surveillance solutions by residential users. Several residents are installing video surveillance systems because of the increasing number of crimes. The cost of NVR servers is high for residential users and there is limited space for installation in residences. These factors have led residential users to contribute only a small chunk of the total market share. Due to the high prices of the systems and a lack of awareness among consumers, the adoption of security solutions in residences is currently low. During the forecast period, there will be an increase in the adoption of video surveillance systems as the necessity for secure, comfortable, and convenient lifestyles is increasing.

The top vendors highlighted by Technavio's market research analysts in this report are:

Axis Communications

Bosch security systems

Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology

Honeywell Security

Tyco

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Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 10,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

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Technavio market research analysts forecast the global orthopedic medical imaging market to grow at a CAGR of more than 5% during the forecast period, according to their latest report.

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Technavio has published a new report on the global orthopedic medical imaging market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire)

The report has further categorized the global orthopedic medical imaging market into two types, based on product type (X-ray systems, CT scanners, MRI scanners, ultrasound systems, and nuclear imaging systems) and geography (the Americas, EMEA, and APAC).

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Technavio analysts highlight the following three drivers that are contributing to the growth of the global orthopedic medical imaging market:

Increasing incidence of orthopedic diseases and bone injuries

Increasing demand for 3D medical imaging equipment

Reimbursement penalties causing increased adoption of advanced imaging equipment

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Increasing incidence of orthopedic diseases and bone injuries

There is a rise in the occurrence of many orthopedic diseases and bone injuries such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and serious limb trauma. In the US, in 2017, 54.4 million adults had arthritis according to the CDC and the number is expected to reach approximately 60 million by 2025. Around 75 million people across the world had rheumatoid arthritis in 2016. In the US, in 2014, approximately 16.95% of adults above the age of 50 had osteoporosis and low bone mass.

According to Gaurav Mohindru, a lead analyst at Technavio for medical imaging research, "More than half of all serious limb trauma patients in developed countries who require hospitalization are hurt by falls. One-fifth are injured in road traffic accidents and a similar proportion from the use of machinery and tools. To assess the patient's condition in case of such orthopedic diseases and bone injuries medical imaging is required. This is expected to drive the orthopedic medical imaging market during the forecast period."

Increasing demand for 3D medical imaging equipment

The global orthopedic medical imaging market is growing due to technological advances and product innovations. When compared to other imaging modalities such as conventional fluoroscopy or X-rays, 3D imaging can enhance orthopedic care by improving the examination of bone detail and implant position. Medical imaging has been revolutionized due to the emergence of 3D holographic imaging.

OnSight 3D Extremity System software offers high-quality images when compared to traditional CT images by increasing the contrast of soft tissue and reducing the visibility of metal artifacts. Many key vendors have incorporated this technology into their products after realizing its importance. For instance, Siemens Healthineers launched a mobile C-arm, which is called Arcadis Orbic 3D.

Reimbursement penalties causing increased adoption of advanced imaging equipment

There has been a reduction in the reimbursements for several diagnostic medical imaging procedures that use film and cassette-based technology and CR X-rays across the globe. When compared to film and cassette-based technology, the X-rays have advanced digital technology. In contrast with film and cassette-based technology, the digital X-ray systems are more accurate, fast, and convenient.

"The US Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act that included a new public health policy, which has revised its policies to incentivize users to switch from film and cassette-based radiography systems to fully digital X-ray systems. In countries such as France, if the equipment is more than five years old, the reimbursements are reduced by half. Regulations in countries such as Romania and Bulgaria prevent hospitals from purchasing old equipment using loans provided by the state. Such reimbursement penalties are increasing the adoption of technologically advanced imaging equipment," says Gaurav

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About Technavio

Technaviois a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 10,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com.

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Los Angeles: Three more men have accused Kevin Spacey of varying degrees of sexual misconduct following Star Trek: Discovery actor Anthony Rapp's revelation that the Hollywood star made unwanted sexual advances towards him when he was 14-year-old.

Justin Dawes told Buzzfeed that, when he was 16 and Spacey was 29, Spacey invited him and a friend to his apartment to watch Chinatown. They met Spacey for the first time at a performance of a play the actor was performing in at the time.

Dawes alleged that Spacey instead made them cocktails and played pornography on the television.

Another accuser, a journalist who chose to remain anonymous, said he interviewed Spacey in the early 2000s and while all was normal while they were in the actor's office at the Old Vic theater, Spacey invited him out to a club afterward. There, the journalist alleged, Spacey began groping him.

The journalist said he told Spacey that he was in a serious relationship with a woman and, when he tried to leave the club, Spacey was furious.

"This man was screaming in my face outside of the main bar area, red-faced, spit flying out of his mouth, screaming at me with fury because I didn't want to f*** him," he told the publication.

The journalist went on to say that he did not run a story about his sexual misconduct because he did not want to out Spacey as a gay man.

Another accuser, Mark Ebenhoch, said that, while he was on the set of 1995 film Outbreak, Spacey often had a group of young men who would hang out in his trailer. One day, Ebenhoch said, he was approached by one of Spacey's assistants, who asked him to come to the actor's trailer.

"They asked flat out to engage in a sexual act. It was enough to stun me. It blew me away," Ebenhoch said.

The three new accusers add to the long list of men to come out against Spacey since Rapp's revelations. Since the story came out, Netflix has suspended production of House of Cards, the Scotland Yard has opened an investigation into an alleged assault by Spacey, and CAA and publicist Staci Wolfe have parted ways with the actor.
Amongst other things, filmmaking suffers from a debased tradition where egos of people big or small often stand in the way of something ordinary translating into great art. Maybe that is the reason why film memoirs need to be taken with a pinch of salt. Yet when the author happens to be a film producer, the chances of the truthfulness increase, as they are usually the ones who end up being in the middle of all things wonderful or pathetic  depending on how one opts to view things. Moreover, when the producer happens to be someone like a Suresh Jindal, who has been at the forefront of three important films that perhaps define three great milestones in the history of Indian as well as world cinema then, needless to say, what he talks about becomes akin to going to a film school.

As the man who produced Rajnigandha (1975), the surprise hit that ushered in the phase of the middle cinema in India, Jindals great achievement could be producing Gandhi (1982). But his greatest achievement undoubtedly is Shatranj Ke Khilari (1977), which was Satyajit Rays only Hindi film. The book My Adventures with Satyajit Ray: The Making of Shatranj Ke Khilari (HarperCollins, 2017) is a gripping account of how Ray came to direct the film despite his unequivocal declaration that he would never write and direct a film that was not in Bengali.

While there have many books about the making of great films such as Casablanca, Citizen Cane or Rays own Pather Panchali or accounts of films that missed their mark, finished careers and even brought down studios such Steven Bachs brilliant Final Cut: Art, Money, and Ego in the Making of Heaven's Gate, the Film that Sank United Artists (1999), what makes Jindals account of the making of Shatranj Ke Khilari worth reading is the unique manner in which he gives an insight into the mind of the maestro Satyajit Ray. Quoting extensively from Ray's fascinating unpublished letters to Jindal, the narrative jumps between a first-person account and the correspondence between the rookie producer and a legendary filmmaker. Jindal uses the letters he and Ray exchanged chronologically and one gets a clear sense of what it took to give shape to a film based on a short story by Munshi Premchand and the trials, yes there were many, that both Ray and Jindal underwent in creating the period drama that revolved around the East India Company's avaricious annexation of Oudh in 1856.

Jindals passionate account joins the ranks of Sidney Lumets Making Movies, a brilliant book on the process of filmmaking. Like Lumet, who loved movies and wrote with same passion as his filmmaking, Jindal also sheds light on the mood of the industry in the mid 1970s where his Rajnigandha practically invented a new genre in Hindi cinema and the bureaucratic shilly-shallying, the term Ray used to describe the governments process of giving a license so that a film could be sent to a festival, that filmmakers suffered back in the day. But the books true brilliance comes about in the manner it highlights the process of filmmaking and the alchemy between two different schools of filmmaking and two different generations of artists without losing the non-film conversant reader.

In the initial part of the book where the film, which was Rays most expensive production, is getting delayed its the young producer who is losing faith and patience but Ray calms him down, and inspires him with sage advice. Once the film is complete the lack of enthusiasm from distributors considering it's an art film and the miscommunication between Ray and Jindal (where some people even tried to disrupt the films release) had sapped the auteur of his energy but it's here that the younger producer lifts Ray's spirits. Its one thing to write such an account but letters between Ray and Jindal build this organically and that is why reading a line like  It is not in my nature to wallow in self-pity  that Jindal writes to Ray as a call to action, resonates greatly. In the same letter that Jindal sent to Ray in November 1977, he writes It is not only the established mafia that is against Shatranj; there is also a section of the artsy-craftsy, culture-vulture crowd who consider themselves to be the arbitrators of taste in cinema. But in front of Shatranj, to use Maos phrase, they are paper tigers. We will definitely win.

Very few filmmakers have managed to elevate cinema to an art form the way Satyajit Ray. While being perhaps one of the most accessible of his films, Shatranj Ke Khilari has also been in the shadow of some of his other works. Moreover, this is not an easy book to write for it also bares some of the inner demons, or even the pettiness or ego, that engulf creative people in the course of a project and in that aspect, Jindals book does a great service to both Rays craft, deviation to detail to every single aspect of the filmmaking as well as his own vision. The sheer audacity of the artistically inclined young man that saw him ask his friend Tinnu Anand, who had assistant Ray for six years, to pick the phone and ask the iconic filmmaker that he was keen to produce his first Hindi film should he want to make one is the same that comes across. With a foreword by Jean-Claude Carriere, writer and a frequent collaborator with Luis Bunuel and an introduction by Andrew Robinson, whose book Satyajit Ray: The Inner Eye remains one of the best studies of the filmmaker, My Adventures with Satyajit Ray: The Making of Shatranj Ke Khilari is a must-read for anyone who truly loves movies.
Los Angeles: Netflix said, on the night of 3 November, that Kevin Spacey will no longer be a part of House of Cards and it's cutting all other ties with the actor after a series of allegations of sexual harassment and assault.

"Netflix will not be involved with any further production of House of Cards that includes Kevin Spacey," the company said in a statement.

Netflix said it will work with the show's production company MRC to evaluate whether it will continue without him.

The 58-year-old Spacey was nominated for best drama actor Emmy Awards during each of the show's first five seasons, but never won. He played a ruthless politician who ascends to the presidency of the United States. Co-star Robin Wright is also a central player on the show, and it could conceivably continue with a focus on her.

Production on the show had already been suspended on 31 October.

Netflix says it also will refuse to release the film Gore, in which Spacey stars as the writer Gore Vidal and also acted as producer.

CNN reported that eight current or former House of Cards workers claim that Spacey made the production a "toxic" workplace and one ex-employee alleges the actor sexually assaulted him.

Spacey has not been arrested or charged with any crime. His publicist did not immediately return an email message late Friday night seeking comment. A publicist said earlier this week that Spacey is "taking the time necessary to seek evaluation and treatment."

The Academy Award-winning actor became ensnared in Hollywood's fast-growing sexual harassment crisis after actor Anthony Rapp alleged Spacey made sexual advances toward him in 1986, when Rapp was 14. Spacey has said he doesn't remember the alleged encounter reported by BuzzFeed News last weekend but apologized if such "drunken behavior" occurred.

The story spurred several others to come forward with similar allegations about Spacey.

London police are reportedly investigating Spacey for a 2008 sexual assault, British media reported on 3 November.

Police did not identify Spacey by name but said the department's child abuse and sexual offenses unit is investigating the reported assault after it was referred to police earlier this week.

Spacey is the latest high profile Hollywood figure to lose work and standing in a wave that began when dozens of sexual harassment allegations were reported last month against film mogul Harvey Weinstein.

Weinstein is under investigation in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, London and New York for possible criminal cases after several women accused him of sexual assault or rape.

Also on 3 November , Hamilton Fish, publisher of The New Republic, resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment.

In a company memo shared with The Associated Press, magazine owner Win McCormack wrote that Fish's resignation was effective immediately and that an internal investigation would continue. Fish, who joined The New Republic in 2016, had been placed on leave of absence last week. He is a former publisher of The Nation.

"As I understand it, some employees, to my deep dismay, complained this week that my presence had led them to feel uncomfortable at The New Republic," Fish wrote to McCormack in a memo Friday that was also shared with the AP. "Women have longstanding and profound concerns with respect to their treatment in the workplace. Many men have a lot to learn in this regard. I know I do, and I hope for and encourage that new direction."

Fish wrote in an email to the AP that he "felt the controversy swirling around us could cause irreparable harm to the magazine, and that the only way to protect The New Republic and its employees was for me to separate from the organization." Noting his time with such organizations as The Nation, a prominent liberal publication, and with Human Rights Watch, he wrote that he had spent his career in "in progressive media and the human rights field.

Fish is among several figures in media and publishing that have stepped down or been fired in the wake of the Weinstein reports.

Others include author and former NBC analyst Mark Halperin, former New Republic literary editor Leon Wieseltier and former NPR chief editor Michael Oreskes, who was an AP executive from 2008 to 2015.
At least three pilgrims were killed and over a dozen others were injured on Saturday in a stampede on the banks of the Ganga river in Bihar's Begusarai district, various media reports said. According to Live Hindustan, all three deceased were women.

#SpotVisuals: 3 dead & 10 injured after stampede at Simaria Ghat in #Bihar's Begusarai. pic.twitter.com/iriqKc4ch4  ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2017

Sadar Deputy Superintendent of Police Mithilesh Kumar said the incident occurred in a narrow lane next to Simaria ghat, where thousands of pilgrims gathered for the holy dip on the occasion of Kartik Purnima.

Immediately after the incident, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar announced an ex-gratia of Rs four lakh for the kin of those who lost their lives.

According to district police officials, the stampede was caused by some rumours.

"There was a huge crowd at the Kali temple near Simariya ghat, where people had gathered to offer prayers on the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima. These three women apparently felt claustrophobic and collapsed on the narrow pathway leading to the temple," the SP said. The situation was perfectly under control in the area, Kumar said.

We have ascertained the identities of two women so far. One of them hailed from Noorsarai in Nalanda and another from Sitamarhi. Attempts were being made to establish the identity of the third woman," Kumar added.

ADG (Headquarters) Sunil Kumar Singhal also said the deaths were caused due to suffocation.

Asked if he was ruling out a possibility of stampede, Singhal said, "We will reach a final conclusion only after post-mortem reports arrive. If any negligence on part of the police is found, accountability will be fixed. The IG zone and the DIG range would also take stock of the situation."

Dainik Jagran reported that the local authorities were ill-prepared to tackle the growing crowd at the ghat. Live Hindustan reported that in the absence of any help from the authorities, the locals themselves began the rescue efforts.

Kartik Purnima is a major festival in north India which celebrates the arrival of Lord Vishnu as Matsya (fish) on earth. The festival is also celebrated as Dev Diwali  the festival of the gods.

With inputs from agencies
Gonikoppal (Karnataka): Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday pitched for conferring the country's highest civilian honour Bharat Ratna on independent India's first army chief, Field Marshal KM Cariappa.

"The time has also come to recommend Field Marshal Cariappa for the award of Bharat Ratna. If others can get it, I see no reason why he should not, a deserving personality for the same. We will shortly address the issue on priority," he said.

Gen Rawat's comments came in response to a request by Col KC Subbayya from the Field Marshal Cariappa General Thimayya (FMCGT) forum about recommending the Bharat Ratna to Cariappa, who hails from Kodagu district in Karnataka.

Rawat unveiled the statues of Cariappa and General KS Thimayya, also a former army chief who hailed from Kodagu district in Karnataka, at a function at the Cauvery College at Gonikoppal, Kodagu district.

Terming Kodagu (formerly Coorg) as a 'land of warriors', Rawat said he is proud, privileged and humbled for having got the opportunity to unveil the memorial in memory of Cariappa and Thimayya.

Kodagu continues to serve the nation with a large number of officers and men serving the Army, he said and voiced hope that "there will be more Chiefs in the future who will rise from this great land".

Cariappa was the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army and was conferred the rank of Field Marshal on 28 April, 1986.

He was also a recipient of the prestigious order of the British Empire (OBE) for his role in the Burma campaign against the Japanese during the Second World War.

Cariappa also led the Indian forces on the Western Front during the Indo-Pak War of 1947.

He held the five-star rank of field marshal, the highest honour in the Indian Army, which Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw is the only other officer to have held.

Cariappa, whose military career spanned over three decades, retired from the Army in 1953 and later served as the High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand till 1956.

He died in Bengaluru in 1993 at the age of 94.
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The Delhi education department is facing an acute shortage of teachers to operate the 163 National Institute of Open Schooling centres it opened up recently to teach the students who failed their class 10 exams, after the High Court refused to lift the stay on the appointment of guest teachers.

Official sources in the Delhi education department said to Firstpost that these centres need 163 principals, an equal number of vice-principals and teachers for every subject to be taught there. The department planned to fill up nearly 1,000 posts by appointing guest teachers, which has become almost impossible after the Delhi High Courts order.

Nearly 10,000 students have already taken admission in the centres. It was also planned to start the classes from 6 November. This now seems difficult to happen, the source said.

The 163 study centres are a part of Delhi education department's flagship programme 'Chunauti 2018', rolled out to curb dropout rates in class 10.The programme aims at helping academically weak students to clear their Class 10 exams by the year 2018.

After the Delhi High Courts stay order, the Delhi education department has decided to appoint retired teachers in the centres, instead of guest teachers.

We hope the stay order on appointment of guest teachers does not affect the study centres, as the Education department has decided to appoint retired teachers to run them, says Shashi Kant Sinha, the nodal officer of ten such centres.

Ashok Agarwal, an education activist said to Firstpost that the government is under tremendous pressure to start these centres as it is under legal compulsion to teach the admitted students.

There are more than 27,000 vacancies in the positions of teachers. The 925 Delhi government schools are struggling hard to meet the deficit of 15,000 guest teachers. After the judiciary stayed recruitment of guest teachers, the education department faces a shortage of teachers to run the newly opened study centres, he said.

On Monday, the Delhi education department appealed to the Delhi High Court to lift the stay order on the appointment of 9,000 guest teachers as a stop gap arrangement until regular teachers were appointed, which was turned down.

A bench of the Delhi High Court has rejected the government's contention that due to the stay on the recruitment process, students are suffering as there is an acute shortage of teachers.

Under the Chunauti-2018 programme last year, 62,000 students who failed in class 9 were switched to Patrachar Vidyalaya.

To ensure that these students would find it easier to pass, they were also given some additional flexibility. "They would have the option of dropping subjects like mathematics," the Chunauti-2018 policy said. But this flexibility could not help, because only 2.01 percent of the students who appeared for exams from the Patrachar Vidyalaya could pass.

The education department than decided to shift these students to NIOS and opened up the said study centres.

Official sources informed that out of more than 58,000 students who were expected to enrol, only 10,000 students have taken admission in NIOS through their schools.

To provide them with special classes in these 163 study centres and 34 nodal centres throughout Delhi, a budget of Rs 2.64 crores was also allotted for this project. After the Delhi High Courts stay on recruitment of guest teachers, the project seems to have faced a jolt.
Guwahati: A month after a Foreigners' Tribunal in Assam asked a retired JCO of the Indian Army to prove his Indian citizenship, a retired Havildar of the Army was subjected to similar humiliation by being asked to prove his citizenship.

A Foreigners' Tribunal in Assam's Barpeta district has sent a notice to retired Havildar Mahiruddin Ahmed and his wife Husniara Ahmed to be present in the Tribunal on 6 November and prove their Indian citizenship.

Born on 1 January, 1964 to Basiruddin, resident of Khablarbhita village in Barpeta district, Mahiruddin passed his Class 10 examination in 1980 and joined the Indian Army in 1986. He retired in August 2004 as a Havildar. His last posting was at the Field Ordnance Depot of the Indian Army at Bathinda, Punjab.

"This is illegal and there is something seriously wrong. We are seeking legal help in this regard. However, it is very hurting and shocking that we are subjected to such humiliation after service in a force like the Indian Army," said Mahiruddin on Saturday.

He said his wife Husniara is the daughter of Sarbesh Ali, a resident of Khablarbhita village in the same district. "She was born in 1972 and her father's name figured in the voter's list of 1966 bearing serial no 659," he said, terming the notice gross injustice.

"While one of my brothers has worked as Assistant Sessions Judge, another brother is working in BSNL. If I am not an Indian citizen, how can I join the Indian Army? The Army recruitment rules are so strict that they would not allow any non-Indian to join the service," he said, expressing his dissatisfaction.

In October this year, a Foreigners' Tribunal in Kamrup district of Assam asked a retired JCO of the Indian Army to prove his citizenship, much to the embarrassment of the police and the Tribunal.
Ahmedabad: Crime Branch officials in Ahmedabad on early Saturday arrested Ajmeri Abdul Rashid, one of the accused in the 2002 Gandhinagar Akshardham Temple terror attack case, from near the airport.

Rashid, one of the 28 absconding accused in the case, had returned from Saudi Arabia and was picked by the Crime Branch sleuths from near the airport.

The sensational attack on the temple complex in Gujarat's capital Gandhinagar had claimed 32 lives, including 28 visitors. The attackers had used automatic weapons and hand grenades. Three commandos, including one from NSG, and a constable of the State Reserve Police (SRP) were also killed during the operation.

Rashid's brother Adam Ajmeri, along with two others, was awarded capital punishment but it was struck down by the Supreme Court and all three were acquitted in 2014. Three other convicts, one of them carrying a life sentence, were also let off by the apex court.

The other absconders are claimed to be in Pakistan and Gulf countries.
Belagavi (Karnataka): Army chief General Bipin Rawat said on Friday that both Indian and Chinese troops were present in Doka La, but were not in an "eyeball-to- eyeball" contact.

General Rawat said there had been a disengagement of troops of both countries in Doka La, where the two sides were locked in a stand-off that ended in August.

"There has been a disengagement on the condition that we will both disengage so that there is no face-to-face contact. So, that disengagement has taken place," he said.

"The PLA (People's Liberation Army) is still at Dokalam, but they are at a reasonable distance from us and we are not in eyeball-to-eyeball contact," the Army chief said.

He was speaking to reporters after honouring 23rd and 24th battalions of the Maratha Light Infantry at a glittering ceremony in Belagavi on Friday.

There was a military stand-off between India and China at Doka La on the tri-junction of the Indian, Chinese and Bhutanese borders but it had ended after 71 days in August.

On Jammu and Kashmir, he said there has been no violation of human rights in that state by the Army but it has taken stringent action whenever such incidents occurred.

The army chief said no one would be spared in case of violation of human rights.

Asked about reports about rise in recruitments of Kashmiri youths by militant groups since 2013 and resentment against the Army, he said some youths are carried away by wrong conceptions due to social media.

He lauded the excellent patience shown by the Army in the area.

To a query, the Army chief said Jammu and Kashmir had a different terrain causing frequent intrusion of militants but the Indian force had been giving befitting reply to such elements.

Kashmir was, is and will be an integral part of India, he said.

He also said Indian Army is undertaking modernisation of equipment for surveillance along both Pakistan and China borders. The government has been funding defence equipment without any issue, he said.

Speaking at the ceremony, the army chief commended the outstanding performance of Maratha Light Infantry right since the First World War in all operational and peacetime commitments.

He lauded the history of Maratha Light Infantry which received five Maha Vir Chakras and Ashok Chakras, 44 Vir Chakras and 15 Kirti Chakras apart from Victoria Cross during the British rule.

The saga of Maratha Light Infantry and its martyrdom will remembered for a long time to come, he said and exhorted all ranks to continue striving hard for excellence to keep the national flag flying high.
Srinagar: Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik on Saturday reacted to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) notice issued to him and said it was intended to "frighten the freedom fighters in Kashmir".

Addressing a media conference in Srinagar, the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief said: "These threatening notices will not weaken our resolve or our fight."

"I am ready to enter a death cell. Our role model is Shaheed Maqbool Bhat. None can take the love of freedom from our hearts. The Indian media is playing PR of the Indian Army and anchors should wear uniforms in studios."

The central probe agency on Friday issued show-cause notices to Malik and two others in a 2001 forex violation case.

"I came to know about the ED notice through media and have not received the notice till now," Malik said.

"The case is 16 years old and pertains to an era when the Hurriyat was united. I used to represent the Hurriyat across the world and India. It was a time when Hurriyat had announced a parallel Election Commission to hold an election.

"The announcement had rattled the government then and we were sure of repercussions."

He said the notice under Foreign Exchange Management Act (Fema) pertains to a case still going on in a Jammu court in which he had been granted bail. "Why a new trial when one is still going on?"

Speaking about the appointment of Dineshwar Sharma as government's interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir, Malik said: "Government has appointed an interlocutor, but the intentions of the government are not clear.

"What does the Government of India want? They are resorting to terrorising the people and separatists to submission," he said.

He said when the PDP was out of power they used to go to weep at every funeral of a militant. After they got back power, you have seen how pellet guns have been used.
Jammu: Union minister Vijay Goel has said that the killing of a BJP youth wing leader in Kashmir has strengthened the resolve of the government to stamp out terrorism from the state.

"It has further strengthened our resolve to stamp out terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir, instead of getting demoralised. These incidents cannot stop us," Goel, a senior BJP leader, told reporters in Jammu. The body of 30-year-old Gowhar Hussain Bhat, who was kidnapped by militants, was recovered from an orchard in Kiloora in Shopian district of south Kashmir on Thursday with his throat slit.

Bhat, a resident of Bonagam in Shopian, 52 kilometre from Srinagar, was the district president of the Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha. "Gowhar has joined the BJP two years ago. He was a strong youth leader of the party. We condemn his killing in a cowardly act by terrorists. BJP president Amit Shah has condemned and also expressed concern over the killing," Goel said.

"Such terror incidents have taken place in the past, but they have not been able to demoralise the government and the BJP. Instead, such attacks strengthened our resolve," he said in reply to a question whether it was an act to demoralise the BJP and the government.

The union minister of state for parliamentary affairs and statistics and programme implementation was in Jammu to review the progress of various central-sponsored projects in the state. On the ceasefire violations by Pakistan, the minister said, "We are giving them befitting and strong reply and will continue to do so if they do any mischief."
New Delhi: King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, who will arrive in India on Sunday, will begin their seven-day maiden state visit to the country with a trip to the iconic Taj Mahal, the Belgian envoy in New Delhi has said.

Belgian Ambassador to India Jan Luykx said this would be their "first state visit" to India after Philippe ascended the throne in 2013. In 2010, Philippe had led a Belgian Trade Mission to the country, as the then crown prince.

The visit aimed at enhancing bilateral ties, including in trade in other areas of cooperation, will also mark 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The theme of the visit is innovative partnership for the 21st century.

According to the official Twitter handle of the Belgian mission in New Delhi, the first state visit from that country was by King Baudouin and Queen Fabiola in 1970.

King Albert II and Queen Paola of Belgium had also paid a state visit to India in November 2008.

Incidentally, the royal couples in the preceding two visits had also toured the iconic Mughal-era monument in Agra, which is a UNESCO world heritage site.

"The King and Queen will arrive in India on 5 November evening. They will then go to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. The next leg of the visit would be in Delhi, where they would spend two days and finally the last two days in Mumbai.

"They (the couple) will leave on the morning of 11 November," Luykx told PTI on the sidelines of an event last evening.

The King will meet President Ram Nath Kovind and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

King Philippe will also be accompanied by a business delegation of nearly 90 people comprising CEOs of Belgian companies. Chiefs of several academic institutions and members from the media would also accompany him during the visit.

The Belgian envoy made the remarks at an exhibition of rare photographs of Mahatma Gandhi that was launched here at the Bikaner House.

The exhibition's opening ceremony was attended by Luykx, Russia's Ambassador to India Nikolay Rishatovich Kudashev, senior officials from the French, German, Dutch and the US embassies among others.

Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi inaugurated the exhibition.

The Belgian envoy, earlier during his address at the event said, "Though Gandhi never visited Belgium but his spirit touches all."

"We have two memorials, statues of Gandhi, one each in Antwerp and Brussels. Besides, we have many streets named after him and a postal stamp was also released in his honour," Luykx said.

Belgium was also among the first European countries to establish a diplomatic mission in India after independence.

The royal couple is to visit India at the invitation of the president. During their stay, they will also commemorate Indian soldiers' effort of defending Belgium during the World War I and lay a wreath at the India Gate.

King Baudouin and Queen Fabiola during their visit 47 years ago, were received at the airport by then President V V Giri. Besides, the Taj Mahal, the royal couple had also paid homage to the Mahatma by laying a wreath at his memorial at Rajghat. The king had visited the Qutub Minar as well.

You may have missed some moments of the first State Visit in 1970, follow us & be sure to not miss a thing this time! #BELIND2017 pic.twitter.com/YQSrYqFLd8  Belgium in India (@BelgiuminIndia) November 4, 2017

The official Twitter handle of the Belgian Embassy has shared a black and white picture of the couple sitting against the backdrop of the Moghul monument in 1970.
Aurangabad: A 22-year-old married woman was allegedly gangraped by her friend and three others on the outskirts of the city, police said on Saturday.

The incident took place on Thursday night on the outskirts of the city and one of the accused, Anil Vasant Thombre (22), has been arrested in this connection, police said.

"In the evening on 2 November, Thombre went to the woman's house in Santoshi Mata Nagar and asked her to accompany him for his birthday celebrations. On their way, three of Thombre's friends, who were carrying food and liquor bottles, joined them," Satyajit Taitwale, Assistant Police Inspector (API) of MIDC Cidco police station, said.

They took the girl to a secluded farm in Takli village in MIDC area on the outskirts of the city and offered her cold drinks laced with sedatives, he added.

"After consuming it, the victim fell unconscious. Thereafter, all the four took turns to rape her. After the crime, the accused dumped her near a petrol pump near Chikhalthana airport," the API said.

After being alerted, the MIDC Cidco police rushed to the spot and admitted the woman to a hospital, where she narrated her ordeal to the police.

Efforts are on to nab to other three accused, police said.
New Delhi: There has been a 21 percent reduction in violent Maoist incidents across the country this year compared to the corresponding period in 2016, it was announced at an high-level Union Home Ministry meeting held in New Delhi on Friday.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who chaired the high-level meeting, assured of providing all possible support to the Chhattisgarh government to deal with Maoists.

"During the meeting, it was brought out that the declining trend of LWE (Left-Wing Extremism) violence continues across the country which has seen an overall reduction of 21 percent in violence incidents over corresponding period of last year. The LWE continue to remain under pressure with ever shrinking influence, both in terms of geographical spread and public support," a home ministry statement said.

Issues of security and development related measures were discussed in the meeting, the statement said, adding currently, the Centre is providing security related assistance to Chhattisgarh which includes provision of paramilitary forces, helicopters, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and counter insurgency and anti-terrorist schools.

"In addition, 11 India Reserve Battalions and two Special India Reserve Battalions have been sanctioned to the state. Funds have also been provided for fortification of 75 police stations and for capacity building of Special Forces under the Special Infrastructure Scheme.

"As part of the multi-pronged strategy to deal with LWE, the central government gives equal focus to development measures to bring Maoist-affected districts at par with other areas. Towards this end, the central government has approved a Special Central Assistance Scheme for 35 worst affected LWE districts with an annual outlay of Rs 1,000 crore Important development schemes include the Road Requirement Plan (RRP) Phase-I under which Chhattisgarh was sanctioned 1988 km of road out of which 1351 km have been completed," it said.

The statement said under the newly launched RRP-II, Chhattisgarh has been sanctioned a further 891 km of road.

To improve mobile connectivity, 519 mobile towers have been installed in Phase-I and another 1,028 towers are being planned in Phase-II of the project, it said.

"As part of efforts to enhance skill development, Chhattisgarh has been sanctioned nine ITIs and 14 Skill Development Centres. The initiatives taken to improve education infrastructure include approval of two Kendriya Vidyalayas at Bijapur and Sukma and three Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas at Bijapur, Narayanpur and Kondagaon.

"Jagdalpur Medical College has been approved for up-gradation as Centre of Excellence at a cost of 200 crore under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana.

"The Jagdalpur airport has been included under the regional connectivity scheme and work for making it operational is nearing completion. Financial inclusion initiatives include sanction of 707 post offices and opening of 108 ATMs and 81 bank branches in LWE affected districts in last two years," it said.

The meeting was attended by the Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh, Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, Chhattisgarh Chief Secretary Vivek Dhand, Director General CRPF Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar and senior officers of the Home Ministry and the Chhattisgarh administration.
Srinagar: Militants on Saturday hurled a grenade at a camp of Jammu and Kashmir Police's Special Operations Group in Shopian district but it exploded in the compound without causing any damage, the police said.

Militants hurled the grenade on Special Operations Group camp in Imam Sahib area of Shopian this afternoon, a police official said.

He said the grenade exploded near a boundary wall inside the compound.

No damage was caused by the explosion, the official said.
New Delhi: The Congress on Friday said it is unfortunate for the country's politics that those facing

corruption charges were talking of fighting the menace and demanded answers from the prime minister on the huge rise in the turnover of a company owned by BJP chief Amit Shah's son.

Congress spokesperson RPN Singh said top BJP leaders, including prime minister Narendra Modi and Shah, were campaigning in poll-bound Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka and talking about corruption, but had failed to come up with a reply to the "Shahzada model".

"Prime minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah are talking about corruption in Himachal Pradesh. The prime minister should also talk about the 'Shahzada', whose income has gone up by 16,000 times in a short period," he told reporters in Delhi , in an apparent reference to Shah's son Jay Shah.

A recent article published by a news portal claimed that the turnover of a company owned by Jay Shah witnessed a massive rise in its fortunes after the BJP came to power at the Centre in 2014. The BJP has, however, denied any involvement of the party in Jay Shah's business dealings.

"The way these people are talking about corruption, there cannot be anything more unfortunate than this in politics," Singh said. Stating that every day, one could see the BJP leaders talking about corruption, he wondered, "Why has the prime minister not talked about the corruption of the Shahzada?" Terming it as strange that someone, whose family members were facing corruption charges, was talking about corruption, Singh said, "The irony of the BJP's anti-corruption plank, Amit Shahji of the Shahzada fame and Yeddyurappaji are taking out an anti-corruption march in Karnataka."

Hitting out at Shah and former Karnataka chief minister B S Yeddyurappa for taking out the march, Singh alleged that there were corruption charges against them or their family members.

"Our (Karnataka) chief minister (Siddaramaiah) has already sought to know if this yatra is for repentance and whether it will teach the people how to do corruption," he said.
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Modi is scheduled to attend the first 'Jansabha' in Kangra at 1 pm on Saturday followed by Sundernagar at 3 pm.

"Today, the Congress party has lost faith in its own candidates. It has accepted it cannot win an election on its own," said Narendra Modi at the rally.

Narendra Modi said the world is taking notice of India at every step. "Modi is not the reason for it but the 150 crore Indians standing behind him," said the prime minister.

'India being lauded world over, not because of Modi'

Electricity is indispensable today. Be it for mobile phone charging or watching TV, we need it. Imagine how it must be for people who have never seen it in the 21st century. 15,000 villages have been electrified today," said Narendra Modi.

Modi talks about his rural electrification drive , says 15,000 villages electrified so far

Speaking of his Ujjwala Yojana, Modi said the mother using fire wood stoves inhales smoke worth 400 cigarettes. "To benefit them, we have opened the government coffins and decided to provide free gas connections," said the prime minister

"9 crore youth, mothers and sisters have been given money as a loan without any collateral to the banks under Mudra Yojana has led to empowerment of the youth and honing their entreprenuerial skills," said Modi.

"Tourism, spiritual tourism, infrastructure, electricity - give us an opportunity and we'll serve Himachal Pradesh well," says Modi batting for BJP.

Maximum development in Himachal Pradesh when BJP was in power at Centre and the state, says Modi

"These elections are about forming a government but building a 'Bhavya' & 'Divya' Himachal," Narendra Modi said in Sundernagar. "At the time of the Congress, the country was discussing how much it had been in the past. Now, it discusses how much it will become," he added. He slammed Congress, saying the public will not believe Congress even in the coming 100 years. "The public has elected me in 2014 to fight against corruption," Modi asserted, saying that his party will find all those who steal from the nation. He also said that Congress is worried over his future actions against benaami properties, and is trying to mislead people about the same.

Narendra Modi congratulated the efforts his party made for the middle class in the state. He said that the party workers have made efforts to distribute 27 crore LED lights. Through this initiative, savings worth Rs 400 crore were made this year in Himachal, Modi stated. "We want to change lives in villages in India be it roads, railways, air, highways. We want to work for Himachal," he said about his party's outlook for Himachal Pradesh. He also spoke about the pradhan mantri saubhagya yojana and other health benefits that BJP has strived for in the state.

At 11 am, Modi is expected to address a rally in Una, before moving to Palampur at 1 pm. His final rally will be at Kullu at 3 pm.

On Saturday, PM Modi hinted at a crackdown on benami properties, and said the Congress is worried as such assets of its leaders will not be spared in his governments action.

Narendra Modi's Sunday rallies come a day before Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi will visit the state. Rahul will be addressing rallies in Paonta Sahib, Chamba, and Nagrota in Kangra district, The Indian Express noted.

Ahead of Modi's rally at Palampur on Sunday, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Thawarchand Gehlot visited the site to oversee the preparations.

At a rally in Kangra on Saturday, Modi likened the Congress to termites and exhorted the people to finish it off by handing over three-fourths majority to the BJP in the 9 November Assembly election.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala on Thursday dubbed the Modi government as "anti-hill states" and said it failed to fulfil its poll promises. Prime Minister Narendra Modi abolished the special category state status to Himachal Pradesh in 2015, he claimed.

In the last 20 years, there has not been a single election where I have not been involved. But this is an unprecedented elction. I know where the wind is blowing.A storm is raging here against corrupt Congress.

"This is the first time that we need to say that the election has been fought and won by the people of Himachal Pradesh. People here are ready to teach Congress a lesson," Modi said in Una.

"People used to loot the treasury in the name of subsidies. In the past, 57,000 crore used to get leaked due to rampant corruption in implementing subsidies. Now our policy has stopped the leak. The leaders in Congress cannot bear this, so they are attacking me," Modi said in Una.

Narendra Modi took potshots at former PM Rajiv Gandhi's statement that one rupee ends up as 15 paise when it reaches villages. Modi said Rajiv was such a doctor who diagnosed the problem of corruption but did not do anything about it. He added that he has made sure that the whole of 100 paise now goes to the pockets of the poor.

"They took the credit for making the law but did not implement," Modi said.

"They are worried that their property will be confisticated, so they are perotesting on 8 November. Benami property raised property prices and dashed the dreams of the common man," Modi said. Modi also slammed Rajiv Gandhi and his successors for not acting on the benami property law for at least 30 years.

"After demonetisation, at least three lakh companies came under the scanner. We did a sample survey of 5,000 companies and saw that they at least transacted Rs 4,000 crore worth of black money. I can only imagine what will happen if we look the transactions of all the companies," Modi said.

"This country has warmly welcomed GST(Goods and Services Tax) as it has immensely benefited the transport sector. Truck movement between the states has gained pace," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

After Narendra Modi said that the jawans are being attacked by stone pelters in the Kashmir Valley, Omar Abdullah took to Twitter to criticise him.

"Now our policy has stopped the leak. The leaders in Congress cannot bear this, so they are attacking me."

"People used to loot the treasury in the name of subsidies. In the past, 57,000 crore used to get leaked due to rampant corruption in implementing subsidies," Modi said in an election rally at Una.

"Congress has the habit of spending leisure time in power. But BJP is a party with a difference. Shanta Kumar, our first CM, spent his tenure in providing water to people in the hills," Modi said.

"Congress leaders look to loot as much as they can when they come to power. But there are people of Himachal, who will decide how to punish them," Modi said at his rally in Palampur.

Prem Kumar Dhumal is known for his contribution towards promoting tourism in the state. These elections are not about who will form the government or who will become the chief minister, but are about transforming lives of people in Himachal Pradesh," Modi said in Palampur.

Narendra Modi reiterated his committment to build houses for every Indian by 2022. he praised the middle class for driving the country's economy. "They live with honesty and integrity. They follow all rules. But if the government does not listen to them what will happen to them. So we are offering many schemes to help tjhem," he added.

Modi said that ever since his government has come to power, the prices of the LED bulbs have reduced. This, he believed, has helped the middle class to save a lot of money. "We reduced the prices of LED bulbs from Rs 300-400 to jsut Rs 40-50," Modi said.

Reiterating that he will continue fighting corruption, Modi said that the Congress will burn the effigies of him because their corrupt practices have come to a halt. Modi added the Congress cannot fathom the fact that a poor mother's son, a chaiwala, is now the prime minister. "They always thiught that it is their sole right to occupy the post."

"My fight against corruption will continue. I am not afraid of Opposition burning my effigies or protesting against me. For the Congress, corruption is its only identity. After its defeat in the state of Uttar Pradesh, the Opposition is frightened that it will be wiped out in 2019 as well as 2024 polls," Modi said.

Not frightened of my effigies being burnt, says Modi

Giving the slogan of pehle matdaan phir jalpaan, Modi urged the common man of Palampur to vote en masse for the BJP. He said that the state should teach the Congress a lesson.

Congress is frightened it will be wiped out of 'dev bhoomi'

Congress is left with nothing and can only mourn its decline, says Modi

"Seeding Aadhaar cards with bank accounts have eliminated middlemen and subsidies now reach the beneficiaries directly," the prime minister said.

"Deference of the Women's Reservation Bill is BJP has gone back on its primary manifesto promise for women. And it was only the beginning," he said.

"Once hailed as nation builders' by PM Modi, the already marginalised Indian women have been most brutally betrayed by the BJP government," the chief minister said attacking the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) central government in a series of tweets.

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh on Sunday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not moving the stalled Women's Reservation Bill, accusing him of betraying the "nation builders".

As political parties of all shades pursue the 50,25,541 legitimate voters for electing 68 representatives to the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, some 14,000-odd votes hold special significance, not for their numbers but for defining the future status of about 1,20000 Tibetans, living in India, as refugees. But the decision to grant voting rights to people of Tibetan origin born in India, taken after long-drawn detailed procedures that took 3 to 4 years, according to Pushpendra Rajput, Chief Electoral Officer, Himachal Pradesh, has divided the community.

Modi said that he has a sense of responsibility towards Himachal Pradesh and would help the state by developing it. Modi, who was the BJP incharge for Himachal Pradesh in the late 90s, said that during his stay in the hill state, he never thought he could come to the state as the prime minister.

People in Himachal Pradesh will not only vote to elect BJP but also to punish the corrupt Congress government, Modi said. "There is an opportunity to give three-fouth majority government to Himachal Pradesh. Such a strong mandate will help state to develop further," Modi said.

"I am not responsible for the praise that India is receiving. It is all because of the 125 crore Indians that India is shining in the world," the prime minister said. When foreign leaders meet me, they do not meet me but the 125 crore Indians, he added.

If the youth need to be lead a good life, then such evils need to be tackled. Modi also said that the various mafias in the state are "danav" (monsters) for the dev bhoomi.

"Corruption was not a major disease 70 years back. There were no such evils even when India was under British rule. So who is responsible for corruption? Who brought communal, caste and social disharmony in India? It is the Congress. Don't you think the party needs to taught a lesson?," Modi said.

During Indira Gandhi's rule, the then Union minister Yashwantrao Chavan recommended the scrapping the Rs 100 notes. However, Indira did not approve the idea. "If we want to win elections, do not bring such ideas," Modi claimed Indira told Chavan. Modi claimed that Indira prioritised party over nation by deciding to not pursue note ban.

As political parties of all shades pursue the 50,25,541 legitimate voters for electing 68 representatives to the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, some 14,000-odd votes hold special significance, not for their numbers but for defining the future status of about 1,20000 Tibetans, living in India, as refugees. But the decision to grant voting rights to people of Tibetan origin born in India, taken after long-drawn detailed procedures that took 3 to 4 years, according to Pushpendra Rajput, Chief Electoral Officer, Himachal Pradesh, has divided the community.

Modi said that he has a sense of responsibility towards Himachal Pradesh and would help the state by developing it. Modi, who was the BJP incharge for Himachal Pradesh in the late 90s, said that during his stay in the hill state, he never thought he could come to the state as the prime minister.

People in Himachal Pradesh will not only vote to elect BJP but also to punish the corrupt Congress government, Modi said. "There is an opportunity to give three-fouth majority government to Himachal Pradesh. Such a strong mandate will help state to develop further," Modi said.

"I am not responsible for the praise that India is receiving. It is all because of the 125 crore Indians that India is shining in the world," the prime minister said. When foreign leaders meet me, they do not meet me but the 125 crore Indians, he added.

If the youth need to be lead a good life, then such evils need to be tackled. Modi also said that the various mafias in the state are "danav" (monsters) for the dev bhoomi.

"Corruption was not a major disease 70 years back. There were no such evils even when India was under British rule. So who is responsible for corruption? Who brought communal, caste and social disharmony in India? It is the Congress. Don't you think the party needs to taught a lesson?," Modi said.

Congress and corruption can never separate from each other: PM Modi in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh pic.twitter.com/cznKT9ZGYo

During Indira Gandhi's rule, the then Union minister Yashwantrao Chavan recommended the scrapping the Rs 100 notes. However, Indira did not approve the idea. "If we want to win elections, do not bring such ideas," Modi claimed Indira told Chavan. Modi claimed that Indira prioritised party over nation by deciding to not pursue note ban.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Himachal Pradesh to attend two rallies on Saturday ahead of the Assembly polls in the state.

Modi is scheduled to attend the first 'Jansabha' in Kangra at 1 pm on Saturday followed by Sundernagar at 3 pm.

The prime minister last visited Himachal Pradesh on 2 November and spoke at a rally in Kangra. Terming the Congress a "laughing club", Modi on Thursday said the party was losing its hold in every corner of the country.

"State after state, people across the nation have taken it upon themselves to eradicate the Congress which has put them through so much misery," he said.

Attacking the Himachal Pradesh government, Modi had also said Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh was talking of action against corruption when he himself was out on bail on a corruption case.

Playing up the development agenda, Modi had said that the Congress aided the growth of five 'mafias'  forest mafia, mining mafia, drug mafia, tender mafia and transfer mafia  in dev bhoomi Himachal and plunged the state into backwardness.

Two-time former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal as the BJP chief ministerial candidate in the upcoming election. On Friday Congress leader Sachin Pilot said the BJP was forced to project Dhumal as the face of BJP after charisma of Prime Minister Narendra Modi failed.

"The BJP withdrew (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi's face because of fear. We are banking on development, which was unprecedented, in the state that our party ensured in the past five years of its rule," he said. Pilot also questioned the BJP over its huge expenditure over bringing its entire central leadership in the poll-bound state.

The Assembly polls in Congress-ruled Himachal will be held on 9 November.

With inputs from agencies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday exuded confidence that India's ease of doing business ranking will further improve next year when the impact of GST - the biggest tax reform - is taken into account.

Modi while addressing India's Business Reforms conference at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in New Delhi, said that in a short time of three years, India has improved 42 ranks on World Bank's ease of doing business ranking.

The prime minister said that bringing change to the country and its 1.25 billion people is his mission.

Commenting on India's recent jump by 42 places to rank 100th in the World Bank's 'ease of doing business' ranking, the prime minister said that World Bank ranking does not take into account GST, 'biggest tax reform that provides transparent, stable regime'. He added that India will be at an even better place in 2018 ranking since issues raised by traders, businesses on GST have been positively accepted by the government. This ranking takes into account reforms initiated only till May-end and does not reflect the impact of GST, which was implemented from 1 July, he said.

The GST has not just integrated the nation of 1.2 billion into one market with one tax rate but also provided a stable and transparent taxation regime, he said.

This reform plus others that have already happened but need gestation and stabilisation time before they are taken into account by the World Bank will improve the ranking, he said.

All these combined gives me confidence that India will occupy a place of pride in World Bank's report next year and the year thereafter, he said.

Modi said he does not want to sleep over the 30 place jump this year  the biggest leap by India ever  and want to do more.

Taking a dig at the Opposition, Modi said that those who worked with World Bank previously are raising doubts over India's ranking.

"India has reached at a position where it is easy to go further, our efforts have gained momentum," said the prime minister.

He said that when the government decided to bring GST, people were unsure about its implementation. Three months after the tax reform, the GST council meeting was organised and issues raised by traders and business communities were addressed, said Modi.

He said the GST Council at its next meeting on 9-10 November will make necessary changes.

He listed out the reforms initiated by his government, saying India is swiftly changing for the better.

Tax filing, registration of new business and getting electricity connection have been made easier.

"We are among the most open economies of the world," Modi said.

Modi said that ease of doing business also leads to ease of life. He said that India has moved 19 places upon logistic performance index.

The prime minister said that the government is improving the investment climate in the country. "More than 90 percent of FDI approvals have been put on automatic route. FDI inflow has been at all-time high. Total FDI has gone up by 67 percent in the last three years," said Modi.

He said that over the last three years the government has evaluated business regulations. Modi said that the Centre engaged with business communities on regular basis and has addressed their concerns.

Emphasising on the importance of technology, he said that the use of technology should maximize governance. "Along with technology we also need to change the mindset. The past mindset of excessive control should be replaced with minimum government maximum governance.

With inputs from PTI
Bomdila (Arunachal Pradesh): Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday stressed on prioritising peace and called it the stepping stone for development.

Sitharaman, who was inaugurating the second edition of Buddha Mahotsava at Bomdila in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, said it was necessary to prioritise peace for development and the Center would definitely respond to any need of the state and its borders.

"We (the Centre) are with the people of Arunachal Pradesh," Sitharaman, who was accompanied by Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, said.

The people of the state are the "real sentinels" for guarding the frontiers and securing the borders of the country, she said and appreciated them for living harmoniously with nature.

"I stand here first as a citizen of the nation and secondly as the defence minister," she said.

Rijiju called upon the people of the district to work for development and said he would be happy to help.

Sitharaman later in the day flew to Itanagar where she would stay the night and hold meetings with Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Governor Brigadier (Retd) BD Mishra.

She is scheduled to visit Kibithu in remote Anjaw district bordering China tomorrow to meet the troops guarding the frontier, a defence spokesman said.
Lucknow: Leelavati Saroj, 25, the three-month pregnant wife of Deshraj Saroj, has been camping at a Lucknow hospital for the last two days. She firmly believes her husband, employed with NTPC's Unchahar plant, is receiving treatment at the burn unit. Neither has she seen him nor do the hospital records have his name.

A deadly explosion in a boiler in the plant on Wednesday afternoon left many dead and many more injured. Twenty-seven victims of the accident were admitted to Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Civil Hospital in Lucknow with varying degrees of burn injures. It's here that Leelavati is staying for the moment, eagerly awaiting some good news about her husband.

Many others are still searching for their loved ones who worked at Unit VI, where the blast took place.

Sharda Devi, 19, whose brother is among the labourers admitted at Civil Hospital, said seven youths from her village sustained injuries in the blast while two got killed and three are still missing.

Nobody's missing: NTPC

Ruchi Ratna, public relations officer and AGM (North zone), NTPC, said not a single person is missing and even the deceased have been identified. She said 87 persons were working in Unit VI. Of them, she said 32 succumbed to injuries while 48 are undergoing treatment at different hospitals in Lucknow, Rae Bareli and Allahabad. The remaining seven have been discharged.

The Chief Managing Director of the NTPC, Gurmeet Singh, while addressing a press conference in Lucknow on Thursday evening, had said about 100 people were working at the unit at the time of the accident. On the discrepancy in figures, Ratna insisted that the NTPC has checked the records and we are sure that only 87 people were present at the unit.

Lucknow hospital struggling

The atmosphere at the hospitals treating accident victims remained tense on Friday. RP Singh, a senior doctor in the burn and plastic surgery unit of Civil Hospital, told Firstpost they do not have enough resources to handle this situation. He has requested the NTPC to take all burn victims to Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi. He said they plan to shift all of them.

"It is now in the hands of God. All patients here have more than 50 percent burn injuries," the doctor said.

According to the medical superintendent of Civil Hospital, Ashutosh Kumar Dubey, Safdarjung Hospital turned down their request to provide a senior burn specialist. In total, 15 people have been airlifted from Lucknow, five on Friday.

Sharda's brother Bheem Singh, 24, was one of them. Unaware of his condition, she was busy updating her family about the development. Bhaiya ki tabiyat sahi ho rahi hai. Unko helicopter se Dilli le jaa rahe hain ilaaj khaatir (Brothers health is improving. He is being taken to Delhi by helicopter for treatment)," she told her uncle and requested him to convey the message to her parents.

I offered a dozen bananas to Lord Hanuman after getting to know that bhaiya was being taken to Delhi, she said.

Sharda, whose family hails from Purvara village in Unchahar, is one of Bheem's seven sisters. Her brother is the only breadwinner in the family. He, doctors at Civil Hospital informed, had sustained more than 60 percent burn injuries. Sharda said Bheem has been working at the Unchahar units furnace department for three years. He came in through a local contractor and was earning Rs 5,000 a month plus bonus, she said.

Eyewitness account

According to an officer who happened to be at the plant when the mishap occurred, the explosion must have killed more than 70 people. "I know that more than 70 people have been killed in this tragedy. I was one of the persons to visit the unit with the NDRF team and I know that many labourers were reduced to ashes in this accident," the officer, requesting anonymity, told this reporter at the NTPC North zone office in Lucknow.

Meanwhile, postmortems were done on three bodies at the Rae Bareli mortuary. Even as the NTPC management insisted that all the bodies have been identified, Rae Bareli Chief Medical Officer DK Singh said postmortem of four bodies was kept on hold as they could not be identified.

Mantu Barua, 40, one of the survivors of the industrial disaster, said he saw many labourers getting burnt alive. Barua, who hails from Odisha, has packed his bags and is ready to leave.

"Babuji, wahaan aag ka baarish hua tha. Hamara kai saathi toh jinda jal gaya aur ham log kuch nahi kar paaya. Yahaan ka saheb log aur thekedaar sab jhooth bolta hai kyunki unit me kam se kam do guna aadmi tha. Hamko apna jaan jyada pyara hai. Ham apne ghar ja raha hai biwi-bachcha ke paas (It rained fire there. Many of my friends got burnt alive and I could do nothing. The officers here and the contractors are lying as this unit had at least twice as many people. My life is precious to me. I am going back to my family)," he said.

(Saurabh Sharma is a Lucknow-based freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters. He tweets @saurabhsherry)
Shillong: More than 1,000 people in Meghalaya who had enroled for Aadhaar have sought to withdraw from the biometric scheme, alleging that they were coerced/misled into it on warnings that they would lose their rights as a citizen if they did not enrol.

"As many as 1, 202 people had signed documents to withdraw from the biometric scheme. They are from three centers, Shillong, Mawkyrwat in South West Khasi Hills and Nongstoin in West Khasi Hills districts," said PBM Basaiawmoit of the Meghalaya Peoples Committee on Aadhaar (MPCA).

The MPCA, an umbrella organisation of student and civil society groups, had launched a campaign to "opt out" of Aadhaar" to express their opposition and apprehension against the 12-digit unique identification number.

The powerful Khasi Student's Union, which has been agitating against Aadhaar since 2014, said that it will only facilitate illegal immigrants to strengthen their claim to being genuine residents of Meghalaya.

The MPCA has decided that the date for submitting letters for withdrawal/opting out of Aadhaar has been extended to 10 November, he said, adding that these will be submitted to the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the government agency responsible for issuing Aadhaar numbers.

Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, who is also yet to enrol for Aadhaar, expressed concern over the way the biometric scheme was being pushed, leading to confusion among citizens.

"I have not registered for Aadhaar and I share the concern that right to privacy is important, or else the whole idea of democracy gets diluted," he had said.

The Supreme Court had earlier passed several orders asking the government and its agencies not to make Aadhaar mandatory for getting benefits of the welfare schemes. However, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had announced that linking Aadhaar number with the bank account is mandatory.

Meghalaya's Opposition Hill State People's Democratic Party (HSPDP) said that they would serve legal notice to the RBI for stating that linking Aadhaar with bank accounts is mandatory.

"When the Supreme Court has clearly stated that Aadhaar is not mandatory, why is the RBI persistently issuing the notice to link Aadhaar with bank accounts," asked HSPDP chief Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit.

The HSPDP also urged people not to rush for Aadhaar enrolment especially when petitions challenging its validity are being heard by the apex court.

As on 15 October, out of a targeted population of 32,30,132, 4,63,058 have been assigned Aadhaar numbers in Meghalaya.

However, Meghalaya BJP leader JA Lyngdoh said Aadhaar can refine the delivery of social sector schemes such as the rural employment guarantee scheme besides addressing some of the major challenges, including payment of wages and ghost beneficiaries.
Chennai: Torrential downpour threw normal life out of gear in several parts of the metropolis and neighbouring districts on Friday even as the death toll in rain-related incidents mounted to eight in the state.

Rains lashed the city overnight. Though there was some respite during the day, but it started raining heavily towards the evening.

Sharp showers battered parts of Chennai such as Mylapore, Foreshore Estate, southern suburbs of Tambaram, Chrompet and Pallavaram.

A government release said 105 relief camps have been set up in Chennai.

Facing criticism over the handling of rains in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister K Palaniswamy visited several water-logged parts of the city and its suburbs, insisting that his government was working on a "war-footing".

He was accompanied by his deputy O Panneerslevam and senior officials.

Schools and colleges, closed since 31 October, remained shut in Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts, as the Tamil Nadu government appealed to private firms to allow their employees to work from home.

The Marina Beach area recorded a whopping 30 cm of precipitation.

A middle-aged farmer was electrocuted at Manal Agaram near Tiruvarur when he stepped on a snapped live wire lying under water in his field, police said, raising the death toll in rain-related incidents to eight since 27 October, when the northeast monsoon arrived.

Fear of 2015 deluge?

As the heavy spell led to fears of a repeat of the December 2015 deluge, the AIADMK government sought to dispel such rumours.

It asked people not to pay heed to rumours on social media that many lakes and reservoirs around the city were about to surplus and that water would be released.

"Do not spread and believe in rumours #work from home and 3rd Nov leave is 2 avoid traffic jams nd to avoid any untoward incident(sic)," the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Agency tweeted.

Most parts of the city and suburbs received heavy rains last night, with the DGP office near the Marina Beach gauging a maximum of 30 cm of precipitation in 24 hours ending 8.30 am on Friday.

The famous Marina beach front and service lanes were under water.

The coastal district of Nagapattinam continued to suffer monsoon fury, with incessant rains submerging houses and affecting standing crops over thousands of hectares.

The regional weather office has forecast heavy to very heavy rains in the coastal districts and thunderstorms in Chennai and its suburbs for the next 24 hours.

"For the next 24 hours, there will be heavy rains in some places and very heavy rains in one or two places in coastal districts," S Balachandran, director, Area Cyclone Warning Centre, told reporters.

Anna University and University of Madras announced cancellation of their semester exams.

Palaniswamy, who visited flood relief camps in the city and suburban Perungalathur, distributed food packets, dhoti and sarees, mats and bedsheets to persons accommodated there, a release said.

He also visited a few affected areas in Chennai, including RK Nagar.

Chennai received 36 cm of rains in the last three days, the AIADMK leader said, adding the government acted "quickly" to ensure there was no water stagnation in the city.

Principal Revenue Secretary K Satyagopal said a 43 personnel-strong team of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was camping in suburban Tambaram to attend to any kind of exigencies.

The incessant downpour also crippled life in suburban Mudichur, one of the worst-affected areas in the 2015 December deluge, with heavy water-logging of roads and inundation of low-lying areas.

The residents of Kancheepuram district feared a repeat of the 2015 deluge.

Some of the residents staged a protest by squatting on the water-logged Mudichur Road, demanding immediate action.

Transportation takes a hit

While heavy waterlogging hindered free vehicular movement, a "signalling snag" partially hit train services between St Thomas Mount and Kodambakkam suburban section since 9.30 pm on Thursday. Train services became normal on Friday morning.

Flight operations at the city airport were normal, airport officials said.

The Nungambakkam weather station in the city registered 18 cm rain and Meenambakkam in the southern suburb recorded 14 cm rain till 8.30 am on Friday. Parangipettai in Cuddalore gauged 14 cm rain.

A Nagapattinam report said heavy rains lashed parts of the district for the fifth day on Friday, inundating hundreds of houses and submerging thousands of hectares of paddy crops.

People were evacuated to safety in Tarangambadi and Sirkazhi taluks, which bore the brunt of the monsoon fury.

At Tarangambadi, Dansborg, the 400-year-old fort built by the Danish on the seafront, is surrounded by water.

Accompanied by Nagapattinam District Collector C Sureshkumar, Tamil Nadu handlooms minister OS Manian visited many rain-hit areas in the district and inspected the relief work.

The sea remained very rough, with waves rising to several feet. More than 10,000 fishermen did not venture into sea for the fifth day on Friday, official reports noted.

Salt production in the Vedaranyam area came to a standstill as salt pans in 10,000 acres of land remain submerged.

Samba and Thalady paddy raised in over 75,000 hectares of the total 1.28 lakh hectares, remain submerged in the district, the reports added.
Khargone: Congress leader Digvijay Singh has said he is ready to face another defamation suit from the BJP which has threatened legal against him after the CBI gave a clean chit to Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the Vyapam scam case.

Singh had dragged Chouhan's name in the recruitment and appointment scam and alleged that data on the hard disk related to the case had reference to "CM", which was erased.

The central investigation agency, which filed a charge sheet in a Bhopal court two days ago, said, "There is no grain of truth in the allegation that the HDD (hard disk drive) seized on 18 July, 2013 from the office of the then principal system analyst, Vyapam was tampered."

After the clean chit to Chouhan, the state BJP said it is planning to file a defamation case against the former chief minister for levelling baseless allegations about tampering with evidence.

Asked about the BJP statement, Singh said earlier also a number of such cases had been filed against him and he is ready for one more.

"A number of such cases had been filed against me and I am ready for one more," the Congress veteran told reporters at Lepa village in Khargone district last evening.

Singh is on a pilgrimage tour of the river Narmada. The 70-year-old politician has embarked on 'Narmada Parikrama', a walk along the banks of the river.
On 17 October 2017, a post on the popular Humans of Bombay Facebook page began to garner a fair bit of attention. It highlighted the story of a young man (whose portrait was presented alongside), who had navigated the realities of being gay while growing up in Bihar and Shimla. Two-and-a-half years ago, after a break with his family on account of his sexuality, the youth came to Mumbai. The city was where he could live as an openly gay man, but it was also where he was assaulted by an inebriated man on the street. Labelling it #MeToo, the man detailed his experiences of getting his attacker arrested, wondering  was basic humanity too much to ask for?

The post ended with this message:

"The LGBT community, needs our support now more than ever. Every day, theres a new case of hate crime against them, and we need to show more love towards them. To enable this, an app called Delta is being developed  its Indias FIRST homegrown LGBT community, networking and support app. Its aim is to address these challenges by bringing the LGBT community in India together. Its a safe environment, where they can finally justbe."

'Delta', as mentioned in the Humans of Bombay post, is a homegrown app, for and by the LGBT community, that specifically addresses the challenges within the Indian context.

It started off as a conversation between Sachin Bhatia, the founder of dating app Truly Madly, and Ishaan Sethi: An increasing number of people from the LGBT community had reached out to Bhatia about the possibility of a similar platform being created for their use; Sethi (who identifies with the community and had returned to India from the US) realised that there was a very real gap within the LGBTQ ecosystem, in the form of lack of community features as well as limited/non-existent access to support/resources.

"We wanted to create a safe, secure and verified platform for users and provide increased access to community and support features that are incredibly rare to come across otherwise," Sethi told Firstpost, of how Delta came to be. "Community and support features are largely missing from the LGBTQ landscape in India. The features on Delta address some key issues specific to the Indian context, especially in non-metros."

Briefly, this is how Delta addresses issues faced by those who identify as LGBTQ, and by allies:

1. Meet real people on a secure platform: concerns around safety, profile authenticity and myriad other reasons makes meeting like-minded people from the LGBT community in India rather difficult. When you create an account on Delta, a verification engine checks the details that you enter for any inconsistencies or potential "red flags". Once these checks are passed, users are approved into the community.

2. Community: a lack of safe spaces both offline and online have created fragmented and isolated LGBT communities, especially in non-metros. Specific features are aimed at creating safe environments for users to share content, discuss views, form interest groups and engage in discussions. It will also power The Delta Network  offline spaces, venues, restaurants, businesses and other entities that are LGBT friendly and inclusive.

3. Support and Resources: Delta will leverage location-based data to help people find their closest LGBT-friendly therapists, legal aid, healthcare etc. Additional features include online support, counselling, coming out queries, sexual awareness and health, legal frameworks and other resources that can positively impact members of the community.

Community features give members of the LGBTQ community and allies the ability to engage with each other in meaningful ways,while the support features provide people with access to information, location-based listings (say for instance, their nearest LGBT friendly legal aid, healthcare providers) and eventually, in-app peer-to-peer support and professional counselling.

"The app will enable users who may be hundreds of miles apart to connect with each other," said Sethi. "The LGBTQ community in India has been rather fragmented wherein some cities have large groups and presences, which dwindles as one reaches smaller towns/cities. Technology allows us to reach out to any user, regardless of their physical location, and provide them with what they need to empower themselves."

Sethi believes that Delta, by connecting the community, will create tangible benefits. "Rates of queer youth suicides have skyrocketed over the last few years; a predominant reason for the same has been bullying and feeling isolated. An app like Delta will allow users to find a community of peers and mentors," he said, adding, "Our hope is that Delta will help drive inclusion for the LGBTQ community in India and give an otherwise marginalised group the ability to organise itself and (its) allies to drive change."
My first week in Jeju was green and wet with the surprise showers that seem to follow me everywhere. The cool wind and rains did something to me: I was suddenly breathing deep and fresh, and had this crazy electric bounce that encouraged me to do stupid things  like walk seven hours in the rain to find this black sand beach, also a surf point, called Samyang. It was really only 3-4 hours away by foot, but the million photo-ops, rain and snack-stops, getting lost, having my phone die, and generally being bad with directions  all of this brought on a slight latency.

During this walk, I discovered Yongyeon  famous for its night views  but I loved it more in the day, in natural light, and it subsequently became my favourite solitary day-dreaming refuge. Straight out of a Wuxia mega-epic, the bridge invokes visions of dragons, nymphs and flying warriors. Unsurprisingly, I read somewhere that Yongyeon translates to here the dragon may magnificently fly, and some folklore suggests a dragon bathed here, where fresh and salt water meet.

Yongyeon is about 200 metres from the famous Yongduam or Dragons Head Rock, which legends claim is the fossil of the dragon serpent Yimugi. The walk had me convinced I was also ready for Mt Hallasan  the 2,000 metre-high volcano that occupies the core of this volcanic island. Eso, my songwriter friend from Jeju, gathered her coterie and planned a lovely Sunday Eso-tour that managed to prove otherwise: It started with a quick Gimbap snack in the car, and an hour-long drive to Darangshi Oreum in the north-east of Jeju, from my hostel in Dodu-do in the West.

'Oreum' stands for mid-sized hill, 'Bong' for baby hill, and 'San' for mountain. Darangshi, a crater oreum, is just about 380 metres above sea level, and steep towards the initial climb. One should be able to see Hallasan, the Sunrise Peak and Udo Island, but it was raining so hard we kept moving. After much huffing and puffing, I reached Wollang Peak, only to be greeted with mockery and laughter by my crew, also comprising Goodojo (who runs a music club in Jeju City Hall called Day and Night), and hip-hop artist Ko Soon Bom.

Darangshi Oreum was also my introduction to the 3 April Uprising of 1948 that led to the killing of over 30,000 Jeju residents by the government, and the wiping out of the village of Darangshi. The attack was heavy on both sides, but the government is said to have been especially brutal towards Jeju in its clampdown against suspected communist rebels. Until recently, even the memory of the event was reportedly suppressed by the government, and it was only in 2006 that it apologised for its role in the massacre. A cave filled with 11 bodies from the uprising was discovered in 1992 in Darangshi.

The beauty and serenity of Jeju belies the harshness of its history, as well as life on the island. For its obvious sub-tropical island weather in the summers, winters are windy and the island is covered in snow. Its people are warm, friendly, and are known for their resilience, which brings me to the warrior mermaids of Jeju  the Haenyeo. It had been my dream to catch these female divers in action but the weather was not conducive. Instead, we went to the Haenyeo museum.

The story of Haenyeo women is intriguing, and well-documented. Briefly, these free-divers (who dive down to to 7 metres deep) have been at it for centuries, and the semi-matriarchal society of Jeju is because of these women, who were the main bread-winners of the family. Many say there was a period when the women took over, perhaps because their men died at sea or in war, and some say women could bear the cold waters better than men. But stories by Haenyeo who jumped in the water hours after giving birth, or when they were sick or unable to, because they had no choice, and about little girls and old women carrying out this back-breaking, dangerous profession in dire times, get you teary-eyed.

Once heads of families, where many male members took care of domestic work, and even paid dowry in contrast to mainland Korea, in modern times, Haenyeos work is said to be looked down upon by people on the island. In the past few decades, new employment opportunities have led to dwindling numbers of Haenyeo youth. However, there is a Haenyeo school that begins training young, and even has a limited spot open for men, and hopes to rekindle global interest in this rare, extreme profession.

Stan the Surfer from my guesthouse  Surf n Joy was driving to Woljeongri Beach one morning, and I hitched a ride with him. After a hearty breakfast of black pork tacos (black pork or Heuk Dwaeji is a specialty of Jeju) and coffee, I watched him disappear into the cold waves alongside some intrepid kite-surfers. After about an hour of lusting at the scenery, I started walking towards the Manjanggul caves, the 12th longest lava tube in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The road to Manjanggul is filled with these dreamy fluffy reeds all around. I was thrilled to be inside a lava tube, well-maintained, unspoiled, and it was a satiating, spooky adventure. Said to be over 200,000 years old, watching the stalactite and stalagmite formations in front of you takes you right back to school. Aaah, so thats what it really looks like, was my thought the whole time.

As I write this, Im sitting at a 7/11 right across Dodu Bong, with my favourite shopkeeper: this cute old man who often spaces out when customers arrive, because he is engrossed in his K-Drama, but everybody loves him, so no one minds. I will soon make my way up the baby hill, from where I can get the best views of the ocean, the airport, and this beautiful port town that opens up towards Aewol-eup, most famous for G-Dragons Cafe Monsant.

My friend Stephanie (I met her at Hongdae Playground in Seoul) arrived in my second week in Jeju, and my long, solitary, scenic walks were replaced with action-packed, youthful adventure. It was her desire to visit G-Dragons cafe, which is really just a stylish, sophisticated cafe overlooking the bluest waters, and it doesnt scream G-Dragon when you enter. Despite scores of K-pop fans from around the world buzzing about, taking selfies at this iconic cafe, everything was reasonably priced, much to my relief. Stephanie and I made a pact to stay in the bus for exactly 28 minutes, and at the next stop, we would get off and explore wherever that was. And man, that was the best decision of the day.

We landed in Cactus Colony in Wollyeongri. Jeju is famous for its cactus products: face masks, chocolates, juice, tea! While walking towards the ocean through the village, we stumbled upon this mesmerising Sea Cave Cafe. Im not sure what the story is, but it is built up three levels around a sea cave. We sat by the stone depression and quietly drank up our Cass beers with pretzels and enjoyed a quiet little sunset. But the best sunset was from Udo Island in the north-east. We took a bus and then a ferry to get to the island, and the last ferry leaves at about 5.30 pm back to the mainland.

Udo, which translates to shape of a lying cow, is famous not just for its sparkling clear waters and its magical lighthouse, but also its peanut Makgeolli and peanut ice cream. As soon as we arrived, Steph and I ordered ourselves a seafood ramyun with monster crabs, clams, abalones, shrimps and octopus. Eating up that king-sized meal was a celebration of our arrival. Then we rented bikes for 10,000 Won each and cycled around the island for the better part of the day  topping it off with peanut ice-cream and a hike up to the lighthouse.

Speckled with a gazillion lighthouses, secret caves, oreums and bongs, any way you look, Jeju is beautiful. And its people are beautiful. Hanging out with Eso and the hip-hop boys, going to City Hall for darts, beer, dance, and more beer, walking to Yongyeon Bridge, buying fresh kiwis from the truck-lady in Songaksan  every casual moment feels like it deserves documentation. But that would be a tedious read. Instead, relish this Jejuiciness and plan your next vacay this-a-way, until I report from Pyeongchang in Northeast South Korea, where the 2013 Winter Olympics were held, and the 2018 Olympics will be held. I have farm duties for 10 days in an eco-village. Stay tuned.

As promised, a few more words to keep that vocab flowing!

Chingu: friend

Chukum: now

Joh Ahyo: Good job

Kumapsaheupnida: Thank you

Chuseyo: Give

Igo thau chuseyo? Could I have more of this?

Kaja: Let's go

Mokja: Let's eat

Also read part one of this travelogue  Mama Kitty in Seoul City
Soon after I crossed the border from Rajasthan into Gujarat (I visited late in October), the first Gujarati I met wasnt affected by GST. Running a mobile accessories shop at the pilgrimage site of Shamlaji, the young Brahmin man said tourists keep his shop running.

In the 2012 Assembly elections, he had voted for the Congress. This time, he said, he will vote for the BJP. Thats curious, considering the BJP is said to be losing some voters, not adding them.

The BJP always wins in Gujarat, he said. Whats the point of voting for the Congress? It gets a handful of seats.

Why, then, did he vote for the Congress in 2012? My family members were all voting for the Congress, so I did the same, he replied.

Was he happy with the government headed by Vijay Rupani? Not at all. He is doing nothing. Was Anandiben Patel better? No, just the same. How was Modi as chief minister? Great. And Modi as prime minister? Unable to succeed like he did in Gujarat.

He is the sort of voter who doesnt want to waste his vote. He wants the vote for the winner this time. He isnt particularly happy with the BJP in Gujarat, even though the pressures of GST havent hit his business. If only the Congress could project winnability, have the vatavaran (atmosphere) on its side, it would have this mans vote.

Further on the highway to Ahmedabad, a man buying a cigarette at a kiosk starts abusing the BJP in unprintable language. He is, unsurprisingly, a Patel. Why is he so angry with the BJP? He is a farmer whose potato crop is rotting, theres no market for it. The issue is not reservations, he says, but that the BJP has disowned farmers. Nine out of ten Patels will vote for the Congress, he declares before leaving.

Three men are talking over cigarettes near the kiosk. All three say Congress. One is a Brahmin, one a Kshatriya and one a Patel. The vocal one is, unsurprisingly, a Patel. Hes an engineer and starts hurling abuse at the BJP just like the farmer. But he couldnt be worried about potatoes, whats his issue? My problem is that first they humiliated Anandiben Patel, then they didnt make Nitin Patel the chief minister, and instead gave the post to a baniya! A baniya!

But the Congress isnt giving you reservations either, I argue. No one is, he replies. Its not about reservations. This election is about teaching the BJP a lesson. Not that I love the Congress. They are fathers of Muslims. Voting for the Congress is like blinding yourself in one eye. But this time, I will do that because I want to blind the BJP in both its eyes!

You would expect someone using such strong language to say the Congress is winning this election. The BJP will win anyway, he says.

Why? The BJP will give tickets to a lot of Patels, give some importance to Anandiben. We Patels are like sheep, well all head to vote for the BJP despite

He was confident the Congress wouldnt be smart with ticket distribution. And that seems to be the general consensus. If the word you hear the most about the BJP is anger, the phrase ticket distribution comes up a lot when discussing the Congress.

Three men are sitting and chatting away on a pavement as we take a detour to go into a village. What is the election vatavaran like? Two of them insist the BJP will win. Why? They have done vikas (development), they reply. Their castes? We are both Muslim. Were they speaking for BJP out of fear?

The third man said the situation is fifty-fifty, the vatavaran is still developing. He was a Patel, a Hindu. Theres a lot to be seen. Modi saab will come and campaign. Lets see what he says, especially what he says about Patels. Then well make up our minds.

Patels, even the super angry ones, are upset with the BJP like an outraged girlfriend waiting and willing to be mollified. They are also willing to be wooed by the Congress, but the Congress isnt really a factor. The factors are BJP, Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Vijay Rupani, Anandiben Patel, GST, Hardik Patel and so on  the Congress could at best be the beneficiary of the vatavaran, not its creator.

Like Patels in the north, businessmen in Ahmedabad express anger with the BJP, but are resigned to the reality that the BJP will win anyway, because it always does, because it knows the art and science of elections and the Congress doesnt.
Shimla: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Anurag Thakur has said that declaring his father Prem Kumar Dhumal as the chief ministerial face in Himachal Pradesh has cleared all "confusion" and has swung the voters in his party's favour for the upcoming Assembly elections on 9 November.

Against the backdrop of widespread speculation that the party would consider the idea of projecting Union minister JP Nadda as its chief ministerial candidate, Thakur claimed that his father's name had been agreed upon well in advance of the 9 November Himachal Assembly voting.

"There was confusion among the cadre and voters as to who would lead BJP because various stories appeared in the media. Names of those not even in the race had cropped up. By declaring a chief minister face, the party leadership has cleared the confusion," Thakur told IANS in an interview.

He said after the announcement the mood in the party had changed and had also charged up the workers.

"Now they (party workers) are vocal and are more enthused and energised after the announcement of Dhumalji as the chief minister face. We can see a swing in the public mood. From here...the stage has been set for the duo of Modiji and Dhumalji."

"In the coming days, Narendra Modi is going to address seven rallies. These rallies will change the entire scenario in favour of the BJP. The way Dhumal's name was announced by Amit Shah, it has sent a very strong message to voters and the cadres," he said.

Thakur said that if Dhumal's name as the party's chief ministerial face had been declared the day the list of candidates was announced in Delhi, the impact would not have been as powerful as it was now.

"The hype, which we have built up today(Saturday), would not have been built in his name as chief minister face had been announced earlier. Amit Shah strategised it well. Now, from here, we will only increase our numbers. The day and timing of the announcement was superb," he said.

Asked about the delay in the announcement, which had set political tongues wagging, Thakur said, "Nothing happens in the BJP without planning and strategy when leaders like Modiji and Amit Shah are involved. It was planned."

The Member of Parliament (MP) from Hamirpur also hit out at the Congress leadership and questioned Rahul Gandhi's abilities, saying he lacked the guts to be a powerful and decisive leader.

"The Congress and its leader have no guts. They bowed before Virbhadra Singh, who is on bail. They can't even get rid of Singh in a small state like Himachal Pradesh. We have examples of dissent in the Congress after Ashok Chowdhry was removed as the state chief. How can he (Gandhi) run a country when he is not able to run his own party and control his own leaders?" Thakur wondered.

Asked about reports of a sudden rise in Gandhi's popularity, Thakur countered that if he is as popular as is being claimed by the Congress, why has the party refrained from fielding him at more public meetings in Himachal Pradesh.

"Why have Congress leaders in Himachal Pradesh not requested Rahul to address more rallies? Even the Congress in states are not able to accept his leadership and you are talking about his popularity."

Thakur said Gandhi also must understand that he can get to become the Congress president, but for the post of prime minister he would have to face the people as it is not "reserved".

Talking about issues in the state, Thakur said corruption, as well as law and order, were big concerns and people of the state were fed up with the Congress.

"There is mafia raj, goonda raj in the state. Virbhadra Singh has failed on every front. Unemployment is still a big issue. Over 900,000 youths are unemployed. The Congress has repeated many of the issues that were in their manifesto in the last election. Dev bhoomi (abode of gods) has been turned into an apradh (crime) bhoomi," he said.

The state is already under a debt of Rs 50,000 crore, he claimed.

Thakur said that if the BJP came to power, its focus would be on providing quality education to students with free laptops and tablets and 1 GB free internet data.

"New tourist destinations will be developed. Water, forest, and mountains will be used for taking tourism in the state in a new direction. Need bigger highways for better transportation. Apple industry will be linked to e-mandi. The state will be taken to newer heights of glory."
Kangra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hit out at the ruling Congress, comparing it to "termites" and said the party must be thrown out of the upcoming Himachal Pradesh Assembly election.

Speaking at an election meeting in Chambi in Shahpur Assembly in Kangra district, Modi lashed out at the Congress for criticising the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes on 8 November last year.

"They are going to celebrate 8 November as the black day and burn my effigies. They don't know Modi is a disciple of Sardar Patel and won't be cowed down."

"I haven't come here to ask you to make the BJP win. I have come here to ask you to give it a three-fourths majority," he declared.

This was Modi's second rally in Kangra, the district that has the maximum 15 Assembly seats out of 68 in the state.

Taking a jibe at the Congress, the prime minister said, "I have heard that the Congress has lost the trust of its own leaders and is looking for rebels in other parties."

"I'm fighting against corruption today (Saturday) and hence have become a pain in their (Congress') neck. People are bubbling with anger against the party. Should we or shouldn't we fight against corruption? Shouldn't the honest be rewarded?' asked Modi.

Modi, who gave a 46-minute address, wooed voters saying, "There was maximum development in Himachal when Atalji was in Delhi and Dhumalji was here in Himachal. You have a chance again."

Votes will be cast in the Himachal Pradesh polls on 9 November and will be counted on 18 December along with those in Gujarat.
Can the old warhorse of Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh win the most crucial election of his life? Political pundits swear he will not be able to break away from the anti-incumbency trend wherein since 1985, people of this state have always booted the ruling party out of power every five years.

Singh realises this only too well. At 83 years, he knows he is not going to get another chance and so he is leading the charge from the front. But he is facing a formidable enemy in the BJP armada and with the BJP high commands announcement of PK Dhumals as chief ministerial candidate, some of the stings from the Congress criticism of infighting in the BJP ranks has come to a halt.

But Singh is not a man to give up easily. He is seen as being one of the major architects of this state and credit for its positive educational and social indicators must be given to him since he has already been chief minister for six terms. He has not cultivated any one constituency and has fought each election from a different constituency. He enjoys such a hold on the state that he seldom visits these constituencies prior to the election but has succeeded in romping home to victory each time over.

On 2 November he addressed a large rally at Rehan (Kangra) in which he accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP of misusing money and muscle power to win the state polls given that he himself was in dire straits as all his bank accounts had been sealed by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate.

"I have not seen (in my life) such a public display and misuse of power and money as you and the BJP are doing in Himachal Pradesh polls," he told the crowds pointing an accusing finger at Modi.

A leading Solan businessman Gagan Verma pointed out, "He (Virbadhra Singh) enjoys a close rapport with bureaucrats and so manages to get work done. During this tenure he has focused on the building of roads and establishment of schools and colleges working through the Himachal Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation."

Vermas wife, Anjali, a Shimla High Court lawyer is more critical of the Congress regime. She feels, the Congress has been lax in its handling of crimes against women and children.

Anjali cites the failure of the government machinery and especially the police in tracking down the murderers of four-year-old Yug Gupta and of young Gudiya who was brutally raped and murdered. Another murder was that of the forest guard Hoshiar Singh in Bilaspur. The administrative machinery failed to solve any of these murders which have now been handed over to the CBI she pointed out.

"The molestation of young girls in the female orphanage in Chamba is also a frightening reminder of how Himachal, considered a safe state for women, is going the way of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar," Anjali said.

She also expressed concern about growing drug addiction amongst the youth. "We have seen what has happened in the neighbouring state of Punjab and our state has to take extra precautions to stop this menace which is not being done," she said.

Social worker Kiran Bawa running an NGO and school in Shimla is also concerned at the trafficking of young girls from the interiors of Himachal Pradesh.

"This trend is on the rise and the state women commission is also aware of this but no action has been taken on the ground. These girls are often taken by traffickers under the guise of getting married to them but once they leave their villages, there is no trace of them and their distraught parents have no one to turn to," said Bawa.

Bawa also expressed concern about the large number of liquor vends coming up outside schools. "Growing alcoholism is another problem in our state and it is high time the administration took steps to address it, she said.

The other issue of concern has been a large number of jaundice deaths in Shimla due to the mixing of a sewage line with drinking water. A cross-section of Shimlaites decries the sharp decline of municipal facilities in what used to be one of Indias most favoured tourist destinations.

Retired bureaucrat SN Joshi of the Himachal Pradesh cadre is extremely distressed at how environmental issues have been completely bypassed by both BJP and Congress. "Our glaciers are melting. There has been a complete mismanagement of our rivers and as a result, Shimla and other cities face a major water crisis in the summer month. The state needs to give importance to industries in the primary sector which include animal husbandry, fisheries, agriculture and horticulture," he said.

Joshi also expressed concern at the effect of the four-lane road being constructed between Chandigarh and Shimla. "This will reduce the driving time to two hours but imagine the kind of traffic congestion and pollution we will face in Shimla. The governments have to focus on this."

Congress leader Kuldeep Singh Rathore admitted that a great deal more needs to be done to develop the state.

"Himachal Pradesh has many unexplored areas which have tremendous tourist potential. Another area that we need to focus and develop is horticulture especially as our apples are now facing competition from apples grown in Brazil, China and the United States," said Rathore.

But he dismissed charges of corruption especially the case of disproportionate assets that have been levied against Virbhadra saying, "Serious charges of corruption have also been levied against BJP president Amit Shahs son. How come the government has failed to take action against him?"

Dhumal also enjoys a pan Himachal presence.

Devender Singh who teaches law at the Panjab University is a loyal Shimlaite who believes that the BJP has edged forward after the announcement of Dhumals candidature. Devender pointed out, "Congress is a divided house and that will work against the chief minister. Dhumal has also shown his mettle as an administrator and that will also go in his favour."

Virbhadra belongs to the royal family of Bushahr. The people of this region have not forgiven the Centre for conducting raids in his home on the day his daughter was getting married. The Himachalis remain a conservative lot and for them, family and filial feelings enjoy great importance. But despite their loyalty to Virbhadra, whether he can overcome the BJP juggernaut with their multiple war rooms and quadruple yatras is the moot point.

Click here to follow LIVE updates of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election result.
Surat: Addressing a huge rally in Varaccha area of Surat, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Friday reminded the Patidar community of police atrocities during their agitation seeking quota, and promised traders that his party would make changes to the GST to meet their demands if elected.

Varaccha is considered a stronghold of the Patel (or Patidar) community and was one of the epicentres of the Patidar quota agitation in 2015.

A huge crowd turned up to listen to Gandhi in the city, where the BJP had swept 15 out of 16 Assembly seats in the 2012 Gujarat election.

"This is a fight between the truth of Gujarat and the truth of BJP. The truth of Gujarat is different from that of BJP. The truth of BJP is the order to fire on the Patel community (during quota agitation)," Gandhi said.

At least 14 Patidar youths died  some of them in police firing  during the community's agitation for OBC quota in August, 2015 which had taken a violent turn.

"Truth of Gujarat, and truth of Surat, is that our people can take on China from here. But instead of helping you, the BJP is helping a few industrialists," Gandhi said.

The Congress vice-president started his speech with the slogans used by Patel quota agitators, such as 'Jay Sardar, Jay Patidar' and 'Jai Bhavani'.

He criticised the Narendra Modi-led BJP government at the Centre on the issue of demonetisation, GST, unemployment and ease of doing business in this diamond and textile hub. Surat recently witnessed an agitation by textile traders against the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

"Modi-ji has ruined small and medium businessmen by introducing demonetisation and GST. If we come to power, we will listen to what you have to say. If you say that GST needs to be changed, we will change it," Gandhi said.

After the quota agitation of 2015, it has become almost difficult for the BJP to organise public meetings in Varaccha area which has a sizable population of Patidars hailing from Saurashtra region.

BJP president Amit Shah's rally in the area was disrupted by Patidar protesters in September, 2016. The Congress vice-president was welcomed by a large number of people who lined up along the roads as his convoy passed through the city on Friday.
Mukul Roy's joining BJP was a foregone conclusion, but the fact that this mere formality took so much time to materialise should tell us that this marriage of convenience is underwritten by mutual discomfort. There were enough telltale signs in Friday's news conference where the veteran Trinamool Congress leader donned the saffron scarf to indicate that both BJP and Roy are still apprehensive of the moral flexibility that each must show to make this marriage work.

Amit Shah was present in the party's New Delhi headquarters on Friday when Roy was inducted into the fold, yet he chose not to attend the news conference  leaving Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, BJP's Bengal minder Kailash Vijayvargiya and Rajya Sabha member Swapan Dasgupta to do the needful.

The ceremonial welcome was functional, even awkward. Law minister Prasad left early after introducing Roy as a "veteran" whose experience in Bengal politics will help expand BJP's presence and insisting that he has joined "unconditionally". The focus was utilitarian and rhetoric was kept at a minimum.

Roy, who was once considered as Mamata Banerjee's right-hand man and chief party strategist, refused to criticise his former leader. He restricted his criticism to "lack of democracy in Bengal" and promised a good show in 2019. In his insistence that BJP is "secular", not a "communal party", Roy exposed his inner dichotomy that still demands a lot of mental adjustments.

The new inductee and the BJP leaders were visibly discomfited and left the venue by saying "the law will take its own course" the moment inevitable questions cropped up on CBI investigation against Roy's alleged involvement in Saradha and Narada scams, as a report in The Quint informs us.

And herein lies the BJP's cognitive dissonance.

On the one hand the party wants to benefit from Roy's networking skills, booth-level organisational strength and eyes the "inside information" that the former 'de facto No.2 in TMC' may bring to the table, on the other hand, the BJP is aware that it now stands robbed of its biggest weapon against Mamata  corruption charges. With Mukul in its stable, the BJP now must get off its moral high horse.

This is a more serious problem for the party than is apparent at first glance because Mamata has been careful to plug most of the loopholes through which BJP has been able to increase its visibility and support. The promise that the BJP had shown in 2014 has been belied, and that has partly been due to the fact that Mamata suffers from none of the complacency issues that plagued Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee's CPM or Tarun Gogoi's Congress in Assam.

In a state where it is struggling to get a foothold against a very organised and nimble-footed adversary, the BJP's local unit is likely to see Roy more as a liability than an asset, and the move could turn out to be a net negative one. This is why BJP functionaries in Bengal had been opposed to his entry in the past  because Roy's courting of the BJP isn't exactly a fresh development  and have shown a marked disinterest in his formal induction.

Bengali daily Ei Samay tells us that in a departure from usual practice, no laddoos were distributed at 6, Muralidhar Sen Lane while Dilip Ghosh, chief of BJP's Bengal unit, quipped that BJP has "hundreds of leader like him" even as he praised Roy's organisational skills. Rahul Sinha, the former state unit chief, told the newspaper that "it remains to be seen if BJP benefits from Roy's presence".

If the discord is palpable, why did Shah give green light to Roy's induction? The decision reveals the frustration and impatience of central leadership with the state unit's lack of organisational strength or ability to translate support for Modi into votes. Though the BJP has slowly emerged as the chief Opposition, it has done so entirely at a fading CPM's expense and its rise has in no way affected TMC's progress. Quite clearly, BJP headquarters in Delhi feels that the party needs a push in Bengal since the effort from the current crop of leaders in the state has been inadequate.

A senior leader from the BJP told The Indian Express in Delhi: "No one has the political shrewdness and networking on the ground like Mukul Roy in West Bengal. His knowledge till the booth level is unique. He will be like Himanta Biswa Sarma in Assam. He has the ability to make the party stronger and bring electoral gains."

If the calculation is that Roy will do a Sarma in Bengal, the BJP might be in for a bitter surprise because TMC is an extremely organised, cadre-based outfit unlike the Congress, and Mamata's position cannot be even remotely compared to that of Gogoi. For example, no sooner did Roy quit TMC, Mamata urged all party leaders and workers to increase their people-to-people contact.

"There are 77,000 booths which are AITC strongholds. We have been instructed to strengthen our contacts in those booths so that we do not lose contact with common people in these areas," a TMC leader was quoted by Catchnews, as saying.

Beneath the calm exterior, TMC is feeling nervous because Roy might lure away a few dissident leaders from the party. This actually points to a responsiveness within TMC that is the hallmark of Mamata's leadership. It inevitably leads to a more rational assessment of strengths and weaknesses. This is what the BJP lacks. Its move to induct Roy is more of a hopeful arrow into the dark.
Gandhidham: BJP chief Amit Shah on Saturday slammed Rahul Gandhi for talking about farmers' plight in Gujarat during his campaigning for the Assembly polls, claiming that the Congress vice president was relying on a "chit" given by some NGO to speak about farmers' issues.

Shah also accused the Congress party of trying to mislead the people of Gujarat and challenged it to discuss the issue of development and fight the upcoming Assembly polls on the development plank, instead of raking up the issue of caste.

The BJP president claimed that the condition of farmers has improved under the BJP rule and 25 lakh youths in Gujarat have got jobs under the Centre's MUDRA scheme.

"Rahul Gandhi is going around the state and talking about farmers based on a chit handed over to him by some NGO. He does not know that the BJP government achieved what the Congress government (during its rule in the state) could not," Shah told reporters in response to a query about Gandhi's claims during his poll campaign tour that farmers were suffering in Gujarat.

Shah said that milk production in the state went up from 46 lakh tonnes during the Congress government to 122 lakh tonnes, and production of foodgrains also touched 63 lakh tonnes annually.

The BJP president is on a six-day tour of the state during which he will interact with the party workers from different districts.

The 182-member Gujarat Assembly is scheduled to go to the polls in two phaseson 9 December and 14 December.

"As many as 25 lakh unemployed youths got Rs 16,110 crore assistance (for self-employment) under the MUDRA scheme, and he (Rahul) says that only 500 people get employment daily in the country...Rahulji, these are the figures only of Gujarat," the BJP president said.

Gandhi, who on Friday completed this three-day tour of south Gujarat as part of his poll campaign, had attacked Modi government over the plight of farmers in the state and had said that Gujarat government's land acquisition Act was "authoritarian".

He had also said that Modi government had failed to provide 2 crore jobs annually as promised.

Shah also accused the Congress of raking up the issue of caste. "It is not going to work," he said. He also challenged the opposition party to debate with BJP over the issue of development.

"Congress is trying to rake up the caste factor. But people here have suffered due to this during (former Congress CM) Madhavsinh Solanki's rule. So they are not going to fall in the trap again," he said.

"Congress is trying to mislead the people of Gujarat. I challenge the party to discuss the issue of development and fight the election on the basis of development," he said.

He said that the Modi government at the Centre was taking gas cylinders to the poor and helping them to open bank accounts. "Gujarat will be doubly benefited if the BJP forms a government here," he said.

Shah also alleged that during the UPA rule, Congress did injustice to Gujarat by holding back the completion of Narmada Yojana project and not approving crude and gas royalty of the state. "All these projects were completed after the BJP under Modi came to power at the Centre," he said.

"The Congress misappropriated Rs 12 lakh crore in its 10 years of rule. The Congress should first answer who were behind the 2G scam, ISRO scam, Adarsh Society and CWG scam," he said.
Jaipur: PCC chief Sachin Pilot on Saturday accused the Rajasthan government of ignoring the issues of farmers and poor people and claimed that the ruling BJP has lost people's confidence and it will face defeat in upcoming byelections.

Speaking at a programme in Nagaur, he said the government ignored the issues related to farmers and worked on anti-people policies in the last four years and now ahead of the bypolls, it is trying to woo voters by making big promises.

But the people have decided to go with the Congress in upcoming byelections and the state Assembly elections, Pilot claimed.

"Congress raised its voice against the anti-people policies of the government," he said.

While targeting the NDA government at the Centre, Pilot, a former Union minister, said the demonetisation was a "wrong decision" which adversely impacted the country's economy.
Mumbai: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday hailed West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee as a "tigress" for decimating the communists in her state, a task, which the saffron party said, the Congress and the BJP had "failed" to do.

The remarks come two days after Thackeray met the TMC supremo at a south Mumbai hotel.

"Some of the stands by Mamata Banerjee may be controversial, and some of them may not match with that of the Sena's. But in her state, she decimated the communists, against whom the Shiv Sena has always fought.

"The tigress did what the Congress and the BJP could not do. She brought to an end the 25-long rule of the communists," the Sena said in an editorial in the party mouthpiece Saamana.

"For doing so, she did not have to tamper with the EVM machines or buy votes. People gave her the responsibility to lead the state with a lot of trust. But attempts are now being made to stall development and create financial problems in West Bengal.

"It is not right to add to the woes of a state and push it backwards just because it does not subscribe to your school of thoughts. That state (Bengal) is a part of India and derailing its development hinders the development of the nation," it said.

Referring to Thackeray's meeting with Banerjee on Thursday, the Sena, in a veiled attack on the BJP, said those who raised questions over the meeting, should explain the rationale behind joining hands with "separatists and pro-Pakistanis in Kashmir for the sake of power".

"Union consumer affairs minister Ram Vilas Paswan, who had resigned from the then Vajpayee government post the Godhra riots, is with you today (Saturday), while Kashmiri Pandits are still helpless and displaced and the Ram temple (in Ayodhya) is yet to be built," the editorial noted.

"Before pointing fingers at us, look at these issues with a tinge of 'Mamata' (affection). Those who forged a friendship with pro-Pakistani (Jammu and Kashmir chief minister) Mehbooba (Mufti), should not point fingers at us," the Sena added.
Kolkata: As former Trinamool Congress leader Mukul Roy joined the BJP, its West Bengal state unit on Friday said the party would not stand behind or give cover to any leader found guilty in the eyes of the law but added that Roy's guilt remains to be proved.

The one time second-in-command of Trinamool, Roy's name figures in both the Saradha ponzi scam and Narada sting cases.

"Those who are found guilty will be punished. The party won't stand behind them or give them cover. Leaders of a lot of parties, including the CPM, have got involved", said West Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh.

Regarding Roy, Ghosh said it was yet to be proved that he was guilty.

"It remains to be proved that he is involved. The state government has sent to jail some of our party leaders also by involving them in various cases. That doesn't mean they are involved", he said.

State Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury trained his guns on Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee, alleging she believed in the "use and throw" policy, and that Roy switched over to the BJP as he had no other option.

"Mukul Roy has been groomed in the Congress gharana (family). He has gone to the BJP because there was no other option before him.

"It is also a big question why Mukul Roy, who founded the Trinamool and was also its second in command at some point of time, had to leave the party.

"That's because the Trinamool supremo believes in the use and throw policy," he said.

Roy had been sidelined in the Trinamool in the months leading up to his resignation from the party. He was divested of all posts and responsibilities and ignored in crucial party matters. In an organisational reshuffle, Banerjee even abolished the Vice President's post he had been holding for over a year.

Late September, Roy announced his decision to quit the party and his Rajya Sabha membership.

He formally joined the BJP on Friday in New Delhi in the presence of its senior leaders.

The CPM led Left Front however, saw a covert nexus between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Banerjee in the latest episode.

"Banerjee used him for all her dirty work, and has released him for the time being. And now, Modibhai has roped him to do the similar dirty jobs for him.

"It will be Roy's job to ensure the relations between Modibhai and didibhai (read Mamata who is populary called 'didi' or elder sister) are not spoiled," said LF legislature party leader Sujan Chakraborty.

But Chakraborty wondered whether Trinamool or Roy can survive in this way.

"If Trinamool or Roy think they can survive through such stratagems, I'll say that is a remote possibility."

Describing Roy as one of the main actors in the Saradha scam, Chakraborty said: "BJP has now proved that even such people can take shelter in its fold."
tech2 News Staff

Apples iPhone X rollout on 3 November yet again saw the familiar queues of people camping and lining up outside Apple Stores around the world.

After the disappointment that was the iPhone 8 launch (Who would queue up for that, right?) it was nice to see that familiar Apple ritual proceed as planned.

The launch wasnt without its issues however, and initial reports suggest that some users faced activations issues on launch day. While it must have been exceedingly frustrating to have the brand-new iPhone in your hands at launch and not be able to use it, it seems like the issues were simply due to heavy congestion on AT&T networks. As far as we can tell, only devices connecting to the AT&T network in the US were affected for a little while, and even that issue has since been resolved.

9to5Mac reports that several users on their forums were complaining of the issue as well. Some users had to wait several minutes while others found more success via iTunes.

AT&T issued a statement on the matter, saying, Some of our customers experienced a delay activating their iPhone X. The issue was not specific to our customers and is resolved.
IANS

In a move that can curb "freedom of expression", the Afghanistan government has asked several private telecommunication companies to suspend WhatsApp and Telegram instant messaging services in the country. Although the apps, popular among the country's elite, were still working on private telecom operators on Friday, customers of Salaam Telecom, a government-owned service provider, reported that both apps had stopped working for them, The New York Times reported late Friday.

"It is wrong and illegal," Abdul Mujeeb Khalvatgar, executive director of Nai, a group that campaigns for free speech, was quoted as saying. "According to the Constitution, freedom of expression is inviolable in Afghanistan. "WhatsApp and Telegram are tools of free speech -- if the government bans them, it means that tomorrow they could stand against media in Afghanistan too," he added. The clarity on the reason for the temprory ban was not obtained but on Thursday, the deputy director of the telecoms regulatory authority told the BBC that the ban was due to "security concerns".

WhatsApp and Telegram are often used by the Taliban and other militant groups to evade government surveillance, the report said. An official from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology said that the request on the 20-day ban had come from the National Directorate of Security, the country's intelligence agency. The ministry said that the apps were being temporarily banned "to introduce a new kind of technology", because users had complained about the quality of WhatsApp's service.

It also denied that the ban constituted a threat to freedom of expression. "WhatsApp and Telegram are just applications for contact and the sending of audio messages, and this does not affect freedom of speech," the ministry added.
Reuters

Eugene Kaspersky said his companys widely used antivirus software has copied files that did not threaten the personal computers of customers, a sharp departure from industry practice that could increase suspicions that the Moscow-based firm aids Russian spies.

The acknowledgement, made in an interview last Friday (27 October) as part of the Reuters Cyber Security Summit, comes days after Kasperskys company said its software had copied a file containing U.S. National Security Agency hacking tools from the home computer of an agency worker in 2014.

Kasperskys firm has for years faced suspicions that it has links with Russian intelligence and state-sponsored hackers. Kaspersky denies any cooperation with Russian authorities beyond cybercrime enforcement.

In September, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security banned Kaspersky software from use in federal offices, citing the companys ties with Russian intelligence. The company is the subject of a long-running probe by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, sources have told Reuters.

Antivirus software is designed to burrow deeply into computer systems and has broad access to their contents, but it normally seeks and destroys only files that contain viruses or are otherwise threatening to a customers computers, leaving all other files untouched.

Searching for and copying files that might contain hacking tools or clues about cyber criminals would not be part of normal operations of antivirus software, former Kaspersky employees and cyber security experts said.

In the Reuters interview, conducted at Kaspersky Labs offices in Moscow, Eugene Kaspersky said the NSA tools were copied because they were part of a larger file that had been automatically flagged as malicious.

He said the software removed from the agency workers computer included a tool researchers dubbed GrayFish, which the company has called the most complex software it has ever seen for corrupting the startup process for Microsofts Windows operating system.

Kaspersky said he had ordered the file to be deleted within days because it contained U.S. government secrets.

But he defended the broader practice of taking inert files from machines of people that the company believes to be hackers as part of a broader mission to help fight cyber crime.

From time to time, yes, we have their code directly from their computers, from the developers computers, Kaspersky told Reuters.

'Improper practice'

Three former Kaspersky employees and a person close to the FBI probe of the company, who first described the tactic to Reuters this summer, said copying non-infectious files abused the power of antivirus software. The person associated with the FBI said in one case Kaspersky removed a digital photo of a suspected hacker from that persons machine.

Eugene Kaspersky declined to discuss specific instances beyond the NSA case, saying he did not want to give hackers ideas for avoiding detection.

Sometimes we are able to catch cyber criminals, thats why I am not so comfortable to speak about this to media, he said in the interview. Many of them are very clever, they can learn from what I am saying.

Other industry experts called the practice improper. Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer at Finnish security company F-Secure, said that when his firms software finds a document that might contain dangerous code, it will prompt the user or the administrator and ask if it can upload a copy to us.

Dan Guido, chief executive of cyber security firm Trail of Bits, which has performed audits on security software, said Kasperskys practices point to a larger issue with all antivirus software.

All of them aggregate a huge amount of information about their clients, which can be easily exploited when put in willing hands, he said.

U.S. news organizations have reported that Kaspersky, or Russian spies hijacking its service, have been searching widely among customers computers for secret files, citing anonymous U.S. intelligence officials. Reuters has not verified such reports.

Kaspersky said he hoped to alleviate concerns about his company by opening up his source code for review by third parties in independently run centers, as well as by raising the maximum amount it offers for information about security flaws in its programs to $100,000.
Beijing: China has unveiled a massive ship described as a "magic island maker" that is Asia's largest dredging vessel, state media reported Saturday.

The ship, capable of building artificial islands of the sort the country has constructed in the contested South China Sea, was launched Friday at a port in eastern Jiangsu province, according to the state-owned China Daily.

The boat named Tian Kun Hao is capable of digging 6,000 cubic meters an hour, the equivalent of three standard swimming pools, the newspaper said.

It is a larger version of the one China used to dredge sand, mud and coral for transforming reefs and islets in the South China Sea into artificial islands capable of hosting military installations.

When testing of the ship is completed next June, it will be the most powerful such vessel in Asia, the paper noted, nicknaming it the "magic island maker".

Beijing's aggressive campaign of archipelago building in the South China Sea has been a point of contention with neighbouring countries that lay claim to parts of its waters.

China claims nearly all of the sea, through which $5 trillion in annual shipping trade passes and which is believed to sit atop vast oil and gas deposits.

Its sweeping claims overlap with Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei, as well as Taiwan.

China has previously said that it had completed its reclamation projects in an area of the sea known as the Spratlys.

But a US think tank, the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, said in August that Beijing has continued the work in a northern part of the waters around the Paracel islands.
Thanks to incessant media coverage, the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has become a prestige issue for both India and China. We are at a juncture where neither side wants to blink. For, whoever blinks first, risks undermining its place and prestige in an increasingly polarised international order.

Beijing refuses to give in to the request of New Delhi as that would imply budging to an underling. Acceding to New Delhis demand implies a loss of face for Beijing, especially at a time when the latter is positioning itself as the sole superpower in the world. There are also other associated benefits if it maintains a resolute stand. Vetoing any move to ban JeM at the Security Council gives China an opportunity to show off its strength vis-a-vis the United States.

In the dog-eat-dog world of competing international relations, it is all down to the old adage the enemys friend is my enemy. The true reason behind such posturing by China has not gone unnoticed by the United States. Thus we have US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Nimrata Haley suggesting that lack of unanimity on JeM or other such terrorist fronts at the international fora does not imply Washington would not take action against them.

Turning to New Delhi, we are confronted by many complex and intertwined factors guiding its posture on JeM. True, India is the aggrieved party and as such has the natural right to demand that the terrorist front and its leader responsible for the mayhem be put in the dock. Put simply, such concern is based on the principle of just demand over unjust actions. Given the enormity of the crimes committed by the JeM, New Delhi cannot move beyond its stance as that would rob it of the moral high ground it maintains in its fight against indigenous and global terrorism.

For the record, it is not for the first time that India has identified terrorists and their outfits working against its interests from beyond its borders. From the 1980s onwards, India has had a steady stream of these networks operating from beyond its borders (from the Khalistanis to the likes of Dawood Ibrahim). On many occasions, it has failed to get the brains behind these outfits extradited or put them in prison in a third country. So, why such a fuss over Masood Azhar? Geography is the culprit here.

Masood Azhar inhabits a frontier that is traditionally considered enemy territory by New Delhi. Massood Azhars refuge in such a state makes his crimes a thousand times graver. Moreover, Islamabads open acceptance of Azhars presence amounts to an act of proxy war. The legal existence of JeM is a twin assault on Indiaone by an individual as the head of a terrorist front, and the other by the neighbouring country.

How does New Delhi seek a victory in such a complex state of affairs? It is aware of the fact that perhaps it would never be able to see through a physical extradition of Masood Azhar. Lest we forget, New Delhi had little or no luck in getting Khalistani leaders from Canada and other Western countries. But India can achieve a victory of sorts if it manages to get Azhar and the organisation he heads declared a terrorist front.

New Delhi may well have a genuine grievance. But let us not forget that other actors involved in this diplomatic drama may be nursing similar grievances. China has a long memory. Ever since Tenzin Gyatso (the 14th Dalai Lama) fled to India in 1959, New Delhi unwittingly became a party to such a cat and mouse game. Beijing has made no secret of the fact that for over half a century New Delhi has undermined its territorial integrity by hosting what it considers a 'separatist' leader. Let us not forget that Beijing has claimed that the 14th Dalai Lama is a traitor.

Thanks to Masood Azhar and his JeM outfit, Beijing has found a reason to respond to that (58 year old and running) itch. Moreover, for China, changing its stance on Masood Azhar also implies abandoning its all-weather ally Pakistan. It risks jeopardising the relations with this key strategic ally and with that, the aim of regional dominance.

At the end of the day, the JeM saga is an exercise in realpolitik. There can be no real victors or losers. Merely declaring a person or an outfit as 'terrorist' by the international community leads to no real dividend. New Delhi has succeeded in creating an adverse global opinion against JeM and has exposed Beijing's true motives. It should leave the matter at that. Pessimists should note that in spite of its stand on JeM, Beijing strongly appreciates its 'relations with India.'
Brighton: The sheet metal worker accused of fatally shooting three people inside a suburban Denver Walmart was told Friday during his first court appearance that he is being held without bond for possible charges of first-degree murder.

Scott Ostrem, 47, was told by Adams County District Judge Ted C Tow III that the anticipated charges carry a sentence of life in prison without parole or the death penalty. Ostrem barely spoke during the hearing, responding only "yes when asked if he understood his rights.

After the hearing, District Attorney Dave Young declined comment on whether his office would seek the death penalty. Ostrem is accused of walking into the Walmart in Thornton, a large blue-collar suburb about 16 kilometers north of Denver, and fatally shooting two men and a woman late Wednesday.

He was arrested Thursday after a brief car chase near his apartment, which is located about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the store.

The judge denied a request by public defender Emily Fleischmann to have police reassert control of the store's interior so Ostrem's defense team could conduct its own

investigation of the crime scene.

Police have released control of the store back to Walmart, which said Friday it had not determined when the store will reopen. Because police no longer control the store, Ostrem's lawyers would have to ask Walmart for permission to investigate the crime scene.

Young said that authorities may also seek charges of attempted murder against Ostrem but that police first need more time to interview people who were inside the store during the shooting and escaped uninjured.

Police have released very little information about Ostrem, who abruptly left his job hours before the attack. Neighbors described him as loner who often seemed angry.

A supervisor at a roofing company where Ostrem described him as a quiet and talented worker making metal flashing.

Killed were Pamela Marques, 52, of Denver; Carlos Moreno, 66, of Thornton; and Victor Vasquez, 26, of Denver. None were Walmart employees, and all were Hispanic. Ostrem is white. Police have offered no possible motive for the shooting other than to say there was nothing to suggest it was related to terrorism. Young declined comment Friday about a motive.

Residents of the Samuel Park Apartments building where Ostrem lived described him as a rude man who kept to himself. Teresa Muniz said she sometimes saw Ostrem carrying a shotgun or a bow and set of arrows to and from the building. A Facebook profile that appears to belong to Ostrem lists only one friend, a woman who is from Thornton and who has since moved to Florida.

David Heidt, his boss at B&M Roofing, said Ostrem worked in the company's metal fabrication shop for the last three years without any problems until he walked away from his job Wednesday morning.
Honolulu: President Donald Trump arrived in Hawaii on Friday as he set out on the longest trip to Asia by an American president in more than a quarter century, looking for help to pressure North Korea to stand down from a nuclear crisis.

After Air Force One landed at Joint Base Hickam, Trump and his wife, Melania, were draped with traditional lei necklaces. Trump went on to nearby Camp Smith for a classified briefing from Pacific Command military leaders that officials expected would touch on North Korea and other areas.

Later, he was to visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona memorial for the US sailors killed when Japan bombed the American naval base on 7 December, 1941.

Trump's 12-day trip to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines, ending on 14 November, takes him out of Washington at a time when he has been beset by several issues.

These include an intensifying federal investigation into Russian meddling in last year's election, New York's recovery from an attack earlier this week that killed eight people, and debate over a Republican tax-cut plan that if approved by Congress would be Trump's first major legislative victory.

The trip began just days after Trump's former campaign manager Paul Manafort was indicted in the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election and after his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, faced Democratic calls to appear before Congress again to clarify his previous testimony about the campaigns Russia contacts.

Amid the furore caused by the revelations, the Kremlin said on Friday that a meeting between Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin at an Asian economic summit next week was being discussed, and Trump said it might happen.

"We may have a meeting with Putin," Trump told Fox News. "And, again  Putin is very important because they can help us with North Korea. They can help us with Syria. We have to talk about Ukraine."

Court documents made public on Monday also disclosed that a Trump campaign foreign policy adviser, George Papadopoulos, pleaded guilty early last month to lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The documents cited a March 2016 meeting, when Trump was campaigning for the presidency, and attended by Trump and Sessions, in which Papadopoulos offered to help arrange a meeting between Trump and Putin.

While Trump tweeted about developments vigorously this week, he told The New York Times on Wednesday that he was "not angry at anybody" about the case and there was nothing to suggest any collusion by his campaign and Russia.

Chine and pyongyang

Trump's plan for an extended absence from Washington has alarmed allies who, after seeing a healthcare reform bid fizzle, worry the tax effort could suffer without Trump to keep momentum going.

On Saturday, Trump is to fly to Japan and later visit South Korea in search of a united front against North Korea before going to Beijing, where he will push Chinese president Xi Jinping to get tougher with Pyongyang.

In the Fox interview, Trump was asked if he planned to be tough on China over thorny issues including trade, intellectual property theft and subsidies.

"You have to understand something - very important," he responded. "We have a problem called North Korea."

Trump said Chinese president Xi Jinping "has been pretty terrific" in cutting Pyongyang off from banking and oil systems. He added that Japan had reason to be worried about North Korea and alluded to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's campaign for a military buildup against that threat.

"Well, you know Japan is a warrior nation," he said. "I tell China and I tell everyone else that, listen, youre going to have yourself a big problem with Japan pretty soon if you allow this to continue with North Korea."

Trump will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Danang, Vietnam, make a state visit to Hanoi and end his trip with the Association of South East Asia Nations summit in Manila. Trump told reporters before leaving on Friday that he would spend an extra day in the Philippines.

The last time a US president was in Asia for so long was in late 1991 and early 1992, when President George HW Bush became ill at a Japanese state dinner.
Seoul: North Korea ruled out talks and threatened to increase its nuclear arsenal in a fresh warning to Donald Trump's administration Saturday as the US president set off on a tour of Asia.

Trump departed for his first presidential trip to Asia Friday, with tensions over North Korea's nuclear and missile threats looming large. He is due to arrive in South Korea Tuesday, after first visiting Japan.

The North's state-run KCNA news agency said in a commentary that the US should be disabused of the "absurd idea" that Pyongyang would succumb to international sanctions and give up its nuclear weapons, adding that it is in "the final stage for completing nuclear deterrence".

"It had better stop daydreaming of denuclearisation talks with us", said the commentary titled "Stop dreaming a daydream".

"Our self-defensive nuclear treasure sword will be sharpened evermore unless the US hostile policy toward the DPRK is abolished once and for all", it said, using an acronym for the official name of North Korea.

The White House said Trump will deliver a speech at South Korea's National Assembly and urge "common resolve in the face of shared threat".

But there is widespread concern in South Korea that the US president's visit might worsen the situation if Trump fails to rein in his fierce rhetoric.

Trump and the North's leader Kim Jong-Un have traded insults and threats of war in recent months.

"Because of his tendency to veer off the script, many Koreans are worried that he may let loose", Professor Yang Moo-Jin of the University of North Korean Studies told AFP.

Some 500 protesters took to the streets in Seoul Saturday, chanting slogans and waving banners as they accused Trump of bringing the Korean peninsula to the brink of war.

"No Trump, No War", read one of the banners, while others portrayed the US President wearing a Nazi uniform.

Nearby, a rival group of some 100 Trump supporters, including many military veterans, chanted, "Welcome to Korea, We believe in Trump".

Trump, who dismissed direct talks with Pyongyang as "waste of time", will meet with President Moon Jae-In, who came to power early this year advocating for engagement with Pyongyang, a stance denounced as "appeasement" by Trump.

Professor Koh Yu-Hwan at Dongguk University, a leading policy advisor to the government, said Seoul expected Trump to avoid putting Moon in a quandary by renewing pugnacious threats against the North, particularly with South Korea hosting the Winter Olympics in February next year.

Moon has had to dial back his policy of engagement with the North in the face of Pyongyang's persistent nuclear and missile tests.
Washington: US president Donald Trump has said he would be spending an extra day in the Philippines to attend the East Asia Summit, the White House said.

Trump was to return from the Philippines a day before the summit on 14 November and was to be represented by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

However, minutes before leaving the White House on Friday, Trump told reporters that he would be extending his Asia visit by a day to attend the key summit.

The annual East Asia Summit to be held in the Filipino city of Angeles would see the participation of leaders from 10 ASEAN countries, including India, Russia and China.

"We're staying an extra day, because the following day is actually the most important day," Trump told reporters onboard Air Force One on his way to Hawaii.

Trump left Washington DC on Friday morning on a 12-day Asia trip to visit Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Inside the plane on his way to Hawaii, Trump explained that he had planned to spend a day in Hawaii at the end of the trip, but cancelled that plan. Instead, he will stay a day longer at ASEAN in the Philippines, which follows the APEC conference in Vietnam.

"I'm going to spend the extra day at the second conference, which is a very important conference," he said.

"Just have a good time everybody. We'll do a good job. As citizens, we will represent you well. Okay? As reporters, I don't know. But as citizens, definitely. Have a good time. Nice to see you," said the US president who has been very critical of the media.

"Getting ready to land in Hawaii. Looking so much forward to meeting with our great Military/Veterans at Pearl Harbor!" Trump said in a tweet before he landed in Hawaii.
Honolulu: US president Donald Trump paid a sombre visit to Pearl Harbour ahead of his first official trip to Asia, also meeting with military officials overseeing US operations in the Pacific region.

Trump and his wife Melania tossed white pikake flower petals into the waters at the USS Arizona memorial, where hundreds of US service members died when Japan launched a surprise attack in 1941, triggering the US entry into World War II.

The Trumps also took part in a wreath-laying ceremony during the stopover on Friday, watching as two sailors placed the flower arrangement before a white marble wall bearing the names of the fallen.

Before his some 20-minute visit to the shrine, Trump met with leaders of the US Pacific Command, amid growing concerns over security in the region.

In brief comments to reporters, Trump said it was "very special being in Hawaii."

He voiced enthusiasm over his trip to Pearl Harbour, "which I've read about, spoken about, heard about, studied, but I haven't seen."

"And that is going to be very exciting for me."

Trump stopped in Hawaii ahead of a tour of Asia lasting nearly two weeks which will include visits to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

He left Washington with heavy domestic baggage  including new developments in the high-stakes probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 election  that risks dogging efforts at top-level diplomacy.

The trip itself poses its own set of challenges, with efforts to contain or roll back North Korea's ballistic and nuclear missile programs topping the diplomatic agenda.
Washington: The five-nation Asia tour by President Donald Trump would be an important trip that would reflect on US' commitment to meet the challenges posed by North Korea's nuclear breakout and China's bid for regional hegemony, according to a media report.

Trump has left the White House on a 13-day trip during which he will visit Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

The trip is not only Trump's longest foreign trip as the US president but also the longest trip undertaken by a US president to Asia in more than a quarter century.

"Donald Trump's visit to East Asia next week is the most important trip of his presidency so far, and the most important Asian trip by a US president in more than a decade," The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board said after Trump left for Asia.

"His meetings and speeches will send a message, for good or ill, about the US commitment to meet the challenges of North Korea's nuclear breakout and China's bid for regional hegemony," the daily said in a lead editorial.

Tensions have dramatically risen on the Korean peninsula after North Korea, early in September, conducted its biggest nuclear test, which its state-run KCNA news agency described as a hydrogen bomb.

The report said Japan, Australia and India are moving toward a quadrilateral alliance with the US that could become the cornerstone of the Indo-Pacific vision.

The rationale is obvious, it argued.

"Constraints on US defence spending limit any military buildup, while China's military budget continues to grow even faster than its economy. Asia's Pax Americana needs to evolve into a collective defence regime among the region's democracies," it said.

However, there are several obstacles in the way, it said.

South Koreans are naturally sensitive about cooperation with Japan given their colonial past.

"India has doubts about Australia's reliability after then prime minister Kevin Rudd pulled out of joint exercises a decade ago. Asian countries are increasingly reliant on China as a trading partner and investment source and thus are nervous about offending Beijing," it said.

Meanwhile, the co-chairs of the Democratic Caucus' National Security Task Force  Congressmen Seth Moulton, Stephanie Murphy, and Jimmy Panetta in a statement urged the president to use his trip to demonstrate the United States' ironclad commitment to security, stability and economic prosperity in the region, and send a clear signal of steadfastness to ally and adversary alike.

The lawmakers urged the president to chart a careful course that avoids capitulation to, or catastrophic war with, North Korea.

"This trip provides an opportunity for the president to repair any damage to our alliance with South Korea caused by the president's bellicose statements that do not sufficiently recognise the catastrophic risks that military conflict would pose for South Korea, his suggestion that the US might withdraw from the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement, and by his tweet accusing South Korea's president of 'appeasement'," it said.

China in the past had given less access to the American media during presidential visits, Politico reported.

"On previous presidential trips, the Chinese government has often sought to limit the access of the US travelling press corps, attempting to bar reporters from events or limiting their ability to ask questions," it said.

"Past US leaders have typically set aside whatever beefs they had with the media to push back on their Chinese counterparts, but no president has attacked the press like Trump," it said.

The White House, according to Politico, said that it does not expect any problems.

"We are working with our counterparts in China to make sure there is press coverage where appropriate. At this time, we do not have reason for concern and are very much looking forward to being there," White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told the media outlet.
Beirut: With new losses, the Islamic State group has been driven from more than 96 percent of the large parts of Iraq and Syria it once held, crushing its goal of establishing a "caliphate" in the region.

Syrian president Bashar Assad's military on Friday announced the capture of the eastern Syrian city of Deir el-Zour, while Iraqi prime minister Haider al-Abadi proclaimed victory in retaking the town of Qaim on the border, the militants' last significant urban area in Iraq.

The militants are left fighting for a final stretch inside Syria and desert regions along the Iraq-Syria border. Three years ago, they had defiantly erased that line, knocking down berms marking the frontier.

Since then, they have lost infrastructure, resources, supply routes, control over about 8 million people and most importantly administration of a contiguous territory. The extremist group may still prove to be a major challenge for months as it turns to a clandestine insurgency.

Iraqi forces' last conventional military fight against Islamic State played out in Qaim, on the western edge of Anbar province along the border with Syria. Operations began there in the last week of October.

On Friday, Iraq said it now controls the town and the nearby border crossing with Syria.

The crossing in the Euphrates River Valley was used by Islamic State to move fighters and supplies between the two countries when the group controlled nearly a third of Iraqi territory.

Brett McGurk, the US envoy for the fight against the Islamic State group, said on Thursday the group is now facing "annihilation" with the losses in western Iraq and nearly 96 percent of its territory. He earlier said 6.6 million people have been liberated as the group lost over 90,000 square kilometers (35,000 square miles) in the last year.

The Islamic State "has not reclaimed single meter of this ground. Migrant and refugee flows reversed," McGurk tweeted Thursday.

The Syrian government declared Friday that it has taken full control of Deir el-Zour, where its troops and tens of thousands of civilians have been besieged by IS militants for nearly three years.

General Ali Mayhoub, spokesman for the Syrian army, called it a strategic victory, noting Deir el-Zour's location on a crossroads linking Syria's eastern, northern and central regions, and its role in distributing the province's oil.

Mayhoub said Islamic State militants are now isolated and encircled in the countryside east of the city. Government forces are focused on Boukamal, the last Islamic State urban center in Syria.

Kurdish forces backed by the US also are making a bid for the strategic border town from the other side of the Euphrates, renewing fears of a confrontation between the two forces seeking to control the border area.

Raqqa, the Islamic State group's de-facto capital, fell to Kurdish-led forces on 17 October, four months after operations to reclaim it began. The city was the group's hub of operations, and its capture was a major symbolic blow.

The first city to fall into Islamic State hands, foreign fighters flocked to Raqqa. The US-led coalition estimated that 40,000 fighters from Europe, North Africa and Asia once flowed into Islamic State territory.

The group carried out beheadings and other killings in a public square in Raqqa to try to project its ruthless nature. The city also was the center of its media operations, where videos about the benefits of life under Islamic State were produced.

Planning for some of the major violence in Europe was traced to Raqqa, including the deadly attacks in Paris in 2015 and in Brussels in 2016.

On 14 October, the Syrian government said its troops and allied fighters seized the town of Mayadeen, on the western bank of the Euphrates River. The town had become a refuge for the militant group's leaders from fighting in Raqqa and Deir el-Zour to the north and Iraq to the east.

Mayadeen was also a major point in the race for control of the oil-rich eastern Deir el-Zour province. Washington has feared advances by Syrian troops and allied fighters toward the Iraqi border could help Iran expand its influence in the region and establish a "Shiite corridor" of land links from Iraq to Lebanon, and all the way to Israel.

Iran backs militias fighting alongside the Syrian military.
Beirut: Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri on Saturday resigned from his post during a trip to Saudi Arabia in a surprise move that plunged the country into uncertainty amid heightened regional tensions.

In a televised address from Riyadh, Hariri fired a vicious tirade against Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah group for what he said was their meddling in Arab affairs and said "Iran's arms in the region will be cut off."

"The evil that Iran spreads in the region will backfire on it," Hariri said, accusing Tehran of spreading chaos, strife and destruction throughout the region.

Hariri was appointed prime minister in late 2016 and headed a 30-member national unity Cabinet that included the Shiite militant Hezbollah. The government has largely succeeded in protecting the country from the effects of the civil war in neighboring Syria.

The country is sharply divided along a camp loyal to Saudi Arabia, headed by the Sunni Muslim Hariri, and a camp loyal to Iran represented by Hezbollah.

Hariri's resignation on Saturday was expected to sharply raise tensions in the country. In his speech, he suggested he feared for his life and said the atmosphere in the country is similar to the one that existed before his father, the late prime minister Rafik Hariri, was assassinated in 2005.

Several Hezbollah members are being tried in absentia for the killing by a UN-backed tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands.

Hezbollah denies any involvement.

He said Hezbollah's policies have put Lebanon "in the eye of the storm."

"Hezbollah was able in past decades to impose a status quo in Lebanon through its weapons directed at the chests of Syrians and Lebanese," he said.

Earlier this week, Saudi state minister for gulf affairs Thamer al-Sabhan sharply criticized Hezbollah, calling for its "toppling" and promising "astonishing developments" in the coming days during an interview with the Lebanese TV station MTV.

Al-Sabhan met with Hariri in Saudi Arabia when the now resigned prime minister was visiting first earlier this week.

Hariri abruptly returned to the kingdom later on Friday before his bombshell announcement on Saturday.

In tweets after meeting Hariri, al-Sabhan described it as "long and fruitful meeting" that resulted in agreements over many issues that concern the Lebanese.

"What comes is better, God willing," al-Sabhan tweeted on Tuesday. In a series of tweets, al-Sabhan criticized the Lebanese government for tolerating Hezbollah's criticism of the kingdom.

He earlier said that those who cooperate with Hezbollah must be "punished."

The attacks on Hezbollah came on the heels of new US sanctions on the group.
Karachi: Pakistan's Balochistan province government has released the recently detained wife and children of a top Baloch militant commander who is accused of targeting security forces in the restive southwestern state.

Balochistan home minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti said three women and three children  including the family of Allah Nazar, the chief of the banned Baloch Liberation Front (BLF)  were arrested while travelling illegally into Pakistan from neighbouring Afghanistan in October.

He said that all women and children had been released in keeping with the Baloch traditions.

"The other women included sister of Aslam, alias Acho, commander of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) who was killed in a security operation, and wife of Dileep, another leading commander of the BLF," Bugti was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune.

"The security forces handed over all the women and children to Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri and we have released them. Allah Nazars wife left for Karachi with his (Nazars) brother Mehrullah," he told reporters in the provincial capital Quetta on Friday.

The minister said that during investigation, it was revealed that the women were involved in distributing funds to the banned Baloch outfits.

"Despite committing crimes of illegally crossing border and distributing funds among terrorists, the government treated them with respect," he said.

The minister rejected the rumours that the women were abducted. "They were arrested," he insisted.
Washington: Directly contradicting much of the Trump administration's position on climate change, 13 federal agencies unveiled a scientific report that said humans are the dominant cause of the global temperature rise that has created the warmest period in the history of civilization.

The White House sought to downplay the major climate change report released on Friday that showed global annually averaged surface air temperature has increased by about 1.0 degree Celsius over the last 115 years, the New York Times reported.

The global, long-term warming trend is "unambiguous", the report said, and there is "no convincing alternative explanation" that anything other than humansthe cars we drive, the power plants we operate, the forests we destroyare to blame.

The White House while approving the report said it supported "rigorous scientific analysis and debate" but added that the climate was "always changing".

White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Raj Shah said it was not certain how sensitive the Earth's climate was to greenhouse gas emissions.

The Climate Science Special Report was compiled by US government scientists. It argued that it is "extremely likely" that human activity is causing rapid global warming with dire consequences for the US and the world.

The report also warned that the magnitude of climate change beyond the next few decades will depend primarily on the amount of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, emitted globally.

The UN will convene its annual climate change conference next week in Bonn, Germany, and the American delegation is expected to face harsh criticism over Trump's decision to walk away from the 195-nation Paris climate accord and top administration officials' stated doubts about the causes and impacts of a warming planet.

The climate science report is part of a congressionally mandated review conducted every four years known as the National Climate Assessment.

Despite the scientific consensus presented in the report, the Environmental Protection Agency scrubbed references to climate change from its website and barred its scientists from presenting scientific reports on the subject.

The findings, researchers said, create an unusual situation in which the government's policies were in direct opposition to the science it is producing.

Trump once called climate change a "hoax" and his administration considered efforts to fight global warming just to "be a waste of your money", a position met with widespread criticism both at home and abroad.

Only on Thursday, Trump's Energy Secretary Rick Perry said that while he thought climate change was real and humans had an "impact on it", he still thought "the science (was) out on" whether humans cause 100 percent of it.
Washington: US lawmakers proposed sanctions Friday against Myanmar's military, in some of the strongest efforts yet by Washington to pressure the Southeast Asian nation to end abusive treatment of its Rohingya Muslim minority.

House Republicans and Democrats introduced legislation that would curtail assistance or cooperation with Myanmar's military and require the White House to identify senior military officials who would have US visa bans imposed or reimposed against them.

A bipartisan group in the Senate, including Senate Armed Services Committee chairman John McCain, introduced their bill Thursday.

It calls for renewal of import and trade restrictions on Myanmar, including re-imposing a ban on jade and rubies from the country also known as Burma.

"Our legislation would hold accountable the senior military officials responsible for the slaughter and displacement of innocent men, women and children in Burma, and make clear that the United States will not stand for these atrocities," McCain said in a statement.

The tough proposals came as US President Donald Trump departed for an extended trip to Asia, where he will attend a summit with Southeast Asian nations including Myanmar.

The United States, while condemning the deadly violence that has prompted more than 6,00,000 people to flee to neighboring Bangladesh, has been careful to say it holds the military responsible, not Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government.

House Democrat Eliot Engel said lawmakers wanted to send a "clear message" with the targeted sanctions, both to the military and the civilian leadership, about the violence that has left hundreds of people dead.

"This violence must stop, perpetrators must be held accountable, and there must be meaningful civilian control over Burma's military and security forces," Engel said.

Lawmakers also want Myanmar's military to ensure safe return of refugees displaced from northern Rakhine State, where the military has been accused by the United Nations of a campaign of ethnic cleansing.

"There will be consequences for their crimes against humanity," said Senator Ben Cardin, a Democratic sponsor of the bill.

Myanmar officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

But dealers in the gem industry - a lucrative sector that was under US sanctions until last October - shrugged off the threat, saying China was still the top buyer.

"If (sanctions) are reimposed, there will be no harm to us. We used to work under sanctions in the past as well," Tun Hla Aung, secretary of Myanmar Gems and Jewellery Entrepreneurs Association, told AFP.

The fate of the legislation may rest in part with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a longtime friend and ally of embattled Suu Kyi.

The two politicians spoke by telephone in September, when she assured McConnell she was working to get aid to Rohingya Muslims.

McConnell defended the Nobel peace laureate after the call, warning that "publicly condemning Aung San Suu Kyi, the best hope for democratic reform in Burma, is not constructive".

Suu Kyi has been hammered by the international community for failing to use her moral power to speak up in defense of the Rohingya.

On Thursday she visited Rakhine for the first time.

McConnell's office said the Republican leader was reviewing the sanctions legislation. As Senate leader, McConnell determines which bills get to the floor for a vote.
Washington: The US has conducted a pair of drone strikes against Islamic State fighters in Somalia, the first time America has hit the jihadists in the Horn of Africa nation, officials said.

The strikes occurred in northeastern Somalia and killed "several terrorists," the US military's Africa Command said in a statement .

According to Voice of America, which cited the chairman of the town of Qandala in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland, six missiles hit an Islamic State base in Buqa village, 60 kilometres away.

"Local residents and pastoralists were shocked and fled from the area," Jama Mohamed Qurshe told VOA.

AFRICOM spokesman Lieutenant Commander Anthony Falvo said no civilians were in the vicinity of the strikes.

"They struck their intended targets," he told AFP, noting these were the first anti-Islamic State air strikes in Somalia.

The first strike occurred around midnight Somalia time (0300 GMT) with the second strike coming at about 11:00 am.

In recent months, the US has repeatedly hit Somali jihadists from the Shabaab rebel group that is aligned with Al-Qaeda, but yesterday's development marks a significant step in the ever-evolving war against Islamic State.

"US forces will continue to use all authorised and appropriate measures to protect Americans and to disable terrorist threats," AFRICOM said.

Islamic State claimed its first suicide attack in Somalia in May, killing at least five people as it stepped up activities in a region dominated by the Shabaab.

The militants are led by former Shabaab cleric Abdiqadir Mumin, who switched allegiance from Al-Qaeda to Islamic State in October 2015 and was named a "global terrorist" by the US State Department in August.

Mumin was born in Puntland and lived in Sweden before moving to the UK in the 2000s, where he was granted British citizenship.
Harare: A 25-year-old American journalist charged with attempting to overthrow Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, on account of an alleged tweet that described the ageing leader as "selfish and sick", was remanded in custody on Saturday after denying the accusations.

Martha O'Donovan, who appeared in court in the capital Harare, was charged with subversion as well as undermining or insulting Mugabe, now 93.

The arrest of O'Donovan and the seizure of her laptop in a dawn raid at her apartment on Friday, came just weeks after the government appointed a cyber security minister tasked with policing social media.

Prosecutors said that on 11 October, O'Donovan posted a message on Twitter under username "@matigary" which said: "We are being led by a selfish and sick man". The tweet was illustrated with a photo showing the Zimbabwean president with a catheter device.

"Our client is vehemently denying both charges," her lawyer Obey Shava told AFP, adding that O'Donovan would apply for bail on Monday at the High Court.

O'Donovan works for Harare-based Magamba TV, which describes itself as a leading producer of cutting edge political satire and comedy. Its content goes out on YouTube.

Human rights lawyers on Friday had said the arrest was linked to a retweet which did not mention Mugabe by name but referred to a "goblin whose wife and step-son bought a Rolls-Royce". Mugabe's stepson with his wife and first-lady Grace, is thought to have recently imported two British-built Rolls-Royce vehicles, according to local media reports.

But a charge sheet read in court on Saturday referred to the different post on Twitter that specifically mentioned Mugabe.

The US embassy said on Friday that it had been in contact with O'Donovan and her legal counsel.

The cyber-security ministry was created in Mugabe's latest cabinet reshuffle last month which also saw his deputy Emmerson Mnangagwa being stripped of his justice portfolio. The new ministry is seen by rights groups as an attempt to clamp down on social media in the run up to next year's election.

"Some use the internet to fight us and implement what they say is regime change," Mugabe said on Saturday while commissioning a community information centre in the southern city of Bulawayo while O'Donovan was appearing in court. Mugabe has already been named by his ruling ZANU-PF party as its presidential candidate for the 2018 poll.
Beijing: Troops serving at Chinas first overseas military base, in the Horn of Africa country of Djibouti, should help promote peace and stability, President Xi Jinping told them in a video chat, encouraging them to promote a good image.

China formally opened the base in August on the same day as the Peoples Liberation Army marked its 90th birthday. It is Chinas first overseas naval base, although Beijing officially describes it as a logistics facility.

Djiboutis position on the northwestern edge of the Indian Ocean has fuelled worry in India that it would become another of Chinas "string of pearls" military alliances and assets ringing India, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.

Speaking to Chinas Djibouti-based forces during a visit to a joint battle command centre in Beijing, Xi "got a good understanding" of the bases operations and the lives of the soldiers there, Chinas Defence Ministry said late on Friday.

Xi "encouraged them to establish a good image for Chinas military and promote international and regional peace and stability", the ministry said.

The soldiers responded that they would not let Xi or China down, it said.

China began construction of the base in Djibouti in 2016. It will be used to resupply navy ships taking part in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions off the coasts of Yemen and Somalia, in particular.

Chinese president Xi Jinping is overseeing an ambitious military modernisation programme, including developing capabilities for Chinas forces to operate far from home.

During his visit to the command centre, Xi also instructed the armed forces to improve their combat capability and readiness for war, the ministry said.

Xi said progress in joint operation command systems, especially in efficiency at the regional level, was needed and troops must conduct training under combat conditions.

Djibouti, which is about the size of Wales, is at the southern entrance to the Red Sea on the route to the Suez Canal. The tiny, barren nation sandwiched between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia also hosts US, Japanese and French bases.

There has been persistent speculation in diplomatic circles that China would build other such bases, in Pakistan for example, but the government has dismissed this.
On 26 October, 2017, Chinese president Xi Jinping declared in a military gathering that the Chinese military will be a 'world class force' by year 2050. He further affirmed that in the last five years, the Central Military Commission (CMC) has strived to build an army that upholds the Communist Party of China's (CPC's) absolute leadership over the People's Liberation Army (PLA). He added that by the year 2020, the mechanisation of PLA would be achieved and by 2035, the modernisation of armed forces and national defences would be in place.

This modernised force would consistently innovate military strategy, promote civil-military integration and be governed by military laws. To achieve these targets, Xi reaffirmed that senior PLA officers must be loyal and obedient to the CPC, be smart at combat, strict in discipline and efficient in their command. They must improve their political education, combat training and push forward towards excellence with high spirits and diligence.

Most of these points in Xi's speech were reiterations of Political Work Report presented in the 19th Party Congress on 18 October. Nevertheless, his demand of loyalty and obedience from the PLA's senior staff stands out. In the last five years, almost every CPC leader of substance has appealed to the PLA to ensure that the party maintains its absolute control over the military.

This frequent assertion betrays an insecure feeling of the party about its dominance over the PLA. Moreover, the president of a country demanding his senior military officers to be loyal and obedient is a unique feature of authoritarian states. No one expects the Prime Minister of India or President of the US to seek loyalty and obedience of their military officers frequently. It indicates that the Chinese political leadership is facing a legitimacy crisis, especially after Xi used every stratagem possible to sideline his political and party rivals in a 'winner-take-all' power struggle leading to the 19th Party Congress.

He has consistently sidelined the China Youth League (CYL), one of the two major factions in the party and staffed the Standing Committee, Politburo, Central Committee and the CMC with his proteges and supporters. A sizeable chunk of these appointments have gone to the princeling faction. In addition, he has purged or demoted his prominent rivals, such as Sun Zhengcai and Hu Chunhua, while increasing his own status to the 'core leader', equal to Mao Zedong and that makes him considerably insecure. Consequently, the absolute loyalty of senior PLA officers is crucial to his political survival.

Additionally, Xi's timeline for PLA's coming out as a world class military needs a detailed examination. How capable is the PLA? Is it only good for national defence and peripheral conflicts or can it even conduct long-range power-projection operations successfully? In the last four decades, the PLA has achieved substantial modernisation of its capabilities. China has augmented significant capabilities in ballistic and cruise missiles, cyber warfare, small arms, ground-based long-range air-defence radars, electronic warfare and drones.

The mechanisation of ground forces has been yet another successful program. It began in 1980s, when Chinese troops had experienced terrible lack of mobility and logistical support during the Vietnam War. Soldiers had climbed above tanks and tied themselves with ropes for stability to reach the battlefield. When the Vietnamese guerrillas ambushed Chinese convoys, they killed a large number of these tank-tied defenceless soldiers. Consequently, the mechanisation became the rallying point in China and led to inductions of multiple new generations of APCs and beginning 1989, Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV).

China's civilian automobile industry, in collaboration with major global automobile manufacturers, further provided a boost to this mechanisation process. Chinese companies exported earlier generations of APC, IFV, tank and artillery guns to friendly countries and the lessons learnt from their use were incorporated in subsequent production. Accordingly, the latest Type-04A (ZBD-04A) IFVs are much improved in protection, firepower, mobility and networking. Similarly, China has been successful in developing better quality tanks, wheeled IFVs and self-propelled and rocket artillery. At the tactical and logistical level, multiple variants of fast mobility vehicles, all-terrain and light utility vehicles have become part of the PLA's mobility enhancement drive. Xi is expecting to complete this process by 2035, which seems attainable.

Further, Xi's appeal for modernisation of armed forces and the national defence refers to four modernisations in the PLA  of the military strategy, weapons and equipment, staff quality and organisational management. To achieve these, Xi demobilised 300,000 soldiers in 2015 and embarked upon the single largest reorganisation of the PLA's higher command structure, in the last four decades.

He eliminated four general departments of joint staff, logistics, political work and armaments and created 15 units under the direct control of the CMC for better accountability, efficiency and control. His avowed objective is to implement the joint warfare doctrine and prepare the PLA to conduct joint operations successfully in the digital age. He would also prefer that the PLA develops enhanced capabilities to conduct long-range power-projection operations successfully.

However, both capabilities to conduct joint and distant operations remain far from China's reach. Although China has inducted various types of latest military platforms and equipment, there are serious gaps hindering its transformation. It has achieved decent technological capabilities through its time-tested strategy of import-assimilate-re-innovate. Here, the PLA imports fully developed platforms and then its assimilation and incremental upgrade takes the Chinese industry to the next level. However, in the cutting edge military technology sectors, the science has been developing in gallops, leaving Chinese research and development sector behind.

Certainly, China has inducted multiple capable weapon platforms in its inventory. The PLA Air Force has continuously upgraded its fighter inventory with fourth generation fighter aircraft such as Russian Sukhoi-27 fighter along with its local variants, the J-10 fighter and is now inducting the J-20 stealth fighter.

The PLA's attack and transport helicopter inventory has experienced similar rapid growth with additions of Z-10, Z-11 and Z-19 attack helicopters. In addition, the PLA has imported copious numbers of Mi-17 transport helicopters from Russia, AS-365, AS-350 and EC-120 helicopters from France and even locally produced improved versions of the Z-8 (Aerospatiale Super Frelon) helicopter with better engines and avionics.

Nevertheless, as per the latest military balance figures, the Chinese inventory of nearly 1870 fighter aircraft contains over 1075 antiquated ones, which will need replacement in a decade or two. China will have to induct a sizeable number of latest 4th and 5th generation aircraft to fill the vacuum after these vintage fighters are gone. The technological capability, production or import timeline and financial resources will be the two main features shaping China's future fighter aircraft inventory.

In addition, China's lack of capabilities in propulsion and sensor technologies is critical. The PLA has been developing its indigenous WS-10 jet engine and its variants. However, these engines have low mean time between failures (MTBF) and are therefore, not economical to be deployed at a large scale. In addition, China has launched a mission-mode project to develop a jet engine similar in the capability to the Russia imported 135 kN AL-31 FN engine which propel most of its 4th generation fighters. In comparison, the global engine manufacturers are developing higher thrust engines in the 180-190 kN range and even the adaptive engines are in the pipeline. Therefore, the gap between the Chinese and the global engine technology would remain in place, hampering the growth of the entire fighter aircraft sector in China.

In addition, the academic dishonesty is rampant in China. This year itself, hundreds of Chinese scientists retracted their published research papers from international journals after other researchers were unable to replicate their findings. This betrays an impression of academic fund waste, fraud and doubt over Chinese claims in the cutting-edge research programs.

An example of this gap between claims and capabilities exists in China's sensor and radar technologies. Despite China's tall claims of developing Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars, none of them has so far been deployed on any Chinese aircraft and the PLA Air Force and the Navy fighters are managing with Passive Electronically Scanned Array (PESA) radars.

Finally, the PLA Air Force is facing an acute shortage of force multiplier aircraft. Its air-refuelling capability, airborne early-warning and control capability remain work in progress and the inventory of heavy-lift military transport aircraft is grossly inadequate for its air-transport requirements. This situation may improve with the induction of the Y-20 transport aircraft however its capabilities and technologies are unknown and unproven in the rigour of battle. Its use of Russian engines is a further shortcoming.

In the naval domain, China considers the Command of the Oceans as crucial for China's comprehensive national strength. The rise and fall of the Chinese state is deemed to be critically dependent upon it, especially in the nearby seas. Accordingly, China aims to holistically develop maritime supremacy, step wise, in the next few years.

First, China wants to improve its people's low marine awareness and focus the national attention in the maritime direction. Second, Beijing needs to develop strength in all marine industrial sectors, including the merchant shipping. Third, China aims to build a strong naval fleet with focuses on high-sea protection and long-range power projection. Thus, China aims to build an informationised navy to conduct 'intelligent local wars on the seas'. As Chinese national interests are expanding globally due to its expansion in trade and Belt and Road Initiative, the capability to conduct far seas operations is deemed to be critical for the PLA Navy in the future.

Therefore, to safeguard its economic and security interests, the PLA Navy has been inducting warships and associated weapons platforms on a phenomenal scale. China's advanced ship manufacturing industry has played a key enabling role in warship production. Nevertheless, these seemingly advanced warships have also experienced regular failure of aircompressors, toilets and electromechanical machinery during their deployments to the Gulf of Aden. The failure rate was fairly high for domestically developed systems, which explains why countries such as Thailand and Myanmar, who imported Chinese warships, chose to equip them with western subsystems.

In addition, Chinese submarines have faced problems in noise reduction, inferior sub-systems and sensors. Chinese navy also faces serious lack of experience in anti-submarine warfare capability. Moreover, since a majority of Chinese sub-systems have Russian origin and even the Russian technology has lagged a generation behind the western technologies, Chinese military capabilities face double disadvantages.

Besides the weapon system inductions, there are multiple issues on the human side that hinder the PLA's drive to be the world class military. Foremost is the corruption in the PLA, even after Xi and Wang Qishan's iron hand policy against it. The problem has persisted even though two major sources of corruption, the purchase of military license plates and the purchase of promotions have become discreet and less frequent.

Second, the man-machine interface in the PLA remains sketchy at best. Although, the PLA has been insisting on following the realistic training with live ammunition, its large size with attendant inertia makes any transformation sluggish. The lack of an active battle experience is another major issue limiting common soldier's experience of the 'Fog of the War'. The predominance of ground force is a major handicap in promotion of service equality and jointness.

The demobilisation and anti-corruption drives have further created dissatisfaction among the PLA ground force officer corps which makes the CPC anxious. Finally, the lack of effective interoperability in interconnection, intercommunication and combat equipment is another major shortcoming that limits China's drive towards world class military.

In sum, China has achieved a respected level of military advancement in the last four decades. Its capabilities in some domains are at world class but in crucial high-tech areas and operational efficiency, it lags behind the West. Its rivals are also augmenting their military capabilities at a rapid pace whereas China faces the military embargo from the West. Therefore, whether it will be able to resolve these limitations by 2050, especially under a shaky economy, remains an open question.

The author is an adjunct research fellow at Griffith University and specialises in Asian security and the Chinese foreign policy. He has previously worked as a consultant to the Indian Government and taught at the University of Queensland and Monash University.
U.S. health insurer Anthem Inc's <ANTM.N> Chief Executive Joseph Swedish will step down and be succeeded by industry veteran Gail Boudreaux, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing people with knowledge of the matter.

It is unclear how quickly the transition will occur, but the plan is expected to be announced as soon as next week, the publication reported. (http://on.wsj.com/2haxzSO)

Anthem, the nation's second largest health insurer by revenue, did not respond to requests for comment.

Boudreaux is well-known among managed-care investors and has served as CEO of United Healthcare, a unit of the largest U.S. health insurer UnitedHealth Group Inc <UNH.N>.

Boudreaux "will be the right executive to lead Anthem to its next phase of growth, after CEO Swedish's successful 4-year tenure in turning around a troubled company during the challenging years of Obamacare implementation," Leerink analyst Ana Gupte said in a research note.

Swedish was behind the insurer's $54 billion merger proposal with smaller rival Cigna Corp <CI.N>, which was ultimately called off due to regulatory issues.

That deal would have created the largest U.S. health insurer by membership.

Healthcare consolidation has been a popular route for insurers and pharmacies, under pressure from the government and large corporations to lower soaring medical costs.

Health insurer Aetna Inc <AET.N> and pharmacy operator CVS Health Corp <CVS.N> are working toward finalizing merger terms and announcing a deal for more than $70 billion as early as December, according to people familiar with the matter.

The deal would combine CVS, one of the largest U.S. pharmacy benefits managers and drugstore chains, with Aetna, one of the oldest health insurers, whose far-reaching business ranges from employer healthcare to government plans nationwide.

Anthem last week reported better-than-expected quarterly earnings as its Obamacare individual insurance business broke even and forecast a slight 2018 profit for the government plans despite uncertainty about the markets future.

Anthem, which runs Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in 14 states, said it had cut in half the number of areas where it will sell individual plans in 2018, which will reduce enrollment by 70 percent next year and help profits.

Through Friday, Anthem shares had climbed about 47 percent this year to $211.80, compared with UnitedHealth's 33 percent rise to $212.87. After hours on Friday, the shares were up 0.6 percent.

(Reporting by Nikhil Subba in Bengaluru; Editing by Richard Chang)
In response to a Los Angeles Times series about the relationship between the Walt Disney Co. and the city of Anaheim that Disney claims is "biased and inaccurate," the company is barring the paper from advance screenings of its films and access to its talent.

The editors of the Times said Friday that Disney declined access to its slate of films for the paper's holiday film preview citing "unfair coverage" of its business ties with Anaheim. Upcoming Disney films include "Thor: Ragnarok," ''Coco" and "Star Wars: The Last Jedi."

The paper ran a two-part series in late September looking into what it characterized as a complicated and increasingly tense relationship between the city and the Disneyland Resort. The Times says it will review and cover Disney films when they become available to the public.

Disney responded in a statement Friday that the Times' series showed, "a complete disregard for basic journalistic standards."

"Despite our sharing numerous indisputable facts with the reporter, several editors, and the publisher over many months, the Times moved forward with a biased and inaccurate series, wholly driven by a political agenda," the statement continued.

The Times reporter who wrote both pieces, Daniel Miller, tweeted that, "Disney never asked for a correction."

Hillary Manning, the communications director for Los Angeles Times, said the paper had "no further comment" to the allegations made by Disney.

Disney representatives have not responded to The Associated Press's request for details on which facts it is contesting in the series.
President Donald Trump made a public pitch on Saturday to Saudi Arabia, asking the oil-rich country to start selling shares of Saudi Aramco, its state-owned oil company, on the New York Stock Exchange when the company goes public in the second half of 2018.

Would very much appreciate Saudi Arabia doing their IPO of Aramco with the New York Stock Exchange, the president wrote in a Tweet. Important to the United States!

Trump joined other large, financial cities -- namely London, Hong Kong and Tokyo -- in courting Saudi Arabia. Aramco, the largest oil company in the world with a market value estimated to fall somewhere between $2 and $10 trillion, will likely go on record as the largest initial public offering in the world.

London remains the most international financial listing in the world, London Stock Exchange Group CEO Xavier Rolet told FOX Business Maria Bartiromo during an interview. And clearly, a transaction of that size, which has yet to be decided obviously and decisions have yet to be made, naturally would attract global investors interest, and of course our participation.

In March, the Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir confirmed during an exclusive interview with Fox News Channels James Rosen that there were serious discussions about having the NYSE be one of the exchanges for the Aramco IPO. The NYSE (NYSE: ICE) is by far the largest and most liquid exchange in the world.

Saudi Arabia hosted a financial summit in late October aimed at attracting investments in hopes of diversifying its economy and raising the interest of foreign investors in its Public Investment Fund -- a lynchpin of its initiative to modernize the kingdoms economy.

Part of that long-term, strategic plan, known as Vision 2030, details how Saudi Arabia can undergo a modernization process by becoming a foreign investment powerhouse and transforming Aramco from a state-run oil producer into a global, industrial conglomerate.

Thanks to falling oil prices, Saudi Arabia, the worlds top oil producer, has been financially pressed in recent years. However, the Aramco IPO has been delayed multiple times, and there are now ongoing discussions that China may buy a direct 5% stake in the company.
An altercation between a passenger and a member of the flight crew forced a United Airlines flight bound to Washington to turn around and return to Beijing.

The South China Morning Post reports that the jet carrying 212 passengers took off from Beijing Capital International Airport at 7 p.m. Friday and landed at the airport again about 3 hours later.

In an email, United's director of corporate communications Frank Benenati said the altercation "initiated" by the passenger raised safety concerns. He said that police met the aircraft at the gate and the passenger got off the plane without incident.

He says other passengers on the flight to Washington Dulles International Airport were booked into a hotel, given meal vouchers and rebooked on a Saturday flight.
President Donald Trump's pro-business agenda has been welcome news for U.S. manufacturing icons like Boeing.

The airplane manufacturing giant inked a $13.8 billion deal with Singapore Airlines recently that would create 70,000 jobs in the United States.

House Republicans have adhered to the Trump administrations promise, proposing a reduction in the corporate tax rate to 20% from the current 35% rate, which will increase the average U.S. household income and grow the economy.

I know things like a 20% corporate tax rate will allow us to be more competitive in the global marketplace. That's what our competitors enjoy today around the world. And when we're more competitive, we win in the marketplace, and that allows us to invest and grow for the future, Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg said in an exclusive interview with FOX Business Maria Bartiromo.

The Boeing CEO said tax reform is detrimental to generating job growth and energizing economy.

I would say tax reform is the single most important thing we can do to generate jobs growth in the U.S., the single most important thing we can do to energize economic growth, Muilenburg said.

Boeing, the worlds largest airplane manufacturer, is a big part of the aerospace trade surplus sector with more than 13,000 medium and small businesses and 1.5 million manufacturing jobs as part of that supply chain.

[Corporate tax reform] certainly benefits big companies like Boeing, but even more importantly, it benefits our supply chain, those medium and small businesses, where a lot of the job generation is happening. And corporate tax reform will allow us to invest for the future, make additional capital investments, and continue to grow and win in the marketplace, Muilenburg said on FOX Business Wall Street Week.

The strong demand for commercial airlines has allowed Boeing (NYSE:BA) to have a solid cash flow and a strong operating performance that has pushed the stock to lead the Dow, up over 80% since the election.

We have a tremendous backlog right now, almost $500 billion of backlog in our company across commercial and defense. So translating that backlog into top line growth over the next many years we think is a big opportunity.

Muilenburg said the long--term sustained cash growth business and year-over-year cash growth will allow the worlds largest airplane manufacturing to invest in innovation.

Boeing has won in the marketplace for 100 years because of innovation, and we need to continue to invest in innovation for the future. And our cash generation strength is what allows us to do that, he said.
Revelations that the New York terror suspect Sayfullo Saipov worked as an Uber driver reignited concerns this week about the companys screening processes and questions about the stranger-danger bias in the gig economy.

Police say the 29-year-old suspect worked as an Uber driver for six months in Paterson, N.J., giving more than 1,400 rides to passengers, before allegedly running down and killing eight people in a rented Home Depot truck near the World Trade Center Memorial in Manhattan on Halloween.

Uber confirmed that Saipov was one of its drivers at the time of the attack, and added that it was horrified by this senseless act of violence, and has reached out to law enforcement to provide our full assistance.

Bhairavi Desai, president of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, a union representing approximately 15,000 taxi drivers in New York City, said that in attempt to monopolize any given citys driving service options, Uber cuts corners to maximize their own profits.

This comes at a cost to both Ubers drivers and the society at large, said Desai, who claims that the independent contractor status of Uber drivers denies them the benefits of employees, such as minimum wage, overtime protections, unemployment insurance and Social Security contributions.

Uber built a business model catering to people who already have jobs and are looking for a second income, Desai said, which means its not their day-to-day bread and butter. Taxi drivers, Desai argues, are more closely monitored and have a level of [professionalism] expected from day one, because they are employees, not contractors.

As of 2015, the gig economy  a term to describe an economy where temporary jobs are commonplace, with independent contractors and freelancers taking the place of full-time employees  accounted for 16% of the workforce, according to research by economists Lawrence Katz and Alan Krueger.

In such a ride-sharing environment, passengers can be put in danger, Desai said, arguing that Uber is more concerned with flooding the market with new drivers than doing proper background checks, including government fingerprinting, which take anywhere from four to six weeks to complete.

According to Desai, New York City is the only city in the country that requires ride-hailing drivers to undergo the same background checks as taxi drivers. Anywhere outside of the city's five boroughs, names and Social Security numbers are used to do background checks, not fingerprinting. In the past, Uber has said that fingerprinting does nothing to improve safety and is an unnecessary burden.

While Uber does not require fingerprinting of its drivers, the company said it has a pre-screening process in every country it operates. In the U.S., Uber says it follows the eligibility criteria set forth in local law in screening driver-partners backgrounds, including a motor vehicle records and criminal records check that reviews local, state and national records..

According to government records, Saipov had received five previous traffic citations while driving a tractor trailer in Maryland and Iowa in 2011; in Pennsylvania in 2012 and 2015; and in Missouri in 2015.

Disqualifying offenses to become an Uber driver include three or more minor driving violations in past three years or more than five in past five years; driving on a suspended, revoked or invalid license; DUI or drug-related driving offenses; and criminal history such as felonies, violent crimes or sexual offenses, according to Ubers website,

A source close to Uber told FOX Business that Saipov passed his most recent background check with the company in July 2017.

Paul Oyer, economics professor and senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, argues that although Saipov's role as an Uber driver is clearly problematic from a public relations perspective for Uber and, by extension, for other gig companies that arrange for personal interaction between strangers, it shouldnt reflect on the company or other gig economy platforms any more than previous terror attacks should reflect on those employers of the perpetrators.

Stephen Paddock, the Las Vegas shooter who killed 58 people at a country music festival on Oct. 1, reportedly worked over a 10-year period as an IRS agent, a defense auditor and a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, with no prior criminal history.

There are many parts of the gig economy that bring individuals together in smaller spaces where there is, theoretically, a risk of harm, added Oyer. But there is also a large set of the gig economy doing remote work, where this type of incident is less relevant.
The allegations against House of Cards star Kevin Spacey continue to mount as eight crew members reportedly have come forward to detail allegations of sexual harassment and groping on the set of the popular Netflix drama.

On Thursday, CNN reported that eight people close to the production of the series, which shoots just outside of Baltimore, Maryland, have come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct from the 58-year-old star that made working on the set an alleged nightmare.

All eight accusers have chosen to remain anonymous, but claim that the behavior was very well known on set and that it created a difficult work environment. Netflix and Media Rights Capital, the companies behind "House of Cards," claim they had no reports of any widespread misconduct.

When the allegations broke about Kevin Spacey on Sunday night, in conjunction with MRC, we sent a representative to set on Monday morning," Netflix told Fox News in a statement.

"Netflix was just made aware of one incident, five years ago, that we were informed was resolved swiftly," it continued. "On Tuesday, in collaboration with MRC, we suspended production, knowing that Kevin Spacey wasnt scheduled to work until Wednesday. Netflix is not aware of any other incidents involving Kevin Spacey on-set, the company said.

We continue to collaborate with MRC and other production partners to maintain a safe and respectful working environment. We will continue to work with MRC during this hiatus time to evaluate our path forward as it relates to the production, and have nothing further to share at this time.

The report cites a production assistant who details that he had to drive Spacey to set one day and the two-time Academy Award-winning actor reached into his pants in a nonconsensual manner. He said he didnt disclose the details of what happened next for fear of being identified, but said that when they got to the set, he was asked to help bring things to the actors trailer.

The production assistant then alleges that Spacey cornered him, blocked his ability to exit and made inappropriate contact with him.

The incident allegedly happened months after the same production assistant had complained that Spacey was harassing him. His supervisors solution was to make sure they never were alone. The harassment stopped, making him feel comfortable enough to drive Spacey on the day in question.

Other members of the production crew told the outlet that they witnessed Spacey be inappropriate with many younger male members of the staff. It was typically done out in the open, in full view of others.

They allege that most on set were aware of Spaceys behavior, and that it was well-known among the crew. However, Netflix and MRC maintain they were not made aware of any serial behavior on the part of Spacey.

We are deeply troubled to learn about these new allegations that are being made to the press concerning Kevin Spaceys interaction with members of the crew of House of Cards,'" MRC said in a statement provided to Fox News.

"As the producer of the show, creating and maintaining a safe working environment for our cast and crew has always been our top priority. We have consistently reinforced the importance of employees reporting any incident without fear of retaliation and we have investigated and taken appropriate actions following any complaints," MRC said.

"For example, during our first year of production in 2012, someone on the crew shared a complaint about a specific remark and gesture made by Kevin Spacey. Immediate action was taken following our review of the situation and we are confident the issue was resolved promptly to the satisfaction of all involved," the statement reads.

"Mr. Spacey willingly participated in a training process and since that time MRC has not been made aware of any other complaints involving Mr. Spacey.

MRC also noted that, in the wake of the new allegations it has set up an anonymous hotline where crisis counselors and sexual harassment advisors will help any crew members that come forward with complaints about anyone on the set.

The allegations come days after actor Anthony Rapp revealed to Buzzfeed News that Spacey had made a sexual advance on him when he was 14, and Spacey was 26. Since then, several other men have come forward with similar stories about the star, prompting Netflix to suspend production on season six of House of Cards. Meanwhile, Spacey has announced that he will seek an undisclosed treatment during the hiatus.

Additionally, Deadline reports that the talent agency that's repped Spacey for eight years, CAA, has dropped him. His publicist, Staci Wolfe at Polaris, has also parted ways with the actor.
Netflix is withholding any action against actor Danny Masterson or his show, The Ranch, despite four rape allegations against him, the Huffington Post reported Friday.

We are aware of the allegations and the subsequent investigation, and will respond if developments occur, Netflix said in a statement.

The Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office is conducting an investigation into Masterson, best known for playing Hyde on Thats 70s Show, after four women accused him of rape in the early 2000s, the Huffington Post reported on Thursday.

DANNY MASTERSON RAPE ACCUSATIONS FROM FELLOW SCIENTOLOGISTS RESURFACE

One woman, who filed her accusation in 2004 to the Los Angeles Police Department, alleged that Masterson, 41, raped her while she was passed out. When she reportedly came to and realized what was happening, she claimed Masterson choked her until she passed out again. Both she and the actor were members of the Church of Scientology.

Three other women, also church members, reported their claims directly to the Church of Scientology.

The LAPDs case was squashed at the time, however, after 50 Scientologists wrote affidavits denouncing the womans story, the Huffington Post reported.

FROM KEVIN SPACEY TO DUSTIN HOFFMAN TO HARVEY WEINSTEIN: ARE THEIR CAREERS OVER?

As part of their probe, the district attorneys office has compiled compelling and overwhelming evidence against the star including audiotapes, emails sent from Scientology members at the time of the alleged rapes, computer evidence and a handwritten letter Masterson sent threatening one of his alleged victims, the Huffington Post reported.

Masterson has reportedly not yet been charged with a crime.

On Oct. 17, Netflix announced the release date for the fourth season of The Ranch, long after news of the investigation was reported.

Masterson, and his co-star Ashton Kutcher, are currently filming the fifth season of the show, the Huffington Post reported.
Following reports that Netflix may kill off Kevin Spacey's character on "House of Cards," the streaming service announced Friday that it is severing ties with the actor.

The move is being prompted by multiple sexual assault allegations against Spacey, who stars as Frank Underwood on the series about political intrigue in Washington, D.C.

Also scrapped was a Gore Vidal biopic that Spacey was reportedly developing with Netflix.

Netflix will not be involved with any further production of House of Cards that includes Kevin Spacey," Netflix said in a statement, according to the Hollywood Reporter. "We will continue to work with MRC during this hiatus time to evaluate our path forward as it relates to the show."

MRC refers to Media Rights Capital, the production company for "House of Cards."

"We have also decided we will not be moving forward with the release of the film Gore, which was in post-production, starring and produced by Kevin Spacey," Netflix added.

News of the cut ties followed a Variety report Friday that producers were considering killing off Spaceys character and have the shows sixth and final season focus on his villainous wife Claire, played by Robin Wright.

MRC was reportedly concerned that recent sexual harassment allegations against the 58-year-old Spacey would make it difficult for the cast to continue working with him.

Production on the show was suspended Tuesday, two days after actor Anthony Rapp accused Spacey of assaulting him when he was 14 years old and Spacey was 24.

Consequently, Spacey was dropped by his agency and publicist Thursday. Then on Friday, Britain's Scotland Yard open an investigation after a male actor claimed he was sexually assaulted by Spacey in London.

Allegations against the actor continued to mount as eight crew members reportedly came forward with assertions about sexual harassment and groping on the set of the streaming drama.

CNN reported Thursday that eight people close to the production, which shoots just outside of Baltimore, have come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct from Spacey that allegedly made working on the set a nightmare.

All eight accusers have chosen to remain anonymous, but claim that the behavior was very well known on set and that it created a difficult work environment.

But both Netflix and MRC claimed they had received no reports of any widespread misconduct.

When the allegations broke about Kevin Spacey on Sunday night, in conjunction with MRC, we sent a representative to set on Monday morning," Netflix told Fox News in a statement.

"Netflix was just made aware of one incident, five years ago, that we were informed was resolved swiftly," it continued. "On Tuesday, in collaboration with MRC, we suspended production, knowing that Kevin Spacey wasnt scheduled to work until Wednesday. Netflix is not aware of any other incidents involving Kevin Spacey on-set, the company said at the time.
The worlds most expensive whiskey has been exposed as fake  after a Chinese businessman paid $10,000 for a single shot.

A dram from the unopened bottle of Macallan 1878 sold for the four-figure sum at a Swiss hotel in July  making it the priciest glass of single malt ever flogged.

But whiskey experts smelled a rat after news of the sale broke and Sandro Bernasconi, of The Waldhaus Hotel in St Moritz, called in investigators to examine the $300,000 bottle.

THIS BAR WAS JUST VOTED THE BEST IN THE WORLD

The high-end grog was sent off to be tested by boffins at Oxford University  with shocking results. Carbon dating showed the booze to be a near-worthless blended Scotch dated no earlier than 1970  a hundred years younger than it was claimed.

The label was also riddled with mistakes, while the cork looked too new and the bottle was made of modern glass.

The unsuspecting victim of the scam was Chinese tourist Zhang Wei, 36, who has now had his cash refunded. Bernasconi flew to China to apologize and personally pay back the money.

The hotelier said: When it comes to selling our customers some of the worlds rarest and oldest whiskeys, we felt it was our duty to ensure that our stock is 100 percent authentic and the real deal.

PATRON RELEASES $7,500 BOTTLE OF TEQUILA

Thats why we called in the investigators RW101. The result has been a big shock to the system and we are delighted to have repaid our customer in full as a gesture of goodwill.

The bottle was bought around 25 years ago by Bernasconis father when he was the manager of the hotel. Its not yet known where the hotel got the bottle from or who was responsible for the fraud.

The eye-watering price paid for the seemingly rare vintage caused a stir among experts who questioned its authenticity. The label on the dark-colored glass bottle said the whiskey was distilled in 1878 and matured for 27 years.

It claimed to be guaranteed absolutely pure by Roderick Kemp, proprietor, Macallan and Talisker Distilleries Ltd.

MOVIE-GOER ATTEMPTS TO OPEN BEER WITH PEPPER SPRAY, LEAVES THEATER IN TEARS

But experts said the glass used for the bottle was similar to ones made in 2002 and Kemp apparently didnt own Macallan and Talisker at the same time.And there was no trace of a company called Macallan and Talisker Distilleries Ltd in the whiskey industry records.

Bernasconi called in Fife-based Rare Whisky 101 (RW101,) one of the worlds leading authorities on rare whiskey.

Results from Oxford Unis Research Laboratory for Archaeology and The History of Art suggested a 95 percent probability the liquid was made between 1970 and 1972.

Other lab tests by Tatlock and Thomson showed the spirit was most likely a blended Scotch made of 60 percent malt and 40 percent grain.

Ken Grier from Macallan brand owner, Edrington, said: We take this very seriously.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

We praise the work that our partners, RW101, are doing to bring awareness of any fraud to light. We would urge consumers to buy from reputable sources at all times.

RW101 co-founder David Robertson said it was hard to know how widespread fake whiskeys were.

He said: Weve noticed an increasing number of old, rare archive or antique bottles coming to market at auction and its difficult to know how prevalent this problem is.

We would implore that others in the market do what they can to identify any rogue bottles.

The more intelligence we can provide, the greater the chance we have to defeat the fakers and fraudsters who seek to dupe the unsuspecting rare whiskey consumer.

He urged buyers to do their research before buying a bottle and insist on testing with older, pricier whiskeys.

This article originally appeared in The Sun.


Rhode Island police were investigating a report of Adderall found in an 8-year-old girls Halloween candy.

East Providence police said Friday the girl was trick-or-treating on Halloween night when her parents discovered the pills.

The girls father took the four pills to the department Wednesday and filed a report.

Adderall is the brand name of a prescription medication that treats deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Those who were not prescribed the medication and ingest it may experience nervousness and headaches.

MOM FINDS HEROIN IN DAUGHTERS HALLOWEEN CANDY

The pills were not ingested, so the child was not harmed.

Police do not believe the incident was intentional.

Right now at this point in the investigation we don't think it was intentionally put in there, said Capt. Christopher Francesconi. We do think it was accidentally put in there, none the less it's still a huge risk, ABC 6 reported.

TRICK-OR-TREATER FINDS BLADE IN HALLOWEEN CANDY, CLAIMS MOM

Police said they were investigating where the pills may have come from although it could be difficult.

We're looking at a several block radius in which there were multiple children in the group and multiple houses, said Francesconi.

Francesconi urged parents to look through their childrens Halloween candy for anything suspicious.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Most Americans are in disbelief that that Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl escaped any jail time for desertion in Afghanistan. His case is a sad reminder of why we should never engage in prisoner exchanges with terrorists and why deserters should be dealt with harshly.

When Bergdahl deserted in 2009, a number of search efforts for him took place that endangered the lives of U.S. soldiers and left some severely wounded.

Military investigators found that Bergdahl walked away from his unit. His actions were planned and thought out. One soldier in his unit said that Bergdahl mailed his belongings back home to his parents before deserting. Further, Bergdahl sent an e-mail back to his parents saying that he was ashamed to be an American.

Bergdahl was charged with and later pleaded guilty to desertion and misbehavior before the enemy. He could have received a life prison sentence. Instead, he received no prison time, a reduction in rank, a fine and a dishonorable discharge.

President Trump called the decision a complete and total disgrace to our country and to our military. Our president is right.

The judge who sentenced Bergdahl gave him a slap on the wrist and gave a slap in the face to our military men and women. Its a sad day for our military justice system and all those who serve in our armed forces. Bergdahl deserved and should have received prison time. Yes, disgrace is the right word.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., also spoke out against the Bergdahl sentencing and expressed disappointment, even though he has tremendous respect for our military justice system. Graham is right. On balance, and over time, our military justice system has served us pretty well. This is not one of those times.

In February of 2014, three months before President Obamas decision to trade Bergdahl for five Taliban prisoners being held at the U.S. military base at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, I co-authored an op-ed for USA Today and appeared on CNN to argue against it. My feeling then and now is that we shouldnt negotiate with terrorists and that trading terrorist inmates at Guantanamo puts every American soldier deployed all over the world at risk.

When an American enlists in the U.S. military, he or she takes the Soldiers Oath. The oath reads in part: I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic, (and) that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.

The soldiers who risked their lives and sustained injuries searching for Bergdahl lived up to the Soldiers Oath. Bergdahl did anything but live up to it because he was a deserter. His sentence was an insult to all those who wear the uniform of Americas armed forces.
Programming Alert: Watch "The Next Revolution with Steve Hilton" Sunday evenings at 9pm ET on Fox News Channel.

Another sickening Islamist terror attack, this time on the streets of New York. On each occasion we seem to go through the same ritual -- sympathy, condemnation, a parade of well-meaning statements from government officials insisting that the terrorists will not win.

Fine. But forgive me for feeling a certain sense of frustration. The truth is, we are not taking this threat seriously enough. Our response needs to be much more aggressive.

First though, lets give credit where its due. Our brave men and women have taken the fight to ISIS in the Middle East, and by all accounts have done a spectacular job. For years, our security services have worked patiently and relentlessly to track down terror plots. They have foiled many and saved countless lives. For that we should be unequivocally grateful.

Its not their response that I question: but the response of our leaders, in government and the bureaucracy. They still seem to be treating Islamist terror as a law enforcement issue, rather than what it is: a war waged on us by an ideologically-driven and globally-distributed enemy.

Big Tech is investing billions in artificial intelligence and virtual reality -- lets see some of that directed towards identifying potential terrorist murderers.

Here are four things we could do that would show we are serious in this fight.

First, we should remove all known Islamists from our country. If they are not U.S. citizens, they should be immediately deported. If they are naturalized U.S. citizens, they should first have their citizenship revoked. As the former head of the UKs crisis response committee, Colonel Richard Kemp said after the Manchester terror attack earlier this year, Every single person who we have intelligence upon, who is known to be involved in terrorism...we deport and send them back to where they came from. We do not allow them to roam free on our streets and murder and maim and disfigure our children.

Of course, in order to do this we need to know how many such people there are. After Manchester, British authorities announced that they know of 23,000 Islamist extremists who are potential terrorist attackers living in the UK. How many are there in America? Its time the FBI told us.

Second, we must force the big tech companies to help our security services track down terrorists and prevent attacks. When theres money to be made, theres no limit to Silicon Valleys ingenuity -- or invasion of privacy. Google announced earlier this year that it can track your online browsing and your movements in the real world by combining credit card data with data from your smartphone and services like Google Maps. But when the authorities ask tech firms to help in the fight against terror, suddenly theyre all about privacy. Big Tech is investing billions in artificial intelligence and virtual reality -- lets see some of that directed towards identifying potential terrorist murderers.

Third, we need to force Saudi Arabia to pay reparations for their role in incubating todays terror threat. Over the years, the Saudis have funded a huge number mosques in the world -- and with that funding came the vile, medieval strain of Islam known as Wahhabism (or Salafism) that is at the heart of todays Islamist ideology, whether practiced by ISIS, Al Qaeda or any other of the murderous death cults. The least the Saudis could now do is put some of their oil riches towards building and supporting moderate mosques on the same scale they funded extremist ones.

Fourth, we need to toughen our own immigration procedures, just as President Trump pledged to do this week. No more entry by lottery; extreme vetting for everyone who wants to come to America and fits the profile of a potential Islamist supporter or sympathizer -- whether they have become radicalized or not.

These are just some of the steps we need to take and well be debating them this Sunday on my show, The Next Revolution at 9pm ET on Fox News Channel. Hope you can join us!
Editor's note: The following column is an excerpt from "This Dangerous Book" by Steve & Jackie Green."

Sometimes its the unassuming gesture that makes the most profound impact on your life.

We never set out to build a museum for the Bible. We were happy raising our children and helping to run the family business.

We thought that someone else was going to put the museum together, and we were content to acquire items, then donate them to the museum.

Little did we know that when we agreed to help acquire a biblical artifact, our future had changed.

It is astounding that so many people from different parts of the worldpeople of different cultures, ethnicities, ages, and languagesall meet up around one book that was written thousands of years ago.

We had to ask ourselves, What would it look like for us to keep the dream alive and work toward building a museum to house all these wonderful ancient biblical artifacts? That thought was, honestly, overwhelming.

But the deeper question we had to ask and answer for ourselves was, What does it mean for us to take this journey?

The answer to that question is the premise for our new book, "This Dangerous Book." Its an answer that unfolds like an archaeological dig, layers upon layers removed until the experience of discovery makes us smile in delight.

We discovered how precious these artifacts are. They are also precious to all kinds of people, all over the world.

So many people of different faith traditions have pulled us aside and expressed their gratitude for this project.

Its one of the most rewarding aspects of our journey in building a museum.

Weve found a remarkable sense of unity around this ancient text. That excites and inspires us.

Holding up the Bible as this wonderful human treasure invites people of all walks of life to come and see, explore, and discover this gift of history.

It is astounding that so many people from different parts of the worldpeople of different cultures, ethnicities, ages, and languagesall meet up around one book that was written thousands of years ago.

At the same time, we recognize that today in America, the Bible does not possess the same centrality that it did at our countrys founding.

Journalist and author Kenneth Briggs observes, For more and more Americans, the Bible has become a museum exhibit, hallowed as a treasure but enigmatic and untouched. Snippets of its languages still pop up occasionally in political speeches. But overall, the Bible is overridden by consumer appetites and a growing array of lifestyles that . . . offer ways of thinking about life, love, and work that have left the Bible behind.

We believe, however, that this is only partially true of our culture. It may be that we are simply not as skeptical as Mr. Briggs, but our observation is that yes, although our culture does not know the Bible as it once did, there is real longing to know it better.

We can all, as a nation and as collective humanity, observe, appreciate, study, and discuss this book. So much wonder and mystery surrounds not only the Bible itself, as a cultural artifact, but also its claims, its narrative, and its ultimate message.

Our journey with the museum reminds us how God leads us with a journey in mind. We were working for our family business and trying to help some others in their worthy endeavor.

As the collection grew, the family started feeling the responsibility of it. We had been entrusted with the items, and we felt we needed to be sure the dream of a museum became a reality.

The idea was not new to the family; my brother had mentioned more than once over the years the idea of building a Bible museum. He was building a chain of Christian bookstores and carried one of the largest selections of Bibles available.

So little by little, we embraced the dream.

One of the first ideas as a result was opening a traveling exhibit. I (Steve) have said that we, my family, are not collectors. My dad operates by the philosophy that if you buy a new shirt, an old shirt has to go. We were acquiring artifacts not because we were collectors but because we wanted to tell their story.

The problem was, our closet was getting full, and we had no idea when we would be opening a museum. We had no location or date; it was only a dream at the time. Thats when the idea for a traveling exhibit was birthed. We could start telling the incredible story of the items we had acquired, while the idea of the museum developed.

Toward the end of 2010, we had a two-day planning meeting for a Bible exhibit. We wanted to open the exhibit in 2011, launching it with the celebration of the four-hundredth anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible. The King James Version is the most printed version of the Bible, and we thought that would be a great opportunity to launch an exhibit.

In 2011, we successfully opened our U.S. version of a traveling exhibit at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.

This was the beginning of a journey, a journey with an unknown destination. Not too long after we opened the Oklahoma City exhibit, through some contacts at American Bible Society, discussions began about having an exhibit at the Vatican. We had just finished a race to open the first exhibit, and now the race was on again, as the desired opening for the exhibit at the Vatican was during the lenten season of 2012. We successfully opened the exhibit for the lenten season, which was the first of other international exhibits to come.

Before the museum opened, we had also traveled to Jerusalem, Argentina, Cuba, and Germany. We also traveled to several universities across the U.S., with exhibits of varying sizes.

Over the next five years, the exhibit traveled to five cities total, with its last tour ending in 2016 in Santa Clarita, California. It had grown from a fifteen-thousand-square-foot exhibit in Oklahoma City to a forty-thousand-square-foot exhibit before it was closed.

Back in 2011, none of this had been in sight.

Steve and Jackie provide unique insight and commentary into the Bibles role in our culture and in their personal life. Since 2009 they have been planning for the presentation of various archaeological finds pertaining to the Bible and the worlds most impressive display of materials relating to the Bibles original writings, its preservation, and its distribution around the globe.

Copyright  2017 by Steve & Jackie Green. Used by permission of Zondervan.
A conversation on "The View" got intense Friday morning after Keith Olbermann defended his recent tweet saying that President Trump and his family have done more damage to the U.S. than Usama bin Laden.

Olbermann was grilled about his claim that Trump has hurt the country more than bin Laden and the Islamic State combined, as he suggested in a Nov. 1 tweet to Donald Trump Jr.

"View" host Meghan McCain was in visible disbelief.

3,000 people died on 9/11. I mean, the comparison is absurd, McCain said about Olbermanns claims, to which he responded by saying more people died during the Iraq War than 9/11 and we didnt need to be there.

BIN LADEN FILES REVEAL FONDNESS FOR FUNNY CATS, CHARLIE BIT MY FINGER VIDEOS

You think that bin Laden did less to damage America than President Trump? McCain asked, to which Olbermann immediately replied, Yes.

McCain went on to say, rhetoric like that is so damaging, before defending her brothers service in the Iraq war, saying the comparison between Trump and bin Laden, the latter of whom was dedicated to the destruction of  everything that we hold dear, was unbelievable.

How do people like us find common ground, McCain asked, adding that she was exhausted with the behavior on both sides of politics.

Do you want President Trump to fail? Do you want America to fail? Im genuinely curious, McCain said.

TRUMPS ASIA TRIP COULD BE AN INCREDIBLE SUCCESS IF HE DOES THIS

The heated back and forth was cut off by a commercial break and Olbermann was unable to reply, but upon return, the conversation took a somewhat more upbeat swing with Olbermann labeling McCains father his favorite person in American politics in the 21st century." The former MSNBC host also said that he owes McCain and former President George W. Bush an apology based on what weve seen in the last two years in this country.

Olbermann continued saying he would happily take a third term of George W. Bush rather than this, adding that he didnt think Trump was stable, and would even prefer Vice President Pence in the Oval Office.

My attitude towards this administration is, were stuck with it, or Im stuck with it from my view, no matter what happens going forward for at least four years Im accepting that, Olbermann said. Ill take President Pence, Ill carry him to the White House on my shoulders if need be.
The government released more than 600 previously classified documents on Friday connected to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

The new batch, which follows a release of thousands of other related documents last week, shows what the CIA learned about assassin Lee Harvey Oswalds connection to the agency and why he had visited Mexico City only weeks before.

Through what the CIA described as a thorough investigation, the allegations that Oswald was somehow connected to or working with the agency were totally unfounded, the documents said.

A 1975 CIA memo showed that agents searched through all of their records to find any conceivable way that Oswald couldve somehow been connected to them.

JFK FILES: DOCUMENTS REVEAL NEW INFO SURROUNDING PRESIDENTS DEATH

But the search came up with nothing -- and not just for the CIA.

There was no indication that any U.S. government agency was working with Oswald, either.

The third set of released documents this year also showed that government officials questioned why Kennedys assassin took a trip to Mexico City only weeks before shooting the President.

Agents questioned whether the trip was potentially focused on Oswalds attempt to secure visas from the Soviet or Cuban embassies in Mexico City so he could make a quick escape after assassinating the president, the memo said.

TRUMP FRUSTRATED BY SECRECY WITH JFK FILES

A secret CIA message sent two days after Kennedy's death claimed an "important question" remained unsolved: whether Oswald had been planning to travel immediately after the shooting.

Although it appears Oswald "was then thinking only about a peaceful change of residence to the Soviet Union, it is also possible that he was getting documented to make a quick escape after assassinating the president," the message said.

President Trump ordered the release of the remaining Kennedy assassination-related documents to the public. He encouraged the government agencies to only redact information that was absolutely necessary. Most of the documents released Friday were previously held in their entirety.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Ralph Northam, the Democratic nominee for Virginia governor, is losing support from one of the countrys largest and most progressive political action committees, which accuses the candidate of racists acts.

Progressive PAC Democracy for America (DFA)  which boasts more than 42,000 members in the Old Dominion alone -- announced this week that it will stop any work to directly aid the campaign, NationalReview.com reported.

Northam faces Republican nominee Ed Gillespie in next weeks election.

Northam is the state's current lieutenant governor. Gillespie is a former chairman of the Republican National Committee.

DFA said in a statement released Thursday night that it removed references to Northam in its get-out-the-vote calls after the Democratic candidates campaign airbrushed photos of lieutenant-governor candidate Justin Fairfax, who is African American, off campaign fliers.

The move allegedly was made to gain favor with a high-powered union. DFA officials say that the airbrushing was a racist action.

The PAC originally chose not to publicly discuss its decision, but reversed course after Northam said that if any city in Virginia attempted to declare sanctuary status for illegal immigrants, he would support legislation as governor to prevent them from doing so.

[A]fter seeing Northam play directly into the hands of Republicans racist anti-immigrant rhetoric on sanctuary cities, we refuse to be ... even remotely complicit in the disastrous, racist, and voter-turnout-depressing campaign Ralph Northam appears intent on running, reads the DFA statement.

Lets be really clear: If Ralph Northam wins next Tuesday, it wont be because he publicly backtracked on his commitment to protecting immigrant families, but in spite of it.

Its believed that Northam changed his views on sanctuary cities to appeal to supporters of Gillespie.

The about-face from Northam occurred after Gillespies efforts to link the lieutenant governor to sanctuary cities to portray him as being soft on crime. He has made the case in debates and a barrage of TV ads that the policy of protecting illegal immigrants from federal immigration officials has helped spur the rise of the violent Central American MS-13 gang.

"MS-13 is a menace, yet Ralph Northam voted in favor of sanctuary cities that let dangerous illegal immigrants back on the street, increasing the threat of MS-13," the narrator says in one ad.

The Northam campaign has used its own TV ads to fight back against Gillespies efforts to tie its candidate to violent Latino gangs like MS-13 and sanctuary cities, saying the connection is not true.

Northam led by 7 percentage points just several weeks ago, but Gillespie now leads by 2 points, according to the most recent RealClearPolitics polls.

Virginia has elected a Republican governor only once in roughly the past 15 years, and it was the only Southern state that Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton won last year.

The Virginia election takes place Tuesday. Only Virginia and New Jersey are holding gubernatorial elections this year.
Before embarking on his first official visit to Asia, President Donald Trump flew to Hawaii on Friday, where he and first lady Melania Trump visited Pearl Harbor, the site where U.S. forces came under surprise attack from the Japanese in 1941.

The president and first lady also made a solemn visit to the USS Arizona Memorial, where they tossed flower petals into the water above the battleships sunken hull.

The memorial, which is accessible only by boat, straddles the wreckage of the battleship on which more than 1,000 Navy personnel lost their lives during the attack that drew the U.S. into World War II.

Trump did not speak publicly while at Pearl Harbor, but expressed anticipation earlier in the day, before a briefing with leaders of the U.S. Pacific Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in the region.

"We are going to visit very shortly, Pearl Harbor, which I've read about, spoken about, heard about, studied, but I haven't seen. And that is going to be very exciting for me," he said.

A total of more than 2,300 sailors, soldiers and Marines died as a result of the attack, as did 68 civilians, according to the National Park Service.

During his visit in Hawaii, Trump was expected to meet with the U.S. Pacific Command to discuss the escalating threat from North Korea. He was also scheduled to meet with the governors of Alaska, Hawaii and Pacific U.S. territories, which are all relatively close targets if North Korea opts for a missile strike aganst the U.S.

Trump will head to Japan on Saturday, then make subsequent stops in South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines, where the looming crisis in North Korea will likely remain a key topic of discussion.

The president plans to attend the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) conference in Vietnam and the East Asian Summit in the Philippines, for which he recently tacked on an extra day to his trip.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The 2015 deal between Hillary Clinton and the Democratic National Committee in which the group effectively ceded immediate control to the Clinton campaign was supposed to take effect only if Clinton won the primary process - but in effect, they gave her control well before that, according to a copy of the agreement published this weekend.

The publishing of the agreement this weekend follows former DNC interim Chairwoman Donna Braziles bombshell accusation Thursday that the partys 2016 presidential primary contest between Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders was rigged by the DNC to hand the nomination to Clinton.

Brazile, also a onetime Clinton confidante and CNN commentator, made the claims in an article in Politico while touting a new book.

The agreement, in the form of a memo obtained by NBC News, shows the DNC gave the Clinton campaign input on hiring and spending decisions in exchange for money to help the cash-strapped group, including an initial $1.2 million payment.

Hillary for America personnel will be consulted and have joint authority over strategic decisions over the staffing, budget, expenditures, and general election related communications, data, technology, analytics, and research," the Aug. 26, 2015, memorandum from campaign manager Robby Mook to DNC chief executive Amy Dacey states in part. This does not include any communications related to primary debates -- which will exclusively be controlled by the DNC.

Clinton didnt effectively secure the party nomination until July 2016, after an unexpectedly strong challenge from Sanders, an Independent who temporarily joined the Democratic Party to run for the White House.

The memorandum also attempts to argue that nothing in the joint-fundraising agreement shall be construed to violate the DNCs obligation of impartiality and neutrality through the nominating process and acknowledges the group may enter into similar agreements with other candidates.

President Trump and other Republicans immediately seized on the book excerpts to validate their belief that Clinton had stolen the election from Sanders. In addition, Trump has suggested the FBI and Justice Department look into the matter.

I know Donald Trump and Republicans would like to use Hillary Clinton as a whipping boy, Liz Smith, who was a spokeswoman for Martin OMalley, another 2016 Democratic presidential candidate, on Saturday told Fox News Americas News Headquarters. But shes in our past. We are moving beyond her.

Smith also said new DNC Chairman Tom Perez has acknowledged problems with the 2016 campaign and has vowed to fix them.

Trump tweeted Friday: The real story on Collusion is in Donna B's new book. Crooked Hillary bought the DNC & then stole the Democratic Primary from Crazy Bernie!, I always felt I would be running and winning against Bernie Sanders, not Crooked H, without cheating, I was right.

Brazile fired back on Twitter.

"Todays lesson: Being quoted by Donald Trump means being MIS-quoted by Donald Trump. Stop trolling me," she tweeted with the hashtag #NeverSaidHillaryRiggedElection:

She also tweeted: "Mr President, please -- go back to attacking me. Its better than having my own words scrambled and spewed out by you."

The Washington Post reported Saturday that Brazile also says in her upcoming book that she considered replacing Clinton with then-Vice President Joe Biden when Clinton fainted during a 9/11 memorial service in New York City.
As New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie ends his troubled tenure facing term limits, his legacy may be to hand his statehouse to a Democrat.

According to a recent Quinnipiac University Poll, only 15 percent of likely voters approve of the job Christie is doing. The frontrunner, Democrat Phil Murphy, has been leading Christie's lieutenant governor, Republican candidate Kim Guadagno, by double digits in the polls. A Fox News Poll released October 17, 2017 shows Guadagno trailing Murphy by 14 points.

In an interview with Fox News, Guadagno acknowledged the low poll numbers but said her campaign is starting to gain traction.

"We've cut his lead in more than half, my internal polls show that we are literally at his heels and I think you're beginning to feel this momentum in New Jersey," she said.

Guadagnos focus is on the perennial state issue of high taxes and she says property taxes are the No. 1 issue that New Jersey voters care about.

"They are looking at me as the candidate who will lower their property taxes while the other guy has promised to raise taxes," she said.

Murphy, a multimillionaire former Goldman Sachs executive and former U.S. Ambassador to Germany, said the choice for New Jerseys next governor couldn't be clearer.

On the one hand more of the same, another Chris Christie four years of failed politics, of failed politics for the middle class that was hollowed out and ravaged, where public education doesn't get funded, infrastructure is ignored, we become more unfair by the day and we are caught in this awful us vs. them vortex, he said. Or we can turn the page and change."

Murphy brought out the big names to stump for him in the overwhelmingly Democratic state. President Barack Obama, President Bill Clinton and Vice President Joe Biden have all attended campaign events. But one of his proposals has hit a nerve. During a debate between the two candidates, Murphy said: "If need be well be not just a sanctuary city but state."

Guadagno seized on that statement, releasing a controversial political ad that said, in part, "Murphy will have the backs of deranged murderers."

And the ongoing federal corruption trial of Democratic New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez adds another layer of uncertainty.

If he is convicted and resigns after the inauguration, the new governor would appoint someone to fill his seat. A Fox News Poll found that a majority of voters think Menendez should resign immediately if he is convicted.

Brigid Harrison, a professor of political science and law at Montclair State University, said the trial hasn't been an issue in this campaign but it could impact the balance of power in the Senate.

With the Senate so evenly divided, the outcome of the New Jersey gubernatorial election, if Sen. Menendez were to be convicted, could determine the Trump agenda and if it would move forward with greater ease in the Senate," Harrison said.

Murphy did not respond to repeated interview requests from Fox News.

As Murphy attacks Guadagno as a continuation of Gov. Christie, she like to remind voters that hes no longer on the ballot.

But Christies shadow, observers say, could decide the race.
The Trump administration on Friday asked the Supreme Court to discipline ACLU lawyers for helping a teen illegal immigrant get an abortion while federal lawyers were preparing their case to the high court opposing the procedure.

The Justice Department argues that American Civil Liberties Union lawyers misled the administration  in a case that could become President Trumps first major battle in the countrys politically divisive abortion issue.

The unidentified, 17-year-old from Central America was reportedly told by federal agents in September that she was pregnant, upon trying to illegally enter the U.S. without her parents.

The Trump administration purportedly blocked the teen  only identified as Jane Doe  and a guardian from leaving a South Texas refugee center, where she was being detained, to see an abortion provider. They argued the federal government shouldnt facilitate her having the procedure.

ACLU lawyers in October successfully filed a federal lawsuit that allowed the teen to see a doctor and have an abortion, according to The Los Angeles Times.

A federal appeals court upheld the ruling on Oct. 24, and the undocumented minor had the abortion the following day  before the administration could appeal to the high court.

However, Justice Department lawyers say the ACLU lawyers had agreed to keep them informed about when the teen would have the procedure, which was purportedly paid for with private funds.

And they argue that the teens appointment with an abortion provider was moved from Oct. 26 to the early morning of Oct. 25, to sidestep a high court review. They also claim the appointment was supposed to be a counseling session.

In light of that, the Justice Department believes the judgment under review should be vacated and discipline may be warranted against Jane Does attorneys, the agency told the LA Times.

The ACLU on Friday argued the administration failed to file a timely appeal to the Supreme Court and that the lower court gave the teen the authority to have the abortion. The teen had the legal right to have such a procedure and had no obligation to wait for federal lawyers to try to stop her, they said.

This administration has gone to astounding lengths to block this young woman from getting an abortion. Now, because they were unable to stop her, they are raising baseless questions about our conduct, said ACLU Legal Director David Cole, who also argued the case is part of a new administration policy to block access to abortion care for young immigrants in detention.

In its appeal on Friday, the Justice Department lawyers said a young woman who crosses the border illegally has not right to obtain an abortion.
The U.S. State Department frequently issues advisories for travel to countries around the world. When an alert or warning includes a destination you were planning to visit, you likely have questions and concerns. But before you imagine the worst case scenario and cancel a trip, here's what you need to know.

First of all, a travel alert is different from a travel warning, and the biggest difference between the two is time. According to the State Department, an alert is issued when the government recognizes short-term events they think you need to be aware of when visiting a country. Temporary situations, such as a disease outbreak or a public demonstration, are among the things that could lead to a travel alert.

More ongoing issues, like a civil war or a rise in crime, are typically what call for a travel warning. When that happens, the U.S. State Department wants you to consider very carefully whether you should go to a country at all.

For example, the South Pacific's tropical cyclone season recently got an alert, while Venezuela's ongoing issues with crime and shortages in food and medicine got a warning.

Although this information should never be taken lightly, understanding the events behind both alerts and warnings will give travelers context for planning their own itinerary. One thing to remember is that not every part of a continent or country with a travel advisory is dangerous.

Countries generally dont fit in a one-size-fits-all category, John Rendeiro, Vice President of Global Security and Intelligence at International SOS, told USA Today last year. Variable levels of risks exist within countries, as there are safer and more dangerous parts of the United States as well.

As an example from personal experience, I recently visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Although the U.S. government advises to avoid unnecessary travel to the DRC because of ongoing instability and sporadic violence, I visited the country's Virguna National Park, but I didnt blow off the recommendations. Prior to finalizing my plans, I e-mailed the park directly, and through our correspondence, a ranger assured me that a member of the park's team would escort me into the Congo at the border and Id be accompanied by an armed guard throughout the entire trek. Overall, the park was extremely well run and I had no issues doing what I came to do: see the gorillas.

After being a few feet away from a gorilla family and watching one of the babies spin from a tree branch, I'd say it was one the best experiences Ive ever had.

No matter where travelers go, they should always prioritize their safety and exercise caution. When in a foreign country, keep in mind the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and the long list of U.S. embassies worldwide, which are there to help and inform citizens of how to handle themselves when visiting other countries.

This article originally appeared in Travel + Leisure.


Daniel Ricciardo is hoping for a breakthrough performance in this year's Brazilian Grand Prix.

Previous visits to Sao Paulo haven't quite gone according to plan for the Australian. He finished in eight place last year - which is actually his best result to date in Brazil.

He was eleventh the year before that, and retired from the race in 2014 during his first season at Red Bull. Clearly he feels he has something to prove here.

"Im positive I can get a good result there," he insisted. "But as of yet I havent really had a stand out race in Brazil. Hopefully that will change this year.

Last year's race was in the wet, and Ricciardo says he wouldn't mind some more help from the elements again this year.

"Last year in the wet was fun. I wouldnt mind some more rain this year as I know I could do better."

He could be in luck, with long range weather forecasts currently predicting showers for race day.

But regardless of the weather, Ricciardo is determined to enjoy himself next weekend.

I really like South America in general so Im always excited about the Brazilian GP," he said.

The circuit itself isnt what I typically look for in a track. It doesnt have any notable high speed corners which I usually really enjoy.

"It is quite slow and short which isnt that exciting, [but] that doesnt mean I will try any less for a strong result.

The fans in Brazil are some of the loudest, lots of air horns and trumpets and a general carnival vibe," he continued.

"The area of town where the track is located is quite authentic so you get lots of local fans coming out to watch the race. Its a good one with real soul and passion!:

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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Justice McDonald, 8, keeps a bottle of water nearby so he can clean up and brush his teeth every morning.

He and his 4-year-old brother, Josiah, have learned not to turn on the tap because the water coming out of the faucet is likely poisonous.

This is the way theyve been living for the past three years, ever since their parents learned that the water in their hometown of Flint, Michigan wasnt safe.

We have no other option, said their mother, Jeneyah Bell McDonald. I'm definitely not going to take the chance on my children's health and safety.

FLINT WATER CRISIS CAUSED INCREASE IN FETAL DEATHS, LOWER FERTILITY RATES, STUDY CLAIMS

It was early in 2014 when Flint leaders, under emergency management due to bankruptcy, announced that to save money they were going to switch the source of water from Lake Huron, something theyd been getting through Detroit for the last 40 years, to a local source, the Flint River.

It was meant to be a temporary switch to save the city $5 million.

But it was a tragic decision that led to serious consequences.

Anyone who has lived here for any length of time was shocked because we knew that river was filthy. All kinds of stuff had been dumped in it, for years, Bell McDonald said.

Days after the switch to the river was made, Bell McDonald could tell something wasnt right.

The water coming out of the faucet was brownish colored and smelled very bad, she said. There was no way we were going to drink it. We started buying bottled water.

She said she was still showering in the tainted water, until her hair started falling out.

Many others in the city of nearly 100,000 claimed to suffer skin rashes, shortness of breath and other health problems they associated with the water.

Doctors sounded the alarm when lead was detected in children.

It turns out the river water had high levels of bacteria and was corrosive. It broke down the lining of old household pipes, which caused lead to seep into the water.

A chemical called orthophosphate couldve been added to the water to prevent the corrosion to the pipes. But it wasnt.

You had a staff at the water treatment plant which was fairly inexperienced, said Brig. Gen. Michael McDaniel, who was enlisted to manage Flints pipe replacement project.

He said the water treatment plant had been there for 50 years.

They had not used it regularly (because) they were buying water from the Detroit Water Authority, McDaniel said. They didnt have the science down yet.

MICHIGAN OFFICIAL CHARGED IN DEADLY FLINT WATER CRISIS HEADS BACK TO COURT

In addition to lead exposure, there were dozens of cases of Legionnaires disease. Twelve people died. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is trying to determine if the water was the absolute source for the disease.

Now, 15 state and city leaders are facing criminal charges in connection to decisions made that led to the water crisis. Five are facing involuntary manslaughter charges. Trials are scheduled to begin in 2018.

Class-action lawsuits have also been filed on behalf of residents who suffered from the water crisis.

Flint is no longer getting its water from the river. But the water it is getting, although deemed safe at the source, still has to pass through corroded lead or galvanized pipes in many peoples home that can make the water toxic.

So the focus has turned to replacing those pipes, but its a massive undertaking. An estimated 20,000 pipes need to be replaced.

McDaniel said that just identifying which pipes need to be replaced and where theyre located has been a nightmare process because city records are written in pencil on index cards. Some cards dating back more than 50 years are no longer accurate.

Efforts are underway now to digitize all the records but its another factor slowing the process. Less than a third of the pipework has been completed so far.

Isaiah Oliver, who heads the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, estimates it could cost a half billion dollars to replace all the pipes in Flint.

Millions in federal and state dollars have been allocated for the crisis but after three years, Oliver said, the one thing we dont have a lot of is time.

I don't think anyone who's living through this crisis is comfortable with the speed at which we're moving from crisis to recovery, he said.

Many in Flint wonder if the fact that they live in one of the poorest cities in the nation is a reason why the process is moving so slowly, especially when they see all the recovery efforts carried out in places like Florida and Texas after hurricanes hit.

I think the reality is that we don't have systems in place to protect against man-made disasters and thats what we need to fight for, Oliver said.

Some say the crisis in Flint could serve as a warning to many other communities facing similar issues  showing that Flint could just be the tip of the iceberg.

Theres at least, I would guess, 2,000 other municipalities in the United States that have a similar problem, that have lead or galvanized pipes in the ground that they need to replace, McDaniel said.

There are studies being done on the effects of the tainted Flint water on the people who used it, but definitive results might not come for years.

Josiah McDonald, who was just a baby when the water crisis began, has been diagnosed with autism. Justice has a severe case of eczema. Their parents dont know for certain but suspect the water is to blame.

And the McDonalds still get a bill of $160 a month for water they cant use.

At some point, local leaders promise, the water in Flint will be safe to drink again. But convincing residents to believe them will be their biggest challenge.

Why would we trust them? Bell McDonald said. They told us it was safe before but it wasnt.
The death toll from a truck crash in Northern California on Thursday night was un-bee-lievable.

Thats because the semi-truck that slammed into an embankment along Interstate 80 was carrying about 1 million bees  and they had to be destroyed to prevent them from swarming, Fox 40 reported.

The accident happened in Auburn, north of Sacramento.

The trucks driver told police he swerved off the freeway to avoid causing a chain reaction crash. He was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries, Fox 40 reported.

Beekeeper Nathan Smith said the bees were being transported from Montana to Californias Central Valley to pollinate almond trees.

Smith said that because the crash happened late at night and rain was in the forecast, the only humane way to contain the bees was to kill them by spraying soapy water on them.

Sgt. Tucker Huey of the Auburn Police Department told the Sacramento Bee that police had contacted several beekeepers about how to best salvage the insects.

They determined that euthanasia was the best solution because of the late hour and a forecast of rain for the area. But some bees managed to escape, Huey said.

There were bees everywhere, but they werent swarming because it was cool and night, Huey told the paper. Had this occurred on a warm day, it would have been a much bigger deal.

The bees were worth between $1 million and $2 million, Smith told Fox 40.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.
An 11-year-old South Carolina girl shot and killed herself last week because she was being bullied at school, her family claimed.

Toni Rivers, 11, of Hampton County, shot herself on Oct. 25 after coming home from school, WTOC reported. The sixth graders 14-year-old sister called 911 after she found Toni with a bullet wound. Toni was transported to a Charleston hospital where she died three days later from her injuries.

Tonis stepfather, Robert Thomas, said the gun Toni shot herself with was her own but the bullets were kept separately from the childrens reach. Thomas said he was not aware Toni used the gun without a family member knowing.

Her mother, Amy Thomas, told WTOC she had contacted Tonis school, Hampton County School District 1 elementary school, two days before her daughters suicide. Thomas said she had been calling the school for two months regarding the bullying Toni was enduring.

FAMILY OF MARINE WHO DIED AT WISCONSIN VA HOSPITAL REACHES $2.3M SETTLEMENT

Tonis aunt, Maria Peterson, told WTOC Toni told "five of her little friends that she just couldn't do this anymore, and she was going home and she was killing herself, the day of her suicide.

"We go out to Toni's home in the country thinking that there'd been an accident, you know?" Petersen told WTOC. "And when we get there, we find out that it wasn't an accident, and it was the result of Toni not being able to handle it anymore."

Miranda Cook, the mother of one of Tonis friends, Kyra, said her daughter was also bullied at the school.

"I've had to contact the school on several occasions because of the bullying at school," Cook said. "The child still continues to bully, making comments [like] 'you're ugly.' She (Kyra) actually got shoved into a bookcase and had her head hurt, and when she came home, she told me it was the same child that had been bullying her. But she said, 'Oh, I'm sorry,' as soon as she as she realized she was hurt."

Tonis family and Cook want justice for Tonis death and have called on the school to punish the bullies. A GoFundMe has been launched to raise money for Tonis medical and funeral costs and bring awareness to the young girls death.

TEACHER, 29, ARRESTED FOR HAVING UNPROTECTED SEX WITH 17-YEAR-OLD STUDENT, POLICE SAY

Our school system failed Toni. Theyre failing all of our children. Tonis family has lost a beautiful soul and the most infuriating part is that this could have been prevented, the GoFundMe page stated. We have to ban together to make sure we start protecting our children today. We have to fight for our children today.

The Hampton County School District 1 has declined to comment on the allegations but released a statement expressing condolences to Tonis family. South Carolina Law Enforcement Division confirmed it was investigating the incident, Fox Charleston reported.

Toni, who was an organ donor, was able to give five patients life-saving transplants, WTOC reported. There will be a vigil in Tonis honor Sunday at Wade Hampton High School.
An Alabama man was dubbed a hero after he traveled two hours to search for a missing 3-year-old girl he found in the woods Friday.

Eric Gilbreath, 37, of Cullman told WHNT that when he heard Serenity Dawn Sanders went missing Thursday his heart just fell out on the floor. Gilbreath knew the little girl personally because his son and Serenity have the same mother.

The toddler vanished after the girls mother left her outside for a moment with their new puppy, The Cullman Tribune reported. When the woman returned outside, the puppy and Serenity were gone.

My first thought was helping getting out there and looking. I wasn't going to give up," Gilbreath told WHNT.

The man traveled two hours from his residence to DeKalb County to search for the toddler. He said he got out of the car on County Road 957 and began searching in the wooded area for the little girl.

KIDNAPPED ALABAMA WOMAN CAUGHT ON VIDEO BREAKING FREE FROM CAPTORS TRUNK

There were several rescue people there, deputies and police, but they had been out searching for hours and had just about decided to quit until daylight, Gilbreath told The Cullman Tribune. I couldnt wait; I just went off into the woods and started calling her name.

After a few hours, Gilbreath spotted the puppy first and then followed the canine to Serenity.

Hi Eric! Serenity said when Gilbreath found her.

The hero called her mother to tell her that her daughter was safe.

VIRAL VIDEO OF HUGE HOG ROAMING IN ALABAMA

There were a lot of tears, I even cried, and I dont cry much, but these were happy tears, Gilbreath said.

Gilbreath said the puppy mysteriously vanished after he found the toddler and has yet to show up.

Serenity was transported to a hospital as a precaution but was expected to be released shortly.
The chief U.S. envoy at UNESCO says anti-Israel bias and opaque bureaucracy are hobbling the U.N. cultural agency and is urging deep reforms.

Chris Hegadorn made the appeal Saturday at the agency's Paris headquarters in one of the last major American speeches to UNESCO before the U.S. withdraws next year.

Hegadorn said the decision to leave "wasn't taken lightly" but was necessary because of budget reasons, UNESCO's inclusion of Palestine as a member and countries using the agency to advance their political agendas.

He urged UNESCO to speed up spending decisions and do more to prevent violent extremism through education, notably on social media.

He said the U.S. will remain "a determined advocate for the ideals on which UNESCO was founded" and support heritage protection and educational efforts.
Violent carjackingseven in trendy neighborhoods -- have surged in Chicago, where gun violence has generated unflattering national headlines, the Chicago Tribune reported.

As of Oct. 18, there were 661 carjackings nearly surpassing the 663 carjackings recorded in all of 2016, according to the paper. Last year's number was nearly double the 339 in 2015 and the most since 2009.

Carjackings started to spike last year when homicides and shootings skyrocketed and crimes in virtually every other category rose, the paper reported.

The causes are unclear, according to the Tribune, but some officers felt the furor over the video showing police shoot teen Laquan McDonald 16 times led to many officers becoming less aggressive on the street, which in turn emboldened criminals.

The Harrison police district on the West Side, historically one of the citys most violent areas for carjackings, increased from 69 in 2016 to 82 so far this year.

But carjackings have also risen downtown and in trendy neighborhoods, the paper reported.

In the police district that includes the Wicker Park, Bucktown and Logan Square neighborhoods, carjackings have nearly tripled so far this year, from 13 last year to 36, the paper reported.

In the two police districts that cover downtown, there have been 42 carjackings through Oct. 18, compared to 11 last year.

A Tribune reporter sat in on a carjacking strategy session at police headquarters Thursday.

At the meeting, patrol and detective commanders talk about how much street gangs were to blame for the carjackings, much like violent crime, the paper reported. Juveniles are also involved, as well.

This is a gang trade that were seeing, Deputy Chief Al Nagode, who oversees patrol operations for the North, Northwest and West sides, said at the meeting.

Kim Fasula told the paper how a carjacker stole her 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee in June after pointing a gun at her head.

She went to a therapist who helps victims of violent crime.

Its like drastically changed my life, and I question whether Ill ever be the way I was, she told the Tribune. And the therapist said, You know, you have to focus on what your new normal will be.
A GoFundMe account reached nearly $18,000 early Saturday for a Florida woman who lost her baby  and then her arms and legs because of sepsis that started during her pregnancy.

Kayleigh Ferguson-Walker, 31, recently returned to services at her Broward County, Fla., church for the first time since her terrible ordeal, the Sun-Sentinel reported.

Today Im just amazed to be here, to be able to talk, to see, to praise God, she told the congregation, the newspaper reported.

"Today Im just amazed to be here, to be able to talk, to see, to praise God."  Kayleigh Ferguson-Walker, 31, a quadruple amputee

Ferguson-Walkers story has helped raise awareness about sepsis  when the bodys blood-clotting function overreacts to infection -- and also the plight of Americas amputees, a group that numbers nearly 2 million people, according to the Amputee Coalition of America.

Today Ferguson-Walker is still waiting to fully heal before she can be fitted for prosthetic arms and legs. The limbs were amputated in a series of operations after she lost her baby, the Sun-Sentinel reported.

Ferguson-Walker initially thought she had the flu, but it turned out that she had a serious infection that eventually killed her unborn child and triggered sepsis, which cut off blood flow to her extremities, the newspaper reported.

She told the Sun-Sentinel that she and husband Ramon have no immediate plans to sue anyone in connection with what happened.

Insurance has helped the couple and their 3-year-old child to some degree, but the family started the GoFundMe page for help in meeting other expenses.

Contributions can be made by clicking here.
A Florida high school has come under fire for the way it handles students at lunch time.

Hudson High School in Pasco County, Fla., reportedly segregates students depending on their grade point average and the number of absences they have. The program was launched at the beginning of the school year, official told FOX13.

Officials described the program, called "On-track", as a way to encourage students to perform better in school, but some students feel it divides them.

To be a part of On-track, students must have a GPA higher than 2.0, fewer than four absences, no Fs on their report and they must earn all their credits for the semester. Students who fit the requirements receive special privileges, including free tickets to sporting events and the ability to eat lunch outside instead of in the cafeteria. The students also received a bracelet and ID labeling them as part of the program.

TEACHER, 29, ARRESTED FOR HAVING UNPROTECTED SEX WITH 17-YEAR-OLD STUDENT, POLICE SAY

Students who do not fill the requirements are forced to eat inside the cafeteria and are not allowed to leave the room during that time.

Were not allowed to, even if we had a pass we could not go see any teachers, were not allowed to leave the lunchroom, period, Kat Davis, a junior at the school, told FOX13.

Senior Rhainey Knight told FOX13 the cafeteria could become very crowded.

Theres so many kids that sit on the floors, theyre sitting on tables, and theyre just standing, and its overcrowded, Rhainey Knight told FOX13.

On Thursday, some students protested the program by walking out of the cafeteria citing the lack of space in the area.

School officials told FOX13 there was enough room to fit all of the 250 students who were not in the program.

A lot of people that are tracking still sit in the cafeteria rather than going into the lounge or commons, which then makes less room for the people who arent tracking to sit in there, Ashlynn Brooks, a junior at the school, said.

FLORIDA WOMAN CHARGED WITH DUI ON A HORSE

Mandy Lohan, a parent of one of the schools students, believed the program segregates students.

I think the program needs to go away, its not good for anybody, Lohan said. Youre definitely labeled regardless of if you dont have that, you know, obviously theyre putting you into a special group, and then if you do have that youre in another group.

You want unity and you want family, thats what Cobra preaches, but yet theyre separating the kids. Its not right, Lohan said.

FOX13 reported some parents were concerned the program breaks the law for students with disabilities.

Fox News request for a comment from the school was not immediately answered.
Massachusetts became the first state to enact a ban on bump stocks following the mass shooting at a Las Vegas music festival.

Republican Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito signed the bill Friday in her capacity as acting governor because Republican Gov. Charlie Baker is on vacation in California.

A bump stock can make a semi-automatic rifle mimic the fireng actions of a fully automatic weapon.

Earlier in the day, the Gun Owners Action League of Massachusetts, an affiliate of the National Rifle Association, called on Baker to veto the bump stock ban, Fox 25 Boston reported. Among other objections, the group said the potential penalties for possession of the devices were too harsh.

"The provision passed by the legislature ... allows for excessive punishment including life imprisonment, with a minimum sentence of 18 months, for the mere possession of these accessories," said the group.

Authorities investigating the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history said the gunman, Stephen Paddock, used a bump stock when he opened fire Oct. 1 from his Las Vegas hotel room on concert-goers below. Fifty-eight people were killed and hundreds more wounded.

Democratic state Rep. David Linsky, one of the first in Massachusetts to call for outlawing the devices, said it would make the state safer while respecting the rights of gun owners.

"I am proud of my colleagues in the Legislature for continuing Massachusetts' reputation as having among the safest and most effective gun laws in the nation," he said.

California law already prohibited the sale of bump stocks.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Four people were shot, one fatally, when an altercation between occupants of two party buses ended in gunfire near the iconic Santa Monica Pier in California early Saturday, police said.

A woman was the person who was killed, Santa Monica police said. They said that they were looking for two or three suspects who fled on foot. The shooting happened occurred around 1 a.m. on Ocean Avenue near the entrance to the pier.

"One of the buses had a group of people that got off the bus, got into an altercation of some sort with another group that was on another bus that was directly parked behind it, at which point shots were fired," Lt. Saul Rodriguez said, according to KABC-TV.

The woman and two of the wounded were driven to a nearby police station by the driver of their bus, the station reported. They were in the bus when they were shot.

They and their friends were celebrating a birthday at the time, according to the station.

The fourth victim may have been a passerby. That person refused medical attention, police said.

Police said they do not believe the individuals on the two buses knew each other, KABC reported.
Russia's hybrid military forces have attacked Ukrainian army positions in Donbas 29 times in the past 24 hours, with three Ukrainian soldiers reported as wounded in action, the press service of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) headquarters has reported.

"The situation in the ATO area remained tense last night, though fully controlled by the Ukrainian army. If during the previous few days the number of attacks on our positions has decreased, then yesterday the enemy activated fire provocations virtually along the entire disengagement line. The ATO forces returned fire 17 times, thus forcing the enemy to observe the ceasefire," the ATO HQ wrote on Facebook on Saturday morning.

The enemy intensified its attacks significantly in the Donetsk sector after 18:00. The militants fired at Ukrainian strongholds near the town of Avdiyivka until midnight, using grenade launchers and machine guns. The Ukrainian military fired back to suppress the enemy's activity. As a result of the confrontation, one of Ukraine's defenders was wounded. In the evening, the ATO positions came under enemy fire from infantry weapons near the villages of Pisky and Zaitseve, as well as near Butovka coal mine. The militants also fired 120mm mortars near the village of Troyitske.

In the Luhansk sector, as a result of the enemy shelling from a heavy machine gun, another Ukrainian soldier was wounded near the village of Novo-Oleksandrivka. In addition, the militants fired 82mm mortars on ATO strongholds outside the village of Triokhizbenka. They used all types of infantry weapons near the villages of Stanytsia Luhanska, Novozvanivka, and Valuyske.

In the evening hours, the Russia-backed militants attacked the Ukrainian strongholds near the villages of Talakivka and Taramchuk in the Mariupol sector.
An irate neighbor allegedly assaulted U.S. Sen. Rand Paul on Friday as the senator was mowing the lawn outside his Bowling Green, Ky., home, according to neighbors.

Kentucky State Police identified the alleged assailant as Rene Boucher, 59, of Bowling Green, charging him with intentionally assaulting Paul, causing minor injury, local law-enforcement officials told Fox News.

They said Boucher was arrested and charged with one count of fourth degree assault  minor injury. He was taken to the nearby Warren County Detention Center, where he was being held on $5,000 bail.

A second neighbor told local news station WNKY-TV that Paul was mowing his lawn around 3 p.m. when Boucher assaulted him. The neighbor said Paul's and Boucher's homes share a corner adjacent to their homes and they have been embroiled in an ongoing feud.

The assailant could face up to a year behind bars for the Class A misdemeanor. A local newspaper, the Bowling Green Daily News, reports that Warren County Attorney Amy Milliken said Boucher could face additional charges.

Officials at Pauls Senate office say that the former presidential candidate did not suffer any major injuries.

"Senator Paul was blindsided and the victim of an assault," Kelsey Cooper, a spokeswoman for Paul, said in a statement to the Hill. "The assailant was arrested and it is now a matter for the police. Senator Paul is fine.

Voting records from the Kentucky State Board of Election list Boucher as a registered Democrat, the Daily Caller reported. A person with his name also works as an anesthesiologist in Bowling Green.

The New York Daily News also reported that Boucher was awarded a 2003 patent for a pain relief product called Therm-a-vest, which was sold on QVC in 2005, according to a news report at the time.

A Facebook account said to be maintained by Boucher contained multiple anti-Trump postings.
An English teacher was arrested in Florida for having consensual unprotected sex with her male student, police said.

Caroline Lawson, 29, a teacher at Earl J. Lenard High School in Ruskin, Fla., was arrested Friday at her Tampa home two days after she had unprotected sex with her 17-year-old male student, Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office deputies told FOX13.

According to the arrest affidavit, the teacher texted a third party following the sexual act stating: I cheated on (name) with a student. The person asked: When you say cheated, do you mean slept with?

FLORIDA WOMAN CHARGED WITH DUI ON HORSE

The educator replied: Yes.

Authorities met with the student Thursday who confirmed he had sexual intercourse with Lawson, his high school English teacher. The student gave Lawsons name and age to authorities.

Lawson declined to give detectives a statement on Thursday, but confirmed she was being investigated due to the text messages sent following the sexual act, authorities said.

Hillsborough County Public Schools said Lawson resigned from her position and said they were fully cooperating with the investigation.

We are deeply disappointed by these charges. The safety of our students is our top priority. We are working with law enforcement as they investigate. This employee has resigned her position with the district, the district told ABC Action News.

DONATIONS POUR IN FOR FLORIDA WOMAN WHO LOST BABY, THEN HER ARMS AND LEGS

Lawson was hired by the district in 2014 and had a clean record, district officials told FOX13.

Lawson was charged with two counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor, ABC Action News reported.

Hillsborough County Sherriffs Office Corporal Larry McKinnon said the department was investigating if there were any other victims.

The educator was booked into the Hillsborough County jail but was released after posting the $30,000 bond.
An American woman charged with subversion in Zimbabwe for allegedly insulting the countrys president will remain in police custody this weekend after making her first court appearance Saturday.

Martha ODonovan, 25, a graduate of New York University, has been accused of calling President Robert Mugabe, 93, a sick man in a Twitter post that included a photo illustration of Mugabe with a catheter. ODonovan denied the allegations, calling them baseless and malicious.

ODonovans lawyer, Rose Hanzi, told the court that a subversion charge was illegal because police did not inform the woman of it when she was taken from her home in the capital, Harare, on Friday morning.

The court disagreed and ruled that ODonovan will remain in custody over the weekend. Hanzi said on Monday they will approach the High Court for bail.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION REVOKES APPOINTMENT OF MUGABE



ODonovan made no statement in court and showed no emotion as the request was dismissed. She waved to a small crowd of supporters as she was escorted into a prison truck.

The American had been working with a local social media outlet Magamba TV, which described itself as producing satirical comedy sensations. She called herself a manager for Magamba TV and a media activist.

Earlier this year, she presented a talk at a re:publica digital culture conference on "How Zimbabweans Rebel Online."

ODonovans arrest was the first since Mugabe appointed a cybersecurity minister last month. Zimbabwe was shaken last year by the biggest anti-government protests in a decade. Frustration is growing in the once prosperous southern African nation as the economy collapses and the president, in power for more than 35 years, is already running for next year's elections.

US CITIZEN ARRESTED IN ZIMBABWE, ACCUSED OF INSULTING MUGABE

Mugabes wife Grace was rumored to take over the presidency after the president, who has been rumored to be in declining health, resigns or dies. The first lady was not well-liked among the countrys citizens due to her lavish spending and fear of being criticized, The Guardian reported.

The group representing O'Donovan, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights says it has represented nearly 200 people charged for allegedly insulting Mugabe, the world's oldest head of state, in recent years.

"This arrest marks the start of a sinister new chapter in the Zimbabwean government's clampdown on freedom of speech, and the new battleground is social media," said Amnesty International's deputy regional director, Muleya Mwananyanda. The statement said Zimbabwe authorities tracked tweets to O'Donovan's IP address.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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The foreign ministers of Germany and Turkey have held informal talks as the two countries try and repair their strained relations.

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu tweeted Saturday they met in Turkey "informally to discuss bilateral relations, including the difficult issues and mutual expectations."

Multiple issues have caused friction between the two countries in recent months, including the jailing of several Germans on terrorism-related charges in Turkey following a 2016 coup attempt. Germany has protested the arrests.

A human rights activist was allowed to return to Germany, but others remain jailed.

Turkey has accused Germany of harboring members of an outlawed Kurdish group. It also criticized Germany's refusal to allow Turkish politicians to appear at rallies before a referendum on the Turkish president's powers.
Irans government displayed a ballistic missile while crowds chanted Down with the U.S. and burned an American flag as the country marked the anniversary of the 1979 U.S. embassy takeover and hostage crisis on Saturday.

Thousands of people gathered in front of the former embassy site in Tehran to commemorate one of the pivotal events of the Islamic Revolution.

In an apparent show of force, the gathering included a surface-to-surface Sejji missile with a range of 1,200 miles. It was the first time Iran had displayed a missile at the annual event and comes a month after President Trump refused to re-certify Irans compliance with its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

Irans leaders say they are proud of its missile program.

That America thinks Iran is going to put aside its military power is a childish dream, said Brigadier General Hossein Salami, deputy head of its elite Revolutionary Guards which oversees the missile development, Reuters reported, citing the Iranian news agency Tasnim.

The Fars news agency posted pictures of demonstrators burning an effigy of Trump and holding up signs saying Death to America, Reuters reported.

Hundreds of Iranian militant students stormed the U.S. Embassy after the overthrow of the U.S.-backed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. They took 52 Americans hostage for 444 days after Washington refused to hand over the shah, who was in the U.S.

The siege led to a break in diplomatic relations that remains severed to this day.

President Trump refused to re-certify the 2015 landmark nuclear deal between Iran and world powers in October and the U.S. has imposed more sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missile program.

The U.S. Congress must now make a decision regarding the 2015 nuclear deal, in which Iran agreed to limit its enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.

Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the country's Supreme National Security Council, addressed the crowd, saying Iran will make any sanctions imposed by the U.S. "ineffective" even as the U.S. targets Iran's economic, nuclear and defensive power.

Shamkhani, alluding to Trump's threats against North Korea, said even U.S. allies know that Trump "has no power to realize his bluffs, against Iran, too." He called the U.S. the "eternal enemy" of Iran.

The former embassy in Tehran is now a cultural center while standing as a symbol of a U.S. defeat for many Iranians. Many Iranians call it the "den of spies."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri resigned from his post Saturday during a trip to Saudi Arabia in a surprise move that plunged the country into uncertainty amid heightened regional tensions.

In a televised address from Riyadh, Hariri fired a vicious tirade against Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah group for what he said was their meddling in Arab affairs and said "Iran's arms in the region will be cut off."

"The evil that Iran spreads in the region will backfire on it," Hariri said, accusing Tehran of spreading chaos, strife and destruction throughout the region.

Hariri was appointed prime minister in late 2016 and headed a 30-member national unity cabinet that included the Shiite militant Hezbollah. The government has largely succeeded in protecting the country from the effects of the civil war in neighboring Syria.

The country is sharply divided along a camp loyal to Saudi Arabia, headed by the Sunni Muslim Hariri, and a camp loyal to Iran represented by Hezbollah.

Hariri's resignation Saturday was expected to sharply raise tensions in the country. In his speech, he suggested he feared for his life and said the atmosphere in the country is similar to the one that existed before his father, the late prime minister Rafik Hariri, was assassinated in 2005.

Several Hezbollah members are being tried in absentia for the killing by a U.N.-backed tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands. Hezbollah denies any involvement.

He said Hezbollah's policies have put Lebanon "in the eye of the storm."

"Hezbollah was able in past decades to impose a status quo in Lebanon through its weapons directed at the chests of Syrians and Lebanese," he said.

Earlier this week, Saudi State Minister for Gulf Affairs Thamer al-Sabhan sharply criticized Hezbollah, calling for its "toppling" and promising "astonishing developments" in the coming days during an interview with the Lebanese TV station MTV.

Al-Sabhan met with Hariri in Saudi Arabia when the now resigned prime minister was visiting first earlier this week. Hariri abruptly returned to the kingdom later Friday before his bombshell announcement Saturday.

In tweets after meeting Hariri, al-Sabhan described it as "long and fruitful meeting" that resulted in agreements over many issues that concern the Lebanese. "What comes is better, God willing," al-Sabhan tweeted on Tuesday. In a series of tweets, al-Sabhan criticized the Lebanese government for tolerating Hezbollah's criticism of the kingdom.

He earlier said that those who cooperate with Hezbollah must be "punished."

The attacks on Hezbollah came on the heels of new U.S. sanctions on the group.
Saudi Arabias air defense forces have reportedly intercepted a missile launched from neighboring country Yemen, aimed at an airport in the country's capital.

According to a report by the BBC, citing Saudi Arabia State TV, the missile was taken down Saturday near King Khalid International Airport, north-east of Riyadh, after a loud explosion was reportedly heard.

The missile was described as of limited size and caused no damage, the channel Al-Ekhbariya said.

AMERICAS ROLE IN YEMEN WAR MUST END, US LAWMAKERS DEMAND

Reuters has reported that there were no casualties in the incident.

The Houthi rebels, a minority Shia group backed by Iran and aligned with Yemen's ousted former president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, have claimed responsibility for shooting the long-range ballistic missile, as broadcast on a Houthi-linked television network, according to Al Jazeera.

This would not be the first time Saudi forces have shot down a missile from the rebels, the BBC reported.

A war-torn Yemen has been ravaged by the battle between the Houthi rebel movement and those who support President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadis government.
Head of the National Police of Ukraine Serhiy Kniazev has announced his intention to change the system of recruitment and training of young employees of the criminal police.

During the meeting on Friday Kniazev said that the agency plans to completely change the system of recruiting and training candidates for service in the criminal police units. So, 75-80% of candidates will take office after a certain period of service in the patrol police units. Thus, before starting the service, the candidate will have some work experience, the press service of the National Police said.

At the same time, the remaining candidates - 20-25% of the required number of operatives - will receive specialized education. After receiving education, young operatives will be taught by their experienced colleagues.

Kniazev appealed to the heads of the regional criminal police units, present at the meeting, with a demand to give the necessary attention to the training of young operatives.

"You have to teach, because you are the "skeleton staff" that will form and teach a new generation of Ukrainian policemen," Kniazev said.

In addition, it is planned to create police units that will more actively counteract crime. One of such forms of work is the creation of the institute of police detectives.

"We plan to reformat the work of the criminal investigation department - we are creating an entirely new division, which will include the best workers, 70% of whom are operatives and 30% are investigators," he said.
As the late-arriving crisp autumn air still permeates the Burg, area families have one more opportunity to experience the exciting flavor of the spooky season with Riverside Childrens Theatres The Monster Hunters.

The whole nature of Halloween has changed a lot since we were kids. Back then, we would spend a couple of weeks just preparing for that one night, said Steve Thompson, who is directing the production. We wanted to offer a throwback to that Halloween feelingwith a bunch of kids tearing around on a night that is really scary with monsters on the loose.

The action begins with the entrance of two self-absorbed, celebrity monster-hunters, Van Pyer (John Flemming) and Duke Thunder (Elijah Beale), who arrive in Bumblewood for a comic book signing. The line of adoring fans waiting for their autographs gives evidence of the popularity of their vocation and sets the stage for Finn (Zechariah Beale) to call to order a meeting of the The Monster, Ghost, Goblin, Demon, Dragon, Evil-Wizard Hunters Club.

This loosely connected association of teens and tweens has yet to even sight a monster. The club also has plenty of weak spots, including rifts between its members, such as sparring matches between boisterous Frances (Christianna Gray) and faint-hearted Ben (Jonah Randell) who trade barbs in the guise of proposed new names for the club. Meanwhile, the other members, including Penny (Rachel Thompson), Buck (Talitha Muggeridge) and Chuck (Jaxon Keller), dutifully rehearse their roles as capturers in the event that a monster were to ever appear.

The spotlight then falls on another of Bumblewoods cliques. The mean girls in the Girls Who Like to Make Bracelets Club are led by the cool and haughty Margot (Katelyn Farrell), who has hatched a scheme to scare the wits out of the monster hunters. As her clubs ploy begins, member Whitney (Elena Runkle) hesitates and describes the plot as mean-spirited. This reveals that her attitude, as well as her bracelet-making skill, is not worthy of membership in the association, and, by the vote by the remaining two members, Melanie (Avari Johnson) and Teresa (Ariana Benitez), she is officially ousted.

All those ingredients congeal into a raucous tale of trickery, revelation and counter-trickery, which includes plenty of interaction with the audience, such as a lightning-speed flashlight chase through the darkened theater.

In addition to its seasonal connotations, The Monster Hunters was chosen because of the opportunity it afforded to bring new aspiring actors to the Riverside stage.

One of the objectives of Riverside Childrens Theatre is to train the next generation of actors. This is the first time in a long time that we have had so many actors who are new to Riverside, said Thompson.

Gray is among the new faces for this production, and she credits the careful tutelage of Thompson and stage manager Jarid Soldz for her smooth transition to the theater and convincing portrayal of the character of Frances.

Madailein McDonough plays Pip, Bens fearless and audacious tomboy younger sister. The 12-year-old beams when shes told that her character brings to mind young Scout of To Kill a Mockingbird and says that her parents had told her she looks just like that actress.

To their credit, Thompson and his wife, Mary, who co-founded Riversides Children Theatre, have accomplished their goal of raising up new actorsand many of them first performed in kids productions before moving on to the theaters main stage and beyond.

In developing the kids talent we use a mentoring approach, in which those with training serve as role models for the others, said Thompson. My greatest delight is teaching these kids because, whether they go into acting or not, they will have this positive growth experience in their lives. They accomplish something that might have once seemed to be incredibly daunting. It takes a lot of courage even to audition. And when they get into rehearsals, they realize how much work and discipline is required.

Thompson also highlights the benefits that young people receive for making that investment.

Where else can you throw off all the social pressures of high school and middle school? he said. I always say, when you come into the theater, you take yourself off and hang it up on the coat rack and put on your persona, your character. And thats who you get to be for a couple of hours, so you get to do all the things that you normally would never do in real life. At the same time, the experience teaches them to accept themselves. They are just another kid in the cast and everyone accepts and respects one another. That allows them to flower as a person.Thompson also notes the value that the experience of a live performance can have for its audience. Whether we are doing a classic or a production like this, we hope that it provides an opportunity to start a discussion among children and their parents and grandparents about the things they did at their age, he said. Being able to spark those conversations is a major plus!
A 16-year Republican incumbent from Spotsylvania County has three opponentsa Democrat, a Green Party member and an independent who served on the School Boardin the race for the 88th District House of Delegates seat.

Del. Mark Cole, one of the more conservative state lawmakers, blames Virginias problems on too much government. Hes also a staunch opponent of tax increases. I think the government is already taking enough money, we just need to prioritize better, said Cole, who works for Spotsylvania as a deputy county administrator.

His opponentsGreen Party nominee Gerald Anderson, Democrat Steve Aycock and independent Amanda Blalockshare several similar positions, but said they would bring different strengths to the job as Tuesdays election nears.

The 88th District includes parts of Fredericksburg and Stafford, Spotsylvania and Fauquier counties.

Anderson, a Germanna Community College chemistry professor from Fredericksburg, said hes aligned with the peoples party, which he said will look out for citizens rather than corporations. Unlike Democratic candidates, he said, the five Green Party contenders in General Assembly races this year did not receive donations from corporations or political action committees.

Aycock, an associate pastor for missions at Real Life Community Church in Stafford County, said he understands a broad range of topics, while his opponents seem focused on single issueseducation for Blalock and the environment for Anderson. He also noted that he will have the Democratic Partys help in passing legislation, an advantage the other challengers will lack.

Blalock, who was on the Spotsylvania School Board for nearly a decade, said she is not beholden to any party. She also noted that shes the only female General Assembly candidate running as an independent. It allows me to make the common-sense vote and to cross party lines when necessary, she said. Extremism on either side of the aisle will never push Virginia forward.

The challengers have expressed support for a regional transportation authority that could raise certain taxes to fund road improvements. But Cole said he does not think another layer of government would solve the regions transportation problems.

The challengers also said they oppose two controversial bills that Cole has sponsored or co-sponsored in recent years. Both bills failed.

One would have prohibited transgender people from using the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity. The other would have banned abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, with no exception for rape or incest.

Blalock pointed out a Washington Post article seven years ago that quoted Cole as saying: I just think you should have the right to control your own body. At the time, he was explaining why he proposed legislation to prohibit employers or insurance companies from implanting microchips in peoples bodies against their will.

Yet when it comes to womens issues or abortion, suddenly he wants to take the right out of womens hands, Blalock said.

She also targeted Cole for preaching less government while collecting more than $100,000 annually from Spotsylvania and the state.

Cole has sent out mailers accusing his opponents of supporting hypothetical sanctuary cities that do not cooperate with federal immigration officials. Theyve broken our laws, and we should not be providing sanctuary to criminals, he said of undocumented immigrants.

Anderson said at a debate last month that he agrees with the concept of sanctuary cities in general and thinks the U.S. should foster immigration.

Aycock, who noted that sanctuary cities do not exist here, said he does not think local teachers and law-enforcement officers should have to enforce immigration laws. But he said this week that he opposes hypothetical sanctuary cities.

Blalock indicated support for sanctuary cities at the debate but clarified her position this week. A debate panelist had asked the candidates whether they support sanctuary cites, but did not define the term.

Blalock said she thinks localities should cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Still, she does believe that dreamers, or immigrants brought to the country illegally as children, should be able to remain in the U.S. without fear of deportation.

Cole touts his strong opposition to gun control, saying he wants to put language in state law that defines gun ownership as an individual right. That would stop a liberal judge from ruling that the Second Amendment applies only to the military, he said.

In addition, he wants to streamline the regulatory process, particularly for road projects. It shouldnt have to go through three or four different state agencies to have a road plan approved, he said.

Lastly, Cole said he thinks lower taxes and fewer regulations will grow the economy. Every tax on a business is really a jobs tax, he said.

Anderson said he is the most pro-labor candidate and would vote to repeal the states right-to-work law that cuts income to unions. He said hes also in favor of strict environmental protections to address climate change and that hes the only candidate to advocate for more nutritious food in public schools and better nutrition education.

Anderson said he would propose bills to limit donations to politicians, require child psychologists in public schools, and increase the $7.25 an hour minimum wage to what he called a livable wage of $15.60.

We are running to represent the common man in his plight against the mighty corporations and the owners of those corporations, he said of this years Green Party candidates.

Aycock said he disagrees with Coles stance on limited government, saying he thinks the public sector has a key role to play in improving peoples lives in terms of transportationthe environment[and] education.

He said he supports a regional transportation authority but does not see a need to raise taxes statewide. Legislators have told him the money is there to pay for public schools and other services, but needs to be reallocated, he said.

In addition, Aycock said he hopes to restore funding for a grant program that helps localities reduce storm water runoff. And he wants to continue tax credits for businesses that let their employees telecommute.

Aycock said he thinks he stands the best chance of defeating Cole, noting that he has received donations from more than 200 people. The other challengers have received far less monetary support, and many of Coles donations came from corporations, he added.

I would represent the individualsand bring real progress and real change to Virginia, Aycock said.

Blalock said she agrees with Cole on the Second Amendment but not much else.

She did say she envisions more room for compromise on health care than the other challengers, both of whom expressed support for Medicaid expansion. Blalock also said she hopes to tackle campaign finance reform, limit standardized tests and address unfunded mandates to localities.

Blalock was one of the better known School Board members, at least partly because of her active social media presence. She said she would continue that accessibility as a delegate.

I do believe Im well known for being responsive, answering emails, answering calls and having face-to-face conversations, she said.

Cole holds a big fundraising lead, having collected $27,523 in monetary donations this year on top of the $60,533 he had accumulated in prior years.

He had spent $15,410 as of Sept. 30, leaving him with more than $70,000.

Anderson and Blalock have accumulated $1,777 and $1,225, respectively, while Aycock has raised $22,862.
The United States has suggested Ukraine not to make a competing resolution on the UN peacekeeping mission in Donbas in response to the Russian initiative, and try to reach an agreement, U.S. State Department Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker has said.

Ukraine introduced the idea of deploying a UN peacekeeping mission in the east of Ukraine several years ago. Then Russia was not ready to look into it. When Russia presented its idea in September, Ukraine was ready to bring its own proposal ... We discussed this with Ukraine and said: "Let's not put forward a competing resolution, let's try to start a discussion on the principles, what an effective peacekeeping mission should do. And see if we can reach an agreement," the U.S. diplomat said at a briefing in Washington on Friday.

According to him, at the moment discussions are held about the principles and elements of the UN mission, the State Department said.

We are discussing the principles and elements that should be in the future resolution of the UN Security Council, and if we can agree - this will be the best option for moving forward, Volker said.

According to him, the United States, in addition to Russia and Ukraine, conducts diplomatic discussions and coordination with France and Germany, as partners in the Normandy format, as well as Britain and Sweden, which are members of the UN Security Council at the moment.

According to Volker, for a peacekeeping mission to be effective, it is necessary to control the entire territory of Donbas, monitor the movement of heavy weapons and control the area of the Russian-Ukrainian border.

We are trying to see if it is possible to create conditions for the deployment of the UN peacekeeping forces to control the territories in the east of Ukraine, which would restore confidence between the parties, at least to the international forces of the UN. This would create an opportunity for Ukraine to advance forward in the implementation of the Minsk agreements, in particular, in the conduct of elections, which cannot be conducted at the moment, Volker said.

The special representative also said that on November 13 his third meeting with presidential aide Vladislav Surkov will take place.

I had two meetings with my counterpart Vladislav Surkov, he said. Let's see if we can make progress. And I will have a third meeting with him in Belgrade on November 13, the U.S. diplomat added.
IN VIRGINIA'S lieutenant governors race, voters have the choice between two intelligent and capable candidates: state Sen. Jill Holtzman Vogel, a veteran Republican legislator representing parts of Fauquier, Stafford and Culpeper counties, and Northern Virginia attorney Justin Fairfax, a Democrat.

Both candidates are more than qualified for this part-time position in which the only constitutional responsibilities are being first in the line of succession should anything happen to the governor, and presiding over the state Senate, breaking the occasional tie vote if necessary. Few would seek the job were it not a political steppingstone on the way to the governors mansion four years hence.

Vogel, a former attorney for the Republican National Committee and the U.S. Department of Energy, has served three terms in the state Senate, where she forged working relationships with her Democratic colleagues. Vogels pro-business record earned her the endorsement of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerces political action committee, a notable feat considering that the chamber is in her opponents own back yard.

Vogel says she is proud of putting principle over party and crossing ideological and party lines on certain issues, such as siding with her Democratic colleagues to promote non-partisan redistricting and bills banning discrimination against gay and transgender people.

Most voters do not expect their state legislators to vote in complete lockstep with their party leaders on every issue. However, in 2013 Vogel voted against the bipartisan comprehensive transportation bill sponsored by former House Speaker William Howell and signed by former Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell. The bill, which generated $3.4 billion in much-needed funds for transportation, was the first major legislation addressing Virginias mobility crisis in 27 years.

Even with the $3.4 billion, the commonwealth is still struggling to provide traffic congestion relief. It would have been even further behind had the bill not passed. But when the Fredericksburg region needed Vogel to vote with her own party to tackle the transportation issue head-on instead of kicking the can down the proverbial road, she turned her back on us.

Although Fairfax is a relative newcomer to politics, he has strong credentials as a former staff member of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, clerk for U.S. District Judge Gerald Bruce Lee, and assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia who almost upset Mark Herring in the 2013 Democratic primary for attorney general. A graduate of Duke and Columbia Law School, Fairfax is currently a litigator at Venable, a Tysons Corner law firm.

Fairfax has taken a nuanced position regarding the controversy over Confederate statues in the commonwealth, saying that while he is personally opposed to them, local jurisdictions should make the final decision on whether they stay or go.

But he is in favor of expanding Medicaid to up to 400,000 able-bodied, non-elderly adults in Virginia earning less than 138 percent of the federal poverty level, which is an option under the Affordable Care Act, telling the Free Lance Star that doing so will have zero impact on the budget.

In April, Republicans in the General Assembly once again wisely rejected a proposal to expand Medicaid, noting that the current program is already consuming nearly a quarter of the General Fund.

Last year, Virginia spent $8.6 billion on Medicaid, which accounted for 22 percent of all state spending and 42 percent of all federal dollars received by the commonwealth, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Even without the expansion, Medicaid spending ballooned by nearly $2 billion between 2006 and 2016, an unsustainable 96 percent increase, according to a report released in 2016 by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission.

Although the federal government currently pays 100 percent of the cost for Medicaid expansion, those federal subsidies will decline 5 percent this year and 10 percent in 2020, just three years from now. States that expanded Medicaid will have to pick up the tab, crowding out spending on other urgent priorities such as transportation, education and aid to the disabled.

Within three months of expanding Medicaid, enrollment in Colorado was 139 percent higher than projections, resulting in a $550 million cost overrun. The same thing happened in other states. Not one state that expanded Medicaid under ObamaCare has managed to keep its enrollment on target with its initial expectations, according to a Nov. 2016 report by the Foundation for Government Accountability. Policymakers in non-expansion states should take notice of the disasters unfolding in states that have embraced ObamaCare and be glad that they have protected their own states from the same fate.

Unlike Vogel, a member of the state Senate Finance Committee who opposes Medicaid expansion, Fairfax has never had to grapple with the future implications of doing so. But as a candidate for statewide office, he seems unaware that the policy he proposes would become a fiscal nightmare if enacted.

It is a credit to their respective parties that both nominees for lieutenant governor are credible, qualified candidates with impressive resumes. Unfortunately, Vogel's failure to do the right thing on transportation and Fairfax's position on Medicaid expansion make the Free Lance-Star uncomfortable with endorsing either one of them.
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Reward of UAH 100,000 to be awarded for info about deputy Samarsky murder

A reward of UAH 100,000 has been assigned for the information that will help law enforcement officers solve the murder of a deputy of the Severodonetsk City Council, Serhiy Samarsky, Tetiana Pogukay, head of the public relations department of the National Police of Ukraine in Luhansk region, has said.

"Dear citizens, the fund of MP Serhiy Shakhov has appointed the award in the amount of UAH 100,000 for information about the murder of Serhiy Samarsky," she said on her Facebook page on Saturday.

"If you know of any facts or information that will help law enforcement agencies solve the murder of Serhiy Samarsky, call 050 257 5631," Pogukay wrote.

The Main Directorate of the National Police in Luhansk region expresses gratitude to the People's Deputy of Ukraine Serhiy Shakhov for his readiness to help the investigation in revealing the resonant murder of the deputy of the Severodonetsk City Council, Serhiy Samarsky.

As reported, Samarsky was killed late on November 2. Samarsky's body with signs of violent death was found at about 00.20 on November 3. Criminal proceedings were launched under Article 115 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (premeditated murder).

Investigators are considering all scenarios behind the deputy's murder, and his political activity is a priority scenario. The scenario related to robbery and business interests before his deputy work is also being worked out.

Deputy Minister for Temporary Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons Heorhiy Tuka, in turn, said that business and political activity were probable scenarios behind Samarsky's murder.
A Pinch of Salt: The election is over, I think, so what now?
The Benton County Sheriffs Office arrested a Corvallis man Thursday for allegedly attempting to pay a minor for sex.

Undersheriff Greg Ridler said the Sheriffs Office became aware of Paul Anthony Flores' online attempts to find a minor for sex, and a deputy posing as a 16-year-old girl exchanged messages with him. Ridler said the deputy set up a meeting with Flores at which Flores was expecting to meet the nonexistent female.

Instead, at this Thursday afternoon meeting, a deputy arrested Flores.

A probable cause affidavit in the case said the meeting was arranged at the parking lot of the Corvallis Fred Meyer, which Flores thought was near the high school where this minor went to school.

Flores brought alcohol, marijuana, condoms and $142 cash with him, the affidavit said.

The message we want out there is we are actively investigating people who are looking for ways to have sex with underage people, Ridler said.

Flores, 37, was booked into Benton County Jail on charges of luring a minor and commercial sexual solicitation, but was released on his own recognizance later that day. He did not show up for a 1:30 p.m. arraignment in the case Friday, but a note on Flores court records said he went to the wrong courtroom, and a new arraignment was set for 1 p.m. Monday.
Planned demonstrations : COP23: What you need to know

BONN The bicycle demonstration which was prohibited by court order from using the A 555 will now take place on the B9, going from Cologne to Bonn. There are many other events - heres an overview. Plus: Public transport information.

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The countdown until the COP23 kick off is on. Many of the participants are arriving this weekend in Bonn and the surrounding towns and cities. Apart from people arriving, there will be several demonstrations in the greater Bonn area.

1 Demonstrations:

On Saturday, the first large demonstrations will take place before the official opening of the eleven-day conference, in Munsterplatz at 1pm.

A court had ordered the bicycle demonstration, which is a protest against the coal mining, not to use the A 555. The demonstrators will now use the B9 from Cologne to Bonn.

Police advise to avoid the area between Reuterstrae and B9 from 1.30pm to 3pm on Saturday. The protesters will head towards the conference location at Genscherallee, the closing rally will take place from 2.30pm until 5pm.

On Monday, the "Kids for earth" demonstration by children and teenagers will take place on Adenauerallee between Hofgarten and Genscherallee, from 9am until 11am.

B9 and Reuterstrae will be closed temporarily due to the demonstration. Motorists can expect delays during the time. About 5,000 participants are expected to come. The protesters meet at 8am in Kaiserplatz and will walk from 9am via the B9 to Genscherallee.

Also on Monday, the society for threatened peoples (GfbV) has announced a demonstration. Together with Benki Piyako, leader of the Ashaninka in Brazil, they demand that indigenous people should be involved as negotiating partners in sustainable climate politics. The protesters will gather between 8am and 10am at Heussallee.

For Saturday, November 11, the "No Climate Change protest is scheduled, and a large demonstration on world climate action day has been planned too. The Verdi union youngsters, the Bonn youth movement and the Marxist-Leninist party have called for that demonstration.

As the Germans Federation of public initiatives for the environment (BBU) announced, there is a train with a nuclear load on the way from Hamburg to France. It will reach Bonn most likely early on Saturday. If there are to be blockades, this is currently not clear, said BBU spokesperson Udo Buchholz.

2 Climate neutral bus lines

Public transport: There are four new shuttle buses for the conference participants. The so called Clean Shuttles are supposed to be climate neutral and connect the airport Cologne-Bonn with the conference grounds as well as the Bad Godesberg train station with the conference centre. Beside those, there will be two more inner-city lines. The vehicles and their drivers are from the entire country and coordinated by the local traffic companies. The regular local public transport will not be increased, but can be boosted if necessary, as Werner Schui, press officer of the Stadtwerke Bonn (SWB), explained. We have looked at the concept of the World Youth Day planning, said Schui. In the depots, additional trains, trams, busses and drivers are ready.

Beside busses and trams, the regional public transport plays an important role depicts in the transport concept. At the new stop called UN Campus, the trains RE 5, RB 26, RB 48 and RB 30 will stop. Weekdays also sees an additional train on the other side of the Rhine from Cologne main station from 7.27am onwards, going to Beuel. During the nights, two additional trains will go from Bonn main station to Remagen. Contact persons at the stops are UNO volunteers and apprentices of the SWB.

3 Dates

During the world climate conference, a whole range of public events are scheduled to take place.

To kick off the event series Klima-Tour-Bonn the city council has announced that on Sunday, November 5, their manifold program during the conference. Between 12.30pm and 8pm, there will be events and a colourful program with the motto The climate moves Bonn. You move the climate. At the start, artist Martin Zepter plans a flashmob. Lord Mayor Ashok Sridharan and the Fiji islands prime minister opened the conference officially at 1.30pm.

In the Fabrik 45 location (Hochstadenring 45) everything will be about Bonn mobile - ideas and projects about mobility in Bonn on Monday, November 6, from 6pm until 9pm.

As part of the climate tour, there is a debating evening scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 9. First, a movie about the history of the world climate will be screened.

From Monday through to November 17, a winter market will take place in the Rheinaue, with arts and crafts, street food and a merry-go-round for children.
bohlah at 4-11-2017 09:14 AM (5 years ago) (m)

Expectedly, beauty queens are not permitted to be in a relationship during their reign. Most of them claim they abide by that rule, including the current Miss Nigeria, Chioma Obiadi.

Expectedly, beauty queens are not permitted to be in a relationship during their reign. Most of them claim they abide by that rule, including the current Miss Nigeria, Chioma Obiadi.

When Saturday Beats asked the young beauty queen how she has been able to cope with that, she said it was just a protective measure put in place for her to stay away from scandals and other unnecessary things.



She said, One needs to be protected against scandals. Some of these scandals come from people who you are close to and trust. It is just a protective clause to help me to be better.



According to her, it will be hard to keep a relationship as she has been overwhelmed with both her schools activities and her role as Miss Nigeria. But then, the pretty girl said the clause has not hindered guys from stalking her.



She added, I have stalkers. Every girl has a stalker, but I feel God has given us a way to handle it without hurting anyone. I was not even in a relationship before becoming Miss Nigeria. I have been jostling between school and Miss Nigeria, so I barely have time.



The way I handle men now is pretty much the same way I handled men before I won the pageant. I have been a girl all through my life and I feel all girls get pressure from men. Like I said earlier, the organisation is very protective. So, they have in a way protected me from unnecessary exposure. If they feel an exposure is not good for me, they dont let me experience it.



She, however, admitted that winning Miss Nigeria was her turning point, as her life became better and her ideas became bigger than they used to be.



When Saturday Beats asked the young beauty queen how she has been able to cope with that, she said it was just a protective measure put in place for her to stay away from scandals and other unnecessary things.She said,According to her, it will be hard to keep a relationship as she has been overwhelmed with both her schools activities and her role as Miss Nigeria. But then, the pretty girl said the clause has not hindered guys from stalking her.She added,She, however, admitted that winning Miss Nigeria was her turning point, as her life became better and her ideas became bigger than they used to be. Quote The lowest point is learning how to be patient, especially with the environmental battle Ive embarked on. It is very tough. We had a beach cleanup two weeks ago and before we finished cleaning up half of it, the other part which was already cleaned up had been messed up again. That was very frustrating, so it takes patience and passion for one to actually keep doing that.



The beauty queen said she intends to complete her education once she is through with her reign.



The beauty queen said she intends to complete her education once she is through with her reign. Quote I dont believe in starting up something when you are not ready for it. I believe you have to lay your bed properly before you lie on it. I have a couple of business ideas, but I have yet to make up my mind. I dont feel bad that the spotlight will be off from me soon. I wish I could still hold on to it because once youve eaten sugar, you dont want to stop. But dont forget that if you keep eating sugar, you will get diabetes.



I think I have had my own share and I have gathered things I can tap from to become whoever I want to be. The wise thing for me is to grow and become a greater person. I am just looking forward to handing over to the next Miss Nigeria.



Already the search for the next Miss Nigeria has begun and the organizers told Saturday Beats that even though the event was rested for about 20 years, it is here to stay. Already the search for the next Miss Nigeria has begun and the organizers told Saturday Beats that even though the event was rested for about 20 years, it is here to stay.

Post Reply I have been reporting on latest news from Nigeria for almost 10 years now. I report on every possible news area I come across, but always ensure my reports are compiled with dignity and fact to uphold my personal values and duty as a journalist Posted: at 4-11-2017 09:14 AM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero
Toronto, November 3, 2017 - Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. (TSX: AVL) (OTCQX: AVLNF) ("Avalon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed a non-brokered private placement today consisting of 3,215,000 flow-through common shares at a price of $0.145 per share and 4,800,000 non-flow-through units at a price of $0.12 per unit for gross proceeds of $1,042,175.

Each unit consists of one non-flow-through common share and one half non-transferable common share purchase warrant, with each whole warrant being exercisable to acquire one non-flow-through common share of the Company at a price of $0.16 for a period of 24 months from today.

In conjunction with this private placement Avalon paid finder's fees of $34,560 and issued 288,000 non-transferrable finder's warrants, with each finder's warrant being exercisable to acquire one common share of the Company at a price of $0.15 for a period of 24 months from today. Pursuant to Canadian securities laws, the securities issuable under this private placement are subject to a hold period which expires on March 4, 2018.

The proceeds from this offering will be used to advance exploration work on the Company's Separation Rapids Lithium Project and for general corporate purposes.

This press release is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "US Securities Act"), and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to US persons (as defined in Regulation S under the US Securities Act) absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration.

About Avalon Advanced Materials Inc.

Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. is a Canadian mineral development company focused on technology metals and minerals. The Company has three advanced stage projects, all 100%-owned, providing investors with exposure to lithium, tin and indium, as well as rare earth elements, tantalum, niobium, and zirconium. Avalon is currently focusing on its Separation Rapids Lithium Project, Kenora, ON and its East Kemptville Tin-Indium Project, Yarmouth, NS. Social responsibility and environmental stewardship are corporate cornerstones.

For questions and feedback, please e-mail the Company at ir@AvalonAM.com, or phone Don Bubar, President & CEO at 416-364-4938.

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to how the Company plans to use the net proceeds from the Private Placement. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "potential", "scheduled", "anticipates", "continues", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "scheduled", "targeted", "planned", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be" or "will not be" taken, reached or result, "will occur" or "be achieved". 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 Avalon to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made. Although Avalon 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. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from expected results described in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to market conditions, and the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses as well as those risk factors set out in the Company's current Annual Information Form, Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure documents available under the Company's profile at www.SEDAR.com. 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. Such forward-looking statements have been provided for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company's plans and objectives and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Avalon does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities law


Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi appeared on the news channel on Monday as part of his three-day trip to France, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron

Egypt has no political prisoners, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi told France 24 in an exclusive interview on Monday during his three-day visit to France.

In an interview that is set to be aired on Tuesday, El-Sisi answered allegations made by human rights organizations who claim that Egypt has thousands of political prisoners behind bars.

"There are fair prosecution procedures, within the jurisdiction of the Egyptian law," El-Sisi said. "This is important, and our friends can visit us to inspect Egyptian prisons and meet the prosecutor general, and be informed of all measures that are undertaken."

He said that certain people are detained pending investigations into alleged crimes, but such suspects were treated according to due process.

"A person placed under arrest is one who has been arrested on certain charges that will see them put on trial," the president said. "Either he is acquitted or convicted."

El-Sisi also discussed the "focus of human rights organizations" on Egypt, with the presenter asking whether there was a systematic campaign against the country.

"I have not accused rights groups of anything. They have to be better informed of the Egyptian situation, especially as sometimes information is spread around incorrectly," he said.

However, he said that Egypt is the victim of deliberate external pressure: "There is a systematic campaign against Egypt that we have talked about before."

'Terrorism is a threat to us all'

El-Sisi also discussed terrorism during the interview, saying that it poses a "threat not only to Egypt and Arab states, but to the whole MENA region and Europe."

"We all have to move together, not just Egypt and France, but all the countries of the world should take note, because it is the real challenge for humanity and the security and stability of the whole world," El-Sisi said.

"We have to unite to face this challenge so we can overcome it," El-Sisi said, describing the terrorism threat as a "dangerous one that needs major joint efforts."

The Egyptian president also discussed combating major terrorism operations, such as the terror attack in Egypt's Western Desert last Friday.

El-Sisi said that Egypt was in still in "the first stage of investigations" regarding the attack that left 16 policemen dead following a raid on a terrorist hideout in Bahariya Oasis.

"We do acknowledge that the success in combating terrorism elements in Syria and Iraq will lead to some of them moving to Libya, Egypt and Sinai," El-Sisi said.

He added that steps should be taken to stop such fighters, including the suspension of financing and weapons supplies.

"We have borders with Libya that amount to 1,200 kilometres, and until now and over the past three years, we destroyed more than 1,200 cars carrying weaponry and militants," he said.

El-Sisi said that preventing the flow of terrorists from Libya into Egypt depends on joint efforts to tackle the threat on both sides of the border.

"No one can fully secure 1,200 kilometres of border in desert areas like the Sahara Desert. Not a 100 percent; this is difficult. But there are joint efforts to stop militants and weapons from reaching Libyan territory. We deal with the terrorists in Libya, and then we secure the borders of those countries neighbouring Libya," he said.

Regarding accusations that certain countries were behind Friday's attack, El-Sisi refused to name specific countries.

"I don't name specific countries, but there are countries that fund terrorism by way of money and weaponry, while providing support to fighters through media and political support," El-Sisi said,

He said that such countries should stop supporting terrorism for the sake of global stability.

'Qatar should respond to demands'

El-Sisi also spoke about the nature of the ongoing crisis with Qatar. Last June, four Arab states  Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE  severed diplomatic ties and transport links with Qatar, accusing the oil-rich Gulf state of supporting terrorism and meddling in their internal affairs. Doha has denied the accusations.

In Monday's interview, El-Sisi was asked whether Doha's support for the banned Muslim Brotherhood group was the real reason behind the boycott of Qatar.

"The 14 demands stipulated by the boycotting Arab countries include this, as well as suspending support to such groups, and the non-interference in the domestic affairs of other countries," El-Sisi said.

"We have the right to reject any country interfering in our domestic affairs."

He said that in order for relations to be normalized between Doha, Cairo and the other Gulf countries, Doha should respond to the 14 demands.

"We're not making strange demands. We're just asking to live without other states interfering, or supporting terrorism or extremists through such countries," El-Sisi said.

When asked about French moves to mediate between the boycotting countries and Qatar, El-Sisi stressed that the situation was "between us and them".

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In recent years, private-sector sites like Amazon.com have begun to offer an increasingly streamlined shopping experience for users, one that personalizes the site to their tastes and directs them quickly to what theyre looking for. Its because of this that citizens now expect the same ease of digital service from government.

State officials across the country are aware of the trend and have started working to address it. For most (if not all), the goal is to go from the previous way of doing things  a disparate and siloed set of websites for each public agency in the state, sometimes connected by a singular funnel  to a sleek and centralized digital presence where constituents can have all their government needs met, seamlessly.

Georgia Leads the Way

This is far from new or secret. In fact, this need for one-stop government shopping, sometimes called an omnibus Web solution, was a topic of discussion at last months National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) meeting in Austin, Texas.Creating a customer-centric digital strategy is something state technologists have desired to do for some time. What's new is that states such as Georgia, Utah and Ohio have made substantial progress toward reaching it, toward becoming Amazon-esque.Few states have done better at mirroring Amazons customer-centric approach than Georgia. Chief Digital Officer Nikhil Deshpande spoke about it at the Georgia Digital Government Summit

During his presentation, Deshpande said the foundational elements of the states work have been fostering buy-in across agencies, data-driven decision-making and creating one source of information for consistency.

To foster buy-in, Georgia combined user testing with video capture to show the faces of citizens who experienced problems with services.

Just seeing users struggle with some of those pieces, that changes a decision-makers mindset, Deshpande said.

Creating a culture of data-driven decision making was beneficial too. A challenge still facing government, however, is accommodating every last person in the state, not just customers like a private company. Systems must be made for people who use all devices, from laptops to Amazons Alexa to old-school phones, and they must be accessible for people with disabilities. There are also people who still interact with government in actual buildings. This, Deshpande said, is tough, but creating a single source of truth for all channels ensures consistency. This source for Georgia is its website, which was created with best practices that make it easily adapted to new tech like Alexa.

In Georgia, the days of visiting multiple websites for information are gone. The next evolution is a system in which people can conduct all financial business with the state  from paying taxes to renewing licenses  in one place.

Utah Takes a Business-First Approach

In Utah, support for a centralized customer-friendly platform is coming down from the Legislature.

Two years ago, the state passed legislation for a single sign-on business database. The initial desire of one of the bills sponsors  Rep. Bruce Cutler  was the creation of a central locale where residents could handle all interactions with the state, logging in once and not having to go to any separate sites. That goal, however, is one that none of the 50 states have accomplished. As such, Utah CIO Michael Hussey said government workers determined it was too lofty and instead focused on first making it happen for businesses.

Utah has built a prototype for this. The prototype, however, is more than just a centralized, customer-centric Web portal. The state can also use it to send texts directly to business owners alerting them when its time to renew licenses. The development of the site, which hasnt launched yet, has involved many stakeholders, including the Utah State Chamber of Commerce, the Utah Bar Association and the Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants.

A remaining obstacle, however, is a familiar one for state government: funding. Support may come down from the Legislature again, though, with a bill currently under discussion that would fund the launch of the prototype via a $3 fee for renewing business licenses.

Hussey also pointed to buy-in from state agencies as key, as well as from members of the legislative branch.

Theres going to be savings for the state, Hussey said. I think it will be more convenient for businesses in the state, it will be more efficient, and, actually, I think well have better compliance. People wont forget to renew their business licenses.

Ohio Focuses on Personalization

One massive obstacle for Ohio is that not all citizens want the same digital experience.

The premise for us is that with most folks, I dont know if they really understand what an overall digital experience should be, said Derek Bridges, a program administrator at the Ohio Department of Administrative Services. If you ask a bunch of people whats a digital experience or a user experience, you may get a mix. People think its a pretty website, people think its simplified content. Its really all of the above and a little more.

With that in mind, Bridges and Ohio CIO Stu Davis have landed on personalization as key to customer-centric digital efforts.People dont love Amazon because its a pretty website," Bridges said. "People love Amazon because it gets you right to the content you want, expeditiously.Their work to date has focused heavily on creating an enterprise ID that makes it easier to identify who individual users are and what they need.

Ohio technologists also pointed to buy-in as vital to this effort. Bridges said some state agencies fear that shifting to one customer-centric government identity would mean forfeiting department logos, colors and individual sites. To that point, Bridges has been kicking off meetings about the concept by assuring agencies they wont have to change logos or colors unless theyre out of compliance.Davis said the fact that only five or six out of 50 states are making serious strides toward this concept shows how big of a lift it is, specifically in terms of getting agency buy-in. Ohio, for example, keeps information about residents in 1,600 systems spread throughout more than 120 agencies.

Offering an individual customer-centric digital experience that matches that of Amazon is, of course, the states goal, but Bridges said state governments are universally behind private industry, and no amount of meticulous planning will get them past Amazon. So they need to start the work and do it in a way that enables them to keep moving forward.

Its a living and evolving strategy that we have to constantly try to put into practice, Bridges said. Its not a set of technologies. Creating a good digital experience is not just throwing a portal over your states Web presence.
The case dates to 2007 when a number of terrorists espousing jihadist ideology robbed a jewelers in the Zeitoun district of Cairo

Cairo Criminal Court sentenced Saturday a defendant in the "Zeitoun terrorist cell" case to three years in prison following an appeal.

The court also placed now convicted Ammar Abdel-Ellah under police surveillance for three years.

Abdel-Allah was convicted of forming a terrorist organisation called the "Regiment of Loyalty and Disavowal" (Sareyet Al-Walaa wa Al-Bara) that aimed to target Copts and foreigners in Egypt, as well as surveying Egypt's oil pipelines and ship movements in the Suez Canal in order to plan attacks on ships.

Last year, in June 2016, Egypt's Supreme State Security handed prison terms of seven to 10 yeas to defendants in the case, while acquitting others.

Saturdays verdict is one made following a series of appeals by some of the defendants.

The case dates back to 2007, when 25 people, adopting armed jihadist ideologies, committed an armed robbery at a jeweller's shop in Cairo's district of Zeitoun.

Four Copts were killed and two others injured during the robbery.

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Egyptian and Greek naval and air forces concluded on Saturday several days of joint drills in Greek territorial waters in the Mediterranean Sea, Egypt's military spokesperson said in a statement.

The "Medusa 5" drill included coordinated naval and air military operations, day and night sailing formations, search and rescue operations by naval units, as well as submarine tracking.

The drill also included training in aerial scouting, defensive and offensive air strikes, and targeting or defending marine targets.

This is the second joint military exercise between Egypt and Greece this year, with the first in August 2017.

According to an earlier statement by Egypt's army, the joint exercises aim to bolster cooperation and exchange expertise between the armed forces of Egypt and Greece.

Greek Minister of Defence Panos Kammenos praised the joint drill, asserting that his country is keen on developing military partnership with Egypt and expanding joint efforts to bolster security and stability in the region.

Commander of the Egyptian navy Ahmed Khaled said that the military forces from both countries were keen to achieve the maximum benefit from the joint drill.

The exercise was attended by top Egyptian and Greek military officials.

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Building on the clean air gains achieved since the ports adopted the CAAP in 2006, the 2017 CAAP is a comprehensive plan for pursuing the ultimate goal of eliminating all harmful air emissions from port-related sources: ships, trucks, cargo handling equipment, locomotives and harbor craft. The estimated cost of implementing the 2017 CAAP ranges from $7 billion to $14 billion.

The governing boards of the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach unanimously approved the 2017 Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) Update , ushering in a new era of aggressive clean air strategies for moving cargo through the nations busiest container port complex. The document provides high-level guidance for accelerating progress toward a zero-emission future while protecting and strengthening the ports competitive position in the global economy.

The approval launches the process for developing and refining specific programs. The strategies include:

Identifying clean engine milestones for new trucks entering the port drayage registries and creating a rate structure and incentives that encourage faster turnover to near-zero and zero-emission trucks, with the goal of transitioning to a zero-emission on-road drayage fleet by 2035.

Developing a universal truck reservation system, staging yards, intelligent transportation systems and other efficiency programs to reduce emissions while improving the flow of cargo.

Beginning in 2020, requiring terminal operators to deploy zero-emission equipment, if feasible, or the cleanest equipment available when procuring new cargo-handling equipment, with the goal of transitioning all terminal equipment to zero emissions by 2030.

Developing infrastructure plans to support terminal equipment electrification, alternative fuels and other energy resource goals.

Expanding use of on-dock rail, with the long-term goal of moving 50% of all cargo leaving the ports by rail.

As the detailed implementation programs are developed, they will be brought to each ports harbor commission for approval.

Targets for reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs) from port-related sources are a new element of the 2017 CAAP. The document calls for the ports to reduce GHGs 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% 1990 levels by 2050. The GHG targets add to the ports existing goals for reducing diesel particulate matter (DPM), nitrogen oxides (NO x ) and sulfur oxides (SO x ).

By 2023, the ports aim to cut emissions of DPM 77%, NO x 59%, and SO x 93% below 2005 levels. Intensifying efforts to reduce GHGs is expected to further lower DPM, NO x and SO x emissions.

The 2017 plan document identifies four categories of coordinated strategies:

clean vehicles, equipment technology and fuels; infrastructure investment and planning; operational efficiency throughout the supply chain; energy resource planning.

In addition to incorporating regional, state and federal standards and regulations, the 2017 CAAP integrates aggressive joint zero-emission initiatives the mayors of the two cities announced in June.

The initiatives include new investments in clean technology, expanded use of alternatives for reducing at-berth ship emissions, and a demonstration of up to 100 zero-emission trucks in the next few years.

Given the pioneering nature of the ports objectives, the update relies on a framework to assess the feasibility of new technologies to determine workability and affordability, and to demonstrate the adequacy of supporting infrastructure. The document also reaffirms the ports commitment to nurturing a vibrant workforce as they transition to zero-emission technologies for the goods movement industry.

The new strategies were developed with more than two years of dialogue with industry, environmental groups, regulatory agencies, local residents, equipment and fuel vendors, technology developers and others. Because stakeholder input will be crucial going forward, the document creates a CAAP Implementation Stakeholder Advisory Group of public and private experts to provide input on implementing new strategies. The groups meetings will be open to all who wish to attend.

Recent air emissions inventories show the ports have surpassed the 2023 pollution reduction goals for DPM (87%) and SO x (97%) and are close to reaching their goal for reducing NO x (56%). They also show emissions are declining while cargo volumes are rising, confirming the ports are growing green. The combined port complex is on pace in 2017 for the busiest year ever.

The ports plan to expand their Technology Advancement Program (TAP) to include technologies and approaches that help meet their new goals for reducing GHGs. TAP has been successful in demonstrating emissions reduction technology, with many projects resulting in commercial deployment throughout the complex today.

The Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach are the two largest ports in the nation, first and second respectively, and combined are the ninth-largest port complex in the world. The two ports handle approximately 40% of the nations total containerized import traffic and 25% of its total exports.
The feedstock to be supplied comes from the more than 1.6 million tons of waste orchard wood and nutshells that are generated each year from approximately 1 million acres of almond, walnut, and pistachio orchards in the Central Valley. Aemetis price of the feedstock is approximately $20 per ton delivered for the first ten years.

Aemetis, Inc. announced that its Aemetis Advanced Products Keyes subsidiary signed a 20-year feedstock supply agreement to produce cellulosic ethanol at a former US Army munitions facility located in Riverbank, California, which is near the existing Aemetis biofuels plant in Keyes, California. The cellulosic ethanol biorefinery will use patented and proprietary process technologies developed by Aemetis, Lanzatech, and InEnTec to convert waste orchard wood and nutshells into low carbon cellulosic ethanol.

As part of Phase One of the Riverbank cellulosic ethanol biorefinery, Aemetis plans to produce more than 10 million gallons of cellulosic ethanol annually to help meet cellulosic ethanol production requirements under the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and the increasing demand for low carbon biofuels under Californias Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS).

In addition, the low-carbon cellulosic ethanol transportation fuel produced at the Riverbank cellulosic ethanol biorefinery will also lower GHG emissions in the state by 80% or more compared to gasoline.

The current market price of cellulosic ethanol sold in California is estimated to be more than $4.50 per gallon, which is approximately $3.00 more per gallon than conventional ethanol.

The existing Aemetis biorefinery in Keyes, California produces more than 60 million gallons of ethanol annually. Aemetis plans to construct multiple phases of cellulosic ethanol production and add more than 40 million gallons per year of cellulosic ethanol capacity at the Riverbank, California site.
Lebanon is too weak to bear the consequences of Saad al-Hariri's resignation as prime minister and cannot afford to side against Iran, Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt said on Saturday after Hariri stepped down.

Hariri, an ally of Saudi Arabia, said there was an assassination plot against him and attacked Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah during his resignation speech on Saturday.

Hariri's resignation thrusts Lebanon back onto the front line of Saudi-Iranian regional rivalry and seems likely to exacerbate sectarian tensions between Lebanese Sunni and Shia Muslims.

"I am concerned about the economy, of course, and I am concerned about politics. We cannot afford to fight the Iranians from Lebanon," Jumblatt told Reuters. He advocated compromise with Hezbollah in Lebanon while waiting for regional circumstances to allow Saudi-Iranian dialogue.

"Lebanon has enough problems. It is too weak for such a resignation, because it will have a tremendous negative impact," said Jumblatt, one of Lebanon's most influential politicians. He described Hariri's resignation as "incomprehensible".

The Druze are an important minority in Lebanon's sectarian system of government. Jumblatt has frequently played kingmaker in Lebanese politics.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that the resignation of Lebanon's premier, and his stated reasons, should serve as an "alarm call" to the world about Iran's ambitions.

Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri said earlier he was stepping down, citing Iran's "grip" on his country and what he called threats to his life.

"The resignation of Lebanese Prime Minister Hariri and his remarks are a wake-up call to the international community to take action against Iranian aggression," Netanyahu said in a Hebrew-language statement released by his office.

Israel says that Lebanon's Iran-backed Shia movement Hezbollah has long held the reins of power in Lebanon and is seeking to strengthen its role in neighbouring Syria, where it is allied to President Bashar al-Assad in the country's brutal civil war.

Iran, said Netanyahu, "is trying to turn Syria into Lebanon II".

"This aggression endangers not only Israel, but the entire Middle East," he added. "The international community must unite and stand up against this aggression."

In a speech broadcast from Saudi Arabia by the Al-Arabiya news network, Hariri accused Tehran of "creating a state within the state... to the extent that it gets the final say on how Lebanon's affairs are run".

"Iran has a grip on the fate of the region's countries," Hariri said. "Hezbollah is Iran's arm not just in Lebanon but in other Arab countries too."

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said that Hariri confirmed what Israel has long been saying.

"In practice Lebanon has been occupied by Hezbollah and the Iranians," he told the private Reshet TV channel on Saturday.

"This axis is operating inside Lebanon, inside Syria and is extending its patronage into the Gaza Strip," Lieberman said.

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GREENWICH  As an often-contentious campaign season in Greenwich rumbled toward its end, a final controversy erupted in the unlikeliest of places, the ballot for the Representative Town Meeting.

Members of Indivisible Greenwich and March On Greenwich, two groups that formed in response to Donald Trumps election, were outraged by comments made about them, and candidates theyve fielded for the RTM, by a local blogger.

Christopher Fountain, a local Realtor, in several posts on his blog, has called them left wing pussy hat candidates and shrieking banshees, among other things, while urging his readers not to vote for any female petition candidate running for the RTM.

Most of the candidates put up by the groups are women.

Indivisible Greenwich released a statement denouncing Fountain and his adherents who they said were attempting to bully and intimidate women to keep them off the RTM. Indivisible, which noted he incorrectly identified members of March On Greenwich as members of Indivisible, called his language misogynistic.

Whether trolling or not, the bloggers further call for a boycott of all new women running because of their possible association with their group (March On) and/or ours, when there are also men from our group running, lays any question of his misogyny to rest, the statement said. As with Charlottesville, there are no fine people who write this way or advocate these positions. This misogyny has no place in our town and it should be denounced by both parties.

On Friday, Greenwich resident Dita Bhargava, former vice chairwoman of the state Democratic Party, called Fountains comments offensive and sexist and said she and the groups Action Together Connecticut and Common Ground for the Common Good would hold a get out the vote rally at Town Hall on Monday at 5 p.m.

Chris Fountains comments were beyond offensive, Bhargava said. Our system of democracy is strongest when average citizens decide to stand up and take part, especially at the local level. The women running for the RTM should be commended, not demeaned by someone who thrives on making people angry. We have enough of that coming out of Washington.

Fountain was unavailable for comment. A post on his blog said he away on a prearranged hunting trip. In that post he criticized coverage the controversy has received in national media.

When I accepted his invitation a month ago, I had no idea that I was going to spark a flurry of national media attention the week of departure (from Vogue, which is irrelevant, but also the New York Times, which, amazingly, still is, over a few posts about deranged Pussy Hats invading our RTM, Fountain wrote.

Fountain had written an earlier post specifically naming Elizabeth Perry, a member of March On Greenwich, who is seeking a spot on RTM in District 7. In the post, Fountain accuses March On, which its founders say is a nonpartisan group, of having a radical agenda.

Perry said she was startled and disappointed when she saw what he had written and that she had never heard of Fountain or his blog until he posted about her.

When I first read it, I was utterly confused, Perry said. That kind of writing is against everything about how I have lived my life, worked in my career and how we have raised our children. I found it incredibly hard to fathom why anyone would want to single me out.

The discussion over the post has even become part of the debate for the Board of Selectman. Democratic candidate Sandy Litvack, who is the husband of Indivisible Greenwich founder Joanna Swomley, and is a frequent target of Fountains criticisms, has spoken out against the post and demanded First Selectman Peter Tesei condemn it.

I have condemned not only what he has said but what it represents, an angry, uncivil tone that is taking place in Greenwich, of which this unfortunately is only one example, Litvack said. While I have publicly spoken on this point there is silence from our first selectman, who I know has been asked to publicly condemn these statements.

Tesei said he has encouraged many women to run for the RTM in the past and has this year as well. He said he did not speak out publicly because he did not want to lend validity to Fountains posts.

We now have individual opinion writers and blogs presenting themselves as news sources, said Tesei, also a frequent target of Fountain. There are no longer standards of journalism applied to such mediums. As a public official, I have been the subject of many erroneous, inaccurate and distorted opinions that are published under the guise of news. I am reticent to respond to such vitriolic diatribes, because, in doing so, would lend a legitimacy to the writer.

Perry said she and other candidates have heard from many in town condemning the blog posts.

Im not surprised, Perry said. I think its clear that he is very angry, and rather than try and get real information by contacting people and asking questions, he has shown he has no regard for the truth. I do not want to return the favor by speculating about him like he has speculated about me. I dont know him and thats not how I treat people.

Its gratifying to see that he doesnt speak for Greenwich.
You donkey. Photo: Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

The Waterside Inn in Bray is an OG powerhouse of British fine dining  its held three Michelin stars since 1985, longer than any restaurant outside France. If you assume that makes it a little old fashioned, youre right, as diners were recently reminded: News broke this week that Watersides founders, brothers Michel and Albert Roux, have banned photography in the dining room (following an earlier threat to throw diners cell phones in the ice bucket at their other famed dining destination, Le Gavroche). Mere images of Watersides tasting menu cannot possibly capture the flavors, they argue.

Eager to join the fray, Gordon Ramsay took to Twitter this morning to clarify his position on their ban, since you were no doubt curious. Please let the record show hes staunchly anti-:

How bloody pompous! Its a compliment to the chef the fact that customers want to take a pictures of dishes theyve paid for its 2017 https://t.co/lhkDq23wCR  Gordon Ramsay (@GordonRamsay) November 3, 2017

His criticism got a warm reception on Twitter, where theres been a lot of sneering at the 80-year-old brothers, possibly because many Twitter users also tend to be big Instagrammers. Either way, their approval incited a full-on rant from the chef:

Exactly Bradly.its a free promotion they should be grateful for, can you imagine being asked not to take a picture of Ed Sheeran singing https://t.co/5Limp3ZK88  Gordon Ramsay (@GordonRamsay) November 3, 2017

If I see a great looking picture posted, Ill want to go and eat there immediately, hes just an old fart whos forgotten to move on ! https://t.co/t81hM7K5YF  Gordon Ramsay (@GordonRamsay) November 3, 2017

The fact that even @MichelinGuideUK @guideMichelinFR are posting exciting pictures from there experiences is such a breath of fresh air... https://t.co/fiN7BIfeYw  Gordon Ramsay (@GordonRamsay) November 3, 2017

Its also a wake up call to us Chefs when we get it wrong ! https://t.co/znolwkGL76  Gordon Ramsay (@GordonRamsay) November 3, 2017

Customers vote with their feet, pictures create huge followers and excite potential business https://t.co/NSlVHQHYws  Gordon Ramsay (@GordonRamsay) November 3, 2017

Ramsays final shot addressed the claim that Waterside doesnt let male guests remove their jackets even if its boiling hot inside the restaurant:

How stupid, somebodys forgotten customers are king...... https://t.co/ytE6HxZ28M  Gordon Ramsay (@GordonRamsay) November 3, 2017

Naturally, this was the perfect setup to plug tonights all-new Hells Kitchen, where accommodating guests is always the first priority:
Nadine Redzepi is the author of Downtime, a new cookbook. Photo: M Cooper

Nadine Levy Redzepi had no intention of ever writing a cookbook. Or working at Noma.

When she became pregnant with her first of three daughters, whos now 9, Nadine started recording her recipes to pass them down, privately, within her family. Her husband, Rene Redzepi  the owner of Noma in Copenhagen, and one of the most innovative and celebrated fine-dining chefs in the world  encouraged her to share them widely. I said, No, I dont think so, she recalls. Like, Thats youre thing. You do that.

But her passion for cooking long precedes her time at Noma and relationship with Rene. Nadine was born in Portugal and raised in Denmark by a single mom who worked nights. I started on my knees on a chair at the stove, making porridge, when I was 6, she says. But the first big thing I cooked was roast chicken. That was a major moment: This is my chicken; I made this chicken. As a teenager, Nadine decided she wanted to become a chef, but a school career day spent in a professional kitchen quickly changed her mind. I realized eventually that I wanted to sit down and eat all the things that I made  not just make it for others, she says. And then, when she was 19, she answered a fated call from an unknown number.

There was some Swedish guy on the phone, saying, Can you come work at our restaurant? Blah, blah, blah, she says. I was like, What? Who are you? The restaurant, of course, was Noma, which was then only about a year old. After a server had called in sick, a friend recommended Nadine, but failed to tell her ahead of time. Still, Nadine said yes. I remember all of a sudden feeling slightly nervous when I went to the door, she says. Like, Oh, that looks very fancy. I dont know if I fit in here at all. She stayed on as a server, and a few weeks later, she and Rene started dating.

With the publication of her first cookbook, Downtime, Nadine is embracing a style of food thats more comforting, quick, and casual than the kind of technical cooking youd find in a restaurant. (Later, after briefly working for a Danish clothing brand, Nadine transitioned to working in Nomas office, overseeing reservations.) The Noma cookbook includes a recipe for Pork Neck and Bulrushes, Violets and Malt; Downtime celebrates Portuguese pork chops and rice, made with just five ingredients  none of which are foraged.

While Nadine credits Rene and Noma for offering inspiration, her style of cooking is simpler; the book includes recipes for lasagna with sausage meatballs, tonkatsu chicken, and a Do-It-All Cake. I do feel that at the moment, I am a better home cook than he is, she says. Im not against sous-vide and all those things, but I dont use it at home. Probably the most techy piece of equipment that we have is an ice-cream machine.

Working at such a singular restaurant (and being married to the chef) could easily make any home cook strive for perfection, but Nadine neither feels nor conveys that pressure. She wrote the book as if she were instructing her cousin, a total novice in the kitchen. I tried to envision everything that could go wrong for her, she says. Dont worry if that happens; do this. Or, If you get to this point, then you need to start over; youve ruined it. Downtime reads as encouraging, but not infantilizing. A recipe for Brussels sprouts earnestly ends, Congratulations: You can make beurre blanc. The headnotes for a hot-pink Giant Macaron Cake assuage, Dont worry if there are cracks, it will still taste great.

Nadine didnt even show Rene the book until they were in Tulum this spring for Nomas Mexico pop-up, and she had the proofs in hand. I had this idea of how I wanted the book to be, so I didnt want to involve him in anything, she says. I knew I would lean toward listening to him, and I would maybe lose my own idea of how I wanted it to be. When Nadine finally did share it, she announced, If you dont like it, too bad!

After over a decade of their careers being intertwined, she says, I was incredibly excited to do this by myself.
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The United States carried out two airstrikes targeting Islamic State (IS) militants in Somalia, a U.S. official said on Friday, believed to be the first such strikes against the militant group in the country.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the strikes were conducted in northeastern Somalia and an assessment was underway to see how many militants had been hit.

IS has been gathering recruits in the region, although experts say the scale of its force is unclear and it remains a small player compared to al Shabaab.

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A Spanish judge issued an EU arrest warrant for Catalonia's deposed separatist leader Carles Puigdemont, a day after he failed to appear for questioning over his role in the region's tumultuous independence drive.

The announcement added to anger and dismay in a second straight night of demonstrations in the wealthy north-eastern region, with protesters chanting and waving Catalan flags of red and yellow stripes with a white star.

Spanish prosecutors want to charge Puigdemont, holed up in Belgium, with rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds. On Thursday the 54-year-old ignored a summons to appear before the same judge in Madrid.

A EU arrest warrant was also issued for four other Catalan ministers who failed to show up and are also thought to be in Belgium, a court statement said.

They, like Puigdemont, were dismissed by Spain's central government a week ago.

On Thursday the judge had Puigdemont's deputy and seven other deposed regional ministers jailed pending a possible trial because of a risk that they might similarly abscond.

Speaking in an interview on Belgian television channel RTBF on Friday, recorded before the widely expected warrant was issued, Puigdemont said he was not hiding from "real justice" but from a "clearly politicised" Spanish legal system.

He said he was not convinced by guarantees of a fair trial, decrying the "enormous pressure and political influence on judicial power in Spain."

"I have told my lawyers to inform the Belgian justice authorities that I am completely at their disposal," he said.

Belgian prosecutors said they would study the warrant and then give it to a judge.

Spain's worst political crisis in decades flared up over the staging of a Catalan independence referendum on October 1 despite a court ban. Spanish police tried and failed to stop it, in some cases firing rubber bullets.

An independence declaration by the Catalan parliament followed one week ago.

Spain's government responded by dismissing Puigdemont's government, imposing direct rule and calling fresh elections in Catalonia on December 21.

Twenty people including Puigdemont and the Catalan parliament speaker had been summoned for questioning on Thursday.

Puigdemont's Belgian lawyer Paul Bekaert, who has helped Basque separatist militants challenge Spanish extradition, said his client did not see the climate as "conducive to testifying".

Late Thursday, as television footage showed police vans with flashing blue lights driving Puigdemont's former ministers to different prisons, furious Catalans took to the streets.

About 20,000 people, according to police, demonstrated in the regional capital Barcelona, while others gathered across in towns, and thousands turned out again on Friday evening.

Puigdemont has said that the situation "is no longer an internal Spanish affair", calling on the international community to wake up to the "danger".

But apart from Scotland's separatist First Minister Nicola Sturgeon criticising the "jailing of political opponents", there are no signs that other countries' steadfast backing of Madrid is faltering.

Germany reiterated its support for the "unity and constitutional order of Spain" while a European Commission spokeswoman said it respects "fully" the independence of the Spanish judiciary.

"Spain has the rule of law and nobody can escape court decisions. There are international instruments to ensure that those who want to escape are placed at the disposal of the courts," Spanish government spokesman Inigo Mendez de Vigo said.

The 7.5 million people of Catalonia, which until this past week had considerable autonomy, are fiercely proud of their language and culture but are also deeply divided about the wisdom of independence.

Spain's central bank warned Thursday of a possible recession in Catalonia. Unemployment there rose strongly in October. More than 2,000 firms have moved their legal headquarters elsewhere.

The separatist movement is also divided, although there are tentative signs that the latest events might galvanise its two main parties to fight the December election with a common list.

"It's absolutely indispensable that we have a joint strategy to battle the repression," Sergi Sabria, a spokesman for the ERC party, told Catalunya Radio.

Peter Ceretti at the Economist Intelligence Unit said pro-independence parties might win the December election, as the jailed ministers could deliver an "important propaganda" boost.

Puigdemont said Friday he was "ready to be a candidate" in the election, but he poured scorn on the exercise.

"I was elected. What is the purpose of (new) elections?" he asked, accusing Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy of "illegally" dissolving the Catalan parliament.

"In order to resolve political problems you need to play politics. You don't imprison those who think differently to you," Puigdemont said.

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Haiti - Politics : $55M from IDB for agriculture and agroforestry





After announcing this week a first donation of US $ 8 million in support of the census https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22584-haiti-politic-more-than-$30m-for-the-next-census.html then another 65 million to improve drinking water and sanitation services https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22580-haiti-social-$65m-from-idb-for-drinking-water-and-sanitation-services.html the Board of Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a third grant of $55 million for agriculture and agroforestry. With this third grant, Haiti will benefit in total for these 3 projects from a grant of $ 128 million.



With this grant, Haiti will soon be able to rely on new technologies to develop the agricultural and agroforestry sector, improve productivity and increase food security.



The Program for Technological Innovation in the Agricultural and Agro-forestry Sector in Haiti (PITAG) has the general objective of increasing income and food security for small-scale agricultural producers in Haiti. More specifically, the program aims to increase agricultural productivity by improving the use of natural resources, through the generation and transfer of sustainable agricultural and agroforestry technologies.



The new project will help raise farmers' revenues and food security in selected areas. To this end, it will promote the creation and adoption of innovative and sustainable agricultural and agroforestry technologies. Additionally, the program will finance applied agricultural research programs to help with the transfer of know-how to small producers.



The Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development (MARNDR), the main executor of the project, will also benefit from institutional strengthening through the Directorate of Innovation.



The Bank's donation will be added to contributions from other partners such as the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP), which will finance $10 million, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), which will contribute $11 million. The Government of Haiti will finance $1 million to cover recurrent costs.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - FLASH : Renewal of TPS uncertain, 58,000 Haitians at risk of expulsion from the USA





This week, within 80 days of the expiry of the 6-month extension of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti, set for January 28, 2018 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21016-haiti-flash-tps-extension-for-6-months-official.html Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Elaine Duke, Acting Chief of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), said that the economic and security conditions in Haiti no longer require that the 58,000 migrants remain on American soil.



However, a spokesman for the State Department said that no decision had yet been made and declined to comment on possible inter-agency internal deliberations. Recall that Elaine Duke must announce a final decision by the end of November, the US law requiring this decision to be announced at least 60 days before the expiry date of the TPS.



Note that at the end of last September, Sharon Scheidhauer, spokesperson for the US Citizenship and Immigration Services had already warned "[...] beneficiaries are encouraged to prepare to return to Haiti in the event that the designation of Haiti is not extended, including requesting up-to-date travel documents from the Government of Haiti [...]"



Nothing very encouraging for our compatriots living in the United States under the TPS status, although there is still some hope thanks to increased political and diplomatic pressure. However, there is a serious fear of President Trump's lack of empathy for the cause of migrants, whatever their origins...



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22261-haiti-news-zapping.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21037-haiti-flash-extension-of-tps-procedures-to-follow.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21016-haiti-flash-tps-extension-for-6-months-official.html



S/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Diaspora: Presentation tour on investment

The American Chamber of Commerce AmCham Haiti, the Center for Investment Facilitation (CFI), the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince and the Mission of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID - Haiti), began a presentation tour on the investment where they will have the opportunity to meet diaspora members through the "Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida" (HACCOFL) in Miami, the "Georgia Haitian American Chamber of Commerce in Atlanta "," The Haitian American Business Network in New York "and end with a presentation at the conference of the National Alliance for the Advancement of Haitian Professionals (NAAHP). First step Miami then the Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia (GAHCCI).



Jovenel Moise on on the ground

President Jovenel Moise, accompanied by Mrs. Charlot Valcy Lusna, member of the CASEC of Etang du Genre (3rd communal section of Petion-ville) made several field visits including to Pelerin 9, at the ravine Planta, where land surveying has commenced, which will be followed by infrastructure and cleaning works, to mitigate the many flood risks caused by floods.



PNH : 11th Command Meeting

Friday, Michel-Ange Gedeon the Director General of the National Police of Haiti (PNH), held the 11th command meeting of the year. Among other things, this meeting focused on the recent cases of repeated killings of police officers, the provisions adopted to this end, the security situation in the country, the management of protest movements and the use of force...



REMINDER : Haiti changes time

The Ministry of Communication reminds the population that under the provisions of the Presidential Order of Wednesday, March 7, 2012, the national time will be moved back 60 minutes, from 2:00 am, Sunday, November 5, 2017. When it is 2:00 am on the date indicated, it will be necessary to move back its clock of 60 minutes; it will be so 1:00 am See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22596-haiti-notice-sunday-change-of-time.html



Voodoo: Celebration of the Day of the Dead...

Voodoo worshipers celebrated the Feast of the Dead and All Saints Day on November 1 and 2, with religious ceremonies, including in cemeteries.



Book your group visits to the MUPANAH

The Museum of Haitian National Pantheon (MUPANAH) points to the attention of the general public, school directors and heads of associations in particular that group tours require advance reservation. You must go to the museum before to schedule the date and time of the visit or dial (509) 34 17 44 35 for more information. The museum is open to all audiences and operates every day.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Published on 2017/11/04 | Source

Added episode 8 captures for the Korean drama "Avengers' Social Club" (2017)

Advertisement

Directed by Kwon Seok-jang

Written by Hwang Da-eun, Kim Yi-ji

Network : tvN

With Lee Yo-won, Ra Mi-ran, Myung Se-bin, Lee Jun-young, Jang Yong, Choi Byung-mo,...

20 episodes - Wed, Thu 21:30

Also known as: "Buam-dong Revenge Social Club", "Avengers Social Club" and "Revenge Social Club" ( , bok-su-ja so-syeol-keul-leob)

Synopsis

This webtoon adaptation tells the story of three women from different walks of life - the daughter of a chaebol, an ahjumma in a fish market, and a housewife - come together to enact revenge.

Broadcast starting date in Korea : 2017/10/11

More
Related Spain issues an EU arrest warrant for Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont

Ousted Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont called on Saturday for a united political front in the Dec. 21 election to continue the drive for independence from Spain and to protest the imprisonment of former members of the regional government.

Puigdemont, who went to Belgium after his government was fired following a unilateral declaration of independence, said on Friday he was considering standing in the election from Brussels.

In Spain's gravest political crisis since the return of democracy in the late 1970s, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy called the snap election after taking control of Catalonia a week ago.

Political parties in the wealthy northeastern region that wish to run on a common platform have until Tuesday to register any potential coalition.

"It is time for all democrats to join together. For Catalonia, for the freedom of political prisoners and for the republic," Puigdemont said in a tweet that included the hashtag llistaunitaria.cat, a site calling for parties to unite against the Spanish government at the ballot box.

On Thursday, nine members of Puigdemont's sacked cabinet were ordered by Spain's High Court to be held on remand pending an investigation and potential trial.

On Friday, Spain issued an arrest warrant for Puigdemont and four associates to answer charges of rebellion, sedition, misuse of public funds, disobedience and breach of trust relating to their secessionist campaign.

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The Importance of Accurate Testimony

With rail costs running away this past summer, it seemed worthwhile to consider whether a less expensive Plan B option would be feasible.

However, just before the special session, the Caldwell administration effectively took a Plan B option off the table.

In a hearing leading up to the rail special session, Mayor Kirk Caldwell stated that, Funding must be adequate to fully fund the project all the way to Ala Moana Center. He added, The FTA (Federal Transit Administration) will allow nothing less.

Many legislators looked visibly shocked at the claim by the mayor that the FTA, which is partially funding the rail project, would not accept anything less than a Plan A.

But our Grassroot Institute researchers double-checked that point with FTA officials, who told us that they never made a determination one way or the other about a Plan B option.

The FTA never made a determination as to whether a Plan B  would potentially be feasible or acceptable, we were told in an e-mail .

Accurate facts are important when billions of dollars are on the line, and the Caldwell administration should have been more forthright about the fact that a lower-cost option might have been feasible.

State lawmakers rely on testimony to be accurate, because they use that knowledge to make decisions that affect hundreds of thousands of taxpaying citizens. But in this case, they simply took the mayor at his word and never pressed his administration to submit a Plan B.

We may never know what kind of Plan B might have been submitted to the FTA if lawmakers had known that a lower-cost rail option might have been considered.

But, we can still hold the lawmakers accountable and call their bluff when they are less than transparent.

Thats why its still important to conduct a full forensic audit of the Honolulu rail project, to shine a light on any inaccuracies that might have affected its history, or its future.

E hana kakou (Lets work together!),

Keli'i Akina, Ph.D.
HAWAII STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CLEAN WATER BRANCH UNVEILS NEW BEACH MONITORING WEBSITE WITH UP-TO-DATE STATUS REPORTS

Upgrades provide easier navigation and more information

News Release from Hawaii Dept of Health November 3, 2017

HONOLULU  The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) Clean Water Branch has developed a newly upgraded website that gives the public access to up-to-date information  integrated with aerial photos from Google maps  to check on the status of the water quality of beaches that may have a surge in bacteria levels or are being impacted by sewage spills. This website is part of a revised statewide beach monitoring and notification system.

The new features and functions of the website ( http://health.hawaii.gov/cwb ), developed in part from a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), were based on feedback from those within the health department as well as external stakeholders. The website is part of an integrated notification system that includes warning signs posted at selected beaches throughout the state.

This was a collaborative effort within the Department of Health and with others in the community, said Keith Kawaoka, DOH deputy director of environmental health. The input we received allowed us to develop a much more robust beach monitoring and notification system that will serve as a valuable tool for the community. Kawaoka noted the website upgrade is part of a larger, more comprehensive program to eliminate manual processes and automate data analysis. This is just the beginning; theres more to come, he said. In the future, well be able to use the data to improve efficiency in the beach warning notification system and use the data for other purposes.

For example, once it is fully optimized, the new system will automatically generate the advisory text with the location details. The system will alert the Clean Water Branch staff of the pending advisory so it can be reviewed and submitted with one click. With the current system, CWB staff must manually input the advisory and location details and manually transmit the email notifications. In addition, the information on the website and the email notifications are part of two different systems. The new system will make all advisory text consistent and integrate email notifications and website information in a single system.

The State of Hawaii has taken an important step to ensure public safety by promptly notifying the public about potential human health risks and improving access to beach monitoring data, said Tomas Torres, Director of the Water Division at EPAs Pacific Southwest Region. The DOHs partnership with Surfrider and other stakeholders exemplifies a notable bottom-up collaboration that results in tangible human health and environmental protection for residents and visitors in Hawaii.

Background

In 2000, the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act became an amendment to the federal Clean Water Act, establishing national standard criteria for coastal recreational water monitoring and public notification of possible pollution at beaches. As an eligible coastal state, Hawaii receives an annual EPA BEACH Act grant to implement the BEACH program. For this new federal fiscal year, which began Oct. 1, 2017, the Department of Health received $265,000 from the EPA to operate the statewide program.

The Hawaii Department of Health Clean Water Branch is required to establish a beach monitoring program and to provide public notification whenever indicator bacteria levels exceed a specified threshold level. This includes beach advisories for beaches that experience temporary or permanent elevations of bacteria, sewage spills, or brown water advisories following rainy weather that cause runoff to the beaches. The website complements the physical posting of signs on the beaches and the onsite notifications by the county lifeguards.

This new website allows us to give accurate and timely information to Hawaiis visitor industry, said Bob Hampton, chairman of the board, Waikiki Beach Activities. The maps show visitors who are thinking about vacationing in Hawaii how water quality concerns are limited to a specific beach and do not affect the entire island. The closure notifications that an advisory is no longer active also gives an all-clear assurance to visitors that it is OK to enjoy the beach.

Features of New Website The new site provides a number of features and functions. Viewers are now able to subscribe to email updates on all beach advisories to receive on their computers or mobile devices. As part of the public notification system, the website offers the ability to:



See a quick overview of all active advisories in a single list;

Click on a pin icon on the map of the Hawaiian Islands to view details from a specific advisory;

See the types of warning signs posted at a beach and specific locations where they are posted on the beach;

View any documents, pictures, or files of beach posted by the Clean Water Branch team; and

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Michael Fassbender has revealed he is planning to spend more time in the fast lane next year - as a racing car driver.

The Irish actor has enjoyed an impressive first season competing on the North American Ferrari Challenge circuit.

Now, the Alien: Covenant star has said he is hoping to build on his success next year by producing even better performances behind the wheel.

"Hopefully I will race in the challenge again next year, fingers crossed," the 40-year-old said.

Intense

"I'd like to continue forward and see where I can get to. It would be great to try some GT cars, and I'll take it as far as I can."

In an interview with Autosport, the actor who was raised in Killarney, Co Kerry, described the past season as a "learning curve".

"It's intense. There's a lot of information to take on and a lot of car," he added.

"It's almost 700bhp. I've learned a lot.

"It's been an incredible experience, really."

In an earlier interview, Fassbender - who despite not owning a car is a lifelong motoring enthusiast - said he fulfilled a dream by teaming up with Ferrari and following in the footsteps of his hero, Formula One legend Michael Schumacher.

The Hollywood star, who recently married Swedish actress Alicia Vikander, said: "Ferrari is defined by racing, and training with the Ferrari team gave me a great foundation to hone my skills behind the wheel of the 488 Challenge race car.

"From a very early age I idolised Ferrari and its champion, Michael Schumacher, in particular. Racing in the Ferrari Challenge brings that dream full circle."
Kevin Spacey has been accused of a sexual assault in 2008

Kevin Spacey has been accused of sexual assault by a British actor, who claims he woke to the House Of Cards star performing a sex act on him.

Scotland Yard is believed to be investigating the alleged incident, which reportedly occurred in 2008.

The alleged victim was 23 at the time and claimed Spacey asked him not to tell anyone after reportedly being caught in the act and asked to stop.

The actor claimed the incident occurred after he passed out in Spacey's home after being invited back for a drink.

He is said to have fled the premises after the incident.

It is claimed Spacey said: "Don't tell anyone about this."

It is understood the complainant had asked Spacey to help with his career.

The alleged victim, now 32, contacted City of London Police on Tuesday after it emerged Spacey was accused of allegedly abusing a 14-year-old boy, a claim he has denied.

This was then passed on to the Metropolitan Police as the crime is alleged to have happened in Lambeth, London.

It is reported that detectives from the Met's Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command interviewed the alleged victim yesterday at a Central London police station.

"It is alleged a man assaulted another man in 2008 in Lambeth," a Met statement said.

"Officers from the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command are investigating."

Spacey has apologised to actor Anthony Rapp, who accused the Hollywood star of making a sexual advance towards him when he was 14. Admitting publicly for the first time that he is gay, Spacey said he could not remember the alleged 1986 incident with Mr Rapp, but said he was "horrified" by the story.

"If I did behave then as he describes, I owe him the sincerest apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate, drunken behaviour," the 58-year-old said in a statement.

Since then, many allegations have been made about the actor, who has been accused of predatory behaviour towards young interns and actors during his time as artistic director at the Old Vic Theatre in London.

Harassment

Roberto Cavazos, who acted in several plays there, said Spacey's attentions bordered on "harassment" and that he felt compelled to fend him off on several occasions.

Writing on Facebook, Mr Cavazos said: "It seems the only requirement was to be a male under the age of 30 for Mr Spacey to feel free to touch us.

"There are a lot of us who have a 'Kevin Spacey story'. It was so common it even became a local joke - in very bad taste. I do not remember how many people told me the same story. Spacey invited them to meet him to 'talk about their careers'.

"When they arrived at the theatre, the gentleman had prepared a picnic with champagne on the stage, beautifully lit.

"Each story varied in how far the picnic came, but the technique was the same."

It is also alleged Spacey sexually assaulted a male former employee of the House Of Cards television series, according to US media. Eight current or former House Of Cards workers also claimed that the actor made the production a "toxic" workplace, CNN reported.

Their identities were withheld because they said they feared professional fall-out.

All of the employees described Spacey's behaviour as predatory, targeting young, male employees.
Does three twenty mean anything to you?

Perhaps the area code for St. Cloud, Minnesota, comes to mind  probably not. There was a time when I might have thought of my goal for weightlifting  bench press 320 pounds. Nope! That was long ago in a galaxy far, far away.

Average weight of an offensive lineman for the Washington Redskins? Or the University of Wisconsin? Or Bama? Pretty close, but not precisely, and you probably didnt think of that anyway. Did you? Neither did I.

A few weeks ago, Sammie and I visited a church in Ohio, Grace Mennonite Church, where three twenty (320) was given new meaning for me. Our spirits were lifted that morning. The music and the message were exciting and inspirational. We received a warm welcome and were made to feel right at home. We learned much about that churchs vision for missions and outreach. Hundreds of believers joined together to worship. Actually, more than 320 were in attendance. As a matter of fact, the recorded attendance listed in the bulletin from the previous Sunday was more than double that number.

So  what is the significance of three twenty?

That Sunday morning, the sermon was taken from the first few verses of Johns Gospel, Chapter 15. The preacher talked about Being Connected to Jesus. But before he got into the text, the speaker referred to another verse of scripture: Ephesians 3:20.

There it is  three twenty! The verse states, Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us  (NIV)

On the cover of the bulletin, in very bold print, were the numerals 3 2 0. Underneath, in a much smaller font, were the words immeasurably more. A challenge was issued by the pastor that morning. He suggested that every day, at 3:20 p.m. (or a.m., for anyone who happened to be awake in the middle of the night  or up to milk the cows or whatever) that every member of the congregation pause from their normal routine and seek God in prayer. He appealed to everyone there to pray for their church, community, nation and world. Ask God to bless mission work everywhere and to increase the spread of the Gospel, remembering that He  is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine 

The idea is so simple it is profound. That morning I felt a tug at my heart, so I set my phone to notify me every day at 3:20. When the signal sounds on my phone, I am reminded to seek God. If I can stop what Im doing, I will pray immediately and direct my thoughts toward God. Even if I cant interrupt my routine at the moment, I am reminded of Gods love and grace. Then, as soon as possible, I will give more time to pray for myself, my family and others.

Would you be willing to accept a simple entreaty to set aside a specific time, every day, to seek God in prayer? If there is a better time for you than 3:20, just pick a time and stick to it. When you get the reminder, turn your thoughts toward God. Pray for yourself, your family and friends, community, the Church, our leaders and our world. Surely, if enough us would do this, it would make a difference in our world.

Now, what does three twenty mean to you?
When you consider public safety as an issue in the 2017 election, there is a clear cut choice for governor: Ed Gillespie.

One of the most important functions of government, whether at the federal, state or local level, is to provide for the safety of its people. Ed knows that, and he is deeply committed to keeping Virginians safe.

Last month, Gov. McAuliffe cancelled an annual meeting with the Virginia Sheriffs Association because a majority of sheriffs endorsed Ed, according to the associations director. Then, when asked during the debate, Lt. Gov. Northam also refused to stand up for our sheriffs. To put politics over public safety like the McAuliffe-Northam administration has done is completely unacceptable, and we deserve better.

Ed met with the Virginia Sheriffs Association about those budget priorities, and I know he wont play politics when it comes to law enforcement.

As governor, Ed will eliminate gangs, ban sanctuary cities, increase law enforcement pay and reform the system to better protect ALL Virginians. Join me in casting your ballot for Ed Gillespie on Nov. 7.
They are at two ends of the political spectrum. As chief minister Virbhadra Singh, 83, the oldest candidate in the fray, fights his last election, his son, Vikramaditya Singh, 29, is making his electoral debut as the Congress nominee from Shimla (rural).

Tikka Sahab (royal prince), as the young scion of the Bushahr family is fondly called, has no royal airs when it comes to winning over voters of the constituency his father nurtured for five years before vacating it for him.

An alumnus of Bishop Cotton School, Shimla, Vikramaditya prefers casuals as he breaks the ice with voters. He is accompanied by friends and aides. He has the unstinted support of his family too.

Vikramaditya is young and energetic. People see Virbhadra in him but it will take him many years to reach that stature.  Chandu Lal Kapoor (78), a Shimla rural voter

Before he leaves for the days campaign in Basantpur, he makes it a point to meet his sister, Aparajita, who is married to the Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singhs grandson Angad. She has been camping here ever since he was given the party ticket in the third lot of candidates.

Vikramaditya likes to make his presence felt. He asks an aide to inform prospective voters that he would be reaching in half an hour. He squeezes in time to interact with an electronic media journalist who wants a byte on the BJPs last-minute gambit to declare Prem Kumar Dhumal as its chief ministerial candidate. It shows the BJP is afraid of Virbhadra Singh and they had to change their strategy. They want the onus of defeat to be on Dhumal, he says confidently before boarding his SUV.

Must read | At Rs 84 crore, Himachal CMs son is richest candidate in this election

Accompanied by Punjabs youngest MLA Angad Singh, who drives the vehicle, and Pradeep Verma, a Congressman from Shimla rural, Vikramaditya heads for Kachchighati, an urban area of his constituency. On the way, he peps up a worker from Sunni while gathering feedback. Everything depends on you. I need workers like you, he says.

In the meantime, Verma briefs him about the days schedule before he dials another number and directs a worker to carry out door-to-door campaigning.

HIGH ON ENERGY

Aur ji kaise hain aap sab (And how are you all), says Vikramaditya, accepting garlands with folded hands as he enters a ward-level election office. We should not be complacent. Our government has carried out development works and we should take this message to the people from door to door, he tells party workers.

He canvasses in the market before heading for another ward, Chakkar. On the way, he asks Verma about the voter profile. We will organise a meeting here again, he says. I have visited the entire constituency. I know people personally. Ive been in touch with them for five years, he says.

He interacts with voters, young and old, amid slogans of Tikka bhai zindabad, Raja sahab zindabad.

He is young and energetic. People see Virbhadra in him but it will take him many years to reach that stature, says an ex-serviceman, Chandu Lal Kapoor, 78.

Vikramaditya leads a procession from Chakkar to Boiluganj via the state BJP headquarters. Addressing workers at Boiluganj market, he rakes up the goods and services tax (GST) issue before switching to the development works initiated by the Congress government. Its not over. Give us the opportunity to keep development on in Shimla rural and Himachal Pradesh.

GROUND REALITY

Its 2.30pm and Vikramadityas motorcade, including four SUVs, heads for Totu. Half a kilometre before the Totu powerhouse, Congress workers stop the motorcade to welcome the state Youth Congress chief. Vikramaditya enthusiastically embarks on a door-to-door campaign in Totu market. An elderly voter is heard telling a first-time voter, Susheel Sharma, 19, Ladka mehnat kar raha hai. Baaki toh chunaav mein janata janaradhan hoti hai (The boy is working hard. The rest depends on the public, which is equal to the Almighty during the elections).

Another voter says, Only the rural areas saw development. Tutu faces water shortage but who cares? We were part of Virbhadras constituency but our problems remain.

Vikramaditya stops at a taxi union office and patiently listens to their demands before heading for the public meeting at Kalihatti village. After canvassing for an hour, his convoy heads back home, Holly Lodge, where a review meeting of the days campaign is held.

Dont miss | Congress bends one family, one ticket rule for Virbhadra Singhs son, Kaul Singhs daughter

BY THE WAY

Vikramaditya has a team of professionals who manage his Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. They update and track his day virtually. He is briefed about the trends on social media.

People may see similarities with his father but Vikramaditya is his own person. On the face of it, he prefers a maroon cap unlike Virbhadra, who has stayed loyal to his green Himachali cap.

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In the Kotkhai small town, which remained at the epicentre of politics of the affluent apple-growing areas, Bharatiya Janata Partys chief ministerial face Prem Kumar Dhumal peddled the infamous rape and murder case of a school girl that had led to a widespread outrage in the state a few months ago.

Dhumal, who was campaigning for his blue-eyed boy and former horticulture minister Narendra Bragta in Kotkhai, hit out at chief minister Virbhadra Singh over the law and order situation.

Children and women are unsafe. I ensure that our government will give priority to law and order, said Dhumal, while addressing a public rally at a ground close to the police station that was burnt down by an angry mob after Suraj Singh, a prime suspect in the case, died in police custody.

Dhumal charged Virbhadra Singh and his government of shielding those involved in the crime. The school girls naked body was found in the forested area in Hilaila village on July 5 this year.

Dhumal said if voted to power, the BJP government would set up a 24X7 Gudiya helpline for women in distress. Womens safety will be our top agenda, said Dhumal.

It was Dhumals first tour to any assembly segment in the apple growing belt after being declared the chief ministerial candidate of the saffron party.

Addressing a public meeting at Kotkhai, Dhumal said, The BJP government in the state gave a push to welfare of all sections of the society while during the Congress regime, incidents like Gudia rape and murder case happen.

He said after Vidya Stokes opted out of the poll fray in Theog, chief minister Virbhadra Singh decided to contest from the same segment.

But Gudiya rape and murder case haunted him and forced to shift the constituency, he said, adding, Congress government has tried to save those who messed up with the case. Today an IG rank officer is behind the bar in custodial death of one of accused in Gudiya rape and murder case, he said.

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Actor Adil Hussain is worried that the audience is mostly being exposed to mediocre films and he feels that it may result in them not being able to develop a taste for good cinema. The actor, who has starred in Hindi film English Vinglish, several regional movies as well as international projects like The Reluctant Fundamentalist and Life of Pi, says it is the job of actors and filmmakers to give the audience more food for thought.

What bothers me is that if people might not get to know about great cinema. We are depriving the audience from something which is deeper, more layered and complex, says Adil.

We are not helping them to evolve as cinema-goers; we are not helping them to become rasik  one who appreciates things when it gets more complex. Mediocrity is being promoted and in the end, the audience might start idealising something which is mediocre, he adds.

I dont get how somebody spotted at the airport is more important than a great small-budget film? I think it is a crime to deprive the audience of good cinema

The actor also fails to understand why so much attention is given to what people wear over what kind of films are made. He says in the process of people focusing on all the frills, several good films get lost without a trace.

We hear about whos wearing which designer. I have no problem with that but we have to identify what is more important  clothes or the good stories. Also, I dont get how somebody spotted at the airport is more important than a great small-budget film? I think it is a crime to deprive the audience of good cinema, he asserts.

The actor has been invited to be a part of the Building Bridges Film Festival in Bahrain, which will showcase documentaries and films on the refugee crisis and womens empowerment.

I am very happy to be invited at this event. International curators are involved in this festival to bring the focus on the problems that the world is facing including India with the Rohingya crisis, he says about the festival, which runs from November 1 to 15.
Bollywood actors Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra will begin shooting for Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar in Delhi this Tuesday. The film goes on the floors on November 7 at Mahipalpur. The film is being directed by Dibakar Banerjee.

Arjun Kapoor, for whom this is his 10th acting venture, says, Incidentally, I have shot six out of [my] nine films in Delhi. And for my 10th, Im again heading back to the city that has given me so much love. Im thrilled to explore the city through Dibakars eyes and I can tell you that you all will see a very different Delhi from what youve seen before.

Parineeti Chopra, too, is excited about the shoot. She says, Delhi holds a very special place in my heart. I consider Delhi to be my home, too. It has always showered me with love whenever I have travelled to the capital for promotions or otherwise. Arjun and I start shooting in Delhi and Gurgaon for Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar. The film will bring out a side to Delhi that has been quite unexplored in films before. Im excited to experience Delhi like never before and explore it in this entertaining and gritty Dibakar Banerjee film.

Director Dibakar Banerjee, meanwhile, has been prepping intensely with both actors. While Arjun will live in an apartment in a middle-class locality of New Delhi to get into his character, which is of a Haryanvi cop. Parineetis role has been kept under wraps, building a lot of intrigue around the film.

The film brings back the much-loved Ishaqzaade pair on-screen in completely different avatars.

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Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut, known to speak her mind despite the reactions her words elicit, says it is difficult to remain headstrong in Bollywood as there are always people who try to make one feel insignificant. But she continues to fight it.

Being an outsider in the business, I have fought to carve a niche for myself. I have also been opinionated and I choose to express my views openly. In our industry, it becomes difficult to remain headstrong as you are often judged for not following the status quo. There will always be a segment that will try to make you feel insignificant, but it is important to channel your strength and confidence and work hard to triumph. Its important to grow a distinct voice to break the clutter, the National Award winner said.

Kangana Ranaut during shooting of Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi at Amber Fort in Jaipur. (IANS)

Kangana is a part of the second edition of the brands #FitToFight campaign, which fights looming gender demons of eve-teasing and pay disparity. The actress has been actively talking about her struggle in the industry as well as her relationships with actors like Aditya Pancholi and Hrithik Roshan. She tagged filmmaker Karan Johar as a flagbearer of nepotism during his chat show.

Does she consider herself mentally tough and fit to fight? Absolutely, she said.

My experiences in life, on the personal and professional fronts, have helped shape the individual I am today. There have been moments in my life when it was very difficult to continue working in unfavourable conditions. But I fought my way, to make a mark for myself. I realised the importance of being tough, both mentally and physically, which encouraged me to deliver my best regardless of the odds. In my journey, I learned that challenges may always beset you, but if one is strong-willed and determined, you can overcome them, Kangana added.

In her last released film Simran, she played an imperfectly perfect girl who wants to lead life on her own terms. Does she think such characters hardly exist in real life where girls are always following the norm? My career trajectory is full of characters and films where I am trying to redefine the conventional heroine tag. I think it is important to reinvent oneself continuously and diversify your craft.

I have been fortunate that I have worked in path-breaking films such as Fashion, Tanu Weds Manu, Queen and Simran where I play individualistic characters. I do know Queen had a strong impact on viewers. I always choose to do roles where there is a message being delivered that makes the viewer think differently and shapes their choices, said the actress, who will next be seen in Manikarnika.

Kangana Ranaut on the sets of Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi in Jaipur. (IANS)

She also feels there are many women who aspire to dream bigger and better and she is one of them. Kangana, who comes from a small town in Himachal Pradesh, said her circumstances never discouraged her from chasing her dreams. I encourage women to believe in their strength and value their hard work. My motto has always been to follow my own path and not succumb to norms. I believe its important to celebrate yourself and grow with each experience, she said.

This is what she is trying to promote with the #FitToFight campaign. I hope to inspire other girls through my stories of courage, faith and conviction. I truly believe in the limitless potential that every woman possesses to be physically, mentally and socially fit. I do hope my story and journey of facing adversities, fighting obstacles and emerging stronger and fitter, will inspire other women to be Fit to Fight, she said.

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Facing protests from Rajput outfits over the alleged wrongful portrayal of historical queen in the upcoming film Padmavati, cinema owners in Rajasthan have sought protection for the smooth screening of the period drama.

Threatening to assault director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Shri Rajput Karni Sena led hundreds of people on a protest march in Chittorgarh city on Friday against the screening of the film, which stars Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor and is set to release on December 1.

Facts In January, activists of Shri Rajput Karni Sena protested, manhandled and misbehaved with the crew of Padmavati, even slapped Bhansali, forcing him to stop shooting In March, some miscreants broke the mirrors in Padmini Mahal (palace) in Chittorgarh Fort where Alauddin Khilji is believed to have seen Rani Padmavati or Padmini A rangoli depicting Deepika Padukone in the movie by artist Karan K was destroyed by protesters in Surat BJP has sought postponement of Padmavatis release in Gujarat after the assembly elections, scheduled on December 9 and 14, in order to avoid allegedly hurting sentiments of the Kshatriya community

It appears that the filmmakers dont want to screen the film to us before its release because of certain objectionable scenes in which history has been distorted. This is absolutely unacceptable and we wont let the film release, said Lokendra Singh Kalvi, patron of the Sena.

Ab agar wo nahi samajh me ata, toh thik hai. Pehle thappad khaye the, ab joote khayega. (If Bhansali doesnt understand now, let it be. Last time he was slapped, this time, he will be beaten with shoes), he said.

Kalvi has been demanding that the film be screened before his group so that they can ensure no objectionable scenes are portrayed in it.

Rani Padmini or Padmavati was a 13-14th century queen of Chittorgarh and the Rajput community has alleged that the movie suggests an amorous relationship between Padmavati (played by Deepika Padukone) and Alauddin Khilji (Ranveer Singh). Bhansali and his team have dismissed the claims.

In January, activists of the Sena had protested, manhandled and misbehaved with the films crew  even slapped Bhansali  claiming he was distorting historical facts in the movie, forcing the director to stop shooting.

Activists of other Rajput organisations also have protested over the same allegations in other parts of the country, including Gujarat, where the ruling BJP has sought delaying the films release to after the elections.

The film has reportedly been insured for over Rs 160 crore to cover loss of ticketing revenue due to riots, strike and malicious damage. However, it doesnt cover loss of property that exhibitors might face due to rioting.

A DNA report said theatre owners in Rajasthan are wary of screening the film and want local administration to offer them protection.

Also, a distributor is yet to be appointed in the state for the film.

As of now, no distributor has been appointed in Rajasthan. There are threats, and every day, we get pamphlets warning us not to screen the film, a distributor is quoted as saying.

Naturally, we are cautious and would like the local administration to give us police protection so that the film gets screened in our cinema halls. If we dont get proper police protection and if there are more problems, then we will need to think about screening the film, he said.

On Friday, hundreds of protesters, that included women and Muslims holding placards and saffron flags, marched through the streets of Chittorgarh, shouting slogans against the film.

Kalvi claimed this signified their unity on the matter.

Women were leading the rally in protest against the wrong portrayal of Padmavati in the film, which is insulting Indian culture, said Bhanwar Singh Reta, founder of the Jai Rajputana Sangh.

Reta had earlier threatened to burn cinema halls screening Padmavatiif the film was released without being showcased to Rajput organisations.

We will be organising a meeting in Ahmedabad on November 12 over this issue. Not only in Rajasthan, we want a ban throughout India, Kalvi said.

The protest march resulted in a four-hour-long jam in Chittorgarh.

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Did former prime minister Indira Gandhi jump the gun by declaring unilateral ceasefire in the western sector in 1971? Shouldnt she have allowed her troops to recapture the lost territory of Chhamb that continues to be with Pakistan even now? This is the question Maj Gen AJS Sandhu (retd) mulls as he sets about bringing to life the Battle of Chhamb in his book Battleground Chhamb: The Indo-Pakistan War of 1971.

Fought in western sector when the world attention was focused on the liberation of Bangladesh in the East, the battle is the story of raw courage and tactical hits and misses.

The 14 days saw a heavy loss of life with Pakistan losing 45% of its strength in the West.

For Maj Gen Sandhu, it is both a sons tribute and a well-researched piece of military history. Sandhu was a young captain in the eastern sector during the 1971 Indo-Pak war when his father, then Maj Gen Jaswant Singh, was the general officer commanding of 10 Division in Kashmir, which fought the Battle of Chhamb. Interestingly, Jaswants three brothers were also fighting the war, two in the eastern theatre and one in the west.

Sandhu says his father, who kept a diary during the war, wanted to pen a book on the battle but died following a cardiac arrest while he was serving as the vice-chief in 1980. I used his diary and many other jottings on the battle to write a detailed, balanced and definitive account of this battle, says Sandhu, who also received a fellowship from the United Service Institution of India (USI) to research this book over two-and-half years.

Other side of the hill

Sandhu also approached Pakistani army officers who had fought this battle. A chapter titled View from the Other Side of the Hill, carries the uncensored first-hand accounts of the battle by four Pakistani officers. Interestingly, one of them is an officer who shot down the plane of Air Marshal Denzil Keelor. Keelor was flying support missions in Chhamb when his plane was shot down by the Pakistani army, says Sandhu. He managed to bail out and landed in the no-mans land. Luckily, Indians managed to evacuate him.

Chhamb, says Sandhu, saw Pakistans biggest land offensive as Maj Gen Yahya Khan wanted to capture the only connecting bridge on the Chenab as that would make it possible for them to wrest Rajouri and Poonch. Sandhu says initially, the Indian Army planned to launch an offensive on Pakistan in the western sector but the plan was aborted at the last minute. Indira Gandhi felt she could defend her attack on the East Pakistan to the world following 1 million Bangla refugees and her tours to the US and Canada seeking a solution to this problem. But she didnt want to hazard an adverse world reaction to an attack on West Pakistan, says Sandhu.

The 10 Division was in the process of reorienting itself when Pakistan caught it off guard with a massive offensive backed by heavy artillery support. The battle, which began on the evening of December 3 with air strikes by Pakistan, ended with Indira Gandhi announcing a unilateral ceasefire that took effect on December 17.

Heavy casualties

The 14 days saw a heavy loss of life with Pakistan losing 45% of its strength in the West. Pakistans Maj Gen Ifthikar Khan Janjua became the highest ranked officer to have died in combat during this offensive. The Indians also captured Col Basharat Raja, the senior-most Pakistani commanding officer in the western theatre.

Sandhu says later Indira, when being introduced to Jaswant Singh as the general who fought a tough battle in Chhamb, intervened to describe it as not tough, but the toughest battle in the western sector.

The battle, Sandhu says, holds many lessons even for the present day warfare. But clearly, what rankles him the most is the loss of Chhamb. We had 90,000 prisoners of war with us. Shouldnt we have negotiated the return of our territory in the Simla Agreement? he questioned.
What do you do when you suspect that your mothers brother Uncle Harry was a fence and that the dicey side of jewelry is in your blood? When contrarily, to complicate family history, an uncle by marriage once removed is also the Leo Robin who wrote Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend and indeed all the lyrics to Gentlemen Prefer Blondes? When you possess a seven-piece harem ring, allegedly gifted to your great-grandmother who ran the Hotel New York in Marienbad by a Russian prince who couldnt pay his bill in cash? When these are only some of the innumerable family anecdotes involving jewelry  personal stories that over time have assumed near myth proportions? If you are Wendy Doniger you record them with inspirational irreverence, stopping considerably short of a narcissistic exercise and using them as a starting point for a detailed enumeration and analysis of the role of jewelry, particularly rings, in human history.

The formidable variety of Donigers scholarship is evident in her work which includes: translations of the Rig Veda, the Manusmrti, and the Kama Sutra; Hindu Myths; Siva: The Erotic Ascetic; and of course the controversial The Hindus: An Alternative History. At the risk of sounding facetious one could add that one reason why Doniger has courted controversy is because the ring of truth characterizes much of her writing. Drawing on the associational images of beauty, romance, adornment, and pledges of loyalty (including feudal fealty) which rings and indeed all forms of jewelry connote, this latest book examines how these attributes could mask deeper linkages to power and the ways in which they are manifest in different relationships ranging from patriarchal dominance to sexual manipulation to betrayal. Both men and women become central to this many-splendoured narrative in which Doniger pulls up history, chronicle, literature, psychology and culture with careless fluency, frequently substituting verbatim accounts with crisp paraphrases and using humour and wit to drive home her argument.

The eighteenth century author Jonathan Swift (famously known for Gullivers Travels, less so as a brilliant and troubled satirist) had regretted in his day that it was with writers as with wells  some were considered wondrous deep for no other reason than that they were wondrous dark (i.e. obscure). In our own time carping, joyless academics who sneer at anything that doesnt subscribe to their notion of serious scholarship (read pedantic verbosity) would do well to take a cue from Doniger who places contemporary pop culture alongside what are now considered classics, astutely acknowledging that context generally moulds judgement. She quotes from the Elvis Presley song (She wears my ring to show the world that she belongs to me) in a section dealing with how rings have been equated with ownership of womens bodies. Doris Day and Marilyn Monroe (two film icons who seared my soul when I was a teenager in the 1950s), who ostensibly represent two different paradigms of womanhood, are viewed as grounded in the same slut assumption: when a woman has a piece of jewelry, she must have gotten it by sleeping with some man. Other popular references, too many to list here, include Sex and the City and the way De Beers shifted advertising strategy to manipulate feminist sentiment (reference Sushmita Sen: I dont need a man in my life to have diamonds. I can own them myself.).

Wendy Doniger

The word ring in medieval times was associated with male and female genitalia, and Doniger lists several raunchy innuendoes in literature and art which confirm this. The lost ring came to mean different things, its discovery in places ranging from the belly of a fish to a bottle in the ocean perpetuating myths about loss and discovery. Doniger explores the multiple ways in which the ring was introduced into narratives (e.g. Shakuntala and the Ring of Memory) to change the fundamental storyline, deftly spotting parallels across continents and cultures. As the study moves into modern Europe and America it includes other kinds of jewelry, particularly necklaces. The notorious and dramatic saga of Marie Antoinette and the Diamond Necklace leads this shift in focus. Doniger recounts how both Frances last Queen and the flamboyant Cardinal Rohan became unsuspecting pawns in the hands of unscrupulous courtiers who led the Cardinal to believe the Queen fancied him and duped him into buying a hugely expensive diamond necklace to woo her. Since truth will out, the incident became a sensational scandal. Carlyle described it as one which imbittered all [the Queens] future life, and followed her to the very steps of the guillotine, while Napoleon reportedly believed that The Queens death must be dated from the Diamond Necklace Trial.

Donigers concluding chapter brings in a crucial conceptual thread hinted at through the book: the eternal triangle of jewelry, sex, and money. She reminds us that most of the stories share this nexus between jewelry and, on the one hand, sex and gender and, on the other hand, money and power; that men who control the production and sale of jewelry have also created much of the mythology surrounding it; that throughout history, jewelry was the only form of property a woman could own; that jewelry became both a means of control over women and a tool of sexual maneuvering by them. Doniger presents her case with refreshing irony and satire, debunking much of the blah-blah while acknowledging its abiding significance: it is what our deepest intuitions grab hold of instead of reason, and it is what the mythology feeds on. The unfortunate truth is that consumerist buzz and the media boom, online shopping portals and larger than life ads, have created a mystique which exalts jewelry in ridiculous and shameful ways in todays world, especially in less privileged societies. In the final analysis, jewelry and greed are often inseparable however much one may camouflage it. Doniger does not say this forcefully enough, leaving one with the uncomfortable feeling that the mythology of jewelry has somehow submerged this reality.

Vrinda Nabar is the author of Caste as Woman and a former Chair of English, Mumbai University.
Ive never been a fan of early morning flights, but travelling to Ladakh doesnt leave one with many options. I rush home after the nights service, pack my tools and head to the airport.

Im exhausted, but full of nervous energy. This is the second time Im heading to Ladakh in my adult life; memories flood back from the time my father was posted in a small village called Sanjak between Leh and Kargil. We would pluck apricots and apples straight from the tree; wood sorrel grew with wild abandon. The tastes of a dozen different herbs from the region have stayed with me, their names long forgotten.

The team at work with Mehdi and locals enlisted to help. (Ashish Shah)

I meet Ashish Shah at the airport, the photographer who had done one of our earliest shoots at Masque. His work speaks for itself, and I remain in admiration of his skill, work ethic and general go-getter attitude. Ashish is my foraging buddy for the next five days, along with Mehdi, the most crucial of this unlikely trio: hes the one who will drive us around the deep interiors of Ladakh in search of sea buckthorn, apricots, and whatever else we can find.

Home, sweet home

We land in Leh. Still only half awake, I open my eyes to the mighty Himalayas under whose lap I was born. I left Kashmir at a relatively young age, but the connect remains strong; stepping out of the plane feels like a homecoming of sorts. Our dear Mehdi, lucky him, is still sound asleep when we land, but gets us to our hotel where we spend the next day acclimatising to the altitude.

At dawn, we begin the drive to Nubra via Khardung La, the worlds highest motorable pass. As Ashish clicks away, we drive past fields of a greyish-purple. Intrigued and with a sneaking suspicion of what weve stumbled across, we stop to explore. We wade into the fields and I stoop over to take a whiff; the familiar, floral scent hits me like a brick. Sure enough, weve stepped into a treasure trove of wild lavender, and Im left awestruck by how incredible India really is. While were looking West for infusions and scented bath bombs, this bounty lies untouched within our borders.

Chef Prateek poses with wild lavender in the fields. (Ashish Shah)

After making Mehdi promise to stop on our way back when I have my tools handy, we continue to Nubra. I look on to mesmerising views, the lavender playing on my mind  there are a thousand different tea and cocktail possibilities, or something with fish, perhaps? Its a rough drive to Turtuk, the village were heading to in Nubra, but worth it: were welcomed by a vast jungle of sea buckthorn, the main reason were here. The beautiful, tiny orange berry is a vitamin C tsunami and grows abundantly here, where locals use its thorny bushes largely for fencing.

We start the next day with steaming cups of noon  meaning salted chai  typical to the Ladakh and Kashmir area; the Ladakhi version is unique in that the butter is emulsified beforehand, different from the Kashmiri one I grew up drinking, but still a lifelong favourite.

Locals wear fitted army gloves to protect themselves from the thorns during the foraging activity. (Ashish Shah)

We gear up to begin foraging. Weve had to buy army gloves to protect ourselves from the thorns, and enlisted an extra three sets of local hands to help. We spend the next five hours settling into a steady routine: hold the stem, hit it with a stick, collect the falling berries. Of a target of 100 kilos, we manage 30.

As dusk falls, we call it a day and trek to the top of a nearby hill for some relaxation. However, in this land of endless surprises, we are met instead with views of endless buckwheat farms, their flowers in full bloom. In a months time, they will be ready for harvest; until then, we sit back and breathe in the serenity, then dive in, wading through waist-deep fields until midnight.

Bring on the Baltis

The team plucks some fresh apricots.

The next day: more salted tea, more sea buckthorn. Hold the stem, hit the stem, collect the jewels. The locals chime in with traditional Balti songs and direct us towards a typical lunch in Baltistan: pancakes made from fermented buckwheat batter, eaten with dried buckwheat leaves and yoghurt. This is easily my most memorable meal of the trip, and I eat the same dish for two days straight.

Fresh apricots plucked by the team. (Ashish Shah)

The berries have thrown us a bit off schedule, and our hunt for apricots is delayed by half a day. We begin instead the following morning, walking up a hill to be met by a trio of delightful old ladies who run the apricot farms. They explain to us the different varieties they grow: one primarily to be eaten fresh, another to be dried, and a third used most often for chutneys and pickling. I spend the next four hours walking through the farms with them, taking notes on what to do once I get back home. My biggest concern is doing justice to the fruits; the challenge will be working them into dishes without bastardising their sweetness and natural flavour. Actually, scratch that  the primary challenge is to get all the produce back to Mumbai without damaging it.

The pre-dessert the chef serves at his restaurant using the berries. (ANISSA HELOU)

Ive carried an icebox with me, but one look at our yield and I set off to buy more buckets. The berries are especially delicate, and unfortunately so are the buckets we find in tiny Turtuk; well have to repack them in a sturdier contraption once we get to Ladakh.

Another morning of noon chai and we set off, this time with tools handy. We make pit stops where the lavender grows thick, hopping out every now and then to cut it fresh. Once we arrive, the day is spent gorging on thukpa and momos and discussing how to incorporate all this brilliance into our new menu at Masque. Foraging and farming with your own hands creates an entirely new sense of responsibility towards your ingredients; my focus lies in creating unique plates that do justice to the produce.

Brunch Insider Visit Balti Farm, an a-la-carte restaurant in Turtuk that dishes up Balti dishes sourced almost entirely from its own orchards.(Source: Lonely Planet) Take a short hike to Yarab Tso Lake on the way from Teggar to Panamik hot springs. (Source: TripAdvisor) Stay at Desert Himalaya Resort, a comfortable campsite that has good dining options and snug tents with private bathrooms. (Source: Conde Nast Traveller)

Back on the ground

Still, all the beauty in the world could not make me relinquish my hatred for an early morning flight. Its compounded this time by the 70 extra kilos Im carrying back with me and the fact that I cannot use my credit card to pay for it thanks to technical issues. At 5 am, we scramble to find an ATM, rush back to the counter, and hop on the flight. Im eager to get back to the kitchen  with produce this delicate, every moment counts, and some amount of loss is inevitable. I head straight from the airport to Masque, where the team is ready and waiting to unpack the buckets for storage.

We spend the next four days running through trials and taste tests; not until day four do we succeed in getting our sea buckthorn ice just right. A delicate ring of it is set atop a light mousse of black pepper from the south, garnished with pine salt and fennel flowers. We begin running it on the menu that same night. The apricots will feature on our next, paired with duck, if all goes as planned.

Prateek Sadhu is the chef and owner of Masque restaurant in Mumbai

From HT Brunch, November 5, 2017

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Joba Edward, 27, is a fisherman by day and a human mosquito-trap by night. He is among three pairs of men recruited as human landing collectors at one of 12 sites along Lake Kariba in the southern province of Zambia, to help scientists study the density, types and human-biting behaviour of the female anopheles mosquito that spreads malaria.

Malaria is a parasitic disease that spreads between humans through the bite of infected female anopheles mosquitoes. Once the parasite enters the human bloodstream, it invades the liver and then the red blood cells. Symptoms include fever, headache, sweats, chills and vomiting; if severe and untreated, the infection can kill.

Edward has volunteered to be human bait for mosquitoes that are out from dusk to dawn in search of a meal. His job is to sit from 6 pm to 6 am in shorts and a T-shirt (so his legs and arms are uncovered) outside a strangers home in Makuti village, about 500 metres from lake Kariba, to catch live mosquitoes as they bite him, using a mouth aspirator.

Another human landing collector sits inside the room, where the family sleeps, to catch indoor-biting mosquitoes.

The two collect and label mosquitoes on an hourly basis, taking 15-minute hourly breaks during a 12-hour shift, for a Zambia Ministry of Health study funded by PATHs Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA).

They get 100 kwacha ($10) for each five-day spell, during which they will have caught 300 to 400 mosquitoes.

Nothing can prevent the itch from the bite, but that doesnt bother Edward. Im not itchy because Im very fast. I catch them before they can bite me, he says. Edward last had malaria three years ago. Ive not had malaria since I started this volunteer work, he says.

ENDING MALARIA

Data collected since the study started in 2014 shows an increase in the proportion of the outdoor-biting anopheles arabiensis and a fall in the malaria-spreading anopheles funestus since Zambia began indoor residual spraying (IRS) to accelerate malaria eradication.

The study also confirms that IRS lowered sporozoite rates of plasmodium falciparum, the most deadly of the four species of human malaria parasites, in the anopheles funestus, the species that spreads the most malaria.

The anopheles funestus loves a human meal and the study shows it is possible to lower its density using IRS. Study data from the past three years also showed a shift in biting behaviour, with mosquitoes no longer the most active between 10 pm and 2 am.

The anopheles is now most active at dawn and dusk, which shows that it is adapting to survive the increased use of IRS and mosquito nets, says Kochlani Saili, an entomological surveillance officer with PATH.

The MACEPA study is adding to the knowledge arsenal in the global fight against malaria, which has been eliminated in seven countries since 2000. Zambia is leading the charge in Africa by accelerating its efforts to be malaria-free by 2021. It aims to do this by stopping local transmission of the parasite that causes about 5 million annual cases and 2,500 deaths in the country.

Globally, preventive measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets, IRS and mass drug administration (MDA) have halved malaria incidence worldwide since 2000, resulting in 6.8 million lives saved.

Edward is paid 100 kwacha ($10) for each five-day spell, during which he catches 300 to 400 mosquitoes. Scientists use his samples to analyse the density, types and human-biting behaviour of the female anopheles mosquito that spreads malaria.

DRUG THERAPY

In India, malaria causes 13 million infections and 24,000 deaths, according to World Health Organisation estimates. In India, 80% of malaria cases occur within the 20% of the countrys population that lives in 200 high-risk districts; these districts are showing a steady increase in p falciparum infection.

A 2016 study by the Indian Council of Medical Researchs Regional Medical Research Centre in Dibrugarh, Assam, found p falciparum infection rates as high as 84.44% in the population surveyed, followed by p vivax in 10.56% of people, and mixed infections (p falciparum and p vivax) in 5% of the population surveyed. Among the p falciparum cases, 38.16% of people were asymptomatic.

Mass drug administration of a prophylactic medicine helps stop malaria transmission even when it is undiagnosed or asymptomatic. Edward, for one, was given a tablet of the drug deltaprim as a prophylactic to prevent infection before he started his project of being mosquito dinner.

Like him, about 271,000 people in Zambias southern province will receive MDA in two phases this month and next, at the start of the rainy reason, in a campaign-style intervention.

Health workers go door-to-door in designated areas within a short time to clear infections that may not be picked up by diagnostic tests with limited sensitivity, says Dr Owen Malawo, environmental health officer and focal officer for malaria.

Of course, nothing can prevent the itch from the bite, but that doesnt bother Edward. Im not itchy because Im very fast. I catch them before they can bite me, he says. Edward last had malaria three years ago. Ive not had malaria since I started this volunteer work in 2015, he says.

If Zambias efforts to become malaria-free stay on track, neither will millions of others.

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As we approach its first anniversary, has demonetisation achieved its original objectives? On November 8, these were tackling corruption, counterfeit currency and terror-funding. Thereafter the Prime Minister added reducing dependence on cash.

Now that we know almost 99% of demonetised money has come back, the governments estimates of how much black money would be extinguished have gone horribly wrong. First, the Attorney General told the Supreme Court he expected 4-5 lakh crore to be neutralised. Then, a Finance Ministry official told reporters Rs 3 lakh crore would not return. In the end just Rs 16,000 crore didnt come back. Even that will shrink once deposits in cooperative banks and, perhaps, currency held in Bhutan and Nepal is counted.

This means previously unbanked money has been credited to bank accounts. As it yields returns it will be taxed and thats a gain. If large proportions are proven to be black revenues will increase substantially.

The critical question is how much can the authorities establish is black? In his budget speech, Mr Jaitley revealed Rs 4.9 lakh crore had been deposited in 148,000 bank accounts of a minimum value of Rs 80 lakhs each amounting to an average deposit of Rs 3.31 crore. At the time, Business Standard Chairman, TN Ninan, wrote: Its all but certain  this is black money unearthed by notebandi. More recently, the Prime Minister has said 18 lakh accounts are under scrutiny and 2.10 lakh companies have been closed. This is a humongous number for the CBDT to scrutinise given it only investigates 3 lakh accounts annually.

On the assumption most black money is detected, the economist Surjit Bhalla has calculated the additional revenue in the first year as Rs 2.5 lakh crore with a further Rs 1.5 lakh annually in perpetuity. If that happens its a huge gain but if is the operative word. Remember, the governments claims will be contested in court and the cases could drag on for years. For now, all we can say is some black money will be identified and taxed but what proportion that is of the total and what the gain will be is unknown.

Meanwhile, the objective of reducing counterfeit currency seems unachieved. In 2015 the National Investigation Agency established that at any point of time only Rs 400 crore of counterfeit currency is in circulation. Thats 0.028% of total currency. Now, CNBC has calculated only 0.0007% of the returned thousand rupee notes are fake and only 0.002% of the five hundred notes. In value terms thats just Rs 41 crore. So either a lot of fake currency hasnt been detected or didnt exist.

In terms of tackling terror-funding the Finance Ministry said in August: As a result of demonetisation of specified bank notes terrorist and Naxalite financing stopped almost entirely. If true, this is a huge success but no proof has been provided. Till it is, this is just an assertion.Terror, meanwhile, has not been eliminated as the attacks on Srinagar airport, the Amarnath Yatra, Kulgam and Pulwama show.

Finally, have we reduced dependence on cash? Both in number and value, digital transactions increased sharply after November but dipped sizably thereafter. There were 671.49 million transactions in November, rising to 957.50 million in December before shrinking to 862.38 million in July. In value terms, it was Rs 94 lakh crore in November rising to Rs 149 lakh crore in March before declining to Rs 107 lakh crore in July. Clearly the use of cash did initially diminish but, thereafter, its steadily increasing.

So you cant say demonetisation has fulfilled its objectives. But theres also the well-established economic cost in terms of growth, jobs and human suffering. Growth has collapsed to 5.7% and, perhaps, over a million jobs lost. This raises the deeper question: was demonetisation worth it? The Uttar Pradesh assembly elections suggested the initial answer was yes. But is that changing? We have 18 months before the next elections to find out.

The views expressed are personal

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Mohd Ansars family was not happy when he decided to pursue a case against a thief who had stolen his phone from a Metro station and was nabbed red-handed in the process.

The next few days, 34-year-old Ansar, a shopkeeper, spent most of his time doing rounds of the police station and a local court.

Friday, however, was a proud moment for Ansar, when Delhi Police handed him, and 58 others like him, a reward of Rs 1,000 and a certificate of bravery each for nabbing a thief on Metro trains. The Metro Bravehearts, as police now calls them, who were felicitated on Friday, include an unemployed youth, an army colonel, a college student and a businessman.

Pickpockets in Delhi Metro: Here is how they do it, and how to spot them

I believe it is a duty of every citizen to file a police complaint in a criminal case. I had got my phone back and could have easily avoided getting into the legal hassle, but the thief might have gone to target other passengers, Ansar said.

This year, more than 520 people have been arrested for thefts on Metro trains and in stations, 59 of who were nabbed by the Metro bravehearts.

At least 30 cases of thefts are reported from Metro stations every day with almost an equal number of cases going unreported by passengers who want to avoid legal hassles. With initiatives  like the Metro bravehearts  the police now has been trying to encourage commuters to check the number of thefts.

How 14 thieves from a family stole mobile phones on the Delhi Metro for 2 months

We want the hesitation of commuters to file a complaint to end. In many cases, a commuter hands over a suspect to us but refuses to file a complaint. In such cases, we have no option but to let the accused go. The suspects often return to the Metro system and target other passengers. People want the society to improve, but they dont want to appear as witness. By rewarding them, we hope we are able to make Metro crime free, said Pankaj Singh, deputy commissioner of police at Delhi Metro.

Around 28 lakh passengers use the Delhi Metro every day. This year, till October, around 11,000 cases of theft were registered with the police.

Last year, only 3% of the total cases registered were solved. This year, the number has increased to 22%, thanks to passenger proactiveness.

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Starting Friday, the number of stations monitoring air quality in the city increased to 35 from the existing 17, with two more stations scheduled to be added to the network by next week.

Officials said air pollution data till now was being recorded by four stations run by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, eight by the Indian Meteorological Department and five by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Ten new DPCC stations at ITI Shahdara, Mother Dairy Plant in Parparganj, PGDAV College at Sriniwaspuri, Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, DITE Okhla, Satyawati College, DITE Wazirpur and ITI Jahangirpuri were made online on Diwali. Eight more are operational and data from there is available from Friday, a senior Delhi government official said.

The new stations, which joined the network from Friday, are located at Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Combating Climate Change in Alipur, ITI Narela, Sonia Vihar Water Treatment Plant, Bramprakash Ayurvedic Hospital in Najafgarh, National Institute of Malaria Research, Sector 8, Dwarka, Mundka Metro Residential Colony, Maharshi Valmiki Hospital, Pooth Khurd and Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies in Rohini.

Apart from this, work is nearly complete at two other stations at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in Pusa and National Institute of Tuberculosis & Respiratory Diseases, Aurobindo Marg, and these two will become part of the network in another week.

The real time pollution figures of PM2.5 and PM10 from these stations will be available on the Delhi Pollution Control Committee website. The Central Pollution Control Board will take this data and calculate the overall air quality index (AQI) of all the locations, which will then be displayed on its website and the SAMEER mobile app.

A more comprehensive picture of air pollution in Delhi-NCR, however, is likely to be available from January 2018 onwards when 20 new monitoring stations become operational in areas of Haryana, bordering the capital.

The 20 new DPCC stations:

# Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Combating Climate Change, Alipur

# Industrial Training Institute, Bhalswa, Jahangirpuri,

#ITI Narela

#Sonia Vihar Water Treatment Plant

#Mother Dairy Plant, Patpar Ganj

#Satyawati College, GT Karnal Road

#PGDAV College, Sriniwaspuri

#National Institute of Tuberculosis & Respiratory Diseases, Sri Arvindo Marg

#Bramprakash Ayurvedic Hospital, Najafgarh

#ITI Shahadra ,(Jhilmil Industrial Area),

#IARI PUSA, PUSA institutional Area

#Dhayanchand Stadium, India Gate

#JLN Stadium

#Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, Asola

#National Institute of Malaria Research, Sector 8, Dwarka

#Mundka Metro Residential Colony

#Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, Rohini

#Delhi Institute of Tool Engineering, Wazirpur Industrial Area

#DITE, Okhla

#Maharshi Valmiki Hospital, Pooth Khurd

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An elderly woman and her five-year-old granddaughter were killed and five other members from the family were in a fire broke at north Delhis Sadar Bazar on Saturday morning. A gas leakage is suspected to have started the fire.

The deceased have been identified as Bhagwati Devi, 75, and Kavya,5.

The injured are Devraj (58), Sushila (50), Vijay (32), Preeti (30) and Vanshika (8). They are recuperating in different hospitals.

The family lived in Gali Pahiya Waali of Sadar Bazar in a two-storeyed house. According to Teerath Ram, a relative of the family, the fire started on the first floor and spread.

As some of the members were asleep, they did not realise it in time to escape.

Additional Director (Delhi Fire Services) Atul Garg said they received a call around 8-55 a.m.from the police control room. The PCR call was made by a neighbour Shekhar, said DCP North Jatin Narwal.

I was sleeping when my wife came and told me the adjoining house was on fire. After informing the police, I along with a few neighbours poured water to try and control the fire but it had engulfed almost the entire house. Entering and rescuing the victims was also not possible, said Shekhar.

A team from the Bara Hindu Rao police station and eight fire tenders reached the spot. The firefighting lasted for an hour and the victims were rushed to a hospital where Bhagwati Devi was declared brought dead. Initial investigation pointed that there was a leak from the cylinder pipe, which led to the blaze.

The victims were then referred to Lady Irwin and Ram Manohar Lohia hospitals. Kavya died during treatment, said Teerath Ram who is married to Devis daughter.

Among the injured, Devraj and Vijay are Devis sons while Sushila and Preeti are their respective wives. The children Vanshika and Kavya were both daughters of Preeti and Vijay.

Devraj is unemployed while Vijay works as an electrician.
Many passengers were left stranded at the New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport, as at least 13 flights were diverted and many others were delayed on Saturday.

According to ANI reports, which quotes airport officials, the flights were diverted due to VIP movement at the New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport.

ATC sources say delays caused due to high frequency of VIP charter planes landing at Delhi airport, ANI tweeted.

According to sources within the Aam Aadmi Party, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal was also caught in the traffic congestion, as his flight was delayed by an hour and a half. He was supposed to reach Bhopal at 8:30 pm, but due to a delayed flight, he reached 10 pm.

Many twitter users took to the micro blogging site to vent out their frustrations.

Mumbai Delhi Flight delayed and diverted to Amritsar due to congestion! Horrible management by Delhi airport! Who is to blame?, tweeted Archana Vaidya, whose bio reads that she is a value investor who is passionate about economics.

Due to the VIP movement, as reported by ANI, many major flights were also delayed.

New Delhi airport is faced with a traffic chaos. Some flights have been diverted. My flight from Jaipur is delayed by 3hrs, still waiting, said a twitter user who identified himself as the author Devinder Sharma, who writes on economics, agriculture and food policy.

According to agency reports, the diversion took place between 5.30 p.m. to 6.15 p.m.

(WIth ANI inputs)
New Delhi

ITO, one of Delhis busiest traffic junctions and an office hub, could bear a different look by March next year as construction on the ambitious skywalk project finally took off this week.

The Public Works Department (PWD) has started construction of what officials say will be Delhis first mega skywalk, expected to be 615 metres long. There are over 25 major office complexes in ITO, besides two Metro stations, seven major arterial roads and the Tilak Bridge Railway Station.

We have started constructing the foundation of a staircase near the Institute of Archaeology. It will be one of the entry-exit points to the skywalk. Initially, the pace of construction work is slow, but we will expedite it, an official associated with the project told Hindustan Times on condition of anonymity as he is not authorised to speak to the media.

A skywalk connects more than one road and is generally used at junctions with heavy traffic. It is longer than a foot overbridge (FoB) and has space for canopies, food shops and areas for pedestrians to sit. It also has more than one arm, allowing pedestrians to reach different parts of a busy intersection.

The estimated cost of the ITO project is 41 crore. The central government will finance about 80% of the project, while the remaining funds will be provided by the Delhi government. It will connect Sikandra Road, Mathura Road, Tilak Marg and Bahadurshah Zafar Marg with Pragati Maidan and ITO Metro stations and the Supreme Court.

Starting from the Pragati Maidan Metro Station, the skywalk will have four wings. One will exit at the Mathura Road bus stand, another will go under the Metro line and descend near the entry of the Tilak Bridge Railway Station.

The third section will have two exits points, one near Bal Gangadhar Tilak statue on Tilak Marg and the other near Institute of Archaeology Building on Sikandra Road. The fourth section will be a ramp that will descend near Hanuman Temple at Bahadur Shah Zafar Road.

As part of the skywalk project, an FoB will also be constructed on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg near Hans Bhawan. The skywalk will have steel benches and stylish overhead canopies where kiosks for refreshments will be set up.

The official said barricades had been put near Pragati Maidan Metro Station towards Hanuman Temple for the construction work. Union minister of housing and urban affairs Hardeep Singh Puri and BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi will lay the foundation stone of the project on November 9. The target is to complete the project by March 31, 2018, the official said.

At present, there is only one FoB on Vikas Marg at ITO. There is a subway built by DMRC to allow pedestrians to cross over Vikas Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and the DDU Marg. However, there is no FoB or subway at Pragati Maidan Metro Station, exposing pedestrians to safety risks.
A barrier for stopping heavy vehicles, erected on a road in the middle of Sector 21, has emerged as a growing concern for residents nearby.

While the barrier was being erected, many residents gathered on site and even argued with the men at work, telling them that it will impede the movement of heavy vehicles between Bijwasan (in Delhi) and Gurgaon. They even informed the police.

Upset over their pleas being ignored by the workers on site, the residents are now counting on the Haryana urban development authority (Huda) and the police to take necessary action.

We have written to the Huda and the police that we want the barrier removed. We also want the police to act against the person who erected it, Raj Singh Yadav, a resident, said, adding that the barrier has been hindering the movement of locals and commuters since being installed.

Since the Huda is the custodian of the sector road, the residents want the authority to file a police complaint in this matter.

The barrier to check heavy vehicles has been erected at the wrong place. It is right in the middle of the sector, near the market. While I doubt how effective it has been in preventing heavy vehicles from plying on the stretch, it has surely made life a lot more difficult for us. It would have been better had the barrier been erected outside the sector, towards Bijwasan. Shortly after it was erected, a goods vehicle (a tempo) had rammed the barrier, Praveen Yadav, another resident, said.

However, Umed Singh, president, residents welfare association (RWA), Sector 21, said, We (RWA) support the installation of the barrier, as it will stop the plying of heavy vehicles on this (sector) road. Goods vehicles, shuttling between Bijwasan and Gurgaon, often pass through this sector to avoid paying tax levied by the MCG (Municipal Corporation of Gurugram) at the Kapashera and Sirhaul toll points.

Read I The great expressway barrier splits city

A senior Huda official, however, said that the barrier had been erected without seeking the requisite permission of the authority.

Sanjiv Singla, estate officer (EO), Huda, said, No one, including the RWA, has the right to raise such a barrier without seeking the approval of the Huda. I have already sought a report from the officials concerned and will look into the matter on Monday. There should be a valid reason and approval from the competent authority and the police to erect a barrier or a gate in sectors to check the movement of heavy vehicles.

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Bringing Metro services to Sadar Bazar and Gurgaon railway station will be the focus of newly elected senior deputy mayor Pramila Kablana.

The residents of old Gurgaon colonies, sectors and municipal area have been demanding Metro services for a long time. The government has proposed that either the Rapid Metro or the Delhi Metro will run through these areas. However, we plan to work with the authorities to ensure that we get both, said Kablana.

Another issue that is close to her heart is to get the unauthorised colonies of Gurgaon their due share of amenities, which have been denied to them so far.

Since Kablanas core part of the constituency comprises the 900-metre restricted zone around the IAF ammunition depot, which includes Ashok Vihar, Sheetla colony, Dharm colony and Om Vihar, she said that sincere efforts will be made to ensure that this zone is reduced and kept to the minimum.

These areas are suffering due to lack of roads, water and sewer connections, she said.

The toll-free number of the MCG to lodge complaints, which works intermittently, will be converted into a proper and functional service, she said.

Kablana, a Congress-backed supporter, surprised many including political pundits for defying the political odds and winning this post in a BJP majority House.

She cites her husbands ceaseless work in his ward in the previous term and her connect with the voters, particularly women, as the reason for her victory in the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) polls.

Another issue that Kablana plans to tackle is the snarls in the western parts of the city  the area from Rajiv Chowk to railway station, sectors 4 and 5, Palam Vihar, sectors 23, 22, and Old Delhi-Gurgaon road. We will work with the police to improve enforcement. It is quite evident that jams are reduced when the police observes a Zero Tolerance Day, Kablana said.

We also need to check crimes against women in the city, the senior deputy mayor said.

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City residents gave mixed reactions to the mayoral election results, which were conducted at the John Hall in Civil Lines on Friday.

While BJPs Madhu Azad was elected unopposed as the citys mayor and the post of deputy mayor went to BJP councillor Sunita Yadav, Congress-supported Pramila Devi Kablana bagged the post of the senior deputy mayor.

The residents were apprehensive as to whether mayor, senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor  who are responsible for the civic development of the city  will be able to work in a healthy environment at House meeting or not.

I speak from my experience of the first Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) election that took place in 2011. The three mayors will remain mere tools in the hands of the top leaders. The BJP has bagged two mayoral posts and one has gone to the Congress. The BJP has severe infighting and Congress will try to manipulate the situation as well. I feel the city is going to witness the biggest disaster in five years. I have no faith in these mayors and their leaders, said Dharam Sagar, president of federation of residents welfare association (Forwa) of urban estate.

The residents are also worried about the intense fighting among the top BJP leaders that was exposed in the run-up to the MCG elections, which gave the benefit to independent councillor Kablana.

Ashok Kohli, resident of Sushant Lok, said, The BJP has a majority with 26 councillors of the total 35, yet the Congress-backed councillor bagged one mayoral seat. Our concern is that the House will always be in trouble. To take even a minor step towards development, councillors would seek direction from their respective senior leaders. I am worried that the state of basic amenities such as roads, sewer, water, etc. will go from bad to worse.

The city was hoping for the BJP to bag all three posts so that the House could have easily cleared development files.

I am sure every file will be blocked by one group of councillors and vice-versa following directions from their seniors. In terms of civic development, the city has witnessed bad and poor politics affecting development, said TN Kaul, resident of Ardee City.

Spokesperson of Gurgaon MP Rao Inderjit said: City will witness uniform and impartial development for sure. Good times are ahead. Rao Narbir Singh, MLA Badshahpur, was unavailable for comment.

I will not comment on Congress-backed Gaje Singh Kablana, whose wife was elected senior deputy mayor, said Captain Ajay Singh Yadav, senior Congress leader.

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Netflix said Friday night that Kevin Spacey will no longer be a part of House of Cards and its cutting all other ties with the actor after a series of allegations of sexual harassment and assault. Netflix will not be involved with any further production of House of Cards that includes Kevin Spacey, the company said in a statement.

Netflix said it will work with the shows production company MRC to evaluate whether it will continue without him.

Spacey was nominated for best drama actor Emmy Awards during each of the shows first five seasons, but never won. He played a ruthless politician who ascends to the presidency of the United States. Co-star Robin Wright is also a central player on the show, and it could conceivably continue with a focus on her.

Production on the show had already been suspended on Tuesday.

Netflix says it also will refuse to release the film Gore, in which Spacey stars as the writer Gore Vidal and also acted as producer. CNN reported that eight current or former House of Cards workers claim that Spacey made the production a toxic workplace and one ex-employee alleges Spacey sexually assaulted him.

Spacey has not been arrested or charged with any crime. His publicist did not immediately return an email message late Friday night seeking comment. A publicist said earlier this week that Spacey is taking the time necessary to seek evaluation and treatment.

The Academy Award-winning actor was named in Hollywoods fast-growing sexual harassment crisis after actor Anthony Rapp alleged Spacey made sexual advances toward him in 1986, when Rapp was 14. Spacey has said he doesnt remember the alleged encounter reported by BuzzFeed News last weekend but apologized if such drunken behavior occurred.

The story spurred several others to come forward with similar allegations about Spacey. London police are reportedly investigating Spacey for a 2008 sexual assault, British media reported Friday.

Police did not identify Spacey by name but said the departments child abuse and sexual offenses unit is investigating the reported assault after it was referred to police earlier this week.

New York police gathers evidence for possible arrest warrant against Weinstein

Hollywoods explosive sexual harassment scandal deepened Friday as New York police revealed they were gathering evidence for a possible arrest warrant against Harvey Weinstein in a credible double rape allegation.

Around 100 women have come forward since early October to accuse Weinstein, a twice-married father of five, of sexual misconduct ranging from harassment to rape, sparking police investigations in London, Los Angeles and New York.

On Friday, a top Manhattan detective confirmed that officers were gathering evidence for a possible arrest warrant over Weinsteins alleged double rape of Boardwalk Empire actress Paz de la Huerta at her New York apartment in late 2010.

She put forth a credible and detailed narrative to us, NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce told reporters. The former producer, now dumped by the company he co-founded and ostracized by Hollywood, denies any non-consensual relations.

If this person was still in New York and it was recent, we would go right away and make the arrest, no doubt. But were talking about a seven-year-old case and we have to move forward in gathering evidence first, said Boyce.

We have an actual case here, he added. Mr Weinstein is out of state. We would need an arrest warrant to arrest him. So right now were gathering our evidence. We continue to do so. Every day.

It is at least the third Weinstein case New York police have investigated in recent years, and Boyce did not rule out others.

The Manhattan district attorneys office confirmed it had assigned a senior sex crimes prosecutor to the case.
Thousands of people took refuge in relief camps as torrential monsoon rains flooded parts of Tamil Nadu, killing at least 12 people this week, the government said Saturday.

The weather department has predicted rain or thundershowers over coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry till Monday. Districts like Villupuram, Tiruvallur and Tiruvarur continued to be lashed by rains.

Friday had brought a little respite and the sun, but heavy showers had continued through the evening.

Commuters had a harrowing time due to delayed services of buses and trains and severe traffic snarls. Mild rainfall was recorded in some areas in the state, moderate in others and heavy in some pockets.

In the state capital Chennai, schools and colleges, closed since October 31, were shut today as well and several university exams were postponed. Power supply was suspended in inundated areas such as parts of MKB Nagar in North Chennai, pockets of Madipakkam in South Chennai and Karapakkam off Porur in Western Chennai to ensure safety.

Vehicles move through a waterlogged road as heavy rains lash Chennai. (PTI)

Chief Minister K Palaniswami had on Thursday visited many waterlogged parts of the city and its suburbs, insisting that his government was working on a war-footing. He was accompanied by his deputy O Panneerslevam and senior officials.

Although most of the water-logging has been cleared in Chennai, low-lying areas and the suburbs of the capital continue to be water-logged.

More than 10,000 people have taken shelter in over 105 relief camps in Chennai and other parts of coastal Tamil Nadu, a government release said.

Volunteers distribute food to residents in flooded areas. (PTI)

By 8.30 am on Friday, Chennai had already recorded 554.2mm of rainfall this year, or 74% of the long-term average of 750mm it receives annually in the rainy season, that is calculated from October 1 and December 15

Between Thursday evening and Friday morning, parts of Chennai received as much as 140 mm of rain. Thursdays rain was Chennais third-highest in history in a single day for November, behind only 452.2mm in 1976 and 246.15mm in 2015.

A woman wades through a water-logged subway during Chennai rains. (REUTERS)

Meanwhile, a Met bulletin said the low pressure area over southwest Bay of Bengal, adjoining Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu coast and the associated cyclonic circulation extending upto 3.1 km above mean sea level continued to persist.

The Marina Beach area recorded a whopping 30 cm of precipitation.Parts of the beach were submerged under water, as people tried to make their way around.

Two women push a food cart through flood waters at Marina Beach on the Bay of Bengal coast, Chennai. (AFP)

The heavy deluge has brought back memories of the deadly December 2015 deluge in Chennai, where 500 people died. The city had ground to a halt because of the floods then, and the subsequent clean up took months.

The torrential rainfall in 2015 was the result of the El Nino effect, but Chennais unchecked urban development, loss of wetland and poor drainage exacerbated the situation.
Following opposition on social media, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has decided to put off its plans to start a duty free liquor shop at the Srinagar international airport.

In a statement on Friday, the AAI said it had observed through media/social media that a section of the society was against having the liquor outlet at the airport.

Honouring local sentiments, it called off the tender process for the same with immediate effect.

It is hoped that with this communication, all controversies arising will be placed at rest, the statement said.

The announcement came after the states excise department also refused permission for the liquor shop inside the airport.

Earlier, on Twitter, the Valleys head cleric and separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had opposed the move.

In the name of promoting tourism, opening of liquor shop at SXR Airport is unacceptable, will oppose tooth&nail, warn govt of dire consequences, Mirwaiz tweeted on Friday.

Kashmir is not a dry area, and Srinagar city has many licensed liquor outlets which cater to locals and tourists alike. Most five and four star hotels also serve liquor.

In July 2016, Jammu and Kashmir government ruled out a ban on sale and consumption of liquor in the countrys only Muslim majority state of the country.

People should decide what they ought to do. We cant force our will on them. Let the issue be addressed in the ambit of freedom of choice, said finance minister Haseeb A Drabu had told the Legislative Council.

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India wants to fast-track plans to build reservoirs to store water from the Brahmaputra and its tributaries to counter a worst-case scenario of China diverting about 80% of the rivers lean season flow in Arunachal Pradesh to irrigate the neighbouring countrys arid regions.

The Brahmaputra originates in Tibet, flows eastward and takes a sharp turn west to reach Arunachal Pradesh where it is called Siang. The rivers water discharge is 18.2 billion cubic metre (BCM) in the lean season  November to April  when it enters the eastern state.

The government is keen on storing the Brahmaputras water in case China restricts the rivers flow in the upper reaches. The idea stems from a worst-case scenario assessment based on Chinese plans, a senior official said.

India wants to store around 14.8 BCM of water to drive four proposed hydropower projects on the Siang, Lohit, Subansiri and Dibang rivers in Arunachal Pradesh during the dry winter and spring.

The primary focus is on the 10,000 megawatt Siang project that will have a reservoir to store 9.2 BCM of water.

The lean season average for Siang at the point it enters India in Arunanchals Tuting is 18.2 BCM of water. Then at the next measuring point in Pasighat, it is 22.3 BCM, an official said.

The reservoirs are likely to help control the annual floods in Assam, the official said.

Harnessing the Brahmaputra for power has been a longstanding plan and it has faced stiff resistance from locals and environmentalists, who argue that dams will inundate large tracts of virgin forests and will remain a huge risk in the highly seismic region.

But fresh reports of Chinese threats to divert the rivers water prompted the Centre to call an inter-ministerial meeting recently to discuss the proposed projects. The governments of Arunanchal Pradesh and Assam were asked to give their opinion on an enhanced compensation package to landowners for the Siang project. The states are yet to reply.

Earlier, the Siang Upper Storage-I and Siang Upper Storage II were proposed. Now, an in-principle decision was taken to merge the two projects, a water resources ministry official said.

The state government has been assured that funding concerns can be addressed and loans will be available, another official added.

Funding has been a niggle as investment from abroad for projects in Arunanchal Pradesh raised the hackles of China, which claims 90,000 square km of the state as its own.

Shashi Shekhar, former secretary at the water ministry, called for caution considering the regions sensitive ecology.

Holding so much water in a highly tectonic zone can be risky. Much study is required before a final call can be taken. The government should not rush into the projects based on threat perceptions from China, he said.

According to Shekhar, the government should do a cost-benefit analysis of the project.

But several experts thought India should counterbalance any Chinas plans for the Brahmaputra.

Lalit Mansingh, a former foreign secretary, said the country should raise the storage capacity and mount a diplomatic campaign to expose internationally how China by stealth works on water diversion in Brahmaputra that can affect a lower riparian state.
Prime minister Narendra Modi on Saturday slammed Congress over its call to observe black day on November 8, the first anniversary of demonetisation.

Congress is observing black money day on November 8. They have planned to burn my effigies, said Modi, addressing a rally at Rait in the Shahpur assembly segment of Kangra district.

Calling himself a disciple of Sardar Patel, Modi said nothing would deter him from continuing his fight against corruption.

Only the dishonest are crying hoarse, he added.

Likening Congress to termites, Modi asked people to wipe out the party and get rid of it forever.

Firing another salvo at Congress, the prime minister said the party had already conceded defeated in Himachal and left the battlefield.

No big Congress leader is coming to Himachal. At this stage, Congress has left Virbhadra to his fate, Modi said, mocking the 83-year-old chief minister.

He said it looked like Congress was taking some sort of revenge on the veteran leader.

The prime minister said that the response of the people in the state reflected which way the wind was blowing.

Congress will not be visible even through the magnifying glass for many years, said Modi.

Urging people to vote BJP to power with a three-fourth majority, the prime minister said Modi-Dhumal jodi will take Himachal to new heights.

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A German tourist was assaulted at Robertsganj railway station in Uttar Pradeshs Sonbhadra on Saturday, allegedly because he inadvertently ignored a mans greetings, police said.

Holger Erik, a Berlin native, was referred to Mirzapur hospital for treatment.

After getting off a train, the German was looking for directions at the stations to go to Agori fort for his research when Aman Kumar greeted him. The tourist didnt respond and Kumar was offended.

Kumar then pushed him to the ground and slapped him a number of times, police said.

A passerby alerted cops about the assault and Kumar, an electrician with a private company, was arrested. A case was registered against him.

The tourist was immediately rushed to hospital, railway police sub-inspector Harikesh Ram Azad said over the phone from Sonbhadra.

This was the second attack on foreign tourists in UP in a fortnight after a Swiss couple  Quentin Jeremy Clerc and girlfriend Marie Droz  was thrashed at Fatehpur Sikri on October 26.

The couple, both 24, was chased by a group of four youth and hit with sticks and stones.

Clerc suffered a fractured skull and nerve damage. Droz too had a number of broken bones.

The unprovoked attack prompted the foreign ministry to seek a report from the UP government.

State director general of police Sulkhan Singh issued a list of guidelines, including deployment of policemen in plainclothes, more patrolling and installation of CCTV cameras, to prevent such crimes at tourist spots.
The small village of Bela in Gujarats Junagadh district has seen a new craze in the past two years: Rearing cows. The village of 100-odd household has bought 30 cows to add to their 500 buffaloes as a result of the state governments push for bovine rearing and welfare.

Due to an increasing demand of cow milk and awareness campaigns by the government, last year I added a cow to my shed which already had five buffalo, says Chhel Sankaliya, a resident of the village that has mostly farmers and cattle herders. I am the first generation in my family to own a cow, he adds.

Gujarat has Indias toughest cow protection law that awards up to life in jail for slaughtering a cow, considered a highlight of Rupanis tenure. But the western state has a long history of legislation for bovine welfare.

In 2011, Gujarat for the first time banned consumption, transportation and slaughter of cow and progeny by amending the Gujarat Animal Prevention Act (Amendment). The year before, the BJP government with Narendra Modi as chief minister had revived Gauseva and Gauchar Vikas Board (GGVB). The boards budget was increased from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 150 crore.

A safety net has been created wherein cow shelters get grants in addition to donations. Awareness and training programmes are being conducted for cattle shelters to be independent by making soaps, shampoos, fertilizers and others products from cow urine and dung, GGVB chairman Vallabh Kathiria told HT.

And by the time Gujarat made the law stricter this April and the Centre introduced a ban on sale of cattle for slaughter at animal markets, the GGVB stepped in to make sure that the bovines prevented from sale or slaughter did not end up on the streets or died at shelters.

Cow protection has been the central theme of Rupanis public speeches after the BJPs landslide victory in Uttar Pradesh elections. Party insiders believe that enacting a stricter cow protection law will help consolidate votes in the elections to be held in the backdrop of Patidar quota agitations.

This is not out of concern for cows. The BJP has passed this bill to get votes. Through this bill, it has been proved that BJP is anti-Dalit, Congress MLA Shaktisinh Gohi had said then, referring to the flogging of Dalits by self-proclaimed cow vigilantes in Una last year.

Each of the cow-shelter houses get an annual grant of between of Rs 8 lakh and 10 lakh to set up facilities like sheds, wells, drip irrigation and to grow fodder, among other requirements.

We do not see the two new laws working against the welfare of bovine or (dairy) industry in any way. Trade of cattle has been banned only for slaughter. For other purposes, farmers are not facing any problem, said Praful Senjaliya, secretary, Bhartiya Kisan Sangh, which is up in arms against the state government over crop support prices.

The states 33 districts have over 600 cow shelters. To provide protection to old, non-milch and weak cattle, the government is setting up a cow sanctuary in Porbandar district covering 900 hectares  100 hectares of cattle shelter and 800 for cultivating fodder. The sanctuary, whose boundary construction is underway, is built to house 10,000 bovines.

The sanctuary has been planned for two reasons. First, it will provide natural environment to cattle. Secondly, with stricter cow protection rules in place, the existing shelters might not be enough to house them all in coming years, Kathiria said.

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India and China are upset with a proposal on raising targets on emissions cuts presented by Fiji ahead of climate change negotiations under the Paris climate agreement which begins in the German city Bonn on Monday

One hundred ninety seven countries will discuss the rules for operationalising the climate accord that aims to restrict temperature rise by 2-degree Celsius to the pre-industrial levels by 2100.

But two days before the start of the conference, Fiji, which is the president of the conference, wants all countries to upwardly revise their targets as the latest data shows that carbon emissions in 2016 was the highest ever. The proposal has been backed by out-going president Morocco.

We dont agree to this, said an Indian climate negotiator before leaving for the Bonn conference. We with other like minded countries such as China will oppose the proposal as re-negotiating Paris is not on the discussion table. We will take it up at G-77 plus China meeting on Sunday in Bonn.

Fijis proposal comes in wake of the worlds second biggest emitter United States walking out of Paris deal and says that the commitments will have to be enhanced to meet the 2015 agreement targets without naming the US.

As per the plan, all countries will have to mandatorily revise their targets by 2020, the year the Paris agreement comes into force. The African and Arab groups also have reservations over Fijis proposal that allows non-government organisations inputs for revising the targets.

Talks without US

In absence of the US, observers say India and China will hog the limelight at the Bonn conference. The rules to implement the Paris agreement are to be finalised by 2018 and countries will have to adopt them by 2019.

It (US not being there) is an opportunity for action, said Chandra Bhushan, deputy director general of Delhi based advocacy group, the Centre for Science and Environment. The US withdrawal should be taken as an opportunity and a call for great and more ambitious action, not a call for inaction.

The Indian negotiator said absence of the US could result in more balanced rules framing as there would be less obstacles and more coherent discussion. This is on basis of his observation during two rounds of climate talks between officials after US President Donald Trump announced exit from the deal earlier this year. The rules allow US to be part of the Paris deal negotiations till 2020.

Read more: Clean coal, not solar, is the silver bullet for Indias carbon emission reduction

India Report Card

According to official data, Indias installed solar capacity has increased three-fold to 13.4 GegaWatts (GW) since the Paris deal was signed in 2015. Renewable --- including hydro and wind --- has become a sunshine sector for India with the installed capacity of over 58 GW by end of last fiscal, which is among the top five countries in the world.

But despite the impressive progress in solar and renewable energy capacities, Indias increasing dependence on coal to meet its energy needs still remains a concern for the global climate community as both the US and Europe have cut thermal power generation. Around 59% of the total electricity generated in India is powered by coal.

Despite that, India is on track to meet its target of generating 40% of the energy from renewable sources by 2030 and to meet its target of reducing emission to GDP ratio called emission intensity by 33% by 2030 of the 2005 level. By 2016, the emission intensity reduction recorded was 18%.

We are for clean energy without compromising on our goal of around the clock electricity to all by 2022, said Union railways minister Piyush Goyal, who was earlier in charge of power and renewable ministries, said at a conference on Friday.

ISSUES AT BONN

Pre-2020 Agenda: The developing world will seek a status report from the rich nations on their promise to mobilise US $100 billion a year from 2020 for rest of the world to fight climate change and to enhance emission reduction targets. The developing nations say the rich nations are far away from meeting these targets.

Facilitative Dialogue 2018: This will thresh out key issues such as a transparent mechanism to review targets under the Paris agreement, when the targets need to be enhanced and how. Developing countries do not want review of the targets already decided, especially for climate change causing rich nations.

Finance: Finance has been a bone of contention between the developed and the developing world with rich nations not willing to provide access to technology to address climate change. The Green Climate Fund set up to provide clean technology impetus to the developing world has not fully taken off and there is no clarity on how compensation mechanism called loss and damage will be operationalised.

It is crucial that the rule book for implementation of Paris agreement be fair, effective and equitable, said Vijeta Rattani, climate analyst at CSE.

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A soldier on leave stole an Army ambulance from Allahabad on Saturday and smashed through three blockades before he was caught nearly 200 kms away in Kanpur after a five-hour-long highway drama, police said.

The accused, identified Sarabjeet Chowdhary, was forced to slow down when police blocked the Allahabad-Kanpur with trucks and small vehicles in Sachendi, about 10 km from the city in Uttar Pradesh.

Chowdharys motive was yet to be established.

Though there are past incidents of security personnel turning rogue for varied reasons and venting their anger by deserting their units or posting social media messages, the jawans act was described as a rare incident of car-jacking by an army personnel.

Chowdhary is posted in Ladakh and had come to Allahabad on a holiday.

Police said he drove through barriers put up at Kaushambi (150 km), Fatehpur (80 km) and Maharajpur (40 km) from Kanpur.

Since the barriers were not working, we decided to bring in heavy trucks to create a jam-like situation, said Samiksha Pandey, Sadar circle officer.

As the ambulance slowed down, the police managed to overpower the driver near Sachendi around 11.30 am, she said. The police parked small and big vehicles unevenly and used trucks to seal all exits points.

He stole the ambulance at around 6.30 am.

He is trying to mislead the police officers who are questioning him to ascertain the motive behind the theft, said Pandey.

Kanpur senior superintendent of police Akhilesh Kumar said Chowdhary will be handed over to an army team from Kanpur.

Chowdhary is likely to be interrogated by a team of Army intelligence officials.

Sarabjeet is a native of Jhunjhunu district in Rajasthan. Primary investigations have revealed that Chowdhary was posted in Allahabad in 2016 but was transferred to Ladakh, said RS Rawat, station house officer of Allahabad cantonment

(But) instead of going to his native place, he often used to come here on leave, Rawat added.

He said a guard on duty identified Chowdhary driving off in the ambulance and informed his superiors following which an alert was sounded and police informed.
A local CPI(M) leader and his three friends were arrested on Saturday for allegedly assaulting a pregnant woman and two policemen in an inebriated condition after her car hit their vehicle in south Keralas Kollam on Thursday night.

According to police, a scuffle ensued after the womans car hit the vehicle Antonio Williams, the CPI(M) leader, and his friends were in, following which they allegedly dragged the woman out of her car and kicked in her stomach. They also tried to attack some other motorists who questioned their action.

The woman was on her way to the hospital when the incident occurred.

The police later arrested the CPI(M) leader and his friends with the help of local people.

When they were taken to the police station they created a scene at the station also and attacked two cops who were later hospitalised.

Later some of the locals who witnessed the incident posted a video on social media that turned viral.

In the video, Williams, a panchayat member, was seen shouting inquilab zindabad and creating a big ruckus. They also threatened police officials saying they all will be transferred en masse to a distant place.

The CPI(M) Kollam district said the party will take action against the accused leader.

Police later registered a case under sections 332 (voluntarily hurting a public servant and disrupting his work), 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide) and 354 (assault or a criminal force on a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty) of the IPC.
Militants on Saturday fired on a police team in south Kashmirs Pulwama district, killing a policeman while injuring another, the police said.

Militants fired upon a naka party of police near Police Station Rajpora in Pulwama, resulting in injuries to two constables -- Abdul Salam and Munir Ahmad, a police official said.

He said both the injured personnel were taken to Armys 92 base hospital here, where Salam succumbed to his injuries.

Ahmad was undergoing treatment for his injuries, the official said.

He said a search for the attackers has been launched
Security personnel remained on alert at the NTPC Unchahar plant three days after a boiler explosion left 31 dead so far and which triggered a massive demonstration by workers on Thursday.

On Saturday, most workers, except for those of the thermal power plants affected sixth unit, arrived as usual for the morning shift from 8am while the administration claimed that it had started disbursing compensation to the injured and the kin of the dead.

Work in the sixth unit had been stopped on Wednesday after the deadly explosion.

Rae Bareli district magistrate Sanjay Khatri said the situation has returned to normal at the plant and it work as usual except in the affected sixth unit.

I handed over compensation cheques of Rs 2 lakh each to the family members of three deceased on Friday in Unchahar tehsil. The remaining compensation cheques will be disbursed today, he said.

Madan Kumar, sud divisional magistrate (Unchahar) said out of the nine workers from Rae Bareli district killed in the blast, eight belonged to Unchahar tehsil.

Of the eight killed in the mishap, the DM handed over three cheques to kin of deceased in Cheepiya and Tikaura village on Friday. I handed over compensation cheques to kin of three deceased today. One cheque is pending with me as the same has to be handed over to the family of the deceased AGM Sanjiv Kumar Sharma. Sharmas family has gone to Saharanpur after his death. One cheque is being prepared and will be disbursed Sunday, he told HT.

Read more: NTPC blast: UP labour dept probe team accuses power giant of gross negligence

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath, who returned from a three-day trip to Mauritius on Saturday, visited Lucknow hospitals where the victims of boiler explosion are undergoing treatment.

Adityanath, who visited the King Georges Medical University (KGMU), the Civil hospital and the Sanjay Gandhi Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), enquired about the condition of the severely injured labourers and directed doctors to ensure that they got the best treatment.

We are with the families of the victims in this hour of grief and will do everything to help them, he said while directing officials to ensure that the ex-gratia to the families of the dead and financial assistance for the injured reaches them promptly.

On the opposition demand of a probe by an external agency, the CM said, The energy minister was here and he has analyzed the situation and taken decision for a probe.

Some of the serious patients have also been sent to Delhi via air ambulance, he told media after meeting doctors at the Civil hospital.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Just how powerful is Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence agency? Powerful enough to predict a possible earthquake and have the warning taken so seriously that other government agencies start drawing up plans to cope with it.

An official letter, which asked government bodies to prepare for a large scale earthquake in the Indian Ocean region on the basis of an information report from the ISI, was leaked on Friday.

As the letter did the rounds on social media, Twitter and Facebook users in Pakistan mocked the spy agencys ability to predict natural disasters.

But the letter was taken seriously by their authorities, with Ghulam Rasul, director general of the Pakistan Meteorological Department, telling BBC Urdu that many government institutions, including his organisation, are making preparations for a possible earthquake and its impact in the Indian Ocean after receiving the information from the ISI.

This prediction has no scientific justification, but we are preparing to save ourselves from the effects (of the possible earthquake), he added.

The letter, issued by the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) and dated November 1, stated: An Information Report has been received from the Directorate General, Inter-Services Intelligence that there is, reportedly, likelihood, of large scale earthquake, as being expected, in Indian Ocean in near future which may vigorously shake the Asian continental areas, including Pakistan.

The letter asked concerned departments to be on vigil and take care of any natural disaster.

The deputy chairman of ERRA, which was formed after the deadly 2005 earthquake in Kashmir and is largely manned by military personnel, also formed a three-member team of retired army officers to prepare standard operating procedures (SOPs) on priority to cope with an earthquake and for response and early recovery.

An official of ERRA confirmed the authenticity of the leaked letter to The Nation daily but sought to play it down as a routine matter. The newspaper also reported that ERRAs deputy chairman had sought a report on the leak of the official letter.

Pakistans former ambassador to the US, Husain Haqqani, was among those who poked fun at the letter, saying in a tweet: ISI predicts earthquake in Indian Ocean. Didnt know it was #Pakistans Geological Survey & Early Earthquake Warning system too.

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A senior leader of Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha on Friday slammed veteran Tamil actor Kamal Haasan for his Hindu terror remarks and said people like him should be shot dead.

Referring to the statement made by Haasan on Thursday in a column in a weekly magazine, Mahasabha leader Ashok Sharma said these people accuse the followers of Hinduism of Hindu terror only to push their own biased communal agenda.

There is no other way to handle people like Kamal Haasan but to either hang them or shoot them dead, he said.

Sharma is the national vice president of the group.

Members of the Mahasabha have also announced to boycott all films starring the 62-year-old actor and his family members, including his daughter Shruti Haasan. The outfit has also exhorted others to boycott films of such artistes.

Meanwhile, a court in Varanasi on fixed Saturday November 22 as the next date of hearing on a complaint filed by a lawyer against Haasan for his alleged remarks that right-wing groups cant deny existence of Hindu terrorism.

Advocate Kamlesh Chandra Tripathi had moved his application in the court of additional chief judicial magistrate (sixth) Sudhakar Dubey on Friday. He sought lodging of a case under sections 500, 522, 298, 295(A) and 505(C) of the Indian Penal Code that pertain to defamation, attempt to cause offence, intent to hurt religious feelings and to incite communal disharmony.

The court had accepted the application and fixed November 4 as the next date of hearing. The court heard the case on Saturday and fixed November 22 for next hearing, Tripathi said.

He claimed he would present evidence in the court now. Tripathi said the actor should refrain from such remarks as he had a huge public following.
Swedish firm Saab ABs chairman Marcus Wallenberg met Indian government officials this week to explore the possibility of expanding aerospace collaboration, a person with knowledge of the matter said.

Wallenberg met science and technology minister YS Chowdary and Andhra Pradesh officials earlier this week, along with a delegation of Swedish officials, the person mentioned above said, declining to be named.

The talks included leveraging Swedens strengths in high technology areas such as aerospace, as also food processing, in Andhra Pradesh, said a second person aware of the matter .

The possibility of setting up a light aircraft manufacturing facility was discussed at the meeting, the first person cited above said. Aerospace manufacturing has seen steady growth in Hyderabad in the past few years with the Tata group making parts for Boeing and Lockheed Martin, among others, on the citys outskirts, besides dozens of other small and medium enterprises related to the sector that are operating in and around the city.

It was not clear how far the talks have reached. Most firms typically win orders from the Indian armed forces and source parts from India as part of the outsourcing mandate given by the government.

Science and technology minister Chowdary confirmed the meeting but declined to get into details.

Saab is one of the two firms in the race for Indias next multi-billion-dollar fighter jet order.
Three women were killed and 10 other devotees were injured in a stampede on the banks of the Ganga in Bihars Begursai where hundreds of people had gathered for a holy dip on the occasion of Kartik Purnima on Saturday, eye-witnesses said.

Begusarai superintendent of police Aditya Kumar, confirmed the deaths but denied any stampede.

The victims, all women, were more than 80 years old and were apparently very weak. It appears they died of suffocation after being stuck on a narrow lane that was being used by a large number of pilgrims for going to and returning from the ghat, he told HT.

The incident took place at Simaria Ghat, 19 km from Begusarai and 110 km east of Patna.

Hundreds of people had gathered at Simaria Ghat, 19 km from Begusarai in Bihar, where the stampede took place. (HT Photo)

The incident site was strewn with slippers and water bottles left behind by people as they rushed to escape being crushed on the lane.

Stampedes in religious gatherings in India have left hundreds of people dead and injured over the years, mainly attributed to poor crowd management by organisers and even police.

However, government intervention, better infrastructure and crowd-control techniques at places of annual gatherings have brought down the frequencies of stampedes.

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar expressed announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the next kin of the deceased. He also instructed the officials to provide free medical aid to the injured.

The incident came weeks after more than 20 people were killed in a stampede on a foot over-bridge at the Elphinstone Road railway station in Mumbai. 35 others were injured in the incident.

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Two men set on fire the wife of one of their friends when they were refused money to purchase liquor in Sitamarhi district of Bihar, where the sale and consumption of alcohol had been banned more than a year ago.

The incident took place on Friday evening at Shivnagar village in Runni Saidpur police station area, 27 km south of Sitamarhi town and 110 km north of state capital Patna.

The woman, identified as Alka Mishra, 30, succumbed to her burn injuries at Sri Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), Muzaffarpur, 40 km away. SKMCH superintendent Dr GK Thakur said Mishra was brought to the hospital with 90% burn injuries. She died before we could start the treatment, he said.

Muzaffarpur deputy superintendent of police (city) Ashish Anand said sub inspector of SKMCH police picket Ravindra Kumar had recorded the statement of Mishra before she died.

In her statement, Mishra accused BS Giri and Amit Giri, both friends of her husband, of setting her on fire after poring kerosene , Anand said.

BS Giri and Amit Giri, residents of same village, came to our house on Friday noon and asked for some money from my husband to buy liquor. But, my husband refused to pay them the money. They returned in the evening when my husband had gone out for some household work, set me on fire after pouring kerosene and fled, Anand quoted Mishra as saying in the statement.

The DSP said the copy of her statement would be sent to Runni Saidpur police station for further legal action.

Victims husband Rajiv Mishra said he had been working as a taxi driver in Mumbai for the last four years. I had come to my native place nearly a month ago along with my wife and daughter. On Friday, when I returned home after making some purchases from a nearby shop, I found my wife in flames. I, somehow managed to douse the fire and took her to SKMCH for treatment, he said.

Bihar became a dry state on April 5, last year. Consuming, keeping or dealing in liquor is an offence under the states new excise prohibition law, which provides for imprisonment up to 10 years.
Namrata Damor, a 19-year-old medical student, is found dead beside train tracks in Ujjain district of Madhya Pradesh on January 7, 2012. Three years later, journalist Akshay Singh visits Damors home to investigate her death. While talking to her father, Singh starts coughing and frothing. A few hours later, he is dead.

Media reports tie Damors and Singhs deaths to the Vyapam scam in which an organised racket rigged job and college admission tests conducted by the Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board, commonly known by its Hindi acronym Vyapam.

Earlier this week, the Central Bureau of Investigation filed a chargesheet in the Vyapam scam, naming 490 people. The CBI, which took over the Vyapam probe in 2015, is investigating Damors death as a possible case of murder, though the Madhya Pradesh police had ruled it as a case of suicide.

Damor, when she was found dead, had fingernail marks on her face, bruises around the nose and mouth and was missing two teeth. Dr BB Purohit, a forensics specialist who conducted the initial autopsy in January 2012, said in his report that Damors death was caused due to violent asphyxia and her body showed signs of homicide.

Yet, two years later in 2014, the Madhya Pradesh police filed a closure report in the case, saying Damor had committed suicide. The basis of this was a second forensics report by DS Badkur, who was then head of medico-legal department of Mahatma Gandhi Medical College in Bhopal, came up with contradictory findings two months after the original autopsy report. Badkurs report ruled out homicide, but the doctor later admitted that he hasnt examined the body, but based his findings on photos of the deceased and the crime scene.

It was journalist Singhs mysterious death at the Damor residence in Meghnagar, a town in the states Jhabua district, on July 5, 2015 that led to the Namrata Damor case being reopened. Singh, a 38-year-old reporter with a television channel, had travelled from Delhi to Meghnagar to investigate a possible link between Damors death and the Vyapam scam, which was beginning to grab mainstream media attention by then.

Singh believed that the MP police calling Damors death a suicide was linked to alleged attempts to cover up the scam and shield powerful people. He was talking to Damors father when he complained of uneasiness and started coughing. A cameraman and a stringer who were accompanying Singh rushed him to a government hospital, then a private hospital, before taking him to Dahod in Gujarat, about 40 km away.

The doctor in Dahod declared him dead on arrival. Doctors said Singh possibly suffered a heart attack, but his family contested this claim, saying he had no serious health problems.

The uproar caused by Singhs death, and relentless pressure from the Opposition forced Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to agree to a CBI probe. By this time, more than 40 people linked with the scam, including accused, whisteblowers and witnesses, had died under mysterious circumstances, though the police ruled most of these deaths as natural, suicide or accident in almost all cases.

Singhs death brought Namrata Damors into the limelight again. Activists and opposition political parties have alleged that police colluded with those involved in the scam to cloak Damors murder as suicide.

After re-enacting the scene and registering the statements of co-passengers, CBI also arrived at a conclusion that Damor was depressed and she committed suicide by jumping off the train she was travelling in. However, CBI has not filed any closure report so far on her death.

More than six years after Damors body turned up at the train tracks, her death and its alleged links to the Vyapam, one of the countrys biggest scams till date, remain clouded in mystery.
Road works worth Rs 963 crore will start soon in the National Capital Region, including Alwar district, chief minister Vasundhara Raje said on Saturday.

Tenders will be floated soon and 38 roads will be revamped with the help of the National Capital Region Planning Board, she said during a jan samvad (public dialogue) with representatives of various communities at Shajahanpur in Mundawar assembly segment.

Raje said she had met union housing and urban work minister Hardeep Singh Puri in Delhi and requested him to approve development of 38 roads in the NCR area.

By-elections are to be held in Alwar and Ajmer Lok Sabha and Mandalgarh assembly seats. After many visits to Ajmer, Raje turned her attention to Alwar to gear up the BJP for the polls and address grievances of communities to garner their support.

The CM reached Mundawar around noon, and met leaders of Rajput, Brahmin, Gujjar, Ahir, Vaishya, Prajapat, scheduled caste and scheduled tribe communities.

Representatives of the communities raised before Raje pending compensations for land acquired in 2013 for the construction of Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC).

The industrial project has been a non-starter in Rajasthan after land was acquired from 10 villages. Apart from Rajasthan, the proposed freight corridor covers Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

Raje directed the district collector to hold a meeting with public representatives and resolve the problem of farmers.

Most of the locals have neither got monetary compensation nor the commercial land they were promised. The compensation was announced in 2015 but despite agitations by the people, they have not got the money.

Compensations worth Rs 3,500 crore have not been given and we are stuck as we can neither sell the land nor use it, said Hem Singh Chauhan (40), a local whose land was acquired.

Raje discussed other issues, and directed the officers concerned to resolve them.

Rajput and Brahmin leaders raised the demand for 14% reservation on economic criteria. Sanjay Sharma (45) from Jonaycha Kala village said he urged the CM to field a Brahmin candidate in Alwar by-election.

Dhirendra Gupta said the Vaishya community was facing hardships in business. Vaishyas are considered the core BJP vote bank but the community is upset due to the hardships they are facing.
For cops in Rajasthans Dungarpur, arresting a clerk accused of siphoning court funds was hardly a task, for he surrendered before the court on Friday.

But what became overwhelming was what the accused Pankaj Chaubeesa had in store for them  counting the Rs 74.85 lakh cash he brought back in three carry bags, two iron trunks and a suitcase.

With the counting machine becoming inoperative, the SHO Kotwali, Gajendra Singh assigned the task to five policemen who took as many hours to count the money, which also had old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.

Dungarpur district court authorities had found that penalty amounts collected from offenders were not reaching the treasury and conducted an enquiry in which Chaubeesas role emerged, SHO Singh said.

Chaubeesa later told police that initially, he had failed to deposit some money by mistake in 2010 and did not tell senior officials out of fear. Later, he started siphoning off money regularly.

An FIR was registered against him on Wednesday, stating that an amount of Rs 1.03 crore was missing, after he failed to appear before the court despite being summoned repeatedly.

When Chaubeesa arrived with the six bags/trunks at the court premises on Friday morning, he drew a lot of attention from onlookers, who gathered around him started taking pictures on their mobile phones.

Chaubeesa is in police custody and the investigation is still on, police said.
A mentally-challenged person killed a fellow villager by bashing his head with a stone and stuffing sand into his mouth before dragging his dead body through a village fair, police said.

The incident took place in Jhalawars Chureliya village late on Thursday, said Om Prakash, sub assistant inspector of police at the Ghatoli police station.

The deceased Mohanlal Gurjar, 35, also mentally disturbed, was returning home after visiting a fair in the neighbourhood, when Mukesh Prajapati, 26, attacked him with a stone, Om Prakash said.

The accused repeatedly hit Mohanlal on the head with the stone and then dragged him to an agricultural field where he stuffed sand into his mouth and choked him to death, police said.

Later, the accused dragged the dead body trough the fair where villagers spotted him and managed retrieved the dead body from Prajapati, who fled the spot, police said.

The reason behind the murder is not clear but locals said that the deceased and accused were both mentally-challenged and belonged to the same village, said Om Prakash.

The dead body of the deceased has been handed over to his family members after an autopsy, he said, adding that police are searching for the accused.
The Pincon Group diverted crores of rupees it illegally raised from thousands of gullible investors in Rajasthan and some other states to fund the companys liquor business, police officials said Saturday.

The revelation comes a day after the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Rajasthan Police arrested four persons, including Manoranjan Roy, the CMD of West Bengal-based company, for allegedly duping 25,000 people in the state.

Roy also owns Pincon Spirit Limited, which manufactures alcohol that is supplied in several states. Investigations have revealed that the money illegally acquired from investors by the Pincon Group was used to fund the liquor business, said inspector general of police, SOG, Dinesh MN.

Set up in 1978, the Pincon Spirit Limited (PSL), as per its website, claims to blend and bottle Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) as well as Indian made Indian liquor (IMIL). A note by Roy on the website claims that by 2013, the turnover was of Rs 300 crore and in 2016, Pincon Spirit became a fast growing large player in the cheap liquor segment brand as liquor sales jumped over 1 crore bottles per month.

The IG said that during interrogation, the accused accepted that the firm had a liability of Rs 500 crore.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the scam could be of more than Rs 1,000 crore. We are further investigating to unearth the money trail and where else the money collected from investors ended up, the SOG official said.

The IG said that the accused flouted numerous rules at the time of inviting capital and later not paying it back.

Of nearly Rs 56 crore the Pincon Group secured by asking people to invest in debenture, the masterminds siphoned off Rs 39 crore through shell companies.

Along with Roy, the SOG on Friday had arrested company director Vinay Singh from Bengaluru, accounts head Raghu Shetty from Varanasi and another director (of Pincon Spirits) Hari Singh from Agra.

We are conducting search operations in the offices of Pincon Group in Ajmer to gather more evidence. All four accused are currently being questioned and will be presented at the court on November 9, said Sanjay Shrotriya, superintendent of police, SOG.

A case has been registered against the accused under various sections of the IPC and the IT Act.
A district court granted conditional anticipatory bail to Rajya Sabha MP Ritabrata Banerjee on Friday, asking him to surrender within three weeks.

Banerjee is facing rape charges brought against him by a Bengaluru-based software professional, who accused the 38-year-old MP of getting intimate with her after promising marriage.

Read: Bengal CID summons Rajya Sabha MP Ritabrata Banerjee for questioning

The judge has granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 5,000. The court has also asked him to surrender within three weeks, said Banerjees advocate Anirban Guha Thakurta.

We submitted some documents to the court that prove that the charges brought by the complainant were not true. The bail was granted on the basis of those documents, said Banerjees lawyer. The government counsel opposed the plea for anticipatory bail.

Banerjee, who has made a mark as an efficient speaker in Rajya Sabha, faced troubles in his political and personal life in quick succession. In the third week of September, CPI(M) that sent him to Rajya Sabha expelled him from the party for anti-party and anti-communist role.

Read: CPI(M) leadership is anti-Bengali, Politburo has Muslim quota: MP Ritabrata Banerjee

Even after repeated cautioning by the state committee, Banerjee failed to rectify himself and persistently continued to malign the image of the party by various means, the party statement said.

On October 10, the Bengaluru-based woman lodged a complaint at Balurghat police station. The case was subsequently handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Earlier, she twitted her allegations against the MP and tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

CID officers later visited the residence of Banerjee at Garfa in south Kolkata and handed over summons to appear for questioning. But he did not turn up.

On Friday, CID questioned Rabin Bairagi, the driver of the MP.

Ritabrata Banerjee became an MP in 2014. The controversy has cost him dear with intimate videos and pictures of Banerjee circulating in the social media.
The branch manager of a nationalised bank was arrested for allegedly raping a 20- year-old Russian woman repeatedly since she came to India in September after they forged a friendship on Facebook, a senior police officer said.

The manager of UCO Banks Vrindaban branch, Mahendra Prasad Singh, has been arrested based on a complaint filed by the woman, deputy superintendent of police Vijay Shanker Mishra said Friday.

The woman has been sent for medical examination.

In her complaint, the woman alleged that the banker threatened me with dire consequences if she disclosed his act to anyone.

According to the FIR, she came into contact with Singh through Facebook on November, 2016.

They had frequent conversations afterwards. On his advice, she came to India on September 17 and stayed in the temple town of Vrindavan, according to the FIR.

She alleged that on September 22 she was taken to a house, where she was raped and that her ordeal continued since then.

She said that the complaint was filed after she met another Russian woman who counselled her to do so.
The Mumbai crime branch, after busting a fake call centre racket at two offices in Malad and arresting 14 people on Thursday night, found that owners of the Malad call centre had previously worked at the Mira Road fake call centre busted by the Thane police in October 2016.

Sources said the employees, who were not paid well at the Mira Road call centre, learnt how to cheat US citizens there and then started their own call centre in Malad to earn some quick money. Some of these accused laid low after the Thane police raid and nearly four to five months ago they started the two call centres in Malad (West), said a senior official of the crime branch.

After questioning the first 13 people they arrested, the police nabbed one Amey Lokare for allegedly providing data of US citizens to the other suspects. Lokare, a computer engineer, is a resident of Malwani. The cops said he was in touch with Musir Shaikh, 28, one of the accused, and provided him the contacts.

In the second office raided by the police, accused Zarar Haider, 24, who has also worked in the Mira Road call centre for seven years, used to get data from another person, who the police is trying to find.

They used to ask the US citizens, who replied to their text messages, for their area code, find a gift shop in their area and ask them to purchase gift vouchers for tax settlement.

After getting the voucher number, they used to give it to Abhishekh Dubey, 29, an accused, who used to encash it. He used to take 40% of the amount and give 60% to the call centre.

Thane fake call centre: 298 arrested so far

Meanwhile, the Thane police have so far arrested 298 people in connection with the fake call centre racket in Mira Road, which was busted last year.

They are looking for Reema Thakkar, 27, sister of mastermind Sagar Thakkar.

A police officer from the Thane crime branch said: A total of six people are wanted in the case. The police suspect that Reema, who used to look after the finances, was recently in Dubai, but she keeps changing her location.

The police have also appealed to citizens, asking them to report any suspicious activity. M Hatote, assistant police commissioner, Thane crime branch, said: The main accused are behind the bars and we have seized property worth Rs4.7 crore till now. Sagar Thakkar has been arrested, but his sister is at large. We are trying to check if the accused had links outside the state.

The police filed a charge-sheet in the case in December and attached a supplementary charge-sheet in February.

On October 4, the Thane crime branch and Thane rural police raided seven call centres in Mira Road. Police said 6,500 US citizens were cheated of more than Rs1,500 crore.
If the Maharashtra government has its way, bullocks will be the new racing breed on par with horses.

After the high court extended its ban on bullock cart racing last month, terming the sport cruel to the animal (since the bull is not anatomically suited for racing), the state government is preparing fresh ground to re-start bullock cart races, popular in rural Maharashtra.

The states animal husbandry department has now set up an expert group to study the anatomy and physiology of different breeds of bulls and bullocks in comparison with horses. This group will also examine and compare physiological and bio-chemical changes in bulls, bullocks and horses when they run; study draught capacity of bulls and bullocks in anatomical comparison with horses.

The study group will submit expert opinion regarding technical aspects such as anatomical, bio-chemical, clinical, surgical interventions and aids for bulls and bullock as race animals, said the government resolution issued on Thursday, laying down terms of reference for the committee.

The reason behind this comparison, as the government order points out, is that the interim high court order makes a reference to the Supreme Court order of 2014, which notes that given its physiology, a bull unlike horse does not have attributes for racing.

The study group has been given a month to submit its report and they have been asked to take expert opinions from across the globe on the issue. Such a study report that compiles research, trials done so far can help the state government challenge the reasoning stated in the court ban, said a senior official.

The BJP-led government had made bullock cart racing a matter of pride and cultural tradition. It had amended the Centres Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act on the lines of what the Tamil Nadu government had done to regularise Jallikatu earlier this year. However, despite framing rules for this Act, the high court in an interim order had extended the ban. Animal husbandry minister Mahadev Jankar had said such races are necessary for survival of native breeds.

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The mere capacity of a woman to earn and support herself does not affect her right to seek maintenance from her estranged husband, held the Bombay high court, while dissolving the marriage of a city-based architect.

Just because the woman is an architect, this does not mean she is disentitled to seek maintenance, a division bench of justices Abhay Oka and Anuja Prabhudessai held.

The woman had approached the Bandra family court, seeking a divorce on various grounds, custody of her two children and monthly maintenance  for herself and the children  from her husband, who lives in Sweden.

She approached the high court after the family court rejected her plea for divorce and maintenance for herself, although it granted her custody of the children, who currently live with their father and are studying in Swedish institutes.

The couple told they high court they agreed to the dissolution of their marriage, which the bench carried out. The court, however, reversed the family court order handing over custody of both children to the wife. It allowed the husband to retain custody of both.

Opposing the wifes plea for monthly maintenance, the man said she was a qualified architect and had four years of work experience before their marriage. He said she was capable of earning and supporting herself by utilising her educational qualifications and was thus not qualified to seek maintenance.

The high court, however, turned down the contention. It referred to the Apex Courts recent judgement , which held that interim maintenance is conditional upon two requirements  the spouse seeking it does not have an independent income, while the partner has the capacity to maintain her or him.

The high court said the Supreme Court order is applicable to permanent alimony. It said the wifes claim could not be rejected merely because she can support herself. The judges said the woman had not worked after marriage she stayed home to look after the children.

The court granted her maintenance of Rs35,000 a month. It had granted her maintenance from March 2005 at a different rate. Now, the husband has been ordered to clear the arrears in a year.
In a scene straight out of a potboiler, a city-based businessman, who was kidnapped at gunpoint and held hostage for three days, was rescued and his kidnappers arrested on Saturday, after the 39-year-olds wife decided to meet the abductors with the ransom money.

Bhavin Shah, a chemical supplier, was abducted from outside Ram Mandir railway station on Tuesday and the kidnappers kept sending WhatsApp videos of Shah to his wife, Hetal. They initially demanded a ransom of Rs 82 lakh, but later agreed up on Rs 10 lakh.

The main accused, Mohammed Shanu, and his five accomplices met Shah outside the railway station after one of them pretending to be a businessman called the victim to discuss a deal. When Shah reached the meeting spot, the accused held him at gunpoint, bundled him in a car and took him to Nallasopara, where he was kept since Tuesday.

Shah was stripped, tortured and assaulted over three days and videos of his ordeal were sent to Hetal, who approached the police. At one point, the accused threatened to harm the couples eight-year-old son and Shahs father.

On Friday, after finally agreeing on reducing the ransom amount, the accused called Hetal to Nallasopara to pay up. When she was on the way to meet them, the kidnappers made her change multiple trains so make sure she wasnt being followed by the police.

She left from Andheri station at 4pm and reached Nallasopara at 11pm. The woman showed immense courage throughout the operation and finally managed to rescue her husband, said Paramjit Singh Dahiya, deputy commissioner of police, zone IX.

When Hetal reached Nallasopara, two of the accused approached her, after which the police teams that were trailing her nabbed them. The police then reached the flat where Shah was held hostage and after rescuing him, arrested the other four accused. They have also recovered a country-made pistol, three live cartridges, and the car in which Shah was kidnapped.

The accused have been remanded in police custody till November 13.

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Students who have cleared their Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree after 2010 and are yet to complete their mandatory one-year rural posting are likely to get an extension of another two years to adhere to the bond.

Many students were unhappy with the original proposal, wherein their degrees would be withheld if they dont complete the rural stint immediately after getting their MBBS degree. The new proposal should give them time to complete the work, said Girish Mahajan, minister of state medical education.

He added that a meeting to finalise this proposal will be held in Mumbai on Saturday.

As per current rules, a medical graduate is allowed a period of six years to pursue higher education after completing MBBS and then focus on the rural stint. However, over the years, more and more students seem to be skipping this detail and the state has no mechanism in place to initiate doctors who do not do the rural service. The compulsory service was devised to ensure that understaffed rural hospitals have a few junior doctors. Therefore, the medical education department was planning to make the year-long bond mandatory for the students if they wanted their degrees.

A government resolution (GR) was published on October 12, making it clear that MBBS graduates yet to serve this rural posting would be barred from applying for post-graduate courses in January.

While it is necessary to reiterate the compulsion of the rural stint for MBBS students, it will be unfair to make it mandatory only for a section of students, said Dr Pravin Shingare, director, Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER). We have asked the state to incorporate the rural stint keeping in mind that future education prospects of MBBS students are not affected.

Officials said two years were more than enough for the students to complete the mandatory rural stint.

Our aim is not to harass students, but to ensure that they complete their bond, as promised by them, at the time of admission. Our decision will be made keeping in mind the best interest of students, Mahajan said.

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A heritage bungalow in Khotachiwadi is hosting an art exhibition on archiving, and the venue is as engaging as the exhibits.

Fashion designer James Ferreiras family home is a 200-year-old piece of history  thick wooden beams and a sloping roof, each room full of curios, gleaming wooden chests and old black-and-white photographs showing people smiling primly, frozen in another time.

The exhibition, Archival Dialogues, presents works by current and former students of the Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) of Baroda. These too hark back to an earlier time.

Artist Dinar Sultana, for instance, has used only natural colours that she made herself; Avni Bansals are woodcut prints and sandstone sculptures.

Priyanka DSouza has juxtaposed paintings of the tiles that characterise heritage homes, with their geometric prints of yellow, maroon and black, with paintings of moths, representative of Kafkas Metamorphosis, which she reads as a provisional freedom within the larger structure of authority.

Members of my community, including my grandfather, gave land to the British to build this city. And today, not a single museum records our contribution, Ferreira says.

This missing link in history made his home an ideal venue for a show that aims to question how history is recorded.

The idea, in fact, was to initially stage the exhibition at a museum, to challenge the role that a museum plays in the documentation of history, says gallerist Priyasri Patodia, who regularly organises exhibitions to showcase works by young or student artists.

For this exhibition, she roped in Pronoy Chakraborty, a post-graduate student of art history at MSU, as curator.

Pronoy picked six artists from a list of 15 whose works Patodia had seen at a campus exhibition last year, based on the fact that all their works were influenced by different areas of research and united by the theme of archiving.

For Ferreira, the exhibition fits in perfectly with his desire to highlight his communitys history and culture through greater participation with the evolving urban environment of today.

He has hosted three previous exhibitions at his home  the Rescued Film Project hosted earlier this year, which was an online archive of images captured on film between the 1930s and late 1990s; and two exhibitions of Christian art by Paul Bhonsle, in 2009 and 2013.

Jamess house is like a past frozen in time, Patodia says. We gave it the status of a museum, which also helps bring an alternative history to light.

The exhibition will be hosted at Ferreira House, Charni Road, till November 11, after which it will move to Patodias Priyasri gallery in Worli, in January. Entry to both venues is free.
As many as 870 of 3,695 seats for the undergraduate course in homoeopathy (BHMS) were left vacant after the centralised admission process (CAP) for health science courses in Maharashtra came to an end on October 31.

Aspirants will have a final chance to claim the vacant seats at the institutional round of admission, where they are required to directly apply to individual colleges.

While the aspirants are spoilt for choice when it comes to homoeopathy colleges, most of the seats for the two other courses in alternative medicine  ayurveda (BAMS) and unani (BUMS)  have been filled.

There are around 20,000 seats for various undergraduate health science courses, including MBBS and BDS, across the state.

The aspirants are admitted to all courses except BSc Nursing on the basis of their scores in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). The admission to the three alternative medical courses is carried out through a common CAP.

According to experts, there have been large-scale vacancies in BHMS for the past few years, as the demand for the course has dwindled.

Pradeep Sethiya, vice principal, DS Homeopathetic College, Pune, attributed this trend to limited job opportunities and a lack of government support for homoeopathy.

There is a supply and demand mismatch in homoeopathy. The government favoured some private organisations unnecessarily, by allowing them to start new colleges. Theres not a single government-run homeopathy college in the state, he said.

While the state runs 20 ayurveda and three unani colleges, all the 49 homeopathy colleges in the state are run privately.

Experts added that many students were discouraged from choosing homoeopathy after the central government, earlier this year, made it mandatory for BHMS graduates to do a year-long course in pharmacology if they wanted to prescribe allopathic medicines.

The perception of homoeopathy as a pseudoscience is also said to have also contributed to its declining demand, said experts.

European countries have declared homoeopathy to be ineffective. BHMS is often the last choice for medical aspirants, said Muzaffar Khan, a Thane-based medical education counsellor

However, Sethiya refuted the claim that homoeopathys negative reputation had an impact on the enrolment.

Students have observed the huge response that homoeopathy doctors get and decide to become one, he said.

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Political ambitions over the civic body polls and an existing rivalry led to the murder of 50-year-old Haji Harun in Ghaziabad, the police said, after arresting three persons in connection with the case.

Harun was gunned down by two persons on a bike in the afternoon of September 14 in Sahibabad while he was on his way to a mosque in Maharajpur locality to offer namaz.

The police identified the prime suspect as Mohammad Zakir and the others as two of his two accomplices  Hridesh Gurjar and Mohammad Yasin. The police said that the latter two were on the bike that did not have a registration plate and had gunned down Harun.

My father was asked to mediate a dispute between Zakir and Riyaz. During the panchayat, the two groups clashed and there was a firing incident in which Zakir sustained injuries. In this connection, Riyazs son Ishrat was lodged in jail and I went to meet him, following which Zakir and his family believed that my father was behind the attack, said Mohammad Arif, the victims son.

The police said that the panchayat was held in August and Zakir was also jailed as both parties filed a case against the other.

Harun was planning on contesting the upcoming elections and Zakir was also vying for a ticket, police said. Harun was influential as his wife Shamim Begum had been the councillor for the ward from 2006 to 2011.

Earlier, Zakir had also grabbed some land in the area, which was revoked by Haruns wife when she became the councillor. This had led to a tiff between the two. Zakir also had political ambitions but Harun appeared a major obstacle. So he roped in his brother-in-law, Yasin, and his accomplice, Hridesh Grujar, a sharpshooter of Jugla gang, said Akash Tomar, superintendent of police (city).

The police said they have electronic evidence of a meeting at Zakirs house on September 6 in which Zakir, Hridesh and Yasin planned the murder.

Based on detailed electronic surveillance, we traced the two shooters and later arrested Zakir. We are also on the lookout for a Jai Singh from Gautam Budh Nagar who had provided pistols to the shooters to gun down Harun. For the murder, Zakir had made an initial payment to the duo for purchasing weapons and a used Pulsar bike, which was bought for Rs8,000 from Meerut, Tomar said.

The police said they will take the three accused on remand and will subject them to detailed questioning.

Since my father and my mother have good support among local residents, I will contest the elections now. I have approached a political party and am very likely to get a ticket for the councillor seat. The final list is expected soon, Arif said.

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From the BJPs perspective, there is perhaps only one way of viewing the induction of Mukul Roy, who was advised by the partys leader in charge of Bengal Siddharth Nath Singh to run away from Bengal in the winter of 2014. Despite the ebullience in BJP circles following a rise in vote shares in the 2014 Lok Sabha and 2016 Assembly elections in Bengal, the party organisation was not progressing in the state at all, for which Amit Shah pulled up the state leaders during his visit to Kolkata in September .

The BJP was badly in need of someone who, they could hope would translate the saffron support in the air to votes, and the party has staked a lot by allowing Trinamools former second-in-command to join. Since 2013, when the Saradha scam became public, all top BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah lambasted Mamata Banerjee and her lieutenants on the issue of corruption making the twin scams the principal point against Bengals ruling party. In one stroke, the saffron camp seems to have surrendered the advantage that was its main plank against the Trinamool.

Mukul Roy carries three expectations. One, he would engineer defections from the Trinamool Congress to BJP. Two, he will draw electoral tricks from his hat that would translate into votes to push the BJP first past the post. Three, he can add ammunition to the existing and any yet unseen court battles against Mamata Banerjees party and confidants.

Its a difficult challenge to say the least. Mamata Banerjee is at the peak of her popularity and it is not clear why her lieutenants will desert her now, especially when the BJP is facing a torrent of questions in different parts of the country. The Trinamool MLAs were elected only a year ago, and they have four more years to go.

Roy is not a mass leader, and derived his power from Mamatas magic. Without that, it is doubtful whether he can display the organisational skills that the BJP expects of him. In the past year and a half, the Trinamool recorded impressive victories in the civic polls and assembly bypolls, though Mukul Roy was not in charge of the party machinery. But with the rural polls just about six months away and the 2019 Lok Sabha a year from then, Roy faces a baptism by fire.

There is another subtext to the Trinamools fortunes. The partys political fortunes soared only after 2006, when Mamata Banerjee severed links with the BJP and decided to fight on her own. Singur happened in 2006 and Nandigram the year after, and the Trinamool chief found a different energy of her own.

Between the lines, Mukul Roys statement at the BJP headquarters revealed how he attempted to position himself as a man straddling two forces in Bengal  the green and the saffron. He emphasised he was a founding member of Trinamool Congress and underscored the point that without the BJPs help, Mamata Banerjee could not have reached the position she is at today. The signal was clear  as a man who assimilated the strengths of both forces, he was in a position to deliver.

Roy also made a rather valiant forecast that the BJP would wrest power in Bengal in 2021. But he would have noticed that his son, Subhrangshu, who is also a TMC MLA, was not on his side. He still swears by Mamata Banerjee.

avijit.ghosal@htlive.com

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The Nitish Kumar-led NDA government in Bihar is all set to complete its 100 days in office, in what is Kumars second innings of power sharing with the BJP. Sadly, the first quarter of the second innings, despite tall claims to the contrary, has been lacklustre.

The government, which was formed on July 27 in a dramatic turn of events, has been bogged down by events, which do not fully agree with the proclaimed image of chief minister Nitish Kumar, as a forward looking administrator.

Good governance and peoples expectations

When Kumar walked out of the Grand Alliance (GA) of the JD(U)-RJD and Congress to join hands with the BJP, peoples expectations had soared. For, they thought that Kumar and deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi, having combined very well from 2005 to 2013, would once again provide better governance. Kumar tried to pass on this message in a series of meetings with the police brass and the bureaucracy in general. He also started holding departmental review meetings, going through the nitty-gritty. But has all this paid off?

Deputy chief minister Modi feels that same alliance being in office at the Centre and in the state, has proved beneficial. The development package announced for Bihar by the Prime Minister is being implemented. Bihar is well on course to progress, said Modi.

This is the first time in two decades that the same alliance is in power at the Centre and in the state. The last time this happened was in 1997 when Lalu Prasad ruled Bihar and Inder Kumar Gujral was heading a Janata Dal government in New Delhi.

However, the opposition disagrees. Kumar has been doing review meetings and organising yatras regularly. But it has no meaning. He held review meetings even in Bhagalpur. Yet, the Srijan scam took place, pointed out RJD national vice president Shivanand Tiwary.

Yet, one positive change is there for all to see. The bonhomie within the government has returned. The cabinet meetings and discussions have become lively, which was not the case during the Grand Alliance time, when the chief minister seemed to be under sever pressure from allies, said a JD(U) minister.

Modi feels, in the last three months, the state faced the biggest challenge of floods. For close to 40 days, we kept fighting floods. The state government rose to expectations and with the Centres backing, provided relief to all affected families, he claims.

Tiwary counters. Where is good governance? The common man is feeling the pinch of corruption. he said.

Srijan Scam

The biggest blot came in the form of the Srijan scam, which hit Kumars image and briefly rocked his government. The scam involved the fraudulent transfer of hundreds of crore rupees of government funds into the accounts of the Srijan Mahila Sahyog Samiti, an NGO, between 2004 and 2014.

The detection of the scam gave the opposition an opportunity to target the government. How can Kumar escape responsibility for the scam? After all, he was the chief minister when the scam happened, said Tiwary, the RJD leader.

It is not the question of just one scam. The NDA rule has been marked by a series of scams and financial misappropriations  such as the Mahadalit fund scam, SC/ST scholarship scam, financial bungling in school dress scheme, to name a few, he added.

The Seven Resolves

On taking office, as CM Nitish Kumar had announced 7 resolves (saat nischay) that his government would follow as a state policy. The state planned to provide road connectivity and drainage, toilets in all houses, clean drinking water and electricity to all, improve higher education, ensure skill development leading to employment and woman empowerment.

But things do not seem to be working in the right direction as far as implementation of the resolves is concerned. According to July rankings issued by the Bihar Vikas Mission for all the districts, on implementation of the programme, only 10 out of 38 districts have scored 40% or above marks.

Patna, the state capital, has got 37.22% marks while Saharsa lies at the bottom of the table with 27.41% marks.

Despite earnest attempts, non-availability of funds has also hampered the release of tenders for large infrastructure projects and this delay is beginning to cause frustration within the government.

Nothing is moving even though Kumar has left GA, said Tiwary.

With crime once again being under some control, Kumars thrust on social reforms have earned him some brownie points. He first introduced prohibition and now has started a campaign against dowry and child marriage.

But, the state government was on the back foot after the recent hooch tragedy in Rohtas district leading to the death of four and continued seizure of liquor in different parts of the state. The whole prohibition exercise has turned into a farce, said Tiwary.

Unfortunately, the gap between promise and delivery is widening.

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Aspirants were being offered salaries below minimum wage at the job fair for women that was inaugurated by Punjab finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal at District Industry Centre (DIC) on Friday. Highly qualified students were also unable to get jobs that matched their professional skills.

Badal had claimed that aspirants will be offered jobs with a salary between Rs 5,000 and Rs 1 lakh. However, when questioned about salaries below minimum wage, he said only trainees will get Rs 5,000 and others will get regular salaries.

According to the information, the monthly minimum wage for unskilled workers is Rs 7,568.5, daily wage is Rs 291.5 and hourly wage is Rs 36.4.

A job aspirant, Seema from Samrala Chowk, said, The initiative is good, but the government should work towards providing jobs according to qualification. However, its encouraging to see a high attendance at such fairs because its better than sitting jobless at home.

The finance minister described the special job fair as a concrete step towards women empowerment. He said the development of infrastructure was meaningless unless the youth got rewarding jobs.

The initiative is good, but the government should work towards providing jobs according to qualification.  Seema, job aspirant

JOBS TO 25 LAKH YOUTH IN 5 YEARS

Badal said Punjab government, under Ghar Ghar Rozgar Yojna, was committed to provide jobs to 25 lakh youth in the next five years, including wage employment and self employment.

Sharing his ideas, he said it was wrong to equate development in the real sense with development of infrastructure. He added that it was our bad luck that development was focused on infrastructure, whereas ensuring jobs for the youth was real development.

Director, industries and commerce, DPS Kharbanda said government efficiently organised job fairs in the past and will continue to organise such fairs to provide job opportunities to the youth.

Earlier, the authorities claimed that around 3,400 jobs will be provided to aspirants by 40 companies during the job fair.

SEWING MACHINE CENTRES IN RURAL AREAS

A group of teachers from sewing machine centres in rural areas also met Badal. They told him that they have received orders to update and run centres according to directions of National Skill Development Council (NSDC).

They said, Centres in rural areas dont have too many facilities and cannot be run as per these directions, adding that they requested the minister that these centres should be allowed to run as they were so that they did not lose their jobs.

Badal was questioned why different government departments were not filling their vacancies; Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has cancelled vacancies in the past. The minister said vacancies were being filled continuously and if PSPCL has cancelled vacancies, then it should be because of rationalising.

ANGANWADI WORKERS PROTEST

Even as anganwadi workers have staged numerous protests across the state, Badal said they will not lose their employment and will continue working with the government.

He added that the target of the Congress government was to provide a job to each family in the state under Ghar Ghar Rozgar Yojna and many other job fairs will be organised in the state in future.

Badal further said apart from wage employment, government was working to provide self employment to youth by providing loans.

EMPLOYMENT BUREAU AT DIC

Punjab finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal said government was working to open an employment bureau in the district industry centres in the state. He added that students who wanted to go to abroad for work will also be catered for by the bureau so that they were not harassed by travel agents.
When 40-year-old Gurbaksh Kaur was offered to work in a factory in Malaysia with free accommodation and monthly salary of 20,000, she thought her dreams had come true.

The fate, however, had something else in store for her.

Speaking to HT after she returned from Saudi Arabia on Saturday, Gurbaksh recalls the difficult three months she says she had to face at the hands of her landlord and his 20-member family. After being duped by the travel agent, I reached Saudi Arabia instead of Malaysia. I was living in hell there and only allowed to sleep after 2am after clearing all the mess. They didnt even provide me food. I had to eat whatever was left on their plates, she says.

Breaking down, she adds: Even after working for over 20 hours in a day, I was assaulted by the family and sometimes even beaten with sticks.

Kaur claims she was not allowed to go out and was thrown out of the house by the owner two-and-a-half month later, only to be arrested by the police as she was not carrying required documents.

Police officers were cruel. There were eight other Bangladeshi girls, including a 15-year-old, and all were thrashed by the cops, she says.

Appealing people to not send their daughters, sisters to such countries for the sake of money, Gurbaksh says, Life is hell for women there.

Speaking about her rescue, Gurbaksh says after she sent the video message, a Saudi Arabian family came forward to help her. They bailed me out of jail and kept me at their house for two days. With help of the Indian embassy who booked my return ticket and some local Punjabi youth, I was able to return to India, she says.

Thanking minister of external affairs Sushma Swaraj and chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh for her return, Gurbaksh appealed to the government to facilitate her daughter Reena Kaurs return also.

I was told by Delhi-based travel agent Neha that Reena had been sent to Saudi Arabia, but I am not sure. I had last seen her three months back in a Delhi hotel, says an inconsolable Kaur.

Gurbaksh and her daughter of Rahon town in SBS Nagar were duped by travel agents in August this year. Both had reportedly planned to go to Malaysia, but the agent fraudulently sent them to Saudi Arabia, after charging 5 lakh, for which she claims to have sold her 10-marla land.

The matter came to light when Gurbaksh sent a video to her family, requesting to be rescued last week. In the video, Kaur revealed that they were in a miserable condition. Kaurs family later sought help from the ministry in a separate video message.

Following media reports, chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh urged external minister Sushma Swaraj to help the duo. On Friday, minister also twitter that pursuant to efforts of @IndianEmbRiyadh Gurbux Kaur is reaching India today. The daughter Reena will return soon, Swaraj tweeted.

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Stuck in Saudi Arabia for the last three months, Gurbaksh Kaur finally returned back to India Saturday morning. Upon her return, she thanked minister of external affairs Sushma Swaraj and appealed to the government to facilitate her daughters return too.

Gurbaksh (40) and her daughter Reena Kaur (23) of Rahon town in SBS Nagar district were duped by travel agents in August this year.

I never thought that I will come back this soon after. I am very thankful to Union external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj for her extraordinary work and hope she will bring my daughter back soon, Kaur told Hindustan Times over the phone from Delhi.

Her family, including her husband Gurmel Ram (49) and nephew Jaswant Kumar (36) received her at the Delhi airport on Saturday morning in presence of Union ministry officials.

Gurbaksh (40) and her daughter Reena Kaur (23) of Rahon town in SBS Nagar district were duped by travel agents in August this year. Both had reportedly planed to go to Malaysia but the agent fraudulently sent them to Saudi Arabia, and later demanded money to bring them back.

The matter came to light when Gurbaksh sent a video to her family, requesting to be rescued last week. In the video, Kaur revealed that they were in a miserable condition. Kaurs family later sought help from the ministry in a separate video message.

Pursuant to efforts of @IndianEmbRiyadh Gurbux Kaur is reaching India today. The daughter Reena will return soon. pic.twitter.com/rgYxWdsh5R  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 3, 2017

Following media reports, chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh urged external minister Sushma Swaraj to help the duo. On Friday, minister also twitter that pursuant to efforts of @IndianEmbRiyadh Gurbux Kaur is reaching India today. The daughter Reena will return soon, Swaraj tweeted.

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The theatrical trailer of actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasans much delayed spy thriller Vishwaroopam 2 is most likely to be released on the stars birthday on November 7, say sources. While an official announcement is awaited, the films composer Ghibran on Friday hinted that the trailer will be released very soon during a live chat with fans. When asked about it, sources close to Haasan said while the makers are planning to release the trailer on the special occasion, it is yet to be confirmed.

Even though it was shot as a single film, it was decided that Vishwaroopam would be released in two parts due to its length. It follows the story of an Indian spy, played by Haasan, who befriends a notorious terrorist, played by Rahul Bose, and tries to bring down his empire. The first part was lauded for its high-octane action and taut screenplay. One of the highlights of the film was the scene where Haasan is seen transforming into a mean killing machine from an effervescent Kathak dancer. The sequel promises to be more intense as it is loaded with action and will be highly emotional.

Also starring Andrea Jeremiah, Pooja Kumar and Shekhar Kapoor, the film has music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. Earlier this year, Rajesh Selva, a long-time associate of Haasan, in a tweet confirmed that the project has been revived and all the pending work will be wrapped up soon. It is rumoured that Haasan will commence work on action-comedy Sabash Naidu, which was put on the back-burner after he suffered an injury last year, after Vishwaroopam 2 releases in the coming few months.

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The makers of superstar Rajinikanths 2.0, have clarified that the highly anticipated sci-fi action film will release as planned on January 25, 2018. Last week, rumours claimed the film was pushed to April next year, in order to accommodate Akshay Kumars Padman.

Padman will hit the screens on January 26. Akshay also features in a pivotal role in 2.0. However, the rumours have been quashed by our sources at Lyca Productions, the makers of 2.0 - a film made at an estimated budget of Rs 400 crore.

Directed by Shankar, the film marks Akshays debut in Tamil films. Akshay plays a scientist, who turns into a bird-man after an experiment goes awry. Akshays first look from the film garnered much appreciation.

Talking about his role, at a press meet in Dubai last week, Akshay had said that itd take him five hours to get ready to play his character. Itd take me three and half hours to put on the makeup and another hour and a half to take it off. In order to play his role, he said he didnt have to rehearse much because all he was required to do was to blindly follow Shankars instructions.

The films audio was released last week and the album has already been streamed over 2 million times across music streaming portals. The makers have planned to release the trailer of the film on December 12, to commemorate with the birthday of Rajinikanth. The film will mark the return of Rajinikanth as Dr Vaseegaran and Chitti. It has music by AR Rahman, whose two songs for the film has been extremely well received.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

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It is that time of the year again when winged guests from colder lands will flock to different parts of India in search of food and nesting spots. Birds like Indian skimmers, Grater Spotted Eagles, Grey pelicans and White-backed vultures have already been spotted at the Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha and more will follow in the coming months.

While ornithologists may have already dug out their birding gear and donned their field hats, bird watchers can head to a number of bird sanctuaries where our winter guests can be easily spotted. If youre planning a nature getaway for this winter break, here is a list (by no means definitive) of bird sanctuaries across India that you should head to:

Sultanpur bird sanctuary, Gurugram, Harayana

Best time to visit: October to February

Over a 100 migratory bird species, from as far as Siberia, Europe and Afghanistan, land at Sultanpur every year in addition to its resident winged beauties. In the one-and-a-half hours that it takes to see all of Sultanpur, youll get to see Siberian Cranes, Greater Flamingo, Asian Koel, Yellow Wagtail, Rosy Pelican, Eurasian Wigeon, Comb duck, Bluethroat and many more gorgeous birds. Plus, Sultanpur has the Neelgai (Blue Bull) and Black Buck too.

The Yellow Wagtail is one among the many beautiful migratory birds that nests in Sultanpur bird sanctuary in winter. (Shutterstock)

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Bharatpur, Rajasthan

Best time to visit: October to February

This bird sanctuary is a World Heritage Site and a hotspot for ornithologists during the migratory birds season. The birds here come from as far as Central Asia and include Pelicans, Ducks, Eagles, Wagtails, Warblers, among others.

Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary, near Puri, Odisha

Best time to visit: October to March

The Chilka Lake is the largest flamingo breeding ground on the Indian subcontinent. (Shutterstock)

The Chilka Lake is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds, especially flamingos, on the Indian subcontinent. Youll spot a large number of aquatic birds, wild animals like blackbuck, golden jackals and over 160 various species of crustaceans, fish and also the famous Chilka dolphin. And all this rich avifauna and fauna is set against the stunning sunsets and sunrises that the salty lagoon is known for.

Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat

Best time to visit: November to February

Nalsarovar, the largest wetland bird sanctuary in Gujarat, gets over 200 types of migrant visitors from November to February every year. Its avian guest list includes rosy pelicans, flamingoes, white storks, brahminy ducks, purple moorhen, besides indigenous birds. Huge flocks of different varieties of exotic birds dot the landscape here and the place truly becomes a birdwatchers paradise.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Srirangapatna, Karnataka

Best time to visit: January to September

Youll spot birds like egret (in picture), partridge and heron, among others, at the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. (Shutterstock)

This is the largest bird sanctuary in Karnataka on the banks of river Kaveri, which from mid-December becomes home to over 40,000 migratory birds like egret, partridge and heron. Many come from as far as Latin America, Siberia and also parts of north India.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Kerala

Best time to visit: November to February

About 40 species of migratory birds from Himalayas and 19 international migratory birds flock to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Kerala from November to February.

Come winter and the (Shutterstock)

Besides the Siberian Stork, birds like the Ibis, Amur Falcon, Painted stork, black-and-orange flycatcher and Cotton Teal can be spotted at this sanctuary in tropical evergreen and deciduous forests. Dr Salim Ali, the famous ornithologist had called it the richest bird habitat in peninsular India. It is also called Cuckoo Paradise because of the great varieties of cuckoo birds found here.
The Italian police have seized tablets of a synthetic opiate, allegedly sourced by an Indian firm and destined for the Islamic State (IS) in Libya, a court said on Saturday.

Financial police discovered over 24 million tramadol tablets being transported from India to Libya at the port of Gioia Tauro. The painkiller, described as the fighter drug, is popular among jihadists for its ability to dull pain and suppress fatigue.

The haul is estimated to be worth 50 million and was found following a police crackdown sparked by the discovery of a similar shipment in Genoa in May. Police suspect the haul was destined to be sold by IS to its fighters for about 2 a pill.

According to the information shared with foreign investigative sources, the traffic of Tramadol is directly handled by IS to finance terrorist activities planned and carried out across the world, the court in Reggio Calabria city said.

Part of the money raised from the sales would also go to subsidise terrorist groups and extremists operating in Libya, Syria and Iraq, it said.

Renzo Nisi, a financial police captain involved in the May operation in Genoa, said tramadol is produced extremely cheaply in India and Pakistan. Investigators also suggested ties between the mafia and the IS, noting that it is impossible to smuggle goods through the port without their agreement.

Owing to its cheap price and potency, tramadol dependency has reached crisis levels in much of Libya and Egypt. Use of the drug, normally only available on prescription, is also rampant among fighters of the Nigerian terror group Boko Haram.

In May, 37 million tramadol pills were found packed in three containers at the port of Genoa, labelled as blankets and shampoo and set to be loaded on a freighter bound for Misrata and Tobruk in Libya.

Italian investigators traced the shipment to an Indian pharmaceuticals company, which allegedly sold the pills for $250,000 to a Dubai-based importer. The importer shipped the pills to Sri Lanka, where they reportedly disappeared from the freighters documents.

This is not the first time that an Indian firm has been tied to IS activities. In February 2016, a study by UK-based Conflict Armament Research found that seven Indian companies were involved in the supply chain of more than 700 components used by IS to construct improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The study noted that all the components were legally exported under government-issued licenses from India to entities in Lebanon and Turkey, and the firms were mostly unaware of the final destination of the products.

On the publication of the report, four of the seven companies denied exporting the components to Lebanon or Turkey.
In a move that can curb freedom of expression, the Afghanistan government has asked several private telecommunication companies to suspend WhatsApp and Telegram instant messaging services in the country.

Although the apps, popular among the countrys elite, were still working on private telecom operators on Friday, customers of Salaam Telecom, a government-owned service provider, reported that both apps had stopped working for them, The New York Times reported on Friday.

It is wrong and illegal, Abdul Mujeeb Khalvatgar, executive director of Nai, a group that campaigns for free speech, was quoted as saying.

According to the Constitution, freedom of expression is inviolable in Afghanistan. WhatsApp and Telegram are tools of free speech -- if the government bans them, it means that tomorrow they could stand against media in Afghanistan too, he added.

The clarity on the reason for the temporary ban was not obtained, but on Thursday, the deputy director of the telecoms regulatory authority told the BBC that the ban was due to security concerns.

WhatsApp and Telegram are often used by the Taliban and other militant groups to evade government surveillance, the report said.

An official from the ministry of communications and information technology said the request on the 20-day ban had come from the National Directorate of Security, the countrys intelligence agency.

The ministry said that the apps were being temporarily banned to introduce a new kind of technology, because users had complained about the quality of WhatsApps service.

It also denied that the ban constituted a threat to freedom of expression.

WhatsApp and Telegram are just applications for contact and the sending of audio messages, and this does not affect freedom of speech, the ministry added.
Be ready to fight and win wars, President Xi Jinping ordered the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), the worlds largest military, on Friday, instructing the troops to sharpen their combat capabilities and readiness for battle.

The Central Military Commission (CMC) should lead the armed forces to be ready to fight and win wars, and to undertake the missions and tasks of the new era entrusted to them by the (Communist) Party and the people, Xi said, while touring the joint battle command centre in military uniform.

Xi is the chairperson of the CMC, which acts as the command and control centre for the 2.3 million-strong PLA.

He didnt mention any country-specific threat the military should be prepared to face  it was possibly more about sending a strong, sharp message to the rank and file of the armed forces.

But Chinas neighbours, including India, would be closely tracking Xis interactions with the armed forces.

Xi was emphatic that the PLA should be capable of winning wars, saying it was an important part of the ruling Communist Partys goal of national rejuvenation. He also ordered the troops to conduct training under combat conditions.

The capability to win is strategically important in safeguarding national security, and strengthening that capability and combat readiness in the new era would provide strategic support to the realisation of the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation, Xi was quoted as saying by official Xinhua news agency.

During the inspection, Xi had video chats with troops at frontier posts and at Chinas first overseas military base in Djibouti, which military observers say reflects the countrys increasing military ambitions on a global scale.

Xi encouraged those stationed in Djibouti to help promote international and regional peace and stability, the report said.

A recurring theme of Xis recent interactions with the PLA top brass has been to emphasise the Communist Partys control over the armed forces.

It was the same during his Friday meeting and also when he met senior military officers last week, soon after beginning his second tenure as the partys general secretary and the CMC chairperson.

Last week, Xi told the military that over the past five years, the CMC endeavored to build an army that follows the command of the CPC, is capable of winning battles and has a fine style of work.

It has been upholding the partys absolute leadership over the armed forces, innovating military strategy, governing the army by law and promoting civil-military integration, he said.

In the CMCs recent reshuffle during the national congress of the Communist Party, Xi is said to have inducted senior military officers known to be close to him.

The new CMC members will be loyal, honest and professional. They will have the exact opposite qualities of corrupt generals like Xu Caihou, Ni Lexiong, a Shanghai-based military expert, recently told Hindustan Times.

Ni said China doesnt regard India as its main military rival despite the border dispute and the recent standoff near the Sikkim border. The main opponents are the US and Japan, Ni said.
Chanting Death to America and burning the US flag, thousands of Iranians protested in Tehran Saturday against President Donald Trumps policies and to mark the anniversary of the 1979 US embassy siege.

The storming of the embassy in Tehran by students, months after the Islamic revolution, led to a 444-day hostage crisis and a break in diplomatic relations that continues to this day.

Protesters beat effigies of Trump with sticks in front of the former embassy compound while what appeared to be a dummy ballistic missile was put on display in a sign of defiance following new US sanctions.

Iranian women carrying placards, some bearing the portrait of US President Donald Trump, during a demonstration outside the former US embassy in the Iranian capital Tehran on November 4, 2017. (AFP)

This year, Trumps anti-Iranian policies have mobilised more Iranians, Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council.

Trumps administration has taken a tougher line with Iran, threatening to tear up an international accord on its nuclear programme.

Last month Trump refused to certify the 2015 deal between Tehran and world powers that lifted sanctions in return for limits on Irans atomic programme, saying he could pull out at any time.

The United States has also imposed new sanctions over the Islamic republics ballistic missile programme.

Iranian women take part in a demonstration outside the former US embassy in the Iranian capital Tehran on November 4, 2017. (AFP)

A statement read out at Saturdays protest said Iranians see the criminal America as their main enemy and condemn the denigrating remarks of the hated US president against the great Iranian people and the Revolutionary Guards.

Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged Iranians on Thursday to never forget that America is the enemy.

To give in to the Americans makes them more aggressive and insolent. The only solution is to resist, he said.
There is no cooperation between Russia and US on North Korea for the time being, the RIA news agency cited Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying on Saturday.

There is no cooperation so far. Only periodic exchanges of views, he said. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump may meet at an Asian economic summit in Vietnam next week.

Peskov said there was a great probability that the two would discuss the situation on the Korean peninsula if such a meeting was held.

Trump told Fox News this week that it was possible he would meet Putin during his Asia trip.

We may have a meeting with Putin, he said. And, again  Putin is very important because they can help us with North Korea. They can help us with Syria. We have to talk about Ukraine.

Relations between Moscow and Washington have soured further since Putin and Trump first met at a G20 summit in Hamburg in July when they discussed allegations of Russian meddling in the US election, but agreed to focus on better ties.

Tensions have risen over the conflict in Syria, after Russia vetoed a United Nations plan to continue an ongoing investigation into chemical weapons..

A Syria settlement is being discussed for the agenda of a possible meeting between the two presidents, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by RIA, adding it was in their common interest to have enough time to discuss the issue.

Somehow or another it requires cooperation, Peskov said.
A Spanish judge issued an EU arrest warrant for Catalonias deposed separatist leader Carles Puigdemont, a day after he failed to appear for questioning over his role in the regions tumultuous independence drive.

The announcement added to anger and dismay in a second straight night of demonstrations in the wealthy north-eastern region, with protesters chanting and waving Catalan flags of red and yellow stripes with a white star.

Spanish prosecutors want to charge Puigdemont, holed up in Belgium, with rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds. On Thursday, the 54-year-old ignored a summons to appear before the same judge in Madrid.

A EU arrest warrant was also issued for four other Catalan ministers who failed to show up and are also thought to be in Belgium, a court statement said. They, like Puigdemont, were dismissed by Spains central government a week ago.

On Thursday the judge had Puigdemonts deputy and seven other deposed regional ministers jailed pending a possible trial because of a risk that they might similarly abscond.

Speaking in an interview on Belgian television channel RTBF on Friday, recorded before the widely expected warrant was issued, Puigdemont said he was not hiding from real justice but from a clearly politicised Spanish legal system.

He said he was not convinced by guarantees of a fair trial, decrying the enormous pressure and political influence on judicial power in Spain.

I have told my lawyers to inform the Belgian justice authorities that I am completely at their disposal, he said.

Belgian prosecutors said they would study the warrant and then give it to a judge.

Rubber bullets

Spains worst political crisis in decades flared up over the staging of a Catalan independence referendum on October 1 despite a court ban. Spanish police tried and failed to stop it, in some cases firing rubber bullets.

An independence declaration by the Catalan parliament followed one week ago.

Spains government responded by dismissing Puigdemonts government, imposing direct rule and calling fresh elections in Catalonia on December 21.

Twenty people including Puigdemont and the Catalan parliament speaker had been summoned for questioning on Thursday.

Protesters wave Catalan pro-independence Estelada flags during a demonstration on Friday to protest against the detention of Catalan officials in Madrid. (AFP)

Puigdemonts Belgian lawyer Paul Bekaert, who has helped Basque separatist militants challenge Spanish extradition, said his client did not see the climate as conducive to testifying.

Late Thursday, as television footage showed police vans with flashing blue lights driving Puigdemonts former ministers to different prisons, furious Catalans took to the streets.

About 20,000 people, according to police, demonstrated in the regional capital Barcelona, while others gathered across in towns, and thousands turned out again on Friday evening.

Not an internal matter

Puigdemont has said that the situation is no longer an internal Spanish affair, calling on the international community to wake up to the danger.

But apart from Scotlands separatist First Minister Nicola Sturgeon criticising the jailing of political opponents, there are no signs that other countries steadfast backing of Madrid is faltering.

Germany reiterated its support for the unity and constitutional order of Spain while a European Commission spokeswoman said it respects fully the independence of the Spanish judiciary.

Spain has the rule of law and nobody can escape court decisions. There are international instruments to ensure that those who want to escape are placed at the disposal of the courts, Spanish government spokesman Inigo Mendez de Vigo said.

The 7.5 million people of Catalonia, which until this past week had considerable autonomy, are fiercely proud of their language and culture but are also deeply divided about the wisdom of independence.

Spains central bank warned Thursday of a possible recession in Catalonia. Unemployment there rose strongly in October. More than 2,000 firms have moved their legal headquarters elsewhere.

The separatist movement is also divided, although there are tentative signs that the latest events might galvanise its two main parties to fight the December election with a common list.

Its absolutely indispensable that we have a joint strategy to battle the repression, Sergi Sabria, a spokesman for the ERC party, told Catalunya Radio.

Peter Ceretti at the Economist Intelligence Unit said pro-independence parties might win the December election, as the jailed ministers could deliver an important propaganda boost.

Puigdemont said Friday he was ready to be a candidate in the election, but he poured scorn on the exercise.

I was elected. What is the purpose of (new) elections? he asked, accusing Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy of illegally dissolving the Catalan parliament.

In order to resolve political problems you need to play politics. You dont imprison those who think differently to you, Puigdemont said.
The Dadabhai Naoroji Awards launched and presented in 2014 by the David Cameron-led coalition government have been quietly dropped by the two subsequent governments, even though they were inaugurated with much fanfare as annual awards.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had attended the high-profile awards ceremony in London led by then deputy prime minister Nick Clegg on October 17, 2014. The awards were meant to celebrate the work of individuals who have furthered UK-India relations in culture, commerce and education.

Naoroji, the first Indian, Asian or non-white elected to the House of Commons (from Finsbury Central in 1892), was associated with the earlier incarnation of Cleggs party, the Liberal Democrats, which was part of the Cameron-led coalition between 2010 and 2015.

However, the two subsequent Conservative governments led by Cameron and Theresa May did not give away the awards, indicating that political considerations had more to do with launching them, even though they were announced as annual awards by Clegg during his India visit in August 2014.

Liberal Democrats leader Vince Cable told Hindustan Times on Saturday: It is right that Britain's first Indian and non-white parliamentarian should be honoured and remembered. By doing so we honour the Indian community and its contribution to Britain.

For the Conservatives to drop the awards surreptitiously is disrespectful and careless with our history.

A government spokesperson did not elaborate on the reasons for dropping the awards but said: The Dadabhai Naoroji Awards were held in 2014 to celebrate the great links between the UK and India.

We continue to celebrate the deep relationship between our two countries in a number of ways  not least through this years 2017 UK-India Year of Culture, launched by Her Majesty The Queen in February and featuring a wide range of events in the UK and India marking our rich cultural ties.

The three awardees hailed by Swaraj and Clegg at the 2014 event in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office were actor Madhav Sharma, educationist Asha Khemka and Patricia Hewitt, then chair of the Indo-British Trade Council.

Naoroji was described by the government at the time as the first Asian MP and the man who brought the first Indian business to the UK. The fact that the awards are in his name pays tribute to his commitment to the Indian people and his key role in historical events.

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Twitter was thrust once again into a debate over the company's ability to prevent abuse on its platform after a rogue employee, on the last day on the job, shut down the president's personal account, @realDonaldTrump.

The deactivation Thursday evening by an unidentified customer service contractor renewed questions about the security of the Twitter account the president uses to set policy agendas and communicate to the world.

Twitter spokeswoman Emily Horne declined on Friday to answer questions about whether people at the company have the power to take over or close accounts.

The company released a statement on Twitter on Friday: "We have implemented safeguards to prevent this from happening again. We won't be able to share all details about our internal investigation or updates to our security measures, but we take this seriously and our teams are on it."

An industry official familiar with Twitter's systems said the company has ways to prevent employees from tweeting from accounts that are not their own. The person declined to answer further questions about the matter.

President Donald Trump has used Twitter in unprecedented ways, sharing his thoughts about national policy, his own appointees and even the leaders of other countries. He once took to Twitter to call Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, "Little Rocket Man."

That penchant for social media has worried national security experts, who have said that Trump's Twitter account could be vulnerable to hacking - or that impulsive tweets, read the wrong way, could spark a national security crisis. Researchers have said that foreign agencies are also using Twitter to analyze Trump's personality and track his habits.

But some analysts said an 11-minute shutdown of the president's account did not amount to a national security risk.

"Is that a national security problem? I think that may be going too far," said Kurt Opsahl, general counsel of the Electronic Frontier Foundation. "It is bringing to light that it's possible for a rogue employee to do something of this significance. And so I imagine it would lead to some consideration on the part of social media companies whether there will be further checks and balances."

Lawmakers are already scrutinizing Twitter over the widespread exploitation of its platform by Russian agents, who created more than 2,700 fake accounts and 30,000 bots to promote divisive and pro-Trump messages during the 2016 election - figures the company disclosed for the first time in congressional testimony this week.

The deactivation of Trump's account, which occurred around 7 p.m. Thursday, only deepens the company's political challenges, heightening the perception that it cannot manage its own platform.

Initially, at 8:05 p.m. Thursday, Twitter tweeted that Trump's account had been "inadvertently deactivated due to human error."

Two hours later, the company admitted that the incident was not accidental: "Through our investigation we have learned that this was done by a Twitter customer support employee who did this on the employee's last day. We are conducting a full internal review."

Some took to Twitter to make light of the incident, thanking the unnamed employee for silencing the president. But others on Twitter raised questions about whether the worker could have taken over the account and tweeted about a fictional nuclear strike on North Korea.

At 3:51 a.m., Trump chimed in, tweeting in a tone that was more sanguine than usual. The tweet contained no exclamation points or words in all caps, and it did not include a pointed attack.

"My Twitter account was taken down for 11 minutes by a rogue employee. I guess the word must finally be getting out-and having an impact," the president tweeted.

Meanwhile, a Twitter rival pounced.

"Twitter is not safe for anyone," said Utsav Sanduja, chief operating officer of Gab, a social network that bills itself as a pro-free speech alternative to the bigger platforms run by tech giants. "This is a very flawed company that goes on arbitrary political bends and doesn't have proper mechanisms for restraining this. This isn't an isolated incident."

Both Democrats and Republicans have criticized Twitter in recent months.

Liberals have complained that Twitter aided Trump's election by facilitating the spread of fake news and did not aggressively close fake pro-Trump accounts.

Conservatives say the left-leaning Silicon Valley executives have biased the company's decision-making. Its chief executive, Jack Dorsey, is a well-known supporter of liberal causes, including the Black Lives Matter movement. Twitter has taken down, and sometimes restored, accounts of right-wing figures, including former Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos and white supremacist Richard Spencer.

Last month, the company blocked, and then restored, a campaign video ad by Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., who talked about her effort to "stop the sale of baby body parts" in a reference to false claims about Planned Parenthood.

Even some of the company's executives now say they worry that the platform has been used to stoke social divisions. Earlier this year, a co-founder of the network, Evan Williams, said that Trump's election highlighted deep problems with the way social media platforms "dumb the world down" and undermined the public's perception of truth.

On Friday, Twitter employees who came to work for the regularly scheduled companywide volunteer day, called Twitter for Good, also encountered an email telling them not to talk to the media, an employee said. A daily communication that alerts employees about the previous day's blocked accounts did not go out, causing some consternation among workers.

Whether Twitter pursues legal action against its former worker, federal officials could be motivated to prosecute the person - if only to deter future cases, analysts say.

"If I were this employee, I'd be hiring a good criminal defense lawyer who knows something about the CFAA," said Paul Ohm, a law professor at Georgetown University, referring to the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.

Meanwhile, the president returned to his usual tweet storms after his account was restored.

"Everybody is asking why the Justice Department (and FBI) isn't looking into all of the dishonesty going on with Crooked Hillary & the Dems ..." Trump tweeted, one of several missives he fired off Friday morning.

- - -

The Washington Post's Hayley Tsukayama and Brian Fung contributed to this report.
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WASHINGTON - With U.S. unemployment at a 17-year low and businesses complaining that they can't fill jobs, you might expect pay to be rising sharply as companies try to attract or keep workers.

It's not. The October jobs report showed that pay gains remain sluggish, and the explanations include weak worker productivity and a still-low proportion of adults with jobs. These are long-running trends that still bedevil the economy despite its steady improvement.

Employers added a solid 261,000 jobs last month, the government said Friday, in part because many businesses in Texas and Florida re-opened after having been forced to shut down in September when Hurricanes Harvey and Irma struck.

The unemployment rate reached 4.1 percent, the lowest level in nearly 17 years, from 4.2 percent in September. But the rate dropped for a less-than-encouraging reason: Many stopped looking for work and so were no longer counted as unemployed.

Normally, with the unemployment rate ultra-low, businesses are forced to raise pay significantly to fill jobs or to retain existing employees. The last time the jobless rate was this low, in 2000, average hourly pay was surging at a 4 percent annual pace.

Then was then. In October, by contrast, wages crept up just 2.4 percent from a year earlier, the government said Friday.

It's particularly surprising given that some employers say they're desperate to hire. Mike Bolen, CEO of McCarthy Building Cos. in St. Louis, said he needs more electricians, carpenters, and laborers, as well as engineers, marketing and IT support.

Four years ago, there would be about 30 potential employees in a union hall waiting for job postings, he said. Now, the halls are empty, and there are posted jobs with no takers.

Bolen is working with high schools and community colleges to train and recruit young people. He says he's raised pay in recent years and offers attractive wages: An entry-level laborer in Denver can start at $16 to $20 an hour and earn up to $30 after one year.

Homebuilders also say they would construct more homes - which could relieve a housing shortage that is depressing sales - if they could find more workers. Still, the construction industry as a whole isn't raising pay much: Wages rose just 2.2 percent in October from a year earlier, Friday's report showed. That's even lower than the economy-wide average.

Reed Nyffeler, CEO of Signal 88 Security, is similarly frustrated. He says job applications have fallen 90 percent since the recession. The company, which provides security in 200 U.S. markets, needs security officers and professional staff.

Signal 88 has raised starting pay for security officers from $9.25 an hour to $11.25 in the past two years. But other low-wage employers have also lifted pay, Nyffeler said, thereby creating new competition for Signal.

Many potential applicants can't pass drug tests, Nyffeler says, while others can live off government benefits.

His ability to raise pay, Nyffeler says, is limited because his clients are reluctant to pay more for his company's services. Signal 88 bills at $17 an hour, on average.
Oil closed Friday at its highest in more than two years for a second day as support grew for OPEC to prolong output cuts, while supply threats abounded.

Futures jumped 2 percent in New York, closing above $55 a barrel for the first time since July 2015. While Nigerian militants and Venezuela's debt woes imperil crude output from two of the world's chief suppliers, the overarching bullish factor remained the increasing prospects for an extension of the OPEC-led curbs to be decided as early as this month. In the U.S., oil rigs declined by the most in more than a year, and WTI surpassing Thursday's intraday high also provided upward momentum later in the session.
Business and property owners railed against the Montrose Management District Friday afternoon in a public hearing meant to highlight the group's plan for the next 15 years.

The contentious meeting was held less than a week after a district court judge ruled that the district improperly assessed nearly $6.6 million based on an assessment petition now deemed void by the court.

The Oct. 31 judgment also ordered that the district refrain from spending any money collected and not yet spent.

"That means your checkbook is closed," Andy Taylor, the attorney representing property owners, said to district officials. "I want to put you on notice. If you pass this plan I will file a motion for contempt."

The reason for the legally required meeting, held at a Montrose community center, was to hear public comment on plans to spend some $60 million on landscape maintenance, street sweeping, bike projects, marketing, branding and other improvements to the area over the next decade and a half.

An agitated crowd of about 50 people opted not to hear a presentation by executive director Ben Brewer III.

None of the district's board members were in attendance.

More than a dozen property owners spoke in protest during the spirited 3-hour meeting. Many said they have not received any benefits from the district or its projects and that the assessments amount to double taxation. They complained that services such removing graffiti and increasing safety were promised but never provided.

"I'm just going to reiterate what everyone in this room knows: This is an unwanted district," said Daphne Scarbrough, a longtime Montrose property owner and proprietor of the Brass Maiden, a specialty furnishings store on Richmond.

"I detest vehemently how they spent the money," property owner Jim Bartley added, citing district projects such as bridge lights along U.S. 59 and signs branding the area.

Some questioned even the legitimacy of Friday's meeting given the judge's ruling.

State District Judge Daryl L. Moore ruled the assessments paid by commercial property owners in the former West Montrose Management District, now part of the larger group, were done so under duress. Moore said the district must pay back the money.

In a statement Friday, the management district said it has filed an appeal to the 14th Court of Appeals in Houston.

"The district stands by its position that it is operating within its legal charter granted by the state of Texas. No refunds for assessments collected in the West Montrose Management District (the only portion of the district under dispute in this legal action) will be made, pending the outcome of the current appeal," the group said.

The lawsuit dates to 2012, when a property owner challenged the legality of the management district.

Moore inherited the case from Judge Joseph "Tad" Halbach Jr., who left his position at the end of 2016.

Halbach found the district made unlawful assessments and should reimburse property owners, but he did not issue a final ruling in the case.

He said the assessments were void because the district board didn't have enough valid property owners who signed a petition required to begin charging the assessments.

After the district was established in 2009, organizers were required to collect signatures from at least 25 commercial property owners in the area to begin making assessments.

The Montrose Management District, which was formerly broken into east and west areas, is one of dozens in Houston created by the Legislature to promote economic development and make improvements to public areas in individual neighborhoods.

Commercial property owners help pay for the improvements through assessments. In Montrose, they are assessed at a rate of 12.5 cents per each $100 of property value.

Brewer, an employee of Hawes Hill & Associates who began his post with the district in July, said during the meeting that the district had perhaps $250,000 in its bank account.
The National Archives posted another 676 records related to President John F. Kennedy's assassination Friday afternoon, including more than 500 never-before-seen CIA files that contain information about Lee Harvey Oswald and operatives-turned-Watergate burglars James McCord and E. Howard Hunt.

One of the CIA files details Oswald's visits to the Cuban consulate and Soviet embassy in Mexico City in the weeks before he fatally shot Kennedy on Nov. 22, 1963 in Dallas. Oswald himself was shot by nightclub owner Jack Ruby in Dallas police headquarters on live television, fueling decades of conspiracy theories about the assassination.

Other previously secret CIA files reveal the "involuntary" 1970 retirement of McCord and Hunt's frustration with being consigned to a desk job after covert anti-Castro operations.

The latest document dump was set in motion by the President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992, which stipulated that the government had to release all remaining assassination records by Oct. 26, 2017. In the days leading up to the deadline, President Donald Trump announced on Twitter that he was allowing "the long blocked and classified JFK FILES to be opened." But on Oct. 26, Trump bowed to pressure from the CIA, FBI and other agencies by releasing only 2,800 records and withholding 30,000 others. Trump issued a memo saying he would delay making a decision on those files until April 26.

But over the next two days, Trump issued a series of tweets that suggested he wanted to release the remaining documents much sooner. "After strict consultation with General Kelly, the CIA and other Agencies, I will be releasing ALL #JFKFILES other than the names and addresses of any mentioned person who is still living. I am doing this for reasons of full disclosure, transparency and. . .in order to put any and all conspiracy theories to rest."

Trump himself floated a conspiracy theory during the presidential campaign in 2016 that the father of his primary opponent, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, was somehow involved in the assassination.

So far, there have been no bombshells in the new files released, and experts did not expect any to shake the conclusion of the Warren Commission that Oswald acted as the lone gunman in Dealey Plaza. A majority of Americans believe others were involved, according to several Gallup polls taken over the years. And some Kennedy experts and historians have concluded that the CIA and other intelligence agencies impeded the Warren Commission's investigation.

One long withheld FBI file released Friday is a March 12, 1968 analysis of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., whom former director J. Edgar Hoover had long sought to discredit. It includes salacious details about wild parties and sexual indiscretions by the King, who was assassinated just weeks later.

Other records include hundreds of pages on the Watergate burglars, including some CIA internal papers praising the skills that would later be used in the infamous 1972 break-in. It wasn't clear why McCord's retirement from the agency was labeled "involuntary."

"In a variety of assignments, both domestic and abroad, Mr. McCord has displayed unusual imagination, ingenuity, and effectiveness in accomplishing his assigned tasks," wrote one CIA official of the man who would, two years later, use those skills to break into the National Democratic Party's headquarters in the Watergate. "His achievements in the fields of audio-countermeasure techniques and physical and technical security are particularly noteworthy. . .."

Then-CIA director Richard Helms wrote to McCord to commend him and wish him a happy retirement "filled with enjoyment and satisfaction."

"Your faithful and loyal support has measured up to the high ideals and traditions of the Federal service," he wrote.

McCord even got an award: the Certificate of Distinction for his 20 years of service.

Three years later, a jury took just 90 minutes to convict McCord of eight counts, including conspiracy, burglary and wiretapping the Democrats.

In a January 1965 CIA file, E. Howard Hunt complained that he had developed a duodenal ulcer from tedious assignments following the excitement of anti-Castro operations, known as Project JMATE, that culminated in the Bay of Pigs invasion.

The ulcer, he wrote, resulted from "three years of work frustration and professional dissatisfactions occasioned by (a) Agency failure to assign me to an appropriate post abroad following my participation in Project JMATE, and (b) the passive, non-challenging nature of the domestic work I was given."

Hunt had hit a "professional dead-end," he wrote, "without hope of promotion or foreign assignment, a situation which preoccupied my mind and in due course found physical reflection in duodenal hemorrhage."

A 1969 fitness report by Hunt's boss, the CIA's chief of operations in Europe, concluded that Hunt was "a very competent, tough-minded senior professional." But a "reviewing officer's comment" attached to his fitness report recommends that his overall performance be rated as "highly proficient" rather than "strong" because "this officer has had a series of personal and taxing problems, beyond his control, which have tended to dull his cutting edge just enough to be noticeable."

Hunt retired in 1970 and later organized the Watergate break-in and dirty tricks that ultimately brought down the Nixon presidency. He was convicted of burglary, conspiracy and wiretapping and served 33 months in prison.

- - -

Part of a continuing series about facets of the past that remain relevant.
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On a blistering hot late summer day at a state prison in rural Rosharon, Marquieth Jackson sits behind security glass. His muscular arms poke out from a white jumpsuit and his hazel eyes peer into the visitor's room.

More than 30 miles to the north, his mother's brown eyes stare out at criminal justice activists seated around a table at the Texas Organizing Project's Midtown office.

As the Harris County director for the nonprofit project, Tarsha Jackson tackles a range of criminal justice issues, and it's not unusual to see the 46-year-old leading a protest or speaking at a rally or press conference.

Her road from loan counselor to prison reformer began when Marquieth was arrested 16 years ago for kicking a teacher in elementary school. Her years-long struggle to help her son now has catapulted her to the forefront of the Texas criminal justice reform movement.

"She's very passionate about her work, that's why she's good," said state Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, who has helped advise her through Marquieth's struggles. "Her son's in a difficult situation, but she's using his circumstances as motivation to help others."

Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle

Beginning to understand

Tarsha Jackson learned about the legal system in fits and starts, beginning in 2001 when she answered a call from police at her desk at Wells Fargo Bank.

Marquieth was in fifth grade at Spring ISD's Wunsche Multipurpose School, which then offered special education programs. At the time, Marquieth refused to be placed in time-out, so he kicked his teacher, Tarsha recalled. The school called police and the 10-year-old was charged with assault on a public servant.

Even now, the single mother shakes her head in disbelief.

"You actually handcuffed my baby and you took him to jail," Tarsha remembers thinking to herself.

Marquieth was arrested again in a similar incident at a different school and served three months at a juvenile facility.

"I was more scared about being away from my mother," Marquieth recently told a reporter from behind prison glass. "That's all I know is my mother. My daddy wasn't really around like that. She's always been around my whole life."

Spring ISD has records of numerous disciplinary incidents concerning Marquieth, including one arrest. But the district did not provide details because the reports are protected by federal and state privacy laws, according to spokeswoman Karen Garrison.

"Although using police intervention would always be a last resort, an officer might be called to assist in a situation where the student was in danger of harming themselves or others," Garrison wrote in an email.

Tarsha Jackson grew more determined as doctors tried to diagnose Marquieth's "special needs."

They prescribed different medications, diagnosed him with ADHD, then opposition defiance disorder.

Finally, at 11, his condition was pinpointed as bipolar disorder.

To this day behind prison walls, Marquieth says he hears voices. But he contends that the medication does not help him, according to his mother.

Dark times in juvenile detention

The same year, Marquieth was at a neighborhood apartment complex pool when an argument ensued. A window was broken and he was arrested. Still 11, he was the only one of the participants with a record.

He was sentenced to nine months at the Texas Youth Commission's juvenile facility in Marlin, but he served three and a half years because of numerous write-ups for fights and other minor incidents.

His months in the juvenile facility set his mother on the path toward activism.

She was distressed by what she saw when she visited her son. She stared at the barbed wire, and the jumpsuits the teenagers wore.

"They're supposed to be in school," she said, reflecting back. "They're supposed to be going to their school dances and playing sports, but they're locked up in overalls for truancies, for little fights."

She was a stranger to the juvenile justice system.

Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle

Tarsha grew up in a large religious family in Acres Homes, a historically African-American neighborhood in northwest Houston. She said her parents kept her extremely sheltered.

They socialized with other people in the neighborhood and went to the nearby church. So when her son got in trouble, the tall woman with a full head of brown curls and a vibrant smile felt she had no choice but to be his chief advocate.

She relied on her family for support as she navigated a bevy of court-appointed attorneys and judges. His months in the juvenile facility set his mother on the path toward activism.

That realization came after Marquieth was rushed to a hospital in Waco from the juvenile facility. Marquieth ended up there after he and a group in the juvenile facility began screaming and beating on the walls.

Guards "came in with helmets and shields to do a cell extraction on a kid," Tarsha said.

She drove three hours to Waco with her sister. But when she got to the hospital, he had already been discharged. Tarsha saw her son three days later, with a swollen face and on suicide watch in a new juvenile facility in Corsicana.

Marquieth also recalled the dark times when he was in a juvenile facility.

"I (have) been gassed and thrown into hot water. I had to stand outside butt naked in the cold, in November and December," he said.

Tarsha soon realized her son's arrest at 10 would mark him for the rest of his life.

"It's like a brand," Jackson said. "Whatever you do, it's going to always follow you.

An advocate emerges

Tarsha quickly realized she couldn't stay silent about what she considered brutal conditions in juvenile lockups. She organized a press conference with the help of Ginny Goldman, founder of the Texas Organizing Project who later offered her a job at the nonprofit.

"I'm just going to stand in front of the courthouse with a bullhorn and let people know what's going on," Tarsha remembers thinking.

She eventually met Will Harrell, then director of the ACLU and chairman of the board of the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, who noticed Tarsha and other mothers calling attention to perceived injustices within the juvenile system.

"She was a tireless advocate driven by love," Harrell said. "A common myth is that it's always the parent's fault when a child takes the path that Marquieth took. Tarsha was a good mother. She did all she could with the means that were available to her."

Harrell helped Tarsha and the other families form Texas Families of Incarcerated Youth. Harrell remembers Tarsha and the other parents testifying about legislation that would ultimately improve the juvenile justice system.

Eventually, sweeping legislation was passed in 2007 to change the juvenile justice system. Senate Bill 103 made sure that youth wouldn't be sent to state jail for committing a misdemeanor.

Then, finally, Marquieth was released, just a month shy of his 16th birthday. But after serving three and half years in a juvenile facility, Marquieth struggled to adjust to a normal routine, Tarsha said. He twice tried to commit suicide. He wanted to live a regular life and go to school like his younger brother, Marcelius.

She enrolled him at Klein Forest High School a few months after he was discharged from TYC. She talked with the principal and explained Marquieth's history of mental health problems and jail.

But when the first day of school came, a new principal, who didn't know about Marquieth, was in charge. The two got into a verbal argument. The teen knocked over a lamp inside her office.

He was suspended for three days and then returned to school. While he was serving an in-school suspension, police showed up during the middle of the school day and arrested him for the incident. He was sent to a juvenile boot camp.

Tarsha Jackson said despite her efforts, her son continued to hang out with the wrong crowd.

When he turned 18, her worst fear came true. Marquieth was charged with capital murder after he and another man allegedly shot a man outside of a north Harris County apartment complex.

The charge was later reduced to aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon. Now 26, he has served eight years of a 15-year sentence in state prison.

Tarsha still agonizes over the turn in her son's life.

"I had plans for him," she said, with tears rolling down her face. "I had dreams and they took it."

Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle

Looking ahead

Tarsha now worries about her son's transition from prison, once he gains release. He has done little to prepare himself for life on the outside.

He has failed to earn a GED. He's not enrolled in any job training programs while he sits, segregated from other prisoners. Tarsha can't recall a time he's been in general population since being sentenced.

Marquieth is one of the more than 140,000 offenders within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Nearly 4,000 offenders are in segregation, according to Jason Clark, prison spokesman. Clark listed several programs offered to offenders in segregation, including mental health treatment.

"Laying around in segregation is destructive," said Bruce Bikle, a retired criminal justice professor and correctional system officer in California and other states. "If I had my druthers, segregation would be used very parsimoniously. It would be a wake-up call, not a place to file people away."

While many inmates lose touch with their families, Tarsha will not give up on her son. She knows he is ill-prepared to transition to a world outside the lockups that have been his home for years.

"That's one of my fears," Tarsha said. "Mentally, I don't think I can take care of a grown man. Basically, that's what's going to happen when he comes out. I'm going to have to take care of a man with a mental illness, no education and (who) has been cut off from society his whole life. That's going to be my responsibility."

Marquieth remembers when he was a teen his mom tried to get him to share his story but he refused. Now, he said, he's ready.

When his mom pays her monthly visit, they talk more about her advocacy. He understands her work at Texas Organizing Project and wants to help her advocate for others like him when he's released from prison.

"Sometimes it gets to me because I feel like because of my actions it stopped her," Marquieth said. "She had to quit jobs. She had to move. She had to do a lot of things because of me."

His mother is now working toward a degree in political science at Texas Southern University and expects to graduate in 2018.

"I take responsibility for what I've done - a lot of that is on me," he said. "She doesn't understand that. She thinks it's just the system."

But Tarsha's support for her son is as unwavering now as it was when she received that first call 16 years ago.

"I will try to always figure out a way," she said, "so that he can at least live some dreams."
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SAN ANTONIO - The medics competing at Camp Bullis had endured a 3.5-mile road march, carrying a patient on a stretcher. They went through a dry creek bed, used a rope to get up a hill, came under simulated rifle fire and performed life-saving medical care.

They navigated an obstacle course. They cut through a fake helicopter's metal skin to rescue a wounded crewman. The tests mimicked what they might do in a war zone, much of it taught at Bullis, a hilly 28,000-acre training range in northwest Bexar County that has long contributed to military readiness.

The Army's Jack L. Clark Memorial Best Medic Competition, an annual event, went well on a recent night for Staff Sgt. Lionel Semon and Sgt. Matthew Dougherty despite nearby high-end suburban development. Light from those new neighborhoods might have interfered with their night-vision goggles, rendering the training useless.

"Bad things happen. You end up going (without the goggles) and you run around in the dark," said Dougherty, 31, of Tallahassee, Fla. "And the enemy could be sitting there waiting for you and you can't even see them, and you just get lit up."

Lit up, as in killed.

As medics have honed their craft here, a less visible battle has been fought to preserve Camp Bullis' mission. Helped by the City of San Antonio and Bexar County, the Army and Joint Base San Antonio mostly have prevailed against the assertion of property rights by builders and homeowners.

The camp is now protected by a 5-mile lighting overlay district created in 2009, with input from developers and real estate professionals, to limit light pollution east of the range. The county and city also have spent nearly $30 million to buy land so the Army can expand training.

Camp is unique

Still, homes are within walking distance of the camp's perimeter fence, and if a developer-friendly Texas Legislature ever tinkers with the city's ability to control light from businesses dotting the area, it would complicate the simplest training tasks for a military that does much of its fighting in the dark.

"If you're trying to see something and somebody's shining a light into your eyes, it makes it difficult to see, and you have to move and adjust," said Sgt. Rolando Fender, 25, of Jamaica.

Growth and light pollution have worried commanders at JBSA-Randolph and JBSA-Lackland as well, but the issues first came to public attention at Camp Bullis. More efforts are in the works, among them a city annexation election, possibly next year, for unincorporated areas around Camp Bullis and JBSA-Lackland, where field training is done on the Medina Annex.

"There is not another asset like Joint Base San Antonio in terms of having a major urban medical complex within 15 minutes of a large natural training area with air and ground assets," Mayor Ron Nirenberg said Thursday. "Camp Bullis, in that respect, is unique in the world and we need to protect it as a national priority."

The stakes are high. The Pentagon spends more than $5.9 billion a year in San Antonio, employing 87,384 military and civilian personnel at three bases and Camp Bullis. Only the counties surrounding San Diego and Honolulu have more active-duty personnel than Bexar County's 60,076.

Combat medics from every service branch study at the Medical Education & Training Campus on JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, which uses Camp Bullis. The program typically graduates 16,500 medics a year from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.

29 team compete

The Army Medical Command's 72-hour Best Medic Competition honors the most technically competent - and physically and mentally tough - medic team in the service. GIs like Semon and Fender, who are assigned to the 6th Ranger Training Battalion at Eglin AFB in Florida, went up against 28 other two-soldier teams.

They competed in helicopter medical evacuations, tactical combat casualty care, firing range and physical fitness challenges and chemical, biological or radiological attacks - all routine for GIs preparing to deploy overseas.

The 2005 base-closure round created the joint medical training mission at Fort Sam, but without Camp Bullis the field training would have to go elsewhere. Just where, no one knows.

"Some of the alternatives that have been looked at are places like Fort Hood, Fort Benning, Fort Bragg, places that are extremely friendly and have plenty of range space," said retired Army Master Sgt. Mike Eldred, who designs and builds big events like the medic competition. "The whole school would have to move."

The city's 2009 "dark sky" zoning ordinance "largely stabilized the situation or prevented it from getting worse," Army military environmental attorney Jim Cannizzo said. Outdoor lights have to be shielded downward and some, including those at businesses, must be off after 11 p.m.

Tree-cutting rules

A sound attenuation ordinance required thicker windows and doors in newly-built structures near the camp, where noise from helicopters, planes and firing ranges have drawn occasional complaints.

Development in the area years ago drove an endangered migratory songbird known as the golden cheeked warbler into the heavily wooded range, making it harder to utilize the camp. The city in 2010 strengthened its tree ordinance in response. State lawmakers failed this year in attempts to strip the city of its ability to regulate tree cutting in its extraterritorial jurisdiction, but Cannizzo is worried that they'll try again.

'Pretty priceless'

Soldiers say there's no place quite like Camp Bullis.

"It's an outstanding place to train," said Maj. Manuel Menendez, 44, of San Juan, Puerto Rico, a 20-year Army veteran with eight combat deployments. "It's a big city, it's easy to fly to, we have a lot of brain power in this place and the ability to execute that stuff in the field nearby. It's pretty priceless."

Sgt. 1st Class Ilker Irmak and his partner, Capt. Andrew Fulton, thought the Best Medic contest was a realistic test.

"We are able to replicate, in a sense, battlefield conditions," said Irmak, 37, a native of Germany whose family comes from Turkey.

Menendez, who is preparing for a fifth tour of Afghanistan, said he found the terrain and role-playing stressful, "enough to honestly give me a little flashback."

Realistic training helps medics find their weak spots well before entering combat, and it prepares them to save lives in the worst conditions, said Dougherty, a veteran of Afghanistan based in South Korea.

"It becomes muscle memory at that point," Dougherty said. "So even if you're tired you can still do all the steps and provide the care."
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MADRID - A Spanish judge issued an international arrest warrant Friday for former members of the Catalan Cabinet who were last seen in Brussels, including the ousted separatist leader Carles Puigdemont, who said he was prepared to run for his former job even while battling extradition in Belgium.

The National Court judge filed the request with the Belgian prosecutor to detain Puigdemont and his four aides, and issued separate international search and arrest warrants to alert Interpol in case they flee Belgium.

Puigdemont's Belgian lawyer has said his client will fight extradition to Spain. The five are being sought for five different crimes, including rebellion, sedition and embezzlement in a Spanish investigation into their roles in pushing for secession for Catalonia.

The officials flew to Brussels after Spanish authorities removed Puigdemont and his Cabinet from office Saturday for declaring independence for Catalonia. The Spanish government has also called an early regional election for Dec. 21.

Puigdemont told a Belgian state broadcaster that he was in Belgium "ready to be a candidate" in the early polls and because he had lost faith in the Spanish justice system.

"We can run a campaign anywhere because we're in a globalized world," he told RTBF, adding he was not in Belgium to "Belgianize Catalan politics."

If Belgium acts on the international warrant issued by Spain and arrests him, Puigdemont would have to be brought before an investigating judge within 24 hours. His extradition procedure would take 15 days, Belgian legal experts say. But should Puigdemont appeal, that process could take a further 45 days, meaning he would probably not leave Belgium before early January.

In her decision Friday, Judge Carmen Lamela said Puigdemont "apparently is in Belgium" and accused him of "leading the mobilization of the pro-independence sectors of the population to act in support of the illegal referendum and thus the secession process outside the legal channels to reform the constitution."
AUSTIN - The Texas gold rush is headed to Leander.

The Texas Comptroller's Office announced Friday that Lone Star Tangible Assets, which will operate the facility, had agreed with the city of Leander for the permanent location of the Texas Bullion Depository to be constructed at an undisclosed location in the city. Construction begins in January and could take until early 2019.

"We wanted something that was close to the staff from the comptroller's office and also within commuting distance for our existing staff, many of whom live in the Austin area," said Josh Hinsdale, spokesman for Lone Star Tangible Assets. "We also wanted a fairly large tract of land, not within a heavily urbanized area, and we wanted to be in a friendly community, where our workers would want to live, or report to every day."

While the site is being constructed, a temporary and also undisclosed location in north Austin will be used for all of Texas' bullion storage needs. Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said he expects construction to be completed by January 2019.

The depository was first envisioned as a new home for millions of dollars' worth of gold bullion owned by the University of Texas Investment Management Company that manages investments for the UT and Texas A&M systems. UTIMCO has stated it does not intend to move its gold to the depository.

Open to investors

UTIMCO stores its gold in New York, and the non-profit pays $605,000 annually in storage fees.

In 2015, upon signing the bill tasking the comptroller's office with the creation of the depository, Gov. Greg Abbott declared Texas would "repatriate" the gold.

The facility will also be open to private investors from across the state and country seeking to store their bullion.

The depository has been making steady progress toward opening since Tom Smelker, a longtime comptroller's office employee, was announced the head of the depository and Lone Star Tangible Assets was named the contractor for the depository.

"Something as new and creative as a state oversight bullion depository has never been tried before," Hegar said. "Essentially, you're trying to create everything, design everything (and) make sure everything is in place  all of those things take a very long time to be meticulous to make sure you're making the right decision in moving forward so those who live in Texas and in the nation and around the world that want to store their precious medals in the new Texas depository will feel safe and secure."

The soon-to-be-built facility will incorporate the "latest technology in security systems."

The location in Leander will remain undisclosed for security reasons, according to a news release from the comptroller's office.

Location kept secret

"Once construction gets going and facility gets put up in size, I imagine people will start figuring it out because you can't hide anything these days," Hegar said. "The point of it is to get far enough along in the process so that we have everything in place to make those announcements at the appropriate time."

Possible gun range

In addition to the secrecy, Leander has given Lone Star approval to construct an on-site gun range and tactical training area, but City Manager Kent Cagle said he doesn't think it will be incorporated in the facility initially.

"There was a little concern, but as it stands now they're probably not going to build the shooting range," Cagle said. "They're going to cooperate with our police department and use our shooting range."

The depository might sound like it's going to look like a small fortress, but Hinsdale said the location will be a lot more inconspicuous than some might expect.

"We intend to incorporate the latest developments in perimeter detection and protection technologies, as well as time-tested physical and mechanical security methods," Hinsdale said in a email. "We are sourcing the latest technologies that allow for 24/7 wide-perimeter electronic security and personnel detection.

"For the casual observer, the facility may look more like a nice office building than a fort, but for those permitted inside it will be obvious that the facility is anything but an average office building."

For the small, but fast-growing city of Leander, the depository is seen as a positive acquisition.

Unique for city

"We're proud to be associated with Austin, but we are different and this is unique for our city," Cagle said. "The PR value of this location is immense and it's helpful to putting us on the map.

"We have many other great attributes and assets to our city, but this really is unique and a highlight. It's really low impact, it doesn't bring traffic, it brings jobs, it adds some property value, great PR value so it really is difficult to find a negative."
AUSTIN - Attorneys defending a state law restricting the most common second-trimester abortion procedure accused a Dallas abortion provider of altering medical consent forms days before filing a lawsuit to block the law.

In the second day of the trial before U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel, Andrew Stephens, an attorney for the state, pressed the medical director of Southwestern Women's Surgery Center, a clinic in Dallas, to explain why the clinic had altered a form explaining the risks and benefits of an injection used to cause fetal demise.

Earlier this year the Republican-led Legislature passed Senate Bill 8, a set of comprehensive abortion regulations that banned dilation and evacuation - a medical procedure used to remove a fetus using surgical tools - unless the fetus is deceased. It is the most common method used to perform an abortion in the second trimester.

During a dilation and evacuation procedure, doctors use surgical instruments to remove fetal issue. Proponents of the law have called this method inhumane and refer to it as "dismemberment abortion."

Whole Woman's Health, Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers sued the state because they believe it will further limit access to abortions.

But the state argues there are several safe and straightforward methods that doctors can use to demise the fetus prior to the abortion.

Administering an injection of digoxin, a drug used to treat heart disease in adults, is one method. Dr. Robin Wallace, the medical director at Southwestern Women's, routinely uses the injection for patients seeking an abortion who are at least 20 weeks pregnant.

Form notes 'toxicity'

In 2014, the form read that the abortion process after 20 weeks was made "easier and safer" by injecting the digoxin. In July, the same month the lawsuit was filed, that language was removed. The updated form also listed "toxicity" as a potential complication. The original form did not use that word.

Wallace denied the change was related to the lawsuit, and said the clinic was in the process of changing all the consent forms so that they were concise and easier to read.

"That's just one of them that was changed at the time, and it was not at all prompted by this lawsuit," she said.

The state contends this is a significant point because the injection's safety and efficacy are a key issue in the lawsuit.

Not always effective

But Wallace only administers the injection to patients who are at least 20 weeks pregnant. SB8 requires a fetal demise for all abortions using dilation and evacuation.

Several doctors, including Wallace, testified that using digoxin in earlier stages of a pregnancy is uncommon, has not been thoroughly studied and is not always effective.

The abortion providers say causing fetal demise is not medically necessary, and adding the requirement will only further limit abortion access in the state.

Under SB8, doctors would face criminal charges for violating the ban, except in a case of a medical emergency. The law was set to go into effect Sept. 1, but Yeakel blocked its implementation with a temporary restraining order which remains in effect.

A ruling in the trial is expected by the end of the month.
Since 2011, a wide-scale crackdown on human rights and civil society has taken place in the country of Azerbaijan. The government has silenced independent voices, arresting journalists, lawyers and activists and sentencing them to long prison terms on fabricated charges.

Why should the repressive actions of a government thousands of miles away matter to the citizens of Houston? Because Houston and Azerbaijan's capital city of Baku are sister cities and have been for nearly 40 years. Though authoritarianism has been a mainstay in Azerbaijan since the Soviet era, the escalation under Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev compels Houstonians to take a closer look at this relationship. Put simply, is Baku what we really want in a sister city?

Sister city relationships are created to promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation between citizens as well as foster cultural and scientific exchanges. Houston currently has 18 sister cities on five continents. Many of these relationships are positive and reciprocal. Our relationship with Leipzig, Germany, for example, was recognized by Sister Cities International in 2010 with the annual Arts & Culture Award.

When Houston and Baku became sister cities in 1976 it was hoped this relationship would open dialogue with Baku and reinforce principles of tolerance and freedom in a society yearning to break free from Soviet rule. No such lines of communication are open any longer and the government has grown extremely abusive of its citizens, disregarding the fundamental freedoms that are recognized the world over and cherished here in Houston: freedom of speech and press, freedom of association and freedom of religion.

President Aliyev has imprisoned scores of journalists, human rights activists, opposition politicians and religious believers. Azerbaijan now has twice as many political prisoners as Russia and Belarus combined. In the past year, the situation has deteriorated significantly; there are now approximately 120 political prisoners in Azerbaijan.

Houston should champion the cause of these individuals - not their repressor. Houston boasts a strong tradition of protecting citizen's rights and individual freedoms; when such a city proudly partners with one ruled over by an authoritarian regime, its imprimatur is stamped on the regime's repressive acts.

Participating in this sister city relationship, and keeping silent about these abuses, suggests Houston's tolerance for authoritarian regimes.

While we otherwise support the cultural enrichment derived from the concerts and lectures put on by the Houston-Baku Sister City Association, our continuing affiliation with such a despotic regime taints our city's commitment to individuals' freedoms.

It is time to demand that Baku live up to the ideals of openness and freedom that the citizens of Houston prize and those in Baku are seeking. We urge Mayor Sylvester Turner and the city council to call on the Azerbaijani government to end its violation of human rights and unconditionally release all political prisoners. If the Azerbaijani government refuses such a call to action, we then, the city of Houston, must terminate our sister city relationship with Baku.

Newcomer is a Houston-based board member of Freedom Now, an organization that works to free individual political prisoners around the world. Bell, a former congressman, is a practicing attorney in Houston.
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Letter: Alcombright Endorses Bernard for Mayor

To the Editor:



For the first time in over three decades North Adams voters will not have an incumbent mayor seeking re-election and voters have an important choice to make for their new mayor.

As your mayor for the past eight years, I quickly learned the position is one that takes command of your life. Some folks think the job of mayor is about plowing roads, cutting grass, patching potholes and deterring crime. And while those things are important, it is much more than that.

The tasks are complex and no two days are the same. Challenges do not always fit into neat boxes as one moment you are managing the city finances through a recession, then a natural disaster might strike, and very often you find yourself taking on tasks that go well beyond the job description. Given that and as a voter trying to decide which way to vote next Tuesday, you might want to ask yourself the following questions:

Who is best positioned to move the city forward under a shared vision?

Who is most likely to act decisively and boldly when necessary?

Who has both the academic and professional skills to do the job?

Who has proven passion for the work of our social and human service agencies?

Who will be a champion for addicts and their families?

Who can more readily grasp the complexities of municipal finance?

Who is more attuned to the educational needs of our children?

Who is the candidate that will work with leaders of anchor institutions?

Who will be the best advocate when working with state and federal partners?

Who will have the ability to work with new investors on complex investment

opportunities?

Who will make certain this city and this region does not stand still?

Who will make himself available to you?

And finally ask yourself.who is most ready to LEAD?

The City of North Adams is moving forward and in my opinion, there is only one answer to the questions above and only one candidate who will LEAD. Please join me in voting for Tom Bernard on Nov. 7 .

North Adams Mayor

Richard Alcombright

North Adams, Mass.
Trump will also attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in the Philippine capital of Manila.

"We're actually staying an extra day in the Philippines. We have a big conference, the second conference, and I think we'll be talking about trade. We'll be talking about, obviously, North Korea," he said.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who embarked on a 12-day trip to Asia Friday, said he would extend his visit in the Philippines by one day to attend the East Asia Summit.

On a recent visit to Jakarta, Indonesia, Vice President Mike Pence said the U.S.-ASEAN relationship was a "strategic partnership" and that ASEAN had "promoted prosperity and security" not only among member nations but also throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

When it announced the trip in late September, the White House said one of the administration's primary goals was to garner global support against the North Korean threat while attending regional summits.

"The president's engagements will strengthen the international resolve to confront the North Korean threat and ensure the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," the statement said.

The trip will include the president's first visit to China, North Korea's closest ally and top trade partner. His travels also will take him to Vietnam for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and to South Korea, Japan and Vietnam.

The exchange of goods and services between the countries also will be a priority for Trump. The White House said the president would stress "the importance of fair and reciprocal economic ties with America's trade partners."
California WaterFix

Sacramento, California - The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will hear about federal and state resources available to communities impacted by the October wildfires in Northern California at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, November 7th.

The meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), 1220 N Street  Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814.

The devastating impact of these fires to local communities is heartbreaking, said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. Farms and farmers are integral to this region, so we are working very closely with our state and federal partners to get them the information they need on assistance programs to help them rebuild. Recovery is not only about assistance, but also returning to normal business operations. The Wine Country is an important economic driver for the region, and many establishments are open and welcoming visitors.

The board will also be discussing California WaterFix, the Administrations plan to modernize the states water delivery system and maintain a reliable clean water supply for 25 million Californians.

Invited speakers for the meeting include: Dan Bout, Governors Office of Emergency Services; Jacque Johnson, USDA Farm Service Agency; Jim Spear, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Cynthia Cowell, US Small Business Administration; Karla Nemeth, California Natural Resources Agency; Jay Lund, UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences; Randy Record, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California; and Jason Phillips, Friant Water Authority.

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and the CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs. The state board conducts forums that bring together local, state and federal government officials, agricultural representatives and citizens to discuss current issues of concern to California agriculture.

All meetings are open to the public and attendance is welcome.
Compromised Code Signing Certificates Aiding Hackers Spread Malware

Washington, DC - Hackers are using compromised code signing certificates to sign malware. This, in turn, tricks antivirus programs into thinking the malware has come from a trusted source. The antivirus program doesnt flag the software as being untrusted or malicious, a user downloads it and suddenly their computer is infected.

Its a brilliant play  and a dangerous one, too.

What is a Code Signing certificate?

A code signing certificate is a digital certificate that lets an individual developer or an organization digitally sign a script or executable. This digital signature serves two purposes. First of all, it lets end users verify the identity of the publisher. Secondly, it allows the end user to verify that the software comes as intended  that it hasnt been tampered with.

Web filters like Google Safe Browsing and Microsoft SmartScreen, as well as antivirus programs require software be signed or else they flag the downloads as untrusted and potentially unsafe. This warning is enough to dissuade most end users.

What happens when a code signing certificate is compromised?

When a code signing certificate is compromised, it can be used to sign malicious software like malware and fool antivirus programs. Because the digital signature of a trusted publisher is present, the programs believe the software must be trustworthy as well. Thus, no warning is issued and the end user winds up downloading malware.

Security researchers at the University of Maryland found 72 compromised certificates after analysing field data collected by Symantec on 11 million hosts worldwide. Most of these cases were not previously known, and two thirds of the malware samples signed with these 72 certificates are still valid, the signature check does not produce any errors, Tudor Dumitras, one of the researchers, told El Reg. Certificate compromise appears to have been common in the wild before Stuxnet, and not restricted to advanced threats developed by nation-states. We also found 27 certificates issued to malicious actors impersonating legitimate companies that do not develop software and have no need for code-signing certificates, like a Korean delivery service This flaw affects 34 antivirus products, to varying degrees, and malware samples taking advantage of this are also common in the wild.

In some cases, the malware creators didnt even need to possess a code signing certificate. Simply copying a digital signature (or Authenticode signature) to the software was enough to trick the antivirus programs by creating an invalid signature.

A study by the Cyber Security Research Institute and Venafi recently found code signing certificates for sale on the dark web around $1200.

Our research proves that code signing certificates are lucrative targets for cyber criminals, said Kevin Bocek, chief security strategist for Venafi. With stolen code signing certificates, its nearly impossible for organizations to detect malicious software. In addition, code signing certificates can be sold many times over before their value begins to diminish, making them huge money makers for hackers and dark web merchants. All of this is fuelling the demand for stolen code signing certificates.

What can be done to fix this?

This problem needs to be dealt with on several levels. For starters, CAs need to tighten up their validation practices to avoid issuing code signing certificates to entities that dont develop software. A trusted CA should be able to tell very quickly whether something seems fishy about the company applying for the certificate if theyre, say, a Korean delivery service  as was the example given earlier.

Additionally, antivirus companies need to tighten up as well. Specifically, an invalid signature should be treated as if theres no signature. The fact a misapplied signature is enough to trick these programs into not warning users before a download is appalling.

And finally, for the companies having their certificate compromised, it frankly comes down to better key management in a lot of cases. If you lose that private key, your certificate is worthless. One answer is to store your key on a physical hardware token  not on your network. This makes stealing the private key a lot harder because it has to be physically taken. Thats a huge advantage in this situation. Alternatively, you could invest in an Extended Validation code signing certificate. It requires more extensive vetting on behalf of the issuing CA and its private key is also delivered on a physical hardware token.
Under Secretary Shannon to Travel to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka

Washington, DC - Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas A. Shannon will visit Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Colombo, Sri Lanka, November 57. While in Dhaka, November 56, Under Secretary Shannon will co-lead the U.S.-Bangladesh Partnership Dialogue and discuss bilateral, regional, and global issues, including the Rohingya crisis, with government and non-government officials.

Under Secretary Shannon will then travel to Colombo on November 6, where he will co-lead the U.S.-Sri Lanka Partnership Dialogue and meet with government and non-government officials.
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One of the most historically important documents of the past century is going on display in the UK for the first time, The Independent can exclusively reveal.

Exactly a hundred years after the Russian Revolution set in motion events that would change Russian and world history forever, the paper that ushered in the dawn of communism will be put on show at the Tate Modern next week.

The document  a poster written by Lenin, proclaiming the overthrow of the Russian government  was one of just a few hundred which were printed by the Bolsheviks and pinned on notice boards or pasted on walls in Petrograd (Saint Petersburg) on 7 November 1917 (25 October in the old Russian calendar).

Acquired by the Tate just last year, it will be on display as part of the gallery's Red Star over Russia exhibition which opens to the public this coming Wednesday, 8 November. The show  subtitled "a Revolution in Visual Culture, 1905-1955"  will be the main UK exhibition to coincide with next weeks centenary of Russias October Revolution.

Adolf Strakhovs Emancipated Woman Build Socialism!, 1926 (The David King Collection at Tate)

The historic poster, headlined To the citizens of Russia proclaimed that the provisional government has been deposed.

It told the public that state power has passed into the hands of the organ of the Petrograd Soviet of Workers' and Soldiers' Deputies  the Revolutionary Military Committee, which heads the Petrograd proletariat and the garrison and that the cause for which the people have fought  namely, the immediate offer of a democratic peace, the abolition of landed proprietorship, workers' control over production, and the establishment of Soviet power  has been secured". It concluded with the words Long live the revolution of workers, soldiers and peasants!

A leading authority on the Russian Revolution, Professor Christopher Read of Warwick University believes that the poster is one of the most important documents in modern world history.

The posters, proclaiming the October Revolution, are arguably the most important historical documents of the past 100 years, he said.

They symbolise the establishment of Soviet power which lasted till 1991. But they also represent the genesis of a chain of events that changed world history  and shaped much of the world we still live in today, said Professor Read, author of two key books on the period  War and Revolution in Russia, 1914-1922: The Collapse of Tsarism and the Establishment of Soviet Power and Lenin: a Revolutionary Life.

The posters  very few of which have survived  were the very first documents issued by the new Soviet regime. The Tates recently-acquired example is believed to be the only one in a public collection in the UK.

Gustav Klutsiss Raise Higher the Banner of Marx, Engels, Lenin and Stalin!, 1933 (The David King Collection at Tate)

It is historically important, not just because it ushered in 74 years of Soviet communism, but also because the new government it proclaimed went on to turn Russia into a highly industrialized country  and, without that industrialisation, it would almost certainly not have been capable of defeating Nazi Germany in the mid-20th century. That may well have meant that Hitler would not have lost the war, or at least not so decisively, and that Nazi Germany might even have semi-permanently conquered or subdued Russia and survived in some form post-war.

The system ushered in by the proclamation on this poster ultimately, of course, led to the spread of communism to many different parts of the world  including China, Vietnam and Cuba. The Russian Bolshevik Marxist belief in working-class political destiny (and therefore, by necessity, planned industrialisation to create a working class) was ultimately followed, to a substantial extent, by the Chinese communists  and it is that industrialise-at-any-cost policy that has ultimately allowed China to become the worlds second largest economy and one of its most powerful nations.

The results of the 1917 proclamation on the poster, due to be displayed in the Tate Modern exhibition, are still reverberating around the world.

Another historically ultra-important and extremely rare poster due to be displayed in the exhibition is one of the first two decrees issued by the Soviet Congress which was meeting in Petrograd as the revolution was unfolding.

Soviet School The Nightmare of Future Wars - Workers of the World Unite!, 1920s (The David King Collection at Tate)

This second poster proclaimed a decree, proposed by Lenin, bringing all land and buildings in Russia into public ownership, but ruling that it could still be farmed by families, communities or cooperatives.

It was the first proclamation of large-scale public ownership in world history.

This historic document announced the abolition of all private land ownership  and awarded all private landed estates, crown, monastic and church lands (and their livestock, implements and buildings) to local peasant communities. It also warned former private landowners, on pain of punishment, not to damage property prior to it being transferred to local community ownership and use.

The poster also proclaimed the nationalisation of mineral resources, major waterways and lakes.

The Tate acquired both documents (along with 250,000 other Soviet posters, photographs and other material) from a London-based British private collector, David King, who had started collecting in the 1970s. Mr King passed away in May last year, before full details of the history of many of the items could be ascertained.

The story of the two October Revolution items between 1917 and 2016 is therefore not currently known. However, it is conceivable that the items were bought from either Russian emigres who fled Russia for the West between 1917 and the mid-1920s  or from British or other Western left-wingers, journalists or diplomats who were in Russia at or shortly after that time. Alternatively, they may have been acquired from the revolutionaries descendants who had inherited October Revolution memorabilia and had decided to sell them after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

The Tate Modern exhibition  featuring some 250 items  will run from this coming Wednesday, 8 November to 18 February. Although the two October Revolution posters are without doubt historically the most important items in the show, the exhibition will also present an extraordinarily rich selection of other posters, mainly chronicling revolutionary and Soviet art from the revolution through to the 1950s. Among the artists are some who were executed by Stalin.

Also on display will be a large number of books, magazines, photographs and some paintings (representing Soviet visual culture) as well as photographs depicting aspects of Soviet history. Among those historical images are a series of police pictures of political prisoners (mainly Trotskyists, anarchists, Ukrainian nationalists and indeed Bolsheviks) many of whom were also executed during the Stalin years.

Aleksandr Deinekas Stakhanovites: A Study for The Esteemed People of the Soviets' Mural for the USSR Pavilion, 1937 (Perm State Art Gallery, Russia)

David King, who over many decades put together the vast and remarkable collection which the Tate bought last year, was the worlds leading collector of Soviet graphic design and visual culture.

He was himself a graphic designer who produced notable album covers for Jimi Hendrix and The Who. He also produced posters and graphics for the Anti-Apartheid Movement, the National Union of Journalists, the Anti-Nazi League and Rock Against Racism  and wrote several books critical of Stalin.

He was a one-man archaeological expedition into the lost world, the destroyed world, of the original Soviet leadership, Stephen F. Cohen, emeritus professor of Russian studies at Princeton and New York University, told the New York Times last year. He was determined to unearth everything that Stalin had buried so deeply and so bloodily.
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William Jackson remembers the exodus vividly, when over 10,000 Protestants fled the west bank of Londonderrys River Foyle for the citys suburbs as Northern Irelands Troubles erupted.

Almost 50 years on Jackson is among some 250 Protestants who stayed and carved out a tiny enclave known as The Fountain, a tight, fiercely pro-British community that is separated by high walls and fences from the surrounding Irish nationalist heartland.

You are not talking one or two families, you are talking hundreds and hundreds and hundreds, Jackson said, recalling the flight which began in 1969 when British troops were sent to the city to quell unrest over a civil rights campaign launched by the Catholic minority.

Three decades of bloodshed followed between Catholic Irish nationalists, seeking to unite with Ireland, and pro-British Protestant loyalists, who want to remain part of the United Kingdom.

Around 3,600 people were killed before the 1998 Good Friday Agreement brought a political agreement  and peace.

Much of Northern Ireland has since been transformed, yet in many areas the two sides remain separated by so-called peace walls. The fences of up to 15 metres, set up in the years after 1969, were supposed to be temporary but many still remain.

In The Fountain, the metal gate in the wall between it and the nearby Bogside area  home to the late Irish nationalist hero Martin McGuinness  is locked at 9pm each night and it remains one of the provinces flashpoints when sporadic violence breaks out.

We stayed here because were hardcore, said Jackson. We managed to stay as a small community and its always been that way. Nationalists wouldnt be welcome to live here, even today. Just the same as Protestants wouldnt be made welcome in the Bogside. Its just one of those things unfortunately.

Social codes are so ingrained that it is virtually unheard for people to spend time in the opposing communitys neighbourhood but anyone who did could face threats or a beating from local hardliners.

Outsiders, as locals refer to Protestants not originally from the area, have moved in but only last around five or six years, according to Jackson, who runs the local Heritage Tower museum, one of the smallest galleries in Northern Ireland.

You have families that come and spend a year and they go because of the way of life here, he said. Some of the police have actually referred to us as like rats living in a cage.

The area remains blighted by poverty and many houses remain derelict. Some residents say they disconnect their electricity periodically to save money.

At The Fountains Cathedral Youth Club, Jeanette Warke has spent the last 45 years providing an education and recreational outlet to three generations of youngsters who went from dodging bullets to fighting unemployment.

The fountain 50 years on Show all 9 1 /9 The fountain 50 years on The fountain 50 years on A woman walks past the Interface or Peace wall separating the loyalist enclave from the rest of the nationalist community in the city centre Reuters The fountain 50 years on Political items collected by William Jackson are displayed in the Heritage Tower Museum Reuters The fountain 50 years on Gasmasks which were used during the Troubles and collected by William Jackson, hang in the Heritahe Tower Museum Reuters The fountain 50 years on A dog looks out onto a street with many derelict houses Reuters The fountain 50 years on Jeanette Warke MBE runs the Cathedral Youth Club in The Fountain Reuters The fountain 50 years on A rainbow is seen behind an Ulster flag hanging in the street Reuters The fountain 50 years on A woman and child walk past a fake door mounted onto a derelict house Reuters The fountain 50 years on William Jackson stands in his back garden which has the peace wall running alongside Reuters The fountain 50 years on Brothers Andrew (11) and Christopher (12) Gillon play pool in the Cathedral Youth Club Reuters

Warke has seen The Fountain change over that time and now concentrates on better integrating local Catholic and Protestant children. Last year she brought them to Dublin, for the centenary of the Irish uprising that led to independence from Britain, and to France, for a commemoration of the First World War Battle of the Somme.

Weve really opened up big avenues for these young people, Protestant and Catholic to look at their history, said Warke, who still works at the age of 73 and has been honoured by the Queen for her services to young people.

Youre not looking to change young peoples mindsets and to take them away from their own culture, thats not what we are about. Were looking to create a better understanding and also respect for each other and that to me is very, very important.

However Jackson, Warke and other locals think its still too soon to tear down the walls between Protestants, who call their city Londonderry, and Catholics, who refer to it simply as Derry. Theres more work to do, Warke said.

Until then, The Fountain community will remain as tight as ever.

My mother says the only time she will leave the Fountain is in a box, said 38-year-old Daphne Atkinson, a fellow youth club worker.

Shes proud of where shes from, which is a good thing, so shell not leave only when its her time to go.

Reuters
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A seven-year-old girl who suffered "critical injuries" following an incident at a home in Wimbledon, south London, on Friday morning has died in hospital from her injuries, police said.

Robert Peters, 55, who was known to the child, appeared before Wimbledon magistrates earlier charged with attempted murder.

Police and the London Ambulance Service were called at 8am on Friday to an address in Blenheim Road in south west London.

The girl was found at the scene suffering from critical injuries and taken to a south west London hospital. She died shortly before 11am on Saturday, police said, adding that her next of kin had been informed.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, described arriving home as emergency crews dealt with the developing situation.

He said: "I had been taking my kids to school, I turned into this road and thought it was strange because the cop cars were driving on the wrong side of the road.

"They were all double-parked, you couldn't get down further than my house really.

"There was a woman carrying all the medical gear into the house and you could tell by the look on her face...

"With coppers you can sometimes be all casual, go up and have a chat about what's going on.

"But you could see in their faces that something was very wrong.

"Then the lady came out with a stretcher."

Neighbours said Mr Peters had lived in the area for less than a year.

Another said: "I knew him just to say hello to in the street, when he was at his car. He hadn't long moved in."

A post-mortem examination is set to be held.

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Mr Peters was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on Friday, 3 November and taken to a south London police station. He was charged as the following morning

No other suspect is sought by police in connection with the incident, police said.
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Scotland's childcare minister, Mark McDonald, has resigned from the Scottish government amid allegations of "inappropriate" behaviour.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) MSP stepped down and apologised to anyone "who might have found my behaviour inappropriate".

Mr McDonald, who represents Aberdeen Donside in the Scottish parliament, said in a statement that his actions "may have made others uncomfortable".

He said "Some of my previous actions have been considered to be inappropriate - where I have believed myself to have been merely humorous or attempting to be friendly, my behaviour might have made others uncomfortable or led them to question my intentions.

"My behaviour is entirely my responsibility and I apologise unreservedly to anyone I have upset or who might have found my behaviour inappropriate.

"In light of my position in government, I believe it would not be appropriate for me to continue to serve in my role in the Scottish Government at this time and I have tendered my resignation as a minister.

Mr McDonald said he hoped his resignation meant "neither any particular woman or my family will be the focus of undue and unwarranted scrutiny".

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 15 November 2022 Lesley Sutcliffe shelters from the rain next to a life-sized replica of the innermost coffin of King Tutankhamun by artist Amanda Stoner as it goes on display inside a traditional red telephone box which has been converted into a museum, in Barnsley, South Yorkshire PA UK news in pictures 14 November 2022 Members of the hospitality sector demonstrate outside parliament in London. The head of the Confederation of British Industry is urging the UK government to relax immigration rules to help British companies with severe staff shortages, ahead of the chancellors autumn statement EPA UK news in pictures 13 November 2022 England celebrate winning the mens T20 World Cup in Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia AAP Image/Reuters UK news in pictures 12 November 2022 The City of London Pride Group take part in the parade during the Lord Mayor's Show PA UK news in pictures 11 November 2022 City workers attend a Remembrance Day ceremony at Lloyd's of London, in the City of London, to mark Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War PA UK news in pictures 10 November 2022 A grey heron lands on the river Dodder in Dublin on a sunny autumn morning PA UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news 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A Scottish government spokesperson said: "Mark McDonald MSP has left the Scottish Government.

"Mr McDonald tendered his resignation to the First Minister [Nicola Sturgeon] on Saturday.

"The Education Secretary is responsible for all aspects of the education portfolio including those led by the minister for childcare and early years. The First Minister will appoint a new minister in due course."

The resignation comes amid a string of allegations of sexual harassment against UK politicians.

The Defence Secretary, Michael Fallon, was forced to resigned earlier in the week and two Labour MPs, Kelvin Hopkins and Clive Lewis, are under investigation. Conservative MP Charlie Elphicke has also been suspended from the party over "serious allegations".
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A former aide to Donald Trump who pleaded guilty to perjury over his contacts with Russians in the run up to the presidential election, reportedly represented the campaign on a number of occasions.

The President has made efforts to distance himself from George Papadopoulos, the first person to face criminal charges over interactions between his campaign and Russians during the 2016 Presidential race.

Mr Trump said earlier this week that "few people knew" Mr Papadopoulos and described him as a "low-level volunteer".

Recommended Trump campaign aide pleads guilty to lying to FBI agents

But it has emerged that the former adviser represented Mr Trump's campaign on a number of occasions. He once spoke in Cleveland about US foreign policy on a panel after receiving an invitation from the American Jewish Committee (AJC), according to NBC News.

"Papadopolous was only one among the many contacts AJC established and maintained among advisers to both parties 2016 presidential candidates and in the two parties national committees," Ken Bandler, an AJC spokesman, said in a statement to the broadcaster.

"Among the panellists in our 2016 Republican National Convention program  in a session titled 'Defining America's Role in Global Affairs'  was George Papadopolous, then a Trump campaign foreign policy adviser."

Six weeks before Election Day in September, Mr Papadopoulos also represented the Trump campaign when he gave an interview as a Trump campaign official to the Russian Interfax News Agency.

In the interview, Mr Papadopoulos said Mr Trump "had been open about his willingness to usher in a new chapter in US-Russia ties". He also said the-Republican presidential candidate will "restore the trust" in the government.

Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Show all 30 1 /30 Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Threatening to shut down Twitter after being fact-checked After the president tweeted that voting by post would be "substantially fraudulent", Twitter attached a warning label to his tweet and referred readers to a site which explained how the claim was "unsubstantiated". Trump then said Twitter was "stifling free speech" and that he may have to shut it down, something which he would not have the power to do AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Flippantly dismissing a serious allegation of sexual assault When author E Jean Carroll accused Trump of raping her, the president responded: Number one, shes not my type. Number two, it never happened. It never happened, OK?" AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Insulting the Mayor of London as he landed in London Just before touching down at Stansted Airport for his state visit, Trump took time out to @ the London mayor Sadiq Khan on twitter. He said that Khan has done a "terrible job"as mayor and that he is a "stone cold loser" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Taking plenty of "Executive Time" The president's official schedule sets aside the hours from 8 to 11am daily for "Executive Time". Further intermittent periods of "Executive Time" are scheduled throughout any given day, ranging from 15 minutes to 3 hours. His duties in these hours have not been officially disclosed, though Axios reports that he spends them watching TV, reading the newspapers and tweeting Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Shutdown the government for over a month in an effort to secure funding for his wall With Mexico declining to pay for the wall, the president has faced difficulty in raising the required $5bn at home. Due to his demand that the money for the wall be included in the budget, and Congress's refusal, the government partially shut down on 22 December 2018. It remained shut for over a month, the longest period in history Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Joking about the Nazi occupation of France to President Macron In this tweet from 13 November 2018, the president mocks Emmanuel Macron's suggestion of a "true, European army" by invoking the conflict between France and Germany in the world wars Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Railing against the Mueller investigation The president has repeatedly claimed that the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, is a "rigged witch hunt" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting a US intelligence report on Russian meddling in the presence of Vladimir Putin In the press conference that followed his landmark meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin, Trump stated that he saw no reason why Russia would have meddled in the 2016 US election. This contradicted a 2017 report by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence that found evidence of Russian interference in favour of Trump Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting his contradiction of a US intelligence report on Russian meddling Following furious backlash in the US, the president claimed that he meant to say that he saw no reason why it would not have been Russia who meddled in the 2016 US election. As to why he would have intended to use such bizarre phrasing, he did not comment Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Colouring in the US flag wrong The president coloured in the US flag wrongly during a visit to a children's hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He added a blue stripe where in tradition, and statute, there have been only white and red stripes AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing a Secretary of State over Twitter The president announced on Twitter that he was appointing Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State, much to the surprise of then Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Quoting a catchphrase from a reality TV show when discussing police brutality While addressing the issue of black athletes not standing for the national anthem in protest of police brutality, the president made reference to his catchphrase from reality TV show "The Apprentice": you're fired! Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Calling African nations "S***hole Countries" Ever one for diplomacy, the president reportedly referred to African nations as "s***hole countries". Asked to confirm this when meeting with Nigeria's President Buhari, Trump stated that there are "some countries that are in very bad shape". Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Defending Russian President Vladimir Putin Trump appeared to equate US foreign actions to those of Russian president Vladimir Putin, saying: There are a lot of killers. You think our countrys so innocent? Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Asking for people to 'pray' for Arnold Schwarzenegger At the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump couldnt help but to ask for prayers for the ratings on Arnold Schwarzeneggers show to be good. Schwarzenegger took over as host of The Apprentice  which buoyed Trumps celebrity status years ago Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Hanging up on Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull Early in his presidency, Trump reportedly hung up the phone on Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull after the foreign leader angered him over refugee plans. Mr Trump later said that it was the worst call he had had so far Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... The 'Muslim ban' Perhaps one of his most controversial policies while acting as president, Trumps travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries has bought him a lot of criticism. The bans were immediately protested, and judges initially blocked their implementation. The Supreme Court later sided with the administrations argument that the ban was developed out of concern for US security Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Praising crowd size while touring Hurricane Harvey damage After Hurricane Harvey ravaged southeastern Texas, Trump paid the area a visit. While his response to the disaster in Houston was generally applauded, the president picked up some flack when he gave a speech outside Houston (he reportedly did not visit disaster zones), and praised the size of the crowds there AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... 'Little Rocket Man' During his first-ever speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Trump tried out a new nickname for North Korea leader Kim Jong-un: Rocket Man. He later tweaked it to be little Rocket Man as the two feuded, and threatened each other with nuclear war. During that speech, he also threatened to totally annihilate North Korea Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Attacking Sadiq Khan following London Bridge terror attack After the attack on the London Bridge, Trump lashed out at London Mayor Sadiq Khan, criticising Khan for saying there was no reason to be alarmed after the attack. Trump was taking the comments out of context, as Khan was simply saying that the police had everything under control Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming presenter Mika Brezinkski was 'bleeding from the face' Never one not to mock his enemies, Trump mocked MSNBCs Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski, saying that she and co-host Joe Scarborough had approached him before his inauguration asking to join him. He noted that she was bleeding badly from a face-lift at the time, and that he said no MSNBC Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming the blame for Charlottesville was on 'both sides' Trump refused to condemn far-right extremists involved in violence at 'the march for the right' protests in Charlottesville, even after the murder of counter protester Heather Heyer AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Retweeting cartoon of CNN being hit by a 'Trump train' Trump retweeted a cartoon showing a Trump-branded train running over a person whose body and head were replaced by a CNN avatar. He later deleted the retweet Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Tweeting about 'slamming' CNN Trump caught some flack when he tweeted a video showing him wrestling down an individual whose head had been replaced by a CNN avatar. Trump has singled CNN out in particular with his chants of fake news Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing head of the FBI, James Comey Trumps firing of former FBI Director James Comey landed him with a federal investigation into Russias meddling in the 2016 election that has caused many a headache for the White House. The White House initially said that the decision was made after consultation from the Justice Department. Then Mr Trump himself said that he had decided to fire him in part because he wanted the Russia investigation Mr Comey was conducting to stop Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Not realising being president would be 'hard' Just three months into his presidency, Trump admitted that being president is harder than he thought it would be. Though Trump insisted on the 2016 campaign trail that doing the job would be easy for him, he admitted in an interview that living in the White House is harder than running a business empire Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Accusing Obama of wiretapping him Trump accused former president Barack Obama of wire tapping him on twitter. The Justice Department later clarified: Obama had not, in fact, done so Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming there had been 3 million 'illegal votes' Trump was never very happy about losing the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by 2.8 million ballots. So, he and White House voter-fraud commissioner Kris Kobach have claimed that anywhere between three and five million people voted illegally during the 2016 election. Conveniently, he says that all of those illegal votes went to Clinton. (There is no evidence to support that level of widespread voter fraud.) Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Leaving Jews out of the Holocaust memorial statement Just days after taking office, Trumps White House issued a statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, but didnt mention jews or even the word jewish in the written statement Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Anger over Inauguration crowd size Trumps inauguration crowd was visibly, and noticeably, smaller than that of his predecessor, Barack Obama. But, he really wanted to have had the largest crowd on record. So, he praised it as the biggest crowd ever. Relatedly, Trump also claimed that it stopped raining in Washington at the moment he was inaugurated. It didnt, the day was very dreary Reuters

During January presidential inauguration he also met with Israeli leaders as a foreign policy adviser for Mr Trump.

"We are looking forward to ushering in a new relationship with all of Israel, including the historic Judea and Samaria," he told the Jerusalem Post at the time.

The extent of Mr Papadopoulos's involvement in the Mr Trump's presidential campaign has come under intense scrutiny since after he admitted lying to the FBI over his Russian connections.

George Papadopoulos in a photograph released on Donald Trump's Instagram account (AFP/Getty Images)

Mr Trump has previously referred to Mr Papadopoulos as an excellent guy. In March, he posted a picture on Instagram with the caption meeting with my national security team in which the now-disgraced aide can be seen sitting four seats to his right.

According to a document laying out the charges against Mr Papadopoulos, he repeatedly raised the prospect of a meeting between the campaign and Moscow officials.

He also suggested arranging a meeting between Mr Trump to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the document says.
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The New York Police Department (NYPD) have said they are investigating a "credible" rape allegation against disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.

The force's chief of detectives, Robert Boyce, said they were working with New York's attorney general to gather enough evidence before obtaining an arrest warrant.

His comments came after he was asked about a claim made by former Boardwalk Empire star Paz De La Huerta that Weinstein raped her in 2010.

Vanity Fair magazine reported that she gave her account to the publication over the phone.

Mr Boyce said the actress came to authorities with allegations that Mr Weinstein raped her last week.

He said she had a credible and detailed narrative and investigators found corroboration of her claims.

The actress had the ability to articulate each and every movement of the crime - where she was, where they met, where this happened and what he did, he added.

We have an actual case here," he said. "Were happy with where the investigation is right now."

Officers were continuing to gather evidence, he added.

Police officers would need to secure a warrant to arrest Mr Weinstein and Mr Boyce said that the case was complicated by the facts that Mr Weinstein lives in another state and that the alleged crime occurred in 2010.

But he said that if the producer "was still in New York and it was recent, we would go right away and make the arrest - no doubt."

Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Show all 42 1 /42 Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Harvey Weinstein Harry Weinsteins reputation as one of Hollywoods leading executives was long cemented in stone. The acclaimed movie mogul, who produced Oscar-winning films Shakespeare in Love, The English Patient, and The Artist, clocked up box office successes and accolades aplenty. But this has quickly changed since a chorus of women have come forward to accuse the Hollywood producer of sexual harassment and assault. Since the New York Times bombshell report disclosed sexual harassment and rape allegations against the film mogul dating back decades, Weinstein has been fired from his namesake company, expelled from the Oscars and has had his wife leave him. Weinstein has apologised for having caused a lot of pain but has denied all allegations of nonconsensual sex. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Annabella Sciorra The Sopranos actor alleged Weinstein raped her after shooting The Night We Never Met, a 1993 movie that Weinstein produced. Similar to the stories told by other women, Weinstein drove the actor home, only to reportedly burst into Sciorra's apartment and start unbuttoning his shirt. He shoved me onto the bed, and he got on top of me, Sciorra said. I kicked and I yelled. Weinstein then allegedly locked her arms and forced sexual intercourse on her. After the incident, Sciorra found it increasingly hard to get work, many filmmakers saying 'We heard you were difficult', something the actor claims was because of the 'Weinstein-machine'. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Natassia Malthe The model and actress, who has appeared in around 50 films, said she met Weinstein at a BAFTA after party in 2008 while she was working as a spokeswoman for LG. She told a press conference in New York that she felt pressured into telling Weinstein she was staying at the Sanderson Hotel after being put on the spot. Malthe, now 43, said after her shift on February 10 she went back to her room and went to sleep, but was awoken by "repeated pounding" on her door, from someone yelling: "Open the door Natassia Malthe, it's Harvey Weinstein." Feeling humiliated, she said she opened the door. She alleged Weinstein began implying sex would get her a role in an upcoming film while semi-undressed and then he began to masturbate. "I was sitting on the bed talking to Harvey when he pushed me back and forced himself onto me. It was not consensual. He did not use a condom," she said. AP Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Sean Young The actor, best known for her role in Ridley Scott's Blade Runner, said that Weinstein exposed himself to her in the early 1990s, when she was starring in the Miramax-produced Love Crimes - a production company that Weinstein headed at the time. "I personally experienced him pulling his you-know-what out of his pants to shock me," she said. "My basic response was, 'You know, Harvey, I really dont think you should be pulling that thing out, its not very pretty.'" Young never worked with Weinstein again after the incident. Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Mimi Haleyi Mimi Haleyi said she was assaulted by Weinstein in what appeared to be a child's bedroom in his New York City apartment in 2006 when she was in her 20s. She said she was aspiring to work in television and film production when she was first introduced to him at the London premiere of The Aviator around two years earlier and he helped her get experience on the set of a TV show being produced by The Weinstein Company. But, she added, he repeatedly hassled her and even tried to force himself through her front door in an effort to get her to join him on a trip to Paris. At one point he allegedly forcibly performed oral sex on an aspiring production assistant while she was on her period. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lupita Nyong'o In an op-ed for The New York Times, the Oscar-winning actor said she was invited to Weinsteins family home in Connecticut on the premise of watching a film shortly after they met in 2011. But she said shortly after it started he "insisted" in front of his children that she follow him and she was led to his bedroom. The Kenyan-Mexican actress, now 34, said she felt pressured into giving him a massage after he offered her one. "Before long he said he wanted to take off his pants," she wrote."I told him not to do that and informed him that it would make me extremely uncomfortable. He got up anyway to do so and I headed for the door, saying that I was not at all comfortable with that." Over the years that followed, he continued to get in touch, Nyong'o said, and when she declined another proposition she felt her career was threatened. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lena Headey Writing on social media, the Game of Thrones actor claims she first met Weinstein at the Venice Film Festival in 2005 where, after taking her for a walk by the water, he made some suggestive comment and gesture. Headey claims she bumped into Weinstein years later where he kept asking her questions about her love life. She alleges that, when Weinstein invited her to his hotel room to show her a script, the "energy shifted. The actor notes how, after saying she was not interesting in anything but the work, Weinstein was furious, apparently marching her back to a lift, "grabbing and holding tightly to the back of [her] arm." She claims that, after paying for her car, he whispered in her ear: "Don't tell anyone about this, not your manager, not your agent. Headey finished the post, writing: I got in the car and I cried. Getty Images Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lucia Evans The actor told The New Yorker that after a meeting to discuss casting her in various projects, Weinstein forced her to perform oral sex on him. I said, over and over, I dont want to do this, stop, dont. She added: Hes a big guy. He overpowered me. I just sort of gave up. Thats the most horrible part of it, and thats why hes been able to do this for so long to so many women: people give up, and then they feel like its their fault. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Laura Madden Madden, a production assistant who worked at Miramax for a decade, told the Times that Weinstein allegedly prodded her for massages at hotels, a common theme among the sources the Timess reporters spoke with. On one occasion, she claims she locked herself in his hotel bathroom, sobbing Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Ashley Judd Judd recounted for the Times how Weinstein allegedly harassed her while she was filming Kiss the Girls in 1996, inviting her to his hotel room and asking her for a massage, then inviting her to watch him shower. Judd first went public with the allegations in a 2015 interview with Variety during which she discussed the experience without naming the producer involved. She described Weinsteins alleged behaviour as coercive bargaining; I said no, a lot of ways, a lot of times, and he always came back at me with some new ask, she told the Times AFP/Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Rose McGowan McGowan reportedly reached a previously undisclosed $100,000 settlement with Weinstein in 1997, over an incident that occurred in a hotel room Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Mimi Haleyi Mimi Haleyi said she was assaulted by Weinstein in what appeared to be a child's bedroom in his New York City apartment in 2006 when she was in her 20s. She said she was aspiring to work in television and film production when she was first introduced to him at the London premiere of The Aviator around two years earlier and he helped her get experience on the set of a TV show being produced by The Weinstein Company. But, she added, he repeatedly hassled her and even tried to force himself through her front door in an effort to get her to join him on a trip to Paris. At one point he allegedly forcibly performed oral sex on an aspiring production assistant while she was on her period. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Emily Nestor Nestor had been temping at the Weinstein Company for only one day in 2014 when Weinstein allegedly offered to boost her career in return for sexual favours, according to the Times. She declined and reportedly complained of his behaviour to colleagues, who later passed the information on to senior executives. An internal Weinstein Company document cited by the Times describes Nestors encounter with Weinstein as follows: She said he was very persistent and focused though she kept saying no for over an hour Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Ambra Battilana In March 2015, Battilana, an aspiring model and actress, was reportedly summoned to Weinsteins office on a Friday night to discuss her career. According to a police report cited by the Times, Battilana claimed she was assaulted by Weinstein, who grabbed her breasts after asking if they were real and put his hands up her skirt. Weinstein later claimed that Battilana had set him up, according to colleagues of his who were interviewed by the Times. The Manhattan District Attorney, Cyrus Vance, later declined to press charges, and according to the Times, made a payment to Battilana. On 5 October, the International Business Times reported that after Vance dropped the charges, he received $10,000 from Weinsteins lawyer Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lauren OConnor Lauren OConnor, an employee of the Weinstein Company, penned a memo to executives alleging a toxic environment for women at the company. The memo cited numerous incidents of Weinstein harassing or coercing women who worked for him. She expressed fear that Weinstein was using her and other female employees to facilitate liaisons with vulnerable women who hope he will get them work. That same year, Weinstein allegedly reached a settlement with OConnor Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Kate Beckinsale The actor, who starred in the Weinstein Company films Serendipity and The Aviator, alleges that she was invited to Weinsteins hotel room at the age of just 17. When she approached the door, the producer reportedly greeted her dressed in just a dressing gown. I was incredibly naive and young and it did not cross my mind that this older, unattractive man would expect me to have any sexual interest in him, she wrote on Instagram. After declining alcohol and announcing that I had school in the morning I left, uneasy but unscathed. Theo Wargo/Getty Images Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Gwyneth Paltrow The actor alleges that after he cast her in the title role of the film Emma when she was 22, he took her to his hotel room, placed his hands on her and suggested massages. I was a kid, I was signed up, I was petrified, Paltrow told the New York Times. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Asia Argento Italian actress Asia Argento has alleged that in 1997 Weinstein forcibly performed oral sex on her as she repeatedly told him to stop. When I see him, it makes me feel little and stupid and weak, Argento told The New Yorker. After the rape, he won. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Cara Delevigne The British model and actress penning an Instagram post claiming that Weinstein had ordered her to kiss another woman in his hotel room, and tried to kiss her on the lips. AFP/Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Ashley Judd Ashley Judd said she rebuffed Harvey Weinsteins unwanted sexual advances by offering to consent only after she had won an Oscar. When she was initially invited to a meeting with Weinstein, Judd said, she was surprised to learn the producer was in his hotel room - a tactic that recurs in other womens accounts. Echoing the accounts of other women, Judd said Weinstein suggested she give him a massage and then invited her to watch him shower. After a volley of nos she said she would only after she wins an Oscar, fleeing after making the comments. Reuters/Mike Segar Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Judith Godreche French actress Judith Godreche said when she was 24 Weinstein invited her to his hotel room and asked to give her a massage. The next thing I know, hes pressing against me and pulling off my sweater, she told the New York Times. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Mira Sorvino The Oscar-winning actor said she found herself in a hotel room with Weinstein in 1995 where he started massaging my shoulders, which made me very uncomfortable, and then tried to get more physical, sort of chasing me around. According to an interview in The New Yorker Weinstein subsequently arrived at her apartment late at night and she had to call a friend to come over to pose as her boyfriend in order to get Weinstein out of the house. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Katherine Kendall The actress said Weinstein undressed and chased her around a living room when she was just 23. She subsequently felt that telling others meant Ill never work again and no one is going to care or believe me, she told the New York Times. WireImage Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Tomi-Anne Roberts As an aspiring actress and working in a restaurant in New York, Tomi-Ann Roberts encountered Weinstein who encouraged her to audition for one of his films back in 1984. She subsequently went to meet him and found him naked in the bath and invited her to get naked and get into the bath with him, she told the New York Times. She said she left feeling manipulated. Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Myleen Klass It has also been alleged that the disgraced film producer propositioned Myleene Klass with a sex contract at Cannes Film Festival in 2010. One of the singer and television personalitys friends reportedly told The Sun, Klass had told Weinstein to f*** off. Getty Images Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Sophie Dix Sophie Dix, best known for her role as Captain Sadie Williams in Soldier Soldier, described her encounter with Weinstein when she was 23 as the single most damaging thing thats happened in my life. She told The Guardian Weinstein had pushed her to her bed and was tugging at her clothes. She rushed to the bathroom to escape, but when she came out she found him standing there masturbating. I quickly closed the door again and locked it, she said. Then when I heard room service come to the door I just ran. Rex Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lea Seydoux The actor and director claims she had to fight off Weinstein after he brought her to his hotel room during what she remembers to be 2012. He suddenly jumped on me and tried to kiss me. I had to defend myself. Hes big and fat, so I had to be forceful to resist him. I left his room, thoroughly disgusted, she wrote in The Guardian. AFP/Getty Images Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Claire Forlani British actress Claire Forlani wrote on Twitter that she had evaded Weinsteins advances on five occasions at the age of 25. At meetings with the Hollywood a-lister, she says massage was suggested, and that Weinstein had boasted of all the women hed had sex with. Mark Douet Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Florence Darel French actress Florence Darel claimed Weinstein relentlessly pursued her in the mid 1990's and propositioned her while Eve Chilton, his wife at the time, was in the hotel room next door. I was astonished, she told People magazine. When you have someone so physically disgusting in front of you, continuing and continuing as though this was all perfectly normal What happened to me may not be illegal but it was inappropriate. Very inappropriate. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lysette Anthony Lysette Anthony, who starred as Marnie Nightingale in Hollyoaks, has claimed Weinstein raped her in the late 1980's after turning up to her London home in the late 1980s. She described the disgraced film producers alleged attack as pathetic and revolting and said it left her feeling disgusted and embarrassed. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Dawn Dunning Dunning said she met Weinstein in 2003 when she was 24-years-old and the disgraced film producer suggested she have a threesome with him and someone else. She told the New York Times Weinstein got angry when she refused. Youll never make it in this business, she said he told her as she left. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Rosanna Arquette Rosanna Arquette was already well known for her role in Desperately Seeking Susan, when she said she met Weinstein at his hotel to pick up a script in the early nineties. Weinstein was dressed only in a dressing gown, and tried to put her hand on his erect penis. Speaking to the New York Times, Arquette said as she left she told him: I will never be that girl. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Emma de Caunes Caunes, a French actor, claimed Weinstein took her to his hotel room in 2010 supposedly to retrieve a book he was making into a film, but once there he went into the bathroom. De Caunes said he then emerged naked, with an erection and told her to lie on the bed. She fled the room. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Zoe Brock Model Zoe claimed that she had to lock herself in a bathroom at Weinsteins hotel in 1997, after the mogul had sent all of the assistants out of the room, and then appeared naked. I was alone with Weinstein, she told ITVs This Morning programme. He very quickly left the room and came back naked. He chased me naked. Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Jessica Barth Actress Jessica Barth described an encounter with Weinstein in 2011 in an interview with The New Yorker in which she said Weinstein veered between offering her roles in films and demanding a naked massage. She alleges the producer said to her: So, what would happen if, say, were having some champagne and I take my clothes off and you give me a massage? When she tried to leave, he then promised to give her the number of a female executive at the company. He gave me her number, and I walked out and I started bawling, Barth said. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Romola Garai The actress told The Guardian she felt violated after she went to a meeting with Weinstein at the age of 18 and he met her in his hotel room wearing nothing but a dressing gown. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Heather Graham Graham claimed that during a casting opportunity in the early 2000's Weinstein had told her he had an open relationship with his wife. He could sleep with whomever he wanted when he was out of town. I walked out of the meeting feeling uneasy, Graham told Variety. There was no explicit mention that to star in one of those films I had to sleep with him, but the subtext was there. Graham was never hired to work in a Weinstein film. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Jessica Hynes Spaced and W1A star Jessica Hynes tweeted about an encounter with Weinstein earlier this week, but subsequently deleted the tweet. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lucia Evans The actor told The New Yorker that after a meeting to discuss casting her in various projects, Weinstein forced her to perform oral sex on him. I said, over and over, I dont want to do this, stop, dont. She added: Hes a big guy. He overpowered me. I just sort of gave up. Thats the most horrible part of it, and thats why hes been able to do this for so long to so many women: people give up, and then they feel like its their fault. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Louisette Geiss The former actress said she met Weinstein to pitch a film script she was working on. During the meeting, Weinstein allegedly went out and reappeared naked and got into a jacuzzi where he masturbated in front of her and said he would make the script into a film if she stayed and watched. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Liza Campbell Liza Campbell, a British writer and artist, alleged that Olympically ugly Weinstein asked her to join him in the bath and began getting undressed at a hotel. In a piece for The Times, Campbell claimed she was forced to sprint to the door to escape. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Louise Godbold Writing in a blog post, Louise Godbold, a non-profit director in Los Angeles, said her encounter with Weinstein took the form of an office tour that became an occasion to trap me in an empty meeting room. She said then Weinstein was begging for a massage, his hands on my shoulders as I attempted to beat a retreat.

In an interview with CBS news, Ms de la Huerta alleged that Mr Weinstein raped her twice in 2010. She described one alleged incident as occurring after Mr Weinstein drove her home from a party and said the second alleged rape occurred after he drove to her apartment, and she was too drunk to consent.

Mr Weinstein's representative Sallie Hofmeister did not immediately respond to questions about Ms de la Paz's claims and the NYPD's characterisation of her case.

Mr Weinstein has faced a torrent of sexual harassment accusations in recent months, but this would be the first time he has been charged as a result. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed last month it was investigating a separate sexual assault allegations against Mr Weinstein.

Dozens of women have accused Mr Weinstein of harassment or rape, allegations that cost the mogul his position with the Weinstein Company. Mr Weinstein has denied that non-consensual sex occurred.
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A nine-year-old cancer patient has asked for cards for Christmas after his parents were told he had just weeks to live.

Jacob Thompson and his family will celebrate Christmas early this year after receiving the news that his neuroblastoma was incurable.

After receiving a slew of cards for Halloween Jacob said he wanted more for Christmas, which his family will celebrate this month, CNN reported.

His father, Roger Guay, told the broadcaster: "He opened up and saw them and it was like getting a gift. He read it to us and had a big smile his face and his nose scrunched.

"He was excited to see what people had to say and it just brightened his day."

Jacob's mother, Michelle Thompson Simard, said the first cards had "streamed in" since the request.

Some have featured penguins, Jacob's favourite animal. One card even came from Antarctica, alongside others from Australia and Denmark, according to Jacob's step-mother Tara Artinyan.

To send a card to Jacob, use this address: Jacob Thompson c/o Maine Medical Centre, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME 04102, USA.
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An American woman has been arrested in Zimbabwe for allegedly insulting President Robert Mugabe on Twitter.

Martha ODonovan is charged with subversion and insulting the president for allegedly calling Mr Mugabe a sick man in a tweet, according to the Associated Press. The subversion charges carry up to 20 years in prison.

Ms ODonovan is accused of tweeting We are being led by a selfish man and sick man," and posting a photo suggesting Mr Mugabe is surviving on a catheter. The 25-year-old has called the allegations baseless and malicious" in a statement.

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The New York University graduate works for social media outlet Magamba TV, which describes itself as Zimbabwe's leading producer of cutting edge, political satire and comedy shows. The company is now using its Twitter account to post updates on Ms ODonovans trial, along with the hashtag #FreeMartha.

Farewell my beautiful Zimbabwe: how paradise turned to poverty Show all 9 1 /9 Farewell my beautiful Zimbabwe: how paradise turned to poverty Farewell my beautiful Zimbabwe: how paradise turned to poverty 47458.bin AFP/Getty Images Farewell my beautiful Zimbabwe: how paradise turned to poverty 47417.bin Reuters Farewell my beautiful Zimbabwe: how paradise turned to poverty 47413.bin AFP/ Getty Images Farewell my beautiful Zimbabwe: how paradise turned to poverty 47412.bin AFP/Getty Images Farewell my beautiful Zimbabwe: how paradise turned to poverty 47419.bin AFP/Getty Images Farewell my beautiful Zimbabwe: how paradise turned to poverty 47422.bin Reuters Farewell my beautiful Zimbabwe: how paradise turned to poverty 47423.bin Getty Images Farewell my beautiful Zimbabwe: how paradise turned to poverty 47418.bin AP Farewell my beautiful Zimbabwe: how paradise turned to poverty 47420.bin AP

According to Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights  the organisation representing Ms O'Donovan in her case  she was arrested in a Friday morning raid on her apartment and held at the Harare Central Police Station overnight.

In a court appearance on Saturday, Ms ODonovan's lawyer, Rose Hazi, attempted to have the charges dismissed. She argued that the subversion charge was illegal because the accused was not informed of it when she was arrested.

The court disagreed. Ms ODonovan will remain in custody over the weekend, and her lawyers say they will ask the High Court for Bail on Monday.

The arrest appears to be the first since Mr Mugabe appointed a cyber security minister last month. The position was created to focus on crimes on social media and other websites, after activists used social media to promote the largest anti-government protest in a decade last year.

Amnesty Internationals deputy regional director, Muleya Mwananyanda, called the arrest the start of a sinister new chapter in the Zimbabwean governments clampdown on freedom of speech, adding that the new battleground is social media.

 Zimbabwe: Mugabe pushes for cyber crime bill

Dissatisfaction with the 93-year-old Mr Mugabe has grown in Zimbabwe in recent years, as the countrys economy has continued to crumble.

Last years #ThisFlag protest was started when Pastor Evan Mawarire spoke out about the countrys failing economy, corruption, and human rights abuses. The government charged Mr Mawarire with subversion  the same charge as Ms ODonovan  in February, but released him under pressure from the public. Mr Mawarire was arrested again, on the same charges, in September.

Mr Mugabe, already the oldest head of state in the world, has already announced his intention to run for another five-year term next year.
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Former President Barack Obama receives so many letters from Americans worried about their country's political climate, that he has crafted a letter to send them in response.

Encouraging people not to lose hope, he writes: Our country's progress has never followed a straight line  for every two steps forward, it often feels like we take one step back."

He adds: But I hope you'll remember that the long sweep of America is defined by forward motion, and the course we chart from here depends on no one person alone.

Recommended Michelle Obama just gave Donald Trump some Twitter advice

Mr Obama sends the letter to those who share concerns about the state of the country, or those who seek his perspective on the new administration, a spokesperson told Yahoo News, which first obtained the letter.

The former president accepts correspondence via his website and by regular post addressed to his office.

Mr Obama has largely stayed out of politics since leaving the White House.

But he did speak out in a bid to protect some of his key policies, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which protects young undocumented immigrants from deportation.

He also spoke out when Donald Trump attempted to repeal the the Affordable Care Act known as Obamacare, which provided health insurance to large swathes of the US population who did not have it.

 Michelle Obama launches veiled attack on Trump: "You dont tweet every thought"

Mr Obama also recently took a swipe at Mr Trump's notorious "birther" theory, joking that he was "born in Kenya". He was, in fact, born in Hawaii.

But Mr Obamas criticisms have been more muted than those of other former presidents  namely, George HW Bush and his son, George W Bush.

Mr Bush Sr once called the current President a blowhard, and Mr Bush Jr claimed he doesnt know what it means to be president, according to the forthcoming book The Last Republicans.

Some former Obama administration staffers, however, told Yahoo that they are happy Mr Obama has stayed out of the fray.

[Mr Trump] is desperate for an opponent, one former staffer said. I mean, Trump would love nothing more than for the 2020 election to start today and no better opponent than the black, Muslim, Obamacare president.

What Mr Obama would like to do instead, he says, is encourage young people to get active in politics. In his first public event since leaving the White House, he said that inspiring young people was the most important thing I can do for my next job.

He echoes this sentiment in his letter, in which he urges concerned citizens to become more involved.

Our democracy is threatened whenever we take it for granted, and change only happens when people get involved, he writes. As long as folks like you keep looking out for others and working to defend Americas promise, I'm confident our future will be bright.
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A 10-year-old girl with cerebral palsy who was detained by American immigration enforcement while seeking emergency surgery has been released from federal custody into the care of her family, a week and a half after she was initially detained.

It is not clear if RosaMaria Hernandez, who came to the United States when she was just three months old, will face deportation proceedings or eventual removal to Mexico. RosaMaria was released into the care of her family.

RosaMarias was first detained last Tuesday after she was identified as undocumented at an inland Border Patrol checkpoint while traveling in an ambulance from Laredo, Texas, to Corpus Christi. Doctors in Laredo, her hometown, had informed her family that she was in need of emergency gall bladder surgery, which could not be done there because the city does not have pediatric surgery capacity.

Recommended US holds child immigrant with cerebral palsy after emergency surgery

Her mother, who is also undocumented, had stayed behind knowing that she would likely be detained by Border Patrol at the inland checkpoint if she accompanied her daughter the 150 miles across the state to the Gulf coast. RosaMaria was instead accompanied by an American citizen cousin.

Border Patrol agents followed the ambulance after it passed through the inland checkpoint, and agents were posted on rotation within eyesight of RosaMaria over the next day. Her lawyer said that they were present during her surgery, during follow up procedures, and refused to let the family close the door for privacy as RosaMaria recovered from her procedure.

She was eventually taken by US immigration services to a childrens shelter in San Antonio, which is typically used for unaccompanied minors who arrive at the US border seeking refuge. Her mother has only been able to speak with her through Facetime and on the phone since.

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. 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Representative Joaquin Castro, who represents a Southern Texas district in Washington, and has been working on the issue, said that RosaMarias release is a good step but that it isnt enough.

While this is welcome news, RosaMarias future remains uncertain. The Trump Administration has not made clear whether they will proceed with deportation proceedings against her, Mr Castro said in a statement. I continue to call for RosaMarias case to be administratively closed. Moving forward, we must address the Trump Administrations callous actions. The United States should not be a place where children seeking life-sustaining medical care are at risk of apprehension. I urge the Department of Homeland Security to abide by its claims that dangerous criminals are the agencys priority and reinforce its sensitive locations policies to employees. A case like Rosa Marias should never happen again.

The administration of Donald Trump has significantly increased the number of arrests in the United States since taking office, and has apparently begun targeting non-criminal aliens who live in the US without documentation.

US Customs and Border Protection did not immediately respond to request for comment on this case, or whether it would pursue deportation for RosaMaria.
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Protesters in Hawaii mocked Donald Trump with signs that said "welcome to Kenya" as the President touched down on the first leg of his Asia-Pacific tour.

Making light of the President's past enthusiasm for the so-called "birtherism" conspiracy that targeted Barack Obama, who was born in Hawaii, demonstrators also held signs that read "Aloha means goodbye" and "Immigration gave me my family".

State congressman Kaniela Ing told Hawaii News Now: "Hawaii is the most diverse state in the nation, and just a few days ago Trump literally said, Diversity sounds like a good thing, but it is not a good thing. That statement alone undermines the values that make Hawaii, Hawaii."

Islanders called their rally "Hawaii 3, Trump 0", referencing the number of times courts in the state have blocked the President's attempts to institute a ban on travel from majority-Muslim countries.

Mr Trump was in Hawaii on Friday for a briefing by US Pacific Command military leaders on North Korea and other issues, ahead of his trip to a string of Asian nations over the next week or so.

He also visited Pearl Harbour and the USS Arizona memorial to the people killed in Japan's attack on the base in 1941.

At the end of October the US moved a third aircraft carrier strike group into the western Pacific in what was seen by analysts as a show of strength aimed at both North Korea and China.

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 Trump has traded rhetorical blows with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for months over Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions and provocative missile launches.

He is likely to use the regional tour to shore up key alliances with Japan and South Korea, and to prevail on Chinese premier Xi Jinping to exert more pressure on North Korea.
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Donald Trump has refused to rule out sacking his attorney general if he decides not to investigate Democratic politicians.

As he embarked on a 12-day tour of the Asia Pacific region, Mr Trump hit out at Jeff Sessions and said he was disappointed the former Alabama senator was not probing alleged dishonesty among his political rivals.

He told ABC that I dont know what he would do if Mr Sessions did not pursue Hillary Clinton, who he continues to call Crooked Hillary.

Recommended Trump has refilled the White House swamp with murky characters

Im not really involved with the Justice Department, he said. Id like to let it run itself. But honestly, they should be looking at Democrats ... They should be looking at a lot of things, and a lot of people are disappointed with the Justice Department, including me.

In later tweets, the President referenced recent claims about a back-room deal between Hillary Clintons campaign and the Democratic National Committee (DNC), that gave the eventual presidential nominee some say in staff hiring and canvassing in return for $1.2m (918,000).

Most controversially, the deal, revealed in an excerpt of a new book by former acting DNC chair Donna Brazile, was done before Ms Clinton won the partys nomination as its candidate in the 2016 election.

Written into it was a clause that nothing in this agreement shall be construed to violate the DNCs obligation of impartiality and neutrality through the nominating process.

Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Show all 30 1 /30 Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Threatening to shut down Twitter after being fact-checked After the president tweeted that voting by post would be "substantially fraudulent", Twitter attached a warning label to his tweet and referred readers to a site which explained how the claim was "unsubstantiated". Trump then said Twitter was "stifling free speech" and that he may have to shut it down, something which he would not have the power to do AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Flippantly dismissing a serious allegation of sexual assault When author E Jean Carroll accused Trump of raping her, the president responded: Number one, shes not my type. Number two, it never happened. It never happened, OK?" AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Insulting the Mayor of London as he landed in London Just before touching down at Stansted Airport for his state visit, Trump took time out to @ the London mayor Sadiq Khan on twitter. He said that Khan has done a "terrible job"as mayor and that he is a "stone cold loser" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Taking plenty of "Executive Time" The president's official schedule sets aside the hours from 8 to 11am daily for "Executive Time". Further intermittent periods of "Executive Time" are scheduled throughout any given day, ranging from 15 minutes to 3 hours. His duties in these hours have not been officially disclosed, though Axios reports that he spends them watching TV, reading the newspapers and tweeting Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Shutdown the government for over a month in an effort to secure funding for his wall With Mexico declining to pay for the wall, the president has faced difficulty in raising the required $5bn at home. Due to his demand that the money for the wall be included in the budget, and Congress's refusal, the government partially shut down on 22 December 2018. It remained shut for over a month, the longest period in history Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Joking about the Nazi occupation of France to President Macron In this tweet from 13 November 2018, the president mocks Emmanuel Macron's suggestion of a "true, European army" by invoking the conflict between France and Germany in the world wars Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Railing against the Mueller investigation The president has repeatedly claimed that the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, is a "rigged witch hunt" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting a US intelligence report on Russian meddling in the presence of Vladimir Putin In the press conference that followed his landmark meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin, Trump stated that he saw no reason why Russia would have meddled in the 2016 US election. This contradicted a 2017 report by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence that found evidence of Russian interference in favour of Trump Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting his contradiction of a US intelligence report on Russian meddling Following furious backlash in the US, the president claimed that he meant to say that he saw no reason why it would not have been Russia who meddled in the 2016 US election. As to why he would have intended to use such bizarre phrasing, he did not comment Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Colouring in the US flag wrong The president coloured in the US flag wrongly during a visit to a children's hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He added a blue stripe where in tradition, and statute, there have been only white and red stripes AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing a Secretary of State over Twitter The president announced on Twitter that he was appointing Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State, much to the surprise of then Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Quoting a catchphrase from a reality TV show when discussing police brutality While addressing the issue of black athletes not standing for the national anthem in protest of police brutality, the president made reference to his catchphrase from reality TV show "The Apprentice": you're fired! Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Calling African nations "S***hole Countries" Ever one for diplomacy, the president reportedly referred to African nations as "s***hole countries". Asked to confirm this when meeting with Nigeria's President Buhari, Trump stated that there are "some countries that are in very bad shape". Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Defending Russian President Vladimir Putin Trump appeared to equate US foreign actions to those of Russian president Vladimir Putin, saying: There are a lot of killers. You think our countrys so innocent? Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Asking for people to 'pray' for Arnold Schwarzenegger At the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump couldnt help but to ask for prayers for the ratings on Arnold Schwarzeneggers show to be good. Schwarzenegger took over as host of The Apprentice  which buoyed Trumps celebrity status years ago Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Hanging up on Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull Early in his presidency, Trump reportedly hung up the phone on Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull after the foreign leader angered him over refugee plans. Mr Trump later said that it was the worst call he had had so far Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... The 'Muslim ban' Perhaps one of his most controversial policies while acting as president, Trumps travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries has bought him a lot of criticism. The bans were immediately protested, and judges initially blocked their implementation. The Supreme Court later sided with the administrations argument that the ban was developed out of concern for US security Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Praising crowd size while touring Hurricane Harvey damage After Hurricane Harvey ravaged southeastern Texas, Trump paid the area a visit. While his response to the disaster in Houston was generally applauded, the president picked up some flack when he gave a speech outside Houston (he reportedly did not visit disaster zones), and praised the size of the crowds there AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... 'Little Rocket Man' During his first-ever speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Trump tried out a new nickname for North Korea leader Kim Jong-un: Rocket Man. He later tweaked it to be little Rocket Man as the two feuded, and threatened each other with nuclear war. During that speech, he also threatened to totally annihilate North Korea Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Attacking Sadiq Khan following London Bridge terror attack After the attack on the London Bridge, Trump lashed out at London Mayor Sadiq Khan, criticising Khan for saying there was no reason to be alarmed after the attack. Trump was taking the comments out of context, as Khan was simply saying that the police had everything under control Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming presenter Mika Brezinkski was 'bleeding from the face' Never one not to mock his enemies, Trump mocked MSNBCs Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski, saying that she and co-host Joe Scarborough had approached him before his inauguration asking to join him. He noted that she was bleeding badly from a face-lift at the time, and that he said no MSNBC Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming the blame for Charlottesville was on 'both sides' Trump refused to condemn far-right extremists involved in violence at 'the march for the right' protests in Charlottesville, even after the murder of counter protester Heather Heyer AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Retweeting cartoon of CNN being hit by a 'Trump train' Trump retweeted a cartoon showing a Trump-branded train running over a person whose body and head were replaced by a CNN avatar. He later deleted the retweet Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Tweeting about 'slamming' CNN Trump caught some flack when he tweeted a video showing him wrestling down an individual whose head had been replaced by a CNN avatar. Trump has singled CNN out in particular with his chants of fake news Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing head of the FBI, James Comey Trumps firing of former FBI Director James Comey landed him with a federal investigation into Russias meddling in the 2016 election that has caused many a headache for the White House. The White House initially said that the decision was made after consultation from the Justice Department. Then Mr Trump himself said that he had decided to fire him in part because he wanted the Russia investigation Mr Comey was conducting to stop Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Not realising being president would be 'hard' Just three months into his presidency, Trump admitted that being president is harder than he thought it would be. Though Trump insisted on the 2016 campaign trail that doing the job would be easy for him, he admitted in an interview that living in the White House is harder than running a business empire Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Accusing Obama of wiretapping him Trump accused former president Barack Obama of wire tapping him on twitter. The Justice Department later clarified: Obama had not, in fact, done so Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming there had been 3 million 'illegal votes' Trump was never very happy about losing the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by 2.8 million ballots. So, he and White House voter-fraud commissioner Kris Kobach have claimed that anywhere between three and five million people voted illegally during the 2016 election. Conveniently, he says that all of those illegal votes went to Clinton. (There is no evidence to support that level of widespread voter fraud.) Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Leaving Jews out of the Holocaust memorial statement Just days after taking office, Trumps White House issued a statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, but didnt mention jews or even the word jewish in the written statement Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Anger over Inauguration crowd size Trumps inauguration crowd was visibly, and noticeably, smaller than that of his predecessor, Barack Obama. But, he really wanted to have had the largest crowd on record. So, he praised it as the biggest crowd ever. Relatedly, Trump also claimed that it stopped raining in Washington at the moment he was inaugurated. It didnt, the day was very dreary Reuters

Mr Trump tweeted: The real story on Collusion is in Donna Bs new book. Crooked Hillary bought the DNC & then stole the Democratic Primary from Crazy Bernie!

People are angry. At some point the Justice Department, and the FBI, must do what is right and proper. The American public deserves it!

Everybody is asking why the Justice Department (and FBI) isnt looking into all of the dishonesty going on with Crooked Hillary & the Dems.

 Donald Trump says 'Im the only one who matters'

Two White House officials quickly cautioned against reading too much into Mr Trumps comments, reiterating that he has no plans to fire Mr Sessions.

And although the White House maintains that Mr Trumps tweets are an official record, it says Trump has not ordered Sessions or the FBI to do anything related to Democrats.

Republican senator Bob Corker, who has been an outspoken critic of the President, said that like me, most Americans hope that our justice system is independent and free of political interference.

He added: President Trumps pressuring of the Justice Department and FBI to pursue cases against his adversaries and calling for punishment before trials take place are totally inappropriate and not only undermine our justice system but erode the American peoples confidence in our institutions.

White House aides said the tweets were a way to deflect attention from the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

This week, former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and his business associate Rick Gates, who also had a role in the campaign, were indicted on 12 counts, and former Trump campaign adviser George Papadopoulos pleaded guilty to lying about his dealings with Russians who were offering dirt on Ms Clinton.

Additional reporting by agencies
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Donald Trump has publicly pleaded with Saudi Arabia to sell shares in its national oil company, Aramco, on the New York Stock Exchange.

"Would very much appreciate Saudi Arabia doing their IPO of Aramco with the New York Stock Exchange," the US President tweeted. "Important to the United States!"

The tweet comes as Saudi Arabia prepares to launch its state oil group, on the international stock market. Aramco is the largest energy company in the world, and experts say its equity sale could be the largest in stock market history.

 Donald Trump tweets racist 'Pocahontas' slur about Senator Elizabeth Warren

Saudi leaders have considered selling five per cent of the company in an initial public offering (IPO) since early last year. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to make the final decision as to which foreign stock market  if any  will be able to list shares.

America's bid for the listing is likely helped by Mr Trump's friendly relationship with Saudi Arabian leaders.

Mr Trump travelled to Saudi Arabia in his first official foreign visit as President in May  a symbolic move that was criticised by both Democrats and Republicans at the time. He also welcomed the Crown Prince to the White House in March, in what the administration called a "historic turning point in US-Saudi relations.

Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Show all 22 1 /22 Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Donald Trump's international Presidential trips French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump talk as they leave the Army Museum at Les Invalides in Paris AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Donald Trump arrive for the group photo at the G7 Taormina summit on the island of Sicily in May 2017 Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Mr Trump was pressed on the subject at the G7 summit in Italy Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump gives a speeech at the Warsaw Uprising Monument on Krasinski Square Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May during a ceremony at the NATO headquarters before the start of a summit in Brussels, Belgium Reuters Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Montenegro's Prime Minister Dusko Markovic is seen to the right of Donald Trump at a Nato summit in Brussels REUTERS Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Pope Francis meeting with US President Donald J. Trump EPA Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Pope Francis poses with US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump arrives at Palazzo del Quirinale ahead of the meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella Ufficio Stampa Presidenza della via Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump is seen during a joint press conference with the Palestinian leader at the presidential palace in the West Bank city of Bethlehem AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas meets US President Donald Trump PPO via Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with US President Donald Trump prior to the President's departure GPO via Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands after delivering a speech at the Israel Museum AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump lay a wreath in the Hall of Remembrance as White House senior advisor Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump watch on during a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial museum AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump visit to Yad Vashem Holocaust museum in Jerusalem accompanied by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu GPO via Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump takes his seat before his speech to the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia Reuters Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, US President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump look at a display of Saudi modern art at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud take part in a signing ceremony at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips King Salman presents Donald Trump with The Collar of Abdulaziz al-Saud Medal at the Royal Court Palace on 20 May AP Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump is welcomed by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud upon arrival at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk on the South Lawn prior to their first foreign trip Getty Images

Mr Trump tweeted from Hawaii, shortly before leaving for Japan. The President departed the day before for a 12-day diplomatic tour through Asia  the longest of any sitting president since George HW Bush in 1992.

The tour will take Mr Trump through Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The President will focus on reducing the nuclear threat from North Korea, advancing international trade, and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region," according to national security adviser HR McMaster.

 Michelle Obama launches veiled attack on Trump: "You dont tweet every thought"

Mr Trump indicated that he would prioritise the threat from North Korea on the trip, telling Fox News: We have one problem. Thats called North Korea."

I must tell you North Koreas a thing that I think we will solve and if we dont solve it, its not going to be very pleasant for them," he told Fox's Laura Ingraham the day before the trip. "It's not going to be very pleasant for anybody,

The President appeared preoccupied with the stock market on Saturday, however. Minutes before the Saudi Arabia tweet, he wrote that the market was at its "highest ever," and added that unemployment was the lowest it had been in 17 years.
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Robert Muellers investigators are reportedly now turning their attention to Jared Kushner, Donald Trumps son-in-law, and what role he played in the firing of FBI director James Comey.

Mr Kushner has voluntarily turned over a number of documents to the probe in recent weeks, relating to any contact with Russia during both the campaign and transition period.

Sources told CNN that investigators had asked other witnesses about what role Mr Kushner played in the dismissal of Mr Comey in May.

Recommended Trump has refilled the White House swamp with murky characters

Mr Trump was reported to be turning on Mr Kushner, a White House political adviser who is married to the billionaires daughter Ivanka.

It was said the President blamed the younger man for events leading up to Mr Muellers appointment, specifically the firings of Mr Comey and former national security director Michael Flynn.

Sources CNN described as close to the White House told it Mr Kushner was not a target of the investigation.

The claims come after three high-profile indictments in Mr Muellers probe.

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

Ex-campaign manager Paul Manafort and his former business partner and Rick Gates have pleaded not guilty to a string of charges including money laundering.

Trump wrote on Twitter this week that there was NO COLLUSION between his campaign and Russia and said the case centred on acts that occurred years ago, well before Mr Manafort became involved with his campaign.

George Papadopoulos admitted lying to the FBI when being questioned about his contact with two Russians with apparent close ties to their government.
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Newly released files about John F Kennedys assassination dismiss theories that shooter Lee Harvey Oswald was linked to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

A 1975 CIA memo says a thorough search of agency records in and outside the United States was conducted to determine whether the assassin had been used by the agency or connected with it in "any conceivable way."

It said the search came up empty, adding there was also no indication that any other US agency had used Oswald as a source or for recruitment.

It was released, along with another 676 government documents related to the November 1963 assassination, by The National Archives.

It is the third public release so far this year. Under law, all the documents were to be disclosed to the public last week.

Another CIA message sent two days after Kennedy was killed said an "important question" that remained unsolved was Oswalds trip to Mexico City shortly before he fatally shot the President.

Officials were trying to determine the purpose of The CIA was trying to determine if Oswald had visited the Soviet embassy to obtain a visa so he could escape after the assassination.

While the Federal Bureau of Investigation said it interviewed Oswald upon his return, the CIA has consistently denied having done so.

The message said that although it appeared Oswald "was then thinking only about a peaceful change of residence to the Soviet Union, it is also possible that he was getting documented to make a quick escape after assassinating the president."

Oswald defected to the Soviet Union in 1959, petitioning for citizenship and later moving to the city of Minsk before returning to America in 1962.

Another record produced in April the following year recounted a visit to the CIA by three staff members of the Warren Commission, which was set up to investigate the assassination.

The memo said the staff members indicated that Thomas Mann, former ambassador to Mexico and then-assistant secretary for inter-American affairs, "still has the 'feeling in his guts' that (Cuban leader Fidel) Castro hired Oswald to kill Kennedy.

The assassination of JFK  in pictures Show all 8 1 /8 The assassination of JFK  in pictures The assassination of JFK  in pictures President John F. Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline Kennedy ride with secret agents in an open car motorcade shortly before the assassination, 22 November 1963 Getty The assassination of JFK  in pictures President John F. Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline Kennedy prior to his assassination Keystone/Getty The assassination of JFK  in pictures Kennedy is struck by an assassin's bullet as he travels through Dallas in a motorcade In the car next to him is his wife Jacqueline and in the front seat is Texas governor John Connally Three Lions/Hulton Archive/Getty The assassination of JFK  in pictures The view from the sixth floor window of the Texas School Book Depository in Dallas, from which Lee Harvey Oswald is thought to have assassinated Kennedy. This photograph was taken approximately one hour after the assassination Hulton Archive/Getty The assassination of JFK  in pictures Lee Harvey Oswald during a press conference after his arrest in Dallas. Lee Harvey Oswald was killed by Jack Ruby on 24 November on the eve of Kennedy's burial AFP/Getty The assassination of JFK  in pictures Lyndon B. Johnson takes the oath of office as President of the United States on the day of Kennedy's assassination. Jackie Kennedy is stood next to Johnson Getty The assassination of JFK  in pictures Kennedy's funeral procession goes into Arlington Cemetery in Washington Newsmakers/Getty The assassination of JFK  in pictures Kennedy's casket sat in the East Room of the White House Newsmakers/Getty

They said, however, that the commission has not been able to get any proof of that."

Also in the latest release was a 20-page FBI analysis of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr dated March 12, 1968  a month before he was assassinated. One section alleges that King was attracted to former member of the Communist Party in America. It notes that two previous aides were party members and eight others, who helped shape King's organization in its early stages, had communist affiliations.

The analysis said that in the early 1960s, the Communist Party was trying to get a black labor coalition to further its goals in the United States. It referenced a May 1961 issue of a communist newspaper that stated, "Communists will do their utmost to strengthen and unite the Negro movement and ring it to the backing of the working people."

The FBI said King and his organization were "made-to-order" to achieve these objectives.
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Lawyers for a senior of member of Donald Trumps campaign team have said they plan to demand the suppression of evidence obtained as part of Robert Muellers probe into the US President and his teams alleged links with Russia.

The defence team for Paul Manafort, Mr Trumps former campaign chairman, have filed a court document saying they are likely to ask for some evidence against their client to be dismissed.

Mr Manafort was indicted by a grand jury last month and charged with 12 offences, including money laundering, conspiracy against the US, and making false statements.

His lawyers have now outlined plans to appeal against evidence they say was obtained improperly by Mr Muellers team.

The document reads: At this time, the defence anticipates that pre-trial motions will be filed concerning the legal basis for and sufficiency of the charges, the suppression of evidence improperly obtained by search warrant, subpoena or otherwise.

Mr Manaforts lawyers did not elaborate on why they believe the evidence was obtained inappropriately.

FBI agents searched Mr Manaforts Virginia home in July and seized what prosecutors described as numerous documents.

The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Show all 17 1 /17 The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Paul Manafort Mr Manafort is a Republican strategist and former Trump campaign manager. He resigned from that post over questions about his extensive lobbying overseas, including in Ukraine where he represented pro-Russian interests. Mr Manafort turned himself in at FBI headquarters to special counsel Robert Muellers team on Oct 30, 2017, after he was indicted under seal on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. Getty The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rick Gates Mr Gates joined the Trump team in spring 2016, and served as a top aide until he left to work at the Republican National Committee after the departure of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort. Mr Gates' had previously worked on several presidential campaigns, on international political campaigns in Europe and Africa, and had 15 years of political or financial experience with multinational firms, according to his bio. Mr Gates was indicted alongside Mr Manafort by special counsel Robert Mueller's team on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. AP The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation George Papadopoulos George Papadopoulos was a former foreign policy adviser for the Trump campaign, having joined around March 2016. Mr Papadopoulos plead guilty to federal charges for lying to the FBI as a part of a cooperation agreement with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Mr Papadopoulos claimed in an interview with the FBI that he had made contacts with Russian sources before joining the Trump campaign, but he actually began working with them after joining the team. Mr Papadopoulos allegedly took a meeting with a professor in London who reportedly told him that Russians had "dirt" on Hillary Clinton. The professor also allegedly introduced Mr Papadopoulos to a Russian who was said to have close ties to officials at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Papadopoulos also allegedly was in contact with a woman whom he incorrectly described in one email to others in the campaign as the "niece" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Twitter The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Donald Trump Jr The President's eldest son met with a Russian lawyer - Natalia Veselnitskaya - on 9 June 2016 at Trump Tower in New York. He said in an initial statement that the meeting was about Russia halting adoptions of its children by US citizens. Then, he said it was regarding the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. In a final statement, Mr Trump Jr released a chain of emails that revealed he took the meeting in hopes of getting information Ms Veselnitskaya had about Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. He and the President called it standard "opposition research" in the course of campaigning and that no information came from the meeting. The meeting was set up by an intermediary, Rob Goldstone. Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort were also at the same meeting. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jared Kushner Mr Kushner is President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a key adviser to the White House. He met with a Russian banker appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in December. Mr Kushner has said he did so in his role as an adviser to Mr Trump while the bank says he did so as a private developer. Mr Kushner has also volunteered to testify in the Senate about his role helping to arrange meetings between Trump advisers and Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rob Goldstone Former tabloid journalist and now music publicist Rob Goldstone is a contact of the Trump family through the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant, which took place in Moscow. In June 2016, he wrote to Donald Trump Jr offering a meeting with a Russian lawyer, Natalya Veselnitskaya, who had information about Hillary Clinton. Mr Goldstone was the intermediary for Russian pop star Emin Agalaraov and his father, real estate magnate Aras, who played a role in putting on the 2013 pageant. In an email chain released by Mr Trump Jr, Mr Goldstone seemed to indicate Russian government's support of Donald Trump's campaign. AP images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Aras and Emin Agalarov Aras Agalarov (R) is a wealthy Moscow-based real estate magnate and son Emin (L) is a pop star. Both played a role in putting on the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow. They allegedly had information about Hillary Clinton and offered that information to the Trump campaign through a lawyer with whom they had worked with, Natalia Veselnitskaya, and music publicist Rob Goldstone. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Natalia Veselnitskaya Natalia Veselnitskaya is a Russian lawyer with ties to the Kremlin. She has worked on real estate issues and reportedly counted the FSB as a client in the past. She has ties to a Trump family connection, real estate magnate Aras Agalarov, who had helped set up the Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant which took place in Moscow. Ms Veselnitskaya met with Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort in Trump Tower on 9 June 2016 but denies the allegation that she went there promising information on Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. She contends that the meeting was about the US adoptions of Russian children being stopped by Moscow as a reaction to the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Mike Flynn Mr Flynn was named as Trump's national security adviser but was forced to resign from his post for inappropriate communication with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. He had misrepresented a conversation he had with Mr Kislyak to Vice President Mike Pence, telling him wrongly that he had not discussed sanctions with the Russian. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sergey Kislyak Mr Kislyak, the former longtime Russian ambassador to the US, is at the centre of the web said to connect President Donald Trump's campaign with Russia. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Roger Stone Mr Stone is a former Trump adviser who worked on the political campaigns of Richard Nixon, George HW Bush, and Ronald Reagan. Mr Stone claimed repeatedly in the final months of the campaign that he had backchannel communications with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and that he knew the group was going to dump damaging documents to the campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton - which did happen. Mr Stone also had contacts with the hacker Guccier 2.0 on Twitter, who claimed to have hacked the DNC and is linked to Russian intelligence services. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeff Sessions The US attorney general was forced to recuse himself from the Trump-Russia investigation after it was learned that he had lied about meeting with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Carter Page Mr Page is a former advisor to the Trump campaign and has a background working as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch. Mr Page met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Mr Page had invested in oil companies connected to Russia and had admitted that US Russia sanctions had hurt his bottom line. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeffrey "JD" Gorden Mr Gordon met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republian National Convention to discuss how the US and Russia could work together to combat Islamist extremism should then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump win the election. The meeting came days before a massive leak of DNC emails that has been connected to Russia. Creative Commons The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation James Comey Mr Comey was fired from his post as head of the FBI by President Donald Trump. The timing of Mr Comey's firing raised questions around whether or not the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign may have played a role in the decision. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Preet Bharara Mr Bahara refused, alongside 46 other US district attorney's across the country, to resign once President Donald Trump took office after previous assurances from Mr Trump that he would keep his job. Mr Bahara had been heading up several investigations including one into one of President Donald Trump's favorite cable television channels Fox News. Several investigations would lead back to that district, too, including those into Mr Trump's campaign ties to Russia, and Mr Trump's assertion that Trump Tower was wiretapped on orders from his predecessor. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sally Yates Ms Yates, a former Deputy Attorney General, was running the Justice Department while President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general awaited confirmation. Ms Yates was later fired by Mr Trump from her temporary post over her refusal to implement Mr Trump's first travel ban. She had also warned the White House about potential ties former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn to Russia after discovering those ties during the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign's connections to Russia. Getty Images

The lobbyist was arrested along with his business partner, Rick Gates. They are accused of failing to fully declare their work for foreign governments and then channelling the profits into luxury goods without paying tax.

The indictment says: "Manafort used his hidden overseas wealth to enjoy a lavish lifestyle in the United States, without paying taxes on that income.

It was announced on Friday that Mr Manafort and Mr Gates are likely to stand trial next May. Mr Manafort, who served as Mr Trump's campaign chair between June and August 2016, has been ordered by a judge to remain under house arrest and wear an electronic monitoring device as he awaits trial.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
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A man who once claimed that the air in America was "a little too clean for optimum health", has been appointed to an advisory board of America's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Robert Phalen once claimed that childrens lungs need to breathe irritants so their bodies can learn to fight them.

The former director of the Air Pollution Health Effects Laboratory at the University of California Irvine was appointed to the agencys critical Scientific Advisory Board by EPA Director Scott Pruitt.

Mr Pruitt has recently removed all the scientists who receive grant money from the agency.

Speaking to the the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2012, Mr Phalen told the audience: Modern air is a little too clean for optimum health.

Mr Phalen has also argued that the risks associated with modern particulate matter are very small and confounded by many factors.

In a 2004 study, he wrote that, neither toxicology studies nor human clinical investigations have identified the components and/or characteristics of [particulate matter] that might be causing the health-effect associations.

Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Show all 30 1 /30 Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Threatening to shut down Twitter after being fact-checked After the president tweeted that voting by post would be "substantially fraudulent", Twitter attached a warning label to his tweet and referred readers to a site which explained how the claim was "unsubstantiated". Trump then said Twitter was "stifling free speech" and that he may have to shut it down, something which he would not have the power to do AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Flippantly dismissing a serious allegation of sexual assault When author E Jean Carroll accused Trump of raping her, the president responded: Number one, shes not my type. Number two, it never happened. It never happened, OK?" AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Insulting the Mayor of London as he landed in London Just before touching down at Stansted Airport for his state visit, Trump took time out to @ the London mayor Sadiq Khan on twitter. He said that Khan has done a "terrible job"as mayor and that he is a "stone cold loser" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Taking plenty of "Executive Time" The president's official schedule sets aside the hours from 8 to 11am daily for "Executive Time". Further intermittent periods of "Executive Time" are scheduled throughout any given day, ranging from 15 minutes to 3 hours. His duties in these hours have not been officially disclosed, though Axios reports that he spends them watching TV, reading the newspapers and tweeting Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Shutdown the government for over a month in an effort to secure funding for his wall With Mexico declining to pay for the wall, the president has faced difficulty in raising the required $5bn at home. Due to his demand that the money for the wall be included in the budget, and Congress's refusal, the government partially shut down on 22 December 2018. It remained shut for over a month, the longest period in history Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Joking about the Nazi occupation of France to President Macron In this tweet from 13 November 2018, the president mocks Emmanuel Macron's suggestion of a "true, European army" by invoking the conflict between France and Germany in the world wars Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Railing against the Mueller investigation The president has repeatedly claimed that the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, is a "rigged witch hunt" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting a US intelligence report on Russian meddling in the presence of Vladimir Putin In the press conference that followed his landmark meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin, Trump stated that he saw no reason why Russia would have meddled in the 2016 US election. This contradicted a 2017 report by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence that found evidence of Russian interference in favour of Trump Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting his contradiction of a US intelligence report on Russian meddling Following furious backlash in the US, the president claimed that he meant to say that he saw no reason why it would not have been Russia who meddled in the 2016 US election. As to why he would have intended to use such bizarre phrasing, he did not comment Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Colouring in the US flag wrong The president coloured in the US flag wrongly during a visit to a children's hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He added a blue stripe where in tradition, and statute, there have been only white and red stripes AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing a Secretary of State over Twitter The president announced on Twitter that he was appointing Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State, much to the surprise of then Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Quoting a catchphrase from a reality TV show when discussing police brutality While addressing the issue of black athletes not standing for the national anthem in protest of police brutality, the president made reference to his catchphrase from reality TV show "The Apprentice": you're fired! Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Calling African nations "S***hole Countries" Ever one for diplomacy, the president reportedly referred to African nations as "s***hole countries". Asked to confirm this when meeting with Nigeria's President Buhari, Trump stated that there are "some countries that are in very bad shape". Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Defending Russian President Vladimir Putin Trump appeared to equate US foreign actions to those of Russian president Vladimir Putin, saying: There are a lot of killers. You think our countrys so innocent? Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Asking for people to 'pray' for Arnold Schwarzenegger At the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump couldnt help but to ask for prayers for the ratings on Arnold Schwarzeneggers show to be good. Schwarzenegger took over as host of The Apprentice  which buoyed Trumps celebrity status years ago Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Hanging up on Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull Early in his presidency, Trump reportedly hung up the phone on Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull after the foreign leader angered him over refugee plans. Mr Trump later said that it was the worst call he had had so far Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... The 'Muslim ban' Perhaps one of his most controversial policies while acting as president, Trumps travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries has bought him a lot of criticism. The bans were immediately protested, and judges initially blocked their implementation. The Supreme Court later sided with the administrations argument that the ban was developed out of concern for US security Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Praising crowd size while touring Hurricane Harvey damage After Hurricane Harvey ravaged southeastern Texas, Trump paid the area a visit. While his response to the disaster in Houston was generally applauded, the president picked up some flack when he gave a speech outside Houston (he reportedly did not visit disaster zones), and praised the size of the crowds there AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... 'Little Rocket Man' During his first-ever speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Trump tried out a new nickname for North Korea leader Kim Jong-un: Rocket Man. He later tweaked it to be little Rocket Man as the two feuded, and threatened each other with nuclear war. During that speech, he also threatened to totally annihilate North Korea Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Attacking Sadiq Khan following London Bridge terror attack After the attack on the London Bridge, Trump lashed out at London Mayor Sadiq Khan, criticising Khan for saying there was no reason to be alarmed after the attack. Trump was taking the comments out of context, as Khan was simply saying that the police had everything under control Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming presenter Mika Brezinkski was 'bleeding from the face' Never one not to mock his enemies, Trump mocked MSNBCs Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski, saying that she and co-host Joe Scarborough had approached him before his inauguration asking to join him. He noted that she was bleeding badly from a face-lift at the time, and that he said no MSNBC Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming the blame for Charlottesville was on 'both sides' Trump refused to condemn far-right extremists involved in violence at 'the march for the right' protests in Charlottesville, even after the murder of counter protester Heather Heyer AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Retweeting cartoon of CNN being hit by a 'Trump train' Trump retweeted a cartoon showing a Trump-branded train running over a person whose body and head were replaced by a CNN avatar. He later deleted the retweet Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Tweeting about 'slamming' CNN Trump caught some flack when he tweeted a video showing him wrestling down an individual whose head had been replaced by a CNN avatar. Trump has singled CNN out in particular with his chants of fake news Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing head of the FBI, James Comey Trumps firing of former FBI Director James Comey landed him with a federal investigation into Russias meddling in the 2016 election that has caused many a headache for the White House. The White House initially said that the decision was made after consultation from the Justice Department. Then Mr Trump himself said that he had decided to fire him in part because he wanted the Russia investigation Mr Comey was conducting to stop Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Not realising being president would be 'hard' Just three months into his presidency, Trump admitted that being president is harder than he thought it would be. Though Trump insisted on the 2016 campaign trail that doing the job would be easy for him, he admitted in an interview that living in the White House is harder than running a business empire Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Accusing Obama of wiretapping him Trump accused former president Barack Obama of wire tapping him on twitter. The Justice Department later clarified: Obama had not, in fact, done so Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming there had been 3 million 'illegal votes' Trump was never very happy about losing the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by 2.8 million ballots. So, he and White House voter-fraud commissioner Kris Kobach have claimed that anywhere between three and five million people voted illegally during the 2016 election. Conveniently, he says that all of those illegal votes went to Clinton. (There is no evidence to support that level of widespread voter fraud.) Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Leaving Jews out of the Holocaust memorial statement Just days after taking office, Trumps White House issued a statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, but didnt mention jews or even the word jewish in the written statement Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Anger over Inauguration crowd size Trumps inauguration crowd was visibly, and noticeably, smaller than that of his predecessor, Barack Obama. But, he really wanted to have had the largest crowd on record. So, he praised it as the biggest crowd ever. Relatedly, Trump also claimed that it stopped raining in Washington at the moment he was inaugurated. It didnt, the day was very dreary Reuters

The appointment is part of Mr Pruitts plan to promote advisers who are financially independent from the agency.

He has barred scientists who receive grant money from the EPA from serving on its advisory boards, saying he will instead focus on fresh perspectives and geographical representation.

As a result, Mr Pruitt has placed 66 new experts on three different EPA scientific committees, according to the Washington Post. Several of these experts come from industries that the agency regulates. New advisers hail from companies such as Dow Chemical, Procter & Gamble, and the French petroleum company Total.

The committees also include current and former members of the American Chemistry Council  the primary trade and lobbying group for the chemical industry. Mr Pruitt is scheduled to give a speech the Councils annual board meeting next week.

 Fox News destroyed EPA chief Scott Pruitt over climate change

While Mr Pruitt says his new policy is meant to prevent conflicts of interest, others claim it will only promote them.

Pruitt is turning the idea of conflict of interest on its head, Andrew Rosenberg, director of the Centre for Science and Democracy at the Union for Concerned Scientists, said in a statement. He claims federal research grants should exclude a scientist from an EPA advisory board but industry funding shouldnt.

He added: The consequences of these decisions arent just bad for a few scientists. This could mean that theres no independent voice ensuring that EPA follows the science on everything from drinking water pollution to atmospheric chemical exposure.
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A white teenager has been accused of setting fire to a predominately black church in Louisiana.

Members of the St Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Richland Parish, Louisiana, found their church burned to ashes this week, after a 15-year-old reportedly stole a truck, picked up gasoline, and torched the sanctuary.

"I couldn't believe it," Mary Alexander, a long-time church member, told MyArkLaMiss. "Because we was just here last night for a church meeting and you never expect things like this would happen this close by."

Witnesses reported the fire to the Richland Parish sheriffs office on Tuesday morning, the News-Star of Monroe reported. The deputies and fire department arrived to find the building engulfed in flames.

The witnesses told authorities they had seen a young white man driving a white Entergy truck at the scene. They noticed smoke rising from the church shortly after the truck left.

Working with the Entergy corporation, authorities tracked the truck to neighbouring Caldwell Parish, where the suspect was found still driving the vehicle.

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

Authorities now say the juvenile is connected to the theft of another Entergy truck from the lot near Caldwell Parish High School on Tuesday. The school was briefly placed on lock down when a truck ran into several vehicles on campus.

The teenager has been arrested in Calwell Parish in connection with the truck theft, and will also face arson charges in Richland Parish, according to the MyArkLaMiss.

The St Paul Missionary Baptist Church recently celebrated its 137th anniversary, according to KNOE 8 News. The building that burned down was the churchs new, four-month-old outpost. The older building remained untouched.

"We don't know why," Ms Alexander said of the fire. "Only God knows what's going through that person's mind. So we just ask for prayers for that person as well as our church family."
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An emotional letter that a mother wrote to her daughter before she died from terminal cancer has been shared by thousands online.

Margaret Peggy Summers, 55, had been diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer in June 2016 before passing away in October of the same year.

But hours after her death, daughter Hannah Summers and her three siblings found secret letters addressed to each one of them hidden in their mothers home.

Hannah, 18, a nursing student in Indiana, US, told how being in receipt of the letter so soon after her parent's death felt like a connection was still there.

The letter left for Hannah Summers by her mother, Peggy (Hannah Summers/Facebook)

"My mom was the most selfless, compassionate person I have ever known and she meant the world to me. She was my best friend, she told People.

"Her whole life she strived to help other people She never put her needs before the needs of others.

(Hannah Summers (Hannah Summers)

"The letter was very hard to read. It was very emotional and I think all of us cried when we read ours.

But it was also very comforting in a way because it helped me realise that she will always be here with me. I think the letters are definitely helping to give us a little bit of closer during this difficult time.

The letter begins: If you are reading this then the surgery did not go well, Peggy wrote.

Im sorry, I tried my best to beat this terrible disease but I guess God had other things for me to do.

"Please dont be mad, bad things happen in life and we have to learn to deal with it no matter how much it hurts.

"Be patient with dad, this is going to be hard on him and he will need time. You will both need to lean on each other and talk a lot which is not one of our strong points but try and don't give up," the letter continues.

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

Hang on to those good memories and tell everyone you love them as often as you can, Peggys letter reads. Enjoy life and live each day as if it is your last because none of us know if today with be the last. And most of all remember that I love you more than you will ever know!

Hannah said that she decided to share her mothers farewell letter - which had received more than 200,000 likes and 90,000 retweets on Twitter at the time of writing - in order to remind people of the importance of family and to keep them close by.

I hope the letters help people realise just how much of an amazing person my mom was and that people can learn from her example," she said.

I also hope they help people realise that life is precious and we need to appreciate all our loved ones because you never know when they could be gone.
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Ivanka Trump has called for an end to sexual harassment in the workplace, while conspicuously failing to mention a series of claims surrounding her father.

The US Presidents daughter delivered a rallying cry for appropriate respect as she made an impassioned speech on womens empowerment in Tokyo.

But many responded to the comments by pointing out Mr Trump may face legal action for allegedly groping at least two women, including one who said he grabbed her breasts and tried to put his hand up her skirt.

Recommended Twitter on the spot after employee silenced Donald Trump

The first daughter spoke out in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal  which has sparked an avalanche of claims against other Hollywood heavyweights including Kevin Spacey.

Ms Trump, speaking at the World Assembly for Women, said: "All too often, our workplace culture fails to treat women with appropriate respect. This takes all forms, including harassment, which can never be tolerated. Our workplaces must mirror our values: work and family."

But critics hit out at her speech in light of allegations her father groped two women and sexually harassed at least 16 others.

One wrote on Twitter: Was she referring to her father?, while another posted: Was she using her father as an example?

Mr Trumps White House campaign appeared it could be derailed after he said in a leaked recording that his tycoon profile meant it gave him the power to target women.

He said: When youre a star, they let you do it, he said. Grab them by the p***y. You can do anything.

Jessica Leeds claimed she was forced to flee the president when he grabbed her breasts on a flight three decades ago, saying he was like an octopus  his hands were everywhere.

Summer Zervos, a former The Apprentice contestant  a show which Mr Trump starred in  claimed the tycoon kissed her aggressively and touched her breast.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

She has taken a defamation case against Mr Trump after he dismissed the numerous sexual harassment claims against him as "lies".

Some analysts believe it could open the door to legal action against Mr Trump if lawyers are forced to dig through the testimonies made against him.

Meanwhile, the President will start his first official Asia tour in Japan on Sunday. He is expected to meet with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and meet Emperor Akihito and relatives of people abducted by North Korea.
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Germany on Saturday sought to defuse a diplomatic row with Poland, saying a call by the German defence minister to support a "democratic resistance" in the neighbouring country had been taken out of context.

The Polish government, whose judiciary reform has been met with youth protests and legal action from the European Union, had accused German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen of interference after she called for supporting "the healthy democratic resistance of the young generation" in Poland.

But a spokesman for von der Leyen said the comments had been misinterpreted and the minister had instead praised Poland's achievements since the fall of communism and called for a more inclusive approach to European integration.

"The defence minister's quote was changed in social media and ripped out of context," a spokesman for von der Leyen told Reuters on Saturday.

"Mrs von der Leyen has emphasized that the EU is an inclusive process, which is about securing and consolidating the common values of the EU and dealing with all positions."

The Polish reform of the courts would give nearly a free hand to the ruling conservatives in picking the country's top judges.

It has triggered protests by thousands of young people and others over the summer and an "infringement procedure" from the European Union.

It comes as some European leaders call for letting some member states in the wealthier, Western part of the bloc push ahead with further integration without the others following suit.

During the show broadcast Thursday on ZDF television, von der Leyen highlighted significant efforts undertaken by the Baltic states and Poland to "live in freedom" and to be part of the European Union.

"Precisely this healthy democratic resistance of the young people, also there in Poland, must be supported," she said.

Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski called on von der Leyen to withdraw her words.

"This is one of the most explicit statements, which I am not sure whether it is a warning or an admission by the German side of interfering into our internal affairs," Waszczykowski told the wpolitice.pl right-wing news portal.

The Polish defence ministry said it would summon the defence attache from the German embassy for an explanation.

Von der Leyen is part of the conservative team trying to negotiate a new coalition government with the pro-business Free Democrats and the environmental Greens.

Earlier this year she sparked outrage among the armed forces after she decried what she called "weak leadership" in the military. (Reporting by Lidia Kelly and Francesco Canepa; Writing by Lidia Kelly and Andrea Shalal; Editing by Stephen Powell)
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A British man has told how he was jailed in Dubai for more than two months and trapped there for two years after a row over a 2 taxi fare.

David Ballantine, 46, also ended up homeless and slept in hotel toilets after his savings ran out while he waited for his court hearing in the UAE city.

He said his nightmare began when he jumped into a cab with his friends, before seconds later they told the driver to stop over confusion about which of the group was supposed to be in the car.

Recommended Saudi Arabia could be the next tourist hotspot

But the businessman said the driver kept going for nearly 150 feet before he stopped near a policeman, and complained to the officer, who told Mr Ballantine that he would have to pay for the trip.

Mr Ballantine claimed he got out and withdrew cash from an ATM just a few feet away to cover the AED 10 (2) cost.

He said he dropped the money through the window of the car before he went back to his friends in the altercation in May, 2013.

But Mr Ballantine claimed the driver disputed that he had paid and jumped out of his taxi and attacked him before the police officer stepped in and arrested the British man.

He was later jailed for 69 days for supposedly not paying the fare, and accused of overstaying his visa when he appeared before court  despite the fact his passport had been confiscated.

Mr Ballantine, from Edinburgh, told the Daily Record: He reversed the taxi aggressively back to where my group was.

He accused me of not paying. I told him I had, and showed him where it was. He claimed that was his own money.

He became more hostile until he physically attacked me.

I was worried. I was in a fight, in Dubai, where I knew the law could be harsh, and I knew the driver would be believed over the Westerner.

Mr Ballantine was taken into custody and spent two years in the country while he waited for his trial.

He was convicted for not paying the taxi fare before being deported after serving out his 69-day jail term.

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 Ballantine claimed the UK government did nothing to help him.

Radha Stirling, head of campaign group Detained in Dubai, helped Mr Ballantine throughout his ordeal.

He told the Daily Record: He is part of a class action taken against the UK Government for failing in their duty of care to British citizens.

Details of Mr Ballantines ordeal came after reports of a string of British nationals being harshly treated by authorities in Dubai.

They include Jamie Harron, from Stirling, who was sentenced to prison last month when a businessman accused him of touching his hip in a bar.

He was freed within days only after Dubais ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum ordered he should be exonerated.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office warns British visitors in the UAE to be vigilant.

Its website reads: "You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times. There may be serious penalties for doing something that might not be illegal in the UK."
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Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri has resigned during a trip to Saudi Arabia in a surprise move that plunged the country into uncertainty amid heightened regional tensions.

In a televised address from Riyadh, Mr Hariri launced a vicious tirade against Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah group for what he said was their meddling in Arab affairs and said Irans arms in the region will be cut off.

The evil that Iran spreads in the region will backfire on it, Mr Hariri said, accusing Tehran of spreading chaos, strife and destruction throughout the region.

Mr Hariri was appointed Prime Minister in late 2016 and headed a 30-member national unity cabinet that included the Shiite militant Hezbollah. The government has largely succeeded in protecting the country from the effects of the civil war in neighbouring Syria.

The country is sharply divided along a camp loyal to Saudi Arabia, headed by the Sunni Muslim Mr Hariri, and a camp loyal to Iran represented by Hezbollah.

Mr Hariris resignation on Saturday was expected to sharply raise tensions in the country. In his speech, he suggested he feared for his life and said the atmosphere in the country is similar to the one that existed before his father, the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, was assassinated in 2005.

Several Hezbollah members are being tried in absentia for the killing by a UN-backed tribunal in The Hague, in the Netherlands. Hezbollah denies any involvement.

He said Hezbollahs policies have put Lebanon in the eye of the storm.

Hezbollah was able in past decades to impose a status quo in Lebanon through its weapons directed at the chests of Syrians and Lebanese, he said.

Earlier this week, Saudi state minister for Gulf affairs Thamer al-Sabhan sharply criticised Hezbollah, calling for its toppling and promising astonishing developments in the coming days during an interview with the Lebanese TV station MTV.

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 Sabhan met with Mr Hariri in Saudi Arabia when the now resigned Prime Minister was visiting first earlier this week. Mr Hariri abruptly returned to the kingdom later on Friday before his bombshell announcement on Saturday.

In tweets after meeting Mr Hariri, Mr Sabhan described it as long and fruitful meeting that resulted in agreements over many issues that concern the Lebanese. What comes is better, God willing, Mr Sabhan tweeted on Tuesday. In a series of tweets, Mr Sabhan criticized the Lebanese government for tolerating Hezbollahs criticism of the kingdom.

He earlier said that those who cooperate with Hezbollah must be punished.

The attacks on Hezbollah came on the heels of new US sanctions on the group.

AP
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Osama bin Laden tracked Prince Harrys planned deployment to Iraq, according to documents found at the al-Qaeda leaders compound.

The al-Qaeda leader downloaded a number of documents about the royal, including news articles about his military deployment.

One was headlined: Prince Harry moves into the line of fire, while another read: Prince Harry in Iraq could raise troops risk.

 Osama Bin Laden's son shown as adult for first time in home video

The prince was scheduled to travel to Iraq, but officials changed their mind and he served a tour in Helmand in Afghanistan later that year.

Published by the CIA on Wednesday, the documents were among 470,000 files recovered in the May 2011 raid on bin Ladens compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

The agency said it released the trove in the interest of transparency and to enhance public understanding of al-Qaeda and [bin Laden].

The articles were among more than 18,000 document files recovered from the property, where the al-Qaeda boss died.

A journal was also found, which appeared to reveal that bin Ladens hatred for the West grew after a summer trip to the UK as a teenager.

When he was 13 years old, bin Laden visited Shakespeares birthplace and became convinced the West was decadent.

Among more than 10,000 video files published by the CIA is the first image of the 9/11 architects son as an adult. Footage of Hamza bin Laden, believed to be the Al-Qaeda bosss favourite son and potential successor, was previously only seen in childhood photographs used as propaganda by the terror group.

The hour-long video that shows Hamza preparing for his wedding is believed to have been recorded around 10 years ago, when he was about 17 or 18 years old and living under house arrest in Iran.

The footage shows him sitting on the floor with a group of men while another man is heard chanting passages from the Quran in the background.

The documents seized from the Abbottabad property also show a complex relationship between the Sunni-dominated terror group and Iran.

Iran is run by Shia clerics and is the sworn enemy of the Sunni powers, such as Saudi Arabia, which have often been accused of funding al-Qaeda.

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

Critics have said a 19-page report assessing al-Qaedas relationship with Tehran was evidence of Irans support of al Qaedas war with the United States.

At various points Tehran is alleged to have offered al Qaeda help in the form of money, arms and training in Hezbollah camps in Lebanon in exchange for attacking US and Saudi targets. Iran has firmly denied cooperating with al-Qaeda.
The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, in Nasarawa State said 15 corps members in the Batch B Stream 1 had been sanctioned for various misconducts.

The state NYSC Coordinator, Zainab Isah, confirmed the action in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lafia on Friday.

Ms. Isah said that the affected corps members had their service year extended by various periods.

According to her, 2,224 Batch B Corp members successfully completed their service year.

She added that the successful NYSC corps members were issued certificates of national service at a low key passing out ceremony held in Lafia, on Thursday.

Ms. Isah explained that the decision to extend the service year of the erring corps members was the recommendation of the state NYSC Disciplinary Committee.

She said the sanction was to serve as a deterrent to others.

We have four corps members who absconded from service. Then 11 of them have various disciplinary cases.

I am really disappointed that even with the noble effort of government through this scheme, some people are not taking advantage of what NYSC is offering, she said.

The coordinator, however, disclosed that three corps members would be given awards for outstanding performances in their host communities.

Ms. Isah advised the just passed out corps members to be self-reliant rather than wait to seek for white collar jobs.

They should go ahead with what we taught them in camp. They should just continue with those trainings and I am sure those trainings will see them through and in no distance time, they too will be employers of labour, she said.

She thanked the state government for its support to the scheme and urged for its sustenance especially in the area of engagement of corps members who might have made significant positive impact in the area of their primary assignments.

Source : (NAN)
A court in Lagos state has sent a 16-year-old slay queen to prison after she reportedly stabbed her boyfriend to death.

An Ebuta-Meta Chief Magistrates Court, on Friday, remanded 16-year-old Hannah Osazuwa in Ikoyi Prison for allegedly stabbing her boyfriend to death in Lagos.

Chief Magistrate, Mr Tajudeen Elias, gave the order when the defendant appeared before him on a one-count charge of murder.

Elias ordered that the case file be duplicated and sent to the office of the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPPs) while the accused should remain at the Ikoyi Prisons pending a legal advice.

He adjourned the case to Dec. 12.

Earlier, the Police Prosecutor, Sgt. Kehinde Omisakin, had told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Oct. 16 at 9.00 a.m. at No. 34, Road K, Close, Gowon Estate, Egbeda.

She said that the accused had stabbed her boyfriend, Tomide Akintewe, 20, on his chest with a pair of scissors, resulting in bleeding that claimed his life.

The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Section 222 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which prescribes a death sentence for convicts.

Source: Naijaloaded
The Federal High Court in Awka, Anambra State, has fined a woman identified as Celestine Obama for allegedly faking a popular soap.

The court presided over by Justice I.N. Oweibo, granted the Onitsha-based market woman bail in the sum of N500,000.

Oba was dragged before the court by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control on a two counts of faking and selling the brand of soap at Gods Mercy and Miracle line, Ogbaru main market, Onitsha, Anambra State.

The charge read, The accused who resides at No. 5, Ugochukwu Lane, Nkpor near Onitsha on or about the 25th day of October 2017 at Gods Mercy Line, Ogbaru Main Market did sell cosmetics to writ, Eva soap without registration number and thereby committed an offence contrary to section1 (1) of the Food, Drugs and related Products (Registration) Act CAP F. 33 LFN 2004 which is punishable under section 6 (1) (a) of the same Act.

The accused under same date and place did sell to writ , Eva Soap in a manner that is false and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 5 (a) of food and drugs at CAP F32 LFN 2004 and punishable under section 17 of the same Act.

Oba however pleaded not guilty and was granted bail by the trial Judge, Justice I. N. Oweibo in the sum of N500,000.

Justice Oweibo said Oba would be in the custody of her lawyer, Amaka Ezeno, pending when she would perfect her bail conditions while the matter was adjourned till December 13, 2017 for further hearing.

Before the bail was granted, the counsel for the defendant, Ezeno, had argued that her client was wrongly charged.

Ezeno contended that soap was not in contemplation under food, drug and cosmetic law as charged.

She asked the court to strike out the case for lack of jurisdiction.

But Justice Oweibo, who was not persuaded by Ezenos argument, said the counsels submission was a subject of proof and evidence, insisting that the court would not stop hearing the case at that stage based on that submission.

Speaking with Southern City News, counsel for the Federal Government of Nigeria and NAFDAC, A.J. Washington while warning against the influx of fake and substandard products in various markets in the country, said Eva care soap was manufactured solely by Evans Industries Limited, Ikeja, Lagos.

He warned the public to beware of all cloned and unregistered products.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper)
Actress Paz de la Huerta has accused Harvey Weinstein of raping her twice in 2010, joining dozens of women who have levelled sexual assault allegations against the disgraced Hollywood mogul.

The 33-year-old, known for her role in hit TV series Boardwalk Empire, described the alleged assaults, which police are investigating, to Vanity Fair magazine.

The first occurred when Weinstein demanded to come inside De la Huertas apartment after driving her home, she said.

He pushed me onto the bed and his pants were down and he lifted up my skirt. I felt afraid It wasnt consensual, she told the magazine.

De la Huerta said the second assault occurred about a month later when Weinstein showed up at her building despite her having asked him to leave her alone, and suggested talking about it in her apartment.

She had been drinking and was in no state. I was so terrified of him I did say no, and when he was on top of me I said, I dont want to do this, the actress said.

Hes like a pig he raped me, she said.

New York Police Department spokesman Sergeant Brendan Ryan told AFP that the department is aware of the sexual assault complaints and is actively investigating them.

The NYPD continues to work with the Manhattan District Attorneys office on the case. The investigation is ongoing, Ryan said.

Accounts of abuse by Weinstein that were published last month in The New York Times and The New Yorker encouraged others to speak out, unleashing a cascade of allegations of sexual harassment and assault against leading figures in Hollywood and elsewhere.

Weinstein has denied the allegations.

AFP
The conduct of the ongoing Local Government election in Enugu State,has been condemned by the All Progressives Congress ( APC).

The National Vice Chairman, South East, Emmanuel Eneukwu, told journalists in his country home at Obinagu in Udi Local Government Area of the state that the election was a `sham.

Mr. Eneukwu said that election materials arrived very late at many council areas while other areas witnessed no election.

Voting materials arrived late in many areas across the state while sensitive materials like the result sheets were nowhere to be found.

There is no way election can be conducted without result sheets.

Even in my ward at Obinagu, materials have not arrived as at 1p.m, he said.

The APC vice chairman said that he had been to the local government headquarters at Udi to report and the electoral officer assured him that the materials would soon be distributed.

Let us give them the benefit of doubt, he said.

In his remarks, the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu, described the election as shambolic.

Mr. Okechukwu decried late arrival of materials in many polling units in the state.

This exercise is shambolic. I think the PDP is afraid of losing to the APC.

Is that how they will behave if devolution of powers is granted to governors?

So if they give them powers, opposition will die because they will use state police to intimidate them,  he said.

In his reaction, the Commissioner for Information, Ogbuagu Anikwe said that it was `aggressors that were trying to disrupt the elections.

This is part of their antics to make the entire process a nullity because they know they are losing.

PDP is not afraid of any opposition because PDP is on ground in Enugu State and it will take the opposition number of years to find itself in PDPs position, he said.

(NAN)
Bobrisky keeps doing whatever, so he can remain relevant on Social Media.

The last time, he made stirred up controversies yet again, after the death of a Popular openly gay man, Paul Arduad, who died from Anal Cancer.

Apparently, folks on Social Media, called on the Nigerian cross-dresser to desist from his gayish ways, so as not to end up with some sort of disease, thatd probably take his life, while others didnt care.

Now, the transvestite, has yesterday night, revealed hes got a new catch, a wealthy man who lives all way in Banana Island, Ikoyi.

He wrote on his Snapchat; Going to see a new toaster at banana island. Im a classy b***h

He also revealed on his Snapchat, for folks to address him as Miss Bobrisky from now onwards.

Meanwhile, Bobrisky recently showed off the cash he recently made.. and its in dollars He probably made it from knacking, his cream, or from his bae.. Whichever the case is.. He captioned the Bills with;
The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has finally broken silence over the death of his son, the leader describes the death as a grave loss, saying he wished he could bring him back.

Jide Tinubu died on Wednesday at the age of 37, several prominent Nigerians, including President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, and the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, had sent condolence messages to the APC chieftain.

In a statement on Friday, Tinubu said he would miss his son, disclosing that he died of cardiac arrest.

The statement read partly, My son was a highly intelligent person with a vibrant personality and a zest for life. He followed his own course and made his own way on his own terms. Those who knew him could not help but like him. Yet, he was taken away by cardiac arrest when it seemed he had so much life to still live.

Jide lived for so long in London and there he has left behind a darling wife and three precious boys. My wife, Remi, and I have gone to London to be with them at this painful time to support and help them. Please excuse our absence from Lagos for a while, but it is essential that we are with them.

I have suffered a grave loss that no parent would like to bear. As a father, I must spend time putting my arms around the family he has left behind. We must seek a lesson in every loss. Your reaction to my sons passing has taught me that we can be a people of profound love and humanity when we want to be. People of every tribe, region, faith and every political affiliation have expressed their sympathy and extended to me the embrace of a brother or sister.

Even those who dont agree with me politically have shown strong support and care indistinguishable from that of my associates. This says so much about the innate goodness in all of us. For no matter what, we are not foes or enemies. We are all of one human stock, a single nation, one family.

I wish I could bring my son back, but I cannot. However, what I can do is to be more caring and helpful to the living as I know this is what Jide would want to become of his passing.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper)
Popular Instagram celebrity and Gucci lord, Ray Hushpuppi who lives a luxurious lifestyle home and abroad.

Most of you might not know who Hushpuppi really is, thats why we decided to bring this to you guys.

Here 7 things you might not know about Hushpuppi:-

1. Hushpuppi whose real name is Raymond Igbalodely was born on June 14.

2. The famous Malaysian-based philanthropist also referred to as Aja 4 and Aja Puppi once revealed that he used to be a heavy gambler.

3. It is difficult to accurately calculate the net worth of this man. But his usage of such expensive cars as Rolls Royce and Range Rover suggests that he is able to afford the best.

4. Ray is a lover of Guccis clothes and shoes, and he can cartainly afford them.

5. He was once spotted at the Naomi Campbells Fashion for Relief charity event, hanging out with a number of big celebrities.

6. He has two children, a boy and a girl from two different women.

7. He is one of the individuals that musician, 9ice, mentioned in his controversial hit song Living Things which was widely believed as promoting internet fraud(sters) in Nigeria.

Source: Instagram
A 29-year-old native of Gombe State, Musa Maidabara, had spent just six years in the Nigerian Army. But he saw his chance of becoming rich one afternoon.

That day, in company with two friends, a fellow soldier, Edwin George and Ernest Anthony, they stole two large sacks filled with cash from an acquaintance.

Unknown to them, the bags contained the ransom paid for the release of Margaret, the wife of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, who was kidnapped in September 2016.

At the time, the police announced few hours after the release of the woman from captivity that two soldiers had been arrested by the Inspector-General of Police Response Team in connection with the case.

Maidabara, a graduate of Quantity Survey from the Nigerian Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies, Benue State, enlisted in the Army in 2010 and prior to his dismissal in January 2017, he was posted to 3 Division, Jos, Plateau State.

Maidabara claimed that his friend, Anthony, a taxi driver, invited him to celebrate the 2016 Independence Day with him in Benin, Edo State.

He said, I called one of my friends, George, who also attended the same Nigeria Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies serving in Maiduguri, Borno State, to follow me to Benin so we could celebrate Independence together. When we got to Benin, Ernest said that one of his friends gave him a large amount of money to escort him out of a bush. He even showed me the money. George and I put on our uniforms and asked him to take us to the man. When we got there, the man (identified only as Mohammed) was looking very dirty, he was carrying a bag. His companion also came out of the bush with another bag. They asked us to help them and I told them that I could not carry both of them. So, Mohammeds friend offered us money to help him to carry his bag and he asked Mohammed to keep the bag for him. We then took Mohammed and the two bags out of the bush, while on our way, I asked Mohammed why he was looking so dirty and he said we shouldnt worry that he would explain everything to us.

Mohammed was described as a cattle dealer based in Benin.

Maidabara claimed that Mohammed begged them to take him to a shop where he could get some new clothes.

But while Mohammed left them in the car to buy clothes in a store, Maidabara and his three friends conspired and zoomed off with the two bags of cash in the car. According to him, it was Anthonys suggestion.

He said, Ernest (Anthony) said it was our opportunity to get rich because he suspected that the money was stolen. We drove down to Delta State and shared the money. I took my share to my brothers house in Onitsha and hid it there.

Maidabara and Ernest said their parents live in Gombe State. They were planning to travel there when they were arrested.

The police tracked them down through one of Ernests girlfriends, Saturday PUNCH learnt.

She was said to have called that she wanted to see him, unknown to him, operatives of the IRT had laid in ambush for him.

Anthony, a Delta State indigene and father of three, said he picked Mohammed as a passenger while plying Benin as a taxi driver.
The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has confirmed that he will appear before the ad hoc committee set up by the Senate to probe the allegations and counter-allegations between him and the lawmaker representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, Isa Misau.

Although he described the issues as legal, Idris said he would appear before the panel as a mark of respect for the Senate.

The committee had on Thursday reported the police boss to the Senate over his non-appearance.

Idris on Wednesday failed to appear before the committee but wrote through his lawyer, Alex Iziyon (SAN), to inform the panel that his appearance would be sub judice as there were pending cases in court on the matter.

But he told State House correspondents on Friday after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari that he was consulting with his legal team on the matter.

These are legal issues. We are discussing with our legal team. Obviously, if there is a need, we are going to appear for the sake of having respect for the Senate. I will appear before them, he said.

The police boss said he was at the Presidential Villa to brief Buhari on security challenges in the country and how he was tackling them.

He said the discussion centered on the forthcoming election in Anambra State and cases of kidnapping being experienced in parts of the country.

On Anambra State governorship election, Idris said about 21,000 policemen would be mobilised, while boats and helicopters would also be used.

He said, We are deploying a lot of police officers, almost about 21,000 police officers, to be able to provide adequate security in the Anambra election.

We are deploying our boats to take care of the waterways; we are deploying our helicopters to take care of the aerial surveillance and we are deploying our conventional policemen and special police units to take care of situations on the ground.

By the grace of God, we are going to have a successful and peaceful election in Anambra State.

Idris said his men were on top of the situation as far as safety on the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway was concerned.

He said special units were deployed, resulting in the arrest of at least 3,000 suspects being held in various police stations.

He said with the death penalty approved for kidnappers by the National Assembly, cases of kidnapping would soon reduce drastically.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper)
Rap superstar Kanye West is back nearly a year after suffering a breakdown  making a brief musical appearance in which he appears to keep his feud with Taylor Swift alive.

West, a once omnipresent celebrity with a prolific media presence and high-profile marriage to Kim Kardashian, abruptly ended a tour and was hospitalized in November 2016 after unusual rants on stage.

Making his most visible appearance this year, West contributed a verse on a song released Tuesday by Cyhi The Prynce, an Atlanta rapper whom West earlier signed to his label imprint.

The song, Dat Side, expounds on the perils of fame and hits back at critics, with West speaking of being African-American in his affluent Los Angeles neighborhood.

Neighbors said they think I gave the neighborhood a black eye, the 40-year-old father of two raps.

He also appears to reference his ongoing rift with Swift. In his 2016 song Famous, West boasts that the pop star may have sex with him as he takes credit for her celebrity  a reference to how he disrupted her at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards.

Swift voiced anger at the lyric and hit back in Look What You Made Me Do, a vindictive track released in August.

West on the latest track references the name of the controversial song as he raps: The people claim to know you get famous on you / Then they go and blame it on you / You just good, they cant ignore you.

Wests last major public appearance following his hospitalization came in December when he unexpectedly showed up at Trump Tower in New York to meet then president-elect Donald Trump  whose aides said he was mulling an official role for the rapper.

AFP
Some Nigerian soldiers who had already been dismissed from the force, have reportedly staged a robbery attack on kidnappers of the CBN Governors wife.

Musa Maidabara, a 29-year-old native of Gombe State, had spent just six years in the Nigerian Army. But he saw his chance of becoming rich one afternoon.

According to Punch Metro, that day, in company with two friends, a fellow soldier, Edwin George and Ernest Anthony, they stole two large sacks filled with cash from an acquaintance.

Unknown to them, the bags contained the ransom paid for the release of Margaret, the wife of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, who was kidnapped in September 2016.

At the time, the police announced few hours after the release of the woman from captivity that two soldiers had been arrested by the Inspector-General of Police Response Team in connection with the case.

Maidabara, a graduate of Quantity Survey from the Nigerian Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies, Benue State, enlisted in the Army in 2010 and prior to his dismissal in January 2017, he was posted to 3 Division, Jos, Plateau State.

Maidabara claimed that his friend, Anthony, a taxi driver, invited him to celebrate the 2016 Independence Day with him in Benin, Edo State.

He said, I called one of my friends, George, who also attended the same Nigeria Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies serving in Maiduguri, Borno State, to follow me to Benin so we could celebrate Independence together.

When we got to Benin, Ernest said that one of his friends gave him a large amount of money to escort him out of a bush. He even showed me the money.

George and I put on our uniforms and asked him to take us to the man. When we got there, the man (identified only as Mohammed) was looking very dirty, he was carrying a bag. His companion also came out of the bush with another bag. They asked us to help them and I told them that I could not carry both of them.

So, Mohammeds friend offered us money to help him to carry his bag and he asked Mohammed to keep the bag for him. We then took Mohammed and the two bags out of the bush, while on our way, I asked Mohammed why he was looking so dirty and he said we shouldnt worry that he would explain everything to us.

Mohammed was described as a cattle dealer based in Benin.

Maidabara claimed that Mohammed begged them to take him to a shop where he could get some new clothes.

But while Mohammed left them in the car to buy clothes in a store, Maidabara and his three friends conspired and zoomed off with the two bags of cash in the car. According to him, it was Anthonys suggestion.

He said, Ernest (Anthony) said it was our opportunity to get rich because he suspected that the money was stolen. We drove down to Delta State and shared the money. I took my share to my brothers house in Onitsha and hid it there.

Maidabara and Ernest said their parents live in Gombe State. They were planning to travel there when they were arrested.

The police tracked them down through one of Ernests girlfriends, Saturday Punch reports.

She was said to have called that she wanted to see him, unknown to him, operatives of the IRT had laid in ambush for him.

Anthony, a Delta State indigene and father of three, said he picked Mohammed as a passenger while plying Benin as a taxi driver.

According to him, during the course of the journey, Mohammed discovered he could speak Hausa well by virtue of the fact that he grew up in Gombe State.

He claimed that Mohammed warmed up to him and even told him about his booming cattle trade.

Ernest said, He requested my phone number and said he would like to use me as his taxi driver whenever he was in Benin City.

He called me on October 1, 2016 around 6.20am to come and pick him somewhere around Bypass in Benin City. At that time, I was already expecting Maidababara, my friend serving in Benue.

I met him and he asked me to take him to his house in Upper Sakpomba area of Benin. I told him I could not because I was expecting my friend from Makurdi. Before I knew what, he handed me a huge amount of money which I didnt count, but I suspected that the money was close to N2m.

I was scared when he gave me the money because I saw another bag containing a large amount of money. I zoomed off in fear. When I got home, I met Maidababara and one of his friends, George, and I explained everything to them.

Ernest claimed that while he was at home, Mohammed called again and pleaded with him to come and pick him.

At this point, Maidababara reportedly asked to speak with Mohammed over the phone and identified himself as a soldier.

Ernest stated, We decided to go and meet Mohammed. When we got to his location, Maidababara asked me to remain in the vehicle and he went out to meet Mohammed and other members of his gang.

Maidababara only allowed Mohammed to enter the vehicle and we drove to Agbor where he said he wanted to buy a new cloth.

After we fled with the two bags of money, we shared the money and got N6.5m each. The next day, I went to buy a Honda car for N1.5m in Onitsha and bought household appliances for N200,000.

But I was with one of my girlfriends when I was arrested in Benin. I swear I did not know the money was from the kidnap of the wife of the CBN governor. But it was when I was arrested that I knew about it. I thought Mohammed stole it.

George on the other hand said he thought they were stealing the proceeds of Mohammeds cattle business.

He said he also bought a car for N1.5m from his share.

My conscience troubled me. It was when I was arrested that I knew that the money was from kidnapping, he said.

The police have said the suspects would be charged to court soon.
The Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, on Saturday inspected the palace of Emir of Gusau being executed at a cost of N505 million by the state government.

The governor also inspected the reconstruction of 23-km Gusau Bypass.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government had in July awarded the road to TRIACTA Construction Ltd at a cost of N2.2 billion.

Mr. Yari, who expressed satisfaction with the quality and level of jobs done on the two projects, urged the contractors to ensure timely completion of the projects.

Our administration since inception has embarked on various development projects aimed at improving the lives of the people, the governor said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Ibrahim Dosara.

The governor, who had earlier met with heads of security agencies over the security situation in the state, urged the people to ensure that the projects were protected against damage or abuse.

Earlier, the Chairman of the State Project Monitoring Committee, Lawal Liman, assured the governor of supervision of the contractors to ensure delivery of quality jobs and timely completion.

NAN also reports that the new emirs palace which is one of the modern palaces being built by the government has facilities such as spacious reception, dinning room, Emirs wing and guest houses.

It also has boys quarters and girls arena, Sarkin Gida and Sarkin Dogarai quarters, a school and a mosque, perimeter fence with two gates.

Source : (NAN)
A Nigerian student who was dancing at her graduation party has ended up being shot dead in the process by a vigilante in an Edo State community.

Uloko Lauretta Apaume, a female student of the Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State has been shot dead while dancing at her graduation party, The Nation reports.

Lauretta was reportedly killed on Friday night by a member of the Auchi community vigilante group who was invited to provide security at the all night party.

Witnesses said Lauretta who studied Banking and Finance was killed by a stray bullet from the yet to be identified vigilante.

It was learnt that the students, as a tradition, invited members of Auchi Community vigilante group to help provide security at the party organised to celebrate sucessful completion of Higher National Diploma (HND).

The witness said that the vigilante attempted to fire some shots into the air as part of the celebration but the bullet failed to come out.

The vigilante was lowering the gun to know why it failed to release bullet after firing and in the process the bullet discharge itself and accidentally killed the girl who was dancing on the spot

The incident caused panic as the celebrating students scampered for safety but the suspects was later arrested by the police.

State Commissioner of Police, Babatunde Johnson Kokumo, who confirmed the incident, said it was clearly a misadventure and not intentional killing.

Kokumo stated that the female student was celebrating that she was done with school when the incident occurred.

The vigilance men, according to the report of the divisional police officer on ground, had been invited by the students and it was in the night.

It was clearly a misadventure; it was not an intentional killing as there is no record of any sort that there had been malice between the late student or any student for that matter and the vigilance men. So, the vigilance man had an accidental discharge so to say while the celebration was on,

The suspect is already in custody, assuring that the police are doing everything to pacify the students so that there would be no reprisal attack on innocent citizens.
A 46-year-old policeman in Delta State, identified as, Corporal Barau Garba, who allegedly abducted a 14-year-old girl and turned her to a sex slave over a six-day period, has now been dismissed from the force.

It was learnt that Garba was handed a summary dismissal after an orderly room trial on Monday, October 30 in Anambra State.

This was confirmed by the spokesperson for the command, Mrs. Nkiruka Nwode.

The case of the 14-year-old girl made headlines when an activist, Mr. Alhassan Dambata, revealed how the girl got lost on October 14, while on an errand from Asaba, Delta State to Onitsha and was approached by Garba.

It was learnt that rather than give the girl direction, the policeman from MOPOL 7, Sokoto State on a special duty in Anambra State, abducted the girl and sexually assaulted her in his home for six days.

Garba, who was temporarily attached to the Okpoko Police Division in Onitsha, would be arraigned in a magistrates court in Anambra State on November 8, our correspondent learnt.

When Saturday PUNCH reached out to the parents, who are natives of Kano state but living in Delta State, about the welfare of their girl, they said they would rather speak through the activist who serves as the interface between them and the police.

Dambata said, The parents are very poor and uneducated. This is why Maryam does not attend any school. We have been trying our best to give her some care and treatment. But after the initial outcry from members of the public, we have heard nothing from government officials as a way of assisting the girl. An official from the Office of the Vice President even called to inquire about the condition of the girl, but we have heard nothing since then.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Mr. Umar Garba, has been wonderful. He paid all her hospital bills and has even said that if anything is expected from the parents, which they cannot afford, they should come to him.

Apart from him, a woman donated N10,000 to the girl childs care and a student even donated N3,000 for her care.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper)
The global leader of the Roman Catholic church, Pope Francis, has requested that Catholic priests be given the right to get married.

Pope Francis has requested that Roman Catholic priests be given the right to get married, Yahoo News UK reports.

The request applies to priests in Brazil, and is on the agenda for an upcoming synod (church council) in the Amazon region.

The controversial move would address the critical shortage of men joining the priesthood  but is likely to drive divisions through the church by enraging conservative factions.

A small number of married Roman Catholic priests already exist, including previously married Anglican vicars who have joined the church.

A request to lift the ban on marriage was made by Brazilian bishop Cardinal Claudio Hummes, who reportedly asked the Pope to consider viri probati, meaning married of great faith, as priests.

Derry priest Father Paddy OKane suggested that Pope Francis may move to end celibacy earlier this month, saying there was support amongst the church for the idea.

Fr OKane cited Brazilian liberation theologian Leonardo Boff, who said: The Brazilian bishops, especially the popes own personal friend Cardinal Claudio Hummes, have expressly requested Pope Francis to enable married priest in Brazil to return to pastoral ministry.

I have recently heard that the pope wants to fulfil this request  as an experimental, preliminary phase for the moment confined to Brazil.

Earlier this year the Pope told Die Zeit newspaper: We must consider if viri probati is a possibility. Then we must determine what tasks they can perform, for example, in remote communities.

Francis and his predecessor Benedict XVI have both stated that celibacy is not a matter of inflexible church dogma unlike, and could be debated.
Though a small number of Roman Catholic priests already exist including previously married Anglican vicars who have joined the church, Pope Francis has requested that Catholic priests be given the right to get married, a request which also applies to priests in Brazil, and is said to be on the agenda for an upcoming synod (church council) in the Amazon region.

The pontiff took the decision to put a partial lifting of priestly celibacy up for discussion and a possible vote by Brazilian bishops following a request made by Cardinal Claudio Hummes, the president of the Episcopal Commission for the Amazon, Il Messaggero newspaper quoted the sources saying.

Cardinal Hummes reportedly asked Francis to consider ordaining so-called viri probati, married men of great faith, capable of ministering spiritually to the many remote communities in the Amazon where there is a shortage of priests, and evangelical Christians and pagan sects are displacing Catholicism. He has also suggested that the bishops attending the synod in 2019 on the Amazon, now being prepared in Rome, should consider ordaining women deacons as priests.

In an interview with Germanys Die Zeit newspaper, the pontiff said We must consider if viri probati is a possibility. Then we must determine what tasks they can perform, for example, in remote communities, he said.

In the Amazon region, for instance, there is just one priest for every 10,000 Catholics.
The Presidency on Saturday insisted that President Muhammadu Buharis appointments are not lopsided in favour of the North as suggested by a recent media report.

According to the Special Adviser of the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, stated this in a statement made available to journalists.

The media report had claimed that 81 of Buharis appointments are from the North. But Adesina described the report as a mischievous attempt to mislead the public and portray the Buhari administration in bad light.

He said the writer unilaterally selected 100 appointees to drive home the distraction presented as facts.

To claim, suggest or attempt to insinuate that the Presidents appointments are tilted in favour of a section of the country is simply untrue and certainly uncharitable, he said.

The presidential spokesman insisted that it is false for anyone to say that Buharis appointments are lopsided. He added,

From all records, majority of the Presidents appointees across different portfolios are not from the North, as the publication erroneously alleged.

If the publication did not have ulterior motives, a simple enquiry from official sources in the Presidency would have prevented this unwarranted public disinformation.

It must be stated clearly that, despite the distractions and biased reportage of this article, President Muhammadu Buhari remains committed to serving all Nigerians, no matter the tribe, ethnicity or region, and he is also determined to ensure that Nigeria remains strong and united.

He has, and will continue to keep faith with one Nigeria and has shown this with the administrations diverse projects in different parts of the countrys geopolitical zones.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper)
The Nigeria Air Force has destroyed a gathering of the deadly Boko Haram members after dropping bombs on them in Sambisa forest.

The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has revealed that the air component of Operation Ruwan Wuta II hit a mass gathering of Boko Haram terrorists in their hideout at Sambisa forest area of Borno State.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Headquarters, Olatokunbo Adesanya made this known in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.

Mr. Adesanya, an air commodore disclosed that the NAF conducted an air interdiction mission on a blue-roofed structure in Talala, a Boko Haram infested location in Sambisa on October 30.

In the closing stages of Operation Ruwan Wuta II, the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, continued to rain significant fire on Boko Haram Terrorists hideouts, with intensive day and night aerial bombardments.

Intelligence reports from NAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms as well as human intelligence had revealed that a sizeable number of Boko Haram terrorists were holding a meeting in the blue-roofed building, he said.

Consequently, a NAF fighter aircraft was scrambled to attack the building. Subsequent Battle Damage Assessment revealed that the building and its occupants were neutralised as a result of the air strike, he added.

NAF had in October 23 initiated Operation Ruwan Wuta II to support the ground forces in the ongoing counter-insurgency operation in the North-east.

The statement noted that the operation is to decimate the ability of the Boko Haram terrorists to freely operate with a view to giving advantage to the surface forces and thereby frustrate the efforts of the Boko Haram fighters to recapture any Nigerian territory.

Watch the video below:
Controversial Nigerian senator, Dino Melaye, has reportedly been pelted with stones in a furious attack at the Kabba Day celebration.

According to a Saturday Punch report, ahat would have resulted in horrendous personal injury was averted on Saturday as the senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, escaped from an angry mob that had pelted him with stones and other dangerous objects at the Kabba Day celebration.

Governor Yahaya Bello reportedly got the news of the attack on the senator and allegedly made a U-Turn before he reached the venue.

Melaye was pelted with stones and other dangerous objects at the township stadium venue of the celebration, our correspondent has reported.

The senator, who arrived the venue at about 11 oclock in the morning, was welcome by a crowd as he posed for photographs with supporters.

He was then invited to make a speech and announce his donation before the arrival of the governor who was already in Kabba for the occasion.

Shortly after Dino announced a donation of N3m cash, he headed for his car, but some suspected thugs started throwing stones and other objects at him as he made for his G-Wagon.

The security men had to use tear gas to bring the situation under control.

Meanwhile, all the security apparatus of the governor, led by his ADC and the Chief Details, were at the venue ahead of Governor Yahaya Bello who was expected to grace the occasion.

According to the source, there was strong indication that some people might also cause crisis if the governor had attended the programme.

Our correspondent gathered that when the news of Dinos attack reached the governor, he decided to boycott the event and, instead, sent his donation of N20m on behalf of the state government.

The swift intervention of security personnel on ground saved the day, as one of the thugs was arrested and whisked away in a prison van with registration number PS 300 A/O.
An undergraduate in the Abia State College of Health, Science and Management Technology, Aba, Felicia Ifeanyi, on Friday, gave birth to a set of triplets at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.

Felicia, a resident of Uhet in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, said she did not expect to give birth to triplets, adding that they were gift from God.

Her excited husband, Okechuku, told Southern City News on Friday that God gave them the babies without them asking for them.

The joyous mother, whose husband is jobless, however, said she does not have the wherewithal to cater for the babies.

She, therefore, called on government and well-meaning individuals and corporate organisations to come to their rescue.

Felicia said, I just started schooling last year in Abia State College of Health, Science and Management Technology in Aba when I found out I was pregnant. I am very happy for this bundle of joy that God has given to me but I do not know how we are going to take care of these children in terms of feeding because I am not working.

I will be happy if the government can come in and assist us even if it is by empowering us in any kind of business just to take care of their needs.



In his comment, Okechuku said, When she did her scan in Aba, where she is schooling, my mother advised that we register at the UCTH in Calabar and that was how we came here.

I feel very excited because this blessing was not what I expected. God has given them to me free of charge and this is what other people are looking for. So, it is a thing of joy for us.

We need assistance from government or individuals who are willing to help. I do not have any history of triplets in my family and even my community. This is the first time such blessing has come to us.
Popular Ghanaian curvy actress, Moesha Buduong says shes popular in Ghana because her talent is too big and the local producers cannot use her.

My talent is as big as my ass, Moesha told live FM during an interview, adding that movie directors and producers in Ghana have not been able to exploit her full potential.

She said;
Martha ODonovan who works for Magamba TV, was arrested on Friday with her laptop seized for reportedly calling President Robert Mugabe a Goblin on Twitter, the first arrest since the creation of a Ministry of Cyber Security last month, her lawyers said.

Zimbabwean Human Rights Lawyers who defended Martha, said she was arrested for allegedly undermining authority of or insulting the President, after tweeting about a Goblin whose wife and step-sons had imported a Rolls Royce, an apparent reference to 93-year-old Mugabe even though he was not named.

When contacted, Police spokeswoman Charity Charamba said she had no immediate information about the case,

as it was also gathered that Marthas Twitter account was reportedly locked on Friday following her arrest by policemen who stormed her residence with a search warrant.

A quick check on her locked Twitter account, shows photograph on her home page referred to #ShutdownZimbabwe2016, a series of protests in 2016 that rattled Mugabes government and elicited a fierce crackdown on the streets and online.

Though the U.S Embassy is aware of Marthas arrest, however Reuters reported that her Lawyer said if shes convicted, she faces a maximum of one year in jail.
The controversial letter, whose veracity is yet to be proved, contained the details of vacancies in the Corporation and had requested the CPM district secretary to provide the candidates.
Weve all heard the stories from our parents or grandparents about how service was much better back in the day. I remember tales of full-service gas stations where the attendants would not only pump the gas for you but clean your windshield and check your oil and tire pressureall with a smile on their face. Or the bag boys at the local supermarket whod pack your order and help you to your vehicle.

With todays want it now mentality, service has fallen by the wayside. We now have the Internet, self-service kiosks and self-checkouts. But I still believe theres a place in this world for good old-fashioned service.

Heres an example to ponder: You take your family to a restaurant and the food is OK, but you wait longer than expected for your meal or a refill of your beverage. The cost is cheap vs. going to another restaurant where the server is attentive, glasses are never less than half full, and the food is promptly delivered hot and fresh. Which would you visit again? To which would you refer a friend? The answer should be obviousthe second one, right?

Now think about the self-storage industry. In the early days, we hired retired couples to be caretakers of our facilities. The wife usually handled all the paperwork, and the husband took care of minor maintenance. The site might have sold locks and boxes, but for the most part, it was a small, bare-bones office.

Fast forward to current times. We spend a lot of money and time focusing on marketing to drive business to our doors. Why wouldnt we want to have the best sales-oriented person answering the phone or standing in the doorway when a potential customer walks through it? Weve all heard about storage facilities where it seems the customer is bothering the person behind the desk. Yours shouldnt be one of them.

Customer service is vital to our daily business. Whether its showing units, collecting rent, or selling boxes and packing supplies, service is key. Unfortunately, some operators have lost this aspect of their business. Heres how to get it back.

An Easy Decision

A self-storage facility should be staffed with salespeople who are ready and willing to help potential new tenants make a smart storage decision. No one wakes up one morning and says, You know, I think I want to rent a storage unit today. People who come to us have a real need and, often, its not the best time for them. Whether this necessity stems from a divorce, adult kids moving back home, in-laws moving in due to health, etc., it should be our job to make their choice as easy as possible.

Every facility should have the right people available to guide customers through rough waters and get them the best possible unit at the best possible price. You earn a customer and, more important, an advocate for your brand if you can accomplish this simple task!

You can often see the worry and frustration leave customers faces when you, the storage professional, give them guidance based on your experience. By asking a few relevant questions and listening, you can do a great deal of good. There are many managers who do this every day, and theres nothing more rewarding than helping someone solve a problem or concern.

A Positive Attitude

Service is what sets you apart from your competitor down the street. Lets face it, were all selling space in a metal box. Some facilities are fancier than others, but at the end of the day, every 10-by-10 serves the same function.

When shopping for storage online, most people are looking for a convenient site at a competitive price. But they usually follow that search with a visit to the facility to make their final decision. Industry research shows women make most of the decisions when choosing a storage facility. While bathrooms and cleanliness are key to this demographic, equally important is the initial interaction with the person behind the counter.

Our facial expressions are our inner facade being shown to the world. Some operators have a mirror on their counter to remind managers to smile when talking on the phone or to a live visitor. You've likely been told that it takes fewer muscles to smile than it does to frown. This alone should make you want to smile more often! People can also detect your mood by your body language and demeanor. Most would rather not interact with someone who projects a negative attitude.

Weve all heard the success stories of customer-focused companies such as Chick-fil-A, Disney and Southwest Airlines. Who wouldnt want a reputation like that in the storage world? There are many fascinating articles about these companies and others online. Take a moment to read how theyve stepped up their service efforts. We dont need to recreate the wheel. We just need to follow the examples that have been set before us.

The Platinum Rule

Customer service means different things to different people. Many live by the Golden Rule, but its not the always the best or only solution. The problem is it assumes everyone wants to be treated the same way. Instead, consider the Platinum Rule, which allows us to think about how others want to be treated instead of how we want to be treated. Once we make the switch in our mind, we begin to understand we must offer options to our customers based on their needs, not our own.

No matter how you think about it, customer service is the key to self-storage survival in todays fast-paced environment. The next time the phone rings or the door opens, make sure you have a smile on your face and your ears are open to your future customer!

Jim Mooney Jr. is vice president of operations for Devon Self Storage, which operates 47 facilities. Known as a modernizer of industry processes, he leverages his 15 years of experience to improve the performance of the Devon portfolio. Hes the lead contact for the companys vendor relationships and has spearheaded several management takeovers for its acquisitions. Hes a frequent contributor to industry publications and conferences, and is a member of the Maryland Self Storage Association Board of Directors. To reach him, call 717.767.2735; e-mail [email protected]; visit www.devonselfstorage.com.
The Taoiseach has expressed concern that beastly things might happen to three of his ministers if they go ahead with plans to visit North Korea, writes Juno McEnroe.

Independent Alliance Ministers are set to defy government opposition to the trip and have received an open invitation to visit Pyongyangs embassy in London to organise their trip.

Alliance Minister of State John Halligan told the Irish Examiner that North Korean embassy officials in Britain have replied and invited him and ministers Shane Ross and Finian McGrath over for discussions. They have sought a meeting with dictator Kim Jung-un.

Speaking towards the end of a three-day trade mission to the United States, Leo Varadkar said he had no doubt the suggestion for the trip was well motivated but it was not something that he would envisage going ahead.

Minister of State John Halligan is seeking a parliamentary trip to North Korea. The DFA has said it does not support any such visit pic.twitter.com/YsiKURcKM3  RTE News (@rtenews) November 3, 2017

It is a dangerous place to go, he told reporters in San Francisco. I certainly wouldnt want anything beastly happening to any ministers of state or any member of my Government.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is to arrange a briefing for Mr Halligan on the situation in North Korea next Monday.

While Mr Halligan, Disabilities Minister Finian McGrath and Transport Minister Shane Ross would not go during Dail time, would pay their own way and not travel officially as members of the government, many have criticised the move.

Mr Halligan said the proposed trip is to try and stall growing tensions between North Korea and the US over nuclear arms. Labour said it was another attention seeking idea from the alliance while Fianna Fail claimed Mr Halligans visit was a pilgrimage for the former Workers Party member.

But the Fine Gael-side of government is not too pleased with the prospect of senior members talking to a regime that is subject to EU sanctions and is currently threatening nuclear strikes.

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney spoke with the junior minister yesterday. A full briefing has been offered to the alliance next week. A statement added: The Government position remains that we do not support any parliamentary delegation visiting North Korea at this time, given the sensitivities involved.

Mr Halligan said the alliance would still like to proceed with their visit - even in the face of opposition from Government.

If we go to London [to the embassy], well have a chat. It will probably be after Christmas. Whats wrong with dealing with cultural contacts [with North Korea]? he said.
The Citizens Assembly has today been discussing Ireland's transport policy in relation to climate change.

Some 100 members are sharing ideas before voting tomorrow on recommendations to submit to the Oireachtas.

The aim of the session is to find ways to make Ireland a leader in tackling climate change.

Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority, said that there are three main areas we need to look at to reduce carbon emissions.

Anne Graham,CEO,National Transport Authority @TFLupdates presents to #CitizensAssembly on current transport policy in Ireland pic.twitter.com/UD3BxWuCqU  The Citizens' Assembly (@CitizAssembly) November 4, 2017

"We need to avoid travel - reduce or avoid the need to travel," she said.

"We need to shift and shift to more environmentally friendly modes, and then improve the vehicles that we use, and improve the efficiency of the vehicle technology.

"So avoid-shift-improve is the main three areas we need to look at when we're talking about reducing carbon emissions."
There are renewed calls for the EU to urgently create migration channels for desperate asylum seekers fleeing Libya.

It comes as nearly 600 people are rescued from the Mediterranean in the past week.
A Scottish Government minister has resigned over past actions he said had been "considered to be inappropriate".

Mark McDonald, the SNP minister for childcare and early years, apologised "to anyone I have upset" as he stepped down from the role.

The MSP for Aberdeen Donside said previous behaviour he had thought "humorous or attempting to be friendly" might have made others uncomfortable.

It is understood the complaint is one of two made to the SNP about inappropriate behaviour, the second of which does not relate to a parliamentarian.

Earlier in the week First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon had warned men in positions of power in the party to reflect on their behaviour as allegations of sexual harassment reached Holyrood.

In his resignation statement, Mr McDonald, who was appointed a minister in May last year, said:

"It has been brought to my attention that some of my previous actions have been considered to be inappropriate - where I have believed myself to have been merely humorous or attempting to be friendly, my behaviour might have made others uncomfortable or led them to question my intentions.

"My behaviour is entirely my responsibility and I apologise unreservedly to anyone I have upset or who might have found my behaviour inappropriate.

"In light of my position in government, I believe it would not be appropriate for me to continue to serve in my role in the Scottish Government at this time and I have tendered my resignation as a minister.

"I hope that in taking this step neither any particular woman or my family will be the focus of undue and unwarranted scrutiny.

"It has been an honour to serve in the Scottish Government and I will continue to serve my constituents in Aberdeen Donside to the best of my ability."

Deputy First Minister John Swinney also warned men to examine their behaviour in a statement to parliament earlier this week.

A spokesman for the First Minister said: "Mark has taken the right action in apologising and recognising that in his current role it would be inappropriate for him to remain in government.

"He will continue to make a valuable contribution to parliament as the MSP for Aberdeen Donside.

As the Deputy First Minister told parliament earlier in the week it is right that men take responsibility for their behaviour and it is to Mark's credit that he has done so."

A Scottish Government spokesman said Mr McDonald tendered his resignation to the First Minister on Saturday.

He said: "The Education Secretary is responsible for all aspects of the education portfolio including those led by the minister for childcare and early years.

The First Minister will appoint a new minister in due course."

The claims of harassment in Scottish politics first emerged after human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar said women ranging from MSPs to interns had raised concerns about behaviour across the Scottish Parliament.

A confidential phone line was launched and an anonymised survey will be carried out to determine the extent of the problem at Holyrood, which said it was not dealing with any current cases.

The measures were announced after Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh held an urgent meeting with representatives from each party including Ms Sturgeon.

A Scottish Parliament spokesman said cases of inappropriate behaviour or harassment brought to the attention of officials over the last five years were ''in single figures'' and one historic case had been referred to police.

The Government said the number it had dealt with was similar and it is reviewing sexual harassment complaint procedures, as are the parliament and all political parties.
Independent Alliance Ministers are set to defy government opposition to the trip and have received an open invitation to visit Pyongyangs embassy in London to organise their trip.

Alliance Minister of State John Halligan told the Irish Examiner that North Korean embassy officials in Britain have replied and invited him and ministers Shane Ross and Finian McGrath over for discussions. They have sought a meeting with dictator Kim Jung-un.

Speaking towards the end of a three-day trade mission to the United States, Leo Varadkar said he had no doubt the suggestion for the trip was well motivated but it was not something that he would envisage going ahead.

It is a dangerous place to go, he told reporters in San Francisco. I certainly wouldnt want anything beastly happening to any ministers of state or any member of my government.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is to arrange a briefing for Mr Halligan on the situation in North Korea next Monday.

While Mr Halligan, Disabilities Minister Finian McGrath and Transport Minister Shane Ross would not go during Dail time, would pay their own way and not travel officially as members of the government, many have criticised the move.

Mr Halligan said the proposed trip is to try and stall growing tensions between North Korea and the US over nuclear arms. Labour said it was another attention seeking idea from the alliance while Fianna Fail claimed Mr Halligans visit was a pilgrimage for the former Workers Party member.

But the Fine Gael-side of government is not too pleased with the prospect of senior members talking to a regime that is subject to EU sanctions and is currently threatening nuclear strikes.

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney spoke with the junior minister yesterday. A full briefing has been offered to the alliance next week. A statement added: The Government position remains that we do not support any parliamentary delegation visiting North Korea at this time, given the sensitivities involved.

Mr Halligan said the alliance would still like to proceed with their visit - even in the face of opposition from Government.

If we go to London [to the embassy], well have a chat. It will probably be after Christmas. Whats wrong with dealing with cultural contacts [with North Korea]? he said.
As part of their consideration of the topic, assembly members will hear presentations on the transport and agriculture sectors and from national and international academics and practitioners on leadership in climate change.

The presenters include Anne Graham, chief executive of the National Transport Authority; Brian Caulfield of Trinity College; Andrew Kerr, executive director of the Centre for Carbon Innovation and Professor of Climate and Low Carbon Innovation at University of Edinburgh; Professor Gary Lanigan, research officer with Teagasc; and Alan Matthews, professor emeritus of European agricultural policy.

This afternoon, a panel discussion on leadership in agriculture and food will take place with Longford farmer Andrew McHugh who is involved in the Smart Farming initiative, Iseult Ward from Foodcloud, and Tony Garraghy of Lough Boora Farm.

Tomorrow morning will see a presentation by the chair of the Climate Change Advisory Council, Professor John Fitzgerald, on the membership and work of the council and the councils view on current climate change policy in Ireland.

Tomorrow afternoon, the members will reach their recommendations by ballot paper voting. Each question on the draft ballot paper will be subject to discussion, including private roundtable discussions and question and answer sessions to examine the draft and facilitate any changes suggested and agreed by the members.

Assembly chairwoman Ms Justice Mary Laffoy said the weekend would likely involve rigorous debate and discussion on how Ireland can tackle climate change more effectively.

This weekend, following feedback from the members and with the additional guidance of the submissions, we will consider the relationship between climate change policies and transport and agriculture, and examine examples of international leadership in climate change, she said.

Following the presentations, the members will be asked to make their recommendations. This is the third time that the members have voted by secret ballot and if previous weekends are anything to go by, we can expect an afternoon of rigorous debate and discussion.

In advance of the assembly meeting, Transport Minister Shane Ross and Environment Minister Denis Naughten welcomed the engagement with what the Government considers one of its most pressing challenges.

In a statement, the ministers indicated that they are looking forward to the report and recommendations of the assembly on both tackling emissions reduction in transport and the role of citizen engagement in addressing the challenges of climate change.

They said that a series of measures announced in Budget 2018 clearly reflected this Governments determination to make progress on decarbonising transport.
The iPhone X is the first Apple smartphone to feature facial recognition technology, known as Face ID, which is used to unlock the device.

It is also the first iPhone to feature an edge-to-edge OLED screen, which Apple says will provide a brighter, more detailed display.

Industry experts had predicted large queues for the launch, after the iPhone 8  released in September  was met with a muted response.

Smartphone expert Ernest Doku, from uSwitch.com, said many consumers had chosen to wait for the X as they saw it as the main event phone.

Reality TV star, Marco Pierre White Jr, son of the famous chef, was one the first to buy the new device at Apples Regent Street store, where the phone launched as the most expensive iPhone ever, starting at 999 (1,125).

The former Celebrity Big Brother contestant paid for two new handsets in cash while live streaming his experience on a Samsung smartphone.

White told reporters he was buying devices for himself and a friend.

Last year, the model admitted in court to racking up thousands of pounds on a ex-girlfriends bank card, which the court was told included a visit to an Apple Store and paying for an Uber.

Labelled the future of the iPhone by Apple boss Tim Cook, the iPhone X uses Face ID facial recognition to unlock the device, doing away with the Home button and Touch ID fingerprint sensor of previous iPhone handsets. Hundreds queued overnight to ensure they were among the first to buy the device amid reports of limited early stock being available in the first days of sale.

Many other customers who pre-ordered the iPhone X had been given delivery dates up to six weeks away, after the initial stock sold out in minutes when pre-orders began on October 27.

Large queues were reported outside Apple retail stores globally, including in Australia and China.

Tweeting early yesterday morning, Apple CEO Mr Cook thanked customers who were turning out around the world to buy the new phone.

The launch comes in the wake of strong quarterly financial results on Thursday night, with Apple predicting revenue in the next quarter of more than $80bn, a suggestion that the company is confident of strong sales of the X.
Confirmation came after three rental properties in the capital were exposed by RTE Investigates for health and safety risks and overcrowding.

The fire brigades convenor Shane McGill, said: It is clear that the fire risks in cities, in particular, have changed substantially and the fire service needs to respond accordingly.

We are now dealing with multi-occupancy dwellings the likes of which have not been seen since the time of the tenements. As shown in the programme, there are many people living in these overcrowded and clearly unsafe units.

Mr McGill said: Adding to the problem is a large amount of combustible material evident in these dwellings. In addition, height restrictions have also been lifted on building in the city, which will lead to more high rise.

Meanwhile, Siptus national full-time firefighters chair Noel Heaney said operational fire prevention staffing numbers had not increased since the outcome of the Stardust fire enquiry.

They urgently need to be increased in order to conduct fire safety inspections of buildings, he said, urging Housing MinisterEoghan Murphy to intervene.

Brendan Kenny, deputy CEO of Dublin City Council, said the fire service was dealing with 25 locations. There was a very serious case in Mountjoy Square that was dealt with and closed down. There are other cases out there, he said.

We need to get a clear, clear message out to these unscrupulous landlords that we wont tolerate this in the future, he said yesterday.

Mr Kenny said gross overcrowding is a new trend: This is a new situation that we have faced in about the last 12 months, an increasing level of gross overcrowding in the private rented sector.

Initially, we were trying to deal with it through environmental health and planning enforcement. It has become clear the only way to deal with these issues is through the fire brigade and fire safety and thats what we have been doing, he said.

In one case highlighted in the broadcast, a private rented property occupied by 64 people had been reported four times to the city council but it took eight weeks for an inspection to be carried out.

In that particular case, we absolutely put our hands up, he said. That situation should have been referred to Dublin Fire Brigade much earlier. It didnt happen.

Were very much reliant on the members of the public and tenants and everybody else to make contact with us, he stated.

We want to encourage people to make contact with us rather than making it awkward for people.
Severe overcrowding in rental accommodation, 16 people to a room, 64 tenants in one property, and levels of extreme danger, were revealed by an RTE Prime Time Investigates programme.

Three dangerously packed properties were identified in the programme  two of these have since been closed while fire inspectors are in the process of shutting the third.

In some cases, large numbers of tenants in cramped spaces shared small kitchen and toilet facilities, with little or no privacy.

Fianna Fail housing spokesman Barry Cowen is warning that there will be a return to slums in Dublin unless more funds are invested in inspections.

Properties should be subject to examinations or basic standards, similar to the National Car Test, before being rented out, said Fianna Fail.

The programme last night outlined that many dwellings are now being advertised in the dark housing market, with the ability of the State to inspect them for quality being severely diminished, said Mr Cowen.

Junior Housing Minister Damien English said it was disgraceful and shocking the way the tenants had been abused. This is a blatant disregard for people and their safety. If we need to tighten legislation, that is something we can look at, he told RTE.

Mr English said the Government has already decided to increase funding for inspections of private rental properties and to increase targets.

He said the Government wants to be in a position to inspect 25% of all properties every year so rogue landlords would know there would be consequences. The target is for inspection levels to be at this stage by 2020. The current level of inspections is estimated to be at 4%.

There are fears many properties that are substandard are not actually registered as rental units and are therefore not on the radar for inspectors. We do rely on the public and tenants to notify us of these properties, said Mr English.

He reiterated that if fresh legislation was needed, the Government would do this.

He said the Government could aspire to rolling out NCT-type inspections for properties but this would have to be funded.

If there is a gap there and we can tidy it up and make it easier to use and make it enforceable, that is something we are willing to do, he said.

Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty said the fear of God should be put into unregistered landlords who own slum accommodation.

She said there should be a drastic increase in inspections of private rental units.

Ms Doherty said to say its shocking is an understatement and insisted action needs to be taken now.

Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald said: Weve absolutely no tolerance for anybody who would provide that kind of accommodation.

Sinn Fein is to table a Dail motion next week calling on the Government to plan for ensuring compliance with standards in the private rented sector.
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JUST over half of fixed speed cameras in the UK are actually switched on, according to figures obtained by the Press Association. However, the figure for Hampshire has not been released.

Hampshire was one of nine forces out of 45 to not to respond to the freedom of information request, so it is unknown how many speed cameras on the Island are switched on and working.

The Press Association sent a Freedom of Information request to all 45 forces and their speed camera partnerships asking how many fixed speed cameras they have and how many are active.

Data released by 36 of the 45 forces in the UK found that four have no fixed speed cameras, and 13 have fewer than half switched on and catching speeding drivers.

It was revealed that just 52 per cent of cameras were switched on and active across the UK.

Nine forces, including Hampshire, refused to disclose the information or failed to respond.
Theresa May has donated to the Royal British Legion after meeting with fundraisers at Downing Street.

The Prime Minister greeted Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran Paul Wheeler, 35, and George Taylor, 17, at Number 10 before placing a note into the collection tin and having a poppy pinned to her jacket.

Earlier this year Mr Wheeler, of Wootton, ran almost 3,000 miles across America to raise money for the legion.

He said being invited to Downing Street to cap off his achievement was "unexpected and somewhat mind-blowing".

He added: "As a former serviceman I know full well how important the Poppy Appeal is, and the breadth of support it gives our serving personnel, veterans and their families."

Speaking about the importance of keeping the work of the legion in the minds of young people, he said: "It is huge, especially with the Rethink Remembrance this year, to carry on.

"I think a lot of people automatically think of the British Legion, and the Poppy as a symbol in particular, with our older generation of veterans. But it is not the case at all.

"We really need to reflect upon the contributions made by all generations of Armed Forces members."

Mrs May said she will be wearing her poppy with "pride", adding that it is important to remember the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces.

She said: "It is inspiring to hear the stories of those who work so hard to raise money and awareness for the Royal British Legion.

"They set an example that we can all follow in a small and simple way by buying a poppy and supporting our Armed Forces community both serving and retired."
Altria Group Inc. is moving full throttle toward getting its tobacco innovation products into the daunting federal regulatory gauntlet.

Company officials told analysts and investors Thursday that it will file:

In the first quarter, a modified-risk tobacco product application for Copenhagen moist snuff with the Food and Drug Administration.

A modified-risk tobacco product application seeks authorization to market products as reduced harm or reduced risk compared with traditional cigarettes.

By the end of 2018, a premarket tobacco application for smokeless chewable products  discs, chews, chewable dissolvables and melts  under the Verve brand.

The premarket standard requires the FDA to consider products risks and benefits to the population as a whole, including users and non-users.

By the end of 2018, a premarket tobacco application for MarkTen, its main electronic cigarette brand. There are plans for a modified-risk application at a later date.

Altria announced it has made a minority investment in Avail Vapor LLC to gain more insight into the non-traditional vapor market.

Avail has more than 100 company-owned stores in the U.S. and offers more than 100 premium Avail-branded and manufactured liquids, as well as a wide range of predominantly open-system devices popular with vapors.

Altria confirmed it would  as expected  piggyback on Philip Morris Internationals March premarket application with the FDA to sell its IQOS Marlboro HeatSticks in the U.S.

The FDA accepted the IQOS application for scientific review of the heat-not-burn cigarettes in August. Altria officials said an answer could come as early as February. The FDA accepted in May a modified-risk application for IQOS.

We have been building a portfolio of the leading platforms of noncombustible, nicotine-containing products for adult tobacco consumers, as well as preparing the scientific case for obtaining regulatory authorizations for them, said Marty Barrington, Altrias chairman, chief executive and president.

We believe the breadth, quality and focus of our non-combustible product portfolio is second to none.

By comparison, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. confirmed last week it is attempting another go with Eclipse.

The heat-not-burn traditional cigarette technology was considered ahead of its time when developed in the 1990s, but has struggled to gain traction with smokers.

In July, Reynolds submitted a substantial-equivalence FDA application. That application pathway is for products that either have the same characteristics as those marketed on/before Feb. 15, 2007, or have different characteristics but do not raise different questions of public health.

British American Tobacco Plc, Reynolds parent company since June, has confirmed plans for a substantial-equivalence filing for its heat-not-burn product, glo, with the FDA in 2018, as well as a modified-risk tobacco product application in 2020.

R.J. Reynolds Vapor Co. has the top-selling e-cig in Vuse, though its market share lead has been chipped away in recent weeks.

Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the FDA commissioner, called in July for a sweeping regulatory road map on tobacco and nicotine products.

That included easing some regulations for product innovations, and extending the application deadline for FDA regulatory review for new products, such as e-cigs and vaporizers, from late 2018 to as far out as August 2022.

We believe the FDA has articulated a compelling vision for the future of innovative products, Barrington said.

Altria officials, however, were more cautious about convincing consumers to switch from cigarettes with traditional levels of nicotine to the very-low-nicotine levels being advocated by the FDA. Some officials didnt want the nicotine levels reduced to the point of being an effective ban on nicotine.

Any potential nicotine standard will go through a rigorous science and evidence-based process before it becomes a final regulation, said Murray Garnick, Altrias general counsel.

In the interim, we are advancing the development of our non-combustible products portfolio and doing work to prepare for reasonable potential standards. No doubt, this will be a multi-year process.

Wells Fargo Securities analyst Bonnie Herzog said that on one hand, Altria will likely face a substantial increase in costs to comply with any reduction in nicotine across its combustible cigarette platform.

On the other hand, the FDA has effectively left a back door open by encouraging the development of non-combustible/vapor/reduced-risk product alternatives. This puts Altria in a strong position, we believe, with its growing portfolio of e-vapor & smokeless products & soon iQOS.

Altria plans to re-brand Nat Sherman products as a super-premium, additive-free cigarette, which analysts say is aimed at competing with Reynolds Natural American Spirit super-premium cigarette. The Nat Sherman rebranding includes a test market in Colorado.
Chamber sets annual meeting for Nov. 15

The Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce will hold its 132nd annual meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at Benton Convention Center, 301 W. Fifth St.

The keynote speaker will be Debra Crew, president and chief executive of Reynolds American Inc.

She will speak on the subject of Leading transformation in a world of disruption.

Crew took over as Reynolds top executive on Jan. 1, overseeing the completion of the companys sale to British American Tobacco Plc.

Richard Craver

Latest Kmart closing round claims N.C. store

Sears plans to close another Kmart store in Jacksonville in late January as part of eliminating 45 Kmart and 18 Sears stores nationwide.

The company will have 15 Kmart stores in North Carolina once the latest closing initiative is completed, including just one in the Triad and Northwest N.C. in Clemmons.

Sears has four stores and three auto stores in the Triad, including one each at Hanes Mall, and one clearance store.

We will continue to close some unprofitable stores as we transform our business model so that our physical store footprint and our digital capabilities match the needs and preferences of our members, the company said in a statement.

Sears Holdings hasnt turned a profit since 2010.

Richard Craver

Cooper sets goal for state agency sourcing spending

Gov. Roy Cooper signed Thursday an executive order that sets a goal for each state executive branch agency to obtain 10 percent of its goods and services from historically underutilized businesses as measured in dollars.

The order aims to ensure state government agencies continue considering minority-owned businesses in the bidding process for state contracts.

North Carolina has more than 183,000 businesses owned by minorities and women, according to the federal Minority Business Development Agency. These businesses combined had more than $16.1 billion in annual sales.

Richard Craver

Nine N.C. energy projects gain federal loan funding

The U.S. Agriculture Department said Thursday it is providing a combined $186.8 million in loans to six solar farm and three other energy projects in North Carolina.

The loans are part of the departments rural electric infrastructure development initiative.

The largest loan is $72 million to Energy United Electric Membership Corp. of Statesville (EMC) that will be used to build 284 miles of lines.

Richard Craver
Winston-Salem made a small appearance Friday in the ongoing saga of sexual harassment allegations against actor Kevin Spacey.

Danny Lanzetta, who appeared with Spacey in the play, Lost in Yonkers in Winston-Salem in 1990, accused Spacey of touching his thigh in Spaceys dressing room in New York City when Lanzetta was 13.

Lanzetta, now 40, provided details of his accusation against Spacey in a guest column published Friday afternoon on the Huffington Post website. Lanzettas accusations come as Netflix halted production this week of Spaceys online show House of Cards after Star Trek: Discovery actor Anthony Rapp alleged that Spacey made sexual advances toward him in 1986 when Rapp was 14 and Spacey was 26. On Friday, British media reported that London police are investigating Spacey over an alleged 2008 assault.

Spaceys representatives couldnt be reached Friday to comment on Lanzettas column. The Oscar-winning actor is reportedly seeking evaluation and treatment amid the allegations from Rapp and others.

Lanzetta is an author and spoken-word performer. He is an assistant professor of English at ASA College in New York City, and a former child actor.

Lanzetta and Spacey were part of the Lost in Yonkers cast that performed the production in the Stevens Center, beginning on Dec. 31, 1990. The cast performed rehearsals in November 1990, and the play had a two-week run before the cast traveled to Washington, D.C. and then to Broadway in New York.

Spacey, who won a Tony Award for his performance, told the Winston-Salem Journal in October 1992 that his work in the play helped propel his career.

In the Huffington Post article, Lanzetta vividly writes about his friendship with Spacey.

We got along great, Lanzetta wrote. Hes an affable, funny guy, as anyone who has seen him on Saturday Night Live knows. Great at impressions. Easy to talk to. A lot of fun.

And Ill never forget sitting in the lounge of a hotel on a chilly night in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Lanzetta wrote, We talked about the show, my adolescent vicissitudes, his age (for some reason I couldnt believe he was only 32).

Lanzetta said in a email Friday night to a Journal reporter that he didnt recall which hotel he and Spacey were in that time. Lanzetta declined to comment further on his accusation against Spacey.

It was actually a beautiful night, Lanzetta wrote in his Huffington Post column. I was charmed; my parents were charmed. I went to bed feeling good that Kevin Spacey was my friend.

Lanzetta later wrote that after he and Spacey returned to New York, they were sitting on couch in Spaceys dressing room near a Broadway theater. Thats when Spacey put his hand on my thigh, Lanzetta wrote.

To say I remember the exact circumstances or how high up he placed his hand would be a lie, Lanzetta wrote. As a diagnosed obsessive-compulsive, I have often doubted my memory.

Lanzetta said that Spaceys alleged behavior isnt the most egregious thing hes ever done and referred to Rapps recent allegation against Spacey.
BEIRUT  Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri resigned from his post in a televised address from the Saudi capital Saturday, accusing Hezbollah of taking the country hostage, in a surprise move that plunged the nation into uncertainty amid heightened regional tensions.

In his resignation speech, Hariri fired a vicious tirade against Iran and its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah group for what he said was their meddling in Arab affairs and said that "Iran's arms in the region will be cut off."

"The evil that Iran spreads in the region will backfire on it," Hariri said, accusing Tehran of spreading chaos, strife and destruction throughout the region.

Hariri was appointed prime minister in late 2016 and headed a 30-member coalition government that included members of the Shiite militant Hezbollah. But it's been an uneasy partnership between Hariri, who heads a Sunni-led camp loyal to Saudi Arabia, and Hezbollah, which represents a camp loyal to Shiite Iran. President Michel Aoun, who was elected in October 2016 after more than a two-year presidential vacuum, is a close ally of Hezbollah.

As U.S. and Saudi Arabia sought ways to curb Iran's growing influence in the region, Hariri has come under pressure to distance himself from the militant group which has sent thousands of troops to neighboring Syria to shore up President Bashar Assad's forces.

It was not immediately clear whether Hariri intended to return to Lebanon. In a statement, the presidential office said Aoun was informed by Hariri in a phone call of his resignation, adding that the president now awaits Hariri's return to clarify the circumstances of his resignation and proceed accordingly.

Hariri's bombshell resignation  even close aides seemed unaware of the announcement  ushers in a stage of deep uncertainty and potential instability. It also throws into doubt parliamentary elections slated for early next year which have been repeatedly delayed.

It comes amid a sharp escalation in Saudi rhetoric against its regional archrival Iran and puts Lebanon at the center of that rivalry.

Hazem al-Amin, a Lebanese writer who follows regional affairs, said Hariri's resignation is "completely a Saudi step" that comes in the context of an international and regional atmosphere against Hezbollah and against Iranian influence in the region.

"Lebanon is a fragile country. This confrontation (between Saudi Arabia and Iran) is more violent than Lebanon can stand up to," he said, warning of economic and security ramifications.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said the resignation is a plot by the U.S., Israel and the Saudis to foment tensions in Lebanon and the region, the semi-official Iranian Tasnim news agency reported.

Ghasemi dismissed Hariri's "baseless accusations," which he said indicate that "a new scenario" for the region was being drawn.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hariri's resignation and comments "are a wake-up call to the international community to take action against the Iranian aggression that is trying to turn Syria into Lebanon 2."

"This aggression endangers not only Israel but the entire Middle East. The international community needs to come together and stand against this aggression," he said.

Hariri's resignation was unprecedented in the way it was announced, in a televised address from an undisclosed location in Riyadh. In his speech, Hariri suggested he feared for his life and said the climate in the country is similar to the one that existed before his father, the late prime minister Rafik Hariri, was assassinated in 2005.

Several Hezbollah members are being tried in absentia for the killing by a U.N.-backed tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands. Hezbollah denies any involvement.

Hariri said Hezbollah's policies have put Lebanon "in the eye of the storm." His attacks on Hezbollah come on the heels of new U.S. sanctions on the group that many fear will impact negatively on the Lebanese economy. Hariri has frequently called on the group to withdraw its fighters from Syria.

"I declare my resignation from the premiership of the Lebanese government, with the certainty that the will of the Lebanese is strong," Hariri said.

"When I took office, I promised you that I would seek to unite the Lebanese and end political division... But unfortunately, this pushed Iran and its allies to more interference in our internal affairs," he said.

In Beirut's Tarik al-Jadideh neighborhood, a predominantly Sunni neighborhood supportive of Hariri, residents described the shock resignation as a positive step.

"Prime Minister Hariri has reached the stage where he is not able anymore to bear the pressure on Lebanon by Arab nations, due to the intervention of Iran," said Mohyeddine Awwad, sitting in a cafe where posters of Hariri hung.

Earlier this week, Saudi State Minister for Gulf Affairs Thamer al-Sabhan sharply criticized Hezbollah, calling for its "toppling" and promising "astonishing developments" in the coming days during an interview with the Lebanese TV station MTV.

Al-Sabhan met with Hariri in Saudi Arabia when the now resigned prime minister was visiting earlier this week. Hariri abruptly returned to the kingdom again on Friday after a meeting in Beirut with Ali-Akbar Velayati, foreign adviser to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader.

In tweets after meeting Hariri, al-Sabhan criticized the Lebanese government for tolerating Hezbollah's criticism of the kingdom.

Maha Yahya, director of the Beirut-based Carnegie Middle East, said that with the Syrian war calming down, Hariri's move could be a message from Saudi Arabia to Iran that it "can't have it all."

"So Lebanon is back on the table as a stage for the next tug of war," she said.
In considering the indictment of former Donald Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and an associate, I am reminded of the old line about the ability of a grand jury to indict a ham sandwich.

Manafort and a longtime business partner, Rick Gates, pleaded not guilty to all 12 counts against them. Manafort is under house arrest after posting an outrageously high bond of $10 million. Gates bond was set at $5 million. George Papadopoulos, who was a foreign policy advisor to the Trump campaign, has pleaded guilty to making a false statement to the FBI about his foreign contacts with several top Russian officials.

Predictably, the major media are celebrating this as the beginning of the end of the nascent Trump presidency. Within hours of the announced indictments, New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof rushed into print with a column titled Will Manafort Sing? If so, it may mark the beginning of the end of this presidency. Look for more of this wishful thinking that the establishment, the Democrats and all of the mainstream media have been hoping for since Trump won the election.

What Manafort stands accused of has nothing to do with the 2016 election, or with Russian collusion. No one, so far, has produced any evidence the Russians affected the elections outcome. This is all about overturning the results and keeping the swamp full for those who live in it and reject change.

Special counsel Robert Mueller and Congress should investigate the role of the Democratic National Committee and the Hillary Clinton campaign (and the earlier Republican role) in creating an anti-Trump dossier that has been shown to be a fraud and yet was used to justify the appointment of Mueller. If the reason for Muellers appointment is fraudulent, how can it be said that his investigation, which includes staff attorneys who made donations to Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, is not tainted?

Among the many problems with this investigation is that it has no legal, subject or monetary limits. If Mueller and his associates are unable to prove collusion with the Russians, one can count on them coming up with something else. Far-left members of Congress, such as Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), openly state that their objective is to take out the president, and they dont mean to lunch.

There is also the matter of leaks from the grand jury. Not surprisingly, the details of the indictments matched the leak to CNN. Unless that network employs mind readers and engages in paranormal activity, those leaks are felonies and the leakers should be prosecuted.

Meanwhile, Republicans in Congress are firing up investigations of their own, including long-overdue looks into various questionable and possibly illegal activities by the Clintons. Congress is the proper avenue for such investigations, not special counsels, who can go rogue if they wish.

These seemingly endless accusations and investigations are what so much of the country hates about Washington, the D.C. that increasingly seems to stand for dysfunctional city. No matter which party controls government, the other party does all it can, by whatever means, to undermine those elected. This behavior solves no problems. It is only about grabbing and holding onto power.

Given the many moving parts in the Mueller probe and the loss of focus on the primary reason for it, the government may have a difficult time proving its case in court. But with unlimited funds and a staff of lawyers who have Democratic affiliations, you can bet they will try to make more than a ham sandwich out of it.
DORCHESTER COUNTY, Md.  Harriet Tubman would not believe what Dorchester County is doing in her name, but she might not be surprised by President Trumps casual dismissal of his predecessors decision to put her on the front of a new $20 bill, replacing Andrew Jackson, long revered as the peoples president but a slaveholder who also sought to banish indigenous Americans.

Tubman, born into slavery as Araminta Ross in this sparsely settled county of woods, farms and marsh on Marylands Eastern Shore, fled to freedom in 1849, then returned again and again to lead 70 family members and friends out of bondage. Abolitionist John Brown called her the general for her fearless role, and anti-slavery activist William Lloyd Garrison nicknamed her Moses.

Her life and legacy are celebrated in Church Creek at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park, a joint federal-state effort. Open since only March, its museum features an enlarged picture of the $20 bill with her silhouette in the center and the words Coming Soon. The caption calls the banknote the most popular currency in the world and promises its release in 2020, on the centennial of the 19th Amendment that gave women the vote.

But Trump seems determined to erase all vestiges of the Obama legacy. During the campaign, he declared his opposition to changing the currency; he suggested she appear instead on the rarely used $2 bill. In August, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, when asked, was noncommittal, suggesting that no change is needed.

That would certainly disappoint many in Dorchester County, which aggressively promotes itself as the Birthplace of Harriet Tubman, American Hero. The irony is striking: During the 1960s, the county seat of Cambridge saw racial fire and fury and the longest federal occupation by the National Guard in that tumultuous decade.

South of the Choptank River, traditionally the dividing line between the shores somewhat more progressive and more conservative banks, Dorchester has come a long way.

When I visited in the late 1970s, African Americans were living in chicken coop houses and Cambridge was rigidly segregated  the town closed its public pool rather than integrate, and the black population was unrepresented on the county council, despite comprising 30 percent of the population. At-large voting was to blame.

It took legal action and the Justice Department to change that  under the 1965 voting rights law the Supreme Court largely eviscerated in 2013. Complying with a consent decree in 1985, the county replaced at-large with district voting, resulting in the election of the first black county council member. A separate suit led to a second black-majority district in the city. Today, 47 percent of Cambridges population is African American, two of Cambridges five city commissioners are black, and the city has its first black mayor, who is in her third term.

To be sure, high unemployment, poverty and other ills still disproportionately affect the black community. However, Things have changed considerably, said William Jarmon, an African American Cambridge native who left to teach school in suburban Washington and returned here in retirement. Politically, theres representation at every level.

Jarmon, 74, is active in the Harriet Tubman Organization, established to perpetuate her legacy. Its members worked on the Church Creek project and welcome visitors from all over the country to the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center, its small museum in downtown Cambridge. And now the county itself is seeking to capitalize on her roots. But there remains uncertainty over whether the honor will extend, as intended, to U.S. currency.

Two years ago, U.S. Reps. Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.) and John Katko (R-N.Y.), who represents the Upstate district where Tubman lived after the Civil War until her death, introduced legislation to put her on the currency, not specifying which one.

When, in 2016, Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said she would appear on the $20 bill in 2020, they chose not to pursue it. But with the Trump administration noncommittal or negative, they reintroduced the bill in September, this time specifying the denomination and the year of its release.

Dorchester citizens are already circulating petitions to support the effort. Im sure there will be no difficulty getting signatures, Jarmon told me.

I think if she came back and went into a rural area, she would say very little has changed except for roads to get there, he said. I think if she came back today to Cambridge, she could truly say there is no evidence of slavery as she knew it, but she might find some of the African Americans living under the same conditions. She might also discover the 125-mile Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, with 36 historic sites charted on a driving-tour map she could pick up at the county visitor center in Cambridge.

The face on the $20 bill is more than just small change.
WASHINGTON  Beware the low-level volunteer.

Virtually unheard of before Monday, when the FBI indicted two of President Trumps campaign staffers, George Papadopoulos is either the key to Russian collusion with the Trump campaign during the 2016 presidential election  or a lying low level volunteer, as the president tweeted early Tuesday morning.

But contrary to Trumps dismissive, never-heard-of-him shrug, Papadopoulos was also known within the campaign as Trumps foreign affairs adviser. It was within the latter capacity that Papadopoulos tried, unsuccessfully, to arrange meetings between the Trump campaign and Russians close to the Kremlin, ostensibly to learn dirt on Hillary Clinton.

He may be the key to special counsel Robert Muellers investigation that led to Mondays indictments of the presidents former campaign manager Paul Manafort and his longtime business associate Rick Gates on charges of money laundering, tax evasion and crimes against the United States. Papadopoulos himself was offered a pre-indictment plea bargain on charges that he had lied to the FBI during an earlier point in the investigation.

In response to the indictments, Trump has done everything but burn an effigy of Hillary Clinton  as distraction or, well, what? In the swamp, one is never sure whether movements beneath the surface are gators or mere shadows. Trumps history has taught us, however, that when hes under attack, Clinton will feel it. Like the Ghost of Election Past, she haunts Trumps dreamscape.

But why arent Crooked Hillary & the Dems the focus? he tweeted Monday soon after the news broke.

Indeed, on Capitol Hill, some Republicans, whove been scurrying away from the indictment news as fast as their little mice feet can carry them, have moved to open an investigation into the Obama-era sale of Canada-based Uranium One, which had licenses to mine U.S. uranium, to a subsidiary of a Russian state-owned energy corporation. A committee composed of representatives from several U.S. government agencies, including the State Department  at the time led by Clinton  had to approve the sale.

This would probably be a good time to grab a sheet of graph paper and a pencil. Youre going to need them to chart the many possible overlaps in this Venn diagram of Russian propaganda/possible collusion/corruption/sleaze/lies/more lies  and wires. As of yet, we have seen no videotape, though its possible that Papadopoulos has been wearing a wire in recent months.

Also, keep your eraser handy. People have people, you know, and others get fired. Or pardoned. But speculation that Trump would pardon Manafort and Gates is probably irrelevant. Manafort and Gatess alleged federal crimes almost certainly could not have happened without committing state crimes. State attorneys general could build cases off of Muellers investigation and effectively neuter Trumps power. A president can only pardon federal crimes.

The question now is: Whos next? And what bigger fish could Manafort or Gates offer up in a plea that would spare them potentially up to 80 years and 70 years, respectively, in prison? Former national security adviser Michael Flynns name keeps coming up.

None of this affirms or even bolsters a case that Trumps campaign colluded with Russia to influence the election, especially given that many of Manaforts relevant business dealings preceded his association with the campaign. All we know for certain is that Russia did influence the election, thanks to astounding testimony by social media leaders Tuesday.

Twitter identified 36,746 accounts associated with Russia that generated election-related content; Google found about 43 hours of election content in about 1,100 videos suspected to be of Russian origin; Facebook estimates that about 126 million people were exposed to Russian-produced stories leading up to the election.

If Trump benefited from these virtual incursions, theres no proof that he knew about it. Then again, weve likely only seen the tip of the iceberg, which must loom large to swamp-dwellers. Plus, remember, Chicago crime boss Al Capone was brought down not on murder or racketeering, but on tax evasion.
This weeks event: A federal grand jury indicted President Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and campaign associate Rick Gates on multiple counts, including money laundering and conspiracy, in connection with their work for a foreign government. In addition, George Papadopoulos, a former foreign policy adviser to Trumps presidential campaign, pleaded guilty earlier this month to making false statements and material omissions to the FBI about the nature of links between the Trump campaign and the Russian government, USA Today reports.

Anne Wilson: Using an old cliche -- thanks to the work of Special Counsel Mueller, looks as if we may finally begin to see light at the end of our presidential nightmare tunnel. Score of 10 for both Mueller and Popadopoulos.

Mike Walker: 2. So the great special prosecutor fished for months and gaffed three guppies, with two of his catches charges having nothing at all to do with the 2016 election. The other pled guilty to a single charge of lying to the FBI, not to collusion with the Russians, as there was no charge for that.

Hayes McNeill: 8. The low point in which we Americans find ourselves reminds us of the truth in Sir Walter Scott's lines, from 1808: O, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.

Clint Johnson: "5. Why has Mueller not yet questioned the Clintons on their involvement with the uranium deal with Russia, a country we consider an enemy? This interests me a lot more than learning Manafort buys expensive clothes."

Tony Gagliardi: 3. It is interesting but not very interesting. Time will tell if this story goes further or not. The better question is what about the fact that Hillary's campaign and the Democratic Party spent between $6 and 13 million to create a false narrative and the general media is not interested in that fact. How can Hillary and Debbie Wasserman Schultz not know anything about it? Either they are totally incompetent or they are not truthful.

Carroll Leggett: 10. On several occasions, I was subject to the provisions of FARA, which is administered by the Department of Justice. Its provisions are quite specific, and it never occurred to me to ignore them or to try to subvert them. I went the extra mile. If I had any question I called Justice and asked for direction.

Manaforts alleged violations are flagrant, and I cannot imagine how they could be cured by filings made months and years later as if they were accidental or committed by a neophyte, which Manafort is not. Thus his indictment.

FARA exists to protect the government of the United States from subversion. Willful failure to honor its provisions says to me that one is a scofflaw, probably with much to hide. No sympathy from me on this score.

Jim Monroe: 5. Manafort and Gates seem to have been operating outside the rules for many years. While there are conflicting reports concerning the timing, the bottom line is they were dismissed from the Trump campaign well before the election.

Hillary Clinton seems to have been caught up in the same issue of listening to anyone who would bring them dirt on their opponent. While we should hold our elected officials to a higher standard, they mostly continue to disappoint us.

Charles Francis Wilson: It appears special counsel Robert Mueller and his legal team are doing their assigned job. Now we must wait to see what results from the indictments. It is comforting to know someone is working on behalf of the people instead of donors and lobbyists. Mueller and team deserve a 10.

JoAnn Dunn: 5. It didnt take Mueller long to bring these charges against Republicans while nothing has been done for years in the investigations of Benghazi, the selling of our uranium to Russia and the paying of billions of dollars to one of our worst enemies, Iran, by Obama and Clinton. Another important point is that it has been reported the allegations against Manafort and Gates had nothing to do with influencing the 2016 election.

Stephen Flynn: 10. One guilty plea. Two more indictments, not related, but enough to lock them up for 20 years. The guilty plea shows there was collusion, how high did it go? Now for a little negotiating to go up the chain.

Don't forget, Nixon was not brought down by the break-in, he was brought down by lying and cover-up. Everyone wants a deal. You can bet there is some sweating going on in Washington right now.

Charles E. Wilson:  Watergate, a break-in at Democratic headquarters and subsequent cover-up, was a challenge to our democracy. We have no indication that foreign powers were involved. But it could be that President Trump and his associates went one step further, linking the Trump campaign and the Russian government. Special Council Mueller deserves a score of 10 if he can unravel this puzzle.

John Harrison: 8. When you pack an administration with ideologues, sycophants and opportunists, the chickens will tend to come home to roost. Mueller's indictments of Manafort, Gates and Papadopoulos may be the thread that unravels the veil surrounding Russia's role in the election and any links the Trump campaign may have had with Russian operatives. Some in the administration must be pondering when to bail out. The question now is: How far does it reach?

Linda Petrou: 3. When I read the headlines about these indictments and the guilty plea I was concerned. Then I read the indictments and the guilty plea agreement and realized, while both are serious, they are not as fatal as the media makes it appear.

In the first case, both Paul Manafort and Rick Gates were indicted on numerous charges dealing with alleged financial crimes committed years before their association with President Trump and his campaign. One of the charges dealt with not registering as a foreign agent. While this is a crime, if it were enforced, most of the lobbying class in D.C. would be jailed.

In George Papadopoulos case, he pled guilty to giving the prosecutors a wrong date of a meeting. Not a real serious charge. He also agreed to cooperate in the investigation; some suspecting he was wired up when meeting with people.

Anyone who has ever been a part of a presidential campaign knows that advisory committees and coalitions are established. They are a way to make supporters feel as if they are a part of the campaign without actually being a part of the operation. One of the benefits of being a member of such a group is that when the candidate is in your area, you get invited to attend a rally or perhaps even to meet that individual and get your picture taken with them. During the election last year, I was a member of at least three such groups.

Did I think I had any real influence over the candidate? No. I was honored to be asked. Papadopoulos was on the foreign policy advisory committee that met once during a cam-paign stop. Did he have any influence? No. Did he think he did? Perhaps.

The original intent of the Mueller investigation was to look into collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign. Apparently he has found none at this point.

Linda Hill: 7. Quoting USA Todays article on the indictments, The developments, while significant, are still a long way from resolving the question of whether there was collusion between any Trump associates and Russia to influence the 2016 election.

In fact, Manaforts firm was hired to work for the Ukraine in a lobbyist fashion from 2006-2015, well before ether man was associated with President Trumps campaign. The conspiracy charges stem from Manafort and Gates not reporting their foreign banking activities, their lobbying work for a foreign government without regressing as lobbyists, and not answering truthfully questions about their activities.

The conspiracy charges do not reflect any allegation of collusion with the Russians to affect the outcome of the 2016 election. If these men truly committed the crimes for which they are charged, the penalties are stiff and include prison time and steep financial fines. However, they are still United States citizens and according to our justice system; they are innocent until proven guilty. It behooves all of us and the media especially to remember that little deta
International Criminal Court Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda is about to ask Court permission to investigate crimes committed in Afghanistan and secret CIA prisons in Europe, she announced on November 3.

In due course, I will file my request for judicial authorisation to open an investigation, submitting that there is a reasonable basis to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed in connection with the armed conflict in Afghanistan, says a statement from Bensouda. It took just four days for ICC President Silvia Fernandez de Gurmendi to designate the three judges who will decide on Bensoudas request, which she is expected to file soon.

Taliban, American forces and the CIA

Bensouda says in the statement that she is targeting war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed since 1 May 2003 (date when Afghanistan joined the ICC) on the territory of Afghanistan as well as war crimes closely linked to the situation in Afghanistan allegedly committed since 1 July 2002 on the territory of other States Parties to the Rome Statute. In her previous reports, the Prosecutor has evoked crimes committed by the Taliban, as well as torture and cruel treatment inflicted by the Afghan intelligence services and police. She has also clearly denounced torture committed by the US army in Afghanistan and in secret CIA prisons in Europe. Details of the CIA programme in Europe were documented in two Council of Europe reports in 2006 and 2010. The reports author, Swiss Senator Dick Marty, said it was because of the collusion  whether intentional or seriously negligent  of European partners that the CIA was able to torture prisoners transferred to secret prisons in Europe.

Torture and secret prisons

It would seem that the ICC Prosecutor is targeting three countries: Lithuania, Romania and Poland. Individuals captured during the armed conflict in Afghanistan, such as suspected members of the Taliban or Al Qaeda, were transferred to detention centres in Europe, she says in one of the reports. Their interrogations included torture, cruel treatment, violations of human dignity and rape, her report continues. The gravity of the alleged crimes is increased by the fact that they were reportedly committed pursuant to plans or policies approved at senior levels of the US government, following careful and extensive deliberations, it says, and these crimes were committed in furtherance of a policy or policies aimed at eliciting information through the use of interrogation techniques involving cruel or violent methods which would support US objectives in the conflict in Afghanistan.

According to ICC rules, a State can ask the Court to desist if the State itself prosecutes the same crimes. Up to now, no senior American official has been held responsible in the US for crimes in Afghanistan. Washington has not ratified the ICC treaty, fearing precisely that the Court could target American citizens. But the fact that the suspected crimes were committed in Afghanistan, a member State, means the Court has jurisprudence. In his election campaign, US President Donald Trump expressed support for waterboarding. Trump said he would authorize it, even if torture does not work as concluded by a US Senate report in December 2012, and if it doesnt work, they deserve it anyway for what they do to us.

Even before the Prosecutor announced she was filing this request, Washington has been trying to influence the case, according to several sources. As the US government decided in late August to boost its military presence in Afghanistan, the ICCs intervention is all the more welcome. The judges will have to decide if there is a reasonable basis to open such an investigation. Their decision is not expected before 2018.

Cooperation

The ICCs Office of the Prosecutor published the findings of its preliminary examination on Afghanistan in 2007. Whereas her predecessor tried unsuccessfully at the end of his mandate to close the case, Fatou Bensouda has shown willingness from the start to take it on. In November 2016, she announced that conclusions were imminent, but had to delay her decision. The Afghan government, which had never previously cooperated, had created at the beginning of 2016 a ministerial committee dedicated to the ICC and decided to translate into Dari and Pashto the Statute of Rome, founding treaty of the ICC which was unknown in Afghanistan up to then. In the spring, Kabul also sent thousands of pages of documents to the Court on the cases under way in the country. Since national courts have precedence, the ICC can only act if the perpetrators of crimes remain unpunished. Generations have suffered from the international crimes that have been committed in Afghanistan, where there is neither peace nor any genuine accountability process, including before the domestic courts, said Guissou Jahangiri, vice-president of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and director of Armanshahr/Open Asia in reaction to the Prosecutors announcement. The situation in Afghanistan is still not changing. Now its the time for the ICC to step in.
GRAND ISLAND  The Central Platte Natural Resources District is accepting orders now for conservation seedlings to be planted in the spring.

Several varieties of conifers, shrubs and deciduous seedlings are available that all were selected to grow well in central Nebraska for use in windbreaks, wildlife areas, riparian buffer strips or other conservation practices.

The seedlings are grown at Halsey State Forest and generally are 1 to 2 years old.

Bundles of 25 are sold for $22.50, with planting service available for orders of 200 trees or more at a cost of 40 cents per seedling.

Local U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service offices can assist with planting plans.

Small-acre packages also are available from the CPNRD, with 50 seedlings  10 each of five species  for $50 that are tailored for eastern or western Nebraska, flowering and wildlife.

Since 1972, the NRD has sold more than 3.6 million trees.

To place an order for 2018, call 308-385-6282 or visit the office at 215 Kaufman Ave. in Grand Island. More details and order forms are posted at www.cpnrd.org.
A reminder that there will be two workshops at the Hall County Extension Office on Monday.

The morning session is titled, So, Youve Inherited a Farm, Now What? This workshop will be from 9:30 a.m. to noon. It is free and open to the public.

The second workshop, from 1:30 to 4 p.m., is titled, Ag Land Management, Tenant/Landowner Workshop. This workshop costs $5 to attend and is designed for both the landlord and tenant. It is also designed to be a refresher course for those who would like to have the latest information on land management and rental rates.

Both of these programs are provided by Nebraska Extension. Questions can be directed to Allan Vyhnalek, Extension educator, at (402) 472-1771.

On-farm research brainstorming

Often farmers hear and read about various production practices and products that work for other. They may have questions regarding a specific practice or product working on another farm.

On-farm research is a way to answer these questions for yourself. In the past, UNL Extension on-farm research cooperators met before the growing season to brainstorm ideas and discuss potential research topics together.

The brainstorming session is being resurrected from 1 to 4 p.m Monday, Nov. 27, at the Fairgrounds (4-H Building) in Aurora.

Extension encourages farmers who have conducted on-farm research in the past  or are considering on-farm research in the future  to attend the session. Interested participants may contact Steve Melvin at steve.melvin@unl.edu or Jenny Rees at jrees2@unl.edu.

Sarah Schlund is the Dawson County Extension educator in crops and water, and serves Dawson, Buffalo and Hall counties. Contact her at (308) 324-5501 or by email at sarah.schlund@unl.edu.
KEARNEY  Can irrigation water technologies and management practices used by Nebraska farmers be part of the solution to the worlds water sustainability and food security issues?

Learning how to use those tools globally was one of several goals discussed Wednesday by leaders and partners of the University of Nebraskas Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute.

The institute was established in 2010 with a $50 million gift from Daugherty, who was founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Valmont Industries.

Ron Yoder, associate vice chancellor of UNLs Institute of agriculture and Natural Resources, said Daugherty knew that UNLs work to enhance Nebraskas water sustainability and ag productivity could help solve problems in other places.

Nebraskas irrigation water use and management innovations started in the 1930s, when farmers began to tap the states vast Ogallala Aquifer for irrigation water and Nebraska innovators, including Daugherty, developed and manufactured the first pivot irrigation systems.

Speakers on Wednesdays panel talked about another Nebraska innovation, natural resources districts, that also are the envy of other states and nations.

DWIF Director of Policy Nick Brozovic said recordings made with about 80 founders of the 45-year-old NRD system were turned into podcasts and posted online. Its a resource not just within the state, but to be used globally  We refer people to it all the time, he said.

DWFI Executive Director Peter McCornick said he first learned that when he attended a 2009 conference at UNL just before the institute was started. I was very surprised at what Nebraska had achieved since the 1980s, he said.

Three UNL-based entities already had spent years collecting data, doing research and educating producers: Nebraska Water Center, National Drought Mitigation Center and Nebraska Extension.

McCornick said DWFIs strength comes from partnerships with those entities, the universitys four campuses, more than 100 faculty fellows, ag producers and, increasingly, people from other states and countries. We want to be the first choice in partnerships and work on innovative solutions for water and agriculture, he added.

Nebraska has the largest area of irrigated agriculture in the United States. If it was a country, it would be 12th in the world, McCornick said. Its larger than Egypt, with its Nile Delta.

It also is a center of irrigation water management technologies that now include plant genetics that allow farmers to save water at the plant level, he said.

Closing the water-ag productivity gap in other places is a greater challenge. DWFI is working on water quantity issues in the Middle East and North Africa, and water quality issues in parts of Southeast Asia.

McCornick said a big question is how to translate the knowledge, experience and practices used by Nebraska farmers to the developing worlds small-scale farms.
KEARNEY  The Central Nebraska LOSS Team (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors) will host its fourth-annual International Survivors of Suicide Day.

The event will take place at 12:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Harmon Park Activity Center in Kearney.

Jeremy and Bailey Koch of Cozad will speak at about 1:15 p.m. on Anchoring Hope and their mission of creating awareness around mental health and supporting families.

There will be a balloon launch, and refreshments will be served. For more information, call the LOSS Team at 308-708-0965.
KEARNEY  Developers of an online music school and an app to help foster parents were among winners of Big Idea Kearney, a University of Nebraska at Kearney competition Wednesday supporting Nebraska entrepreneurs.

Jaime Eschliman of Kearney won top honors in the community division for her TUNE TEACHERS concept, which is an online music school for adults with accelerated and self-paced lessons.

Winning first place in the UNK and college division was Savannah Lyon of Kearney. Lyons business idea, called FosterOrg, is an app that helps foster parents track data related to the care of kids in foster care.

Community and college division winners won $1,000 for first place, $500 for second and $250 for third place.

Big Idea Kearney was conducted by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Rural Development in UNKs College of Business and Technology.

Contestants submitted entries earlier this month to pitch their business ideas. The purpose of the contest is to support a culture of entrepreneurship and provide contestants with feedback from other entrepreneurs and community leaders.
LINCOLN (AP)  An eastern Nebraska county is searching for answers as it grapples with overcrowding at a youth detention center.

The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners met Thursday to discuss how to better deal with recent crowding problems at the Youth Services Center in Lincoln, the Lincoln Journal Star reported.

Board members said the centers problem is that theres not enough space for high-risk boys, while there are open beds for lower-risk boys and girls. Many of the boys already have been through the court system and are waiting to be placed either in group homes or other therapeutic settings, which is the states responsibility, said Todd Wiltgen, chairman of the board.

Wiltgen said 36 of the 38 teenagers in the detention center Thursday had already been adjudicated by the court.

Shelli Schindler, director of the center, asked the board to either let her hire staff to house a new unit or begin enforcing a contract with state probation, and not accept teenagers if the center is full.

But Wiltgen said its counterintuitive to add a new unit when the main goal of juvenile justice is to find alternatives to detention.

For me its not a financial issue. I think its best for kids not to be in detention if they dont have to, he said. If we are operating another unit, all that will happen is kids will spend more time in units where they dont need to be.

The board delayed a decision until next week in hopes that a steering committee on juvenile justice can shed light on what kind of community-based services are needed.

The county would rather make investments in alternatives than expanding detention, Wiltgen said. But in order for us to make a decision we need the data. We need the information. ... We arent getting the answer. And its frustrating.
Pete Ricketts knew what he was getting into when he took the oath as Nebraskas governor in 2016, or did he? At the time, Nebraskas economy was just beginning to exhibit the effects of tanked corn, beef and commodities markets. State government has been in belt-tightening mode ever since, and there still doesnt appear to be an end in sight. Or is there?

Last week, Ricketts ordered the states spending clampdown to continue after the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board downgraded by $217.2 million its revenue forecast for 2018. But the downgrading didnt come without a glimmer of hope that better days may be ahead.

The optimism came from Kearney businessman Tom Henning, a member of the Economic Forecasting Board.

I think things have improved dramatically, and were on track for further improvements, Henning said. He pointed to bountiful crop yields that could soften the effects of lingering low commodity prices. Other positive economic signs, Henning said, are increased local spending and Nebraskas low unemployment rate.

As long as the states economy is sputtering, neither Ricketts nor Henning have pleasant duties, but both must assess the situation as objectively as they can. As taxpayers, we appreciate Ricketts frugality, but as Nebraskans, we hope Henning is right and the economy is turning around.
I joined the U.S. Army Reserve in an armored cavalry squadron in Syracuse in 1982. I went on active duty in May 1984, and retired in July 2007.

During that 25 years, our military was involved in missions all over the world.

In October 1983, 241 Marines who were sleeping in their barracks in Beriut, Lebanon, were killed by two truck bombs. Also killed were 58 French peacekeepers and six civilians. I watched in stunned disbelief as our flag was quickly placed above the rescue and recovery operations as fellow Marines tried to save their comrades.

In January 1985, I deployed to Germany during the Cold War to deter the Soviet Union from invading Europe. Our nuclear capable LANCE missile unit conducted numerous alerts and field training exercises, rolling into the German countryside, preparing to survive and counter attack against a Russian invasion.

We knew that the Soviet forces vastly outnumbered us in tanks, artillery and infantry, and that our chances of survival were limited . We would be a speed bump, while the real fight would happen once forces arrived from the United States. Our flag flew at our our headquarters, as a symbol of home, and why we were there: to protect the freedom of the people of Western Europe.

In June 1987, thousands of hand held U.S. flags were vigorously waived to thunderous applause as President Ronald Reagan gave his famous speech at the Brandenburg Gate on the West Berlin side of the Berlin Wall. He implored Soviet Prime Minister Mikhail Gorbachev to tear down this wall, and in November 1989, they did tear down that wall.

In August 1990, Saddam Hussein sent Iraqi forces to occupy Kuwait, and our flag flew in January 1991 as our Air Force relentlessly pummeled the Iraqi forces from the air and in February as forces of the Big Red One, 1st Cavalry, 82nd and 101st Airborne, the Brave Rifles of the 2nd Armored Cavalry, and the 1st and 2nd Armored Divisions, and many others, breached the berms between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia and poured into Kuwait and Iraq to overwhelm the Iraqi forces, and restore Kuwait to the Kuwaiti people.

In January 1997 I returned to Germany, this time after the Soviet Union collapsed, and was assigned to the Joint Contact Team Program in Stuttgart. We had U.S. military liaison teams located in every country of the former Iron Curtain, from Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, to the Balkan countries of Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia.

Scott Schmidt, Lt. Col. (Ret.), Cozad
FILE - This Jan. 22, 2015 file photo shows Sleeping Beauty's Castle at the Disneyland theme park in Anaheim, Calif. In response to a Los Angeles Times series about the relationship between the Walt Disney Co. and the city of Anaheim, the company is barring the paper from advance screenings of its films. The paper ran a two-part series in late September 2017 looking into what it characterized as a complicated and increasingly tense relationship between the city and the Disneyland Resort. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
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Lake Country town council decided Tuesday not to sell a long stretch of publicly-owned waterfront, where resident Sean Reed is shown in this 2017 file photo. But the municipality may still consider such sales in the future, Mayor James Baker says.
A man takes pictures on a mobile phone as equipment is airlifted by helicopters to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) in Lysefjorden near Stavanger, Norway, Friday Nov. 3, 2017, in preparation for filming of a new Mission Impossible movie. The Pulpit rock rises 600 meters above the fjord and is a major tourist attraction, and the next Mission Impossible film is slated for release in 2018. (Carina Johansen/NTB scanpix via AP)
In this Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017 photo, Norma Richter, left, and Lori Barlow hug after an eviction notice was served on their Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints church meeting house in their community on the Utah-Arizona border. Authorities later canceled the eviction after working out a deal with church leaders. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Suzanne Fournier, a member of St. Anne Catholic Church, recently released Life After Diapers, a memoir depicting her journey as a stay-at-home mom of seven children to becoming a Department of Defense civilian leader and traveling to the war zone of Iraq.

She believes it was a life path only Gods guidance could have provided.

Following high school, Suzanne studied business in college for two years and worked as a secretary for a civil service job at Offutt Air Force Base near Omaha, Neb., but side-stepped a career for marriage and children. While she expected to live a traditional role as wife and mother, supporting her husband Gils career as a programmer for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, God had other plans.

After numerous years working for other companies, Gil opened a computer programming school. With their large family, student loans to pay and the business loan, the family struggled to get by. Suzanne began babysitting and applied for food stamps and WIC assistance.

Years of stress from mounting debt and the school began eroding Gils health. The couple sold the school to pay off loans. When their youngest daughter, Annette turned 5, Suzanne half-heartedly suggested going back to work.

I secretly hoped Gil would say, No honey, Ive got this covered, but he didnt. His health was deteriorating and his spirit was breaking, she said. In tears, the 40-year-old prayed for Gods guidance. Within two weeks, I was working as a clerk for the U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion in West Omaha, 20 minutes from our home in Elkhorn.

Within six months, she accepted a job as an intern in public affairs while her husband worked at less stressful jobs, cooked and cared for the children. However, his health continued to deteriorate, and the bills continued to mount. They were behind on their mortgage and in danger of foreclosure.

Relocation to Maine

As the family prepared to attend a family reunion in Maine, Suzanne learned of the Army Recruiting Battalions relocation to Maine, 30 miles from Gils home. She wondered aloud whether they needed a public affairs person.

I interviewed and got the job, she said. The day before the movers came to load our life onto a moving truck, the sheriff showed up on my doorstep to serve an eviction notice. I chose to see this as a sign that we made the right decision.

The couple found a home to rent and Suzannes boss encouraged her to finish her college degree.

He showed me the ropes on how to get promoted in the Army public affairs career field, but said I needed to finish college, explained Suzanne. After working eight-hour days, I drove to classes and sat in the classroom from 6 to 10 p.m. four nights a week. On weekends, the kids and I would sit at the kitchen table doing our homework.

As her husbands health continued to spiral downwards, he began working part time. Eventually, they decided it would be better for Gil to remain home and Suzanne would support the family.

To Kenosha, then Iraq

The family moved several times as Suzanne accepted various promotions and children married and went to college. Eventually, she accepted a position in public affairs in Iraq and the family moved again, this time to Kenosha to retire near two of their daughters and their grandchildren.

In August 2005, I boarded a plane for the Middle East at the same time a hurricane named Katrina was bearing down on the levees the Corps built in New Orleans, she said, adding, My eight months in Iraq were very rewarding, but one of the most challenging times of my life.

Nicknamed Grandma in Iraq, Suzanne faced significant danger each day, but learned to seek opportunities, adapt, take risks and trust in God to see her through the most difficult moments.

I wanted to give something back for all the blessings I had in my life. During my journey, God gave me seven beautiful babies, a supportive husband, employment advancement and He gave me the opportunity to serve others in a war zone, she explained.

So many asked if I was crazy to volunteer for Iraq and others said it was the opportunity of a lifetime. I had to trust Gil would be cared for by my daughters and I would safely return to my family, she said. I prayed for an answer. I got it at church when Samuel was the gospel reading and we sang the song, Here I am Lord, it is I Lord, I have heard you calling in the night. I will go Lord, if you need me, I will hold your people in my heart.

Before her deployment, members of her home parish of St. Mary the Assumption in Alexandria, Ky. and those at St. Anne in Pleasant Prairie prayed for her safety.

When I volunteered, I accepted that if God wanted to bring me home to Him, I was ready. It brought me indescribable peace, she said. Seeing the challenges other people in this world faced gave me greater appreciation for how fortunate we are in our country and the obligation we have to support those less fortunate than ourselves.

Writing to encourage others

While Suzanne was never one to share details over her personal life with others, she wanted to write her book to encourage others, especially mothers to get past their fear, to pray and trust in God and to believe in themselves.

Too many people think they cant have a family and a professional career, she said. They tell themselves they cant go back to college at age 40, learn new things or succeed in new places where they dont know anyone. I faced my fears and if I can do it, you can do it.

Suzanne hopes that her story inspires others to move forward with their own goals in life and not deterred by age.

At 20, I started having babies, at 40, I went back to work and college, at 60, I volunteered to serve in Iraq, she said. The world continually reinforces negativity and what we cant do. I want others to see hope and confidence that you can do it. Pray, believe in yourself, take a leap to use your God-given talents and reach your goals in life.

Take baby steps or leap over tall buildings, but dont stand still and wait for life to happen. You are never too old to go back to college, write a book or volunteer to serve in a third world country. Young mothers, trust me-there is life after diapers. You can have a family and a career, she added.

For more

Suzanne Fourniers book, Life After Diapers,  is available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble

More information is available at:
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Phnom Penh is changing at an incalculable rate. It is evolving so quickly that even from my last visit four years ago, I barely recognize the streets I once shuffled my well-worn sandals through. Now, the streets of my old neighborhood are proudly adorned with a new facade of artistic, stylish restaurants and a collection of boutique coffee shops. Bigger buildings and prime real estate positions are now occupied by logos of branded international chains. Indeed, the very apartment from which I am writing this letter is situated between Dominos Pizza on one corner and Starbucks on the other, both institutions newly arriving since I was last here.

Walking through the streets was once a crazy game of avoiding high-speed motos and low-speed tuk-tuks that whiz on by, but now one has to avoid the multitude of 44 vehicles and saloon cars bumping and grinding into each other in the already minimal gaps left between the pedestrians and motorcycles. The cars are old and dusty, but rarely one may see an outrageous display of wealth when a Bentley, Hummer or Rolls Royce honks its way through the traffic, demanding attention and right of passage.

The skyline, too, is becoming unrecognizable. Tall and taller buildings are popping up like a troop of grey and cream mushrooms in a smoggy sky, with many immature mushrooms still clad in a green tarp waiting to ripen in the sun and soon be ready for human habitation. Each day, the clunking and clattering of bare-chested builders fill the noisy air. From morning until dusk, heavy construction machinery grinds into your dreams waking you up earlier than you had hoped.

The night sky is beautiful from my rooftop, as the incessant activity of the streets below is sparked into colorful animation by flashing lights from the buildings, monuments and large digital billboards frantically advertising Cambodias latest products and services. The road junctions now have traffic lights, blissfully ignored by experienced Phnom Penh drivers.

But despite the changes, there is much about Phnom Penh that is the same. The early morning gongs of the temples  designed to be a traditional alarm clock for pious monks  still dominate over all other noises. The old wooden coconut carts are still pulled through the potholed streets by weary sellers, and there are still makeshift fruit markets on many corners displaying the colorful array of Southeast Asian produce that is in season currently. There are still mopeds carrying entire families  a husband, a wife with two younger children in between them and another toddler balanced expertly on the handlebars.

Beyond the changing skyline and new facade, underneath it all, it seems the lives of the people in the city have remained static since I was last here. The same tuk-tuk drivers I once knew still occupy their designated corners as four years ago, easily recognizing us upon our return to the neighborhood, waving and shrieking loudly and happy to see us. Within the restaurants are the same waiters, only four years older, working the same shift, over and over, day and night, seven days a week.

I was humbled and reminded of how privileged my life has been when one restaurant waiter, working the same monotonous shift, remembered my old apartment address, including the exact door number of my flat  a meaningless fact I had forgotten long ago, whilst I was away enjoying my recent and rich experiences all over the world.

And the hospital remains similar to when I left, the staff and patients very much the same. The poor still come to this small charitable surgical hospital, unable to afford the rising costs of surgery in the government or private hospitals, while others come having already been bankrupted by previous surgical care elsewhere. The cases remain as neglected and extremely heartbreaking as I remember.

Since I have returned, one young woman has presented with a tumor on her face so large she has gradually become blind in both eyes and now struggling to breathe. Another woman, working as a farmer for many years, now in her forties, presented with a neglected clubfoot, never seeking treatment before for her severely misshapen foot. She said she did not get married because of the deformity and is now finding life difficult. I asked why she was seeking treatment so late, Because this surgical center is here, she replied.

I enquired if correcting the foot would help now with her relationship prospects, No, its too late for that, she sighed, but I want to be out of pain.

There is a popular phrase that is said here in South East Asia: Same-same but different. Although there is no true definition of this catchy phrase, it is often used when describing something that may appear to be different but ultimately is the same.

When I left the surgical center in 2013, I left a cute toy monkey with my name badge pinned to its chest in the clinic room in a symbolic gesture to tell the staff I was still there with them. When I returned, I noticed that same soft toy, hanging in the same place as where I left it many years ago, now somewhat dusty and bedraggled.

After four years, Phnom Penh truly is the same-same but different. I imagine too, how much I may have changed over this period of time. Since completing my higher surgical training, maybe I have become more confident in myself, or maybe I am now more acutely aware of the vast depths of surgical knowledge I am still missing.

I have now published my most heartfelt words in a compendium of my surgical diaries for the world to read. I feel more assured of myself and at peace with all the encouragement I have received. But sometimes, I fear my writings have made me more vulnerable, more afraid of what others may think of all I outwardly express.

Perhaps, over the last four years of my life, there is now a brand-new shining facade that is papering over my old cracking skin and creaking joints. I wonder how much I have changed physically and in spirit over the last four years or if I have become dusty and bedraggled like my soft toy, forlornly displayed in the clinic. Perhaps like Phnom Penh and our impoverished patients, I too am the same-same but different.

Saqib Noor is an orthopedic surgeon who blogs at his self-titled site, Saqib Noor. He is the author of Surgery on the Shoulders of Giants: Letters from a doctor abroad.

Image credit: Saqib Noor
(Adds request for delay in trial, updates decline in Turkish lira)

By Jonathan Stempel

NEW YORK, Nov 3 (Reuters) - A wealthy Turkish gold trader charged in the United States with violating U.S. sanctions against Iran sought support from and invoked the name of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to advance his business, U.S. prosecutors said.

The allegations against the trader, Reza Zarrab, had been detailed in a Monday federal court filing in Manhattan, but the Turkish lira fell more than 1 percent against the U.S. dollar after Bloomberg News reported the filing on Friday.

Erdogan has not been accused of wrongdoing, but the case has complicated the U.S. relationship with Turkey, a crucial Middle East ally.

Benjamin Brafman, a lawyer for Zarrab, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Turkish government officials could not immediately be reached.

Prosecutors accused the Iranian-born Zarrab and co-conspirators of handling hundreds of millions of dollars for Iran's government and Iranian entities from 2010 to 2015, in a scheme to evade U.S. actions.

Nine people have been criminally charged, but only Zarrab and a banker from Turkey's Halkbank , Mehmet Hakan Atilla, are in U.S. custody.

A trial is scheduled for Nov. 27.

But in a filing late Friday, Atilla's lawyers requested a delay to January 2018, citing the amount of work still be done, "much of it" in Turkey, and the difficulty of trial preparation with Atilla housed in a Manhattan jail.

In Monday's filing, prosecutors said "the government anticipates that the evidence introduced at trial will show that Turkish government and banking officials were integral to the sanctions evasion scheme."

The filing detailed recorded phone conversations and documents that according to prosecutors suggest Zarrab was looking out for Erdogan's interests.

It said one call occurred on April 16, 2013, when Zarrab spoke with another defendant about his efforts to buy a bank to establish a conduit for Iranian transactions.

Prosecutors said Zarrab and Erdogan, then Turkey's prime minister, had spoken four days earlier at a wedding.

"I explained it that day at the wedding," Zarrab told the co-defendant, according to prosecutors. "I will go back and will say, Mr. Prime Minister, if you approve, give me a license, I will go though BDDK (the Turkish bank regulator) even if I bought the bank anyway."

In a separate filing, Atilla's lawyers have said Zarrab has "essentially not participated" in the case and that Atilla might be the only defendant appearing at trial.

This raised speculation that Zarrab might be preparing a guilty plea or to cooperate, or that charges against him may change.

The case is U.S. v. Zarrab et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 15-cr-00867.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Dan Grebler and Matthew Lewis)
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. High 31F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low 17F. Winds light and variable.
No action, no gains

The removal of 675 business and investment conditions by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) is considered as a demonstration of the strong determination of the industry and trade sector to create the maximum favourable conditions for enterprises, contributing to building a government of action that nurtures development and serves the people.Previously, the ministry had also put forth many solutions to reform administrative procedures and it will continue to boost administrative and institutional reform, and the reduction of business conditions in the near future.









Administrative reform in the industry and trade sector has brought about positive results







Pham Thi Hai, a representative from Ton Dong A Corporation based in Binh Duong province, said that the firm took four to 16 hours to apply for a Certificate of Origin (C/O). However, thanks to the pilot programme launched two years ago that allows enterprises to apply for a C/O via the internet, the application time has been shortened to just one to two hours.



The reforms introduced by the MoIT have helped enterprises to save time and costs, thereby increasing the competitiveness of goods and services, amid integration and fierce competition.



In particular, at the conference held by the MoIT in early January this year, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc asked the industry and trade sector to further foster administrative reform and facilitate enterprises. Thus, administrative procedure reform has become one of the most important tasks of the MoIT during this tenure.



However, it is not an easy task as the MoIT's management involves multiple sectors, with as many as 443 administrative procedures, including many cumbersome procedures that are proving problems for businesses.



For instance, textile and garment products were subject to formaldehyde and aromatic amine tests from 2009 to 2015, but no case of high level of formaldehyde was ever detected. Meanwhile, enterprises had to pay hundreds of billions of Vietnamese dong and wasted a lot of time on goods inspection.



Amid these inadequacies, in 2016, the MoIT simplified and abolished 39 administrative procedures out of the 443 administrative procedures in the areas of e-commerce, chemicals, alcohol production and trading, franchising, goods trading through commodity exchange, energy, food safety and electricity.



In 2016, Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh signed a decision to abolish Circular 37/2015/TT-BCT, dated from 2009, on the limits and testing of formaldehyde content in textile products in order to remove difficulties for textile enterprises.



"The abolition has brought about great benefits as it helps enterprises to save roughly VND1.5 million (US$66) per test and shortens the clearance time to 2.4 - 3.8 days", said Truong Van Cam, deputy chairman of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (Vinatas).



In 2017, the MoIT set the target of removing 15 administrative procedures and simplifying 108 procedures in 17 areas defined in 40 legal documents. Furthermore, the ministry will continue to build and upgrade 22 online public services.



Historic decision



Besides administrative reform, the MoIT is also committed to cutting down business conditions that hinder enterprises. At the regular Government cabinet meeting on August 3, 2017, the MoIT was blamed for imposing the highest number of business conditions on enterprises. The ministry managed 27 business categories with business conditions totalling up to 1,220.



Following the meeting, the MoIT set up a special working group to review all of the business conditions in order to simplify or reduce the conditions. As a result, Minister Tran Tuan Anh signed the Decision No. 3610a/Q-BCT on September 20, 2017 to simplify and cut 675 business and investment conditions.



The move marked the highest number of conditions to be slashed in the history of the industry and trade sector, which accounted for 55.5% of the total number of business and investment conditions.



Minister Tran Tuan Anh said that this was not an "overnight" decision but it was considered carefully by the ministry to improve the efficiency of State management, while ensuring favourable conditions for enterprises.



Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc acknowledged that this was the most positive and strongest move made among the ministries in a bid to reform business conditions. This decision has caused the MoIT to become the leading ministry in abolishing a huge volume of business conditions.



Minister Tran Tuan Anh noted that the reduction of 675 or even 1,000 business conditions will only pay off if it brings about substantial results and actually facilitates enterprises.



He added that the simplification and removal of business and investment conditions will be the key task of the industry and trade sector in the near future, aligned with the building and promulgation of legal documents.



Deputy General Director of Garment 10 JSC, Than Duc Viet said the abolition of 675 business conditions have stimulated enterprises and the move will certainly create more convenience for enterprises in conducting business, allowing them to gain more benefits in the time ahead.



Economist, PhD. Vo Tri Thanh also praised the pioneering move of the MoIT, while noting that: "The move is a positive signal, but it is only the first step. More work is waiting ahead which requires further determination and efforts from the MoIT. In particular, it is necessary to create a broad consensus among the MoIT staff to promote the aforementioned efforts.



It will take more time to measure the practical effectiveness of the strong move by the MoIT. However, this considerable change will create pervasive influence on other ministries, sectors, and localities, contributing to building a government of action that nurtures development and serves the people.





Nhan Dan
PRESS RELEASE

Trumps Lead Economic Advisor says No to Glass-Steagall

Nov. 3, 2017 (EIRNS)Speaking to Politico at an event yesterday in Washington, D.C., Gary Cohn, the former Goldman Sachs executive now serving as director of President Trumps National Economic Council, threw cold water on the idea that the Administration is considering reinstating the 1933 Glass-Steagall banking law which separated speculation from legitimate banking activity. Asked whether "youre considering doing Glass-Steagall," Cohn said, "Aside from some more small changes in regulation, were not considering anything more." Cohn has previously floated the idea that he (and his former employer Goldman Sachs) would welcome the FDR bill, as it would have more immediate negative consequences for megabanks JPMorganChase, Bank of America, and Citigroup.

Legislation for reinstituting the banking separation law, which a theatened new financial crash makes extremely urgent, remains pending in both the House and the Senate. In the House, Rep. Marcy Kapturs H.R. 790 has a total of 58 sponsors; Sen. Elizabeth Warrens S. 881 has nine sponsors, including herself.
PRESS RELEASE

FBI, Obama in the Crosshairs for British-Intelligence Lying Dossier

Nov. 3, 2017 (EIRNS)A drumbeat has begun, demanding an answer to the question: Did the FBI use the Hillary-funded, British intelligence-written, lying dossier as the basis for its Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Court request to surveil Donald Trumps campaign in 2016?

"I think they did," President Donald Trump told Boston radio host Howard Carr in an interview broadcast live from the White House yesterday, when asked just that question. "Because when [then-FBI Director James] Comey came up to see me ... he was showing me the dossier. Thats what he showed me. I think they did use it."

Trump was blunt: "If they did use it, its going to be serious problem for them. I think all of that will come out."

Nervous about where this is heading, mainstream press coup-advocates ranted about Trumps "authoritarian" desires, when he complained in his interview with Carr and another with Radio WMALs Larry OConnor the same day, that as President he is not supposed to interfere with the judiciary. Trump, in fact, asked a straightforward question: Why isnt the Justice Department

"going after Hillary Clinton with her emails and with her dossier, and the kind of money ... is it possible that they paid $12.4 million for the dossier which is total phony, fake, fraud and how is it used?"

But,

"as a President, youre not supposed to be involved in that process. But hopefully they are doing something and at some point, maybe we are going to all have it out,"

he said.

On Nov. 1, Florida Republican Rep. Ron DeSantis called upon the Trump administration to declassify those documents.

"What the American people deserve to know is whether the information compiled by Steele on the Democrats dime was used by the Obama administration to obtain approval to conduct surveillance against Trump associates,"

DeSantis said.

"The FBI has stonewalled producing these documents for months and their production shouldnt be limited to closed-door viewing by a small number of members of Congress. The Trump administration should immediately declassify all the documents used to obtain surveillance warrants against Trump or his associates."

Likewise, numerous newspapers around the country published today a syndicated column by Washington Examiner columnist Byron York headlined: "After Trump Dossier Revelation, Focus on FBI Is Next." Wherein York asks:

"What did the FBI do with the dossier material? Did judges make surveillance decisions in the Trump-Russia investigation based in whole or in part on the dossier? To what degree is the salacious and unverified dossier the source of what we think we know about allegations of collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign?"

Things are such that lawyer Hillary Clinton thought it wise to defend the dossier as "standard opposition research," nothing more, in a Wednesday night appearance on Comedy Centrals The Daily Show. Preparing to throw her campaign lawyer under the bus, Hillary claimed that

"when Trump got the nomination of the Republican Party, the people doing it came to my campaign lawyer, and said, would you like us to continue it? He said yes. He is an experienced lawyer. He knows what the law is. He knows what opposition research is."

And she lied that "this thing didnt come out until after the election."

The scrambling by Democrat coup-champions had House Intelligence Committee Chair Devin Nunes chuckling on Wednesday. When the DOJ documents on the dossier were released (for Congressional eyes only) this week, Nuness investigators found when they showed up to review them that Rep. Adam Schiffwho had opposed the subpoena for their release as "irrelevant"was already there, along with four staffers from other Dems! "That tells me that they are very, very nervous about this dossier, who paid for it,... and who or what was this used for by the FBI," Nunes told Fox News.
PRESS RELEASE

Chief of Staff Kelly Speaks on Working with China

Nov. 3, 2017 (EIRNS)In Fox News Laura Ingraham Oct. 30 interview with Chief of Staff John Kelly, a debate, of sorts, ensued over U.S.-Chinese relations, after Kelly expressed the "great hope we all have China," and Russia, too, he added, will help end the threat of a North Korean ICBM being developed.

Ingraham shot back, why did President Trump congratulate President Xi, who is now being compared with Chairman Mao, who killed 60 million people; its a communist country. "Why are celebrating Xis Presidency?"

"As Americans we cannot accept a government like that, but that is not up to us to pass judgment on," Kelly replied.

"I think working with people no matter who they are is better than not talking to them. They have a system of government that is apparently works for the Chinese people"

Ingraham interrupted: "not all of them," mentioning Christians. Kelly replied "lets hope this is a new kind of leader, and not look back so many decades."

Whats our relationship to China? Are they friend, foe, trading partner?

Kelly:

"Theyve beat us pretty badly in terms of trade. That doesnt make them an enemy. They are, to say the least, a world power. That doesnt make them an enemy. They probably in many ways have been smarter than we have in terms of business and trade. President Trump is committed to changing that relationship on a collegial basis. The disparity between what we buy and sell from them is pretty great ... but I wouldnt even consider them a competitor, just another world power."

Yes, our trade deficit is big, Kelly agreed.
PRESS RELEASE

Putin Opens Wall of Sorrow for Victims of Political Repression in U.S.S.R.

Nov. 3, 2017 (EIRNS)President Vladimir Putin spoke at the opening ceremony for a "Memorial to Victims of Political Repressions" in Moscow on Oct. 30. "We are opening the Wall of Sorrowa grand and thrilling monument, both in its essence and embodimentin the capital today. It calls on our conscience, our feelings, understanding of the repression period and compassion towards its victims," he said, as reported on the Presidents website.

"The memory itself, the clearness and coherence of positions on these dark events serve as a powerful warning against their repetition."

He thanked the Moscow authorities and the many individuals who authored and financed the memorial. "It is important to us, to the whole country today and is even more important to young people, to Russias future."

Appearing with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, Putin quoted Natalya Solzhenitsynas words on the repression period: "To know, remember, condemn and then forgive." "I completely agree with these words," Putin added.

"We and our successors should remember the tragedy of repressions and the reasons that caused them. But this does not mean calling for settling of scores. The society should not be pushed again towards the dangerous confrontation line."

Without mentioning Stalin, Putin recalled certain historical facts about the period

"when everybody risked facing far-fetched and absolutely absurd charges, when millions were labeled as enemies of the people, shot or crippled and went through the torment of prison terms or labor camps and exiles." "In the history of our country, just as any other one, there were many complex and controversial periods. They are being discussed and argued about and different approaches proposed to explaining certain events. This is a natural process of studying and understanding history and looking for the truth, but whenever the issue of repression, death and suffering of millions of people is raised, it is enough to visit the Butovo field or the sites of other mass graves of victims of political repression, which are many in Russia, to understand that there can be no forgiveness for those crimes,"

Putin said.

He believes that

"political repression became a tragedy for all of our people, for society and a heavy blow on our people, its roots, culture and self-identity. We still feel the consequences. Our duty is to prevent oblivion."

The Wall of Sorrow can be compared to the Teardrop Memorial, donated by Russia to New Jersey and the United States to commemorate the victims of terrorism on 9/11 and elsewhere. Like that moving memorial, the Wall of Sorrow has also been totally blacked out of any U.S. press coverage, by those who lie that Putin is the new Stalin.
A Dying King: The Shah of Iran director Bobak Kalhor on what killed Anwar Sadat and the Shah Could Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the late shah of Iran, have been cured of the lymphoma that killed him in 1980?Iranian American director Bobak Kalhor says most of the doctors he spoke to when researching his new documentary, A Dying King: The Shah of
Conveyor belts stretching more than a mile carry gravel and sand from the Orca quarry on Vancouver Island, Canada, to a ship off the coast of Port McNeil. Thanks to a combination of materials science, cheap ocean shipping and, some argue, NIMBYism, todays industrial concrete mixers in L.A. are often filled with imported rock and sand. (Polaris Materials) (Polaris Materials)

The 519 miles of L.A.s freeway system. Dodger Stadium. City Hall. All built with concrete filled with rock and sand washed down from Southern Californias iconic mountain ranges.

For evidence of that mineral abundance, look no further than Irwindale, home to more than a dozen massive pits emptied last century for those critical building components.

But now, as another building boom rumbles across Los Angeles and a new generation of high-rises climbs skyward, the rock and sand are coming from a much more distant source: Canadas Vancouver Island, more than 1,400 miles away.

Thats a long distance to ship commodities that are still abundant locally, sell for less than $20 a ton  and often cost more to transport than to mine.

Yet thanks to a combination of materials science, cheap ocean shipping and, some argue, NIMBYism, todays industrial concrete mixers are often filled with imported rock and sand.

At Polaris Materials Orca quarry, located on the northern coast of Vancouver Island, gravel and sand are scraped from the sides of the pit. (Polaris Materials)

Consider a new apartment building going up at 12th Street and Grand Avenue in downtown L.A. On a gloomy Halloween morning, two dozen workers poured the concrete that will form the 28th of the buildings 38 stories.

Before that wet concrete was leveled and smoothed, before it was pumped to the top of the building, before it was mixed together at a plant near Vernon, it started out as cement powder, water, sand and gravel.

And those last two ingredients began their journey weeks earlier on the largely undeveloped north side of Vancouver Island, just off the southwest coast of British Columbia.

There, near the logging town of Port McNeil, Polaris Materials and the indigenous Namgis First Nation own the Orca Quarry, a site where long-melted glaciers some 10,000 years ago deposited layers of sand and gravel as thick as 300 feet.

The materials, known in the construction business as aggregate, are scraped from the sides of the quarry pit, washed, sorted into piles and loaded onto conveyor belts that stretch more than a mile to a terminal floating on the Broughton Strait.

Then, the rock and sand are dumped into dry-bulk carriers  picture an oil tanker, but designed to carry solid cargo such as coal or grain. Each ship can carry about 75,000 tons of aggregate.

From Port McNeil, its a four-day, 1,450-mile voyage down the coast to the Port of Long Beach, where Vancouver, Canada-based Polaris leases 8 acres of waterside real estate.

Conveyor belts stretching from the ship to the terminal can offload 2,000 to 3,000 tons of material an hour, taking as long as 40 hours to empty a full ship. The terminal, little more than a parking lot for aggregate, has room for about 120,000 tons of material.

Its then time for the aggregate to make its way to the construction sites  and, for the first time, to be loaded into trucks and be transported by road.

Conveyors are used to unload the gravel and sand from the Canadian quarry at a Port of Long Beach terminal (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times). (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times ) Gravel from Polaris Orca quarry is piled up and stored at the Port of Long Beach (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times). (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) Samples of concrete made from the shipped Canadian materials. The concrete is being used by Webcor Builders on some high-rises going up in downtown Los Angeles (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times). (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) Clockise from top: Conveyors are used to unload the gravel and sand from the Canadian quarry at a Port of Long Beach terminal (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times). Samples of concrete made from the shipped Canadian materials. The concrete is being used by Webcor Builders on some high-rises going up in downtown Los Angeles (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times). Gravel from Polaris' Orca quarry is piled up and stored at the Port of Long Beach (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times).

The fact that Polaris can move its aggregate from a Canadian quarry all the way to Long Beach without being transported by road is one of the reasons its feasible to export such heavy, cheap material over such a long distance.

Warren Coalson, a consultant to California mine and quarry operators, estimates it costs $220 to haul a standard 25-ton truckload on a 25-mile trip in L.A. traffic. That works out to about 35 cents per ton per mile.

In a massive oceangoing vessel, its dramatically cheaper: roughly half a cent per ton per mile, Polaris spokesman Nick Van Dyk said.

That leads to some striking math: To ship 1 ton of rock over 1,450 miles of ocean to Long Beach costs about $7.25. To truck it from Long Beach to downtown L.A., about 25 miles, adds an additional $8.75. And at $16 combined, thats less than the $22.75 it might cost to truck a ton of aggregate on the 65-mile trip from a quarry in Palmdale to downtown.

Thats the equation  thats what makes it work, Van Dyk said. The logistics are a big part of it.

And getting bigger.

L.A.s local sand and gravel supplies arent as local as they used to be. With most of Irwindales quarries now vacant pits, projects might get aggregate from as far away as Palmdale or Victorville. San Diego and the San Francisco Bay Area, too, are having to tap increasingly distant sources.

A 2012 report from the California state geologist estimates that quarries in Los Angeles County and the Bay Area have permits to produce less than one-third of the aggregate that will be needed over the next 50 years. San Diego, which already imports aggregate from Mexico, is in even worse shape.

Its not that California doesnt have enough sand and gravel. But as development has sprawled, quarries or potential quarry sites that were once in sparsely populated areas are now surrounded by people  who dont want the attendant noise, pollution and truck traffic.

Those concerns pushed Riverside County in 2012 to reject Granite Constructions proposal to open a quarry near Temecula that would have supplied San Diego.

Mexican construction materials giant Cemex tried for decades to get permits for a quarry in the Santa Clarita Valley but faced fierce opposition from residents and city officials. Now, Cemex is planning to haul rock and sand by rail from its White Mountain quarry in Victorville to a depot in Bell, a 100-mile journey.

For Polaris, though, the problem has presented an opportunity. And its made the company an acquisition target.

Alabama concrete giant Vulcan Materials announced plans to buy Polaris in August for just shy of $200 million, a bid that was quickly topped by a $240-million offer from Texas-based U.S. Concrete. The deal would give U.S. Concrete a way to expand into Southern California without the difficult task of buying or building a quarry of its own.

Its hard to build a new quarry anywhere in California, said Brent Thielman, an analyst at brokerage D.A. Davidson & Co. Its the cost of the real estate, the environmental permitting, the regulation. All of that comes with the territory.

Polaris started shipping aggregate to Long Beach last year, but has been hauling rock and sand to Honolulu and the Bay Area since 2007. The company has said it wants to export to more markets, including San Diego and Ventura County.

Its not the only company importing sand and gravel into the U.S., but the practice remains relatively rare. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that domestic builders used about 1 billion tons of aggregate last year, and that only about 3 million tons were imported  mostly from Canada.

But importing aggregate is more common elsewhere.

Sometimes, its the result of a building boom that outstrips local supply. Thats the case in China, which in 2015 imported $2.3 billion worth of sand and gravel, according to United Nations trade statistics.

Lower quality rock, you hit it with a hammer and it chips, you hit our rock and it rings.  Nicholas Van Dyk, Polaris Materials

In other cases, local materials simply arent suitable. Qatar and Kuwait were among the top global importers of sand and gravel in 2015, according to U.N. data. Theres plenty of sand in both Persian Gulf nations, but of the wrong sort. Desert sand, formed by wind, is too smooth for making concrete. Coarser sand formed by rivers and glaciers is preferred.

And while logistics is part of the reason Los Angeles builders are buying Vancouver Island gravel, quality is a factor, too. The gravel from the Orca quarry is mostly basalt, a fine-grained volcanic rock thats harder and denser than the mixture of granite, quartz and schist that are washed out of the San Gabriel Mountains.

Polaris and its local customers say that makes Orca material a preferred choice for making the high-strength concrete used in the floor slabs of new downtown high-rises and in elements of the forthcoming Rams and Chargers stadium in Inglewood.

Lower quality rock, you hit it with a hammer and it chips, said Polaris Van Dyk. You hit our rock and it rings.

Which is why its L.A. customers are willing to pay a premium.

Oceanwide Plaza, a mixed-use development across from Staples Center, is being built with concrete that includes sand and gravel imported from Vancouver Island. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Material from Southern California quarries generally costs $12 or $13 a ton, said Coalson, the quarry consultant. Polaris aggregate sells for closer to $20 a ton. But builders say the higher quality material actually saves them money elsewhere.

At its most basic, concrete is a mixture of sand, gravel, water and cement. And of those elements, cement is the most expensive, selling for upwards of $100 per ton.

If youre laying down a sidewalk, you can use whatever aggregate you want. But to make high-performance concrete, the materials matter. Use lower-quality sand and gravel and youll need to add a larger amount of cement, said Todd Lamberty, a project manager for construction firm Webcor Builders.

The aggregate thats locally mined is pretty poor quality in terms of its shear strength, said Lamberty, who is overseeing cement work at several downtown projects using Polaris products. You end up putting a ton of cement in the mix to make up for that, and cement is the most expensive component.

Other projects Lamberty is overseeing include the Metropolis, a luxury condo-and-hotel complex, and Oceanwide Plaza, a mixed-use project, both near Staples Center.

Using less cement not only reduces costs but has other benefits. Cement gives off heat as it cures; too much heat can cause shrinking and cracking. Less cement and more aggregate lowers those risks.

For high-strength applications, its just kind of a win-win, Lamberty said.

At one of Lambertys projects, the apartment building at 12th and Grand, Webcor is using Polaris aggregate for nearly all the structural elements, including floor plates and columns.

Rick Lance, a concrete place and finish superintendent for Webcor, said he has found that concrete with Polaris aggregate cracks less than other mixes. As workers smoothed out freshly placed concrete, Lance plucked a few pieces of gravel out of the wet gray glop.

Its like a jigsaw puzzle, he said, pointing out the mixture of smooth and jagged faces on each piece of rock. It bites better. The pieces all lock together.

On Oct. 31, workers poured concrete for the 17,000-square-foot 28th floor. For that floor alone, Webcor used 436 cubic yards of concrete made with nearly 720 tons of sand and gravel that was scraped from the Vancouver Island quarry pit. The company has 10 more floors to go.

In early 2019, residents of the 536-unit apartment building will take in views of a changing L.A. skyline. Theyll join the new residents of the Metropolis and Oceanwide Plaza  all of whom will be standing on millions of pieces of British Columbia.

james.koren@latimes.com

Follow me: @jrkoren
The House Republican plan to cut taxes for small businesses has a big problem: Most apparently wont benefit from it.

The typical small business, whether its a sole proprietorship, partnership or limited liability company, doesnt pay taxes itself, but its owners do as individuals.



For the record: This article incorrectly states that the 25% tax rate kicks in for income above $91,900 for individuals and $153,100 for couples. Those income thresholds are actually the upper limits for the 25% tax rate.

And already about 86% of these so-called pass-through businesses pay no more than 25% under the individual code, the new top rate proposed for small-business income in the tax bill unveiled this week. So they wont get the legislations much-hyped small-business tax cut.

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On top of that, the bill makes it very difficult for lawyers, engineers, doctors, consultants and other personal services providers, who make up a good share of small businesses, to qualify for the 25% rate.

The whole thing doesnt work for most small businesses, said Jack Mozloom, spokesman for the National Federation of Independent Business, which has declared it does not support the bill at this point.

We think there ought to be a substantial benefit for everybody, he said.

Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Porter Ranch), an accountant and attorney who practiced tax law before being elected, said the pass-through tax changes were of no benefit to the vast majority of small businesses.

Its the worst idea Ive seen in a long time, he said. Its able to combine incredible unfairness with a level of complexity beyond any provision of the tax code dealing with domestic income.

The centerpiece of the Republican bill are business tax cuts to spur economic growth and job creation.

The tax rate for corporations will be slashed to 20% from 35% and they no longer would face U.S. taxes on most foreign earnings.

But specifically cutting taxes for pass-through businesses, which also include S corporations  a structure often used by mid-sized businesses that might sell shares of stock  is more difficult. Their net income is subject to the individual tax code, which has a top rate of 39.6%.

So House Republicans proposed a new way to encourage investment by small businesses through a formula that seeks to tax revenue applied to capital expenditures at 25%. However, ordinary wage income paid by small businesses would not get the preferential rate and would continue to be subject to the individual tax code.

We drive almost half a trillion dollars of tax relief for our Main Street job creators, said Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas), chairman of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee.

But most of the benefit from that new 25% rate  which the congressional Joint Committee on Taxation estimated would reduce taxes collected from small businesses by $448 billion over the next decade  would flow to a small percentage of business owners.

Only about 13% of businesses paid more than the 25% tax rate this year but they accounted for 77% of all pass-through income, according to the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center. Depending on their income, they now pay top marginal rates ranging from 26% to 39.6%

Its only people above the 25% bracket who can even possibly benefit from the preferential rate, said Joseph Rosenberg, a senior research associate at the center.

The current 25% rate kicks in for income above $91,900 for individuals and $153,100 for couples. The House Republican tax bill would raise those thresholds to $200,000 for individuals and $260,000 for couples.

But the typical NFIB member wouldnt benefit from such changes, Mosloom said, since the average small business has five employees and $75,000 in taxable income.

If the point of tax reform, as the drafters claim, is to lift the U.S. economy and boost Main Street America, it ought to boost Main Street America, he said. The way theyve structured it now, its not truly a business pass-through rate.

Pass-through businesses with net income above the 25% tax bracket level would have two options for claiming the preferential rate under the bill.

The simple method would automatically allocate 30% of net income as business income subject to the new rate. The rest would be classified as wage income and subject to the individual tax rates.

I anticipate a lot of small businesses do not want to hassle with the other options. Theyll just take that one, Brady said.

Pass-through business owners also could choose to calculate their own percentage based on the amount of capital investment that they have made.

If you are a business owner  you own your building, youre buying that equipment, youre putting capital at risk, [then] youre operating not as a wage earner, Brady said. You can have a higher percentage of your income classified as business income.

Further complicating the matter, a person who is a passive owner and does not actively run the business would be able to use the 25% top rate on all business income that currently would be taxed at a higher rate, according to the legislation.

An investor whos just making an investment in the business and isnt active in decision-making or the conduct of the business would typically be a passive investor, said Jeff Erickson, a principal in the national tax practice at Ernst & Young.

Existing Internal Revenue Service rules determine active and passive business owners. But the rules were put in place to prevent people from falsely claiming to be active in order to claim tax losses.

Under the new tax bill, the incentives would flip so that people would want to be passive business participants, so those rules might need to be changed, Erickson said.

Another potential area for abuse would be lawyers, hedge fund managers and other personal service providers classifying their wages as business income to use the 25% rate. The tax bill does not allow those businesses to use the simple 70/30 formula in order to prevent such abuses.

Those businesses could use the second option for calculating their capital investments to try to claim the 25% top rate. But they would have to prove they have made such investments.

The idea is you have a lawyer or accountant just providing their labor you dont want to give a break for that, Rosenberg said.

Preventing personal services businesses from getting a tax break is unfair, said Keith Hall, president of the National Assn. for the Self-Employed.

Many of our members probably wouldnt have a tax break because of that, Hall said of the groups 150,000 members.

House Republicans should change the bill so that new hires, such as a doctor hiring a nurse or an accountant hiring an assistant, are considered business investments subject to the 25% top rate, he said.

jim.puzzanghera@latimes.com | Twitter: @JimPuzzanghera

james.koren@latimes.com | Twitter: @jrkoren
A Dying King: The Shah of Iran director Bobak Kalhor: Its not just Americans that want freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of thought, freedom for women If we dont fight for creating freedoms that we have in other places, then the people who are not supportive of those freedoms will attack us here, director Bobak Kalhor says about U.S. foreign policy. You know, the fight starts other places. Hum
Las Vegas shootings: In the Nov. 2 Section A, an article about a womans search for a gunshot victim she had encountered on the night of the Oct. 1 shootings contained several inaccuracies. After publication, the chief subject of the article, Sheri Sletten, told The Times that her account of reuniting with gunshot victim Matt Lewan after he was released from the hospital was false. That meeting did not occur. Also, Lewans family says that while Sletten was present on the night Lewan was shot, Lewans father and a family friend administered the most important lifesaving aid.

Property tax relief: In the Nov. 3 California section, an article about about property tax relief after the North Bay wildfires described Proposition 13 as limiting the increase in a propertys tax bill to 2% a year. The proposition limits the increase in a propertys assessed value to 2% a year.

Blade of the Immortal: In the Nov. 3 Calendar section, an information box with the review of Blade of the Immortal said the film opened Friday at the Laemmle NoHo 7, North Hollywood, and Laemmle Playhouse 7, Pasadena. It opened Friday and plays through Nov. 9 at the Landmark Nuart, West L.A, and then begins Nov. 10 at the Laemmle locations in North Hollywood and Pasadena.

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Lounge Theatre repertory: In the Nov. 3 Calendar section, a 99-Seat Beat theater digest item about two plays at the Lounge Theatre said Redline actress Courtney Sauls was in the TV series Hello Ladies. It was actress Christine Woods who was in that HBO comedy. The item also transposed the titles of Woods and James Eckhouses productions. She is in Sinners Laundry. He is in Redline.

If you believe that we have made an error, or you have questions about The Times journalistic standards and practices, you may contact Deirdre Edgar, readers representative, by email at readers.representative@latimes.com, by phone at (877) 554-4000, by fax at (213) 237-3535 or by mail at 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. The readers representative office is online at latimes.com/readersrep.
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of downtown Los Angeles on Saturday to rail against the Trump administration and its policies, but the march was nothing like the huge demonstrations held across the country after last years presidential election.

The group Refuse Fascism called for protests against Trump in several major cities on Saturday, including New York, Chicago and San Francisco.

Some were concerned Saturdays rally and march  just days before the anniversary of Trumps victory  would mirror the large, rowdy protests that followed Trumps election and inauguration. But Los Angeles police recorded just two arrests Saturday as a crowd of roughly 400 demonstrators marched from Pershing Square, through the jewelry district and past Grand Central Market, said Asst. Chief Michel Moore. The group began dispersing around 4:30 p.m.

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A few dozen supporters of President Trump arrived at Pershing Square about 12:30 p.m. to challenge the demonstrators, but LAPD officers on bicycles quickly formed lines to separate the groups, reducing any potential physical confrontation. The Trump supporters did not obtain a permit, but LAPD allowed them to march in the opposite direction of the Refuse Fascism protesters, Moore said.

One anti-Trump demonstrator who repeatedly tried to get around police lines and threatened violence against the presidents supporters was arrested shortly before 2 p.m., Moore said. The man battered one of Trumps supporters, Moore said, but the victim did not want to press charges. A second person was arrested for refusing to stay within the designated march area, Moore said.

Perry Hoberman, an associate research professor at USC who helped organize the protest, said the date of the march was chosen in part to coincide with the anniversary of Trumps Nov. 8, 2016, election victory. He hoped the event would energize others to stand up to what he sees as the administrations racist and divisive policies.

Theres clearly this process of fatigue and normalization, he said. On the one hand, you almost get used to what they are doing.

About two dozen Trump supporters near 5th and Hill streets voiced support for the far-right media outlet InfoWars and opposition to communism while waving American flags.

Youre on the side of evil, yelled one Trump supporter holding a bullhorn. We are on the side of good.

After a few heated exchanges, most of the anti-Trump demonstrators began ignoring the crowd, which resorted to occasionally arguing with pedestrians who were annoyed by their presence. Moore estimated the size of the pro-Trump crowd at between 100 and 150, but there appeared to be less than 25 people standing outside of a Starbucks near Pershing Square.

Dressed in a costume resembling the Statue of Liberty, Alisa Davies said she would have felt complicit in what she sees as Trumps incompetent and rash decision-making if she didnt take part in the protest.

You could literally reach into a bag of reasons he could be impeached, said Davies, 47, of West Hills.

An increased police presence was visible throughout downtown on Saturday morning, with groups of officers on several streets adjacent to Pershing Square. Moore said there were several hundred officers downtown, and the department plans to remain vigilant throughout the night. Officers will also be deployed to keep tabs on the annual Million Mask March organized by the group Anonymous on Sunday, he said.

The event was promoted by the group Refuse Fascism using the hashtag #Nov4ItBegins, which Hoberman denied was a call for violence. He said figures on the extreme right had deliberately misinterpreted the hashtag to portray the protest as the beginning of a civil war.

The right has used the fact that its not specific to fill in the blanks with whatever they want, Hoberman said.

The event comes days before the one-year anniversary of Trumps surprise election night victory, which sparked a week of demonstrations that spread across downtown, into Westlake and onto the 101 Freeway at times last year.

L.A. police arrested 462 people during five days of demonstrations that were disruptive, but largely nonviolent, drawing condemnation from civil liberties groups who said the departments tactics were overly aggressive and could stifle free speech at future events.

The departments arrest tally far outpaced those in other major cities that saw unrest, including Oakland and Portland, Ore.

Saturdays demonstrations were also the first test for a controversial new ordinance approved by the City Council earlier in the week. The ordinance, sponsored by Councilman Mitchell Englander, prohibits a wide array of items from being carried at demonstrations, including some weapons that are already illegal to possess in public such as swords and martial arts devices.

Protesters were also banned from carrying pepper spray, baseball bats, glass bottles, stun guns and other potentially dangerous items in the wake of clashes in Berkeley, Charlottesville, Va., and other cities.

The American Civil Liberties Union has criticized the ordinance, arguing that it criminalizes the possession of items that are otherwise legal to carry outside the context of political speech, and that it limits speech by restricting the kinds of sign-making materials that can be used during marches.

But no one was arrested as a result of the new ordinance, according to Moore. Officers seized a baseball bat from one protester and a hatchet from another, but both agreed to surrender the items rather than face an arrest. Officers were also seen asking a masked protester to leave Pershing Square because the wooden post affixed to his sign was too large.

Times staff writer Kate Mather contributed to this report.

james.queally@latimes.com

Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California.

UPDATES:

5:30 p.m.: This article was updated with new information from the LAPD and additional comments from protesters.

2:15 p.m.: This article was updated with new information from police.

1:45 p.m.: This article was updated with details from the protest and comments from participants.

This article was originally posted at 10:30 a.m.
About 14 miles west of the Trump administrations prototypes for a future border wall, a small group of San Diego-Tijuana border residents has begun championing a very different notion: removing the wall altogether.

Instead of a double fence, the small, all-volunteer organization Friends of Friendship Park envisions a binational park and pedestrian port of entry at the westernmost end of the 1,969-mile U.S.-Mexico border.

Hey, if youre going to prototype a border wall, why not prototype a border park? asks John Fanestil, a Methodist minister who offers weekly Communion at the fence. Why not prototype friendship on the U.S.-Mexico border?

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A long shot? For sure.

For the U.S. Border Patrol, the existing double fence separating the suburb of Playas de Tijuana from Border Field State Park south of Imperial Beach deters illicit activity  the smuggling of people, drugs and bulk cash  and protects the U.S. agents from aggressions such as hurled rocks.

Beefing up security on the U.S.-Mexico border has been a central issue for President Trump since he campaigned for office. He has vowed to build a big, beautiful wall, along its length and has said that Mexico should pay for the expense.

Last month, eight prototypes, each 30 feet high, were unveiled in San Diego at Otay Mesa. In about a month, once the concrete cures, a testing period of 30 to 60 days will be launched.

But members of Friends of Friendship Park, who for years have been advocating for greater public access to this stretch of the border, argue that building good relations with Mexico would enhance security more than a taller wall. They say that securing the border and building a binational park are not mutually exclusive concepts. Fast-changing technologies offer new possibilities for law enforcement agencies at all levels, they say, and some of these could be applied here.

Some people might think its the worst time to propose it, but you could also think its the best time, said architect James Brown. Especially in the political climate that were in, it might capture the public imagination.

Friendship Park is the name for a small area that surrounds Monument 258, a stone marker at the site of the original boundary point between the United States and Mexico. For decades, it has marked the space where families from both sides of the border would gather.

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo calls for peace and friendship between the people of the two nations, Fanestil said, saying this location should be a place that pays homage to that.

Loose fencing in the area for years had allowed people to reach across, hug, share picnics. But in recent years, such exchanges have become largely impossible.

Saul Rocha, a community liaison officer in San Diego for the U.S. Border Patrol, said stronger fencing became necessary as smugglers seized on the opportunity to infiltrate legitimate gatherings. The smugglers were taking advantage of the opportunity that we were providing the families to blend in and conduct their illicit activities.

Today, the fence consists of a highly controlled double barrier. On weekends, the secondary fence is opened for several hours, allowing those on the U.S. side to step up to the primary fence and talk to friends and family across the border; the tightly woven metal mesh allows them only to touch fingers. Two or three times a year, the primary fence is opened briefly at the request of the group Border Angels, allowing people to embrace.

Friendship Park is one of the most important meeting spaces in the world, but at the same time, its one of the least humane, Brown said.

Removing a 1,000-foot stretch of the double fence at this spot is at the heart of the Friends of Friendship Park proposal. Brown and Fanestil speak of a 36-acre park built around this area that would span Tijuana and San Diego, and could even include a pier jutting out into the Pacific Ocean. Wouldnt it be fun to walk out on the pier with your friend from Mexico, and then come back, and give them a hug, and say, See you next time,  Fanestil said.

The proposal at this point is conceptual and leaves many open questions. Just how would authorities maintain control over the flow of people through the area? How would the perimeter be secured? How would people get there? Would people only with border crossing documents have access?

To come up with a design, a group of Loeb fellows  mid-career architects, designers and other professionals from Harvard Universitys Graduate School of Design  is scheduled to come to the region early next year. There will be two public hearings, one in Tijuana and the other in San Diego, said Brown, a former Loeb fellow and the creator of the experimental art space Bread & Salt in Barrio Logan.

Fanestil and fellow park proponents argue their proposal is not inconceivable  nor unprecedented. The U.S.-Canada border already has binational parks, most notably the international Peace Arch Park, which spans British Columbia and Washington state. And for a pedestrian-only border crossing, look no further than the Cross Border Xpress pedestrian port of entry linking Tijuanas airport to Otay Mesa.

New technologies in recent years have offered a range of possibilities for law enforcement agencies on the border. A 2015 white paper titled Envision 2020 by UC San Diego and Cubic Transportation Systems listed vision analytics, biometric markers, sensor technology and drones as part of the future of border security.

Before removing the wall and creating a binational park, youd have to secure the perimeters of the park, said Katie Busch-Sorensen, a global senior solutions architect for Cubic Transportation Systems. Physical barriers, biometric markers and overhead video cameras could be part of a future solution, she said.

Its something great to work toward, she said. You could certainly try this out in a smaller area and grow it. I think you should do little trials and make sure you have the protection that you need.

Even if it proves technically feasible, the challenge will be persuading officials at the highest levels of government to approve the park, Brown and Fanestil say. It would involve not only creating a binational meeting space, but the approval of a presidential permit to build a pedestrian port of entry.

This could happen in our lifetime, Brown told a group gathered last month at the Mission Valley United Methodist Church to learn about the proposal. It seems unlikely, but it can happen.

Dibble writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.

sandra.dibble@sduniontribune.com
A shooting on a party bus on Santa Monicas Ocean Avenue early Saturday left one person dead and three others injured, and authorities are still searching for multiple gunmen.

Officers responded to a report of shots fired about 1 a.m. on Ocean Avenue at Colorado Avenue, near the Santa Monica Pier, police said. One gunshot victim was found at the scene.

The driver of the party bus drove the vehicle to the police station with three other gunshot victims on board, according to a police statement.

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One person was treated at the scene, and three others were transported to a local hospital for treatment, police said. One unidentified female victim died from her injuries.

Two victims remain in the hospital in stable condition, police said.

Police investigate a party bus where multiple people were shot early Saturday near the Santa Monica Pier. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times )

The incident began when several occupants of a party bus parked on Ocean Avenue exited the bus and got into an altercation with another group from another bus parked nearby, police said. A short time later, several armed suspects fired multiple times into one of the buses and fled the scene on foot.

Police said they still are searching for two or three male suspects involved in the shooting.

The crime scene on Ocean Avenue was blocked off to traffic Saturday morning as tourists and residents streamed by. Many stared at the blockade of cruisers and personnel from the police departments forensics team as they prepared to depart the area.

Katya Montiel, 23, and Brandon Alcock, 24, of San Diego, stood nearby. They said they were shocked when they first learned about the shooting, but their initial reaction gave way to a more jaded response.

Shootings are a casual thing now, which is sad, Montiel said.

Local resident Vince Downey, 54, said he saw the large police presence when he woke up around 4:30 a.m. Saturday to walk his two dogs.

I was kind of surprised, he said. We dont have shootings around here, lot of homeless but no shootings.

As he walked his dogs down Ocean Avenue Saturday he pointed to the bustling crowds of tourists and said the area always feels secure.

I never feel unsafe, he said.

By noon, one of the party buses involved in the shooting was moved, and the busy street was opened to traffic again.

Witnesses said on social media they were stunned by the violence in the popular Southern California tourist spot overlooking the ocean. Some said they thought the gunfire was fireworks until they saw people lying on the ground.

Police are seeking the publics assistance in locating witnesses or anyone in the area at the time of the shooting. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Det. Leone (310) 458-8949; Det. Cooper (310) 458-8478; or the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8495.

javier.panzar@latimes.com

UPDATES:

12:45 p.m.: This article was updated with new comments from a local resident.

12:20 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from Santa Monica tourists.

This article was originally published at 9:10 a.m.
Newly released government documents regarding President Kennedys assassination say allegations that Lee Harvey Oswald was connected to the CIA were totally unfounded.

A 1975 CIA memo says a thorough search of agency records in and outside the United States was conducted to determine whether Oswald had been used by the agency or connected with it in any conceivable way.

The memo said the search came up empty. The memo also said there was no indication that any other U.S. agency used Oswald as a source or for recruitment.

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The National Archives released an additional 676 government documents related to the assassination on Friday  the third public release so far this year. Under law, all the documents were to be disclosed to the public last week.

Most of the latest release comprises 553 records from the CIA that previously were withheld in their entirety. There also are records from the Justice and Defense departments, the House Select Committee on Assassinations, and the National Archives.

University of Virginia historian Larry Sabato complained that many of the documents in the latest release were still heavily redacted. He wrote on Twitter about a 144-page record, titled Material Reviewed at CIA headquarters by House Select Committee on Assassinations staff members, that had writing on only a handful of pages.

President Trump has ordered the release of all records related to the assassination, and they are expected to be made public on a rolling basis during the next three to four weeks. He also directed agencies to take another look at redactions and withhold information only in the rarest of circumstances.

One record showed how U.S. officials scrambled after the assassination to round up information about Oswalds trip to Mexico City weeks earlier. Officials wondered whether Oswald had been trying to get visas at the Soviet and Cuban embassies in Mexico City in order to make a quick escape after assassinating the president.

A CIA message sent Nov. 24, 1963  two days after Kennedy was killed  said an important question that remained unsolved was whether Oswald had been planning to travel right away or return to the U.S. and leave later.

The message said that although it appeared Oswald was then thinking only about a peaceful change of residence to the Soviet Union, it is also possible that he was getting documented to make a quick escape after assassinating the president.

Another record dated April 11, 1964, recounted a visit to the CIA by three staff members of the Warren Commission, which was set up to investigate the assassination.

The memo said the staff members indicated that Thomas Mann, former ambassador to Mexico and then-assistant secretary for inter-American affairs, still has the feeling in his guts that [Cuban leader Fidel] Castro hired Oswald to kill Kennedy. They said, however, that the commission has not been able to get any proof of that.
President Trump on Friday kicked off a nearly two-week Asia trip with a stop in Hawaii, visiting military and historic sites amid protests and growing concern over security threats in the state and U.S. Pacific territories.

The president, who was in Hawaii for the first time since his inauguration, appeared at times humbled and excited as he stopped for a briefing at Pacific Command, the U.S. militarys headquarters for the Asia-Pacific region, and later toured the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.

Hawaii residents to Trump: Wish you werent here 

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The visit to a site honoring those killed in an attack that led the U.S. into a war in which it would drop nuclear bombs on Japan had new symbolism compared with previous presidential visits, due to the growing nuclear standoff with North Korea. Trump is expected to spend part of his five-nation tour in Asia honing security alliances as well as pushing U.S. economic ties. The president also met Friday with governors of U.S. states and territories in the Pacific to discuss the North Korean threat and local issues.

I tell you, this is very special being in Hawaii, Trump said as he visited Pacific Command before traveling with First Lady Melania Trump to the Arizona memorial, where he took part in a wreath-laying ceremony. White House Chief of Staff Gen. John F. Kelly, national security advisor H.R. McMaster and Adm. Harry Harris of Pacific Command joined the president, who said it would be exciting to see Pearl Harbor.

Ive read about, spoken about, heard about, studied, but I havent seen the site, he said.

President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visit the USS Arizona memorial. (Andrew Harnik / AP )

At the memorial, built above the Arizonas sunken hull, the president saluted as he entered and watched as sailors placed a wreath of white flowers near a wall bearing the names of those who died in the attack. Afterward, the couple threw white flower petals into the water outside. The president did not make a public statement at the ceremony.

About 100 supporters  a mix of military service members and civilians  cheered the president and first lady, who had been given traditional Hawaiian leis upon their afternoon arrival at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Trump supporters also gathered at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in tourist-heavy Waikiki, where the overnight presidential visit closed streets and snarled traffic before an expected early-morning departure.

The biggest crowds were the hundreds who protested the presidential visit in the state where Trump received the lowest electoral support, with only 30% of votes. The largest group gathered in front of the state Capitol, where demonstrators banged drums and chanted against Trumps travel ban  which a Honolulu-based federal judge struck down for the third time last month. Others held posters mocking Trumps years-long contention that former President Obama was not born in Hawaii.

Welcome to Kenya and No, Trump, HI is Obamas birthplace, some of the signs read. Aloha also means goodbye and So bad you make Bush look good, said others.

"Welcome to Kenya!" A growing crowd protests Trump by Honolulu state capitol during his visit to Honolulu pic.twitter.com/KnTeFJSvf2  Jaweed Kaleem  (@jaweedkaleem) November 4, 2017

Kaniela Ing, a Democrat from the states House of Representatives, was among the protesters.

The idea of the aloha spirit is that we welcome everyone who comes here. But when theres a leader whose whole M.O. seems to be making America a less welcoming place for whole groups of people, thats where we need to draw the line, said Ing, a 28-year-old Native Hawaiian. Hes simply not welcome.

Honolulu resident Joe Dallin held a poster showing the presidents name in a nuclear bombs mushroom cloud.

This is life or death in many ways. Were scared hell provoke nuclear war, and were out here living in the Pacific, said Dallin, a 44-year-old massage therapist.

Across the street, Edward Odquina, 42, was among about a dozen people who showed up to support the president. He wore a Make America great again red hat and held a sign with the slogan as he gave military salutes to cars passing by.

He said he came out to show that, even in liberal Hawaii, Trump has fans. I like what hes doing to support the troops, Odquina said.

Edward Odquina, center, holds a Make America Great Again as he confronts anti-Trump protesters Friday in Honolulu. (Craig T. Kojima / The Star-Advertiser via AP )

Trumps schedule Friday included face time with the governors of Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The governors spoke to the president about local concerns, such as a federally funded rapid transit project under construction in Honolulu and complaints from the Guam leaders that the federal government is hurting the islands economy by restricting HB-2 visas for foreigners to work there. Alaska Gov. Bill Walker, who flew with Trump to Hawaii, said he would also join the president in Beijing to pitch an Alaska gas pipeline project to Asian investors.

The governors also discussed nuclear threats with the president. North Korean officials have said their nation could bomb Guam, and Trump has suggested that the U.S. may attack North Korea.

Tensions have grown in Hawaii, which next month will start testing a statewide bomb warning system that hasnt been used since the Cold War. Emergency preparedness officials in the state are holding seminars for residents in case North Korea develops the capability to hit the islands with nuclear missiles.

We always look for the opportunity to engage the president. As you know, the people of island nations always have unique and different challenges, said Hawaii Gov. David Ige, a Democrat, before his meeting with the president.

The people of Hawaii are safe. We have a very good defensive team, he said.

Before his flight Saturday morning for Japan, Trump made a quick trip to the Trump International Hotel Waikiki. The hotel is branded with his name but the Trump family does not own it.

The President stopped by the Trump Hotel on his way to the airport. It has been a tremendously successful project and he wanted to say hello and thank you to the employees for all their hard work, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement.

In Japan, Trump is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and attend state events before traveling to South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines. In Asia, the president will join meetings with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders group and the Assn. of Southeast Asian Nations.

jaweed.kaleem@latimes.com

Jaweed Kaleem is The Times national race and justice correspondent. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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UPDATES:

5:50 p.m., Nov. 4: This article was updated with details on Trumps meeting with governors from U.S. states and territories, the presidents visit to the Trump hotel in Waikiki, and his departure for Japan.

10:15 p.m., Nov. 3: This article was updated with details of Trumps visits to military and historic sites and quotes from locals demonstrating in support of and against the president.

This article was originally published at 4:35 p.m., Nov. 3.
Make no mistake, the war on marijuana has not been colorblind. Despite national surveys showing that white people and black people use marijuana at approximately the same rates, blacks have over the years been nearly four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than whites.

That disparity is as true in Los Angeles as it is elsewhere in the country. African Americans comprise less than 10% of the population in L.A. Yet between 2000 and 2017, blacks represented 40% of marijuana-related arrests. Latinos made up 44% of arrests. Whites made up only 16% of arrests, according to a city consultants analysis of Los Angeles Police Department data.

And even as Los Angeles and other cities allowed the growth of a quasi-legal, hugely profitable medical marijuana industry run mostly by white entrepreneurs, police arrests for marijuana possession and sales continued to target African Americans and Latinos overwhelmingly.

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A drug arrest  especially if followed by a conviction  can have terrible consequences. Even after a person has completed his or her sentence, it remains harder to get a job, get into college, rent an apartment or get a loan. A drug conviction is a barrier to economic opportunity.

Even though the goals of the marijuana social equity program are righteous, the details matter too.

Now that California has voted to legalize marijuana for adults, a crucial question is whether there a way to repair the damage created by decades of unequal enforcement practices.

The answer being considered by the Los Angeles City Council is to make it easier for people who were arrested or otherwise affected by the disparate enforcement of marijuana laws to get in on the ground floor of the emerging multibillion-dollar cannabis industry.

The idea behind the proposed social equity program is that the people most affected should now be helped to partake in the profits and benefits of legalization. The challenges of opening a marijuana business are so great  there are huge upfront costs, serious impediments to getting bank loans and extremely intricate regulations  that many would-be entrepreneurs would be locked out without government assistance.

Without question, Los Angeles ought to use a portion of future marijuana tax revenue to help communities that have been disproportionately targeted for marijuana enforcement. Tax money could fund drug education and treatment, legal clinics to help people expunge their marijuana conviction records, and reentry programs for individuals leaving prison.

The city could also help encourage entrepreneurs from communities that have had disproportionate numbers of marijuana arrests to enter the business by offering training, compliance assistance and priority licensing. Priority licensing is important because, due to zoning restrictions, only a limited number of applicants will ultimately be granted the right to host a marijuana business. The first batch of licenses will be offered to medical marijuana shops that have operated since 2013 in L.A. with limited immunity under Proposition D. Under the citys proposed rules, the second batch of licenses would be divided equally between general applicants and social equity applicants  giving the latter a better shot at snapping up those opportunities. The third batch of licenses would be open to all applicants.

But heres where the social equity program raises concern: The current proposal gives special advantages, waives fees and offers the most assistance to low-income people who themselves have marijuana-related convictions. Its one thing to target assistance broadly to communities that have felt the impacts of unequal enforcement. Its another thing to reward people who broke the law and got caught by giving them priority over people who did not break the law.

That doesnt seem fair. Nor does it seem like a great idea to incentivize people with convictions for selling or possessing marijuana to return to the drug trade  why not help them enter other businesses instead?

To be sure, people with nonviolent drug convictions shouldnt be barred from owning marijuana businesses or from working in them. But they shouldnt be pushed to the front of the line either.

Admittedly, Los Angeles leaders are negotiating difficult terrain. Just one other city  Oakland  has even attempted a comprehensive social equity program, and that effort is still in its nascent stages. The state will begin issuing marijuana licenses in January, and businesses must have a local license in order to get a state one. So L.A. leaders are rushing to adopt a regulatory program.

City Council President Herb Wesson understandably fears that if L.A. doesnt build a social equity component into the process now, it will be impossible to develop an inclusive, diverse industry later. The result could be an industry dominated from the start by white-owned companies backed by deep-pocketed investors. Hes right. But even though the goals of the social equity program are righteous, the details matter too.

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We thought we were inured to Donald Trumps habit of making outrageous comments, on Twitter and elsewhere, that demeaned his high office. But Trumps call for the Department of Justice to investigate Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party and his comment Friday that hes disappointed with Justice Department officials who dont see things his way arent just offensive; theyre ominous.

The president is the head of the executive branch and appoints the attorney general, the FBI director and other law enforcement officials. In choosing those officials he can establish broad policy priorities. But presidents of both parties have recognized that they arent free to politicize criminal investigations. One president who ignored that principle  Richard M. Nixon  had to resign in the face of certain impeachment after it was revealed that he had tried to subvert the FBIs investigation of the Watergate break-in.

Trump seems not to have absorbed that unmistakable lesson from history. In a radio interview on Thursday he said it was the saddest thing that because Im the president of the United States I am not supposed to be involved with the Justice Department. I am not supposed to be involved with the FBI. Im not supposed to be doing the kind of things that I would love to be doing. And Im very frustrated by it.

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Trumps comment that hes disappointed with Justice Department officials who dont see things his way isnt just offensive; its ominous.

But not so frustrated that he didnt signal to the Justice Department what he thinks it should be doing, both in that interview and again in a torrent of tweets on Friday.

At 6:57 a.m. he tweeted: Everybody is asking why the Justice Department (and FBI) isnt looking into all of the dishonesty going on with Crooked Hillary & the Dems.

Fourteen minutes later he followed up with this: People are angry. At some point the Justice Department, and the FBI, must do what is right and proper. The American public deserves it!

Finally, in reference to a complaint by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) about a fundraising agreement between Clinton and the Democratic National Committee, Trump tweeted: Pocahontas just stated that the Democrats, lead [sic] by the legendary Crooked Hillary Clinton, rigged the Primaries! Lets go FBI & Justice Dept.

Then, as he was leaving the White House to embark on a trip to Asia, Trump told reporters: A lot of people are disappointed in the Justice Department, including me.

Trumps defenders will no doubt dismiss his comments as expressions of personal disappointment that will be shrugged off by Justice Department officials. That defense is a variation of the famous comment by John Mitchell, Nixons attorney general. Addressing civil rights leaders alarmed by Nixons rhetoric, Mitchell said: Dont watch what we say  watch what we do.

One problem with that explanation is that Trump has not only said disturbing things about the administration of justice, hes done them  notably the firing of former FBI Director James B. Comey. What if his frustration boils over again and leads him to take similar action against other officials?

Another concern is that, while Trumps comments may not formally be directives, they indicate what he wants law enforcement agencies to do to stay on his good side. That creates public distrust in the integrity of the legal process even if officials at the FBI and the Justice Department really do ignore the presidents words.

Similarly, Trumps lawyers insist that the president wants to be cooperative with special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, who is investigating Russian meddling in last years election and possible collusion between Moscow and the Trump campaign. But Trump has ridiculed the subject of Muellers investigation as a hoax concocted by Democrats.

And although his press secretary said this week that Trump has no intention of firing Mueller, the president continues to give aid and comfort to Muellers critics. For example, in a tweet Friday that recited a litany of supposed scandals crying out for investigation, Trump included Uranium  a reference to the sale of Uranium One, a Canadian company with U.S. mines holdings, to a Russian firm while Clinton was secretary of State. Trump and his supporters have suggested, unpersuasively, that there was something scandalous in that transaction.

On Friday, three House Republicans proposed a resolution calling on Mueller to resign from his special counsel position immediately. They make the implausible claim that Mueller has a conflict of interest because he was FBI director at the time of the Uranium One sale, and the FBI under his leadership showed a willful blindness to attempts by Russia to corrupt the U.S. uranium industry. Trumps rants embolden such efforts.

The saddest thing, Mr. President, isnt that Americans expect you to refrain from politicizing the enforcement of the criminal law. Its that you continue to demonstrate that you dont understand why.

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To the editor: Radical terrorism is based on the jihad philosophy, which for most Muslims means spiritual self-improvement and submission to God. However, the interpretation of Islamic terrorists is to fight against non-believers by killing as many of them as possible. (Yes, radical Islamic terrorism is different, Opinion, Nov. 2)

Unfortunately, this violent perception has had disastrous consequences for the entire world, ranging from the deaths of thousands of innocent people to the election of President Trump.

And yet despite multiple examples of jihadist massacres, many liberals have become apologists for these atrocities, offering moral justifications for the behavior of terrorists, comparing them to the Christian Crusades, homegrown terrorism and even going to the absurd rationale of blaming Western societies for the desperate acts of these poor creatures.

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Radical Islam, far from being a divisive political issue, should serve as a unifying force in the world against the hatred of terrorists.

Berta Graciano-Buchman, Beverly Hills

..

To the editor: I am a law-abiding Muslim who has much to thank for what God, the United States and Great Britain have given me. I have a good education, a family, friends, a job and my faith.

I strongly believe that Islamic terrorism differs little from other kinds of political terrorism, such as the IRA bombings in Northern Ireland and England. Dan McLaughlin forgets to address the causes of terrorism, such as killing and terrorizing the other side (families included) with weapons of mass destruction.

An example of this is the recent sale of frontline weaponry to Saudi Arabia by the United States and its allies. Why does McLaughlin fail to mention this?

Perhaps it is because of a sense of guilt over the horrible acts committed abroad. I do not believe terrorism will ever stop so long as these acts continue.God help us to stop this perpetual madness and forgive us for our sins.

Murtadha Khakoo, Fullerton

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Petition drive to repeal California gas tax increase temporarily slows down By Patrick McGreevy A motorist prepares to gas up her vehicle in San Rafael, Calif., in 2015. ( (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)) Paid signature-gatherers for a ballot measure that would repeal gas tax increases may be hard to find on the streets of California this week. Organizers say its not a money issue, adding that they needed to briefly halt paid signature-gathering to catch up on collecting petitions from volunteers. The petition drive has so far collected more than 327,800 verified signatures of the 587,407 needed to qualify the measure for the November ballot, according to Dave Gilliard, the political strategist behind the drive. We knew it was popular but the incredible pace is even faster than we expected so we outran the capacity of our verification operation over the Christmas holiday and told our crew managers to slow down so we could catch up, Gilliard said. We will be back up to speed by the end of this week. The gas tax and vehicle fee increases signed by Gov. Jerry Brown are expected to raise $5.2 billion annually for road and bridge repairs and expanded mass transit. The gas tax jumped from 18 cents to 30 cents per gallon on Nov. 1, and vehicle fees of at least $25 kicked in Jan. 1. The gas tax repeal petition is breaking records for both paid and volunteer signatures and were using the next two weeks to catch up on validation of signatures already received, said Carl DeMaio, a former San Diego City Councilman and conservative radio talk-show host. As a grass-roots-funded effort we are also continuously raising funds and volunteer support. We are highly confident well qualify this Initiative for the November 2018 ballot. Facebook

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State pot bureau ready to enforce Californias new marijuana laws as license applications flood in By Patrick McGreevy The state has issued 104 licenses for retail stores to sell marijuana for recreational use in California and 239 other applications for those permits are pending, officials said Tuesday. An official with the state Bureau of Cannabis Control added that the agency is prepared to begin taking enforcement action against pot shops that are not properly licensed. The bureaus enforcement team is ready to respond to any complaints it receives and start doing compliance checks and site visits at any time, said Alex Traverso, a spokesman for the bureau. Selling marijuana without a license is a crime punishable by up to six months in county jail and a fine of up to $500. Those convicted of engaging in any marijuana business activity without a license will also be subject to a civil penalty of up to three times the amount of the license fee for each violation. A new report issued Tuesday indicated the bureau has issued 478 temporary licenses to firms to test, distribute and sell medical and recreational marijuana, which began Jan. 1 after voters approved a legalization initiative, Proposition 64, in 2016. Businesses have received 153 licenses to sell marijuana for medical use. Another 1,458 firms have applied for licenses that are still being processed. The state Department of Food and Agriculture has separately issued 207 licenses to marijuana growers. Facebook

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Two possible instances of discrimination reported after California issues drivers licenses to immigrants here illegally By Jazmine Ulloa The California Research Bureau on Tuesday released its first report on incidents of discrimination under a 2015 state law that has provided drivers licenses for hundreds of thousands of immigrants here illegally. Researchers found no complaints have been made against government agencies tasked with enforcing anti-discrimination laws. But two possible instances of discrimination were reported in focus group interviews conducted by Drive California, a coalition of advocates studying the impact of the new law. In one case, a woman in Fresno was told her license was not a valid form of identification at a retail store, though it was unclear whether the incident reflected intentional discrimination or simple ignorance of the license marking, the report states. A MoneyGram clerk in another case denied a license holder the ability to cash a check. The same person was later rejected again at a bank. The state Department of Motor Vehicles has issued 960,000 AB 60 drivers licenses as of Nov. 30. The state research bureau produced the report for the Legislature as part of the new law, which declares discrimination against an AB 60 license holder a violation of the Unruh Civil Rights Act. Facebook

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California lawmaker proposes requiring panic buttons for hotel workers in response to widespread sexual harassment By Patrick McGreevy More than half of hotel workers surveyed report being sexually harassed at some point. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) Alarmed by a survey indicating sexual harassment of hotel housekeepers is widespread, a California state lawmaker on Tuesday proposed requiring employers to provide panic button devices to their employees so they can summon help if abused by a guest. The bill to be introduced Wednesday by Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) would also require individual hotels to impose a three-year ban on guests who engage in harassment on the property. We want to protect our most vulnerable women workers, hotel maids who are going into rooms alone, from sexual harassment, said Muratsuchi, who co-authored the bill with Assemblyman Bill Quirk (D-Hayward). The legislation signals that concerns over sexual harassment that dominated the state Legislature last year will continue to be an issue for lawmakers as they begin the new legislative year Wednesday. Harassment allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, comedian Louis C.K. and other high-profile men have involved sexual misconduct in hotel rooms. A survey in July by Unite Here Local 1 found that 49% of female hotel workers in Chicago had experienced a guest answering the door naked or exposing himself. The report titled Hands Off, Pants On, found 58% of hotel workers said they had been sexually harassed by a guest. Californias Unite Here Local 11 has been calling for the action proposed in the legislation. It is the intent of this measure to protect hotel employees from violent assault, including sexual assault, and sexual harassment, and to enable those employees to speak out when they experience harassment on the job, said the introduction to the legislation introduced by Muratsuchi. In addition to requiring hotels to provide panic buttons to employees who work alone in rooms, the bill requires hotels to take written complaints from employees and keep them for five years. Any complaint backed by evidence including a statement given under penalty of perjury would result in a guest being banned from a hotel for three years. Hotels would also be required to post a notice on the inside of hotel room doors warning guests about the consequences of sexual harassment. Updated at 4:10 pm to include comment from Assemblyman Muratsuchi. Facebook

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Money, Republican malaise and Tom Steyer: These are the things to watch for in Californias 2018 statewide elections By Seema Mehta Get ready, California. What had been a behind-the-scenes dash for cash closely watched by few other than political observers is about to burst into public view. Voters this year will decide who will succeed Democrat Jerry Brown as the next governor and whether they will send Sen. Dianne Feinstein back to Washington. Before the June 5 primary, candidates will ramp up their campaigns with messages on television and stuffed into mailboxes. Heres a primer on the states two marquee races. Read More Facebook

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Fickle L.A. County is pivotal in the race for California governor By Phil Willon Home to a quarter of Californias 5.2 million registered voters, Los Angeles County is the biggest prize in Californias 2018 race for governor. For two hometown Democratic candidates especially  former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and state Treasurer John Chiang of Torrance  doing well in L.A. County is essential if they hope to best the front-runner, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. Yet this overwhelmingly Democratic stronghold continually bedevils even the most adept campaigns. Read More Facebook

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A renewed brawl over single-payer healthcare in California is on deck for 2018 By Melanie Mason Carolyn Angela Chen, a registered nurse, gives a free hepatitis A vaccination to Glenn Gardner, 52, at Joshua House Clinic (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) California officials are bracing for healthcare battles in Washington to have a major impact on the states budget and programs. Activists and politicians are planning a showdown over whether or not to establish a single-payer healthcare system in the state. And prescription drug manufacturers are the target of a number of bills meant to target the rising costs of medication. Sound familiar? Turns out the brewing healthcare battles in California in 2018 arent all that different from those from 2017. Heres a primer on the upcoming healthcare agenda in California: Read More Facebook

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How California lawmakers plan to protect the online privacy of consumers in 2018 By Jazmine Ulloa (Elise Amendola / Associated Press) With federal regulation rollbacks and a rise in data breaches, California lawmakers this year are looking for ways to protect consumers and their personal information. Some legislation under consideration could give people more notice and control over what data is collected, without having to pay for privacy or better services. Other bills could provide free credit freezes for consumers and require new privacy features for products that connect to the internet. Read More Facebook

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2018 will see California motorists pay more to the state to repair roads and bridges By Patrick McGreevy The new year brings with it new vehicle fees in California ranging from $25 to $175 depending on the value of your car, but Republican lawmakers are hoping to qualify a ballot measure in November to repeal the higher charges. The fees and a 12-cent increase in Californias gas tax last year are part of a plan by Democrats to raise more than $5.2 billion annually to deal with a backlog of road and bridge repairs. Petitions to qualify a repeal initiative are circulating now. Read More Facebook

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A rent control battle tops the list of California housing issues to watch in 2018 By Liam Dillon A new-home community in Anaheim in 2016 (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times) California lawmakers arent wasting any time in tackling one of the most contentious issues in state housing politics this year. On Jan. 11, the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee is set to hold a hearing on legislation that could lead to a dramatic expansion of rent control policies across the state. The debate over rent control could spill over onto the 2018 ballot, where Californians also could see proposals to expand or curtail the property tax restrictions ushered in 40 years ago by Proposition 13. Lawmakers will have to wrestle with how to follow up a package of housing bills that passed last year. The measures provided new funding and regulations designed to encourage homebuilding, but are unlikely to make an appreciable difference in housing costs. Read More Facebook

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Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas is resigning By John Myers Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles) (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas abruptly announced his resignation from the California Legislature on Wednesday, citing health reasons. Ridley-Thomas, a Democrat from Los Angeles, informed Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) Tuesday night. The reason for this difficult decision is that I am facing persistent health issues, Ridley-Thomas, 30, said in a written statement on Wednesday. On December 18th, I underwent surgery for the fifth time this year. Although I expect a full recovery, my physicians advise that I will need an extended period of time to recuperate. Earlier this year, Ridley-Thomas was absent from work for more than two weeks. Staff members initially said the absence was a personal leave, then said the time off was due to unspecified medical reasons. His resignation letter on Wednesday offered no additional details. When I resume public life, I intend to remain active in civic affairs, where my passion lies, he said in the statement released by his office. Ridley-Thomas was first elected to the Assembly in a 2013 special election. He is the son of Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. Before winning elected office at age 26, the younger Ridley-Thomas worked as an aide for Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price and managed a 2012 Assembly campaign in San Bernardino County. In a statement about his sons decision, Mark Ridley-Thomas said he and his wife more than anyone, have seen him struggle with health challenges this year, and we fully support his decision to step down from the state Legislature so that he can recuperate with complete rest, in accordance with his doctors orders. His solidly Democratic district includes the west Los Angeles neighborhoods of Westwood, Culver City, Crenshaw and Baldwin Hills. He is chairman of the influential Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee, which oversees all tax-related legislation. Ridley-Thomas is a proponent of changes in the operation of the state Board of Equalization, though his plan would have allowed the agency to ultimately retain many of its duties. A more substantial shake-up was signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown in June. Ridley-Thomas was the author of a bill signed into law in October giving the Los Angeles Unified School District the power to preserve some of its existing single-gender schools. He was unsuccessful, though, in an effort to stop local governments from imposing taxes on streaming video services like Netflix and Hulu. Ridley-Thomas departure will require a special election in 2018. He is the fourth Southern California legislator to leave office this year. The election of Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles) to Congress also required a special election. The other two lawmakers Assemblymen Raul Bocanegra (D-Pacoima) and Matt Dababneh (D-Woodland Hills)  stepped down in the wake of allegations of sexual misconduct, which both men have denied. A special election to fill Bocanegras seat will be held on April 3, with a potential runoff on June 5. A special election date has not yet been set for Dababnehs seat. My colleagues and I wish Assemblymember Sebastian Ridley-Thomas all the best going forward as he deals with his health challenges, Rendon said in a statement. The Assembly will continue to assist the residents of the 54th Assembly District until a new assemblymember is seated. This post was updated with comment from Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, as well as more information about special elections. It was originally published at 11:10 a.m. Facebook

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California Senate Democrats are considering some ideas to counter the GOP tax plan By Liam Dillon Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Democrats in the California Senate are planning to write legislation to lessen the effects of the elimination of popular tax breaks in the GOPs overhaul of the federal tax system. To finance broad-based corporate tax cuts and reductions in individual tax rates, the GOP plan caps the deductibility of state and local income and property taxes  a benefit used often in suburban areas of California. The Republican tax scam disproportionately harms California taxpayers, Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) said in a statement. Our hard-earned tax dollars should not be subject to double-taxation, especially not to line the pockets of the Trump family, hedge fund managers and private jet owners. De Leon, who also is running for U.S. Senate, said the state Senate is working with law professors at UCLA, UC Davis and the University of Chicago to develop the legislation. Ideas being considered, according to a de Leon spokesman, include: Reducing state personal income taxes through a tax credit program and offsetting that amount through payroll taxes.

Allowing individuals to make voluntary gifts to the state of California, which would be deductible as a charitable donation under federal law. The deduction for the donated amount would replace the state and local tax deduction. Lawmakers return to Sacramento in January.

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L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti admits considering a 2020 bid: I am thinking about this By Seema Mehta Eric Garcetti (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Its no secret Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti is interested in running for president. When reporters ask about his intentions, he has used all sorts of ways to deflect, typically by saying hes focused on his day job  for the moment. But speaking in Spanish to a Univision reporter this week, Garcetti edged ever closer to the telltale admission hes actually considering it. I am thinking about this, said Garcetti, who is partly of Mexican heritage but learned Spanish attending private school. The majority of time goes to my work as mayor of Los Angeles, but every [citizen] should think about what our role is in these difficult times, in these dangerous times. Garcetti added that he expects many mayors to run for president, and noted New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio recently visited Iowa, which holds the first presidential nominating contest. Garcetti has long been rumored to be flirting with a White House bid, and he has fueled such speculation by traveling out of state to places such as the early presidential primary state of New Hampshire to campaign for a mayoral candidate. Facebook

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Gov. Brown makes judicial appointments, including attorney who helps train Legislature on anti-sexual-harassment policies .@JerryBrownGov makes two court of appeal and 33 superior court appointments including Lauri Damrell in Sacramento. Damrell, an attorney at Orrick, testified at the Assemblys recent hearing on sexual harassment, outlining the assemblys current prevention efforts.  Liam Dillon (@dillonliam) December 22, 2017 Facebook

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Californias former top cop forms marijuana distribution firm in new age of legalization By Patrick McGreevy Former California Atty. Gen. Bill Lockyer is going from enforcing laws against marijuana to legally distributing the drug under the states new rules that allow the sale and possession of pot for recreational use. With state-licensed sales of marijuana starting Jan. 1, Lockyer has co-founded a firm, C4 Distro, that will distribute packaged marijuana concentrates and edibles to stores in Los Angeles. He says Californias new regulated system has a chance to be a model for the rest of the country. For me as somebody who was on the law enforcement side for so many years, I saw the inadequacies of the effort to regulate something just by calling it illegal, Lockyer said. I think legalizing will help stabilize and help legitimize this industry and result in better consumer protection and other public benefits. Lockyer, a Democrat who served in the state Assembly and was leader of the state Senate, has co-founded the firm with Eric Spitz, who was chairman and president of the former parent company of the Orange County Register. The businessmen aim to get their products to pot shops in L.A. in late January or early February, Spitz said. Asked if he uses marijuana himself, Lockyer, 76, said, Not in any recent times, but there were college years. He said he sees his involvement in the marijuana industry as a mixture of helping to pay for his kids college tuition and public service to help the new regulations work. This whole industry has to come from the dark side to the light, he said. By focusing on delivery to as many as 700 stores that might open in Los Angeles, C4 Distro hopes to capture a targeted market while other firms distribute statewide. The business has a warehouse in southeast Los Angeles County and is close to applying for a distributors license from the state, Lockyer said. Lockyer served a quarter century in the state Legislature before he was elected as state attorney general in 1999. He left that office in 2007 when he was elected as state treasurer, serving until his retirement from politics in 2015. Before co-leading a group that bought the Register newspaper in 2012, Spitz served as chief financial officer at Narragansett Brewing Company. Spitz left the Registers Freedom Communications in 2016. 2 p.m.: An earlier version of this article mistakenly said Spitz left Freedom Communications in 2015. Facebook

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House passes disaster aid bill with wildfire funding, 18 Californians vote no By Sarah D. Wire (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Eighteen of Californias 53 House members voted no on an $81-billion disaster aid package Thursday, which includes funds for Californias recent wildfires. The 17 Democrats and one Republican voted no on the bill, which passed the House by a 251 to 169 vote. The Senate is not expected to take up the bill until January, when Congress returns from its holiday break. The entire California delegation had recently signed onto a letter asking for the disaster aid. In a speech on the House floor before the vote, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) pleaded with colleagues not to take a political stance on a disaster aid bill. Dont play politics on a vote to give aid to the people of Texas, to the people of Puerto Rico and to the Virgin Islands, to the people of Florida, and to the people of California that are still fighting the fires. Dont play politics on a bill where you hope to maybe stop another. That would be the worst of any politics Ive seen played here, McCarthy said. Here and now, right before Christmas, dont vote against aid for Americans who just lost everything. Several of the Democrats who voted no also voted against the spending bill Thursday, and said that they felt they could not support either because the bills did not include Democratic priorities for the end of the year, including protections for people brought to the country illegally as children. Others said the aid bill doesnt provide enough money for California and doesnt treat Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands fairly in terms of competing for the funds. The 18 representatives voting no were: Nanette Barragan (D-San Pedro)

Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles)

Tony Cardenas (D-Los Angeles)

Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park)

Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana)

Anna Eshoo (D-Menlo Park)

Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles)

Ro Khanna (D-Fremont)

Barbara Lee (D-Oakland)

Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

Tom McClintock (R-Elk Grove)

Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco)

Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Downey)

Linda Sanchez (D-Whittier)

Jackie Speier (D-Hillsborough)

Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin)

Norma Torres (D-Pomona)

Juan Vargas (D-San Diego) Facebook

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Three California House members cross party lines on spending bill to keep government open By Sarah D. Wire Three California House members crossed party lines Thursday on a vote to pass a spending bill that will keep the government open until mid-January. Democratic Reps. Jim Costa of Fresno and Raul Ruiz of Palm Desert joined the majority of Republicans to vote for the bill. Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter of Alpine joined Democrats to vote against it. The bill, which funds the government through Jan. 19, passed the House 231 to 188, right before representatives left for the holidays. Costa said in a statement that he voted yes because keeping the government open is Congress job, but he called the vote a continuation of the dysfunction in Washington. It further illustrates the damage that results from partisan politics and irresponsible leadership. It is unacceptable that we have to resort to funding the government for weeks at a time because we cannot sit down together  Democrats and Republicans  and negotiate a real budget bill, Costa said. Hunters staff said the congressman was concerned that military spending in the bill was extended for only a short period. He had wanted the spending to be extended until September. Facebook

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Poll points to all-Democrat runoffs in California races for governor and senator By Seema Mehta Californians could see two Democrat-on-Democrat contests in the states premier races in 2018, according to a new poll released Thursday. In the gubernatorial race, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom remains the front-runner with the support of 26% of likely voters in a Berkeley IGS poll. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa came in second with the backing of 17%. The poll found notable demographic differences in the two mens bases of support. Newsom had strong leads in the Bay Area, where he once served as the mayor of San Francisco, as well as among white voters, liberals and the wealthy. Villaraigosa saw strong backing in Los Angeles County, among Latino voters and among those who earned less than $40,000. Republicans splintered in the race, placing businessman John Cox and Assemblyman Travis Allen in a tie for third place with 9% each. Two other Democrats, state Treasurer John Chiang and former state schools chief Delaine Eastin, each won the support of 5% of likely voters. If Republicans fail to consolidate behind a candidate in the June primary, voters will for the first time see no GOP candidate on the November ballot for governor. Its a repeat of what occurred in the 2016 U.S. Senate race, and what is likely to occur again in the 2018 U.S. Senate race if the field does not grow. Sen. Dianne Feinstein has the support of 41% of likely voters in her reelection bid, but her rival, fellow Democrat Kevin de Leon, won the support of 27%, according to the poll. There is no GOP candidate in the race. Feinstein, who has served in the Senate for a quarter-century, has enormous advantages in fundraising, name recognition and support among powerful political groups. However, the poll found that nearly one-third of likely voters said they are undecided or would like to support another candidate. Facebook

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California legislator wants to curb sexual harassment in Hollywood and eating disorders for models By Melanie Mason Fashion models show off the BCBG MAX AZRIA Spring 2016 collection during New York Fashion Week. (Richard Drew / AP) A new proposal by a California assemblyman is taking aim at two of the more criticized phenomena in the entertainment industry: sexual harassment and unhealthy body standards for fashion models. The legislation, by Assemblyman Marc Levine (D-San Rafael), would require the states Occupational Safety and Health Standards to adopt guidelines for fashion models in an attempt to combat the prevalence of eating disorders and excessive thinness in the industry. This is the second time Levine has tried to take on the fashion industry. His similar bill to impose standards on models sputtered in 2016. This time, Levine also is trying to address the prevalence of sexual harassment in the entertainment industry by requiring that talent agencies  which represent actors, performers and other artists  provide training on sexual harassment and how to identify and prevent inappropriate behavior. I believed women who told me their stories of abuse when I introduced legislation to provide workplace protections in the fashion industry in 2016 just like I believe them now, Levine said in a statement. Its time that law reflects societys rejection of sexual harassment in all workplaces, including Hollywood. My bill aims to address the problem before it starts, but also empowers survivors with the tools to report these cases. Facebook

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Local Indivisible group picks Democrat to endorse against Rep. Duncan Hunter By Christine Mai-Duc Ammar Campa-Najjar, 28, is running against Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine). (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) With an already crowded field of contenders hoping to unseat Rep. Duncan Hunter and months to go before the candidate filing deadline, one local activist group has made an early endorsement in the race. Indivisible CA50, made up of activists mostly in San Diego County, announced Thursday that its endorsing Ammar Campa-Najjar, a Democrat and public affairs consultant whos challenging Hunter. The endorsement comes as liberal activists and interest groups all over the state are grappling with whether  and how  to winnow down the dozens of candidates vying for 10 GOP-held seats in California. The group held more than half a dozen endorsement meetings to allow members throughout Hunters district to vote on their preferred candidate. One of the candidates, Pierre Beauregard, dropped out of the race recently and endorsed Campa-Najjar. In a statement Campa-Najjar said in a statement that the nod represents the enthusiasm of hundreds of progressive grassroots activists. Indivisibles national political director Maria Urbina said the endorsement was the first made by any California chapter in the 2018 midterms. Aside from Campa-Najjar, two other Democrats are running for Hunters seat: Josh Butner, a school board trustee and former Navy SEAL, and realtor Patrick Malloy, who ran last year and lost to Hunter by nearly 27 percentage points. Hunter will also face at least two GOP challengers: Shamus Sayed and Andrew Zelt. Hunter is not considered to be particularly vulnerable in next years election, but an investigation into his alleged misuse of campaign funds has caused at least one election handicapper to move his race from solid Republican to the likely Republican column. Facebook

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San Francisco is getting a new mayor and creating a political star. Who will it be? By Mark Z. Barabak San Francisco is the city everyone loves, even if they hate it. The stately Victorians, like a gingerbread dream come to life. The majestic Golden Gate Bridge, standing like heavens portal above the fog. The plucky cable cars, scrabbling up its impossible hillsides. It can almost make you forget the bands of ravaged homeless, the paralyzing traffic, the scent of human waste wafting from sidewalks outside the citys posh eateries and palatial tech headquarters. San Francisco is getting a new mayor, owing to the sudden death of incumbent Ed Lee. All of the grandeur, and all of the grit, accompany the position. To say the race is wide open  Lee having died just about a week ago  is an understatement. Read More Facebook

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Sen. Dianne Feinstein is under pressure over a fix for Dreamers By Sarah D. Wire California Sen. Dianne Feinstein is under pressure from activists and fellow Democrats to withhold support for a spending bill that would avert a government shutdown in exchange for protections for people brought to the country illegally as children. Feinstein said in October that protections for so-called Dreamers are the most important thing we can get done, but the senator known for her moderate bent said this week that she wont try to block the end-of-the-year spending bill over it, and has not offered an explanation. Dreamers this week flooded Feinsteins five California offices and her office on Capitol Hill. Two UCLA students refused to leave her Capitol Hill office after three hours Tuesday and were briefly detained by police. On Wednesday, about a dozen students and parents returned and were asked to leave after about 30 minutes of shouting in her office lobby. Read More Facebook

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The GOP tax plan passed. Now Democrats have another big issue to use in the midterms By Sarah D. Wire As GOP leaders in Congress met behind closed doors to hash out the details of their massive tax overhaul, a group of UC Irvine graduate students met in Rep. Mimi Walters district, fretting about how the plan could cost them money. About 20 miles north, dozens of activists in top hats stood outside Rep. Ed Royces Brea office as they chanted, Shame on you! And up in the Central Valley, protesters gathered outside Rep. Jeff Denhams Modesto office to sing Protest ye dreary congressman  Remember that he voted to take healthcare away. To save himself from taxes now, so you will have to pay. Read More Facebook

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Kevin de Leon to Feinstein: Dont come back to California without forcing a government shutdown over Dream Act By Jazmine Ulloa State Senate leader Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles), left, and Assemblyman Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles), right. (Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press) Taking direct criticism to the woman he is attempting to unseat in next years U.S. Senate race, California Senate leader Kevin de Leon on Wednesday urged Democrats to block a year-end spending bill as leverage to pass a Dream Act  clean of GOP demands for increased border security. At a news conference in downtown Los Angeles, De Leon commended Sen. Kamala Harris for pledging to block the measure, saying he could not understand why her colleague Sen. Dianne Feinstein had failed to take a similar stance in pushing for legislation to protect the so-called Dreamers, immigrants brought to the country illegally as children. Dreamers make up hundreds of thousands of Sen. Feinsteins constituents, and while talking a good game on Dreamers, when it comes to standing up and supporting them, she is AWOL, said De Leon (D-Los Angeles), who has attempted to position himself to Feinsteins left as he campaigns for her seat. His statements follow days of demonstrations by young protesters at legislators offices in Washington and California. The coalitions of activists have been calling on Democrats to hold up the spending bill, a move that could force a government shutdown. They want to pass Dream Act legislation that would provide protections and a path to citizenship to young people without legal residency in the U.S. At least two young protesters were arrested Tuesday outside of Feinsteins Capitol Hill office, and more demonstrations took place at her offices in Washington and San Francisco on Wednesday. Feinstein, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) have sponsored Dream Act legislation but have not pledged to hold up the spending deal. A separate bipartisan group of senators is advocating punting the issue to January. President Trump has asked Congress to come up with a solution by March. Standing next to De Leon and immigrant rights advocates on Wednesday, state Assemblyman Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles) said advocates had to double down the shame on any Democrat who thinks its time to wait on the issue. De Leon said they had made that message clear to Schumer, saying, It is time to find your spine, sir. To Pelosi and Feinstein, he said: Dont come back to California if you havent demonstrated your leadership and your courage to stand up for these young men and women. I can tell you this, De Leon said. If the Republicans were on the other side, they wouldnt hesitate for a nanosecond to shut down the government to move forward what they believe in. Facebook

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12 California Republicans vote to support tax overhaul for a second time; Rohrabacher and Issa say no By Sarah D. Wire The House gave final approval for the GOP tax bill Wednesday, with 12 Republicans in the state delegation again voting in favor of the bill. Reps. Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa and Darrell Issa of Vista voted no. The House and Senate both passed the bill Tuesday, but, because Democrats raised procedural objections that forced the bill to be changed in the Senate, the House had to vote on the bill again Wednesday before sending it to President Trump for his signature. Though many California taxpayers are expected to see an initial income tax cut under the plan, a significant number probably will have higher taxes because of the lost deductions. Analysts also expect the biggest cuts to flow to corporations and the states wealthiest residents. Republicans are expected to head to the White House later Wednesday for a celebration with Trump. No House Democrats, including the 39 from California, supported the bill. Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-Norwalk) was not present for the second vote, but she voted no on Tuesday. See the Republican votes here: Facebook

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Californias Democratic senators vote no on GOP tax bill Californias @SenKamalaHarris and @SenFeinstein join rest of Democrats in the Senate in voting no on the GOP tax bill, which passed 51-48 along party lines. Sanders, who is an Independent, voted with Democrats.  Sarah D. Wire (@sarahdwire) December 20, 2017 "At a time when wages have stagnated and working Americans are trying to do more with less, this tax plan pulls the rug out from the middle class to give billions to those who already have so much. This is an attack on our values, and Americans deserve better," Harris said.  Sarah D. Wire (@sarahdwire) December 20, 2017 "Californians will be hit especially hard by the cap on the state and local tax deduction, making it more difficult for communities to pay for services that our families rely on, Its no wonder a bill that primarily benefits the wealthy is so unpopular..." Feinstein said  Sarah D. Wire (@sarahdwire) December 20, 2017 Facebook

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GOP tax overhaul passes House with help from a dozen California Republicans By Sarah D. Wire Despite weeks of consternation from some California House Republicans, a dozen of them joined their colleagues to pass an overhaul of the U.S. tax code Tuesday. Two  Reps. Darrell Issa and Dana Rohrabacher  voted against the plan. In the weeks before the vote, Republican Reps. Mimi Walters of Irvine and Steve Knight of Palmdale cited new caps on popular deductions as reasons they were uncertain about whether to vote for the bill. Both worked behind the scenes on changes and ultimately supported the bill, which passed the House on a near party line vote 227-203. Knight said hes satisfied the changes are enough to to turn what would have been a tax increase into a tax cut for his constituents. Read More Facebook

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More than half of Californians oppose GOP tax bill, according to new poll By Sarah D. Wire House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) arrives for a news conference about the tax plan. (Win McNamee / Getty Images) More than half of Californians oppose the GOP tax bill expected to be approved by Congress today, and just 20% believe it will have a positive affect on their families, according to a poll released Monday. Just over half of California voters, 51%, oppose the tax bill, and 30% support it, according to the newest IGS Poll, a survey by the Institute of Governmental Studies at UC Berkeley. And the belief falls largely along party lines, with Democrats opposing the bill by a more than 4-to-1 (67% to 15%) margin and Republicans supporting it 3 to 1 (60% to 21%). The House and Senate are expected to vote on the tax bill Tuesday. Californias Republican members of Congress largely support the bill despite some concerns about how cuts to the state and local tax deduction and mortgage interest deduction might affect Californians. Democrats in the delegation oppose it and have said they will use the vote against vulnerable Republicans in the 2018 midterm elections. When asked about the impact they think the bill will have on themselves and their families, just 20% of the polls respondents said they think it will benefit them directly, while 40% foresee a negative impact. About 27% do not expect much of an impact, and 13% said they dont know if theyll be affected. The poll of a random sample of 1,000 registered voters was completed by telephone in English and Spanish from Dec. 7 to 16. Facebook

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A quick look at some of the biggest tax changes for Californians By Sarah D. Wire (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press) Congressional Republicans are framing their tax cut bill as a Christmas gift that will give Americans an average tax cut of $2,059. For Californians, especially in the wealthier areas along the coast, the situation isnt as clear-cut. When the measure comes up for a vote in the House on Tuesday morning, its expected to pass along party lines. At least two Republicans say they will join Democrats in the California delegation to oppose the plan because they fear it will hurt their constituents bottom line. Take a quick look at what some of the biggest changes in the tax bill might mean for average Californians. Read More Facebook

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Lawmakers, pot growers say Californias marijuana cultivation rules favor big corporate farms By Patrick McGreevy Californias new rules allowing marijuana cultivation favor large corporate farms despite a promise in Proposition 64 that small growers would be protected, according to a group of state lawmakers and marijuana industry leaders who called Monday for the policy to be changed. The California Department of Food and Agriculture issued emergency rules last month that allow for small and medium-sized farms of up to a quarter acre and one acre, respectively, to get licenses for the first five years. That five-year head start for small farms was promised in Proposition 64, the initiative approved last year by voters that legalized growing and selling marijuana for recreational use. Individuals and businesses can get only one license for a medium-sized farm, but the new rules do not set a limit on how many small-farm licenses can be obtained by one person or business. That could allow a corporation to assemble a 20-acre farm by obtaining 80 licenses for a quarter-acre each, opponents worry. Democratic state Sens. Scott Wiener of San Francisco and Mike McGuire of Healdsburg, Assemblyman Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg) and the California Growers Assn. asked for swift action by the state agricultural department to change the rule. This is clearly a broken promise, McGuire said. For two years, every discussion has included a cap on cannabis grows and the Department of Food and Agriculture needs to fix this massive loophole they have created. This last-minute revision rolls out the red carpet for large corporations to crush the livelihood of small family farmers. With cultivation licenses set to take effect next month, the lawmakers also promised legislative hearings on why the rules were drafted to disadvantage small, mom-and-pop farms. California only has one chance to get this right, and it is already on the wrong path with this last-minute change that flies in the face of what the backers of Prop. 64 promised, said Hezekiah Allen, executive director of the California Growers Assn. This single decision will hand over the California marketplace to multinational corporations and a wealthy few at the expense of thousands of growers who are ready to play by the rules and provide economic opportunity in communities that until recently were criminalized or  at the very least  marginalized. The industry estimates there are about 3,500 independent growers on track to get a state license in the first half of 2018. Allens group estimates that number could grow to as many as 10,000 or 15,000 by the end of 2020, but not if large corporate farms are allowed in early. The agricultural agency issued a response later: A one-acre canopy limit has not been in proposed regulations at any point and was not included in the emergency regulations due to the fact that Proposition 64, the law guiding the process, did not provide authority to include it. However, local jurisdictions may impose that limitation on their own if it meets the needs of their constituents. Updated at 5:10 pm to include comment from agricultural agency. Facebook

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Final tax bill dramatically softens blow to mortgage interest deductions in California By Christine Mai-Duc Last-minute changes to the Republican-led tax overhaul seem to be tailor-made to entice support from California GOP lawmakers, several of whom voted against a previous version passed in the House last month. The House version, passed with the support of all but three California Republicans, had proposed capping the mortgage interest deduction at loans of $500,000 or less. Republicans in high-tax, expensive states had voiced concerns the bill would have major effects in their districts. But the final version of the bill dramatically slashed the percentage of new mortgages that would be affected if the package becomes law. *New mortgages over $500,000 include data through Sept. 2017. New mortgages over $750,000 include data through Oct. 2017. Source: Times analysis of data provided by CoreLogic The particulars of the mortgage interest provision and other popular deductions were major sticking points as House and Senate negotiators hammered out a compromise between the two versions. A previous Times analysis showed that more than half of new mortgages this year in Rep. Dana Rohrabachers coastal Orange County district exceeded the $500,000 cap laid out in the House version. Text of the new bill released Friday outlined a cap of $750,000, which would apply to just under a quarter of new mortgages there through October 2017. Rohrabacher was one of three California Republicans, along with Reps. Darrell Issa (R-Vista) and Tom McClintock (R-Elk Grove) who previously voted against the measure. Rep. Mimi Walters (R-Irvine) said she supported the House version after receiving assurances from leaders that the bill would be changed to account for the loss of deductions, The percentage of new mortgages over the cap dropped from 48% to 14%. Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford), whose district had 1% of mortgages exceeding the $500,000 cap proposed previously, saw that share drop almost to zero; 27 of 7,515 mortgages in his congressional district this year have been for more than $750,000. The House is expected to vote on the final tax bill Tuesday. Facebook

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A major change to Proposition 13 takes its first step toward the 2018 ballot By Liam Dillon A commercial property in San Bernardino County that could face higher property taxes under a proposed ballot measure (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times) Proponents of making a dramatic change to Californias landmark Proposition 13 property tax restrictions took their first step to getting a measure on the November 2018 statewide ballot Friday. The change would allow the state to receive more tax dollars from commercial and industrial properties by assessing them at their current market value, an effort known as split roll because existing tax protections on homes would remain in place. Advocates of the measure, including the League of Women Voters of California and community organizing nonprofits California Calls and PICO Network said the change could raise billions of dollars that could be spent on public schools and community colleges. I think the cumulative effects of the unfair tax system have gotten to the point where its created crippling economic impacts on the state, said Melissa Breach, executive director of the League of Women Voters of California. Backers filed their proposed initiative Friday. The attorney generals office will prepare an official title and summary for the measure and it will receive a financial analysis. From there, advocates will decide if they will collect signatures to put the measure on the ballot. Proposition 13 passed in 1978 amid concerns that rising property taxes could force people out of their homes. The ballot measure limited property taxes to 1% of a propertys value at the time of purchase and ensures that the assessed value on which taxes are based can only increase by a maximum of 2% a year  no matter how much a propertys market value goes up. Split-roll measures have been long debated in state politics, but business groups and anti-tax groups have expressed substantial opposition to the idea, arguing that it would cause major harm to the states business climate. Breach said she expected an avalanche of big money against the measure should it go forward, but said that her organization wouldnt get involved without believing it could raise sufficient funding.S For the record 1 p.m., Dec. 18: An earlier version of this post said the split roll ballot measure would allow California to charge higher tax rates on commercial and industrial properties. It would allow the state to assess those properties at current market value, not charge higher rates. Facebook

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Three more women accuse California assemblyman of sexual misconduct By Melanie Mason Assemblyman Matt Dababneh (D-Woodland Hills) (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times) A Los Angeles woman has filed a police report alleging Democratic Assemblyman Matt Dababneh had sex with her without consent four years ago, adding new allegations of sexual misconduct to those that led the politician to announce his resignation last week. He says her claims are false. Nancy Miret, 26, told The Times that when she was 22 and a recent college graduate, she spent time with Dababneh over two months in late 2013, primarily at his Encino apartment. At the time, Dababneh was running for Assembly to represent the western San Fernando Valley. They had consensual sex on one occasion, but after that, Miret said she had multiple nonconsensual sexual encounters with Dababneh that left her traumatized. Miret, who now works in commercial real estate, is one of three women interviewed by The Times who have made new allegations concerning Dababnehs behavior. These allegations are false and Im confident that when all the facts are in, it will clearly show that these claims are not true, Dababneh told The Times. Read More Facebook

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San Diego business is first in California to be issued license to sell marijuana for recreational use By Patrick McGreevy A San Diego medical marijuana business is the first firm to be issued a license by the state of California to sell marijuana for recreational use, officials said Thursday. Torrey Holistics received two of the first 20 licenses granted by the state Bureau of Cannabis Control this week to sell or distribute marijuana, although the licenses do not take effect until Jan. 1, according to bureau chief Lori Ajax. An additional 180 firms have applied for licenses but they are being processed. Last week, we officially launched our online licensing system, and today were pleased to issue the first group of temporary licenses to cannabis businesses that fall under the Bureaus jurisdiction, Ajax said in a statement. We plan to issue many more before January 1. The bureau is issuing temporary, four-month licenses to firms initially, but will eventually require firms to undergo background checks and pay a $1,000 application fee for yearlong permits. Tony Hall left a chemical distribution business two years ago to start Torrey Holistics with a friend and classmate at San Diego State. He said he was ecstatic to have the first recreational permit in California. He also obtained a new license to continue selling marijuana for medical uses. We feel fricking great about it, he said Thursday. Its just exciting. This is a once in a multi-generational event, he added, likening it to the end of prohibition. Added Ruthie Edelson, the firms marketing director, We will be open at 7 a.m. on Jan. 1. Last year, voters approved Proposition 64, which makes California one of eight states that allow the growing and sale of marijuana for recreational uses. Facebook

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Conservative activist group files a lawsuit over Los Angeles County inactive voter list By John Myers A Washington-based conservative-leaning activist group filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday alleging Los Angeles County officials are refusing to cancel the registrations of voters who are ineligible to cast a ballot. The legal action by Judicial Watch comes four months after the organization first accused elections officials across the state of maintaining registration lists that are larger than their voting-age population. The lawsuit also names Secretary of State Alex Padilla as a defendant and alleges the voter lists violate the National Voter Registration Act, or NVRA. They dont care about removing ineligible registration, said Robert Popper of Judicial Watch. I think we have a very strong lawsuit. The lawsuit names four Los Angeles County voters as co-plaintiffs and asserts that a countys two lists of voters  the file of active voters and those whose registration has been placed on inactive status  should be combined into a single total. The inactive list includes people who havent cast ballots in recent elections and havent responded to inquiries from elections officials. Though the names on that list are considered voters, they are not counted in official registration reports and are not mailed election material. Popper led an effort earlier this year to estimate the size of each countys voting-age population using the Census Bureaus American Community Survey. He said the surveys five-year average of county populations was then adjusted by focusing just on the estimate of those over the age of 18, and then comparing that with the combined active and inactive voter lists. Popper dismissed any concern that the resulting number might be skewed by the different standards used by counties for the inactive list, which could include names of voters who moved or died and thus be an imperfect guide. I believe that a court is going to accept our numbers, he said. Dean Logan, the registrar of voters in Los Angeles County, said his staffs practices are consistent with federal law. This lawsuit appears to fundamentally interpret the requirements of the NVRA in a manner inconsistent with ensuring voter enfranchisement and appropriate list maintenance, he said. The lawsuit also alleges that Los Angeles elections officials failed to provide Judicial Watch with requested data about the size of the inactive list, and accuses Padilla of failing to address the groups concerns about California not following NVRA rules. In a statement on Thursday, Padilla said county inactive-voter files are not out of compliance with the law. He criticized Judicial Watch for its baseless assertions, bad math, and flawed methodology. Local elections officials have said very few inactive voters show up on election day, and that any who do would be asked to cast a provisional ballot  one that isnt counted unless the voters eligibility is confirmed through additional review. Popper insisted that if the list is never used, theres no reason to keep it. Judicial Watch, which sued for access to Hillary Clintons emails in 2016, alleged that its calculations show 11 California counties with questionable voter registration totals. Facebook

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Voters in California GOP districts may get calls asking them to thank their member of Congress for tax plan By Sarah D. Wire Voters in four key Republican-held congressional districts could get a robocall starting Friday urging them to call and thank their member of Congress for supporting the tax bill. Its a last minute effort by American Action Network, a politically active nonprofit connected with House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) that has spent millions to shore up Republican support for the bill. The robocalls include the members office number. The four California members being targeted are Reps. Jeff Denham of Turlock, David Valadao of Hanford, Steve Knight of Palmdale and Mimi Walters of Irvine. All four represent districts that backed Hillary Clinton for president in 2016 and are Democratic targets in 2018. Knight and Walters had been particularly vocal about their concerns with the plan, saying it might raise taxes for their constituents. The final text of the bill is set to be released Friday, with a vote expected early next week. In total, American Action Network plans to place 1 million robocalls in 29 districts nationwide. Facebook

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Merry Christmas Republicans in Congress: Funny or Die video goes after California lawmakers over DACA By Christine Mai-Duc As members of Congress try to pass a controversial tax bill and a measure to keep the federal government funded, the political arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus is hitting Republicans hard over another unresolved issue: the legal status of hundreds of thousands of people brought to the country illegally as children who could face deportation if lawmakers dont act. Amid negotiations over a long-term spending bill, Democratic leaders have been pushing their GOP colleagues to include a fix for those who were granted temporary protection under President Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, known as DACA. President Trump announced an end to the program earlier this year and gave Congress a March deadline to address it. Funny or Die and BOLD PAC released a video Friday featuring comedians skewering GOP members, including two in California, for their inaction. In the video, Oscar Nunez, best known for his role on The Office, calls out Reps. Steve Knight (Palmdale), Ed Royce (Fullerton), Carlos Curbelo (Florida) and John Culberson (Texas), who get to go ahead and celebrate as thousands of Dreamers are banished from the only country theyve ever called home. How many broken promises can fit in a stocking? Nunez asks later. Im asking for a congressman. The political action committee says its spending six figures on the weeklong buy, which will go out nationwide across Funny Or Dies social media channels. They are known for blasting out irreverent, often viral parodies that play to young audiences. The video will also be targeted to constituents in each of the four congressional districts. A separate video released by the ACLU last week also urged members of Congress to strike a deal on DACA. Many California Republicans have remained mum on the issue, particularly those facing tough races in 2018. So far, only Reps. David Valadao (Hanford), Jeff Denham (Turlock) and Mimi Walters (Irvine) have pressured fellow Republicans to come up with a solution before Congress breaks for Christmas. Following Trumps decision, Knight said the issue should receive attention by Congress. Royce, who has taken hard-line stances on immigration in the past, urged his colleagues to provide a permanent, legislative solution that gives certainty to these kids. Neither elaborated on what that solution should be. Facebook

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For a prominent California consumer group and savvy political consultants, documents reveal a close financial relationship By John Myers If theres a clear mantra for Consumer Watchdog, one of Californias most visible and vocal advocacy groups, its that hidden financial relationships shouldnt shape politics and public policy. The Santa Monica-based nonprofit has spent more than three decades reprimanding politicians and interest groups for doing the bidding of those who give them money. Its official motto is expose, confront, change. We are loud, and we speak more of a populist truth than the way people usually talk to each other in Sacramento, said Jamie Court, Consumer Watchdogs president. Read More Facebook

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Regional director resigns from California Democratic Party amid sexual misconduct claims By Jazmine Ulloa A regional director with the California Democratic Party submitted his resignation on Thursday, nearly two weeks after a 23-year-old woman reported that he sexually assaulted her last year, spurring party leaders to seek his ouster. Craig Cheslog served as Region 2 director spanning the East Bay, Napa, Sonoma and the Clearlake areas. In a statement, his lawyer, Mary P. Carey, said she and her client were confident that a full and fair exploration of this matter, undertaken in an appropriate, fact-governed venue, would exonerate Mr. Cheslog. We are prepared, if necessary, to put forward the facts of this matter in just such a venue, she said. Democratic Party Chairman Eric Bauman and other officials initially called for Cheslogs removal in a Nov. 29 letter to state party secretary Jenny Bach. They said he was seen acting in an inappropriate and sexually aggressive manner toward a member of the party in a public area of the Westin San Francisco Airport Hotel, following a Nov. 18 executive board meeting. The level to which this activity advanced made a number of those in attendance uncomfortable, the letter stated. It added that another member reported that Mr. Cheslog raped her at a CDP executive board meeting the previous year. Party officers said the incident occurred during a weekend where the prevention of sexual harassment of women in politics was a dominant theme in the wake of the #metoo movement. Before the meetings conclusion on Sunday, the California Womens Caucus approved a resolution making clear that sexual harassment, bullying and other forms of abuse are grounds to lose endorsements and be stripped of party membership. Maddy Dean, who was not named in the letter, spoke at the meeting about her experiences of sexual harassment in the movie industry, and told the Times that she reported Cheslog. She said she could not provide further details about her allegation as she explores possible legal paths moving forward. This was about protecting other women and in particular other young women, she said of reporting the assault. In his own letter to Bach on Thursday, Cheslog did not acknowledge any wrongdoing. He said he was stepping down to prevent any personal misconduct allegations from creating a distraction with the party at a critical moment in national and state politics. I am confident of the results that would be forthcoming in a fair, fact-based exploration of this matter, he said. Since the report, Cheslog has been fired from his job at Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization that helps families navigate media and technology. He also has stepped down from his position on the Acalanes Union High School District Board of Trustees. The conduct represented a serious violation of both company policy and the way in which our employees are expected to conduct themselves in the community at large, Common Sense spokeswoman Corbie Kiernan said in a statement. We immediately suspended Mr. Cheslog and conducted an investigation. As a result of the investigation, Mr. Cheslogs employment with Common Sense was terminated. 4:05 p.m.: This post was updated with Cheslogs resignation from the school board. Facebook

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Sen. Bob Hertzberg will cooperate with investigation into unwanted hugs By Patrick McGreevy State Sen. Bob Hertzberg works at his Senate Chambers desk. He faces an investigation into unwanted hugging (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) State Sen. Bob Hertzberg (D-Los Angeles) said Thursday he will cooperate with a state investigation into complaints from a former legislator that she was uncomfortable with his repeated hugs after she asked him not to touch her. Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon said Thursday that a team of outside attorneys will investigate a complaint by former Assemblywoman Linda Halderman that Hertzberg has made her uncomfortable with hugs that were too close and lasted too long. Hertzberg, well-known for hugging other lawmakers, said he supports having any allegations investigated by the two outside law firms. I just learned of the investigation, and will fully cooperate, he said. The use of an independent third party investigator is essential to improving transparency and trust in the system. Halderman said Thursday she was encouraged that her concerns will be investigated, but said it was disturbing  that attorneys for one of the law firms selected, Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher, contributed more than $90,000 in campaign funds to sitting legislators including Hertzberg. Halderman, a surgeon, served in the state Assembly from 2010 through 2012 and said Hertzberg hugged her multiple times even after she asked him to stop because she was uncomfortable. The last incident occurred in a hallway of the Capitol, she claimed. I told him I dont care to be hugged. Dont touch me,  Halderman recalled. He then grabbed me and pinned my arms to my side and used his hands to press my lower back into his groin and he essentially pinned me so I couldnt push off of him to get away the way I ended previous hugs. It was certainly so over the line, she added. Halderman said a current female senator and assemblywoman also have complained about inappropriate hugs from Hertzberg. However, Sen. Cathleen Galgiani (D-Stockton) defended Hertzberg, saying she has known him for many years and he has always acted as a gentleman. I have never felt uncomfortable with him, and have always felt his hugs were a display of affection - which I appreciate, she said. I consider him a dear friend. Updated at 5:30 pm to include comment from Sen. Galgiani. Facebook

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Rep. Maxine Waters asks Justice Department to investigate fake letter tweeted by Republican opponent By Sarah D. Wire (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) Rep. Maxine Waters is asking the Justice Department to look into a fake letter posted to Twitter by her Republican challenger that falsely indicated the congresswoman wants to resettle tens of thousand of refugees in her Los Angeles district. The GOP candidate, Omar Navarro, posted the letter on what looks like official House of Representatives letterhead to Twitter on Monday. The letter, which purports to be from the congresswoman, says the congresswoman wants to bring refugees to her congressional district after the 2018 election and perhaps even once I have secured the Speaker of the House position. Navarro accompanied the tweeted letter with a message: According to this document, Maxine Waters wants more terrorists, like the one who bombed NYC, in Californias 43rd District. As Congressman of CAs 43rd District, I will oppose such policies. Its been retweeted more than 680 times. But the letter is a forgery and a fake, her chief of staff, Twaun Samuel, said in a news release. The letter, dated June of this year, also contains several inaccuracies. It references multiple committees and subcommittees Waters does not serve on, and lists an address for a district office that has been closed for nearly a decade. Waters filed a complaint about the tweeted letter with the House general counsel, who forwarded the complaint to the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California and the fraud section of the Criminal Division for the United States Department of Justice. The complaint states that Waters has not communicated with the letters purported addressee  Teri Williams, who is president and chief operating officer of the Los Angeles-based OneUnited Bank, about any refugee resettlement program. Impersonating a federal official and misusing a federal seal are federal crimes. Navarro, who is backed by big name far-right conservatives, said Thursday that the letter was sent to his campaign through Facebook by a person he didnt know. He said neither the Justice Department or Waters staff has asked him about the letter. I dont know if its real or not, so I put it out there, Navarro said, adding that he believed his followers would help him determine if it is real. It doesnt say that I know. Its according to this document  what, am I supposed to send it to her and get an email back from Maxine? According to this document, Maxine Waters wants more terrorists, like the one who bombed NYC, in Californias 43rd District.

As Congressman of CAs 43rd District, I will oppose such policies. #VoteNavarro2018https://t.co/vO8YUsyPp3 pic.twitter.com/k7ef0H20if  Omar Navarro (@RealOmarNavarro) December 11, 2017 Facebook

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Sen. Tony Mendoza refuses to take a leave of absence amid harassment probe By Patrick McGreevy Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia), left, talks earlier this year about a pending bill with Sen. Ted Gaines (R-El Dorado Hills). (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Defying pressure from legislative leadership, state Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) refused Thursday to take a leave of absence until an investigation into sexual harassment allegations against him is concluded early next year. Mendoza has denied allegations by former employees that he treated three female aides inappropriately, inviting them to hotel stays and asking one to visit his home to work on her resume. I am very disappointed that certain Senate Rules Committee members are apparently asking me to take a leave of absence or resign before any investigation has even begun and without giving me an opportunity to defend myself, Mendoza said in a statement. This is contrary to the very concept of due process, which is a pillar of our American system of fairness and judicial prudence. These actions bypass any process in a rush to judgment. Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) earlier Thursday called on Mendoza to take a leave of absence. Mendoza had previously been stripped of his leadership positions, including chairmanship of the Senates committee on banking and insurance. Mendoza questioned statements urging him to step down, saying they leave him concerned about the fairness of the investigation. He also said he has been disappointed that he has been told he cannot publicly address allegations. I was not appointed to the position I hold, but was elected by the voters in my district, he said. I am grateful to the voters in my district and thank them for their trust and their continued support. The Senate owes them an opportunity to hear the truth. I assure them that I will vigorously defend myself to clear my name. Facebook

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State Senate leader asks Sen. Tony Mendoza to take leave of absence amid sexual harassment investigation By Patrick McGreevy (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) State Senate leader Kevin de Leon said Thursday he has strongly suggested that Sen. Tony Mendoza take a leave of absence until the completion of an investigation by outside attorneys into allegations that Mendoza sexually harassed three former aides. Given the severity of the allegations against Senator Mendoza I do not believe he can perform the duties in Sacramento right now while the investigation is being conducted, De Leon told a packed news conference in his Capitol office. I believe Its the right thing to do, its the fair thing to do, to take a leave, he said. The Senate leader also said the outside attorneys have been asked to investigate complaints by former Assemblywoman Linda Halderman that Sen. Bob Hertzberg (D-Los Angeles) inappropriately hugged her on multiple occasions in a way that made her uncomfortable, even after she asked him to stop. De Leon also announced the hiring of two law firms to handle the Mendoza and Hertzberg investigations, and all future probes of harassment and abuse involving Senate employees. Mendoza, a Democrat from Artesia, did not immediately respond to the request to step aside. De Leon, a Democrat from Los Angeles who had been Mendozas roommate before the allegations were made public, said he made the suggestion to Mendoza in a meeting Thursday morning. If Mendoza refuses to take a leave, the Senate has the power to suspend him without pay, but De Leon said that is not currently under discussion. There is an effort underway to force his expulsion in January when the Legislature returns to Sacramento. Former Mendoza employees have claimed that he gave inappropriate attention to a female fellow and intern, inviting one to his home and hotel and giving the other alcohol in a hotel even though she was underage. Another former female aide told the Sacramento Bee that Mendoza invited her to one-on-one dinners and a weekend at Pebble Beach. Mendoza has denied the allegations. The Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher and Van Dermyden Maddux law firms have been retained for two years, according to Sen. Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles), who participated in their selection. Have you experienced sexual harassment in government or politics? Tell us your story   In addition, the state is contracting with Weave, a Sacramento crisis-intervention organization for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, to provide counseling and to establish a hotline for Senate employees who are victims of sexual assault. The hotline number is 1-800-729-1443. America is finally reckoning with entrenched inequities in our personal and professional relationships and in workplaces of every type, De Leon said. Nowhere is this reckoning more important than in the halls of power  our political institutions. Facebook

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Watch live: California Senate leader addresses sexual misconduct at state Capitol Facebook

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California state senator pledges to bring back net neutrality rules just as FCC votes to repeal them By Jazmine Ulloa Demonstrators rally in support of net neutrality outside a Verizon store in New York on Dec. 7. (Mary Altaffer / Associated Press) Moments after the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday voted to roll back net neutrality regulations, a state senator pledged to introduce legislation that would preserve open internet protections for consumers in California. Net neutrality is essential to our 21st century democracy, and we need to be sure that people can access websites and information freely and fairly, Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) said in a statement. If the FCC is going to destroy net neutrality and create a system that favors certain websites just because they can pay more money, California must step in and ensure open internet access. The announcement of the proposal came shortly after the FCC voted to repeal net neutrality in an expected 3-2 party-line vote, with Republicans calling for an end to the utility-like oversight of internet service providers. The Obama-era rules put in February 2015 barred broadband and wireless companies, such at AT&T Inc., Charter Communications Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. from selling faster delivery of certain data, slowing speeds for certain video streams and other content, and discriminating against legal material online. Before the vote, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai argued loosening the regulations would allow the online economy to flourish. FCC commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, one of the the two Democrats on the commission, said the rollback would inhibit the openness that has made the U.S. internet the envy of the world. Supporters of net neutrality are expected to file suit to try to halt the repeal plan. Weiners attempt to institute net neutrality rules in California could have challenges. The FCC order states that allowing state and local governments to adopt their own separate requirements, which could impose a heavier burden on companies, could disrupt the balance between state and federal regulations. The preemption of state and local net neutrality measures is something that could be challenged in court. Amid such legal battles state legislation could face heavy lobbying efforts from internet providers arguing against uneven regulations. A bill by Assemblyman Ed Chau (D-Monterey Park) was shelved last legislative session over similar disputes. It would have enshrined in state law other FCC regulations that were rolled back this year by President Trump and Congress. The Internet privacy rules limited what broadband providers can do with their customers data. The bills defeat capped a behind-the-scenes battle that pitted telecom companies against state internet service providers and brought other bills to a halt in the state Senate as negotiations unfolded over legislation that would have had national significance. UPDATES 7:57 a.m.: This post was updated with additional information about the potential legal case. LA Times reporter Jim Puzzanghera contributed to this report. Facebook

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L.A. County sheriffs office failed to follow policy for issuing concealed weapon permits, audit says By Patrick McGreevy Handguns are displayed at the Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show in Las Vegas in 2016. ( (John Locher / Associated Press)) The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department has repeatedly failed to follow its own rules for issuing concealed weapon permits, the state auditor concluded in a report released Thursday. L.A. County Sheriff Jim McDonnell disputed some of the key findings of the audit, saying state officials misinterpreted the policy. The department policy requires applicants to provide convincing evidence of a clear and present danger to life or of great bodily harm to get a license, but the audit found the department issued 24 licenses during the last few years without sufficient evidence. Most of the 197 active licenses in L.A. County as of August went to current or former law enforcement officers, judges and prosecutors, the audit found. The lieutenant in charge of reviewing applications told auditors that people in law enforcement satisfy the departments requirements by the nature of their jobs. However, making that decision based solely on the applicants profession both directly contradicts Los Angeless written policy  which specifically states that no position or job classification in itself shall constitute good cause for issuance  and has led the department to treat applicants inequitably based on their occupations, the audit says. McDonnell said the audit identified some legitimate issues, and the department has added a checklist to the application process in order to show requirements have been met. But he disagreed on the reports sweeping conclusion that the department consistently failed to follow its own policies. The LASD policy simply requires that the applicant provide convincing evidence that his or her life or physical safety is threatened, the sheriff said. He said the policy does not require additional documentation of that evidence if sufficient information is provided in the application. Auditors also concluded that Sacramento County issued some licenses without proper documentation and that San Diego Countys renewal process led it to inappropriately renew some licenses. Facebook

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Anti-Issa effort discloses donors: Leo DiCaprio, Jane Fonda, Ted Danson and more By Joshua Stewart A political group that has brought professional political organizers into the campaign against Rep. Darrell Issa has received its most significant contributions to date  from actress Jane Fonda and other celebrities. Fonda gave $100,000 to Flip the 49th! Neighbors in Action, which recently registered as a political committee to get Issa, R-Vista, out of office. Comedian Bill Maher gave $15,000 to the group, a rebuke of a politician who has twice appeared on his talk show. Former California Sen. Barbara Boxer gave $2,500, as did Academy Award recipient Leonardo DiCaprio. Actor Ted Danson gave $1,500. Flip the 49th gave the The San Diego Union-Tribune a list of donors more than a month before its required to disclose them to the Federal Election Commission. Read More Facebook

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California Senate GOP leader: Release Capitol whistleblowers from non-disclosure agreements By Melanie Mason California Senate Republican leader Patricia Bates is wading into the sexual harassment debate that has swept up the Capitol and is calling on her Democratic colleagues to allow whistleblowers to speak out by releasing them from non-disclosure agreements. Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) wrote in a letter to the Democratic legislative leaders  Senate Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount)  that Senate Republicans are calling for the Legislature to allow victims or witnesses who may have signed such agreements to share their experiences publicly. This release from NDAs would empower victims of sexual harassment, create a new atmosphere for resolving sexual harassment or discrimination concerns, increase public awareness and transparency, and ensure that both the Senate and the Assembly fulfill their obligations to the public and their employees for providing a safe and welcoming workplace environment, Bates wrote in the letter, dated Dec. 12. The Republican senator also laid out suggestions to improve the Legislatures handling of sexual harassment complaints, such as jointly convening both houses rules committees  which act as the chambers human resources departments  to have a comprehensive, bicameral and bipartisan review. Bates wrote that the Joint Rules Committee should consider the assigning of an outside entity for assuming responsibility for all issues regarding sexual harassment. She said the California Highway Patrol or an inspector general could serve that function. Bates is currently serving on a panel designated by the Senate Rules Committee to select an outside law firm to investigate sexual harassment complaints. De Leon, in a statement, said he agreed with Bates that sexual harassment is a bipartisan, bicameral problem that requires bipartisan, bicameral solutions. Many of these recommendations we are already pursuing and evaluating in some form and we look forward to working in collaboration with Senator Bates  as we did with the independent selection panel  on additional reforms in the weeks to come, De Leon said. With regard to non-disclosure agreements, De Leon spokesman Jonathan Underland said the Senate is discussing with attorneys and anti-harassment experts about what options are available without violating the privacy rights of past victims. John Casey, a spokesman for Rendon, said the Assembly does not ask for NDAs in settlement agreements. The Speaker agrees with both the Legislative Womens Caucus and the Rules Committee chair that any sexual harassment policy should be both bicameral and bipartisan, Casey said. Facebook

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California plans to send out licenses for pot sales this month  but they wont be effective until Jan. 1 By Patrick McGreevy Patrons shop at Bud and Bloom, a Santa Ana marijuana dispensary, last year. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) California officials said Wednesday they plan to use email before the new year to send out some licenses to sell marijuana to speed up the transition to a regulated market. The licenses will not go into effect until Jan. 1. Proposition 64, which legalized the sale of marijuana for recreational use, required the state to begin issuing licenses by Jan. 1. Because that date is a state holiday, the bureau originally planned to begin sending them out on Jan. 2. That has changed. Much of the date discussion  Jan. 1 versus Jan. 2  was based on whether or not wed be able to be open on a state holiday, said Alex Traverso, a bureau spokesman. The solution to that issue was to issue licenses with an effective date of Jan. 1 since licenses will be issued electronically. That eliminates the need to have the office open on Jan. 1. He said that, as of Wednesday, the bureau has not yet sent out any emails with licenses approved to begin operating Jan. 1. Facebook

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Californias budget director makes last ditch effort to urge GOP members to vote against tax plan By Sarah D. Wire House Republicans hold a news conference after the House passed the GOP tax bill. (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press) As closed-door negotiations over the final tax bill come to an end, the head of the California Department of Finance is making a last-ditch effort to convince Republicans in the states congressional delegation to vote against the plan. In a letter to the entire delegation Wednesday, Finance Department Director Michael Cohen detailed 10 issues in the current tax proposals about which the state is worried. Some of Cohens concerns may be addressed in the deal that House and Senate leaders said they reached Wednesday morning. Details of the agreement are not yet public. Cohens concerns range from potentially billions less in federal funding available to California to offset the $1.4 trillion the plan is expected to add to the federal deficit, to the environmental effect of ending green energy tax credits. Californias 39 Democratic representatives are expected to oppose the final tax bill, which could come before both chambers of Congress by early next week. Three California Republicans  Reps. Darrell Issa of Vista, Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa and Tom McClintock of Elk Grove  voted against the original House version, and several other California Republicans have indicated they might be willing to vote against the final plan. Cohen specifically pointed to issues that have been raised by the uncertain House members, including the proposal to lower the cap on the mortgage interest deduction, the plan to limit state and local tax deductions and the elimination of a deduction for uninsured personal property damaged in natural disasters such as fires. Facebook

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California lawmakers have fought sexual misconduct on military bases, farms and college campuses. Will they police their own house? By Jazmine Ulloa Over the past decade, California lawmakers have worked to help curb sexual violence in the workplace and other spheres of public life. They have pushed college campuses to keep better track of incident reports, created whistleblower protections for military officers who file claims and established sexual harassment training for farmworkers and janitors. Now, as more than 140 women have come forward in an open letter to denounce a pervasive culture of sexual harassment in the California Legislature, activists and employment lawyers say lawmakers have not held colleagues and staffers to the same standards demanded of those in other fields. Members [of the state Assembly and Senate] are quick at pointing the finger at other folks, said Fiona Ma, a former Democratic assemblywoman from San Francisco who is now running for state treasurer. But they dont want to look inside and fix their own house, air their own dark, dirty laundry. Read More Facebook

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Californias cap-and-trade climate program could generate more than $8 billion by 2027, report says By John Myers Gov. Jerry Brown signs an extension of Californias cap-and-trade program in July. (Eric Risberg / Associated Press) Although Californias cap-and-trade program was designed to combat climate change, a new analysis predicts it could also provide significant cash  as much as $8 billion in a decades time  for state and regional programs. The report issued Tuesday by the independent Legislative Analysts Office projects a wide range of revenue generated by the sale of permits for companies to emit greenhouse gases beyond a state-ordered emissions cap. The most recent auction of those emission permits brought in more than $800 million. The analysis warns that annual cap-and-trade revenue beyond 2020 is highly uncertain, and offers a possible range from $2 billion in 2018 to almost $7 billion in 2030  the final year of the program under legislation Gov. Jerry Brown signed in July. The estimate of $8.3 billion in 2027 is the high-water mark for any year in the report. Researchers cite a number of factors that make a specific prediction impossible, including future technology that allows industries to cut greenhouse gas emissions easily and thus pass on purchasing emission allowances. While it is clear that there will be additional revenues to the state beyond 2020, the amount that will be generated annually is highly uncertain, the report reads. Money collected from the sale of pollution permits is required to be spent on programs combating climate change. A portion of the money also is earmarked for the states high-speed rail program. The report urges lawmakers to provide oversight for future decisions made by the California Air Resources Board, the agency that has taken the lead on climate change efforts. In particular, the analysts warn that allowing businesses to stockpile too many permits  ones bought at current low prices  could lead to excessive greenhouse gas emissions in future years, potentially even causing the state to miss its annual benchmark as soon as 2024. Facebook

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Vice President Pence meets with California lawmakers about massive fires By Sarah D. Wire Briefed bipartisan group of California reps on the fed response to #CAwildfires. @POTUS approved an emergency declaration last Friday & @forestservice is providing air & ground assets including 1,000 personnel. Together, we will help the people of CA restore, rebuild & recover. pic.twitter.com/zn7QdbCZOQ  Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) December 12, 2017 A handful of California representatives discussed the federal response to their states wildfires Tuesday with Vice President Mike Pence. Attending the West Wing meeting were House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) and Reps. Ken Calvert (R-Corona), Darrell Issa (R-Vista), Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village), Steve Knight (R-Palmdale) and Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara). It was a very bipartisan-spirited meeting. He clearly understood the significance of the fires and the impacts, Brownley said after the meeting. She said Pence offered federal assistance and recognized that recovery was going to be very important and that we want to work together to make sure that we can get the resources needed. President Trump signed an emergency declaration for the Southern California fires last week. Pence visited California this fall to view fire damage in Northern California. He stayed engaged and specifically wanted to make sure that FEMA and the other organizations were continuing to meet or exceed all expectations, Issa said after the meeting. We mostly thanked him for the fact that hes taken a personal interest and his team has been at the heart of the domestic coordination. There was no discussion about reinstating a federal tax deduction for uninsured damage repairs that would end up in the House and Senate tax bills, Brownley said. If you cant deduct uninsured property loss, its devastating. It would be devastating, Brownley said. Facebook

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We must talk about the health aspects of climate change, Schwarzenegger says in Paris By Kim Willsher (Thibault Camus / Associated Press) He showed up at Paris City Hall on Monday on a green bicycle and wearing a green tie to talk climate change with the mayor. But Arnold Schwarzenegger almost didnt make the trip from Los Angeles. One of the wildfires scorching Southern California was threatening his home. Luckily we have extraordinary firefighters, he told a group of officials and journalists. The actor and former governor of California was speaking in Paris as the founder of R20, a nonprofit based in Geneva that aims to help regional, state and local governments reduce their carbon emissions by developing clean energy sources. Read More Facebook

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A special recall election for state Sen. Josh Newman would cost a lot more than waiting for the June primary, state says By Patrick McGreevy State Sen. Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) faces a recall campaign (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)) State finance officials said Monday it would cost about $2.67 million for a special election on the recall of state Sen. Josh Newman (D-Fullerton), but only $931,000 to put his potential recall on the regular June primary ballot, which will also feature races for governor and congressional seats. The savings  and the time it took to complete the financial assessment  could give ammunition to Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown to put the recall measure on the primary ballot, possibly improving Newmans chance of staying in office. The higher turnout expected in the primary might benefit Newman as he tries to fend off the Republican recall drive. The financial analysis was a new requirement of a law approved this year by the Democrat-controlled Legislature that has slowed the Newman recall. Brown and legislators now have 30 days to review the election cost report. The deadline for calling a special election was last week, 180 days before the June 5 primary, although state officials have been known to extend such deadlines. In this case, that is unlikely. Carl Demaio, a former San Diego City councilman who is leading the Republican-funded recall, denounced the lengthy new process Monday, but said it will not save Newmans political career. This is about a shameful tactic by Sacramento politicians to keep politicians who break public trust and engage in misconduct in office for as long as possible, he said. Republicans launched the recall after Newman voted with the majority of le
Former Newport Beach city manager Homer Bludaus years of community service were honored at a gala Friday night as he received the 2017 Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year award.

About 200 people, including former Citizen of the Year winners, City Council members and state Assemblyman Matthew Harper (R-Huntington Beach) attended the festivities at the Balboa Bay Resort.

In a community of villages, this is the greatest honor Ive ever received or will ever receive, Bludau said.

Former Newport Beach mayor Rush Hill, who with Bludau is a member of the Chamber of Commerce Commodores, presented a video and slideshow of Bludaus life.

Its been a wonderful journey starting out in a little dusty south Texas village and now being named Newport Beach Citizen of the Year, Bludau said.

Homer is a lovely man and is so deserving of this prestigious award for his service to our community, said chamber Commodore Marie Case.

The problem with having such a humble father is I have to come here to learn about all his community involvement, said Bludaus son Brad.

Bludau, 71, has lived in Newport Beach for 18 years. He was city manager from 1999 to 2009 and is on the Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church parish council, the Environmental Nature Center board and the executive board of Visit Newport Beach. He also is a past president of the Coastline Community College Foundation board and has been active with the Newport Beach Relay for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

Hes also an Air Force and Vietnam War veteran who was a founding member of the 1st Battalion 1st Marines Foundation, which supports the Camp Pendleton-based Marine unit.

Before he was Newports city manager, he managed the cities of Coronado, Rialto and Avenal.

The chambers Citizen of the Year award honors individuals or couples who have long served the community. Previous honorees select the winners. Bludau was chosen by a unanimous vote, 2003 winner Scott Paulsen said in August when Bludaus selection was announced.

Staff writer Hillary Davis contributed to this report.

SUSAN HOFFMAN is a contributor to Times Community News.
Residents are invited to a community conversation in Costa Mesa on Monday to discuss issues and legislation related to sober-living homes.

Participants will include state Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton), Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley, city and public safety officials and representatives of sober-living facilities.

Assemblyman Matthew Harper (R-Huntington Beach) is scheduled to give opening remarks at the event, which will be presented by Quirk-Silva and the Assn. of California Cities  Orange County from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Costa Mesa Senior Center, 695 W. 19th St.

Topics slated for discussion include Assembly Bill 572, which would require the state Department of Health Care Services to place an investigator in Costa Mesa to look into complaints against licensed treatment and recovery facilities for adult alcoholism or drug abuse.

Panelists also will discuss issues surrounding sober-living homes in general and their effects on patients and the community.

Such facilities have been a hot-button issue in Costa Mesa for years, with residents complaining that they can be disruptive to neighborhoods, increase crime and noise and contribute to parking and traffic problems.

City officials have adopted regulations aimed at stemming the local proliferation of sober-living facilities and addressing their effects.

For more information about Mondays event or to register to attend, visit accoc.org/event/sober-living-home-task-force-meeting.

luke.money@latimes.com

Twitter @LukeMMoney
A Newport Beach man who fled the country and evaded authorities for years after he was accused of running a $3-million Ponzi scheme was sentenced Friday to 34 years and four months in state prison.

Thomas Franklin Tarbutton, 58, was found guilty by an Orange County Superior Court jury in 2016 of 18 counts of grand theft, nine counts of forgery, 11 counts of using an untrue statement in the purchase or sale of a security and one count of use of a device or scheme to defraud, all felonies.

The jury also found him guilty of sentencing enhancements for loss of over $100,000, property loss over $3.2 million and aggravated white-collar crime of over $500,000, according to court records.

Between 2004 and 2010, Tarbutton operated Villa Capital Inc. as a hard money lender, soliciting funds from private investors for borrowers who didnt want to go through the banking system, according to the Orange County district attorneys office.

Prosecutors said Tarbutton defrauded 11 investors who thought they were lending money for real estate mortgages. Instead of funding the loans, Tarbutton would keep the money and show the investors fake or forged documents that showed they were lienholders on properties in Orange and Los Angeles counties.

To keep them from discovering that the investments were underperforming or the loans were never made at all, Tarbutton would pay small amounts that he described as interest from the loans, prosecutors said.

In summer 2010, after the real estate market crashed, Tarbutton stopped making payments.

Prosecutors said four investors reported suspicions of fraud to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in October 2010, and a year later, a warrant was issued for Tarbuttons arrest.

Tarbutton fled to Brazil and was detained in December 2013 while trying to cross from Panama to Costa Rica, authorities said.

hannah.fry@latimes.com

Twitter: @HannahFryTCN
Lebanons prime minister, Saad Hariri, resigned Saturday during a trip to Saudi Arabia, where he launched a televised verbal attack on that countrys regional rival Iran, heightening a simmering fight for political control of Lebanon.

Hariri made the surprise announcement on the Saudi-state owned Al Arabiya news channel, leaving both his government and political allies baffled by the move. His resignation ends an 11-month run as prime minister that was meant to herald new cooperation between Lebanons Saudi-aligned parties and Iran-backed factions that include Hezbollah.

Hariri also claimed there had been an attempt to kill him.

I sensed what was being conspired in the darkness to target my life, said Hariri, adding that the atmosphere was similar to the time when Prime Minister Rafik Hariri  Saad Hariris father  was assassinated in 2005.

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That killing, which was blamed on the Syrian government and Hezbollah, triggered the so-called Cedar Revolution that demanded an end to Syrian influence in Lebanese affairs.

Saad Hariri invoked his fathers memory, calling on the Lebanese people to reject external interference.

Yet he spoke from a strictly Saudi point of view, focusing his ire particularly on Iran as well as Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Shiite party and armed faction that is arguably the strongest player in Lebanons fractious political landscape.

Wherever [Iran] lands in an area, it plants in it disputes, destruction and ruin. This was witnessed in its meddlings in the internal affairs of the Arabic nations of Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Bahrain and Yemen, said Hariri, adding that Iran was driven by a deep hatred against Arab countries.

Hariri said unfortunately Iran has found Lebanese willing to cooperate with the country, and he criticized Hezbollah for possessing weapons and for intervening in neighboring Syria on the side of President Bashar Assad.

Hezbollah has long insisted its intervention was meant to prevent the chaos of Syria spilling across the border into Lebanon.

And I want to say, Iran and its followers, that they are losing in their interventions in the affairs of the Arab nations, said Hariri, vowing that what he called the Arab umma, or community, would rise once again and the hands extended towards it with evil intent would be cut.

Just as it responded to you in Bahrain and Yemen, it will respond to you in every part of our precious umma.

It was not clear what led to his resignation. The office of Lebanese President Michel Aoun issued a statement saying that Hariri had informed him of his resignation in a phone call, and that he awaited Hariris return so as to be informed of the circumstances of the resignation.

Hariris time in power was supposed to usher in a new understanding between the two regional superpowers and break the political deadlock that had hobbled the countrys government for years. With his familys close ties to Saudi Arabia, he was seen as a counterbalance to Aoun, a Hezbollah ally who was picked by parliament to assume the countrys presidency.

Yet Hariris appointment followed a period of waning Saudi influence in Lebanons affairs. Last year, Riyadh canceled a $4-billion aid package to Lebanons security forces after Aoun defended Hezbollahs possession of weapons.

Meanwhile, pro-Assad Lebanese politicians have been emboldened as the war in Syria shows signs of ending in favor of Assad, who also is backed by Iran.

A delegation went earlier this year to Damascus to discuss reconstruction plans for the country and how Lebanon could benefit from the potential windfall. And earlier this week, Beirut reestablished diplomatic ties with Damascus, further angering Riyadh.

Hariris resignation comes one day after a meeting with Ali Akbar Velayati, advisor to Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in which, according to the official Iranian news agency IRNA, Velayati had stressed Irans support for the stability of Lebanon and its independence.

Regionally, the response to Hariris departure followed the fault lines created by the Saudi-Iran rift.

Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu, according to the Israeli daily newspaper Haaretz, said it was a wake-up call for the international community to act against Iranian aggression, accusing Iran of trying to turn Syria into a second Lebanon.

This aggression not only endangers Israel, but the entire Middle East. The international community should unify and stand against this aggression.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi, in an interview with local media outlets, condemned Hariris resignation, saying it was based on unfounded accusations by Zionists [a reference to Israel], Saudi Arabia and America, and was another attempt to create tensions in Lebanon and the region.

Locally, Lebanese couldnt resist pointing out the irony of a leader condemning external influence on his country on a foreign state-owned channel. Hariris critics also accused him of risking Lebanons stability to satisfy Saudi Arabias anti-Iran hubris.

But the main response was less derision than bewilderment  even among Hariris own Future movement, which seemed no less surprised by the announcement.

Frankly, Lebanon is much too small and weak to bear the economic and political burdens of this resignation, veteran Lebanese politician Walid Joumblatt said in a statement on Twitter on Saturday. I was and will always remain one of those who calls for dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Bulos is a Times special correspondent.

UPDATES:

1:50 p.m.: This article was updated throughout with Time staff reporting and additional details.

This article was originally published at 9 a.m.
The ousted leader of Catalonia remained the subject of a European arrest warrant Saturday as questions mounted over how long he would elude the Spanish justice system by staying undercover in Belgium and delaying extradition.

Former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont and several members of his separatist government fled north to Brussels after Spanish authorities removed the regions top officials from office a week ago. It is thought that Puigdemont and four others still are in Belgium, but sources close to them would not reveal their whereabouts.

Puigdemont wrote in Dutch on his Twitter account Saturday that he would cooperate with Belgian authorities, although his lawyer has said the pro-independence politician would fight a forced return to Spain.

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We are prepared to fully cooperate with Belgian justice following the European arrest warrant issued by Spain, Puigdemont wrote on Twitter.

Prosecutors in Belgiums capital, Brussels, said they were examining the arrest warrants for Puigdemont and four of his associates Saturday and hope to launch extradition proceedings as soon as possible.

Federal prosecutors in Belgium shared the warrants with their city counterparts because of links the five politicians from Catalonia have to Brussels, a statement from the Brussels prosecutors office said.

The statement did not explain what those links are. Puigdemont spoke at a news conference in Brussels on Tuesday and appeared on Belgian state television on Friday.

Besides the Dutch tweet he posted Saturday, Puigdemont also sent a Twitter message written in Catalan to political followers in northeastern Spain. He weighed in on a debate among secessionists in Catalonia regarding strategy for the December snap election Spains government has called as part of its temporary takeover of the restive region.

Its the moment for all democrats to unite. For Catalonia, for the freedom of political prisoners and the Republic, Puigdemont wrote, endorsing calls for pro-secession political parties to unite in a coalition for the upcoming election.

Spanish government spokesman Inigo Mendez de Vigo said Friday that politicians, even those who are jailed on suspicion of a crime, can run in the upcoming election unless they are convicted before it takes place. Puigdemont has left the door open to running.

Back in Barcelona, the government seat of Catalonia, pro-union parties criticized Puigdemont for his flight to Europes capital 662 miles away.

Albert Rivera, the leader of the liberal Citizens party, said that Puigdemont had gotten what he asked for when he pushed ahead with plans for secession despite warnings from Spanish authorities that he was breaking the law.

Mr. Puigdemont, wherever you are, come back to Spain and show your face before the law, Rivera said. When you once bragged about flouting the law, you cannot now be indignant when a judge opens an investigation into your acts.

Demonstrators in Barcelona, Spain, holding banners reading freedom for the political prisoners in Catalan gather Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, outside the Palau Generalitat during a protest against the decision to jail ex-members of the Catalan government. (Manu Fernandez / Associated Press )

Miquel Iceta, leader of Catalonias Socialists, said at a separate rally: We have members of the government in prison, and others in Brussels trying to avoid the law. This is time to build bridges, not raise frontiers.

Puigdemont and the four former ministers are being sought for five crimes, including rebellion, sedition and embezzlement, for their roles in pushing regional lawmakers to declare independence from Spain.

But the longer Puigdemont can delay his arrest and extradition, the greater chance he would have of being a factor in the Dec. 21 election.

Legal experts have told the Associated Press that the process of getting another countrys suspect turned over to face charges  from arrest to extradition, including appeals  could take about two months in Belgium.

Belgian Justice Minister Koen Geens said his government will have no influence over the future of Puigdemont or the other Catalan officials because the European arrest warrant is a completely legal procedure.

He said, unlike a normal international extradition, the executive power does not play any role in the EAW procedure. Everything goes through direct contact between the justice authorities.

Puigdemonts Belgian lawyer did not answer calls requesting comment on the arrest warrant but has said his client would fight extradition to Spain without requesting political asylum. Belgian federal prosecutors said they could question Puigdemont in coming days.

We will study it, and put it in the hands of an investigating judge, prosecutors spokesman Eric Van Der Sijpt told the AP. That could be tomorrow, the day after or even Monday. ... We are not in any hurry.

In all, Spanish prosecutors are investigating 20 regional politicians for rebellion and other crimes that could be punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

While Puigdemont and his four aides hid in Belgium, nine members of his deposed government complied with a summons to appear in a Madrid court. National Court Judge Carmen Lamela jailed them all, although the judge agreed to let one former regional minister go free on bail.

On the other side of the political divide over Catalonia, a senior official of a large separatist party, the Republican Left, conditioned her partys participation in the Dec. 21 elections on the release of all the jailed separatists.

One of them, Republican Lefts president, Oriol Junqueras, is the regions former vice president.

If [Spain] wants democratic elections, if it wants to show that it is really democratic, it is necessary that it releases the main leaders of one of the options that will run for elections, Republic Left General Secretary Marta Rovira said.

Rovira appeared to issue a veiled threat that, saying that if her partys demands were not met, separatists could try to scuttle the elections by encouraging pro-independence local officials to not manage the election or open their town halls as polling places.

Elections here can only happen here if we say they do, Rovira said.

Fueled by questions of cultural identity and economic malaise, secessionist sentiment has skyrocketed to reach roughly half of the 7.5 million residents of Catalonia, a prosperous region that is proud of its Catalan language spoken along with Spanish.

The separatist majority of Catalonias Parliament voted in favor of a declaration of independence on Oct. 27. The next day, Spains central government used extraordinary constitutional powers to fire Catalonias government and dissolve its regional parliament.

Spains Constitution says that the nation is indivisible and that all matters of national sovereignty must be handled by the Spanish Parliament.

In the Basque city of Bilbao in northern Spain, several thousand people marched Saturday despite the rain to protest the intervention of the Spanish government in Catalonias self-rule. The Basque Country region has its own separatist movement.

More rallies in support of secession are planned for the coming days in Catalonia.
Iran on Saturday held the heavily choreographed pageant of anti-Americanism that marks the anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran amid worsening relations with the Trump administration and uncertainty about the fate of its nuclear agreement with world powers.

This years anniversary was commemorated under cloudy, polluted skies in Tehran, where elderly enthusiasts of Irans theocracy took to the streets despite air quality that made it difficult for many to take deep breaths.

Thousands gathered on the campus of the former U.S. Embassy, dubbed a den of espionage, where a ballistic missile was displayed. News agencies described it as a Sejil surface-to-surface missile with a range of 1,200 miles.

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Iran has paraded its missile capability in recent months in a show of defiance to President Trump, whose administration has said Tehrans development of ballistic missiles violates the spirit of the nuclear agreement it signed in 2015.

Last month, Trump declined to certify Irans compliance with the agreement  under which Iran curbed uranium enrichment in exchange for relief from international sanctions. Trumps decision did not undo the agreement, which European countries and Iran continue to support, but allows Congress to decide whether to reimpose certain sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

Hundreds of Iranian militant students took 52 Americans hostage at the embassy for 444 days to protest Washingtons refusal to hand over the Western-backed shah, who was deposed in the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Placards reminded of U.S.-supported coups in Latin American and Asian countries.

The commemorations took place under tight security managed by Iranian police and the hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Iranians who gathered at the embassy echoed the defiant words of Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who this week called the United States Irans No. 1 enemy.

Hasan Shorjeh, a retired 65-year-old teacher carrying a Down with America placard, said there was no point in respecting the nuclear deal if the United States didnt hold up its end of the agreement.

As the supreme leader said, American administrations have always been cunning and hostile, so I dont see any solution for the disputes, Shorjeh said. The enmity with America will continue and our resistance will as well. I dont see any solution in my childs lifetime, let alone mine.

Roghaye Riyahi, a 35-year-old woman wearing a black chador, said she had come to the embassy to mark the takeover for the past 20 years.

I think that even if I live 120 years, the enmity with America will not be buried  at least not as long as America doesnt change its hostile policy toward Iran, Riyahi said. In fact, today, Trump the madman has contributed to our celebration of the takeover and more people have taken part  gloriously and wholeheartedly.

But beyond the stage-managed celebrations, some Iranians expressed hope for better relations with the United States and opposition to the orchestrated anti-American protests.

I wish the hostility between the two countries would end as soon as possible because we are suffering from it, said Hasan Mahmoudi, a 50-year-old shopkeeper near the embassy. We want to have normal relations with America and foreign investment here to create jobs for our educated youth.

Special correspondent Mostaghim reported from Tehran and Times staff writer Bengali from Kabul, Afghanistan.

shashank.bengali@latimes.com

Follow @SBengali on Twitter
The 36-year-old man accused in a fatal shooting Wednesday morning in Allentown was seen arguing with the victim moments before the shot was fired, witnesses reportedly told police.

Curtis Nathan Thomas, no current address, had exited a burgundy pickup truck and was exchanging words with 32-year-old Charles Hughes III, of Allentown, shortly before noon on South Ninth Street near West Wyoming Street, police said.

Hughes was also standing outside a vehicle, a gray Acura sedan, when Thomas told him, "I got something for you," a witness said, according to court records.

He retrieved a long gun from the vehicle, chambered a round and pointed it Hughes, police said.

Hit in the body by the ensuing shotgun blast, Hughes stumbled to the curb and collapsed, authorities said. He was pronounced dead at 12:35 p.m. at the scene by Lehigh County Coroner Scott Grim, who ruled the death a homicide.

Initial reports to police indicated a road rage incident preceded the shooting. Police Capt. Jim Keiser said Friday he could not confirm that.

"Probably the only guy who really knows that is the guy who did it," he said.

Thomas immediately fled south on South Ninth Street in the pickup, a Honda Ridgeline, according to police.

Alerted to the description of the vehicle sought, including mention of a distinctive horizontal white sticker on the rear window, police Assistant Chief Gail Struss located the Honda in the area of North Sixth and West Walnut streets, records say.

She activated her patrol vehicle's emergency lights and tried to stop the Honda, which Maryland plates, police said. Thomas allegedly fled the wrong way north on southbound-only North Fifth Street before crashing off the road at North Fifth and Turner streets. No one was reported injured in the crash.

Police quickly took him into custody, along with a juvenile female passenger.

Thomas had on him 58 bags of white powder and a white rock-like substance that tested positive for cocaine and 15 bags of a white powder identified as crystal methamphetamine, police said.

Police said they recovered a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun from the pickup with a discharged shell in the chamber and four more shells in the magazine.

Thomas is prohibited from possessing firearms after pleading guilty to felony robbery with a deadly weapon in Maryland's Prince George's County. He was sentenced in that case July 16, 2010.

Several bench warrants had been issued earlier this year in the case for probation violations, Maryland court records show.

Thomas was arraigned Wednesday night before District Judge Rashid Santiago on charges of homicide, prohibited possession of a firearm, two counts of drug possession with intent to deliver and fleeing or attempting to elude police.

He was sent to Lehigh County Jail without the possibility of bail.

A preliminary hearing was tentatively set for Nov. 8 before District Judge David M. Howells Jr.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Bethlehem native Carol Guzy has made a career out of embedding herself into places reeling from natural disasters and political turmoil, using her camera to convey the hope and kindness that persists amid devastation.

So, it wasn't surprising when the four-time Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist flew to Puerto Rico ahead of Hurricane Maria making landfall.

She's spent the last month documenting the damage, suffering and slow recovery efforts all over the island for various news outlets, including NPR.

"It was amazing in good ways and bad ways," Guzy said.

Fresh off a plane from the U.S. territory, Guzy is returning to Bethlehem this weekend to headline the 2017 InVision Photo Festival at the Banana Factory Arts Center. The festival runs Friday through Sunday.

At 11 a.m. Saturday, Guzy is giving a talk that will feature her work and conclude with a question-and-answer session, her favorite part.

Guzy graduated from Liberty High School and graduated with a nursing degree from Northampton Community College. While she never practiced nursing after she fell in love with photography, Guzy uses the skills she learned at NCC daily.

"The things that you really need to tell stories properly are the same things you use to properly care for people," she said.

Guzy is the only journalist to ever win the field's most prestigious award four times. She went on to work for The Miami Herald and The Washington Post and now is a freelance photographer.

"I believe in the power of journalism and photography. One of the only ways these people can have a voice is for me to go in and try to tell the truth about what is really happening," Guzy said. "Sometimes it is the only way they get help and be heard."

When Guzy travels into conflict and disaster zones for work, she brings a heavy dose of empathy with her.

"I always say we are not walking cameras, we are human first," Guzy said.

The people she photographs stay with her long after she leaves an assignment.

"It is hard to document and not see the changes you wish would be happening quickly enough," she said.

On her first visit to Puerto Rico amid extreme hardship, Guzy was struck by the spirit, resiliency, warmth and grace displayed by the people she encountered.

"They had no water, no AC, no power. Mosquitoes are eating them alive and they would offer us their bottles of water," Guzy said. "To see them smiling in the face of tragedy like that and say,' We are going to move on and do what we can.' They were amazingly warm. I left feeling like Puerto Rico was my second home."

Guzy rode Maria out in a shelter in San Juan and teamed up with other journalists to visit places they thought were the hardest hit. With gas so hard to come by and many roads impassable, it made sense to work together, Guzy said.

Many of the towns they reached, even weeks after the hurricane, had received no help, she said.

"They were asking us if we were FEMA," Guzy said. "They had no water, no power. Neighbors were taking it into their own hands to clear the roads."

In areas where there were supplies, Puerto Ricans spent their days standing in insanely long lines for gas, food and water, she said. But Guzy never saw fights break out or violence or looting.

"All I saw was warmth and neighbors helping neighbors," she said.

For many communities, the aftermath was worse than the storm. Torrential rains pounded beleaguered communities causing streets and homes to flood over and over again. There were mudslides and the heat and mosquitoes were insufferable, Guzy said.

"It was like salt in wounds to see them having to go through it over and over again," Guzy said.

When U.S. Army Special Forces arrived onto the island, Guzy spent several weeks chronicling their efforts to reach the most remote areas of the island and bridge communications gaps. She ended up sleeping alongside them on cots in the convention center.

The group was headed by Staff Sgt. 1st Class Antonio Santini, a Puerto Rican native, who took his mission personally. Officially the elite soldiers weren't there to distribute water and supplies, but that is exactly what they did, Guzy said.

"They would drive hours to get medicine for someone that couldn't get it," she said. "...They did it for every individual they heard about, so it was pretty amazing to watch. It was like every life mattered."

Their efforts were met with gratitude, tears and lots of hugs.

"It was special," Guzy said. "Santini said it was by far the most rewarding experience he had in his 13-year military career."

Guzy earned her first Pulitzer for spot news photography in 1986 for her photos of the devastating mudslide in Armero, Colombia. Her coverage of the military intervention in Haiti won her second spot news Pulitzer in 1995. Her work in Kosovo won her a Pulitzer for feature photography in 2000.

She returned to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake and her coverage earned her a breaking new photography Pulitizer in 2011.

"Haiti was part of my heart and soul for so long it was pretty personal and emotional for me to go back and see the earthquake and how devastating it was," Guzy recalled. "Three hundred thousand people died and it was one of the worst tragedies I have ever seen."

But she did see paralells amongst the resiliency and spirit Puerto Ricans and Haitians displayed in the face of tragedy.

"They mourned their dead and they prayed and got up and started living again," she said. "It is pretty humbling to witness."

Tickets for Guzy's presentation Saturday are $18 for ArtsQuest Members and $20 for the public; they're available at www.invisionphotofestival.org and 610-332-3378.

Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A York, Pennsylvania, man faces felony firearms charges after he was spotted in Nazareth trying to break into a car and a witness pursued him, according to court records.

Nazareth police about 10 p.m. Thursday saw a man jump out of the driver's seat of a pickup truck at South Green and West Prospect streets and gesture to a nearby silver Audi sedan.

The pickup driver said he had just seen one of the two male occupants in the Audi trying to break into a silver Nissan Altima in the 300 block of South Main Street.

Police identified the break-in perpetrator as Carlos Alberto Crisostomo, 25, of the 900 block of East Philadelphia Street in York. The witness reported Crisostomo punching and prying at the passenger side front window of the Nissan, police said.

Police pursued the Audi before the driver pulled over on Madison Avenue near Smickley Street, according to court records. Crisostomo was in the front passenger seat and was found to have a warrant for violating parole, police said.

Police searched him and found a located Ruger LC9S 9mm handgun stolen from Reading, records say. In the car, on the passenger side, police found a screwdriver scuffed up like it had been used for prying; a receipt also found in the car showed the screwdriver was new, having been purchased about 30 minutes prior, records say.

Crisostomo was arraigned before District Judge Robert Hawke on felony charges of prohibited possession of a firearm, carrying a firearm without a license and receiving stolen property; misdemeanor possession of an instrument of crime, theft from a vehicle and criminal mischief; and summary carrying a loaded weapon.

He was sent to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $75,000 bail with a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled Nov. 17 before District Judge John Capobianco.

No one else was charged in the incident, records show.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A motorcycle run Saturday through Northampton and Lehigh counties aimed to brighten the holidays for children in need, while honoring the memory of a rider killed in a crash six years ago.

The seventh annual Tucker's Toy Run took off about noon with a police escort from Tri-Boro Sportsmen Club in Northampton en route to St. Luke's University Hospital in Fountain Hill.

At the hospital, the riders were to fill cribs and bins with toys they'd collected for patients.

The toys are distributed to pediatric patients throughout the St. Luke's health network.

"We truly have been blessed that this group has chosen us to be the recipient of this wonderful gift in memory of their friend," says Patricia Gubich, St. Luke's pediatric patient care manager, said in a statement. "Patients and families are so thankful when they receive a gift. It brightens their day and helps ease the difficulty of being in the hospital."

The motorcyclists taking part in the run are celebrating the life and memory of Tucker Stuart, of Fogelsville, who died Oct. 20, 2011, of injuries suffered in a crash. He was 56.

The run is organized by Rick Nauman, according to St. Luke's.

"Tucker's family comes in from New England to be a part of this wonderful event," Gubich stated. "It truly is overwhelming to see the array of motorcyclists who come out and donate.

"We are so blessed to have this amazing group of men, women, and children give so much to our pediatric patients. It truly is an outstanding way to honor Tucker because their generosity helps children throughout the entire year."

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
HOPATCONG -- First responders rescued a 17-year-old driver who crashed a sports-utility vehicle Thursday morning, lodging the vehicle between two trees about four feet above the ground, police said.

A vehicle stuck four feet above the ground after a crash on Thursday was later hoisted out of the trees by a towing company, police said.

Officers responded to Sparta Stanhope Road at about 7:29 a.m. and found the vehicle wedged between two trees with the driver still inside, Capt. Thomas Kmetz said in a Facebook post.

Kmetz said the Hopatcong Fire Department secured the vehicle with chains and were able to help get the driver out of the vehicle safely. A tow company later hoisted the vehicle out of the trees.

The teen told police he remembered driving and listening to music before next seeing his hood bent up.

Based on the investigation, police found the vehicle was traveling south when it crossed over the double yellow lines into the northbound lane before leaving the roadway.

The vehicle, Kmetz said, then went airborne and hit a tree head-on. The back of the vehicle rotated, and, as it came down, it wedged between the two trees.

The investigation also found no brakes were applied by the driver during the crash, Kmetz said.

The teen, who was wearing a seat belt, was uninjured and taken by his parents, he said.

No summonses have yet been issued and it's unclear what happened to the driver to cause this crash, Kmetz said.

Justin Zaremba may be reached at jzaremba@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinZarembaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Newbridge Tidy Towns Association is calling on Kildare County Council to tackle the unsightly scourge of overground cables once and for all.

It said there are certain issues which the Tidy Towns adjudicators raise on a continual basis  one of which is overhead wiring and clutter in the town.

The group said the current situation is less that aesthetically pleasing, and reducing visual clutter on buildings and the urban streetscape, including the wirescape, needs to be higher on the councils agenda.

The adjudicators have stated that the Tidy Towns effort should not be for the Tidy Towns Competition, the real objective should be to provide a clean, tidy, well cared for environment in which you and future generations can live, and Newbridge Tidy Towns Association tend to agree with this sentiment, said a spokesperson.

The association pointed out that as far back as the 1998 adjudicators report, the judges suggested that under-grounding of wires  both electrical and telecommunication  is a necessity.

We feel that it about time that the Kildare  Newbridge Municipal Councillors took a serious look at the situation in Newbridge  the wires are not only unsightly, but are being added to on a regular basis, and the problem is getting worse as the years go on, he added.

The association agrees with this years adjudicator that an advantage of living in a town with a lot of ongoing development is that there are opportunities to duct cables that can blight the skyline.

It believes that an automatic condition of any future planning permission should stipulate that all services and wires be undergrounded and ducted into the building.

We believe that by investing in improving the appearance of traditional commercial areas is one of the best ways to attract new business and stimulate economic development, said the spokesperson.

The association is looking for all wires to be undergrounded, not just the ones feeding services into the buildings on Main Street, Edward Street, Eyre Street and all streets and lanes in the commercial centre .

We are being told that the cost of such a project is financially prohibitive, one therefore wonders what benefit there is in having objectives in a Local Area Plan one of which aspires to undergrounding of utility cables.
Local students have been involved in exchange programmes with French town Agentre-Du-Plessis, which recently signed a formal twinning agreement with Newbridge, writes Jenny Dillon.

Agentre is located in the region of Brittany, near Rennes. The bond between the two communities was forged with a trip organised by Newbridge Rugby club several years ago.

A number of rugby players travelled to France and stayed with French families who opened their doors for the Irish guests.

SEE ALSO: Newbridge signs official twinning agreement with French town

Many of the Irish rugby enthusiasts kept in contact and organised visits to reunite with each other. Now, four years on, annual trips are organised between the two towns and a number of romantic relationships bloomed due to the link.

The Irish group usually travel to France in the month of July and festivities are organised for Bastille Day - an important event in French history. There is a huge fireworks display in St.Malo.

The French then come to visit Ireland in March and have participated in the Newbridge St. Patricks Day Parade for the last three years.

Last year, four Newbridge College TY students travelled to France and stayed with host families. They went to a French school for two weeks, not attending classes, but teaching English to the younger students instead. They all said they had a great experience that they were glad to include in their TY portfolios.

They returned the favour by allowing French students to stay with them. The teenagers attended classes in Newbridge College and a partner was assigned to show them the ropes. Those involved in the twinning are excited for whats yet to come. Anyone who would like to get involved is welcome to get in touch.
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A meeting has been organised between a Newbridge mental health support group and Minister of State, Jim Daly.

Jim Brady and Terri Thorpe from Hope (D) are due to meet the Minister on November 28 in Newbridge.

Dep Fiona OLoughlin, who facilitated the meeting said, Kildare has been rocked by deaths due to mental illness and shortfalls in treatment for mental health for years and nationally we have seen a sharp increase in the number of people committing suicides.

READ MORE: PHOTO GALLERY: Hundreds turn out for Hope(D) Vigil March in Newbridge

Hope (D) do fantastic work locally and it is my intention to ensure the Minister sees that hard work upon his visit in November. A recent publication of a report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OCED) shows that Ireland has some of the highest levels of depression among our students which reiterates the need for more supports and services across the country.

The TD, who is a member of the Committee on the Future of Mental Health Services and Chair of the Education and Skills Committee, said the work of these committees must not delay in providing for people who are struggling.
Barber Dave Kelly has at last got the attention of his customers.

He was getting tired of everyone looking down at mobile phones and looked around to create something which might attract their attention.

He decided to turn to his well-travelled artist friend Dom Browne, to provide a solution.

Dom, a Kildare town native, is a professional artist.

He has painted all over Europe  in the Alps, Prague, Vienna and Berlin.

On September 29, one of his latest works was unveiled, a mural in Daves Barber Shop in Clane, just off the Main Street. It features a portrayal of Johnny Depp as film character Edward Scissorhands, plus other well-known faces clutching hairdressing implements.

We tracked down Dave no bother recently, but Dom was a different story until we got him last Thursday  sitting, he told us, in front of a beer in Berlin, discussing a possible job in Prague shortly.

Dom describes himself as a bit of a vagabond, but he is loving his travelling lifestyle.

It will be even better if a German court gives the owner of the Happy Go Lucky hostel in Berlin permission to retain Doms artwork on the front of the building, rather than turning it back to grey.

That case is coming up soon. If the owner is allowed to keep the front, it will open other doors for Dom.

We have done a survey on the reaction to the Berlin work and 95% of people were positive to it, he said.

The owner has made some changes, as requested, and Dom is hopeful that the court will back the retention of the mural. There has been a lot of media publicity on the hostel front  he has work done on the inside too  and he has appeared on television and in newspapers to talk about it.

Doms mural-creating life has been humming along for some time now. I am living off it but I am not wealthy, he said. He won a mural painting competition in 2012, and things took off from there.

Dave is fantastic, said Dom, delighted to have worked on the barbers wall.

Everyone loved it, said Dave. Some people dont get it but they still love it.

He said that most people coming into the shop thought it was a poster.
THE mother of two young girls who were sexually abused by her former partner has described how their innocence was taken away as a result of the sexual, emotional and mental abuse he inflicted.

The 47-year-old defendant, who has an address in Limerick city, has pleaded guilty to multiple counts of sexually assaulting the two girls at a house in a village in County Limerick on various dates between July 1, 2009 and February 28, 2013.

The victims, who cannot be identified because of their age, were aged four and seven when the first of the offences took place.

The defendant has also pleaded guilty to a single charge of sexually exploiting one of the girls at another house on the outskirts of the city on a date between March 1, 2009 and September 30, 2013.

During a sentencing hearing, Detective Garda Denise Moriarty said the girls mother only became aware of the abuse in June 2014 after the older victim threatened to commit suicide she and her former partner were to get back together.

She told John OSullivan BL, prosecuting, she contacted gardai the following day and that a criminal investigation was launched.

During interviews with specially-trained gardai, the girls said the defendant used to get naked with them and that he would make them play with his penis.

One played with it while one kissed it. Then they swapped over, said Detective Garda Moriarity who added that on at least one occasion the man, who has a son with the girls mother, had watched adult pornography during which he asked the younger girl to judge the size of his penis compared to that on the television. The detective agreed with Mark Nicholas SC, defending, there was no evidence of penetration and that it was difficult to establish exactly what had happened given the girls age.

During interview following his arrest, the defendant initially denied anything inappropriate had happened.

He denied the allegation, he said he was only naked when appropriate such as at bath and shower times, said Mr OSullivan.

In a later interview, the man claimed the older of the two girls had caught him masturbating on one occasion and had taken his hand and placed it on her vagina.

In another interview, the man said the younger of the two girls started touching him after she caught him and her sister downstairs in the house where they lived.

Detective Garda Moriarty told the court the defendant ultimately accepted he had sexually assaulted the girls telling gardai he was turned on when doing so and had become aroused beforehand. In a victim impact statement, the girls mother described what happened as a devastating nightmare which has resulted in her daughters becoming withdrawn and being sceptical of most men.

For me this horrifying experience has been extremely painful and one I will never forget, she said adding that she has endured many sleepless nights wondering how her former partner managed to manipulate her.

(I have) wrecked my head trying to come to terms with how I was blinded and couldnt see what was going on. He had me fooled and manipulated the girls and made them fearful of speaking out and looking for help, she said.

She added that her son will never know his father and that it upsets her that he will never have a father figure in his life.

Mr Nicholas said his clients admissions were very important and that he now has an insight into his behaviour.

He submitted the offending was in the lower half of the spectrum.

Judge ODonnell will impose sentence next month.
LIMERICK is the cheapest urban place to rent in, new figures from property agents Sherry FitzGerald show.

While Dublin city dwellers are now spending as much as 55 per cent of their take-home pay on rent, a new high in the property market, those in Limerick are giving up just 30 per cent of their after-tax income on their home.

After Limerick, the next most affordable places to live are Cork city at 37 per cent, and Galway city at 41 per cent. Commuters to the capital are also spending a higher proportion of their income, with Wicklow at 42 per cent.

Financial experts recommend that a person keeps their housing costs to 30 per cent of their net income.

Currently there are just 50 properties to rent in Limerick city, and 95 properties in the wider Limerick area. To date this year 1,443 properties have sold in Limerick, according to the latest listings with the Property Price Register, the national database of all house sales since 2010.

The latest survey from Daft.ie shows that rents have rocketed to new highs in Dublin, with city centre average rents of 1,741 a month, although new rent caps were helping to stabilise the market. The October report from Daft.ie shows that house prices in Limerick city have risen by 8.6% in a year to 177,771, and in the county to 169,869, a rise of 8.3%.

Prices across Munster are typically eight per cent higher than a year ago. There were just over 8,000 properties on the market in Munster in September, down eight per cent on the same date a year previously.
WILL Leahy is planning a big digital splash for his very first breakfast show on RTE Gold this coming Monday.

The Limerick presenter, moving from 2FM after 21 years with the station, will welcome The Stunning for a live broadcast online to try and capture a new audience for the golden-oldie focused digital station.

The key to this is we have to start thinking unlike any radio station in the past, Will said in an interview with the Limerick Leader this week ahead of the launch.

As this is a digital only station, everything needs to be geared towards getting people to press a button on their phone. Anyone that has a digital radio or DAB knows about it already, we are trying to attract people that are not very technically aware, but have a smartphone.

The best way he can see to do that, aided by his fellow Limerick man JJ Hartigan, broadcast co-ordinator and head of social media with 2FM and RTE Gold, is to host a Facebook Live video event in studio, promoted across all of RTEs Facebook pages, a novel idea and it may end up being the biggest Facebook event ever held in Ireland.

RTE Golds page will host it, all the others will share it. This is the theory now - it has never been done before, so we will see how it goes. We will have three cameras, lighting, the whole lot, so it should be a really nice thing. People can watch it live or watch it back, he added.

The radio presenter used Facebook to reveal recently that he was leaving 2FM after 21 years, 2000-ish shows, 45,000-ish songs and one fairly worn pair of headphones.

In an emotional announcement, the DJ  also a successful solicitor  said he was shifting full-time to RTE Gold to present a daily breakfast show on the digital station.

Will, who lives in Cratloe, wrote that he always saw 2FM as the equivalent of playing for Man United; it was a dream come true.

He said this week that there was no regrets to be leaving 2FM - a move that had been in planning for nearly a year.

No, not at all. Look, 21 years - I am the fifth longest serving presenter in the history of the station after Gerry Ryan, Larry Gogan, Dave Fanning and John Clarke - so I think that is not a bad record. I dont have any regrets whatsoever, he said.

I love RTE Gold, so when the suggestion came along, and the fact that Rick OShea wanted to do it as well, I thought, this really has something.

I still get to go into the same office, log into the same computer and talk into the same microphone. So I am still very much part and parcel of the furniture.

And to be honest, I have great faith that something is going to happen with Gold - but it has to start somewhere. And there has been plenty of noise about it in the last couple of weeks, so if even half of the people who tell me are going to listen to it, listen to it, we will have a nice little audience.

Digital is huge in the UK - nearly 50% of the radio listening audience, compared to 6% here - and it is clear that Will sees huge potential in the form, which RTE launched a decade ago. Persuading people to switch will be key, but he is offering lots of music, no ads, basic news, lots of laughs and a retro feel on the show, which will air from 7am to 10am, Monday to Friday.

It is going to be very retro, he laughed.

We will be doing bits from newspapers, which most stations dont do any more; we will be making the most out of very little resources, but it will be very old fashioned, lots of little silly skits and jokes and stuff like that.

If you listen to a breakfast show and take out the long news, the ads, the traffic news and the competitions - that is probably 20 minutes, if not more. That is third of the hour. So we are going to have all that just be music. This is the theory. It is the Ryanair approach to radio, laughed Will.

If you put content on, people will look for it. And you have to have it first, so we will see where we are in a years time.
A WELL-known restaurateur who is serving a lengthy prison sentence for importing almost 80,000 worth of cannabis from Spain has launched proceedings to have the remainder of his sentence suspended.

Patrick Scanlon, aged 57, who is originally from Loughill, was convicted by a jury in May 2014, of importing the drugs to an address in Pallaskenry on August 8, 2013.

The eight day trial heard he had duped an acquaintance into receiving a package in the post which he falsely stated was linked to a new restaurant venture.

The drugs were intercepted on arrival in Ireland prompting members of the divisional drugs unit to carry out a controlled delivery during which Mr Scanlon was identified as a suspect.

Following his conviction, the defendant was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment but this was later reduced to 11 years by the Court of Appeal.

Seeking to have the case re-entered and the remainder of the sentence reviewed, Anthony Sammon SC submitted the sentencing court is entitled in law to do so once an accused person has served at least half of the sentence.

While Mr Scanlon, who was previously convicted of possession of drugs worth more than 1.2million, has served just four years and three months of the 11 year sentence, Mr Sammon told Judge Tom ODonnell he was entitled to factor in remission which, he said, equates to two years and nine months.

The court can take into account remission. It is a right (for prisoners). Remission is there, its part of the system, he said.

Mr Sammon added that his client, who was heavily addicted to drugs in the past, is making every effort in prison to make amends and to improve himself and that he had addressed his addiction issues.

While not opposing the application, Lily Buckley BL, prosecuting, said the law relating to reviewing such sentences isnt crystal clear.

Commenting that he had a lot of reading to do Judge ODonnell indicated he will deliver his ruling on November 27.

Mr Scanlon is serving his sentence at Loughan House - an open, low security prison - in County Cavan.
OVER 250 County Limerick farmers with slurry towers have been written to by the council to say they will be carrying out inspections of the tanks.

Limerick IFA chairman Shay Galvin and Cllrs Adam Teskey say there is one rule for farmers and no rules when raw sewage is being pumped straight into rivers. According to the latest EPA report, Foynes and Glin were two of 44 areas around Ireland where waste water was collected and released back into the environment without treatment in 2016. And it is likely to continue to do so until 2021.

Mr Galvin said a council employee has told him: They want farmers to construct containment bunds [moats] around these slurry towers.

The time to do risk assessment was when farmers were applying for planning, not now. All the letters I have been shown by farmers were for tanks which are less than ten years old and even in one case the tank was never built, said Mr Galvin, who estimated the cost of installing a moat at over 6,000.

They pose their own risks. They are going to fill up with water so you have to keep the water pumped out and fence them off. There is a risk to children. Some of these towers are in areas where it would be impossible to build a bund around them as they are right up against other buildings, said Mr Galvin, who adds that there have been a lot more pollution incidents involving sewage treatment plants in the country than slurry towers despite their being over 10 times more slurry towers than sewage treatment plants.

He asks: Why are farmers being unfairly targeted by Limerick City and County Council environmental department?

IFA fully support clean water and keeping the environment safe from pollution but we feel that these inspections are unnecessary and will not add anything to ensuring clean water, said Mr Galvin.

Cllr Teskey called a special meeting of the Adare-Rathkeale municipal district on the issue.

All of these over ground slurry tanks were built to Department of Agriculture specifications and received planning permission from the council. The department grant aided most of these towers and were satisfied with their construction. And now the council are coming back looking for more? asks Cllr Teskey.

He said nobody is against this if it is going to preclude effluent from entering rivers.

But if they do want these moats it is up to the council to pay for it. Farmers at the moment are totally strapped for cash and have already put in massive investment into their infrastructure to come up to the standards put in place by the department, said Cllr Teskey.

Cllr Sheahan said to say farmers that have contacted him are shell-shocked is an understatement.

They have already complied with every condition laid down by the council and department.

I really wish the same amount of diligence was displayed with the sewerage scheme I have been calling for to be installed in Askeaton for years. Raw effluent is going into the Deel. Any time you have a spillage or leakage going into a river we seem to have no problem in hounding the farmer, said Cllr Sheahan.

In response to a media query from the Leader on the issue, a council spokesperson said steel slurry towers are a very good option for storage, but if they fail, it can be extremely serious.

Some of the biggest fish kills Limerick has experienced in the last decade have been as a result of failure of these units.

Limerick City and County Council has found that the primary reasons why these go wrong are relatively minor i.e. problems with the valves (usually management, but occasionally installation), associated pipe work or poor management of surface water drainage systems.

The main purpose of the proposed inspections is to make sure the values are working, the pipe work to the reception tank is sound and there are no direct path ways to waters than can easily be eliminated (e.g. open manholes) and that the farmer is aware of the importance of correct management of the valves. This is an awareness raising exercise and the council has given farmers details of a contact person to speak to if they have any queries.

Indeed, a number of farmers have been very proactive and contacted the local authority directly to ask for advice in how to minimise the possibility of any problems, prior to the letter being sent, said the spokesperson.
A HANDYMAN who stole more than 26,000 from an elderly woman avoided a prison sentence after a judge was told he has raised full compensation.

Thomas Fitzgerald, aged 27, of Ballinvullin, Newcastle West, had earlier pleaded guilty to 12 sample charges relating to offences at two locations in Newcastle West on dates between November 28, 2013 and May 2, 2014.

Limerick Circuit Court was told the defendant stole two cheque books while carrying out odd jobs at the womans home on November 27, 2013.

He subsequently cashed 46 of the cheques in amounts ranging from 400 to 950, at either a local bank or shop. The total value amounted to 26,480.

Judge Tom ODonnell was told an investigation was launched in May 2014 after a query was raised in relation to a signature on a cheque which Fitzgerald had attempted to cash.

When questioned by gardai a number of weeks later, the defendant made full and frank admissions.

Garda Kevin Goff agreed with Michael Collins BL, prosecuting, who said the defendant had frittered the money away on drink, cigarettes and cars.

The victim, who was aged in her late 80s, has since died after entered a nursing home shortly after the offences were detected.

Emmet OBrien BL, defending, said his client comes from a respectable family and has no previous convictions.

During an earlier hearing, te said he lost his job as a chef as a result of the publicity surrounding the offence but has since secured employment selling fibre broadband around the country.

During a review of the case last week, Mr OBrien confirmed the full amount of compensation had been raised by his client.

Imposing sentence, Judge ODonnell commented there had been a substantial breach of trust and he said it was an aggravating factor that he had taken advantage of an extremely vulnerable lady.

He said the defendants admissions, his guilty plea and his work ethic were mitigating factors as was his previous good record and his genuine remorse.

The judge also noted the contents of a psychiatric report which shows Mr Fitzgerald is within the lower range of intelligence.

He commended the actions of the two banks for refunding the money to the pensioner after they were alerted to the crime.

The defendant was sentenced to two and-a-half years imprisonment. However, the sentence was suspended in its entirety.
A NUMBER of people have been taken to hospital following a road accident in Limerick city centre this Saturday evening.

A silver car crashed through railings and ended up in a the basement of a building following the crash which happened at the junction of Mallow Street and Catherine Street shortly before 7.45pm.

Its understood the car was in collision with another car resulting in it entering the basement.

Gardai, paramedics from the National Ambulance Service and three units of Limerick Fire and Rescue Service all attended to the scene within minutes of the accident happening.

While a number of people have been taken to University Hospital Limerick, its understood that none of them have sustained life-threatening injuries.

A crane is expected in the area later to remove the car from the basement. While the road remains open motorists are being asked to avoid to area if possible.

Gardai at Roxboro Road are investigating the incident, which happened at the same location of a similar accident in February 2013.
An installation of sound and photos is one of many avant-garde artworks by top Chinese artists on display in a newly opened art center in Changde, Hunan, in which many locals expressed their interest. [Photo provided to China Daily]

When night falls in the city of Changde in Hunan province, you will find many people playing cards, relaxing with a soothing foot massage or taking part in some other activity to while away the time. A fancy art center that opened in September now offers another choice to those yearning to be involved in cultural activities.

In the inaugural show of the art center, which cost 60 million yuan ($9.07 million) to build, works of top Chinese artists were on display, including those of Xu Bing, known for his large-scale installations, and the sculptor Sui Jianguo.

Following the exhibition were performances of modern dance and music that seemed to leave many of those who saw them perplexed, even if they maintained a polite silence throughout and stayed in place until the two-hour performancewith no intermissionhad concluded.

Jiang Han, who is in charge of the art center, says he was surprised about the local audience's eagerness to talk with dancers and directors after the performance.

"They admitted they did not really understand it, but they liked it," he says.

When the likes of Xu Bing and Sui Jianguo were invited to display their works in Changde they were surprised because they thought there would be little interest in their avant-garde art in small cities, Jiang says.

In fact, many of those in the audience said they had never been to a theater or to an art museum before, he says.

Feng Shilin, 76, who lives in a shantytown nearby, has visited the art center twice. One visit was for the inauguration exhibition and performance, and the other for a concert by a local violinist who studies at the Julliard School in New York

"I don't know anything about art, but I can feel its charm," says Feng, who was once a factory worker. "It's great."

The art center is located in a shantytown that is to be cleared and replaced with new buildings. The center, surrounded by the remains of dilapidated buildings and redbrick apartments built last century, was designed by the Hong Kong architectural firm Atelier Global and looks out of place in its current environment, but that will change once everything has been cleared and the new buildings have been completed in six to eight years.

It consists of a theater, an art museum, a bookshop with tens of thousands of books on art, architecture, history and literature, a coffee bar and an education space for children.

"The bookshop is always full on the weekend and has become the most popular one in the city," says Jiang, pointing to a special space in the bookstore that sells English books, including a biography of Andy Warhol.

Many local art societies have approached Jiang, asking about holding activities in the art center. There are more than 100 art societies in Changde, including operas, poetry reciting and tea art, Jiang says.

"We have to provide an art platform for people first and then the seed of art will grow."In October a children's play festival and a series of modern dance and music were held in the art center, and tickets sold out rapidly.

Hu Quanchun, an artist who specializes in public art, was in Changde to take part in a one-month art project in April. He says he was thrilled by people's acceptance of contemporary art. During his stay he held classes at night with his students from the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing to discuss their ideas on what kind of works they would produce. He was pleasantly surprised by the keen interest that locals showed in his classes.

"I think people's passion for art here must be related with the city's history. After all, it was once a breeding ground for poets and writers."

Changde is where the utopia of the ancient poet Tao Yuanming, in his fable The Peach Blossom Spring, is located. In the fable, a fisherman finds a utopian world where people live in harmony with nature and keep a distance from the outside world. The city has also been prominent in works by the writer Shen Congwen.

The artist Zhao Ming, who took part in a residential art project sponsored by the local government, says she thinks the city has the potential to recreate the peach blossom land described in poet Tao's fable.

"It has clean rivers and mountains, and people here are simple and love taking part in artistic activities."


Can the subaltern be gay? In the recent Bengali film 'Meghnadbodh Rohoshyo', two young men, both poor, love each other. It is a refreshing alternative to the filmic stereotype of artistic and affluent gay men /news/talking-point/can-the-subaltern-be-gay-111646920506767.html 111646920506767 story

The thing that struck me most about Meghnadbodh Rohoshyo, a Bengali film full of thoughtful touches, is the gay love story between Bulu, the caretaker of the house, and Shambhu, the cook. One day, halfway through the film, the protagonist disappears and the rest of the film is about the mystery of this disappearance. It takes inspiration and its serious-sounding Sanskritized title from the Bengali poet Michael Madhusudan Dutts book-length poem Meghnadbodh Kabya (The Poem Of Meghnads Killing), which is based on the episode in the Ramayan where Ravans eldest son Meghnad is killed by Laxman, after being betrayed by his uncle Vibhishana.

The film runs on the same premisean intimates betrayaland lines up a number of subplots to knot the mystery. The rage of a son who is the sole caregiver of his infirm mother because his father (the protagonist) has remarried. The hurt of a first wife whose husband has left her to her illness. The rancour of an unsmart nephew who owes his living to an imperious, affluent uncle, and his shame about his love for another man.

A scene from Meghnadbodh Rohoshyo.

These subplots are nicely coloured in. A conversation between a second wife and first wife is distant but cordial. A step-mother is empathetic to her stepson. Two subaltern mennon-English-speaking with non-air-conditioned jobs"fall in love and have an affectionate relationship in private. A young man is fond of a cousin who is clearly poorer and less sophisticatedhe is the sort who wears thick, hand-knitted sweaters with large patterns over polyester trousers, and knows that he looks out of place in the wealthy branch of his family. There is one marvellous moment when the protagonist tells his wife that the cigarettes his son and her daughter are smoking are probably more than cigarettes. The film is full of little things like this, as if to say, What if we could deal with our awkward relationships with a little more grace?"

But I was especially struck by the love story of the cook and the caretaker. Gay characters are rarely poor or even lower middle class in Hindi and Bengali cinema, the two categories of cinema to which my ambit runs (also, my ambit runs to widely-released films in India, not the boutique festival-circuit films). There must be gay people in every social class, but do we see them in films?

We had a help called Gaur da in our home," says director Anik Datta over the phone. He was effeminate, he would say Helleo, we used to tease him (about his mannerisms). In our time, we didnt have any public discourse on homosexuality. I didnt realize there was a thing called homosexuality until quite late in life. But when I did, it was immediately apparent that there were gay people all around usin our families, homes, offices, communities. Theres no type which is likely to be gay, obviously. To be clear, I am not specifically interested in the gay identity, but this must have been on my mind when I was writing. I just wanted to tell a good story."

A scene from Kapoor & Sons.

The gay figure has emerged as a character in their own right only recently, in the past decade or so (before this, they were the subjects of lazy caricature). But even the sensitively conceived gay man is already configured to a type: urban, educated, affluent or middle class, usually creative. The stereotype of the gay character is the designer (multiple films). We have seen a film director and photographer (Kaushik Sens Aar Ekti Premer Golpo), we have seen a writer (Fawad Khan in Kapoor & Sons), we have seen advertising professionals (the English-language film Memories In March, starring the late director Rituparno Ghosh), we have seen the principal of a posh school (Rishi Kapoor in Student Of The Year), we have seen a professor of Marathi (Manoj Bajpayee in Aligarh), we have seen an industrialist (Vikram Chatwal in Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd), we have seen a choreographer and musician (Rituparno Ghosh and Jisshu Sengupta in Chitrangada), we have seen two graduate students at New York University (Kalki Koechlin and Sayani Gupta in Margarita With A Straw.)

Overwhelmingly, gay characters in Hindi and Bengali cinema are creative professionalspeople who work in the arts, like designers, photographers, musicians, writers, and in advertising. The stereotype of the creative gay person even has academic credentials. In his extremely influential book, The Rise Of The Creative Class, Richard Florida argued that cities that have large numbers of the creative class, including gay people and bohemians, will thrive economically. He defined the creative class as that segment of people who are paid to think for a livingthis does not mean only the artistic professions, but also doctors, lawyers, engineers, computer programmers, academicians, and so on. This theory created a direct link between creativity and the gay community.

Gay characters are rarely poor or even lower middle class in Hindi and Bengali cinema, the two categories of cinema to which my ambit runs. There must be gay people in every social class, but do we see them in films?-

In Floridas understanding, a cook would not be a creative professional though the work itself is creative, because a cook is not paid to think or create. A cook is paid for the manual labour of cooking. A chef is distinct; it is a professional designation with more autonomy and, of course, better pay. In other words, Floridas creative class is a demographic of people who are middle class and above. In cinema, this is pretty much the social-class profile of the gay person. To be a designer or a writer or a student at NYU, you need to be at least middle class.

Floridas concept of the creative class has shaped urban policy, and hipster-style gentrification, in countless developed cities. Singapore, the only developed country that still criminalizes gay sex, is believed to have been moved by Floridas text to allow the opening of gay bars and cafes in the Noughties. The gay creative person, as an idea, is so well-established that it is perhaps self-evident today.

This is the sort of filmic stereotype that the wise, salty granny played by Tanuja in the film Rules: Pyaar Ka Superhit Formula had punctured beautifully. Do fat people never fall in love?" she asked when her granddaughter worried about being too fat for her crush. If you consider the evidence in our films and in Hollywood, it does look like that. Only the beautiful and the gym-going are destined for on-screen love. The question Tanujas character might have asked here is: Do poor (non-English-speaking) people never identify as gay?

There is no publicly available data on homosexuality and income in India; however, there are several news stories of girls from poor and lower middle-class backgrounds falling in love with people of the same gender. The story of a 17-year-old girl and a 23-year-old girl running away to Mumbai to get married was reported in May. Last year, the story of two women who had married each other was reported from Jaipur: their husbands worked at a liquor vend. There are many such stories reported every year. The opposite happens in the moviesthe stories that get told are of affluent and cosmopolitan gay characters.

There are, however, three extremely influential Hollywood films that go against type. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), Heath Ledger and Jake Gylenhall meet on a farm where they herd sheep. In Monster (2003), Charlize Theron is a homeless prostitute, and her partner, played by Cristina Ricci, is unemployed. In Moonlight (2016), the protagonist, played by three different actors at different stages of his life, grows up in a poverty-stricken single-parent household and eventually sells drugs for a living.

A scene from Dostana.

There is nothing comparable in terms of influence, or beauty, in Hindi films. But a couple of recent films have done things differently. In Hansal Mehtas Aligarh, based on the real-life story of Prof. Ramchandra Siras in Aligarh Muslim University, Manoj Bajpayee lives in a matchbox-sized apartment, travels on cycle-rickshaws, and keeps his drinking water in cheap plastic bottles. He appears lower middle class, but this is an optical illusion created by the Karan Johar brand of cinema. The majority of gay men we have seen in mainstream cinema have appeared in films connected to himthe fake gay men of Dostana (produced by Johar), the closeted principal of Student Of The Year (directed by Johar), and the reluctant romance in a short film directed by Johar in the anthology Bombay Talkies. His characters in general, gay or straight, inhabit vast spaces, glamorous clothes and lives of perfect interior decor. But in Aligarh, Bajpayee plays a university professoreven if his personal effects are shabby, that is likely his choice. A professor in a central university is a coveted government job with robust pay and benefits. He fits Floridas understanding of the upper middle-class, creative professional.

The professors lover, however, is a rickshaw-driver. This man barely appears on screen for a couple of scenes, but it is worth listing simply because the poor gay character is such an anomaly on the Hindi screen. Also worth remembering is the fact that Aligarh is based on the real life and suicidal death of Prof. Siras, a pointer that in the real world, a poor man is just as likely to be gay as an affluent, educated one.

There is another relationship of social unequals in Abhishek Chaubeys Dedh Ishqiya (2014), where Madhuri Dixit Nene and Huma Qureshi play begum and maid, and lovers. It is unclear how equal the relationship is given the employer-employee relationship, but Qureshi looks pleased enough to lead men on and dump them.

I have never seen a gay story like Bulus and Shambhuswhere both partners are subalterns. The men seem to have comfortably settled into a relationship, they make plans on the phone to meet, their conversation has the cosiness of those who have been intimate for a while. Shambhu, the cook, is confidently effeminate. At one point, a character tells her mother: You know, your cook is probably gay." The mother doesnt respond with alarm, she has probably guessed as much.

There is only one moment where the caretaker shrugs off the cooks arm at a public space, which speaks of embarrassment. But really, given our anti-Romeo squads and generally toxic anti-dating culture, anyone could feel this way.

Baba, can these people also be gay?" I thought my mother or father, with whom I saw the film, would say something like this. I must have thought it myself, which is why I set out to write this. It is testament to Dattas fine, unforced portrayal that none of us needed to say it aloud. He opened a window, and we believed what we saw.
Life, art and death and San Antonio's cultural ties to Mexico were celebrated Friday night as part of SAY Si's 3-day Muertitos Fest.

The annual Dia de los Muertos festival, held at the non-profit's headquarters, is in its 11th year.
'ASIAN' = MUSLIM 99% OF THE TIME





The politically correct term 'Asian' is used by the leftist UK media as a way to cast suspicion on a wider group of people and take some of the negative attention away from the group usually responsible for committing the heinous acts.

A perfect example would be the Muslim grooming gang epidemic which are constantly referred to by the press and authorities as 'Asian' grooming gangs.

It isn't people from China, Japan or any Far Eastern Asian place.

Nor is it Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists,Christians Etc....

They are Muslims!!!!
It was a love affair born on the stage ... and it's ongoing.

The innovative collaboration between the Laredo Theater Guild International and Texas A&M International University has been affirmed with the joint signing of a memorandum of understanding between LTGI and TAMIU.

The MOU, which provides a collaborative framework for the university's relationship with LTGI, and governs the use of rehearsal and performance space and student engagement in LTGI productions, was fittingly signed on stage at TAMIU's Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Theatre.

TAMIU President Pablo Arenaz said he is gratified to see the collaboration continue to benefit the university community and the community at large.

"LTGI is leading a theatre revolution in Laredo and this powerful collaboration enables us to augment our program offerings, provide students with performance experiences, and utilize our top-notch facilities as a preferred backdrop for a broad spectrum of theatrical presentations that are enjoyed by our on-campus and surrounding communities," Arenaz said. "We especially appreciate the leadership and insight by LTGI President Linda Lopez Howland. It's been a great partnership over the past eight years, and we look forward to continuing this relationship for years and generations to come."

RELATED: LCC and LTGI sign memorandum of understanding

Howland concurred, noting the collaboration's strength fuels its mutual benefit.

"Thanks to this visionary partnership, we regularly bring the theatrical arts to life in our community," she said. "As a community-based theatre organization, the steadfast partnership of our hometown university is important in enabling us to present dazzling productions like 'Man of La Mancha,' 'Annie,' 'Cinderella' and 'The Who's Tommy;' educational offerings of our Class on Stage Series, like Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' and award-winning historical dramas like 'The Diary of Anne Frank.'

"Both LTGI and TAMIU share a mutual benefit that is only encompassed by the larger benefit to the people of Laredo."

In January, TAMIU will host the first production of LTGI's ninth season, Federico Garcia Lorca's epic Spanish tragedy, "Yerma."

"Yerma," will run Jan 11-21 at TAMIU's CFPA Theater and will be the first LTGI production delivered entirely in Spanish. It will have a large cast of over 25 actors, and will be directed by LTGI artistic director Marco Gonzalez.
A man accused of fatally shooting a 24-year-old in north Laredo has been charged with murder, according to LPD.

Maurice Jerome Holmes, 37, was arrested and charged with murder in the death of Gabriel Diaz. Holmes, a San Antonio resident, was also wanted on a warrant from Kerrville, Texas, LPD said. Police said it was not disclosed what the warrant was for.
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About 5 percent of Webb County's registered voters cast an early ballot in the November special election.

The county's Elections Administration reported that 6,646 residents voted during the two-week early voting period, which ended Friday. Almost 123,000 people are registered to vote in Webb County.

Election Day is Tuesday. Voting sites in all 67 precincts will be open that day.

Seven proposed Texas constitutional amendments are on the ballot and all Webb County residents have the opportunity to vote for or against raising their property taxes to build a new county jail facility.

RELATED: Tensions rise in Laredo over proposed $125M jail facility

The ballot language for the jail referendum reads as follows: "The issuance of $125,000,000 Webb County, Texas bonds for the purposes of constructing, renovating, acquiring, improving and equipping law enforcement and county jail facilities and necessary sites therefor, and the levying of a tax in payment thereof."

The Webb County Sheriff's Office projects the facility will cost $125 million. This price includes not only a jail, but a building for booking, a kitchen, an infirmary, the Sheriff's Office new headquarters, a vehicle training center, a vehicle maintenance building, a training center for personnel and a firing range.

The bond that voters are asked to approve will fund this new law enforcement complex plus renovations to the current county jail on Victoria Street and the tunnel that connects it to the federal courthouse.

For owners of a $100,000 home in Webb County, this bond will cost $44.08 annually. For owners of a $200,000 home, taxes will go up $88.16 annually. And so on.

READ MORE: Highly-debated $125M bond for new county jail goes to Webb County voters

Homeowners of age 65 or older will not be subject to a property tax increase.

Before early voting began, Oscar Villarreal, Webb County elections administrator, projected that 8,000 and 10,000 people in the county would come out to vote.

Two years ago, there were no local elections or referendums. Of the county's 116,000 registered voters in 2015, only 2,873 cast votes for the seven state constitutional amendments that were on the ballot.
Congressional Republicans are proposing to allow churches and other religious institutions to endorse political candidates without losing their tax-exempt status, a plan supported by President Trump but hotly contested by many civil rights and religious organizations.

A 1954 law sponsored by then-Sen. Lyndon Johnson requires the government to revoke the tax-exempt status of any nonprofit, including religious organizations, that endorse or oppose a candidate.

The so-called Johnson Amendment has rarely been enforced, though it was used to revoke the tax exemption of a church that urged Christians not to vote for Bill Clinton in the 1992 presidential election. It does not prohibit churches or other nonprofits from engaging in political speech or activities besides endorsements.

The Internal Revenue Service has not taken any action against churches that have taken part in a conservative groups Pulpit Freedom Sunday project since 2008, encouraging their congregations to support or oppose particular candidates.

Trump, who was backed by evangelical groups during last years campaign, promised to repeal the Johnson Amendment, telling a religious group in June 2016 that the law had taken a lot of power away from Christianity and other religions. In May, he ordered the Treasury Department not to act against churches that spoke out on moral or political issues.

You couldnt speak politically before. Now you can, the president told the Rev. Pat Robertson, an outspoken conservative and onetime presidential candidate, in a July interview on the Christian Broadcasting Network.

Now, congressional Republicans are proposing to repeal the Johnson Amendment for religious organizations, while leaving it in effect for other nonprofits, as part of the tax-cut legislation they unveiled this week.

I dont want the IRS looming over our faith leaders in the community as they express their religious freedom, Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, chief author of the tax bill, told reporters.

Mat Staver, president of Liberty Counsel, a conservative religious nonprofit, said the 1954 law has been a paper tiger on the books to intimidate people into silence.

What the Johnson Amendment does is chill free speech, Staver said in an interview.

Not all religious organizations agree.

Weakening current law would allow politicians and others seeking political power to pressure churches for endorsements, dividing congregations and opening them up to the flow of secret money, about 40 groups, including the Episcopal Church, the American Jewish Community and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, said in a letter to House committee leaders in July.

Opponents contend a repeal would let political groups redirect campaign funds through churches, which would not be required to disclose them.

The American Civil Liberties Union said Friday that allowing religious institutions to endorse candidates, while continuing to bar other nonprofits from doing so, would be an unconstitutional act of religious favoritism.

Trump and House Republican leaders clearly want to use congregations as political tools for their own benefit, said Maggie Garrett, legislative director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

But Staver, a member of a commission appointed by Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, that reviewed tax laws affecting churches, said the repeal is intended only to allow political endorsements. He said it is not designed to let churches become PACs, or political action committees.

Chronicle news services contributed to this report.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
Californias two U.S. senators said Friday they will back a bill to give victims and state officials more power to go after websites that promote or benefit from online sex trafficking.

Kamala Harris and Dianne Feinstein announced support for the Stop Enabling Sex Trafficking Act, which would reverse the immunity from being sued or prosecuted that Internet companies have had for years when it comes to third-party content on their sites.

These companies knowingly profit off the pain of others and must be held accountable, the senators said in a statement issued jointly with Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, also a Democrat. This legislation ensures victims receive their day in court and empowers state attorneys general to seek justice.

The bill challenges the long-held position by Internet companies that they shouldnt be liable for content they host, and California legislators faced powerful backyard opposition from companies such as Google and Facebook. Nearly 40 senators representing both parties signed up to co-sponsor the legislation before them.

The Internet Association, a trade group representing a range of Web-based companies, testified in September against the bill, arguing the legislation was too broad and could bring unsustainable legal liability.

But Michael Beckerman, the organizations president, said Friday that it would support a compromise bill that, according to the New York Times, includes minor clarifications, including that state action against companies would use federal law.

Advocates for the measure believe it will force Internet companies to take responsibility for content on their sites, said Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog.

This is a big and good deal, not only for families of children who were trafficked, but for everyone who cares about accountability in Silicon Valley to the rule of law, Court said. This is a chink in the Teflon of Google and Facebooks shield of immunity.

Legislators and victims have in particular denounced Backpage, which made millions hosting classified ads for prostitution services in its adult section. The company grossed $135 million in 2014.

Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, introduced the Stop Enabling Sex Trafficking Act after a two-year congressional inquiry into the company, which found Backpage knowingly facilitated criminal sex trafficking of vulnerable women and young girls and then covered up evidence of these crimes in order to increase its own profits, Harris and Feinstein said.

The decision by Californias senators to support the bill follows congressional hearings this week into Russian-backed disinformation during the 2016 election, with testimony on the role of Internet platforms from Facebook, Twitter and Google representatives.

If passed, Court said, the legislation will require companies to police their platforms to make sure that the American public isnt taken advantage of by criminal enterprises or illegal activity by foreign governments.

Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker
Name: Laura Fillault

Profession: Independent contractor in operations management. She has worked for Perot Systems and then for Andersen Consulting/Accenture.

Fillault is being challenged for her Position 7 seat on The Woodlands Township Board of Directors by Carol Stromatt. Fillault was first elected to the board in 2015.

The Villager posed a series of questions to both Fillault and Stromatt, sending the same questions to both via email.

Here are the questions to Fillault and her responses.

Question: Why do feel you are the best qualified, or why should voters should vote for you?

Fillault: Residents come first, and I continue to stand up to outside interests, such as the contentious Woodlands Parkway extension. Township services such as clean parks, maintained pathways and pools are one of The Woodlands hallmarks, and one of my biggest sources of pride as a resident, so my priority is to ensure our community is safe and that The Woodlands remains the best place to live in Texas.

Question: What do you think are the two top issues facing The Woodlands?

Fillault: The budget and mobility are our top two issues. As Hughes Corp/The Woodlands Development Company completes residential build out and the commercial development completes, our property tax receipts will level out. This leveling out of tax receipts with continued flat sales tax revenue, is going to force us to take a focused look at our annual and five-year budget planning cycles ensuring The Woodlands maintain our high quality of services and keep our property taxes low.

Secondly, Montgomery County does not have a comprehensive mobility plan, yet they continue to propose road extensions such as Woodlands Parkway to the west of FM 2978, and Gosling to the north toward Conroe. I will continue in my fight against these extensions that will inevitably bring in more traffic and increased crime. We cannot allow The Woodlands to become a "pass through" community.

Question: What are your longer term goals for The Woodlands?

Fillault: My goal is to conserve our hometown feel, ensure we provide high quality services, and keep our property tax rate low.

Question: Concerning the Creekside Park flooding, what can The Woodlands Township Board of Directors do to help resolve the MUD issues or flooding in The Woodlands?

Fillault: The Township has created a drainage task force, which brings the various governmental entities in the area to the table to discuss what can be done to mitigate flooding issues in The Woodlands, both in Montgomery and Harris counties. Creekside is unique in that they are in Harris County and in Tomball ISD, so it's important we work together with all of the governmental entities that are specific to our Creekside residents.

Question: What is your stance on possible incorporation of The Woodlands?

Fillault: The voters will decide. It's the residents who ultimately will determine our fate. There are still many questions that need to be answered regarding incorporation. I have voted to set aside funds for incorporation and to commission a study or perhaps multiple studies to understand the process, expected outcomes and potential roadblocks to incorporation. Until I can thoroughly explain the incorporation process to our residents, I will not be willing to bring it to them for a vote. My job is to ensure they have all the information necessary to make the wisest choice.

Question: What are you most proud of and/or consider your biggest accomplishment that you believe would enhance your performance as a board member?

Fillault: Serving The Woodlands residents has been an honor. Being able to help those people who have reached out to me looking for guidance or intervention is one of the best parts of the job. I am proud to be a part of a Township board who puts resident's interests first.
In 2016, Martha O'Donovan, then a 25-year-old New York University graduate, moved to Zimbabwe. She got a job with Magamba TV as a manager and "media activist" for the satirical comedy station.

Now she's in jail.

At issue: a tweet attacking Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe that read, "We are being led by a selfish & sick man."

The tweet came from the account of @matigary, with a profile photo of a black man in a suit who joined Twitter in February 2016. Zimbabwe authorities say they believe O'Donovan is the author of the tweet based on her IP address.O'Donovan, who is white, has denied this, and @matigary has continued to tweet since O'Donovan was jailed.

She has been charged with subversion and attempting to overthrow the Mugabe government. That charge carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

In a statement to police, O'Donovan, who grew up in New Jersey, called the allegations "baseless and malicious." Her lawyer, Rose Hanzi, has argued that the charge is illegal because the police did not inform O'Donovan of it when she was taken Friday morning from her home in the capital, Harare. Her bail hearing is set for Nov. 15.

The State Department says it is aware of O'Donovan's situation but declined further comment.

O'Donovan's arrest comes a month after Mugabe appointed Patrick Chinamasa as minister of a new cybersecurity ministry targeting crime on social media and other websites. When Chinamasa was appointed, activists on social media said, they worried he would target them.

"Most Zimbabweans do vent on social media about the state of the country, so if they arrest her for this, they might as well arrest all Zimbabweans on social media," activist Munya Bloggo told BuzzFeed News. "I don't think anyone is exempt."

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights say at least 200 people have been charged for alleged insults against Mugabe in recent years.

"This arrest marks the start of a sinister new chapter in the Zimbabwean government's clampdown on freedom of speech, and the new battleground is social media," Muleya Mwananyanda, Amnesty International's deputy regional director, told the Associated Press.

Tongia Makawa, the station's co-founder and project manager, told BuzzFeed News that he and his colleagues are in shock. "In all honesty, I think the only thing that's separates her from the rest of the team is the fact that she's a foreign national," he said.
WASHINGTON - More than 300,000 Central Americans and Haitians living in the United States under a form of temporary permission no longer need to be shielded from deportation, the State Department told Homeland Security officials this week, a few days ahead of a highly anticipated DHS announcement about whether to renew that protection.

On Tuesday, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson sent a letter to acting DHS secretary Elaine Duke to inform her that conditions in Central America and Haiti that had been used to justify the protection no longer necessitate a reprieve for the migrants, some of whom have been allowed to live and work in the United States for 20 years under a program known as Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Tillerson's assessment, required by law, has not been made public, but its recommendations were confirmed by several administration officials familiar with its contents. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

DHS has until Monday to announce its plans for roughly 57,000 Hondurans and 2,500 Nicaraguans whose TPS protections will expire in early January. Although most arrived here illegally, they were exempted from deportation after Hurricane Mitch devastated Central America in 1998. Their TPS protections have been renewed routinely since then, in some cases following additional natural disasters and resulting insecurity.

Congress established TPS in 1990 to protect foreign nationals from being returned to their countries amid instability and precarious conditions caused by natural disasters or armed conflict.

Trump administration officials have repeatedly noted that the program was meant to be temporary - not a way for people to become long-term residents of the United States. Officials said that long-ago disasters should not be used to extend provisional immigration status when the initial justification for it no longer exists.

Tillerson's assessment is consistent with broader administration efforts to reduce immigration to the United States and comply with legal restrictions that it maintains have been loosely enforced in the past.

"It is fair to say that this administration is interpreting the law, exactly as it is, which the previous one did not," an administration official said.

The official acknowledged that the countries in question continue to suffer from problems of poverty, corruption and violence that, in many cases, have spurred illegal migration. But, the official said, those conditions should be addressed in other ways.

"The solution is going to require working with Congress and these countries," the official said. "We are equally committed to finding that. There is no lack of empathy here."

But "with this particular law," the official said, "it is very clear to this administration what needs to be done."

Administration officials have also said that the return of tens of thousands of migrants could benefit the Central American nations and Haiti, because their citizens will return with job skills, democratic values and personal savings acquired from living long-term in the United States.

Many of the immigrants have homes, businesses and U.S.-born children, but if the protections expire, they could be subject to arrest and deportation. "We understand this is a very difficult decision," the administration official said.

DHS officials declined to say Friday what the agency planned to do, or when an announcement would be made.

"The acting secretary has made no decision on TPS," said Tyler Houlton, a spokesman for the agency.

Tillerson's letter does not amount to a recommendation. But DHS is required to seek the agency's input, and officials said the State Department's position carries significant weight.

The largest group of TPS recipients - about 200,000 - are from El Salvador, and DHS has until early January to announce its plans for them. At least 30,000 of them live in the Washington area, according to immigrant advocacy groups.

When the Obama administration last extended TPS for the Salvadorans, in July 2016, it said that they were eligible because conditions justifying it continued to be met.

"There continues to be a substantial, but temporary, disruption of living conditions in El Salvador resulting from a series of earthquakes in 2001," Homeland Security officials said at the time, "and El Salvador remains unable, temporarily, to handle adequately the return of its nationals."

DHS must also decide what to do with about 50,000 Haitian TPS recipients by Thanksgiving Day. The Haitians, who are concentrated in South Florida, received TPS after the 2010 earthquake that killed 200,000.

Advocates say removing TPS would be a cruel blow to long-standing, law-abiding immigrants, forcing them to decide between remaining in the country illegally or leaving their homes and families. According to a recent study by the left-leaning Center for American Progress, TPS recipients have nearly 275,000 U.S.-born children.

If recipients lose their protections but defy orders to leave, it would not be difficult for immigration enforcement agents to find them. The provisional nature of their status requires them to maintain current records with DHS; the agency has their addresses, phone numbers and other personal information.

"Terminating TPS at this time would be inhumane and untenable," a group of Catholic charity leaders wrote to Duke in a recent letter, arguing it would "needlessly add large numbers of Hondurans and Salvadorans to the undocumented population in the U.S., lead to family separation, and unnecessarily cause the Department of Homeland Security to expend resources on individuals who are already registered with our government and whose safe return is forestalled by dire humanitarian circumstances."

If DHS ends the TPS protections, it is expected to grant recipients a grace period of at least six months or more to give them time to prepare for departure.

In May, then-DHS Secretary John Kelly extended TPS for Haitians for six months, far less than the 18-month waivers granted by the Obama administration.

Kelly, in a statement at the time, called the six-month window a "limited" extension whose purpose was to "allow Haitian TPS recipients living in the United States time to attain travel documents and make other necessary arrangements for their ultimate departure from the United States."

Haiti is the Western Hemisphere's poorest country and remains in the grips of a cholera epidemic triggered by United Nations troops who were sent after the earthquake.

Advocates of reduced immigration say the Haiti decision will be a key test of the administration's willingness to follow through on its by-the-books rhetoric.

Immigration experts believe many of the Haitians could attempt to seek refuge in Canada, particularly French-speaking Quebec, to avoid arrest and deportation.

- - -

Video: What does temporary protected status (TPS) mean?

The State Department said on Nov. 3 that Central American and Haitian immigrants no longer needed protected status. Here is what you need to know about TPS.

Embed code:
Authorities in Cyprus handed over bank and company records to U.S. investigators late last week related to former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and his business partner Rick Gates, just before they were indicted in the U.S., according to people familiar with the probe.

The Cypriot government was responding to a June 7 request from U.S. investigators for records related to Manafort, Gates and companies they set up in Cyprus and the Seychelles, the people said. The pair of U.S. consultants had at least 15 accounts on the island with Bank of Cyprus and a bank it took over in 2013, Cyprus Popular Bank, one of the people said.
Apart from hosting and possible maintenance costs, there are not exactly downsides to having your own website. Even if its just a personal blog it can always become more useful down the line, if you utilize it in the right manner. In other words, more
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt appointed more than five dozen new scientific advisers to the agency Friday, a move that is likely to shift the EPA's research objectives as well as the recommendations that form the basis for key regulations over the next few years.

Pruitt has placed 66 new experts on three different EPA scientific committees, many of whom hail from industry or state government, and espouse more conservative views than their predecessors. Two of the new chairs -- Texas' top toxicologist Michael Honeycutt, who will helm the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), and consultant Louis Anthony "Tony" Cox, who will chair the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) -- have harshly criticized the way the EPA has conducted science in the past.

Honeycutt has accused the EPA of "overstating" the risks associated with mercury, a neurotoxin, and of disregarding "good science which demonstrates a chemical is not as toxic as it thinks it is." Cox wrote that the EPA's methods for calculating the public health benefits of stricter national smog standards are "unreliable, logically unsound, and inappropriate for drawing causal inferences."

Under a new policy Pruitt instituted this week, scientists receiving EPA funding cannot serve as the agency's advisers. Seven advisers stepped down rather than relinquish their grants, agency officials said, while two opted to forego the federal money in order to continue serving.

Clark University economics professor Robert Johnson, who had one year left to serve on the Scientific Advisory Board, said in a phone interview he did not want to give up his portion of a nearly $800,000 grant he and his colleagues share with researchers at Virginia Tech and the University of New Hampshire. The project, which has been underway for more than two years, seeks to evaluate how water quality is understood and valued by the public through a case study of river quality in New England.

"The research is too important," Johnson said, adding that he is concerned that the litmus test now in place will bar some qualified scientists from helping advise the EPA. "Until recently people serving on the board were the top scientists in their field, and often these are often the people who were funded by federal agencies. So by systematically excluding those scientists, you have effectively knocked out the top scientists, most of them, in many fields."

Johnson added that these panels are different from policymaking bodies, where a diversity of policy perspectives is critical.

"It's supposed to be guiding on the science. Not providing policy advice, not offering our own opinions," he said. "If the board becomes about something else, about people's particular opinions about how they think policy should be made, that would really change what the board is about."

Pruitt said the appointments to the Scientific Advisory Board and its clean air panel, along with the even-larger Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC), would bring new perspectives to the agency. He told reporters Tuesday that he was seeking to diversify the groups' geographic representation, to include more experts from the Midwest and West.

"To ensure that EPA is receiving the best independent scientific advice, I am appointing highly-qualified experts and scientists to these important committees," he said in a statement.

Several of the new appointees hail from industries that the EPA regulates, including the French oil giant Total, Phillips 66, the utility Southern Co., Dow Chemical and Procter & Gamble. One current executive from the American Chemistry Council industry group, Kimberly White, will join the SAB, while the ACC's former senior toxicologist, Richard Becker, will serve on BOSC's Chemical Safety for Sustainability Subcommittee.

ACC's senior director for advocacy communications Scott Openshaw praised the appointment of White, Becker and others, saying Pruitt's new directive will "help ensure EPA's scientific review panels are well balanced with perspectives from qualified scientists of diverse backgrounds and board members . . . free of any disqualifying conflicts of interest."

White's "fresh perspective," he added, "reinforced by her scientific background, will help stimulate robust discussion and debate about the matters brought before the panel, which will result in well-vetted advice and recommendations to the administrator."

The 44-member SAB has two representatives from environmental groups: the Environmental Defense Fund and the ClimateWorks Foundation.

Reactions to the appointments split sharply between Republicans and industry officials who welcomed the shift, and environmentalists and academics who decried it.

Gretchen Goldman, research director for The Center for Science and Democracy, noted in an email that Pruitt had "nearly halved the number of university scientists and tripled the number of industry and consulting firm scientists" on the Scientific Advisory Board.

"With the gutting of key science advisory committees this week, the EPA has replaced independent scientists with air pollution conspiracy theorists and industry-tied individuals with direct conflicts of interest," Goldman said. "What was previously a committee of scientific all-stars giving freely of their time to provide dispassionate science advice is now dominated by individuals who are less qualified and in some cases openly hostile to the agency's mission."

Frank O'Donnell, who heads the advocacy group Clean Air Watch, said that when it came to the clean air advisory panel, "Pruitt has deliberately excluded very qualified scientists from California and the Northeast in the name of regional 'diversity,' which he obviously believes is more important than scientific qualifications."

But Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman John Barrasso, R-Wyo., praised the overhaul. He called the appointment of Cara Keslar, who serves as the monitoring section supervisor for the air quality division of Wyoming's Department of Environmental Quality as an "outstanding addition."

"Her expertise and perspective will ensure that Wyoming and other Western states are part of the EPA's decision making process," Barrasso said.
The unprecedented flow of cash into the Virginia attorney general's race this fall is being fueled by a group that promotes conservative judges, organizations for and against gun control, and a billionaire whose 5-Hour Energy drink is facing multiple lawsuits from attorneys general in other states over allegedly deceptive advertising.

Incumbent Mark Herring, D, and Republican John Adams are virtually tied in fundraising in the final days before Tuesday's election with about $9 million each, more than twice as much as was spent in the 2013 contest.

The money is paying for negative advertising in the politically polarized contest and, analysts say, illustrates the extent to which outside groups are trying to influence the only attorney general's race in the nation this year - ahead of 31 attorney general contests in other states in 2018.

Campaign donations "influence the officeholders' choices whether they know it or not," said Geoffrey Skelley of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics. "Not every donation is a quid pro quo, but you are probably going to listen to those donors a little more when big issues come up."

The Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) and the Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA) in past years have not donated to candidates in contests that feature an incumbent. This year, however, the Republican group abandoned that posture, and the Democratic group quickly followed suit.

The organizations became the top fundraisers for each campaign, funneling money given to them by individuals, businesses and advocacy groups. RAGA has donated $6.7 million to Adams this year, according to state and federal reports tracked by the nonpartisan Virginia Public Access Project; DAGA has given Herring $2.3 million, plus $400,000 in in-kind donations.

The change in the Republicans' donation policy came after several Democratic attorneys general, including Herring, began aggressively challenging President Trump's policies in court. Many Republican attorneys general, who had previously challenged Obama administration proposals, have filed legal briefs supporting Trump's positions.

"Party committees have a clear mission: Win races," said Zack Roday, RAGA's communications director. "RAGA decided earlier this year not to leave winnable races on the table."

As if to demonstrate the ongoing policy battles, Herring announced Thursday that his office has joined California, Delaware, Maryland and New York in suing over the Trump administration's recent decision to expand the rights of employers to deny women insurance coverage for contraception. Adams had argued twice in lawsuits for the rights of employers to refuse to provide birth-control coverage based on the employers' religious beliefs.

Mark Rozell, the dean of George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government, said the attorney general's race - which has drawn far less interest from the public than Virginia's heated gubernatorial contest - may be on the radar screens of interest groups for reasons that go beyond specific policy disputes.

"The down-ticket races are of such consequence to these donors because the election winners are likely to be gubernatorial candidates in four years," Rozell said.

The biggest single contributor to either attorney general candidate is the Judicial Crisis Network, perhaps best known for its efforts last year to block President Barack Obama's Supreme Court nominee, Merrick Garland. The group sent $2.35 million to RAGA in 2017, according to the association's report to the Internal Revenue Service. Second was the National Rifle Association, which gave RAGA $775,000. ETC Capital, an investment fund in Farmington Hills, Mich., whose founder owns 5-Hour Energy, donated $500,000 to RAGA.

The Democratic association has reported donors only from the first half of 2017 to the IRS. It will file its report from the second half in early 2018.

In the first six months of the year, DAGA's biggest contributions were about $75,000 from the United Food and Commercial Workers union and just over $60,000 from T-Mobile.

Since June 30, DAGA communications director Lizzie Ulmer said, some of the top donors have been Planned Parenthood, the National Education Association and Citigroup.

One Commonwealth, Herring's own leadership political action committee, gave $827,500 directly to Herring's campaign, making it his second-biggest donor after DAGA. The next biggest is Everytown for Gun Safety, which gave $600,000 through the end of October. One of that group's founders is former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg.

The Judicial Crisis Network's chief counsel and policy director, Carrie Severino, did not respond to a question about Adams but said RAGA has had "enormous positive impact on our public policy landscape by supporting attorneys general who fight for the rule of law and the constitutional principles that protect every American."

The network poured more than $2 million into Michigan court elections in 2012 and an additional $2 million to groups involved in 2014 judicial elections, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics.

The Fairfax-based NRA gave Adams a top rating and created an anti-Herring television ad that accused the Democrat of taking away "the rights of gun owners to protect themselves" - a reference to Herring's decision to stop recognizing out-of-state concealed-carry permits, later reversed by Gov. Terry McAuliffe, D.

ETC Capital, which gave the third-largest amount to RAGA, was founded by Manoj Bhargava. He also founded Innovation Ventures and Living Essentials, companies that sell 5-Hour Energy and came under Food and Drug Administration scrutiny after 13 deaths were linked to the supplement. In addition, five attorneys general have sued over alleged deceptive marketing practices for the product, charges that the companies deny.

A Washington state court judge earlier this year ruled largely in favor of the state attorney general and ordered the company to pay $4.3 million. Judges in Oregon and Indiana ruled in favor of the company. Cases are pending in Vermont and Hawaii.

Bhargava has given millions to candidates for state office and political groups since 2009, the nonpartisan Center for Public Integrity reported in 2015. Douglas Graham, former vetting adviser for political conflicts of interest at the Obama White House and now the managing director of a Washington risk advisory and corporate investigation firm, called such contributions "not your typical political donations."

When a firm under investigation donates to those seeking to become a state's top prosecutor, even in other jurisdictions, Graham said, it "definitely erodes the public's confidence that justice will prevail."

ETC Capital, Living Essentials and Innovation Ventures did not respond to requests for comment.

Herring's direct donors include gun-control groups, labor unions, Planned Parenthood, educators and conservationists, according to filings compiled by the Virginia Public Access Project. Adams's donor list is full of attorneys, developers, manufacturers, and energy and financial services executives or employees.

Herring has about 13 times the number of donations under $100 than Adams has, raising a total of $350,109 from 13,435 small donors, compared with $63,013 from 1,030 small donors to Adams, VPAP reports show. About 29 percent of Adams's donations over $100 come from Virginia-based people or groups; about 40 percent of Herring's donations that size are from the commonwealth.

Campaigns are not required to report the names and locations of donors who give less than $100.

- - -

Anu Narayanswamy contributed to this report.
ISTANBUL -- Escalating tensions with the United States have stirred nationalist sentiment in Iran, giving its hard-liners an opportunity to more fiercely target critics and settle old scores, rights advocates and analysts say.

The clampdown on activists, journalists and even politicians has served as a warning to pro-reform leaders who have pushed for a more tolerant and open Iran.

In recent weeks, hard-line judges have confined a reformist ex-president to his home, sentenced pro-reform leaders to prison, and opened a criminal investigation into BBC's Persian-language channel for conspiracy to harm national security.

They also put travel restrictions on the family of late president Hashem Akbar Rafsanjani, another reformer, and on Wednesday an appeals court upheld a sentence for a pro-reform activist on national security charges.

The rivalries predate the current turmoil with the United States. But the moves also come as hostilities between the two countries have reached fever pitch. Last month, President Trump announced a new strategy to combat Iran, blasting its government as a "fanatical regime" that has "spread death, destruction, and chaos all around the globe."

Trump also refused to certify Iran's compliance with a nuclear deal it signed with world powers in 2015, threatening a landmark accord that curbed Iranian nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.

"Trump's Iran policy makes it much easier for Iranian hard-liners to put the country on a war footing, crack down on civil society, and invoke Iranian nationalism as a rallying cry," said Nader Hashemi, director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Denver.

Hard-liners in the judiciary and security and religious establishments "have been saying to the Iranian public: 'see, we told you so' " about the hardening of U.S. policy, he said.

And that has given them space to "suffocate the reformists," said Omid Memarian, deputy director of the New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran.

But while Iran's reformists have suffered far worse, the timing of the most recent moves has stoked particular concern.

Trump's rhetoric may have offered an opening in which to ramp up pressure. But the convictions, arrests and other restrictions also follow the May reelection of moderate President Hassan Rouhani, a reformist ally who harshly condemned hard-liners' more authoritarian tendencies during the campaign.

For years, the divide between hard-liners and reformists has colored -- and fractured -- Iranian politics, beginning with former president Mohammad Khatami's efforts in the 1990s to nudge the system toward reform. Khatami, who remains popular, is barred by authorities from speaking to or appearing in the media. Last month security forces prevented him from leaving his home, according to local media reports, effectively putting him under house arrest.

Khatami's vision for a less rigid and more tolerant Islamic Republic, established in 1979, prompted Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard -- then just a paramilitary organization -- to enter politics and back Iranian conservatives.

The enmity between the two sides came to a head in 2009, when reformists challenged the disputed results of that year's presidential election. Mass demonstrations alarmed the regime, which responded with a brutal crackdown and sweeping arrests. The reform movement appeared all but decimated, and hopes for a comeback were dim.

But Rouhani's presidency, coupled with recent victories for reformists in parliamentary and municipal elections, have again amplified pro-reform voices, much to the hard-liners' chagrin.

The most recent moves likely "were initiated in order to blunt any prospect for a reformist revival," said Suzanne Maloney, an expert on Iran at the Brookings Institution, adding that "the surge of chauvinism provoked by Trump's speech gave [Supreme Leader] Khamenei some additional room for maneuver."

In an article published late last month, a news outlet linked with the Revolutionary Guard called the ongoing investigation into BBC Persian, including the seizure of local journalists' assets, part of the "spoils of war" in Iran's conflict with the West.

The ability of the United States to greatly affect Iran's domestic politics is still limited, and reformists, too, will unite with conservatives to oppose to any outside aggression. But even beyond the recent crackdown, analysts have pointed to noticeable shifts.

In his Oct. 13 speech, Trump said he would sanction Iran's Revolutionary Guard, more aggressively target its missile program, and work with regional allies to counter its support for proxies.

"Hard-liners in both the U.S. and Iran have a mutually reinforcing effect on each other" because they tend to bolster the other side's worldview, Hashemi said.

"After Trump was elected, Khamenei gave a speech blasting liberal democracy for producing such an electoral outcome, telling Iranian youth that their fascination with the West was misplaced," he said.

And while Rouhani was the reformists' main hope for progress, he remains a pragmatist, and has tempered some of his own criticism of hard-line institutions like the Revolutionary Guard.

Since starting his second term, Rouhani, who pinned his presidency on the success of the nuclear deal, has worked to "keep himself in the conservative camp in case something unexpected happens" with the United States, Memarian said.

"He might think that he wouldn't survive if the nuclear deal collapsed and he was fighting with hard-liners over domestic issues at the same time," he said.
The Yomiuri Shimbun)

TOKYO - A train decorated to look like a maneki neko, or lucky "beckoning cat" figurine, is currently running on the Tokyu Setagaya Line, delighting local residents.

The Tokyu Setagaya Line connects Shimotakaido Station and Sangenjaya Station, both in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo. This year marks the 110th anniversary of the launch of the current line's predecessor, the now-defunct Tokyu Tamagawa Line that connected Shibuya Station and Tamagawa Station.
Testimony wrapped up Friday in the trial of two Texas Mexican Mafia members accused of gunning down Balcones Heights police officer Julian Pesina.

U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez scheduled closing arguments for Monday in the case of Jesse Jay Santibanez and Alfredo Freddy Low Cardona. The pair face up to life in prison for racketeering-related murder and gun charges in the death of Pesina, who was ambushed May 4, 2014, outside Notorious Ink, the tattoo shop he co-owned.
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Retail Excellence, the largest retail industry representative organization in Ireland, will announce the National Store of the Year winner at a black-tie Awards banquet on Saturday, November 11 in the Malton Hotel, Killarney, County Kerry.

Fabiani of Longford is the only finalist in Longford in the shake up for the title which comprises retailers around the country in every sector within the Irish Retail Industry.

The Store of the Year competition is the central part of the Retail Excellence Annual Awards, which were established in 1997 to promote best practice and encourage the highest standards in the Irish Retail Industry. They are now the largest and most prestigious of their kind in Ireland.

Check out the Longford Leader Business section HERE

Former National Store of the Year winners include Tilestyle, Applegreen, Arboretum, OBriens Wines, Galvin For Men and Green Acres.

David Fitzsimons, Chief Executive of Retail Excellence commented Fabiani of Longford is a superb retail offering and we are delighted to see them progress to this stage of the competition. Their journey through our Awards process will culminate on November 11th in Killarney where we will announce our National Store of the Year Winner along with the sectoral winners.

Our Awards process is very thorough from start to finish. We started the process last May with over 600 store entries and visited each of the Top30 stores left in this competition with Echochamber, our UK Retail Excellence Consultant partners. As always, the competition is intense and with the coveted nature of the title every finalist has reached new heights in promoting retail excellence within their operations which makes it all the more difficult to select the overall winner. Unfortunately, there can only be one National Store of the Year but their journey to this point is testament to the hard work of the owners, their staff and investment in their retail operations.

All of the Retail Excellence team are busy building the best event possible because our industry deserves ample recognition for the work they do in every village, town and city in Ireland in developing standards in the industry, keeping retail workers in jobs and our town centres vibrant.

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PHOTO above shows Hungarian Ambassador to Ireland visiting LWL

Longford Womens Link were delighted to welcome Mrs Judit Toth from ICB - International Charity Bazaar Dublin and her husband, His Excellency the Ambassador of Hungary, Istvan Palffy to LWL on Thursday, October 25.



ICB has shortlisted LWL for a possible sponsorship of 8,000 for the Domestic Violence peer support group project. LWL Domestic Violence Support Service welcomed the opportunity to showcase the work of the service to to Mrs Toth and the Ambassador ahead of their final deliberations.



Pictured left to right are; Stephanie Igoe (Chairperson LWL), Angela Keaveny (DV Service Co-ordinator), Judit Toth (ICB), Louise Lovett (CEO LWL) and Istvan Palffy (Hungarian Ambassador to Ireland).

Heather McKenna is new Domestic Violence Specialist at LWL continued......

They have seen the demands for their service increase month on month over the last few years, and while they endeavour to give every woman the best service possible, the pressure on staff and service resources has been immense.



That is why LWL Domestic Violence Service are so happy to welcome their new full time staff member, Heather McKenna, who will be working as a Domestic Violence Specialist. Heather comes to the service with huge experience and wisdom to share.



Heather is originally from Streete, in County Westmeath. She went to school at Mullingar Community College and attended Athlone Institute of Technology where she studied Social Care.



For three years, Heather worked with young people experiencing homelessness through the Salvation Army at Laffoy House in Dublin.



Many of the young people she worked with were emerging from care into homeless, and it was Heathers responsibility to help them adjust and find suitable housing and employment. She found the work challenging, but extremely gratifying to witness the resilience of young people facing difficult life circumstances.



Heather then moved on to Galway, where she took up work as a Family Support Worker for two and a half years, helping parents and children individually and as a unit develop their strengths and coping strategies.



She liked the fact she was based in the community, and she grew to appreciate the diversity of her work. She was allowed to get involved in all divergent community activities like art programmes, youth discos, and community festivals.



This then led Heather closer to home, to Womens Link in Longford. Heather feels her skill set matched the area of work in the Domestic Violence Service. The most surprising thing about the job so far for Heather is that there is a considerable focus on staff wellness and self-care.



She has been impressed by the emphasis on team support through debriefings and outside supervision. This ensures that staff never feel overloaded with the difficult issues they are interacting with every day. Heather believes that this shows the organisation recognises the importance of staff well-being in such challenging work.



During her free time, Heather is a busy mother, and is occupied with all the things other mothers know too well: cleaning, cooking, and running after an active daughter.

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A woman who says Bill Cosby raped her decades ago wants a federal appeals court to reconsider her defamation case against the 80-year-old comedian.

Kathrine McKee's attorney is asking the full 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to hear her case after a three-judge panel last month refused to revive her lawsuit against Cosby.

The former actress said Cosby defamed her in a letter that his lawyer sent to the New York Daily News demanding a retraction of a 2014 story about McKee's rape allegations.

U.S. District Judge Mark Mastroianni in Springfield dismissed her lawsuit on Feb. 16, ruling the letter was protected by the First Amendment.

Among other things, McKee is challenging the three-judge panel's conclusion that she was a public figure, which makes it harder to win a defamation claim.

A separate defamation lawsuit filed by seven other women also is pending in U.S District Court in Springfield. The 80-year-old has filed a counter lawsuit accusing those women of defamation.

A lawyer representing seven of the more than 50 women who have come forward alleging Bill Cosby sexually abused them has the civil case Cosby faces in federal court here can't move forward until the criminal case against him are over.

And, in the event he is convicted, the civil suit will not proceed until any appeals are resolved.

Cosby faces criminal sexual assault charges in Pennsylvania. His retrial on the criminal charges is not scheduled to begin until April 2, 2018.
Netflix has cut it ties with Kevin Spacey amid mounting allegations of sexual harassment made against the "House of Cards" star and executive producer.

Additionally, the streaming giant has scrapped a Gore Vidal biopic starring the two-time Oscar winner.

"Netflix will not be involved with any further production of 'House of Cards' that includes Kevin Spacey. We will continue to work with MRC during this hiatus time to evaluate our path forward as it relates to the show," a Netflix spokesman told The Hollywood Reporter. "We have also decided we will not be moving forward with the release of the film Gore, which was in post-production, starring and produced by Kevin Spacey."

Earlier this week, Netflix and Media Rights Capital halted production on the sixth and final season of Spacey's hit series "House of Cards" because of the scandal.

Producers are exploring several options for "House of Cards," according to Variety. One scenario being discussed is to kill off Spacey's character, the villainous Frank Underwood, and have the show's sixth and final season concentrate on his equally manipulative wife Claire, played by Robin Wright, according to insiders.

Spacey has been dropped by both his talent agent and publicist amid allegations that he has sexually harassed and assaulted several men, some underage, over the years.

CNN reported on Thursday that eight employees on the "House of Cards" set accused the star of inappropriate behavior.

Spacey is reportedly seeking professional helpin the wake of the recent allegations, according to Variety.

Mexican actor Roberto Cavazos and American documentary filmmaker Tony Montana have come forward in recent days with accounts of how Spacey allegedly made unwanted advances.

Those accusations follow the allegation on Sunday by "Star Trek: Discovery" actor Anthony Rapp that Spacey made an unwanted advance on him in 1986 when he was just 14 and Spacey was 26.
Six people in Boston decided to nullify their absentee ballot and vote in person on Nov. 7, Election Day, according to city officials.

Voters in Boston go to the polls that day to cast ballots in mayoral and City Council races. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh is seeking a second term and facing challenger Tito Jackson, a city councilor.

The nullification of absentee ballots comes after allegations of "vote-farming" in District 2, which includes South Boston, the South End, and Chinatown.

The Chinese Progressive Association and Chinese Progressive Political Action, two intertwined groups, alleged elderly voters in Chinatown were victims of voting rights violations.

In the District 2 race, Mike Kelley, a former aide to the late Mayor Thomas Menino, and Ed Flynn, the son of former Boston Mayor Ray Flynn, are running to replace Bill Linehan, who left the Council last month.

Chinese Progressive Political Action, which endorsed Flynn, alleged Kelley supporters in Chinatown submitted absentee ballot requests on behalf of elderly voters, and then had the voters sign envelopes for the ballot without seeing or marking the ballot.

The organizations sent the complaints of six people to Boston's elections commissioner, but claimed the same thing happened to others in Chinatown as well.

The Kelley campaign called the allegations a "desperate" smear effort by an organization that endorsed their opponent.

Boston elections officials reached out to the people who complained and sent a mailing to every voter who requested an absentee ballot in two precincts.
They call it the "Church Lane Hug."

That is how educators at Church Lane Elementary Technology, a public school here, describe the protective two-armed way they teach students to carry their school-issued laptops.

Administrators at Baltimore County Public Schools, the 25th-largest public school system in the United States, have embraced the laptops as well, as part of one of the nations most ambitious classroom technology makeovers. In 2014, the district committed more than $200 million for HP laptops, and it is spending millions of dollars on math, science and language software. Its vendors visit classrooms. Some schoolchildren have been featured in tech-company promotional videos.

By NATASHA SINGER and DANIELLE IVORY
The current Chair of the African Union (AU.int) and President of the Republic of Senegal, H.E. Macky Sall, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, are following closely the developments in Ukraine and are particularly disturbed by reports that African citizens on the Ukrainian side of the border are being refused the right to cross the border to safety.

The two Chairpersons recall that all people have the right to cross international borders during conflict, and as such, should enjoy the same rights to cross to safety from the conflict in Ukraine, notwithstanding their nationality or racial identity.

Reports that Africans are singled out for unacceptable dissimilar treatment would be shockingly racist and in breach international law. In this regard, The Chairpersons urge all countries to respect international law and show the same empathy and support to all people fleeing war notwithstanding their racial identity.

The Chairpersons commend the efforts by African Union Member State countries and their embassies in neighbouring countries to receive and orientate African citizens and their families trying to cross the border from Ukraine to safety.

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On Tuesday, voters in Marion and Old Fort will select their leaders. And voters in Marion only will decide the question of allowing full on-premise malt beverage sales.

The voting for both the Marion and Old Fort elections will start 6:30 a.m. Tuesday and end at 7:30 p.m.

For Election Day in Marion, there will be two places for voting. Most voters in Marion will cast their ballots at the Community Building on North Main Street. However, voters who reside in the West Marion Precinct will have to vote at the McDowell Senior Center. Elections Director Kim Welborn said this is due to new rules by the N.C. Board of Elections.

As before, Old Fort voters will make their choices on Election Day at the branch library on East Mitchell Street.

The one-stop, early voting period started on Thursday, Oct. 19 and came to an end at 1 p.m. Saturday. The early voting was held at the County Administration Building.

As of 2:30 p.m. Friday, a total of 170 voters cast their ballots in the early voting. Of those, 157 voted from Marion while just 13 voted from Old Fort, according to the McDowell County Board of Elections.

Welborn said these numbers are typical for a municipal election.

In the Marion race, voters will select a mayor and three council members. Incumbent Mayor Steve Little is seeking re-election and has no formal opposition. Incumbent Council Members Juanita Doggett and Lloyd Cuthbertson are seeking another term. Council Member and former Mayor Everette Clark is not seeking re-election after almost 50 years of service to the city.

The challengers for the City Council seats are Woody Ayers, Jacob Blair, Ann Harkey, Mark Hoskins, M. Chad Marsh and Louie Parrow.

In addition, voters in Marion only are being asked to decide a special issue in this election.

Marion is still under a restriction where the only places allowed to sell beer on-premises are hotels, motels and restaurants (HMR). When Refinery 13 taproom opened earlier this year, it had to get around this HMR restriction by operating as a private club.

Having to register as a private club in the state of North Carolina is costly for the business owner and more employees have to be hired to monitor and sell the memberships along with keeping track of the paperwork, according to city officials and the owners of Refinery 13.

In a similar matter, Brown Mountain Bottleworks in Morganton had to open first as a private club because of the old HMR restrictions there. But in 2015, voters in Morganton voted overwhelmingly to do away with the restrictions. That special vote was done as part of their municipal election as well.

Numerous other cities and towns in North Carolina have likewise removed their HMR restrictions. They include Asheville, Black Mountain, Brevard, Conover, Forest City, Hendersonville, Glen Alpine, Hickory, Lincolnton, Mills River, Newton, Mooresville, Rutherfordton, Statesville, Tryon, Valdese, Waynesville, Weaverville, among many others.

Marion officials have stated their strong support of having the restriction removed. A resolution adopted in December of last year by the City Council calling for the referendum cited the economic advantages for Marion if the HMR restriction was gone.

Welborn said this malt beverage issue doesnt seem to be a factor in the turnout during the early voting period.

In the Old Fort race, voters there will elect a new mayor and two aldermen. Incumbent Mayor Rick Hensley is seeking re-election and he faces opposition from challenger Emmett Carson.

Incumbent Aldermen Wayne Stafford and Melvin Lytle are both running for re-election and they face no formal opposition.

For more information, call the McDowell County Board of Elections at 652-7121, ext. 342 or visit www.mcdowellboe.com.
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The study suggests systemic inflammation, which is present in all three diseases, may play a significant role in development of liver disease, particularly in those with psoriasis. At the same time, certain medications used to treat these diseases also can cause liver toxicity. The authors note that future research should delve into whether adequate control of inflammation reduces liver disease risk.The findings could provide relief for the approximately 7.5 million Americans who suffer from psoriasis each year, a chronic inflammatory disease most commonly evidenced by patches of raised, reddish skin covered with silvery-white scale, the American Academy of Dermatology reports."These findings offer evidence for the long-held view that psoriasis patients may be more predisposed to liver disease than patients with rheumatoid arthritis," said first author Alexis Ogdie, MD, MSCE, an assistant professor of Medicine and Epidemiology. "Understanding the role of inflammation in liver disease and how the liver can perpetuate inflammation in these conditions can help us advise patients, and their clinicians, on how to more effectively manage their health."Previous studies have shown an increased prevalence of liver disease in psoriasis patients than in the general population, but this new research adjusts for risk factors for liver disease to determine if having PsO or PsA increases an individual's risk of developing new liver disease, and sheds like on how common liver disease is among patients with these diseases.The study also offers insights on how the liver responds to specific types and severity of chronic inflammation, and also yields information on how skin disease severity, obesity, diabetes, and medication use play a role in development of liver disease in patients with these conditions."Based on these data, physicians should educate psoriasis patients on the increased risk for liver disease and be cautious about the use of hepatoxic medications in these patients, especially when additional risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, or heavy alcohol use are present," said senior author Joel M. Gelfand, MD, MSCE, a professor of Dermatology and Epidemiology.Source: Eurekalert


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Stephen Parr, a San Francisco archivist whose Oddball Films supplied distinctive footage to projects Oscar-winning and obscure, has died at 63.

Mr. Parr had been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease, his brother Thomas Parr said, but his Oct. 24 death was unexpected.

A native of Syracuse, N.Y., Mr. Parr moved west in 1978 and by the early 1980s had immersed himself in San Franciscos underground arts and music scenes. He ran a Tenderloin nightclub called Club Generic that featured live performance as well as experimental montages that Mr. Parr crafted from his growing collection of offbeat films.

Mr. Parr had a big-picture, multimedia view of the world, said longtime friend Tara Lee Ford, who once performed with an avant-garde theater troupe at Club Generic.

He understood elements of culture, music, philosophy and film, in an order that only happened in his really creative, percolating mind, Ford said. He could throw those elements up in the air, and they would land in his mind in a way that, almost like a film projector, put them out to other people."

Mr. Parrs first Hollywood client was film and TV commercial director Ridley Scott, who sought one of Mr. Parrs montages for a project after seeing it at a nightclub. The idea for an archive business now sparked, Mr. Parr began bolstering his collection to what would grow to be more than 50,000 film elements in Oddball's Mission District headquarters.

Filmmakers seeking stock footage of San Francisco beyond Golden Gate Bridge shots knew to go to Oddball, which furnished clips for the Oscar-winning Harvey Milk biography Milk and Oscar-nominated Steve Jobs biopic Jobs.

The Untold Tales of Armistead Maupin, a 2017 documentary about the Tales of the City author, includes extensive Oddball footage.

Oddballs clips hold a little more personality than other historical footage, Untold director Jennifer Kroot said. There is more quirkiness and character.

Mr. Parr always kept a mental inventory of his archive, even after Oddball's clips were digitized and entered in a searchable database.

If you asked him to pull a film from San Francisco in the 1940s, he knew exactly where it was, San Francisco impresario Marc Huestis said. Mr. Parr contributed clips, gratis, to Huestis Castro Theatre tributes to Hollywood luminaries such as Debbie Reynolds.

He would charge for his corporate jobs, but if he thought you did not have the money, he donated footage, Huestis said. Mr. Parr helped a lot of budding filmmakers in this way, he said. Mr. Parr also gave other archivists their starts through internships.

Mr. Parr never lost the love for putting on the shows that had fueled Club Generic. For decades, he held weekly compilation programs at Oddball headquarters.

He had all this stuff that before there was YouTube, nobody had access to, said Marc Capelle, a San Francisco musician and friend of Mr. Parrs. It might be performance footage from James Brown. Or a health video.

The family wants to keep the archive going and will enlist help from Mr. Parrs friends and peers to do so, Thomas Parr said.

Mr. Parr is also survived by sisters Claudia Parr Tooley and Valerie Parr Mathis and nephews Rudy Mathis, Aidan Tooley and Sam Campbell. A memorial is being planned for early next year.

Carla Meyer is a Northern California freelance writer.
HARBOR BEACH  Superintendent Shawn Bishop recently told the Harbor Beach Board of Education that he is working on a policy to charge for the use of various areas of the building.

One example Bishop gave was renting the kitchen out for fundraisers and other activities.

In other building matters, Bishop said there is a need to replace the middle school sign. It is in very poor condition and is an eyesore. Two options to solve the problem are to build a flat sign with lighting for a cost about $10,000. The second option is to go with a digital sign at a cost of about $34,000.

Of major concern, the K-8 gym floor has shown signs of warping. The cause of this is unknown, although there are some theories to the problem. There could be a leak in the ceiling or pipes that are dripping water onto the wooden floor and causing the problem. It may be water pooling on the roof around the drain, or it may be a problem of water leaking through a nearby wall.

Bishop told the board professionals would be taking a closer look at the situation. He said, Bottom line, there is some experimenting to be done. We should be able to narrow (the problem) down.

Other building matters include possible renovations to the school's library. Bishop said he has been meeting with the student council and designers to create some major changes to the schools library. The original quote for the renovations would have cost about $80,000. After some adjustments, the present estimate was near $50,000.

At an earlier meeting, the board had learned of some needed repairs to several of the schools bathrooms. The cost to repair/renovate four sets of bathrooms may be fairly expensive. After hearing about these problems and possible costs to renovate or fix them, the board began a lengthy discussion about the costs of these projects and their priorities.

Board members felt they could not act on these problems until they knew the estimated cost of each. In addition, the board felt it needed to prioritize each situation and act on them in a logical fashion. They set a special board meeting for Nov. 13 to deal with these situations. By then, they expect professional repair personnel would have been contacted, and estimated prices would be at their disposal.

In other news at this week's board of education meeting:

 Bishop reported that at a recent superintendent of schools meeting, he learned most of the school districts are interested in starting schools before Labor Day. If all of the schools in the district pass such a policy, schools may begin classes the week before Labor Day.

 Bishop said two new pre-school teachers are preparing for the addition of a preschool in January. He said Holly Bradley and Brienna Davey are excited and ready to begin classes.

 High School Principal Aaron Bulgrien reported there are 221 students in the high school, down one since last month.

 It was noted that FFA students attended the Huron/Tuscola Soild District Land Judging Contest. Arica Booms won first place for Harbor Beach, while Benjamin Roggenbuck was second and Cody Brown took third. Booms will receive her first place prize at an open house event in January. In other FFA news, six Harbor Beach students went to the National Convention.

 Bulgrien said several teachers attended workshops and trainings in October. Other teachers will attend functions in early to mid-November.

 K-8 Principal Tumara Johnston said there are 171 students registered in grades K-5, and another 107 students in grades 6-8. Kindergarten and first grade students are participating in a mini professional developmental program at the Huron Intermediate School District to help improve their vocabulary and phonic skills.

 Johnston said 54 middle school students and four adults went to a corn maze this past month. She said they had a great time. In addition, Curriculum Days have been going well in both the elementary and middle school.

 Bishop reminded the board there would be a free Veterans Day Breakfast at the school at 9 a.m. on Nov. 10. It is sponsored by the school and the local American Legion Post.
RIDGEFIELD - Ridgefield and three other greater Danbury towns made the top 20 list of safest communities in the state, according to a security system resource website.

More for you FBI data reveals where property crime is highest in southwest Connecticut

Ridgefield topped the list of safest communities in Connecticut, the website SafeWise said.
WASHINGTON - The Trump administration released a dire scientific report Friday calling human activity the dominant driver of global warming, a conclusion at odds with White House decisions to withdraw from a key international climate accord, champion fossil fuels and reverse Obama-era climate policies.

To the surprise of some scientists, the White House did not seek to prevent the release of the government's National Climate Assessment, which is mandated by law. The report affirms that climate change is driven almost entirely by human action, warns of a worst-case scenario where seas could rise as high as eight feet by the year 2100, and details climate-related damage across the United States that is already unfolding as a result of an average global temperature increase of 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit since 1900.

"It is extremely likely that human influence has been the dominant cause of the observed warming since the mid-20th century," the document reports. "For the warming over the last century, there is no convincing alternative explanation supported by the extent of the observational evidence."

The report's release underscores the extent to which the machinery of the federal scientific establishment, operating in multiple agencies across the government, continues to grind on even as top administration officials have minimized or disparaged its findings. Federal scientists have continued to author papers and issue reports on climate change, for example, even as political appointees have altered the wording of news releases or blocked civil servants from speaking about their conclusions in public forums. The climate assessment process is dictated by a 1990 law that Democratic and Republican administrations have followed.

Now Playing: The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere surged in 2016 to its highest level in 800,000 years, according to a report released Monday by the United Nation's World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Video: Time

The White House on Friday sought to play down the significance of the study and its findings.

"The climate has changed and is always changing. As the Climate Science Special Report states, the magnitude of future climate change depends significantly on 'remaining uncertainty in the sensitivity of Earth's climate to [greenhouse gas] emissions,' " White House spokesman Raj Shah said in a statement.

More for you The Earth's ozone hole is shrinking and is the smallest it has...

Shah added that the Trump administration will continue to "promote access to the affordable and reliable energy needed to grow economically" and to back advancements that improve infrastructure and ultimately reduce emissions.

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt, Energy Secretary Rick Perry and President Donald Trump have all questioned the extent of humans' contribution to climate change. The EPA's website posted scientific conclusions similar to those in the new report until earlier this year, when Pruitt's deputies ordered the pages removed.

The report comes as Trump and members of his Cabinet are working to promote U.S. fossil-fuel production and repeal several federal rules aimed at curbing the nation's carbon output, including ones limiting greenhouse-gas emissions from existing power plants, oil and gas operations on federal land, and carbon emissions from cars and trucks. Trump has also announced he will exit the Paris climate agreement, under which the United States has pledged to cut its overall greenhouse-gas emissions between 26 percent and 28 percent compared with 2005 levels by 2025.

The report could have considerable legal and policy significance, providing new and stronger support for the EPA's greenhouse-gas "endangerment finding" under the Clean Air Act, which lays the foundation for regulations on emissions.

"This is a federal government report whose contents completely undercut their policies, completely undercut the statements made by senior members of the administration," said Phil Duffy, director of the Woods Hole Research Center.

The government is required to produce the national assessment every four years. This time, the report is split into two documents, one that lays out the fundamental science of climate change and the other that shows how the United States is being affected on a regional basis. Combined, the two documents total more than 2,000 pages.

The first document, called the Climate Science Special Report, is a finalized report, having been peer-reviewed by the National Academy of Sciences and vetted by experts across government agencies.

"I think this report is basically the most comprehensive climate science report in the world right now," said Robert Kopp, a climate scientist at Rutgers who is an expert on sea-level rise and served as one of the report's lead authors.

It affirms that the United States is already experiencing more extreme heat and rainfall events and more large wildfires in the West, that more than 25 coastal U.S. cities are already experiencing more flooding, and that seas could rise by between one and four feet by the year 2100. When it comes to rapidly escalating levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the report states, "there is no climate analog for this century at any time in at least the last 50 million years."

Some members of the scientific community had speculated that the administration might refuse to publish the report or might alter its conclusions. During the George W. Bush administration, a senior official at the White House Council on Environmental Quality edited aspects of some government science reports.

Yet multiple experts, as well as some administration officials and federal scientists, said Trump political appointees did not change the special report's scientific conclusions.

"I'm quite confident to say there has been no political interference in the scientific messages from this report," David Fahey, an atmospheric scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and a lead author of the study, told reporters on Friday. "Whatever fears we had weren't realized. . . . This report says what the scientists want it to say."

Perhaps no agency under Trump has tried to play down and undermine climate science more than the EPA. Political appointees recently instructed two agency scientists and one contractor not to speak as planned at a scientific conference. Pruitt has advocated for the creation of a government-wide "red team/blue team" exercise, in which a group of outside critics would challenge the validity of mainstream scientific conclusions around climate change.

The climate science report is already coming under fire from some of the administration's allies.

The day before it was published, Steven Koonin, a New York University physicist who has met with Pruitt, preemptively criticized the document in the Wall Street Journal, writing that the report "ominously notes that while global sea level rose an average 0.05 inch a year during most of the 20th century, it has risen at about twice that rate since 1993. But it fails to mention that the rate fluctuated by comparable amounts several times during the 20th century."

But one of the report's authors suggested Koonin is creating a straw man. "The report does not state that the rate since 1993 is the fastest than during any comparable period since 1900 (though in my informal assessment it likely is), which is the non-statement Steve seems to be objecting to," Kopp countered by email.

Still, the line of criticism could be amplified by conservatives in the coming days.

Joseph Bast, the chief executive of the Heartland Institute, a think tank that has long challenged many aspects of the science of global warming, also strongly critiqued the report in a statement to The Post on Friday.

"This is typical Obama-era political science," Bast said. "It's all been debunked so many times it's not worth debating anymore. Why are we still wasting taxpayer dollars on green propaganda?"

The administration also released, in draft form, the second volume of the National Climate Assessment, which looks at regional impacts across the United States. This document is available for public comment and will begin a peer review process, with final publication expected in late 2018.

Already, however, it is possible to discern some of what it will conclude. A peer-reviewed EPA technical document released to inform the assessment finds climate change could exact a steep cost on the United States. That document, the Climate Change Impacts and Risk Analysis, finds that high temperatures could mean the nation may lose "almost 1.9 billion labor hours across the national workforce" by 2090, or $160 billion in annual lost income.

With high levels of warming, coastal property damage in 2090 could total $120 billion annually, and deaths from temperature extremes could reach 9,300 per year, or in monetized terms, $140 billion annually in damage. Additional tens of billions annually could occur in the form of damage to roads, rail lines and electrical infrastructure, the report finds.

This could all be lessened considerably, the report notes, if warming is held to lower levels.
The lead defense attorney for Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl said he wants him to receive the Prisoner of War medal.

His civilian lawyer, Eugene Fidell, on Friday said his client should be recognized for the five years he spent in Taliban captivity after deserting his post in Afghanistan, according to an article by USA Today.

"We have long felt he was entitled to the POW medal," Fidell said, the newspaper reported.

It wasn't immediately clear whether Bergdahl's defense team plans to push for the award as part of the process to appeal his dishonorable discharge.

Related content:

An email request for comment to Fidell wasn't immediately returned.

Earlier Friday, Army Col. Jeffery R. Nance, the military judge at Bergdahl's court-martial at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, sentenced the 31-year-old defendant to a dishonorable discharge, a reduction in rank to E-1 and a monthly reduction in pay of $1,000 for the next 10 months.

Despite the fact Bergdahl received a dishonorable discharge sentence, his defense team indicated they will still seek the "Prisoner of War" medal for Bergdahl. The award was authorized by Congress and signed into law in 1985 by President Ronald Reagan.

The award generally goes to those "taken prisoner and held captive while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States."

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at richard.sisk@military.com.
An Indigenous airman, who had to cut his braids when first joining the Air Force two years ago, is now one of the first in...
ROCKFORD, MI -- Wolverine World Wide has claimed it first learned last fall that the Scotchgard waterproofing agent it used to make Hush Puppies shoes for decades contained a toxic chemical which has subsequently polluted the Rogue River in Rockford and poisoned drinking water supplies in Plainfield Township.

3M, the Minnesota giant which manufactures Scotchgard, has undercut Wolverine's claim by disclosing an 18-year-old document showing Wolverine was specifically advised that the former Scotchgard chemistry was being discontinued and the key compound was a threat to environmental health.

The two companies met in Rockford to discuss the chemical on Jan. 10, 1999, according to a 3M letter sent five days later to former Wolverine vice president Rick DeBlasio.

3M attorneys disclosed the letter on Friday, Nov. 3.

"3M bears no responsibility for the environmental practices of Wolverine," wrote 3M attorney William A. Brewer III.

"We are surprised to see that Wolverine claims it was unaware of the fact that PFOS was used at its former tannery and, apparently, that it was unaware of 3M's voluntary decision to phase out of the chemistries in question," Brewer wrote.

"The record reflects otherwise."

3M letter to @WolverineWW in 1999 blows up claim that WWW didn't know #PFOS was in Scotchgard until last year: https://t.co/7ufBIdA5D7 pic.twitter.com/PZOAU63WP6  Garret M. Ellison (@garretellison) November 4, 2017

"Beyond the fact that 3M's phaseout decision and leadership on this issue made national headlines, 3M personally met with Wolverine long before and during the time of the phaseout announcement in May 2000," Brewer wrote. "These meetings were to discuss PFOS, share information about the compound, and advise of 3M's voluntary efforts to phase out of the chemistries."

According to the letter, Wolverine was advised that PFOS "has the potential to accumulate in the body with repeated exposures and resist degradation in the environment."

"This information was reported to your company previously in an updated Material Safety Data Sheet as recently as late 1998," the letter reads.

The letter notes 3M monitored employees for over 20 years and found PFOS at various concentrations in their bodies, and that "exposure could occur from manufacturing process of 3M and its downstream users, as well as from product use and disposal."

The letter is dated prior to the reformulation of Scotchgard under pressure from the Environmental Protection Agency, which said in 2000 it would have taken steps to have Scotchgard removed from the market had 3M not voluntarily phased out PFOS production.

3M later developed a new version of Scotchgard that relies on perfluorobutane sulfonate, or PFBS, as its key ingredient.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality says it's reviewing the 3M disclosure and plans to bring up the matter with Wolverine.

"The DEQ takes the issue of full transparency of historical information very seriously as this is very important information in our site investigations," DEQ spokesperson Melanie Brown said in a statement.

"The department is reviewing the newly obtained 3M correspondence and is looking forward to discussing with WWW how this new information correlates to the background information they previously have provided to us.

In mid-August, Wolverine sent MLive a statement through the public relations firm Lambert, Edwards & Associates claiming it didn't know didn't know perfluoroctanesulfonic acid, or PFOS, was used in Scotchgard at the tannery until last year.

PFOS is one of numerous per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances collectively called PFAS, (also PFCs), found in the Rogue River near the Rockford dam and in residential drinking water wells near Wolverine's long forgotten landfill on House Street NE in Belmont.

Wolverine began using Scotchgard at the tannery in 1958.

"In fall 2016, Wolverine first learned that PFOS may have been present in compounds used at its former tannery in Rockford," the Aug. 18 statement read. "Following this, Wolverine developed and submitted to the DEQ a proposed plan to voluntarily sample this site for not only PFOS, but also for PFOA and other PFAS compounds."

The statement was issued in response to a question about an allegation that Wolverine attorney Michael Robinson and consultant Mark Westra claimed there was "no evidence that PFOS was ever used at the Rockford Tannery site" during a Aug. 22, 2016 meeting with the Concerned Citizens for Responsible Redevelopment group of Rockford held at the West Michigan Environmental Action Council.

The allegation was in a Jan. 24 memo to the DEQ by Richard Rediske, an environmental chemist at Grand Valley State University's Annis Water Resources Institute, who warned that scrap leather on the riverbanks, waste buried on site and tannery wastewater may have contained PFOS for 44 years.

Rediske specifically warned that a new tannery site inspection was needed as well as scrutiny of old local disposal sites that might have accepted tannery waste.

Months after Rediske's memo, PFAS was discovered in wells near Wolverine's House Street NE landfill, where tannery sludge was dumped into unlined trenches in the 1960s.

The subsequent DEQ investigation into that PFAS plume spread has morphed into a widespread search for other old Wolverine dump sites around northern Kent County.

The investigation has also sparked a county cancer study.

On Saturday evening, Nov. 4, Wolverine responded to 3M's disclosure with a statement seemingly at odds with its previous assertion.

"Wolverine has known and it was widely publicized that 3M's Scotchgard contained PFAS and we relied on 3M's representations to us, the EPA, and the public that it had no adverse effects on the environment or human health," the company stated.

"We've never intended to infer anything to the contrary.

"Wolverine used 3M's Scotchgard product (which contained PFAS) from about 1960 through 2002 when the product was reformulated. 3M has always assured Wolverine (as it does in its letter), the EPA and the public that the chemical is safe for the environment and human health. Wolverine acted in good faith based on that information and always complied with EPA and state regulations."

Since the PFAS investigation began in earnest, Wolverine has made repeated reference to 3M's responsibility for the chemical.

3M first sold Scotchgard in 1956. It protected fabric, furniture and carpets from water and stains for decades. It was reformulated in the early 2000s after the EPA determined the chemistry was toxic to humans, magnifies up the food chain and persists in the environment.

On its website, Wolverine wrote that "3M are experts at PFAS."

"They created and sold the product and we now understand that they have a number of environmental sites involving PFAS that they are involved in around the United States (including Alabama and Minnesota) and the world."

"We have reached out to 3M to get their expert advice because they have state of the art research on PFAS and their possible impact on humans and the environment - Wolverine has not yet had access to this research," Wolverine wrote. "We have asked 3M to step up and partner with us, the community and the various regulatory agencies to help address the issues in our community related to the products that they manufactured and sold."

Wolverine's says it began using the reformulated version in 2002 and "we now know that Scotchgard contained PFOA/PFOS until 3M changed the formula around 2002."

When asked Sept. 12 how Wolverine could not have known PFOS was in Scotchgard until last year, vice president Chris Hufnagel called it an "emerging issue."

"This PFAS is, I think we would all agree, it is an emerging issue," Hufnagel said. "There is not a lot known about it. We're learning more, honestly, on a daily basis."
JACKSON, MI - About five days earlier, Tonece Taylor dreamed this. She had seen her troubled son shot and trying to get away. She forced herself to wake up.

This time, there is no waking.

Ronnell Martin

Feeling like she was burning inside, she had to see Ronnell Martin at the hospital, and he wasn't as she wants to remember him, innocent and smiling before the gangs, crime and violence.

His hair was in dreadlocks. His body was broken.

And now, she feels empty. If only she had more time. If only he had more time.

"I didn't create that person and it kills me that that's how it ended," Taylor said last week from the Jackson home she is leaving to start anew near Detroit.

She was watching Martin's son, the nearly 4-year-old who days earlier had gone to his father's casket. He saw that Martin was motionless, that he wasn't going to rise and greet him.

Taylor wants to protect him - and her surviving daughters and granddaughters - like she could not protect her child, called "Bub" since he was a bump in her belly.

"God, you gave him to me. I have to give him back."

Martin, known by the street name "Rio," was shot while riding in a vehicle Oct. 18 in the area of Biddle and First streets. The 22-year-old father, recently released from federal prison, died at Henry Ford Allegiance Health.

In the 16 days since, two other men have died in or near Jackson. Ronald Demetrius Owens, 32, was shot and killed Oct. 27 outside his mother's house on W. South Street, just beyond the city's southern border. Malik Rodriguez was found with multiple gunshot wounds early Friday, Nov. 3, in the Shahan apartments off Blackstone Street.

Six people, all but one of them young men, have been shot and killed in or near Jackson since July. Police have reported arrests in three of the cases.

"As soon as one gets buried, there is another one," Taylor said Friday.

While she was speaking, she was startled by what she perceived as the sounds of gunshots, and sighed with relief when told they were fireworks.

"We close our eyes and we pray for nothing in the morning."

She suspects Rodriguez's death was connected to her son's homicide, but police have not released many details about the most recent killing.

Martin was with three people that night in a vehicle sprayed with bullets. Two of his companions, Jazzrell Witherspoon and Martez Haywood, both 18, were also shot and survived. Witherspoon spent only a short time in the hospital, and Haywood was expected to recover.

A fourth person, the driver, was not hit. Elmer Hitt, Jackson director of police and fire services, declined to release his name.

The inquiry was ongoing. Investigators had not arrested a suspected shooter, or ruled out that the shooting was gang-related, Hitt said late this week. Taylor said her son was involved in a group.

"We do believe the occupants probably knew who the shooter was. They have not revealed that to us," Hitt said.

A detective promised Taylor justice.

"What's justice? You don't get justice. Take another person away from a family still struggling," she said. Someone else goes to prison. Someone else's children are raised without a father.

If given the choice, she would rather have peace.

She doesn't want to see retaliation. Instead, she wants change. No one is winning, she said.

"This is where you are going. This is what you are doing This is where the story goes," she said and repeated a familiar refrain.

"You live by the sword, you die by the sword."

Ronnell Martin

Her son strayed. He started good and pure, as they all do, she said and pointed to an elemetary school-aged Martin, pictured in a checked shirt with a toothy grin.

"That's how I'm going to remember him," she said. "I don't know Rio. I don't know Ronnell. I know Bub."

Martin was a happy child with an affection for Mickey Mouse. In two old Citizen Patriot photos, he played in a sprinkler and rode on a bike in a puffy striped snowsuit. "He had the soul," his mother said.

"There was some bad, but the bad didn't want to be there. He didn't know how to get the bad out."

He spent his early years with his mother, a restaurant server and a medical assistant who was raised by her grandmother. She did not know her own father until she was 13.

She too has struggled. She was once shot as a bystander at a bar, and altered her course. "I wanted to change it."

Martin's father was in prison and when he was released, Martin, then 12, went to stay with him. Trouble started early, in school and elsewhere.

He he spent years in group homes and facilities his parents hoped would save him. He had children while he himself was still a child, selected the wrong company and became entangled in the very "street" environment his mother tried to shield from him.

In January 2015, he was caught with a loaded Astra .40-caliber semiautomatic handgun in his sweatpants and a large baggie of drugs in his pocket, according to court documents.

He had previously been convicted in 2013 of weapons and methamphetamine offenses.

A federal judge sentenced him in November 2015 to three years in prison for a gun crime, and he returned vexed and bitter, with hidden pain.

Taylor wishes he had stayed longer; she slept better when he was incarcerated.

She tried to make sure he was held accountable. "I want my son alive. I want my son saved. If that is what it takes..." He taxed her. She worried. Her knees were "ashy" from prayer.

Taylor is grateful he did not hurt anyone; she doesn't carry that burden, but she is angry, and sad. Martin, good or bad, was hers and she thinks about what more she could have done.

A tiny, warm woman with a gentle voice and a lot to say, she was sitting and then standing, wiping tears and rocking in her arms her grandson's infant sister, one of many children she welcomes into her home.

"I don't feel I failed. I know the love and strength I put into that boy to keep him safe."

In this 2005 photo, Ronnell Martin, 7, of Jackson, tries to squirt his friends with a hose hooked up to a plastic palm tree.

She lectured and advised him. He did not always listen, and in the end, she - and Martin - knew the situation was dire. He was going "hard core." Someone had fired at her vehicle while Martin drove it. He was using drugs.

Martin came to her. He told her to move from Jackson; she did not, and the choice seems to torment her.

Now, she is going. She is taking her family to stay with her sister, a police officer, in Clinton Township.

"I want to close this chapter," she said. She wants to live for her son, to grab hold of her own children and other children, to steer them away from what she has seen and experienced. Others should too, she said.

"I am mad at what we've let our kids become."

She bemoans social media squabbles and urged those involved in gangs or violence to put their time and energy into education and "productiveness."

"Every day God wakes you up, he's giving you an opportunity to do something different," she said.

"You hold your own fate.

"No one is going to put it in your lap. You have to go and get it."
DETROIT, MI - Detroit police arrested the wrong person in connection with a fatal Wednesday shooting at an auto parts store.

Officers took a 23-year-old woman into custody Friday for her alleged role in the crime.

Saturday, the department announced, through its investigation, officers determined the woman was not one of the people of suspected in the shooting Nov. 1 at O'Reilly Auto Parts, 16830 Schaefer Highway, on the city's west side.

The woman has been released and police are actively investigating and looking for all suspects, Detroit police reported in a statement.

James Haller Jr., 75, a Vietnam veteran, was shot about 5:30 p.m. when the two women attempted to rob the business, WXYZ-TV reported.

Police released pictures of a woman, Shawnta Sharee Anderson, 23, and what appears to be a black SUV with a taped rear, passenger window.

Anyone with information is asked to contact CrimeStoppers at 800-SPEAK-UP.
MONTAGUE, MI - An artisan boutique and vintage gallery is offering something new downtown Montague.

Sweet Annie & Company opened on Saturday, Oct. 28 - the first day that Dowling Street was reopened after a two-month construction project that cut the main downtown road, Ferry Street, in half.

"We were ready to open Labor Day weekend, but then there was construction," said owner Angela Heuer, of Whitehall.

The shop features accessories, jewelry, home decor, vintage furniture, resale clothing, shoes and purses, and more.

"Sweet Annie and Company is an eclectic amalgamation of artisan boutique and upscale designer vintage with a shabby-chic flair," according to the business Facebook page.

About 10 West Michigan artisans sell their products in the boutique, and Heuer is always looking for more local people who can offer unique items.

Heuer said she's wanted to open a small shop for about 30 years, but the timing was never right. She recently worked in retail management, and after leaving that job her husband encouraged her to open a store.

"We're not in it for the money, we're in it to have fun now," Heuer said.

Sweet Annie is located at 8701 Ferry St., at the corner of Ferry and Dowling streets. It's open from noon-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and closed on Sundays.

The shop is located in a building owned by state Rep. Holly Hughes, R-White River Township, and her husband Rick Hughes. Two other retail spaces in the building are available for rent.
SAGINAW, MI -- Its been nearly a year since Donald Trump won the presidential election and a German newspaper is on the hunt in Saginaw to see if his supporters are still confident about casting their vote for him.

Reporter Herbert Bauernebel, 52, and photographer Tobias Everke, 55, are freelance journalists with Bild, a German tabloid newspaper, based in Berlin. The journalists are German natives and U.S. correspondents for the paper and work out of New York.

Bauernebel said they visited Saginaw County first because it was the closest margin that Trump won over in the state.

"It's really the swing county of the swing state. So we really wanted to go in the middle, the ground zero of the Midwest," Everke said.

About 60 percent of registered voters turned out for the November 2016 general election, with 95,603 ballots cast.

Trump received 45,469 votes, or 47.97 percent and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton received 44,395 or 46.84 percent.

The German journalists spoke to Saginaw County Republican Chairwoman Catherine Zemanek Friday, Nov. 3. Zemanek told MLive she was skeptical about speaking with the reporter because of the videos about Trump that were posted on his Facebook page.

"I'm skeptical of a reporter who comes here, who works for a German newspaper, who posts disparaging videos about Trump, to talk to a Republican about a candidate we're using for our constitutional system," Zemanek said.

During their time in Saginaw County, Bauernebel said he hoped to find people who feel diffrently about voting for Trump a year later.

"It is hard for people in Europe to understand that he was elected," Bauernebel said. "Because its unimanginable. He likes to talk about jokes, but this is a joke. He's a national embarrassment."

A reporter and photographer from Bild, a German based tabloid newspaper, visit The Saginaw News while in Saginaw County for a story on Trump supporters a year later on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017. Herbert Bauernebel, 52, the writer, works on finding sources for their story in a conference room. (Henry Taylor / MLive.com)

Bauernebel said there are very few Trump supporters in Germany and voters would have overwhelmingly voted for Hillary Clinton.

Bild publishes Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, its sister paper, "Bild on Sundays," is published instead with a different style and its own editors.
SAGINAW TWP, MI -- This year, for the first time, a group of physicians will receive the Spirit of St. Vincent Award during the St. Mary's of Michigan Foundation Cornette Ball.

The Spirit of St. Vincent Award is presented annually to at least one highly respected physician or group who has rendered noteworthy service to the Great Lakes Bay community and beyond, according to a St. Mary's of Michigan Foundation news release. Valley Anesthesia, which is comprised of five physicians and has served the Great Lakes Bay Region for more than 30 years, will receive the award this year.

The 23rd black-tie gala is to take place at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, Horizons Conference Center in Saginaw Township.

The Valley Anesthesia physician group includes Dr. Bapineedu Maganti, Dr. Anirudha Bhandiwad, Dr. Sunil Pandit, Dr. Zakir Qureshi and Dr. Ramesh Raju. Together, they have more than 116 years of service to St. Mary's of Michigan.

Proceeds from the event will stay in the local community by supporting the purchase of a new state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization lab, the release states. New technology provides faster and more precise cardiovascular exams, potentially decreasing time spent in the operating room or saving a patient from surgery altogether.

In the past two years, the St. Mary's of Michigan Foundation has funded more than $3 million in new capital equipment, community programs and services.
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Pharmaceutical stocks, which were lying low bounced back this past week with second quarter results largely in line with analyst expectations on recovery of domestic formulation business after disruption caused due to GST transition in the first quarter. Torrent Pharmaceuticals' acquisition of Indian branded business of Unichem Laboratories and USFDA lifting import ban on Divis Laboratories' Unit-II in Visakhapatnam are highlights of the week.

How did Pharma Index Perform?

The BSE Healthcare index gained 2.51 percent in the past week, the benchmark Sensex rose 1.28 percent.

Divis was the biggest gainer this week with its stock rising 20.18 percent followed by Biocon (12.83 percent), Torrent (5.21 percent), Lupin (4.4 percent), Aurobindo Pharma (3.13 percent), Glenmark (2.75 percent) and Cipla (2.58 percent).

Two stocks that did not participate in the rally this week include Sun Pharma which was flat, and Cadila Healthcare (-0.12 percent) shares dropped marginally.

Here's what kept the sector buzzing:

Torrent Pharma said that it has entered into a definitive binding agreement with Unichem to acquire its branded business of India and Nepal for a consideration of Rs 3,600 crore. Unichem's India business comprises a portfolio of more than 120 brands in India and Nepal, a manufacturing plant at Sikkim catering to these markets and all the employees engaged in the said business.

Divis Laboratories said it was informed by the USFDA that it will be lifting the import alert 66-40 and moving to close out the warning letter issued to the company at Unit-II in Chippada, Visakhapatnam. The announcement marks the complete resolution of the import ban, removing the regulatory overhang on the stock.

Five Indian generic drug makers were named in the expanded anti-trust investigation opened by Connecticut and 45 other US states for alleged conspiracy and collusion to unreasonably restrain trade, artificially inflate and manipulate prices and reduce competition. This was in addition to the previous lawsuit filed against two other Indian drug makers Heritage Pharmaceuticals a part of Emcure, and Aurobindo Pharma.

Dr Reddy's Laboratories has reported consolidated profit for July-September quarter at Rs 284.9 crore, lower by 3.4 percent compared with Rs 295 crore in year-ago period. The profit was slightly better than analyst estimates due to improvement in operational performance.

India's second largest drug maker Lupin posted 31 percent decline in net profit to Rs 455 crore in the second quarter ended September 30 on account of dip in US sales, despite strong performance in other markets. The company reported net profit of Rs 662.9 in the same period of previous year. Total revenue from operations dropped 8 percent to Rs 3951.9 crore from Rs 4,290.5 crore.

Torrent Pharma reported flat second quarter ended September due to plummeting sales in US, despite improved performance of domestic formulations and German generics business. The company posted net profit declined 1.45 percent to Rs 204 crore compared to Rs 207 crore in the corresponding quarter of previous year. Revenues were static at Rs 1429 crore year-on-year basis.
Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh on Saturday called upon investors to leverage opportunities in the country's farm, dairy, poultry and fisheries sectors.

The government is implementing various schemes to promote these sectors in order to double farmers' income by 2022, he said at the World Food India 2017 event here.

"...the world is eager to study and adapt our growth strategy," he was quoted as saying in an official statement.

He added that India has moved ahead from a country facing food shortages to becoming a food exporter.

He said there are investment opportunities here as India is the world's largest milk producer, second largest fruits and vegetable producer, third in the production of fish and fifth in egg production.

Stating that the government is giving emphasis on boosting agricultural growth, Singh said various steps have been taken including launch of schemes like Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, e-NAM, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana and Soil Health Card.

The government has also allowed 100 per cent foreign direct investment in food processing. Speaking at the event, Nestle India Chairman and Managing Director Suresh Narayan talked about different opportunities in the dairy sector.

The per capita consumption of milk is rising in the country and the milk can be fortified with vitamins thereby increasing its nutritional value, he said. Nekkanti Sea Foods Director Venkat Rao said the opportunities exist in the shrimp sector and also talked about challenges like traceability being faced by the industry.

"India is cost competitive compared to other nations. Skill development is a major area that needs attention," he said. Rasna Pvt Ltd Managing Director Piruz Khambatta said the food processing industry will not only promote 'Make in India' but also help in doubling farmers' income.
The market set a fresh record closing high on Friday, driven by a further rally in banks in late trade, especially after PNB reported strong earnings and asset quality improvement. It was partly driven by global cues.

The 30-share BSE Sensex was up 112.34 points at 33,685.56 while the 50-share NSE Nifty ended above 10,450 level for first time, rising 28.70 points to 10,452.50.

"We're reiterating bullish view and suggest following the trend. We will review target at 10,600 in Nifty," Jayant Manglik, President, Retail Distribution, Religare Securities said.

Almost all the sectors are contributing in the rally now but one needs to be selective, citing the ongoing earnings season, he advised.

Nikhil Kamath, Co-Founder and Head of Trading, Zerodha also foresees the bull trend continuing in the near future. "The results season looks to have turned to the positive, overall outlook for the economy is also again changing to the positive. Domestic inflows continue to be robust, whereas FII activity remains lackluster," he reasoned.

For the week, the Nifty gained 1.25 percent and the Sensex increased 1.6 percent while Nifty Midcap rose 2.3 percent.

Going forward, one of the major triggers that the Street could watch out for is the earnings season. Names like State Bank of India, M&M, Aurobindo Pharma, Tata Motors and RCom, among others are set to announce their earnings. On the global front, while North Korea tensions seem to have steadied for now, the Street will still be cautious on any statements from either Washington or Pyongyang could keep it on its feet.

Earnings

With the earnings season in its thick phase, the Street shall await data from the upcoming results this week. According to experts, the market has been waiting for some kind of earnings growth to justify the valuations that they are trading at. So far, they added, the numbers have not disappointed and have been steady.

In the upcoming week, over 800 BSE companies will be declaring their results between November 4 and November 11, 2017.

Among the big and popular names include Inox Wind, Motilal Oswal Financial Services, Century Textiles & Industries, Fortis Malar Hospitals, Housing And Urban Development Corporation, Just Dial, Narayana Hrudayalaya, Torrent Power, Varun Beverages, Welspun Corp, Westlife Development, Aditya Birla Capital, Cipla, Future Retail, Jyothy Laboratories, MAS Financial Services, Mahanagar Gas, Snowman Logistics, Aurobindo Pharma, India Cements, Tata Motors, V-Mart Retail, Bosch, Mahindra & Mahindra, State Bank Of India, and Reliance Communications, among others.

IPO and Listing

In the primary market action, another company will hit the exchangesHDFC Standard Life on November 7. It would be interesting to watch the kind of response this insurer gets after the performances of GIC Re and SBI Life, among others.

Meanwhile, the Street will also watch out for actions on the new listing front. Reliance Nippon Life Asset Managements shares will make their market debut on Monday, making it the first AMC to list on Indian exchanges.

Corporate Action

Among corporates several companies will be meeting to declare their dividends and their record dates as well. For instance, companies such as Supreme Industries, Gillette India, Dabur, Mastek, Symphony Industries, Godrej Consumer Products and Power Finance Corporation, among others, will be ex-dividend, among others. The Street could take a note of that development and the stock could react accordingly.

Meanwhile, a company such as Indraprastha Gas (IGL) could also be in focus as the company goes ex-split from Rs 10 apiece to Rs 2 per share.

Stocks in Focus

The Street could keep a few stocks in focus on the back of developments after the close of market hours on Friday.

The Enforcement Directorate issued summons to Saregama Music and T-series for not alleged money laundering charges. The ED registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

A few of the infrastructure companies could also be on investors radar after the National Highways Authority of Indias (NHAI) decision. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has terminated 20 road development contracts citing default. NHAI has also barred some major infra players from bidding for highway projects in the next 2-3 years for public-private partnership (PPP) projects and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects, which received major funding from the government.

The companies that are barred include L&T, Hindustan Construction Company (HCC), Essel Infra Projects, MBL Infra, JKM Infra, Madhucon Toll Highways, Supreme Infra, Transtroy India and others. These firms have been given time till November 6 to make representation before NHAI.

Meanwhile, Unichem Labs and Torrent Pharma will be in focus after an acquisition was announced by Torrent Pharma post market hours on Friday. The deal is said to be for a consideration of Rs 3,600 crore.

Titan could be in focus after it reported robust performance for the quarter ended September 2017 as consolidated profit showed a whopping 67.4 percent growth, driven by jewellery business. Its profit for the quarter increased to Rs 278 crore, from Rs 166 crore in corresponding quarter last fiscal.

Global Cues

On the global front, news from North Korea is likely to be on investors' radar even as the Street looks to price in any untoward events. US President Donald Trump will also leave for a multi-nation tour.

Apart from that, cues are largely muted as global markets too look to focus on domestic earnings and macro data as well.

Technical Factors

Technical experts highlight that the candle formation on charts indicate a positive move on the market, but a small correction is likely too.

In the coming week, if Nifty trades and closes above 10,484 levels then it is likely to test 10,525-10,565-10,612 levels. However, if the Nifty trades and closes below 10,420 level then it can test 10379  10339 - 10292 levels.

SBI earnings in focus

The September quarter results for State Bank of India will be out later this week. The index heavyweights numbers will be tracked by the Street and this will be the second quarter after the amalgamation of associate banks has taken place. The bank had reported a 20.4 percent de-growth in standalone profit at Rs 2,005.53 crore, dented by higher provisions. Asset quality including subsidiaries also worsened further. Standalone net interest income grew by 22 percent to Rs 17,606.01 crore compared with corresponding quarter of previous fiscal. Standalone numbers included SBI and its associate banks (that merged from April 1, 2017) while consolidated numbers include banking as well as other businesses (insurance, other banking operations etc).

Tata Motors Results

Though the previous quarter was saved largely due to a one-time gain, Tata Motors Q2 show will be watched by investors, which are likely to factor in festive demand as well. Investors will keep a note on the results of this stock.

Its first quarter earnings missed analysts' expectations on all parameters on Wednesday. One-time gain related to JLR pension plan boosted profitability but excluding that one-off item, it would have been in a loss due to forex losses. Consolidated profit grew sharply by 41.6 percent year-on-year to Rs 3,200 crore, driven by one-time gain of Rs 3,609 crore relating to recent changes designed to improve the sustainability of JLR's defined benefit pension plans.

L&T results

Amid talks of a push to infrastructure companies, the market will also await results from L&T for the September quarter as operationally, the company had posted a subdued quarter.

The index heavyweights results matched analysts' expectations on bottomline as well as topline front but operational numbers in Q1 missed estimates. Profit during the quarter grew by 46.4 percent to Rs 892.5 crore in the quarter ended June 2017, aided by lower tax that has fallen 16.2 percent YoY. Revenue rose by 9.7 percent to Rs 23,990 crore year-on-year, driven by infrastructure business that contributed 44 percent to total revenue.

Macro Data

On the domestic front, money supply data will be declared later during the week, which will help in understanding the liquidity situation in the country. Over and above this, global cues will also be in focus. Data for European PMI (services and manufacturing), Chinese imports, US crude imports, and CPI data for China, among others will also be declared this week.
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Benchmark indices tested new record high on Friday with support of positive global and domestic cues and supported by September quarter earnings followed by FII inflows.

According to Manish Sonthalia, Head Equities-PMS, Motilal Oswal AMC, the earnings are not as bad as they were expected prior to the start of the (results) season. GST-related sectors have performed fine. Overall, it is a mixed bag, he told CNBC-TV18 in an interview.

The S&P BSE Sensex rallied over 26 percent so far in the year 2017 and Nifty rallied more than 27 percent, inching towards 10500 level.

Global brokerage houses have also taken Q2 earnings positively and upgraded stocks post earnings.

Here is a list of top seven picks where foreign brokerages have upgraded their rating after September quarter earnings.

Interglobe Aviation | Brokerage: JPMorgan | Rating: Upgrade to overweight | Target: Raised to Rs 1,500

JPMorgan said that the airline delivered a major earnings beat, primarily driven by yield improvement. Further, revenue and expenses impacted by compensation by P&W. The overall impact on profits due to P&W was negligible. It increased FY18/19 EPS estimates by 15%/ 13%. Further, yield improvement can be sustained over the next year.

Bharti Airtel | Brokerage: CLSA | Rating: Upgrade to Buy | Target: Raised to Rs 637

The brokerage said that consolidation & data have revived long-term growth. Further, it sees 16% CAGR in EBITDA over FY18-21 and the long-term growth is set to revive starting FY19.

UltraTech Cement | Brokerage: CLSA | Rating: Upgrade to buy | Target Rs 4,900

CLSA has upgraded the stock to buy from outperform and has raised its target price on the stock to Rs 4,900 from Rs 4,700 per share as it feels overall Q2 results were good and there was no shock in newly acquired Jaiprakash Associates' units. Management sounded hopeful on demand revival, led by government initiatives, it feels.

ACC | Brokerage: CLSA | Rating: Upgrade to buy | target: Raised to Rs 2,150

CLSA said that it was heartening to see 18 percent volume growth and the underlying cement realisations being flat was a positive outcome. It raised profit estimates for CY17-19 by 6-7 percent.

Axis Bank | Brokerage: CLSA | Rating: Upgrade to buy | Target: Raised to Rs 620

According to broking house the valuations are attractive and can rerate as asset quality normalises. It believes that the retail business continues to grow well and operating efficiencies to aid earnings. It expect normalisation of asset quality will lift return on equity to mid-teens over FY19-20.

Reliance Power | Brokerage: Nomura | Rating: Upgrade to Neutral | Target: 42

According to Nomura the near-term earnings outlook is tepid but stock fairly valued. It also cut earnings per share estimates for the current and next financial year by 33 percent and 22 percent respectively, driven by revised estimates of net finance cost.

Asian Paints | Brokerage: CLSA | Rating: Upgrade to Underperform | Target: 1250

CLSA said the company's management hopes for improvement in demand environment, while gross margins down to at least 10-quarter low. The volume growth aided by festive season and GST re-stocking.
Ashwani Gujral of ashwanigujral.com told CNBC-TV18, "People have seen that if they buy Yes Bank on a 20 percent decline, it generally tends to reward. Whatever has happened is in the price and from here, keep Rs 300 type of a stoploss and at some point, it will get back to Rs 380-385. If Punjab National Bank can sort out its issues, I think Yes Bank can."

On Friday, Yes Bank ended at Rs 325.95, up Rs 5.60, or 1.75 percent on the BSE.

The share touched its 52-week high Rs 1,884.85 and 52-week low Rs 299 on 20 September, 2017 and 27 October, 2017, respectively.
Thanks for staying with us following today's developments. We will be back tomorrow with all the live updates from India and around the world.

20:00 Maharashtra government will provide cheap and assured electricity to farmers across the state through solar feeders in the next three years, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today said. He was speaking after performing the Bhumipujan (ground breaking ceremony) for first solar project under the 'Mukhyamantri

Agricultural Solar Feeder' scheme at Ralegan Siddhi.

17:18 There have been two attacks on Indian security in Shopian and Pulwama in the Valley. In one of these attacks a grenade was hurled at the security. However, no casualty has been reported.

16:58 Days after it gave India a 30 place jump in its ease of doing business ranking, the World Bank on Saturday said the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and reforms push by the government will catapult the country to high middle income economy in 30 years. It credited India's "extraordinary" achievement of quadrupling of per capita income to reforms taken in last three decades, reports PTI.

16:25 Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is in Ahmedabad today addressing a press conference. Talking up his party's success, he said that BJP has developed Gujarat growth engine. He added that Gujarat has rejected Congress dynasty government.

16:16 Addressing a political rally in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, PM Narendra Modi says Congress is not driven by public service. Even as he attacked the Opposition,he talked up his government's achievements with respect to the spread of LED bulbs and cheaper stents.

16:08 Indias football federation (AIFF) has been reminded by FIFA that it cannot be influenced by legal or political inference from inside the country, the global soccer body said, reports Reuters.

15:59 Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Saturday pitched for conferring the country's highest civilian honour Bharat Ratna on independent India's first army chief, Field Marshal General K M Cariappa. "The time has also come to recommend Field Marshal Cariappa for the award of Bharat Ratna. If others can get it, I see no reason why he should not, a deserving personality for the same. We will shortly address the issue on priority," he said.

13:31 Chennai rains: Kamal Haasan hails police dept for going beyond call of duty

Veteran film star Kamal Haasan,who is expected to soon take the political plunge, today lauded the police Department for relief work in areas inundated in heavy rains, saying "good citizens shine with or without uniform".

"Thanks for going beyond the call of your duty. Good citizens shine with or without uniform. More similar Thamizhan's (Tamils) should report to duty", he said in a tweet today.

The actor also shared a picture of senior police officials taking part in relief work in a waterlogged street in Chennai following the heavy rainfall seen in the last week.

12:51 Chennai rain update

Rains continued to lash the metropolis and neighbouring districts of Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur besides other regions of Tamil Nadu, even as the MeT department forecast more rainfall due to a low pressure area persisting in the Bay of Bengal, reports PTI.

Commuters had a harrowing time due to delayed services of buses and trains and severe traffic snarls. Mild rainfall was recorded in some areas in the state, moderate in others and heavy in some pockets.

Schools and colleges, closed since October 31, were shut today as well and several university exams were postponed. The state-level National Talent Search Exam scheduled for today was deferred to November 18.

11:22 We have become one of the most open economies for foreign direct investments: PM

11:15 Our mantra is to reform, perform and transform. All stakeholder need to be considered for improvement & development. We have achieved critical mass for a good take off. Some people have not understood the significance of India's world bank ranking: PM



PM @narendramodi at Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra,chairs a session on India's Business Reforms pic.twitter.com/wpkZnZWsrB

 PIB India (@PIB_India) November 4, 2017

Modi says my only job is to serve people of India. GST biggest tax reform of independent India. Jump in Ease of Doing Business ranking example of good governance.

10:53 Twitter adopts 'safeguards' after Trump account shutdown

Twitter announced on Friday it has implemented "safeguards" in the wake of the rogue shutdown of President Donald Trump's account, to ward off any repeat, reports PTI.

After acknowledging the 11-minute shutdown of Trump's Twitter account by a departing employee, the company said, "We have implemented safeguards to prevent this from happening again."

On the attack on Trump's favored means of communication, Twitter said, "we take this seriously and our teams are on it."

10:42 4 people die due to stampede in Begusari Bihar during kartik poornima festival, reports CNN-News 18

10:05 BJP President Amit Shah in Ahmedabad for his 6-day Gujarat election tour. He is addressing a rally at Kutch.

09:54 Spain issues European arrest warrant against Catalonia leader

A Spanish judge has issued a European arrest warrant against ousted Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, who left for Brussels after his government was sacked after declaring independence, reports France 24.

A Madrid High Court judge asked Belgium to arrest Puigdemont and four associates after they ignored a court order to return to Spain on Thursday to answer charges of rebellion, sedition, misuse of public funds, disobedience and breach of trust relating to their secessionist campaign.

Brussels will "study" the arrest warrant, a spokesman for the country's state prosecutor told AFP.

"We're going to study it and then give it to a judge," Eric Van der Sijpt said.

09:43 Jeff Bezos sells $1.1 billion Amazon Shares with stock at record high

Jeff Bezos sold a million Amazon.com Inc. shares this week for $1.1 billion, according to a US securities filing on Friday, reports Bloomberg. The sale represented 1.3% of his holding and leaves Bezos with a 16.4% stake in the retailer.

09:33 Heavy Showers Lash Chennai After Brief Lull; Death Toll at 8

Respite from rain was short-lived for Chennai with showers lashing the city again on Friday evening. Schools and colleges have been shut since October 31 and rain-related incidents have claimed eight lives so far. The AIADMK government and civic agencies are under fire for not being prepared despite tall claims.

Water levels in Chennai are rising continuously. The state government's top leadership took stock of the situation yesterday, but it came five days after rains started, reports CNN-News18

Good morning readers. Stay tuned for live updates and big news of the day.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 19: Pusarla Venkata Sindhu of India poses during an Australian Open Badminton Media Call at Star City on June 19, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Ace Indian shuttler PV Sindhu has slammed IndiGo airline staff for misbehaving with her while boarding the flight.

Sindhu tweeted saying, "Sorry to say ..i had a very bad experience when i was flying by 6E 608 flight to bombay on 4th nov the ground staff by name Mr ajeetesh".

However, IndiGo in a statement said:

"Ms P V Sindhu boarded flight 6E608 Hyderabad - Mumbai carrying oversized baggage which was not fitting into the overhead bin. Ms Sindhu was informed that it will be moved to cargo hold of the aircraft."

"This is the same policy we follow for all customers. Oversized baggage inside the cabin inconveniences other customers and can also be a safety hazard if it cannot be secured properly in the cabin. During the entire conversation, the member of the IndiGo ground operations remained calm. After several requests to her manager, they finally consented to the removal of the bag from the cabin. We then placed the over-sized baggage in the cargo hold and was handed over to Ms Sindhu on arrival."

"We are extremely proud of Ms Sindhus sporting achievements and are grateful for the laurels she has won for our country. However, safety of our operations is paramount to IndiGo. We hope that Ms Sindhu will appreciate that our colleague was only carrying out his duty in the best interest of a safe and reliable operation."

Full story: Click here
Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the Congress has conceded defeat in Himachal Pradesh as its senior leaders have "run away" from campaigning in the state leaving Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh to his fate.

At a rally in Kangra, the state's largest and politically key district, he launched a stinging attack on the Congress over corruption, likening the party to termites, and exhorted the people to finish it off by handing over a three-fourth majority to the BJP in the November 9 Assembly polls.

The alleged corruption of the Congress and his government's pro-poor development works were the central theme of Modi's two election meetings.

He vowed to continue fighting corruption, claiming that it had angered the opposition party which was observing "black money day" on November 8, the first anniversary of demonetisation decision.

The prime minister said the Congress has run away from the battlefield conceding defeat in the 68-member Assembly.

"Elections are a few days away and senior leaders generally do an intensive campaign in these last few days... It seems Congress leaders have left (Chief Minister) Virbhadra Singh to his fate. It seems they have not only left him to his fate but rather hung him by his fate," he said.

Why such a revenge the Congress is inflicting on him at such an age, Modi said sarcastically. Singh is 83.

Lashing out at the Congress over corruption in the UPA government as also the party dispensation in the state, he said its "sins" speak to the people, who will not trust it on the issue of honesty for 100 more years.

While most states have accepted his request to do away with interviews for Class III and IV posts, the Himachal government has not, he said, accusing it of breeding corruption in the name of interviewing candidates.

Not only senior leaders of the opposition party but even its next generations of leaders have been infected with this disease, he said.

"Their rotten mindset and rotten work culture will set rot in India's democracy," he said, asking the people to punish the party in the polls.

The Congress was now reduced to propping up rebels against the BJP to create instability in the state following polls but the saffron party was getting huge support, he said.

"The Congress will not improve until you punish it severely," he said, claiming that it will not be seen even through a "microscope" following the poll results in Himachal Pradesh as is the case with it in Bihar and UP.

He said the state had progressed most when Prem Kumar Dhumal was its chief minister and Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the prime minister as the central government pumped in money which Dhumal used effectively for development of the hill state.

Modi said he and Dhumal, who is the party's chief ministerial candidate, will take Himachal to new heights of development, adding that its infrastructure and tourism sectors needed a boost.

Seeking votes for a "commoner" like Dhumal, he asked the people to vote out "royals", a reference to Singh.

He cited his government's move to provide cooking gas cylinders to poor households, Mudra scheme to boost entrepreneurship, its decision to cap prices of medicine and medical equipment like heart stents, reducing cost of LED bulbs and other measures to showcase its pro-poor and pro- development credentials.

Himachal had received more rail and road projects from his government at the Centre than it had received in many years before, he said, adding that development is solution to all problems.

Modi is scheduled to address a rally each at Palampur, Kullu and Una tomorrow.

Counting of votes in the Assembly polls would be held on December 18.
Letter to editor: Gas pump politics and the election
November 04, 2017 Lebanon - Hariri's Resignation - The Opening Shot Of The Saudi War On Hizbullah Update (Nov 5, 3 am): After publishing the piece below the Saudi rulers initiated a "house cleaning" in Saudi Arabia. Many princes and businessmen were arrested. The new development wll be covered in another piece later today.

--- Four days ago we asked: Is The "Moderate Al-Qaeda" Set To Target Hizbullah?. The implied answer in that piece was "Yes, the war is coming to Lebanon." Today the Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Al-Hariri resigned with a statement issues from Saudi Arabia on the Saudi Arabian TV station Al Arabia (video). This is the opening shot of the war. The Saudi-Israeli-U.S. axis will lose this war while Iran and Russia will win from it. Earlier this week the extremely sectarian Saudi Minister for Gulf Affairs Thamer al-Sabhan had threatened Hizbullah in Lebanon and announced surprises: Firebrand Saudi State Minister for Gulf Affairs Thamer al-Sabhan on Monday called for toppling Hizbullah and promised astonishing developments in the coming days.

...

Referring to his Sunday tweet about the Lebanese government, the minister said: I addressed my tweet to the government because the Party of Satan (Hizbullah) is represented in it and it is a terrorist party. The issue is not about toppling the government but rather that Hizbullah should be toppled.



The coming developments will definitely be astonishing, al-Sabhan added. While the fighting in Syria and Iraq was ongoing, Lebanon was kept at peace. With the wars ending Lebanon is again the place where proxy fights are carried out. In mid October Joseph Bahout predicted this development: Regionally, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are now seeking ways to compensate for the loss of Syria as a place where they could defy and bleed Iran. A renewed desire to reverse their regional fortunes could lead them to try regaining a foothold in Lebanon. The Gulf states, Israel, and the United States do not want Iran to reap the benefits of a victory in Syria. If ever they seek to rebalance the regional relationship with Tehran in the Levant, the only place to do so would be Lebanon, despite the many risks that would accompany such an effort. In such an event, and despite its reticence to jeopardize its Lebanese sanctuary, Hezbollah could have no choice but to accept such a challenge, especially if there is an Israeli component to it. Lebanese politics are regulated by a complicate agreement. The Sunni camp, financed by the Saudis, holds the position of Prime Minister. The position of the President is held by the Christian former general Michel Aoun. The position of Speaker of the Parliament is held by the leader of the Shia Amal movement Nabih Berri. Two month ago Berri had proposed elections to a new parliament before the end of the year. An election would likely diminish the Sunni position. Saad Al-Hariri was put into the prime minister position after a long quarrel in Lebanon that had reignited when Saad's father Rafic Hariri, the former PM, was assassinated. Hizbullah was accused of that assassination but an Israeli plot seemed more likely. The Hariri family made its money as owner of Saudi Oger, a construction company in Saudi Arabia. The Hariris have Saudi passports. Business has gone bad under Hariri junior. In July Saudi Oger closed shop and the former billionaire family is rumored to be bankrupt. The Saudi rulers sponsors them. Hariri had recently assigned a Lebanese ambassador to Syria. Yesterday Hariri was visited in Beirut by Ali Velayati, a top advisor of the supreme leader Khamenei of Iran. The Saudis did not like either. Thamer's plan was set into motion. They sent a private jet and hauled Hariri to Riyadh. There the Saudi clown prince Mohammad bin Salman gave Hariri his resignation statement (written by Thamer?) to be read by him on Saudi TV. Irony alert: The Lebanese PM (with a Saudi passport) resigns on order of Saudi Arabia, in Saudi Arabia, on Saudi Arabian TV. In his Saudi written resignation statement (excerpts) he accuses Iran of foreign meddling in Lebanese politics. (Hariri also suddenly claims that there was an assassination planned against him in Lebanon. This is nonsense. The Lebanese internal security organization says it has no knowledge of such a plot. Hariri needs an excuse to stay away from Lebanon and from the wrath of his followers. Saudi media are trying to create some fantastic story from that assassination claim. But there is nothing evident to back it up.) The resignation of Hariri is intended to provoke a constitutional crisis in Lebanon and to prevent new parliament elections. The further Saudi plan is likely to evolve around these elements: The Trump administration will announce new sanctions against Hizbullah and against Lebanon in general.

The Saudi government will slip some of its al-Qaeda/ISIS proxy fighters from Syria and Iraq into Lebanon (possibly via Turkey by sea). It will finance local Lebanese terror operations.

There will be new assassination attempts, terror attacks and general rioting by Sunni extremist elements against Christians and Shia in Lebanon.

The U.S. will try to press the Lebanese army into a war against Hizbullah.

Israel will try to provoke and divert Hizbullah's attention by new shenanigans at the Lebanese and Syrian border. It will NOT start a war. The plan is unlikely to succeed: The Lebanese people as a whole have no interest in a new civil war.

The Lebanese army will not get involved on any specific side but will try to keep everyone calm.

Sanctions against Hizbullah will hit all of Lebanon, including Sunni interests.

A new Sunni prime minister will be found and installed, replacing the resigned Saudi puppet.

Russian and Iranian economic interests will find a new market in Lebanon. Russian companies will engage in Lebanese gas and oil extraction in the Mediterranean and replace U.S. involvement. The miscalculated Saudi/U.S./Israeli plan against Hizbullah can be understood as a helpless tantrum after their defeat in Syria and Iraq. Iraqi troops have, against strong U.S. protest, cleared ISIS from border areas with Syria. Some Iraqi militia have crossed the border and are helping Syrian troops to take the last ISIS controlled settlement of Abu Kamal. This will finally open a direct road from Syria to Iraq and beyond. The U.S. had planned to take Abu Kamal with its Kurdish/Arab proxy forces in the area and to block that line of communication. The Syrian government forces are racing against that. For the fourth day in a row Russian Tu-22M3s long range bombers have supported the fight with large raids flown directly from Russia. Hizbullah re-injected thousands of its fighters. This massive force will overwhelm ISIS defenses. Syria will win the race and the fight. The Saudi sponsored Islamic State in Iraq and Syria has been suffocated and its existence has ended. Some elements of it will continue as a desert terrorist group - nasty but with little overall effect. Iraq has regained its national sovereignty. It defeated ISIS, the Kurdish encroachment on Arab territory and all attempts to reignite a civil war. The fighting in Syria against al-Qaeda, as well as Turkish, Israeli and U.S. interference, will continue for another year. But it is very likely that the strong alliance of Syria, Iran, Russia and Hizbullah will win this fight. Syria is damaged but will survive as a whole and independent country. The now launched war on Hizbullah and thereby Lebanon will likely have a similar outcome. In their manic attempts to push back against perceived Iranian (and Russian) influence the Saudis and the U.S. have enabled Iran (and Russia) to gain better and more secure standing that they could ever have hoped to achieve otherwise. Why the Saudis think that their new adventure in Lebanon will have a different result is beyond me. Posted by b on November 4, 2017 at 14:35 UTC | Permalink Comments next page  next page 
In with the old, in with the new.

Thats not quite how the saying goes, but the upcoming City Council agenda for Mondays meeting shows that a new company may be coming to Morganton and that a longtime local business will be making its return.

Project Quantum Leap is the code name given to an industrial company that is looking at Morganton as a place to expand, the agenda says. The council will vote whether to support a state re-use grant of $500,000 for the business, which is expected to create about 102 jobs over four years.

The grant would require a 5 percent local match, the agenda says. The council also plans to call for a public hearing at the Dec. 4 meeting to consider economic development incentives for the project.

The company plans to invest up to $18 million in equipment and the plant itself, which will be housed in a now-vacant industrial building.

The council also will vote to approve a lease agreement with John Yianni Dimarhos to reopen his restaurant at 112 W. Union St. Dimarhos is the original tenant under the prior lease and plans to reopen the restaurant as it was before with some new dishes.

The agreement requires that he remains personally involved in the management and operation. If he does not, the lease can be terminated, the agenda says.

The restaurant is expected to be open within three weeks of the lease being signed. A full News Herald article on the reopening can be found here: bit.ly/2AjmX8H.

The council also will vote to approve a building reuse grant in the amount of $230,000, which requires a 5 percent local match between Morganton and Burke County.

The grant would be used to help A Caring Alternative expand and create up to 23 new full-time jobs. The business offers comprehensive care, behavior health services and substance abuse services, according to its website.

The council also will decide on whether or not to amend a city community development block grant plan. The amendment would move $85,000 from the public facilities activity section of the plan to the acquisition activity.

The acquisition activity will allow the city to purchase property for future CDBG projects in low and moderate income areas. The council believes it will be necessary to acquire property for the purposes of constructing walking and biking infrastructure, the agenda says.

The amendment simply reallocates funds and will not affect the size of the budget.

The council also will vote on a proposal to rezone a piece of land that touches Carbon City Road, Jamestown Road and Old Jamestown Road from exclusive industrial district zoning to high intensity district zoning.

The rezoning would allow the land to have civic, institutional, retail, service and office uses.

Other notable items on the agenda include a proposal to authorize a contract to replace the decks of greenway bridges over the Catawba River and Silver Creek and a request from the Morganton Department of Public Safety to apply for a grant up to $120,000 for body cameras and dashboard cameras.

A retirement reception for Councilman John Cantrell will be held from 4 - 5:45 p.m. at City Hall. Public comment will follow at 6 p.m., and the business of the council will begin at 6:15 p.m.

Ryan Wilusz is a staff writer and can be reached at rwilusz@morganton.com or at 828-432-8941.
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Two plays on opposite sides of the spectrum are a part of this weekend's theater offerings. Midland Community Theatre's "A Nice Family Christmas" kicked off the holiday season early with all the appropriate dysfunction that comes with it. And Odessa College's theater program gets heavy with a drama that debates euthanasia.

This season's McLaren Comedy Festival Winner "A Nice Family Christmas" may either get audiences ready for the holidays or fill them with trepidation of family interactions. First-time director Daniel Collins helms the show that follows Carl (Justin Tate), a reporter who needs the right holiday story for his editor. His visit home to mom (Misty Muesing), his sister Stacy (Allison Puetz) and brother Michael (Chris Carroll) may be the inspiration he needs for his piece.

The slapstick started immediately as mom hoped it was her other son that showed up when Carl walked in the door. That was followed by grandma's (Charlotte M. Larson) entrance who's main purpose is to show audiences how wild she was in her youth. Brother and sister show up along with drunk Uncle Bob (Joe Thomason) and later Michael's wife Jill (Aimie Tittlemier) for a night of family revelations and heartache before Christmas dinner.

Phil Olson's play was formulaic to the core. The punchlines, family discord and -- spoiler alert -- happy ending took some turns that offered moments of hilarity, but ultimately little surprise. In the moments it ventured into serious dialogue about terminal illness and potential divorce, any tenderness (and a break from laughs) was missed.

McLaren shows often tend to be showcases for comedic talent and the spectrum was across the board which gave the show a decent pulse.

Tate's expressive face and voice gave his character proper journalistic neuroses while Carroll balanced it with a more low-key performance that mixed well with Tittlemier's buoyant onstage presence. Perfectly in-between was Puetz who delivery was genuinely nuanced. Larson hammed it up as a grumpy grandma but her character suffered under the weight of punchline after punchline.

Both Muesing and Thomason hit high marks with characters that could have gone easily off the rails. Muesing's mom might have been swallowed up by bigger performances but her dry, quiet comedy was a treat. Thomason was magic as the drunken uncle. How he balanced such an over-the-top role with hints of sweetness was truly a feat.

For his first direction, Collins let the comedy happen on its own rather than push for the laughs. And he did form his cast into a believable family unit, but "A Nice Family Christmas" played like candy. The show has enough moments to be a sweet treat, but it doesn't stay with you.

"A Nice Family Christmas" plays through Nov. 11 at Midland Community Theatre, 2000 W. Wadley Ave. $28. mctmidland.org.

Where MCT was bringing the laughs, Odessa College opened with the emotionally heavier "Whose Life is it Anyway?" on Thursday. The Tony-nominated play by Brian Clark centers on Ken Harrison (Joseph Ward), a sculptor who has been paralyzed neck down from an auto accident. Although clear in thought, he struggles to leave the hospital to die without care. In his way is Dr. Michael Emerson (Aaron Callaway) who strives to keep the patient alive per his duty while Dr. Clare Scott (Eden Butler) challenges Emerson's decision.

Harrison is center stage the entire time in his hospital bed while Nurse Anderson (Savannah Poor) and Nurse Sadler (Alyssa Priest) tend to him. Throughout the show, conversations play out about Harrison's decision. He feels jailed in the hospital while observes the orderly John's (Brayden Grant) freedom to look at life with gusto. Harrison discusses his options with his lawyer Philip (Alejandro Quezada) as they head into a tribunal hearing led by Justice Millhouse (Jennifer Ramsey).

Director Mark Kolokoff directs with precision while letting his actors explore their characters' identites. His hand is evident in the artistic blocking and the show's tone. He doesn't weigh it down with the issue, but lets a humanistic realness keep it light.

Butler gave a gentle touch to her role which counterbalanced Callaway's coldness for a nice dynamic. Grant's surfer dude orderly was enough of a comic effect without being obvious. The onus of the play did fall on Ward who was quite literally the show's focal point. His was a mixed bag performance that ranged from chipper to angry which didn't always connect. He rattled off lines that sometimes felt checked-off-the-list rather than organic dialogue. His embrace of the role was remarkable though. Other than his head, he was in perfect stillness throughout.

The show's micro-run closes Saturday.

"Whose Life is it Anyway?" 7:30 p.m., today and Saturday at 2308 Shakespeare Road, Odessa. $7 adults, $5 seniors and military, free for students with ID. odessa.edu.
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Surrounded by old Halloween flyers and school club advertisements, a large whiteboard at Trinity Universitys student center has been newly filled with colorful hearts. Among them, in large letters, are the words R.I.P. Cayley, and below that, Draw a heart for Cayley.

The death Tuesday of 19-year-old Cayley Mandadi at a hospital in Kyle has rocked the small, private university campus, all the more so because days later, so little is known about it.

Texas Rangers are investigating it as a possible homicide, authorities said Friday. No cause or manner of death has been released.

Everyone was shocked. The idea of death is scary  especially for someone that young, and especially someone going to your school, said Yara Samman, a senior at Trinity .

Samman didnt even know Mandadi, a Trinity cheerleader from League City in the Houston area. But it didnt matter: in a school of about 2,500 students, the degree of separation between Mandadi and any given student only goes so far.

The Trinity community has suffered an unbearable loss, and our primary focus today is on supporting the student's family, friends and classmates as we cope with this tragic news, University spokeswoman Sharon Schweitzer said in an email Wednesday.

Unfortunately, we have few details to share other than to confirm this tragic loss.

RELATED: Body with gunshot wounds found near West Side park

Mandadis mother, Allison Mandadi Steele, declined an interview request Friday.

The family is going to reserve statements for the time being, Steele said. We understand that the public, and of course Trinity, is very concerned with the case.

Mandadi was in a vehicle traveling from San Antonio to Houston on Sunday when someone in the vehicle noticed she was not breathing, so she was taken to Seton Edgar B. Davis Hospital in Luling, said Guadalupe County Sheriff Arnold Zwicke, who said his office is not involved in the case but was briefed on it by Luling police.

Luling P.D. responded to a call from the hospital. Now the Texas Rangers are involved because of the jurisdictional issue about where the death occurred, Zwicke said.

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Hays County Justice of the Peace Beth Smith said she was notified  by Seton Medical Center Hays in Kyle, where Mandadi had been transferred,  of her death there at 3:43 p.m. Tuesday.

"I ordered an autopsy. ... (Results) will probably take about three months to get back," said Smith, who would not disclose any further information about the case. "I will be handling the inquest investigation to determine the manner and cause of death."

A spokeswoman for the Luling police said early Friday that it was being investigated as a homicide, but that afternoon the department would not confirm that or release any details.

"All we are authorized to say is it is an active investigation and that the Texas Rangers are handling it," said an employee there.

Lt. Jason Reyes, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety, said authorities in Luling and Caldwell County asked the Texas Rangers to investigate the death. He said no determination has yet been made whether it was a homicide.

Seton hospital officials said they could not provide any information about Mandadi, citing patient confidentiality laws.

RELATED: Father of Texas State student dragged to death accuses 14 people, groups in $10 million suit

Students who worked for the Trinitonian, the weekly campus newspaper that hit stands Friday, said Mandadi was a cheerleader and member of the Chi Beta Epsilon social sorority. They and other students and faculty found out about Mandadi's death Wednesday, via an email from Danny Anderson, university president.

Some professors have held moments of silence, while others have offered support or resources outside of class. University counselors have held special sessions for those closest to her.

Students at the Trinitonian found themselves processing the news first as community members, but then as journalists.

Daniel Conrad, 22, a senior and the Trinitonian's editor-in-chief, said he knew Mandadi as an acquaintance but had good friends who were close to her, adding, "I was really devastated when I heard what had happened."

Reading the email felt "unreal," said Kathleen Creedon, 19, a sophomore and news editor for the Trinitonian.

When senior Grace Frye, an executive editor at the paper, got Anderson's email, she thought about how to provide support to people who knew Mandadi best.

"We're not going to be able to read an email like that and immediately be OK," Frye, 21, said. "I think at the heart of it, people were mostly just thinking about other people."

But then the personal had to quickly turn professional as Frye became involved with the paper's reporting on Mandadi.

"The amount of rumors and talk on campus, that is what really helps me to drive towards getting to what actually happened," Frye said. "At the end of the day, those rumors and those incorrect facts are what's going to be more damaging, both to the family and to close friends who have to walk around and be bombarded with that."

It was sunny on Friday afternoon, but many students described the day  every day since Tuesday, really  as gloomy.

"Generally people have been upset, but we're all supporting one another," said Zabdi Salazar, 21, a junior.

Many Trinity seniors still recall the death of Corey Burris Byrnes, an 18-year-old student who died two years ago in a car crash with four other first-year students who were injured.

"The pain of losing someone  it never goes away," Samman said.

RELATED: Details emerge in the death of Silsbee cheerleader

Friday evening, Schweitzer confirmed the Trinity University Police Department issued an alert on Nov. 1 for a criminal trespassing warning regarding a non-student who was associated with Mandadi.

Schweitzer said the man had been on campus before Mandadi died and he was not welcomed back, but declined to provide more details.

She continued, saying authorities do not believe there is an immediate threat to campus, but the school is acting out of "an abundance of caution."

"We're taking the steps to reassure students that we're making the campus as safe as we can," Schweitzer said. "Above all, we're here to support our students and family affected by this tragic loss  our priority is taking care of this community."

Several people who identified themselves as Mandadi's friends declined comment to mySA.com.

Madalyn Mendoza is a digital reporter for MySA.com. Read more of her stories here.| mmendoza@mysa.com | Twitter: @MaddySkye

Editor's Note: The original version of this story misidentified Frye as Creedon when she spoke about the rumors on campus. It also did not mention that Frye, in addition to being a Trinity senior, is an executive editor for the student newspaper, the Trinitonian.
E! News: In the finale, Lestat isn't burned and instead left in the dump, meaning he's still alive. Can you definitely say if we will see Lestat in season two? Jacob Anderson: Yes, I can definitely say that you will see Lestat in season
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MERIDEN  Police investigated after a student made a threat against Washington Middle School for Monday, according to the superintendent.

A message from Assistant Principal Dan Corsetti was sent to parents on Saturday regarding the reported threat, Superintendent Mark Benigni said. In the message Corsetti said a student allegedly made a threat against Washington Middle School for Monday. The police were immediately notified and do not perceive it to be a credible threat. Police will have extra protection at the school on Monday, Corsetti said.

Benigni said a comment was overheard and the student has not been identified. If the student is identified the school will issue consequences, Benigni noted.

Corsetti added that any parents with concerns can reach out to him at 203-235-6606.
The Connecticut Network ending its coverage of state government Friday evening just days after striking a per diem agreement to stay on the air while officials negotiated with the legislature for a long-term agreement.

Paul Giguere, president and CEO of CT-Ns nonprofit parent Connecticut Public Affairs Network, notified the Office of Legislative Management that CT-N would cease coverage Friday at 5 p.m. because he didnt see the two sides resolving a contract dispute.

After careful consideration and much deliberation, our organization cannot escape the conclusion that the recent actions to eliminate CPANs editorial discretion combined with the drastic reduction in funding has transformed CT-N into a project no longer consistent with our organizations fiduciary obligations in either the financial or mission sense, Giguere wrote in a letter Thursday to OLM.

The CT-N channel will continue to operate on a loop of reruns while the legislature finds a solution. OLM posted a note from Facilities Administrator Eric Connery outside CT-Ns Capitol Office informing employees of a strong possibility that some of you can be part of a long-term solution.

No further details were provided, but one option would be for the legislature and OLM to bring the operation in-house.

CPAN and OLM had reached an agreement Tuesday, just hours before a contract was set to expire, for CT-N to remain on the air on a day-to-day basis at a prorated cost of $1.2 million annually.

The intent was to strike a full agreement, but Giguere said he didnt see that occurring after OLM rejected CPANs offer to allow the nonprofit organization to seek other forms of revenue outside the state budget.

House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, R-Debry, said in a statement that legislative leaders value CT-Ns service, but the decision to end coverage serves no purpose.

It ignores the fiscal reality that all other state-funded agencies have to deal with, and that is, we do not have the resources to continue business as usual, she said in the statement. For CT-N to put forth this ultimatum that puts jobs at risk while we are attempting, in good faith, to resolve these complex matters as we deal with the states ongoing fiscal crisis is irresponsible.

Klarides also said that coverage of the General Assembly would continue regardless of any decisions by CT-N.

The recently adopt budget does cut funding to CT-N to $1.6 million, down from the $2.4 million included in a request for proposals issued earlier this year  CPAN was the only response  and $2.7 million last year.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy offered his support in a letter to legislative leaders Friday, including a pledge to find up to $400,000 in savings within current allocations for the Executive Branch. He also said he believes the legislature and Judicial Branches could free up matching contributions.

Malloy also questioned in the letter why CT-N and OLM remained at an impasses, pressing legislative leaders on whether the dispute is over editorial control and not funding.

Pat Sheehan, chairman of CPANs board of directors, said the budget cut is a concern, but the board never signed the agreement in the first place because OLMs contract terms would have greatly reduced the scope of coverage.

In its request for proposals, OLM, at the request of the four legislative caucuses, said the selected vendor would primarily cover the legislature, and that the Executive and Judicial branches would see less air time.

CT-N has provided gavel-to-gavel coverage of legislative sessions since 1999, as well as daily coverage of committee hearings and other proceedings, but has also regularly broadcast Executive Branch activities and, more recently, state Supreme Court cases.

Sheehan said coverage of all three branches were always part of CT-Ns scope, and he believes reducing coverage would be a detriment to the public. I cant believe these are legislators who would only build roads to their own garage, he said.

Sheehan said CPAN isnt ready to cut off talks with OLM, but he doesnt see the board interested in negotiations unless it can retain editorial control.

msavino@record-journal.com

203-317-2266

Twitter: @reporter_savino
LITCHFIELD (AP)  A Jewish group has won a 10-year legal fight against a historic district commission to build a synagogue in northwestern Connecticut.

U.S. District Judge Janet Hall ruled Thursday in New Haven that Chabad Lubavitch of Litchfield County can convert a Victorian home near the Litchfield Green into a synagogue and community center.

The Republican-American reported that Hall also ruled the group must eliminate a planned second-floor apartment for Rabbi Joseph Eisenbach and his family. She says having them live elsewhere would not infringe on religious rights.

The Litchfield Historic District Commission rejected the synagogue plan in 2007, saying it was too large and out of character for the historic district. Chabad Lubavitch sued, claiming religious discrimination.

Hall initially dismissed the lawsuit. A federal appeals court overturned the ruling in 2014.

___

Information from: Republican-American, http://www.rep-am.com
The San Francisco Police Department can begin equipping its officers with Taser electroshock weapons in December 2018, the Police Commission said in voting on an issue that has been debated and rejected in the city for 13 years.

After an almost seven-hour meeting interrupted by a raucous protest that led to a lockdown of City Hall, commissioners narrowly passed a measure late Friday that the police officers union and several past police chiefs have long supported in the face of strong opposition from activists and critics of the department.

While members of the departments top brass remained straight-faced during the hard-fought, 4-3 vote in favor of the plan, activists outside the chamber began chanting, Shame! Shame!  a sentiment echoed by Commissioner Petra DeJesus, a longtime Taser opponent.

I think its incredibly sad in this age of Trump and Black Lives Matter, when our own officers are involved in shootings of minorities and mentally ill, that this commission is seriously considering voting for Tasers after all these years, she said. I was hoping this commission would do the right thing.

San Francisco has one of the last major police forces in the country without the devices, in part because of the opposition from community members concerned about the weapons lethality and the potential for abuse.

But those in favor of Tasers, including Police Chief Bill Scott, who took command in January amid controversy over a series of officer-involved shootings, say officers need less-lethal alternatives to firearms and Tasers provide such an option.

Scott praised the commissions decision in a statement Saturday.

Conductive energy devices are a sound, less-lethal force option that complement the de-escalation principles and techniques our officers practice every day, the chief said. He thanked the commissioners and their staffs for months of analysis and discussion on the issue, and the residents who participated in work groups and gave thoughtful, articulate feedback.

Scott promised to gather input from doctors and other experts and to draft a solid policy on training, supervision and accountability before deploying the weapons.

On Friday, Commission Vice President Thomas Mazzucco cited a U.S. Department of Justice report last year that said San Francisco should strongly consider giving officers stun guns.

In conversations with many people from the Department of Justice, they couldnt believe we didnt have these, Mazzucco said. They believe it will save lives.

The report was the result of a six-month review of the city police force after officers fatally shot Mario Woods in December 2015. Woods, a stabbing suspect who police say was carrying a knife, was shot while shuffling slowly along a Bayview neighborhood street, after efforts to subdue him with beanbag rounds and pepper spray failed.

The killing is still under investigation, but after the shooting the Police Commission revised the departments use-of-force policy to put more of an emphasis on the sanctity of life and deploying de-escalation tactics, and using force as a last resort.

De-escalation has been a topic that the San Francisco Police Department has taken very seriously, Scott said Friday as he made his case for Tasers. The reality is there are times when de-escalation does not work, and officers have to use force as safely as possible. We have a duty to reduce injuries to residents and officers when these type of incidents occur.

But Commission President L. Julius Turman, who voted against the measure, said equipping officers with Tasers will derail the progress we have made. Commissoner Bill Ong Hing, who also voted no, said he had concerns about the studies that found officers use these weapons disproportionately on communities of color  communities with whom the department has been working to rebuild trust as part of the reform efforts.

Its the wrong message to be sending to the community to adopt Tasers right now, Hing said. Itll put us so far back in terms of the achievements that this department has made with respect to credibility.

While Fridays vote did not delve into policy for Taser use, Scott has said he wants all sworn officers to be equipped with the weapon. As part of the vote, commissioners said officers could not begin using the weapons until December 2018, after the revised use-of-force policy has been in place for two years.

Commissioner Sonia Melara said she received about 100 letters in support of Tasers from community members, and a handful supporters spoke at the meeting. But dozens more spoke in opposition. Activists against Tasers shut down the meeting for about an hour and prompted deputies to lock down City Hall.

Please try (a Taser) on yourself before you make the decision, activist Maria Cristina Gutierrez said just before she exceeded the two-minute limit for each speaker during public comment and Turman called the meeting into recess.

The activists remained in the room, chanting and making speeches against the weapons, as the commissioners filed out and reconvened in another room.

Turman called the meeting back into session without informing the community members still in the original room and reopened public comment by bringing in five people at a time who were not involved in the disruptive behavior.

Opponents have shifted their focus from past deaths linked to the devices to their effectiveness. Critics have brought in experts to speak to commissioners about Taser failure rates  and what that means for an officer and a subject in an escalating, perilous encounter.

Many balked at the overall cost estimate. The low estimate for obtaining Tasers  in a scenario in which some but not all officers get them  was $2.8 million, which includes the devices and officer training, instructor training, testing and defibrillators. Ongoing, annual costs for the low estimate came out to just over $400,000.

The high estimate, based on equipping and training all sworn officers, was $8 million in one-time costs and annual costs of about $750,000.

The analysis did not include the cost of litigation that could come as a result of injuries or deaths because of an officers Taser use.

DeJesus was noticeably absent for much of the meeting, choosing instead to stand outside with the community members not allowed into the room.

This commission has turned a deaf ear to the communities that are most affected by this, she said. Shame on all of you.

Joe Marshall, the longest serving commissioner, commented that he has served on the commission through all 13 years of proposals regarding Tasers.

He said he supported the chief, in part because he had learned there was no right time to equip officers with Tasers and that after 13 years, it was time for a decision.

People just dont like Tasers, Marshall said. I heard the statement that it will never be the time to have them. Time does not matter to me. There is no the time. You have to decide whether to have them or not.

Chronicle staff writer

Rachel Swan contributed

to this report.

Vivian Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @VivianHo
Claverack

To mark the 250th anniversary of the Reformed Dutch Church of Claverack, there will be a tour of 18th-century Claverack Dutch homes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Homes include Van Rensselaer Lower Manor House (c. 1700), Van Hoesen House (c. 1715), Van Ness House (c. 1730), Ten Broeck House (c.1750), Van Deusen House (c. 1740), Conyn-Van Rensselaer House (1766), and Cornelius Muller House (1767), plus other homes, graveyards and churches.

Tour tickets are available at the church at 88 Route 9H, Claverack, and cost $40, payable by check, credit card or cash. Proceeds benefit Claverack Pathways  Shaw Bridge Project of Open Space Institute, Inc.

Built in 1870 for horses and carriages and later used by motorized vehicles, Shaw Bridge will be a bicycle and pedestrian bridge when restored.

For details, contact Ian Nitschke at 518-567-8288 or Ian.Nitschke@mac.com.
A small preschool in Bethesda has a big problem on its hands, and God - or at least teaching about God - is at the center of it.

For as long as anyone can remember, the Concord-St. Andrew's Cooperative Nursery School has been educating young children without including much, or anything, in the way of religious instruction, say numerous parents at the school, some of whom attended when they were children. That secular approach was fine with many at the close-knit school, where families and teachers come from a range of religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds and find harmony in their divergent viewpoints.

But all of that appears primed to change.

The school community was roiled in early October when the Rev. Susan Brown, the pastor at Concord-St. Andrew's Church, told the school's director that beginning next academic year, "all classes will incorporate age-appropriate Christian lessons in their daily activities," according to a letter sent to parents.

"It feels like a crusade where they're trying to bring God to the godless nursery school," said Kate Mueller, who is Catholic and has a 3-year-old daughter in the school. "It took so much time and energy and devotion to build what is there now, and now it's being stomped on."

At a presentation for staff members and parents in October, Brown distributed a handout - which was obtained by The Washington Post - that noted the United Methodist church had hired a director for children and youth ministries to help design and integrate new lessons into the curriculum. The document also talked about incorporating prayer and chapel into the regular schedule.

The planned curriculum changes have not been well-received by many of the parents of the school's 60 or so students. Although the preschool is housed in the church basement, parents say they chose to send their children to Concord-St. Andrew's precisely because it did not teach religion and had a reputation, built up over its 60-year existence, as a school that welcomed children of all faiths - or no faith at all.

They say they willingly signed up for the cooperative aspect of the school, which requires parents to regularly help out in the classroom, but they did not sign up for a school where religion is an organizing structure of the day.

The question of why the church chose to make the switch, after having had such a hands-off policy for years, is one many parents are asking. So far, they haven't heard any satisfactory answers, they say.

Brown did not respond to requests for an interview. The school's director, Amy Forman, declined to comment.

In the handout provided to parents, the church notes, "The CSA Nursery School is not a secular organization; it operates under the church's exempt status with all of the privileges of that status. As such, it must include religious education as part of its primary mission." The handout also references guidance from the United Methodist Church's Book of Discipline, which sets laws and doctrine for the denomination.

But parents say the meeting held by Brown to explain the change did little to address their concerns or answer their questions.

"Complete disappointment, that was my first reaction," Leah Markowitz, a parent of two children at the school, said of hearing of the planned change to the curriculum. "And then disgust. What is happening? Why is this happening?"

Markowitz, who is Jewish, said she and her husband, who was raised Lutheran, looked at eight preschools before discovering Concord-St. Andrew's, which sits at Goldsboro and River roads. They loved the school immediately, but they are planning to take their children out at year's end after Brown addressed parents and staff members in a tense meeting last month.

"I don't want my kids there," she said.

None of the parents questions whether the church has the authority to change the school's mission. But they still wonder why it is happening now, when they had been given no indication the church was unhappy with how the school operated.

Other parents, who are already scrambling to find preschools for their children to attend next year, are particularly unhappy with how the church has handled the situation.

"Some of us have said we wouldn't have had such a negative reaction if it had played out differently, if the church had acted in a cooperative manner" to find a compromise, said Kelly Headd, who has a 4-year-old at the school.

All of the parents reached for this article said news of the change came as a surprise, given that the church leadership has had little interaction or involvement with the school in the past.

"It's almost like a Hallmark movie, where the big bad corporation is coming in to destroy the little guys, and we're hoping there will be some warm, happy ending," Headd said.

For now, few parents are optimistic about finding an ending that will be satisfactory.

Darren Higgins, who has a 4-year-old at the school and describes himself as nonreligious, said a compromise at this point would not make much of a difference. He and his wife, who attended the cooperative when she was a toddler, still plan to take their child out of the school and will not send their newborn there, either.

"We wanted to give the church the benefit of the doubt, but the way the church went about it was, in short, a very un-Christian thing to do," Higgins said. "In truth, bridges have been burned. If they wanted to resolve this amicably, it would have been a fairly easy discussion to have.

"A breach of trust has occurred."
In an escalation of the Trump administrations war on sanctuary cities and states, the Justice Department sent a Fox News story to reporters that said the department was threatening to withdraw federal funds from California unless the state repealed a new law protecting some undocumented immigrants.

It was a mixed message, however. Attached to the emailed story  which the agency sent as an official news release  was a letter from a Justice Department official to a state official that contained no such threat, only a request to clarify some provisions of the law.

Both documents were dated Wednesday. The news release was headlined ICYMI, shorthand for in case you missed it, and continued, FOX News: DOJ threatens to pull Californias funding over sanctuary state law.

The article said the Justice Department had warned California to drop its sanctuary state status or remain in violation of federal law and potentially lose out on millions of dollars.

The Justice Departments media affairs office confirmed Friday that it had sent the news release, but did not respond to questions about the use of the Fox News article or the apparent contradiction between the article and the attached letter.

The new state law, SB54, due to take effect Jan. 1, broadens restrictions on state and local law enforcement officials cooperation with federal immigration agents.

It will prohibit law enforcement from keeping immigrants in custody after they have served their sentence so immigration agents can pick them up for deportation, unless the federal officials have a warrant. That prohibition would not apply to immigrants who have been convicted of, or are charged with, violent or serious crimes. The new law also bars police from asking people about their immigration status.

At least 300 cities and counties nationwide, including San Francisco, have adopted sanctuary laws or policies that limit their cooperation with immigration officers. President Trump has threatened to strip them of federal funding, but a federal judge in San Francisco has ruled that the administration lacked authority to do so.

The Fox News article circulated by the Justice Department said department officials could not only withhold new federal funds from California, but could also seek to recover $16 million in grants the state received in 2016.

The article quoted Justice Department spokesman Devin OMalley as saying the new California law would require local police (to) release criminal aliens back onto our streets. This law undermines public safety and national security, was opposed by law enforcement, and potentially violates federal law.

He did not say what law the state was violating. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has argued that local and state governments should be penalized for refusing to hold immigrants for federal agents, but judges have ruled that such detention is not required by federal law.

The letter attached to the news release was far less combative. Signed by Alan Hanson, an acting assistant attorney general, it informed a state prison board official that parts of SB54 may violate a federal law that requires states to allow local officers to share information with federal agents about a detainees immigration status.

Hanson asked Kathleen Howard, executive director of the Board of State and Community Corrections, to certify that the new law does not prohibit sharing such information. State lawyers and the bills author, Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, have maintained that SB54 allows all the cooperation that federal law requires.

Federal law does not require states to affirmatively collect information about an individuals immigration status, the law firm of former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, which acted as a consultant to de Leon, told Sessions in a letter in June. SB54, the firm said, does not prevent police from sharing any information they have with federal agents.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
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The Museum of the African Diasporas Afropolitan Ball on Saturday, Oct. 28, raised more than a million bucks, which more than met the monetary goal of this all-out swanky party. But there sure was a larger purpose: Together, said the inside of the program for the Shades of Black party, we will keep black art and culture in our city.

If it seems there are fewer and fewer blacks in San Francisco, this was an occasion for the citys most prominent members of that community  including Willie Brown, honorary co-chairman of the event with Lloyd Dean of Dignity Health  to put on their best duds, party with old pals and confirm their place in the citys cultural mosaic. This is more black people together than you usually see, said one woman. People like to see each other, especially in black tie and silver-beaded gown, which was what she was wearing.

They also like to pitch in. The event, chaired by Monetta White and David Lawrence of 1300 Fillmore, along with Eric Reed and Michelle Miller Reed, was sold out, with the lowest ticket price at $1,000. Event designer Riccardo Benivades had turned the Grand Ballroom of the Fairmont into a glimmering pink-and-purple-lit club. This event, said Brown (not known for understatement), is the most spectacular one that I have ever seen.

Among the MoAD artists present: Erica Deeman, Mildred Howard, Lava Thomas, Richard Mayhew, Kenyatta Hinkle, Lewis Watts. Los Angeles-based Betye Saar was honored for lifetime achievement, and Fred Blackwell of the San Francisco Foundation was honored for being a visionary leader in philanthropy. The speeches and fund-a-need pitch were the meat and potatoes of a program that began with Hiplet, a Chicago troupe of hip-hop dancers who perform en pointe, and ended with ... well, the party part.

At the sound of the Paris-based DORA Live Band, the guests, having sat at their tables and listened and contributed and applauded as well-behaved fundraising attendees do, exploded onto the dance floor. Speeches, fundraising (and, in my case, note-taking), all well and good. But it was on that crowded dance floor that the good times got rolling.

P.S.: At the reception before dinner, Kaiser Permanente CEO Bernard Tyson was congratulated on the HMOs role in co-sponsoring the Thursday, Nov. 9, Band Together Bay Area benefit concert for victims of the recent fires. Noting that 48 percent of the residents of Santa Rosa and Napa are Kaiser patients, and that in 1990 he was administrator of the Kaiser hospital in Santa Rosa, Tyson was bursting with pride over the staff having evacuated the patients there immediately upon realizing the fires were approaching. People had been asking him, he said, When did I make that decision? I never made that decision. Staff, he said, acted on their own, promptly and heroically. We had 200 employees, managers and physicians who lost their homes, he said. They never stopped working.

Responding to the reader who noted last week that under the current administrations guidelines  or lack of them  the Marin headlands might become home to coal mines, James Brzezinski has another mixed use suggestion: Yosemite National Park & Quarry. Others?

Help! emailed Phil Witte. Restoration Hardwares 726-page catalog fell on me, and I cant get up!

At the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, Catherine Luciano was watching a woman accept change for her purchase from a young man. Thank you, sir, she told him. You dont have to call me sir, he said. She looked horrified. Oh, I am so sorry, she said. Im not from here. Thank you, maam.

The Strand, where Small Mouth Sounds is playing, has a long history as a movie theater that includes a stint as a porno house. Perhaps this is in keeping with tradition: Now that it is part of the new mid-Market restoration, emails Joe Mac, A.C.T. is presenting a play with full frontal nudity.

As to the Salesforce Tower  remember, we used to complain about the Transamerica Pyramid, but its become a beloved part of the skyline  Karen Strauss was driving across the Bay Bridge on Monday morning, and glimpsed what she said was the perfect view, completely obscured by fog. Meanwhile, Tom Adams calls it Coit Tower 2.0.

Leah Garchik is open for business in San Francisco, (415) 777-8426. Email: lgarchik@sfchronicle.com; Twitter: @leahgarchik

Public Eavesdropping

Its called booty yoga. Its way American. Its not like yoga at all.

Woman to woman, overheard in Lake County by Tamsen Donner
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NORWALK  Nine candidates are vying for four at-large seats on a Board of Education thats made more progress for Norwalk Public Schools than any in recent memory.

And though two candidates are running for re-election, at least two new faces will join the board after voters hit the ballot box Tuesday. Among the top issues candidates are focusing on this year are special education, continued support of the five-year facilities plan and three-year Strategic Operating Plan, and improved communication between the board and the community to improve the perception of the board and the school system as a whole.

Those elected will serve four-year terms, to be completed in 2021. An organizational meeting to select the new board chairman and form committees will be held Nov. 21, following the election and the appointment of a new board member to the seat left vacant by Yvel Crevecoeur, who resigned last week.

Current board chairman Mike Lyons, whose term expires in 2019, said turnover on the Board of Education is beneficial to productivity, while continuity of some members helps maintain institutional knowledge rather than require the board to start from scratch. He said all of the candidates running are people he could see serving effectively on the board.

Both of the slates of candidates who are running this year are pretty good groups of people, Lyons said. Both Republicans and Democrats, and I dont see anybody on either slate that I would have any difficulty working with. Im confident that whoever the voters choose, were going to have some good people joining us.

Marc DAmelio, Republican

DAmelio, a Norwalk native with two children who attend King School in Stamford, is the founder and president of Level 4 Collective Showroom in New York City. He is a 1986 graduate of Norwalk High School and earned his bachelors degree in political science from the University of Connecticut. He said he has no elected office experience, but served as the president of the Norwalk High School Parents Club and PTO and was an elected parent member of the Norwalk High School Governance Council. He has also served on the Norwalk High School Governance Council Budget Committee.

DAmelios top three issues to address if elected are budgetary and fiscal pressures, special education and a negative school perception.

I am not fiscally conservative, but I do believe in being fiscally efficient, DAmelio said. We need to scrutinize our budget and make sure we spend our money wisely. Many of my opponents have grandiose ideas on transforming our schools but come up empty with ideas on how to pay for it. We need to strike a balance of investing in creating top-notch schools while protecting our seniors and residents on fixed incomes from financial hardship.

Tom Cullen, Republican

Cullen did not return a request for comment on his platform or top issues as a Board of Education candidate.

Tom Donaher, Republican

Donaher, associate vice president of telecommunications at Jefferies LLC, is the parent of a 2016 Norwalk High School Graduate and a current NHS student. He has no elected office experience, but lists community participation as the secretary of Boy Scout Troop 222 for more than a decade, and has ben on the Saint Thomas Parish Council for three years.

Donaher listed his top three issues as infrastructure improvement and support of the plans set forth by the superintendent and current Board of Education, curriculum improvement in math, and curriculum improvements to address the needs of the middle percentage of the student population.

We need to continue to find common ground on the BOE under very strict budgets, and I can accomplish this need, Donaher said.

Heidi Keyes, Democrat, incumbent

Keyes is an educational assistant at Westport Public Schools who has served on the Board of Education since 2009. Keyes served as the boards secretary from 2012-15, as vice chairperson in 2016, and is currently the secretary. She has also been chairperson of the policy committee since 2014, and currently serves on the facilities committee and is the boards representative for the Norwalk Early Childhood Council.

Her top three issues are continued support of early childhood initiatives, improved communication between the districts central office, board members and the community, and continued support of the three-year Strategic Operating Plan.

I believe in a public school education and take pride that during the last eight years I have always worked in the best interest of our students and the taxpayers in a bipartisan manner, Keyes said.

Bruce Kimmel, Democrat

Kimmel, an adjunct professor at Norwalk Community College, previously served on the Board of Education from 2005-09 and was a member of the finance and curriculum committees. In 2011, he was elected to the Common Council, where he served as president from 2015-16.

Kimmels top three issues include efficiently and creatively funding the boards existing strategic academic plans, ensuring completion of the boards three-year special education plan, and monitoring the boards facilities plan, while providing regular communication with parents.

I am able to address educational issues from a variety of perspectives: as an educator ... as an academic ... as an active parent ... as an elected official, Kimmel said.

Sarah LeMieux, Democrat

LeMieux is a parent of three children in the Norwalk Public School system. She earned her bachelors degree at New York University, studied educational psychology at the University of Connecticut, earned a certificate in Early Childhood Curriculum Design from the ChildCare Education Institute and is currently studying for her masters degree in Music Composition at the Vermont College of Fine Arts.

LeMieux has never run for municipal office, but was elected to serve on the West Rocks School Governance Council in 2016, and was appointed the Columbus Magnet School Governance Council in 2013.

Her top three issues include further integrating technology into the district curriculum, developing a cohesive community and coherent philosophy within the Norwalk Public School system, and a focus on student health and wellness.

What sets me apart is broad-based experience working with a wide variety of populations in many different educational environments, LeMieux said.

Barbara Meyer-Mitchell, Democrat

Meyer-Mitchell is a parent of two children in the Norwalk Public School system, and is a founder and administrator of the Norwalk Parents for Education Facebook Page. She has never held an elected office, but lists substantial community involvement including advocacy for ECS funding at the state level, parent participation in Girl and Boy Scouts, Cranbury School PTO, West Rocks Gala Committee and the local NAACP chapter.

Meyer-Mitchells top three issues include a focus on academics beyond ELA and math, completion of the five-year facilities plan, and continuation of progress in the special education and academically talented programs.

I have created positive working relationships with (Superintendent of Schools) Dr. (Steven) Adamowski and his staff, with Board of Education members of both parties, our legislative representatives of both parties, and with parents and teachers across the district, Meyer-Mitchell said. I believe I can build bridges within the community in a non-partisan, inclusive, and civil manner. I have time to have conversations with staff and stakeholders, do site visits, and read lengthy reports and research.

Shirley Mosby, Working Families Party, Democrat, Incumbent

Mosby is a Norwalk native and the parent of a Norwalk High School graduate. She was elected to the Board of Education in 2013, and serves on the curriculum and policy committees, as well as an adult education liaison. She also previously served on the board from 2007-09.

Mosbys stop three issues include special education, overall student achievement, and increasing parental and community involvement.

I believe if one child fails it is one child too many, Mosby said. I serve as a voice for those who dont have a voice and I can be counted on to keep the community informed about the Boards decisions. I have served on the board for six years with one purpose  to ensure our school system offers a strong, quality education to every single student.

Steve Tessier, Republican

Tessier did not return a request for comment on his platform or top issues as a Board of Education candidate.

kkrasselt@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2563; @kaitlynkrasselt
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HARTFORD  With five hours to spare Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman tried to salvage the legislatures contract with the nonprofit operator of the Connecticut Television Network by offering $400,000 in operating funds and $1 million in bonding.

In a letter to legislative leaders, Malloy and Wyman asked them to reconsider the resources they planned to dedicate toward the network.

They also said they were also troubled that matters of editorial liberty and coverage of events other than the legislature may have played a role in the failure to come to a new agreement. The operator of CT-N should cover whatever is of interest to the public, and that should clearly include Executive or Judicial branch activities where they deem appropriate.

But it may be too little, too late  and the money may not be addressing the root of the problem, which appears to be about editorial control of the network.

Legislative staff met Friday morning with Legislative Management to learn the fate of what will happen to their public broadcasting station if their nonprofit operator, Connecticut Public Affairs Network (CPAN), walks away at 5 p.m. as promised in a Thursday letter.

CPAN let the Office of Legislative Management know at 7 p.m. Thursday that it would no longer be able to continue operating the network if the state wouldnt allow it to seek outside funding to continue its mission.

As part of bidding on the new contract, CPAN had already agreed to cancel programming it had been producing for more than 12 years in order to stay within the confines of the revised five-year agreement. CPAN laid off staff associated with that additional programming at the end of August.

However, editorial disputes between CPAN and the Office of Legislative Management started earlier this year when OLM refused to allow a television broadcast of their opening day conversations with Diane Smith. They objected to allowing anyone who wasnt a legislator to be part of the show.

Interviews should be limited to legislators only, Jim Tracy, executive director of Legislative Management, said in an email in January. There should be no interviews with any guests representing a broad, balanced collection of stakeholders likely to be impacted by the Governors budget strategy.

Legislative Management also prohibited live television coverage of Office of Policy and Management Secretary Ben Barnes explaining the governors two-year budget proposal in February.

Pat Sheehan, chairman of CPAN, said Friday that they almost didnt bid on what they thought was a $2.4 million contract because they werent sure they would be able to carry out their mission. He said thats why other entities who expressed an interest in bidding didnt bid.

The bipartisan budget agreement allocated $1.2 million for the service.

We are providing an information service thats intended for the benefit of the public, Sheehan said.
WASHINGTON - Federal officials on Friday released a 10-year-old girl with cerebral palsy who was detained in Texas last week after undergoing surgery because she was an undocumented immigrant traveling without her parents.

Rosa Maria Hernandez was transported from a federally funded shelter in San Antonio, where she had been held for 10 days, to her family's home 150 miles south in the border city of Laredo. She was born in Mexico, but has lived in Texas since she was three months old.

"I am incredibly happy that she's going to be reunited with her mother and the rest of her family," said Andre Segura, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, which filed a lawsuit seeking her release this week. "The family is obviously very exicted to have her back."

The girl's case sparked national outcry from members of Congress, physicians and lawyers who urged the government to let her go. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., called on the Senate Judiciary Committee to hold a hearing and even celebrities got involved, such as Tony-award-winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, who tweeted #FreeRosa.

On Friday, as federal employees drove her home, advocates cheered the government's decision and called on the Trump administration to drop any plans it may still have to deport the girl.

Her lawyers said Rosa Maria has been served with a notice that she could face deportation but charges have not been officially filed in immigration court.

"This family has gone through enough," said Michael Tan, a staff attorney with the ACLU's Immigrants' Rights Project. "It is the most outrageous case I have ever worked on."

Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, also urged the Trump administration to drop her case, saying, "The United States should not be a place where children seeking life-sustaining medical care are at risk of apprehension."

Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which handles the charges, did not immediately respond to a request for comment late Friday.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also declined to comment. The agency oversees the Office of Refugee Resettlement, which cares for unaccompanied minors and arranges their release to parents or guardians.

The episode began in the early morning of Oct. 24, when Rosa Maria left her Laredo home in an ambulance to head to a scheduled gall-bladder operation at a hospital in Corpus Christi.

Her mother, Felipa de la Cruz, who is also undocumented, did not accompany her daughter because she feared being detained at a Border Patrol checkpoint several miles inland. Instead, she signed documents authorizing a U.S. citizen cousin to travel with the child.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers screened the vehicle at the checkpoint and discovered that Rosa Maria was here illegally. They said federal law required them to take her into custody because she was undocumented and without her parents.

Border agents trailed her to the hospital, guarded her during the surgery and then took her into custody. The agents then turned her over to the Office of Refugee Resettlement.

While she was at the shelter, Tan said, the girl's parents told her she was in a hospital, to avoid frightening her with the prospect of deportation. She has the cognitive capacity of a 6-year-old child, and had never been away from her family before.

Still, during a visit with her father, Tan said, the girl burst into tears and pointed to the healing wound from her operation and asked why she couldn't go home.

"She's profoundly traumatized," Tan said.

Lawyers and advocates argued that the government should not have detained Rosa Maria because she had a family - parents and two sisters - in Laredo.

The case marked the second time in a month that the ACLU had sued the federal government over an undocumented minor in federal custody. Earlier, the organization represented a pregnant 17-year-old who had been blocked from obtaining an abortion while in a government-funded shelter. The District of Columbia appeals court ordered the government to let her have the procedure.
WASHINGTON  The Trump administration told the Supreme Court on Friday it should consider disciplining lawyers for an undocumented teenage immigrant seeking an abortion, alleging they misrepresented her situation in a way that kept the government from asking the high court to intervene.

In a highly unusual filing reflecting the stakes of abortion politics, Solicitor General Noel Francisco called out ACLU lawyers representing the girl, identified in court papers as Jane Doe. The document said the girls lawyers knew the Justice Department planned to ask the Supreme Court on Oct. 25 to review a lower court decision saying the 17-year-old had a right to an abortion while in government custody.

The ACLU lawyers initially told government lawyers that under abortion laws in Texas, where the girl was detained, it was unlikely the abortion could be performed until Oct. 26. But, the girls lawyers say they discovered in the early hours of Oct. 25 that the girl was able to receive the procedure that morning  before the Justice Department could file a stay request with the Supreme Court. The lawyers did not inform the government until the procedure was over.

The government is asking the court to vacate the decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit that said she was entitled to an abortion. The filing said the precedent should not apply to a remaining broader legal challenge to the federal governments policy of dissuading, and even blocking, undocumented teens in its custody from having abortions.

That challenge is still pending in district court and has implications for the hundreds of young pregnant immigrants who have been in federal custody in recent years.

The government recognizes that respondents counsel have a duty to zealously advocate on behalf of their client, but they also have duties to this court and to the bar, the filing says. It appears under the circumstances that those duties may have been violated, and that disciplinary action may therefore be warranted. At the least, this court may wish to seek an explanation from counsel regarding this highly unusual chain of events.

ACLU Legal Director David Cole said in a statement the governments charges were baseless.

This administration has gone to astounding lengths to block this young woman from getting an abortion, Cole said. Now, because they were unable to stop her, they are raising baseless questions about our conduct. Our lawyers acted in the best interest of our client and in full compliance with the court orders and federal and Texas law. That government lawyers failed to seek judicial review quickly enough is their fault, not ours.

For his part, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton backed the governments action in a news release Friday.

I strongly support the Department of Justice asking the Supreme Court today to vacate the lower courts ruling. It seems very clear to me that ACLU lawyers misled the Department of Justice in order to carry out this heinous act against an innocent unborn life. I hope the Court will hold the responsible ACLU lawyers accountable for their conduct.

The Justice Department has been criticized by some, including Paxton, for failing to take the issue to the Supreme Court quickly enough to prevent the abortion, and Attorney General Jeff Sessions in a media interview last week blamed the girls lawyers.

This was a total surprise and really a breach of the kind of confidence that lawyers should be able have with one another, and we were very upset about it, Sessions said in an interview with Foxs Bret Baier.

Lawyers who practice at the Supreme Court said they could not remember a similar request to the court, and some theorized that the solicitor generals office was feeling political heat for failing to approach the high court before it was too late.

A news release from Paxton, after the girl obtained the procedure mentioned that the Department of Justice failed to appeal to the United States Supreme Court a ruling allowing the abortion.

Other lawyers, however, said it was important for lawyers in high-profile cases to be able to depend on each others representations in making decisions about the timing of appeals.

Kathleen Clark, who teaches legal ethics at Washington University Law School in St. Louis, said it was obvious the government was frustrated, but she found the filing curious.

Frankly, Im surprised the government was so vague in its allegations about what standards were violated, she said. She noted the strongest statement in the filing was that ACLU lawyers at least arguably had an obligation to notify the government of any change.

The Central American teenager, identified only as Jane Doe in court papers, is being held in a government-funded shelter in the Rio Grande Valley and had been seeking an abortion since late September. She learned she was pregnant shortly after crossing the border where she was detained, her lawyers said.

She convinced a Texas judge she was mature enough to make the decision to end the pregnancy without the notification of her parents, whom she said she feared, according to her lawyers.

But the Trump administrations Department of Health and Human Services has changed its policies and says it will not facilitate abortions for undocumented minors in federal custody.

Scott Lloyd, director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement, the HHS agency that oversees the minors, said in a March email that government-funded shelters caring for the minors should not be supporting abortion services pre or post-release; only pregnancy services and life-affirming options counseling.

A federal district judge ordered the abortion to proceed, but a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit stopped the process, and said it was preferable that the government find a sponsor for the girl, which would take the government out of helping her receive an abortion.

The full circuit court reversed that decision in a 6-to-3 ruling, followed a few hours later by a new order from the district judge. That started the race that Tuesday night. For the solicitor generals office, it was to get the issue before the Supreme Court. For lawyers for the girl, it was to get her the abortion. She was 15 weeks pregnant at the time.

Texas law requires medical counseling at least 24 hours in advance of an abortion by the same physician who performs the procedure. The 17-year-old underwent counseling on Oct. 19, allowing her to have the abortion any time after lower courts issued the order in her favor, depending on the doctors availability.
San Antonio police are searching for suspects and trying to unravel the surroundings of a shooting Saturday morning in the parking lot of a Northeast Side lounge.

Officers responded to the 2000 block of Austin Highway about 3:30 a.m. to find two women suffering from gunshot wounds, police said.
Sometimes its hard to find the right words to express oneself.

Other times, its hard to find the courage to express oneself at all. But the one lesson that seems to ring true is that almost everything, even the thing that makes us a bit uneasy, gets easier with practice.

For the past few years, Spanish teacher LeAnn Henderson has brought together her Spanish AP students and Spanish-speaking members of the community with a yearly Spanish Tea Party thats an opportunity for students to use the skills theyve been learning in class. It gives students learning a new language a chance to communicate with people who speak Spanish every day, not because were getting a grade but simply because we can. It also introduces students to adults who hail from different places in the Spanish-speaking world, all of whom speak Spanish with different accents, dialects and levels of formality.

In short, the tea party translates into roughly 45 minutes of Spanish immersion with adults who arent as familiar and informal as your mom, grandpa or neighbor from down the street.

I was seated with Zakery, Daniela, Justin and Emily. As they poured iced tea and shared cookies, they tossed out a few general questions theyd prepared for their assigned adult: Do you have children? What are your hobbies? Do you have pets? Our polite conversation was interrupted when a student at the next table tipped over a glass of water. Everyone at his table gasped. At our table, Zakery spoke up.

Ayuda! he said, which means Help! He said something about un accidente.

He exaggerated the cry for help, using humor the way high schoolers do when theyre not completely sure what to do or if theyre using the right words, but as Ms. Henderson came to the rescue with some paper towels, he smiled. He was pleased to have had the right words at hand.

Then, he went on.

Que mala pata! he said, smiling with mock relief. The expression literally translates to What a bad foot! and is one that can be confusing to those who havent heard it conversationally. But Zakery used it correctly; it means what a misstep, in the spirit of faux pas. Hed obviously heard or maybe even used this expression before, and now hed had a chance to use it exactly when the right situation presented itself in exactly the right setting  and so, for a few seconds, he beamed.

You know that feeling you get when you have just the right tool in your toolbox to fix a problem? That Im-glad-I-packed-that feeling? I think Zakery does.

Its scary speaking a foreign language in front of strangers who know the langugage better than you do, if only because theyve been speaking it a lot longer than you have. Its scary to think youre going to use the wrong word and be misunderstood. But if youve ever been in a position to learn a new language out of necessity, you also know that using the language is the only way. And that takes small doses of pure courage.

The payoff? It gets easier, and over time you develop the skill to use language that will build understanding.

Thats definitely a step in the right direction.

mariaanglinwrites@gmail.com
All water-related rates (water, sewer and stormwater) must go up. Thats because San Antonio has to increase its expenditures on infrastructure repairs, replacement and extension.

That does not mean, however, that the rate structure is fair. San Antonio needs to ask more of its businesses, especially those that use lots of water, produce high volumes of sewage or have large amounts of impervious surfaces that cause stormwater runoff.

SAWS misrepresented the 2015 changes to the water rate structure as promoting conservation, but that was not the intent of the changes. The main effects of the changes were to:

Shift a significant proportion of the costs of extremely expensive new water sources from the businesses that use large amounts of water to residential ratepayers.

Reduce the costs of water for irrigation by the heaviest users in residential and general classes.

Reduce the impact on the general class of paying a larger percentage than they ought to have been for decades for wastewater services (especially maintenance and repair of the sewage system).

Between 2015 and 2016, water consumption by the entire general class increased from 36.3 percent of the total water usage to 37.7 percent. Due to rate decreases for nearly all general-class water sales, the revenue from water supply fees attributable to the general class dropped from 37.3 percent of the total to 32.2 percent.

In 2016 alone, that shift resulted in the residential class having to pay an additional $2 million. That shift was accomplished by a 29 percent increase in fixed-fee charges to nearly all households. Fixed fees are highly regressive  that is, they hurt lower-income households far more than higher-income families.

Hardly an equitable rate structure.

The water supply fee is especially important, because that is how the newest, extremely expensive water supplies will affect rates. SAWS website explains that the water supply fee directly funds the acquisition of new water supplies to reduce San Antonios dependence on the Edwards Aquifer.

From 2001-15, the general class water supply fee was a flat fee, growing incrementally at the same rate as the wholesale class and the overall residential rate. The 2015 rate-structure changes, however, reduced the General Class Tier 1 so low that it was not until after 2019 that the rates would exceed the 2014 rate.

The City Council must undo the damage to residential ratepayers caused by both the 2009 and 2015 rate-structure changes. And it should do it now, because our water is too precious to be sold at any rate less than the full cost of buying, producing and distributing that water.

Sure, there can be higher tier rates above that full cost (for example, to discourage misuse of potable water for irrigation).

No business should be allowed to make increased profits from using underpriced water at the expense of residential ratepayers.

The key point about industries is that they use vastly more water than other businesses.

In San Antonio, the general class is not really a separate class, but rather a catch-all term that means every entity that is not single-family residential. The median for commercial is 100,388 gallons per month, while the median for industrial is 1,732,600 per month.

Many cities separate commercial from industrial and institutional classes. The industrial class is very small, but it accounts for 9.1 percent of general class usage in San Antonio. Total general class usage accounts for 37.4 percent of total usage.

Recycled water is sold for an extremely low price (low enough that its a bargain compared to the cost of potable water), so the revenues are never enough to pay for the cost of producing that water.

The council should consider raising the lowest rates for irrigation and general ratepayers, so the cost of recycled water could be raised. The remainder of the difference in cost could be paid by increasing the fixed charges to general class customers, because the recent rate-structure changes did not increase their fixed charges proportionately.

The costs for these repairs are enormous, and San Antonio is committed to years of expensive repairs and replacements. SAWS rate-structure change should have required the general class customers to make up for their unreasonably low bills over the past several decades.

Before 2016, a large hotel with upward of 1,000 bathrooms, plus restaurants and bars, paid the same monthly fixed charge ($12.69) that each of its underpaid workers paid for their residential sewer charge.

Because the new rate structure did not require high enough fixed charges and even reduced the volumetric cost per 100 gallons of wastewater, the high costs of sewer repairs are still borne disproportionately by residential ratepayers.

Between 2015 and 2016, the general class decreased usage slightly, from 41.8 percent to 41.6 percent of total wastewater. However, due to those changes in the SAWS rate structure, general class payments  both fixed charges and volumetric charges  for wastewater came nowhere near covering 41 percent of the consent-decree expenses. At the old rate basis, general class payments accounted for 34 percent of total wastewater revenues, and in 2016 that went up to 35 percent. General class should be required to pay much higher volumetric prices.

As a matter of policy, the council and mayor should make conservation and water-efficiency measures a high priority.

One way of applying conservation and water-efficiency criteria to water rates would be to use rate tiers based on usage volume, but disaggregating the general class into separate classes according to water-relevant criteria  industrial, low-use commercial (a downtown bank, for instance), high-use commercial (large hotels with restaurants, bar, hair salon and spa), multifamily residential (subdivided into those with or without outdoor usage for irrigation, fountains or pools), single-family residential, municipal and institutional.

Tiers could also be adjusted for social values, such as whether the institution is operated for-profit or nonprofit, whether all employees and contractors are paid at least a living wage, and whether the for-profit institutions are motivated to install water-saving appliances and procedures.

SAWS residential rate structures for both water and sewer are based on high fixed charges that are increasing much faster than household incomes. It was particularly unfair to put a 29 percent increase of fixed charges to all residential ratepayers (except those households using less than 2,992 gallons per month).

This rate structure disproportionately hurts lower-income families with a large number of people. Because the cost of utilities is included in the measure of affordable housing, SAWS rate structure is directly causing more families to experience unaffordable housing costs.

SAWS affordability discounts do not begin to cover enough for families whose incomes are stagnant, fixed, declining or unpredictable (e.g., contingent on weather). Although SAWS appears to have made such discounts more accessible, it is likely that fewer than half of all ratepayers who need help are getting it and that none of the families is getting enough help.

As a matter of policy, the council should affirm residents right to basic amounts of water, regardless of ability to pay. There are several good alternatives to San Antonio utilities practice of setting separate fixed charges and requiring ratepayers to apply for help to each agency.

Philadelphia has set caps that are linked with levels of per capita household income for each lower-income household for a single, combined utility fixed fee. That measure would allow ratepayers a greater sense of dignity that they are paying their fair share, considering their income limitations. It would also greatly reduce the stress stemming from fear of a water cutoff.

The stormwater rate structure is particularly burdensome on residential ratepayers  in part, because so many businesses have had their impervious surface-based rates reduced significantly (in some cases by thousands of dollars per month).

San Antonio needs to ask more of these businesses, because the city needs massive amounts of stormwater preparedness through green infrastructure installation.

Meredith McGuire is a professor (emerita) of sociology and anthropology at Trinity University and co-chair of the Alamo Sierra Club.
The Affordable Care Act is imploding, and the latest replacement failed. So Bernie Sanders and a few of his U.S. Senate colleagues have suggested that Medicare for all is the solution.

Is there any substance to the Sanders single-payer model?

I decided to review his website to determine the salient features, positions and claims he makes about the benefits of a single-payer system and analyze the merits of such. His first claim is: That health care must be recognized as a right and not a privilege.

Lets compare the right of health care with gun rights. Lets look at the rights we have in the Constitution. The Bill of Rights has quite a list. The Bill of Rights exists to protect the people from the government, which might try to take away such rights. Thomas Jefferson said it best when he said, When governments fear the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.

Nowhere in the Constitution does it suggest that the federal government must pay for you to enjoy such a right. As Ive written before, imagine that I wanted to purchase a revolver that costs $1,200. I reach into my pockets and I am shy by $1,100. Should I go to Congress and demand that it pay for the revolver?

As with gun ownership, affordability is a different concept from the right itself. Sanders has confused the right with entitlement of payment to enjoy such a right.

Sanders then suggests that the only long-term solution to Americas health care crisis is a single-payer national health care program.

Really? True believers in socialism have a view that only the government can solve problems of the citizens (and in Sanders case, even noncitizens) they govern. Thus, if you like the efficiency of the U.S. Postal Service, the compassion of the IRS and the prices paid by the Pentagon, youre going to love government-controlled health care.

Lets consider the impact of a single-payer system. If we were to award only one private insurance company to control all insurance in the United States, wouldnt that create a monopoly or at least a monopsony? (a market in which there is only one buyer.)

The difference between a monopoly or monopsony is the former is a single seller and the latter is a single purchaser. Regardless, concentration is funneled into one private company. I suspect that most Americans would be quite vocal against granting such colossal market power to one private company.

So why is it different when the single source of power is the federal government?

Whether we consolidate power to a single private firm or a single government agency, it is still a consolidation of power and thus zero competition is involved. Granted, an iron-fisted monopoly could certainly command cheaper prices from doctors, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies. However, how many doctors, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies will agree to see such patients? And how long can those providers that do agree offer a plethora of services before they go broke with such a reduction of price controls and mandates?

Consider Medicaid and the current ACA dilemma. There is a reason why so many insurance companies are not offering services under the ACA. They are tired of losing money. Likewise, physicians accepting Medicaid have a difficult time making money, given the low reimbursement rates. So many doctors do not accept Medicaid.

Another element of the Sanders plan is to eliminate waste. This claim is difficult to take seriously, given that Medicare, through fraud and abuse, wastes $60 billion a year, according to news reports. Expanding a program that cannot control fraud and abuse is likely to increase waste, not eliminate it. If Sanders is so interested in reducing waste, why doesnt he propose a plan to accomplish this now, or for that matter, 10 years ago?

He has no plan or clue how to accomplish such.

Sanders suggests that a typical family would save $5,000 per year in premium costs. That is an astonishing claim given that President Barack Obama made a similar claim about the ACA. Obama suggested a savings of $2,500 per family.

How well did that work out? It didnt. Health care premiums increased and they continue to increase, which is why more and more Americans are opting to pay the penalty, to the tune of $31 billion in the aggregate, in 2016. Paying a penalty is evidence that millions of Americans do not have insurance under Obamacare, yet for some reason, we never hear about the millions of Americans who have been effectively shut out from buying health insurance due to the high cost and low availability of health plans and doctors.

Welcome to government-run health care.

The inherent challenge with socialized health care  or any product, for that matter  is that it creates major disruptions in the private sector, reduces innovation, reduces access, creates waiting lines and seldom, if ever, accomplishes the stated objective. The evidence is all around us. Venezuela is a great example of socialism gone amok.

Lets take a look at cancer survival rates in the United States vs. England. The U.S. usually ranks first in the survival rate of cancer. Prostate cancer, as an example, has a 97.2 percent chance of the five-year survival rate in the U.S. compared to England, where it is about 83 percent.

Part of the difference is due to the waiting lines that socialistic health care inevitability creates. What is the advantage of having free care if you cant access it when you need it?

The cost of health care is one issue. However, quick access to quality providers is more important, particularly if you desire early detection, treatment and great outcomes. One of the impacts of socialism is that it always creates scarcity, reduces competition, stifles innovation and creates waiting lines.

I certainly understand that when people think their health care will be cheaper if it is government-run, this can be an appealing proposition. The reality throughout the world, however, tells a very different story in those single-payer systems.

Do you still want Medicare for all?

Dr. Alan M. Preston has been a professor for five years in San Antonio specializing in epidemiology, biostatistics and health care policy. Most of his career has been spent as a CEO for managed care companies and physician organizations.
Party: Republican

Office being sought: Board of Finance

Job title and employer: Retired GE Company Officer, formerly President & CEO of GE Capital Markets

Age: 58

Family: Wife, Jane, and three children who all attended Wilton public schools. Oldest daughter Melissa, 26, graduated Bucknell University and currently resides in Berlin, Germany where she works for Ernst & Young. Son, Matthew, 23, graduated Bucknell University, currently resides in New York City and works for PWC. Son, James, 21, currently a senior at Bucknell University.

Education: B.S. in Economics and Accounting from the City University of New York, Brooklyn College

Elected office experience: None

List your three top issues to address if elected, in order of priority: 1) Manage the towns budget in a fiscally conservative manner. Control expenses while maintaining the highest quality of education and services that have made Wilton attractive; 2) Maintain Wiltons strong credit rating; 3) Given mismanagement in Hartford, work with key stakeholders to find alternatives to run away tax increases, including thinking differently about our commercial tax base, and evaluating opportunities for expense savings.

What sets you apart from other candidates? I have extensive experience in financial management, financial and operational controls, and regulations. I also have deep experience in commercial and residential real estate. I managed all capital markets activities for GE Capital worldwide, and worked in a number of Chief Financial Officer roles with GE, including GEs Commercial Real Estate organization where I was the finance leader for a global $90 billion investing and lending business with operations in 16 countries. I have worked with the rating agencies who rate our towns bonds, I have been responsible for large, complex organizations, in a variety of capacities over the course of my career, including most of the functionality overseen by the Board of Finance. Early in my career I was a senior manager at Arthur Andersen & Co, an international accounting, auditing and consulting firm. I have also served on a variety of corporate boards.

On a personal level, I would like to help in some small way to offset the significant mismanagement taking place in Hartford, which will cause our town to face increasingly difficult choices.

List political or community activities: No significant leadership roles, but I have been involved in fundraising for charitable entities.
Teagasc has added to its team of dairy specialists.

Emma-Louise Coffey has been appointed as a dairy knowledge transfer specialist covering the South West region.

Based at the Teagasc Moorepark campus in Fermoy, Emma-Louise Coffey will support Teagasc dairy advisors, dairy farmers and the wider dairy industry to improve both technical and financial efficiency of dairy farms.

She will work with the Teagasc dairy and grassland research teams to identify and implement relevant research and work with advisors to develop and expand the dairy advisory programme in conjunction with the dairy specialist team.

Other priorities will include providing support to the Teagasc-Dairygold and Teagasc-Kerry joint farm development programmes and contribute to the development of industry initiatives.

From a dairy farming background in Toomevara, County Tipperary, Emma-Louise Coffey qualified with a BAgrSc (Animal Science) from UCD in 2013.

Following this, she completed a PhD in Animal Science with Teagasc and UCD. Her studies were based on the dairy herd at Curtins Research Farm, Teagasc Moorepark.

Emma-Louise worked with Dr. Brendan Horan, and carried out a comprehensive study to identify the appropriate stocking rate and dairy cow breed in order to maximise productivity and profitability within grass-based systems.

She was actively involved in open day events at Moorepark and Curtins Research Farm.

Speaking following her appointment Emma-Louise Coffey said: Dairying in Ireland is undergoing a phase of considerable growth which presents an exciting opportunity for dairy farmers, albeit in an increasingly volatile production environment.

Improving grassland management, genetics and financial planning can play a significant role in reducing production costs, leading to increased financial sustainability.

I look forward to working with my advisory and research colleagues at Teagasc, along with dairy farmers and industry partners, to improve the efficiency and profitability of dairy farms in Ireland.
By Online Desk

A Dutch television show named "Raped or not" is said to debut on November 7 in the network BNNVARA, and critics are outraged by the show's concept.

The show is said to depict real-life court cases of sexual allegations. Actors will enact the incidents for a panel to judge whether the act was rape or not. The panel will consist of 14 young men and women.

The producer of the show, Bernard Van den Bosch told The Sun: "One says rape, the other sees it as an innocent sexual encounter. Our show is about that grey area."

The show comes at a time where sexual harassments allegations in the film and TV industry have been surfacing in abundance. It all started in October 2017, when The New York Times and The New Yorker reported that dozens of women have accused popular producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual harrassment.

Another recent and ongoing case is that of 'House of Cards' actor Kevin Spacey. Netflix has recently cut ties with the show and the actor, as the number of harassment complaints against Spacey has been increasing. Employees on the sets of the hit show have all raised a red flag against Spacey, saying he has created a "toxic" work environment.

While Hollywood is raging with such issues, similar cases run parallel in India as well. On November 31st, an Indian law student based in the US named Raya Sarkar released a crowd-sourced list naming professors from universities who are alleged to have committed sexual harassment. Although Sarkar got support from many, she also received hate and backlash, due to which her Facebook account is currently unavailable.

That also spawned another list of academics and social activists accused of sexual harassment posted on Facebook by an anonymous person who goes by the profile name Malati Kumari.

A Dutch television show named "Raped or not" is said to debut on November 7 in the network BNNVARA, and critics are outraged by the show's concept. The show is said to depict real-life court cases of sexual allegations. Actors will enact the incidents for a panel to judge whether the act was rape or not. The panel will consist of 14 young men and women. The producer of the show, Bernard Van den Bosch told The Sun: "One says rape, the other sees it as an innocent sexual encounter. Our show is about that grey area." The show comes at a time where sexual harassments allegations in the film and TV industry have been surfacing in abundance. It all started in October 2017, when The New York Times and The New Yorker reported that dozens of women have accused popular producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual harrassment. Another recent and ongoing case is that of 'House of Cards' actor Kevin Spacey. Netflix has recently cut ties with the show and the actor, as the number of harassment complaints against Spacey has been increasing. Employees on the sets of the hit show have all raised a red flag against Spacey, saying he has created a "toxic" work environment. While Hollywood is raging with such issues, similar cases run parallel in India as well. On November 31st, an Indian law student based in the US named Raya Sarkar released a crowd-sourced list naming professors from universities who are alleged to have committed sexual harassment. Although Sarkar got support from many, she also received hate and backlash, due to which her Facebook account is currently unavailable. That also spawned another list of academics and social activists accused of sexual harassment posted on Facebook by an anonymous person who goes by the profile name Malati Kumari.
Prasanta Mazumdar By

Express News Service

GUWAHATI: Mahiruddin Ahmed, a retired havildar who served in the Indian Army from 1986 to 2004, has been accused of being a Bangladeshi migrant and was served a notice by the Foreigners Tribunal.

Ahmeds wife Husniara Ahmed, too, was served a notice by the tribunal in Lower Assams Barpeta district on Monday. They have been asked to visit the tribunals court on November 6 and submit documents as proof that they are citizens of the country.

The notice issued against him reads, A complaint has been issued against you by the higher authority that you had illegally entered in Assam on 25 March 1971, 1 January 1966, and 24 March 1971 with any valid document.

Illegal migrants in Assam are detected and deported based on the Assam Accord. As per the Accord, which the All Assam Students Union had signed with the-then Rajiv Gandhi government at the end of a six-year-long bloody anti-foreigners agitation, a person, who entered Assam after March 24, 1971, will be viewed as an illegal immigrant and deported.

Ahmed who was born in 1964 and is now settled at Koyakuchi in Barpeta district said he possesses several land documents of his father, Basir Uddin, and grandfather which date back to 1930s and 1940s. Similarly, Ahmeds wife Husniara was born in 1972 but the names of her parents appeared in the voter list of 1966.

Ahmed said, Following retirement, I worked at an Army school at Bhatinda as a clerk and returned home in January this year. He was last posted at the Field Ordinance Depot in Bhatinda, Punjab.

Ahmed said he had already taken up the matter with Army authorities in Guwahati and they advised him to depose before the tribunals court. We will depose before the court, for we have nothing to fear, he added.

Harassment of individuals by the police on suspicion of being illegal Bangladeshi immigrants is not new in Assam. Recently, a retired Army officer, Md Azmal Hoque, was served a similar notice by the foreigners tribunal based on a police report. Following media outrage, the police had to apologise.

Assam has around 100 foreigners tribunals. They were set up to determine the status of persons with doubtful citizenship. Till date, over 52,000 people have been declared foreigners.

GUWAHATI: Mahiruddin Ahmed, a retired havildar who served in the Indian Army from 1986 to 2004, has been accused of being a Bangladeshi migrant and was served a notice by the Foreigners Tribunal. Ahmeds wife Husniara Ahmed, too, was served a notice by the tribunal in Lower Assams Barpeta district on Monday. They have been asked to visit the tribunals court on November 6 and submit documents as proof that they are citizens of the country. The notice issued against him reads, A complaint has been issued against you by the higher authority that you had illegally entered in Assam on 25 March 1971, 1 January 1966, and 24 March 1971 with any valid document. Illegal migrants in Assam are detected and deported based on the Assam Accord. As per the Accord, which the All Assam Students Union had signed with the-then Rajiv Gandhi government at the end of a six-year-long bloody anti-foreigners agitation, a person, who entered Assam after March 24, 1971, will be viewed as an illegal immigrant and deported. Ahmed who was born in 1964 and is now settled at Koyakuchi in Barpeta district said he possesses several land documents of his father, Basir Uddin, and grandfather which date back to 1930s and 1940s. Similarly, Ahmeds wife Husniara was born in 1972 but the names of her parents appeared in the voter list of 1966. Ahmed said, Following retirement, I worked at an Army school at Bhatinda as a clerk and returned home in January this year. He was last posted at the Field Ordinance Depot in Bhatinda, Punjab. Ahmed said he had already taken up the matter with Army authorities in Guwahati and they advised him to depose before the tribunals court. We will depose before the court, for we have nothing to fear, he added. Harassment of individuals by the police on suspicion of being illegal Bangladeshi immigrants is not new in Assam. Recently, a retired Army officer, Md Azmal Hoque, was served a similar notice by the foreigners tribunal based on a police report. Following media outrage, the police had to apologise. Assam has around 100 foreigners tribunals. They were set up to determine the status of persons with doubtful citizenship. Till date, over 52,000 people have been declared foreigners.
Trump announces his 2024 presidential run as GOP debates future

Donald Trump announced he will run for the White House, even as weak midterm showings prompt debate about whether the GOP should move past him.
AKSARBEN royalty

The new monarchs of AKSARBEN are King Gary A. Perkins and Queen Blair Marie Kellner. Blair is the daughter of Kirk and Teresa Kellner.

Together the new monarchs and their families will work to raise critical scholarship dollars for AKSARBEN scholars and help increase awareness for the AKSARBEN Foundations mission.

Approximately 1,700 attendees witnessed the crowning of the 121st AKSARBEN Coronation & Scholarship Ball at Baxter Arena on the campus of the University of Nebraska at Omaha. The event included the formal introduction of the 2017 Royal Court honoring more than 200 Nebraska and Western Iowa families and proudly celebrated 50 AKSARBEN Horatio Alger Scholarship recipients and over 300 AKSARBEN Horatio Alger Career Scholars.

The new king, Gary Perkins, is a native of Missouri Valley, Iowa, but has called Omaha home for over 40 years.

Perkins attended Midland College in Fremont and majored in economics and accounting. He met his future wife, Carol, while they were students at Midland. Perkins has served his alma mater as a board member and board chair.

Perkins has shared his time and talents with numerous boards and non-profits, including: the Salvation Army, Youth for Christ, Childs Savings Institute, Fresh Start for All Nations, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, Project Harmony, Nebraska Safety Council, Mid-America Council for Boy Scouts of America, Building Healthy Futures, and Access Bank.

Perkins devoted his career to hospital administration and with his team transformed Childrens Hospital & Medical Center into a regional leader in pediatric healthcare.

As the former CEO of the Childrens Hospital and Medical Center, Perkins spent over 40 years working in support of children and their health. Under his leadership, he led the hospital through major growth and change: a move from Methodist Hospitals north tower to the facility at 84th & Dodge; quadrupled growth in patient volumes; and under his leadership, he and his team established Childrens as a leader in our region, specifically for children needing care in the areas of cancer, heart, infectious and rare diseases.

Carol Perkins is passionate about her family and cares deeply for others less fortunate. She has been involved in mission work both in Omaha and internationally and recently returned from her eighth missionary trip to Africa.

The Perkinses have two children, David Perkins (Courtney) and Kristen Buttermore (Dan) and six grandchildren, Will, Graham, Macy, Jude, Luke and Micah.

The Perkins family will work closely with the Kellner family over the next 12 months.

For more information on the AKSARBEN Scholars program, or to donate, please log on to www.aksarben.org.
Mumbai: The Air India Unions Joint Forum Against Privatisation on Saturday reiterated its demand to retain the carrier in the public sector saying the sell-off move comes at a time when it's making progress on all operational and efficiency parameters.

It termed the move as a bid to "nationalise losses and privatise profits".

The forum, which met in Mumbai on Saturday, represents the seven employees and officers unions. It comes two days after the Bombay High Court stayed the AI management bid to stop the meeting of the unions.

The meeting also decided to organise a national convention in Delhi later to chalk out future strategies to further strengthen their opposition to privatisation. Terming the Niti Aayog recommendation as "arbitrary and against national interests", the forum said the planning body has "acted as a vested interest to help orporates, both domestic and foreign."

Blaming the government for being against the AI, they said it must end its anti-Air India policies that have, in fact, led to the financial mess that the carrier is facing now.

They particularly blamed the unwarranted decision in 2005 to order as many as 111 aircraft on debt worth around Rs 70,000 crore for the deep mess that the AI has landed itself into. They also pointed to the hasty decision to merge loss-making Indian Airlines with profitable Air India, for the troubles.

Another reason for the crisis was government forcing Air India to withdraw from several profit-making international routes to allegedly favour new private airlines as well as some foreign carriers. The forum said these decisions were taken ignoring the house panel and COPU recommendations.

Terming the sell-off move as "nationalising losses and privatising profits," the forum said the airline cannot survive without the profit-making subsidiaries, like the engineering arm and its production unit AIESL.

"If the government approaches Air India with the same sympathy it is trying to show to private sector players, (the government is reportedly planning to write off the over Rs 50,000 crore debt of AI before the sell-off) the airline would have no troubles going forward," the forum claimed.

The unions claimed that the overall efficiency and profitability have improved over the past few quarters with the carrier earning operational profits and reducing its debt.

Its on-time performance has also improved apart from more connectivity leading to higher load and revenue. They claimed that the operating cost has more than halved to seven per cent from 15 earlier.

On Thursday, the Bombay HC had issued an interim order staying a communication by the Air India management seeking to deny employees' unions the use of a school hall inside the airline's colony in Mumbai for holding a meeting to discuss the proposed privatisation.

Seven AI employees' unions, representing ground and commercial staff and engineers among others, have called the meeting on Saturday.

On October 30, the AI personnel department had asked the school to revoke the permission granted to use the hall by the unions. Following this the unions moved the HC, which allowed them hold the meeting.

On June 28, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) gave an in-principle approval for strategic sale in Air India and five of its subsidiaries.
New Delhi: Promising more measures to ease problems faced by small businesses due to GST, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said a committee of state ministers has accepted most of the suggestions made by them and an announcement is likely in the GST Council meet next week.

The GST Council had announced several measures to ease problems faced by businesses last month.

The next meeting of the Council headed by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and comprising state finance ministers is scheduled to meet on November 9 and 10 in Guwahati.

Speaking at an event to mark massive jump by India in World Bank's ease of doing business ranking, Modi said the GST Council had set up panels of state ministers and officials as some of the states had expressed reservation on certain issues.

Modi said a group of state ministers was constituted to look into the issues raised by businesses and small traders, and they have "positively accepted" most of the suggestions. The recommendations of the panel will be accepted at the next meeting of the GST Council on November 9 and 10 if no state raises objections.

Referring to the the World Bank's ranking, the Prime Minister said the latest report did not take into account implementation of GST.

"As you all know, GST is the biggest tax reform in the Indian economy. And it impacts many aspects of doing business. With GST, we are moving towards a modern tax regime, which is transparent, stable and predictable," he said.

There are many other reforms which have already happened, but need gestation and stabilisation time, before they are taken into account by the World Bank, he said.

"There are a few other reforms where our team and the World Bank team need to find common ground. All this, combined with our conviction to do even better, gives me the confidence that India will occupy a place of pride in the World Bank report next year and in the years thereafter.

Modi said efforts are on to create a NEW INDIA, where opportunities are created and harnessed to the advantage of the needy.
New Delhi: Two of India's big state banks saw the pace of bad loan growth slow in the second-quarter, but steep provisions for defaulters in bankruptcy proceedings mean profits will stay under pressure until at least March.

Punjab National Bank (PNB), the second-biggest state lender, reported a better-than-expected second quarter profit on Friday of 5.61 billion rupees, with additions to bad loans 42 percent less than the first quarter.

Union Bank of India, the sixth-biggest state lender, reported a surprise 15.31 billion-rupee loss in the three months to Sept. 30, mainly due to front-loading of provisions for bankruptcy cases but additional bad loans dropped 40 percent on the previous quarter.

UCO Bank, a smaller state-run lender that also reported second-quarter results, saw its net loss widening to 6.23 billion rupees.

State-run lenders account for the bulk of India's 9.5 trillion rupees in soured bank loans as of June. The surge in bad loans has choked new lending in an economy which needs more investment to help spur growth.

The central bank has ordered commercial lenders to take 12 of the biggest loan defaulters, accounting for about a quarter of the sector's non-performing loans, to bankruptcy proceedings.

It has ordered nearly 30 more firms to be pushed to bankruptcy if other forms of debt resolution do not work out by mid-December.

A $32 billion recapitalisation plan announced by the Indian government last month has given a lifeline to the 21 state-run banks, whose profitability is lower than the private lenders but they have higher capital requirements due to bigger loan books.

Sunil Mehta, chief executive of New Delhi-based PNB, said the recapitalisation announcement "boosted the morale" of bankers and said the bank would boost credit growth.

Ram Sangapure, a PNB executive director, said the bank aimed to increase loans at 11 percent in the full year to end-March, up from the 8.3 percent rise in domestic loans in the second quarter.

Union Bank Chief Executive Rajkiran Rai G said his bank would aim for loan growth of 10 percent in the 2017/2018 fiscal year. He said higher provisions would be a drag in this and the next quarter but saw a return to profitability from March.

The Reserve Bank of India has asked lenders to make minimum 50 percent provisioning by March on loans to firms in bankruptcy.

PNB said it was ahead of requirements.

For 65 billion rupees in bad debts held by 20 of the firms that could face bankruptcy proceedings from December, much of the provisioning has yet to be done, officials said.

Union Bank has 74 billion rupees in loans to companies in bankruptcy and 47 billion rupees to those in the second list, CEO Rai said, adding they have 55 percent provision cover for the first list of loans and 30 percent for the second.
Kolkata: The State Bank of India expects additional capital flowing from the proposed Rs 2.11 lakh crore recapitalisation plan would add to its capacity to take care of future credit growth, an official said on Friday.

The Centre has announced recapitalisation plan of Rs 2.11 lakh crore for public sector banks, including Rs 18,139 crore through budgetary provisions, Rs 1.35 lakh crore by recapitalisation bonds, with the balance Rs 58,000 crore to be raised by banks from market.

"The SBI is adequately capitalised and our capital adequacy ratio is highest among all public sector banks. We are well above the benchmark in terms of capital adequacy ratio. For extending loan growth, the bank needs capital. It will help the bank to leverage that for expanding its balance sheet further," bank's Deputy Managing Director (Chief Operating Officer), National Banking Group, Neeraj Vyas, said.

Asked on the sidelines of an event organised by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry as to how much the country's largest bank could get from the recapitalisation funds, he said: "We do not know the details."

He said it needs to be seen how the government will treat "weak" and "healthy" banks in terms of distributing the funds.

An SBI research note had said: "After provision of bad assets, we believe there may still be around Rs 1 lakh crore available for lending. The resultant multiplier impact of Rs 1 lakh crore could unleash at least Rs 3.3 lakh crore and that could go up to Rs 10 lakh crore additional infusion in the economy. This could concomitantly push up the Gross Domestic Product."
New Delhi: Lives of more than 90,000 children aged below five years can be saved annually, if India scales up its vaccination programme against pneumonia and diarrhoea, according to a report by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

The report noted that although India has made a considerable improvement since last year, a major intervention through an intensive vaccination programme can save so many lives and over a billion dollars every year.

The report further stated, since last year, India has increased its performance by seven points, mainly owing to its vaccination coverage of "measles vaccine, Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine, three doses of diphtheria tetanus and pertussis vaccine, and rotavirus vaccine" during the period.

"India could save over one billion US dollars each year in economic benefits and avert more than 90,000 needless child deaths each year by introducing and scaling up coverage of vaccination programs targeting pneumonia and diarrhoea," the report said.

The study, conducted by the International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC) of the Hopkins Bloomberg School, was released today ahead of World Pneumonia Day on November 12.

The study was done for 15 countries which are "disproportionately responsible" for global child deaths under five years from pneumonia and diarrhoea.

Although these countries form 55 per cent of the global population together, they contribute as much as 77 per cent to the total global deaths of young children from the two diseases.

The countries which were part of the study are Tanzania, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Niger, Ethiopia, Somalia, Angola, Chad and Sudan from Africa and India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan and China from Asia.
New Delhi: Less than two months after a retired Army officer was branded as Bangladeshi by the Assam Police before having to apologize, a retired Army havaldar has been sent a notice, seeking proof of his Indian citizenship.

Mahiruddin Ahmed, a retired Army havaldar, has been served a notice from the Foreigners Tribunal in Barpetta, Assam. The Tribunal has asked him to appear on November 6 with the proof of citizenship.

Ahmeds lawyer Mustafa Khaddam is planning to approach the welfare division of Army for relief. Khaddam, who has handled a number of such cases, said the root cause of the problem was police action without preliminary verification or investigation.

DGP Mukesh Sahay said the SP of Barpeta has been asked to conduct an inquiry into the matter and send a report to the DGP's office.

In late September, a retired army officer Mohd Azmal Hoque was served a notice, accusing him of being an illegal migrant from Bangladesh. After media outrage, the Army stepped in and Assam police apologized for the mistake. However, the fresh case shows that Assam Police hasnt learned from its mistakes.

Ahmed was last posted at the Field Ordinance Depot, Bhatinda in Punjab. Born in January 1964, he cleared Assam High School Leaving Certificate Exam in 1980. He joined Indian Army in 1986 and retired from services in 2004.

Ahmeds wife Husaniara has also been asked to prove her citizenship. This despite the fact that her fathers name appeared in the voters list of 1966, while the cutoff year under the Assam Accord is 1971. Ahmeds elder brother is a retired Assistant Sessions Judge, while his younger brother works with BSNL.

Khaddam said, If Army and judiciary, two services which have the greatest scrutiny, didnt find a problem with Ahmed familys citizenship, how come the Assam Police are sending such notices?

There are 100 tribunals set up in Assam under the Foreigner (Tribunal) Order of 1964 to determine the status of those whose citizenship is doubtful. All those who have come to Assam illegally after 1971 are deported. More than 52,000 people have been declared foreigners by the tribunals so far.
Mathura: The branch manager of a nationalised bank was arrested for allegedly raping a 20-year-old Russian woman repeatedly since she came to India in September after they forged a friendship on Facebook, a senior police officer said.

"The manager of UCO Bank's Vrindaban branch, Mahendra Prasad Singh, has been arrested based on a complaint filed by the woman," Deputy Superintendent of Police Vijay Shanker Mishra said on Friday.

The woman has been sent for medical examination.

In her complaint, the woman alleged that the banker "threatened me with dire consequences" if she disclosed his act to anyone.

According to the FIR, she came into contact with Singh through Facebook on November, 2016.

They had frequent conversations afterwards. On his advice, she came to India on September 17 and stayed in the temple town of Vrindavan, according to the FIR.

She alleged that on September 22 she was taken to a house, where she was raped and that her ordeal continued since then.

She said that the complaint was filed after she met another Russian woman who counselled her to do so.
New Delhi: Since the 9/11 attacks, madrasas abroad have been facing stigma and suspicion globally. Back home, they are seen as a springboard of radicalisation, deficient in feelings of nationalism and in urgent need for reform.

With the change of regime in Uttar Pradesh, madrasas have been ordered to celebrate Independence Day and submit documentary evidence, unfurl national flag and get geo-tagged. The Yogi Adityanath government has now asked madrasas to teach from NCERT books.

As madrasas deal with the new directives, News18.com takes a look at their diverse model and history in India.

What is a madrasa?

The word madrasa is derived from the Arabic word d-r-s, which means to study; so madrasa means a place to study.

In modern Arabic sense, madrasa generically means any educational institute, including the secular, modern ones. In South Asia, madrasas are institutions of higher Islamic learning, equivalent to seminaries where students are trained in Islamic law and theology.

As acquiring knowledge is one of the most important tenets of Islam, madrasas focus on learning from the life of Prophet Mohammad and from reading Quran.

In the Islamic world, there were madrasas set up during the Abbasid period in Baghdad and in Cairo, which was the center for Fatimid rule. Through works of translation, these madrasas contributed to the transmission of knowledge from the Greeks to Europe.

How madrasas came to India and what changed their character from secular to religious?

It is no surprise that madrasas in India came with the advent of Muslim rule in the subcontinent. The madrasas were central to the eco-cultural life of the Muslim society and their role in the times of medieval India was about providing manpower to the government of the day and helping in its vast machinery.

In those times, there was a chain of madrasas that were instrumental in imparting education to the masses. One of the major characteristics was that they were secular in nature and attracted children even from the non-Muslim community that was in majority.

The secular traditions continued till late 19th century. One would be surprised to know that luminaries like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Dr Rajendra Prasad and Dr Sachdanand Sinha acquired their elementary education from madrasas.

Coming to the second part of the question, the changes started happening in the 19th century. In 1844, madrasa graduates were barred from government employment. The Muslim community faced a blow and lost their hegemony as the huge task of consolidation of English Empire started happening. The community was caught in a dilemma as the Englishmen broke the spine of the traditional education system and divided education system into two categories: religious and non-religious.

The ulamas then responded by opening a series of madrasas starting with Uttar Pradesh. That period saw the Movement of Dini Madaris, as pointed out by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, a noted Muslim scholar.

In one of his works, he said, The ideas regarding this movement must have germinated around 1834 when Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay came to India as Viceroy of the British India Company.

Madrasas marked the apolitical movement for preserving the heritage of knowledge and oppose this Macaulay syndrome that aimed to bring out a generation, which is Indian in birth and English in thought. The madrasas then started catering to the religious needs of the Muslim community, especially to the lower classes or ajlaf, who lagged behind.

The dualism of Indian education system benefited ashraf, the well born as compared.

What are the essential features of madrasas?

The important characteristics of the madrasas that were established to counter Macaulay were: they ran on the funds from the public through donations. Education was provided to all students for free.

The madrasas turned out to be village phenomenon and not upward and urban to bridge the knowledge gap that existed between the rich and the poor. Over a period of time, and with independence, some madrasas maintained their autonomy to be free from the diktats of the governments of the day, while some proposed affiliation to the state government.

The children attending madrasas education are awarded diploma and degrees under the title Munshi, Maulvi, Kamil, Alim, Qabil, Fazil, and Mumtazul-Afazil.

The syllabus of madrasas is the combination of experiences of past and present learned ulamas; some adapted to modern syllabus and started teaching computers. They teach Aqaid, Diniyaat, Qurn, Urdu, Hindi, English, Mathematics, Geography, Science, Arabic, Persian, Mantiq, Philosophy, Hait, Urooz, Kalam, Ma-ani-wa-Bayan, History,Tafseer, Hadees wa Usool-e-Hadees and Fiqh wa Usool-e-Fiqh. Some madrasas are open to send their students for Bridge Courses that universities offer. These courses give mainstream higher education to the madrasa graduates.

What is the model of state affiliated madrasas?

Autonomy is very dear to madrasas and they prefer to run through donations. But funds are important. As a result, in India, there are two kinds of madrasas when it comes to their financing  autonomous madrasas that are run by public donations and government-affiliated madrasas that are financed by the state governments.

One of the first examples of affiliations is the madrasa Aliya in Kolkata, started by the British regime in 1780. Later, Madrasas Education Boards came up in Assam, Bihar, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

Madrasas in Assam and Maharashtra work like other secular educational institutions and are directly affiliated to the Secondary Board and Senior Secondary Board and their examinations are conducted by them. They are certificate holders and get higher modern education as well. The teachers of madrasa boards affiliated madrasas usually get their salary from the respective boards.

In one of the books, scholars write that Kerala has come a long way with madrasa reforms. Kerala has over 90 percent rate of literacy. Madrasas in Kerala offer Arabic language education of high standards, which gives them the job certificate to the graduates as translators and office work in Arab countries.

One of the major vehicle to bring this change is Mujahid movement of 50s, helmed on Ahl-i Hadith view, which believed that Muslims should act in accordance with the Quran and prophetic example (sunna) as recorded in hadith (traditions of the Prophet).

What types of madrasas do we see in South Asian region?

The modern South Asian madrasa networks can largely be divided into four groups or franchises:

 Deobandi madrasas are in large numbers and its Darul Uloom Deoband constitutes one of the biggest madaris

 Barelwis madrasa, which are Sufi-oriented and make for a sizeable portion. Their notable establishments are Al Jamiatul Ashrafia, Mubarakpur, Manzar i-Islam Bareilly was the first one to come up, Jamia Nizamdina New Delhi, Jamia Nayeemia Muradabad, one of the largest learning centers for the Barelwis.

 Ahle-Hadith madrasas, the first Ahle Hadith madrasa was Al-Ahmadiyya established in 1880 by Ibrahim Al-Arvi in the town of Arrah in the Bhojpur district of Bihar.

 Then there are Shia madrasas. The first Shia madrasa was Jama-I Sultaniyya or Shahi Madrassa in 1843 when Sayyid Muhammad persuaded Nawab Amjad Ali Shah of Awadh to establish one in Lucknow. It was abolished in 1857. In 1890, Mawlana Sayyid Abdul Hasan Abbu Sahib established Madrasa-I Nazimiyya in Lucknow.

In India, the majority of these schools follow the Hanafi school of thought.

What are maslaks of madrasas? Are these the norms the madrasas adhere to?

Yes. The madrasas adhere to maslaks, it is derived from the term suluk, which means virtous conduct. The madrasas are expected to act according to those certain rules or standards of normativity. These are the benchmarks set to connect the religious beliefs to behavior of the madrasi.

It is these maslaks that emphasise on belief and personal conduct that differentiate the madrasa education from secular, modern ones. The knowledge acquisition, interpretations and practices comply with the standards set by maslaks.

Each of the maslaks like Deobandis, Ahl-I Hadith, Barelwis, Nadwis, etc pursue education and reforms according to their world view. Scholars have written about how the divisions and maslaks come in the way of unification and reform among madrasas to be pursued collectively in India.

Mohammad Zafiruddin Mitahi had once proposed that all Sunni madrasas except Barelvis, should come together for an all India board of madrasas with branches in state and districts.

In one of the attempts of unification of madrasas an alim, Mohammad Shams Tabriz also appealed to Barelvis to come together and form a federation of madrasas. The objective was to design common syllabus on transmitted sciences. Though some madrasas have started to form loose federations.

What are the other problems madrasas face in India?

Apart from lack of centralisation, which is one of the major shortcomings of Indians madrasas, the other problems are pertaining to pedagogy make it student-centric rather than book-centric, focus on knowledge over parroting, wean away ikhtilafiyat or disputation with other Sunni reform groups or maslaks, move out of the overemphasis of medieval fiqh texts, which do not have any bearing on the contemporary issues of Indian Muslims.

In some madrasas, students are discouraged from reading newspapers or reading what other Muslim scholars write.

Some prominent names of the reformist voices on madrasas

Many of the reformist voices demanded through change in the curriculum or syllabus like Maulana Zain ul-Sajid bin Qasmi, a Deobandi scholar, Waris Mazhari, the editor of an Urdu monthly magazine, Tarjuman-i Dar ul-`Ulum, Mohammad Aslam Parvaiz, editor of Science , the only Urdu-language science magazine in India, he wanted science to be included in the curriculum; Asghar Ali Engineer, director of the Institute of Islamic Studies in Mumbai, Maqbool Ahmad Siraj, editor of Islamic Voice, an English-language monthly in Bangalore, and many others. The objective of reforms is to improve the economic conditions of the madrasa student and empower them.

Suggested Readings:

1) Bastions of the Believers. Madrasas and Islamic Education in India Book By Yoginder Sikand

2) What is a Madrasa? Book by Ebrahim Moosa

3) The Madrasa in Asia: Political Activism and Transnational Linkages edited by Farish A. Noor, Yoginder Sikand, Martin Van Bruienessen
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala state government has decided to formulate new trauma care policy which gives 48 hours free treatment for accident victims.

The government will bear the medical expense of the accident victims for the first 48 hours, which the policy aims to reimburse through medical insurance.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The initiative is to ensure that no accident victims are denied treatment, irrespective of the kind of hospital they are admitted in.

A detailed plan on how the scheme will work will be made after the Chief Minister holds a discussion with insurance companies.

At the meeting, Vijayan also said that the trend of providing treatment after looking at the financial status of the patients should change. He also directed that if the treatment is in a private hospital, the funds from the Road Safety Fund should be used.

The government aims at setting up trauma care facilities at the government medical colleges, district hospitals, taluk hospitals and major private hospitals.

They are also planning to issues tenders to purchase ambulances with all the facilities required transport accident victims.

The death of Murugan, a Tamil Nadu native allegedly because he was denied treatment in the initial hours had triggered a debate on this trauma care facilities in the state.

Government plans to use funds from the Kerala Road Safety Fund, KSTP, and from the state budget for this project.
July 8, 1951  Oct. 29, 2017

John Patrick "Pat" White passed away at the age of 66 on Oct. 29, 2017, at the Sheridan VA Mountain View Living Center in Sheridan, Wyoming, after a battle with brain cancer.

Pat was born July 8, 1951, in Fremont, the son of John and Alma White. Pat was raised in Fremont and graduated from Bergan High School in 1969. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1971 and served in the Vietnam War, earning multiple medals and commendations. Needless to say, the war changed him forever.

After coming home from Vietnam, Pat spent time in Idaho, California, and Lake Tahoe until ultimately landing in Casper in 1981 where he was close to his sister and family.

Pat loved the mountains and was a mountain man at heart. He was always working on something; Patifying anything he could get his hands on. Forget paying someone to do it, he could do it himself sort of. There wasnt anything he couldnt fix in his mind. He also loved his Harley Davidson motorcycles, Corvette, and tinkering. Pat lived his life his own way. He loved his family and was always very proud of them and their accomplishments. If you talk to any of his friends, they will tell you he was more than stubborn, but deep down had a heart of gold.

Pat is survived by his mother, Alma White, sisters, Connie Ashba and Mary (Shane) Rock; and brother, Bob (Judy) White; nephews, Mike (Darcy) Mohr, Matt (Michele) Mohr, Kelly (Gina) Kohl, Marty (Jane) Mohr; nieces, Jill Kausch, Michelle (Patrick) Glynn, and Cassie White and multiple great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, John White.

Memorials may be made to the Disabled Veterans of America, or the Sheridan VA Mountain View Living Center in Sheridan, Wyoming, 1898 Fort Rd, Sheridan, WY 82801.

A Rosary will be held Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 6:30 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home in Casper, Wyoming. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patricks Catholic Church, 400 Country Club Rd., Casper WY 82609, followed by inurnment at the Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery in Evansville, Wyoming.

To leave condolences or a special message for the family, please visit www.newcomercasper.com.
Patna: Four pilgrims died and over a dozen others were injured on Saturday in a stampede on the banks of the Ganga river in Bihar's Begusarai district, an official said.

Sadar Deputy Superintendent of Police Mithilesh Kumar said the incident occurred in a narrow lane next to the Simaria ghat, nearly 100 km from the state capital, where people had gathered in large numbers on the occasion of Karthik Purnima.

"We are trying to ascertain the cause behind the stampede," Kumar said, adding that the women's identities have not been ascertained yet. District police officials added that the stampede was caused by some rumours.

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh for the families of each deceased person.

#SpotVisuals: 3 dead & 10 injured after stampede at Simaria Ghat in #Bihar's Begusarai. pic.twitter.com/iriqKc4ch4  ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2017

Hundreds and thousands of Hindu devotees took a holy dip in the river Ganga on the occasion of Kartik Purnima, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The pilgrims offer water to the Sun god and give alms to the needy.
Kottayam: Her house in a village in Kottayam is guarded like a mini-fortress, there are policemen outside the boundary walls keeping a sharp lookout and two close circuit television cameras scanned both sides of the approach. Finding it was easy; look for the house where there are a lot of cops, a villager said.

At the gates we can figure out that the constables manning the CCTV monitors have already noticed us. A policeman stops us saying we can neither go inside nor take pictures. As the CNN-News18 camera crew members wait, I peep over the huge compound wall. I get a glimpse of Akhila  who now prefers to be known as Hadiya  walk into a room with a women constable following closely behind her. The house and its surroundings are secured closely, at least a dozen police personnel at the first count. There are even more CCTV cameras inside the premises, monitored round the clock.

Thats how it has been for Hadiya since May when the Kerala High Court annulled her marriage to a Muslim, Shafin Jahan, and asked her to go back to her parents. The 24-year-old homeopathy medical student had embraced Islam against the wishes of her family and got married to Jahan the day she was to appear before the HC in a case filed by her father, Ashokan. The Supreme Court is now hearing an appeal by Jahan, and later this month Hadiya will tell the open court who she wants to live with.

On the second day, Ashokan agrees to speak. I have no problems in her spending the rest of her life as a Muslim. But I dont want her to live with Shafin, he has terrorist links, the ex-serviceman says, referring to that allegations that Jahan has connections with the fundamentalist organisation, Popular Front of India (PFI).

The interaction takes place at a neighbouring house, and as he continues to pour out his worries, Hadiya comes to her window and looks out, a dupatta thrown over her head like the reiteration of her faith.

For neighbours, Akhila was a shy young woman who kept mostly to herself  until they say saw a bold new side to her. As the Akhila-Hadiya case played out in public and under the glare of the national media, their lives too came to be affected. Police came to their houses asking them to give a call if anyone new, even if it is a friend or relative, arrives in the area. The narrow pathway around their house was closed to public. Over the months they have learnt to live with it.

Initially, the police presence was much higher. There will always be a police van parked before the house. Now, the number of policemen on duty has come down, says a neighbour who doesnt want to be identified.

On November 27, Hadiya will tell the Supreme Court whether she wants to go back to Jahan. That could, hopefully provide closure on with whom  and as who  she wants to spend the rest of her life.
Jaipur: The Vasundhara Raje government in Rajasthan has decided to make 50,000 people sing the national anthem and national song to celebrate demonetisation anniversary on November 8.

A mega event, to be held at the SMS Stadium in Jaipur, will be organized by the Rajasthan Youth Board, a body under the department of youth and sports, and the RSS-backed Hindu Spiritual and Service Foundation, the Times of India reported. Students from 400 schools have been invited for the programme.

Raje will be the chief guest at the event, which aims to evoke love for family, environment and nation. Bollywood musician Anandji of Kalyanji-Anandji fame will play patriotic tunes from Hindi movies at the function. A yoga session led by Raje will also be a part of the two-hour event.

RYB vice-president Sandeep Yadav said such events are very important for the youth as it connects them with our culture and values.

The move has evoked sharp reactions, with the Congress accusing the BJP of resorting to hyper nationalism to hide its failures. The event will also clash with the oppositions own black day events on November 8.

It is a deliberate attempt by BJP to cover up its failures on demonetisation. BJP has made it a habit of resorting to religion-based politics and hyper-nationalism to avoid answering questions," Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee president Sachin Pilot told the newspaper.

This comes just three days after the Jaipur mayor issued a diktat making it mandatory for municipality employees to sing the national anthem every day before the start of duty and the national song, Vande Mataram, just before the end of duty hours.

I feel that this will help in developing a positive culture, positive energy and instill nationalism among staffers," mayor Ashok Lahoti told reporters.
Srinagar: Terrorists on Saturday fired on a police team in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, killing a policeman while injuring another, the police said.

"Terrorists fired upon a naka party of police near Police Station Rajpora in Pulwama, resulting in injuries to two constables -- Abdul Salam and Munir Ahmad," a police official said.

He said both the injured personnel were taken to Army's 92 base hospital in Srinagar, where Salam succumbed to his injuries. Ahmad was undergoing treatment for his injuries, the official said.

He said a search for the attackers has been launched.
New Delhi: Indias 30-place jump on World Banks Ease of Doing Business index is the recognition of stupendous work done by us, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday.

Speaking at the presentation of Indias Business Reforms at Delhis Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Modi also lashed out at opposition leaders for questioning Indias progress.

The people questioning Indias good show on the Ease of Doing Business index are the ones who have themselves worked at World Bank. I have not even seen the World Bank building, but know India is on the right track. I want to tell them that had they done the kind of work we have, this achievement would have come during their tenure itself, Modi said in a veiled attack on the previous Manmohan Singh government.

They dont want to work, but are quick to question those who do, the PM said.

His statement comes days after the Congress said the global index was "not based on ground reality" as it had not taken into account the impact of GST and demonetisation.

"We, as a party, are not challenging the World Bank report. But it is not on the basis of ground reality. The survey is only confined to Delhi and Mumbai. It did not take into account other cities in the country. The impact of GST has not been taken into account. Even demonetisation has not been taken into account and people are really suffering because of these steps of the government. Obviously that will reflect on the Ease of doing business," Congress leader Rajeev Shukla had said.

On Saturday, the PM, too, acknowledged that the ranking had not considered GST, but said the tax reform would improve Indias showing further.

This ranking takes into account reforms initiated only till May-end and does not reflect the impact of the GST, which was implemented from July 1. The GST has not just integrated the nation of 1.2 billion

into one market with one tax rate, but also provided a stable and transparent taxation regime, he said.

This reform, plus others that have already happened but need gestation and stabilisation time before they are taken into account by the World Bank, will improve the ranking. All these combined, gives me confidence that India will accompany a place of pride in World Bank's report next year and the year thereafter.

India jumped into 100th place on the World Bank's ranking of countries by Ease of Doing Business for the first time in its report for 2018, up about 30 places, driven by reforms in access to credit, power supplies and protection of minority investors.

The World Bank report, covering the period from June 2 last year to June 1 this year, ranked India top among the South Asian nations.
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday met those injured in the boiler explosion at the NTPC plant in Rae Bareli.

Yogi was on a three-day tour of Mauritius to attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas and returned on Saturday, after which he met the victims at the Civil Hospital, Trauma Centre and SGPGI. The CM also met with the team of doctors attending to the injured and asked them to ensure proper treatment.

Meanwhile, the death toll in the incident rose to 32, which included NTPCs AGM-level officer Sanjeev Sharma. Initial reports suggest that the explosion took place after a steam pipe of the boiler plant bursted.

The Rae Bareli administration has ordered a magisterial probe into the incident, while the Centre has constituted a probe team headed by the NTPC executive director.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday had issued a notice to the Yogi government, seeking a detailed report in six weeks. The NHRC also instructed the state government to avoid any kind of negligence in this regard and provide adequate financial assistance to the relatives of the deceased.

Initial probe by the NTPC reveals that the duct evacuating the bottom ash was not functioning properly. A huge piece of coagulated ash, or clinkers, appears to have bounced in the furnace, causing imbalance in the combustion and subsequently the pressure. The pressure inside the boiler, which should be maintained at barely five mm water columns (mmwc), shot up by over 40 times to around 250 mmwc, thus causing the explosion.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, NTPC regional executive director (North) Virendra Singh Rathi said, There should be a fine balance in air movement inside the boiler for proper pressure. In case of any imbalance, the system trips and fans start reducing the pressure. In this case it does not seem to have happened. We are waiting for the final inquiry report.
Los Angeles: Actor Ben Affleck says he had fun shooting Justice League with actor Jason Momoa, and calls him a real superhero.

Warner Bros Pictures' Justice League, directed by Zack Snyder and starring DC Super Heroes -- Affleck as Batman, Henry Cavill as Superman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Raymond Fisher as Cyborg, Momoa as Aquaman and Ezra Miller as The Flash -- will release in India on November 17.

"I really enjoyed working with all of them. Ezra has a ton of energy and is a lot of fun. He's an unconventional thinker and has got a really interesting view on life.

"I loved working with him. Same with Ray. This was effectively Ray's first movie, so he brought the enthusiasm of a first-timer to the equation and, in the filming process, I got to enjoy and appreciate what we were doing through his eyes," Affleck said in a statement.

"Jason is an incredible spirit. He kind of is a Super Hero in his own way (laughs), or, at least, seems like the closest of all of us to the real thing. He's just a really inspiring person to be around," he added.

On working with an ensemble cast, Affleck said: "We got along really well, and I think we hoped our chemistry and kinship would translate to the screen. I do think that when you feel at ease around people it comes across on film, and there was always a very fun and relaxed spirit on the set."

Affleck feels it is "certainly helpful when you're trying to lend realism and naturalism to stories that are inherently unreal, and one of the ways to do that is to just have a really good time together and hope that it rubs off on the movie".
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan celebrated her 44th birthday on November 1. After a private trip to Maldives on Big B's birthday, the Bachchans once again made sure to keep this special occasion a family affair by not sharing any pictures on social media. However, we still managed to get an access to the photograph of the actress' beautiful looking birthday cake. Yes, you read it right. We have learned that the Bachchans ordered Aishwarya's cake from the Dessertco by Tania, a mumbai-based bakery which is owned by Tania Behl.

Tania shared the picture of the cake on the official Instagram page of her bakery. The cake was a replica of Aishwarya's Cannes 2017 princess look when she walked the red carpet sporting a Cinderella gown designed by Michael Cinco.

Check out:

One panel down ... #gowncake #mumbaibaker #microbakery #edible #fabric A post shared by thedessertcobytania (@thedessertcobytania) on Oct 31, 2017 at 4:59am PDT

Trials ..... edible fabric for an upcoming cake ..... trying to make a dress look like a dress ....hmmmm A post shared by thedessertcobytania (@thedessertcobytania) on Oct 29, 2017 at 1:40am PDT

In case you forgot Aish's look from Cannes, Take a look:
Jaipur: Protest by the Karni Sena against Sanjay Leela Bhansali's multi-starrer Padmavati picked up pace in Rajasthan ahead of its December 1 release with a complete bandh observed in Chittorgarh on Friday.

"We are not against the movie as such. What we want is that Bhansali's team should screen the movie for historians and intellectuals before releasing it as we are afraid and concerned that historical facts have been distorted in the movie," Vishavbandhu Rathore, Pradesh Mahasachiv Sri Rajput Karni Sena, a Rajput community organisation, told IANS.

"We had called for Chittorgarh bandh today, and we got support from everyone. It was a complete bandh in Chittorgarh today," said Mahipal Singh Makrana, state president of Sri Rajput Karni said.

Rani Padmini or Padmavati was the queen of Chittorgarh.

He said before releasing posters and trailer of the film it should have been shown to the historians and intellectuals, but in spite of the promise made by Bhansali's team a few months back nothing was done.

"We are now going to Gujarat to hold a press conference there and also hold a rally in Gandhinagar on November 12 against the movie," he said.

In January, activists of a Rajput organisation, Shi Rajput Karni Sena had protested, manhandled and misbehaved with the crew of Padmavati claiming that Bhansali was distorting historical facts in the movie.

They had also damaged some cameras and other equipments. Bhansali had to stop shooting.

"We will not allow distorted facts to be shown in the film at any cost," Makrana said.

Karni Sena claims that they have got a big library and that in no book is it written that Alauddin Khilji fell in love with Padmavati or that he was her lover.

"They are trying to defame Padmavati by distorting historical facts. It is not acceptable," an activist of Karni Sena said.

In March some miscreants broke the mirrors in Padmini Mahal (palace) in Chittorgarh Fort where Alauddin Khilji is believed to have seen Rani Padmavati or Padmini.

Shri Rajput Karni Sena claims that mirror was invented years after this incident is claimed to have happened so it is a completely untrue and false story.
Gandhidham (Gujarat): Launching a week-long campaign in poll-bound Gujarat, BJP chief Amit Shah on Saturday posed five questions to Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi which revolved around the Narmada Dam project and UPA-era grants to the state.

Speaking in Gandhidham in Kutch district, Shah posed the following questions to the Congress scion:

1. Why wasn't permission granted by the Congress government for the completion of the Narmada Project?

2. Why did Congress government not permit closing of Narmada Dam gates?

3. Why was no special grant given to the Rann or salt marshes in the Kutch region?

4. Why was Gandhinagar not given central grant when UPA was in power?

5. Why was crude oil royalty grant denied to Gujarat for many years by the UPA government?

Shahs questions to Rahul Gandhi come a day after the Congress leader said the satya (reality) of Gujarat was different from the one the BJP was portraying.

Addressing supporters in Patidar-dominated Varachha in the diamond hub of Surat, Rahul Gandhi said the reality of the BJP and Gujarat were two different things, and the fight was now between the two.

"You gave everything and wanted employment, education for your children, treatment for your ailment. Did you get it? Every time you click a selfie, a youth in China benefits," Gandhi said, speaking in Hindi, as the crowds screamed, "No, no."

Terming the small and mid-sized businessmen of Surat as the "only ones who can challenge the China story", Rahul Gandhi termed demonetisation and hasty implementation of GST as an attack on the people.

The Congress leader promised to return to Surat on November 8, when demonetisation completes one year, clashing with Amit Shahs week-long schedule in the state.

Over the next six days, Amit Shah will travel to 33 districts of Gujarat, beginning with Kutch, Morbi and Surendranagar on Saturday.

Shah's tour is a precursor of sorts to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Gujarat campaign in the second week of November.

The state will hold two-phased elections on December 9 and 14 and the counting will take place on December 18.
Hyderabad: YSR Congress Party chief Jagan Mohan Reddy visited the temple town of Tirumala to seek blessings before embarking on the massive Praja Sankalpa Yatra, with an eye on 2019 assembly elections.

Ahead of the padayatra, though, Jagan Reddy faced a big jolt as his party MLA from Rampachodavaram, Vantala Rajeswari, joined the Telugu Desam Party on Saturday. Till now, 22 YSRCP MLA's have defected to the ruling TDP.

Rajeshwari toed the line of that the other defected MLAs took and said, I am joining TDP after witnessing the development of Andhra Pradesh under Chandrababu Naidu's leadership."

YSR Congress has already decided to boycott the forthcoming winter session of the Andhra Pradesh Legislature, starting November 10th, over the illegal defections. They have demanded that all rebel MLAs be disqualified.

"We can't sit in the Assembly when a mockery is being made of democracy. Four who switched sides have even been made cabinet ministers. So we have decided to boycott the Assembly session and not attend till action is taken, said YSRCP MLA Srikanth Reddy.

From November 6, Jagan Reddy is set to kick-start his six months long campaign from the Idupulapaya village in YSR district. Back in 2003, Jagans father YS Rajashekhara Reddy's padayatra catapulted him to the Chief Ministers post.

Jagan will cover 3000 km in 125 constituencies over a period of six months. Jagan Reddy will participate in 5000 roadside meetings and 125 public gatherings.

The aim of the padayatra is to reach out to every household and highlight the failures, lies of the present Chandrababu Naidu-led government. Reddy also said he was looking forward to exposing the TDP government for its failure to get Special Status for the state.

With strong rumours of more imminent defections in coming days, it will be a challenge for Jagan Reddy to keep the party together and win peoples hearts.
Hamirpur (HP): Harassed by troops of monkeys which frequently attack passers-by and destroy crops, residents of Himachal Pradesh are being promised relief from the simian menace by both the BJP and the Congress if voted to power in the upcoming elections.

As many as 2,000 villages across the hill state are affected by simians. BJP's chief ministerial candidate, Prem Kumar Dhumal, blames the Congress government for not running the sterilisation drive in an effective manner to tackle the growing population of monkeys.

"They have not run this programme in an effective manner and it seems that the number of monkeys has increased rather than going down," he said.

"We will motivate farmers to install net fencing around their fields. We will also take other necessary steps as this problem is not limited to villages and has spread to cities as well," Dhumal said.

State BJP president Satpal Satti, who is seeking re- election from Una, alleged that the Congress government had failed to tackle the problem.

Satti said crore of rupees were spent to catch the monkeys for sterilisation but their number continued to increase.

However, Industries Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said, "We have run sterilisation campaigns and taken other steps as well. We will take more steps needed to tackle the problem."

According to a monkey census carried out in 2015, there were over 2,400 monkeys within the Shimla Municipal Corporation limits and eight forest beats were identified as "endemic areas". The Assembly election in the state is scheduled for November 9.
Ahmedabad: Gujarat Congress leaders are expected to meet party MP and former Law Minister Kapil Sibal in Delhi this evening as party attempts to finalise its position on Patel quota demand ahead of state assembly elections. Campaign committee chairman Siddharth Patel along with Babu Mangukia are scheduled to discuss with Sibal to see how best reservations demands of the Patidar community can be met within the current constitutional framework.

Patel is the sitting Congress MLA from Dabhi and son of former state chief minister Chimanbhai Patel.

The meeting comes a day after Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) on Saturday issued a statement claiming Congress in the few days is likely to make its stand clear on providing reservations to Patels in government jobs and educational institutions.

A report being prepared by legal experts has been submitted to Congress President Sonia Gandhi, PAAS which is spearheading the Patel quota demand in Gujarat claimed in its statement.

After due diligence, senior lawyer Kapil Sibal has given a report. It is being accessed how reservations demands of those who are out of quota ambit can be met. Hardik Patel led PAAS said amid ongoing talks with the Congress party on extending support ahead of the upcoming state assembly polls.

A delegation of PAAS has already had a round of comprehensive talks with state Congress leaders last month in Gandhinagar. While there is consensus on most of the demands made by the Hardik Patel led group, there is still no clarity on how Patels would be accommodated in the existing constitutional framework for OBC reservation.

Technically, any inclusion in the state OBC list is vetted by the State Backward Classes Commission. This is done only after it is empirically established that a particular caste or a community is socially and educationally backward.

Secondly, extending OBC reservations to Patels can disrupt caste-coalition Congress is attempting to build for the upcoming polls. About 150 castes in Gujarat are currently in the state OBC list. Together they constitute almost 40% of the state population, the largest voting-block. And inclusion of Patels- a relatively affluent community- in the OBC list would effectively reduce quota pie for the existing beneficiaries.

OBC leader Alpesh Thakor at a rally in Ahmedabad last month has already joined the Congress. The challenge for the Congress now to meet Hardik Patels reservation demand without antagonising the OBC groups.

Similarly, for Patel and his supporters in PAAS, as they attempt to mobilise their community ahead of the elections, it is important to extract a substantive assurance from the Congress on reservations.

Sources in the Congress party indicate that final decision on the issue would probably be made closer to the elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his Gujarat campaign in the second week of November and Congress is closely watching BJPs next move before committing anything to competing castes groups.
Shimla: Having settled the issue in his family's favour, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Anurag Thakur now says declaring his father Prem Kumar Dhumal as the chief ministerial face in Himachal Pradesh has cleared all "confusion" and has swung the voters in the party's favour in the assembly elections.

Against the backdrop of widespread speculation that the party had toyed with the idea of projecting Union Minister J.P. Nadda as its chief ministerial candidate, Thakur, Dhumal's son, claimed that his father's name had been agreed upon well in advance of the November 9 Himachal assembly voting.

"There was confusion among the cadre and voters as to who would lead BJP because various stories appeared in the media. Names of those not even in the race had cropped up. By declaring a CM face, the party leadership has cleared the confusion," Thakur told IANS in an interview.

He said after the announcement the mood in the party had changed and had also charged up the workers.

"Now they are vocal and are more enthused and energised after the announcement of Dhumalji as the CM face. We can see a swing in the public mood. From here... the stage has been set for the duo of Modiji and Dhumalji.

"In the coming days the Prime Minister is going to address seven rallies. These rallies will change the entire scenario in favour of the BJP. The way Dhumal's name was announced by Amit Shah, it has sent a very strong message to voters and the cadres," he said.

He said that if Dhumal's name as the party's chief ministerial face had been declared the day the list of candidates was announced in Delhi, the impact would not have been as powerful as it was now.

"The hype, which we have built up today, would not have been built if his name as CM face had been announced earlier. Amit Shah strategised it well. Now, from here, we will only increase our numbers. The day and timing of the announcement was superb," he said.

Asked about the delay in the announcement, which had set political tongues wagging, Thakur said, "Nothing happens in the BJP without planning and strategy when leaders like Modiji and Amit Shah are involved. It was planned."

The MP from Hamirpur also hit out at the Congress leadership and questioned Rahul Gandhi's abilities, saying he lacked the guts to be a powerful and decisive leader.

"The Congress and its leader have no guts. They bowed before Virbhadra Singh, who is on bail. They can't even get rid of Singh in a small state like Himachal Pradesh. We have examples of dissent in the Congress after Ashok Chowdhry was removed as the state chief. How can he (Gandhi) run a country when he is not able to run his own party and control his own leaders?" Thakur wondered.

Asked about reports of a sudden surge in Gandhi's popularity, Thakur countered that if he is as popular as is being claimed by the Congress, why has the party refrained from fielding him at more public meetings in Himachal Pradesh.

"Why have Congress leaders in Himachal Pradesh not requested Rahul to address more rallies? Even the Congress in states are not able to accept his leadership and you are talking about his popularity."

Thakur said Gandhi also must understand that he can get to become the Congress President, but for the post of Prime Minister he would have to face the people as it is not "reserved".

Talking about issues in the state, Thakur said corruption as well as law and order were big concerns and people of the state were fed up with the Congress.

"There is mafia raj, goonda raj in the state. Virbhadra Singh has failed on every front. Unemployment is still a big issue. Over 900,000 youths are unemployed. The Congress has repeated many of the issues that were in their manifesto in the last election. Dev bhoomi (abode of gods) has been turned into an apradh (crime) bhoomi," he said.

The state is already under a debt of Rs 50,000 crore, he claimed.

Thakur said that if the BJP came to power, its focus would be on providing quality education to students with free laptops and tablets and 1 GB free internet data.

"New tourist destinations will be developed. Water, forest and mountains will be used for taking tourism in the state in a new direction. Need bigger highways for better transportation. Apple industry will be linked to e-mandi. The state will be taken to newer heights of glory."
Communications chipmaker Broadcom Ltd is planning to unveil a bid for smartphone chip supplier Qualcomm by Monday, three sources familiar with the matter said on Friday, an attempt to create a roughly $200-billion company through the biggest technology acquisition ever. A tie-up would combine two of the largest makers of wireless communications chips for mobile phones and raises the stakes for Intel Corp, which has been diversifying into smartphone technology from its stronghold in computers.

The value of Broadcom's bid has not been decided, though an offer in the range of around $70 to $80 per share is being contemplated, one of the sources said. At $70 a share, an offer would value Qualcomm at $103 billion. Qualcomm is not aware of the details of Broadcom's bid, and it is far from certain whether it will entertain this deal, the sources said. "It's a smart move that would make Broadcom into a tech juggernaut," said GBH Insights analyst Daniel Ives.

Qualcomm declined to comment, while Broadcom did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The bid comes as Broadcom plans to move its headquarters to the United States from Singapore. U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the move on Thursday at a White House event where Chief Executive Hock Tan cited Republican tax efforts. It is currently incorporated in Singapore and co-headquartered there and in San Jose, California.

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Broadcom's acquisition would be the most ambitious move by Tan, who has turned a small, scrappy chipmaker into a $100-billion company with a string of deals since he took the helm a decade ago. The proposal comes as Qualcomm is trying to close its pending $38-billion acquisition of NXP Semiconductors NV. NXP is one of the largest makers of chips for vehicles and expanding into self-driving technology, and Broadcom also is open to acquiring NXP, according to one of the sources.

Antitrust officials, who also would have to approve a Broadcom-Qualcomm deal, are still considering Qualcomm's purchase of NXP. Activist investor Elliott Management Corp has taken a large stake in NXP and has been pushing for Qualcomm to pay a higher price for the company, Reuters has reported. Qualcomm, an early pioneer in mobile phone chips, supplies so-called modem chips to phone makers such as Apple, Samsung and LG that help the phones connect to wireless data networks. Broadcom is also a major supplier to many of the same companies for Wi-Fi chips.

Broadcoms Wi-Fi chips are essentially a commodity and priced much lower than the modem chips. The only other major supplier of high-end chips is Intel Corp, which supplies about half of the modem chips in Apples iPhones. Purchasing Qualcomm would give Broadcom a much more lucrative line of business in the mobile phone markets. Intel shares fell 1.6 percent to $46.34. Broadcom is considering a cash and stock offer of about $70 a share, Bloomberg reported earlier.

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Broadcom is looking to complete its $5.5 billion purchase of Brocade Communications Systems Inc while Qualcomm is in the process of closing its deal for NXP. Shares of Qualcomm jumped 12.7 percent to $61.81, while Broadcom's stock climbed nearly 6 percent to $273.63 on Friday afternoon. Shares of NXP fell 2 percent and Brocade slipped 2.6 percent.

Shares of Broadcom have rallied this year while Qualcomm has fallen, making the target more vulnerable. The forward price-to-earnings ratio for Broadcom recently stood at 14.6, slightly above its 13.5 average. Qualcomm's recent forward PE of 15.4 was well below its 25.9 average. Broadcom is working with five financing banks to offer a significant cash component for its bid, according to one of the sources.

Qualcomm faces a multinational legal battle with Apple Inc over Qualcomm's licensing terms to Apple and Apple is considering dropping Qualcomm chips from its phones. Qualcomm sells chips but also licenses a patent portfolio of related technologies. It requires customers like Apple and Samsung to licence its patents if they use its chips, typically asking for a percentage of the price of the final device.

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Apple has objected to that practice, however, and it has a close relationship with Broadcom than with Qualcomm. If Broadcom were to acquire Qualcomm's patent portfolio and change the licensing, it could have far-reaching effects on the mobile phone industry. Qualcomm and Broadcom have patent portfolios in wireless communications that are largely adjacent to each other, with Qualcomm covering mobile data networks and Broadcom covering WiFi and Bluetooth, experts said.

Adjacent products are often cheaper when offered by one company, according to standard economic theory, which could be good for phone makers and potentially incline regulators towards allowing the deal, said Henry C. Su, a former Federal Trade Commission trial attorney. Antitrust concerns over a Broadcom-Qualcomm deal also may be muted because the companies have few areas of overlap beyond Wi-Fi solutions for wireless routers, Bluetooth drivers and some RF semiconductors, said Rob Lineback, a research analyst at IC Insights.

"These companies are leaders in those areas but there are other companies supplying them," said Lineback, who added that asset sales in those areas, if needed to address antitrust concerns, would not affect the value of the deal. Kevin Krewell, a principal analyst at Tirias Research, said that the deal would still make sense for Broadcom and Qualcomm if divestitures were needed to address antitrust issues. Broadcom may be able to skip the review by regulators concerned about foreign ownership of U.S. assets since it is moving its headquarters to California. Broadcom plans to complete that change before completing any Qualcomm deal, avoiding scrutiny by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, according to one of the sources.

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United Nations: Thirty-one new cases alleging sexual abuse or exploitation by United Nations personnel, nearly half of which involve the UN refugee agency, were filed between July and September for events stretching back at least three years, the U.N. said on Friday.

Not all of the allegations have been verified and some are in preliminary assessment phase, said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric in a press briefing. During the three month period, 14 investigations have been launched and one case has been proven, he said.

Of the 31 cases, 12 involve military personnel from peacekeeping operations including those in the Central African Republic and Mali.

The majority of the civilian staff cases, 15, involve the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Three cases involve the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and one the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

UNHCR and UNICEF did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside office hours. IOM was not immediately available outside office hours.

For decades, media and U.N. reports have exposed sexual exploitation and abuse by civilian and military U.N. personnel in places from Haiti to Darfur, with operations in the Central African Republic most recently in the headlines.

The new type of data collection that began in January, Dujarric said, is part of a U.N. initiative to increase transparency with regards to allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse.

"We're seeing allegations that date back a few years," he said, because "people feel freer and safer to come forward."

The U.N. has deployed victims rights advocates in the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo and Haiti.

A dozen of the reported alleged cases happened in 2017, two last year and six more in 2015 or prior. Eleven have no known date, Dujarric said.

Ten of the cases involved sexual abuse and 19 sexual exploitation, with the remaining two unknown.
Washington: Government documents newly released Friday regarding John F. Kennedy's assassination say allegations that Lee Harvey Oswald was connected to the CIA were "totally unfounded."

A 1975 CIA memo says a thorough search of agency records in and outside the United States was conducted to determine whether Oswald had been used by the agency or connected with it in "any conceivable way."

The memo said the search came up empty. The memo also said there was also no indication that any other U.S. agency used Oswald as a source or for recruitment.

The National Archives released another 676 government documents related to the assassination  the third public release so far this year. Under law, all the documents were to be disclosed to the public last week.

Most of the latest release comprises 553 records from the CIA that previously were withheld in their entirety. There also are records from the Justice and Defense departments, the House Select Committee on Assassinations and the National Archives.

University of Virginia historian Larry Sabato complained that many of the documents in the latest release were still heavily redacted. He tweeted about a 144-page record, titled "Material Reviewed at CIA headquarters by House Select Committee on Assassinations staff members," that had writing on only a handful of pages.

Part of a file, dated April 5, 1964, details efforts to trace Lee Harvey Oswald's travel from Mexico City back to the United States, released for the first time on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017, is photographed in Washington. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)

President Donald Trump has ordered the release of all records related to the assassination, and they are expected to be made public on a rolling basis during the next three to four weeks. He also directed agencies to take another look at redactions and withhold information only in the rarest of circumstances.

One record showed how U.S. officials scrambled after the assassination to round up information about Oswald's trip to Mexico City weeks earlier. Officials wondered whether Oswald had been trying to get visas at the Soviet and Cuban embassies in Mexico City in order to "make a quick escape after assassinating the president."

A CIA message sent Nov. 24, 1963  two days after Kennedy was killed  said an "important question" that remained unsolved was whether Oswald had been planning to travel right away or return to the U.S. and leave later.

The message said that although it appeared Oswald "was then thinking only about a peaceful change of residence to the Soviet Union, it is also possible that he was getting documented to make a quick escape after assassinating the president."

Another record dated April 11, 1964, recounted a visit to the CIA by three staff members of the Warren Commission, which was set up to investigate the assassination.

The memo said the staff members indicated that Thomas Mann, former ambassador to Mexico and then-assistant secretary for inter-American affairs, "still has the 'feeling in his guts' that (Cuban leader Fidel) Castro hired Oswald to kill Kennedy. They said, however, that the commission has not been able to get any proof of that."

Also in the latest release was a 20-page FBI analysis of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. dated March 12, 1968  a month before he was assassinated on April 4, 1968. One section alleges that King was attracted to former member of the Communist Party in America. It notes that two previous aides were party members and eight others, who helped shape King's organization in its early stages, had communist affiliations.

The analysis said that in the early 1960s, the Communist Party was trying to get a black labor coalition to further its goals in the United States. It referenced a May 1961 issue of a communist newspaper that stated, "Communists will do their utmost to strengthen and unite the Negro movement and ring it to the backing of the working people."

The FBI said King and his organization were "made-to-order" to achieve these objectives.

The FBI's surveillance of King is well-known and the analysis includes several pages about his sexual life. One document said a black minister who attended a workshop to train ministers in February 1968 in Miami "expressed his disgust with the behind-the-scene drinking, fornication and homosexuality that went on at the conference."

"Throughout the ensuing years and until this date, King has continued to carry on his sexual aberrations secretly while holding himself out to public view as a moral leader of religious conviction," the FBI report said.
Fort Bragg: US Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl on Friday was spared prison for endangering his comrades in arms when he deserted in Afghanistan in 2009, a sentence swiftly condemned by President Donald Trump, who while seeking election had called for his execution.

"The decision on Sergeant Bergdahl is a complete and total disgrace to our Country and to our Military," Trump posted on Twitter from Air Force One as he flew to Asia at the start of a lengthy tour of the region.

A military judge recommended that Bergdahl should be dishonourably discharged from the service, demoted to private and forfeit $10,000 in pay. Army Colonel Jeffery Nance took less than a minute to render his decision and made no other comment.

Bergdahl was captured eight years ago by the Taliban after walking off his combat outpost. He endured torture and malnutrition while held prisoner by the insurgent group for nearly five years. His case sparked a national debate over whether he was a victim or a villain.

The soldier, who had pleaded guilty to desertion and misbehaviour before the enemy, faced a maximum term of life in prison.

Late on Friday morning, the 31-year-old Hailey, Idaho, native trembled as he waited to hear his punishment in a courtroom in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Defence lawyers, who had urged Nance to show leniency, said after the sentencing that Bergdahl was relieved and eager to move on, though they would not discuss his plans. Bergdahl has remained on active duty at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.

"This has been a terrible ordeal," said one of his lawyers, Eugene Fidell.

Neither Bergdahl nor prosecutors, who had sought a 14-year prison term, commented.

Soldiers who testified about the hardships and injuries suffered in the hunt for Bergdahl after he walked off his post in Paktika province in June 2009 without permission said they were disappointed by the sentence.

"Its definitely a slap in the face," former Army Specialist Jonathan Morita said in a phone interview. Morita's right hand was mangled by a rocket-propelled grenade during a July 2009 raid seeking intelligence on Bergdahl's whereabouts.

Along with criticism over the years from US political leaders and fellow soldiers over the dangerous searches prompted by Bergdahl's actions, the conditions of his release sparked controversy.

In May 2014, Bergdahl was handed over to US special operations troops in Afghanistan in exchange for five Taliban detainees, who were released from the Guantanamo Bay prison and flown to Qatar.

Last year, as a Republican presidential candidate, Trump called Bergdahl "a no-good traitor who should have been executed."

Responding to a defence motion on Trump's comments, Colonel Nance ruled they had not influenced him nor affected Bergdahl's chances of a fair sentence. However, the judge said he would consider them a mitigating factor.

Defence attorney Fidell said on Friday that Americans should be offended by Trump's behaviour.

"President Trump's unprincipled effort to stoke a lynch-mob atmosphere while seeking our nation's highest office has cast a dark cloud over the case," he said.

A dishonourable discharge, issued for the most serious offences, cuts off all military and veterans benefits, including healthcare from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

That could pose difficulties for Bergdahl, who, according to testimony, suffered significant nerve damage while a Taliban prisoner and has several mental health conditions.

His punishment must be approved by the commanding general of the U.S. Army Forces Command and then will automatically be reviewed on appeal. The discharge will not take effect until an appellate court affirms Bergdahl's conviction and sentence.

Two portraits of Bergdahl emerged during the sentencing proceedings.

Defence lawyers said he was a young, hardworking soldier who did not understand the full consequences of his actions when he left to report what he said were problems in his unit.

Bergdahl apologised in court this week for the pain he caused fellow service members and admitted he had made "a horrible mistake."

But prosecutors said Bergdahl knew he would trigger an alarm in the war zone. They acknowledged he suffered during his years as a Taliban prisoner, but argued it resulted from his choices and did not diminish the harm he caused others.

Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Addicott said he was surprised by the judge's decision.

"You had several members of our military who have been maimed for the rest of their life because of what Bergdahl did, so he should have received jail time, in my opinion," said Addicott, now a law professor at St. Marys University in San Antonio, Texas.
Almaty: The sister of the Uzbek immigrant accused of killing eight people in New York said her brother might have been brainwashed and appealed to US President Donald Trump on Friday to ensure he gets a fair trial.

Sayfullo Saipov, 29, was charged in a federal court on Wednesday with driving a rented pickup truck down a riverside bike trail, crushing pedestrians and cyclists, in support of Islamic State.

A dozen more people were injured in the city's bloodiest single attack since Sept. 11, 2001. Trump called for Saipov to receive the death penalty.

Speaking from Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, Saipov's sister, Umida Saipova, said she hoped Trump would help ensure her brother was given "more time" and "a fair trial".

She told Reuters by telephone that she and her family had been shocked to see Saipov grow a long beard after he got married in 2013.

Umida Saipova told Radio Free Europe (RFE) that her family believed that her brother may have been brainwashed.

"We don't know who has brainwashed him," Saipova said. "Perhaps he's become part of some organised group. I don't know, honestly, how long it will take for his head to get rid of that poison, but I'm sure he will come to his senses, God willing.

She said she had spoken to her brother the day before the attack.

"He was in a good mood. It was a usual, good conversation," she told RFE.

Saipov's mother, Mukaddas, told Reuters she last saw her son in August when she visited the United States. The attack was a "total shock" to the family, she said.

"I was shocked by the news and I have been in the hospital (since then) until this afternoon," she said.

Mukaddas said Sayfullo told her in August he missed Tashkent. She wanted to bring him home, but could not do that because his youngest child was only 20 days old, she said.

Sayfullo never complained about his life in the United States and was able to support his family and help his parents at the same time, she said.

"He was kind with all of his friends," Mukaddas said.

"No, he was not religious and never visited mosques because he was always busy with studying and then working."

Trump has tweeted of Saipov: "should move fast. DEATH PENALTY!"

Umida Saipova told RFE she and her family hoped her brother would not be sentenced to death in some rushed show trial. Amid unconfirmed reports that the Uzbek authorities are questioning her family, she added that she did not know where her father and uncle were.
Madrid: Spain on Friday issued an arrest warrant on sedition and other charges against Carles Puigdemont, tightening the judicial net around the former Catalan leader who went Brussels after his government was sacked over a declaration of independence.

A Madrid High Court judge asked Belgium to arrest Puigdemont and four associates after they ignored a court order to return to Spain on Thursday to answer charges of rebellion, sedition, misuse of public funds, disobedience and breach of trust relating to their secessionist campaign.

The judge rejected a request from Puigdemont to testify via video conference from Belgium.

In Brussels, a federal prosecutor said Belgian authorities would study the warrant before handing it to a judge. "We will give it to an investigative judge maybe tomorrow or the day after," Eric Van der Sypt told Reuters.

Puigdemont, who is considering standing for a snap election in the region on Dec. 21, has said he did not trust Spanish justice but would cooperate with the Belgian courts.

Embroiled in Spain's gravest political crisis since the return of democracy in the late 1970s, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy called the election when he took control of Catalonia in response to last week's declaration of independence by its parliament.

Belgium, where a European arrest warrant can be blocked for several mainly procedural reasons, will have a maximum of three months to decide whether to send Puigdemont back to Spain.

On Thursday, nine members of his sacked cabinet were ordered by the High Court to be held in custody pending an investigation and potential trial.

"We consider ourselves a legitimate government," Puigdemont told Belgian state television RTBF on Friday. "There must be a continuity to tell the world what's going on in Spain ... It's not with a government in jail that the elections will be neutral, independent, normal."

"... I am ready to be a candidate ... it's possible to run a campaign from anywhere."

GENERAL STRIKE CALL

The detention of the secessionist leaders and Puigdemont's journey to Belgium have given a new boost to the secessionist camp after cracks had appeared in its ranks.

In protest at the jailings, Catalan civic groups Asamblea Nacional Catalana and Omnium Cultural -- whose leaders were imprisoned last month on sedition charges -- called for a general strike on Nov. 8 and a mass demonstration on Nov. 11.

Another six Catalan leaders are due to testify on Nov. 9 on the same charges.

One member of the dismissed cabinet, Santi Vila, was released after paying bail of 50,000 euros ($58,300) on Friday. The other eight could remain in custody for up to four years.

Vila stepped down from the Catalan cabinet before the independence declaration. While he remains a supporter of a secession he has advocated a negotiated solution with the central government.

He has said he wanted to stand as the leading candidate for Puigdemont's PdeCat (Catalan Democratic party) in the regional election.

Thousands of people staged pro-independence protests on Thursday night in several Catalan towns, and parties forming the current coalition Junts Pel Si (Together For Yes) are pushing to run again on a joint ticket at the election.

An opinion poll published on Tuesday showed Junts Pel Si would win in December with 35.2 percent if the vote was held immediately and would likely reach a parliamentary majority if it stuck with its current pact with far-left party CUP.

The Spanish government said on Friday it would have no option but to open talks within the law with those who held a majority.

"We could offer a new dialogue so that we can fulfil Catalans' aspirations for more autonomy and look into reforming the constitution," Foreign Affairs Minister Alfonso Dastis told French newspaper Le Figaro in an interview.

"Some even mention the idea of a federal model so that regions can have more autonomy, including financially."
Washington: A new batch of files, mostly secret CIA records, related to the November 1963 assassination of US president John F. Kennedy was released by the National Archives on Friday.

Nearly 680 records were made public including 553 never-before-seen files from the Central Intelligence Agency, which had objected to their release previously on national security grounds.

Among the CIA files released were detailed records, for example, of efforts to recruit Soviet diplomats serving in foreign missions, complete with transcripts of wiretaps.

The National Archives said the other documents published online were from the Justice Department, the Defense Department and a House committee which conducted an inquiry into Kennedy's November 22, 1963, assassination in Dallas, Texas.

The official Warren Commission which investigated the slaying of the charismatic 46-year-old president determined that it was carried out by a former Marine Corps sharpshooter, Lee Harvey Oswald, acting alone.

The commission's formal conclusion that Oswald killed Kennedy has done little, however, to quell speculation that a more sinister plot was behind the murder of the 35th US president.

Hundreds of books and movies such as the 1991 Oliver Stone film "JFK" have fed the conspiracy industry, pointing the finger at Cold War rivals the Soviet Union or Cuba, the Mafia and even Kennedy's vice president, Lyndon Johnson.

Kennedy scholars have said the new documents are unlikely to contain any bombshell revelations or put to rest the rampant conspiracy theories.

Friday's document released by the National Archives is the third this year and in compliance with a 1992 act of Congress that mandated that all Kennedy documents be released within 25 years.

President Donald Trump has given the FBI and CIA six months -- until April 26, 2018 -- to make their case for why remaining documents should not be made public.

The National Archives released 2,891 assassination documents on October 26 and 3,810 records on July 24.

Oswald defected to the Soviet Union in 1959 but returned to the United States in 1962.

He was shot to death two days after killing Kennedy by a nightclub owner, Jack Ruby, as he was being transferred from the city jail.
ALL is set for the 9th Presidential Youth Interface Rally at the White City Stadium in Bulawayo today, as the Zanu-PF Youth League yesterday evoked the memory of one of the countrys founding nationalists, the late Dr Joshua Nkomo, by visiting his house. Zanu-PF National Secretary for Youth Affairs Cde Kudzanai Chipanga said all was set for President Mugabes address to the youth in Bulawayo, calling for discipline among the party faithful for the successful running of the interface.



He said the arrival of President Mugabe in Bulawayo on Thursday, two days before the interface rally, had helped in boosting morale among the people, and thousands were expected at White City Stadium today. President Mugabe arrived in Bulawayo on Thursday to preside over the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) graduation ceremony yesterday and remained in the city for todays interface rally.



We are happy to say that the presence of His Excellency in Bulawayo days before the interface helped boost the morale. All preparations have been completed and the President has been here since Thursday, so what it means is that everything is in place and the interface is ready to roar. We also want to remind our members that Zanu-PF is a party of discipline and urge them to conduct themselves in a disciplined manner so that our event runs smoothly, said Cde Chipanga.





Cde Chipanga paid tribute to the Zanu-PF Bulawayo province for working as a united team to prepare for todays event whose proceedings will be punctuated by music from South African musicians and locals. Cde Chipanga led a delegation that toured the venue yesterday afternoon to check on the final preparations, before visiting Dr Nkomos house in Pelandaba.





He was accompanied by Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Cde Eunice Nomthandazo Moyo, Politburo and Central Committee members from Bulawayo, members of the Youth League national executive and Bulawayo provincial executive members, as well as local legislators. At Dr Nkomos house and while addressing the revolutionary icons son, Sibangilizwe Nkomo, Cde Chipanga said they had decided to visit to connect with the history of the late Vice President.





We decided as the Youth League to come to the house where Father Zimbabwe used to live, he said. We feel as young people that we need to remember and cherish the contribution of Dr Nkomo to both the country and the party Zanu-PF.





Cde Chipanga said Dr Nkomos house had a rich history of the countrys liberation struggle and pledged that the Youth League will sit and discuss ways to assist in the maintenance of the liberation icons house.





We remain guided by the vision of Dr Nkomo and as the youth, we need to know and appreciate our history, he said. It is important to know where we are coming from and that influences where we are and also where we are going.

Mr Nkomo paid tribute to the Zanu-PF Youth League for visiting his fathers home, saying the house did not belong to the Nkomo family, but to all Zimbabweans. He said Dr Nkomo had told them before his death that the house was to remain accessible to everyone who wanted to connect with the history of the liberation icon and that of the country. The Youth League also conducted a carnival in the city centre to help raise awareness for todays event.





The carnival comprised of traditional dance groups and drum majorettes who joined the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services band as it serenaded the people with its melodious tunes during the march that started at Makokoba suburbs Stanley Square and ended at the City Hall car park. herald
President Mugabe has assured farmers and other stakeholders that Command Agriculture remains a key Government priority programme aimed at revitalising the countrys agro-processing industry, and will be prioritised this season.



Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda issued a statement yesterday on behalf of the President, saying Cabinet remained resolute in support of Command Agriculture, which has since been extended to other areas apart from maize production.



On behalf of His Excellency, the President, I wish, therefore, to take this opportunity to assure our hard- working farmers and all the other stakeholders that the expanded Command Agriculture Production Programme, which happens to be the fulcrum of the Zim-Assets food security and nutrition cluster and a vital cog in the revival of our agro-processing industry, remains a major Government priority programme. As such, focus should be on redoubling of efforts towards its successful implementation, he said.



Dr Sibanda issued the statement in response to an article by the weekly Zimbabwe Independent insinuating that Cabinet rejected a proposal to extend the tenure of the Command Agriculture programme. The story, which appeared in this weeks edition of the newspaper, was headlined:

Cabinet rejects Mnangagwa proposal. Dr Sibanda dismissed the article as inaccurate.





Suffice to say that the article is grossly inaccurate and, indeed, completely at variance with the nature and tone of the discussion that took place at the said Cabinet meeting pertaining to the Command Agriculture Programme. The article is devoid of truth and smacks of deep-seated ulterior motives against this vital Government programme, he said.





For the avoidance of doubt, I wish to state categorically that the Command Agriculture Programme remains a key Government programme which enjoys the full support of Cabinet and all the arms of Government. More importantly, the Command Agriculture is firmly anchored in His Excellency the President Cde R.G. Mugabes vision of revitalising agriculture and the agro-processing value chain as encapsulated in his Ten-Point Plan of August 25 2015.





Dr Sibanda said the programme was well received locally and in Southern Africa and that Government had, in fact, expanded it to include other crops and animals.





Under the Command Agriculture Production Programme, our farmers have indeed been empowered and enabled to unlock full value from Governments sacrosanct land reform programme. In addition, the programme has created employment opportunities for a lot of our people and stimulated rural development and the ongoing expansion of grain storage infrastructure, he said.





Furthermore, it is a matter of public knowledge that Government has now expanded the Command Agriculture Production Programme to include other strategic crops, such as soyabean as well as fisheries and livestock, in line with His Excellency the Presidents call for a targeted import substitution and export growth programme. It is indeed gratifying to note the programme has already attracted keen interest from some of the countries in the SADC region. The programme has indeed received overwhelming support and endorsement from the private sector and key stakeholders, including our hardworking farmers.

Dr Sibanda said contrary to assertions by the Zimbabwe Independent, service chiefs were invited to the Cabinet meeting to help fine-tune the machinery driving the implementation of this critical Government programme, which assumed greater urgency as the rain season gathered momentum.





The objective in such efforts is to ensure that any teething challenges detected are promptly and decisively addressed. It is within this context that the service chiefs were invited to the said Cabinet meeting. If anything, this firmly attests to the inclusive and broad-based nature of the structures that drive the implementation of the Command Agriculture Programme, he said.





Dr Sibanda said in light of what exactly transpired in the Cabinet meeting with regards to the support for Command Agriculture to continue, the article by the Zimbabwe Independent should be dismissed as baseless and completely unfounded.





Once again, I have to state that the negative mood, misplaced inferences and assertions in the Zimbabwe Independent article are a complete misrepresentation of both the deliberations and position of Cabinet regarding the Command Agriculture Programme, he said.





Command Agriculture was last year credited for ensuring a bumper harvest in the country, together with the Presidential Inputs Support Scheme and the good rains. Under the programme, farmers received inputs from Government and were oblidged to take five tonnes of the produce each to the Grain Marketing Board. herald
THE appointment of Cde Patrick Chinamasa as the Minister of Cyber Security, Threat Detection and Mitigation is important because it will help weed out those bent on abusing the internet for sinister agendas, President Mugabe has said.



He was speaking at the official opening of the Nkulumane Community Information Centre in Bulawayo yesterday.



The information centre is part of the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe funded community projects that have seen the construction of 80 centres for US$900 000.





President Mugabe said Cde Chinamasas ministry allows Government to craft systems to combat cybercrime.





He said, We have set up the Cyber Security Ministry to build our own cyber systems to defend ourselves from cybercrime. We are aware that there are some people who use the internet to fight us and implement what they say is regime change.





This is not a first, actually some nations are at an advanced stage in controlling this social media, which is why we thought that Minister Chinamasa as a lawyer can help in controlling our cyber space.





Truth is we can use these computers for many things to promote development. But some people are using these computers to cause disharmony. There are a number of countries which went this route all because of abuse of the cyber space. We dont want to emulate this.





The President said after commissioning the information centres, there is need to teach the communities to use the computers.

President Mugabe said the computer lessons should be free of charge. He said this after Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister, Cde Supa Mandiwanzira had suggested that people should pay.





Let us teach the communities to use these computers but please we have to be disciplined. We mustnt watch pornography because this is not why we are setting up these computers.





The beauty of new technology is that it keeps us in contact. Teachers and students can now get all the solutions via ICT. These gadgets open peoples minds and introduce people to the world out there, to the information out there, said the President.





The President then donated 10 computers each to 12 schools in Bulawayo province.

The schools that benefited are Hamilton High (Bulawayo Central), Mncumbatha Secondary (Imbizo), Ngwenyama Primary (Imbizo), Phumula South Secondary (Khami), Mtshede Primary (Mzilikazi), Induba Primary (Mzilikazi), Inyanda High (Khami), St Peters High (Khami), Baines Primary (Reigate), Lobhengula Primary (Reigate), Trenance Primary (Reigate) and Cowdray Primary School (Reigate).





Cde Mandiwanzira said his ministry is training communities to fully utilize the gadgets.

The aim is to ensure all constituencies have information centres across the country by year end, he said.





President Mugabe was accompanied by the First Lady Grace Mugabe, Vice Presidents Cdes Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko, Cabinet Ministers and other senior Government officials. Sunday Mail
No Charges for Cops

in Killing of Man Who

Was 'Biking While Black'
You might expect the tale of a child prodigy would be an incredible one. But the story of Promethea Olympia Kyrene Pythaithaborn Jasmine Li Lysistrata, she gave herself the Greek name as she graduated from Montana State University with a math degree at age 13is almost unimaginable. Raised by a single mom named Georgia Smith, Promethea was reading Charles Dickens before kindergarten, but when it came to math, her skills were mind-blowing. She enrolled in Stanford's distance-learning program for gifted children and completed a calculus course before age 8; program officials were so fearful the child was a hoax that a math teacher was dispatched to Montana to make sure the girl was the genuine article. The teacher's assessment: She's "at least ten times brighter than the brightest student I've had."

In a piece for the Atavist Magazine, Mike Mariani charts the oddities, tragedies, and successes of the now 26-year-old's story: the poverty; the dedicated mother who accompanied her to every class; Promethea's atypical desire to focus not on a specific field, but to move from math to physics to computer science; and, then, Thomas Kyros. The retired physicist reached out to the mother and daughter with an offer to fund a vacation for them. And then obsession set in, with Kyros calling himself "pappoulis" ("little grandfather" in Greek) and fixating on the notion that Georgia was what was keeping Promethea from accepting the money, books, and gifts he tried to send. He alerted MSU to imagined conspiracy theories about the mother and on Jan. 17, 2011, ultimately showed up at their ranch, where he fired five bullets into Georgia. Read the full story here. (Read more Longform stories.)
A Spanish judge issued an international arrest warrant on Friday for former members of the Catalan Cabinet who were last seen in Brussels, including the ousted separatist leader Carles Puigdemont, who said he was prepared to run for his old job even while battling extradition in Belgium. The AP reports the National Court judge filed the request with the Belgian prosecutor to detain Puigdemont and his four aides, and issued separate international search and arrest warrants to alert Interpol in case they flee Belgium. Puigdemont's Belgian lawyer has said his client will fight extradition to Spain without seeking political asylum. Belgian federal prosecutors said they had received the arrest warrant and could question Puigdemont in coming days.

Puigdemont and the four others are being sought for five different crimes, including rebellion, sedition, and embezzlement in a Spanish investigation into their roles in pushing for secession for Catalonia. The officials flew to Brussels after Spanish authorities removed Puigdemont and his Cabinet from office on Saturday for declaring independence for Catalonia. The Spanish government has also called an early regional election for Dec. 21. Puigdemont told Belgian state broadcaster that he was in Belgium "ready to be a candidate" in the early polls and because he had lost faith in the Spanish justice system. "We can run a campaign anywhere because we're in a globalized world," he said.

(Read more Carles Puigdemont stories.)
One of four American soldiers killed in Niger last month may have been kidnapped by ISIS-linked militants before he was executed, sources say. A village elder in northern Niger tells CBS that a battle raged for more than two hours after a group of Green Berets was ambushed by attackers on motorbikes. He says after the battle was over, he saw three American soldiers dead in a truck, stripped of their uniforms. The body of Sgt. La David Johnson, however, was not found for two days and military sources tell CBS that they believe he was taken prisoner by militant who later shot him and dumped the body around half a mile away from the battle site.

The military is investigating how the four soldiers became separated from their unit during the Oct.4 attack while seven other American troops were reportedly evacuated. Five Nigerien troops were also killed in the attack, though sources tell the Guardian that the Nigerian forces fled soon after the ambush, leaving the Americans to fight alone. The sources say the trapped American troops struggled to call in an attack from nearby French forces, who complained about bad weather and rough terrain. (The attack has been called a "massive intelligence failure.")
It seems a former Trump campaign adviser lied numerous times to the media regarding a trip he took to Russia in July 2016. Carter Page has in the past denied meeting with Russian government officials during the trip, instead saying he saw "mostly scholars." As late as Friday afternoon, he said he only met with business people and academics he had "known for a decade." But a source tells the New York Times that wasn't the story Page gave during testimony Thursday in front of the House Intelligence Committee, when he admitted to meeting Russian officials during the trip. An email Page sent to at least one Trump campaign aide contained his thoughts on his interactions with Russian officials and was read aloud during his testimony, a source says.

On Friday night, Page changed his story to the Times, saying he "had a very brief hello to a couple of people," one of whom was a "senior person" in the Russian government. He later told CNN that senior person was Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich, again characterizing it as a "hello." Page also tells CNN he told Jeff Sessions and "a few people" in the Trump campaign about his plans to travel to Moscow ahead of the trip. He says the identities of those others will "come out." In the meantime, he's now cast suspicion on Sessions' earlier testimony to Congress regarding ties between the Trump campaign and Russian government. Page says his trip to Russia was not related to the campaign. During the trip, he gave a speech critical of America's Russia policy at a university in Moscow. (Read more Carter Page stories.)
President Trump paid a solemn visit to the memorial at Pearl Harbor Friday, a sacred journey for a commander-in-chief about to depart on an Asia trip that will be shadowed by fears of another international conflict. Trump saluted after entering the USS Arizona memorial following a short boat ride with first lady Melania Trump, the AP reports. They approached a wreath of white flowersa gift from the coupleand watched as two sailors who stood beside it at attention placed the wreath near a wall of names of the fallen. The Trumps then tossed white flower petals into the waters above the battleship's sunken hull, as the president then peered down where the rusted wreckage is visible at the water's surface.

Nearly 1,200 crew members died on the USS Arizona during the Dec. 7, 1941 surprise attack by Japan that plunged the US into World War II. Trump, who had spoken earlier in the day about being eager to see the sacred site for the first time, appeared moved by the visit. As the wreath was quietly placed into position, Trump crossed his arms in front of him, closing his eyes as he bowed his head in remembrance. Trump said not a word about North Korea or its nuclear ambitions on Friday, the eve of his first official visit to Asia. He will arrive in Japan on Sunday morning, the first of five countries he will visit over 11 days as he exhorts Asian allies to increase pressure on Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear ambitions.

(Read more Pearl Harbor stories.)
When the calendar flips to November, it is inspiring to see communities throughout the Third District host ceremonies and parades to honor the Nebraskans who have served our country. In Congress, we are focused on demonstrating the gratitude of a nation by ensuring our veterans, the men and women currently serving, and their families receive the care and recognition they deserve.

Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon has introduced the Gold Star Family Support and Installation Access Act to strengthen our commitment to the loved ones of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This legislation ensures Gold Star Families have lifetime access to military installations and allows remarried Gold Star spouses to keep their benefits for as long as they have dependent children at home.

As a retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General, Congressman Bacon knows the importance of caring for military families, and I am glad to join him in this effort by cosponsoring the bill.

I am also a cosponsor of recently-introduced legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the crew of the U.S.S. Indianapolis, which sunk in minutes after being struck by Japanese torpedoes following a covert operation to bring atomic bomb components to Tinian during World War II. An estimated 900 of the 1,197 men onboard made it into the water alive, and after enduring four days of temperature extremes in shark-infested waters, only 317 lived to be rescued.

Dale Krueger of Wayne is one of the fewer than 20 U.S.S. Indianapolis survivors alive today. Through the years, multiple Nebraska reporters have profiled his incredible story, describing how he clung to a large net after the ship went down  while also clinging to the hope of being found and brought to safety. Clarence Hupka of Cook, another brave survivor of the U.S.S. Indianapolis, passed away only days ago on October 29.

I hesitate to ask anything more of our veterans, but one request I will make of these heroes is to share their stories. According to the VA, only 558,000 of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II are alive today, with more than 3,800 of these veterans living in Nebraska. Sadly, we lose an average of 362 World War II veterans each day, along with a growing number from the Korean and Vietnam wars.

This is why I hosted an interactive training earlier this year on compiling veterans accounts for the Library of Congresss Veterans History Project. An important way to serve our veterans is to preserve their stories, and it is crucial for current and future generations to understand the cost of freedom. I encourage all Nebraskans to participate in this effort, and if you would like more information on the Veterans History Project, please visit www.LOC.gov/vets or contact my Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900.

As in years past, my office will also help collect cards for the Red Cross Holidays for Heroes program, formerly known as Holiday Mail for Heroes. This is a wonderful opportunity to share gratitude and greetings with service members and their families. If you wish to join us in this effort, please drop off your cards without postage to my Grand Island or Scottsbluff offices by Monday, December 4. You can also bring them to any mobile offices or Caseworker in Your Community events hosted by my staff. More information is available on my website at AdrianSmith.house.gov/HolidaysforHeroes.

On Veterans Day, and every day, we honor those who made the selfless decision to defend our freedom. To all Nebraska veterans and their families, thank you for bravely answering the call.
A Texas mother plotted for weeks to kill her husband and two young daughters but not everything went to plan, police say. Sarah Henderson, 29, has been charged with capital murder in the deaths of her two daughters, 7-year-old Kaylee and 5-year-old Kenlie, who were shot in the head early Thursday in Maban, south of Dallas, the Washington Post reports. Police say husband Jacob Henderson called 911 at 11:30pm Wednesday to say his wife was "freaking out." He called minutes later to cancel the emergency call, but called again at around 2:30am Thursday with disturbing news. "She was asleep when I went to sleep last night and I woke up, she come in there and she said 'Babe, I just shot the kids,'" he told dispatchers.

"I didn't want to believe it and I went in there and they were dead," Jacob Henderson told dispatchers. Police say he is the stepfather of the two girls and has been cooperating with authorities. Sarah Henderson is now in jail under suicide watch and faces capital murder charges, reports the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Police say she planned the killings and would probably have killed her husband as well, but her gun misfired. "Over the last 24 hours, the investigation shows that she planned these murders for at least the last two weeks," County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse told reporters Friday. "It appears she also intended to kill her husband, but the entire crime did not go as planned." (Read more Texas stories.)
Anthony Weiner must report to prison by Monday, ABC News reports. The 53-year-old former congressman was sentenced to 21 to 27 months in prison after pleading guilty in May to sexting a 15-year-old girl. At the time, he told a judge that he has been "a very sick man for a very long time," according to ABC 7. The Hill notes Weiner resigned from Congress in 2011 after sending lewd photos of himself to women. In the current case, prosecutors say Weiner sent the victim pornography and asked her to take off her clothes and stimulate herself on Skype. He was facing up to 10 years in prison. Weiner is set to be incarcerated at Federal Medical Center, Devens, in Massachusetts. The facility provides mental health care and sex offender treatment to more than 1,100 inmates. (Read more Anthony Weiner stories.)
Residents of any age, no matter how young, could legally hunt in Wisconsin under a bill the state Assembly passed that eliminates the state's minimum hunting age, the AP reports. Currently, a resident must be at least 12 years old to purchase a hunting license or hunt with a gun unless they're participating in a mentored hunt. Children as young as 10 can hunt under that program. The Republican-authored bill would allow people of any age to participate in a mentored hunt, effectively letting anyone hunt. The measure also would eliminate the requirement that a hunter and mentor have only one weapon between them. Thirty-four other states already have no minimum hunting age, according to the Wisconsin Hunters' Rights Coalition.

The GOP-controlled Assembly passed the bill 57-32 Thursday, despite complaints from Democrats that the measure would put guns in the hands of young children and put everyone in the woods in danger. "It's just crazy (the minimum age) would go below 10," Rep. Gary Hebl said. "Absolute insanity that we're talking about giving a kid a gun at any age." Republicans countered that parents should decide when children are old enough to handle weapons. The bill's author, Rep. Rob Stafsholt, told reporters that not every hunter uses high-powered rifles and he believed he was capable of handling a .22-caliber rifle when he was 8 years old. "We're returning the choice to the parent," said Stafsholt, who said his daughter killed a bear at age 11. The measure now goes to the state Senate, which plans to vote on it Tuesday.

(Read more hunting stories.)
Sen. Rand Paul suffered a minor injury Friday afternoon when he was assaulted at his Kentucky home, the Courier-Journal reports. A spokesperson for Paul says he was "blindsided" by the attacker just before 3:30pm. The nature of Paul's injury is unclear, but the spokesperson says he is "fine."

Police arrested 59-year-old Rene Boucher in connection with the attack. He was charged with fourth-degree assault, a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, the Bowling Green Daily News reports. Further charges are possible. CBS News notes it's unclear what connection, if any, there is between Paul and Boucher and whether the assault happened inside or outside Paul's home. An address on file with the county lists Boucher as living in a gated community just east of Paul's home in Bowling Green. (Read more Rand Paul stories.)
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Nebraskans who purchase something online from out-of-state vendors that dont automatically collect sales tax have broken the law, unless theyve claimed the tax and paid it on a tax return.

Yes, were a state full of scofflaws. Our nation is brimming with them, too.

But efforts to mandate collection of online sales taxes have hit a snag, largely because of the current interpretation of a 1992 case by the U.S. Supreme Court that bars the practice unless a retailer has a physical presence in the state. In recent years, Nebraska is among the states that have begun to pursue a measure that would take in the required taxes that have for so long gone unpaid.

To that end, Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson has joined with 34 other attorneys general in filing a friend-of-the-court brief to urge the highest court in the land to again review whether businesses can be required to collect the sales tax on behalf of the states, based on South Dakotas new statute on the topic.

The clarity Peterson and his colleagues seek is long overdue and highlights the problem with technology advancing faster than the laws governing it. For a quarter-century, brick-and-mortar stores have been obligated to charge customers for sales tax at a time when nearly all online retailers have refused to do so, with Amazon a notable exception.

All the while, virtually all of these legally required  but entirely self-reported  taxes have gone unpaid.

In a state such as Nebraska, which has grappled with tax revenues that have repeatedly fallen short of previous forecasts, those dollars would make a big difference. The looming $195 million budget gap wont just close itself, and the state is estimated to lose between $30 million and $40 million annually to unpaid ecommerce sales taxes.

Syracuse Sen. Dan Watermeier introduced a bill in the Legislature that would mandate out-of-state retailers whose gross income in Nebraska exceeded $100,000 to collect state sales tax. Despite clearing its initial floor test, it lacked enough support to invoke cloture to end a filibuster in May.

Considering some of the stated opposition was on legal and constitutional grounds, a review by the Supreme Court would likely allay the fears of at least some senators who fought it in the spring. Even Gov. Pete Ricketts, who opposed Watermeiers bill, supported Petersons effort in hopes the U.S. Supreme Court sets clear parameters for this important issue.

Here, the attorney general and governor are on the right page in asking for a review of South Dakotas new law. The collection of sales tax from online purchases represents just the latest intersection between technology and laws that havent caught up  one that could have millions of dollars at stake for Nebraska.

Journal Star, Nov. 7, 2017
New Delhi:

Over 1,350 families, who were living at Kathputli Colony, have been shifted by the DDA to a transit camp, from February 2014 to June this year, the urban body said on Friday.

The shifting of families have been carried out as part of a re-development project for the artisans' colony in West Delhi's Shadipur area.

Approximately 5.2 hectare land of the DDA near Shadipur Depot in west Delhi has been "under encroachment by jhuggi-dwellers for about 35-40 years". The settlement is known as Kathputli Colony, the DDA said in a statement.

"After notification of Master Plan of Delhi-2021 wherein in situ development of slum areas has been envisaged, tenders were floated for re-development of the area on a public private partnership (PPP) mode", it said.

An agreement was signed with a major private builder in September 2009 for the project, the housing authority said.

Shifting of families from the colony to the transit camp in Anand Parbat has been faced with resistance over the years.

"Shifting of these persons to the transit camp was started in February 2014 and by July, 2014, 527 families had been shifted", the DDA said.

Afterwards, the DDA said, it approved recommencing the shifting process on November 18, 2016 and spot verification of eligible beneficiaries.

Till June 30 this year, 828 additional families have been shifted to the transit camp, taking the total number of them shifted to the camp to 1355, the DDA said.

Read more: Delhi: Man arrested for molesting one and half year old girl child

"About one-third of the demolition work had been completed and about four acres of land reclaimed, it added.

Besides the transit camp, DDA's plan is to rehabilitate or resettle some of the illegally settled squatters in the area, in properly built EWS houses measuring about 30 sqm each, with full legal rights of ownership, the statement said.

"These EWS houses would be provided with amenities of one bed room, kitchen, toilet and a lobby", DDA said.

These additional eligible beneficiaries are being offered built-up EWS houses at Narela. The draw for allotment at Narela has been conducted on October 25, 2017 and the result of the draw has been uploaded on the DDA's website, it added.
New Delhi:

To celebrate anniversary of demonetisation on November 8, Vasudhara Raje government in Rajasthan planned a gathering in Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Thousands of people will take part in the celebrations and sing national anthem and national song in unison.

The ceremony will be headed by the Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. Bollywoods famous music composer Kalyanji Anandji will also take part in the celebrations. They will play patriotic songs on the occasion.

The government in Rajasthan has decided to give the occasion patriotic colour. Jaipur Municipal Corporation has already mandated that national anthem should be sung everyday. Now, almost 50,000 people are expected to sing national anthem and national song at the SMS stadium in Jaipur.

The state BJP unit has directed all district units to celebrate anniversary of Demonetisation. They have also been directed to tell people about benefits of demonetisation.

On the other hand, the Congress has also geared up to spoil the party of BJP by calling demonetisation anniversary a Black Day. State Congress chief Sachin Pilot has directed the party to organise Black Day on November 8.

Vandemataram ceremony has been celebrated in last 3 years. But, BJP has now decided to celebrate it on demonetisation anniversary.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Guru Nanak Jayanti which is also known as Guru Nanak Gurpurab and Guru Nanak's Prakash Utsav marks the birth anniversary of Sikh's first Guru, Guru Nanak. The auspicious festival celebrates on the full moon day of Hindu month of Kartik.

Apart from Sikh, people from all other religions also celebrated Guru Nanak Jayanti.

The birthday of Guru Nanak is celebrated by people in a three-day significance. On the first two days, people reiterates verses of Guru Granth Sahib- a holy book of Sikhs.

On the day of Guru Nanak Jayanti, the celebration begins with Prabhat Pheris in the early morning, it starts from a Gurudwaras. The morning part also includes singing hymns, a Katha session and ends with a Kirtan.

People chants prayer and hymn singing throughout the day. After that langar is organized. The celebration ends at 2 am with singing Gurbani.

The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Northern India, especially in Chandigarh, Haryana, and Punjab. The festival is also widely celebrated in the UK and Canada.

Read More: Chhath Puja 2017: Devotees offer 'Argh' to rising sun across India

Early life of Guru Nanak

From an early age, Guru Nanak had a spiritual quest. Even, he refused to wear the sacred thread which is usually worn by the upper caste Hindus. He did not believe in artificial aspects of religion.

His life changed when at the age of 28 he disappeared for three days and after returning from that place revealed that there is no Hindu and no Muslim, there is only one God who is formless and could be worshipped by any name.

His teachings stood in contrast with the religious practices of his time and became part of Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs.Giru Nanak Gurupurab is celebrated to remember the Guru and his teachings and overcome the five vices - lust, greed, attachment, anger, and pride and devote one's life to the selfless service of God.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Terrorists on Saturday attacked Rajpora Police Station in Jammu and Kashmir. Heavy firing exchanged between police and terrorists.

As per reports, one policeman was dead and one was injured.

Earlier in the day, terrorists attacked police party at Imam sahab in Shopian in Jammu and Kashmir.

On November 2, Two Army soldiers were killed during an encounter between terrorists and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on Thursday evening. A militant was also killed in the operation and his body was recovered.

A senior police officer not willing to be quoted said, On intelligence inputs a joint operation including Jammu and Kashmir Police and Indian Army was launched in Pulwamas Samboora village.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Addressing a rally in Himachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that these elections are not about forming a government but building a Bhavya and Divya state.

PM Modi launched attack on Congress by saying that there was a time when newspapers were full of 2G spectrum and corruption news all over. He added that there was a time when people used to talk about losses and now they talk about gains.

PM Modi said that they are now taking action against those who involved in rampant corruption.

People of India wont believe in Congress over honesty in next 100 years, said PM Modi.

"We want to change lives in villages in India be it roads, railways, air, highways. We want to work for Himachal. Only development can fulfill all our dreams. Only development can take coming generation on to our desired path, said PM Modi.

PM Modi was addressing rally in Himachal Pradeshs Sundar Nagar.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi in Raitt said that no senior Congress leader came in Himachal Pradesh to campaign and they have already left the field leaving everything on fate.

"I have heard that Congress has lost the trust in its own leaders and is looking for rebels in other parties. I haven't come here to ask you to make BJP win. I have come here to ask you to give it a 3/4th majority," said PM Modi.

PM Modi urged people that there should not be a single polling booth where there will be presence of Congress.

"Congress is getting the fruits of its sins. If people are angry today, it is due to its own deeds. They're going to celebrate 8 Nov as black day and burn my effigies. They don't know Modi is disciple of Sardar Patel and won't be cowed down," said PM Modi.

"People who were habitual looters and have had to return their loot today won't let me be at peace. Even you know that," he added.

"In 2014 Congress had promised to provide 9 gas cylinders per year. When we came to power, we decided to provide gas through pipelines. There was maximum development in Himachal when Atal Ji was in Delhi and Dhumal Ji was here in Himachal. You have a chance again," said PM Modi.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Contrary to the ongoing beliefs, use of social media may not affect mental health, suggests a new study. So far, no evidence has been found supporting the connection between amount of time spent on social media and mental health problems, as per the research.

"We do not deny the potential for some online behaviours to be associated with mental health problems. But the research focuses on the behaviour of individuals rather than assuming social media to be the root cause of all socio-personal problems", Chloe Berryman, lead author of the study and researcher at University of Central Florida in the US.

The study that was publised in Psychiatric Quarterly questioned 467 young adults and analysed their reponses. The questions included amount of time spent on social media, the importance it holds in their lives and the ways in which they used social media.

Current mental health status, social anxiety levels, relationship shared with parents and the amount of social support were also among the parameters analysed in the study.

Read more: India marks progress in pneumonia and diarrhoea control: Global report

As per the finding, the only trend that worried the researchers was vaguebooking or social media posts that were written in order to grab attention and concern of readers and had no actual or clear information.

Young people who wrote such posts were associated with loneliness and had more suicidal thoughts than others.

"Vaguebooking was slightly predictive of suicidal ideation, suggesting this particular behaviour could be a warning sign for serious issues", said Berryman.
Tokyo:

An artificial intelligence (AI) character was made an official resident of a busy central Tokyo district on Saturday, with the virtual newcomer resembling a chatty seven-year-old boy.



The boy named "Shibuya Mirai" does not exist physically, but he can have text conversations with humans on the widely used LINE messaging app.



Tokyo's Shibuya Ward, an area popular with fashion-conscious young people, has given the character his own special residence certificate.



This makes him Japan's first, and maybe the world's first, artificial intelligence bot to be granted a place on a real-life local registry.



Mirai, whose name means "future" in Japanese, is supposed to be a first grader at an elementary school.



He can reply to messages and make light-hearted alterations to selfies he is sent.



Shibuya said the project aimed to make the district's local government more familiar to residents and allow officials to hear their opinions.



"His hobbies are taking pictures and observing people. And he loves talking with people... Please talk to him about anything," the ward said in a statement with Microsoft, the joint developer of the AI character.

Also read: Ozone layer hole shrinks to smallest size since 1988 due to higher temperature over Antarctica, NASA reveals



Also read: Social media use may not affect mental health, says study

For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi :

Prime Minister Theresa May has released a new code of conduct for Conservative Party representatives as a sexual harassment scandal dogged the British parliament.

Following Michael Fallon's resignation as defence secretary, May yesterday outlined new procedures for dealing with allegations, as further claims swirled around Westminster.

Her governing Conservatives will adopt a new complaints procedure with a hotline for reporting potential breaches, and officials want the measures replicated in other parties.

May's announcement follows the flood of sexual assault and harassment claims against Hollywood movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. Those revelations prompted allegations of inappropriate behaviour in Westminster -- with several allegations of misuse of power surfacing.

May is due to meet leaders of other parties on Monday to thrash out a cross-party approach, saying it was not right that "vulnerable or concerned people" could be left to "navigate different grievance procedures."

"There needs to be a common, transparent, independent grievance procedure for all those working in parliament who wish to raise concerns which provides clarity and certainty about how their concerns will be dealt with," May said.

The new Conservative code applies to the party's elected representatives, from MPs to local councillors and city mayors, and party officers at all levels.

Fallon quit as defence secretary on Wednesday, saying his behaviour had fallen short of the standards required. He admitted touching radio presenter Julia Hartley- Brewer's knee 15 years ago -- an incident she said was nothing other than "mildly amusing".

According to The Sun newspaper yesterday, Fallon's resignation was actually prompted by complaints against him by Cabinet colleague Andrea Leadsom.

But a source close to Fallon told the tabloid he categorically denies telling her at some point between 2010 and 2012 that he knew where she could put her cold hands to warm them up.

May's Downing Street office then issued a statement saying Leadsom "did not, and has not, asked the prime minister to consider the position of Sir Michael Fallon when he was defence secretary".

May replaced Fallon on Thursday with another loyalist, chief whip Gavin Williamson, who had been in charge of enforcing party discipline.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

A new batch of files, mostly secret CIA records, related to the November 1963 assassination of US president John F Kennedy was released by the National Archives on Saturday.

Nearly 680 records were made public including 553 never-before-seen files from the Central Intelligence Agency, which had objected to their release previously on national security grounds.

Among the CIA files released were detailed records, for example, of efforts to recruit Soviet diplomats serving in foreign missions, complete with transcripts of wiretaps.

The National Archives said the other documents published online were from the Justice Department, the Defence Department and a House committee which conducted an inquiry into Kennedy's November 22, 1963 assassination in Dallas,Texas.

The official Warren Commission which investigated the slaying of the charismatic 46-year-old president determined that it was carried out by a former Marine Corps sharp shooter, Lee Harvey Oswald, acting alone.

The commission's formal conclusion that Oswald killed Kennedy has done little, however, to quell speculation that a more sinister plot was behind the murder of the 35th US president.

Read more: British PM Theresa May launches code of conduct amid sex scandals

Hundreds of books and movies such as the 1991 Oliver Stone film "JFK" have fed the conspiracy industry, pointing the finger at Cold War rivals the Soviet Union or Cuba, the Mafia and even Kennedy's vice president, Lyndon Johnson.

Kennedy scholars have said the new documents are unlikely to contain any bombshell revelations or put to rest the rampant conspiracy theories.

Saturday's document release by the National Archives is the third this year and in compliance with a 1992 act of Congress that mandated that all Kennedy documents be released within 25 years.

President Donald Trump has given the FBI and CIA six months -- until April 26, 2018 -- to make their case for why remaining documents should not be made public.

The National Archives released 2,891 assassination documents on October 26 and 3,810 records on July 24.

Oswald defected to the Soviet Union in 1959 but returned to the United States in 1962.

He was shot to death two days after killing Kennedy by a nightclub owner, Jack Ruby, as he was being transferred from the city jail.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi :

Four years ago, well before the furor over allegations Moscow meddled in the 2016 election that put Donald Trump in the White House, at least 195 web addresses belonging to Trump, his family or his business empire were hijacked by hackers possibly operating out of Russia, The Associated Press has learned.

The Trump Organisation denied the domain names were ever compromised. But a review of internet records by the AP and cybersecurity experts shows otherwise.

And it was not until this past week, after the Trump camp was asked about it by the AP, that the last of the tampered- with addresses were repaired.

After the hack, computer users who visited the Trump- related addresses were unwittingly redirected to servers in St. Petersburg, Russia, that cybersecurity experts said contained malicious software commonly used to steal passwords or hold files for ransom. Whether anyone fell victim to such tactics is unclear.

A further mystery is who the hackers were and why theydid it. The discovery represents a new twist in the Russian hacking story, which up to now has focused mostly on what US intelligence officials say was a campaign by the Kremlin to try to undermine Democrat Hillary Clinton's candidacy and benefit Trump.

It is not known whether the hackers who tampered with the Trump addresses are the same ones who stole Democratic officials' emails and embarrassed the party in the heat of the campaign last year. Nor is it clear whether the hackers were acting on behalf of the Russian government.

The affected addresses, or domain names, included donaldtrump.org, donaldtrumpexecutiveoffice.com, donaldtrumprealty.com and barrontrump.com. They were compromised in two waves of attacks in August and September 2013, according to the review of internet records.

Many of the addresses were not being used by Trump. Businesses and public figures commonly buy addresses for possible future use or to prevent them from falling into the hands of rivals or enemies.

The Trump Organization and its affiliates own at least 3,300 in all. According to security experts, the hackers hijacked the addresses by penetrating and altering the domain registration records housed at GoDaddy.com, a seller of web addresses.

Accounts at GoDaddy, like at any site that requires a user name and password, are often subject to malicious messages known as phishing attacks, which are designed to trick people to reveal that personal information to hackers.

Computer users who entered or clicked on one of those Trump addresses probably would have had no idea they were redirected to servers in Russia.

Within days after the AP asked the Trump Organization about the tampering, the affected web addresses were all corrected. The White House referred questions to the Trump Organization. The FBI did not respond to a request for comment.

GoDaddy spokesman Nick Fuller said the company had no breaches of its system in 2013 and has measures in place to monitor for malicious activity. Fuller would not discuss any customers in particular.

Some cybersecurity experts said there is an outside chance the tampering was a probe, an attempt to test security for an eventual effort to gather information on Trump or his business dealings. But those experts were only guessing.

There was no evidence the hackers ultimately broke into server computers at the Trump Organization or other Trump interests.

"This is beyond me," said Paul Vixie, CEO of the San Mateo, California-based internet security company Farsight Security Inc. "I have simply never seen a benefit accrue from an attack of this kind. I'm at loss, unless it's a demonstration of capabilities."

Vixie said the Trump Organization's apparent failure to detect what was happening probably suggests inadequate cybersecurity at the company. "There's no way something like this could go by in the Bloomberg empire without this being seen," Vixie said.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Madrid:

A Spanish judge has issued an EU arrest warrant for Catalonias deposed separatist leader a day after he failed to appear for questioning over his role in the regions tumultuous independence drive. Spanish prosecutors want to charge Carles Puigdemont, who is holed up in Belgium, with rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds.

Yesterday, the 54-year-old ignored a summons to appear before the same judge in Madrid. An EU arrest warrant was also issued for four Catalan ministers who also failed to show up and are also thought to be in Belgium.

They, like Puigdemont, were dismissed by Spains central government a week ago, a court statement said. Yesterday the same Spanish judge had Puigdemonts deputy and seven other deposed regional ministers jailed pending a possible trial because of a risk that they might similarly abscond.

Speaking in an interview on Belgian television channel RTBF yesterday recorded before the widely expected warrant was issued, Puigdemont said he was not hiding from real justice but from a clearly politicised Spanish legal system.

I have told my lawyers to inform the Belgian justice authorities that I am completely at their disposal, he said. Spains worst political crisis in decades flared up over the staging of a Catalan independence referendum on October 1 despite a court ban. Spanish police tried and failed to stop it, in some cases firing rubber bullets.

An independence declaration by the Catalan parliament followed one week ago. Spains government responded by dismissing Puigdemonts government, imposing direct rule and calling fresh elections in Catalonia on December 21.

Some 20 people including Puigdemont and the Catalan parliament speaker had been summoned for questioning on Thursday. Puigdemonts Belgian lawyer Paul Bekaert, who has helped Basque separatists militants challenge Spanish extradition, said his client did not see the climate as conducive to testifying.

Late Thursday, as television footage showed police vans with flashing blue lights driving Puigdemonts former ministers to different prisons, furious Catalans took to the streets. About 20,000 people, according to police, demonstrated in the regional capital Barcelona, while others gathered across the region, and thousands turned out again last evening.

In Barcelona, people thronged outside the Catalan parliament chanting Freedom for political prisoners, Occupying forces leave and also This Europe is a disgrace. Its brilliant that people are protesting, although its a bit late, demonstrator Melanie Ortiz, 27, told AFP.

Puigdemont said on Catalan TV from an undisclosed location late Thursday that the situation is no longer an internal Spanish affair, calling on the international community to wake up to the danger.

But apart from Scotlands separatist First Minister Nicola Sturgeon criticising the jailing of political opponents, there are no signs that other countries steadfast backing of Madrid is faltering. Germany reiterated its support for the unity and constitutional order of Spain while a European Commission spokeswoman said it respects fully the independence of the Spanish judiciary.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

A Spanish judge has issued an international arrest warrant for Catalonia's deposed separatist leader a day after he failed to appear for questioning over his role in the region's tumultuous independence drive.

Spanish prosecutors want to charge Carles Puigdemont, who is holed up in Belgium, with rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds. Yesterday, the 54-year-old ignored a summons to appear before the same judge in Madrid.

An EU arrest warrant was also issued for four Catalan ministers who also failed to show up and are also thought to be in Belgium. They, like Puigdemont, were dismissed by Spain's central government a week ago, a court statement said.

Yesterday the same Spanish judge had Puigdemont's deputy and seven other deposed regional ministers jailed pending a possible trial because of a risk that they might similarly abscond.

Speaking in an interview on Belgian television channel RTBF yesterday recorded before the widely expected warrant was issued, Puigdemont said he was not hiding from "real justice" but from a "clearly politicised" Spanish legal system.

"I have told my lawyers to inform the Belgian justice authorities that I am completely at their disposal," he said. Spain's worst political crisis in decades flared up over the staging of a Catalan independence referendum on October 1 despite a court ban. Spanish police tried and failed to stop it, in some cases firing rubber bullets.

An independence declaration by the Catalan parliament followed one week ago. Spain's government responded by dismissing Puigdemont's government, imposing direct rule and calling fresh elections in Catalonia on December 21.

Some 20 people including Puigdemont and the Catalan parliament speaker had been summoned for questioning on Thursday.

Puigdemont's Belgian lawyer Paul Bekaert, who has helped Basque separatists militants challenge Spanish extradition, said his client did not see the climate as "conducive to testifying".

Late Thursday, as television footage showed police vans with flashing blue lights driving Puigdemont's former ministers to different prisons, furious Catalans took to the streets.

About 20,000 people, according to police, demonstrated in the regional capital Barcelona, while others gathered across the region, and thousands turned out again last evening.

In Barcelona, people thronged outside the Catalan parliament chanting "Freedom for political prisoners", "Occupying forces leave" and also "This Europe is a disgrace".

"It's brilliant that people are protesting, although it's a bit late," demonstrator Melanie Ortiz, 27, told AFP.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe dined with Ivanka Trump in Tokyo ahead of a visit to Japan by her father, US President Donald Trump, from Sunday.

Ivanka Trump, who is an advisor to the US president, arrived in Japan on Thursday. She attended the World Assembly for Women on Friday along with Abe. Abe invited her to a Japanese-style hotel on Friday night. They shook hands at the entrance and waved to the media. As they sat down for dinner, Abe said he welcomed Ivanka from the bottom of his heart. He thanked her for delivering "a wonderful speech" at the conference. Abe also said he is pleased to have established a strong relationship of trust with President Trump ever since they first met in November last year. The prime minister handed a bouquet to Ivanka Trump to mark her birthday on October 30th. They talked about Japan-US relations, women's issues, family and hobbies. Abe later told reporters that he enjoyed the gathering. Trump posted photos of the dinner on Instagram and Facebook. They showed her watching a traditional Japanese dance and receiving the bouquet from Abe. She wrote on Instagram: "An unforgettable last night in Tokyo. Thank you Prime Minister Abe for the warm hospitality and the belated birthday wishes."

Nov 04 (ANNnewsCH) - aeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaace eaaa3aaaaccaeaaaaeYasaaaS aaaaYaaeaaecsaaaaeaaaYaeYasaaaaccaaaaaaaaaaacaaaaaaaaaaaYa
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NEW MILFORD  Fridays mayoral debate between challenger Pete Bass, a Republican, and Democratic incumbent David Gronbach drew out stark differences between the two candidates on issues ranging from the towns approach to road projects to the role of the Board of Finance in town government.

One of the few things they agreed on was support for the New York Mets rather than the Yankees or Red Sox.

The hourlong debate, co-sponsored by The News-Times and the Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce, covered issues such as the two candidates personal qualities and how each would spur economic development in a town still recovering from the Great Recession.

Bass, who has made road maintenance and improvement a cornerstone in his campaign, said the town could save significant amounts of money by taking a more creative approach.

We could get 20 to 25 percent more out of our money that we spend to do roads if we change the way we do the process, everything from the way we bid the roads to when we do the roads, Bass said. To me, its a no-brainer.

He said work being done on Long Mountain Road, where the work has been divided into two phases, would cost less if done in one session.

Gronbach said if there was a way to save 25 percent on such costs, the very talented public works employees, along with volunteers on the newly formed Roads Committee,would have found way to do it.

The candidates sparred over the Board of Finances role in town government.

Gronbach, who has declined to seek the boards review of such issues as appropriations from the Landfill Settlement Fund, asserted the boards oversight is unnecessary now that the town has a finance director. He said town leaders considered disbanding the board during the last charter review.

But Bass said the board plays an important oversight role, providing needed checks and balances on the mayor and Town Council.

I 100 percent believe that the Board of Finance needs to have more of a say, Bass said. We need to have more accountability.

In dispute was the towns use of the Landfill Settlement Fund, a multimillion-dollar account created after a successful lawsuit against Waste Management, which is earmarked for tax relief and for support of schools, parks and library projects.

Bass argued Gronbach leaned too heavily on the fund and pulled more out of it than his predecessors. The town should wean itself off the fund, he said, so it has more money for future capital projects.

But Gronbach said he is using the fund exactly as intended, and listed several projects that had improved the towns quality of life.

"Its available for tax relief, but were also using it for its intended purpose, which is parks and recreation. You see, weve got a community center now ... weve got expansion of the senior center, weve got a Vietnam memorial on the green ... the river trail and the incredible things weve done along the river, he said.

Answering a question about his personal style, which critics have called headstrong, Gronbach said he has actively sought community input through appointed committees. He said most issues have been resolved with unanimous support from the Town Council, with the sole exception of the Pettibone project, where he met partisan opposition.

He said his election in 2015 amounted to a referendum in favor of using the school instead of demolishing it, and community sentiment on the subject was clear.

In general, he said, town government has become more energetic on his watch.

"The past two years have seen a tremendous amount of accomplishments here in New Milford, Gronbach said. Weve seen the face of our town change. Weve seen the vibe and the energy of our town change.

Bass, answering a question about unpaid debts and liens against his property, said he has been open about the personal difficulties behind them and has already made progress in paying them off. Anyone seeking more information, he said, is free to call him about it, and he gave out his phone number.

If you have any questions, you can come talk to me, he said
VAUGHAN, ON, Nov. 3, 2017 /CNW/ - Cara Operations Limited, today announced results for the third quarter ending September 24, 2017.

"We continue to deliver on our 2020-2022 strategy with strong growth in the third quarter and year to date. During the third quarter, we achieved positive results towards all our long-term targets. The St-Hubert and Original Joe's acquisitions drove total system sales growth over 2016 of $184.6 million or 36.9% in the quarter and an increase of $604.0 million or 43.1% year to date, Same Restaurant Sales ("SRS") was positive 0.9% for the quarter to improve us to flat year to date, EBITDA as a percentage of Total System Sales was within our long-term target range of 7%-8% at 7.0% for the quarter" commented Bill Gregson, Cara's Chief Executive Officer.

"While we are not satisfied with SRS of 0.9% for the quarter, we are encouraged by the positive trend. We will continue to focus on our goal of long-term sustainable SRS growth, which will be driven by the combination of our renovation strategy, focus on menu innovation, commitment to improved operations and guest experiences, and our investments in digital and e-commerce.

Third Quarter and Year to Date Highlights:

System Sales grew $184.6 million to $684.7 million for the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2017 as compared to 2016, representing an increase of 36.9%. For the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017 , System Sales grew $604.0 million to $2,004.6 million compared to the same period in 2016, representing an increase of 43.1%. The increase in System Sales is primarily related to the addition of St-Hubert in September 2016 , Original Joe's in November 2016 and the addition of 42 new restaurants that opened in 2016, partially offset by restaurant closures.

Same Restaurant Sales ("SRS") Growth for the 13 and 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017 was 0.9% and 0.0%, respectively, compared to the same 13 and 39 weeks in 2016. The improvement in trend to positive SRS is primarily driven by sales increases from renovated restaurants, menu enhancements, digital marketing, strong performance in Quebec and improvements in Alberta. SRS excludes the impact from the Original Joe's transaction that was completed on November 28, 2016 and the Burger's Priest investment that was completed on June 1, 2017 , and both will be excluded from 2017 SRS reporting.

Operating EBITDA increased to $48.0 million for the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2017 compared to $36.9 million in 2016, an improvement of $11.1 million or 30.1% for the quarter. Year to date, Operating EBITDA was $132.5 million compared to $97.3 million in 2016, an improvement of $35.2 million or 36.2%. The increases have been driven by an increase in contribution dollars in each of the Company's operating segments, being Corporate restaurants, Franchise restaurants and Central, from the addition of St-Hubert in September 2016 (including food processing and distribution which is part of Central operations), and Original Joe's in November 2016.

Operating EBITDA Margin on System Sales for the third quarter was 7.0%, within our long-term target range of 7%-8%, however less than 7.4% in Q3 2016. Year to date, Operating EBITDA Margin on System Sales was 6.6% compared to 6.9% in 2016. Q3 2017 marks the first quarter in 2017 where Operating EBITDA Margin returns to within the 7%-8% target range coming from the improvements in each of the Company's segments and reflects Cara and St-Hubert operating in the 7%-8% range, while improvement opportunities remain to be fully realized at Original Joe's to reach the Company's long-term target range.

Earnings before income taxes was $30.4 million for the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2017 compared to $20.7 million in 2016, an increase of $9.7 million or 46.9% for the quarter. Year to date, Earnings before income taxes was $79.5 million compared to $65.7 million , an improvement of $13.8 million or 21.0%. The increases were mainly attributed to increased contribution dollars from corporate and franchised restaurants from the additions of St-Hubert and Original Joe's corporate and franchise restaurants, SRS increases, improved contribution from the central segment driven by the addition of St-Hubert's food processing and distribution business, and overall cost reductions, offset by increased interest expense and depreciation expense (both related to the St-Hubert and Original Joe's 2016 transactions), non-cash impairment provisions and restructuring charges.

Basic Earnings per Share ("EPS") for the 13 and 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017 was $0.35 and $1.38 , compared to $0.29 and $0.95 in 2016, respectively. Diluted EPS was $0.34 in the quarter compared to $0.27 in 2016, and $1.33 year to date compared to $0.88 in 2016. The increases are primarily related to improvements in Net Earnings, offset by the impact from the increased number of subordinate voting shares outstanding as a result of the Q3 2016 subscription receipt offering to support the St-Hubert transaction reduced by shares repurchased and cancelled under the NCIB in the second and third quarters of 2017.

Management continues to focus on both short-term and long-term strategies to improve SRS through restaurant renovations, greater emphasis on menu innovation, enhanced guest experiences, expanded off-premise sales through new and improved e-commerce applications that will be expanded to most brands over the next 2 years, and brand specific digital-social media marketing. Some specific developments include:

Year to date, the Company has completed the major renovation of 47 corporate and franchised restaurants. Major renovations, which include the inside and outside of the restaurant, rejuvenate sales long-term and positively contribute to SRS on a sustainable basis.

In Q3 2017, the Company launched new native, in-house developed ordering apps for Swiss Chalet on iOS and Android. These will be followed shortly in Q4 with a new fully-responsive mobile-friendly ordering website for Swiss Chalet. The new Swiss Chalet apps have been very positively received by consumers and have become the #1-rated branded restaurant app in Canada on the iOS app store. The new Swiss Chalet app and responsive website form the technical foundation for the Company to quickly launch new apps for Montana's , East Side Mario's and additional brands in the future.

During the first three quarters, Cara expanded its on-line aggregator relationships (including Uber-Eats) to over 470 restaurants to enable customers to place delivery and pick-up orders through the channel and application of their choice; the Company will continue to roll out this initiative across its corporate and franchised restaurants and expects to be active in at least 600 restaurants by the end of Q4 2017.

The Company continues to build on existing partnerships with key media partners including Facebook and Google and has also built new partnerships and integrations with strategic digital media partners including the Weather Network, TeamSnap and Waze where their subscribers overlap with Cara customers. This is part of the continued goal of enhancing customer specific marketing and marketing effectiveness. In Q4, the Company will be integrating order ahead features for Swiss Chalet into the Weather Network and Waze Apps, these will be exclusive advertising and sales channels in Canada for Cara.

In Q3 the Company fully deployed a new CRM tool and database management system to market directly to customers and to effectively maximize life time value of these guests. With the help of this new CRM tool and database, brands can more effectively identify opportunities and put plans in place to drive not only new guests but also to grow life time value with purchase frequency and order size tactics of each consumer segment.

The Company has developed an analytics platform that integrates customer satisfaction data, sales and operational effectiveness data and health and safety data from a number of disparate data sources. This information is aggregated and presented into store and brand-level dashboards that provide franchisees, managers and operators with specific information about guest experiences, in their particular restaurants. This data forms a foundation of what will become a mobile analytics solution for our franchisees and operators to have timely and restaurant specific information at their fingertips to better service guests.

In Q3 the Company launched a new local store marketing portal that will provide more effective local store marketing tools and best practices to help our franchisees and restaurants better connect with guests in their communities.

In Q4 Cara will continue to enhance its partnership with Scene to more effectively leverage the 8 million plus Scene member database and customer data to drive new and repeat purchases from Scene members.

On November 3, 2017, the Company's Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.10169 per share of subordinate and multiple voting common stock. Payment of the dividend will be made on December 15, 2017 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 30, 2017.

Subsequent to September 24, 2017, the Company announced entering into a purchase agreement to acquire 100% interest in the Pickle Barrel Group of Restaurants for approximately $23.6 million, consisting of cash, the issue of subordinate voting shares, and the assumption of debt of approximately $5.4 million. The transaction is anticipated to close by the end of the year.





For the 13 weeks ended

For the 39 weeks ended ($ millions unless otherwise stated)1

September 24,

2017

September 25,

2016

September 24, 2017

September 25, 2016



(unaudited)

(unaudited)

(unaudited)

(unaudited) Total System Sales

$684.7

$500.1

$2,004.6

$1,400.6 Total System Sales Growth

36.9%

14.0%

43.1%

7.4% SRS Growth

0.9%

(2.3%)

0.0%

(1.2%) Number of restaurants (at period end)

1,249

1,127

1,249

1,127

















Corporate restaurant sales

$111.2

$74.7

$313.3

$206.4 Number of corporate and joint venture restaurants

211

136

211

136 Contribution from Corporate segment

$11.8

$9.1

$30.2

$23.1 Contribution as a % of corporate sales

10.6%

12.2%

9.6%

11.2%

















Franchise restaurant sales

$515.7

$407.7

$1,521.3

$1,176.6 Number of franchised restaurants

1,038

991

1,038

991 Contribution from Franchise segment

$20.0

$16.0

$60.3

$47.1 Contribution as a % of Franchise sales

3.9%

3.9%

4.0%

4.0%

















Contribution from Food Processing and Distribution

$3.4

$2.7

$8.7

$2.7

















Contribution from Central segment

$16.2

$11.8

$42.0

$27.1 Contribution as a % of Total System Sales .

2.4%

2.4%

2.1%

1.9%

















Total gross revenue

$188.7

$114.5

$549.8

$287.7 Operating EBITDA

$48.0

$36.9

$132.5

$97.3 Operating EBITDA Margin

25.4%

32.2%

24.1%

33.8% Operating EBITDA Margin on Total System Sales

7.0%

7.4%

6.6%

6.9%

















Earnings before income taxes

$30.4

$20.7

$79.5

$65.7 Net earnings

$21.2

$14.9

$82.5

$47.3 Adjusted net earnings

$28.7

$24.3

$80.8

$70.9

















Earnings per share attributable to common shareholders (in dollars)

















Basic EPS

$0.35

$0.29

$1.38

$0.95

Diluted EPS

$0.34

$0.27

$1.33

$0.88

Adjusted Basic EPS

$0.48

$0.47

$1.35

$1.42

Adjusted Diluted EPS

$0.46

$0.43

$1.30

$1.32



















(1) See "Non-IFRS Measures" for definitions of System Sales, SRS Growth, Operating EBITDA, Operating EBITDA Margin & Operating EBITDA Margin on System Sales. (2) Results from East Side Mario restaurants in the United States are excluded in System Sales totals and number of restaurants. (3) Results from New York Fries located outside of Canada, East Side Mario restaurants in the United States, Casey's restaurants, Original Joe's restaurants, and Burger's Priest are excluded from SRS Growth. (4) "Adjusted Net Earnings" is defined as net earnings plus (i) deferred income tax expense (reversal); (ii) non-cash amortization of inventory fair value increases related to inventory sold during the period resulting from the St-Hubert purchase determined at acquisition date; (iii) one-time transaction costs; and (iv) non-cash impairment charges. See "Non-IFRS Measures" on page 28 of the Company's MD&A for definitions of Adjusted Earnings Before Income Tax, Adjusted Net Earnings, Adjusted Basic EPS and Adjusted Diluted EPS. (5) "Adjusted Basic EPS" is defined as Adjusted Net Earnings divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding. "Adjusted Diluted EPS" is defined as Adjusted Net Earnings divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of stock options and warrants issued. See "Non-IFRS Measures" on page 28 of the Company's MD&A for definitions of Adjusted Earnings Before Income Tax, Adjusted Net Earnings, Adjusted Basic EPS and Adjusted Diluted EPS.

The Company's unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the 13 and 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017 and Management's Discussion and Analysis are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Outlook

The Company continues to deliver on its long-term strategic objectives laid out at the time of the April 2015 IPO. Cara's successful acquisition and earnings efficiency strategies, including synergies from the 2016 St-Hubert and Original Joe's transactions, will continue to deliver profitable growth over 2016. In the third quarter, Total Systems Sales grew $184.6 million or 36.9% to $684.7 million, Operating EBITDA increased 30.1% to $48.0 million with a contribution margin of 7.0% as a percentage of Total System Sales, and adjusted Net Earnings increased to $28.7 million, an increase of $4.4 million or 18.1%. Management provides the following comments regarding its strategies and initiatives:

System Sales and SRS Growth  Management is very happy with total System Sales growth of 36.9% and is not satisfied with SRS of 0.9% for the quarter, but is pleased by the positive trend. Management continues to focus on our goal of long-term sustainable SRS growth. As Cara is a multi-branded company, not all brands will have strong results at the same time which can result in overall variable sales and SRS results.



Management continues to focus on both short-term and long-term strategies to improve SRS through restaurant renovations, greater emphasis on menu innovation, enhanced guest experiences, expanded off-premise sales through new and improved e-commerce applications that will be expanded to most brands over the next 2 years, and brand specific digital-social media marketing. Some specific developments include:





 Management is very happy with total System Sales growth of 36.9% and is not satisfied with SRS of 0.9% for the quarter, but is pleased by the positive trend. Management continues to focus on our goal of long-term sustainable SRS growth. As Cara is a multi-branded company, not all brands will have strong results at the same time which can result in overall variable sales and SRS results. Management continues to focus on both short-term and long-term strategies to improve SRS through restaurant renovations, greater emphasis on menu innovation, enhanced guest experiences, expanded off-premise sales through new and improved e-commerce applications that will be expanded to most brands over the next 2 years, and brand specific digital-social media marketing. Some specific developments include: Year to date, the Company has completed the major renovation of 47 corporate and franchised restaurants. Major renovations, which include the inside and outside of the restaurant, rejuvenate sales long-term and positively contribute to SRS on a sustainable basis.







In Q3 2017, the Company launched new native, in-house developed ordering apps for Swiss Chalet on iOS and Android. These will be followed shortly in Q4 with a new fully-responsive mobile-friendly ordering website for Swiss Chalet. The new Swiss Chalet apps have been very positively received by consumers and have become the #1-rated branded restaurant app in Canada on the iOS app store. The new Swiss Chalet app and responsive website form the technical foundation for the Company to quickly launch new apps for Montana's , East Side Mario's and additional brands in the future.





on the iOS app store. The new Swiss Chalet app and responsive website form the technical foundation for the Company to quickly launch new apps for , East Side Mario's and additional brands in the future.

During the first three quarters, Cara expanded its on-line aggregator relationships (including Uber-Eats) to over 470 restaurants to enable customers to place delivery and pick-up orders through the channel and application of their choice; the Company will continue to roll out this initiative across its corporate and franchised restaurants and expects to be active in at least 600 restaurants by the end of Q4 2017.







The Company continues to build on existing partnerships with key media partners including Facebook and Google and has also built new partnerships and integrations with strategic digital media partners including the Weather Network, TeamSnap and Waze where their subscribers overlap with Cara customers. This is part of the continued goal of enhancing customer specific marketing and marketing effectiveness. In Q4, the Company will be integrating order ahead features for Swiss Chalet into the Weather Network and Waze Apps, these will be new exclusive advertising and sales channels in Canada for Cara.





for Cara.

In Q3 the Company fully deployed a new CRM tool and database management system to market directly to customers and to effectively maximize life time value of these guests. With the help of this new CRM tool and database, brands can more effectively identify opportunities and put plans in place to drive not only new guests but also to grow life time value with purchase frequency and order size tactics of each consumer segment.







The Company has developed an analytics platform that integrates customer satisfaction data, sales and operational effectiveness data and health and safety data from a number of disparate data sources. This information is aggregated and presented into store and brand-level dashboards that provide franchisees, managers and operators with specific information about guest experiences, in their particular restaurants. This data forms a foundation of what will become a mobile analytics solution for our franchisees and operators to have timely and restaurant specific information at their fingertips to better service guests.







In Q3 the Company launched a new local store marketing portal that will provide more effective local store marketing tools and best practices to help our franchisees and restaurants better connect with guests in their communities.







In Q4 Cara will continue to enhance its partnership with Scene to more effectively leverage the 8 million plus Scene member database and customer data to drive new and repeat purchases from Scene members.





Total Operating EBITDA  The combined contributions from Corporate, Franchise, Food Processing and Distribution, and Central segments resulted in Total Operating EBITDA margin of 7.0% as a percentage of Total System Sales for the quarter, the best result year to date in 2017. Year to date, Total Operating EBITDA margin as a percentage of Total System Sales was 6.6% compared to 6.9% in 2016. The Company will continue to work on all four segments, with Corporate having the greatest improvement opportunity to achieve its long-term targets to increase both segmented Operating EBITDA Contribution and Total Operating EBITDA in relation to Total System Sales.





 The combined contributions from Corporate, Franchise, Food Processing and Distribution, and Central segments resulted in Total Operating EBITDA margin of 7.0% as a percentage of Total System Sales for the quarter, the best result year to date in 2017. Year to date, Total Operating EBITDA margin as a percentage of Total System Sales was 6.6% compared to 6.9% in 2016. The Company will continue to work on all four segments, with Corporate having the greatest improvement opportunity to achieve its long-term targets to increase both segmented Operating EBITDA Contribution and Total Operating EBITDA in relation to Total System Sales. Corporate restaurant profitability  While corporate restaurant profitability of 10.6% for the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2017 is within the Company's long-term target range of 10% - 15%, it is lower than the 12.1% achieved in Q3 in 2016. Year to date, corporate restaurant profitability was 9.6% compared to 11.2% in 2016. The reduction was mostly from Original Joe's corporate and joint venture restaurants that currently operate below the 10% target contribution level. Management believes there is significant opportunity for improved contribution in the future from Original Joe's as Management realizes operating synergies from lower food and beverage costs and better labour management tools. Contribution will also improve as renovated restaurants re-open at higher sales levels, as the western provinces and Newfoundland recover from the economic slowdown and from the sale of certain corporate restaurants in franchise banners. Improvements in sales trends during the third quarter appears to indicate that a turnaround in Alberta has started.



The Alberta and Ontario governments are proposing increases to minimum wage starting October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2018 , respectively, that will materially impact the cost of labour at the Company's restaurants located in Alberta and Ontario . While this is an industry-wide issue, management is evaluating alternatives to mitigate the impact of these increases while minimizing menu price increases that may otherwise be necessary to offset the extra costs.





 While corporate restaurant profitability of 10.6% for the 13 weeks ended is within the Company's long-term target range of 10% - 15%, it is lower than the 12.1% achieved in Q3 in 2016. Year to date, corporate restaurant profitability was 9.6% compared to 11.2% in 2016. The reduction was mostly from Original Joe's corporate and joint venture restaurants that currently operate below the 10% target contribution level. Management believes there is significant opportunity for improved contribution in the future from Original Joe's as Management realizes operating synergies from lower food and beverage costs and better labour management tools. Contribution will also improve as renovated restaurants re-open at higher sales levels, as the western provinces and recover from the economic slowdown and from the sale of certain corporate restaurants in franchise banners. Improvements in sales trends during the third quarter appears to indicate that a turnaround in has started. The and governments are proposing increases to minimum wage starting and , respectively, that will materially impact the cost of labour at the Company's restaurants located in and . While this is an industry-wide issue, management is evaluating alternatives to mitigate the impact of these increases while minimizing menu price increases that may otherwise be necessary to offset the extra costs. Franchise segment Franchise contribution as a percentage of franchise sales remained steady at 3.9% for the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2017 compared to 3.9% for the same period in 2016. Year to date, Franchise contribution as a percentage of franchise sales was 4.0% compared to 4.0% in 2016. The continued sales challenges experienced in the western provinces and Newfoundland has impacted financial assistance and bad debt provisions with certain franchised locations, which will result in slower improvements in franchise contribution rate over the short term.





Franchise contribution as a percentage of franchise sales remained steady at 3.9% for the 13 weeks ended compared to 3.9% for the same period in 2016. Year to date, Franchise contribution as a percentage of franchise sales was 4.0% compared to 4.0% in 2016. The continued sales challenges experienced in the western provinces and has impacted financial assistance and bad debt provisions with certain franchised locations, which will result in slower improvements in franchise contribution rate over the short term. Food processing and distribution  Contribution dollars from food processing and distribution was $3.4 million and $8.7 million for the 13 and 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017 , respectively. As a percentage of System Sales, the Contribution margin rate for food processing and distribution was 5.9% and 5.1% for the 13 and 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017 , respectively. Managements expects a strong fourth quarter as some Q3 grocery orders have been delayed into the fourth quarter because of the unseasonably warm September in Quebec and Ontario .





 Contribution dollars from food processing and distribution was and for the 13 and 39 weeks ended , respectively. As a percentage of System Sales, the Contribution margin rate for food processing and distribution was 5.9% and 5.1% for the 13 and 39 weeks ended , respectively. Managements expects a strong fourth quarter as some Q3 grocery orders have been delayed into the fourth quarter because of the unseasonably warm September in and . Central segment  Going forward, central contribution will continue to improve on our model for growing sales faster than head office expenses, and by expanding our off premise business.





 Going forward, central contribution will continue to improve on our model for growing sales faster than head office expenses, and by expanding our off premise business. Earnings per share  Starting in Q4 2017, year-over-year EPS and Adjusted EPS calculations will be more comparable as the weighted average share count amounts used for the calculation will be less impacted by new shares issued in Q3 2016 for the St-Hubert acquisition.





 Starting in Q4 2017, year-over-year EPS and Adjusted EPS calculations will be more comparable as the weighted average share count amounts used for the calculation will be less impacted by new shares issued in Q3 2016 for the acquisition. Restaurant Count  During the first three quarters, the Company completed 35 new openings and closed 35 restaurants. Management is targeting to open 27 net new restaurants in 2017 before the impact of Casey's closures and any acquisitions. In addition, in Q4 2017 we will acquire Pickle Barrel locations as part of the upcoming transaction. Management is also pursuing the sale of certain corporate restaurants in its franchise banners to franchisees to continue to improve the corporate-franchise portfolio mix. During the 39 weeks end September 24, 2017 , 12 corporate restaurants were sold and re-franchised.





 During the first three quarters, the Company completed 35 new openings and closed 35 restaurants. Management is targeting to open 27 net new restaurants in 2017 before the impact of closures and any acquisitions. In addition, in Q4 2017 we will acquire Pickle Barrel locations as part of the upcoming transaction. Management is also pursuing the sale of certain corporate restaurants in its franchise banners to franchisees to continue to improve the corporate-franchise portfolio mix. During the 39 weeks end , 12 corporate restaurants were sold and re-franchised. Growth and acquisitions The Company currently has a debt to EBITDA ratio of approximately 2.2x. At this debt level, and with strong cash flow from operations, the Company has the ability to consider more growth opportunities while continuing to reduce its debt, and by opportunistically repurchasing its subordinate voting shares for cancellation under the NCIB. To supplement cash flow and debt repayment (and our ability to grow), the Company is also planning less capital expenditures in 2018 as we build fewer new restaurants and as we reduce the number of corporate restaurants in franchise banners by selling restaurants to franchisees.



The foregoing description of Cara's outlook is based on management's current strategies and its assessment of the outlook for the business and the Canadian Restaurant Industry as a whole, may be considered to be forward looking information for purposes of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Readers are cautioned that actual results may vary. See "Forward Looking Information" and "Risk & Uncertainties" for a description of the risks and uncertainties that impact the Company's business and that could cause actual results to vary.

NonIFRS Measures

These measures are not recognized measures under IFRS, do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Rather, these measures are provided as additional information to complement those IFRS measures by providing further understanding of the Company's results of operations from management's perspective. Accordingly, they should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of the Company's financial information reported under IFRS. The Company uses non IFRS measures including "System Sales", "SRS Growth", "Operating EBITDA", "Operating EBITDA Margin", "Operating EBITDA Margin on System Sales", "Adjusted Earnings before income tax", "Adjusted Earnings", "Adjusted Basic EPS", and "Adjusted Diluted EPS", to provide investors with supplemental measures of its operating performance and thus highlight trends in its core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS financial measures. The Company also believes that securities analysts, investors and other interested parties frequently use non IFRS measures in the evaluation of issuers. The Company's management also uses non IFRS measures in order to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period, to prepare annual operating budgets, and to determine components of management compensation.

"System Sales" represents top line sales from restaurant guests at both corporate and franchise restaurants including take-out and delivery customer orders. System Sales includes sales from both established restaurants as well as new restaurants. System sales also include sales received from its food processing and distribution division. Management believes System Sales provides meaningful information to investors regarding the size of Cara's restaurant network, the total market share of the Company's brands sold in restaurant and grocery and the overall financial performance of its brands and restaurant owner base, which ultimately impacts Cara's consolidated financial performance.

"System Sales Growth" is a metric used in the restaurant industry to compare System Sales over a certain period of time, such as a fiscal quarter, for the current period against System Sales in the same period in the previous year.

"SRS Growth" is a metric used in the restaurant industry to compare sales earned in established locations over a certain period of time, such as a fiscal quarter, for the current period against sales in the same period in the previous year. SRS Growth helps explain what portion of sales growth can be attributed to growth in established locations and what portion can be attributed to the opening of net new restaurants. Cara defines SRS Growth as the percentage increase or decrease in sales during a period of restaurants open for at least 24 complete fiscal months relative to the sales of those restaurants during the same period in the prior year. Cara's SRS Growth results excludes Original Joe's as the transaction was completed on November 28, 2016; Burger's Priest as the transaction was completed on June 1, 2017; Casey's restaurants as the Company is in the process of winding down its operations; and sales from international operations from 48 New York Fries and 3 US East Side Mario's.

"EBITDA" is defined as net earnings (loss) before: (i) net interest expense and other financing charges; (ii) loss (gain) on derivative; (iii) write-off of financing fees; (iv) income taxes; (v) depreciation of property, plant and equipment; (vi) amortization of other assets.

"Operating EBITDA" is defined as net earnings (loss) before: (i) net interest expense and other financing charges; (ii) gain (loss) on derivative; (iii) write-off of financing fees; (iv) income taxes; (v) depreciation of property, plant and equipment; (vi) amortization of other assets; (vii) impairment of assets, net of reversals; (viii) losses on early buyout / cancellation of equipment rental contracts; (ix) restructuring and other; * conversion fees; (xi) net (gain) / loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment; (xii) stock based compensation; (xiii) changes in onerous contract provision; (xiv) lease costs and tenant inducement amortization; (xv) expense impact from fair value inventory adjustment resulting from the St-Hubert purchase relating to inventory sold during the period; (xvi) acquisition related transaction costs; and the Company's proportionate share of equity accounted investment in associates and joint ventures.

"Operating EBITDA Margin" is defined as Operating EBITDA divided by total gross revenue.

"Operating EBITDA Margin on System Sales" is defined as Operating EBITDA divided by System Sales.

"Adjusted Net Earnings" is defined as net earnings plus (i) deferred income tax expense (reversal); (ii) non-cash amortization of inventory fair value increases related to inventory sold during the period resulting from the St-Hubert purchase determined at acquisition date; (iii) one-time transaction costs; (iv) non-cash impairment charges; and (v) restructuring and other.

"Adjusted Basic EPS" is defined as Adjusted Net Earnings divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding.

"Adjusted Diluted EPS" is defined as Adjusted Net Earnings divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of stock options and warrants issued.

Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company or the industry in which they operate, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. When used in this press release, such statements use words such as "may", "will", "expect", "believe", "plan" and other similar terminology. These statements reflect management's current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this news release. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including those related to: (a) the Company's ability to maintain profitability and manage its growth including SRS Growth, System Sales Growth, increases in net income, Operating EBITDA and Operating EBITDA Margin on System Sales, and Adjusted net earnings (b) competition in the industry in which the Company operates; (c) the general state of the economy; (d) integration of acquisitions by the Company; (e) risk of future legal proceedings against the Company. These risk factors and others are discussed in detail under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form dated March 2, 2017. New risk factors may arise from time to time and it is not possible for management of the Company to predict all of those risk factors or the extent to which any factor or combination of factors may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those contained in forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release.

Related Communications

Bill Gregson, Chief Executive Officer and Ken Grondin, Chief Financial Officer, will hold an investor conference call to discuss 2017 third quarter results at 9:00 am Eastern Time on November 6, 2017.

To access the call, please call (647) 427-7450 or 1-888-231-8191, five to ten minutes prior to the start time. Conference ID 95322243. A telephone replay of the call will be available until midnight on December 9, 2017. To access the replay, please dial (416) 849-0833 or 1-855-859-2056 and enter passcode 95322243.

About CARA

Founded in 1883, Cara is Canada's oldest and largest full-service restaurant company. The Company franchises and/or operates some of the most recognized brands in the country including Swiss Chalet, Harvey's, St-Hubert, Milestones, Montana's, Kelsey's, East Side Mario's, New York Fries, Burger's Priest, Prime Pubs, Original Joe's, State & Main, Elephant & Castle, Bier Markt and Landing restaurants. As at September 24, 2017, Cara had 1,249 restaurants, 1,194 of which were located in Canada and the remaining 55 locations were located internationally. 83% of Cara's restaurants are operated by franchisees and 55% of Cara's locations are based in Ontario. Cara's shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CARA.TO. More information about the Company is available at www.cara.com.

SOURCE Cara Operations Limited

For further information: INVESTOR RELATIONS: Cara Operations Limited, Ken Grondin, (905) 760-2244, Chief Financial Officer, Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.cara.com


TORONTO and MARSEILLE, France, Nov. 3, 2017 /CNW/ - Foraco International SA (TSX:FAR) (the "Company" or "Foraco"), a leading global provider of mineral drilling services, today released its unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2017. All figures are expressed in US Dollars (US$) unless otherwise indicated.

"The positive trend in commercial activity reported over the last two quarters was confirmed in Q3 2017. The key mining companies seem to widely recognize that reserves are being depleted at such a level that new exploration programs need to be launched. We noted a recovery in North America in the last few quarters and this trend now appears to be spreading to regions where the business environment is considered less risky" commented Daniel Simoncini, Chairman and Co-CEO of Foraco. "Thanks to our presence in these key countries, we expect to fully benefit from these positive trends. Our Q3 revenue was up 13% compared to the same quarter last year and although there has not been a recovery in selling prices yet, our profit margins have improved, driven by increased activity and a satisfactory operating performance."

"Our profit margin including depreciation in the cost of sales is improving quarter-by-quarter and represented 12.5% of revenue in Q3 2017, bringing our YTD margin to 9.7% of revenue. This is a significant improvement compared to the same period last year. EBITDA came to US$ 3.3 million in the third quarter and US$ 8.2 million over the first nine months of the year. During the quarter, we invested US$ 3 million in CAPEX to serve newly acquired contracts. Our financial ratios are improving and we met our covenants as at September 30, 2017" added Jean-Pierre Charmensat, Co-CEO and Chief Financial Officer. "Notwithstanding positive market trends, we will continue to focus on cost control, strategic CAPEX and cash management. At this turning point, we are also aware that our future success will depend on our capacity to select, train and retain our dedicated workforce."

Three months Q3 2017 Highlights

Revenue

Q3 2017 revenue was US$ 33.9 million compared to US$ 30.0 million in Q3 2016, an increase of 13%.

compared to in Q3 2016, an increase of 13%. The utilization rate was 35% in Q3 2017, same as in Q3 2016.

Profitability

Q3 2017 gross margin including depreciation within cost of sales was US$ 4.2 million (or 12.5% of revenue) compared to US$ 2.1 million in Q3 2016 (or 7.0% of revenue). This improvement is a combination of increased performance on contracts and higher activity allowing a better absorption of fixed operational costs.

(or 12.5% of revenue) compared to in Q3 2016 (or 7.0% of revenue). This improvement is a combination of increased performance on contracts and higher activity allowing a better absorption of fixed operational costs. Q3 2017 EBIT was US$ (1.3) million compared to US$ (2.5) million in Q3 2016, a US$ 1.2 million improvement mainly attributable to an improved gross margin.

compared to in Q3 2016, a improvement mainly attributable to an improved gross margin. Q3 2017 EBITDA was US$ 3.3 million compared to US$ 2.5 million in Q3 2016.

compared to in Q3 2016. Capital expenditure was US$ 3.0 million in Q3 2017 compared to US$ 1.3 million in Q3 2016. This Capex is mainly linked to new contracts to be executed in the next quarters.

YTD Q3 2017 Highlights

Revenue

YTD Q3 2017 revenue amounted to US$ 100.8 million compared to US$ 86.4 million in YTD Q3 2016, an increase of 17%.

Profitability

The YTD Q3 2017 gross margin including depreciation within cost of sales was US$ 9.8 million compared to US$ 1.4 million in YTD Q3 2016. The increased activity allowed a better absorption of fixed operational costs.

compared to in YTD Q3 2016. The increased activity allowed a better absorption of fixed operational costs. YTD Q3 2017 EBIT was US$ (5.8) million compared to US$ (13.0) million in YTD Q3 2016, a US$ 7.2 million improvement mainly attributable to an improved gross margin.

compared to in YTD Q3 2016, a improvement mainly attributable to an improved gross margin. YTD Q3 2017 EBITDA was US$ 8.2 million compared to US$ 3.5 million for the same period last year.

Cash flow and net debt

YTD Q3 2017 cash flow from operations before working capital was positive US$ 8.2 million vs. US$ 2.5 million YTD Q3 2016, an improvement mainly attributable to increased activity and profitability.

vs. YTD Q3 2016, an improvement mainly attributable to increased activity and profitability. CAPEX for the period amounted to US$ 6.6 million compared to US$ 4.1 million . This CAPEX program is mainly linked to new contracts.

compared to . This CAPEX program is mainly linked to new contracts. After working capital, interest, tax and CAPEX, YTD Q3 2017 free cash flow was US$ (6.0) million vs. US$ (10.2) million in YTD Q3 2016.

vs. in YTD Q3 2016. On May 11, 2017 , the Company completed the reorganization of its debt and obtained a new financing of  18.0 million ( US$ 19.8 million at transaction date).

, the Company completed the reorganization of its debt and obtained a new financing of  18.0 million ( at transaction date). The net debt was US$ 122.0 million as at September 30, 2017 compared to US$ 103.3 million as at December 31, 2016 . This increase is mainly due to the negative free cash flow ( US$ 6.0 million ) and the adverse effect of foreign exchange rates on the debt denominated in Euros ( US$ 12.6 million ).

Selected financial data

(In thousands of US$)

(unaudited) Three-month period ended

September 30, Nine-month period ended

September 30,













2017

2016 2017 2016 Revenue 33,868

30,017 100,759 86,442











Gross profit / (loss) (1) 4,233

2,099 9,788 1,436 As a percentage of sales 12.5%

7.0% 9.7% 1.7%











EBITDA 3,335

2,525 8,247 3,534 As a percentage of sales 9.8%

8.4% 8.2% 4.1%























Operating profit / (loss) (1,283)

(2,522) (5,831) (13,042) As a percentage of sales -3.8%

-8.4% -5.8% -15.1%











Profit / (loss) for the period (2,717)

(3,213) (8,710) (14,832)











Attributable to:









Equity holders of the Company (2,963)

(3,366) (8,412) (15,272) Non-controlling interests 246

153 (298) 440











EPS (in US cents)









Basic (3.31)

(3.77) (9.38) (17.08) Diluted (3.31)

(3.77) (9.38) (17.08)

(1) This line item includes amortization and depreciation expenses related to operations

Financial results

Revenue

(In thousands of US$) -

(unaudited) Q3 2017 % change Q3 2016 YTD Q3 2017 % change YTD Q3 2016 Reporting segment











Mining 32,750 15% 28,481 94,855 22% 77,821 Water 1,118 -27% 1,536 5,904 -32% 8,621 Total revenue 33,868 13% 30,017 100,759 17% 86,442













Geographic region











Europe, Middle East and Africa 8,969 25% 7,170 33,944 15% 29,450 North America 11,181 47% 7,609 29,311 43% 20,522 South America 6,884 -22% 8,796 22,359 6% 21,183 Asia Pacific 6,834 6% 6,442 15,145 -1% 15,287 Total revenue 33,868 13% 30,017 100,759 17% 86,442

Q3 2017

Q3 2017 revenue amounted to US$ 33.9 million compared to US$ 30.0 million in Q3 2016, an increase of 13%.

In EMEA, revenue increased by 25% from US$ 7.2 million in Q3 2016 to US$ 9.0 million in Q3 2017. The increased activity in the mining segment in Russia has more than offset the lower activity in the water segment in Africa.

Revenue in North America increased by 47% from US$ 7.6 million in Q3 2016 to US$ 11.2 million in Q3 2017. Compared to last year, the Company benefited from new contracts with Juniors and increased activity with Majors.

Revenue in South America decreased by 22% from US$ 8.8 million in Q3 2016 to US$ 6.9 million in Q3 2017, mainly in Brazil where some clients temporarily reduced their programs awaiting clarifications on the government proposed mining reforms.

In Asia Pacific, revenue increased by 6% from US$ 6.4 in Q3 2016 to US$ 6.8 in Q3 2017. The increase is mainly linked to a sustained activity in New Caledonia.

YTD Q3 2017

YTD Q3 2017 revenue amounted to US$ 100.8 million compared to US$ 86.4 million in YTD Q3 2016, an increase of 17%.

In EMEA, revenue increased by 15% from US$ 29.5 million in YTD Q3 2016 to US$ 33.9 million in YTD Q3 2017. The increased activity in the mining segment in Africa, France and Russia has more than offset the lower activity in the water segment in Africa.

Revenue in North America increased by 43% from US$ 20.5 million in YTD Q3 2016 to US$ 29.3 million in YTD Q3 2017. Compared to last year, the Company benefited from new contracts with Juniors and increased activity with Majors. Five rigs were purchased and four were transferred from other areas to North America to meet the increased demand.

Revenue in South America increased by 6% from US$ 21.2 million in YTD Q3 2016 to US$ 22.4 million in YTD Q3 2017. The improved activity recorded during the first semester has been partially offset by a temporary slowdown in Brazil due to the uncertainty surrounding the proposed mining reforms.

In Asia Pacific, revenue was stable at US$ 15.1 million (vs US$ 15.3 million in YTD Q3 2016).

Gross profit

(In thousands of US$) -

(unaudited) Q3 2017 % change Q3 2016 YTD Q3 2017 % change YTD Q3 2016 Reporting segment











Mining 4,554 105% 2,223 9,942 n/a 1,503 Water -321 n/a -124 (154) n/a (67) Total gross profit / (loss) 4,233 102% 2,099 9,788 n/a 1,436

Q3 2017

Q3 2017 gross margin including depreciation within cost of sales was US$ 4.2 million (or 12.5% of revenue) compared to US$ 2.1 million in Q3 2016 (or 7.0% of revenue). This improvement is a combination of increased performance on contracts and higher activity allowing more absorption of fixed operational costs.

YTD Q3 2017

YTD Q3 2017 gross profit including depreciation within cost of sales was US$ 9.8 million (or 9.7% of revenue) compared to US$ 1.4 million in YTD Q3 2016 (or 1.7% of revenue). Most of the projects performed satisfactorily. In addition, the increase in activity allowed a better absorption of fixed operational costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

(In thousands of US$) - (unaudited) Q3 2017 % change Q3 2016 YTD Q3 2017 % change YTD Q3 2016













Selling, general and administrative expenses 5,356 30% 4,119 15,154 19% 12,716

Q3 2017

SG&A costs went up by US$ 1.2 million mainly due to (i) the strengthening of our structure in North America to cope with rising demand (US$ 0.6 million), (ii) increased fees due to our obligations as part of the debt renegotiation (US$ 0.3 million) and (iii) increased provisions for retention bonuses (US$ 0.3 million).

YTD Q3 2017

SG&A costs increased by US$ 2.4 million. As a percentage of revenue, SG&A remained flat at 15% compared to the same period last year.



Operating result

(In thousands of US$) -

(unaudited) Q3 2017 % change Q3 2016 YTD Q3 2017 % change YTD Q3 2016 Reporting segment











Mining (785) -64% (2,187) (4,795) -58% (11,537) Water (498) 49% (335) (1,036) -31% (1,505) Total operating profit / (loss) (1,283) -49% (2,522) (5,831) -55% (13,042)

















Q3 2017

Operating loss was US$ 1.3 million, a US$ 1.2 million improvement mainly as a result of increased gross margin.

YTD Q3 2017

Operating loss was US$ 5.8 million, a US$ 7.2 million improvement mainly as a result of increased gross margin.

Financial position

The following table provides a summary of the Company's cash flows for YTD Q3 2017 and YTD Q3 2016:

(In thousands of US$) YTD Q3 2017 YTD Q3 2016





Cash generated by/(used in) operations before working capital requirements 8,247 2,479 Working capital requirements (4,896) (5,776) Interest and tax (2,706) (2,830) Net cash flow generated by / (used in) operating activities 645 (6,127)





Purchase of equipment in cash (6,629) (4,081)





Free cash flow (5,984) (10,208)





Settlement of dispute - (934) Debt variance 13,576 3,808 Dividends paid to minority shareholders in affiliates - (500) Acquisition of treasury shares (37) (111) Net cash generated by / (used in) financing activities 13,539 2,263





Net cash variation 7,555 (7,945)





Foreign exchange differences 649 (133)





Variation in cash and cash equivalents 8,204 (8,078)







YTD Q3 2017 cash flow from operations before working capital was positive US$ 8.2 million vs. US$ 2.5 million YTD Q3 2016, an improvement mainly attributable to increased activity and margin.

In spite of a higher level of activity, working capital requirements was a negative US$ 4.9 million during YTD Q3 2017, an improvement of US$ 0.9 million compared to a negative US$ 5.8 million in YTD Q3 2016.

During the period, Capex amounted to US$ 6.6 million in cash, compared to US$ 4.1 million in cash in YTD Q3 2016. The Company purchased 5 rigs for recently signed contracts.

After working capital, interest, tax and CAPEX, free cash flow was US$ (6.0) million in YTD Q3 2017 compared to US$ (10.2) million in YTD Q3 2016.

New bonds net of transaction costs generated a net cash inflow of US$ 17.1 million. Debt reimbursement was US$ 3.1 million during the nine month period.

Following the debt reorganization, the maturity of financial debt as at September 30, 2017 is as follows:

in thousands of US$ September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016





Credit lines 6,604 54,337 Long-term debt



Within one year 3,974 23,934 Between 1 and 2 years 2,535 15,009 Between 2 and 3 years 2,453 13,643 Between 3 and 4 years 860 2,310 Between 4 and 5 years 120,010 308 Total 136,436 109,540





Cash 14,409 6,204





Net debt 122,028 103,337

Bank guarantees as at September 30, 2017 totaled US$ 5.6 million compared to US$ 17.9 million as at December 31, 2016. The Company benefits from a confirmed contract guarantee line of  12.7 million (US$ 15.0 million).

As at September 30, 2017, cash and cash equivalents totaled US$ 14.4 million compared to US$ 6.2 million as at December 31, 2016.

Going concern and impairment testing

Current economic conditions make forecasting difficult, and there is the possibility that the Company's actual operating performance during the coming year may be different from expectations. Going concern is assessed based on internal forecasts and projections that take into account reasonably possible changes in the Company's operating performance and the completion of the debt reorganization.

On May 11, 2017, the Company completed its debt reorganization mainly consisting in a new money injection net of transaction costs paid amounting to US$ 17.1 million as at September 30, 2017.

The Company believes that it will have adequate financial resources to continue in operation and meet its financial commitments for a period of at least twelve months. Accordingly, the Company continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.

Currency exchange rates

The exchange rates for the periods under review are provided in the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Q3 2017.

Non-IFRS measures

EBITDA represents Net income before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and non-cash share based compensation expenses. EBITDA is a non-IFRS quantitative measure used to assist in the assessment of the Company's ability to generate cash from its operations. The Company believes that the presentation of EBITDA is useful to investors because it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in the drilling industry. EBITDA is not defined in IFRS and should not be considered to be an alternative to Profit for the period or Operating profit or any other financial metric required by such accounting principles.

Net debt corresponds to the current and non-current portions of borrowings and the consideration payable related to acquisitions, net of cash and cash equivalents.

Reconciliation of EBITDA is as follows:

EBITDA

(In thousands of US$) (unaudited) Q3 2017 Q3 2016 YTD Q3 2017 YTD Q3 2016 Operating profit / (loss) (1,283) (2,522) (5,831) (13,042) Depreciation expense 4,585 4,961 13,988 15,413 Non-cash employee share-based compensation 33 86 91 264 Settlement related to the 2012 acquisition in Australia - - - 900 EBITDA 3,335 2,525 8,247 3,535











Outlook

The Company's business strategy is to actively prepare for the next growth phase of the metallic commodities cycle in the best possible conditions through the development and optimization of its services offered across its range of geographical regions, industry sectors, commodities and customers. The Company expects it will execute its strategy primarily through organic growth in the near future.

Conference call and webcast

On November 3, 2017, Company Management will conduct a conference call at 11:00 am ET to review the financial results. The call will be hosted by Daniel Simoncini, Chairman and co-CEO, and Jean-Pierre Charmensat, co-CEO and CFO.

You can join the call by dialing 1-888-231-8191 or 1-647-427-7450. You will be put on hold until the conference call begins. A live audio webcast of the Conference Call will also be available through http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=1540684&s=1&k=34D96A180357DB663B487D42F51712BA

An archived replay of the webcast will be available for 90 days.

About Foraco International SA

Foraco International SA (TSX: FAR) is a leading global mineral drilling services company that provides a comprehensive and reliable service offering in mining and water projects. Supported by its founding values of integrity, innovation and involvement, Foraco has grown into the third largest global drilling enterprise with a presence in 22 countries across five continents. For more information about Foraco, visit www.foraco.com

"Neither TSX Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release."

Caution concerning forward-looking statements

This document may contain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements and information include estimates, forecasts, information and statements as to Management's expectations with respect to, among other things, the future financial or operating performance of the Company and capital and operating expenditures. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "will", "should", "plans", "expects", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "budget", and "scheduled" or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements and information are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees and there can be no assurance that such statements and information will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2017, which is filed with Canadian regulators on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements and information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All written and oral forward-looking statements and information attributable to Foraco or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements.

SOURCE Foraco International SA

For further information: Fabien Sevestre ([email protected]), Tel: (705) 495-6363
TORONTO, Nov. 3, 2017 /CNW/ - More Canadian livestock will be raised outside of Canada using prized Canadian genetics. Farmers around the world demand Canada's superior livestock breeds so they can raise cows and goats that produce more milk, and sheep, which produce more meat, for example. Budget 2017 identifies agriculture as a key growth industry, and targets investments that will help the sector build on its competitive strengths and chart Canada's path to prosperity.

A $3 million federal investment to the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association (CLGA) will help exporters develop and expand new markets for Canadian livestock genetics. Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay made the announcement today, along with the Member of Parliament for Markham-Thornhill Mary Ng at the 95th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, where Canada's top livestock breeders compete.

The focus of the project will be on exports of dairy, sheep and goat genetics, which in 2016 generated exports of over $150 million dollars. The CLGA is looking to increase those exports to over $200 million through trade missions, training and promotion.

The Government of Canada is working hard to grow our markets internationally. Later this month, Minister MacAulay will be leading a trade mission to China, which is looking to our livestock genetics to increase their agricultural production.

Quotes

"Farmers around the world want Canadian breeds of livestock, because they are recognized worldwide for their high quality. This investment will help Canadian livestock genetics exporters access new and emerging markets, like China, leading to greater returns for our farmers and their families and continued growth for the economy."

 Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay



"The investment made by the Government of Canada and CLGA members to develop livestock markets throughout the world continues to yield benefits to all of Canada's agriculture exporters. Canada's world class genetics combined with the training and knowledge transfer made possible by Canada's AgriMarketing funding is instrumental in improving farming practices around the world."

 Michael Hall, Executive Director, Canadian Livestock Genetics Association



Quick facts

Budget 2017 set an ambitious goal of growing Canada's agri-food exports to $75 billion by 2025.

agri-food exports to by 2025. Budget 2017 focused on agri-food as one of the top industries in our Government's Innovation and Skills Plan, an ambitious effort to make Canada a world leader in innovation, with a focus on expanding growth and creating good, well-paying jobs.

a world leader in innovation, with a focus on expanding growth and creating good, well-paying jobs. The Canadian Livestock Genetics Association is a nationwide, not-for-profit trade association representing the market access and animal health interests of those involved in the sale, service and promotion of livestock genetics both domestically and internationally.

This investment is being made under the Growing Forward 2, AgriMarketing Program, a five-year, up to $341 million initiative.

Associated links

Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada

Like us on Facebook: CanadianAgriculture

SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Halifax

For further information: Guy Gallant, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, 613-773-1059; Media Relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 613-773-7972, 1-866-345-7972

Related Links

www.agr.gc.ca


CHARLES CITY | A new ordinance proposed by a local anti-drug group in Charles City would require every resident in a rental property to disclose their name to landlords  which then could be disclosed to law enforcement upon request.

Supporters of the ordinance, including mayoral candidate Matt Lovik, say the change will reduce illegal drug activity in Charles City and make neighborhoods safer.

Opponents, however, feel the ordinance may violate constitutional rights of those living in rental housing.

Steve Diers, city administrator for Charles City, said the ordinance is still in "very early stages" and research still needs to be done to see if other communities have adopted similar proposals.

He declined to comment on whether he felt the ordinance violated tenants' rights, citing the fact the ordinance has not been discussed in any public meetings.

"Any time we have any proposal, we need to look at the legality, practicality and implementation," Diers told the Globe Gazette by phone Friday. "So until we have the research done on that, we really can't comment."

The ordinance was introduced by the SoFar group in Charles City. Charley Thomson, one of its members, said the group's mission to reduce local drug usage and provide help for those who are addicted.

Thomson said he has heard complaints about the new ordinance impacting tenants' constitutional rights, particularly those under the Fourth Amendment. As an attorney, however, he believes the new ordinance is simply assisting with local housing laws and helping reduce the amount of illegal drugs in town.

"The idea is not to take on everyone in any group," he told the Globe Gazette by phone Friday. "The idea is we these are commercial [rental] arrangements, some of which have been causing problems."

Thomson said he discussed the proposal with Heidi Nielsen, the executive director of Charles City's housing department.

Nielsen did not return a call or email for comment Friday afternoon.

Rita Bettis, the legal director of the ACLU of Iowa, said she would need to research the ordinance and similar cases more in-depth, but had preliminary concerns.

"Our concerns with crime free ordinances in general is that they are nothing more than housing discrimination dressed up as a crime-fighting tool," Bettis wrote in an email. "At the very least, this seems like an invasive overreach by local government that presumes that renters are by definition suspicious."

Thomson emphasized that the ordinance is a draft and wants the public to know that feedback is encouraged.

"(SoFar) just had a meeting last night," he said Friday. "We welcome any comments ... we're all ears, we want input."

Thomson added that SoFar plans to hold a public forum on the issue between Thanksgiving and Christmas and hopes the proposed ordinance can be updated to what the public feels is just.

He urged anyone interested to contact him with questions, comments and concerns.

"Were not out to mess with anyone's Constitutional rights," he said. "But we are very serious about doing what we can to protect the public health and public safety from a very real and very deadly threat."
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 3, 2017 /CNW/ - Maple Leaf Foods Inc. (TSX: MFI) will host Investor Day on Wednesday, November 8, 2017, live via webcast. Details below:

What: Maple Leaf Foods 2017 Investor Day and Webcast



When: November 8, 2017 from 9 am to 2:30 pm (EST)



Where: Go to https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/1528/23347 to view live over the Internet.

Technical requirements available in the link above.

If you are unable to participate, the webcast will be archived and available on the Company's website at www.mapleleaffoods.com under the Presentations & Webcasts section.

Maple Leaf Foods Inc. is a leading consumer protein company, making high quality, innovative products under national brands including Maple Leaf, Maple Leaf Prime, Maple Leaf Natural Selections, Schneiders, Schneiders Country Naturals, Mina and Lightlife. Maple Leaf employs approximately 11,500 people and does business in Canada, the U.S. and Asia. The Company is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario and its shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (MFI).

SOURCE Maple Leaf Foods Inc.

For further information: Investor Relations Contact: Jennifer Postelnik, Vice President, Investor Relations, 905-285-5898; Media Contact: Scott Bonikowsky, Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs, 905-285-1515

Related Links

http://www.mapleleaffoods.com


All photos courtesy of Doug Lange

By Ngoc Huynh | nhuynh@nyup.com

John and June Strothenke love living on their farm in Fairbanks, Alaska. They marvel at the tremendous size of the sky and view of the snow-capped mountains. Also, the people are so nice, according to June.

But, one thing is missing.

"The only thing not here is family," said June.

Due to recent health and personal issues, the former Schroon Lake residents want to return home to Upstate New York. June says they want to be around family for the emotional support.

Instead of selling their Top Of The Hill Farm, the couple is hosting an essay contest for a one lucky winner to own their property.

Sounds crazy? Is this a scam? Absolutely not.

The Strothenkes have spoken to a lawyer, accountant and the assessors' office to make sure they're doing the right thing. It's all legitimate. Read more below about the contest.

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Essay Contest

1. The theme of the essay is "Why I would like to own a hobby farm in Fairbanks, Alaska."

2. You must 18 years of age or older to participate.

3. Each participant must pay a fee of $1,000 for the essay.

4. You can write more than one essay, but cost is $1,000 per essay/entry. Each essay should be different.

5. Only 420 essays will be accepted.

6. The owners John and June Strothenke will select the top 20 essays. Those 20 will be judged by three impartial judges not related to the sponsors of contest or have vested interest in the property.

7. Entries must be postmarked on or before Dec. 31 and must arrive to the recipient location no later than Jan. 14, 2018.

The winner of the essay contest will receive the Certificate of Title. There will be no liens, nor taxes, nor mortgages due on the property. Excluded is personal property and any food or liquor, which will be removed from the property prior to occupancy by the new owners.

For more details on the contest rule, visit here.

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Property Description

Location: The property is two - 2 1/2 acre adjoining lots, located at the top of Porcupine Lane, off of Chena Hot Springs Road, Fairbanks, Alaska, 99712.

Size: 4-bedroom, 2-story, 2,436-square-foot home

More: Numerous outbuildings, including a large two-story barn with five separate areas downstairs for a variety of livestock, along with two large fenced pastures, a small fenced, covered yard and large storage capacity upstairs.

For more on the property description, visit here.

Don't Edit

Family Background

The Strothenkes moved to Alaska with the Air Force in 2004. June said they have always wanted to visit but never thought of living there. It will not be easy to leave a place that they've grown to love, according to June.

John has retired and June homeschools her son, 16, and granddaughter, 4. John's health problems have included two surgeries this year. June says they want to be around family for support because the distance and four-hour time difference make things challenging. Most of their family members live in the Capital Region and the Adirondacks area.

June said she has already sold all their animals on the farm. They raised turkeys, ducks, geese, chickens, cows and bees. She said her son and husband will continue as beekeepers when they return to Upstate New York.

Don't Edit

Contest vs. Conventional

Instead of selling their farm in a conventional method with a realtor, June said she wanted the process less invasive on her family.

"We dont want to give the money to the engineers or the realtors," said June. "We dont want other people involved."

A total of 420 essays will be accepted, so June says the odds are pretty good for people who really want a chance to win the farm.

So far, they have received 10 essays.

If they do not receive 420 essays by the contest deadline, June says participants will get their $1,000 refund. All entry fees will be held in an Essay Contest Non-interest-bearing Escrow Account with the First National Bank of Alaska.

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Open House

If you want to see the farm in person, the Strothenkes will hold an open house from 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 3. If you plan on writing an essay, do not disclose yourself because the owners wish to maintain their impartiality.

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Video Tour

The winner of the essay contest will be chosen on Jan. 31, 2018, along with the First and Second Runners-Up. The Strothenke family plan to move out of their Top of the Hill Farm and return home to Upstate New York by spring 2018.

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Photo courtesy of Madison Park Real Estate

READ MORE: Albany area home used in 'Ironweed' movie is for sale

This 1876 Victorian house for sale in Slingerlands was in the movie "Ironweed," starring Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep.
Jon Turner

CORTLAND, N.Y. -- A 25-year-old missing Cortland woman was found beaten in a Nevada motel room and the Elmira man she met online has been charged, according to deputies and the woman's family.

Mary (Helms) Bartholomew, a mother of four, was reported missing more than two months ago. She was last seen in Cortland on Aug. 25. Cortland police said in August that Bartholomew was believed to be traveling with an Elmira man named Jon Turner.

Turner, 23, of was arrested Thursday in Nevada and charged with kidnapping, assault and other charges, according to the Nye County Sheriff's Office. Bartholomew suffered multiple injuries and was taken to a Las Vegas hospital.

Nye County Sheriff's deputies were called to a motel in Beatty, Nevada at about 8:21 p.m. Thursday. A citizen reported that a woman had sustained several injuries after being involved in a physical altercation with a man at a local motel, deputies said.

Upon arrival, deputies located a 25-year-old victim who was suffering from multiple injuries. Detectives interviewed the victim, and she reported that her boyfriend, Jon Turner, began beating and choking her during an altercation and subsequently left her unconscious on a nearby street, deputies said.

The victim reported that when she regained consciousness, Turner took her to a local motel room where they had been staying and handcuffed her to some furniture. At this point, Turner reportedly continued beating and choking her and eventually injured her with a hatchet, deputies said.

At some point during the attack, the victim was able to free herself and flee from the room to the motel's office and requested help. Based on this information, deputies began searching for Turner who had also left the motel room but was located nearby. He was detained and questioned, deputies said.

During the investigation, detectives learned that both Turner and the victim, Bartholomew, were reported missing out of Upstate New York.

Angela Helms, Bartholomew's mother, posted on Facebook Friday that her daughter was found.

"I was able to speak with her overnight and she has been through a lot," Helms wrote on Facebook.

Nye County Sheriff's deputies said Turner reportedly forced Bartholomew to leave New York with him and threatened to kill her if she did not cooperate.

As they crossed the country, her vehicle was eventually abandoned and located by authorities in the Big Bear area of California, deputies said.

Bartholomew's family was left with no information as to her whereabouts.

"... Turner was isolating her and she had no way to make a phone call home to her family who began to fear the worst," deputies said.

The investigation revealed that Turner, who was also entered as a missing person, and the victim spent some time in Las Vegas before arriving in Beatty. Detectives served a search warrant of the motel room where the pair had been staying in and collected evidence in connection with the allegations in this case, deputies said.

Turner was charged with first-degree kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, battery with a deadly weapon and other charges, deputies said. He was taken to to the Nye County Detention Center and is being held on $275,000 cash or bond, deputies said.

This investigation remains ongoing, deputies said.

"The most important thing for me as her mother is that she has been found alive and we can bring her back home," Helms wrote on Facebook.
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Frances Bitsie Clark sat in her new digs at the Whitney Center continuing care retirement community in Hamden last Thursday morning, surrounded by some boxes she had not yet unpacked and pondering the next phase of her life at age 86.

Clark, often called the mayor of New Haven because of her tireless civic work in the arts and politics, has left the Elm City and her condo on Audubon Street after 30 years.

I just couldnt continue living in a place that had stairs and where I had to walk a block to my car, she said.

Clark has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. I started smoking at 15. I loved smoking! I had to stop when I was 60. I was at a festival on (Robert) Leeney Plaza, doing vigorous dancing, when all of a sudden I hit the wall. I couldnt breathe.

I used acupuncture to stop smoking. By gosh, it did the trick. But Id ruined my lungs.

That plaza was a central part of her world for the three decades she lived in a place overlooking it.

As we sat in her Hamden residence, where she had lived for one week, she said, I would much rather be back home, on Audubon Street, looking out at Leeney Plaza and the colorful umbrellas and chairs.

Clark offered this same reflection to an audience at Long Wharf Theatre Oct. 21 after an evening show of the play Fireflies. She spoke at a conversation with a New Haven notable, echoing the plays theme: how to deal with growing older while affirming the interesting experiences we can embrace in our later years. Jane Alexander has the lead role as a newly-retired school teacher in a small town, lonely living by herself until she meets a new drifter in town (played by Denis Arndt).

During her Long Wharf talk, I asked Clark how difficult it is to leave behind that plaza, the center of the arts community. She was executive director of the Arts Council of Greater New Haven from 1983 until her first retirement in 2002.

Clark gave me a direct, emotional answer. I looked down into the plaza, seeing all the kids from ECA (Educational Center for the Arts) and all kinds of people and I asked myself, How could I leave this? Its the liveliest place in the world and Im about to leave it.

Then she told the audience about her breathing problem. And so I very reluctantly decided I need a place where I can be closer to my car and have help.

But Clark is not one to indulge in self-pity. Ive always been positive, she added. I never think negatively. You have to make the best of it.

She laughed as she said, Thats why I call my new place a dormitory.

Clark explained this further when we were at the Whitney Center. I love dormitory living. Thats what this is, isnt it? There are people living down the hall! I use it to show you can look at things in a different way.

Clark said this was something she picked up on while she was executive director of HomeHaven from 2011 until her second retirement several weeks ago. HomeHaven works to enable its elderly or getting-elderly members to continue living in their homes by providing drop-in services and activities.

One of the things I learned at HomeHaven is that as you get older, there is real resistance to saying youre old, she noted.

Clark isnt shy about confronting elders on this. I always say my age. Always! Ill tell somebody, You think youre old? Youre 75! Im 86!

I feel I have a mission, she told me. Stop worrying. Get off your ... and do something! Keep active. Dont sit there and pout. If you think youre old, youll be that way. But if you dont, youll do something.

At Long Wharf, she told the audience: Staying active is staying alive. Keep your mind going. Play bridge!

She is also a big believer in doing volunteer work, such as giving rides to people who can no longer drive or visiting folks at what are sometimes called nursing homes.

Even better than volunteering, Clark added, is trying to hold onto a job. All of you should keep working, she told the Long Wharf group. I started with the New Haven Board of Aldermen when I was 72 (and continued for eight years). At 79, I took the job as executive director of HomeHaven.

Her years working in offices followed a period in which she dropped out of law school in New York (I didnt like it) to marry John Clark, whom she had met on a blind date while he was an undergraduate at Yale and she was at Vassar. When he entered Yale Law School in 1956, they moved to New Haven.

He died in 2008. But they had two kids and now Clark is a grandmother, with five grandchildren. Her son and daughter helped her with the move.

During her Long Wharf talk, Clark admitted she identified with the panic attacks Alexander experienced in Firefliesas Clark herself thinks about fitting in at her new home. She has asked herself, What if people dont like me? What if I get so old that people dont want to sit down with me for dinner?

Youre looking at a person in transition, she told us.

But as somebody who has known and watched Clark for many years, I dont think she should worry about people not wanting to sit with her for meals. People are drawn to lively personalities who say, as Clark did in our interview, Be full of beans!

Yes, shes so full of beans that she celebrated her 86th birthday last week by going to Brooklyn with her daughter to join the Halloween festivities. Clark dressed up as a kitten, with a funny hat and mask. In Brooklyn, they go bananas for Halloween!

Contact Randall Beach at 203-680-9345 or randall.beach@hearstmediact.com
Linda Greenhouse grew up in the long shadow of John F. Kennedy along with a generation of idealistic Americans who believed they would not make the same mistakes as the previous generation that had mired the United States in an unwinnable war in Vietnam.

But during the summer of 2006, Greenhouse had a moment of horrid clarity. The country was again mired in war, this time in Iraq, and her age-mate, George W. Bush, had authorized torture and black sites while creating legal limbo for inmates at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

I cried that night in the Simon and Garfunkel concert out of the realization that my faith had been misplaced. Our generation had not proved to be the solution, she wrote in her new book.

We were the problem.

That book is Just a Journalist: On the Press, Life, and the Spaces Between. Based on a series of lectures, it is about more than Greenhouses Pulitzer Prize-winning career covering the U.S. Supreme Court. Its about the vexed role of journalism in a democracy.

Over four decades at the New York Times, Greenhouse watched conservatives attacking the press as well as the press caving to their attacks. She herself became an occasional target. And she witnessed, with dread, as the norms of American journalism nearly broke with the unexpected election of President Donald Trump.

For Greenhouse, the books aim is personal as well as professional. If journalisms role is to inform the citizenry, she said, then there is no purpose in withholding what a reporter knows to be true.

***

Its hard to miss Linda Greenhouse. During breakfast at Atticus in downtown New Haven, she was wearing the same smile and round eye-glass frames shes wearing on the dust-jacket of Just a Journalist (published last month).

She was born in New York City and raised in Hamden in a middle-class family. Her mother consumed the New York Times every single day. She went to Radcliffe College, in Cambridge, Mass., but never enrolled in a journalism class. She reported for the Times Albany Bureau, took a break to study law at Yale, then covered nearly 30 sessions of the U.S. Supreme Court, becoming an eminent authority. After retiring, she came back to New Haven (she and her husband live at The Eli on Church Street). Shes now a lecturer at Yale Law.

Why, after a celebrated career writing about law, would one offer a bracing critique of the current practice of journalism?

The intent is to hold journalism up to the light, she said over a bowl of eggs, quinoa and farro. The book is more about questions than solutions. Im not a scholar. Im not an authority on ethics.

Im just a journalist.

***

A journalist in the eye of firestorms.

In a 2006 speech to Radcliffe alumni, Greenhouse recalled that her moment of horrid clarity came before it was clear the Bush administration had turned its energy and attention away from upholding the rule of law and toward creating law-free zones at Guantanamo Bay, Abu Ghraib, Haditha and others places.

Compared to the president's nearly 500 false statements in his first 100 days, Greenhouse's speech might seem like small beer, but it wasn't then. Before Trump, journalists worried that telling the truth could be seen as offering an opinion? Afterward came this NPR headline: Critics Question Reporters Airing of Personal Views.

***

.

Fast forward to 2017 and the New York Times, whose former top editor had admonished Greenhouse for lamenting publicly the state of legal affairs only 11 years prior, ran this headline after candidate Trump finally admitted President Barack Obama was a citizen: Trump Gives Up a Lie But Refuses to Repent.

Again, a little more than a decade separates Critics Question Reporters Airing of Personal Views from Trump Gives Up a Lie But Refuses to Repent. But in terms of its place in the history of journalism in this country, Greenhouse believes that brief period is a turning point.

***

How critical is another question.

Greenhouse said shes encouraged. The press is covering the president aggressively, and appropriately so, she said. They have not let him get away with his inconsistencies. But shes wary.

During the Iraq war, the skepticism necessary to holding power accountable had fallen away, Greenhouse said. No one is proud of the way we handled the war. We took the governments word.

In covering a prevaricating president, however, the press has demonstrated a renewed skepticism, Greenhouse said, but she wants more. The skepticism muscle has to be exercised or it withers.

More importantly, Greenhouse said, journalists are citizens. She spells that out in her book. They have to see themselves as participants in the ongoing democratic project of arming fellow citizens with the information they need to make informed choices.
MASON CITY | A record number of early voters have cast ballots in Cerro Gordo County this year, mostly from Mason City, according to Auditor Ken Kline.

As of 4 p.m. Friday, 1,426 had voted absentee, he said.

"The most absentee votes we have had was in 2013 when 1,385 votes were cast," said Kline.

The early voting total also surpasses the total voter turnout for Mason City in 2015 when 1,397 votes were cast, a turnout of 7.2 percent.

"I believe we are headed for an an overall voter turnout of 7,000-plus, which would be a strong turnout," said Kline.

This year's ballot in Mason City includes a contested mayor's race, two contested council races, one uncontested council election, a Park Board race and two public issues related to the River City Renaissance downtown redevelopment project.

In 2013, the most recent mayoral-election year, voter turnout was 7,097. The only other times in recent years in which the turnout topped 7,000 were in 2007 (7,181) and 1999 (7,424).

If Kline's estimates are accurate, this year's turnout will be 35 percent or higher.

Election day is Tuesday. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Mason City, Clear Lake and Ventura and from noon to 8 p.m. in all other county polling places.

Voters in Mason City can cast ballots in any one of 10 vote centers in Mason City and either of two centers in Clear Lake.
President Buhari and former Vice President, Ekwueme

Some Nigerians have reacted to Fridays announcement by President Buhari that he had approved a foreign medical treatment for a former vice-president, Alex Ekwueme.

It will be recalled that Mr. Ekwueme, 85, reportedly collapsed at his residence in Enugu on Sunday morning.

While some citizens praised Mr. Buhari for the move, others see it as having a political undertone and another reminder about the countrys lack of adequate medical services.

For starters, Section 5, Subsections 1 and 2, of Remuneration of Former Presidents and Heads of State Act 1999 allows for free medical treatment for former vice-presidents and their immediate family members:

(1) Free medical treatment for former Vice-Presidents and their immediate family within Nigeria.

(2) Treatment abroad for former Vice-Presidents and their immediate family and where necessary at Federal Government expense.

Ahmed Mustapha, a political analyst, said Mr. Buharis announcement was only for the news value.

Theres nothing political about it, Mr. Mustapha, who identifies with the ruling All Progressives Congress, said while speaking with Premium Times by telephone Saturday. It was appropriate in the context of letting Nigerians, especially the people of the South-East, know that the former vice-president has been flown abroad.

But a lawyer, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, said the announcement was patronising and highly unnecessary.

It was a very negative declaration, Mrs. Ibezim-Ohaeri said. I think the president needs to stop this eye service narrative to the people of South-East because its getting too hilarious.

When Mr. Buhari himself was a former head of state and he travelled for medical treatment abroad as par of his entitlements, was it ever announced by those in power then?

The Remuneration Act gave former presidents and former vice-presidents similar entitlements.

A former head of state, Ibrahim Babangida, was flown abroad for medical treatment on at least two occasions in 2016.

Mrs. Ibezim-Ohaeri said Mr. Ekwueme, who was Nigerias vice-president from 1979 to 1983 when Mr. Buhari overthrew the Shagari administration in a military coup detat, has sufficient resources to take care of his medical treatment anywhere in the world.

Sir Ekwueme was a man of means who could afford to pay for his own care, she said.

Mrs. Ibezim-Ohaeri said the decision to fly Mr. Ekwueme abroad should not have been announced because it marked the latest indictment on Nigerias worsening public health system.

The president is basically telling Nigerians that he had lost confidence in Nigerias healthcare system, she said.

Mr. Mustapha also expressed his sadness about the implications of the announcement.

Im really sad that our leaders over the past decades have failed to put our healthcare system in a good state, he said.

Mr. Buhari detained Mr. Ekwueme on corruption charges after the December 1983 coup. The former vice-president has been a member of the Peoples Democratic Party since its creation in 1998.
Senate President Bukola Sarakis daughter Olutosin Halima Saraki, on Saturday held her wedding engagement in Lagos at the Eko Hotel and Suites. As expected, the creme-de-la-creme of the society converged at the venue to witness the union, from businessmen like Aliko Dangote to monarchs like the Oba of Lagos.Senate President Bukola Sarakis daughter Olutosin Halima Saraki, on Saturday held her wedding engagement in Lagos at the Eko Hotel and Suites. As expected, the creme-de-la-creme of the society converged at the venue to witness the union, from businessmen like Aliko Dangote to monarchs like the Oba of Lagos.Some of the dignitaries include; Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, Lai Mohammed, Bola Tinubu, John Oyegun, Ben Bruce and others. Also Former Commonwealth Sec. Gen, Emeka Anyaoku, Speaker Yakubu Dogara, APC Chairman, John Oyegun, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Senator Ben Bruce, Minister of National Planning, Udo Udoma, Aliko Dangote, AY Makun, Paul Okoye were spotted at the event among other dignitaries.Except for the brief power blackout which caused panic at the venue, as guests who booked into the hotel worried about their safety, the classy event held amidst pomp and glamour as guests turned out in gorgeous outfits.The grand wedding reception between Olutosin Saraki and Adeniyi Olatunde Olukoya, the son of Omooba Tokunbo Olusanya will hold December 7th 2017 at Royal Hall, Dunes Centre Abuja. 25-years old Tosin is a beauty with brains and is the eldest of four children. The chocolate-skinned Tosin is very hard working and intelligent, with a rich educational pedigree. Her professional profile reveals that she is a lawyer and a brand builder.
One of the main civil society organizations (CSO), the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR) has criticized the approval by President Muhammadu Buhari that Dr. Alex Ekwueme, former vice president of Nigeria, be transferred abroad to receive medical assistance. treatment.The approval, which covers the immediate status of an air ambulance for the Ekwueme emergency movement and the cost of treatment, followed a brief president Buhari received on Friday about the medical condition of the former vice president.However, CDHR, in a statement signed by its National Secretary of Publicity, Barr. Henry Peter Ekine, condemned the president's action; emphasizing that the federal government had once again demonstrated its preference for foreign medical travel by the political class, while neglecting the health institutions and infrastructure of the nation.The group also requested the resignation of the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Folorunso Adewole, for his alleged inability to address the poor state of the health infrastructure in the country.He added that the negligence of the federal government in the nation's health sector amounted to the grave violation of the constitutional right to life of Nigerians, especially the middle and lower classes, children and other vulnerable citizens.The statement says in part: "The CDHR condemns the action of the President and the Federal Government in neglecting the health institutions and infrastructure of the nation in preference to foreign medical travel by the political class."The many trips of the political class, including the president, and now Dr. Ekwueme (former vice president) to receive medical treatment abroad are a clear demonstration that the president and the federal government have no interest in the development of the health sector."We charged President Muhammadu Buhari and the federal government for the grave violation of the constitutional right to life of Nigerians due to the poor state of the health infrastructure in the country, which is responsible for the avoidable death of millions of citizens , especially the lower and middle class, children and other vulnerable Nigerians."Therefore, we ask for the resignation of the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Folorunso Adewole."
Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel, on Thursday lamented that the Buhari government was starving his state of funds.

Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel, on Thursday lamented that the Buhari government was starving his state of funds.

The governor protested at the Uyo Township Stadium during the presentation of flags to the 31 PDP chairmanship candidates for the December 2 council polls.





He lamented that despite being the highest producer of oil in Nigeria, Akwa Ibom was still being cheated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) government in the oil revenue sharing.





We are standing here as the highest oil producer in the country, but we have not seen anything from the government at the centre, Emmanuel said,





Today, oil price has gone over $61 per barrel. Last month, the allocation they gave to Akwa Ibom State was lower than what they gave to us a month before now. How can you explain that?





It is only PDP that can ensure fairness, justice and equity in the country,





On the forthcoming election, Emmanuel said the PDP will only accept valid results released by the state electoral commission.




Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has dismissed reports that a United Nations delegation was in Enugu to congratulate pan-Igbo socio-cultu...

Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has dismissed reports that a United Nations delegation was in Enugu to congratulate pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo, for the successful clampdown on agitations for secession in the South East by the military.

This is contained in a statement on Friday by IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful.





According to him, Ohaneze Ndigbo in concert with Aso Rock cabal, packaged a Ghanaian of Hausa Fulani ethnicity resident in Abuja, Ibn Mohammed Chambas, to come and hoodwink the people into believing that Antonio Guiterres, the current UN Secretary General, was in support of the cold blooded murder of unarmed civilians in Abia State.





Powerful said that that for record purposes, Chambas was not not working for the current UN Secretary General, Antonio Guiterres, but was appointed by a former UN scribe, Ban Ki-Moon as his Special Representative in West Africa.





Powerful said, We would like to use this opportunity to inform the worldwide family of IPOB and the rest of the civilised world that this purported visit from the UN never happened. In short, it is a fabricated lie designed to deceive the gullible and fool the discerning.





Could it be that this grand deception was hatched because the public have woken up to the reality that Ohaneze Ndigbo was the brain behind the murder of so many innocent people during Operation Python Dance II? It is clear that no high profile figure is willing to support Nnia Nwodo and South East governors in their treachery, hence the need to rent a former Ghanaian diplomat living in Abuja to launder their dirty image using the respected name of the United Nations.





IPOB Attorneys in New York have been instructed to write to the office of the Secretary General of the United Nations to seek clarifications on some of the quotes attributed to Ibn Mohammed Chambas during his purported visit to Enugu, to understand if the United Nations is now openly endorsing ethnic cleansing and genocide in Biafraland.





The provocative statements attributed to this Hausa Fulani Ghanaian supposed representative of the Secretary General of the UN, is the same unity begging One Nigeria mantra we have become accustomed to from the same Hausa Fulanis in Nigeria. So getting the same genocidal message from a Hausa Fulani from Ghana living in Abuja did not come to us as a surprise. What is shocking is that Nnia Nwodo and Igbo politicians are prepared to sink so low in order to cover their dirty tracks and in the process justify what is clearly unjustifiable.





By traveling to Enugu to defend the interest of his fellow Muslim Hausa Fulani, Mohammed Ibn Chambas demonstrated that defence of his ethnic and religious group is paramount to him, unlike Nwodo that specialises in selling the interest of his people to the North.





Aso Rock cabal is using the name of the UN to shore up the dwindling relevance of Nnia Nwodo-led Ohaneze Ndigbo in the South East by blatantly misleading the public into thinking the United Nations were behind this fake visit to Enugu.





So the purported UN delegation to Enugu is a fraud, a political 419. Nwodo is digging his grave even deeper. Guiteres, the present UN chief did not appoint nor send Mohammed Ibn Chambas on any errand to Enugu. This confirms the level of panic at the heart of Ohaneze Ndigbo and their Northern handlers because nobody in Biafraland is willing to side with them in their evil plot with Arewa North to destroy IPOB.




The Federal Government has asked universities as research institutions to come up with solutions to issues challenging the country. Pres...

The Federal Government has asked universities as research institutions to come up with solutions to issues challenging the country. President Muhammadu Buhari, said this in Uyo on Saturday during the 22nd and 23rd convocationof the University of Uyo.He was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Onwuka. He noted that historically, universities have always been known to be research centres for the advancement of civilisation. Buhari said the government has been supporting research in all the institutions of higher learning in the country. He said that the inability of some nations and their institutions to play a significant and leading role in the global competition for technological and scientific research was the major cause of their underdevelopment.The president said that Nigeria cold not afford to lose any part of the country through secession, dismemberment or any other process, adding that the elite and political class also have a role to play in healing and reconciling the nation. I am tasking our universities to conduct research and come up with empirical solutions for this national problem which is plaguing and even threatening our continued existence as a country today. Historically, it is the tertiary educational institutions, notably the universities and similar institutions, that have generated, through research, the greatest amount of knowledge for the advancement of the present world civilisation.At present, all the scientific and technological developments the world has witnessed today are research-generated, research-supported and research-sustained. This explains why the Federal Government has supported research in all ramifications in our universities. Through TETFund, the FG has made more than N3bn available for scholarly and high impact researches, Buhari said.Earlier, Gov. Udom Emmanuel, of Akwa Ibom, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Moses Ekpo, charged universities to key into science and technology to advance the course of mankind. He said that was why the Akwa Ibom Government allocated enormous resources to sustain its free education policy to ensure conducive learning environment for our children. As the new graduands receive their academic laurels today, I challenge Nigerian universities, especially University of Uyo to be guided by the reality of the 21st century, which is technologically driven.Inasmuch as liberal science remains defining block of understanding of our social relationship, we should begin to tailor our curriculum around the area of science and technology as the world today is being served by ideas and ideas create wealth. The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Enefiok Essien, said despite the difficulty the university was passing through, it has been able to produce graduates that have won laurels at national and international levels. He said that given the commitment of the present government to prudent management of the nations resources, it was hoped more money would be found to fund education.It is my expectation that some of the funds saved through prudence in the running of government would be channelled into the revitalisation of education in the country to bring our level of funding to UNESCOs minimum of 26 per cent of annual budget. It is my earnest desire and wish that Nigerias university education should be revived to a point where nationals of other countries will be coming here for learning as it was in the early 1960s, 1970s, and even up to early 1980s.The combined convocation witnessed the distribution of certificates to 8,012 graduates with 22 students bagging first class honours.Three prominent Nigerians, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, the executive chairman, Oriental Energy Resources, Mrs Ime Essien Udom and Mr Kevin Onuchukwu were awarded honorary degrees. (NAN)
Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, has reacted to the death of Jide, the first son of the National Leader of the All Pro...

Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, has reacted to the death of Jide, the first son of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu.

Babangida, on Friday, in a statement by his spokesperson, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said he was sad over the unfortunate incident, describing it as a big loss to the Tinubus family.





As parents, our usual prayers have always been that our children should see our end so that they could give us befitting burial anytime Allah calls us home; and not the other way round. We cannot question Allah in His decision anytime.





It struck me with helpless awe to learn of the sudden death of your first son Jide, on Tuesday, 31st October, 2017. I feel a sense of personal loss over this sad incident which usually tends to test our faith in Allah as we sojourn through life, Babangida said.





Similarly, the Niger State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has condoled with Senator Tinubu.





Jide had been a source of joy to his parents. Therefore, I am appealing to them to see his death as a test from Allah, he said.




NEWARK -- A Newark police captain admitted his role in a scheme to sell information taken from a private database accessible to law enforcement, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino said Friday.

Anthony Buono, 62, of Millstone, pleaded guilty to one count of computer theft before Judge Michael Ravin in Superior Court.

In 2014, authorities learned that the database, which is used in insurance fraud investigations, had been breached. Following an investigation by the Newark Police Department's Internal Affairs unit and the prosecutor's office, Buono and Dino D'Elia, 52, who had been a Newark police officer, were charged in 2015.

Buono accessed the database more than 900 times and passed the information on to D'Elia, who would sell it to third-parties at a rate of $100 per search. D'Elia, who previously pled guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced in December, sold the information through his private investigation business.

Buono is to be sentenced Jan. 8. According to the terms of his plea deal, he will avoid jail time but must surrender his job as a police captain and is barred from public employment.

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
JERSEY CITY -- On July 23, 2009, Jersey City watched as more than a dozen people with connections to city government and local politics were rounded up by federal agents in a massive public corruption sting.

On Nov. 7, 2017, Mayor Steve Fulop wants voters to lay some of the blame on his challenger, Bill Matsikoudis, the city's corporation counsel at the time of the arrests.

Matsikoudis was not charged in the sting and was not accused of anything illegal (the mayor at the time was Jerramiah Healy). But Fulop, who is seeking a second term on Tuesday, has repeatedly cited the Operation Bid Rig III sting on the campaign trail in his attacks on opponent, rankling Matsikoudis and his allies.

"People did things that were wrong and they were held accountable under the law as they should have been," said Jake Hudnut, a criminal defense attorney and Matsikoudis' council candidate in Ward E. "I can understand where that's an easy, cheap political shot for the Fulop people to take at Bill but I've known Bill for a number of years now and he is motivated by nothing else but public service."

Esther Wintner, a Matsikoudis candidate running for an at-large council seat, said, "I don't think that everybody in the (Healy) administration was dirty."

Fulop, 40, won a resounding victory against Healy in May 2013 in part due to his campaign's focus on the Bid Rig arrests, which ensnared two council members aligned with Healy, the city's housing commissioner, two senior managers in the health department, the building inspector and a utilities authority commissioner, plus a council candidate on Healy's 2009 slate. Healy himself met with Solomon Dwek, the federal information who posed as a corrupt developer seeking favorable treatment from city officials in exchange for campaign cash (Healy was not charged).

Fulop has suggested electing Matsikoudis mayor would mark a return to Healy-era corruption.

"When we came into office ... the only national press that the city received was when you had 40 individuals arrested for corruption or bribery in City Hall," Fulop said at an Oct. 18 mayoral debate at School 4.

A week later, at another debate, Fulop again referenced the Bid Rig arrests after Matsikoudis accused the Fulop administration of corrupt acts.

"It's hard for you to be the moral authority here," Fulop told Matsikoudis.

Fulop inflates the number of Bid Rig arrests associated with Jersey City. The sting led to 46 people being charged, 16 for a money laundering scheme unrelated to the 30 arrests for political corruption. Of those 30, 16 were from Jersey City, and some were council candidates aligned with Healy's chief rival. Among the Healy allies charged were his deputy mayor/campaign treasurer, Leona Beldini, and two of his council allies, Phil Kenny and Mariano Vega. Beldini was found guilty of accepting bribes, Kenny and Vega pleaded guilty.

Matsikoudis speaks to the staff of The Jersey Journal.

In an interview with The Jersey Journal, Matsikoudis, 46, argued the Bid Rig arrests led to charges against just "three who were 'semi close' to Healy" -- he used air quotes there -- and disputed the notion that he, as the city's top attorney under Healy, could have stopped the corrupt acts.

"I don't know how any chief executive or any attorney general in the state or any city attorney can guarantee you that people won't take bribes," he said. "I couldn't follow around every city official."

Hudnut argued that if corruption arrests happened at City Hall right now, he wouldn't blame the current corporation counsel, Jeremy Farrell.

"I would not lay that at Jeremy Farrell's feet but that's exactly what Steve and his people are doing when they look back at Bid Rig and act like ... it had anything to do with Bill," he said.

Brigid Callahan Harrison, who teaches political science and law at Montclair State University, said it's possible bribery and extortion arrests from eight years ago could influence voters today. Public corruption isn't often an issue that rates high in polls of voters asked for their top priorities, but campaigns pledging to combat corruption tend to resonate in the state's cities.

"Even given the significant demographic changes that we've seen in Jersey City since Bid Rig, I think that the idea of public corruption and the corruption of elected officials is always something that is prevalent in the minds of New Jersey voters," Harrison said.

The election is Tuesday. Fulop and Matsikoudis are both Democrats.

Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.
BAYONNE -- Police have confirmed that a handgun was recovered after an investigation of a fight reported near Dennis P. Collins Park last month, authorities said.

On Oct. 17, police were called to the area of First Street and Island View Court around 3:30 p.m. when residents in the area reported hearing gunshots.

Police initially made several arrests after tracking down two cars that had fled the scene: a gray Nissan Maxima stopped at First Street and Broadway, and a white Mazda parked at First Street and Island View Court.

The men in the Nissan (Jeremia Mauricio, 31, of Jersey City; Christopher Nunez, 24, and Adanis Espejo, 33, both from Bayonne) were charged with various drug charges after they were found in possession of marijuana, cocaine and paraphernalia, authorities said.

Meanwhile, Jesus Baret, a 28-year-old Bayonne resident found in the Mazda, was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and possession of a prohibited weapon after he was found with 5-inch dagger style knife in his car, authorities said.

A short time later, Bayonne detectives returned to the area and -- with the help of the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office crime scene unit -- recovered a handgun believed to be used in the shooting, as well as a shell casing, and bullet fragments found in the wall of a nearby building, according to police Capt. Joseph Scerbo.

Those arrested previously were additionally charged with 3rd degree riot, while police also charged Israel Alcaide, 20, of Bayonne with the offense as well, Scerbo said.

Additional arrest warrants were issued for three individuals charged with 3rd degree riot: Victor Molina, 28, of Jersey City; Eddy Frias-Mercedes, 26, of Bayonne; and Isaac Fermin, 19, of Bayonne, Scerbo said.

An arrest warrant was also issued for Guido Nunez of Jersey City, for attempted homicide, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and 3rd degree riot, Scerbo said.

The incident remains under investigation, as police try to determine the underlying reason for the altercation, Scerbo said.
HOBOKEN -- For the second time in a week in New Jersey, a racist flier has been circulated anonymously attacking a candidate.

In Hoboken on Friday night, fliers were placed on car windshields with the message "Don't let TERRORISM take over our town!" above a picture of a Sikh mayoral candidate, Ravi Bhalla, wearing a turban.

The fliers appear to have been a modified version of a mailer from the Michael DeFusco mayoral campaign that was sent out previously claiming Bhalla had an alleged conflict of interest, which appears on the ad in smaller print.

DeFusco condemned the fliers in a statement, saying his campaign had nothing to do with the modified flier and has contacted local and county police to investigate.

Hoboken Police Chief Kenneth Ferrante said his department is investigating the distribution as a potential bias crime, including bias intimidation or harassment.

"Looking at the law, it could touch on that," Ferrante said. "It's awful conduct whoever was the person behind it, and illegal conduct," Ferrante said. "I was made aware of it last night at approximately 10 p.m. and our detectives immediately began an investigation."

A photo of Michael DeFusco's earlier mayoral campaign flyer.

The fliers were concentrated in mid-town section of the Mile-Square City, in the area of Hudson Street, near the waterfront, according to Ferrante, who said he did not know how many had been circulated.

"I called Councilman Bhalla tonight to assure him that although we disagree on many issues, we can stand united against this kind of racism infecting our city," said DeFusco, a Democrat who would be Hoboken's first openly gay mayor if he wins.

Bhalla, who would be the city's first Sikh mayor if elected, responded to the flier on social media Saturday, saying that "we won't let hate win."

"I want people to know Hob is a welcoming community where my wife & I are proud to raise our children," he said in a series of tweets. "No matter your race, ethnicity you are welcome here in our City. As Mayor, I will work hard to keep it that way. At time w/ President seeking to divide us, it is critical we come together as a community and stand up for American values."

Both Bhalla and DeFusco are sitting councilmen. In total, six are vying for the mayoral seat next week.

The ad comes two days after anti-Indian and anti-Chinese campaign mailers were mailed to residents in Edison, New Jersey's fifth-largest municipality where nearly half the population is Asian-American.

The "Make Edison Great Again" flier, which had the picture of two Asian board of education candidates with a "deport" stamp on a part of their faces, drew national attention and responses from a number of politicians and groups.

In a statement, city council president Jen Giattino said of Hoboken incident, "This reprehensible act is completely unacceptable. There is no room for this kind of hateful and cowardly act in our election. We may differ in many of our views in this election, but I know that we all agree that this type of tactic has no place in our society."

Placing fliers or other campaign or commercial literature on car windshields is a violation of Hoboken's local ordinance, according to Ferrante.

NJ Advance Media reporter Steve Strunsky contributed to this article.

Craig McCarthy may be reached at 732-372-2078 or at CMcCarthy@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @createcraig and on Facebook here. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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JERSEY CITY -- Thousands of residents honored their veterans and active military personnel on Saturday during the 3rd annual Parade of Veterans and Local Heroes.

The parade began at noon with a remembrance ceremony at the William L. Dickinson High School's Vietnam Memorial.

Six local veterans were honored, including the parade's Grand Marshal, Vietnam veteran John Scafidi.

From there, the parade -- which included hundreds of people and dozens of organizations -- made its way down Newark Avenue to Christopher Columbus Drive, eventually ending at City Hall.

The parade included marching bands, local ROTC cadets, color guards, and personnel from all branches of the military.

A Veterans Resource Fair was held at City Hall after the parades conclusion.

Scroll through the gallery above to see photos from the parade.
CARTER LAKE  The sweet experience of giving to others.

Carter Lake Elementary School students contributed 370 pounds of sweets to Omni Dental Centres fourth annual candy drive Friday.

It was the first time the dental clinic had partnered with the school to collect treats for U.S. troops overseas, according to John Lynch, business administrator at Omni Dental. Omni also received 108 pounds of candy at its Council Bluffs office.

Weve already blown last years total away because of the amount of their contribution, he said. Wed love to do it again next year.

Carter Lake Principal Doreen Knuth, too, was surprised at how much the students donated.

I had no idea that much candy would be collected, she said. We had lots of parents join in, too, and bring for their kids.

Reasons the students gave for donating to the troops included:

 Because troops like candy

 Because they didnt get to go trick-or-treating

 They work in a jet

 Its their job to keep us safe

 They fought for us

Kloie, Paityn and Charleigh Moore miss their father, Billy, who is serving with the Air Force in Turkey, said the girls. The girls are in fourth grade, second grade and preschool, respectively. Their fathers one-year tour will end in March, and then he expects to be sent to Guam.

Omni offered $1 per pound for each donation at its Council Bluffs office up to a maximum of $5, Lynch said. The practice promised Carter Lake students that the class that gathered the most candy would win a pizza party from Sgt. Peffers in Omaha.

There was so much, the top three classes  were going to give pizza parties to all of them, he said.

Those classes and the amount of candy each gathered were: Extended Learning, 52 pounds; third grade, 43 pounds; and fourth-fifth combination class, 42 pounds.

Volunteers at Primrose Retirement Community were sorting the candy into chocolate and non-chocolate varieties, Lynch said. The goodies will be shipped courtesy of UPS to Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit that will distribute the candy to troops overseas.

Jonesys Taco House and other local businesses donated $1,250 to pay for celebrations in Council Bluffs and Carter Lake, he said. The money left over will also be sent to the troops.

On Nov. 10, Kara Mullins, a dentist at Omni, will talk to the students about good oral hygiene.
PASCAGOULA, Miss., Nov. 04, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division celebrated the christening of the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) today with approximately 1,200 guests in attendance.



This ship is a fitting tribute to the master chief who set the tone for all of us to follow as authentic, competent and courageous leaders, said Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Steven Giordano, who served as keynote speaker. This ship represents the enlisted force perhaps more than any other ship in the Navy.

A photo accompanying this release is available at: https://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/file?fid=59fe03e02cfac224b8c61ac7

The ship is named in honor of Delbert D. Black, who served as a gunners mate in the U.S. Navy and was aboard the battleship USS Maryland (BB 46) during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Delbert D. Black is the first ship built to honor the man appointed in 1967 as the first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, said Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Cuccias. Black enlisted in the Navy in March of 1941, and over the years, he served in three wars and on nearly a dozen ships, spending 21 of his 30 in the Navy at sea. Ingalls ships are built for men and women like Master Chief Black with one goal in mind: to protect the brave Americans who protect our freedom.

Ima J. Black, Delberts widow and a World War II veteran of Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service), is the ships sponsor. She and Delbert were married for 50 years until he died in 2000. She officially christened the ship by successfully breaking a bottle of champagne across its bow.

This is a ceremony that weve all been looking forward to for a long time, Black said. My message to the shipbuilders has always been, Hurry up! Im running out of time. Well, look at me. I made it! I made it! I made it! Today Im thinking of my husband. Im wishing that he was standing here instead of me. However, I know that his spirit is anchored in the hull of this ship. Now let us christen this ship and get her ready to join the fleet, where she belongs.

Ingalls has delivered 29 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to the Navy. Other destroyers currently under construction at Ingalls include Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), Paul Ignatius (DDG 117), Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121) and Lenah H. Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123).

Defending our country has not gotten any easier, said Rep. Gregg Harper, R-Miss. We are confronted in many ways, but we are comforted as we visit this exceptional shipyard. Brian Cuccias and his team are building 10 or 11 ships right now representing four classes, and even with all that, its not at full capacity. Ingalls shipyard is well positioned to provide additional ship production to support a U.S. Navy force structure of 355 ships.

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are highly capable, multi-mission ships that can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection, all in support of the United States military strategy. DDGs are capable of simultaneously fighting air, surface and subsurface battles. The ship contains myriad offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime defense needs well into the 21st century.

Huntington Ingalls Industries is Americas largest military shipbuilding company and a provider of professional services to partners in government and industry. For more than a century, HIIs Newport News and Ingalls shipbuilding divisions in Virginia and Mississippi have built more ships in more ship classes than any other U.S. naval shipbuilder. HIIs Technical Solutions division provides a wide range of professional services through its Fleet Support, Integrated Mission Solutions, Nuclear & Environmental, and Oil & Gas groups. Headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, HII employs nearly 37,000 people operating both domestically and internationally. For more information, visit:



HII on the web: www.huntingtoningalls.com

HII on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HuntingtonIngallsIndustries

HII on Twitter: twitter.com/hiindustries



Contact:



Bill Glenn

william.glenn@hii-co.com

228-935-1323
JOIN A WINNING TEAM right here in northwest indiana We have been covering Northwest Indiana for over 100 years and were still growing. We are, by far, the main source of news, information and advertising in the Region and are looking for great people to join out team. Whether youre just starting out or looking for a place to step up,TheTimes has opportunities you need to explore. PAGE DESIGNER TheTimes Media Co., located 20 miles from downtown Chicago, is looking for highly motivated, creative page designers who can bring a new dimension to our brand of local newspapers and magazines. As our design center has expanded, so has our drive to find designers with innovative newspaper and magazine design and illustration skills. Our energetic design staff is working hard to change the perception of designers as merely visual people. We work with the belief that good content drives readership, and we push our staff to be content editors. If you possess the heart of a journalist and an innovative mind, we want you to join our close-knit, talented design team. Our ideal candidates will have experience in design at a newspaper or magazine, understand the fast-paced, newsroom environment, have the ability to manage several tasks simultaneously, and are experienced in information and content design. Candidates also must display a strong instinct for problem solving, a sense of urgency, and a passion for news. Experience with InDesign and Photoshop is preferred. In this position you must be willing to work a varied schedule with night hours. TheTimes Media Co. is one of Lee Enterprises 46 daily newspapers. Lee also publishes 300 weekly newspapers, shoppers and classified and specialty publications. In addition, Lee provides a wide variety of associated online services. EOE Call Center Representative (Part-time 30-39 hrs/wk) We have immediate openings for experienced Customer Service Representatives (CSRs), for our call center operations atTheTimes in our Munster & Crown Point, Indiana locations.TheTimes of Northwest Indiana is part of Lee Enterprises which is a leading provider of local newspapers, information and advertising in primarily midsize markets, with 46 daily newspapers and a joint interest in two others, along with rapidly growing digital products and nearly 300 specialty publications in 21 states which includesTheTimes of Northwest Indiana. Our call center agents are the backbone of our business. When customers call us, our CSRs answer the phone, make connections, answer questions, solve problems, and get people happily on their way as quickly as possible. As a Lee Enterprise Call Center Customer Service Representative, youll handle heavy call volumes daily in our fast paced call center, while maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction. When you join Lee Enterprises, you will enjoy:  Instantly becoming part of our family of diverse people focused on making really good customer experiences happen.  Ways to earn more every single month through bonus and incentives.  A clear path and the tools you need to progress with more responsibilities and promotions  Earning paid time off which includes vacation, sick and personal days, along with paid holidays  Eligibility for Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance, along with a 401K Match! Bring it.Youre qualified if you:  Love to help people  Have experience performing comfortably in a fast paced, deadline oriented environment.  Are proficient with MS Excel, Word & Outlook & have the ability to navigate thru various software programs efficiently  Above average typing skills (50+wpm)  Have sales ability and experience with inbound/ outbound customer service Learn more or apply online at www.nwi.com/timesjobs. EOE Distribution Assistant  Temporary/Seasonal TheTimes is currently looking for part-time Distribution Assistants to work in one of our Distribution Centers, working an average of 35 hours per week.These positions are temporary, seasonal positions that may continue through January 2018. Our centers are located in Valparaiso, Merrillville, and Hammond, IN. Work hours are in the early morning and include holidays and weekends. The work consists of:  opening and closing the distribution center  stacking bundles on tables  assisting with the delivery of newspaper routes  other duties assigned by the District Manager Candidates must have a valid drivers license and good driving record, as well as a reliable vehicle and proof of auto insurance. Mileage reimbursement is available if asked to use your vehicle for work purposes. Other requirements include basic computer skills and the ability to lift up to 40 pounds. The starting hourly wage for this position is $12.00/hour. This is an excellent entry level position for a company with a history of promoting from within. TheTimes is a drug-free workplace and all candidates offered a position will be asked to complete a pre-employment drug screen. Interested candidates should apply online at www.nwi.com/timesjobs. Equal Opportunity Employer Multi-Media Sales Executive  Outside Sales Base Salary PLUS Un-capped Commissions Join a winning team! We reach more consumers than we ever have before through NWI.com and our award winning print products. Consumer in NW Indiana rely onTheTimes and NWI.com for local news and information that no one else can deliver. Over 75% of all adults in NW Indiana connect with us through our on-line and print products on a weekly basis. We deliver 1.6M unique visitors per month with over 12.6M page views and 8.2M mobile sessions per month! We are looking for Multi-Media Sales professionals who possess the drive and passion to help local business owners increase market share through real time solutions and products that deliver superior results! We offer:  Competitive base salary  Un-capped commissions  On-going incentives and spiffs  Mobile phone  Mileage reimbursement  Benefits including: 401K (matching too), medical, dental, vision, paid vacation and personal time, life insurance, flexible spending accounts  Laptop and tools to be successful Our Multi-Media Sales professional manage an existing base of wellestablished accounts along with the responsibility and ability to hunt and develop new accounts... we want HUNTERS. Plus work alongside a team of sales professionals in a competitive market serving 6 counties! You Are:  Competitive  Driven to be the best  Results and goals oriented  Mentally tough  Possess a strong work ethic  Tech savvy  High character  Want to grow a great career  Willing to have fun! Ideal candidates possess:  3 + years of sales experience with a demonstrated track record of success  Prospecting & cold calling experience in successfully opening new accounts  Excellent communication skills  Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high transactional sales environment  College degree preferred  Valid drivers license, good driving record and access to a reliable vehicle Were willing to train the right candidate! If you bring the heart and desire to succeed we will equip you with the tools and knowledge to be successful! Drug Free Workplace Equal Opportunity Employer APPLY AT NWI.COM/TIMESJOBS
In a journey that covered more than 15,000 miles traversing the backroads and byways of Turkey, Robyn Eckhardt and David Hagerman, author and photographer of the award-winning Eating Asia blog, went anywhere and everywhere food was being sold or made. In Hatay, the husband and wife team breakfasted on spicy cheese drenched in freshly pressed olive oil, fresh hot chiles, arugula and mint spritzed with lemon juice, preserves of bitter orange peel and green olive salad drizzled with pomegranate molasses.

Invited to dine in a home in Silvas, they ate a hearty lamb stew served with pickled beet stems and crispy flatbreads. Along the way they visited farmers markets, watched cheesemakers in Kars, saw how pestil (fruit leather) and pekmex (fruit molasses) were made in Diyarbakir, picked pomegranates in orchards centuries old and stopped in kitchens on land and in boats. They were there when villagers brought dishes from home to cook in the community ovens where bread was also baked. Throughout their travels, Eckhardt collected recipes and Hagerman snapped photos, some 100,000 in all.

Compiling their photos and recipes, the couple created "Istanbul and Beyond: Exploring the Diverse Cuisines of Turkey" (Rux Martin/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2017; $35), a lovely cookbook that beckons into parts of Turkey many of us didnt know existed.

"When we started out the idea was to get beyond this idea that Turkish food is baklava, doner, kebab, Turkish delight, olive oil-based meze, and the conception of Turkey residents as huge meat, particularly lamb eaters and sugar-crazy sweets consumers," says Eckhardt who will be in Chicago doing cooking demonstrations and talking about her book on October 28 & 29.

The couple, who at the time were making their home Penang, Malaysia, visited parts of

Turkey often are overlooked by foreign visitors.

"Foreigners travelling to Turkey tend to focus on Istanbul, the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, Cappadocia and to a growing degree, Gaziantep--the home of baklava," says Eckhardt. "The briefest of travels along the Black Sea, into mostly Kurdish parts of Turkey  Diyarbakir and Van provinces for instance and to the far northeast  told us that these areas are goldmines of surprising and delicious dishes. We wanted to shine a spotlight on parts of culinary Turkey that previous works had ignored or insufficiently investigated."

Turkey has a tradition of hospitality, but Eckhardt says she was truly blown away the first time a villager invited them to stay for dinner less than half an hour after first meeting. That became the norm during their travels  to be invited in for tea, for a meal, to have kitchens and food workshops opened to them.

When deciding which recipes to use (she whittled the number down to about 130), Eckhardt says she made decisions based upon ease of execution and availability of ingredients. Many of the recipes in the book don't require special ingredients.

Did she have a standout among all her excellent adventures I asked Eckhardt.

Indeed, she did. It was when they finally made it to Hakkari, a mostly Kurdish province bordering Iran and Iraq.

"We'd wanted to visit for years, but it hadn't felt safe to drive there," she says. In the spring of 2015, at the height of the peace process between the Turkish government and the PKK, things were very calm, so we drove from neighboring Van province. We were bowled over by the physical beauty of Hakkari  soaring jagged snow-covered peaks and brilliant emerald valleys  and the enthusiastic reception we received everywhere we went. In five short days, we were invited to a wedding, ate in several homes, watched women making a special filled bread in in-the-ground tandir ovens, hung out in bread bakeries, met shepherds walking sheep to high pastures, met cheesemakers, went foraging for the region's renowned ottar (wild vegetables and herbs). That visit was an incredible experience. I'd love to return.

Robyn Eckhardt recommends

For readers who aren't familiar with some of the ingredients or dishes in Istanbul and Beyond, Robyn recommends the following "beginner" recipes for them to try first.

Fish lovers should try the weeknight-friendly Fish Baked in Tomato Sauce with Green Chiles, which has a nice kick from apple cider. (Black Sea).

For meat lovers, the Easy Baked Pan Kebab from Hatay Province) and/or Slow-Cooked Beef & Vegetables (North east); the latter is one of the most hands-off dishes you'll ever make.

A few recipes that testers were surprised by and loved are the Mushrooms with Yogurt Cream and Dill from the Black Sea; Meatballs with Pumpkin and Spice Butter (Van/Hakkari); and the Corn Salad with Eggplant & Dill (Black Sea).

The Creamy Fig Pudding (North Central Anatolia) is another deceptively easy dish and the figs lend a fabulous butterscotchy richness to the milky pudding.

The Sun-Dried Tomato and Pomegranate Salad and/or the Green Olive Salad (both from Hatay) are great vehicles by which to explore the versatility of pomegranate molasses.

With the holidays coming, there is still time to put up a quart or two of Sour Cherry Liqueur (use frozen sour or regular cherries), which tastes really festive.

Syriac Spice Bread, a yeasted bread from Diyarbakir province, is not at all difficult to make and features all of those wonderful warm-spice flavors that we associate with the holiday season.

The following recipes are excerpted from ISTANBUL AND BEYOND  2017 by Robyn Eckhardt and were recommended by her for those first beginning to cook Turkish foods.

Fish Baked in Tomato Sauce with Green Chiles

(Selimiyenin Buglama)

Makes 2 generous servings.

3 medium large ripe, juicy tomatoes, chopped (about 212 cups), or one 28-ounce can diced tomatoes, with juice, broken up with your fingers

1 small onion, finely chopped (about 13 cup)

1 medium green, red, or yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded, and finely chopped (about 23 cup)

1 or 2 green jalapenos or 1 Anaheim chile, halved lengthwise, seeded if desired, and sliced as thin as possible

34 teaspoon fine sea salt Freshly ground black pepper

34 cup water

2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

1 pound salmon, mackerel, or other fillets or steaks

1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter (optional)

1 medium tomato, very thinly sliced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat leaf parsley (optional)

Directions: Combine the tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, chiles, salt, and a few grinds of black pepper in a 10-inch oven proof skillet, add the water, and place over high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a steady simmer and stir in the vinegar. Cook, uncovered, until the mixture is reduced to a semi-thick sauce, about 20 minutes if using canned tomatoes, 25 to 30 minutes if using fresh tomatoes.

Place a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 375F.

When the sauce is done, lay the fish fillets or steaks on top of it. Divide the oil or butter, if using, between the fillets or steaks. Arrange the tomato slices over the fish.

Bake the fish for 10 minutes per inch of thickness for medium to well done, or to your preferred doneness. Sprinkle the parsley, if using, over the fish and serve immediately.

Easy Pan Baked Beef Kebab

(Tepsi Kebabi)

Serves 4

For the sauce:

1 cups hot water

2 tablespoons tomato paste

For the kebab:

1 pounds ground beef

 packed cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 small onion, finely chopped (about  cup)

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon Turkish or other crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste

1 teaspoons fine sea salt

1 teaspoons ground cumin

4 or 5 small ripe but firm tomatoes, cut into quarters

4 Anaheim or other long mild or hot green chiles, such as poblanos, left whole if thin, stemmed, seeded, and cut lengthwise in half if thick

Directions: Place a rack in the upper third of the oven and heat the oven to 400F.

Stir together the hot water and tomato paste in a medium bowl until the paste is dissolved. Set aside.

Spread the ground beef in a rough rectangle on a cutting board. Scatter over the parsley, onion, and garlic and sprinkle over the red pepper flakes, salt, and cumin. Using a large chef s knife, rocking the knife as you go, mince across the rectangle left to right and then mince again top to bottom. Slide the knife beneath one side of the rectangle and fold it over toward the middle.

Repeat from the opposite side of the rectangle. Repeat the mincing and folding at least two more times.

Lightly oil an 8 or 9-inch cake pan or pie plate and a baking sheet or baking pan that is at least 1 inch wider than the cake (or pie) pan. Use your knife to scrape the meat mixture into the cake pan. Gently

pat it over the bottom of the pan, making it as even as you can. Invert the pan onto the baking sheet.

The meat patty should fall right out; if it doesnt, hit the bottom of the pan to loosen it. Arrange the tomato wedges and chiles around the meat.

Pour the sauce over the meat and vegetables and bake the beef to the desired doneness, about 30 minutes for well done. Serve hot.
VALPARAISO  If you need a job, look to health care.

That was the message at Friday's 2017 Business & Economic Outlook seminar, where some of the presenters outlined the labor shortages in the field.

"I'm glad I'm not 65 right now," Zachary Cattell, president of the Indiana Health Care Association, which represents skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, said at the event at Ivy Tech Community College. "The shortages we have in the health care workforce that will start in three, five, seven, 10 years are daunting."

As the baby boomer population ages, Indiana faces a dearth of professionals in a variety of health care specialties. But what might be bad for patients in the short term is an opportunity for Hoosiers looking for work or a new career.

"There are really good-paying jobs out there if you want to gain some skills and improve your value proposition as an individual," said Don Babcock, director of economic development for NIPSCO. He said health care is "not just a great career financially, it's a noble career, to help people around you."

In Indiana, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants have the greatest number of openings and are the hardest jobs to fill in health care, Cattell said. The projected growth in the number of health care jobs over the next five years is 13.5 percent in central Indiana alone, he said.

"There's no doubt that licensed nursing and certified nurses' aides are the biggest need in our centers, in hospitals and physician offices across the state," he said. "There just are not enough people out there to fill these jobs."

In general, he said, a nurse right out of school can earn a salary of $50,000 and get up to $60,000 quickly. He said a nurse director or quality assurance job can make in the $80,000- to $90,000-a-year range.

Cattell said there are too many nursing homes in the state but there aren't enough workers to staff them.

"We are working diligently in attracting, educating and retaining a skilled workforce," he said, including through its carefortheaging.org website. Other potential solutions include training certified nursing assistants online and increasing the number of health care apprenticeships.

In addition, the state, through its Next Level Jobs initiative, is investing $20 million over the next two years in job training opportunities throughout Indiana. One area it is looking to prepare workers for is health care.

Ivy Tech President Sue Ellspermann said her school is doing its part  but it's still not enough. She noted that her school credentials about 1,200 registered nurses a year, but there are more than 1,900 openings in that field annually (there are 2,486 in the state currently).

She said she may need to ask the state to ease its requirements for training nurses or for funding to educate more of them.

"It costs $10,000 for us to produce a nurse," she said. "They make $60,000 to $70,000 (a year). There's high demand."
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  A biotechnology company co-founded by a Purdue University scientist has landed $40 million in financing to help refine technologies that make cancerous tissues appear to glow.

On Target Laboratories Inc. says the financing led by Johnson & Johnson Innovation will help it further advance two compounds that are armed with a bright fluorescent dye which illuminates cancer cells during surgery but leaves normal cells dark.

That illumination can enable surgeons to see and remove cancer lesions they otherwise might have missed.

The privately-held company that's based at the Purdue Research Park was co-founded by Purdue chemistry professor Philip Low.

Its lead imaging compound, called OTL38, is expected to soon enter into a Phase 3 clinical trial for use in detecting multiple cancers, including ovarian and lung.
SURREY, British Columbia, Nov. 04, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The South Asian community always gives from the heart, so it's fitting that the $625,000 raised in one day at the 93.1 RED FM Gurupurab Radiothon, held on Nov. 3, will benefit cardiac care at Surrey Memorial Hospital.



The funds from the Radiothon will be used in Surrey Memorial's newly expanded Coronary Care Unit, enabling the hospital to purchase innovative equipment; support new technology for patient education; and enhance family-centred care. When the goal of $1 million is reached, the unit will be renamed the Sarbat Coronary Care Unit. Sarbat means "equality for all," and the Radiothon donations will help all patients receive exceptional care in this specialized unit.

One of the most successful radio fundraisers in the country, the annual Radiothon provides an opportunity for donors to honour the birthday of Guru Nanak by making a contribution to a health care cause that impacts the local community.

The RED FM partnership with Surrey Hospital & Outpatient Centre Foundation is unique. RED FM organizes the Radiothon and donates all the airtime, so that all contributions from donors can go directly to the Foundation.

Foundation President & CEO Jane Adams notes that the generosity of the South Asian community has had a significant impact on Surrey Memorial Hospital since the first Radiothon in 2007.

"Thanks to the South Asian community, we have been able to provide funding for programs that serve thousands of patients and families from across the region," she says. "On behalf of the team in the Coronary Care Unit, a big thank you to everyone who made a donation."

RED FM President Kulwinder Sanghera says that he is proud that the station can help listeners support causes that matter to them. Recently, RED FM used the airways to help the Canadian Red Cross appeal for funds for victims of the summer wildfires, raising $170,000 in only seven hours.

"When we ask for help for a charitable cause, our community always responds with generosity. At RED FM, the Gurupurab Radiothon is a highlight of our year."

Since the first Radiothon in 2007, more than $5.7 million has been raised for four major programs at the hospital: the Emergency Department, the Family Birthing Centre, the Stroke Unit and the Kidney Centre.

Here's how to donate

There's still time to make your donation. Visit the Surrey Hospital & Outpatient Centre Foundation website www.championsforcare.com to give online, or call 604-588-3371.

Media inquiries

Anne McLaughlin

Surrey Hospital & Outpatient Centre Foundation

604-788-0018

annemclaughlin@shaw.ca
Record Number of Black Candidates Seeking History During Midterm Elections

While some already are household names like Stacey Abrams in Georgia, Val Demings in Florida, and Anthony Brown in Maryland, others like Natalie James in Arkansas, Will Boyd in Alabama,...

Tell the Supreme Court: We Still Need Affirmative Action

One of the great joys of my life is teaching. Im fortunate to teach classes on social justice at the University of Pennsylvania, one of the most respected schools in...
Gardai are investigating after a man was beaten in his home during a frightening aggravated burglary in Offaly overnight.

At 2am this morning a 54-year-old farmer who lives by himself was viciously attacked in Brosna, Birr by a gang of four four thieves.

It is understood the man was held down and beaten with a weapon in the house and then brought out to his yard where he was assaulted again.

The men then fled with a small sum of money. The victim then walked a quarter mile to a neighbour's house who alerted the gardai and ambulance service who brought him to Tullamore.

His injuries are not life-threatening.

Garda crime scene investigators are at the house which has been sealed off for examination.

Its believed that the men involved in the attack spoke with Limerick accents.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Birr Garda Station on 057 9169710.
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Estimados amigos,

Les doy cordialmente la bienvenida a este Blog informativo con articulos, analisis y comentarios de publicaciones especializadas y especialmente seleccionadas, principalmente sobre temas economicos, financieros y politicos de actualidad, que esperamos y deseamos, sean de su maximo interes, utilidad y conveniencia.

Pensamos que solo comprendiendo cabalmente el presente, es que podemos proyectarnos acertadamente hacia el futuro.

Las convicciones son mas peligrosos enemigos de la verdad que las mentiras.

There are decades when nothing happens and there are weeks when decades happen.

You only find out who is swimming naked when the tide goes out.

No soy alguien que sabe, sino alguien que busca.

Only Gold is money. Everything else is debt.

Las grandes almas tienen voluntades; las debiles tan solo deseos.

Quien no lo ha dado todo no ha dado nada.

History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.

If you know the other and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.

We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share.This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity.
There are so many ways a child can enjoy a story: Books at bedtime, of course. A grandparent who's especially good at spinning a fun tale. Story times at libraries. And yes, on screens. But remember those days our parents or grandparents spoke of, where they would gather round a radio and listen to their tales over the airwaves?

Time to tune in to podcasts, with your kids.

Many adults turn to podcasts for stories, news and more, so it's no surprise that our kids can now do the same. Enter Circle Round, a beautiful way of listening to folk tales from around the world.

Talk about parent enjoyment: The first one features George Costanza . . . I mean Jason Alexander . . . as the main character in an adaptation of a Yiddish tale.

We spoke with Jessica Alpert of Boston's NPR news station, about why she wanted to create this podcast, and what she hopes kids and their families get out of it.

Washington Post: How did this get started?

Jessica Alpert: I was part of the team that launched the Modern Love podcast. So much love and care went into that. I wanted my kid to hear that level of beautiful sound design. I was digging around and just didn't find any pure storytelling podcasts. Everything I found was a lot of Cinderellas and Snow Whites. While timeless, I just wanted to expand on that. I have twin 5-year-olds, a boy and a girl. They were ready to hear more complex stories. And I wanted to talk with them about it. We can make something beautiful that's also fun for parents.

Q: What's the market, the idea behind it?

A: We thought we could reach so many different parents. It's just absorbed in kindness and generosity. I studied the market: Christian parenting, progressive parenting. And I thought this could really appeal to everyone, unless you want your kid to be a bully. Parents may want different things for their child, but we can all come together around these core values of generosity, kindness, perspective. Being able to reflect on one's own life. Just building curiosity is a great skill for kids. Just to ask questions. Whether in class or in conversation, it makes people more thoughtful and more aware.

Q: How are you picking stories?

A: We just look around the world. Or . . . just dug into folklore books. We're trying to showcase different stories from around the world, and that's whee the universality of some of these themes come together. It's for younger children, so we're definitely not looking to do anything violent or overly scary or desperately sad. They take you places you didn't think possible. And [though they are adaptations] we're able to maintain some of the integrity of the culture of the story. For the Ocean is Salty, we got Filipino actors to read (and) Nigerian actors for the one next week  and he remembered the story from growing up.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish?

A: I think of it as a visual detox. I want them to engage with stories. We do get some descriptives, but we're really careful about letting them form ideas on your own. [They're] strengthening a different muscle. We want them to be curious and have conversations with grown-ups. That's something I feel like was so great for me growing up. [Adults] asked what I thought and that was such a gift.

Q: What about your own kids?

A: They really love it. My storytelling skills have just skyrocketed. I'm always testing out stories on them. I told them another story we haven't produced yet and it's not a happy ending. My little guy, Theo, said 'But Mommy, it's not happy. It's sad!" And that was another interesting moment. We didn't tie it up in a bow. It's not a devastating end, but it's not where the character wanted it to go.

Q: What other podcasts do they listen to, or do you think are good for kids now?

A:Wow in the World; But Why; Brains on! There are great science podcasts out there. We're the only ones using folk tales.

***

Amy Joyce is the editor and a writer for On Parenting.
LINCOLN  Speakers praised veterans service, the flag was raised and the ribbon was cut outside of 445 Honor Drive on Friday, opening the Victory Park apartment building on the Lincoln VA campus.

The three-story building, with 70 apartments, will be home to veterans at or below 50 percent of the area median income.

Duncan Fallon, site manager for the Department of Veterans Affairs campus, said 40 veterans are awaiting lease approvals and would be moving in between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Victory Park will seek out other residents by working with other VA programs to identify homeless veterans in Lincoln, Fallon said.

The vision for Victory Park began in 2011 and gained steam in 2016 when the VA, Seniors Foundation VA Vision and Burlington Capital Real Estate finalized an enhanced use lease that allowed developers to build resources on excess VA land.

The project is the first step in a larger redevelopment of the VAs hospital campus at 70th and O Streets that eventually will include a new clinic, more housing and medical office buildings.

After the ceremony, people toured the apartments, running their hands across the stone countertops and praising the size of the rooms and the quality of the work.

Thomas Bowman, deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, called the building and the effort behind it inspiring.

It doesnt take a miracle to take care of veterans and recognize their service, Bowman told those gathered at Fridays ceremony. It takes people like you.
Cardiologist Waleed Doghmi, M.D., recently joined MidMichigan Health as the newest member of MidMichigan's comprehensive heart and vascular team.

This team includes cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, as well as vascular, thoracic and cardiovascular surgeons. Doghmi currently welcomes new patients to his office in Midland, as well as his satellite offices in Alma and Mount Pleasant.

As a cardiologist, Doghmi works with patients who have a variety of cardiac-related conditions such as coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease, valvular and structural heart disease, congenital heart defects and other complex cardiac conditions.

Doghmi completed a fellowship in invasive cardiology at Louisiana State University in New Orleans. He is board certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease and holds additional certifications in echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, cardiovascular computed tomography and vascular ultrasound.

According to Doghmi, the field of cardiology has been exploding with exciting developments in the last few years that will change the way cardiologists practice for years to come. These include new treatments for structural heart diseases like transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), left atrial appendage occlusion devices for atrial fibrillation, thromboembolism prevention, mitral valve clips for mitral insufficiency, and new stents for coronary artery disease.

"I treat all my patients like I treat my family members," Doghmi said. "I like my patients to be well informed about their cardiac issues and to be good advocates for themselves. This allows them to participate and make the right choices for their health care. I also enjoy educating and answering their questions and concerns."

Doghmi performs a variety of non-invasive diagnostic cardiac tests including cardioversions, exercise stress tests, echocardiograms, transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE), electrocardiograms (ECG), Holter monitors, event monitors and nuclear stress tests.

He welcomes new patients to his main office located at 301 West Wackerly St. in Midland. He also holds satellite offices in Alma at 160 E. Warwick Drive, Suite 1200, and at MidMichigan Medical Center in Mount Pleasant at 4851 E. Pickard Street, Suite 2300. Appointments may be made by calling 989-832-0900. For more information visit www.midmichigan.org/doghmi.
As the time change approaches on Sunday, the Midland Fire Department wants to remind residents to make another change that could save their lives -- replacing batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

The Midland Fire Department has joined forces with Energizer and the International Association of Fire Chiefs for the 30th year of the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery campaign. The program urges all Americans to adopt a simple, lifesaving habit: changing smoke detector and carbon monoxide batteries when changing clocks back to standard time each fall.

The time change for Daylight Savings Time occurs at 2 a.m. Sunday. The time will go from 1:59 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Changing smoke detector batteries at least once a year is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce tragic deaths and injuries, the department stated. The National Fire Protection Association reports that 71 percent of smoke alarms that failed to operate had missing, disconnected or dead batteries.

Additionally, the Midland Fire Department recommends replacing smoke detectors every 10 years. Beginning in 2002, smoke alarms include a manufacture date marked on the outside of the device. If your smoke alarm does not have a manufacture date, then it is more than 10 years old and should be replaced. When replacing your smoke alarms the Fire Department suggests purchasing alarms with 10-year lithium batteries.

In addition to testing fire safety devices, the fire department recommends that residents do the following:

 use the extra hour on Nov. 5 to plan and practice escape routes;

 use both ionization and photo electric smoke alarms to alert people to home fires; and

 prepare a fire safety kit that includes working flashlights and fresh batteries.

For more on fire safety, call the Midland Fire Department at 989-837-3410 or email Fire Marshal Tony Lelo at alelo@midland-mi.org.
The family of a Helena man killed by a drunk driver last February has filed a civil lawsuit against a pair of bars in Helena and East Helena.

Attorneys filed the civil suit for the estate of Samuel S. Tielking Thursday. Tielking, who was 25 at the time, was driving on U.S. Highway 12 between Helena and East Helena Feb. 22 when 46-year-old Chester French of Helena crossed into his lane, striking his vehicle head-on. Both men died at the scene.

The lawsuit names Haps Beer Parlor of Helena and its liquor license owner Donald Lytle, along with Cory-Dullum Post 10010 VFW in East Helena, as defendants.

The lawsuit alleges that French spent the day drinking at various establishments in Helena, Elliston, Boulder and Butte. Shortly before 7 p.m., the lawsuit alleges he entered Haps and received multiple drinks despite signs of intoxication visible on surveillance video. The lawsuit goes on to allege that French arrived at the VFW at about 9:30 p.m., and was also served an undetermined number of drinks there.

The collision occurred at 10:12 p.m. Reports allege that French was driving 75 miles per hour in a 55 mile-per-hour zone and had a blood alcohol level of 0.275, more than three times the legal limit.

The lawsuit alleges negligence and wrongful death against both establishments, and spoliation of evidence against the VFW. The lawsuit further claims that statutory limits on liability are unconstitutional, and should be rendered void by the court.

The lawsuit asks for compensatory and punitive damages and attorney fees.

Criminal charges were not filed against either establishment or employees of either establishment.

A man answering the phone at Haps Friday afternoon said he was unaware of the lawsuit.

A woman answering the phone at the VFW said a manager or owner was unavailable.
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After nine years of inaction, state and federal agencies are making a move on an inactive open-pit mine 25 miles south of Helena by sending a preliminary notice to Montana Tunnels that would double the mine's reclamation bond to $38.9 million.

The last time Montana Tunnels posted a reclamation bond was in 2008, for $19.7 million. The state Department of Environmental Quality and the federal Bureau of Land Management are increasing the bond by $19.2 million.

The bond is intended to enable the state to clean up the mine site if the owner fails to do so.

Two environmental groups  Bozeman-based Earthworks and Missoula-based Trout Unlimited  did an investigation into Montana Tunnels  a former lead, zinc, gold, and silver mine  this past summer and brought their findings to DEQs attention in July. Some of the concerns the two groups had regarded the instability of the pits walls, the water quality at the bottom of the pit, and the fact that Clancy Creek is flowing through a pipe north of the pit.

The pit has not been active since 2008. In addition to being behind on the reclamation bond, the owner also owes Jefferson County close to $5 million in back taxes.

Severe cracks in the ground several feet north of the pit indicate that the pits walls are going to continue to cave in if the mine  or the agencies  dont take action. The pits walls are so unstable that BLM geologist Dave Williams previously said its not a question of if the walls will slough into the pit but when.

That could spell doom for Clancy Creek. The creek, currently flowing through a 16-inch pipe for 1,300 feet near the pits north wall, eventually becomes habitat for westslope cutthroat trout at the confluence of Kady Creek and Clancy Creek.

It is within the 260 feet of ground between the edge of the pit and the severe cracks cutting deep fissures in the woods north of the pits edge.

Montana Tunnels has a 60-day window to respond. A call to owner Black Diamond Holdings managing director Patrick Imeson, based in Denver, Colorado, was not returned Friday.

DEQ previously told The Montana Standard in August that the bond would be increased to around $41 million. DEQ Operating Permit Section Supervisor Herb Rolfes said that was a preliminary figure.

This isnt the first time the bond has been recalculated. Most recently, DEQ set the bond for $35.3 million in 2013. But the mine hasnt updated its bond since 2008.

But this time, the agencies appear determined to follow through on the dormant mine. After the 60-day window, during which Montana Tunnels can respond and can request adjustments to the figure, DEQ's next step will be to post a proposed bond, Rolfes said. At that stage, both the company and the public will have opportunity to comment on it.

If Montana Tunnels ultimately fails to post the required bond amount, the permit would be suspended, according to Rolfes. After that, DEQ could consider the bond forfeited, and the state would step in to begin reclamation.

Christopher Dorrington, DEQ division administrator for air, energy, and mining, said the proposed current bond increase does not account for Clancy Creek flowing through the pipe.

But he said Clancy Creek is on our minds, and he said the issues around the creek would be addressed as DEQ works through the bond increase process.

We care about it, and we want to do the right thing, Dorrington said.

Earthworks Northwest program director Bonnie Gestring said she is pleased that DEQ and BLM have taken action. Trout Unlimited executive director David Brooks called it "a good first step."

The challenge now is getting those funds from the company, Gestring said.
BLOOMINGTON  The military service of a Bloomington man, together with his history of mental health issues related to that service, contributed to a prosecutor's recommendation Friday that probation rather than prison was an appropriate sentence in a weapons case.

Corey Franklin was charged in October 2016 with firing a gun at a man on Bloomington's west side. No one was injured, but the 38-year-old Bloomington man was charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm, a felony that carries a possible penalty of 15 years in prison.

A mental health evaluation was ordered for Franklin, but the doctor's conclusions were never introduced as evidence. Franklin fired his public defender Philip Finegan before a bench trial in July in which the defendant represented himself and did not ask that the mental health report be considered by the judge.

Franklin was convicted of the weapons charge.

At Friday's sentencing hearing, First Assistant State's Attorney Adam Ghrist recommended 48 months of probation and requirements that Franklin cooperate with all recommendations, including medication, related to mental health treatment.

A recommended jail term of 180 days in jail has been more than satisfied by the time Franklin served since his arrest almost a year ago.

Sitting alone at the defense table, Franklin said he did not have anything to say when asked if he wanted to make a statement before the sentence was imposed.

Absent the psychological disability related to military service, a prison term would have been a reasonable recommendation from the state, Freitag told Franklin.

"It goes without saying that this is a very serious matter. The potential for someone to be injured was very, very great," said Freitag.

A pre-sentence report outlining Franklin's mental health diagnoses and his service with the U.S. Navy in Iraq and Afghanistan were reviewed by the judge. Cooperation with mental health professionals, including those connected with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, is crucial to Franklin's success on probation, the judge told the defendant.
EUREKA  With more hugs than handshakes and a lot of laughter amid the pomp and ceremony, Jamel Santa Cruze Wright was installed Friday as the 27th president of Eureka College.

Accepting the challenges facing higher education today, Wright said, Twenty-first century Eureka must be bold, nimble and forward-looking. We must be futurists.

Comparing the college to a rowing team, she noted the importance of each person to the team and the need to trust each other and one's leader.

I'm ready to row with you, said Wright. I don't want to row gently down the stream but to row with intentionality and purpose.

The 90-minute-plus ceremony at the Christine Bonati Bollwinkle Arena and Convocation Center was a formality for Wright, who has served as interim president since July 2016 and became president July 1, 2017.

I've kind of been making believe I've been president since last year, she joked after the chain of office was placed around her neck. The chain includes the Eureka College seal and small medallions listing its core values  including service, integrity, diversity and education.

But, despite her joke about making believe, her embrace of the job and drive to advance bold programs, even while in an interim role, were cited by the board of trustees when she was announced as president in July.

She has been involved in updating the school's strategic plan, revamping the general education curriculum and developing its Uniquely Eureka program, which includes a four-year graduation guarantee in which a fifth year of tuition, if needed, is free.

She initially came to Eureka College in 2014 as special assistant to the president and later served as vice president of strategic and diversity initiatives.

Mike Murtagh, vice president for institutional advancement, opened the ceremony by noting, This is a historic day in the life of Eureka College.  By her mere presences she is breaking the mold of the 26 presidents who preceded her.

Wright is the first woman and first African-American to lead the college, founded in 1855.

At Eureka College, we're used to historic events, said Murtaugh, pointing to the institution's history. Founded by abolitionists from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the college was the first in the state and third in the nation to admit men and women on an equal basis and is the smallest college to graduate a future U.S. president  Ronald Reagan.

Prabhu Vankataraman, faculty president, talked about the importance of having a leader in whom the campus community can place its trust and one who takes to heart the best interests of the college on a short- and long-term basis. He said that leader is Wright.

Seth Powers, student body president, said that when he asked students what they liked most about Wright, they said, We can tell she really cares about Eureka.

Wright gave credit to her family and friends and other who had helped her along the way.

She said she was happy people were getting to meet all the people who made me the president and the person I am today.

Several people she considers mentors from her time as a student, faculty member and administrator at Missouri Western State University, the University of Kansas, Boston College and Saint Louis University were present at the installation ceremony.

Also present were representatives from 16 colleges and universities, local lawmakers and the mayors of Eureka, Peoria and Washington.

She thanked my mom, the superwoman in my life, for providing a strong, female role model and pointed to her own daughter, Kaiya, for whom I live to provide a positive example.

Wright also thanked her husband, Telly, whom she also called first dude of Eureka College, for his support and pointed out he was wearing Reagan socks.

To students in attendance, who gave her a rousing cheer, she said, Never underestimate what a small college environment can offer.  People take a genuine interest in who you are and what your passions are.

The Eureka College Chorale opened the ceremony with Sorida, a Zimbabwean greeting and call to love one another, and also performed America the Beautiful and the school's alma mater.
BLOOMINGTON  An Illinois State University elementary education student's idea for providing teachers with objects to use in teaching history, science and culture took top honors Friday at the Startup Showcase, sponsored by ISU's Means Center for Entrepreneurial Studies.

Andrew Frey, a senior from Huntley, came up with his idea for his First Hand Museum as a student teacher in the Golden Apple Scholars program in the Chicago Public Schools system.

He had students who weren't interested in learning social studies and other subjects in traditional ways. But when he brought in a dinosaur-era fish fossil or other objects students could see and touch, it got them excited about learning.

"Instead of bring students to a museum, you bring the museum to the students," he said.

Others finalists in the competition for ISU students starting their own businesses included Prisma Systems, which uses automation to assist companies with product presentation on websites; My Arena, a motivational lifestyle apparel company; and Neighbor, a website that helps match people with workers for such tasks as yard work, food delivery and odd jobs.

As winner of the competition, Frey will receive $5,000 in financial and in-kind support from the Means Center. The second- through fourth-place finalists will receive $1,500 to $3,000 in assistance.

Frey intends to use that support to increase the number of artifacts he has to lend and refine loan agreements and insurance coverage.

All the artifacts in his collection are originals, not reproductions. They include a uniform jacket from a World War II soldier who served in the Battle of the Bulge and a sign designating a whites-only drinking fountain.

Frey said the Startup Showcase was important for more than the money.

Getting to meet other young entrepreneurs, you can see their passion, he said. That's the beauty of this. We do this because we love it.

Joanna Davis, a senior in marketing from Chicago, won the People's Choice award with her business, Designs by Anna J, using West African fabrics to make urban-style clothing.

Davis said she taught herself to sew from YouTube videos and learned a lot during the competition about how to build her business.

Her mother, Caroline Davis, in town for ISU family weekend, said, She has been a go-getter since grade school.

There were a lot of young go-getters at the showcase.

In addition to the ISU students behind the 18 businesses in the competition, students from several Heartland Community College courses and high school students involved in McLean County Unit 5's Innovative Entrepreneurs and a statewide group, Celebrating High School Innovators, also were present.

Mark Hoelscher, director of the Means Center, said, We had a stronger slate of contestants than we've ever had. The students came from across campus, not just the College of Business.

Shows such as Shark Tank and specific entrepreneurial programs have sparked students' interest in starting their own businesses.

The center provides help in developing business plans and feedback on ideas.

We don't just crown winners. We develop kids, said Hoelscher. It's so much more than a competition.

At the start of the day, each participant gave a three-minute presentation, with no questions asked.

The four finalists each gave five-minute presentations and fielded questions from the judges for 10 minutes.

Zainab Bakare, a senior in arts technology from Sauk Village, said she was a bit nervous making her presentation about her business, ZABA Animation Studios, but she learned a lot through the process.

This is what being an artist is about: being an entrepreneur; taking risks, she said.
Here's a look at some of the biggest headlines from the past week, from GOP tax reform to the latest accusations against Harvey Weinstein.
In July Patently Apple posted a report titled "Ireland's IDA is calling for a Shake-Up before the Apple Data Center Project and others are lost to other Countries." The report noted that IDA Chief Executive Martin Shanahan was calling for a shake-up of the planning system amid fears the considerable delays could lead to Athenry losing the project. On October 8th we reported that a hardy group of Irishman rallied to support the proposed Apple data center in Athenry and on October 12th the High Court of Ireland gave Apple the green light the center.

It took at least two and half years to get the approval. Now it appears that Ireland's IDA's Shanahan's fears have come true. Apple may no longer have any interest in the project because of the delays. Asking a fast moving tech company to wait a ridiculous amount of time is simply unacceptable. Ireland's glacial process has cost them an important project for the people of Ireland. But the feisty Irish aren't ready to give it up just yet.

According to Reuters report, "A planned $1 billion Apple data center is in doubt after Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said the U.S. company's Chief Executive Tim Cook would no longer commit to it, adding that Dublin would do whatever necessary to get it built.

In a meeting on Thursday, Cook did not commit to going ahead with it, Varadkar told state broadcaster RTE. He added that 'We didn't get a start date, or a definite commitment or anything like that.'

Varadkar, who is on a tour of the United States to meet investors, added that he had told Cook that the government would do 'anything within our power' to facilitate the resumption of the project.

To illustrate just how slow Ireland was in approving the project, the report noted that "a similar Apple center announced at the same time in Denmark is due to begin operations later this year and Apple in July announced it would build its second EU data center there." Clearly responsive positive action by Denmark earned Apple's trust.

As we noted at the top of this report, IDA's Chief Executive Martin Shanahan called for a shake-up of the planning system amid fears the considerable delays could lead to Athenry losing the Apple project. Clearly the warning came too late. It may have taken the loss of Apple's business to force Ireland to change.

Hopefully those that were elected to work for the people of Ireland on approving these kind of projects to create employment will either be fired or voted out of Office for creating a hostile business environment that would have a high tech company like Apple leave and move on to a country like Denmark who rolled out the red carpet and got the project done on time.
On Sept. 11, the owners of Montana Advanced Caregivers received a letter saying their business license renewal had been rejected.

The company didnt apply for a renewal, and the license for the Billings medical marijuana business was months from expiring.

The letter was intended as a retroactive rejection of the business license granted previously in January. In it, the City-County Planning Division indicated the license was granted by mistake.

What worried owners Rich Abromeit and Jason Smith was that it arrived on the same day that the Billings City Council was scheduled to consider an ordinance that would force them out of town.

It was as if the city just found out about the dispensary and moved to shut it down.

I think there was a time where the city didnt realize that was what they were doing, Billings City Attorney Brent Brooks said Thursday.

But Montana Advanced Caregivers never worked in secret or operated as anything other than a medical marijuana dispensary. They had worked for years just down the road from a Billings Police Department motor pool yard.

The only tangible policy threats came from the Capitol in Helena, not City Hall.

Their initial application in 2010 listed the business as a medical marijuana caregiver, and the city had been renewing its business license each year since, collecting $90 each time.

So the Montana Advanced Caregivers owners sued, claiming that the new ordinances before the city council would unfairly push them out of town. Their first business license was granted before the city passed any ordinance related to the industry.

If passed, the council's new ordinances would be the latest in a number of caregiver business prohibitions that have been on the city books since 2010.

Just like regulation at the state level, medical marijuana laws at the city level have undergone many changes, resulting in mixed signals for businesses. And this lawsuit against Billings could test the local government powers in the states latest medical marijuana law.

Case filed

I think theres serious, serious constitutional issues if theyre going to try to do that at this point in time, having allowed it this long, said Steve Mackey, the attorney representing Montana Advanced Caregivers.

The lawsuit was filed on Sept. 21 by the company, Abromeit, and one registered patient named Nancy Moore. Their argument is that Billings cant kick a business out of town, particularly one that's been granted a license despite past prohibitions.

Attorneys for the city of Billings filed an answer to the lawsuit on Oct. 24. They asserted their ability to pass prohibition laws, which is part of the Montana Medical Marijuana Act passed earlier this year by state lawmakers.

The most recent Montana Legislature amended the state law to expressly authorize Montana cities and towns to pass ordinances banning these businesses from operating within the city limits, said Andy Forsythe, an attorney representing the city of Billings.

Granting local government power isnt new to Montana medical marijuana regulation, but in 2017 an amendment added the ability for cities to prohibit dispensaries in addition to storefronts. The distinction is that a storefront is open to the public, while a dispensary only allows registered patients to enter.

The ordinances being considered by the Billings City Council would incorporate the dispensary ban.

Attorneys on both sides of that lawsuit said the small addition was a key change. Mackey said that this unfairly limits access for patients and the ability for a legitimate business to operate.

Forsythe said the addition of dispensary to the citys ability to regulate doesnt alter the constitutionality. In a court brief, he wrote that Billings has a legal right to enforce a code that could, in effect, deny a business license to a medical marijuana provider.

One issue is that the city hasnt enforced this in the past.

Bark but no bite

Montana cities regulate medical marijuana businesses in different ways. Great Falls and Kalispell, for example, have city codes that say all licensed businesses or permitted land uses must comply with federal law. In effect, that ousts medical marijuana, which remains illegal under federal drug scheduling.

Cities can also restrict medical marijuana to certain land-use zones. Missoula and Bozeman issue special business licenses to companies in that industry.

Billings has taken multiple strategies to regulation. In May 2010, the Billings City Council passed a stopgap zoning ban on any new medical marijuana business.

By that time, Montana Advanced Caregivers had received its first business license from the city. Billings doesn't offer a special medical marijuana license.

The city council passed a storefront ban in November 2011 after the Montana Legislature passed its own regulatory law. This allowed providers to do business directly with registered patients but not to the general public.

Then in October 2012, the council passed another ordinance, saying that licensed businesses must comply with federal law. That should have banned all medical marijuana business from the city. The ordinance included a two-year grace period for businesses to comply.

A city council memo from September reaffirmed that stance.

" ... Since the distribution of marijuana in any context is a violation of federal law, business licenses have not been issued for operation of dispensaries or storefronts within city limits," a memo said.

While the prohibitions remained on the books for years, the city continued to grant license renewals to Montana Advanced Caregivers. Those renewals were based on the original application identifying it as a medical marijuana dispensary.

Brooks said this was an oversight by the city and that renewals aren't as thorough as initial applications. Compliance is based on whether the city receives complaints.

We have to assume that they are in compliance with the city ordinance like any other business, he said.

According to Brooks, it was an anonymous complaint in May that led the city to realize that Montana Advanced Caregivers was, in fact, operating as a medical marijuana caregiver.

No hearing has been set in the lawsuit. The city council had delayed a final vote on its new zoning restrictions until Nov. 13, but it's unclear if it will revisit the restrictions at that time because a restraining order prevents enforcement while the lawsuit is ongoing.

A judge's ruling in this case could test the limits of a city's ability to curtail the state's legal medical marijuana trade.

I just think the court needs to be aware that this is an issue that doesnt just affect my clients, Mackey said.
Iranian State Officials Clash Over Allowing Religious Minorities in Local Elections

11/04/17

Source: Center for Human Rights in Iran



Sepanta Niknam, Suspended Zoroastrian Councilman at Center of Debate





The head of Iran's judiciary has sided with proponents of banning religious minorities from local elections while the Rouhani government has reiterated their rights as citizens under the Constitution.

In his October 31 remarks, Chief Justice Sadegh Larijani said that the ban was the Guardian Council's prerogative as the country's highest authority in determining legislative compliance with Islamic principles.

"There's nothing wrong with the decision of the Guardian Council's theologians to investigate this issue from the point of view of Islamic law," he said. "That's their job."

The Guardian Council is a body of six clerics and six jurists that vets laws and elections for conformity with Islamic principles.

For weeks, Iranian state officials have been debating the validity of the Law on the Formation, Duties, and Election of National Islamic Councils, which permits followers of all religions recognized in Articles 12 and 13 of the Constitution-Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism-to run as candidates in elections.

The dispute broke out in September 2017 following a ruling by the Administrative Court in the city of Yazd suspending Sepanta Niknam, a follower of the Zoroastrian faith, who was re-elected to the city council in May 2017.

The ruling was in favor of Ali Asghar Bagheri, a Muslim candidate, who lodged a complaint after failing to receive enough votes to win a seat in the council.

The court based its decision on the April 2017 declaration by Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, the ultra-conservative chairman of the Guardian Council, banning non-Muslims from representing Muslim-majority constituencies.

The judiciary chief's decision to back the Guardian Council puts it at odds with Iran's Parliament and government, which have opposed the ban.

"The Zoroastrian faith is one of our country's officially recognized religions in the Constitution," said a spokesman for the government of President Hassan Rouhani, Mohammad Bagher Nobakht, on October 31.

"Zoroastrians enjoy the rights of citizenship and our laws allow them to exercise those rights," he told reporters at a press conference.

"We are looking for ways to resolve this issue before it escalates further," he added. "The president has asked the interior minister to look into this matter and hopefully come up with a solution."



Sepanta Niknam among members of Zoroastrian community

(photo by amordadnews.com)



On October 18, Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani, the judiciary chief's brother, condemned Niknam's suspension as illegal and threatened to refer the dispute to the Expediency Discernment Council for arbitration.

"In my talks with Ayatollah [Ahmad] Jannati, the honorable chairman of the Guardian Council, I emphasized that local councils should be handled according to the law," said Larijani in a meeting with a group of city councilors.

"If this matter is not resolved, we have no choice but to refer it to the Expediency Discernment Council for a final resolution," he added.

According to Article 112 of the Constitution, the Expediency Discernment Council can issue final rulings when the Guardian Council and Parliament cannot agree on a piece of legislation.

On October 30, Guardian Council Spokesman Abbasali Kadkhodaei said the clerical body maintains the authority to reject any law it considers un-Islamic.

"If legislators have a different point of view, they have to follow legal procedures," he said.

Asked for his reaction to accusations that the council was discriminating against minorities, Kadkhodaei said: "Don't pay attention to such rants."

On October 30, Zoroastrian member of Parliament Esfandiar Ekhtiari said he had discussed the issue with President Rouhani, who promised to find a solution.

A day earlier, Alireza Rahimi, the deputy leader of the Hope reformist faction in Parliament, called on Speaker Larijani and President Rouhani to ensure Niknam's return to the Yazd City Council.

"If it is constitutional for religious minorities to participate in legislating for Muslims on a national scale in parliament, then there should be no legal problem with their membership in local councils," wrote Rahimi in an editorial in the Mardomsarari daily newspaper on October 29.
Peugeot delay to begin production perplexes Iranians

11/04/17

Source: Press TV

Paris-based PSA has yet to start production of the Peugeot 2008 in Iran despite the launch of an assembly line in the country seven months ago. The maker of Peugeots and Citroens announced a joint-venture worth 400 million euro ($450 million) with its former local partner Iran Khodro (IKCO) in May for the joint production of 200,000 cars per year in Tehran.







Back then, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani attended a ceremony to mark the production launch of the mini-SUV, in what was branded the first product of post-sanctions manufacturing deals with foreign carmakers.



However, the line has not become operational yet, with IKCO having to import pre-owned cars for delivery to its customers, the Fars news agency reported on Saturday.



"According to the Ministry of Industry statistics, only four Peugeot 2008 vehicles have been manufactured at Iran Khodro during the first seven months of this year, and those were also assembled at the time of the opening of the production line in the presence of the President," the report said.



Since the lifting of sanctions on Iran in January 2016, French carmakers PSA and Renault have used the absence of major automakers to pile into Iran's resurgent market. Their return has helped both companies turn around a period of slipping sales which occurred when they left Iran in 2012.



Iran's President Hassan Rouhani among Iran Khodro workers

Tehran, May 2, 2017. (photo by Islamic Republic News Agency)



US President Donald Trump's refusal last month to endorse the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran and his threat to levy new sanctions on the country has raised new questions about whether companies like Peugeot and Renault would pull out unilaterally again.



On Monday, Deputy Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Mohsen Salehinia tried to give assurances that the new contracts with the French carmakers were watertight.

PSA has signed production deals worth 700 million euros, while Renault has announced a new plant investment to increase its production capacity in Iran to 350,000 vehicles a year.



"Up to this moment, even the slightest sign of skepticism about continuing cooperation has not been sighted in the companies," the Mehr news agency quoted Salehinia as saying.



Even so, "about eight paragraphs related to levying compensation from Peugeot has been included in the new contract," he said.







According to Salehinia, Peugeot had also accepted to compensate IKCO over its unilateral withdrawal after sanctions were intensified on the Islamic Republic in 2011.



"Part of Peugeot's compensation to Iran has been in the form of sending parts and the other in the form of staff training. This compensation term is also seen in the new contracts of Iranian automakers with the Europeans."



The official said he was optimistic about foreign companies holding their ground in case the Americans toughened their measures against Iran.



"At any rate, these threats have been raised over the past few weeks but the determination of foreign automakers to continue working in Iran is serious," Salehinia stressed.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed worry over the high expenditure programs being pursued by the government.



According to the fund, even though the Akufo-Addo government promised to save money, the nature of the projects it is embarking on makes it difficult to live up to the promise.



The Fund is, therefore, suggesting that government is not allowed to borrow from the Bank of Ghana, except on an emergency basis.



The IMF recognizes the recently issued energy bond as public debt and insists that the government classifies it as such.



The IMF considers it a misplaced priority to be working towards reducing the indebtedness of State Owned Enterprises without first addressing the causal factors responsible for their indebtedness.



In the view of the IMF, the government should have issued a Vanilla bond, not a bond through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).



IMF does not support massive injection of liquidity into the sector to address debt situation. It believes that a better approach would be to release the liquidity in tranches, the IMF said in a document compiled after a meeting between the IMF mission to Ghana and the Civil Society Platform on the IMF program.



It added:  The fund is concerned that while on the one hand government has passed the Earmarked Funds capping and Realignment Act, ostensibly to create fiscal space, on the other, the government has chosen to embark on a series of high expenditure projects, a move which appears to defeat of EFCRA.



The Akufo-Addo government has among other things promised to construct at least, a factory in every district across the country and also provide one million cedis to every constituency for local development.



It has already started the implementation of its major campaign promise of providing free secondary school education for all eligible Ghanaians.

Source: starrfmonline.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.

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The National Service Secretariat (NSS) has debunked claims by personnel of the Service that it has approved an insurance policy to deduct certain sums of money from the personnel's allowance.



According to the management of the NSS, the NSS is only facilitators to the insurance policy and has not implemented the policy.



The management noted that the policy is an idea by the National Service Personnel Association - NASPA - an official mouthpiece for all national service personnel in the country.



The NSS further stated as falsehood information bandied around that the personnel are to pay GHC 15 for the insurance.



"The package is a composite package consisting of insurance policy, media and telecommunications package and flexible loan arrangement", the management clarified.



Outlining the facts pertaining to the policy, the NSS explained that the "NSP under the media and telecommunication package receives 5 ghc airtime monthly, 500 MB of browsing data, free calls among all personnel, free 500 SMS, free access to Whatsapp, Facebook, twitter and other social media platforms, every airtime you buy is also doubled" and under the loan arrangement therefore receives a "loan facility of 500ghc or more payable within 6 months."



With regard to the insurance package, the personnel will get "15,000 ghc in case of death, 15000 ghc in instances of permanent disability and 3000ghc for temporal disability".



The insurance policy is to be run concurrently with the various insurance companies, GLICO Life, Enterprise Life, Vanguard Life Star Life and Quality life to ensure effectiveness of the policy.



"It is important to state that national service personnel are NOT covered by any insurance policy but are exposed to varied levels of dangers and hazards in their line of duty. We have recorded several instances of fatal injuries resulting in permanent disability, temporal disability and some instances death and it is believed that NSP should not be made to go through these fatalities whiles serving their country. This is a great policy. The false information must stop", the NSS stressed.

Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Minister for Defence, Mr Dominic Nitiwul Friday said Ghana needs to stay together as one entity to help build a formidable and enviable nation that would be admired across the continent.



He therefore cautioned personnel of the security agencies, politicians, journalists and the people of Ghana who use various media platforms including the internet to sow seeds of discord to desist form it in the interest of peace and stability.



Mr Nitiwul who said this during a visit to the three units of the Ghana Armed Forces in Takoradi in the Western Region said Social media offer lots of positive opportunities, let make good use of it and shun those acts that tends to undermined discipline, security and national cohesion.



He was worried that some individuals within the Forces were destroying the image of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) with distasteful comments on social media adding, You know yourselves and you know that your actions amounts to security risk, we cant be dividing the army along political and ethnic lines.



The Minister ended his two day official visit to the Region after commissioning four ships at the western naval base, with a tour of the Two Garrisons after which he addressed personnel at the Airforce Base in Takoradi.



The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt. General Obed Boama Akwa, the Army Chief of Staff, Major General William Ayamdo, Acting Chief of Air Staff, Air Commodore Augustine A. Appiah, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Peter Kofi Faidoo and the Commander of the Two Garrison Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Commodore Isaac Osei-Kufour facilitated his duty tour.



Answering questions on the extension of the service, Mr Nitiwul explained that the policy sought to expand troops, create opportunities for employment, space for promotion and also enhance the ranking of the force.



He said the expansion of the GAF, would also enhance promotions thereby increase the number of ranks including Generals, adding that there would be no blockade of progression.



According to him, the size of the Nigerian Armed Forces, allowed upward movement of ranks across all fields and assured that the military command would ensure fairness at all times



Mr Nitiwul said the barracks regeneration was a big project meant to absorb the extra personnel who would be recruited.

Lt. Gen. Akwa observed that the act of people using the internet to circulate misinformation about the service, was an act of subversion.



He revealed that the source of that information was from the rank and file as there had been verification on the date of birth and the manner of the write- up clearly showed the writings of a military man.



On pensions, Lt. Gen. Akwa explained that soldiers would continue to enjoy it even when they carried on after 15 years, saying this not a conscript army, is a voluntary army.



He pledged that the High Command would not take the pay of any soldier, assuring that, its not our call.

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.

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Former President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed how his daughter Farida Mahama felt after he lost the 2016 Presidential elections.



Delivering a graduation lecture on the theme, Challenges of democracy and development in Africa, at the Institute of Security Studies in Nigeria, the former President recounted: my daughter, Farida, who had gone to school in the morning arrived in the afternoon. She found me lying in bed which was unusual, because when I was President we could go a whole week without seeing each other.



She leaves the house early in the morning to be able to get to school on time, by which time I probably had not gotten out of bed. She gets back home late afternoon and I am in the Office and I get back in the night when she is asleep. So, we could go the whole week without seeing each other. For the first time, she came back from school and there I was lying on my bed and watching television.



She asked me, Daddy, didnt you go to the Office? I said No, dont you remember that I handed over to President Akufo-Addo yesterday. She said OK; so it means you are not going to the Office anymore? I said No, I have no Office to go to. And she said, then I am happy! She added, so will I be coming home from school and meeting you in the house? I said yes and she said, then I am very happy that you lost the elections!

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.

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Former President John Dramani Mahama has painted a vivid picture of his first day after handing over to President Akufo Addo on January 7, 2017, at the Black Star Square in Accra.



I remember the day after I had handed over  this was the 8th of January  I woke up in the morning and remembered there was no Office to go to. So, I relaxed in my bed and turned on the TV, watching CNN. I spent the whole day watching TV at the time Donald Trump was the President-elect, and they were going through the transition, waiting to hand over; so, I just kept watching what was going on, he disclosed.



The former President made this known while delivering a graduation lecture on the theme, Challenges of democracy and development in Africa, at the Institute of Security Studies in Nigeria.



Democracy Or Dictatorship; No One Size Fits All'



John Mahama also said even though democracy is held up high as the best way of governance, and dictatorship is condemned, there is no one size fits all solution when it comes to what governance system is more appropriate for which nation.



He noted that democracy is expensive, talking of the four-yearly ritual of election-related costs. Ghana's National Electoral Commission earmarked about $200 million for the 2016 exercise, whereas Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission budgeted well over $550m dollars for the 2015 elections. But the benefit of political stability and its returns far outstrips the expense of these exercises...China is a dictatorship because it is a one-party state. China at the same time has used market rules, opened up and deregulation, to move the mass of its people out of poverty and move to the second place as the worlds second richest country





Read the full speech below



Thank you for the very kind words used to introduce me this afternoon.



Mr. Chairman, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and my friend Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama; the Director-General of State Security, Alhaji Lawal Musa; and the Director of the Institute of State Security, Mr. M.B. Seiyefa, I thank you all for the kind invitation to deliver todays graduation lecture.I also acknowledge the presence of the High Commissioner of Ghana to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.



I am particularly honoured that you graciously accepted to shift todays event from the original date of October 31, to enable me participate in a roundtable conference of the African Presidential Leadership Center in Johannesburg.The event saw seven former leaders drawn from across the continent sharing our experiences on how to improve educational outcomes on the continent. Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, was one of the participants at this roundtable, and his contributions to the discussion were very insightful and revealing of the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria, the worlds most populous black nation, when considering policy options in the education space.



The meeting in Johannesburg revealed the value of expertise one garners from having the privilege of serving as the leader of ones nation.It also gave life to the words President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf spoke at the inauguration of my successor, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. She said to me, President Mahama, you have indeed demonstrated that there is life after the Presidency.



It gave me a sense of pride to hear these words. Of course, she said these words because of the work we did together in resolving the Gambian stand-off and aiding the advancement of democratic consolidation in the Gambia, even at a time when I had accepted defeat in Ghanas election of 7th December, 2016.I think that that was what my friend Geoffrey Onyeama was referring to, when he spoke about the work we did together in The Gambia with President Buhari, President Koroma and Her Excellency, Johnson Sirleaf.



Indeed, I think the main reason why I was added to that delegation was to serve as a good example to President Yahya Jammeh. He had lost the election and he had conceded and called the victor and congratulated him. Then a week after, he reneged on the congratulations and refused to hand over. I had also lost an election; I had conceded. So, I guess I was added to serve as a good example for him to let him follow my example.



I therefore wish to thank President Buhari for the privilege of working alongside him and President Johnson Sirleaf in unravelling the Gambian impasse. I wish the people of Gambia every success in the journey of consolidating their fledgling democracy. Since leaving Office, I have been involved in many assignments both to do with the consolidation of democracy on the African continent and also in election observation on behalf of the Commonwealth and, lately, ECOWAS.



I remember the day after I had handed over  this was the 8th of January  I woke up in the morning and remembered there was no Office to go to. So, I relaxed in my bed and turned on the TV, watching CNN.I spent the whole day watching TV at the time Donald Trump was the President-elect, and they were going through the transition, waiting to hand over; so, I just kept watching what was going on.



My daughter, Farida, who had gone to school in the morning arrived in the afternoon. She found me lying in bed which was unusual, because when I was President we could go a whole week without seeing each other.



She leaves the house early in the morning to be able to get to school on time, by which time I probably had not gotten out of bed. She gets back home late afternoon and I am in the Office and I get back in the night when she is asleep. So, we could go the whole week without seeing each other. For the first time, she came back from school and there I was lying on my bed and watching television.



She asked me, Daddy, didnt you go to the Office? I said No, dont you remember that I handed over to President Akufo-Addo yesterday. She said OK; so it means you are not going to the Office anymore? I said No, I have no Office to go to. And she said, then I am happy! She added, so will I be coming home from school and meeting you in the house? I said yes and she said, then I am very happy that you lost the elections!



Let me extend my warmest thanks to H.E. President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR and the staff of this esteemed college for the honour done me in extending an invitation to deliver the graduation lecture on this auspicious occasion.The role of your Institute is important in building that corps of critical and strategic thinkers who we need to help transform the fortunes of this continent and especially our sub-region.



Your students are therefore a very special group of people who have been primed by their study here to play a vital role towards the development of not only Nigeria but the continent and beyond.



Let me say congratulations to the graduating students!



May I also congratulate the national directors present here, the eminent members of faculty and the non-teaching administrative staff for producing these fresh graduates, who, I am confident, would illuminate the African continent and beyond with productive, ground-breaking contributions that would make our world a more secure place than it is today.



Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Chairman, I thank you all for prioritizing to share your time with me as I attempt to do justice to the topic of today  to tell you what I think are the challenges of democracy and development in Africa.



In 2012 I launched a book, my memoir, entitled My first coup detat and other true stories from the lost decades of Africa.



The book captures my coming of age in the late sixties until the early 1990s  a period when the initial euphoria of independence had faded and we had become entrapped in a revolving door of military dictatorships. A period when Africa saw a general decline in its economic fortunes.



In Ghana, the experience was particularly traumatic and saw a massive migration of our nationals to sojourn here with our cousins in Nigeria.



It is a period during which our countries were still cooking in a governance cauldron  a kind of laboratory in which different experiments in governance were being carried out. We went through three decades in which we saw brief periods of constitutional rule interrupted by military dictatorships.



Ladies and gentlemen, our continent Africa, like many other parts of the world, has gone through these leadership experiments, and has been struggling to find the best solution for advancing the hopes and aspirations of our people.



This quest has been fraught with various setbacks and reversals, sometimes dimming all hope that this high natural resource-endowed region will ever find the right governance mix to actualize the dreams of our people for a better life.



In this short lecture, therefore, I will endeavour to highlight a few of the challenges confronting Africa's governance and development with the hope that it will add to the ever-raging debate on a myriad of perspectives and solutions.



In my view, this continents challenges are focused around a few issues:



Our quest for a better leadership structure in our countries



Formulation and management of strategic interests



The need for new paradigms of economic development



Threats to democratic consolidation



Challenges of Intra-Africa Trade



LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE



If you follow the evolution of human society per the theory of the early philosophers: Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau; it is posited that when humans decided to move from a state of survival of the fittest in which they roamed in the bush mainly in small family groups and decided to settle in larger societal groups, they needed rules and regulations to order society.



This need came with the requirement for a system of governance to enforce compliance with the rules and regulations. This led mainly to the evolution of leaders who were considered to be monarchs.



Every nation, every ethnic group or clan needs one form of governance or another to ensure the survival of its people, safeguard societys interests, ensure security and peaceful coexistence. Although there are various variants of governance, two main broad governance systems are recognized widely across the world: you are either a dictatorship or a democracy.



While democratic and open governments are held up as the best system and dictatorships are frowned upon, I wish to state with emphasis, that there is no one size fits all system of governance.



Democracies are generally preferred because of the protection of human rights, transparent and accountable governance,open government, free speech and stability. But democratic systems also have the downside of high cost of periodic elections, the influence of special interests on elected leaders and the general lack of a sharp national focus, in some cases, because of the frequent changing of leadership and change of national development plans anytime such changes happen, and also the generally slow nature of the decision- making process.



Dictatorships will generally be led by a single political party, a military junta, a military or armed forces council or whatever the leaders might wish to call it.



Dictatorships would normally be established after a military or civil putsch. This results in a usurpation of power from the existing system, a civilian administration or in some cases a monarchy.



In Africa, the era of military coups seems to be fading into distant memory with the upsurge of democratically-elected leaders.



While democracy has, generally taken hold in Africa with elections being held regularly, there are still several situations in which elected leaders continue to cling to power either by modifying their Constitutions to remove term limits, age limits, or institute mechanisms that ensure that they stay in power as lifetime leaders of their nations.



Democracy is a desirable ideal and in todays world is more politically correct. It is therefore fashionable to put systems in place to legitimize even the most authoritarian regimes.



If such systems of legitimacy are difficult to implement, at least you can insert the word democratic in your countrys name. For example, the Peoples Democratic Republic of Gondwanaland.



But while democratic societies are desirable, the question we ask is: are dictatorships all negative?

As I said earlier there is no one size fits all solution when it comes to what governance system is more appropriate for which nation.



Democracy evolves and countries are at different stages of evolution in democratic governance.



Democracy must not be imposed by external pressure. There are several examples that illustrate what happens when there is an attempt to democratise a country in advance of the stage of development that it has reached. We can cite the example of Iraq and the war that has gone on there and the suffering their people have gone through.



We can come home to Africa and talk about Libya. I believe whatever the government of Muammar Gadhafi was, it was still better than the situation in which Libya finds itself today.



We also have the example of Syria to learn from. It is going through a long Civil War.



But lets also look at some other countries that have seen rapid development. Lets take the example of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) which today is different separate states, including Russia.



After Mikhail Gorbachevtook over, there was a general push to transform the Soviet system. When Mikhail Gorbachev retired from office in December 1991, the Soviet Union was dissolved the next day. When Boris Yeltsin took over, there was an attempt to fast-track the democratization of Russia and open up the society as quickly as possible.



Now, we all know what happened. The Soviet Union broke up and Soviet Union which had been the second world power because we lived in a bi-polar world with US and Soviet Union being the worlds strongest power, after a while, Soviet Union became a second-class power.



We started talking of a unipolar world where only the United States was considered to be the most powerful nation in the world.



Be that as it may, several years later, enter a former KGB agent Vladimir Putin. With restrictions of some democratic rights; restrictions of freedom of expression, and geo-political maneuvering, he has managed to place Russia again as a major player, and as a counter force to the United States when it comes to the worlds most powerful nations.



You can also look at the example of China. China is a dictatorship because it is a one-party state. China at the same time has used market rules, opened up and deregulation, to move the mass of its people out of poverty and move to the second place as the worlds second richest country.



And yet the people have given up some rights. You dont have, exactly, free expression in China. There are some things you cannot do in China that you will be able to do elsewhere.



Governance systems are based on the peculiarities of the nation; they are based on the cultures of the people. And even though democratic governance is the ideal, like I said, it evolves and every country moves toward that ideal at its own pace, and so it must not be imposed as a necessity that people should adopt democratic governance.



History abounds with further examples of authoritarian leaders like Lee Kuan Yew, Suharto of Indonesia, Mahathir Mohamad of Malaysia and Park Chung-hee, all from East Asia, who ruled their countries from the 1960s to the early 2000 in some cases.



Now, these people I mentioned are credited with using their dictatorial powers to put in place strategies and firm systems that ensured, among others, policy consistency and the accelerated development of their countries, before transiting into western style democracies.



Today, we see Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and how rapidly they have progressed. In the period when that acceleration took place, they were under authoritarian governments.



If you come closer home, the fastest growing economies in Africa today are Ethiopia and Rwanda. We probably would not say these are the most democratic or open societies in Africa, and yet they are growing and moving faster than several other countries that have strong democratic governance and creating a better life for their people.



These examples have led some researchers to even posit that because democracy finds it difficult to bloom in areas with high numbers of illiteracy and weak institutions that abound in under-developed or developing countries, it is somehow beneficial not to make an early incursion into democracy.



These examples have triggered the debate as to whether a nation should democratize first before development, or develop before opening up the democratic space, or even achieve the two in parallel, democratize while developing



It is worth noting however, that the period of dictatorships in East Asia, was during the Cold War when western allies were busy forming alliances as opposed to the situation now where they act as global watchdogs for human rights and respect for the rule of law.



In Africa, parallel to the rapid progress being made in Singapore, Korea and Malaysia at the time, Africa also had its breed of dictators. Instead of their unchallenged rule becoming an instrument of progress for their countries, their rule saw their nations decline to abysmal depths. Idi Amin of Uganda, Mobutu Sese Seko and Emperor Jean Bedel Bokassa readily come to mind.



So, yes, dictatorships, in some circumstances, are unique in increasing the efficiency of governance by reducing delays in the formulation and implementation of policies due to the absence of the need for consensus and endless debates to implement projects or policy and the unique ability to calibrate complete legal systems by decree and even an ability to stay focused over long periods, accelerating economic development. But, at what price?



Democracy is expensive, talking of the four-yearly ritual of election-related costs. Ghana's National Electoral Commission earmarked about $200 million for the 2016 exercise, whereas Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission budgeted well over $550m dollars for the 2015 elections.



But the benefit of political stability and its returns far outstrips the expense of these exercises.



The cost of transitions may be high, but the guarantees of political freedom, inclusion, respect for the rule of law, equality, protection of human rights etc. cannot be over-estimated in democracies.



Apart from providing protective limits, these guarantees send a loud message to investors and other development partners as well. Any attempt to understate the benefits of democratically held elections is respectfully, therefore, a myopic perspective.



Democratic elections also reduce the tensions in opposition elements to try to usurp power. This is because they are guaranteed an opportunity to compete with the ruling party for the general mandate of the people come elections.



Democratic governments also provide checks and balances against abuse of power and state resources. Even though I must hasten to say, that from what is happening in many countries, this guarantee is not always assured.



Progress made under democracies are more sustainable because they are achieved by consensus and the participation of all stakeholders. In dictatorships, progress made can unravel when the object of fear, the ruler, is removed.



Therefore, for the safeguarding of rights and freedoms, for the protection of the public purse and the general reduction in the number of insurrections, Africa is better off operating an imperfect but highly effective leadership structure of democracy than to accept the high risk of dictatorial rule.



FORMULATION AND MANAGEMENT OF STRATEGIC INTERESTS



Africa is like a beautiful virgin with many suitors, we are told.



Strategic interests relate to natural complementary interests in the long term, defence and geopolitical concerns.



These interests are either overt or covert and materialise during classified bilateral or multilateral talks or what in the intelligence and security environment you describe as sinister operations of foreign agents in diplomatic missions.



For every portion of Africa's gold, uranium, timber and oil, there is a foreign country that believes that it is their strategic interest and will ensure that those interests are protected.



African leaders have had to navigate these dangerous waters for several years, sometimes leading to the overthrow of a leader who strongly believes that he cannot allow his country's resources to be raped by foreign countries at the expense of his people.



For a long time these foreign interests have largely succeeded because many African countries have not been able to entrench their national interest within their democratic institutions.



They have succeeded because the quest for power often trumps the safeguarding of our national interests. I recall the decision to fight galamsey (illegal, small scale mining) in my country, Ghana and my decision to approve the deportation of some foreign nationals that were neck deep in the brazen destruction of our forest reserves and environment. I experienced a strong push back from foreign interests. But its a story for another day!



I therefore propose that African leaders must make efforts to define their own national interest and ensure that, just like the western countries, we take collective and entrenched positions that do not vary irrespective of who is at the helm of affairs.



The national interests of African countries must also reign above all other issues!



This will not only guarantee our socioeconomic development but will also curtail the intrusion of foreign agents in our democratic space.



NEW PARADIGMS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND COOPERATION



The current world view of economic relations is one that pits one nation against another in what has come to be known as the zero-sum game.



The world environment has kept changing. We had the post war era after the Second World War. Then we slid into the Cold War era. After the Cold War era, with the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Fall of the Iron Curtain and dismemberment of the USSR, we entered an era called the Era of Globalisation.



It appears we are entering into a new era. There has been no proper definition or description of this era, but it is obvious that the Era of Globalisation is transforming into something else.



This new era is characterized by the rise of populism; the rise of far-right extremist parties into governments. It is characterized by an increase in Xenophobia in many countries. So, when US President Donald Trump says America First, it characterizes a new era.



The era of Globalisation had seen consensus building and joint decision taking among countries and international bodies like the United Nations. This is why we were able to, together, sign an agreement for ameliorating Climate Change in the world.



But currently, for instance, America is withdrawing from the Climate Change Agreement and reversing several agreements that it had become a party to with the rest of the world. Everywhere you go, far right extremist parties that are anti-migration are becoming popular and attempting to take power in those countries.



We are therefore in a situation where one country's gain is another country's loss, instead of a win-win. This has led to the formulation of various strategies to protect each country's interest from being undermined by the operations of others.



As has been well elaborated by Ha-Joon Chang, a professor of economics at Cambridge University, in his book, Kicking away the ladder, the very methods applied by the developed countries to get to the heights they have attained in their socioeconomic development is being denied developing African countries due to various regulations.



In the development of these advanced countries, they used things like subsidies, protection of infant industries from unfair competition by external forces, the non-enforcement of patent rights and fair credit terms or the availability of credit to develop industries that directly compete with foreign interests.



But like the book says, once they reached that height, they kick away the ladder so that nobody has the ladder to climb and reach where they are, and that is what they are doing to Africa. Their economists and experts come and tell us we must not subsidise our farmers, yet they subsidized their farmers before they could reach where they are. They use phytosanitary and all kinds of non-tax measures to prevent us from being able to export into their markets.



This problem is not insurmountable if we determine to work together towards a solution. This is the time for us, as Africans to commit towards finding solutions that are in our interest and in the interest of the economic expansion of our countries.



It is time for us to truly start finding solutions that present what game theorists call a win-win outcome. Because in the absence of better opportunities for mutual benefit, the industrialisation drive we are pursuing will always be obstructed by those who have always used our raw materials as inputs for their industries to create prosperity for their citizens.



For instance, Ghana has produced cocoa since colonial times. Currently, we still process barely 30% of the total cocoa that we produce. However, if you look at the price of cocoa beans, it has the tendency to fluctuate. A year ago, it was at $2900 per ton; today it is selling at barely $2000 per ton.



Yet, the price of finished goods that are processed out of cocoa maintain a stable price.



That is why I outlined a policy, by 2020, to process at least 50% of the total cocoa beans we produce in Ghana, and it is my hope that the current administration will continue to put in the means so that we can add more value to the things that we export.



The same should go for Nigeria. I know that very positive work is taking place to make Nigeria the hub for petroleum production in Africa  and I think Nigeria can do it. As a major oil producer, involving the private sector  and I am aware that Dangote is building some refineries and tank storage capacities  it should be possible to process Nigerian oil locally into finished petroleum products and export them to West Africa and the rest of Africa without us having to import petroleum products from outside.





Speaking as a former leader of an African country, I can tell you that our quest to build our countries into industralised economies that can begin refining our own raw materials and manufacturing what we need, is not a development paradigm that the rich nations are enthused about.



THREATS TO DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION IN AFRICA



It is also important to look at what the growing threats to democratic consolidation in Africa are. These include lack of jobs for a fast-growing population, inequality, election fatigue and mistrust of the political elite, and lately, the effects of election disputes.



Africa currently has the fastest growing population in the world. It is said that persons under 35 constitute about 70% of the African population. With improved educational outcomes, the challenge of finding jobs in our economies to absorb these teeming numbers of young people is a dire threat to the stability of the continent.



In Ghana, the entire public service is made up of 600,000 people out of a population of 27 million. We have 50,000 graduates every year coming out of the universities and other tertiary institutions and hoping to find work in the public service. This is difficult. But that is why we need to equip these young people with entrepreneurial skills to see themselves not only as employees but potential employers, and to give them the skills that make able to go out into the world and set up their own businesses.



Transformational thinking is therefore required here. Accelerating the growth of African economies, promotion of entrepreneurial spirit, creation of more opportunities for the private sector especially in the agriculture and agribusiness space are all urgently needed to address this burgeoning threat.



We need to address the threat of the ever-increasing African population or, it will become our time bomb.



The rate of our population growth is outstripping and outpacing the rate at which our economies are expanding and growing. We are having to find more resources to build schools to accommodate more number of children we are having.



We are having to build more hospitals to accommodate the ever-increasing population. But if we had a slower growing population, the resources would be able to outpace it and create a better quality of life for the people in any nation.



We must accelerate our economies and at the same time ensure that we slow the growth of the African population. We can do this if we educate our people. In all the surveys done, between educated women and illiterate women, educated women have the tendency to have fewer children than illiterate women. Therefore, putting all girls in school and keeping them in school, and not taking them out early and marrying them off is something that will assist in controlling birth rates.



African leaders must act fast to address geographical inequalities in order for their people to feel that they have a stake in the preservation of the nation state.



There are still many countries in Africa where infrastructure and development is limited to the capital and a few urban centres, while the rest of the population lives in squalor without adequate access to essential social services. One of the commitments we must make as African leaders is to spread the fruits of growth geographically so that every part of our country experiences that spread.



Other threats to democratic consolidation include election fatigue and a sense of cynicism amongst the voting population in democratic African states. Every four or five years, they turn out in numbers to vote every four or five years in the hope that they will experience visible improvement in their circumstances.



Unfortunately, in many cases, this is becoming a mirage. Slow growth of the economy and a fast-growing population is creating a situation where people feel that it is pointless to continue voting the political elite into power with no direct benefit for themselves.



This is spawning election fatigue and a mistrust for the political leadership, especially in circumstances when we as leaders make our promises go over the top and remain unfulfilled. Sometimes we make promises that are high in the sky and not achievable in the short term. When that happens, people get disappointed that those promises were not fulfilled and it makes them lose trust in the democratic system.



INTRA-AFRICA TRADE



With all the strategic interests of foreign partners and the various socioeconomic impediments from foreign interests, why is it that Africa still puts even more impediments in our own way by preventing trade between ourselves?



Countries become the key drivers for the general develop of the entire region and I believe that Nigeria has a responsibility to the West African region. You cannot shirk that responsibility because it is not only the largest economy in West Africa; it is the second largest in Africa.



If Nigeria gets its acts right, accelerates its economy and impacts on economic development and trade in the West African sub-region, it will drag all the other 14 West African countries with it. I have said before that Nigeria has nothing to fear from any of the other 14 countries. That is why, when I was President, we used to have discussions about Nigerias Prohibition List that an exemption should be made for the West African sub-region.



West Africa was the first sub-region in Africa to allow Visa-Free travel of our people across our sub-region. But we have been slow in the other aspects  allowing free movement of goods and services across our borders. Regions like East and South Africa have overtaken us. They have more trade among themselves and they move more goods among themselves than we do here in West Africa.



For example, the latest figures from the UN Statistics Division (2015) shows that Ghanas imports from other African countries as a share of its GDP is only 3.8%. Nigeria does not feature at all, while that of the Central African Republic is 1.2%.



Other economies are however doing well. Zimbabwe imports the most from other countries on the continent, at 43.4%.



Before you say Zimbabwe cannot do any less, please note as well that Zimbabwe is the country with the highest volume of exports to other African countries at 30.5%. Swaziland is next at 30.3%



Ghana exports only 1%.



It starts with removing barriers to trade such as unnecessary customs checks along our roads, tariffs, impediments to migration and operating businesses outside one's country of origin.



CONCLUSION



I will like to conclude by saying that Africa's destiny lies in the hands of Africans and the earlier we work towards our national and continental security and placing those imperatives above the interests of external forces, no matter the consequences, the sooner we will realise our inherent greatness as a continent.



It is time we expand the purview of national security to cover not only the protection of state actors, but also the research, development and implementation of elements that border on national advancement and institutionalisation of national interest within the public service of our countries.



Personalisation of power may have an allure of its own, but no one rules forever. The best way to guarantee development for your generation and descendants is to institutionalise national values and interest.



Thank you, and May God bless us all.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide newspaper, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako Jnr, has asked George Ayisi-Boateng, Ghanas High Commissioner to South Africa to step aside.



He said his comment was unpardonable; adding, if you are caught, you face the music.



Ayisi-Boateng has come under severe flak for saying at a public forum that members of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) were his topmost priority.



A section of the public found his comment offensive and asked him to apologise. However he defended his comment; insisting he has nothing to apologise for. However when the bashing intensified, he apologised and retracted his comments.



But still, some consider his apology not sincere enough and therefore has to be sacked.



Speaking to the issue during a panel discussion on Joy FM's political platform, Newsfile, Saturday, Kweku Baako said: if I had my way and if I was the adviser to the President I would say that they should ask him to step aside. It is better.



According to him "none of us is perfect, so it is expected that occasionally we will slip here and there. All of us sitting here we have slipped some occasions. We have apologised, we have retracted and weve asked for forgiveness and we expect that people will do so. But High Commissioner to South Africa...he was speaking in a public forum...so I find it so difficult that he spoke [that] language and the content of it.



Even though Kweku Baako thinks Ayisi-Boateng should step aside, he believes it is within the prerogative of the President...whether he continues to be the High Commissioner to South Africa or not, it is within the jurisdiction of the President. That is the bottom line.



















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BOISE, Idaho  Governors of 19 Western states are pressing the federal government to do more to prevent the spread of damage-causing invasive mussels from infected federally managed waterways.

The Western Governors' Association on Thursday sent a letter urging Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to put in place by spring 2018 controls to prevent the spread of zebra and quagga mussels.

The governors are also asking that federal agencies conduct mandatory inspections and decontamination of boats leaving infected water bodies. The mussels can attach to boats and trailers and travel long distances, clogging water pipes, damaging boat motors and affecting other aquatic life.

"Given the significant risks that quagga and zebra mussels pose to uninfested waterbodies, it is critical to implement effective control policies in a timely manner," the letter states.

The governors say they're particularly concerned about the mussels reaching the Columbia River Basin, Lake Tahoe and the Colorado River Basin above Lake Powell.

The Interior Department has said that hydroelectric projects infested with the mussels might require an additional $500,000 in annual maintenance. The Pacific Northwest gets much of its power from hydro projects, so an infestation could increase the cost of electricity.

Many states have spent millions and continue to do so to keep the mussels out. Some have set up mandatory checkpoints near borders to intercept boats for inspections, including Idaho, which is spending more than $3 million annually.

"Idaho and our neighbors in the West are acting individually and collaboratively to address the challenge of these invasive species," Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter said in a statement to The Associated Press on Friday. "Now our federal partners must step up to help us stop further infestations."

Heather Swift, Interior Department spokeswoman, said in an email to The Associated Press on Friday that Zinke hadn't seen the letter and couldn't comment specifically.

"Stopping the spread of invasive species is a big concern of the Department and the Secretary," she said, noting a June 26 news release outlining some of the agency's collaborative efforts with states and tribal agencies.

The governors' letter on Thursday is the second they've sent this year about invasive mussels to Zinke. A letter sent June 22 also pressed for watercraft inspection and decontamination.

The Interior Department responded Sept. 15 with a two-page letter agreeing with the severity of the problem. The most recent letter by the governors included "clarifying questions."

Specifically, the governors want to know what timeline has been set for the National Park Service to complete an assessment of mussel containment and monitoring programs at Lake Mead National Recreation Area in southeastern Nevada and northwestern Arizona, and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in southern Utah and northern Arizona.

The governors are also interested in knowing if similar timelines are being set for other Interior Department agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation.

The governors also asked if federal agencies have the authority to require mandatory boat checks and, if not, what authority would be needed.

"Western states need adequate measures to ensure these invaders do not spread to uninfested waters," the governors said.
Part of a file from the CIA, dated Oct. 10, 1963, details "a reliable and sensitive source in Mexico" report of Lee Harvey Oswald's contact with the Soviet Union embassy in Mexico City, that was released for the first time on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, by the National Archives. Documents show U.S. officials scrambling after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy to round up information about Lee Harvey Oswald's trip to Mexico City weeks earlier. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)
Angelique and Ira Smith in 2016 sit in front of documents and files from a defamation case that lasted more than seven years before being dismissed. Read more

When a defamation suit against several former Agora Cyber Charter School parents ended in 2016 after 7 years, two of the parents vowed to sue Dorothy June Brown, the founder of the school, who had targeted them.

Ira and Angelique Smith, who said legal expenses from the case caused them to fall behind on mortgage payments and lose their home in Parkesburg, Chester County, have made good on that promise.

The Smiths have sued Brown for wrongful prosecution. Also named in the complaint filed in Montgomery County Court are charter schools and businesses Brown worked with or created.

The couple are seeking more than $50,000 in damages, punitive damages, and attorneys' fees for years of emotional and financial hardship they allege Brown caused because they questioned the operation of the taxpayer-funded cyber school, which enrolls students from across the state.

The slander and defamation suit Brown lodged in 2009 alleged that parents had made statements implying that she was "corrupt, incompetent, and possibly criminal."

In their counter suit, the Smiths allege Brown filed the defamation suit and continued it without believing in the truth of its claims with the intent of harassing and maliciously damaging the couple and other Agora parents.

Among other things, the parents had expressed concerns that a management firm Brown had created  Cynwyd Group LLC was being paid by Agora for services that were being performed by K12 Inc., a for-profit firm in Virginia that was contracted to provide management and technology services.

The defamation case was put on hold after federal authorities charged Brown with defrauding Agora and other charter schools she had founded of $6.5 million in 2012.

During five weeks of testimony in 2013 and 2014, federal jurors at Brown's criminal trial heard accounts of phantom charter school board members, fabricated documents, and forged signatures on contracts that benefited Brown or her management firms.

In January 2014, jurors acquitted Brown on six counts but deadlocked on the remaining 54. Her retrial was canceled when a federal judge ruled in late 2015 that the veteran educator was incompetent to stand trial because she had dementia.

Brown is now 80. The Montgomery County court docket does not indicate who is representing her in the Smiths' suit. Her husband, William H. Brown 3rd, senior counsel at the Center City law firm of Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP, could not be reached for comment.

Matthew B. Weisberg, one of the Smiths' attorneys, said in an email: "While it is this firm's policy not to discuss the merits of our clients' cases, we can say that our clients vigorously believe in their case and we are looking forward to a successful adjudication."

In addition to Brown, the Smiths are suing Brown's two management firms  Cynwyd Group and AcademicQuest LLC; K12; and the former Planet Abacus Charter School in Tacony. Brown founded that school, which later changed its name to Keystone Academy.

Brown has not been involved with Agora, Keystone, or any other charter school for several years.

Agora and K12 said they do not comment on lawsuits. Keystone Academy's attorney could not be reached.

The Smiths and other former Agora parents Brown sued have maintained that they were targets of what is known as a "strategic lawsuit against public participation" (SLAPP) suit, which First Amendment experts say can have a chilling effect on free speech.

Angelique Smith testified in 2014 in favor of proposed state legislation that would have provided greater legal protections for citizens who speak out on matters of public importance.

At a state Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in Philadelphia in 2014, she said SLAPP suits "often take the language of 'defamation' suits to give credence to frivolous lawsuits and to facilitate judicially sanctioned class warfare."

Brown and the attorneys who handled her defamation case denied it was a SLAPP suit.
At the October SRC meeting, members of the public demand an end to the state-run board. Read more

Six weeks ago, State Rep. John Taylor got a call from Mayor Kenney: What did the Philadelphia Republican think, the mayor asked, about ending state control of the city schools sooner rather than later?

For the School Reform Commission to be dissolved this year and a new, locally appointed board to be in place for the 2018-19 school term, the SRC would have to self-destruct by the end of this year.

Kenney was floating the idea of local control with a guy who's always been a bridge  a Philadelphian, but a Republican. It was one of a number of calls the mayor had made to various officials floating the idea of local control.

"'If it's going to be any time soon, it has to be right now,'" Taylor recalled Kenney saying. Taylor said he agreed.

On Thursday, Kenney delivered the news to a cheering audience gathered in City Council chambers that he was asking the SRC to dissolve itself and preparing to cover much of the billion-dollar deficit that will soon loom for the Philadelphia School District. A nine-member school board will take the SRC's place in July.

Kenney said that, behind the scenes, he had been building toward this moment since he won election two years ago, and stressed how Philadelphia's future is dependent on the success of its schools. But some skeptics, both in the city and Harrisburg, said that politics were at play  a claim the decision-makers rejected.

Either way, Kenney's historic call was 16 years in the making.

The SRC was created in December 2001, amid a fiscal crisis in a trade-off with the state: more money for more oversight. But it was never meant to be permanent, and the extra state money dried up years ago.

Philadelphians endorsed the idea of local control in a nonbinding 2015 referendum, and pressure had ratcheted up to end the state-run body in the last year, with the majority of the five-member SRC warm to the idea of local control.

But as recently as late summer, officials familiar with the Kenney administration's internal discussions indicated the end was not necessarily near, that the mayor and his advisers were wrestling with whether local control would actually improve the quality of education for the district's 200,000 students in traditional public and charter schools.

There was a shift in the last few months, though. People in the know began hearing buzz: Local control would happen, and soon, with an SRC vote in November to allow for an appointed school board to take over July 1.

Taylor said he got the call from Kenney this fall.

"It's been on people's minds for a long time," Taylor said, "but the timing was right."

Kenney has said that the SRC created a structure that made the schools accountable to no one, and that he knows the state will not step in to cover the district's coming deficit  about $100 million for fiscal 2019, and $1 billion over five years. The mayor will introduce a budget in February that fills that gap, he said  a process he warned would be "difficult" for city residents.

If Philadelphia is going to pay for its schools, Kenney's thinking goes, it ought to have control over them, and hold him responsible for them.

"We're either going to sink or swim," the mayor said in a meeting with the Inquirer and Daily News editorial board.

.

Donna Cooper, executive director of Public Citizens for Children and Youth, said the link is clear  Philadelphia will soon have to amp up its local investment in schools. A major deficit was already on the horizon for the district, but a teachers' contract worth $395 million, signed in June after a four-year stalemate, only added urgency.

With the city stepping up, said Cooper, a veteran of state and local government, "then it's time for Philadelphia to have a local school board."

A big bump in school funding, then  and matching possible tax increases  would seem easier for Council and city residents to swallow if the schools belong to them.

Others hold a darker view of the timing.

Stephen Miskin, a spokesman for House Republicans, said the local control move, and its timing, was "really union-driven."

Bill Green, an SRC member and former City Council member, went one step further.

"It's an entirely political decision," said Green. He expected the SRC would go away soon, but for the 2019-20 school year, not 2018-19, Green said.

"Unfortunately, the governor decided that if he was going to get [teacher's union] money for his reelection so he could spend less of his own, he would have to keep his promise prior to the election of eliminating the School Reform Commission," said Green. "The PFT have successfully taken the local control timeline over."

Teachers were key to the 2014 win of Wolf, who has supported local control of Philadelphia schools since his time as a candidate. The union gave millions to his campaign, and 2,000 city teachers turned out on Election Day to get out the vote on his behalf.

Green has long warred with the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, whose contract he attempted to cancel as chair of the SRC  a move that was declared illegal by the state Supreme Court. Green also has a lawsuit against Gov. Wolf pending to return him to leadership of the SRC.

J.J. Abbott, Wolf's spokesman, said Green's allegation was not true.

"Gov. Wolf has always supported local control," Abbott said in a statement. "That is absurd, and Bill Green has no credibility."

Jerry Jordan, PFT president, also shot down Green's assertion as "totally wrong." Jordan said the union's continuing support of Wolf, who faces a tough reelection battle, "was not conditional on the timing of local control."

The PFT supported both Wolf and Kenney in their quests to get elected, but was never under the impression that either would immediately push for local control once in their offices, according to a source within the union.

Then the fall hit, and word began to spread that local control was happening, and fast.

"It wasn't clear to us until recently that it was unfolding now," said the source, who asked for anonymity to be able to speak freely about internal PFT workings. "That was fine with us. We were not yet at the point where we were putting on constant pressure to say, 'This is what has to happen.' We had faith in the people we elected. We were ready to pivot to it whenever it happened."

The SRC must still take the vote to dissolve; a resolution is on the agenda for Nov. 16, though the results are a foregone conclusion.

Once that happens, a 13-member nominating committee will be formed to help draw up what will ultimately be a nine-member school board.

Green, who left Council and pinned his political fortunes on the SRC, had some advice for Kenney.

"As I learned myself getting involved in education," Green said, "my final words for the mayor are 'Be careful what you ask for.' "

Kenney said he knows what he is getting into.

"I can't shrug anymore," the mayor said. "Now I'm responsible."
Roots vocalist Tariq Trotter, AKA Black Thought, recently sat down with the New York Times for a wide-ranging interview discussing everything from his favorite Philadelphia barbers to the time he burned down his family's house as a youngster growing up in Mount Airy.

As Trotter told the Times, burning down the his family once lived in is one of his earliest memories. He was 6 at the time, and had a habit of burning off the limbs of plastic green army men to "make it seem like they were wounded."

In one incident, however, Trotter said the "lighter got too hot," causing him to throw it against some curtains, causing a fire:

My brother Keith, who was 14 years old, and my mom's boyfriend were downstairs, and they smelled smoke. They called the Fire Department, and my mom's boyfriend took me with him to pick up my mom from her doctor's appointment. My brother waited for the Fire Department.

The incident, Trotter said, resulted in his brother being arrested after fighting with firemen who he accused of destroying furniture and stealing jewelry. The Roots emcee added that the event likely put his brother on a path that lead in and out of prison:

When we got back, the fire had been extinguished, but my brother had accused a few of the firemen of pocketing some jewelry and smashing some framed family pictures on the floor. My brother also said some of the firemen had destroyed some furniture that had no fire damage at all. One of the firemen got in my brother's face and threatened him, and another swung on my brother. My brother fought back, and he was arrested. That day was a turning point not just for me, not just for my family because of the fire, but that was the day my brother was arrested for the first time. He has been in and out of jail ever since.

Trotter also discussed the murder of his mother, who was killed when the rapper was just 16 years old (his father, meanwhile, was killed before Trotter turned one). As the rapper explains, his mother was addicted to crack cocaine at the time, and regularly went "AWOL for a day."

After his mother once went missing for an entire week, Trotter told the Times, his family began calling jails and hospitals. They eventually found a woman in the morgue who matched her description, and the woman later turned out to be Trotter's mother after dental records were used to verify her identity.

Trotter's mother had been stabbed to death, the victim of "a 22-year-old dude who lived a few blocks away" from her in Southwest Philly, police would later learn.

"He was arrested and was supposed to have gotten the death penalty, but then through some clerical error, there was almost a mistrial and he had to be tried again," Black Thought told the Times. "He was found guilty again in the second trial, and he is serving a life sentence."

Trotter added that the incident, while tragic, inspired him to be resilient and pursue music, causing "that tragic experience [to] become a positive motivation."

"I said to myself: 'I'm going to win, and I'm going to be a success,'" Trotter said. "My mom would want me to achieve greatness in life."
It took 32 years of legal filings from his cell on death row, but Robert "Sugar Bear" Lark finally got a new trial.

On Friday, the jury delivered its verdict. Guilty. Again.

Prosecutors said it was a straightforward case. On Feb. 22, 1979, Lark put on a ski mask, stuffed a gun in his belt, walked into a fast-food store at Broad Street and Erie Avenue, and shot dead the store owner, Tae Bong Cho, a 36-year-old father of two. The slaying was the night before a preliminary hearing for Lark, who had robbed Cho at gunpoint months earlier.

"He killed him in a brazen manner, and then he boasted about it," Assistant District Attorney Andrew Notaristefano said in his closing argument.

The defense argued that Philadelphia police detectives systematically provided incentives and threats to induce witnesses to talk. Some had open cases or probation violations when they testified.

"They were handpicked," Lark's court-appointed lawyer, James Berardinelli said. "What made someone an elite detective back in 1979 when Frank Rizzo was still mayor was a heck of a lot different from what makes an elite detective today."

The jury, which found the prosecutor's version of events to be credible, will now have to decide whether Lark, 63, will face the death penalty once again. Given a statewide moratorium and the stances of the candidates running for district attorney here, some are calling it the last death-penalty case in Philadelphia.

It was Lark's third trial: The first resulted in a mistrial, the second in a conviction. His charges included not only the murder of Cho but also the kidnapping of a woman and her two children  he escaped into their house before police captured him and remained there for two hours  and terroristic threats against Charles Cunningham, the prosecutor in Lark's robbery case.

But in 2012, he won the right to yet another trial, after persuading a federal judge that the prosecutor had stricken black jurors simply because of their race  a practice that is illegal but was standard operating procedure for Philadelphia prosecutors, according to a training tape of former Assistant District Attorney Jack McMahon that became public in the '90s. Half the jury for this trial was black.

Proving the case beyond a reasonable doubt 38 years after the fact  when some witnesses are dead and others' memories have faded  was a complicated matter.

For those witnesses who are now deceased, testimony had to be reenacted  the prosecutor, defense lawyer, and judge all reading lines along with an actor in the witness box.

Some other witnesses, brought in from out of state and, in at least one case, from federal prison, adamantly contradicted the testimony they gave at the previous trials in the 1980s.

One, Linda Timbers, who is the mother of Lark's daughter, said the statement police had taken in 1980 was false. According to the statement, she'd been with Lark waiting in line for a movie when a man named Stanley Coleman came up and discussed the murder with Lark. She said that Lark had never taken her to a movie, that she did not know a Stanley Coleman, and that she had not heard about the murder.

"If somebody talked to me bragging about a killing, I would remember that," she said. If she did sign a statement, she insisted, it was out of exhaustion. "It seems like I wasn't going to be able to go home with my children to get something to eat unless I signed it."

Another witness, James Spencer, previously testified that Lark had boasted to him about the murder, but he recanted that statement on the stand. A third testified he now has no memory of the events. A fourth gave similar testimony; she said she was a drug addict desperate to get out of the interrogation room and get her next fix when she made her statement to police.

The defense argued those recantations were clear evidence that the earlier testimony had been tainted  either by prosecutors' promises to offer lenient treatment on open cases or by police threats of implication in the case.

For example, Spencer was facing four open cases; two were thrown out after he testified. "This is someone who had a motive to fabricate," Berardinelli said.

Notaristefano, on the other hand, said Spencer's recantation was further proof of Lark's campaign of terror: Spencer, he said, "has to take the witness stand so he can recant everything in public in front of the defendant, so that his family can be safe."

The jury will be back on Tuesday to determine whether Lark will return to death row.

Prosecutors offered to take the death penalty off the table if Lark would waive his right to appeal. But as Judge Steven R. Geroff stated the offer, Lark interjected.

"I reject that," he said.

He wants to keep fighting the case.
A sign at one of Woods Services entrances at its campus near Langhorne. Read more

Magellan Behavioral Health, which manages mental health insurance benefits in six Pennsylvania counties, has launched an investigation into conditions at Woods Services, which treats about 650 children and adults with intellectual disabilities at its Langhorne facility.

A report released Monday by Disability Rights New York found pervasive abuse and neglect at the facility.

"Magellan is aware of the reports concerning Woods Services and has already begun its own investigation," Colleen Flanagan-Johnson, vice president, external communications for Magellan Health, emailed Friday. "We are working with customers and members to ensure they understand their options for treatment elsewhere."

Magellan contacted families of a dozen children, according to Woods spokeswoman Cheryl Kauffman.

Six of the children are already in the process of going to a less intensive facility or going home, Kauffman said.

"Two of those, the families are fighting and want their children to stay here. The other six individuals, Magellan did call their families, and the six families refused to move their children elsewhere," Kauffman said.

Kathy Romett, of Pottstown, said she was one of the parents contacted by Magellen. "They wanted to hear about my experience. I didn't have any thing negative to say," Romett said.

Her 10-year-old son, who is nonverbal and has been diagnosed with autism, is going home next week after two years at Woods, Romett said. "He was very violent, and they helped us learn how to deal with that." Romett was among more than a dozen parents who contacted The Inquirer to praise the care their children have received at Woods.

Meanwhile, Stephanie Moskowitz is trying to get her 14-year-old son, Samuel, back on track after a Woods staff member punched him in the face last December, breaking his nose, and then hit him in the face with a plastic bowling pin. She has sent him to another behavioral health facility, and Magellan was helpful in that move, she said.

Moskowitz, who lives in King of Prussia, said she was extremely nervous about sending her son away from home for care in August 2016. "The worst thing I thought could happen happened," she said.
WASHINGTON  NPR's employees unleashed their fury at the organization's top executive on Friday over his handling of a sexual harassment scandal that appears to have spread.

At a packed staff meeting at NPR's headquarters in Washington, they criticized chief executive Jarl Mohn, who kept top editor Michael Oreskes on the job for months despite knowing about three harassment complaints against Oreskes.

Mohn forced Oreskes to resign this week after the Washington Post reported on the accusations that date back to the editor's tenure at the New York Times in the late 1990s.

Since then, the scandal appears to have metastasized. Five women at NPR have filed formal harassment complaints against Oreskes, bringing the number who have accused him of misconduct to eight, according to Mohn and people familiar with the allegations. The new claims cover Oreskes' tenure at NPR over the last three years.

Mohn has repeatedly admitted since the story broke on Tuesday that his response to earlier allegations about Oreskes was inadequate. During Friday's meeting, he was on the defensive as employees took turns blistering him for moving too slowly to address what appears to have been a widely discussed problem within the organization's newsroom.

"The number one purpose in being here is first to apologize to every single person in this room for what you had to go through," he said, according to an audio recording made available to the Post. "I let you down. I should have acted sooner and more forcefully."

Mohn, who hired Oreskes in 2015, said he and top executives had heard "rumors and gossip" about Oreskes over the years, but Mohn didn't deem this sufficient to launch a full-scale investigation.

"Had we gotten solid information, we would have acted a lot sooner," he said, seemingly placing the onus back on NPR's employees.

He acknowledged that he forced Oreskes out on Tuesday after the Post's report.

His comments seemed to elicit little sympathy from NPR's employees. "I must say I have no confidence in you," newscaster Korva Coleman told him. "My lack of confidence in you extends to your team."

The statement was greeted with applause from the hundreds who attended.

Oreskes said in an emailed statement on Friday that he had engaged in "inappropriate behavior" in the past. He wrote, "I had worked hard to put those failings behind me. I had no intention to offend or harass anyone at NPR. I am deeply sorry for anything I said or did that failed to live up to that goal."

One of the new accusations was made Tuesday by a young NPR reporter; it involves an inappropriate conversation Oreskes allegedly had with her last year, according to a person familiar with the complaint. While attempting to persuade the woman to reject an outside job offer, Oreskes purportedly invited her to his beach house, saying they could share bottles of wine there. She rejected the alleged offer and remained at NPR after she was promoted.

The woman filed a complaint about the conversation immediately after learning from the Post that two other women had told NPR that Oreskes had kissed them against their will and put his tongue in their mouths during business meetings in the late 1990s. At the time, Oreskes was the Washington bureau chief at the Times.

Another complaint was filed last week by an NPR producer who said Oreskes had inappropriately touched her during an encounter in the newsroom earlier this year. The woman came forward to NPR's human resources department after Mohn issued a memo on Oct. 20 reiterating NPR's harassment-reporting procedures. But Mohn said Friday he was unaware of this accusation when he sought Oreskes' resignation.

Mohn suggested in an interview with NPR's All Things Considered on Wednesday that Oreskes' alleged misconduct in the late 1990s belonged in a lesser category compared with his record while at NPR.

"The important distinction here is first, [those] did not happen at NPR, it was not an NPR employee," he said in the interview. "It was at the New York Times and it occurred 20 years ago. Had that happened at NPR we would have had a very different reaction to it."

He added, "One of the things we wanted to do as a result of that is make sure that that did not happen here. And I will tell you up to this moment sitting here and talking with you. . . . I'm not aware of anything that he's done or that happened that bears any resemblance to those issues that occurred 20 years ago while he was at the New York Times."

Mohn has announced that NPR will hire a law firm with no previous ties to the organization to review how NPR handled the Oreskes matter, a step sometimes taken by companies and organizations to ensure that an internal investigation is impartial. Another media organization, Fox News Channel, hired the law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison last year to investigate employee accusations of sexual harassment against the network's co-founder, Roger Ailes, and others.

NPR's management knew of three allegations before Tuesday, including two reported by the Post. A third accuser, producer Rebecca Hersher, told NPR in October 2015 that Oreskes had said inappropriate things to her during a dinner meeting. Mohn told All Things Considered on Wednesday that NPR investigated her complaint "and put [Oreskes] on notice that this could not occur" again without serious consequences.

Yet NPR took no action against Oreskes until this week  a fact that seemed to outrage NPR's employees at the meeting on Friday.

Susan Stamberg, one of NPR's founding journalists, called Friday's meeting with Mohn "free, frank, and heartbreaking.  My heart was broken at what I heard."

Stamberg said the harassment scandal has raised her concern about "the stability of this institution" and its reputation. "Like most news organizations in this political climate, [NPR is vulnerable] to outside pressures and disparagement," she said. It's "very important that steady, transparent steps are being taken in addressing this, so the outside world understands NPR is dealing honorably with its problems."
Quetcy Lozada embraces her aunt Elisa DelValle after two weeks as a volunteer with the Salvation Army in Puerto Rico Tuesday October 31, 2017. Read more

CAGUAS, Puerto Rico  As she drove the mountain road leading to her relatives' home, slowing to avoid craters where the street had collapsed, Quetcy Lozada went quiet.

For two weeks, in crushing humidity, she had walked streets lined with wrecked homes, yelling out that her team had food and water. She had laughed and cried with the people who came out.

Something about seeing the devastation here, though, made her still.

"Oh my God. Look at that," Lozada whispered as she passed a neighborhood recreation center, the domed roof blown off leaving only the metal frame like the bones of an animal carcass.

She was based at a Salvation Army post less than 20 minutes from here, yet hadn't had time to visit her family.

They had told her on the phone they were fine.

But countless others she had met said the same, showing an inconceivable optimism, and then went back to homes with no electricity and no water, some with no roofs or no walls, having no idea when anything would get better.

As she drove to her family's home Tuesday, she carried the question that had weighed on her for weeks: Were they really OK?

Lozada's parents left Puerto Rico for Philadelphia when they were children, brought by their parents for the same reason so many leave the island today: the promise of a better life.

Puerto Rico was struggling before Hurricane Maria barreled through on Sept. 20. The island has a bankrupt government $70 billion in debt, an unemployment rate hovering around 10 percent, and more than 43 percent of people living in poverty.

Since 2004, Puerto Rico has lost 400,000 residents, its population falling to 3.4 million. Many have settled in Philadelphia, which today about 134,000 Puerto Ricans call home.

Lozada grew up in that community but said she didn't have a strong connection to her roots. She pushed back on speaking Spanish at home, like any teenager wanting to fit in with her friends.

"I never wanted to be Puerto Rican," she said. "I was like, I'm an American."

With age, she came to appreciate her heritage, especially when she started working at Concilio, a nonprofit that serves and advocates for the Latino community. Ten years ago, that position led her to a job as chief of staff for Philadelphia City Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez, herself Puerto Rican with a home on the island.

Lozada said that when Hurricane Maria hit, there was no question she would come.

"I saw my parents, that they were worried, that they were worried for their family members that were here, that they were worried for the family they had not heard from," she said. "And I felt like I needed to bring them some relief, but also I needed to kind of see for myself that the island wasn't as bad as it seemed on the news."

By Tuesday, she had spent 13 straight days volunteering. It was Halloween, and the crews planned to quit early, giving her a window to see her family before her flight out the next day.

In the caravan that morning, she was behind Desastre, the slowest truck in the fleet, nicknamed after the Salvation Army slogan written in Spanish on the back, translating to "Where there is a disaster, we are there."

Loaded with food and water, Desastre could barely push 35 m.p.h., so the caravan moved slowly, the lead driver calling out over the radio to avoid "potholes on the left," "potholes on the right," or "potholes everywhere." They'd blown at least four tires in the last two weeks.

Once in Cayey, a town about an hour south of San Juan, they unloaded the supplies into minivans, then set off door-to-door. Everywhere, there were piles of debris that once made up homes: dresser drawers, colorful floor tiles, slats of wood and metal roofs, frayed couch cushions, a clock with the image of Santa Claus as its face.

One home set into a hill looked from the facade to have been spared. Yet through the windows were blue skies, the roof ripped clear off.

At another down the street, the second floor seemed to have vanished, the only sign it ever was there a few feet of railing and a refrigerator standing upright.

A few blocks away, Marie Lynn Cartagena stood in the center of her father's home, which was awash in blue light filtered through the tarp overhead. There was nothing below but the wooden studs and a concrete floor.

"This is the only thing my father had," Cartagena said through a translator. "This is where we were raised."

She is living with a neighbor, and her father is staying at a nursing home as they wait for word from FEMA on when and how they can rebuild.

Benedicta Santiago, who lives nearby, credits the grace of God that her home was spared.

Her bedroom window broke during the storm, destroying her closet and everything in it. Somehow, none of the dozen rosaries she hung from nails on the opposite wall were disturbed.

"It was a miracle," she said.

Down the street, Lozada heaved water and food from the back of an open minivan into people's arms, sweat dripping down her face.

"Are you strong enough?" she asked an elderly man. "It's heavy."

"Of course," he said, laughing.

"May your blessings multiply," the next man said to her.

Others had blessed her too, like the 96-year-old woman she met the day before.

Dona Gullermina, as Lozada calls her, leaned out of her small wooden home to say she was out of water. The rain pounded down that day, and as Lozada brought the boxes up, Dona Gullermina pulled back the bedsheet that served as her front door.

Inside, there was little more than a chair and a bed. Yet the woman's only worry was that Lozada would catch a cold. She pushed the drenched curls out of Lozada's face, then offered her umbrella, only to realize it was broken.

Every day, Lozada has worried that she missed someone like Dona Gullermina, someone unable to come out to get the food and water when the van drives by.

"We may have a lot," Lozada said. "But it's never enough."

The home appeared around a bend in the road. A light rain had started to fall, and as Lozada got out of her car and clutched her aunt, she was overcome with tears unlike any she had cried over the last two weeks.

The two women rocked gently in the rain. After a long while like that, everyone was shepherded onto the porch.

Lozada's aunt, Elisa Rioz DelValle; uncle, Chris Rioz; and cousin, Anna Jimenez, all have lived in Philadelphia at some time in their lives. And all decided Puerto Rico was home.

They live together in a light-blue house with a wide wrap-around porch that looks out on the mountains and downtown Caguas. On New Year's Eve, they can see fireworks bursting over the town.

A plaque from the Philadelphia Fire Department hangs in the living room, bearing the name of Jimenez's husband, Alfredo A. Morales, who she said died in 1995 at age 36 of injuries sustained while battling a blaze.

The home smelled of spices, a beef stew simmering, and the sweet scent of steaming white rice.

They have a gas stove, so they have been able to cook since the storm. They use their generator sparingly, mostly at night so they can watch the news. They get water from a community well.

"You know we are survivors," Jimenez told Lozada, holding her in her arms as they looked out at the mountains. "When we told you we were fine, we meant it."

The rain had picked up; a stream that curves behind the house was stained orange with mud. The ground, brown and barren after the storm, had turned green again. But the trees were still jagged and thin, and the women pointed out the house that previously had been hidden from their view.

"It's sad in one way," Jimenez said. "But in another, I can see things I didn't see before."

This trip stirred something in Lozada, a love for this island deeper than what had been there before. It's difficult to put into words, she said, but she felt the ache when she thought of leaving the next day.

"It's inside," she said, her hand on her chest. "There's just something inside that doesn't want to go."
Camden County Police Officer Patrick OHanlon returned home Saturday afternoon surrounded by colleagues after being seriously injured Wednesday when a man he had been chasing allegedly shot him. Read more

To the relief of his colleagues and the community he protects, Camden County Officer Patrick O'Hanlon left Cooper University Hospital on Saturday afternoon, three days after being shot in the thigh during a struggle with a teenager who allegedly had run from him.

O'Hanlon was brought out in a wheelchair in front of about 50 officers standing at attention and, along with family members, was put into Deputy Chief Joe Wysocki's vehicle. O'Hanlon, who is 21 and single, gave a thumbs-up to the officers and seemed to be in good spirits, said Camden County spokesman Dan Keashen.

"Officer Patrick O'Hanlon is a guardian in every sense of the word," Police Chief Scott Thomson said in a statement issued later Saturday. "Officer O'Hanlon's brave actions that night will ensure that he is the last person this cowardly suspect will ever be able to hurt again."

Hanlon, who joined the police force less than a year ago, has "a long road of recovery that lies ahead, and we'll be with him every step of the way," Thomson said. The officer's father, Joe, thanked the police department and the hospital staff before leaving with his son.

A trauma surgeon had credited the quick response of officers  who applied a tourniquet to O'Hanlon's leg before rushing him to the hospital  for minimizing the damage caused by the bullet, which struck a vein in his upper right thigh but no bones or major arteries, Thomson said.

The shooting occurred shortly after 10 p.m. Wednesday when, according to police, O'Hanlon approached three people who were acting suspiciously in the area of Eighth Street and Chelton Avenue, and one of them, Delronn Mahan, 19, of Lindenwold, ran away. O'Hanlon went after him, catching him. While the two struggled, Mahan pulled out a gun and fired, police said.

Thomson said investigators concluded the gun had jammed, preventing additional shots. The weapon was recovered at the scene. O'Hanlon did not fire his gun, Thomson said.

Mahan has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, weapons charges, and resisting arrest. He has been arrested 10 times since turning 18, Thomson said.
WASHINGTON  Three conservative House Republicans filed a resolution Friday calling on special counsel Robert Mueller to recuse himself from his probe of Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, accusing him of conflicts of interest.

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who wrote the resolution, accuses Mueller of having a conflict of interest because he was serving as FBI chief when the Obama administration approved a deal allowing a Russian company to purchase a Canada-based mining group with uranium operations in the United States, according to a draft obtained by The Washington Post.

President Donald Trump has often brought up the Uranium One deal in 2010 as a way to accuse Hillary Clinton of potential corruption and foreign collusion, despite scant evidence she was directly involved in the decision to allow it to proceed. Nine government agencies make up the government committee that reviews such deals, along with five other observer agencies; the FBI is not one of them.

The GOP also launched two congressional probes into the matter last month, questioning whether the FBI and Justice Department were looking into Russia's attempts to influence the U.S. uranium market.

Gaetz wants the deal to be investigated by a special counsel, and he doesn't think Mueller is the guy to do it.

"Someone who was involved in a deal cannot reasonably be trusted to scrutinize that probe," Gaetz said in an interview.

Gaetz added that he doesn't trust Mueller because of his "close personal relationship" with former FBI Director James Comey. Similar complaints have been raised by other Republicans, though there is considerable dispute over whether the Comey-Mueller relationship was primarily professional.

Republicans, including Gaetz, have also called on the Justice Department to better investigate Comey's conduct in the FBI investigation into Clinton's emails, a matter several congressional committees are also probing.

Reps. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., and Louis Gohmert, R-Texas, both members of the House's conservative Freedom Caucus, signed on to Gaetz's effort. A spokeswoman for Gaetz said they expect to pick up more support from the Freedom Caucus, the bulk of whose members signed onto an earlier Gaetz bill calling on the attorney general to appoint a special counsel to look into Comey's actions.

But Gaetz may struggle to build wider support.

He admitted Thursday that he does not expect any Democrats to support his Mueller resolution. And many Republicans who have questions about Clinton's role in the 2010 uranium deal still support Mueller's right to do his job free from political interference.

There have been no reports that Mueller is including the uranium deal in his investigation. Earlier this week, Mueller announced the first charges of his probe against three members of Trump's campaign: former campaign manager Paul Manafort, his business partner Rick Gates, and campaign foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulos.

Gaetz said that he spoke to Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Sept. 28 and asked him to appoint another special counsel to look into the uranium deal, but that Sessions claimed his own recusal from all matters related to the 2016 campaign prevented him from weighing in on the matter. Staffers for deputy attorney general Rod J. Rosenstein, Gaetz added, would not commit to making a decision on his request.
Donald Trump isn't on the ballot Tuesday, but the whirlwind from his presidency could weigh on Pennsylvania voters as they go to the polls.

The top statewide races are to elect judges to the Supreme Court, Superior Court, and Commonwealth Court.

In Philadelphia, voters will choose a new district attorney and controller. In the four collar counties, voters will elect county and municipal officials, school board members, and judges of trial courts. In Delaware County, Democrats are challenging Republican dominance of the County Council in an intense race that in part focuses on Trump.

The race to replace convicted and imprisoned former District Attorney Seth Williams in the city has generated the most attention of the local races. Democrat Larry Krasner, a progressive defense attorney, faces Republican Beth Grossman, a former assistant district attorney.

Krasner rode the outsider wave in the May Democratic primary. He benefited from a $1.66 million investment by the liberal New York billionaire George Soros, who created an independent political action committee to back Krasner  as well as from grassroots support by Black Lives Matter activists and other progressive groups looking for change in the criminal justice system..

Grossman, a prosecutor for 21 years, has garnered support from former District Attorney Lynne Abraham, a Democrat, the Fraternal Order of Police, and others concerned about Krasner's lack of prosecutorial experience.

In the race for city controller, Democrat Rebecca Rhynhart, a former top official in the Nutter and Kenney administrations, takes on Republican Mike Tomlinson, an accountant from the Northeast. To get there, Rhynhart beat a three-term incumbent by a 3-2 ratio.

While the city controller has immense power to influence the political agenda as the fiscal watchdog for the city, the race has flown under the radar, overshadowed by the hot-button issues of policing and race in the district attorney contest. Rhynhart has promised a collaborative relationship with Mayor Kenney's administration, while Tomlinson says he wants arms-length oversight.

Philadelphians will also vote on whether to allow the city to borrow $172 million for capital projects.

Two Delaware County Democrats running for County Council are hoping anti-Trump sentiment carries them to a historic win. It's been four decades since a Democrat has won a seat on the council. Democrats Kevin Madden and Brian Zidek face Republicans John Perfetti and David White, an incumbent.

Delaware County voters will also have to choose a controller, sheriff, and register of wills.

Bucks County voters will select a controller, district attorney, sheriff, prothonotary, and recorder of deeds.

Chester County will be voting for treasurer, controller, clerk of courts, and coroner.

Montgomery County voters will choose judges for various local courts and school boards and municipal boards in some towns.

For state Supreme Court, one vacant seat is up for grabs. Justice Sallie Mundy, a Republican who was appointed to the high court last year, is seeking a full term. She is running against Judge Dwayne D. Woodruff, a Democrat who is on the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.

Four seats are up for state Superior Court and one judge is standing for retention.

The Democrats: Judge H. Geoffrey Moulton Jr. of Montgomery County, who was appointed the the court and is seeking a full term; Judge Deborah A. Kunselman, administrative judge for the civil division of the Beaver County Court of Common Pleas; Carolyn Nichols, a Philadelphia Common Pleas judge; and Maria McLaughlin, a family law judge on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

The Republicans: Craig Stedman, the Lancaster County district attorney; Wade Kagarise, a Common Pleas judge in Blair County; Emil Giordano, a Common Pleas judge in Northampton County; and Mary P. Murray, a magisterial district judge in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Also in the race: Jules Mermelstein, a Montgomery County lawyer running as a Green Party candidate.

Four candidates are vying for two seats on the Commonwealth Court.

The Democrats: Ellen H. Ceisler, a Court of Common Pleas judge in Philadelphia and Irene McLaughlin Clark, a Pittsburgh lawyer.

The Republicans: Christine Fizzano Cannon, a Court of Common Pleas judge in Delaware County and Paul N. Lalley, a Pittsburgh lawyer.

In addition, voters will decide whether to amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to enable the legislature to authorize local school boards, municipalities, and counties to exclude the full assessed value of primary residences in their jurisdictions from the property tax.
One man is arrested after an altercation during a protest in Center City Philadelphia on Saturday, Nov. 4. Read more

At Philadelphia's Thomas Paine Plaza, the attention Friday had been on the controversial statue of former Mayor and Police Commissioner Frank L. Rizzo, which Mayor Kenney has announced he wants moved.

But Saturday afternoon, the focus of the 200 or so who convened outside the Municipal Services Building across from City Hall was "the Trump/Pence regime," as the activists from RefuseFascism.org put it.

Making a return visit to the plaza was the "Trump Rat," a 15-foot inflatable caricature of the president  with bouffant hair, red tie, and Confederate flag-style cuff links  that first appeared by the Rizzo statue on Oct. 23, the 97th birthday anniversary of the city's late leader.

The gathering, punctuated by speeches, began as a calm affair on the plaza, transitioning shortly after 3:30 p.m. to a march through Center City similar to those planned throughout the country.

"We're launching daily protests worldwide against this regime that's playing nuclear roulette with the planet," said Samantha Goldman, an organizer of the march. "Positive social change didn't happen without people in the streets. The people of the world are really depending on us to drive out this regime."

Meanwhile, a bride took the protest in stride as participants wished her well.

As marchers headed toward Rittenhouse Square, they were confronted by counterprotesters. One of them was a young Trump supporter, who yelled, "Three more years! Seven more, actually!"

When the marchers reached the park, more counterprotesters appeared. Though most of the anti-fascist protesters marched on, some stayed behind at the park as an argument began.

An apparent white supremacist, a man who did not seem to be with either group, began to chant, "White power." That was countered by a protester who responded with a chant of "Rainbow power."

Soon, the man began to yell profanities and homophobic slurs at a woman. A second woman, coming to her friend's defense, spit on the man. He kicked that woman. When her friend ran back toward him, she hit him and he tackled her and pushed her to the ground. Police rushed in to break up the fight and urged protesters and pedestrians nearby to step back.

Officers separated the two and held the woman down on the ground and began to put her arms behind her back. After protesters yelled that the man had hurt the woman, police arrested him. The woman was escorted to an ambulance with a possible hip injury, police said.

Armani White, 22, was walking by with his 6 year-old niece to take her to the park and began recording when he saw the altercation.

"I feel angry," White said, holding his niece's hand. "His arrest was so casual."
There's a number called "Razzle Dazzle" in the musical Chicago in which an ethically challenged lawyer explains how to blow fairy dust at juries to get them to ignore things that are true and to believe things that aren't.

We have the old razzle dazzle in Philadelphia, too, courtesy of Mayor Kenney.

"Give 'em the old razzle dazzle, razzle dazzle 'em

Give 'em an act with lots of flash in it

And the reaction will be passionate," sings Chicago lawyer Billy Flynn.

In Philadelphia, Mayor Kenney pushed for a beverage tax that he had opposed when he was on City Council.

Razzle dazzle.

He tells the yokels the money is for prekindergarten. It takes quite a while for us to learn that only half of the money actually will go to pre-K.

Razzle dazzle.

Kenney closed last week with an announcement that the Frank Rizzo statue would be moved from Thomas Paine Plaza.

But during the summer, when a controversy broke over the statue like a thunderclap, Kenney said he would let the Art Commission (appointed by the mayor, incidentally) decide the fate of the statue. Friday, the mayor's office said the statue would be moved, even though the Art Commission hadn't yet peeped.

Razzle dazzle.

So the mayor easily discarded the process the city itself had announced  giving the Art Commission command and control. That would have been a stacked deck, said former Councilman Frank Rizzo Jr., but apparently it wasn't enough.

The issue today is not where the statue belongs. There will be time for that.

What I'm looking at is the public conduct of our public leaders, who are not covering themselves with either glory or honesty.

This reminds me of the Christmas Village on Dilworth Plaza that was ordered changed to just "Village" in 2010 because a couple of cranks complained to city managing director Rich Negrin. It made them "uncomfortable," Negrin told me, after he had dropped to his knees on the altar of faux tolerance.

For a change, there was a huge outcry, and the city reversed its position. (The Christmas Village will be back this year, and the city soon will light its all-inclusive "holiday" tree. What "holiday" is that? Hmmm. Chanukah?)

Nothing against diversity here. It gives me great pleasure to walk down a Philadelphia street and see a Chinese restaurant next to a pizza place next to a deli next to a sushi parlor next to a burger joint. America is one of a few countries where you can find a church, synagogue, and mosque harmonizing on one block, one of the amazing things about our amazing country.

Sorry. That was a bit of razzle dazzle.

Let's go back to the Rizzo statue.

In the years following Rizzo's death in 1991, there was a struggle to find the right memorial for the late mayor.

In 1996, a bill was introduced in City Council to rename the Municipal Services Building the Frank L. Rizzo Municipal Services Building.

One of the nine cosponsors was Jimmy Kenney  the same politician who is planning to use his rubber-stamp Art Commission to bury the statue in some undetermined place.

That's it, Mayor Kenney. Give 'em the old razzle dazzle.
BELLEVILLE  A 16-year-boy has been charged with murder after police say he accidentally shot a friend while the two were trying to hit a home.

The two friends had walked up to a home in the 7600 block of West Main Street in Belleville on Sunday night. They staggered their stances  one teen several feet behind the other  and turned to the house to open fire, police said..

No one in the home was hit, but Quantez L. Jones, 16, shot his friend standing in front of him, police say. The friend, 18-year-old Deveon Hunt, was hit in the side by a bullet and died at a hospital.

The St. Clair County states attorney charged Jones with first-degree murder and aggravated discharge of a firearm into a dwelling.

Brendan Kelly, the states attorney, said juveniles who are at least 16 years old must be charged as adults in a short list of the most serious offenses, including murder.

In addition, in Illinois, someone can be charged with killing a co-defendant if the person died while they were committing a forcible felony, such as bank robbery or, in this case, firing shots at a home.

This was the first homicide of the year in Belleville. The last one was in February 2016.

Police Chief William Clay III credited residents with providing tips and businesses with providing surveillance footage that helped police crack the case. He called in the Major Case Squad to investigate. The squad of about 20 detectives has identified Jones as the suspect by Tuesday, said Belleville Police Capt. Matt Eiskant.

Eiskant said police were called after residents reported multiple shots fired about 10 p.m. Sunday. Police found Hunt bleeding in an alley near West Main and South 76th streets.

Eiskant wouldnt say why the teens were shooting at the house but said they knew the people who lived there. Asked if they were firing shots to harm or scare the occupants, the captain said, A little of both.

Jones lives off of South 74th Street, outside the Belleville city limits. He is a student at Pathways alternative school. The victim, Hunt, used to attend night classes at another alternative school but had stopped attending and was no longer enrolled there when he died.
According to the FDA, 400 milligrams per day  about the equivalent of three to five cups of coffee  is a safe amount of caffeine for an average, healthy adult. Some energy drinks, however, can go as high as 570 milligrams of caffeine in a single serving. Photo: Getty Images

It's a common scenario for many officers  albeit a dreaded one. You've been on shift all night. It's six o'clock in the morning and you're supposed to be getting off work in an hour.

Suddenly the call goes out over the radio, and the next thing you know you're at a crime scene making an arrest. Just like that, your long night just got a few hours longer. How are you going to get it all done so you can finally snag some well-deserved rest? With a long-suffering sigh, you open the glove box and reach for an energy drink.

The prevalence of highly caffeinated energy drinks has increased significantly in recent years. Where once a simple cup of coffee was the beverage of choice for officers in need of a boost, drinks like Red Bull and Monster have steadily risen to command a dedicated following among civilians and law enforcement personnel alike.

In 2010, an FDA survey revealed that more than 150 different energy drink products were sold in the United States, along with approximately 250 different varieties of energy shots  drinks that pack all the energy of a cup of coffee or more into a tiny, easily consumed package. For officers on the job, the easy portability and caffeine-laden kick offered by these beverages can be hard to ignore.

"The reality is that I'm seeing this more. I'm seeing guys supplement, trying to get more energy by using Monsters and 5-Hour Energies up to the hilt," says Mark Cronin, an elected director of the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL).

The LAPPL advocates for fair wages, benefits, and working conditions on behalf of police officers ranked lieutenant and below. For Cronin, keeping health at the front of the mind is paramount. He has spent 18 years working in the Los Angeles Police Department, and routinely handles workman's compensation, industrial injuries, and other health concerns for police officers in his department. In recent years, he's noticed a steady increase in the amount of energy drinks and caffeine being consumed by police officers in his department.

"It's not a big deal, every once in a while," he says, but adds that for many officers, consuming energy drinks is a regular habit rather than an infrequent occurrence. "Guys are mitigating. They're trying to mitigate their discomfort. They're trying to mitigate problems staying awake. And [they're] compromising their health long-term."

In June 2017, Cronin wrote an article that appeared on the LAPPL website in which he went over many of the detrimental and questionable effects of energy drinks.

The Problem of Energy Drinks

Bert Jacobson, Regents Professor at Oklahoma State University and the Associate Dean for Research at the College of Education, Health and Aviation, has done numerous studies on the effects of caffeine and other stimulants on the human body.

"At one point they started calling me Mr. Caffeine, because all of my research was on caffeine," Jacobson quips. "You'd think that because caffeine had been around forever, that it would've been thoroughly studied, but it hadn't."

Jacobson explains that caffeine is both a strong neurological stimulant and an addictive substance. While its effects can make those who use it feel more alert despite lack of sleep, prolonged use can lead the body to build up a tolerance and experience withdrawal soon after missing a dose. While these effects are relatively minor in low dosages, the sheer amount of caffeine present in most energy drinks is enough to make Jacobson worry  particularly among the law enforcement community, where situations can quickly escalate to the level of life or death.

In a recent study, Jacobson and his colleagues wanted to explore the effects of these extreme doses of caffeine and other stimulants on active-duty police officers. They assembled a sample group of 10 trained, accredited police officers, gave them each an energy drink and a gun, and measured the steadiness of their aim both before and after consuming a standard, over-the-counter energy drink.

"We asked them not to have consumed any caffeine for about a week," Jacobson explains, "to try to get them to wash out a little bit. And then we asked them not to eat before the study for about eight hours, because absorption occurs better on an empty stomach."

Consuming energy drinks can negatively affect law enforcement officers' shooting accuracy, according to a recent study. Photo: Getty Images

According to Jacobson, half of the officers received a 5-Hour Energy brand energy drink, while the other half received a caffeine-free placebo Jacobson had concocted from Kool-Aid, lemon juice, and sugar. After a period of detox, the officers came in again and the researchers switched which group received the energy drink and which received the placebo.

After consuming their drink and waiting approximately one hour to allow the caffeine and other stimulants to be absorbed by their bodies, the officers were given a BladesUSA rubber training pistol fitted with a laser sight. They were then asked to aim the pistol at a target situated approximately 12 feet downrange while the researchers recorded how steady the officers' aim was over time. Each officer's result was measured against his or her earlier results, which were taken before they consumed the energy drink or placebo.

Once the results had been analyzed, the researchers determined that those officers who had consumed the energy drinks were significantly less accurate in their ability to aim the weapon, compared to their counterparts who had consumed the placebo. These impairments occurred despite both the officers' high degrees of training and the enhanced feeling of wakefulness brought on by the stimulants.

"Based on these results it was concluded that consumption of an ES [energy shot] could compromise aiming accuracy and shot placement, thereby jeopardizing the health and welfare of law enforcement personnel," the study authors wrote in summary of their work.

This was not the only study that examined energy drink usage by people working in life-or-death situations. A 2010 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention measured the associations between energy drink consumption and sleep disorders among active-duty United States service members. The study found that service members who reported drinking three or more energy drinks per day were significantly more likely to sleep four or fewer hours per night than those who consumed zero energy drinks per day.

"This is a low number of hours of sleep even in the deployed environment, in which half of respondents averaged 5 hours of sleep," the authors wrote. "Because inadequate sleep can considerably influence a person's health, excessive energy drink consumption might indirectly contribute to poor health."

According to the FDA, 400 milligrams per day  about the equivalent of three to five cups of coffee  is a safe amount of caffeine for an average, healthy adult. Some energy drinks, however, can go as high as 570 milligrams of caffeine in a single serving. If police officers consume multiple such beverages in a single day, especially over the long term, it could have impacts on their health and well-being that have not yet begun to be understood.

Easing the Burden

To Jimmy Baldea, the founder and CEO of the American eHealth Collaborative (AEHC), which provides health solutions to police officers and other first responders, education and discussion are central to overcoming the concerns surrounding energy drinks in the law enforcement environment.

"It's a part of the life, just like a cup of coffee," he says. "Some people, instead of going with the coffee, they go with the energy drinks. It's a choice."

Where Baldea and the AEHC come in is when officers are unaware of the impacts various aspects of their lifestyle may be having on their health. His organization, which currently works with officers in the Los Angeles; New York City; and Yonkers, NY, police departments, focuses on giving police officers the tools and information they need to overcome any challenges they may be experiencing with regard to their health.

Officers who work the graveyard shift for years at a time may be more prone to consume multiple energy drinks to stay awake at night. But this can affect the body's circadian rhythm and the officer's ability to get proper sleep. Photo: Getty Images

Baldea's team starts by first gathering a list of all officers in a department who are interested in improving their overall health, then sitting down with them to determine what their health goals are and how they can work to achieve them.

"Now we're gonna become the biggest pain imaginable," he says. "We talk to them about every little aspect of their livesWe take their vital signs on a daily basis. It's very intense, but we change lives."

Both Baldea and Cronin agree that for officers struggling with the need to consume energy drinks, addressing the underlying problems that prompt excessive caffeine consumption can be the most effective way of reducing dependence on highly caffeinated beverages.

For example, one of the things that Cronin believes to be a major culprit for high energy drink use  long-term graveyard shifts  can be significantly reduced simply by improving the level of awareness and discussion surrounding the topic. He described an officer he knew who had worked graveyard shifts for more than two decades who consumed energy drinks on a daily basis to get through the long nighttime hours.

"Frankly, it just reset his system, and his body," Cronin says. "He would still try to function through the day, doing the normal stuff that all of us need to do. And I would watch him falling asleep during shifts."

In addition to the need to get certain tasks done during the daylight hours, the poor food choices often available during late-night hours and the impact on natural circadian rhythms often have a severe negative impact on the health of officers who work night shifts for long periods of time.

"So after six months I almost think that someone should be looking for a shift change. But you've got guys who've been doing this for years," Cronin says. "I look at someone who's done graveyards after six months, and they're like a walking zombie. It's not healthy."

Cronin said he ran into this officer again after writing the article for the LAPPL website.

"He came up to me afterward and said, 'Mark, did you write that article specifically for me?'" Cronin recalls. "And he literally changed his shift."

To Cronin, the impact of better information is loud and clear. Make sure officers know the full impact of the decisions they are making, and let them do the rest.

Baldea agrees that as far as making a difference is concerned, education is one of the most important tools available to help police officers lead healthier lives.

"Police officers are of a rare breed," he says. "Meaning that if you provide them with information, they process that information. And 9.99999 times out of 10 they'll make a good decision."

Anthony Settipani is a Chicago-based freelance writer and a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism in Evanston, IL.
Photo: Getty Images

The highest priority of service for every man and woman who wears the badge is to save lives. The number one cause of death in the United States is cardiac arrest. Currently, the only effective treatment for cardiac arrest is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a shock from an automated external defibrillator (AED) administered as quickly as possible.

Every second counts with cardiac arrest, and defibrillation within three minutes can increase survival up to 70%. Law enforcement officers are on patrol 24/7, which allows for more rapid response than fire/EMS. Departments all across the country are evolving to better serve their communities. One of the best ways to increase survival in the cardiac emergencies that your officers respond to is to equip them with AEDs. Often police departments wish to adapt and implement AEDs into patrol; however, they don't know where to begin. If your agency is looking to implement a program, here are eight keys for success.

1. Set up an AED deployment plan.

Will all of your patrol units be equipped? Will your specialty units be getting AEDs? Will the units all be distributed at once or rolled out over time? If the latter, you'll have to decide which units will be equipped first based on criteria like primary duties, populated geography of your jurisdiction, and which officers have advanced medical training. Write out the deployment plan and have it reviewed by your command staff.

2. Know how to find funding.

A variety of grants are available for agencies implementing an AED program. You may also find donors in your community who will generously contribute to this lifesaving effort. Your agency may also be able to pay for the program by altering its budget. No matter how you fund the AED program, be sure you factor in the cost of replacing equipment and projected growth of your department in your calculations.

3. Reach out to other departments and inquire about their AED program implementation.

Does a neighboring agency already have an AED program? Discuss with them what successes and obstacles they have had. Were there any issues they encountered when they first rolled out their program?

4. Coordinate with your local fire department and ambulance service.

What AEDs do they recommend? Do they have any advice on police response to cardiac incidents? Do they have any safety recommendations? Are they up for joint response training to better increase chances of survival? Do they already have an established relationship with a provider/distributor?

5. Update your Officers' CPR and AED training before implementation.

This is a crucial step. Make sure all your department's personnel are trained. Remember, the lives saved by AEDs may be law enforcement officers'. Law enforcement is one of the most stressful professions, and officers have a higher risk of cardiac issues.

6. Mandate periodic training refreshers on CPR and AED.

Cardiac care is ever changing and there are continuous advances in medicine and emergency response. Make sure your officers are up to date and ready to respond to cardiac arrest with current protocols and techniques.

7. Put a policy in place for your AED program.

How will they be carried in your patrol units? How often will they be checked and receive periodic maintenance? Where will they be stored? How will their usage be reported and overseen?

8. Track and recognize your saves.

Take the time to recognize your department's saves for your officers, the patient, and the community. Cardiac arrest saves are a huge deal for all involved and the preservation of life is our highest priority as public servants. The lifesaving actions of your officers are also great public relations.

Brandon Griffith is a decorated police officer, an instructor with emergency medical training, and the co-founder of Griffith Blue Heart. He is one of the few American officers to return to full active duty after cardiac arrest and has a defibrillator implanted in his chest. Griffith has years of experience in CPR/AED advocacy and AED acquisition.
To maintain both officer and citizen safety as much as possible, Houston officers were working in a minimum of two-person teams in "cage cars" so they would have enough people on hand to help anyone they encountered as well as handle any other situations that might occur. Photo: Houston PD/Flickr

Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria tested the mettle of first responders in the hardest hit areas. With help from community members as well as compassionate citizens and outside law enforcement agencies, police departments gathered their resources and adapted as needed to maintain public safety.

Hurricane Harvey hit southeast Texas along the Gulf of Mexico. Houston experienced record rainfall that caused flooding beyond anything anyone can recall happening in the city before. Even with evacuation orders in place, the Houston Police Department ended up conducting around 5,000 rescues. "It was surreal," says Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo. "Everywhere I looked, houses, businesses, cars, were completely under water. And the fourth-largest, fastest growing big city in America turned into a series of islands in a matter of hours."

Hurricane Irma soon followed in Florida, hitting the lower keys the hardest. Puerto Rico suffered through two successive hurricanes: Hurricane Irma and then Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane that caused devastation, knocking out power and all communications over most of the island.

But no matter what, law enforcement officers were on hand to protect and serve as best they could. "I saw an incredible show of devotion to duty," says Lt. Steven Castell, commanding officer for the City of Miami Police Department's Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. "Everybody came in to work. Despite damage to their homes, they felt that dedication, that calling of the badge to come in and help their community."

Hurricane Harvey hit southeast Texas along the Gulf of Mexico, bringing record rainfall and flooding. Photo: Houston PD/Flickr

Taking On New Assignments

When a major event such as a hurricane occurs and residents are told to evacuate, non-essential law enforcement personnel evacuate as well for their own safety. With so many people gone, the officers who stayed behind often had to take on different roles to take care of mundane tasks that were suddenly essential.

"You need to think outside the box," says Chief Donie Lee of the Key West (FL) Police Department. "We had an officer who was a professional chef before he became a police officer and we utilized that talent. He cooked and cleaned throughout the event. All of the members really appreciated that."

In Houston, cadets took over janitorial duties at the police station so trash wouldn't pile up and create a health issue. Miami Police Department officers of all ranks showed up to do whatever they could, regardless of their usual roles.

"We had people here that were a few days or a week into their law enforcement careers, academy recruits who had just been hired, all the way up to personnel slated to retire literally working right up to the last hour as an employee," says Castell. "That was one of the most incredible things I've seen in 20 years of law enforcement."

And of course officers took on the role of rescuer when needed. They waded through floodwaters and used boats and any other vehicles that would get them where they needed to go to move people to safety.

"It was all hands on deck in that water," says Chief Acevedo. He joined the rescue effort the Saturday that rain really started to fall in Houston as Harvey hit and found himself wading through water up to his waist in the dark with other members of the Houston PD.

He participated in rescuing several hundred people from a flooded apartment complex that night and was proud of his officers.

When Hurricane Irma hit, Key West (Fla.) Police Department officers were glad they had extensive disaster response training as well as help from outside agencies. Photo: Key West (FL) PD

But he also remembers it as one of the most disgusting experiences of his career. Sgt. Kim Barnes saw a water moccasin swimming toward the chief. She grabbed the poisonous snake and tossed it through the air well away from him. But that wasn't the worst of it. When he got back in the high-water rescue vehicle, Acevedo took off his soaked uniform shirt and live cockroaches started crawling off of his body. At least they all got a good laugh out of it.

Planning for the Worst

Planning for response to major disasters is essential, but it must be partnered with training so that everyone is on the same page should an event occur. The more training you can do, the better.

"One of the greater challenges we faced was the fact that we have not been impacted by a hurricane in about 12 years," says Miami PD's Castell, who advises the chief regarding disaster preparedness and response. "The last one was Hurricane Wilma in Oct. 2005. In between, there was a lot of institutional knowledge that we lost when officers retired." But because the state of Florida and the Miami Police Department in particular have continued to train extensively each year according to established disaster preparedness plans, the planning and response during Hurricane Irma went as smoothly as could be expected, he says.

And Miami was lucky this time that it came away relatively unscathed. "In the aftermath of Irma and then Maria, the amount of devastation that was left behind in Puerto Ricothat very easily could have been us," says Castell.

Boots on the Ground

There are some plans that you have to make at the outset of a particular natural disaster you see coming, making the best decisions you can with the training and information you have available. Acevedo believes that one of the best things you can do to prepare officers leading up to a hurricane or similar event is to be clear with them what they can expect to experience. "If you can set the expectation on the front end, it saves you from a lot of heartache on the backend," he says. But it might be even more important to make strategic moves before the event takes place.

Officers took on the role of rescuer when needed during the recent hurricanes. They waded through floodwaters and used boats and any other vehicles that would get them where they needed to go to move people to safety. Photo: Houston PD/Flickr

"We didn't wait until the storm hit to up our operational footprint," Acevedo explains. "We went into tac alert on Friday, even before the storm hit Saturday night, to afford us time to identify any logistical problems." But he still wishes he had done some things differently.

During Hurricane Harvey, Houston PD Officer Steve Perez died in the flood waters attempting to drive to the station so he could work his shift and help with water rescues. Chief Acevedo can't help but wonder if it would have turned out differently had he implemented 24-hour shifts Saturday morning so officers wouldn't have had to commute in to work during the heavy rains the next morning.

To maintain both officer and citizen safety as much as possible, Houston officers were working in a minimum of two-person teams in "cage cars" so they would have enough people on hand to help anyone they encountered as well as handle any other situations that might occur.

"We not only rescued thousands of people, but maintained order, before, during, and after," says Acevedo. "We never lost order in this city."

Lines of Communication

Communication is critical for any law enforcement operation, and even more so during a natural disaster. So finding ways to keep the lines of communication open for agencies dealing with the recent hurricanes was paramount.

"We lost our phones, our computer systems, our cell and radio towers," says Chief Lee of the Key West PD. But the agency didn't let that stop them from communicating with each other and with citizens during and after Hurricane Irma.

They were able to set up two traditional analog landlines, which they used to contact non-essential personnel that had evacuated during the worst of the hurricane and later needed to return to work. Because they had some difficulty using their satellite phones, Lee says he would also like to have VHF radios on hand for future natural disasters.

Houston Police Department officers worked 24-hour shifts during the height of Hurricane Harvey, only stopping when necessary to rest before starting again. Photo: Houston PD/Flickr

For communication with the public, the Key West Police Department improvised. They took advantage of the fact that one local radio station was successfully using a generator to continue operations and broadcast locally. "We would drive to the station with updates for residents who had not evacuated," says Lee. "Key West is an island of just two miles by four miles, so word of mouth can also be fairly effective when communications are completely out."

The Houston Police Department lost its 911 communications almost immediately when Hurricane Harvey hit the area, says Chief Acevedo. But cell phone towers were operational, so the agency was able to use social media to communicate with the public. Officers were even able to determine where to respond based on citizens' messages requesting help via Twitter and Facebook.

Going Where Needed

Law enforcement agencies from all over the United States reached out to offer their help to fellow officers during and after the hurricanes.

Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico on Sept. 20, killing at least 16 people and leaving nearly all 3.4 million people without power and most without water. The Department of Public Safety in Puerto Rico issued a statement thanking 17 Massachusetts officers, 54 New York officers, 98 New Jersey officers, 36 NY and NJ Port Authority officers, and 279 federal officers for their help.

A contingent of 10 Metro DC Police officers spent a week there directing traffic and delivering food and water, among other duties. Eight of the officers were former Puerto Rico Police officers. It was an emotional experience, but they were glad to have been able to lend their assistance.

Most people picture boats when they think of citizens being rescued from flood waters after a hurricane hits. But all manner of vehicles can be repurposed to aid in rescue and recovery after a disaster. Photo: Houston PD/Flickr

Even though their own homes were damaged by Hurricane Irma, a group of Miami police officers volunteered to bring aid and support to first responders in heavily damaged areas of the lower Keys, including the city of Key West. The disaster assessment team of six City of Miami police officers brought in thousands of bottles of water, food, and nonperishable supplies to help their fellow officers. They also cooked meals.

"At the end of the day if we have to eat MREs, we will. But when help arrives and provides support by a hot meal, it really helps improve morale," says Lee. Houston's Chief Acevedo shares the same sentiment. "We had brothers and sisters that came and cooked thousands of mealsMobile County Sheriff, Baton Rougeit just meant the world."

Yet more people and supplies arriving during an already stressful time can pose problems as well. "It's all well intended but there are logistical challenges that come with the onslaught of help that comes in," says Lee. For example, he recommends establishing a point of contact to coordinate all donations, keep an inventory, and make sure the right items get to those in need.

When Hurricane Irma hit, Key West (Fla.) Police Department officers were glad they had extensive disaster response training as well as help from outside agencies. Photo: Key West (FL) PD

Preventing Looting

Realistically, during natural disasters like Hurricane Irma, officers aren't able to patrol as heavily as usual, if at all, out of concern for officer safety. This is a prime opportunity for criminals to start looting.

But since Miami wasn't directly impacted, when storm winds started to subside and the Miami Police Department started to get reports of looting, commanders decided to break with tradition and policy and allow some officers that were "sheltering" to go out and search for looters. "There was a command decision made to let a team go out and they took heavier SWAT vehicles," Castell says. "It was incredible. It was a huge morale boost, knowing they could help the community by stopping looting in progress." People watching from their homes even started applauding the officers.

For its part, the Houston Police Department deployed resources ahead of time to businesses traditionally targeted by gang members and others when the electricity goes out during natural disasters. Police officers in plainclothes and in black-and-whites were sent to pawnshops, gun stores, and pharmacies. "Our last hurricane, Hurricane Ike, lots of guns were stolen. This time we were able to nip it in the bud," says Acevedo.

These efforts were appreciated by the officers' communities, as was the overall response to the hurricanes and their aftermath.

"If there's one takeaway, it's this: You can plan all day every day, but you better be prepared to adapt," says Key West PD's Chief Lee. "In a disaster you must be able to adapt and overcome and respond. Our members met the challenge."

Calling All Specialty Vehicles

Most people picture boats when they think of citizens being rescued from flood waters after a hurricane hits. But all manner of vehicles can be repurposed to aid in rescue and recovery after a disaster.

Because of concerns over the "militarization" of law enforcement, many agencies have been criticized for using armored vehicles, some of which were obtained as military surplus. But many of them came in handy when responding to the recent hurricanes in Texas and Florida.

Coral Springs, Fla. police officers and firefighters use a SWAT vehicle to take a mom and newborn baby to the hospital. Photo: Coral Springs PD/Facebook

"All that equipment came into play," says Chief Art Acevedo of the Houston (TX) Police Department. "So I'm glad that our military surplus high-water rescue vehicles, our MRAPs, our Hummers [Humvees] all were leveraged by this police department. We just saved thousands of lives here in Houston." Officers used the vehicles to navigate flooded highways and reach neighborhoods for rescues that other vehicles could not.

Even in areas that weren't under water, normal cars and trucks had difficulty getting through areas where fallen trees and debris from damaged homes and other buildings created obstacles. SWAT vehicles allowed officers and other emergency responders to get to stranded families in need of help. For example, when a Coral Springs, FL, woman went into labor during Hurricane Irma, her family called 911. Police and fire crews drove an armored vehicle through the city to reach them. The Coral Springs police officers and firefighters then used the vehicle to take the mother and baby to the hospital to be evaluated.

Construction vehicles can also be useful to help clear roads of dirt and debris and to remove items off of and around damaged homes. "If you have the luxury of front-end loaders, if you have members that know how to operate these vehicles, plan for their use," suggests Chief Donie Lee of the Key West Police Department. "If possible, stage them at the station in case it's needed."
Margo Alice Forrest never married. She never had children. She lived alone in her mother's house in Afton, MN, and kept to herself. But Forrest always knew that if she needed help, she could call on deputies from the Washington County (MN) Sheriff's Office.

Forrest, who died in June 2008 at age 69, remembered those deputies' good deeds in her will, giving half of the money in her estate  $101,191  to the sheriff's office. She said it was to be used for the benefit of the officers who patrol Afton, reports the Pioneer Press.

The Washington County Board recently approved using the bequest to build a sheriff's substation east of Afton City Hall. It will include a garage and office.

The county will give the city $100,000 to use the substation for 20 years, and the city will provide any money necessary to complete the project, said Mayor Richard Bend.

Bend said he did not know Forrest but was thankful for her gift.

"We are extremely appreciative for her generosity to Afton," Bend said. "And we're grateful for the sheriff's deputies and the (Lower St. Croix Valley) fire department for taking such great care of our elderly residents."
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Its been apparent for quite some time that the Bush family is no fan of Donald Trump, but a new report underscores just how deep their disgust for the new president is.

According to an eye-opening story in The New York Times, the two former Republican presidents think that Trump is a blowhard who is destroying the GOP. Both men also suggested Trump doesnt have a clue what it means to be the leader of the free world.

I dont like him, George H.W. Bush said, according to a new book to be released this month. I dont know much about him, but I know hes a blowhard. And Im not too excited about him being a leader.

George W. Bush echoed his fathers sentiments in the book, saying: Wow, this guy doesnt know what it means to be president.

Both Bushes also confirmed that they did not cast their ballot for Trump in the 2016 election, with the elder Bush even confirming that he voted for Hillary Clinton.

More from the report:

Indeed, at one point during the 2016 presidential campaign, the younger Mr. Bush confided to the author, Im worried that I will be the last Republican president.  At the time, I think he was concerned that Hillary Clinton would win, Mr. Updegrove, the author of several books on the presidency, said in an interview. But if you look at his values and those shared by his father and Ronald Reagan, they are very much in contrast to the values of the Republican Party today, in particular the platform that Donald Trump ran on, which is essentially protectionism and a certain xenophobia. In discussing Mr. Trump, the elder president was blunter. I dont like him, Mr. Bush said in May 2016. I dont know much about him, but I know hes a blowhard. And Im not too excited about him being a leader. Rather than being motivated by public service, Mr. Bush said Mr. Trump seemed to be driven by a certain ego. The younger Mr. Bush was more circumspect, but also clearly disapproving. The Bushes felt stung by Mr. Trumps ground-burning attacks that helped destroy the campaign of Jeb Bush, the son and brother of the presidents. You can either exploit the anger, incite it, George W. Bush told Mr. Updegrove, or you can come up with ideas to deal with it. Jeb, he said, came up with solutions, but it didnt fit with the mood.

There are two reasons the criticism from the former Bushes is stunning: 1. These are two Republican presidents attacking a Republican commander-in-chief  thats essentially unheard of, at least in the pre-Trump era; and 2. Both men rarely, if at all, criticized former President Barack Obama, a Democrat, during his two terms in office.

George W. Bush, in particular, was emphatic in his belief during Obamas tenure that criticizing the 44th president would hurt the presidency and be bad for the country, so he basically refused to do it. I suppose it helped that Obama actually had a clue what he was doing.

The direct attacks on Trump today by both Bushes suggest that they believe staying silent while the 45th president continues to show himself as a clear and president danger to the United States is more damaging than speaking out.
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After Hillary Clintons health scare at a Sept. 11 commemoration during last years campaign, former DNC chair Donna Brazile said she briefly considered replacing the Clinton-Kaine ticket with former Vice President Joe Biden and New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, respectively.

According to a new Washington Post report, Brazile seriously contemplated the idea after video footage of Clinton nearly collapsing was plastered across the internet and cable news with less than two months to go before Election Day.

More from the report:

In an explosive new memoir, Brazile details widespread dysfunction and dissension throughout the Democratic Party, including secret deliberations over using her powers as interim DNC chair to initiate the removal of Clinton and running mate Sen. Tim Kaine (Va.) from the ticket after Clintons Sept. 11, 2016, collapse in New York City. Brazile writes that she considered a dozen combinations to replace the nominees and settled on Biden and Sen. Cory Booker (N.J.), the duo she felt most certain would win over enough working-class voters to defeat Republican Donald Trump. But then, she writes, I thought of Hillary, and all the women in the country who were so proud of and excited about her. I could not do this to them.

The new revelation may seem like a bombshell, but the idea reportedly didnt gain traction anywhere other than Braziles head. If it had, it likely would have been leaked during the campaign and could have instantly destroyed the Clinton campaign.

Instead, Clinton quickly revealed that she had been diagnosed with pneumonia and was trying to work through it, which turned out to be a bad idea, and the campaign went on as usual.

It should also be noted that the head of the DNC does not have unilateral authority to remove and replace a party nominee.

Brazile has been making a lot of news in recent days as she promotes her new memoir, but many of her revelations appear to be overblown, like the recent one in which she claims the Democratic primary was rigged in favor of Clinton and against Bernie Sanders.

However, a new memo published by NBC News revealed that the so-called agreement between Clinton and the DNC applied only to the general election campaign, not the primary.

The latest news that Brazile briefly considered nixing the Clinton-Kaine ticket is likely the same type of overhyped gossip being floated as a way to make headlines and drive up book sales.

But, hey, a Biden-Booker ticket may not be such a bad idea in 2020.
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By Karen Freifeld

(Reuters)  When the lawyer for the former campaign manager of President Donald Trump attacked the money laundering charge brought against his client as flimsy, some legal experts say he may have pinpointed a potential weakness in the indictment by U.S. special counsel Robert Mueller.

Paul Manafort and his associate Rick Gates both pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges that they failed to disclose they were lobbying for pro-Russia former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich between 2006 and 2015 and laundered tens of millions of dollars by funneling the money through dozens of companies, partnerships and bank accounts.

In a court filing on Thursday, Manafort defense lawyer Kevin Downing said the money laundering count, the most serious facing his client with a 20-year maximum sentence, was based on a tenuous legal theory tying it to his failure to register as a foreign agent of the former Ukrainian leader.

Downing did not respond to a request for comment. Mueller spokesman Peter Carr declined to comment.

The language of the filing and defiant statements Downing made outside the courthouse following Manaforts arraignment on Monday suggest the lawyer is planning an aggressive defense of the charges, the first to be made public from Muellers probe into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

The Kremlin has denied meddling and Trump has said there was no collusion. Neither Trump nor his campaign was mentioned in the indictments issued on Monday.

Downing will also be seeking to suppress evidence he said was improperly obtained by search warrant, according to an additional filing on Friday. Manaforts Virginia home was raided by Federal Bureau of Investigation agents over the summer.

The money laundering statute targets financial transactions involving the proceeds of specified unlawful activity. According to the Manafort indictment, the unlawful activity was his violation of the U.S. Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA).

Though the money laundering statute includes FARA violations, Seattle tax lawyer John Colvin said the charge against Manafort was not as straightforward as most other cases.

It doesnt fit the normal paradigm of money-laundering cases involving criminal activity like drug trafficking, Colvin said. It seems like a stretch to me.

FEW FARA PROSECUTIONS

Downing said in his Thursday filing that only six prosecutions have been brought for violating FARA in the last 50 years, producing only one conviction.

By pointing out the lack of previous FARA prosecutions, former federal prosecutor Mark Lee, now a white-collar defense lawyer in Philadelphia, said Downing was likely trying to suggest Manafort may not even have known he was violating the law. The section cited by Mueller requires the FARA violation to be knowing and willful.

Successfully casting doubt on whether Manafort intentionally violated FARA could knock out the money laundering charge, Lee said.

If you dont have a (specific unlawful activity), you cant by definition have a laundering, said Lee.

Former federal prosecutor Michael Padula, now a Miami defense lawyer, said parts of the money laundering statute also require funds to promote an ongoing criminal enterprise. That may be hard to show in the Manafort case, where the proceeds went to purchase real estate, expensive suits and Range Rovers for the conspirators personal use.

But other lawyers said they doubted defense arguments regarding FARA would gain much traction.

The idea that somebody of Mr. Manaforts background and sophistication would not understand that, if he did what he is alleged to have done, he would be required to file as an agent of a foreign government, is, I think, laughable, said Chicago lawyer and former federal prosecutor Patrick Cotter.

Several lawyers noted that, even without the money laundering counts, Mueller had strong charges based on the failure of Manafort and Gates to report their overseas accounts to the Internal Revenue Service and that the entirety of the case appeared to be backed by strong documentary evidence. They also pointed out that Mueller could add more charges at a later date.

Its an argument, not a get out of jail free card, said Padula of Downings money laundering defense. Hes still got a tough road ahead of him.

(Reporting by Karen Freifeld; Editing by Anthony Lin and Mary Milliken)
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If special counsel Robert Mueller investigates some of Donald Trumps past business dealings, the presidents legal team plans to go after Mueller.

According to a report published Saturday by Politico, Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow said that he will challenge Mueller if he looks into any old financial dealings or real estate deals connected to the president.

More from the report:

Trump himself told the New York Times in July that he would consider it a violation if Muellers investigators looked into his personal finances. And the presidents personal attorney, Jay Sekulow, told POLITICO on Thursday he is primed to lodge formal objections with either Mueller or Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein if the Russia investigation took a wide or unexpected detour into issues like an old Trump real-estate deal. Wed view that as outside the scope of legitimate inquiry, Sekulow said. Wed raise it.

The report follows comments Trump made in an interview this week when asked if he could consider firing Mueller.

Video:

Is President Trump considering firing Mueller? Sunday on Full Measure, Sharyl asks that & more during her interview with President Trump. pic.twitter.com/QDJv5d8Lw3  Full Measure News (@FullMeasureNews) November 3, 2017

In the interview, Trump didnt commit to not firing Mueller, but he did say this: Well, I hope hes treating everything fairly, and if he is, Im gonna be very happy. Because when you talk about innocent, I am truly not involved in any form of collusion with Russia, believe me. Thats the last thing I can think of to be involved in.

Its important to note that unfair treatment, according to Trump, is when anybody digs up dirt on him that he doesnt want the world to know about. In other words, Trump is essentially pledging to boot anybody who decides to run a thorough investigation into his financial dealings and his ties to Russia.

Given how important this investigation is for the future of American democracy, thats a troubling position for the President of the United to take.

If this White House does decide to challenge Mueller or even force him out, it wont be because of unfair treatment toward Trump  itll be because Mueller is being too thorough.

Not only would that destroy an investigation the American people deserve, but it would lead to a constitutional crisis.
WASHINGTON  The Trump administration has quietly set aside plans to require new cars to be able to wirelessly talk to each other, auto industry officials said, jeopardizing one of the most promising technologies for preventing traffic deaths.

The Obama administration proposed last December that all new cars and light trucks come equipped with technology known as vehicle-to-vehicle communications, or V2V. It would enable vehicles to transmit their location, speed, direction and other information 10 times per second. That lets cars detect, for example, when another vehicle is about to run a red light or coming around a blind turn in time to prevent a crash.

The administration has decided not to pursue a final V2V mandate, said two auto industry officials who have spoken with White House and Transportation Department officials and two others whose organizations have spoken to the administration. The industry officials spoke on condition of anonymity so as not to jeopardize their relations with the administration.

The White House declined to comment, but the proposal has been dropped from the White House Office of Management and Budget's list of regulations actively under consideration and instead has been relegated to its long-term agenda.

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao's office forwarded a statement from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration which said the agency is still reviewing more than 460 comments on the proposed mandate before deciding its next step and that no final decision has been made. Industry officials said decisions on the matter are being made at higher levels of the administration.

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Administration officials indicated their decision was based on several factors, including general wariness of imposing costly mandates on industry, even though most automakers support requiring V2V, industry officials said. President Donald Trump has made reducing government regulations, which he sees as a drain on the economy, a guiding principle of his administration.

The Transportation Department estimates the technology has the potential to prevent or reduce the severity of up to 80 percent of collisions that don't involve alcohol or drugs. V2V was also expected to provide an extra layer of safety for self-driving cars since it can detect even vehicles hidden by buildings or beyond the range of the sensors and cameras of autonomous vehicles. And it was expected to ease traffic congestion since vehicles could communicate with traffic signals, turning them green to prevent needless waiting, save fuel and reduce emissions.

V2V is one of the "most important tools" for reducing traffic fatalities, but the Trump administration "is locking it in the trunk if they're not going to put out the mandate," said Deborah Hersman, president of the National Safety Council, a congressionally chartered advocacy group. "The only way you're going to get it adopted and deployed in a widespread manner is by having a mandate."

The Obama administration shares some of the blame because it waited years to propose the mandate, she said.

Traffic fatalities have surged over the past two years to 37,461 deaths in 2016, up nearly 5,000 deaths from 2014. It's the largest two-year increase since the early 1960s.

Another reason administration officials are allowing the V2V proposal to languish is strong opposition from the cable and tech industries, auto industry officials said.

The government set aside the 5.9 GHz spectrum band for transportation technologies in 1999. It went unused while the government and automakers spent over a decade and more than $1 billion developing and testing V2V.

Spectrum is finite and in short supply. Cable and tech companies have been seeking permission to use the 5.9 GHz spectrum for additional wireless bandwidth. Automakers say they need the entire 5.9 GHz spectrum for V2V and other safety uses.

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The Federal Communications Commission has been conducting tests to see if the spectrum can be shared without interfering with the safety signals. The first test results are expected to be released soon.

Automakers wanted the mandate partly because it would establish V2V protocols to ensure that Fords could talk to Toyotas which could talk to Volkswagens, and so on.

The mandate was also intended to get the technology onto roads faster. It called for half of new vehicles to have V2V within two years after a final rule was issued, and all new vehicles within four years. The more vehicles equipped with V2V, the more collisions that could be avoided. It would still take many years before there were enough vehicles with V2V to reap the technology's full promise. That might be accelerated by after-market devices that would bring V2V to older vehicles.

Automakers can put V2V in vehicles without a mandate. General Motors has put the technology in its Cadillac CTS sedans. Toyota has put V2V in vehicles in Japan and Volkswagen plans to put it in cars in Europe starting in 2019. But it will be more difficult for automakers to protect the 5.9 GHz spectrum and deployment will be far slower without a mandate, industry officials said.

Some European manufacturers say they want V2V, but it might be better to wait super-fast 5G cellular technology to achieve it instead of currently available technology. But 5G is still being developed. Years of testing would be required after it's ready before it could go into cars.

"The longer we wait, the more people die," said Kirk Steudle, director of the Michigan Department of Transportation. "We need to move forward with it."
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Do escalating tensions with North Korea have you scared of a nuclear apocalypse?

If you're a resident of the Kansas City metro area, you have less to worry about: The city has the best shot at survival out of the 200 largest metro areas in the country, according to Realtor.com .

The site analyzed home and property attributes in the cities to determine which was most conducive to enduring nuclear fallout.

If Kim Jong Un or another nuclear-minded world leader ever launched an attack, Kansas City would be the best place to survive because collectively the city has the highest percentage of:

 Home listings with a lake or pond (for drinking water).

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 Listings with a safe room.

 Listings with a bunker or fallout shelter.

 Listings with solar panels in case the electrical grid goes dark.

 Percentage of health care workers.

Other factors included: population density, state gun score and presence of active military, federal government employees or manufacturing workers, which Realtor.com deemed likely targets of a nuclear attack.

"There is no safe place. There are only safer places," Robert Vicino, CEO and founder of the Vivos Group, which sells bunkers, told Realtor.com.

According to the story, KC's metro "has one of the highest rates of housing listings with bunkers or fallout shelters. It also has more than its fair share of homes with basements, as well as those made out of brick  a structure that is better prepared for a nuclear blast."

If zombies ever come to town, though, get out quickly. Kansas City didn't make the site's list of 10 best cities to survive a real-world "Walking Dead" scenario.
Q: I have a 2013 Hyundai Genesis coupe with rear-wheel drive. I would like to install two snow tires at the rear to help with fishtailing. The tire dealer said I would need four snow tires. Can I get by with only two rear snow tires?  A.V., Chicago

A: Today's winter tires are better at providing ice and snow traction than ever before, states Tire Rack, which tests and sells many brands of tires. The company reports that "7 out of 10 vehicle manufacturers recommend four winter tires be used on rear-wheel, front-wheel or four-wheel-drive vehicles. This is because if you use two dissimilar types of tires on your vehicle, you'll have a vehicle that has a 'split personality.' One end of the vehicle won't react and perform the same as the other. Especially in emergency situations, you'll find that your vehicle will probably understeer in one condition and oversteer in another. It is preferable to keep your vehicle's handling as consistent as possible by matching all four tires."

Q: I have a new Chevy Traverse, but washing the inside front window is quite a challenge. Any suggestions?  J.B., Joliet, Ill.

A: Not only windshields, but rear windows can be a challenge. For years, we have used a Stoner cleaning tool. It's like a miniature Swiffer with a two-foot handle and hinged wiping pad shaped like the ace of spades. There are other brands and tools in auto parts and other stores We suggest a two-step process of cleaning with automotive glass cleaner followed by polishing with a clean, soft microfiber cloth.

Q: My 2013 Miata has come down with several cases of the dashboard rattle.

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What sounded like a loose bolt rolling back and forth behind the dashboard turned out to be a loose bolt that had become unattached from the left sun visor. When I lowered the visor, the bolt fell into my lap. An easy fix.

The next loose bolt, which I was certain was behind the dash, dropped down from the right sun visor. Another easy fix.

Last week, however, another loose bolt, but no easy fix. It cost $127 at my dealer to learn that yet another bolt had come loose, this time from the roof latch at the window frame. When the mechanic removed the covering along the windshield frame, the bolt fell into his lap. Was $127 for 20 minutes of work a fair price?  A.G., South Milwaukee, Wis.

A: If the shop's labor charge is $381 per hour, it is a fair price. Yet there is intrinsic value in the mechanic's knowledge.

This reminds us of the story of the day an IT technician was asked if he could help identify the problem with a desktop computer. The tech walked up to the unit and tapped the case on the side and it sprang back to life. The owner was thrilled, and told him to send an invoice. The bill arrived, for $100. The owner asked for a breakdown. The tech sent another invoice, indicating a $1 charge for whacking the machine, and $99 for knowing where to whack it.
Minnesotans have dodged the REAL ID law for at least another year, as the federal Homeland Security Administration has approved a nearly year-long extension before state travelers are required to produce enhanced security documents to pass through airports, military facilities and federal buildings.

The exemption moves the effective compliance date of the federal law from Jan. 1, 2018, to Oct. 18, 2018.

The idea of implementing the REAL ID standard in Minnesota has been a point of contention at the State Legislature, which after several sessions of bickering passed a bill earlier this year to put Minnesota on track to come into compliance with the 2005 federal law, which requires secure identification to pass through a host of federal facilities, and most particularly airports such as Minneapolis-St. Paul International and Rochester International for domestic airline travel.

The law requires states to meet a minimum security standard for driver's licenses or ID cards and Minnesota expects to meet the new regulations to issue new REAL ID driver's licenses by next October  hence the extension compliance date until then.

More importantly, the extension means that air travelers can continue to use existing driver's licenses for ID to board their flight until then. Only domestic flights are involved, since passports remain the basic compliant ID for overseas flights.

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Hurricane impact

Travel news services report that contrary to what you might think, the hurricanes in September had little impact on the vast majority of the Caribbean  a far-reaching region covering more than a million square miles.

In fact, as of last week, of the nearly 100 ports in the Caribbean, about 90 percent of them were open and fully operational and welcoming thousands of cruise ship passengers every day.

To help make sure consumers are aware that the Caribbean is open for business, the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association has launched a campaign and website, CaribbeanIsOpen.com , to provide the latest updates.

We're scheduled for a Caribbean cruise in a few weeks, starting and ending in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and there has been little impact on the schedule.

Cruises have a huge impact on the Caribbean. It's reported that cruising generated $2.4 billion in direct economic impact for the area and created nearly 55,000 jobs during the 2014-15 cruise season.
Dear Dr. Roach: I've been going to chiropractors for 30 years. They help me when I have a pinched nerve, but they always want me to keep coming back. How do I know whether that exacerbates the problem? It seems to me that it may loosen things up so I have to keep coming back.

-- S.B.

A: Chiropractic spinal manipulation is considered a generally safe treatment for lower-back pain, and it is associated with some benefits in pain and function.

There remains controversy about rapid manipulation of the cervical spine in the neck, with rare reports of stroke following this procedure. It is not clear whether the apparent risk of stroke is due to the manipulation, or whether people with symptoms of a dissection happen to see a chiropractor, making an apparent connection when there is none. I am conservative and recommend against rapid neck manipulation, which is a plausible cause of damage to the arteries in the neck.

I do not believe that the manipulation of the lower spine for treatment of back pain causes problems that would require further treatment. I believe that chiropractors, like traditional medical doctors, truly want to help their patients, and offer follow-up appointments when they think they can be helpful. However, like any therapy, I would recommend against it if it isn't clearly helping.

Bruising

Dear Dr. Roach: Please tell me why I bruise at the slightest pressure? I've been on gamma globulin for CVID for seven years. Is there any correlation?

-- M.M.S.

A: CVID, common variable immunodeficiency, is an inherited disease of the immune system that I discussed in a column earlier this week. People with CVID are more likely to get certain infections, such as sinus infections, pneumonia and bacterial gastrointestinal infections. People with CVID have lower amounts of antibodies, also called immune globulins, so a common treatment for CVID is to boost immune globulins by injection, especially intravenous immunoglobulins. These are obtained from blood and plasma donors, and provide some protection against infection. CVID should be considered in people with recurrent infections. People with CVID have low blood levels of immunoglobulins, especially IgG, also called gamma globulin. People with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes seem to have a high risk of CVID.

Bruising is not a common side effect with intravenous immunoglobulin, IVIG. The package insert says that it happens less than 4 percent of the time; however, I found many people in online forums noting this effect. Easy bruising can be a sign of platelet conditions, so it may be worthwhile to get that checked by your doctor.

Ventricular hypertrophy

Dear Dr. Roach: I have high blood pressure, for which I currently take 10 mg of lisinopril. I had a transthoracic echocardiogram done, and "mild concentric left ventricular hypertrophy" was listed on the results. What does that mean?

-- D.K.

A: The left ventricle is the chamber of the heart that squeezes blood to the body (rather than to the lungs, which the right ventricle does). "Hypertrophy" means that the muscle of the ventricle is thicker than normal. "Concentric hypertrophy" means the thickening is symmetric, and that is most commonly seen in people with high blood pressure, especially if it wasn't caught early or was not treated well for some period of time.

Lisinopril is generally a good treatment for most people with concentric LVH, but some people need additional treatment. Many physicians, including myself, try to get the blood pressure down into the 120/80 range in people with LVH, as long as they can tolerate the medication.
AUSTIN  For students who want to go to a four-year college or university in fall 2018, there's another pathway to get financial support, and it's available now.

Wallin Education Partners and Austin Public Schools announced its partnership in starting a scholarship program for students graduating from the school district from low- or middle-income families. The scholarship partnership launches this month.

This is the first time in its 25 years that Wallin Education Partners expanded its comprehensive college completion program outside of the Twin Cities.

"We are excited to be working with a new high school and community partners to collaborate in efforts to make college success possible for the many wonderful students in Austin," said Susan Basil King, Wallin Education Partners executive director.

Students entering college in fall 2018 are eligible for the scholarships. Six multiyear scholarships will be available for students. Each scholarship is $16,000  or $4,000 per year for four years of school.

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The scholarship program was made possible because of a grant from Jeff and LeeAnn Ettinger, who have been active members of the Austin business and civic community for many years. Wallings Education Partners worked closely with superintendent David Krenz and Austin High School Principal Andrea Malo in establishing the program.

"Austin Public Schools is grateful to Jeff and LeeAnn, both for their generosity and for taking the initiative to help create this partnership with Wallin Education Partners," Krenz said. "It is truly an honor to work together to provide future opportunities for our students."

To participate, students must attend a four-year college in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota or Wisconsin or one of the historically black colleges and universities throughout the United States, according to Wallin Education Partners. The scholarship includes financial aid paid to the college chosen by the student, as well as comprehensive advising and support services throughout school.

Wallins Education Partners reported this approach proved to be effective with more than 90 percent of students completing their undergraduate degree within six years. The Ettingers committed support for the program for the next five years, said Melissa Burwell, deputy director of Wallins Education Partners.

"We hope that others might be interested in joining them to support even more students from Austin over the next five years," she added.
BYRON  Tom Ryan sits in his natural habitat.

He is relaxed on the bench of the observation platform overlooking the deer enclosure of Oxbow Park, where he began working as a summer intern in 1979 and rose to become the head of the park. In those years, Ryan served as a giant presence for parks and helped Oxbow's dramatic expansion.

Ryan is dressed in a ragged old coat, like the one he wore when he first began. He prefers that "a thousand times over" to the suit he wore as superintendent of Olmsted County Parks for 10 years. He retired last spring.

"I can't throw away old field clothes, or crusty boots," he says. "The more patched, torn and sour, the better." His wife, Mary Ann, is no fan of those clothes, he says.

He stops chatting when six students from a Red Wing elementary school dash up. Ryan listens.

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A girl with a name tag reading "Alyssa" and "white tailed deer" tells fellow students that bucks grow antlers in April and May and deer don't eat meat. It is her job to research deer and report to fellow students, she says.

"You did a good job, thanks for coming all the way from Red Wing," Ryan says.

The six run to another exhibit.

"I missed that sound when I moved to town (to become head of parks), children interested, excited and happy," he says. "Listen to that din, that's what this place has always been, kids having fun, curious."

Back to his roots

Ryan gets back to his story. He is 57 and has worked for parks or natural resources for about four decades; now he's a volunteer at the park, returning to his roots.

He says he met, was influenced by and worked with some of the top people in natural resources over those years, among them Harry Buck, the first naturalist at Quarry Hill Nature Center, and Dr. Paul Zollman who spent countless hours at Oxbow's zoo caring for animals. Ryan also lists many of the bosses he's had on the county level.

"It's just overwhelming," Ryan says. "My sense of gratitude for all the people I have had experiences with in my career makes me want to weep, tear up." He does a little.

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Don't forget all the volunteers, he adds and begins to list them. It goes into double digits before he gives up. "I can see all the great things that happened in this park," Ryan says. Without them, Oxbow would be "quaint little picnic tables with a critter or two."

As a volunteer, it's now his job to feed the bison, deer and elk.

He calls back to double check what the bison are to be fed. "I want to get good information because I'm not the boss any more," he says.

He scoops feed into several pans and tosses two bales of hay over the fence. "These guys were my life and still are," he says. He recalls facts he told visitors when he was naturalist: bulls can weigh 2,000 pounds, "and they can run faster and farther than a horse."

Parks help healing

As he walks to the deer enclosure, he talks about what makes him tick.

He is a big man, and people are drawn to him by his Irish wit, large laugh, memory of names, countless stories and boundless energy. Deep down, however, he's an introvert, he says. His line of work and passion for people bring out that outgoing charm. When he's done for the day or needs to recharge his batteries, it's off to the woods or water.

After feeding the deer and elk, he walks to the deer viewing platform, the one dedicated to his son, Brenndan who died in 1998 of complications of diabetes; he was 16. After he lost his son, he loved being alone in the park on cold weekends with no one around. "Spiritually, this is where he was with me," he says.

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Ryan says he's not alone in having parks help in healing. He's seen parks help many others suffering grief such as his, battling alcohol or drugs, or dealing with divorce.

Karlin Ziegler, who succeeded Ryan as head of Oxbow and also department superintendent, perhaps best summed up Ryan when she said what sets him apart is the "passion he had for the parks, it's really what drove him, people saw that."

A career outside

Ryan grew up on North Broadway in Rochester and walked to St. John's Elementary School. That "was kind of a solitude thing," he says. "That's where I learned to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors."

He was no angel  he liked throwing snowballs at cars and running. "I was extremely talented at that," he says.

The outdoors, however, were his earliest lesson. He says he wanted an outdoor career from the start.

In high school, he wanted to work summers at Oxbow. He says he called Parks Superintendent Dave Dunn daily. Finally, Dunn called him. "He said, 'Kid, if I give you a summer job, will you quit calling me?'" Ryan says. "He said, 'Show up Monday morning.'"

When attending Lourdes High School, Ryan also got a lesson from Buck at Quarry Hill who told Ryan to take a speech class. "Natural resource jobs are people jobs" Buck told Ryan. "I never forgot that," Ryan says.

'Hard, hard business'

Ryan worked his way up to being head of the park and the Zollman Zoo. When Jim Foote retired as superintendent of parks, Ryan applied. He wasn't seeking more power, he says, but feared the county would hire someone who would turn the parks upside down. Ryan got the job  and an education.

"It's a hard, hard business when you get to that level," he says. In the park, people asked what they could do for the park; as superintendent, people wanted to know what the parks could do for them.

In his job, "the hardest thing for me was to sit back," he says. "I'm an Irishman  I want to attack back. Turning the other cheek has never been my strong suit." But it was part of his job.

Finally, he and his wife, Mary Ann, decided to retire while they were still strong. They had gone through some hard times: the loss of Brenndan; their daughter, Colleen, being injured in a serious car crash; worrying as their son Michael served with the military in Afghanistan; and his own cancer.

As he talks, he's again interrupted  "I hear a white-throated sparrow," he says. That's a natural thing for him to do, listen, observe, teach.

Back to talking about his life, he and Mary Ann spent time at the North Shore, went to a Van Morrison concert in Nashville and toured Glacier and Yellowstone national parks; he went to blacksmithing school. He's also chairman of the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission , which advises the Minnesota Legislature on how to spend about $40 million a year in Legacy funds for urban and rural parks and trails.

Now, the sun is getting warmer and it's time for Ryan to head back to his volunteer work, but he adds something: he has "a heart full of gratitude" for being part of the parks.

"What better life of public service could I have had? None."
ONAMIA  Ice anglers on Mille Lacs Lake would be able to keep one walleye a day under winter regulations proposed by the Department of Natural Resources.

DNR officials outlined the proposed rules Thursday night at a meeting of the Mille Lacs Fisheries Advisory Committee at Izaty's Resort near Onamia.

DNR fisheries chief Don Pereira said anglers would be able to keep one walleye 20-22 inches long, or one walleye longer than 26 inches.

"It's not thinning the herd to get rid of the bigger fish," Pereira said. "It's providing more harvest opportunity on a part of the population that's providing little benefit for future spawning."

Pereira asked whether the committee would support a cap on the amount of walleye that could be harvested this winter, and possibly allowing the larger walleye over 26 inches to not count against the state's total allocation of walleye. That would require the agreement of the Ojibwe bands that cooperatively manage the lake's fishery.

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The DNR has tightened fishing regulations on Mille Lacs in recent years in an effort to boost the lake's declining walleye population. Walleye fishing was catch-and-release all last summer, and was off-limits entirely for four weeks.

The restrictions have been controversial with local business owners, who depend on walleye anglers to support their resorts, guide services, restaurants and bait shops.

Members of the advisory committee, largely made up of local business owners and anglers, were generally supportive of the DNR's proposed regulations.

Most said they don't want to see a harvest cap this winter, and they don't want to see the lake closed for walleye fishing like it was last summer.

"I really just want to see this lake open," said Tony Roach, a committee member and professional guide. "I think it's really healthy. I was out there all summer, and the fishing was great and people were coming. I just want to see it open."

DNR officials said preliminary results from the fall survey of the lake were mixed, with no major surprises. The assessment estimates the lake's fish population using electrofishing, gill netting and other methods of analysis.

The lake's spawning stock appears to have increased, largely because most walleye in the strong 2013 year class have reached maturity. The condition of smaller and midsized fish is improving.

However, the abundance of older fish declined. While very young forage fish that walleye eat, such as perch and cisco, have increased, larger forage fish and shiner numbers are still low.

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DNR officials say Mille Lacs regulations likely will be finalized within the next few weeks after further discussion with the bands.
The Muslim Brotherhood founded the Muslim American Society in 1993. In 2003 the Muslim American Society of Minnesota was incorporated as an affiliate of Muslim American Society. The MAS-MN puts it this way: [A] number of activists of the Islamic movement launched the [MAS] in 1992 [sic] to complement the work that has been accomplished in the last four decades and to lay the ground for the Islamic work needed to face the challenges of the next century.

The Investigative Project on Terrorism has posted a useful account of the MAS here. The MAS-MNs use of the term activists in its canned history is illustrative of the MAS approach to public relations for an American audience.

As Andrew McCarthy explains in his invaluable 2010 book, the MAS is engaged in The Grand Jihad. Looking into the MAS here for the Weekly Standard, Daveed Gartenstein-Ross found that MASexcept in its most public of statementsis quite open about its agenda and allegiances. Its agenda is the Islamization of the United States and its allegiance is to the Muslim Brotherhood. In his 2005 Weekly Standard article Gartenstein-Ross specifically discussed the MAS-MN.

Minnesota of course has its own growing core of activists. The MAS-MN puts it this way: In Minnesota, Islamic activists began gathering in 2001 to lay the ground for the Islamic work needed to face the challenges of the next century. In 2003 the [MAS-MN] was incorporated as an affiliate of Muslim American Society.

Readers with a long memory may recall the now shuttered Islamic charter (i.e., public) school known as the Tarek ibn Ziyad Academy in suburban St. Paul. Based on the explosive reporting of then Star Tribune metro columnist Katherine Kersten, the Minnesota chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union brought a lawsuit against TiZA for operating a religious school with public funds.

TiZA had been founded by a pair of imams who doubled as top leaders of MAS-MN. One of them served as principal of the school and proved himself to be a voluble liar in conventional Western terms. See, for example, Greg Pratts excellent 2012 City Pages retrospective article The truth about TiZA. I cant find the officers of MAS-MN on its site but I think the former TiZA principal in fact serves as the MAS-MNs executive director.

I mention this because one of the candidates contending for the GOP gubernatorial nomination (Keith Downey) recently spoke to the MAS-MN. Indeed, he was the only GOP candidate to accept the groups invitation to appear at the candidates forum during MAS-MN recent Minneapolis convention. Downeys speech was quoted in the daily email newsletter on state politics written by Star Tribune reporter Patrick Coolican. The text of Downeys speech is posted in full on his campaign Facebook page and in the Note below. Coolican quoted Downey saying this:

So what can the Muslim American Society expect from me as your Governor? First, I do believe in you. That stems from my Christian faith and belief that each of us is created in the image of God  everyone in this room, everyone up here, everyone out there  and as such you are infinitely valuable, with creative potential, morally relevant, and accountable for your actions. That is the foundation of America. Its why Republicans and our first Republican President Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves and gave them the right to vote. It means that as Governor, I will treat you exactly the same as any other person in our state. Exactly the same. I will defend your freedoms: of religion, speech, and assembly. You will receive the exact same protections. And I will fight for you  and everyone else  every day, for your opportunity in life, here in Minnesota.

Coolican commented, Thats the carrot. There was plenty of stick, too, quoting this:

I will defund sanctuary cities and freeze refugee resettlement until an airtight vetting process is in place and we can establish a resettlement volume that Minnesota can afford and assimilate.Minnesotans generally dont know the Muslim communitys goals, and so our political discussion is hampered and inflamed. You can fix that by stepping forward to assure the people of Minnesota that the Muslim community embraces the American melting pot, that there is no interest to end our constitutional system and replace it with Sharia law, that the goal is to become American while maintaining Muslim communities ethnic and religious distinctiveness, and that like everyone else you simply want your chance at the American dream.

Coolican commented favorably on the two excerpts he quoted: All in all, its admirable, for whatever you think of his message. He will win few if any Muslim votes at the GOP convention or in a GOP primary or in a general election  and yet he goes to the event and states his principles, even when they clash with the crowds. We dont do much persuading in politics these days. Mostly, we just inflame our bases.

I had a different reaction. I wrote Coolican: Speaking as a core Republican voter, I would like to mention this. The Muslim American Society is an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood. That Keith Downey went to speak to them and said what he said tells me he is an idiot.

Coolican asked for my permission to quote my email in his newsletter the next day. I gave him my permission, but I would revise my comment to say that Downey was on a fools errand rather than that he is an idiot. It is nevertheless late in the day to have to make the necessary points.

Yesterday Downey called me to talk in a friendly spirit about what he was up to. He asked if I had read his speech in its entirety; I hadnt. I have done so now and I think Coolican fairly represented it. It is a speech expressing admirable sentiments in good faith, but it is apparent that the speaker doesnt understand whom he is talking to. That was my point.

Downey told me that the MAS-MN has disavowed the Muslim Brotherhood. I cant find the disavowal on its site. Maybe its there, I just cant find it in a quick look around. I told Downey that the disavowal doesnt impress me. One can see it in the well-known 2004 Chicago Tribune article on the Muslim Brotherhood in the United States. It is a familiar part of the MAS public relations package.

Downey told me he received a chilly reception from the MAS-MN but that he viewed the group as a local organization whose members he would serve as constituents if he were governor. He distinguished MAS-MN from CAIR (which also has a Minnesota chapter) in this respect. He said he would not speak to CAIR Minnesota if invited.

I dont have a favorite among the declared GOP candidates for governor. I have nothing against Keith Downey. I appreciated his call. I would support him if he were nominated. In Minnesota, however, we have a serious problem that is aggravated by the Star Tribune. It is, moreover, a difficult problem even for knowledgeable and worthy candidates to discuss in a candid fashion. I think Downey misfired in this case by treating MAS-MN as a sectarian interest group like any other rather than by taking a pass or calling it out.

NOTE: This is the text of Keith Downeys speech to the Muslim American Society of Minnesota:

Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today. Its a pleasure to be here. Im running for Governor for a crystal clear purposeto Make Minnesota Work for Everyone. I was born and raised in Minnesota, and our state provided great opportunities and a wonderful life. But so many people dont see their opportunity here anymore. Minnesota isnt working for everyone. And more and more we see a failure to thrive in Minnesota. Im running because we cant just live in the past. Were losing great people, farms, businesses, capital, and the vitality of our state. Government is coming at us, not from us. Liberal Democrat policies are destroying our inner cities schools, businesses, neighborhoods and families, and now theyre pushing their failed policies onto greater Minnesota. I believe in you. And I trust Minnesotans, not bigger government, for our future. We need results, not excuses in state government. Im running to make Minnesota work for everyone  to grow new and better jobs, fix the schools that are failing, reduce state government, and get back to what works. And Im asking you to join the cause! So what can the Muslim American Society expect from me as your Governor? First, I do believe in you. That stems from my Christian faith and belief that each of us is created in the image of God  everyone in this room, everyone up here, everyone out there  and as such you are infinitely valuable, with creative potential, morally relevant, and accountable for your actions. That is the foundation of America. Its why Republicans and our first Republican President Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves and gave them the right to vote. It means that as Governor, I will treat you exactly the same as any other person in our state. Exactly the same. I will defend your freedoms: of religion, speech, and assembly. You will receive the exact same protections. And I will fight for you  and everyone else  every day, for your opportunity in life, here in Minnesota. It also means that I will expect you  and everyone else  to live up to the same obligations to obey the laws, to live by our constitution, and to live peaceably in a pluralist society  E Pluribus Unum. As Governor, my first duty is to protect our citizens. So you can count on me to work with you to prevent recruitment and radicalization by Islamic terrorists, to defend the rule of law and support our police, and to protect your communities from the horrendous impact of a religiously motivated terrorist incident and from illegal practices like female genital mutilation that violate your faith. I will defund sanctuary cities and freeze refugee resettlement until an airtight vetting process is in place and we can establish a resettlement volume that Minnesota can afford and assimilate. While not easy, my commitments on these issues are ultimately for the good of your communities and our state, and I look forward to discussing them here today and ongoing. Let me leave you with this. You have an incredible opportunity right now as leaders of the Muslim community. Minnesotans generally dont know the Muslim communitys goals, and so our political discussion is hampered and inflamed. You can fix that by stepping forward to assure the people of Minnesota that the Muslim community embraces the American melting pot, that there is no interest to end our constitutional system and replace it with Sharia law, that the goal is to become American while maintaining Muslim communities ethnic and religious distinctiveness, and that like everyone else you simply want your chance at the American dream. Please, dont take the Democrats identity politics bait and reduce yourselves to just one more of their grievance groups, pitted against others. My commitment to you as Governor is that I will be there, believing in you and working with you. And together, we can truly Make Minnesota Work for Everyone, including our Muslim community. My sincerest hope is that youll join the cause! Thank you again for having me.

The text of the speech is posted here on Facebook.
President Trump and Senate Republicans are working hard to reduce the irresponsible leftism and general inanity of the federal judiciary. But what can be done about the irresponsible leftism and general inanity of the military justice system?

That leftism and inanity became apparent to me more than a decade ago when the JAGs, aided by Lindsey Graham (himself a military lawyer), applied their version of military justice to hamper our efforts to interrogate and combat terrorists. I wrote several posts about the matter including this one.

Theres a saying that military justice is to justice and military music is to music. It seemed to me that a generation of baby boomer military lawyers was seeking to improve this image in the eyes of Americas elites by granting rights to terrorists and constraining U.S. military operations against them.

The hubris of this enterprise was captured in the ludicrous claim of military lawyer Charles Swift (who represented Osama bin Ladens driver) that applying our system of military justice to people like his client makes us undefeatable ultimately. Sorry, Charlie. What comes the closest to making us undefeatable ultimately is relentless warfare against our enemies.

Swifts hubris paled in comparison to that of General Mark Martins, a highly decorated and celebrated Brigadier General in the United States Army JAG Corps. He declared that law embodies and summarizes human experience about right action in a particular context.

As I wrote:

Many experienced lawyers across a wide range of practice areas may find this statement naive. They may also wonder about the quality of a summary of human experience under which suspected terrorists can be killed without legal process by drone strikes but, if captured in the hope that they will provide valuable intelligence, cannot be slapped in the face.

Gen. Martins and his lawfare movement hurt our efforts to combat terrorism. Harvard professor Jack Goldsmith  admirer of Martins, defender of lawfare, and founder of a blog with that name  concluded that lawfare constraints have impeded our military operations and increased the number of U.S. casualties. They even enabled Mullah Omar, the leader of the Taliban, to escape after a lawyer dissuaded the military from striking a building because civilians were probably present.

Goldsmith explained: [S]urrounded by law and under the gaze of many potential retroactive critics, it is entirely rational for soldiers up and down the chain of command to hesitate before acting. Such hesitation is sometimes incompatible with waging effective warfare.

Contemporary military justice proved ill-suited to fighting terrorists. But one might still hope that its adequate to meting out justice to U.S. deserters in the fight against terrorists.

Todays decision that confessed deserter Bowe Bergdahl will serve no jail time shows otherwise. Bergdahl didnt just desert, he caused serious damage to America. The damage included missions to rescue him that resulted in grave wounds to several of our troops, plus a one-sided prisoner exchange that resulted in the release of five major terrorists.

Today, I heard one former Marine tell Fox News that, even counting the years Bergdahl spent in captivity, he will end up serving less time than soldiers caught selling drugs at their base. With results like that, comparing military justice to military music grossly insults the latter.

Any fair discussion of the Bergdahl case requires an acknowledgement of President Trumps reckless behavior. I wrote about it here.

Candidate Trump called Bergdahl a dirty rotten traitor. That shouldnt matter because Trump was a private citizen. President Trump irresponsibly stated: I think people have heard my comments in the past.

Does this comment justify a decision that allows Bergdahl to avoid jail time for his desertion? Maybe in the inane world of military justice. Not in a sane world.

Actually, we dont know whether the military judge who decided Bergdahl walk based his decision in whole or in part on Trumps statement. The judge did not provide his reasoning. This fact makes it even more difficult to take the decision, and the entire system, seriously.

Trump responded to the decision by calling it a disgrace. That, it is.

However, Bergdahls defense will use the statement to try and overturn Bergdahls dishonorable discharge. Rachel VanLandingham, a law professor and retired Air Force lawyer says Trump has exponentially increased Bergdahls chances of getting this whole case tossed on appeal.

I hope this doesnt happen. If it does, though  if Bowe Bergdahl is honorably discharged  military justice will be even more fully exposed as the disgrace Trump says it is.

UPDATE: Ralph Peters treats todays decision with the contempt it deserves.
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Dont look now, but Election Day 2018 is a year away  and an unprecedented amount of cash is already pouring into the race to become governor. The irony of such a thing in a cash-strapped state is not lost on us.

As reported in todays Herald & Review, the contest is anticipated to be one of the most costly statewide elections in American history. So far more than $100 million has been thrown in, the vast majority from the marquee big-money candidates GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner ($71 million) and Democrat J.B. Pritzker ($28 million).

The crowded spring primary field on the Democratic side includes Chris Kennedy, son of Sen. Robert Kennedy, and state Sen. Daniel Biss, of Evanston. Rauner recently found an opponent in state Rep. Jeanne Ives, of Wheaton.

None of them are even close to the funding levels of Rauner and Pritzker, who both fashion themselves as outsiders bent on returning Illinois to glory days. If history is any indication, those who win the money race stand a good chance of getting to Election Day, although thats not always the case.

Meg Whitman, former CEO of eBay, famously spent a whopping $150 million running as the GOP candidate for California governor in the wide-open 2010 contest but still lost to Jerry Brown. In the end, $280 million was spent between both of them, in the most expensive statewide contest ever.

Back home, Rauner is up against some major hurdles put in place since he last was on the ballot, including a surprising reversal in September in which he signed legislation to provide additional public funding for abortion.

This editorial board has said the governors focus on workers comp reforms, fixing pensions and reforming government are worthy of support. But his handling of the state budget crisis and, more recently, opposition to important legislation that would require agencies report outstanding bill totals to the Illinois comptroller have given us pause.

We strongly believe our best path forward is if Democrats and Republicans work together, although thats something of a pipedream considering the Springfield ecosystem.

For that reason, it might seem an outsider or more conservative candidate like Ives would stand a chance, especially as establishment Republicans across the country face increasing opposition. Whether donors and outside money coalesce around her remains to be seen. Either way, Ives will have a lot of ground to make up.

In the meantime, hefty war chests will undoubtedly be used to fund a blitzkrieg of TV ads in coming months. That momentum has already started, as evidenced by Rauners recently launched ad spots featuring the governors of Missouri, Indiana and Wisconsin thanking Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, and bitter Rauner foe, for helping send Illinois jobs to their states. The ads are clumsy (Cheeseheads love you, Madigan) but effective  and telegraph a likely plot line for the incumbent governor.

Not to be outdone, Pritzker, an heir to the Hyatt hotel chain, had ads airing a few weeks after announcing his campaign.

All of which leads to this Twilight Zone moment for Illinois  a contest between filthy rich candidates using their own money to run one of worst financially managed states in America.

The money chase will only ramp up in the next year. Consider that the 2014 governors contest was the most expensive in Illinois history. The total was $112 million, an amount were poised to pass  with a whole year to go before Election Day.
As the country takes steps to combat the national opioid epidemic, Atlantic City is joining a growing list of school districts adopting policies for administering the opioid overdose antidote naloxone.

Last month, the Atlantic City Board of Education considered the first reading of the policy that would put guidelines in place for the school district in administering the drug, commonly referred to by its brand name Narcan.

Similar policies are in effect at Millville, Mainland Regional High School, Egg Harbor Township School District and Ocean City School District.

As of 2017, New Jersey ranked eighth in the nation for drug overdose deaths for people ages 12 to 25, according to the nonprofit Trust for Americas Health, based in Washington, D.C. This ranking is based on deaths from 2013-2016, according to fatal injury data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It is important that we are prepared in case this life-threatening event occurs in one of our schools or on our school grounds, Egg Harbor Township Superintendent Kim Gruccio said.

Gruccio said the district adopted its policy to become compliant with New Jersey Department of Education recommendations. The state department said in May 2016 that naloxone should be included in district emergency response procedures.

Gruccio said she did not know of any specific incident at the district where a student would have needed naloxone, but statistics show there is a problem in the county.

Unfortunately, the opioid crisis is here in Atlantic County, and the Egg Harbor Township School Board has recognized that and has put policy in place, Gruccio said.

Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo has been pushing for legislation to mandate such policies for all high schools in the state. His bill and its Senate counterpart have made it through committees, but have not been approved by the full Legislature. Mazzeo said he hopes to have the bill passed in the lame-duck session.

Theres an epidemic out there of people dying from the opiate and heroin crisis and were trying to turn around the deaths, he said, adding that in 2015 there were 1,600 deaths in New Jersey due to overdose of opioids and heroin.

Data show that number has increased by about 300 in 2017.

This Narcan has been a miracle drug for saving lives when this happens, Mazzeo said. We have defibrillators and EpiPens in schools, so I just think that to help save a life we should mandate it in every high school in New Jersey.

Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner, who earlier this year announced all police officers in the county would be equipped with naloxone, said he supports school districts taking a role in the fight against opioids.

Tyner said the drug, which costs between $30 and $100, could be obtained by schools through grants or donations. He said the maker of Narcan, Adapt Pharma, has already made a pledge to provide the antidote nasal spray to high schools throughout the country.

Tyner said he spoke with Atlantic County superintendents at a meeting over the summer advocating their adoption of naloxone for all schools, not just high schools.

It could serve parents, it could serve employees sometimes, Tyner said. This wasnt a student-driven issue. Its become such a public health and safety concern, it should be considered like just one of those AEDs.

He said he also tried to defuse concerns from schools over the shame associated with addiction.

They think by acknowledging and addressing a problem that somehow their community is downgraded in a lot of respects and we cant have that type of attitude, Tyner said. This epidemic that were fighting, we have to do it collectively as a community.
Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan, now in Uzbekistan, paid a visit to the Armenian Apostolic St. Pilipos Church in Tashkent and met with community leaders.

Karapetyan presented basic policies his government has adopted and the need for greater participation of diaspora Armenians in the development of Armenia.

When I meet with foreign leaders, I always note that our compatriots living in their country are law abiding citizens, but they have never forgotten the historic homeland. I hope that you will maintain your ties to Armenia, said Karapetyan, addressing community members.
Richard Stocktons acts unclear, require research

The Oct. 15 letter concerning Richard Stockton raises an interesting point about this signer of the Declaration of Independence. The writer references a March 1777 letter from Lord Howe to suggest that Stockton did not sign the Howe brothers oath, and he claims that had he done so Stockton would have been charged by the Committee of Public Safety. The committee of scholars, students, administrators and community members engaged in the Stockton Exhibition Project is already examining this document.

Unfortunately, this document does not speak for itself. The minutes from the Committee of Public Safety meeting to which Stockton was summoned do not refer to the oath. We simply know that Stockton was forced to sign the Oath of Abjuration, along with others who signed the Howes oath. We also know that various contemporaneous references mention Stockton signing this oath, most notably a letter from John Witherspoon. Why would Witherspoon have written what he did, placing his friend in serious jeopardy, if Stockton had not signed it? Finally, if Stockton didnt sign the oath, why was he released so expeditiously with a full pardon? He was not freed as part of a prisoner exchange.

The writer believes the Howe letter proves that Stockton did not turn his coat. It does no such thing; it only raises more questions, and that is why it is important that Stockton University, of which I am dean of the School of General Studies, is undertaking this research so that we move beyond beliefs that have been passed down to us.

Robert Gregg

Atlantic City

Dont prejudge probe

Regarding the Oct. 13 commentary by Ed Rogers, Democrats desperate as Russia collusion case weakens:

There is really nothing in the article to support Rogers concept that this case has weakened. Recognizing that the Trump administration and his many attorneys are now cooperating with the investigation is not an indication of innocence or lack of evidence but finally a recognition of an FBI investigation that cannot be ignored.

We know very little about what Robert Mueller and his team have discovered. As it should be. But Muellers requests for grand juries are an indication of smoking guns. The FBI does not move to grand juries without solid purpose.

Therefore, I would cautiously wait before jumping to conclusions about the strengths or weaknesses in this case.

Victoria Druding

Egg Harbor Township

Ask, tell, show them now

When a meaningful person in ones life passes on, I think the three most missed things are: I cant ask them something, I cant tell them something, I cant show them something. My suggestion is, do all three now while the person is still with you so you wont feel the regret when they are gone.

Thomas Barrett

Brigantine
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Denmarks biggest bank, Danske Bank, is alleged to have actively and knowingly helped highly questionable clients to elude the scrutiny of authorities, Danish newspaper Berlingske revealed on Thursday.

Reporters at Berlingske obtained a letter sent in February 2014 by Danske Banks internal auditors to two members of the banks executive board. The letter reportedly states that the Estonian branch of the Danske Bank had acted in clear breach of money-laundering regulations.

According to the Danish newspaper, Lars Mrch, the head of business banking, and Robert Endersby, chief risk officer  who has now left the bank  were told that the Estonian branchs staff had failed to identify the true owners of a number of companies whose accounts were channeling large amounts of money.

The letter comes on the heels of the Azerbaijani Laundromat investigation by the Organized Crime and Reporting Project and media partners.

The journalists found that from 2012 to 2014, Azerbaijan ran a secret US$ 2.9 billion slush fund through four shell companies registered in the United Kingdom. The cash was used to pay off influential Europeans to burnish the image of Azerbaijans ruling regime.

Danske Banks Estonian branch had merely registered the accounts of all four companies as belonging to British shell companies, which the auditors considered inadequate documentation under the anti-money laundering regulations.

In relation to above, the Head of International Banking in the branch confirmed verbally (in the presence of all audit team) that the reason underlying beneficial owners are not identified is that it could cause problems for clients if Russian authorities request information, the auditors wrote, Berlingske reported.

Anti-money-laundering regulations in Europe require financial institutions to ascertain the identities of their clients, monitor their transactions and report any suspicious activity to authorities to prevent criminals from using banks to distribute and wash their illegal proceeds.

Hans Kristian Skibby, a spokesperson for the Danish Peoples Party, said the new information was highly surprising and told Berlingske, It appears the top management had more serious knowledge about these issues than what the bank has so far acknowledged in its statements to us.

The auditors further noted that the fact the companies had often been used by suspect clients from former Soviet republics should have triggered red flags.

Until now, Danske Bank chief executive officer Thomas Borgen had only admitted that the Estonia branch had lacked diligence in applying money-laundering controls.

Although we leave it to the authorities to conclude whether money laundering did in fact take place, there is no doubt that we were not sufficiently effective in preventing our branch in Estonia from potentially being used for such activities. This of course is deeply regrettable and completely unacceptable, the Danske banks website states.

Nonetheless, Borgen had denied that employees at the bank knew of or helped their clients conduct illegal transactions.

Lisbeth Bech Poulsen, the spokesperson for the Socialist Peoples Party, said that these skeletons keep dropping out of the closet at Danske Bank. The bank has tried to portray this as just a case of sloppiness. Now we have evidence that they broke the rules with their eyes wide open.

occrp.org
Shimla, Oct 30 : BJP national President Amit Shah on Monday asked Congress President Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi to clarify party's stand on separatists in Kashmir and illegal migration of Rohingyas, who are posing a threat to national security.

"The Congress leaders are supporting those who are raising slogans in favour of Kashmir's independence," Shah said at a public rally in Banikhet in Chamba district of the poll-bound Himachal Pradesh.

Asking the electorates whether they were with those who are raising slogans for freedom, the BJP President, who started his five-day tour of the state on Monday, said thousands of brave soldiers belonging to this hill state had sacrificed their lives for the cause of Kashmir.

Taking a dig at the Congress over its leader P. Chidambaram's autonomy-for-Jammu-and-Kashmir remark, Shah said: "It's Chidambaram who wrote a letter to the Prime Minister asking him to allow the Rohingya intruders to come as they are facing tortures."

"Why they should be allowed when the government of India is saying they are a security threat," he asked.

"Rahulji and Soniaji should come here and give reply on the issue. Himachal people and Gujarat people should ask them what is the Congress' stand on the issue of Rohingyas. And what is the stand of the Congress on raising freedom slogans," he said.

"When in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) slogans like 'Bharat Tere Tukade Hazar Honge (India, you will become a thousand pieces)' were raised, Rahul 'baba' went there to express solidarity with them."

Shah, who later addressed a public meeting in Jawali in Kangra district, said the Congress only promoted corruption, with scams worth Rs 12 lakh-thousand crore taking place in the previous UPA (United Progressive Alliance) regime.

"In the last three years not even a single scam has come to the light," he said.

Shah accused state Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh of corruption and ruining the state.

"The Congress regime (in the state) had only performed ground-breaking ceremonies and the day never come to inaugurate them (projects)," he added.

Elections to the 68-member Himachal Pradesh Assembly will be held on November 9 and the votes counted on December 18, coinciding with the polls in Gujarat.
Srinagar, Oct 31 : Kashmiri separatist leaders on Tuesday said they won't have any talks with the Indian government's interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir, calling his appointment "a new tactic" by New Delhi.

The Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), a conglomerate of senior separatist leaders, rejected any possibility of engaging in parleys with former Intelligence Bureau chief Dineshwar Sharma.

The statement was issued by JRL leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik.

"To be part of this so-called dialogue process would be a futile exercise for any Kashmiri since this new tactic has been adopted by the Indian government after its failure to crush the aspirations of the freedom loving people through military repression," they said.

The statement added: "In principle we have always advocated and supported sincere and productive dialogue as a means to resolve the conflict in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Our stand on dialogue requires the basic acknowledgment that there is a dispute that has to be resolved.

"The Indian government has continuously refused to accept this basic premise and the reality on the ground."

Reacting to the opposition to Congress leader P. Chidambaram's demand for greater autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir, the statement said: "Even the assertion by their own leaders on restoration of autonomy to the state has been rejected by the Indian government although the same is guaranteed by their own constitution."

The leaders took strong exception to Sharma's statement that Jammu and Kashmir has to be saved from becoming another Syria.

The statement said: "To compare the internationally recognized 70-year-old political and humanitarian issue of Kashmir to that of the sectarian war and power struggle in Syria is deception and propaganda as there is no relation between the two situations."
Madrid, Oct 31 : Catalonia's deposed leader Carles Puigdemont said on Tuesday that he was not in Brussels to apply for political asylum, in his first public remarks since Spain filed charges over his independence crusade.

Puigdemont slammed the Spanish government as violent and oppressive and said he had travelled to Brussels to be able to "act with freedom and safety", CNN reported.

"I am not here to demand political asylum. I am here in Brussels as the capital of Europe," he told reporters at the Belgian press club.

His comments came just hours after his lawyer Paul Bakaert said that Puigdemont was mulling applying for protection in the country. Members of his former government travelled with him.

Puigdemont arrived in Brussels on Monday, the same day when Spanish chief prosecutor Jose Manuel Maza said he would seek charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds against the ousted leader and several members of his former government.

The charge of rebellion carries a maximum jail term of 30 years.

Spain has endured a month-long political firestorm since Catalonia held an independence referendum on October 1. The dispute came to a head on last week when the Catalan Parliament declared unilateral independence, prompting Madrid to sack the region's government and impose direct rule.
Madrid, Nov 1 : Spain's High Court has summoned sacked Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont and 13 other members of his dismissed government to appear later this week.

It also gave them three days to pay a deposit of $7.2 million to cover potential liabilities, BBC reported on Tuesday.

The summons comes after Spain's chief prosecutor on Monday said he would press charges including rebellion. Puigdemont is in Belgium with several former ministers. He earlier said he was not there to seek asylum.

Carles Puigdemont triggered a crisis in Spain by holding an independence referendum in early October in the semi-autonomous region despite Madrid's opposition and the Constitutional Court declaring the vote illegal.

Spain's central government has now taken direct control of Catalonia.

Puigdemont turned up in Brussels on Monday as Spanish Attorney-General JosA Manuel Maza called for Catalan leaders to face charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds.

The Audiencia National has now summoned the sacked Catalan officials -- who are yet to be formally charged -- to testify on Thursday and Friday. If they do not appear, prosecutors could order their arrest.

Meanwhile, the speaker of Catalan's dissolved parliament Carme Forcadell and other former lawmakers have been summoned to the Supreme Court because they still have parliamentary immunity.

Puigdemont earlier said he would return to Spain if guaranteed a fair hearing.

Several of Puigdemont's former colleagues who remain inside the country may decide to accept the summons and appear in court.

Prosecutors' arguments against the group were "serious, rational and logical", Judge Carmen Lamela said in a ruling.

The charge of rebellion carries a maximum 30-year jail term.

Speaking at a press conference earlier on Tuesday, Puigdemont said he was not trying to escape justice by travelling to Belgium but wanted to be able to speak freely.

His comments came as Spain's constitutional court suspended the declaration of independence made by the Catalan parliament on Friday.

Mr Puigdemont also said he would accept the result of snap elections in Catalonia on 21 December, which were called by Spain's central government after it invoked Article 155 of the constitution, temporarily suspending the region's autonomy.

"I want a clear commitment from the state. Will the state respect the results that could give separatist forces a majority?" Puigdemont asked reporters.

The Spanish government has previously said he is welcome to take part in the fresh polls.

In a separate development on Tuesday, Spain's Guardia Civil -- a paramilitary force charged with police duties -- raided the offices of the Catalan police force.

According to media reports, they searched eight offices for communications relating to the referendum on October 1.
Kuwait City, Nov 2 : Kuwait has strongly condemned the terrorist attack in New York in which eight persons were killed, the media reported.

"Kuwait firmly rejects all forms of violence and terrorism," Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) quoted a foreign ministry source as saying on Wednesday, according to Xinhua.

"Kuwait reiterates its support to the US in its endeavour to preserve its security and stability, as well as stressing (Kuwait's) supportive stance of international efforts to eradicate terrorism," the source said, extending condolences to families of the victims and wishes of speedy recovery for the wounded.

On Tuesday, a pickup truck drove into the people on a cycle path in Lower Manhattan in New York, killing eight people and injuring 13 others.
Srinagar, Nov 2 : Two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers were injured on Thursday in a militant attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district.

"A convoy of CRPF's 96 battalion comprising of six buses was on its way back to Mattan town when it was fired upon by militants," a police officer said.

"The attack was repulsed, but two troopers sustained minor injuries. The area has been cordoned off for searches," he added.
Ottawa, Nov 3 : Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that he will visit Vietnam and the Philippines from November 6 to 14.

"Canada and Vietnam's relationship is anchored in strong people-to-people connections, and has expanded greatly in the last forty years. I look forward to meeting with Vietnam's leaders to advance important issues like good governance and human rights, strengthen our trade and investment cooperation, and create more opportunities for our middle class," Xinhua news agency quoted Trudeau as saying on Thursday.

Trudeau will pay an official visit to Vietnam. In Hanoi, he will meet with Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, National Assembly Chairperson Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan as well as Communist Party of Vietnam Secretary General Nguyen Phu Trong.

He will then head to Ho Chi Minh City, where he will meet with Vietnamese business leaders and participate in an armchair discussion at Ton Duc Thang University.

Finally, he will travel to the city of Da Nang to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting.

At the Economic Leaders' meeting, the Prime Minister will promote Canada as a partner of choice for trade and investment in the region, and deepen economic cooperation with APEC economies.

After the APEC Leaders' Meeting, he will travel to the Philippines to attend the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Manila.

He will take part in the Canada-ASEAN Commemorative Summit to review relations between Canada and the 10 ASEAN countries and identify areas where the two sides can increase collaboration.

"Everyone - including women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples - should have the opportunity to benefit from the opportunities that flow from the global economy. That is the message I will bring to the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and the ASEAN Summit," Trudeau said.

"Canada will continue to promote a progressive trade agenda that benefits the middle class, and look for more opportunities to engage the Asia-Pacific region."
Geneva, Nov 4 : The UN aid agencies have called on the Australian Government to stop its "policy of deterrence by rescuing people at sea, mistreating them and abandoning them".

"We are concerned by events in the past week at Australia's offshore Regional Processing Centre on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea where refugees and asylum seekers are holding out after the Australian Government's decision to close the facility and pull out its support staff," Xinhua news agency quoted Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) spokesperson Rupert Colville as saying.

"We share the concerns of other UN agencies, including UNHCR, about what is an unfolding humanitarian emergency."

UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) spokesperson Babar Baloch said Australia's policy of deterrence by "rescuing people at sea, mistreating them and abandoning them has become a notion of cruelty".

Both UNHCR and OHCHR said they are seriously concerned about the well-being of the 600 men who remain at the centre due to lack of basic amenities as well as rising tensions with the surrounding local population.

"We call on the Australian government, as the party who interned the men in the first place, to immediately provide protection, food, water and other basic services which have been cut off since authorities shuttered the facility on October 31," Colville said.
Geneva, Nov 4 : Discrimination, exclusion and persecution are still pervading the life of the world's stateless minorities and immediate actions are needed to secure equal rights for all, said a UN report.

According to the latest report by the UN refugee agency UNHCR, over 75 per cent of the world's known stateless populations belong to minority groups and their protracted marginalization can build resentment, increase fear and, in the most extreme cases, lead to instability, insecurity and displacement.

"Stateless people are just seeking the same basic rights that all citizens enjoy. But stateless minorities often suffer from entrenched discrimination and a systematic denial of their rights," Xinhua news agency quoted UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi as saying.

"States must act now and they must act decisively to end statelessness."

The report named "This is our home: Stateless minorities and their search for citizenship" is released on the third anniversary of UNHCR's "I Belong" Campaign to end statelessness.
Mumbai, Nov 4 : Actor Kunal Kapoor says he has immense respect for Bollywood's 'Khiladi' Akshay Kumar as he takes his work "very seriously, but not his stardom".

Kunal will soon be seen with Akshay in "Gold". Directed by Reema Kagti, the film is about India's first Olympic medal win as a free nation in the year 1948 at the 14th Olympic Games in London. It will release on Independence Day next year.

"Akshay is someone that I have a lot of respect for. I can't think of many actors that have constantly reinvented themselves the way he has," Kunal told IANS.

"From being the country's biggest action star to the king of comedy and now putting his weight behind socially relevant films, and stories that very few actors would have the courage to back. He is warm, supportive and great fun to be around.

"What I really like about him is, he takes his work very seriously, but not himself or his stardom. He never lets you feel like you are working with such a huge star," added the actor, who is the brand ambassador of fashion brand Indian Terrain.

The actor also appreciates the trend of making films based on true and inspiring stories.

"It is about time that we started celebrating our real life heroes. As a country, we have such an incredible history, and so many fascinating stories to tell. And as an actor, I am grateful, that I have a chance to be part of some of those stories," he added.

Kunal has featured in films like "Rang De Basanti", "Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana", "Kaun Kitney Paani Mein" and "Dear Zindagi".
Moscow, Nov 4 : Moscow has decided to ban the entry of dozens of Canadian citizens to Russia in retaliation to Canada's new sanctions, the Foreign Ministry said.

"We are forced to act in a mirror-like manner. Based on the principle of reciprocity, it was decided to ban entry to the Russian Federation of a number of Canadian individuals. The list is long, there are dozens of names in it," Xinhua news agency quoted Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova as saying in a commentary posted on the ministry's website.

Russophobic individuals, who intend to destroy bilateral relations between the two countries, are the targets, Zakharova said.

She asked the Canadian side to quit playing "sanctions games" and take the path of constructive interaction.

"We expect that the political circles of Canada will have an epiphany and abandon the disastrous course leading to further aggravation of bilateral relations."

Earlier on Friday, Canada imposed sanctions against 30 Russian officials suspected of being linked to the prison death of Russian anti-corruption lawyer Sergei Magnitsky in 2009, who was jailed after alleging a massive tax fraud.
Rabat, Nov 4 : Morocco's King Mohammed VI discussed multiple challenges and development opportunities that Africa faces with African Union (AU) Commission chief Moussa Faki Mahamat, said a statement by the royal office.

The King held talks on Friday with the AU Commission chief at the royal palace in Rabat, Xinhua news agency reported.

The meeting tackled the challenges confronting the African continent as well as opportunities to boost Africa's economy, social development and political stability, the statement pointed out.

Mahamat highlighted Morocco's important contribution since its return last January to the Pan-African institutional organization to promoting peace, stability and development on the continent, it noted.

He also praised the King's action in favour of South-South inter-African cooperation and his commitment as a leader on the issue of migration within the African Union.
Beirut, Nov 4 : Ali Akbar Velayati, the top adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has said that Tehran will "protect Lebanon's stability and government".

He added that Iran supports Lebanon's independence.

Velayati made the remarks after talks with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We commend the recent success of Lebanese government in fighting corruption," he said.

Noting that Israel and the US are behind the terrorists, the Iranian official said "Lebanon's victory over terrorism is a victory for us all".

Citing the recent talks on the Syrian conflict in Azerbaijan as an example of increased efforts in the political realm, Velayati said the political efforts are "necessary" as the battles against terrorism must be "accompanied by diplomatic efforts".
Madrid, Nov 4 : A Spanish judge has issued an international arrest warrant for ousted Catalan President Carles Puigdemont, one day after eight fellow members of the dissolved regional government were jailed in Madrid, the media reported.

Carmen Lamela, a judge in Spain's National Court, on Friday asked Belgium's prosecutor's office to arrest Puidgemont and four ministers in the dissolved Catalan government who ignored a court order to appear before a judge on Thursday, reports CNN.

Puigdemont, who considers himself the rightful leader of Catalonia, is currently in Belgium.

The former leader has said that he was not fleeing the Spanish court system but instead was seeking European support for his region's independence bid.

The charges include sedition, rebellion, misuse of funds, abuse of authority and contempt. The other four people named in warrants are Toni Comin, Clara Ponsati, Lluis Puig and Meritxell Serret.

The arrest warrant issued on Friday also said Puidgemont will not be allowed to testify via videoconference from Belgium.

Belgian Prosecutor Eric Van der Sypt said he has received the arrest warrants for Puigdemont and the others.

"(I will) study them and will hand them over to the investigating judge either Saturday, Sunday or even Monday," Van der Sypt told CNN on Friday night.

Puigdemont and the 13 former ministers were ordered to appear before the Spanish High Court. Of the nine former officials who showed up, eight were detained and one was freed on bond.

Puigdemont did not appear and issued a video message in which he called the court's action "an attack on democracy".

Spain was plunged into its worst political crisis in decade after Puigdemont's administration held an independence referendum on October 1, CNN reported.

The Catalan parliament declared unilateral independence and Spain responded by suspending the region's autonomy, sacking the government and imposing direct rule.

Puigdemont and some of his former ministers turned up in Brussels earlier this week after Spain's state prosecutor announced he would seek charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds against them.
Washington, Nov 4 : NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) spotted Comet 96P entering its field of view, the US space agency has said in a statement.

NASA's Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) misson captured the comet entering the lower right corner of its view on October 25, before leaving on October 30, a statement said on Friday.

Simulatneously, NASA's Solar and Terrestrial Relations Observatory (Stereo) mission also captured Comet 96P from the opposite side of Earth's orbit, between October 26-28.

The comet entered the bottom of Stereo's view and crossed it diagonally before leaving on October 28.

Comet 96P, also known as Machholz, after amateur astronomer Dan Machholz, who discovered it in 1986, completes an orbit around the Sun every 5.24 years.

It makes its closest approach to the Sun at a toasty 11 million miles -- a very close distance for a comet.

Comet 96P has an unusual composition and is the parent of two separate comet groups.

It is extremely rare for comets to be seen simultaneously from two different locations in space, and these are the most comprehensive parallel observations of comet 96P yet.

The SOHO mission had previously spotted comet 96P in 1996, 2002, 2007 and 2012, making it the spacecraft's "most frequent cometary visitor".

When comet 96P appeared in SOHO's view in 2012, astronomers discovered two tiny comet fragments some distance ahead of the main body, signalling the comet was actively changing.

This time they have detected a third fragment -- another breadcrumb in the trail that indicates the comet is still evolving, the report said.

The combined observations will be used to learn more about the comet's composition, as well as its interaction with the solar wind, the constant flow of charged particles from the Sun, the report said.
United Nations, Nov 4 : The UN Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) has denounced the Australian government for withdrawing support to former Manus Island detainees as the stand-off over the provision of services to more than 600 men entered its fifth day on Saturday.

It comes as the detainees have called for an investigation into the death of a 29-year-old asylum seeker, who was killed in a road accident on the island nation on Thursday, reports the Guardian.

In a statement, Rupert Colville, spokesman for high commissioner Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, said the UN's human rights committee had "serious concerns about the welfare, safety and wellbeing" of the men who remained at the centre in Papua New Guinea, which was formally decommissioned on Tuesday.

Water to the centre and essential medical services were also cut off on Tuesday, while electricity was disconnected on Wednesday morning. The men have been digging for water.

Colville said the men were "too frightened to leave", the Guardian reported.

"We call on the Australian government, as the party who interned the men in the first place, to immediately provide protection, food, water and other basic services which have been cut off since authorities shuttered the facility on October 31."

The Commission repeated its criticism that Australia's offshore refugee processing regime was "unsustainable, inhumane and contrary to its human rights obligations" and said asylum seekers and refugees should be immediately transferred to Australia for processing.

Rallies in support of the Manus refugees were held in Canberra and Brisbane on Friday and planned for Melbourne and Sydney on Saturday.

On Friday, opposition leader Bill Shorten urged Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to accept a renewed offer from New Zealand to take 150 refugees from Australia's offshore processing camps.
Gonikoppal (Karnataka), Nov 4 : Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat on Saturday here said it was time to recommend Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa's name for the highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna.

"Time has come to recommend Field Marshal Cariappa for Bharat Ratna," the Army Chief said as he unveiled statues of Field Marshal Cariappa and General K.S. Thimayya at this hilly town in Karnataka's Kodagu district, about 240 km from state capital Bengaluru.

The statues were unveiled at Cauvery College.

The bronze statues were installed in the vicinity of the 'Lyn House', the ancestral house of Kodavdira family, to which both the Generals belonged to.

Cariappa was the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Army and was conferred the Field Marshal rank on April 1986. He is also a recipient of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his role in the Burma campaign against the Japanese during the Second World War (1939-1945).

Thimayya, a 1954 Padma Bhushan awardee, was Chief of Army Staff from 1957 to 1961. He was the only Indian to command an infantry brigade in World War-II.

Cariappa was born on January 28, 1899 and died May 15, 1993 at the age of 94 in Bangalore (now) Bengaluru. Thimayya was born on March 30, 1906 and died in harness on December 17, 1965 at the age of 59 in Cyprus, where he was serving as the Commander of the UN Peacekeeping Force.
Washington, Nov 4 : A suspect captured by US forces in Libya last week for his role in the 2012 Benghazi attack was ordered to be held without bond following his first appearance in a District Court here, the media reported.

Mustafa al-Imam was captured by American commandos on orders from President Donald Trump and flown to a US Navy ship before his transfer to Washington, reports CNN.

He arrived in Washington on Friday.

Al-Imam was charged with three felony offences, two of which carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

He will have another detention and preliminary hearing on November 9 after it was determined his defence attorney had not properly informed al-Imam of the charges against him.

Four Americans, Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens, State Department information officer Sean Smith, CIA contractors Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty, were killed after two US government locations were attacked on September 11, 2012, CNN reported.

The US government has video of al-Imam present at one of the two sites of the attacks, although it was not clear which of those sites he was seen at.

Al-Imam is the second Benghazi suspect taken into US custody.

Ahmed Abu Khatallah, the attack's suspected mastermind is currently on trial in Washington.
Army Chief General Bipin Rawat pays homage and unveiles the statues of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa and General K.S. Thimayya at Cauvery College, Gonikoppal, Kodagu District in Karnataka on ... Image Source: IANS

Gonikoppal (Karnataka), Nov 4 : Indian Army chief, General Bipin Rawat on Saturday spoke in favour of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa's name being recommended for the Bharat Ratna.

"We stand proud because of his leadership and I think very aptly brought out, the time has also come to recommend Field Marshal Cariappa for Bharat Ratna," the Army Chief said as he unveiled statues of his predecessors, Field Marshal Cariappa and Gen. K.S. Thimayya at this hill town in Karnataka's Kodagu district, about 240 km from Bengaluru.

"If others can get it I feel no reason why he should not be a deserving personality for the same. We will certainly address this issue on priority," he said.

The statues were unveiled at Cauvery College.

"No amount of words can describe the leadership of a great leader like Field Marshal Cariappa. He may have gone, but he has left behind an indelible mark on each and every soldier who serves the Indian Army today," Rawat said.

Reacting to the Army Chief's comment, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said the Army Chief should desist from making comments on policy.

"The army is the most respected institution because it is anonymous behind the scenes. It is the foundational fulcrum of our democracy," he said.

Singhvi's comments were countered by retired Lt. Gen. Raj Kadyan, who said the Army Chief did not make any comments against the democratic structure.

"Army chief has full right to speak, and what has he said? Has he said anything against discipline and country? He just said the man should have been given the honour," Kadyan told TV news channel News X.

"There is nothing political in his comment, he has not said anything against democratic values of the country," he said.

The bronze statues were installed in the vicinity of the 'Lyn House', the ancestral house of Kodavdira family, to which both the Generals belonged.

Cariappa was the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Army and was conferred the Field Marshal rank on April 1986. He is also a recipient of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his role in the Burma campaign against the Japanese during the Second World War (1939-1945).

Thimayya headed the army from 1957 to 1961. He was the only Indian to command an infantry brigade in World War II.

Cariappa was born on January 28, 1899 and died May 15, 1993 in Bangalore. Thimayya was born on March 30, 1906 and died in harness on December 17, 1965 in Cyprus, where he was commander of the UN Peacekeeping Force.
Agartala, Nov 4 : The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday demanded a judicial probe into the various irregularities in academic sectors in Left-ruled Tripura, a party leader said.

"Serious wrongdoing was established in the evaluation of examination papers conducted by the Tripura Board of Secondary (TBSE) education. Marks of a large number of students were increased after answer sheets were checked by the examinees during the last several years," BJP leader Sudip Roy Barman told the media.

He said: "Only a judicial probe by a sitting high court judge will be able to find the real reasons for discrepancies in evaluation of answer sheets and identify the wrongdoers, or else the future of a large number of meritorious students will get ruined."

Barman said in different nursing courses meritorious girls were getting deprived of admissions.

"Due to the irrigularities and favouratism and subsequent court orders, 10,323 government teachers would lose their jobs after December 31," the BJP legislator said, adding that entire educational system had collapsed due to the mis-governance of the Left Front government.

Led by Barman, six lawmakers and hundreds of former Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders and workers had joined the BJP on August 7. The Congress legislators had in June last year resigned from the party and joined the TMC to protest against the Congress' electoral alliance with the Left for the 2016 West Bengal elections.

"Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar projected himself as a very clean man, but during his tenure corruption in Tripura got institutionalised and he is helping the people to be corrupt and indulge in fraudulent acts," he alleged.

Following the opposition parties' hue and cry and a PIL in the high court, the court had last year asked the state government to conduct special audit of expenditure of government funds in all 58 blocks.

Earlier this week, the Tripura government through self pro-clamation gave clarifications on 10 allegations and misdeeds.

Barman said that the eight-page self-proclamation of the Left government's was a half-truth and an attempt to cover-up many scams, misdeeds and misgovernance.

"Following years of demand, the state government has constituted Lokayukta to probe the corruption by officials, political leaders and people holding high positions. But the Lokayukta has been made a toothless body and a body with its hands ties," the BJP leader said.
Kottayam (Kerala), Nov 4 : A vigilance court here on Saturday ordered a quick verification on a complaint that Kerala Transport Minister Thomas Chandy has converted land for paddy cultivation into a road leading to his resort at Alappuzha.

The Kottayam Vigilance Court's order came on a petition from Subhash, the Alappuzha district secretary of Janata Dal-S that Chandy has abused his official powers and caused a loss of Rs 6.5 million to the state exchequer when he converted land that should be used for paddy cultivation.

This is the first time that a court has stepped in after the allegations of land grab surfaced more than two months back.

The plush resort, where the alleged violations have taken place, is located in the Alappuzha backwaters. The Congress-led United Democratic Front and the Bharatiya Janata Party have demanded the ouster of Chandy, who is a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislator.

Trouble increased for Chandy after a report by Alappuzha district collector T.V. Anupama submitted late last month detected violations.

While Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan both inside and outside the assembly has strongly supported Chandy, the Communist Party of India, the second biggest constituent of the ruling Left Democratic Front has taken a position against Chandy.

Asked for his comments on the court directive by media persons in Thiruvanathapuram, Vijayan walked away without any reply.

State police chief Loknath Behra said that once the court order comes, what needs to be done will be done.

CPI national General Secretary Sudhakar Reddy had openly said that Chandy has done wrong, while Leader of Opposition, Ramesh Chennithala of the Congress, who is undertaking a state wide yatra which will reach the state capital on December 1, said by the time he reaches Thiruvananthapuram, Chandy would have quit.

But Chandy's party colleague and NCP national General Secretary Praful Patel, in a statement issued in New Delhi of Saturday, said that it was not fair on the part of Left allies to come to any sort of conclusion on allegations and contended Chandy has done no wrong and all the allegations against him are baseless.

Chandy, a cash-rich Kuwait-based businessman, is a three-time legislator from Kuttanad in Alappuzha.

The NCP has two legislators in Kerala. Chandy was sworn in as a minister on April this year after his party colleague A.K. Saseendran stepped down after he was caught in an alleged sleaze scandal.
Kabul, Nov 4 : In yet another jolt to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Afghanistan on Saturday imposed a 20-day ban on WhatsApp in the country -- nearly a month after China reportedly blocked all the services of the popular instant messaging app.

In the move seen as an attempt to curb "freedom of expression" of the citizens, the Afghanistan government has asked several private telecommunication companies to suspend WhatsApp as well as a similar app Telegram in the country, reported The New York Times late on Friday.

Both WhatsApp and Telegram had stopped working for the customers of Salaam Telecom, a government-owned service provider, the report added.

People in Afghanistan termed this decision "wrong and illegal".

"According to the Constitution, freedom of expression is inviolable in Afghanistan. WhatsApp and Telegram are tools of free speech -- if the government bans them, it means that tomorrow they could stand against media in Afghanistan too," Abdul Mujeeb Khalvatgar, Executive Director of Nai, a group that campaigns for free speech, was quoted as saying.

The clarity on the reason for the temporary ban was not obtained but the deputy director of the telecoms regulatory authority told the BBC that the ban was due to "security concerns".

"WhatsApp and Telegram are often used by the Taliban and other militant groups to evade government surveillance," the NYT report said.

The Afghanistan government, however, said that the apps were being temporarily banned "to introduce a new kind of technology", because users had complained about the quality of WhatsApp's service, denying that the ban constituted a threat to freedom of expression.

Last month, after blocking videos, voice chats and images on WhatsApp, China blocked texting on Facebook-owned popular mobile messaging service -- sending out a stern message to Zuckerberg who has been trying his best to re-enter the country.

According to a CNN report, the Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI), a global observation network for detecting censorship, surveillance and traffic manipulation, suggested that Chinese internet service providers blocked access to WhatsApp.

Public reports on Twitter indicated that WhatsApp became inaccessible for some people on September 19. Over the last few months, there were a number of WhatsApp disruptions in China.

China has already blocked access to a number of internet companies, including Facebook (since 2009), Instagram, Twitter and Google.
New Delhi, Nov 4 : The Congress on Saturday sought to know from Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he will dismiss senior cabinet ministers like Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu and two junior ministers Jayant Sinha of Civil Aviation Ministry and M.J. Akbar of External Affairs Ministry for allegedly holding the posts of directors in India Foundation, a think-tank run by NSA Ajit Dovals son Shaurya Doval.

The party also demanded that the Prime Minister should act against them by initiating an enquiry by the CBI against them for allegedly holding office-of-profit, conflict of interest, and violating FCRA norms.

It also said the ministers should resign as members of either Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha and fight elections again.

The attack by the Congress came after The Wire news website published an article on the issue.

The party alleged that BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav and A. Surya Prakash, chairman of the Prasar Bharti board, are also directors of India Foundation and investigation should be initiated against them as well.

Senior Congress leader leader Kapil Sibal said if no action is taken against the ministers, then the party will aproach the court or may resort to other possible mechanisms to prosecute them.

The Congress also pointed out that in March 2006, party president Sonia Gandhi announced her resignation from the Lok Sabha and also as chairperson of the National Advisory Council under the office-of-profit controversy.

"Nothing can be a bigger case of crony capitalism, violation of law and corruption than this," said Sibal.

"It is a cocktail of government, who are directors in the foundation, and private business of billions of dollars, sponsorship by the very companies who seek favours from the departments in which the ministers are directors," he added.

"So, it is civil aviation, commerce, defence and external affairs. Over and above, this is supposed to be a charitable organization - a public interest organization.

"How can there be public interest when government and business are on the same platform and they are talking to each other for the benefit of business?" Sibal asked.
Shillong, Nov 4 : More than 1,000 people in Meghalaya who had enrolled for Aadhaar have sought to withdraw from the biometric scheme, alleging that they were coerced/misled into it on warnings that they would lose their rights as a citizen if they did not enrol.

"As many as 1, 202 people had signed documents to withdraw from the biometric scheme. They are from three centres - Shillong, Mawkyrwat in South West Khasi Hills and Nongstoin in West Khasi Hills districts," said P.B.M.Basaiawmoit of the Meghalaya Peoples Committee on Aadhaar (MPCA).

The MPCA, an umbrella organisation of student and civil society groups, had launched a campaign to "opt out" of Aadhaar" to express their opposition and apprehension against the 12-digit unique identification number. The powerful Khasi Student's Union, which has been agitating against Aadhaar since 2014, said that it will only facilitate illegal immigrants to strengthen their claim to being genuine residents of Meghalaya.

The MPCA has decided that the date for submitting letters for withdrawal/opting out of Aadhaar has been extended to November 10, he said, adding that these will be submitted to the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the government agency responsible for issuing Aadhaar numbers.

Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, who is also yet to enrol for Aadhaar, expressed concern over the way the biometric scheme was being pushed, leading to confusion among citizens.

"I have not registered for Aadhaar and I share the concern that right to privacy is important, or else the whole idea of democracy gets diluted," he had said.

The Supreme Court had earlier passed several orders asking the government and its agencies not to make Aadhaar mandatory for getting benefits of the welfare schemes. However, the Reserve Bank of India had announced that linking Aadhaar number with bank account is mandatory.

Meghalaya's opposition Hill State People's Democratic Party (HSPDP) said that they would serve legal notice to the RBI for stating that linking Aadhaar with bank accounts is mandatory.

"When the Supreme Court has clearly stated that Aadhaar is not mandatory, why is the RBI persistently issuing notice to link Aadhaar with bank accounts," asked HSPDP chief Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit.

The HSPDP also urged people not to rush for Aadhaar enrolment especially when petitions challenging its validity are being heard by the apex court.

As on October 15, out of a targeted population of 32,30,132, 4,63,058 have been assigned Aadhaar numbers in Meghalaya.

However, Meghalaya BJP leader J.A.Lyngdoh said Aadhaar can refine the delivery of social sector schemes such as the rural employment guarantee scheme besides addressing some of the major challenges, including payment of wages and ghost beneficiaries.
New Delhi, Nov 4 : India Inc hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to facilitate ease of doing business and said his endeavour to 'reform, perform and transform' has helped India jump 30 places in World Bank's report.

Modi met business honchos on Saturday morning where he said: "Our mantra is 'reform', 'transform' and 'perform'."

"We are greatly heartened by Prime Minister's reiteration of the government's commitment to reforms for easing business procedures. His mantra of 'reform, perform, transform' has delivered the notable jump in India's ranking by 30 places to 100 and demonstrated that quantum changes are possible to make a New India," said Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII.

CII appreciated Prime Minister's statement that ease of doing business translates into ease of living life, making processes simpler for common citizens.

"Prime Minister's stress on total reengineering, use of technology and mindset change to reduce excessive control hits the nail on the head," Banerjee said.

Modi said he did not want to "sleep" over the 30 place jump this year - the biggest leap by India ever, and wants to do more.

The Prime Minister said India would be at an even better place in 2018 ranking since issues raised by traders, businesses on Goods and Services Tax (GST) have been positively accepted by the government.

The ranking took into account reforms initiated only till May-end, he said. It did not reflect the impact of GST, which was implemented from July 1, he added.

Reacting to Modi's interaction with the business honchos on Saturday morning, Pankaj Patel, President, FICCI s"id: "It only reflects the gover'ment's determination to take bold and far reaching reforms required to transform India into a New India as envisioned by Prime Minister of "ndia".

Congratulating the Prime Minister for the significant improvement in 'ndia's ranking Patel s"id: "FICCI stands committed to Prime Min'ster's aim of perform, reform and transform to place India amongst the first fifty countries in terms of ease of doing business. There are number of areas where our rank may not have improved significantly but at least the direction is there to make that process more efficient and simpler in terms of compliance."

"Starting a business, construction permits, enforcing contracts, registering property and other such areas needs improvement for the efficient functioning of the business organisat"ons."

"Government should also consider reforms in the area of regulators as they impact the cost as well as ease of doing business significa"tly," added Patel.
Seoul, Nov 4 : Rallies welcoming and opposing US President Donald Trump's two-day visit to South Korea next week were held here on Saturday.

Conservative voters, mainly elderly loyalists of impeached South Korean President Park Geun-hye who was ousted from office in March and stood trial over corruption charges, held a rally, the local media reported.

They waved national flags of both South Korea and the US, with some of them lifting Trump's pictures to welcome the US leader's first state visit to South Korea in over two decades, Xinhua news agency reported.

The so-called "rally of Taegeukgi", the South Korean national flag in Korean, also demanded the release of Park.

Similar welcoming rallies were also conducted in different areas of Seoul as Trump is scheduled to visit South Korea from November 7 to November 8.

According to the presidential Blue House, Trump will arrive in the country at about noon on Tuesday and will hold a summit meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

On the second day, Trump will deliver a speech to the National Assembly, becoming the first US President to do so in 25 years.

On the other side of the central Seoul, protest rallies were held against Trump's visit due to his belligerent rhetoric against North Korea that escalated tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

The protesters urged the Moon government to veer away from the hostile policy, which the Trump administration adopted, and to stop annual war games between the two allies to bring peace and dialogue to the peninsula.

The anti-Trump protesters reportedly requested over 100 rallies to be held in Seoul during Trump's two-day stay. Rallies outside the Blue House will be prohibited or restricted for the two days marking the first such measure taken under the Moon government, which was inaugurated in May.

Trump will reach Japan on Sunday, the first stop on the five-nation, 11-day trip during which he will visit South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.
New Delhi, Nov 4 : President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday said alumni of all reputed institutions of education have a moral obligation to pay back to those seats of learning and help the less privileged acquire knowledge.

"All great universities of the world have a deep and thriving engagement between old students and the institution. They invite alumni to contribute, not merely in terms of financial assistance but more in terms of knowledge sharing and time," Kovind said while addressing the 48th convocation ceremony of the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi (IIT-D) here.

"In the case of IIT Delhi alumni group, this can be done in several ways. Many of those who studied here in the past were fortunate to have their world-class education heavily subsidised by the taxpayer. There is a moral obligation to pay back, and to help the less privileged -- in whichever manner the individual prefers," he added.

The responsibility to involve the alumni -- including for teaching, even for short term -- in this case was on the IIT Delhi, which should simplify the rules for its facilitation, if need be, suggested Kovind.

He also appraised the premier technology institute as the "gold standard of technical education" in the country and for forming the "bedrock of India's engineering capabilities".

"They (IITians) have been brand ambassadors of India's intellectual and technological strength across the globe, from Singapore to Silicon Valley," he said.

The President also expressed his happiness at the fact that the IIT Delhi has been churning out more postgraduates than undergraduates now, describing it as an indicator of the institute's "strong focus on research and development".

This was the first time the institute had invited 50 Navodaya Vidyalaya toppers (25 boys and 25 girls) from across the country to generate interest among them about the culture of institute and the learning possibilities there.

Kovind also referred to a number of inventions at the institute in his speech including "Nanofilters", the low cost tool to protect us from air pollution, and "Smartcane", a smart version of the normal cane for visually impaired people by using ultrasonic technology.

During the convocation, the institute awarded 1,941 degrees, including 306 Ph.Ds, up from last year's 264.

The IIT Delhi also awarded four of its alumni for their "distinguished" contribution to the society.

The awardees were: Kiran Bedi, currently Lt Governor of Pondicherry; Sunil Sood, MD and CEO of Vodafone India; Saurabh Mittal, Founder and Chairman, Mission Holdings; and Soumitra Dutta, Dean, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, Cornell University.
New Delhi, Nov 4 : After Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took a dig at Congress saying no senior leader of the party had come to Himachal Pradesh to campaign, the party announced that Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi will campaign in the state on November 6.

Gandhi will hold three rallies in Himachal Pradesh - Sirmour, Chamba and Kangra. The state will witness elections on November 9.

After Modi's speech in Himachal Pradesh, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewla tweeted the schedule and said: "Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi will address three election rallies in Himachal on November 6."

Taking a jibe at the Congress, the Prime Minister said: "I have heard that the Congress has lost the trust of its own leaders and is looking for rebels in other parties."

"No senior Congress leader came here to campaign. They have already left the field leaving everything on fate," Modi said.
New Delhi, Nov 4 : The Congress on Saturday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for "patting himself in the back" over the World Bank report on India's ease of doing business, saying it was only for the "creamy layer of businesses" and that the Prime Minister was "not well-informed about its facts".

The party said that Prime Minister Modi and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley should also hold a press conference on India's slide in the global hunger index.

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday attacked the Congress for questioning the World Bank Report on ease of doing business in India and said with GST and other reforms, its report next year would show further improvement in ranking.

"I don't know whether the Prime Minister is informed about all the facts or not. I don't think he is aware of the concept of ease of doing business.

"Prior to 2015, there was only one city in every country that was taken into account and that was Mumbai (for the World Bank Report). Now, in 2015, they changed it to two cities. So, Mumbai and Delhi are the two cities for business in India," said Congress leader Kapil Sibal.

"The businesses don't take place only in these two cities of the country. The PM has forgotten that there are crores who do small businesses in other cities of the country. Is the PM thinking about them - the informal sector, small traders and factories," he added.

Sibal said: "He is the Prime Minister of the country and all the business communities, and not just a handful of them. This is called creamy layer of businesses.

"He is not the Prime Minister of the creamy layer of businesses who are located at the top end of the pyramid in Delhi and Mumbai," he added.

Sibal said the two factors taken into consideration for the report were e-filing, which he said was started by the UPA government, and Insolvency Act which was also conceived by the Congress-led UPA.

"Now the World Bank does not consider the impact of all this. So, I do not know why the Prime Minister is patting himself on the back. Does he realise that our Health Index has gone down from 87 to 108. Why does not he (Modi) or Finance Minister (Arun Jaitley) do a press conference on that?" Sibal asked.

"The global Hunger Index in India is worse than most countries of the world. Why does the Finance Minister not do a press conference on that?" he asked.
Shillong, Nov 4 : A state-of-the-art Joint Training Warfare Centre for conducting joint exercises with foreign armies will be inaugurated at Umroi Cantonment in Meghalaya on November 6, a defence official said on Saturday.

The establishment of the training warfare centre will witnesses joint counter-terrorist training exercise between the armies of India and Bangladesh, called SAMPRITI 2017.

The Indian Army has other joint training centres in Belgaum, Vairengte and Bakloh but Umroi is the Eastern Command's first of its kind independent and fully integrated Joint Training Node for Foreign Armies.

The Joint Training Node is expected to conduct joint exercises with the Myanmar and Chinese armies planned in the latter part of next year.

"The concept was envisaged keeping in mind the conducive weather, and terrain offering optimal training environment. It has been developed at par with training centres of leading armies of the world," Shillong-based defence spokesperson, Lt Col Suneet Newton said.

He said the joint training node comprises best in class training facilities to include upcoming obstacle training course, Jungle lane shooting range and world class infrastructure comprising fully computerized and network enabled computer warfare centre and top of line accommodation facilities for foreign armies.

Newton said the project was envisaged in Umroi keeping its proximity to Guwahati and Shillong airport and was completed in record time of one year from scratch. It has been made operationally compliant for hosting "Exercise Milap", a multi- nation joint training exercise with the Bangladesh Army by Red Horn Division under the aegis of the Gajraj Corps.

Kohima-based defence spokesperson Chiranjeet Konwer said the India-Bangladesh joint military exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the two nations and learn from each other's experience while carrying out Counter Insurgency/ Counter Terrorist operations.

"The India-Bangladesh Joint Training Exercise will send a strong signal to the world that both India and Bangladesh understand the emerging threat of transnational terrorism and stand shoulder to shoulder united in countering this menace," Konwer said.

Exercise SAMPRITI 2017 has two district components -- Command Post Exercise (CPX) and Field Training Exercise (FTX).

The CPX will be conducted at Joint Training Node, Umroi from November 6-11, while FTX will be conducted at Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School, Vairengte, Mizoram from November 6-18.

Twenty officers each from both the Armies will participate in CPX as part of Brigade & Battalion Command Posts. FTX would include participation of one Infantry company each from the Bangladesh Army and elite Red Horns Division of the Indian Army.

CPX will focus on practising joint planning and conduct of Counter Terrorist operations in semi mountainous terrain with a special focus on drills and procedures followed while operating in dense jungles.

The FTX will emphasise on physical conditioning, training on special heliborne operations, neutralisation of Improvised Explosive Devices, Cordon and Search operations and company/ platoon level tactical drills in Counter Terrorist operations scenario.
Hyderabad, Nov 4 : Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday urged the states to adopt value capture finance policy framework to raise finance for sustainable urban mobility solutions through innovative means using land as a resource.

He said that since public transportation systems and associate infrastructure are very expensive to develop, the cities need to explore means for collaboration with private sector and employing value capture finance mechanism like cities in France and other developed economies.

He was addressing 10th Urban Mobility Conference cum Exhibition and 17th conference of CODATU, a French organisation promoting sustainable urban mobility in the developing world.

The three-day conference with the theme 'Intelligent, inclusive and sustainable mobility' began here on Saturday and is being attended by 1,000 delegates from different parts of the country. About 150 delegates from 25 countries are also attending the the flagship annual event of the ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs aimed at learning new ideas, sharing experiences and approximate best practices.

Puri said India was in process of expanding the urban transport infrastructure rapidly and at an ambitious scale. The country has 380 km metro rail operating in 9 cities with over 500 km under construction in 12 more cities. More than 250 km of Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) is operational and another 250 km under construction in various cities.

He noted that rapid growth of cities have put immense pressure on infrastructure including transit systems. "Our cities regrettably in many respects have focussed more on moving vehicles rather than moving people," he said while stressing the need to move from private vehicles to public transport.

Puri said his ministry was working to make transportation sustainable and integrate it with land use to ensure overall reduction in need to travel. "This kind of advanced thinking is part of our flagship mission Smart Cities under which 90 cities were selected by competition and another 10 will be selected by the end of this year. I am confident by June next year we will begin to see physical manifestation of the work," he said.

French Ambassador to India, Alexandre Ziegler, said the cooperation between India and France in urban transportation was increasing by the day.

He said under Smart Cities mission, Chandigarh, Nagpur and Puducherry were getting technical assistance from France. He pointed out that France Development Agency had already committed 12 billion euros to urban transport sector in many cities like Nagpur, Bengaluru and Kochi and was willing to further strengthen its commitment.

The Ambassador noted that at least one French company is involved in every single metro project in India. The French companies offer innovative solutions for alternative moods of transport system across the value chain.

"French companies are committed to investing, innovating and making in India," he added.

CODATU President Dominique Bussereau said they were ready to work closely with India to help find sustainable mobility solutions for the cities.
Guwahati, Nov 4 : A month after a Foreigners Tribunal in Assam asked a retired JCO of the Indian Army to prove his Indian citizenship, a retired Havildar of the Army was subjected to similar humiliation by being asked to prove his citizenship.

A Foreigners' Tribunal in Assam's Barpeta district has sent notice to retired Havildar Mahiruddin Ahmed and his wife Husniara Ahmed to be present in the Tribunal on November 6 and prove their Indian citizenship.

Born in January 1, 1964 to Basir Uddin, resident of Khablarbhita village in Barpeta district, Mahiruddin passed his Class 10 examination in 1980 and joined the Indian Army in 1986. He retired in August 2004 as a Havildar. His last posting was at the Field Ordnance Depot of the Indian Army at Bathinda, Punjab.

"This is illegal and there is something seriously wrong. We are seeking legal help in this regard. However, it is very hurting and shocking that we are subjected to such humiliation after service in a force like the Indian Army," said Mahiruddin on Saturday.

He said his wife Husniara is the daughter of Sarbesh Ali, a resident of Khablarbhita village in the same district. "She was born in 1972 and her father's name figured in the voter's list of 1966 bearing serial no 659," he said, terming the notice gross injustice.

"While one of my brothers has worked as Assistant Sessions Judge, another brother is working in BSNL. If I am not an Indian citizen, how can I join the Indian Army. The Army recruitment rules are so strict that they would not allow any non-Indian to join the service," he said, expressing his dissatisfaction.

In October this year, a Foreigners' Tribunal in Kamrup district of Assam asked a retired JCO of the Indian Army to prove his citizenship, much to the embarrassment of the police and the Tribunal.
Kolkata, Nov 4 : The last rites of Border Security Force trooper Tapan Mondal, who was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan Rangers in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district on Thursday, were performed in in West Bengal's Murshidabad district on Saturday, a BSF official said.

Mondal, deployed on the Jammu frontier, died when the Pakistan Rangers fired at a patrol party along the International Border on Thursday night.

His body was flown in to his native village Sutli in Murshidabad district's Berhampur, where he was paid the last respect by the villagers as well as the senior BSF officers.

"He has sacrificed his life for the country. It is a sad incident. His sacrifice is a matter of great pride for the BSF," said U.C. Hazarika of BSF's sector headquarters Berhampur.

Mondal, who got married less than a year ago, was also the only earning member of his family.

"We cannot believe this has happened. He was the only earning member. We have no one else to rely upon now," said his teary-eyed father.
New Delhi/Hyderabad, Nov 4 : Telangana on Saturday launched its food processing policy, aiming to attract Rs.20,000 crore investment in the sector over the next five years.

The policy also aims to make Telangana the number one state in milk production and livestock and generate employment for 125,000 people.

State Minister for Industries K.T. Rama Rao unveiled the policy at World Food India 2017 in Delhi.

He said the policy was aimed at promoting the opportunities available for investment in food processing sector in the state.

"The policy aims to double the incomes of farmers in the state," said a statement issued by his office in Hyderabad.

The minister said the policy had been drafted with a goal to establish and promote linkages between agriculture and food processing sectors.

He stated that the current initiatives of the state government like sheep distribution and fish fingerling distribution would be linked to the food processing industry and thereby double the incomes of farming and rural communities.

The Industries Minister assured that investors in food processing sector would be extended all possible cooperation. The Telangana government would meet or beat an offer made by any other Indian state, he added.

At the World Food India 2017 event, the Government of Telangana has signed nine MoUs with food processing companies. These companies will bring in investments up to Rs.1,250 crore to the state and create employment for 10,000 people.
London, Nov 4 : Indian-origin "chicken king" Ranjit Singh Boparan's 2 Sisters Food Group chicken factory in the UK is set to resume poultry production after being temporarily shut in wake of a hygiene scandal.

The scandal-ridden chicken factory in West Bromwich will restart production next week after "significant changes" at the plant and the introduction of full-time Food Standards Agency (FSA) officials to oversee its procedures, the Guardian reported on Friday.

The country's largest supplier of supermarket chicken temporarily shut the plant five weeks ago, following undercover filming by the daily and ITV News that revealed poor hygiene standards and food safety records being altered.

The UK's supermarket chains -- Marks & Spencer, Tesco and Aldi -- said they would resume taking supplies from the factory, where a team of M&S technologists had been working on site and as "the FSA will have a full-time presence at the site to support the 2 Sisters management team".

Marks & Spencer said: "We have assessed the changes made at the site by 2 Sisters and are confident it can meet our high production standards. We will work closely with the site's management team and the FSA in the coming weeks."

Tesco added: "Following the retraining programme carried out by 2 Sisters at its West Bromwich site, we can confirm we will begin to receive orders from the site again in the coming days.

Aldi said: "As a result of the remedial measures 2 Sisters Food Group have put in place we are satisfied that all issues have been resolved."

A spokesman for 2 Sisters said: "We can confirm that following comprehensive retraining sessions with all colleagues during October, we are restarting production at our site D facility in West Bromwich (w/c 6 November)."

In September, Marks & Spencer, Aldi and Lidl all announced they had suspended deliveries from the West Bromwich factory immediately after the airing of the undercover footage.

Sainsbury's said it had no plans to resume supplies from the West Bromwich factory. Lidl said its position had not changed.

The scandal also led to Boparan being grilled in front of a parliamentary select committee in October, during which he apologised for the crisis and pledged to fund the cost of independent inspectors to police all 12 of his UK chicken sites.
New Delhi, Nov 4 : Asking where is the money collected under compensatory afforestation funds being invested, a Supreme Court judge on Saturday said the environment has degraded over the last few years, suggesting that the funds have certainly not gone to the green cause.

Speaking at the International Conference on Environment here, Justice M.B. Lokur also justified judicial activism due to absence of laws and poor implementation of the existing laws.

The Compensatory Afforestation Funds has over Rs. 40,000 crore, with shares of the Centre and states, released in July last year after being passed by the Rajya Sabha.

The fund is meant to aid both Centre and states in afforestation activities and is supposed to be controlled by the Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).

"Huge amounts of money running into thousands of crores of rupees have been collected by the government. Where has that money gone? That money has certainly not gone for the improvement of environment because the environment has degraded over the last few years," Justice Lokur said at the meet, organised by the National Green tribunal (NGT) with support from the Union Environment Ministry.

However, Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar, who was the Environment Minister in 2016 and under whose leadership the funds were mobilised, opposed what Justice Lokur said and explained that the government had a good account and the funds were being invested in renewable energy.

"The funds are being invested in climate change and renewable energy. They are not being diverted anywhere," Javadekar said.

Justice Lokur also said that there was dearth of environmental laws in India and the Parliament needed to frame laws on a variety of issues that confront the mankind.

"We need to frame laws so that there is clear understanding of the problems," he said, adding that despite excellent laws being framed, the implementation remained "shoddy".

He added that the Supreme Court had been involved in environmental jurisprudence since long and since the courts could not bear the burden alone, the government must share the burden.

Rebutting what the judge had to say, Javadekar, who was the Environment Minister when landmark Paris Climate Agreement was signed in 2015, pointed out some of the maor steps taken against climate change.

Imposing high cess on coal production, more than in any other country (six dollars per tonne), investment in the renewables and the target to implement cleaner Bharat Standard (BS)-VI emission norms by January 1, 2020, were some of the major steps in this direction, he said.

"But you need time and it can't happen overnight. You can't stop vehicles from plying. There has to be a concrete and feasible plan," Javadekar said.

The HRD Minister also pointed out that with only 2.5 per cent of world's land and 17 per cent of the human population, country was already facing challenges due to the burden on resources.

Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, who was also present at the conference, emphasised on combating climate change and said he was looking at 100 per cent electrification of the railway fleet as even after seven decades of Independence, 50 per cent of the trains entering Delhi had diesel engines.

Stating that India has already achieved 12,200mw of solar capacity so far, the Railway Minister said the country was well poised to reach its target of 100gw capacity by 2022.

Goyal added that his ministry (Coal) used Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)'s satellite technology to map the areas that had been converted into forests and put it in the public domain.
New Delhi/Lucknow, Nov 4 : A NTPC boiler blast victim, brought to Safdarjung hospital here after suffering extensive burns in the accident in Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli, died here on Saturday as his condition deteriorated, said hospital officials. The toll has now risen to 36.

Identifying the deceased as Santosh Kumar, 40, a senior doctor from the hospital said he had suffered 90 per cent burns.

Santosh Kumar was among the nine injured brought to the Safdarjung hospital in the first lot late on Thursday. Later three more injured during the incident were admitted to the hospital's burns ICU.

At the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), six patients suffering burn injuries during the incident have been admitted. Most of them have suffered extreme facial injuries.

In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who returned from his Mauritius visit earlier on Saturday, met the injured in the blast.

Visiting the injured at the King George's Medical University, the Civil Hospital and the Sanjay Gandhi Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, he enquired from the doctors about the condition of the severely injured labourers and directed doctors to ensure that they got the best treatment.

The Chief Minister also asked officials accompanying him to ensure that the ex-gratia to the families of the dead and financial assistance for the injured reaches them promptly and without any hassle.

The massive explosion took place in state-owned power plant's Unchahar town unit on the Lucknow-Allahabad Highway on Tuesday. Many were trapped when the boiler burst and a huge ball of dust rose, making the rescue operations difficult.
Moscow, Nov 5 : Russian long-range military bombers conducted air strikes on terrorist facilities in eastern Syria on Saturday, the Defence Ministry said.

The targets, including weapon and ammunition depots of terrorists as well as command posts of the Islamic State terrorist group, were located near the city of Abu Kamal in Syria's eastern province of Deir ez-Zor close to the Syria-Iraq border, Xinhua news agency quoted the Defence Ministry as saying in a statement.

Monitoring data confirmed the destruction of all targets and all the aircrafts returned to their base in Russia after completing the combat mission, the statement added.

The Russian military has of late intensified its efforts to combat the IS terrorists in Syria.
Sanaa, Nov 5 : Yemen's Shiite Houthi rebels fired a long-range ballistic missile on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, a media report said.

"The missile force of the army fired on Saturday night a long-range ballistic missile, Borkan H2, on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh," Houthis said in a statement posted on Saba, Xinhua news agency reported.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Government admitted that Houthi missile targeted the capital, saying the missile fell and exploded north of the airport, according to Saudi-run Al-Arabiya satellite TV.
Ankara, Nov 5 : Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim discussed the situation of three Turkish nationals kidnapped in Libya with his Libyan counterpart Fayez al-Serraj, the Press Office said.

According to a statement from Turkish Prime Ministry's Press Office, Yildirim during the telephonic conversation on Saturday said that Turkey expected the three Turkish citizens to be found "as soon as possible", Xinhua news agency reported.

"We are ready for granting any kind of assistance in this matter."

The Libyan Prime Minister on his part informed the developments and said that his government would use every means available to help rescue the Turkish workers.

An armed group kidnapped on Friday three Turkish and one Germany workers from a Turkish engineering and construction firm in Libya's southwestern Ubari region.
Heather Wentler, the cofounder of the entrepreneurship nonprofit the Doyenne Group, is one of the organizers of the new Madison Startup Week.
Co-Conspirator Apricot Sour with the Bronze Medal

Revelation Craft Brewing Company received a bronze medal at the 2017 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) competition. Presented by the Brewers Association, GABF is the largest commercial beer competition in the world and recognizes the most outstanding beers produced in the United States. The top three winners in the competitions 98 beer-style categories were announced October 7 at the Great American Beer Festival awards ceremony held at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado.

Humbled to be recognized for our beer. Like so many other great breweries, our team works hard to deliver delicious brews to our customers and we never stop learning or improving. We are grateful for the support as we pursue our passion at Revelation! said Patrick Staggs, Brewmaster, President, and COO at Revelation Craft Brewing Company.

Revelation Craft Brewing Company was recognized in the Gluten Free beer-style category for its Co- Conspirator Apricot Sour. Originally their collaboration beer with Ghostfish Brewing Company, Co-Conspirator Apricot Sour is brewed with buckwheat, millet, biscuit rice, and flaked quinoa making it 100% gluten free. The addition of coconut water lacto and fresh apricot puree ensures the beer is also 100% delicious. Revelation Craft Brewing Company is a 4-barrel microbrewery located in Rehoboth Beach, DE that specializes in the exploration of various beer styles, while continually working to perfect the beers that they have brewed in the past. Located right off a bike trail, the brewery has become the perfect location for bicyclists to start, end, or just a take a break from their ride with 1 of the 15 rotating beers on tap to choose from.

The 2017 GABF competition winners were selected by an international panel of 276 expert judges from 7,923 entries, plus 118 Pro-Am entries, received from 2,217 U.S. breweries.

Each year the Great American Beer Festival showcases the best that American brewers have to offer, said Chris Swersey, competition manager, Great American Beer Festival. With a record 8,000 + entries, this years competition was the most competitive to date. Congratulations to all the winners who truly demonstrated why the U.S. is the worlds best and most diverse brewing nation.

For more GABF competition information, including the 2017 winners list and photos, visit GreatAmericanBeerFestival.com.
Felix & Paul Studios, the EMMY award-winning creator of cinematic virtual reality experiences, and Just For Laughs, producer of the worlds largest comedy festival, today announced the launch of Episode 2 of The Confessional, a seven-episode virtual reality comedy series available on Google Daydream and YouTube360. Episode 2 of The Confessional features leading stand-up comedian Trevor Noah who also hosts the EMMY award-winning The Daily Show on Comedy Central.

In this episode of The Confessional in VR, viewers find themselves in a confessional booth, face to face with Trevor Noah who recounts a date gone horribly wrong. Noah has a confession worthy of a challenge on Fear Factor  its an unfortunate incident involving a resilient branch, an unwanted sauna, and a less-than-perfect escape plan. Want to know more? Step inside The Confessional in 3D 360-degree virtual reality with Trevor Noah.

The Confessional was conceived and produced by both Felix & Paul Studios and Just For Laughs in collaboration with Google and was filmed over the course of 2017s Just For Laughs comedy festival in Montreal. Headspace Studio, the leader in 3D positional audio processing, provided audio capture and end-to-end sound processing for the series.

Episode 2 of The Confessionalfeaturing Trevor Noahwill be available for streaming on YouTube, and YouTube VR on Google Daydream beginning November 2, 2018.

View the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hPHe6zKJGI&list=PLrgNJiDpkRKZnvRigocY2EeYCivAee41C&index=1&t=4s

About Felix & Paul Studios

Felix & Paul Studios is the industry leader in the field of high-end cinematic virtual reality with an unparalleled reputation for producing the highest quality experiences in this emerging new medium. The studio combines technological innovation with a unique, pioneering and in-depth approach to the new art of virtual reality storytellingcreating ground-breaking original cinematic experiences (MIYUBI, Nomads series, Strangers, The Confessional) and collaborations with existing franchises (Jurassic World, Cirque du Soleil, Fox Searchlights Wild) and world-renowned personalities and leaders (President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, LeBron James, President Bill Clinton).

The company is the worlds only full spectrum VR studio, showcasing end-to-end creative and technological know-how and proprietary tools within one companyincluding best-in-class spherical 3D camera systems, production and post-production software and processes, and specialized audio capture, design and processing through its Headspace Studios division.

With its headquarters in Montreal, Canada and offices in Los Angeles, CA, Felix & Paul Studios has a highly experienced team of over 60 VR specialists and is backed by Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec, Comcast Ventures, Investment Quebec, OMERS Ventures, and the Phi Group.

About Just For Laughs

Founded in 1983, the Just For Laughs Group has had but one goal in its 30-plus years of operation: Make People Happy. To achieve this goal, the Just For Laughs Group has focused on four major products: Festivals in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Sydney; television production including Gags seen in over 130 countries and on over 75 airlines and stand-up specials; live shows, such as Canadian tour dates for Jerry Seinfeld, Louis C.K., Jim Gaffigan and the Just For Laughs Comedy Tour; and talent management. The Just For Laughs Montreal Comedy Festival is the worlds largest and most prestigious comedy event welcoming on average 1.35 million visitors to Montreal each summer and generating approximately $80 million for the citys economy. The Group has offices in Montreal, Paris, Los Angeles, Toronto, and London.

About YouTube

Launched in May 2005, YouTube allows billions of people to discover, watch and share originally-created videos. YouTube provides a forum for people to connect, inform, and inspire others across the globe and acts as a distribution platform for original content creators and advertisers large and small. YouTube is a Google company.
Apple Montessori 45th Anniversary Family Yoga Event

Apple Montessori students, parents, and team members gathered on the waterfront at Pier A in Hoboken for a special celebration on October 18. The occasion? Commemorating the 45 years that Apple has provided quality early childhood education to local communities.

The event was a resounding success with families from various Apple locations in north and central NJ, as well as Apple team members, joining together for the celebration. The lawn was spotted with moms, dads, children and strollers as they gathered together with Apple staff and teachers for yoga, lawn games, and educational crafts. The children (and some of the grownups, too) even got to shake hands with a real celebrity when Mickey Mouse made an appearance.

It couldnt have been so successful without contributions from local businesses. The crowd enjoyed refreshments and healthy snacks thanks to Green Life Market. Real Hot Yoga sponsored the yoga mats that allowed both the adults and the little ones to kick off their shoes, stretch, and get centered and relaxed.

Although Apple Montessori has 15 schools, the event was hosted in Hoboken because it is the site of Apples newest school, located on Sinatra Drive for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. The day ended with a ribbon cutting ceremony led by local councilman (and Apple parent) Dr. Michael Russo. Celebrating Apples 45th anniversary at the schools newest location demonstrated that the school is not only looking back on 45 wonderful years being part of local communities, but also looking forward to being an important part of local families lives for years to come.

Family-owned Apple Montessori Schools uses the Montessori approach to nurture the whole child and foster a life-long love of learning, positive social development, and personal confidence and independence. Academically, Apple students thrive as well. Last year, 92% of Apples kindergarten students scored at least one year above their grade level in both Mathematics and Language, with some scoring as high as 4th grade levels.

That success is no accident. As Apple Montessori Schools president Joanne Mooney puts it, We attribute the success of the children to the strength of our highly-trained team, Maria Montessoris proven approach to learning, and our families, with whom we form important partnerships. We are proud of our heritage, and we are excited to continue elevating the standard of early education in New Jersey.

About Apple Montessori Schools: Family owned Apple Montessori Schools have inspired a love of learning for over 45 years. The infant, toddler, preschool/kindergarten, and elementary programs are not only child-inspired, they are research-proven. The core of Apples mission is nurturing the whole child  intellectually, socially, emotionally, and beyond. By recognizing that no two children are the same, Apples approach cultivates the unique potential of each and every child in a caring, safe, and supportive school environment. The schools team of educators, many of whom have been with Apple 5, 10, 20 and even 30 years, make the most of childrens critical early learning years. Apple Montessori has fifteen schools located in north and central New Jersey. Learn more by visiting http://www.applemontessorischools.com.
When we were first introduced to Subsea Masters UHP closed loop system, I knew this was the wave of the future, says Mark Provine CEO of Mako.

Subsea Masters have developed in-house a unique system of waste containment during the cleaning of marine riser joints. The system allows the waste water product containing rust, debris, drilling mud deposits and other contaminants to be channelled effectively into a single containment chamber.

Subsea Masters Technical Director Don Bashford commented Due to the Industry downturn, budgets for marine riser maintenance have been under pressure and in many cases riser joints have been stored without cleaning and / or preservation. Marine Riser is an extremely valuable and safety critical asset and historically has not been looked after well, especially when stacked and left open to the elements. We wanted to develop a solution that guaranteed optimum results using our recommended UHP systems but enabled an environmentally focused on-rig solution.

Subsea Masters have been in discussion with potential licensees to use the patented riser cleaning containment system and have agreed to partner with Mako Oilfield Services to exploit the opportunities that exist in the North American market.

Craig Milne, Subsea Masters Managing Director said we wanted to identify the right partner in the US and have been talking to the principals of Mako for some time. Mako was founded by the former TIC owners that sold to Proserv in 2012, so their oilfield pedigree was clear and they have been building an extensive service business under the Mako banner, which we felt was a good fit with our riser maintenance solutions. Under the agreement, Subsea Masters will supply the patented riser containment systems for use by Mako during their riser maintenance projects and provide site training and ongoing support.

When we were first introduced to Subsea Masters UHP closed loop system, I knew this was the wave of the future, says Mark Provine CEO of Mako. Not only does the system allow for an environmentally friendly clean, its safe, cost effective and extremely mobile for performing cleaning services offshore. We couldnt be more excited than to partner with Subsea Masters and their team to bring their innovations to North America.

This unique portable containment system when utilized Offshore provides a cost-effective solution to our customers, and is the preferred cleaning method prior to 5 year/CBM inspection for wall thickness data collection added Reg Powell Director of Inspection Services for Mako.

For more information please visit http://www.subseamasters.com or http://www.makooilfield.com or make contact with the parties detailed below.

For further information, interviews, or visuals, please contact:

Craig Milne, Subsea Masters Managing Director

Email craig.milne(at)subseamasters.com

Alastair Gadney, GEV Group Marketing Director

Email Alastair.gadney(at)gevgroup.com

Reg Powell, Director of Inspection Services, Mako

Email rpowell(at)makooilfield.com

About Subsea Masters:

Subsea Masters is part of the UK based GEV Group of companies and provides specialist engineering support to the offshore drilling industry, with a focus on the maintenance of marine riser. The business has an operational base located in the Port of Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, which geographically supports the Deepwater markets of West Africa, together with the opportunity to support rig owners transiting between the Americas, Europe and the Far East. Services are performed from a stable European base, matched with a UK focused health & safety culture and an extended availability of services through our longstanding partnership with local leading shipyard, Zamakona.

For further information, please visit:

http://www.subseamasters.com

http://www.gevgroup.com

About Mako Oilfield Services:

MAKO OILFIELD SERVICES was founded by the former TIC owners and team members that sold to Proserv in 2012. Our customer centric organization believes in providing superior technical services that add value to our customer and to our employees. MAKO is the company to call when safe success is the only option. For requirements ranging from custom control panels to running piping and tubing on a BOP stack or control system, marine riser cleaning and preservation we have the experience, expertise and manpower to help get the job done right, on time and on budget anywhere in the world.

With a global network of manufacturing locations and service crews, MAKO is an industry leader in the upstream and midstream oil and gas markets, delivering turnkey projects that include:



Equipment design and manufacturing

Instrumentation and electrical installation and commissioning

Post-installation service

Maintenance, cleaning and preservation

http://www.makooilfield.com
The firm is encouraging recent graduates to showcase what they think makes them truly unique in the highly competitive job market, encouraging them to evaluate their beneficial assets that make them the perfect candidate.

OConnor Marketing is the Sydney based marketing firm that specialises in promotional B2B and B2C campaigns and is taking the city by storm. The company has a firm belief that experience and qualifications are not an accurate mark of real-world business talent. OConnor Marketing state that they look for ambition, curiosity and desire to learn over traditional qualities many firms expect.

About O'Connor Marketing: http://oconnormarketing.com.au/about-us/

The company has recently been investigating the graduate job market, believing that it is more crucial than ever before for graduates to look beyond their qualifications. The firm is encouraging recent graduates to showcase what they think makes them truly unique in the highly competitive job market, encouraging them to evaluate their beneficial assets that make them the perfect candidate.

The firm understands that fresh graduates offer a multitude of skills and qualities that many other businesses do not yet recognise; ranging from innovation, boasting student mentalities and practical and technical life skills. OConnor Marketing has been sparked by a variety of articles on the subject and is hopeful young professionals will take this opportunity to develop their resume and perfect their interview skills.

OConnor Marketing offers unique opportunities to graduates and individuals that can showcase a sense of commitment and unique talents that will shine through within the sales and marketing industry. The firm promises to only ever promote from within, providing an excellent scope for professionals development. The business hosts a creative and ambitious orientated environment that welcomes motivated individuals. The firm also offers training internally that encourages personal goals and targets with mentoring throughout employment.

O'Connor Marketing is keen to embrace young professionals from all backgrounds, as they believe these show to most significant levels of commitment. The firm is hopeful that other sales and marketing firms will follow their lead and become more inclusive within their hiring process in the future.

Source: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/249841
The Executive of the Year Award recognizes Mr. Martore for his outstanding contributions to CALIBRE, the community, and the government contracting industry during the past year.

Joe Martore, President & Chief Executive Officer of CALIBRE Systems, Inc., was named GovCon Executive of the Year ($75M - $300M) by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Professional Services Council. The award was presented at the 15th Annual Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards, the premier awards program honoring the leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence of the individuals and businesses in the region's government contracting sector. The Executive of the Year Award recognizes Mr. Martore for his outstanding contributions to CALIBRE, the community, and the government contracting industry during the past year.

Mr. Martore has served as CALIBREs President & CEO since 2010, and is a member of the CALIBRE Board of Directors. He is responsible for setting and overseeing CALIBREs strategic direction, establishing corporate policies, and managing the overall performance of the company. He holds graduate degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and George Washington University.

We are proud to recognize CALIBREs Joe Martore as Executive of the Year, said Jim Corcoran, Northern Virginia Chamber President and CEO. We applaud each of the winners for their contributions to the government contracting sector and commitment to employees and our region.

Mr. Martores leadership has greatly contributed to CALIBREs success, said Lieutenant General J. Terry Scott, USA-Retired, CALIBREs Chairman of the Board of Directors. His vision for the companys growth is to always look forward as we renew ourselves and enable the success of our clients, our employees, and our communities. This recognition of our CEO is an honor which recognizes CALIBREs continued growth and strong presence in the government contracting community.

To view pictures of the event, visit the Northern Virginia Chamber Flickr page.

About CALIBRE

Alexandria, Virginia-based CALIBRE Systems, Inc. is an employee-owned management consulting and information technology solutions company supporting government and industry. CALIBRE is committed to the success of their clients and delivering enduring solutions that solve management, technology, and program challenges.

For more information about CALIBRE, please visit http://www.calibresys.com.

About the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce

The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, The Voice of Business in Northern Virginia, is the preeminent Northern Virginia membership organization for businesses to grow through relationship building and partnership engagement throughout the Greater Washington region. 700 organizations and 500,000 employees strong, the Northern Virginia Chamber is the largest chamber of commerce in Northern Virginia and has been working hand-in-hand with regional businesses, government, and academia to build a robust and innovative business community for more than 90 years. To learn more about the Northern Virginia Chamber, please visit http://www.novachamber.org and follow the Northern Virginia Chamber on Twitter: @NOVAChamber and @NOVAChamber_CEO.

About the Professional Services Council (PSC)

PSC is the voice of the government technology and professional services industry. PSCs more than 400 member companies represent small, medium, and large businesses that provide federal agencies with services of all kinds, including information technology, engineering, logistics, facilities management, operations and maintenance, consulting, international development, scientific, social, environmental services, and more. Together, the trade associations members employ hundreds of thousands of Americans in all 50 states. Follow PSC on Twitter @PSCSpeaks.

Contact: Craig College, Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer

Telephone: 703.797.8733

E-mail: Craig.College(at)calibresys(dot)com
LaserSwiss with Welding The addition of a second laser head for welding provides enormous flexibility for end users. They can reflow a swaged tube end, and they can weld two pieces together, then machine them.

Tsugami Automation announced today that it will demonstrate its newest LaserSwiss CNC Lathe at the Medical Devices & Manufacturing (MD&M) show in Minneapolis, Minnesota November 8th and 9th. This is the first time the company has publically displayed this machine in the Midwest.

The new LaserSwiss is a Tsugami SS207-5AX, 20 mm, 7-axis Swiss style CNC Lathe with two fully integrated SPI lasers, one for laser cutting and one for welding. The machine is the first LaserSwiss to incorporate laser welding.

The addition of a second laser head for welding provides enormous flexibility for end users, Tsugami Automation Vice President Graham Noake said. They can reflow a swaged tube end, and they can weld two pieces together, then machine them.

The laser cutting and laser welding heads can be mounted on either the X/1 - Y/1 axis or B-axis, and customers can choose lasers ranging from 200W to 400W. All laser operations are programmed and driven from the machines FANUC 31i-B5 control and each lasers frequency, pulse width, focus and power are on-the-fly adjustable. Additionally, users can adjust the assist gas pressure from 5psi to 350psi, allowing different pressures to be used for piercing, cutting, and welding.

MD&M MN visitors can see LaserSwiss cutting and welding demonstrations on the Tsugami Automation booth, #2353, throughout the show.

Tsugami LaserSwiss machines are distributed in Minnesota by Tsugami Automations sister company, Morris Midwest. Both companies are divisions of Morris Group, Inc., one of North Americas largest machine tool distributors.

About Tsugami Automation

Tsugami Automation (http://www.tsugamiautomation.com) provides custom solutions for Tsugami Precision machine tools. The company is a division of Morris Group, Inc. of Windsor, Connecticut, one of the largest suppliers of high performance machine tools and related engineering and support services in North America. Tsugami Automation specializes in the design, manufacture and integration of Tsugami machine tool optimization products, including laser integration systems and custom tooling and accessories.

About Morris Midwest

Morris Midwest [(http://www.morrismidwest.com) __title__ ] is a division of Morris Group, Inc. The company supplies CNC machine tools, tooling, accessories, software, automation, and more to manufacturers of precision machined parts in Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Its mission is to help manufacturers from all industry sectors achieve and maintain a competitive advantage by improving productivity and helping them make better parts, less expensively.
The successful businessman known as the King of Cannabis held a private fundraiser for California gubernatorial candidate, Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom, at his Hollywood Hills estate, attended by a curated guest list of politicians, celebrities, entrepreneurs, taste makers, and movers and shakers of the legal marijuana industry.

With more than $140,000 raised in 90 minutes, its clear the cannabis industry has picked its candidate in Gavin Newsom. In truth, Gavin has been a longtime favorite of the community, having launched Californias Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Policy in 2014, campaigned for five months, and was instrumental in getting Proposition 64 passed, with 56 percent of voters in favor.

The successful fundraiser was hosted by Michael BigMike Straumietis, founder and CEO of Advanced Nutrients, the No. 1 cannabis brand in the world, with operations throughout North America, Spain, Germany and Eastern Europe, and sales in 97 countries. Hes also a social media icon who has more than 2.5 million followers across his social media platforms, with his Instagram account @BigMike accounting for 1.4 million of those followers.

The celebrity CEO, philanthropist, entrepreneur and investor was happy to host Lt. Governor Newsom. About his support, BigMike said:

I proudly endorse Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom as Californias next governor. He has always been a strong proponent of legalizing marijuana, and fighting against prejudiced and antiquated notions surrounding the cannabis industry. With Gavins strong entrepreneurial background and understanding of the social, political, economic and business development issues surrounding cannabis, theres no better choice for governor for the great state of California than Gavin Newsom.
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
The front desk at The Beacon, the new homeless day resource center, on East Washington Avenue in Madison.
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:

Home Regional News East
When The Wing, a coworking space and social club for women, launched in October 2016, founders Audrey Gelman and Lauren Kassan didn't realize how large the demand for membership would be or exactly the type of comfort it would provide its members. In the months before the 2016 presidential election, Gelman, who has experience working in politics, said she believed Hillary Clinton would win.

"This was going to be the golden age of women in power, so women could have rooms like this," she told Business Insider in October of last year. "It was sort of a triumphant concept. Obviously that's not what happened."

Overnight, after Donald Trump's victory, The Wing was inundated with calls from members and people on the waitlist, who, according to Kassan, were saying, "I didn't realize how much I wanted or needed a space like this."

Now, the club has over 1,500 members and also plans to launch a fourth location in Washington, DC this spring.

In November, The Wing raised $32 million in a Series B funding round led by WeWork, bringing its total investment to $42 million, according to Forbes. NEA also contributed to the funding round.

The Wing's prices, which vary between $2,350 to $2,700 a year, offer members access to a variety of perks. With a focus on growing a community for its members, the club provides more than a place to set up your laptop. Speaking events, community volunteer opportunities, movie screenings, and happy hours provide a home base for its members to build relationships.

The Wing is serious about its no-men-allowed rule. On the day we got a tour of the new Dumbo space  we were told not to bring along any male coworkers. See below for photos of both the Dumbo and SoHo locations.

Gelman realized she needed a space like The Wing while working a job that always had her on the go. Instead of changing outfits for events and meetings in "random bathrooms around the city," she envisioned a space designed with her needs in mind.

The spacious bathrooms, showers, lockers, and beauty room provide women with a safe space to prep and primp for their day.

Inside the new Dumbo location, perks such as a recording studio for members and their guests is available to rent out.

There's also a mini workout and meditation space  members can conduct private yoga or barre classes, or bring in their own instructors.

Other perks include a The Perch cafe, secret telephone booths located inside the bookshelves, and a vintage photo booth free to use for members.

Kassan, the COO, saw an opportunity to create a community: "For me it's really about the community that can come out of this space. The original idea of having a space of convenience  but also creating a space that you can meet new women in."

Gelman, who was a junior aide during Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential run and, later, a spokeswoman for New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer, sees The Wing as a natural progression from her political career.

Source:

"It was sort of adjacent to politics in the sense that it had a mission, and I don't think we realized how crucial that mission was going to become," Gelman said. "I love getting to do this right now because it's advancing the values and issues that I care about, but doing it outside of politics."

The 10,000-square-foot space has two meeting rooms that can be rented out by members.

There's also a nap room for those who need a moment of quiet.

The pump room for nursing mothers also provides a quiet, private space.

A cafe and bar has breakfast items, sandwiches, and coffee.

Large skylights and high ceilings create a bright and airy atmosphere.

These eight private telephone booths were added to the second location following member demand.

Past the bustling cafe area is the quiet library space filled with books. Curated by The Strand  another women-owned business  the collection is made up entirely of books by female authors.

As far as the membership base, Gelman and Kassan aim to keep it diverse. "We look at membership in terms of diversity: career, racial, and ethnic diversity, age diversity, and usage diversity to make sure not everyone is coming at the exact same time," Kassan said.

Members are "women who are teachers, physicians, women in tech, fashion and marketing. Also, we have a microbiologist, a woman who is an aerospace engineer, and someone getting her Ph.D. in scent technology," Gelman said.

Prices for The Wing start at an annual $2,350 for access to a single location, or $215 a month. To access all locations, the price is $2,700 annually or $250 monthly.

According to Gelman, new membership tiers and scholarships are still in the works.

"There's been demand that we didn't anticipate, which is humbling," Gelman said.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk made a welcomed appearance at the 1st Marine Raider Battalion Ball and delivered a sobering speech that took many US Marines by surprise last Friday.

The 1st Marine Raider Battalion out of Camp Pendleton, California, is comprised of elite Marines under the command of Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC), the Marine Corps' expeditionary force that typically operates in austere conditions.

Musk was invited to the event as a guest of honor because the Raiders wanted an "equally innovative" keynote speaker to honor the battalion on its birthday, a former Marine Raider commander who asked not to be named, told Business Insider. Around 400 people attended, including World War II veterans and Gold Star family members, the Marine Raider said.

Much like the secrecy of the Marine Raiders' operations, Musk's appearance at the event was closed to the press and kept low-key in order to "avoid a media frenzy," the Marine Raider said.

Like other branches of the military, formal military events are steeped in deep tradition. The Marine Corps, however, pride themselves in being a distinct group from the other branches, and their customs were reportedly noticed by Musk.

"You can tell he was a little nervous," said Joe Musselman, the CEO of The Honor Foundation. "He was walking alongside the commanding officer of the 1st Raider Marine Battalion. You have this polished officer who's walking in step to very traditional music."

Musselman was invited to the event as the CEO of an organization that supports veterans.

As the Marine Raiders brought out a celebratory cake, the commanding officer of the battalion reportedly drew a sword.

"Elon kind of stepped back like, 'Whoa, what's going on. Why did you draw your sword at me,'" Musselman said.

The officer proceeded to serve Musk with the first piece of cake, using his sword to set it onto Musk's plate.

"That's intimidating for any person," Musselman said. "A Marine Raider just served [Musk] a piece of cake off his sword. I don't know if that was necessary in the scripts or the notes for Elon to review beforehand."

T

As the guest of honor, Musk reportedly delivered the opening statement that appeared to make an impact to the group of elite Marines.

"I will never forget it; it set the tone for his entire talk," Musselman said. "He said, 'I wanted to come and speak to this group,' and I get the chills even saying it, 'Because whenever there's danger in the world, you all are the first to go and die."

Musk continued to say he had a great amount of respect for their service to the country, according to Musselman.

"And the whole room, you could've heard a pin drop," Musselman said. "When he said that, the way he said it, it wasn't prepared, there was no script. He was genuinely looking up in the air to find the words to say 'Thank you for doing this for our country.'"

Following the speech, Musk offered some lessons he's learned throughout his career in the Silicon Valley. One particular lesson he reportedly said was to always question authority  a trait that could be seen as counterintuitive to the military's doctrine of strict obedience.

One Marine was said to have made light of the discrepancy, shouting, "You're in the wrong room for that, sir," and drew a few laughs.

Musk went on to discuss his companies' involvement in the veteran community and emphasized Silicon Valley's need for leadership and talent from veterans.

"It was quite a treat for us to have Mr. Musk," the former Marine Raider commander said, "He [recognized] Marines and sailors would be one of the first ones in harms way."
On Friday, Apple's new phone finally landed on store shelves. But hordes of eager consumers had already begun gathering outside Apple retail stores well before the doors opened. Whether motivated by a desire to be first, or a fear of Apple running out of stock, techies love to line up outside Apple stores  sometimes camping out for days  when the device goes on sale.

Word was that the crowds for the $999 iPhone X, the tenth anniversary model of the iconic device, would be even larger than usual. And I decided that experiencing what it's like to be part of this curious subculture of Apple fanatics and line waiters was something I couldn't pass up.

As it turns out, a coworker in New York was desperate for the new iPhone X, so I volunteered to do the line thing and get it for her. I chose the Union Square Apple store in San Francisco. It's a flagship location, and because of its central location I knew there'd be a big crowd.

I had no idea what was in store, but at 3:30 a.m., my alarm went off and the adventure began.

Since I'd be getting there in the dead of night and San Francisco is getting chillier, my main concern was the weather. So the night before I laid out my many layers in preparation.

I arrived at 4:00 a.m. to a drizzly morning.

I claimed a spot at what I thought was the end of the line about two blocks up from the store entrance. I quickly learned that the line actually kept stretching around the corner, and moved to my place in the back.

The people in the very front of the line had been there since the morning before, and had come prepared with chairs, umbrellas, and lots of blankets.

Lacking my own camper chair, I set a (rather sad) brown paper bag down to mark my place in line.

Others were much more prepared.

It was a calm scene at that early hour, with most people chatting among themselves or looking at their phones.

Even at 4am, there were probably more than 100 people already waiting in line. Apple had security guards posted around the lines, which made me feel a lot better about being on the streets so early.

Andrew Chen was the fourth person in line, and he had been there since 2:00 p.m. the day before.

Chen has been to every iPhone launch event, and was planning on buying the Space Gray 64 gigabyte model.

"It's not a phone, it's an experience, the waiting for something," he said. He was there with a few other people, and said that those at the very front had been taking care of each other, taking turns to get food or go to the bathroom during the long wait.

By 6:00 a.m. the line seemed to be waking up a bit.

The nearby Saks Fifth Avenue store that we were lined up against began playing cheery music, and Apple employees brought around free Starbucks coffee and donuts to bolster our spirits.

There was something invigorating about being out and about in the dawn hours, and watching the city come to life.

Many of the people I met in line enjoyed the experience of the wait, and had been to launch events before.

Victor Aldeguer is a flight attendant from Spain. He had flown in the night before and was leaving the next day, but decided to spend his one day in San Francisco standing in line in hopes of getting an iPhone X. The last launch event he attended was in Spain for the iPhone 5G. He had waited 18 hours then.

Inside the Apple store, the lined up phones made for a tantalizing display.

At around 7:00 a.m., Apple employees began arriving for their shifts and prepared to greet the masses.

When the store opened at 8:00 a.m., the sun had finally come out and spirits were high.

But the wait continued.

As a launch event newbie, I had been under the impression that once the store opened, it would be a quick in and out process. I was very wrong.

Apple employees began greeting people waiting in line around at 8:45 a.m., and signing people up for the exact make and model of the iPhone X that they wanted to ensure it would be waiting for them when they did finally make it to the front.

A few blocks up, the line kept growing, as a second wave of late-risers showed up.

A security guard I had talked to earlier in the morning said Apple had prepared for around a thousand people, and didn't think the store would run out of stock until late in the day.

By 9:45 I had moved to the very front line, and my coworker had arrived to keep me company.

Alas, although I though I'd arrived at the home stretch, I was slightly dismayed to learn that it would be another 45 minutes before I'd be at the very front.

And then, at 10:15 a.m. the moment finally arrived and I was let into the store.

In the store, the actual purchasing of the iPhone was a breeze.

The Apple associate helping me out, Yev, simply scanned the reservation code I had been sent earlier and it was a done deal.

Finally, I had my phone!

Total time in line: 7 hours.
Pulse.con.gh last month reported that the Ghanaian actress has given birth to a baby girl.

She is said to have successfully delivered her first child at a health facility in Accra on Sunday, October 29, 2017.

READ MORE: Actress gives birth to a baby girl

The news about her child birth has dominated social media and celebrity websites.

Speaking about the issue, Abdul Salam, who has stared Yvonne Nelson in many of his movies, expressed surprised about it, saying it is a shock to him.
It will be recalled that on September 24, 2017, there was wide circulation on various social media platforms about terrorist attack on the Accra Mall, creating fear and panic and nearly destabilised business activities at the mall.

His arrest, the statement said, came after thorough investigation conducted by the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

The suspect, whose is said to be the originator of the hoax, according to the statement, is assisting the police with investigations.

READ MORE: Vlisco reopens refitted flagship store at Accra Mall
The ex-president, who made the revelation at a lecture in Abuja, Nigeria, said his daughters happiness was borne out of the fact that she could go a week with seeing him (Mahama).

My daughter, Farida, who had gone to school in the morning, arrived in the afternoon. She found me lying in bed which was unusual because when I was President we could go a whole week without seeing each other, he narrated.

He continued: She leaves the house early in the morning to be able to get to school on time, by which time I probably had not gotten out of bed. She gets back home late afternoon, and I am in the Office and I get back in the night when she is asleep.

So, we could go the whole week without seeing each other. For the first time, she came back from school and there I was lying on my bed and watching television.

Below is what ensued between John Mahama and his daughter:

Farida: Daddy, didnt you go to the Office?

John Mahama: No, dont you remember that I handed over to President Akufo-Addo yesterday?

Farida: OK; so it means you are not going to the Office anymore?

John Mahama: No, I have no Office to go to

Farida: Then I am happy! So will I be coming home from school and meeting you in the house?

John Mahama: Yes

Farida: Then I am very happy that you lost the elections!

In December 2016 when Mahama had conceded defeat, Farida wrote him a letter him praising him for for changing and transforming the lives of Ghanaians.
Darkwa Yiadom, aka the Prophet 1, declared last Sunday that NPP members preparing to contest Chairman Wontumi will be doing so in vain.

He made the comments when the NPP chairman joined him to worship at his church.

"You wont win against Wontumi. There are people God has made this way no matter how hard you try, you wont win if you contest him," he said.

"He can decide to climb up the ladder and decide to contest for the National Chairmanship position, he would win. It is all about his good works and dedication, he aded.

READ MORE: Wontumi accused of using Ashanti Regional Minister to sabotage Mahama
A Spanish judge on Friday issued an EU arrest warrant for Puigdemont, who is holed up in Belgium and failed to turn up for questioning over his role in the push for Catalonia to break away from Spain.

On Thursday, the judge ordered Puigdemont's deputy and seven other deposed regional ministers detained pending a possible trial, triggering angry demonstrations.

Puigdemont had said on Friday he was ready to run as a candidate in the December 21 vote, which was called by Spain after it imposed direct rule on Catalonia and sacked the regional authorities in the wake of the parliament's declaration of an independent republic.

In his tweet, Puigdemont referred to an online petition calling for the creation of a combined independent candidate list, which by Saturday had received more than 14,000 signatures.

Spanish prosecutors want to charge Puigdemont and another four ex-ministers who are in Belgium with rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds.

Puigdemont, who continues to describe himself as the "legitimate" president of Catalonia, is a member of the PDeCAT party which has been in power in the wealthy northeastern region for much of Spain's modern democratic era.
The legalities are likely to escalate tensions in Spain's worst political crisis in decades.

So what happens now? The following are the next key events in the crisis.

Court probe and extradition

Spain's National Court sent eight former officials in Puigdemont's government, including his deputy Oriol Junqueras, to jail pending a potential trial over their role in Catalonia's secession push.

A ninth former government official was allowed to leave custody on Friday after he posted bail of 50,000 euros ($75,000) pending a full trial.

But Puigdemont and four others refused to appear in court for questioning and a Spanish court issued warrants for their arrest.

The five, who are all thought to be in Belgium, can fight their extradition in the coming days. Meanwhile the National Court will continue its investigation.

The public prosecutor's office has asked that Puigdemont and the others be charged with rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds.

The crime of rebellion carries a prison term of up to 30 years while sedition can be punished with a sentence of up to 15 years.

Supreme Court hearing

Spain's Supreme Court will on Thursday resume its hearings of six former members of Catalonia's dissolved parliament including speaker Carme Forcadell.

The hearings began on November 2 but were adjourned at the request of their lawyers. The six are also being investigated for their role in Catalonia's secession drive.

Early vote preparations

Spain's central government last month stripped Catalonia of its powers and called an early regional election for December 21 after the Catalan parliament voted to declare independence.

Parties that wish to stand together in a coalition in the polls must announce this by Tuesday.

During the last regional election in September 2015 Puigdemont's conservative PdeCat and the far-left ERC party stood together in a "Together for Yes" coalition.

The two sides have clashed in recent weeks over strategy but the decision to jail the bulk of the ousted Catalan government has rekindled feelings of unity.

The ERC party, which has long called for independence, is riding high in opinion polls and could prefer to run on is own, splitting the separatist camp.

Between November 13 and 18 Catalan parties must announce their list of candidates.

The tiny, anti-capitalist separatist Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP) party, a key ally of the "Together for Yes" coalition, must decide by this time if it will take part in the election called by the central government.

Election campaign

The election campaign officially kicks off on December 5 and runs until December 19.

Mass protests for and against independence are likely during the campaign, like the ones held in Barcelona throughout October.

Elections

During the last regional election, separatist parties won a slim majority of 72 seats in the 135-seat Catalan parliament for the first time.
He had refused to comply with a judge's demands during a hearing in the case against Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, the accused mastermind of the attack on the USS Cole in 2000.

The unprecedented action drew quick scorn from critics, who said it illustrates the overall disfunction of the drawn-out military hearings against Nashiri and other high-profile inmates including the alleged plotters of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Harvey Rishikof, a civilian lawyer and the so-called "convening authority" in the Nashiri case, needed to approve Baker's sentence.

Just as lawyers in Washington were preparing to appeal to a federal judge for Baker's release, Rishikof agreed to defer the punishment while he considers the case.

At about 1:00 pm (1700 GMT), "Brigadier General Baker was served a letter notifying him that the imposition of the remainder of his sentence was delayed until the convening authority makes a final decision on the matter," said military hearings spokesman Major Ben Sakrisson.

The general's confinement stems from a dispute with the military judge in the Nashiri case, Air Force Colonel Vance Spath.

Baker had agreed to let Nashiri's civilian defense team quit the case over a series of ethical conflicts and a lack of confidence that their privileged conversations were in fact confidential.

But Spath ordered them to appear in person at the base or via video conference, the Miami Herald reported.

When Baker refused, Spath found him in contempt.

Michel Paradis, a civilian lawyer who works for Baker, told the Herald that Baker's release was a positive step, but that the deferred sentence was worrisome.
A bipartisan group in the Senate, including Senate Armed Services Committee chairman John McCain, introduced their bill Thursday.

It calls for renewal of import and trade restrictions on Myanmar, including re-imposing a ban on jade and rubies from the country also known as Burma.

"Our legislation would hold accountable the senior military officials responsible for the slaughter and displacement of innocent men, women and children in Burma, and make clear that the United States will not stand for these atrocities," McCain said in a statement.

The tough proposals came as US President Donald Trump departed for an extended trip to Asia, where he will attend a summit with Southeast Asian nations including Myanmar.

The United States, while condemning the deadly violence that has prompted more than 600,000 people to flee to neighboring Bangladesh, has been careful to say it holds the military responsible, not Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government.

House Democrat Eliot Engel said lawmakers wanted to send a "clear message" with the targeted sanctions, both to the military and the civilian leadership, about the violence that has left hundreds of people dead.

"This violence must stop, perpetrators must be held accountable, and there must be meaningful civilian control over Burma's military and security forces," Engel said.

Lawmakers also want Myanmar's military to ensure safe return of refugees displaced from northern Rakhine State, where the military has been accused by the United Nations of a campaign of ethnic cleansing.

"There will be consequences for their crimes against humanity," said Senator Ben Cardin, a Democratic sponsor of the bill.

The fate of the legislation may rest in part with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a longtime friend and ally of embattled Suu Kyi.

The two politicians spoke by telephone in September, when she assured McConnell she was working to get aid to Rohingya Muslims.

McConnell defended the Nobel peace laureate after the call, warning that "publicly condemning Aung San Suu Kyi, the best hope for democratic reform in Burma, is not constructive."

Suu Kyi has been hammered by the international community for failing to use her moral power to speak up in defense of the Rohingya.

On Thursday she visited Rakhine for the first time.
A day after bombshell indictments in a US probe of Moscow's election interference and possible coordination between President Donald Trump's campaign and Russia, Facebook, Google and Twitter told concerned lawmakers Tuesday they were taking necessary steps to rid their platforms of disinformation, propaganda and provocation.

In their testimony, the social media companies revealed startling new data showing many more millions of Americans were exposed to the fake news than previously thought.

In another hearing on Wednesday, Facebook said the apparent political meddling included use of its image-oriented messaging service Instagram, and that those suspect accounts were seen by some 20 million Americans last year.

The latest data on Instagram was on top of the estimated 126 million Americans exposed to Facebook posts from Russian entities seeking to create divisions during the election campaign.

In Thursday's interview, Brittin revealed that "there had been a very limited use" of their advertising by Russian interests during the election, highlighting two accounts which spent "about $4,700 on advertising" that was not targeted on demographics or geography.

"But any misrepresentation is bad, and we have continued to look at how we can improve our policies and transparency," he said.

Committed to Europe

But misinformation is not the only battle Google is facing.

In March, The Times newspaper revealed that ads for companies and other organisations were being promoted alongside extremist content, including videos posted by American white supremacist and former Ku Klux Klan member David Duke as well as by Wagdi Ghoneim, an Islamist preacher banned from the UK for inciting hatred.

The scandal exposed the weaknesses of a system of automated sale of advertising space based on algorithms, and shook advertiser confidence. It led to a slew of companies pulling ads from Google's internet platforms.

"The advertisers pullback has been limited but relatively serious," Brittin said, but there was "no big impact on our numbers".

The group has in any case passed a battery of measures to reassure advertisers -- which can now more precisely determine the type of content on which they want their ads to appear.

Google has also invested in ways to better detect suspicious content, including with artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, hiring significant numbers of people, and putting in place faster procedures in case of emergency.

Brittin also said Google was committed to developing its European operations, which count about 14,000 employees.

"We want to continue to invest in Europe," he said, even as the European Union wages a major crackdown on member states bending rules to give big international firms unfair tax breaks, with Apple and Google in the firing line.

In June, the EU slapped Google with a record fine of 2.4 billion euros ($2.8 billion) for illegally favouring its shopping service in search results, accusing the company of booking huge profits while denying state-coffers much-needed money.
The UN refugee agency UNHCR reported 15 allegations, while three new cases involved staff at the International Organisation on Migration and one allegation was directed against the UN children's agency UNICEF.

Two cases at UNHCR are under formal investigation, while the others were still being reviewed, according to UN information. In all, 14 investigations have been launched during the three months.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has made fighting sexual abuse by peacekeepers and UN staff a priority of his tenure.

The United Nations has been damaged by a wave of rape cases involving peacekeepers in the Central African Republic, prompting former UN chief Ban Ki-moon to fire the mission commander.

Of the 31 cases, only 12 took place this year, two were from last year and six in 2015. The dates have not been established for the remaining 11 allegations.
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The unnamed woman of a new lawsuit says she visited a Sephora in Hollywood in Oct. 2015, tried on one of their common use lipsticks, and ended up with herpes on her lip, TMZ reports. The woman says she never had herpes or cold sores before she visited the store, but was diagnosed by a doctor after her visit. She now claims in court documents that Sephora failed to clearly warn customers that they could be at risk of getting herpes or other diseases from trying on their samples. Shes suing the beauty company for emotional distress due to her "incurable lifelong affliction" she has as a result of trying on lipsticks.

To be fair, Sephora has stations around their stores that contain rubbing alcohol and cotton pads for cleaning products, and they encourage people to wipe off the lipsticks before trying them out. Still, its not required.

When asked to respond to the allegations, a Sephora representative said: "While it is our policy not to comment on litigation, the health and safety of our clients is our foremost priority. We take product hygiene very seriously and we are dedicated to following best practices in our stores."

Its definitely possible to get oral herpes this way, says Jennifer Wider, M.D. Its likely enough that it's not worth the risk, she says. While it's difficult to completely predict, herpes can be contracted from sharing lipstick, lip balm, eating utensils, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, toothbrushes, etc.

The way you can get herpes from makeup counter lipstick is pretty simple. If you use a lipstick after someone who has the herpes simplex virus, the virus can be transferred to you, Wider says. Thats especially true if you have a break in your skin or chapped lips, she adds. Research has shown that the virus can live in a moist area (like a lipstick) for a day, so the virus could be hanging around makeup for a solid chunk of time before youre exposed.

As for the option to use rubbing alcohol to clean lipsticks first, that can help, but its not guaranteed to obliterate your risk, says Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., a board-certified infectious disease physician and affiliated scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. It depends on how systematically thats applied to the surface, he says. It would be effective in most cases, but not necessarily 100 percent.
A typical Senator Dino Melaye line at plenary.

Love or hate him, Senator Melaye has found his way into the hearts of most Nigerians with his outspoken nature.

The Kogi West lawmaker has become the darling of most journalists who anticipate his comments on the floor of the Senate.

You cannot interview Senator Dino Melaye and not get a story. It is not possible! In fact, Dino gives you more than you ask. One question and you already have three stories, a colleague once told me.

I did not understand this until I started reporting the activities of lawmakers at the National Assembly.

Loved by many, Senator Melaye also has so many haters.

The lawmaker is hated by many for his unreserved comments on certain issues.

Others just cannot stand his guts.

ALSO READ:Buhari is surrounded by caterpillars and cankerworms, says Dino Melaye

Despite Senator Melaye's "closeness to God" and prayers for his followers on Twitter, some people (call them haters) believe Senator Melaye acts under some form of influence.

So, we had our eyes and ears on the ground.

What appears to be a hint, Senator Melayelet the cat out of the bag at plenary on Thursday, November 2, 2017.

Here's how it all went down.

After the consideration of bills, it was time for lawmakers to consider the report of the Senate committees on the 2017 budget of corporations and agencies of government.

Deputy Senate leader, Bala Ibn NaAllah had called for the report of the committee on Trade and Investment.

Senator Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf representing Taraba Central presented the report of the committee.

Senate President Bukola Saraki called for comments and observations on the report.

Senator Melaye was called upon to make comments on the report of the committee on Trade and Investment.

In line with the diversification move of the federal government, this bill could not have come at a better time, Melaye announced.

If you go to the tea and coffee section in most supermarkets in Nigerian, especially in Abuja, you find out that, Melaye continued.

Everyone in the chamber was stunned.

At this point that his colleagues whispered to him that they had gone pass the tea and coffee bill.

It was at this moment he knew he had messed up.

Even Senate President could not hold back the laugh.

Senators at the chamber made jest of Melaye with some asking if the crooner "was addicted to coffee and tea."

At the Senate Press Centre, journalists made jokes of the Kogi lawmakers absent-mindedness at plenary.

Some wondered if Senator Melaye was craving a hot cup of tea or coffee at the time.

When next the lawmaker raised his hand for comments on the next report, the Senate president had to throw a reminder.

Err, Senator Dino, were on information and communication technology, Saraki said.

As lawmakers laughed, Melaye replied: Mr President, I had already programmed my brain on information and communication technology.

Asides his fleet of cars, you know something else Senator Melaye is 'addicted' to -- tea and coffee.
Omisore described his invitation as a sinister plot by some powerful interests in the ruling opposition party in his state, All Progressives Congress (APC) to get him out of circulation ahead of 2018 gubernatorial election.

Omisore, who was the Chairman Appropriation Committee while serving the Senate, stated in a recent press release.

In the invitation, I was asked to report to the said DCP Uzochukwu that the late , had reported a case of assault against me to them. And I wondered when Senator Adeleke (may God rest his soul) made the report as no date was given in the said invitation. The police invitation letter was dated 20th October 2017, he quizzed.

The senator stated that the opposition elements are apparently working with the Nigeria Police or some of their officers to realise their sinister plot against his person.

Explaining further his initial position and the politics behind the unusual invitation, Senator Omisore said, We all know that as Nigerians we are living in a very interesting time. The culture now is to source for scapegoats in members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for every inaction of government. The tragic instance in which the late former Osun State governor, a distinguished senator of the Federal Republic, died is still fresh in our memories, particularly the controversy that his death generated across the nation.

What is also fresh in our collective memory is the decision by the good people of Osun State to reward the late Senator Adeleke and people of Ede by electing his brother to complete his term in the Senate. The peoples decision of course was carried out by our great party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Could this invitation by the police have been anchored on the role I played as a party leader in that election?

Therefore, I want the public to know about the plot and keep them informed about this sinister plot against myself and the memory of Senator Adeleke, Omisore concluded.

Meanwhile, the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Osun state, Wale Afolabi, maintained that criminal case can be prosecuted any time, even after the death of the complainant.
The letter, which was dated June 19, 2015, narrates how stolen pension funds were recovered; 46 persons were handed over to EFCC and how the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service, State and Local Government Administration frustrated the efforts of the Pension Reform Task Team.

The letter reads: We, members of Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), wish to use this medium to apologise for our little late response to reaching back to you.

We had to put the issues together and source for appurtenant materials. We appreciate your understanding sir.

As a refresher, the PRTT was inaugurated on 10th June, 2010 by the immediate past administration of Dr. GCFR, with a clear mandate to restructure the Head of Service Pension Office, Police Pension Office, among others.

We did our utmost with precision and national interests as our guiding principles

The PRTT took off effectively by January 2011.

We used financial intelligence skills to achieve ground-breaking achievements in our assignment.

We recovered and saved cash and properties worth over N1.6 trillion.

Our efforts led to the arrest and prosecution of 46 persons/firms involved in looting of pension funds which we handed to the EFCC. The trials are still ongoing.

As it is, there is a leakage of N256 billion monthly from the current IPPIS, which needs to be blocked urgently.

We are also aware of some government hidden accounts which needs to be mopped up.

We can be used to engage any department of government in sanitising the financial workflow to avoid loose ends that remain susceptible to leakages.

Based on the revelations of massive/monumental fraud and outright stealing of pension funds, which was brought to public attention by the PRTT, the 7th National Assembly by resolution dated 2nd November, 2011 mandated its Committee on Establishment and Public Service, State and Local Government Administration, to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the management and administration of pension funds in Nigeria.

ALSO READ:Abdulrasheed Maina writes Saraki, Senate

There was general expectation that the various dimensions of irregularities associated with the management of pension funds in Nigeria would come to an end as a consequence of the investigations being conducted by the Senate Joint Committee.

We became objects of corruption fighting us back. From our first appearance before the Senate committee, it was obvious that the entire exercise conducted by the Committee was geared towards discrediting the PRTT.

Some pensioners got backlog of about 30 years paid into their accounts. All payments were ordered under the signature of the Head of Service monthly.

However, the PRTT regrets to observe that rather than achieving the objectives of the spirit and its mandate, which in our view includes but not limited to identifying those responsible for the culture of fraud that characterised the system and bringing them to book, the Senate Joint Committee ended up creating more problems than solutions to the endemic corruption and fraud prevailing in the system.

In this context, the PRTT, wishes to state without any fear of contradiction that the Senate Joint Committees Report submitted, which was subsequently adopted by the 7th Senate but now quashed by the Federal High Court judgement of the 13th March 2013 in favour of the PRTTs Chairman, not only failed to address the issues at stake but succeeded in misleading the Senate and the generality of Nigerians about the true picture, nature and scope of problems militating against the efficient management and administration of Pension Funds in Nigeria. Copy of said judgement attached and marked ANNEXURE1.

Today, it (pension) is worse with the Police pension office where daily so much millions are taken out of pension funds in that office. We have evidence to substantiate this, he added.

As we write to you, Abdulrasheed A. Maina has been dismissed from Civil Service for being absent for three days while his life was under threat following gunshot attack on his person in front of Head of Civil Service Office where his office was located in February, 2013. Attached are copies of letters from Nigeria Police Force. ANNEXURE 3 (a) and (b).

The Task Team and its leadership were not only denied the opportunity for a fair hearing before being pronounced guilty of all manner of allegations, but even where the Task Team appeared before the Committee, salient facts related to the issues at stake were deliberately ignored.

"The appeal for fair hearing from the 7th Senate was ignored. As a result, the PRTT approached the Federal High Court Abuja in suit number: FH/ABJ/CS/65/2013. The court ruled in PRTT favour on 13th March, 2013 and till date, the Senate had yet to appeal the judgment of the court.

We are by this letter appealing to the Federal Government in the spirit of CHANGE which the country is witnessing, and the stand of government on corruption, that opportunity be given to us to present the truth about pension management in Nigeria.

Maina's Woes
Olaniyonu gave the reasons in a report by the Nation on Saturday, November 4, 2017.

Reacting to Mainas letter, Olaniyonu, said the present Senate leadership ignored the letter because the last Senate had taken a decision on the pension matter and there was no reasonable ground to review it.

Maina's Letter

The letter which was dated June 19, 2015, narrates how stolen pension funds were recovered; 46 persons were handed over to EFCC and how the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service, State and Local Government Administration frustrated the efforts of the Pension Reform Task Team.

ALSO READ:Abdulrasheed Maina writes Saraki, Senate

Maina's Woes
The National Vice Chairman, South East, Mr Emmanuel Eneukwu told newsmen in his country home at Obinagu in Udi Local Government Area of the state that the election was a `sham.

Eneukwu said that election materials arrived very late at many council areas while other areas witnessed no election.

Voting materials arrived late in many areas across the state while sensitive materials like the result sheets were nowhere to be found.

There is no way election can be conducted without result sheets.

Even in my ward at Obinagu, materials have not arrived as at 1p.m, he said.

The vice chairman said that he had been to the local government headquarters at Udi to report and the electoral officer assured him that the materials would soon be distributed.

Let us give them the benefit of doubt, he said.

In his remarks, the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr Osita Okechukwu described the election as shambolic.

Okechukwu decried late arrival of materials in many polling units in the state.

This exercise is shambolic. I think the PDP is afraid of losing to the APC.

Is that how they will behave if devolution of powers is granted to governors?

So if they give them powers, opposition will die because they will use state police to intimidate them,  he said.

In his reaction, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Ogbuagu Anikwe said that it was `aggressors that were trying to disrupt the elections.

This is part of their antics to make the entire process a nullity because they know they are losing.
Receiving Otunba Daniel at his Sokoto residence, he expressed his delight at the interest of Otunba Daniel to lead the PDP back to victory in 2019.

According to Bafarawa, he deliberately decided to wait and receive the entourage in Sokoto when he learnt that Daniel chose to start his campaign in Sokoto.

"Many politicians may say something and do another but I'm not like that. We have discussed about your ambition before you came and I want to assure that I will stand by what I told you."

"The PDP of today is different from the past. There must be a level playing ground where we allow the the aspirants to meet the delegates instead of just sitting in Abuja and deciding who to vote for. That will be unfair to the party".

"Now you are working hard and going round the country campaigning, that is a good development. I know you as a colleague and a friend and I know that if you can lead a complex state like Ogun, you can also lead the PDP"

"You can see that someone who left his home state of Ogun to come and talk to delegates in Sokoto is a serious aspirant."

ALSO READ: IBB anoints Otunba Gbenga Daniel

In his response, Otunba Daniel thanked the former governor for the grand reception and the assurances of his support stating that having consulted with major stakeholders in the party, he is convinced that the electorate is ready for the authentic change.

"I have been going round the country and it is obvious that the people are regretting the decision to vote for change and they are ready to 'change the change'. That is why I am in this race and my simple message is for all of us to start afresh together".

Earlier, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and his team paid a courtesy call on the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar III where the front line aspirant was received by the caliphate.
Danmallam told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) headquarters, Enugu, that he was pleased with the security arrangement.

I have been moving around since morning.

I am quite impressed by the deployment and the arrangement of officers and men of various security agencies.

I also reassure the good people of Enugu State that police and sister security agencies are on top of the situation.

Nobody should entertain fear or allow any other person to intimidate him or her today, he said.
Osinbajo made the commendation on Saturday when he addressed thousands of APC party supporters in Abakaliki on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the vice president was in Abakaliki to attend the wedding of one of his security aides.

Osinbajo commended APC supporters and chieftains led by Mr Eze Nwachukwu, the Acting Chairman of the party for their support and solidarity.

He charged the party members to remain loyal, faithful to the party and supportive of the Buhari-led administration.

He lauded the party and its leadership for maintaining strong and viable opposition in the state, adding that democracy thrived under strong, viable and constructive opposition.

We are happy with the overwhelming support and solidarity we are receiving as a government from the APC in Ebonyi.

We urge you to maintain the unity and brotherhood existing in the party in Ebonyi as you continue to pray for the president and his team to succeed in delivering dividends of democracy, Osinbajo said.

Nwachukwu, the APC Acting chairman, while welcoming the vice president commended party faithful and other chieftains for coming out in their large numbers to receive Osinbajo.

He thanked Osinbajo for addressing the party supporters, who came to welcome him, and assured him that APC would continue to support the programme and policies of the Buhari led administration.

He said that APC was set to take over the Ebonyi in 2019 and maintained that APC in Ebonyi was in support of the Buhari /Osinbajo 2019 re-election.

The crowd which came out to give Nigerias number two citizen a rousing welcome is a clear indication that Ebonyi indeed is an APC state.

The vice president is overwhelmed with what he saw and this has vindicated our position that our party is on top and that by 2019, we are going to take over power in Abakaliki,  Nwachukwu said.

He also unveiled youth and women empowerment scheme being sponsored by the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, for Ebonyi indigenes.

The Minister of Science and Technology in line with the Federal Government agenda of empowering youths and women in skills acquisition has launched an empowerment scheme to train 130 Ebonyi indigenes.

Ten persons will be drawn from each of the 13 Local Government Areas of the state and the initiative is aimed at tackling youth unemployment and reducing poverty in the state.

Beneficiaries who will be trained on different trades will be given financial grants and equipment to start their own businesses.

APC government is determined and committed to training youths to become self-reliant and creating job opportunities to reduce poverty and unemployment, he added.
A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who monitored the exercise at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, reports that the congress was peaceful.

NAN reports that the exercise which was conducted by the PDP National Caretaker Committee, was also monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

The chairman of the state congress committee, Mr Eddie Olafeso, in his opening remarks said that the PDP National Caretaker committee had directed that the state caretaker committee should hands off the exercise and allow his committee to conduct the congress.

He explained that the conduct of the congress was in line with the provisions of the PDP constitution and described the exercise as the first step to victory for the party in the 2019 governorship election in the state.

A total of 31 leaders were elected as the new state executive committee members with Mr Sikirulai Ogundele emerging as the chairman.

Ogundele, who addressed newsmen after the exercise, commended the organisers for the peaceful conduct, saying that it was devoid of rancour.

He gave assurance that he would run an open administration and reach out to all aggrieved members of the party to reunite and strengthen PDP in Ogun.

I wish to thank the Almighty God that has made it possible for us to have a very successful state congress.

My emergence, no doubt will bring all aggrieved members with one grouse or the other back to the party and I see this congress putting an end to the problems of PDP in Ogun

Having emerged as the chairman of PDP in Ogun I intend to run an open government and open party administration.

We will run an all inclusive and a united PDP government that will encourage members of other parties to join the PDP.

We intend to extend hand of fellowships to members that are aggrieved and also to extend hand of goodwill to members of other parties and I dont have any doubt in my mind that we will put an end to the government of the All Progressive Congress in Ogun, he said.

A chieftain of the party, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, who is representing Demo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, told newsmen that PDP had forgotten the pains of the past and had become united in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that vehicles windshields were smashed in Oji River while ENSIEC generator destroyed and officials held hostage.

ENSIEC office in Oji-River came under siege and security operatives at the venue used tear-gas to disperse voters, observers, journalists and other stakeholders.

NAN reports that the protest started when some politicians insisted that the exercise would not commence until the result sheets were provided.

However, the situation was brought under control when the Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed Danmallam, arrived at the area.

At New-Haven, the exercise was yet to commence at 2 p.m. at Amoli in Awgu Local Government and Achara Layout in Enugu South.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr Ogbuagu Anikwe, told NAN that the materials arrived at Agwu early, but six buses loaded with some suspected thugs disrupted the distribution of the materials at the council headquarters.

Anikwe also alleged that they held ENSIEC officials to hostage till about 1 p.m. before they were dispersed by security operatives after a distress call.

We are now distributing the materials and have engaged the services of town criers to get the electorate who had gone home to come and exercise their franchise, Anikwe said.

Also at Achara layout, NAN reported that the materials arrived at about 2:02 p.m, but accreditation and voting did not commence till 2:36 p.m.
The boat named Tian Kun Hao is capable of digging 6,000 cubic meters an hour, the equivalent of three standard swimming pools, the newspaper said.

It is a larger version of the one China used to dredge sand, mud and coral for transforming reefs and islets in the South China Sea into artificial islands capable of hosting military installations.

When testing of the ship is completed next June, it will be the most powerful such vessel in Asia, the paper noted, nicknaming it the "magic island maker".

Beijing's aggressive campaign of archipelago building in the South China Sea has been a point of contention with neighbouring countries that lay claim to parts of its waters.

China claims nearly all of the sea, through which $5 trillion in annual shipping trade passes and which is believed to sit atop vast oil and gas deposits.

Its sweeping claims overlap with Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei, as well as Taiwan.

China has previously said that it had completed its reclamation projects in an area of the sea known as the Spratlys.
"I felt what was being covertly plotted to target my life," Hariri said.

The two-time prime minister, whose father Rafik held the same position for years and was assassinated in 2005, accused Iran and its powerful Lebanese Shiite ally Hezbollah of seeking hegemony in the region.

The 47-year-old Sunni politician's resignation comes less than a year after his government, to which Hezbollah's political wing belongs, was formed.

"Iran has a grip on the fate of the region's countries... Hezbollah is Iran's arm not just in Lebanon but in other Arab countries too," he said.

"In recent years, Hezbollah has used the power of its weapons to impose a fait accompli," he said, reading a speech from behind a desk.

Hariri accused Tehran of "sowing discord among the children of the same nation and creating a state within the state... to the extent that it gets the final say on how Lebanon's affairs are run."

Hezbollah is a vital ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the war the Syrian regime is waging against the Islamic State group and armed opposition movements.

It enjoys broad support from Iran and is the only Lebanese party to have kept its weapons after the 1975-1990 civil war.

Its arsenal has since grown exponentially and now outstrips that of the nation's own armed forces.

Impact of resignation

It claims it is the only credible rampart against neighbouring Israel and its refusal to disarm is the main political crux in Lebanon.

Hezbollah members have been accused over the 2005 assassination in a massive car bomb blast of Rafik Hariri, the dominant figure of Lebanon's post-war political landscape.

He made his fortune in Saudi Arabia, where his son Saad was born. Riyadh is Iran's main regional rival and the two powers' tussle for influence has played out in ongoing conflicts in Iraq, Syria and Yemen.

The office of Lebanese President Michel Aoun, a veteran Christian leader allied to Hezbollah, issued a statement confirming Hariri had tendered his resignation.

"President Aoun is waiting for Hariri's return to Beirut to enquire about the circumstances of his decision and decide on the next steps," a statement said.

Hariri said in his speech that the political climate in Lebanon was reminiscent of that which prevailed before his father was killed.

The February 2005 assassination triggered political upheaval that led to Syria's military withdrawal from Lebanon.

Walid Jumblatt, one of Lebanon's political heavyweights and the country's most prominent Druze leader, said Hariri's resignation could adversely affect a country already under huge strain.

He argued it was the latest manifestation of the tug-of-war between Saudi Arabia and Iran and called for intensifying diplomatic efforts to solve the feud.
The Trumps also took part in a wreath-laying ceremony during the stopover on Friday, watching as two sailors placed the flower arrangement before a white marble wall bearing the names of the fallen.

Before his some 20-minute visit to the shrine, Trump met with leaders of the US Pacific Command, amid growing concerns over security in the region.

In brief comments to reporters, Trump said it was "very special being in Hawaii."

He voiced enthusiasm over his trip to Pearl Harbor, "which I've read about, spoken about, heard about, studied, but I haven't seen.

"And that is going to be very exciting for me."

Trump stopped in Hawaii ahead of a tour of Asia lasting nearly two weeks which will include visits to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

He left Washington with heavy domestic baggage -- including new developments in the high-stakes probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 election -- that risks dogging efforts at top-level diplomacy.
By now, it's already evident the 2018 race for Illinois governor is a contest like no other.

The amount of money raised so far has already blown past $100 million. And, even though there are more than five months to go before the March 20 election, television ads have been airing for weeks in markets across the state.

Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, who doled out tens of millions of dollars of his own money in 2014 and 2016 is ready to do it again.

This cycle, his campaign has raised more than $72 million, which includes a $50 million contribution Gov. Rauner made this past December.

Meanwhile, Democrat J.B. Pritzker, a businessman and wealthy heir to the Hyatt fortune, has devoted $28 million of his own money to the race so far.

Both men face primaries, but at least in terms of the money they've raised they're easily outdistancing their rivals.

If the two end up going head to head, some analysts are predicting record spending.

"It's already pretty unprecedented," said Sarah Brune, executive director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, which tracks money in political races and pushes for reform.

Big money in the 2018 election cycle isn't confined to the top of the ticket, either.

Last year's elections saw 23 state legislative races top $1 million, with five going higher than $5 million, according to Kent Redfield, an emeritus professor at the University of Illinois Springfield, who tracks campaign spending.

Expect similar spending levels this cycle, experts say.

Mr. Redfield points to the potential of a Pritzker candidacy and said, in part, the typical funding sources for Democrats are especially excited about the prospect of having more flexibility that would come with a self-funder at the top of the ticket.

"That's what makes Pritzker so compelling is he can self-fund, then people that are funding the Democrats' legislative campaign are not forced to do triage," he said.

Not all are fans, of course. A Pritzker rival in the primary, state Sen. Daniel Biss, D-Evanston, has pointedly asked, "Are we going to have an election or an auction?"

Mr. Pritzker's campaign has emphasized his experience and devotion to causes like early education.

Still, some of his backers in the primary clearly like the idea that he can bring his own money to the fight.

In 2016, Republicans broke the Democrats' super-majority in the House, with spending by the governor and a handful of allies fueling the cause. One of the seats the GOP won was in the 71st District, where Rep. Tony McCombie, a Savanna, Illinois, Republican, defeated Democrat Mike Smiddy.

The contest cost about $3.6 million, Mr. Redfield said.

This cycle, it's likely that the race for the seat held by state Sen. Neil Anderson, R-Andalusia, will be a prominent one in the state. Democrats, Mr. Redfield said, will most likely play defense outside of Chicago and its suburbs. But the race for the 36th District is likely to be the exception, he said.

Sen. Anderson already has raised $422,000, according to the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform. Gregg Johnson, a longtime union official and one of two Democrats who have announced candidacies for the seat, has raised about $18,000.

Those figures will surely go much higher, as parties and labor unions dive in.

"I think the Republicans will spend a lot of money defending Anderson," he said.

Christopher Mooney, director of the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois at Springfield, also notes that there have been a number of Statehouse Republicans who have announced retirements, which opens up seats.

That means even more spending down the ballot.

"It's all there," he said.

Lots of money at the top of the ticket is one thing, but Ms. Brune also said that campaigns down the ballot are getting more expensive, too.

It's not just the money being shelled out for seats in the General Assembly, either. Local races this year also saw increased spending, notably in Aurora and Evanston, where mayors races were hotly contested.

Ms. Brune said some contests saw spending between $100,000 and $500,000.

"That's a lot of money for a local race," she said.
MILAN -- The Milan Santa Fund has kicked off its 78th year of helping needy members of the Milan community enjoy the holidays.

Last year, donations from businesses and residents raised more than $8,000 to help 31 families with 78 children and several senior citizens.

The fund, sponsored by the Milan Womans Club, provides warm clothing and toys for children and food baskets for holiday dinners for families and eligible seniors, in conjunction with the Milan Lions Club.

People may apply for assistance by picking up applications at Jefferson Elementary School, the Milan Municipal Hall or Blackhawk Township Hall, all in Milan.

Applicants must have a Milan address and live in Blackhawk Township.

Applications may be turned in only from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, or Wednesday, Nov. 15, at the Blackhawk Township Office, 230 W. 4th St., Milan.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the fund may send donations to Milan Santa Fund, P.O. Box 962, Milan, IL. 61264.

For information, call Pam DeMarlie at 309-787-5273 or Nancy Brown at 309-787-5726.
The Port Byron Historical Society will be featuring the documentary film Benny Howard and and Harold Neumann Sweep the 1935 National Air Races at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 8 at the library.

The film was produced in 2010 by the National Air Races Project features Harold Neumann, formerly of Geneseo. Neumanns distinguished aviation career spanned the eras of Curtiss Jennies to Boeing Jets.

Featured in the film are photos, races and a television interview with Neumann. The story is narrated by aviation historian Thomas G. Matowitz Jr. All of the planes, pilots and dramatic races the two men competed in at the 1935 National Air races are presented in detail.

"The film contains hundreds of archival photographs from private collections and over a half hour of film that captures the exciting aviation careers of Benny Howard and Harold Neumann and their stunning sweep of the 1935 National Air Races," according to the National Air Races Project.

Flying really opened up after WWI when there were 1,000 surplus engines to be had from the government for $50, Neumann once told The Dispatch.

He bought an engine and began building a plane on his fathers farm. He said he learned by trial and error, once crashing into a fence.

Neumann took flying lessons in 1926 at Franing Field, now the Quad-City International Airport. He and his wife, Inez, made a life out of barnstorming, going from town to town air racing, balloon busting and dead stick landing.

He entered his first race June 16, 1930 in Kewanee, according to Dick Brennan in the Dispatch. Flying his Travel Air he competed in aerobatic competitions and sky writing.

In 1930, Neumann won money in 16 events. He finished in the money in 55 races. In September he flew in the National Air Races in Cleveland, Ohio.

He once said he learned to race on the Geneseo farm. He practiced there flying around trees and windmills so he was good at low flying around the pylons over a fixed course during races.

When Neumann met Benny Howard, who was famous for designing planes for races, Howard hired Neumann to ferry and maintain his planes.

Neumann got to race Howards planes Ike and Folkerts SK-1 in the 1933 Chicago races. In 1934 the Folkerts SK-1 was renamed Matilda. He made $2,500 with Matilda  that's equivalent to $30,000 today.

Flying ace Neumann was sitting in his monocoupe at the Thompson Trophy Race at the 1935 Cleveland National Air races waiting to take off. There were about 100,000 people in the crowded grandstand. He was in Benny Howards Special Mr. Mulligan.

Seven planes were lined up wing tip to wing tip, according to Neumann in the 1970 television interview. While waiting at the starting line, the 300 mph monocoupe began giving him a lot of trouble. It started backfiring and running rough, he said. He kept watching the temperature of the engine and kept throttle juggling.

The important thing is to know your engine and what your engine can take over a long period of time, he said.

It was the biggest air race in the world. He compared it to the Kentucky Derby and the Indianapolis auto races.To stay ahead in the race you had to bluff the other guy into thinking you werent having any trouble.

When he landed after the race, Neumann assumed he had come in second. But Roscoe Turner, who had been in the lead, had made an emergency landing. So Neumann won that race.

Howard won the Bendix Race in Mr. Mulligan. Neumann won the Greve Race with Howards Mike. So they won all three races in 1935.

Neumann was named outstanding pilot of the year. He put No. 1 on his plane in 1936. Neumann gave up racing and became a TWA pilot. When he retired, he found a monocoupe in a pasture. He fixed it up for $14,000, according to Dispatch columnist Dorothy Buresh. He named the plane Little Mulligan.
National has described the current truancy target as 'not ambitious enough', with Luxon wanting 75 to 85 percent of Aotearoa kids at school regularly as soon as possible.

1 hour ago
Is America First working in Asia?

Just days before U.S. President Donald Trump arrives in the region for a five-nation, 12-day visit, China decided to play nice with South Korea. In doing so, Beijing reversed a prolonged state-sponsored boycott of all things South Korean. If China's move is sincere it would be a major advance for U.S. interests, bolstering an ally on the front lines of one of the worlds most dangerous hot spots. But China appeared to receive virtually nothing in return, and that raises questions about timing and Chinas ultimate intentions.



The 15-month Sino-Korean dispute began last July with the introduction onto South Korean soil of a U.S.-built anti-missile system, the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, known as THAAD. After years of diplomatic back-and forth in the shadow of a nuclear-armed North Korea, the South Korean and U.S. governments agreed to deploy a THAAD battery outside the small city of Seongju, 130 miles South of Seoul.



Due to the powerful detection and tracking capabilities of THAADs radar, China vehemently opposed the basing of the system on the peninsula. China went so far as to have its ambassador to South Korea, Qiu Guohong, publicly warn in February 2016 that the warm bilateral relationship could be destroyed in an instant if the THAAD system were deployed.



Immediately after THAADs deployment, China implemented a series of unofficial unilateral sanctions targeting South Korean-based companies operating in China; it encouraged a boycott of South Korean products; prevented South Korean entertainers from entering China; and strictly limited Chinese tourism to South Korea. As South Koreas largest international trading partner, China was able to inflict an estimated $8 billion loss onto the South Korean economy.



At the end of October, China abruptly shifted course. In a joint statement, South Korean and Chinese officials called for a normalization of relations, including an end to the Chinese boycott. Publicly, this was done in return for three South Korean assurances: First, there would be no additional deployments of THAAD batteries. Second, South Korea pledged not join a broader, U.S.-led, integrated regional missile defense system. Finally, South Korea will not enter into a trilateral military alliance with the United States and Japan. But South Korea had not seemed inclined to do any of these things, even without the Chinese concession.



With South Korea ceding little, and China sporting a reputation for playing the long game, the question remains why China would accept such an agreement. Two reasons suggest themselves, one innocuous and one troubling.



The less disturbing explanation would be that China simply reversed a failed policy. If China intended to undermine the U.S.-Korean alliance, its method was ham-fisted. The conclusion of the recent Communist Party of China congress may have offered an opportune moment to change course. At the time when THAAD was deployed in South Korea, the public favorability of China there was approaching that of the United States, long the most favored nation among South Koreans. But by March 2017 -- 7 months into the boycott -- Chinas favorability had sunk to below that of the reviled Japanese.



Still, such a quick admission of defeat would mark a dramatic shift in tendency for a China that has traditionally been glacier-like in its response to international public pressure. It would be particularly odd at a time when the U.S.-Korean alliance seemed weakened by U.S. attacks on the bilateral trade deal between the countries.



The more troubling explanation would be that there is more to the story. In this version, U.S. questioning of the alliance, coupled with Chinese boldness at the conclusion of the Party congress, led to a new Sino-Korean detente, the full scope of which we have not yet seen. While a conciliatory move toward South Korea would be an odd way to signal this, there are questions about whether China is moving beyond its traditional lay low strategy.



The delicate balance of power in Asia should be a top concern of President Trumps as he embarks on his prolonged visit to the region. The outcome has enormous strategic importance to the United States and to the entire Asia-Pacific.


The bilateral relationship between Turkey and the United States has entered a period of difficulty. Disagreements over several critical issues continue to strain Washington-Ankara ties. Abruptly announced travel restrictions by U.S. and Turkish authorities are seen as an expression of the worst crisis to hit the relationship in decades. Yet the relationship runs strong, and it should overcome the difficulties of the moment.

The friendship between the people of the United States and the people of Turkey runs deep -- it extends back to the Ottoman Empire. We continue to need each other as important allies. Regardless of political differences in bilateral relations, ordinary people have been contributing to and reinforcing the enduring links between the people of both countries through economic, academic, social, and cultural efforts. These links remain robust.

As both governments engage in diplomatic dialogue to swiftly resolve the travel restrictions, lets not overlook the fact that despite numerous major domestic and regional crises, Turkey remains resilient and continues to work closely with the United States as a security partner -- a partnership that is a priority for both countries. Whether it is in Afghanistan, Iraq, or Syria, as NATO allies the United States and Turkey continue to work together in fighting major threats like al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Following the diplomatic dispute, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis gave a reassuring statement indicating that military relations had been unaffected and Washington would continue to work closely with Turkish counterparts. The violent conflicts in Syria and Iraq, recently spilling past Turkeys borders, are significant issues of international security. There is no questioning how critical U.S.-Turkey relations are to regional security and the management of crises in the Middle East.

Turkey is facing significant challenges that test its legacy of bilateral and NATO defense cooperation with its strategic ally, the United States. Geopolitical developments in the region have changed Turkeys security landscape dramatically, and the country confronts enormous domestic and regional risks. Turkeys domestic woes are well known: The country experienced its biggest domestic trauma last year in July when a faction within the Turkish armed forces tried and failed to carry out a coup. The Turkish government blames U.S.-based Turkish imam Fethullah Gulen as the coups alleged mastermind. Ankara has formally asked the United States to extradite Gulen and remains deeply concerned with the imam.

The civil war in Syria has become Turkeys biggest regional security risk. The conflict has exposed Turkeys domestic and regional vulnerabilities and undermined its security. Lack of a coordinated, pragmatic U.S. policy that is aimed at maintaining Syrias territorial integrity, and Washingtons continued support of the Peoples Protection Units (which Turkey views as a terrorist organization due to its links to the Turkey-based Kurdistan Workers Party), have aggravated Turkeys threat perceptions during a critical period. Following the coup attempt, U.S.-Turkey relations, which were already strained, entered a complicated period.

Despite these developments, it is important to emphasize how Turkey has continued to share strategic interests with the United States. For example, since 2011, the two countries have co-chaired the Global Counterterrorism Forum to help combat the rise of extremism. Ankara has also worked in conjunction with Washington to establish the first ever public-private global fund to support local efforts in countering violent extremism, and has taken a leading role at the Center of Excellence Defense Against Terrorism in Ankara to teach fellow NATO allies and select non-member states on how to address various terrorism-related issues. In other words, tensions and challenges in U.S.-Turkey relations cannot and will not change the fact that they continue to share strategic interests.

This relationship matters. If complications between the two allies fester, it will not only severely damage bilateral defense cooperation between the two largest militaries in NATO, but it will also contribute to the destabilization of both Turkey and its region. As Russia and Irans influence continues to grow in the region, it is essential that both countries move past their differences and strengthen their relationship. History shows that Turkey and the United States are stronger together than they are when they are apart.
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A Sauk County construction company employee accused of defrauding the states unemployment compensation fund for a second time is now facing criminal charges.

According to court documents, an investigator with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development found that Ryan D. Johnson, 38, of North Freedom, collected $5,920 in unemployment benefits for a 17-week period in 2015.

However, the investigator learned that Johnson was employed by Kraemer Brothers LLC of Plain, and that the construction firm paid him $29,579 in wages during that period.

The Sauk County District Attorneys Office has charged Johnson with felony theft by false representation and misdemeanor unemployment fraud. He faces up to six years in prison on the felony charge, and an additional 90 days for the misdemeanor.

Court documents say Johnson concealed employment information while collecting unemployment benefits during a period in 2008 and 2009 as well.

In that case, he was assessed administrative penalties. The investigator reports that Johnson still owes the state nearly $6,700. Johnson was booked and released on a $250 signature bond. He is due to appear in court Dec. 21.
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The alleged prime conspirator in the 2002 terror attack on Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar, Abdul Rashid Ajmeri, was arrested at the city airport after he arrived from Riyadh, a senior official said.

The arrest was made late on Friday night.

"Ajmeri is one of the prime conspirators behind the Akshardham temple terror attack. He was arrested from the airport after he landed here late last night. We had inputs that he is travelling to Ahmedabad from Riyadh to meet his brother," the DCP of Ahmadabad Crime Branch, Deepan Bhadran, said.

It was alleged that he had planned the terror attack and helped Lashkar-e-Tayiba in carrying it out.

Ajmeri, an Ahmedabad resident, 'had absconded to Riyadh before the terror act was committed', Bhadran said, adding that more names may come out during his interrogation.

Two terrorists, allegedly with links to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayiba, had attacked the temple in Gandhinagar on September 24, 2002, killing 32 and injuring over 80 people.

The attackers were were killed by the National Security Guard commandos.

The Supreme Court had, in May 2014, acquitted all six convicts arrested earlier, including three facing death sentence, in the case.

IMAGE: Ajmeri Abdul Rashid, one of the accused in the 2002 Gandhinagar Akshardham Temple terror attack case, after he was arrested by the crime branch of the police in Ahmedabad on Saturday. Photograph: PTI Photo
'The time has come to recommend Field Marshal Cariappa for the award of Bharat Ratna. If others can get it, I see no reason why he should not.'

IMAGE: General K M Cariappa greets Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Saturday, November 4, pitched for conferring the Bharat Ratna -- the country's highest civilian honour -- on independent India's first army chief, Field Marshal K M Cariappa.

"The time has come to recommend Field Marshal Cariappa for the award of Bharat Ratna. If others can get it, I see no reason why he should not, a deserving personality for the same. We will shortly address the issue on priority," General Rawat said.

General Rawat's comments came in response to a request by Colonel K C Subbayya (retd) from The Field Marshal Cariappa General Thimayya forum about recommending the Bharat Ratna to Fielf Marshal Cariappa who hails from Kodagu district in Karnataka.

General Rawat unveiled the statues of Field Marshal Cariappa and General K S Thimayya, the legendary army chief who also hailed from Kodagu, at an event at the Cauvery College in Gonikoppal, Kodagu district.

Terming Kodagu (formerly Coorg) as a 'land of warriors', General Rawat said he is proud, privileged and humbled for having got the opportunity to unveil the memorial in memory of Field Marshal Cariappa and General Thimayya.

Kodagu continues to serve the nation with a large number of officers and men serving the Army, the general said, and voiced hope that 'there will be more chiefs in the future who will rise from this great land'.

Then General Cariappa was the first Indian commander-in-chief of the Indian Army and was conferred the rank of field marshal on April 28, 1986.

He was a recipient of the prestigious Order of the British Empire -- OBE -- for his role in the Burma campaign against the Japanese during the Second World War.

Then General Cariappa led the Indian forces on the western front during the first India-Pakistan War in 1947-1948.

He was the second officer to be conferred the five-star rank of field marshal, the highest honour in the Indian Army. Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw being the first.

Then General Cariappa, whose military career spanned over three decades, retired from the army in 1953. He later served as India's high commissioner to Australia and New Zealand till 1956.

The field marshal died in Bengaluru in 1993 aged 94.
'I am fighting for my country's land and I am fighting for my people.'

'I am fighting for my country, not against it,' Professor T Jayaraman tells Rediff.com's A Ganesh Nadar.

Professor T Jayaraman, the chief coordinator of the Anti-Methane Project Movement, has been booked for sedition for writing a 48-page booklet, Nadhigal Inaippu Thittam: Aarugalai Pidungi Virkkum India (Interlinking of Rivers Project: India Snatches And Sells Rivers).

The sedition case was filed by the Mayiladuthurai police station in Tamil Nadu under Section 153B (1) of the Indian Penal Code.

The activist wrote the booklet during his 42-day detention at the Tiruchirapalli central prison following his arrest along with eight others in July for participating in protests against the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation's oil extraction being carried out at Kathiramangalam.

Prior to this, he had spent seven days in jail for protesting against a gas leak from an ONGC pipe polluting local ground water.

"So far they have filed 12 cases against me," Professor Jayaraman told this correspondent.

The professor said he was on the government's radar for protesting against ONGC which he charged with polluting the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu, the Cauvery delta.

"Their problem is that they are shocked when they meet someone they cannot intimidate, they can threaten to kill me or jail me, but I am not going to budge."

Discussing the booklet that has invited the charge of sedition, he said, "I am against this interlinking of rivers because it is being done with 37 canals. These canals are being built by big companies, they are making huge investments in it. They are not in the business for charity. They will want returns for their investment."

"Take our national highways. They are built by private companies who then charge us a toll for using the highway. Similarly, once the water enters the canals they have built, they will charge us for the water which we are now getting free," he argued.

"My book's title is Snatching Rivers And Selling Water. This has obviously got the government's goat. The book is only 48 pages long, yet it has shaken up the government so much that they are booking me for sedition," Professor Jayaraman, who taught history at the AVC College in Mayiladuthurai before retiring five years ago, said.

"Is this a democracy? What kind of democracy is this where I cannot share my views with my people?"

"I am not scared," he asserted. "I will continue to protest against the rivers' interlinking."

The Tamil book saw a print run of only 100 copies. Yet, someone somewhere took note of it, and alerted the powers-that-be about it.

So quick was the government reaction that within days of the book's publication on October 22 the sedition charge was slapped against Jayaraman.

"I am fighting for my country's land and I am fighting for my people. I am fighting for my country, not against it. If they call it sedition, it doesn't become sedition."
Modi also hinted at a crackdown on benami properties, and said the Congress is worried as such assets of its leaders will not be spared in his government's action.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on saturday said the Congress has conceded defeat in Himachal Pradesh as its senior leaders have 'run away' from campaigning in the state leaving Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh to his fate.

At a rally in Kangra, the state's largest and politically key district, he launched a stinging attack on the Congress over corruption, likening the party to termites, and exhorted the people to finish it off by handing over a three-fourth majority to the Bharatiya Janata Party in the November 9 assembly polls.

The alleged corruption of the Congress and his government's pro-poor development works were the central theme of Modi's two election meetings.

He vowed to continue fighting corruption, claiming that it had angered the opposition party which was observing 'black money day' on November 8, the first anniversary of demonetisation decision.

Modi also hinted at a crackdown on benami properties, and said the Congress is worried as such assets of its leaders will not be spared in his government's action.

Modi said the Congress' campaign against demonetisation was driven by its attempts to mislead the people and create an atmosphere against him before he can raise a 'storm' over benami assets.

"The time has come to return to the poor what had been robbed of them.... I am going to create a situation that they (Congress leaders) would not be able to reclaim their benami assets," he said.

Heaping scorn on the Congress over its decision to observe the first anniversary of demonetisation as black day, he said it was actually 'black money day' for the opposition party.

While addressing rallies in the poll-bound state, Modi said the Congress would burn his effigies on November 8 because his sin was that he was fighting corruption.

The prime minister said he will not be cowed down by these tactics as he was a disciple of Sardar Patel.

"I tried to get some information from Congress leaders... some (Congress leaders) lost their bags of Rs 500 notes, some of Rs 1,000 notes. In the meantime, Modi has come with benami law. Their worry is that Modi will start showing results.

"Their worry is that the benami assets like land, flats, shops they have kept hidden like Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes are not going to be spared. Therefore, they are creating an atmosphere so that before Modi raises a storm over benami assets, they observe blackmoney day and mislead the people," he said.

Modi said people had given him power in 2014 to fight corruption and he would continue to do so.

Mocking at the Congress' campaign against demonetisation, he said that God gives at times the opposition party "wisdom" which comes to his use.

Referring to alleged scams that happened under the UPA, he questioned the Congress's "audacity" to observe 'black day' on November 8.

On the issue of honesty, Indians would not trust the Congress even after 100 years, such are its "sins", he claimed.

The prime minister said the Congress has run away from the battlefield conceding defeat in the 68-member assembly.

"Elections are a few days away and senior leaders generally do an intensive campaign in these last few days... It seems Congress leaders have left (Chief Minister) Virbhadra Singh to his fate. It seems they have not only left him to his fate but rather hung him by his fate," he said.

Why such a revenge the Congress is inflicting on him at such an age, Modi said sarcastically. Singh is 83. Lashing out at the Congress over corruption in the United Progressive Alliance government as also the party dispensation in the state, he said its 'sins' speak to the people, who will not trust it on the issue of honesty for 100 more years.

While most states have accepted his request to do away with interviews for Class III and IV posts, the Himachal government has not, he said, accusing it of breeding corruption in the name of interviewing candidates.

Not only senior leaders of the opposition party but even its next generations of leaders have been infected with this disease, he said.

"Their rotten mindset and rotten work culture will set rot in India's democracy," he said, asking the people to punish the party in the polls.

The Congress was now reduced to propping up rebels against the BJP to create instability in the state following polls but the saffron party was getting huge support, he said.

"The Congress will not improve until you punish it severely," he said, claiming that it will not be seen even through a 'microscope' following the poll results in Himachal Pradesh as is the case with it in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

He said the state had progressed most when Prem Kumar Dhumal was its chief minister and Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the prime minister as the central government pumped in money which Dhumal used effectively for development of the hill state.

Modi said he and Dhumal, who is the party's chief ministerial candidate, will take Himachal to new heights of development, adding that its infrastructure and tourism sectors needed a boost.

Seeking votes for a 'commoner' like Dhumal, he asked the people to vote out 'royals', a reference to Singh.

He cited his government's move to provide cooking gas cylinders to poor households, Mudra scheme to boost entrepreneurship, its decision to cap prices of medicine and medical equipment like heart stents, reducing cost of LED bulbs and other measures to showcase its pro-poor and pro-development credentials.

Himachal had received more rail and road projects from his government at the Centre than it had received in many years before, he said, adding that development is solution to all problems.

Modi is scheduled to address a rally each at Palampur, Kullu and Una on Sunday.

Counting of votes in the Assembly polls would be held on December 18.

Photograph: @BJP4India/Twitter
Many were seen digging into Kebabs from Kashmir, Dosas from Tamil Nadu and everything in the middle. Subhayan Chakraborty reports.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with Armenian President, Serzh Sargsyan, Prime Minister of Latvia, Maris Kucinskis (R) and Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Harsimrat Kaur Badal release a coffee table book and Commemorative postage stamp on Indian Cuisines during the World Food India 2017 inaugural session in New Delhi on Friday. Photograph: Vijay Verma/PTI Photo



For Delhiites who ventured to see the World Food India event on Friday, the first day of the mega jamboree left a slightly bad taste in the mouth for some, but ensured others left burping loudly.

Apart from the dust, the bad taste was due to the incessant fumes deposited by a sea of traffic piled up all around India Gate where the event will be going on till Sunday.

Bombarded with advertisement for a historic fair endorsed by the prime minister himself, common citizens had lined up from morning onwards at the ticket counters. However, with entrance fees being a hefty Rs 500 per person, many did not hide their shock.

With the principal venue for such events -- Pragati Maidan -- undergoing major restorations, the government has been forced to hold the mega event at the sprawling lawns surrounding India gate.

Ironically, the spectre of such a high profile venue may do little to draw in major crowds, opposite of what the government had hoped.

With no metro station nearby and the roads around India Gate turning into a choke point for traffic on any weekday, the burden of more people is giving the authorities a headache.

Case in point, CEOs of major companies were seen to be trudging the long way from the parking to the stalls of their companies.

A hassled official from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries was seen pleading with a confused Delhi Police constable to divert traffic so that high profile delegates can easily reach the fair.

IMAGE: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor at the World Food India 2017. Photograph: PTI Photo



"The ministry estimates about 25,000 people will visit the fair but the parking is grossly inadequate and every VIP in town will be heading here. God knows how we will accommodate everyone." he said, before rushing off to receive a delegate.

However, once people managed to enter the massive fair spread across 40,000 square metres, most headed straight for the 'Food Street' a long line of stalls where cuisines from across the country and the globe are being showcased.

A clever marketing strategy from a burger chain ensured that dozens of youngsters jostled for a chance to click themselves in front of a selfie wall.

Many were seen digging into Kebabs from Kashmir, Dosas from Tamil Nadu and everything in the middle.

Aboubakar Mbele, an officer at the Nigerian embassy in Delhi declared that he did not want to miss the chance to taste the flavours of India, even if they did not adjust to his stomach.

On the other hand, the row upon row of specially constructed hangars where a multitude of companies -- domestic and foreign have dug in to display their products, remained relatively empty throughout the day.

"The response has been slow today. We haven't received may business visitors.", Precious Masih, General Manager for Exports at beverages major Rasna said.

The bulk of foreign delegates and bigwigs from the food industry headed to Hall-I where multinational giants such as Nestle, Dell Monte and Cargill have erected massive stalls.

Players from the domestic food processing industry has been jovial over the fact that the more than $258 billion sector is finally getting its due as one of the prime movers of the economy.

"India has one of the largest food markets in the world and the industry has the potential to grow exponentially." Mayank Jalan, chairman and managing director of processing major Keventer Agro Limited said. It can be hoped that World Food Fair will slowly become like Anuga, the largest food and beverages trade fair, he added.

In terms of footfall, in stark contrast, was the hall where state governments from Assam, Chattisgarh, Punjab and Karnataka among others, have created their own stalls.

Vanlalrengpui Ralte, a charming young girl manning the desk at a stall from Mizoram said few people came in and the high point of her day was getting a glimpse of the prime minister who had turned up in the afternoon.

As evening descended, many were seen to be hurrying to leave, in a bid to somehow give the mad traffic a miss.

However, Adarsh Mohan, a wholesaler of fruits from Shahadra was seen exiting the venue tugging his crying little daughter. When inquired about his predicament, the harried father replied that the girl had set her eyes on pizza from a major brand but prices inside the venue remained predictably high.

However, in the midst of all this drama, some have emerged smiling.

Enterprising papad seller Ramesh Kumar and his potato chips selling friend Jagga has made a killing on Friday, selling more than double what they are able to on any other weekday.

"Policewale ne hume kal hi bol diya tha ki kaafi bheed hoga (The local policemen had informed us yesterday that a lot of people are going to be here)," the boy in his late teens said with a smile.

However, his earnest friend reminded him calmly that for all the extra business they've done, a cut larger than usual needed to be paid to the local constables as bribe.
Phoenix Nuclear Labs is bolstering its bank account, beefing up staff and adding to its quarters.

Phoenix, a Monona company that makes neutron and proton generators used in the health, defense and energy fields, raised $12 million this fall, in a round led by a new investor, Deerfield Management Co., a New York health care investment firm. Most of the money is in the form of a loan that eventually is expected to be converted to stock in the company, if Phoenix reaches certain milestones.

We have worked with the Phoenix management team over the course of two years leading up to our investment, and we have great confidence in its ability to execute its vision and continue to grow Phoenix into a leading global technology company, said Steve Hochberg, a partner on Deerfields private transactions team.

Phoenixs machines  costing anywhere from $1 million to $10 million  are used for a variety of purposes, from checking U.S. Army weapons for defects to thinly slicing silicon for use in solar panels to testing the effect of radiation on electronic components used in outer space.

Evan Sengbusch, vice president of business development, would not disclose the companys annual revenue but said 2017 revenue is more than four times the companys revenue in 2016 thanks to more than half a dozen new contracts from commercial and government customers.

We expect to be at break-even this year, Sengbusch said. Its a big milestone for Phoenix.

Phoenix Nuclear Labs, which has shortened its name to Phoenix, has 56 employees, up from 23 in early 2016, and plans to add 30 more by the end of 2018.

The company, at 2555 Industrial Drive, has leased space in a second Monona building, just across the street, and is looking for a site to build a 50,000- to 75,000-square-foot building in which it plans to consolidate operations in the first half of 2019.

Phoenix was founded in 2005, based on research that began at UW-Madison.

The company has raised a total of $18 million since its start. Past investors, based in Wisconsin, participated in the latest funding round.

The investment and Deerfields resources will be critical in fueling the personnel and infrastructure investments needed to accelerate our growth, Phoenix president Ross Radel said.

Phoenix also provides neutron generators for SHINE Medical Technologies, which is building a campus in the Janesville area to produce molybdenum-99, a radioactive isotope that decays into technetium-99m, which is used in millions of medical imaging scans for cancer and heart problems each year.

SHINE split off from Phoenix in 2010.
Elko, Nevada is no Silicon Valley.

A recent front-page story in the local paper hailed inductees to the Buckaroo Hall of Fame, a nod to the town's cowboy past. Inside, a full-page spread detailed the aspirations of the kids vying for homecoming king and queen.

Yet it's here, in an unremarkable warehouse in the foothills of the Ruby Mountains, that Barrick Gold Corp. has created an in-house coding hub to design software for its nearby Cortez operation -- one step in its plan to use technology to revolutionize the business. From underground WiFi to sensors that track the output of every miner, it's all part of what Cisco Systems Inc. Executive Chairman John Chambers calls an "audacious goal" by his Barrick counterpart John Thornton to drag gold mining into the 21st century.

"The challenge is to move from thinking of it as a series of tasks to a sort of self-perpetuating machine which becomes the culture," Thornton said during a recent stop in Elko, about 420 miles from the bright lights of Las Vegas. "You move -- to make it slightly dramatic -- from being a mining company, to being a digital company that happens to be in mining.''

It's been 13 months since Thornton, 63, first unveiled his vision to team up with Cisco and transform Barrick's Nevada operations into a high-tech blueprint for the rest of the company. While Chief Operating Officer Richard Williams is "exceptionally pleased" with progress, it's been slower than expected, he told analysts on a conference call. Digital remains critical to Barrick's goal of reducing all-in mining costs to $700 an ounce from $740 to $770 now.

So far, the miner has created C0dem1ne, its Elko software hub; added autonomous mining equipment; and built a nerve center called the Analytics and Unified Operations Center. The latter will become Barrick's "unblinking eye," crunching a "data lake" of information fed by tens of thousands of sensors and spitting out analysis to employees.

This year's digital budget of $50 million is a drop in the bucket for a company with a market value of about $17 billion. But under the watch of Williams, a former SAS commanding officer, Barrick has approached every spend with military precision.

"We have examined, and examined, and examined the value of our digital investment in ways that is out of all proportion to its number,'' Williams said during a 90-minute drive from Elko to Cortez. "Why? Because we want to be absolutely sure, at every level of the organization, that this makes sense.''

Investors have learned the hard way what happens when miners overspend on poorly conceived makeovers. Since 2010, Paulson & Co. estimates the gold industry has written off $85 billion, much of it for ill-advised mergers during the heady days when gold fetched $1,700 an ounce. Barrick has taken its own lumps, including over the debt-swelling 2011 purchase of Equinox Minerals at the height of the commodity super cycle. The stock is still down more than 60 percent from its 2010 peak.

When Thornton first announced he would digitize operations to help make Barrick the most efficient mining company in the world, the response was muted. With the entire industry focused on wringing more out of existing operations, including better technology, the biggest question from analysts was: What is Barrick doing differently?

Just this month, Rio Tinto Group sent a driver-less iron-ore train 100 kilometers across Western Australia for the first time. Newmont Mining Corp., Barrick's chief rival and neighbor in Nevada, has embraced sensors, autonomous equipment and virtual reality, and recently ran a "digital assessment" on one of its Nevada mines to pinpoint more opportunities.

"We use technology in all different places, but it's more a fit for purpose approach," Newmont Chief Executive Officer Gary Goldberg said at a mining conference last month in Colorado. "It's still incremental; I don't think it's a step change."

Williams thinks it can be. Barrick's goal -- which he says will be largely realized in the next two years -- is to integrate hundreds of incremental improvements into a larger system in which the sum becomes greater than the parts.

"Digital is a step change. It's a multiplier,'' he maintains, drawing on his experience with the U.K. military in Iraq where "electronic penetration" allowed commanders to view the entire battle space for the first time.

Already, unit costs have fallen from $190 per ton of rock to $140 at Cortez's underground operations, he says, and full integration will result in "significant'' dollar-per-ton margin improvements.

Three of C0dem1ne's bespoke apps have been put into use at Cortez, including an interval control system common on factory floors that allows miners to adjust mine plans mid-shift. Another monitors the health of Cortez's fleet of 350-ton trucks. Because it owns the data, Barrick can upgrade this software as often as needed. In-house technology also liberates the company from costly service contracts and allows it to track operations at a more granular level.

That raises the question of how tech suppliers will respond to Barrick moving into their territory. In the case of its so-called short interval control, the company heard pitches from 14 outside vendors before deciding to design its own software. Barrick opted to turn off Caterpillar's predictive maintenance software on its trucks once it was clear, employees say, their own app performed better.

"Clearly there are implications,'' said Denise Johnson, Caterpillar's group president of resource industries. "Not every mining company is going to want a full CAT solution."

That said, she thinks miner interest in technology will ultimately be good for Caterpillar's business as long as it's prepared to offer different combinations of equipment and software that interact with outside systems. "You have to be able to play in multiple ways and each customer is going to have to make a decision for themselves on how they want the pieces to come together," Johnson said. "If we make ourselves completely closed we won't even sell the equipment, let alone the digital solution or technology that is out there."

As Barrick's software efforts ramp up, attracting coding and developing talent to Elko may be another challenge. The company is hedging its bets, with a second coding facility at its Henderson office near Las Vegas. Further out, it hopes to create a more technologically skilled pool of local employees through an initiative with Cisco to create relevant courses at Elko's Great Basin College.

Barrick also has moved to reassure its 3,000-strong Nevada workforce, and local officials, that digitization won't mean significant job losses.

"I've been told it's a net net on jobs," Elko County Commissioner Cliff Eklund says over coffee and dessert at the Gold Dust West Casino. Eklund is a veteran of the mining industry, as his family's drilling company held contracts with Barrick and Newmont for 50 years. During that time, technological improvements often proved neutral for employment, he says. Fewer drivers were required when haul trucks got bigger, but more jobs were created by processing increasingly complex ore.

Thornton's hope is that digitization will give Barrick an edge developing other complex deposits around the world. Within the next three years he expects most of the heavy lifting will be done in terms of digitizing Barrick's other mines. He and Williams are vague on future costs, saying only that cash flow will be made available for any projects that pay for themselves within 12 months and generate returns above 15 percent.

Meanwhile, the company is investing in other areas, including the use of artificial intelligence for exploration, and cyanide-free leaching, all of which have the potential to add revenue streams down the line. The latter could be key to speeding up development of Pascua-Lama and the El Indio belt along the Argentina-Chile border, a string of deposits that -- like Nevada -- the company hopes to mine for over a century.

"Our view of mining in the high Andes is underground, fully automated, remotely operated, environmentally neutral," Williams says.

Ultimately, using technology to unlock those sorts of deposits will also make Barrick attractive beyond the gold space, according to Thornton. "We want to be a leading 21st-century company in any industry, in any jurisdiction. That's the goal. I don't intend to leave until that goal's accomplished.''
BEACON FALLS  A baby was ejected from a vehicle in a crash on Route 8 around 3 p.m. on Friday.

The crash happened on the northbound side of Route 8 near exit 24 in Beacon Falls.

Alex Malave, 42, of 57 Huntington Ave., Apt. C, Hartford, was traveling in the left lane when his vehicle veered onto the grass median and then back across into the right lane where he hit the rear of a another vehicle. The second vehicle was forced across the two lane highway into the guardrail. The impact separated the guardrail face from the support beams and the car dragged pieces of the barrier across the highway, according to Connecticut State Police.

Malaves vehicle spun toward the median and rolled over where the 1-year-old in the back seat was ejected from the vehicle.

Malave and the child were transported to Waterbury Hospital for minor injuries. The driver of the second vehicle, an Ansonia man, was also injured, but no other information was provided by police.

Malave was found at fault for the crash and charged with reckless driving, failure to drive a reasonable distance apart, misuse of plate, failure to have insurance, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, failure to have child in a restraint seat, risk of injury to a minor and reckless endangerment.

He was taken into custody after being released from the hospital and was held on a $25,000 bond with a court date of Nov. 6.

The Department of Children and Families was notified of the incident.
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. To do so, first type the original number into the text box. Then click on the "Scientific Notation" option located at the top of the floating window. Finally, click on the "Standard" button found beneath the text box to display your result. This program is useful for scientists and engineers working with decimal-based numbers. It provides easy access to those who need to convert those numbers into more compact forms without having to do heavy math calculations first.

Scientific notation is a way to express very large or very small numbers. It is used in physics, chemistry and other fields where large numbers are common. Those numbers are written as a power of 10 followed by a number with an exponent. For example, 1,000,000 (one million) is written as 1  103. The exponent shows how many zeros are after the first digit. For example, 1,000,001 is written as 1  102. Scientific notation is a useful tool for making calculations easier. You can use it to write down very big or very small numbers in one step instead of writing out both the large and small numbers separately. You can also use it to express large or small numbers in terms of other units like centimeters or millimeters.

Scientific notation solver is an online tool that can be used to convert any number into scientific notation. Simply enter any number to the left of the decimal point and it will automatically convert it into a scientific notation equivalent. This web tool can be very helpful when you need to convert a large number into scientific notation. However, please note that this online tool can only convert numbers that are in scientific format. For example, it cannot convert a non-scientific number like "1,085" into a scientific notation equivalent. It is also important to keep in mind that this web tool only works when converting numbers from one particular format to another. For example, if you want to change a non-scientific number like "1,085" into standard format, then you will have to use another online tool like NumberFormatting.com.
BLACKSBURG  Torc Robotics CEO Michael Fleming wore a faded yellow hoodie on Friday, the same one he sported when his startup debuted one of the worlds first completely autonomous vehicles exactly 10 years ago.

He was celebrating the anniversary of a watershed moment for Torc and Virginia Tech, which partnered on a project in 2007 to form team VictorTango.

They were competing in a challenge issued by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, to build a self-driving vehicle long before that seemed possible. It would have to navigate an obstacle course filled with other vehicles and do things like change lanes, park and negotiate intersections.

Its an event that has been called the Continental Congress of the autonomous vehicle age. Fleming and his team had a front-row seat as VictorTango took home third place, despite competition from General Motors and Honeywell.

The odds were against us, and we were able to pioneer some great technology, Fleming said. We were absolutely underdogs, but thats sort of our culture, built into our DNA.

The scientists who competed in the so-called DARPA Urban Challenge a decade ago have gone on to become the founding fathers of a now booming industry. They lead efforts for such companies as Google and Ford. Fleming said its part of what accelerated Blacksburgs emergence as a hub for autonomous technologies. His company still employs 10 engineers from the VictorTango team.

Torc and Tech marked the anniversary at a Friday luncheon. The hood from the teams autonomous Ford Escape was signed by the original team and given to Torc to display at its Blacksburg office.

Fleming talked at the event about how the challenge back then seemed impossible. Virginia Tech and Torc, a brand-new startup at the time, were up against the industry giants. When other teams pulled up in RVs during competition days, VictorTango slept in tents.

The development schedule turned into a 24-hour cycle as things heated up before the competition. Fleming said Torcs team would tweak the software each day, and then Tech students would be responsible for test- driving the autonomous vehicle around the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center at night.

Fleming said he was not sure at the time whether what they were building was street legal, but only one student ever got pulled over. And no one received a ticket for letting the car drive itself.

When we first started, there wasnt a textbook, he said. We got to architect that. Some of the terminology that we and other teams came up with for the Urban Challenge is commonplace today.

Even 10 years later, Torc and Tech are still riding a wave of success that began with the surprise third-place finish in DARPAs challenge.

Torc has spent the decade that followed refining its technology, working with Caterpillar to create self-driving construction equipment. More recently, the company built two self-driving SUVs that traveled autonomously from Washington, D.C., to Seattle.

Tech, meanwhile, is starting from scratch with a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt that it will again transform into an autonomous vehicle, this time for the AutoDrive Challenge.
A former Richmond jail inmate who says he was erroneously held for 4 months after a judge dismissed charges against him is suing outgoing Sheriff C.T. Woody for $2.35 million.

He was in jail nearly five months, said Gary Hershner, the mans lawyer. He had opportunities to go out and work, and he couldnt because he was in jail.

The jails general counsel, Tony Pham, acknowledged the inmate was held after he should have been released, but said it isnt the jails fault.

The error of this person being held was not on the part of the Sheriffs Office, he said. The records that we have ordered us to hold this person with no bond.

Darrell Goode was arrested on charges of failure to appear in court last November in connection with allegations that he failed to pay $49,176 in child support.

He was brought before a Richmond Juvenile Domestic Relations District Court judge, who dismissed the charges, the suit alleges.

At that point, he should have been released, Goode and his lawyer say.

Instead, Goode was taken back to the jail and, despite his protestations that he should have been released, was held until his next court date on March 31, according to the suit, which was filed late last month.

Several of Sheriff Woodys employees advised (Goode) that they would look into the matter but apparently never did as the plaintiff remained incarcerated until he appeared in court, the suit alleges.

When he returned to court, the suit says, the judge expressed surprise that he had remained incarcerated and noted that the clerks office had instructed the jail to release him.

Pham countered in an email that there was a continued custody order issued and signed by the clerk ordering his continued custody until March 2017.

Further, Pham said Mr. Goode made no complaints to us that he questioned his custody. ... As the custodian of individuals committed by the court, we operate by orders.

Woody is also facing a similar lawsuit filed in March by an inmate who alleges the sheriffs department held him for a month despite the fact that he had been sentenced to house arrest.

During that time, the inmate, Roy Lee Black, alleges he was denied necessary medical care that ultimately led to his hospitalization and the amputation of his left leg.

Black is also suing for $2.35 million.

Pham said the jail has not yet been formerly served with Blacks suit and that he is not aware of the allegations.
CHARLOTTESVILLE  An Indiana man who punched a woman in the face as she shouted anti-racist chants at white supremacists during the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville on Aug. 12 pleaded guilty Friday to assault and battery.

In exchange for the prosecution not charging him with an additional assault count, Dennis Mothersbaugh, 37, of North Vernon, Ind., agreed to plead guilty to punching Kendall Bills.

Bills read her impact statement to Judge Robert Downer while looking directly at Mothersbaugh.

I was singled out and attacked . ... I havent been able to stop questioning the motives of strangers passing me on the street, she said.

Downer sentenced Mothersbaugh to 360 days in jail, with 120 days suspended, and a $1,500 fine. He also will have to complete an anger management course.

Jacob Smith, 21, of Louisa County also pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and battery Friday. He was charged with the assault of a reporter covering the Aug. 12 events in Charlottesville.

Smith was sentenced to 270 days in jail  all suspended as long as he completes community service and an anger management class .
By Clay Mountcastle

This Veterans Day, millions of Americans will pause to acknowledge those who have served in our military. Its the right thing to do, considering the sacrifices that our servicemen and -women have made since the nations founding.

This nationwide, collective thank you every Nov. 11 is imperative if we are to fully comprehend the costs associated with living in a free and open society. There are those among us, however, who will say that this acknowledgement, this simple expression of thanks, is not enough. They will say that a greater debt to our veterans exists and that America is falling short on that debt.

The truth is, however, that there has never been a better time to be a veteran in America. Never before has the vet enjoyed the acknowledgement, support, or the opportunities made available today to those who have served.

This fact does not diminish the several (very real) challenges that modern veterans face, especially those recovering from combat injuries, both seen and unseen. But those challenges have always been there, always been part of the balancing act that veterans must perform between military life, civilian life and, sometimes, combat experience.

The difference is that today, we are all much more aware of these challenges and they are slowly being de-stigmatized and discussed more openly than ever before.

***

The number of federal and state organizations that currently exist with the sole purpose of assisting veterans and their families are unprecedented in our nations history. The same goes for nonprofits and private campaigns.

Todays veteran can find access to counseling, education, vocational training, career transition programs, family support programs, health and wellness initiatives, and many, many other benefits  most of them free of charge. Were such programs or promotions so readily available to the veterans of the World Wars, Korea, and Vietnam? Ask them.

We see it right here in Virginia, where the states Department of Veterans Services provides an army of benefits and behavioral support advisers at 29 offices throughout the commonwealth and two (soon to be four) top-flight veterans care centers for long-term skilled nursing and Alzheimers/memory services. The department offers short-term rehabilitative care, assistance programs for military families, employment and education programs for veterans, and numerous other programs and opportunities. All of this is available at the click of a mouse or a single phone call.

Veteran-owned businesses are booming, as are the number of organizations that are actively seeking to hire veterans. The days of veterans not having anywhere to turn for assistance with the balancing act are gone (for now.)

***

Perhaps nothing is more noticeable, however, than the very vocal public support offered to veterans over the past 15 or so years. From restaurants, to television and movies, to school programs, to public events, veterans are lauded for their service. It seems nearly impossible these days for a veteran to attend a sporting event and not be asked to stand and be recognized.

A former supervisor of mine called this outpouring of support The Sea of Goodwill and it is deep. So much so, that todays veterans, myself included, sometimes feels embarrassed by the wealth of thank yous they so frequently encounter, all for doing their duty; all for willfully taking on a job they felt compelled to do.

Upon returning from serving in Vietnam, or even the Persian Gulf War, how many times were those veterans stopped on the street or in the grocery store and told thank you? Even when our troops returned from the Good War in 1945, how long did the victory parades and welcome home celebrations last? Just ask them.

***

This is not to say that veterans today have no problems or that the United States is perfect when it comes to taking care of those who have served. There is plenty of work yet to do.

We have all seen the seemingly unending reports of failures at the Veterans Administration. We are still behind the curve on understanding the damage done to veterans who were exposed to radiation in WWII, Agent Orange in Vietnam, and the timeless, enduring effects of combat stress. These issues and many more, need continued attention and resources.

If not, then we truly are forgetting to pay our debt.

But its a great time to be a veteran in America. Those who have served can proudly say that they did, and this pride in their service is echoed by the vast majority of their fellow Americans. It hasnt always been this way, and it should not be taken for granted.

I would appeal to my fellow veterans to keep our history in mind. The good news is that most of the vets that I know do just that. They understand just how remarkable, how unprecedented, this recent collective outpouring of support has been. They know that the United States does more to honor its veterans than any other nation on Earth (as it should.) After all, we volunteered to serve our nation because we felt called to do so, because somebody has to, because we believed it was important.

As a great non-commissioned officer once told me, Service is selfless  dont expect no pats on the back. This selflessness has been the bedrock of American military service from Valley Forge to Fallujah.

This Veterans Day, as the country offers its collective thanks and support for the service and sacrifices of those in uniform, lets not question the sincerity of this thanks or bemoan the supposedly growing gap between civilians and our military. Instead, lets meet gratitude with gratitude, thanks with thanks, and be proud of the nation that we have all built together.
By David Marion

The trust deficit that is emblematic of Washington politics should be worrisome to Americans not just because it makes day-to-day governance difficult at the national level, but also because it is a reflection of what is going on in many states and cities across the country.

This is not merely a passing nuisance since distrust that has no rational foundation  but is based simply on political, racial, urban-rural, gender, cultural, or class differences  is a threat to effective governance as well as to the very integrity and viability of our democratic republic.

Recent disasters that had the potential to unite disparate groups have not put a real dent in the trust deficit because too many persons see themselves engaged in zero-sum games where victories depend on the other side losing. Distrust feeds this conviction at the same time that it is fed by such convictions.

The trust deficit needs to be seen for what it is: a social cancer that public officials and the general public ignore at their peril.

***

Distrust that is untethered from reason encourages factious or extreme politics (witness the recent confrontations over Civil War monuments and cases involving police shootings)  while trust at least facilitates, even if it does not guarantee, coalitional and thus relatively moderate politics.

A culture that is rooted in the presumed dignity and equality of all persons is a precondition for moderate politics. Distrust undermines such a culture when suspicion of what is simply other than us weakens, or completely undermines, the possibility of cooperative action and general social decency.

Once persons are deemed unworthy of trust  and correspondingly of respect  it is a short step to disparaging their right to freedom of speech or assembly, and even their right to freely exercise their religion.

When vilification of opponents gives way to demonization, it becomes easy to assert that persons with whom we disagree are not worthy of exercising even the most basic rights guaranteed by the Constitution (e.g., the censorship of speech on college campuses).

The displacement of Constitution-based political action by raw (and dangerous) power politics, intensified by righteous indignation untethered from the counsel of reason, makes sustaining a healthy democratic order a nearly impossible challenge.

A democracy is in trouble when the intensity and authenticity of peoples convictions matter more than the reasonableness of those convictions.

It is instructive that James Madison, the person we call the father of the American Constitution, did not see how we could have a viable republic in the absence of coalitional rather than factional politics. And Madisons defense of coalitional politics rests on his conviction that human beings are imperfect, fallible, flawed beings who, despite being imperfect, possess natural rights to life and liberty in an imperfect world.

Incentivizing Americans to work cooperatively to protect those rights for all persons is central to the republic envisioned by Madison.

Restoring the minimum of trust required for coalitional politics to have a realistic chance of succeeding will not be easy. Incentivizing people to engage in collaborative activity should be a priority for public officials.

Community-level initiatives that reward productive collaboration are likely to have the greatest effect; that is, initiatives that position persons to see and feel almost immediately the benefits that come from engaging in socially beneficial activities.

One frequently overlooked source of the trust deficit is public rhetoric that feeds an impatience with social dysfunctions and promotes an expectation of something approximating non-tragic existence. Stalin, to take an admittedly extreme but revealing case, punished a multitude of alleged culprits in his search for the perfect order. Madison was more of a realist than Stalin and, as a result, was prepared to accept the imperfections and indiscretions of human beings.

For Madison, human beings are equal in their imperfectness and conceding their imperfect nature, and the inevitability of social dysfunctions, facilitates acknowledgement of the equal rights of all persons at the same time that it encourages sober expectations when it comes to what governments can realistically accomplish.

***

It is the cultural implications of distrust that are especially worrisome. Many persons who are contributing to the trust deficit fail to recognize the unhealthy cultural consequences of their actions.

Insofar as disagreements with persons who are seen as unworthy competitors in an all-or-nothing game evolve into an unwillingness to recognize those persons as creditable fellow citizens within a common constitutional order, then the enjoyment of basic liberties by everyone is imperiled.

At its worst, a culture of distrust challenges the principle of human equality and dignity under the law that Abraham Lincoln famously identified as the bedrock or foundational principle of the country.

Preserving the kind of culture that is required to have a truly defensible democratic order is tougher than designing institutions such as effective legislatures or bureaucratic organizations. Lincoln understood this fact and never tired of reminding the American people that a failure to protect the civic and social culture of the republic would constitute the greatest threat to the nations long-term viability as a decent and competent democracy.
By Simon Lester

President Trump sees himself as a masterful negotiator. He is very critical of past U.S. trade negotiators, and has suggested that his tough-minded business colleagues like Carl Icahn could do a better job.

Trump and his team promised that they would get right to work on negotiating a slew of new deals immediately after he took office. In January, a Trump adviser said, You will be shocked by the speed at which bilateral agreements begin to materialize. Trump himself added, Believe me, were going to have a lot of trade deals.

So hows it going so far? Not well.

No new deals have been signed, and the one big deal that was mostly done before Trump took office  the Trans Pacific Partnership  will no longer happen, after Trump withdrew. With no new deals even in negotiation, under Trump the number of U.S. trade deals is stagnating.

This is a shame, because there are plenty of opportunities out there, and the rest of the world is moving forward. By doing so little, the Trump administration puts U.S. businesses at a disadvantage.

***

Instead of pressing for any new trade deals, the Trump administration is focused on renegotiating existing agreements, in particular NAFTA and the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement.

The administrations reasoning may be that these deals are flawed, and it wants to fix them. But that isnt really much of an excuse for delaying elsewhere. Presumably, at this point the administration has a vision for what should be in a trade agreement. If thats the case, it should get out there and start using this vision to negotiate  on as wide a basis as possible.

Trumps trade negotiators should start with Japan, in order to open long closed Japanese agricultural markets, such as beef, pork and dairy. President Obamas trade team already negotiated these issues with Japan through the TPP, and the terms agreed to there could serve as the basis for a U.S.-Japan FTA. This would help open up a big new foreign market to U.S. producers.

Trumps trade team should also negotiate with China, to get some better rules on state-owned enterprises, on intellectual property protection, and on technology transfer, three areas where China has been come under fire for practices that harm foreign companies.

The TPP had the most advanced state-owned enterprise rules of any trade agreement. The United States should feel China out about agreeing to these rules as part of a broader trade agreement.

And they should negotiate with the European Union, to address problems caused by regulatory differences. The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership may have been overly ambitious in this regard, but certain issues here are not that controversial. For example, automobile crash tests carried out in the United States should be sufficient for a vehicle to be considered safe for sale in the European Union, and vice versa.

Beyond these countries, there are many other possible trade negotiating partners out there: Brazil, the United Kingdom (after it leaves the EU), and Taiwan, among others. But so far Trumps trade team has only had the most general discussions about deals with these nations, with no negotiations imminent.

We are now nine months into the Trump administration, and its reasonable to ask: where are all the new trade deals that were promised?

***

The reality may be that these deals are never coming. It is not clear that the Trump administration has a vision of trade agreements that works. NAFTA and the Korea-U.S. FTA will be a test.

The Trump administration is reportedly making NAFTA demands considered so excessive that they might be rejected by everyone: our trading partners, the U.S. business community, and Congress.

If the Trump administrations negotiations all follow that pattern, and trade progress stalls, U.S. businesses will find themselves in a worsening position in global markets.

The rest of the world is going ahead with trade liberalization. Canada and the EU have begun to apply their deal on a provisional basis; the EU and Japan are getting close to one; Mexico and the EU are updating their older deal; and the TPP is being revived without U.S. participation.

By contrast, the United States may be on the sidelines until some future administration is willing to engage constructively in trade negotiations. Unless Trump begins to follow through on his early promises, the U.S. economy will suffer as others move forward and we stay in the same place. So come on, Mr. President: Lets make some deals!
When my church in Alexandria made the news, I knew it would be a bumpy ride.

The historic Episcopal church, after months of soul-searching, announced Oct. 26 it would relocate from the sanctuary two marble plaques memorializing George Washington and Robert E. Lee, its most famous members.

It may not surprise you that some media reports overly simplified and exaggerated the turn of events.

Headlines trumpeted: Cultural terrorism comes to Christ Church in Alexandria and George Washingtons church to tear down memorial honoring first president.

Blogs referred to ripping out the memorial to Washington the church now finds offensive.

Asked about the plaques in a TV interview, John Kelly, President Donald Trumps chief of staff, criticized the decision and praised Lee as an honorable man.

Corey Stewart, chairman of the Prince William Board of Supervisors and a Republican candidate for Senate next year, and others decried political correctness.

The next thing ... is that they would take the name Christ off the name of this church, Stewart declared in a news conference outside the church.

Lets take a breath here.

After Christ Church opened in 1773, Washington was one of the early worshippers and had a family pew. His adopted son, George Washington Parke Custis, gave the church one of Washingtons Bibles after he died.

Lee could walk to church from his boyhood home a few blocks away. He and two of his daughters were confirmed in the church in 1853, and Lee attended Sunday morning services April 21, 1861, after he resigned his commission in the U.S. Army.

His eldest daughter, Mary Custis Lee, left the church $10,000 for its endowment when she died in 1918.

The church installed the two plaques  In Memory of George Washington and In Memory of Robert Edward Lee  on either side of the altar two months after Lee died in October 1870.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill saw the plaques when they worshipped on New Years Day 1942. Over the years, so did Presidents Eisenhower, Johnson, Ford, Carter, Reagan and both Bushes when they visited.

In the decade Ive been a member, theres been a growing uneasiness among the largely white parish that the prominent Lee plaque discourages black people from becoming part of the church.

Then, white nationalist Richard Spencer moved to Old Town Alexandria, and the horrible events in Charlottesville last summer brought the matter to a head.

The vestry unanimously decided the plaques create a distraction in our worship space and may create an obstacle to our identity as a welcoming church. ... Accordingly the plaques will be relocated no later than the summer of 2018.

Emily Bryan, senior warden of the church, told parishioners last Sunday: Today, the legacy of slavery and of the Confederacy is understood differently than it was in 1870. For some, Lee symbolizes the attempt to overthrow the Union and to preserve slavery. ... The plaques in our sanctuary make some in our presence feel unsafe or unwelcome.

Where my church stumbled was in not having a new location already chosen, so outsiders would see we arent trying to hide our history. A committee will decide where on the church campus to put the plaques.

Remaining unchanged in the sanctuary will be Washingtons box pew, the plaque marking his funeral, silver markers for Washington and Lee on the pews and communion rail, and other references to the two men.

In the churchyard, Confederate soldiers in a mass grave will remain undisturbed.

So, maybe youre saying, OK, I get why theyre moving the Lee plaque  but why Washington too?

Because the two plaques were installed at the same time and visually balance each other, maintaining the symmetry of our sanctuary, church leaders decided they should move together.

I hope the new location balances respect for history with modern  and timeless  values.

I like the way Noelle York-Simmons, Christ Church rector, explained the situation to reporters the other day.

We are the church of George Washington, of Robert E. Lee, but most importantly we are the church of Jesus Christ, she said. Amen.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
A former Roanoke College student was found guilty Friday of two counts of sexual assault against a classmate.

The decision against James Douglas Caruso, 19, of New Jersey came after a daylong trial in Salem Circuit Court and at the end of about three hours of deliberation.

The jury, 10 women and two men, found Caruso not guilty of one count of aggravated sexual battery but felt he had committed both forcible sodomy and object sexual penetration.

They recommended he serve a five-year sentence on each of the two offenses. In Virginia, the punishment for both of those charges ranges from five to 20 years.

Caruso will be sentenced by a judge at a later date.

Both Caruso and his accuser, also 19, testified at the trial. Their accounts of the night of April 20 were almost entirely similar but with one central disagreement.

Both acknowledged they had decided to hang out alone in his dorm room and drink beer she had brought. Both said they had drinks together then wound up on his bed, cuddling in the dark and kissing.

Both also recalled she told Caruso she did not want to have sex or engage in sexual activity.

In Carusos account, the woman had then actively participated as the intimacy led to oral sex but had asked him to stop, and he said he did. He claimed that when she departed soon after, they seemed on good terms.

We ended up hugging and kissing before she left, Caruso said.

But the female student whom The Roanoke Times is not naming because it does not identify victims of sexual assault  said that while on the bed, she experienced a period of lucid paralysis and lost consciousness.

The next thing I remember was waking up naked during sexual activity, she told the jury. She said she had suffered vaginal bleeding, had trouble finding her clothes and had called a friend as soon as she left the building.

I said, I think I was just raped, but Im not sure,  she testified. She said she then called her parents and campus security, who notified Salem Police.

A forensic toxicologist testified that the victims blood showed no indication of alcohol or drugs but allowed that those exams had been conducted more than 10 hours after the incident and could not be conclusive.

The forensic nurse who examined the woman described some bruising to her neck but said she was unable to pinpoint an exact cause for those injuries, or for the bleeding the woman experienced.

A campus security officer said he interviewed her about the incident and described her as upset, crying, shaking.

In her cross-examination of the victim, defense attorney Michelle Derrico played a videotaped portion of that interview in which the woman gave more details about that night and said that drinking made me act in a way I wouldnt normally.

Obviously I have a problem with it now, the woman told investigators in the video.

Derrico also cross-examined the campus security officer and asked him about an incident from June, when he was called to the victims dorm room.

We had received a call about a student ... going off,  the officer testified, and said the woman had been upset about the April incident, had seemed intoxicated and had told him she had been using heroin for several months.

He has a law enforcement background and said he hadnt believed that claim, and the woman acknowledged during the trial she had lied about her drug use.

Shell say these things for attention, or because shes easily led, Derrico told jurors in her closing, and suggested the victim was being similarly untruthful about the April 20 incident.

A woman has the absolute right to say no during sexual activity at any time. At any time, Derrico said. Except after the fact.

But Salem Deputy Commonwealths Attorney Matthew Pollard said the woman had no motivation to lie, and he called Carusos testimony into question.

It was too perfect, Pollard said of the defendants testimony, and said that by his account, he did nothing wrong.

Pollard introduced photographs of Carusos sheets, which investigators had found him laundering just hours after the encounter, at 3 a.m. The bedclothes showed a stain consistent with the womans version of events.

You often hear, Well, the female put herself in that position,  Pollard said in his closing. A woman should be free to be in that position.

Shes not hiding the fact that she drank, he later added. She admits that she went to his room and wanted to make out with him.

But he also argued that her report of the incident was immediate, to her friends and to her family and to police.

At what point is the womans word enough? he asked.

Caruso was allowed to remain free on bond and his sentencing date will be set at a hearing next week.
BLACKSBURG  Virginia Techs new engineering dean is no stranger to the gender gaps that pervade higher education.

When Julia Ross was a student, she said she had one female teacher in the nine years leading up to her doctorate. When she was a professor, she said she was the only female teacher in the University of Maryland, Baltimore Countys chemical engineering department for years.

When she became the chair of that department, she said she was the first woman to hold the position. When she became dean of the college, she said  again  that she was the first female dean of any academic college at UMBC.

And now, she finds herself settling into the familiar role of the first woman to serve as dean of Techs College of Engineering.

It used to make me a little bit uncomfortable, but Ive sort of gotten used to it, Ross said. You feel a bit of extra responsibility to not screw it up.

Ross, who started at Tech in July, comes in at a time of heightened attention on gender and racial disparities throughout the technology field. From robot clubs in elementary schools, to major corporations like Microsoft, women, blacks and other underrepresented minorities are outnumbered  and often losing ground.

That means underrepresented groups are missing out on the diverse perspectives that are required to solve modern technology problems, Ross said.

The first incoming class of engineering freshmen she will lead, for instance, is 2.7 percent black. Thats down from 3.1 percent last year, according to data from Techs Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness.

The group is 22.3 percent female, down from 25.3 percent in fall 2016 despite concerted efforts to attract and retain more women.

Tech has been talking about the problem for nearly a decade. It joined the National Center for Women and Information Technologys Pacesetters program in 2009 and pledged to show others how to close the gap, particularly in the computer science department where 45.5 percent of students are still white men.

But the numbers havent shifted dramatically since then.

I dont fault Virginia Tech for this, because I think most places arent there, Ross said. Its not part of the everyday fabric and everyday things people are thinking about. But I think if were going to make the big shifts ... were going to have to think about it and talk about it differently.

Ross said she plans to institute changes that pervade the College of Engineering, some subtle and others more overt. It cant be the job of one person or institute, but rather something intertwined with everything the college does.

Since shes only been in the job for two months, Ross said, shes still learning about the colleges recruiting and admissions policies. She likes initiatives like the Clark Scholars, a new scholarship program that will aim in part to boost opportunities for underrepresented minorities.

Ross stopped short of saying her own gender will help, but she says her experiences coming up as a woman in the engineering profession have informed the way she addresses diversity gaps.

Ross grew up near Purdue University with a mother who studied mathematics in college. She said it never felt unnatural to be a girl who was good with numbers, and engineering seemed like a natural career path.

During her undergraduate years in Purdues engineering department, Ross said, she experienced a lack of support thats common in competitive engineering schools.

Nobody was actively saying you dont belong here, Ross said. But if I had just not showed up for class one day and quietly changed my major, Im not sure anybody would have noticed and nobody would have cared.

At Tech, Ross said she wants to rid the college of any notions that certain courses are designed to push out students who cant make the cut. She said she doesnt want to see expectations drop, but rather courses and a culture designed to help every student whos smart enough to get into the college to stay in the college.

When you have that kind of weed-out, exclusive kind of attitude, you sometimes weed out and exclude people who are very capable, Ross said. And thats a shame.

She said she remembers that when she was an undergraduate, her classmates patted themselves on the back for being part of the group that was strong enough to make it through the program.

That was almost a point of pride that a lot of people didnt make it through, Ross said. I think we have to change that conversation. And thats not quick and thats not easy.

Ross said shes also seen how important a diverse teaching staff can be. During her time at UMBC, she said, she saw the chemical engineering department grow from the time she was the only female faculty member until it was an even split between male and female.

Ive been in an academic department when Im the only one, and Ive been in that same academic department when its 50 percent female, Ross added. Its a very, very different environment.

She said she remembers teaching a fluid mechanics class to a group of third-year students at UMBC after the numbers improved there. One of her female students asked if there were any men in chemical engineering, since to that point she hadnt had a single male professor.

It just struck me as the funniest question I had ever heard, Ross said. That was a very different experience those students were having than I had.

At Tech, Ross said faculty diversity is something she simply cannot ignore.

When I look at our students and I try to understand what theyre experiencing, it makes it easier for me to do that in some cases, Ross said. It doesnt mean it makes it easier for me to fix it or move the needle because those are really challenging issues.

Ross said the college is going to have to face the problem head on, taking a look in the mirror and figuring out whats working and whats not.

Its hard and its frustrating. Theres no magic. Theres no secret sauce. Its hard and you have to pay attention to it, she said. I am eternally optimistic that we can do better. But realistic enough to know its going to take hard work and sustained effort.
By Donald Nuechterlein

After months of quiet diplomacy and flexing of military muscle, the Trump administration has convinced China that its North Korean ally must be dealt with harshly if war between China and the United States is to be avoided. The Pentagon confirmed this week that strategic assets might be sent to South Korea as a deterrent to North Korean provocations. (Plans for strategic assets in South Korea remain under wraps. Washington Post, October 30.)

Why would Chinas President Xi Jinping agree to a deal with Donald Trump when previous American presidents failed in efforts to contain North Koreas nuclear ambitions? Beijing belatedly understands that U.S. vital interests are at stake in Northeast Asia and that it is determined to prevent North Korea from provoking war that would include Americas allies, Japan and South Korea, and threaten American territory.

China, too, has vital national interests in Northeast Asia. These stem from the Korean War in 1950 when it sent troops into North Korea to prevent U.S. forces from advancing to the Yalu River and uniting the country under American control. Since then, China considers North Korea a vital strategic buffer between itself and Japan, and the United States.

To reassure China that it has no designs on North Korea and will not attempt to unity the peninsula, Presidents Trump and Xi will reach a tentative agreement during their summit next week on a Korean peace treaty that recognizes two independent states. And they would quietly agree to denuclearize the Korean peninsula. At present, South Korea has no nuclear weapons.

Skeptics ask why China would agree to Trumps tough talk on North Korea after being silent for years as Pyongyang built major nuclear weapons capability? Two reasons account for this: first, South Korea now toys with asking the U.S. to deploy tactical nuclear weapons as a deterrent to the Pyongyangs threat to unleash its armies against the South: and second, China finally recognizes that its ally, the reckless Kim Jung-Un, has gone too far by threatening the United States with long-tinge missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. For China, the risk of refusing to rein in North Korea has become too large.

Some argue that an agreement by two superpowers to impose a peace treaty on a small neighbor is inconsistent with their obligations under United Nations principles. But the right of self-defense is enshrined in the U.N. Charter and provides a powerful incentive to superpowers when a small neighbor threatens to trigger a war that neither wants.

An alternative scenario to this optimistic view assumes an ominous turn in the U.S.-China relationship. In this view, China rejects Washingtons military buildup in Northeast Asia and declares it will not permit its ally, North Korea, to be intimidated by the United States and its allies. Beijing reinforces this policy by quietly deploying ground force units and missile batteries into North Korea, and resuming economic assistance to Pyongyang.

In this scenario Washington announces that it will shoot down the next North Korean missile that threatens Japanese territory. Depending on Pyongyangs response, U.S. forces would attack the Norths missile installation that threatened Japan. The world then waits for North Korea to make its next move, and to Chinas response.

Thats a scary scenario. But in reality, Chinas government would not have invited Donald Trump to make a state visit next week if it were also anticipating war in Korea. More likely is that Beijing and Washington have quietly agreed on measures to deescalate the Korean crisis and begin work on a peace treaty between North and South Korea. This would lead to the denuclearization of the peninsula and recognition of Chinas role as North Koreas protector.

President Xi Jinping, fresh from his impressive victory at the Communist Party Congress, is now undisputed leader of Asias superpower. He and President Trump both have a vital interest in preventing war in Korea that would ruin their growing economic and political interdependence. How they eventually navigate to defuse tensions in the South China Sea will be another test of their willingness to use diplomacy to avoid war.

Nuechterlein is a political scientist and author who resides near Charlottesville. E-mail him at nuechtd@cstone.net
Elections are questions in which voters provide the answers. Here are some of the questions were waiting for voters to answer on Tuesday:

Is Virginias economy headed in the right direction? Once you strip away all the showmanship of a political campaign  all the talk about Confederate statues and Central American gangs, all the talk about President Trump  this is what the choice of Virginias next governor really comes down to.

Democrat Ralph Northam says Virginia has made the right investments to grow a new economy and were starting to see good things start to happen, so we need to continue current policies. Republican Ed Gillespie says Virginias economic growth has been way too slow and we need to make big changes. So which will it be?

For nearly three decades now, Virginias election map has shown a growing split between the urban crescent and the rest of the state. This years vote will likely be no different. Much of that split is due to cultural differences, but some of it this year will be on economic grounds. The states economy looks very different from Grundy than it does from Great Falls.

Just how much is Trump hurting Republicans? In special elections across the country, weve seen Democrats run much better than usual  although all those were heavily Republican districts, so the Republican candidate won in the end, just by a reduced margin. Virginia may not be the best place to measure the Trump effect. Democrats already hold all five statewide offices  governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and two U.S. senators. Theyve carried the state now in three straight presidential elections. Its fair to say Virginia is trending Democratic. If Northam wins by a small margin, its probably just because Virginia is turning bluer. Its only if Northam wins by a large margin that we can start to measure a Trump effect.

Can a normal Republican win without resorting to Trump-style nationalist populism? Gillespie is about as normal a Republican as you can find  former national party chairman, former adviser to President George W. Bush. Hes declined to embrace Trump too closely, or resort to the kind of campaign tricks that Trump and the Trump wing of the party would employ. Yes, Gillespie has said some kind words about Confederate statues, but he hasnt held a rally at the base of the Robert E. Lee monument in Charlottesville, the way his primary opponent Corey Stewart did.

If Gillespie wins  in a state thats been tipping Democratic  it will send shock waves through Washington, but probably for the wrong reasons. A Gillespie win would not signify the triumph of Trumpian values, but rather the victory of traditional Republicanism.

Can a Democrat win without resorting to Bernie Sanders-style liberal populism? Northam is a classic Virginia Democrat, which is another way of saying he doesnt seem a natural fit for a party that seems to want to lurch to the left following its unexpected defeat in the 2016 presidential election. Northam grew up on the rural Eastern Shore, went to Virginia Military Institute, served in the Army. He wasnt even a consistent Democratic voter until fairly recently.

Northams low-key manner makes him the antithesis of Trump, but frustrates the so-called progressive wing of the party that pined for the more combative Tom Perriello. Northam also has been bedeviled by environmental activists upset because hes declined to oppose the two proposed natural gas pipelines.

If Northam loses, many will see that as evidence the party needs to move further left. Those who think that probably wont pay much attention to Virginias electoral history, which shows its not that easy for Democrats to win statewide in off-year elections when the electorate is smaller, whiter, older, and more conservative. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine only took 52 percent of the vote in their gubernatorial races; Terry McAuliffe won with just 48 percent in a three-way race. Democrats who think they should win this race by default simply dont understand the lay of the land.

How much will the House of Delegates change? Republicans hold a commanding majority in the House  66 seats to 34 for the Democrats. McAuliffe predicts Democrats will pick up six to eight seats. Some Democrats have talked of actually flipping the House. The more seats Democrats pick up, the more that will be attributed to a backlash against Trump. Heres the problem for Democrats and the firewall for Republicans: Its hard to change the numbers much in the House. Gerrymandering is a big obstacle, but maybe not the biggest one. The biggest problem for Democrats is residential patterns. Its simply impossible to draw a Democratic district west of Radford  or a Republican district in Arlington.

How much do voters care about Confederate statues? Stewart looked foolish during the primary when he spent so much time talking about Charlottesvilles attempt to take down its statues. His surprisingly narrow loss suggests a big segment of the Republican Party cares more about cultural issues than the economic ones Gillespie was pushing. After the violence in Charlottesville at a rally of white supremacists in August, Northam said he thought Confederate statues should come down  a courageous stand in a Southern state, or potentially a foolish one. Polls show Virginians overwhelmingly want statues to stay, and Gillespie has made Northams position a centerpiece of his advertising.

If Northam loses  after leading early on  one reason might be that he miscalculated how strong some voters feel about Confederate statues. On the other hand, if he wins, it will be something of a historical watershed, though mostly a symbolic one. The statues in question are mostly local statues; neither a Governor Gillespie nor a Governor Northam will have much say in whether they stay or go.

Are voters more engaged than usual or less engaged? Are they fired up in response to Trump (one way or another) or are they still worn out from last year? Voter turnout in presidential years typically tops 70 percent in Virginia, but in gubernatorial years is only in the 40 percent range. Well find out Tuesday whether this is a normal year or not. Either way, those voters who do show up will tell us something.
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Ajmeri Rashid arrived in Ahmedabad early today morning and was promptly arrested by the police.

By Gopi Maniar Ghanghar : Ajmeri Abdul Rashid, a key accused in the Akshardham Temple terrorist attack in Gujarat, was arrested today in Ahmedabad, a full 15 years after gunmen stormed the iconic complex and killed 30 devotees.

Ajmeri Abdul Rashid, the brother of another accused who was acquitted by the courts, was arrested by the Ahmedabad Police's Crime Branch from the city airport while returning from Riyadh.

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Ajmeri Rashid arrived in Ahmedabad early today morning and was promptly arrested by the police. His brother Ajmeri Adam was among the six people charged by Gujarat police in the Akshardham Temple terrorist attack.

On September 24, 2002, two terrorists armed with automatic guns and hand grenade stormed the Akshardham Temple complex at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Click here to Enlarge Ajmeri Abdul Rashid was arrested from the Ahmedabad airport after returning from Riyadh.

In the subsequent firing and explosions, at least 30 devotees were killed and 80 others were injured. The National Security Guard, India's ace anti-terrorism force, was called in the next day and the commandos took down the two terrorists, who were from the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad terror groups.

A total of six people were arrested by the Gujarat police and charged with planning and helping execute the Akshardham attack. All six were acquitted by the Supreme Court in May 2014.

Incidentally, the NSG recently held a mock drill at the Akshardham Temple complex in order to test the force's response plan. A terrorist attack was simulated at the temple complex, but the force did not reveal much information on the drill.

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With a month to go for Gujarat Assembly election, the arrest comes at a crucial time as the BJP is believed to be trying hard to polarise the narrative on communal lines.

By Jumana Shah: With the arrest of 2002 Akshardham terror attack key accused Abdulrashid Suleiman Ajmeri today from Ahemdabad, there is strong murmur in political ranks again over its timely execution.

Rashid was apprehended by the Ahmedabad Police's Crime Branch from the city airport while returning from Riyadh. The arrest comes a full 15 years after gunmen stormed the iconic Akshardham complex and killed 30 devotees.

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Interestingly, this comes just ahead of Gujarat Assembly poll in December, with the narrative shifting towards BJP trying to polarise votes on communal lines.

BJP is perceived to be struggling with Patidar and OBC communities warring over reservation, not to mention anti-incumbency of 22 years in power.

Patidars are believed to be big followers of Bhagwan Swaminarayan- the saint who is revered and worshipped at the Akshardham Temple.

Therefore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence at its 25th anniversary on Thursday, was seen as a force multiplier since the politically influential community is currently at odds with the BJP.

Their fallout with the saffron party is largely attributed to the movement led by youth leader Hardik Patel, demanding reservation for Patidars under the OBC quota.

WHO IS ABDUL RASHID AJMERI?

Abdulrashid Ajmeri is one of the six accused in the 2002 Akshardham Temple terror attack case. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Dipen Bhadran told India Today that Ajmeri is mainly accused of arranging funds for the attack and planning the detailed logistics.

"He was the connecting link for the Islamic funding groups consisting of Indian Muslims in the Middle East to carry out the attack on Akshardham. He was shown videos of post-Godhra 2002 riots. We believe his motive was avenging the riots, though no one from his immediate family was directly affected by the violence," he said.

Bhadran clarifies that though his name was not in the FIR filed after the incident, it was a part of the chargesheet as his name emerged later. Additional DCP Rajdeepsinh Jhala said, "We suspect Ajmeri was in touch with Jaish-e-Mohammad and other terror organisations and routed the funding. We are hoping to uncover the links further as we interrogate him."

When asked if the arrest of Ajmeri comes at a rather convenient time for BJP that is looking to polarise electorate ahead of poll, Bhadran laughed it off. "Ajmeri booked his own tickets to travel by Kuwait Air, we had no role to play in it. Just because elections are round the corner, we couldn't allow an absconder to remain in the city," Bhadran said.

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Last month, the Gujarat Anti-Terror Squad had arrested two people from Surat claiming they are linked to the Islamic State (IS). Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani alleged that Congress Rajya Sabha member Ahmed Patel was linked to atleast one of them as he was working as a lab technician in a hospital where Patel was a trustee. Patel however later clarified that he had resigned from the trust 2013, long before the said person was hired.

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President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday greeted the nation on the occasion of Gurpurab - the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of the faith.

"Gurpurab greetings to all. Let us follow the path of peace, compassion and service shown by Guru Nanak Devji," the President said.



Guru Nanak Jayanti also known as 'Gurpurab' and 'Prakash Utsav' is one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism.



Extending his greetings on the occasion, Modi said Guru Nanak was not only the first guru of the Sikhs but also a "guru to the entire world". He urged people to follow Guru Nanak's ideals and teachings.



"On Guru Nanak Jayanti we bow to the venerable Sri Guru Nanak Devji and recall his noble thoughts," Modi tweeted.



In an over one-minute long video message, Modi said Guru Nanak undertook a 28,000-km journey on foot to spread the message of true humanity.

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"He envisioned the welfare of all humanity and considered all castes to be equal. He stressed on female empowerment and respect for women."



Modi said: "He ran a 'Langar' which sowed the seeds of the spirit of service amongst fellow beings. Partaking of 'Langar' together created a feeling of unity and oneness in people."



Guru Nanak voiced three messages for a meaningful, fulfilling life -- chant the name of the almighty, work hard and help the needy, the Prime Minister said.



Born in 1469 in Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi (Nankana Sahib, now in Pakistan), Guru Nanak Dev was the first of the 10 Sikh Gurus.




Starting early on Saturday, hundreds and thousands of Hindu devotees took a holy dip in the river Ganga on the occasion of 'Kartik Purnima'.

Pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Rajasthan travelled miles to be part of the festivities, an official said.



Amid tight security, all the roads were chock-a-block with people as they headed for the Har Ki Paudi's Brahm Kund.



They offered water to the Sun god and gave alms to beggars and the needy. They prayed to Lord Vishnu as this day is devoted to him.



Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Krishna Kumar V.K. informed that adequate security deployment has been done keeping in view the large turnout in the city.



He added that patrol of all the banks, ghats and even the rivers by the 'Jal Police' was taking place.
The Ahmedabad crime branch on Saturday arrested Ajmeri Abdul Rashid, one of the accused in the 2002 Gandhinagar Akshardham Temple terror attack case.

Rashid, one of the 28 absconding accused in the case, had returned from Saudi Arabia and was picked by the Crime Branch sleuths from near the airport.



The sensational attack on the temple complex in Gujarat's capital Gandhinagar had claimed 32 lives, including 28 visitors. The attackers had used automatic weapons and hand grenades. Three commandos, including one from NSG, and a constable of the State Reserve Police (SRP) were also killed during the operation.



Rashid's brother Adam Ajmeri, along with two others, was awarded capital punishment but it was struck down by the Supreme Court and all three were acquitted in 2014. Three other convicts, one of them carrying a life sentence, were also let off by the apex court.



The other absconders are claimed to be in Pakistan and Gulf countries.






3 killed in stampede in Bihar's Begusarai Three pilgrims died and over a dozen others were injured on Saturday in a stampede on the banks of the Ganga river in Bihar's Begusarai district, an official said. The incident took place at a major bathing spot at Simaria ghat on the occasion of Kartik Purnima, when thousands of pilgrims gathered for the holy dip.



According to district police officials, the stampede was caused by some rumours.




Samoa is among six Pacific World Trade Organisation member countries gathering in Fiji this week.

Samoa, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu are attending a Regional Preparatory Workshop organised by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (P.I.F.S.) and the World Trade Organisation (W.T.O.) Secretariat.

This Workshop provides a valuable opportunity for the Pacific W.T.O. Members to enhance their understanding of the negotiations and to engage constructively, and prepare for upcoming W.T.O. 11th Ministerial Conference (M.C11) in December, to ensure meaningful outcomes, Shiu Raj, Director Programmes and Initiatives at P.I.F.S. said.

At the M.C10 in Nairobi in 2015, W.T.O. Members made a commitment to advancing negotiations in the remaining areas of the Doha Development Agenda (D.D.A.) negotiations which include Agriculture, Non-Agriculture Market Access (N.A.M.A.) or industrial goods, Services, Rules (which include Fisheries Subsidies), Development and Trade -related aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (T.R.I.P.S.).

The MC11 is expected to make decisions and give further guidance on the D.D.A. negotiations.

The Fisheries Subsidies negotiation is amongst the most advanced, and is considered one of the important deliverables for M.C11.

Fisheries are a significant economic sector for the Pacific Island Countries who need to ensure that decisions taken at M.C11 support their fisheries development and management efforts, Mr Raj added.

M.C11 will be an important Conference for the Pacific Island Countries given the likely outcome on fisheries subsidies and the importance of meeting the S.D.G. target 14.6.

Experts from the W.T.O. Secretariat, Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (F.F.A.) and P.I.FS. are supporting the Members in their discussions and deliberations to establish Pacific position on various areas of negotiations for the M.C11.

Participants at the workshop comprise senior government officials from the Ministries of Trade, Agriculture, Fisheries, and E-Commerce.

The W.T.O. Members are intensifying negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, to prepare final negotiating elements for Ministerial consideration at M.C11.

Regional officials will discuss the main areas that are under active negotiations namely, Agriculture, Fisheries Subsidies, Development and Special and Differential Treatment (S&D.T.), and Emerging trade issues such as Digital Economy and E-commerce of direct relevance to the Pacific region.
For one of the filmmakers, the subject of An Insignificant Man is people with no political background who want to be a part of India's political system.

By Vinayak Chakravorty: It all started as an accident sometime in 2012, Khushboo Ranka tells you, while they were out documenting the Anna Hazare andolan.

"Too much media attention was trained on the Anna movement, so we came to Delhi hoping to find something interesting," recalls Ranka, about arriving in the Capital from Mumbai along with fellow documentary filmmaker Vinay Shukla.

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What Ranka and Shukla went on to capture over the next five-odd years was a transition from activism to party politics. The andolan led to the formation of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and the filmmaker duo's camera had filmed enough footage to set up a 95-minute film.

The film, An Insignificant Man, has AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal splashed all over the poster. The duo, however, insists the film is not necessarily about Kejriwal.

"We are telling the story of modern Indian politics in the film, so ideally we would have wanted access to the top echelons of BJP and the Congress, too" says Shukla. Unlike most docu-films, this one had almost no research work involved.

"We arrived in Delhi with our cameras and started filming. Things started falling in place as the movement kept rolling," recalls Shukla.

NOVEMBER 17 RELEASE

With the Aap movement and Kejriwal as a subject, the film, slated for a November 17 release, has already ruffled feathers.

"It is juvenile to say we made the film with vested interest in mind. When one chooses a subject to document, it obviously becomes be the focus of the particular film. If focussing on a subject or a person means promoting them, then filmmakers will have to stop making films," says Ranka.

For Ranka, the subject of the film is not Kejriwal or AAP, but people with no political background who want to be a part of India's political system.

"It is difficult to talk about real subjects in a sensitive country as ours. There are bans, disagreements, threats and violence looming large all the time. I would request all to watch our film first, before protesting," she says.

They hope the worst is over. "We have a censor certificate now, so that should give credence to our effort. The previews have garnered good response. They have been sold out 20 days in advance, so we feel people are curious about the film," says Ranka.

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The U.S. Embassy hosted a special handover ceremony at the American Corner (2nd floor of Nelson Memorial Library) with the presentation of new computers, educational and learning materials, furniture and decor, as well as another year of free internet for all students of Samoa.

U.S. Embassy Charge dAffaires Tony Greubel was on hand to deliver remarks for the event.

I am very pleased to deliver these resources to the American Corner because I know how much potential this place has to offer to the public, especially to students. I look forward to the American Corner being a fresh and positive hub for students and a major resource for the community, Charge Greubel said.

The ceremony also acknowledged the U.S. Embassys $17,600 grant to the Ministry of Education, Sport, and Culture to conduct educational programming at the Corner for the year to come, with the majority of funds going to Quenjule Slavens Turn A Life Programme, which focuses on after school learning activities for street vendors and underprivileged children.

This is a continuing initiative by the U.S. Embassy in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Culture at the American Corner, in order to provide literacy and educational resources to the general public-with a particular emphasis on the student population, free or at minimal cost, while at the same time promoting various aspects of American culture.
Across the front page of the Samoa Observer on 3 November 2017, the story titled Govt. brings back Criminal Libel law in hunt for Ghost writers, was published.

Down below, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi is quoted as having said, his government is reviving this law so that it can use it to hunt down some jokers whom he describe as Ghost writers, one of whom is Ole Palemia (The Prime Minister).

He said: (The idea) is to find the writers (who are) hiding behind (this) anonymity (where theyre) using their freedom of expression, to vent their vile and demeaning allegations on social media, (and that this) will no longer be tolerated.

Tuilaepa added: Now they should be warned that their days of mischiefs are numbered.

Well, is that right? Indeed, how is that humanly possible, given the fact that social media today, is virtually impossible to penetrate?

As for the law of Criminal Libel, it was abolished in 2013, and now according to the report, Prime Minister Tuilaepa has asked the Attorney Generals Office, to look into reintroducing it, one more time.

But then once again, why is he wasting his time asking anyone what to do and what not to do, when in fact, he is the law?

Isnt he?

According to the report though, reviving this law is an effort to address the growing number of ghost writers who are using fake names in the social media, to attack members of the public.

And yes, Ole Palemia is now one of those ghost writers, we are told.

The statement from the government says: The intention is not only to protect the privacy of the individuals and the general public from unsubstantiated, vicious and inciting allegations posted by ghost writers on the social media, but to safeguard and ensure that peace and harmony in the country remains intact.

It quotes Prime Minister Tuilaepa as having said: Since the Criminal Libel law was abolished (from the Crimes Act of 2013), some have been abusing the freedom to express their views and in particular, the defamatory allegations posted on social media.

He went on to say: Some of these postings could lead to violent confrontation which may eventually cause misery to families and government will not stand by any longer, Tuilaepa said.

Hes probably right.

Now, weve got a couple of questions for Prime Minister Tuilaepa and his government.

First: What is the government going to do to the ghost called Ole Palemia if he was found?

Well, if we were to answer that one now, we would politely say we sincerely hope that whoever Ole Palemia is, he would never be found.

Second question: Why did the government abolish the Law of Criminal Libel?

The government has not yet explained why, other than that it has revived it in its quest to find out the identity of the ghost who is calling himself Ole Palemia.

But then from what the Prime Minister has been saying, it appears that the plan is to ensure that all ghost writers are a menace to everyone, so that when they are found they would immediately be thrown in jail, and the Law of Criminal Libel is apparently the right authority to get that done.

Now that reminds about what happened back there in early March 1999.

That was when the government renovated Prime Minister Tofilaus hotel in Savaii, in anticipation of the royal visit by Prince Edward of Great Britain, and as it turned out all went well according to plan.

It was later when the royal visit ended and Prince Edward had returned home, when a joker named Joe Hollywood sent in a letter to the editor, for publication.

Tofilau was quite ill at the time Joe Hollywoods letter arrived, and when it was published, one paragraph in it said: Tofilau is a wicked man, that way he will be welcomed into hell by the queen of hell.

In response, right away Prime Prime Minister, Tofilau Eti Alesana, sued the paper for defamatory libel.

Ten days after the Chief Justice had found the Samoa Observer two editors guilty of civil contempt, and they were fined $500 each, Tofilau Eti Alesana passed away. He was 74.

Soon afterwards, Attorney General, Mrs Brenda Heather Latu, stepped in and lodged an application with the Supreme Court.

She sought an order to put a permanent stop to the proceedings on the defamatory libel claim, that had been made against the Samoa Observer editors, by the late Prime Minister, Tofilau Eti Alesana.

The matter was heard before Chief Justice Patu T.F. Sapolu.

When His Honour asked the sole respondent, Katalaina M. Sapolu, if she had an objection to make, she offered none, and His Honour therefore granted the application.

And with His Honours judgment, the hearing of any other matter pertaining to the criminal libel claim made against the defendants, was similarly discontinued.

It was 12 August 1999, which happened to be my birthday, and now obviously unbeknown to His Honour, his ruling held a special meaning for me; it was my birthday.

As it turned out though, it was decidedly the best birthday present, Id ever been given.

Since to me then, the discontinuation of the criminal libel charge was both a denouement and a miracle; it was the end to worrying days and nights about being locked up in jail for six months, and the miracle was the knowledge that my freedom would not be forcibly denied me from now on.

Tofilau Eti Alesana has gone away. He will not return. Now for quite sometime afterwards, that knowledge would not leave me alone. It was the thought that I will not spend any day in jail because Tofilau Eti Alesana has died, that was causing so much pain now and that I feel tears well up in my eyes.

Still, now that the Law of Criminal Libel has been revived in a scheme that is aimed at tracking down those so-called ghost writers, whom Prime Minister Tuilaepa, believes are all going under the name Ole Palemia, what do you think?

Well, if our opinion was sought, I would suggest that a message is sent to the Social Media with a message to those ghost writers wherever they are, telling them please stop, and leave our Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, alone.

Hes harmless, hes a seasoned politician, he means well to everyone, and he is a man of the Church. Is he also a Man of God? Now thats the question for which an answer has not yet come through! So stay around.

Have a peaceful Sunday Samoa, God bless!
The Minister of Justice and Courts Administration, Faaolesa Katopau Ainuu, has downplayed tensions between him and the President of the Land and Titles Court, Fepuleai Atilla Ropati.

He has also denied attempting to influence the decision making by the President of the Land and Titles Court.

I did not give any instructions to him what-so-ever, Faaolesa said. My letter he is referencing; was merely a request for him not to consider a complaint for a case that had been resolved back in 2011.

The Minister made the points in response to questions from the Sunday Samoan in relation to a letter from the President to the Minister dated 15 September 2017.

Written by President Fepuleai to the Minister, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, the Chief Justice His Honour Patu Tiavaasue Falefatu Sapolu, Judge Vaepule Vaemoa Vaai and the Court Registrar are copied.

According to a copy of the letter obtained by the Sunday Samoan, Fepuleai makes it succinctly clear the Minister cannot tell the President of Land and Titles Court what to do.

I was considering whether to reply to your letter dated 13 September 2017, as I am aware of our different levels of positions, a translation of the letter written in Samoan reads.

However, there are accusations levelled at me that I should respond to and will perhaps help clarify to you and assure you that there was nothing wrong that was done to influence the investigation and decision of the Appeals Court LC.11728 (1 September 2017) where you led your Familys side, that is the subject of a letter of grievance that you have submitted.

This is especially so since it wasnt too long ago that you wrote another letter on 1 August 2017 where you have instructed myself not to reply to Seumanutafa Tiavolos letter that was given to me in a separate matter of your Family as well, that was given to you by the Registrar even though you were not copied.

Your letter came first before the Registrar gave me the letter by Seumanutafa Tiavolo. If it is special treatment that you Honourable Minister is seeking, I apologize I will not give you that.

Although you may have noticed the gap between my non-response to your letter dated 1 August 2017, and your letter dated 13 September 2017, I need to officially inform you that the President does not need any advice or direction from the Minister of Justice in any way pertaining to the Lands and Titles Court decision-making. If anyone is to understand this well, it should be those who have been well schooled in the law.

Fepuleai also rejected a call from the Minister for him to step aside in some of the cases.

You have already given your opinion that I should stand down from any of your cases, and that is a bad example for the country, as your opinion is based on suspicions and unfounded and unconfirmed allegations, the letter reads.

Especially since there were matters like these that were submitted that I have rejected, so that the overdue cases can be dealt with, as this has been an area where the Lands and Titles Court has been criticized for. But there is also a court guideline that we follow, it is up to the Courts if there is any connection, if they can handle a case without any bias towards that connection.

I do not have any connection to you, there is no reason for any bias towards you or any other side that you are in court against, and I will not do this. That is why I am happy and willing to handle any case that involves you, and I conduct them without any bias. This is why I reject your suggestion that I step aside, unless it is an order from the Supreme Court to prevent me from handling any of your familys cases.

President Fepuleai also gives the Minister an opportunity to take the matter further.

All cases already before the Appeals Court involving yourself will be postponed from this month of September 2017, to give you the chance to apply to the Supreme Court for any suitable provision to prevent me from taking part in the Group that will handle your Familys cases. If there is no solution forthcoming this year 2017, your Family in Apias cases will be rescheduled to the new year, 2018.

In case you do not know, Judges are no longer allowed to take part in any sides of their families in any court cases, so that the integrity of the Court is upheld and this is in line with the perception that the Court is administering justice, so that the general public will have faith in our judicial system, perhaps it will also be easy for the Minister of Justice to practice this so that people can believe in the Courts which he is Minister of.

If not, perhaps it will be easier for the Leader of Government to reshuffle Ministerial portfolios and place you in another Ministry, then the Minister of Justice may not be criticized for leading his familys side in a court case, and we wouldnt be engaged in this, which has taken up valuable time that could have been used for work.

This way too, you will be able to devote your time and efforts to doing something good for the general public as it is not too long to go now, only 3 more years left, but leave your familys dealings to others so that you dont have to tell us how to do our jobs.

But your comment that you thought that there is one God that we both place our trust in and do his righteousness or justice, I dont know about you, but the God in whom I trust is the same God that I swore an oath to when I was chosen as the President, the same God that Samoa is founded on, God the Holy Trinity.

He is the one that I will pray to, that he may look on you with love and give you peace and reassure you that no wrong thing was done in your familys case.

During an interview with the Sunday Samoan, the Minister rejected suggestions that he was telling the President what to do.

I wrote to him as a chief in my family and as a private citizen, the Minister said. He showed the Sunday Samoan a copy of his letter.

As you can see my letter here; it was not printed on a letter head of the Ministry. I did not in any manner try or interfere with the work of the Court, that is not my style. I wrote as a private citizen. And I said  it is a request to your honour. Even at the conclusion, I stated your honor should not consider a complaint for a case that has already been settled.

The Minister explained that his letter was about a case in his family before he became a Member of Parliament.

I bestowed chiefly titles to men in my family back in 2011 and that is what the issue is about. There was a case in 2012 and our family won the case and the chiefly titles were honored.

Another chief has written to the Land and Titles President asking him to re-open the case. it is 2017 now. Ho w can they re-open a case thats been settled some five years ago?

That is the whole purpose behind my 1 August, 2017 letter. It was a request to the President. I am party to the case and I am entitled to write to him as a private citizen, regarding that case.

I did not in any manner use my capacity as Minister of Justice. No one in the right mind would do such a thing.

Just because I am a Minister does not take away the fact that I am a private citizen, said Faaolesa.

How can a private citizen tell the President of the Lands and Titles, how do his job. I did not give him any instructions; I repeat it was a request made by a private citizen.

The Minister did not wish to comment on other aspects of the Presidents letter.
The decision by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaois government to revoke Virgin Australias license to fly between Auckland and Samoa is not only dictatorial it will hurt the tourism industry in a big way.

A small tourist accommodation operator on Upolu who only wants to be identified as Seli tells the Sunday Samoan that the silence from the tourism industry is deafening, which is indicative of the one-party state nature of Samoa today.

Seli said she is afraid due to fear of repercussions on her business but someone needs to tell the government they have got this wrong. She said the governments decision has taken tourism development backwards and could even possibly scare off potential investors who had eyes on Samoa.

The decision is bad for Samoa and Im not just talking about the passengers who have been affected, she said.

I'm certain every hotelier in Samoa will put on a smiling face to keep up with the appearances but deep down, everyone is hurting. They will be saying to the government you have just taken tourism back and foreign investment'."

Im pretty sure even New Zealand, Australia, China, U.S.A. will all be saying what's going on here?

This week, Prime Minister Tuilaepa defended his governments decision. He accused Virgin Australia of misleading their customers when they continued to sell tickets knowing they did not have a license.

We had written to them informing them that what they are doing is illegal, and there was no response, Tuilaepa said.

However, the airline was hiding behind officials of a ministry with the Australian Government who came here and made threats, noting that we (Samoa Airways) are flying to Australia as well."

And that is why we have told them they can fly directly from Australia to Samoa and we will do the same. They (Virgin Australia) dont want that.

Seli admits that the government is correct about Virgin selling tickets without prior approval. But she said the bigger picture is that Samoa needs more airlines to fly to Faleolo to lower airfares and provide more seats to fill up the local hotels.

In the short term, there are already many cancelled bookings because of this as people scramble to find a way of getting to Samoa. This is the last thing we need."

Tourism is down in a big way. A lot of the hoteliers I know are struggling to fill their rooms year in year out.

Some can't pay the banks back on top of being hit by high E.P.C. prices, high cost of imports for food and drinks, high water charges."

Then youve got taxes after taxes with are very high and so forth. What the government should do is create an atmosphere to help these businesses. This is not the way to do that.

Seli added that if Samoa wants to be competitive with other Pacific destinations like Fiji, Cook Islands, Hawaii and Tahiti, the government has got to do a better job portraying the image that it would welcome foreign investments and multi-national companies.

What the government has done is a total 360 on how a government can develop tourism and attract investors. What kind of serious investor will come to Samoa knowing that the government can turn around today and kick them out? This is dictatorial. The world is paying attention.

Told that the government is tired of Virgin Australia using Samoa as a cash cow and that their attitude towards Samoa was condescending, Seli said people need to separate emotions from the issues.

No serious airline will want to come when they look at the government has just done to Virgin. These guys have just kicked tourism too touch sending it backwards just like what theyve done to rugby and everything else they touch.

She also drew comparisons of Virgin Australias treatment with other airlines.

At least Virgin has returned millions of dividends back to the Samoan government in the past ten years, she said. What has Polynesian done for us? What about Air NZ and Fiji Airways? They have done nothing except rejoice with the high cost of fares.

Why didn't the P.M. do anything when Air NZ pulled the plug on the Los Angeles flights? He did nothing and tourism in Samoa has gone down badly since then. Again, Samoa Tourism Authority has been deadly silent on all this.

Seli also shared other fears.

We are supposed to have an open sky policy and yet it seems like now it is Stuis open sky policy, he said. Even the wholesalers will look twice about selling Samoa as it is too unpredictable."

"Tourism has a bad wrap now as all wholesalers will be skeptical to sell us and this reflects badly on anyone wanting to invest in Samoa.
The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S.) has terminated the services of E.F.K.S. TV News Editor and Senior Reporter, Rula Sua Vaai.

The termination follows a joke she allegedly made to get the media to attend a Press Conference they had called to promote a new Christmas singing programme called 12 Joyful Nights.

In a letter from the General Manager of E.F.K.S, Sua Henry Fruean to the Samoa Observer, he said Mrs. Sua-Vaai had joked that the press conference was to announce that the chairman of the Congregational Christian Church had stepped down from Office.

Her intention, according to the letter, was to draw as many members of the media to the press conference.

She did this to get the attention of the media to attend a press conference when it actuality it was to announced the 12 Joyful nights, Sua writes.

However what was stated is not true.

Sua said the matter was reported by Talamua.com implicating the Chairman was to step down.

And as a result, the decision by the Committee is to terminate Rula Sua Vaais services, said Sua in his letter.

Mrs. Sua-Vaai has been the News Editor for E.F.K.S. T.V. for more than a year.

When the Sunday Samoan contacted Mrs. Sua-Vaai for a comment, she disputed the decision saying it was unfair.

That letter (from the General Manager) confirms that I did not publicly announce nor publicize what the E.F.K.S. Executive have accused me of.

Mrs. Sua-Vaai said she was assured by the Chairman that nothing was going to happen.

But things have certainly changed. She told the Sunday Samoan that a family member of the Chairman had contacted her and made verbal threats against her on Thursday, hours before she was informed that her employment has been terminated.

This kind of abuse including threatening remarks was made against me and my family about 9:43 and by 3pm, I got a phone call to see the Secretary General Reverend Vavatau Taufao where he handed me the termination letter without any questions."

What confuses me is the trust and assurances, given during a face-to-face conversation with the Chairman; two weeks ago.

She further stated a criminal complaint has been lodged against the family member of the Chairman.

If you need more information contact my lawyer, she told the Sunday Samoan.

Mrs. Sua-Vaai has been the Editor for E.F.K.S. T.V. for more than a year.

It was not possible to get a comment from the Chairman of the Church yesterday.
Samoa and China have signed a Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement.

The agreement was signed Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and Chinas Ambassador to Samoa, Wang Xuefeng, on Friday.

The Agreement aims to further develop the close and friendly relations between China and Samoa.

It provides an economic and technical cooperation arrangement between the two countries for an amount of RMB Y 250,000,000.00 (T$96million).

China continues to provide valuable support to assis with many national development projects in the area of sports, agriculture, education, health and infrastructure.

The funds provided under the technical and cooperation Agreement will contribute towards discussions and studies relating to the Vaiusu Port plus other projects as agreed to by both governments in accordance with the needs and priorities of the government of Samoa.
He might be a new detector dog but Flame is already a hero in the eyes of his new handlers.

On his first day at work, Flame the black Labrador sniffed out plastic bags of suspected methamphetamine and utensils suspected for drug use.

The Detector dog is in Samoa as part of the Pacific Detector Dog Programme (P.D.D.P.) managed by the New Zealand Police Dog Section and funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

A statement from the Ministry of Police said Flame detected drugs allegedly smuggled into the country by a man from American Samoa.

A 37-year-old male was arrested by Police on Thursday, 2nd November 2017, at the Fagalii International Airport on a late flight from American Samoa, the Police confirmed.

The male is a returning citizen of Samoa."

The suspect was detected at the airport by the police dog Flame on his first day on the job."

During the search, the police seized the following, plastic bags of suspected methamphetamine and utensils suspected for drug use.

The statement adds the suspect is now being charged with possession of narcotics and police investigations are continuing with the possibility of additional charges.

The Ministry of Police would also like to acknowledge the assistance of Customs officials and members of the public for their continuous support.

Last week, Flame was handed over by New Zealand (N.Z.) High Commissioner to Samoa, David Nicholson, to the Commissioner of Police, Fuiava Egon Keil, during a ceremony at the Police headquarters.

The handover ceremony was witnessed by senior members of the Samoa Police Service (S.P.S.) and N.Z. government officials.

Mr. Nicholson spoke on behalf of the N.Z. government and he emphasized that his government would always assist Samoa in its border control efforts and providing the new dog for S.P.S. was an indication of that continuous support.

The N.Z. police sergeant who brought Flame into the country also expressed the same viewpoint by the N.Z. police and will continue to provide assistance.

The Commissioner of Police, on behalf of the Samoan Government, expresses his gratitude and appreciation for the continuous assistance provided by the N.Z. Government through the N.Z. police to S.P.S. during the years.

He also highlighted the importance of this gift to S.P.S. and the necessity for this program to continue.

Flame will replace the current dog Boss who is now retired from his official duties.
The National Human Rights Institution has wrapped up Samoas first National Public Inquiry  into Family Violence under s 41 of the Ombudsman Act 2013.

This section of the Act is concerned with systemic or widespread issues or practice/s that violates human rights.

The Inquiry took up months of consultations with relevant N.G.Os/Government Ministries/International Partners, Community Bodies and the general public in villages across Samoa and weeks of hearing testimonies and submissions (both written and verbal) from all interested members of the public including survivors, perpetrators, village, specialists, academics and church leaders.

Submissions and evidence were carefully examined by the Commissioners of the Inquiry during its sitting period and three days debriefing following the public and closed/private hearings.

The remaining task is to compile the report that will be submitted to Parliament.

This exercise yet again highlighted that family violence in our homes is real and spiralling out of control.

The Commissioners also heard an overwhelming consensus for action to be taken by families, matai, village councils and churches, in conjunction with the central and crucial role that the Government must continue to play in combating family violence. Views expressed show how normalised family violence has become in Samoan attitudes and mindsets.

Maiava Iulai Toma, Ombudsman and Chair of the Inquiry, commented,

This national conversation reaffirmed that we are very proud of our Christianity and our Culture but we have failed ourselves in both and have allowed ourselves to become bankrupt in both as far as this issue concerned.

A harrowing part of the Commissions work was going through written submissions and hearing closed/private verbal submissions from survivors of family violence.

The common types of violence shared to the Commissioners included emotional abuse which normally triggers by verbal abuse, acts and words that causes fear, shaming, or humiliation to undermine the other persons self-esteem and self-worth.

And unfortunately, this particular type of violence was more common than any of us would like to think.

Adults have come to see no harm in dishing out threating words to young children and to each other. Expressions of violent and threatening words have become normal in our everyday life that we do not acknowledge but its every bit as damaging as physical violence.

Other violence heard by the Commissioners included sexual abuse including incest, physical violence against children, violence against in-laws and intimate partner violence.

The Commissioner acknowledge greatly the bravery efforts of all those who came forward to share their stories. Their willingness and positive response was greatly appreciated and a great encouragement to our collective efforts to rid Samoa of violence in our home.

It came many times across that women tolerate the problem and see it as a personal cross to bear. There were views that if you have faith and patience then things would be OK in the end. What happens in the meantime and to the other members of the family who witness the violence? We need to make the point that we are not just talking about the number of cases but the number of people involved and affected in each case Commission members.

A church leaders honest comment that the church has failed reflected many views expressed by the public that church leaders needed to step up.

Some church ministers perhaps see it as just a matter of singing and highlighting through Sunday sermons how the bible doesnt advocate violence. They under-estimate their potential and usefulness and do not do any counselling with congregation members or families. Some hardly interact with their congregations at all. This is all part of the decline and the problem we are facing, Inquiry witness.

Time and again the Commission noted Alii and Faipule giving verbal submissions and indicating in village consultations that everything was rosy in their villages our village is very peaceful, we hardly have any issues such as violence in our village.

The fact of the matter however is countless cases of family violence occurring in homes amidst a culture of silence and ignorance which override initiative and the need to seek help, report to police or the village councils.

In the end Maiava, Ombudsman and Chairman stressed we have very good laws in place for Samoa to combat violence, we have the structures and institutions to drive practical measures, what we really need and is very lacking as a community is the willpower to go along with our willingness to change. He further added, I encourage individuals, government ministries and organisations who are fighting this social issue to keep at it, do not be discouraged with the state things are in now because change does not come overnight.

The Commissioners and Inquiry staff are now drafting the report. The deadline for when the report is due to Parliament is June 2018. According to the Chairman, This does not mean we are aiming for June, we would like for the report to be ready sooner, and that is what we are aiming for.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi congratulated the newest graduates of the Apia Harvest Centre Bible College on Friday evening.

Tuilaepa was speaking during the Colleges 2017 graduation where 13 students graduated with different qualifications in Biblical studies.

Among them was Falefasa Seufale, who was awarded a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Mrs. Seufale challenged her fellow colleagues: Lets go together with God if you want to go far. We cannot do this race without him.

The students received Certificates in Biblical Studies, Diploma in Biblical Studies, Diploma in Ministry and Bachelor of Art I Biblical Studies.

Families and friends were present to witness another milestone achieved by their sons and daughters.

Reverend Faafetai Fata Meafou, Principal, expressed his sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister, the government especially the S.Q.A. and all the supporters of the school.

To the graduating class, I want to congratulate each and everyone of you for making it this far, he said.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa echoed Rev. Fatas remarks.

Whatever calling that each of you will be given, do it with honesty and always remember that God is by your side, says Tuilaepa.

The Apia Harvest Center Bible College qualifications recognised by the Samoa Qualifications Authority.

Enrolment for next year at the Bible College is now open.

Certificate in Biblical Studies

Vitelevu Aiga Johnson, Leata Panapa Crichton, Annie Groves, Suetena Faatuuala, Magele Timothy Fata

Diploma in Biblical Studies

Tagaloa Jeremone Sapolu, Faafetai Vaevaina

Diploma in Ministry

Esther Soti Fiaui, Suzanne Fereti Laban, Eric Poe, Tuiloma Sina Retzlaff

Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies

Sara Faletoese Sua, Falefasa Seufale
Recent instances of Escondido students taking the anti-anxiety drug Xanax apparently are not isolated and could indicate a growing problem within the community, if not the county.

And where the teens are getting the drug and whether it is actually a prescription drug or a more dangerous counterfeit remain a concern.

Drug enforcement experts suggested the sudden availability of the drug may be fueled by surging sales of illegal sedatives, or even counterfeit street drugs marketed as prescription medications.

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We have seized counterfeit prescription pills that were made to look like Xanax, that did not contain any alprazolam, the generic name for the medication, said Amy Roderick, a special agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in San Diego. Some of these pills that drug traffickers are selling, they have no idea whats in them. They dont know if its Xanax, nor do they care.

In September, five students at San Pasqual High School in Escondido became ill after taking pills that authorities believe to be Xanax. A month later, two other groups of Escondido students  from Rincon Middle School and Del Lago Academy  were also sickened after apparently taking the prescription drug.

There has been an uptick that Ive noticed in Xanax (use) in our community, but weve seen this uptick in prescription pills across the country, said Tara Anderson, the district counselor for Escondido Union High School District, who runs the prevention and diversion program. Xanax just seems to be kind of the creeper. I dont think kids are being prescribed the pills. Theyre getting them off the street.

As national attention focuses on the devastation wrought by prescription opioids such as Oxycontin, Vicodin and others, some experts say that dealers  and the people they sell to  are replacing those with other drugs, including anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax.

Its a highly addictive substance, said Scott Silverman, CEO of Confidential Recovery, an outpatient substance abuse treatment center in San Diego. Its easier to get because there isnt as much attention to it. People are substituting with Xanax, because they cant get Oxycontin; even though it might not be as powerful, its not as scrutinized yet.

The problem came to light in Escondido on Sept. 19 when five students from San Pasqual High School, all boys ages 14 or 15, became nauseous, dizzy and lethargic, and were treated at Palomar Medical Center for possible overdose. Based on their statements and symptoms, police concluded they had taken Xanax, but werent able to recover any of the substance, Escondido Police Lt. Justin Murphy said.

All five students were suspended for five days and ordered to undergo drug treatment, Escondido Union High School District Spokeswoman Karyl OBrien said, and on Sept. 28, police arrested two other 15-year-old male students for allegedly selling the drugs to classmates, and referred the cases to juvenile court for review.

On Sept. 24, a Del Lago Academy student on a 10th-grade field trip to an Orange County science museum was hospitalized for what school officials said was a possible Xanax overdose. Although officials said only one student was treated, a parent whose child was on the trip said several students may have taken the substance.

And the following day, a half-dozen Rincon Middle School students became ill after apparently consuming Xanax provided by another student at lunchtime. The students  a mix of boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 13  later became sick in class.

One student was taken to Palomar Medical Center for treatment. Murphy said the 13-year-old male student who supplied the pills was arrested on a drug sales charge and released to the custody of his parents.

In a separate case in Carmel Valley in October, 48-year-old Kimberly Quach, the mother of a Cathedral Catholic High School student ,was charged with supplying students with marijuana and prescription pills, including Xanax.

The surge in Xanax use on San Diego campuses surprised some educators.

(Escondido Union School District) has never had something like this happen that we can recall, said Susy Villegas, a spokeswoman for the elementary district,

However, administrators with Escondido Union High School District said that while the students hospitalized in September and October were the only known cases of Xanax use on campus, there have been other suspected incidents.

Our concern is that kids are involving themselves in some of these activities, and its logical to assume that there is more out there than were aware of, said Rich Watkins, director of pupil services and intervention.

The problem appeared over a year ago, said Yesenia Martinez, community organizer for the Escondido Drug-free Community Coalition, which receives police referrals for first-time drug offenders through its juvenile diversion program.

Between 2013 and 2016, there were no referrals for prescription drugs, she said. But during the 2016-17 school year, the program handled 11 cases related to Xanax use by Escondido teens, she said.

Thats when that started coming on our radar that Xanax might be a possible issue, Martinez said. Right now, were trying to pinpoint the exact source of where its coming from. This doesnt seem to be coming from a pharmacy.

A decade ago, drugs sold on the street or at parties as pharmaceuticals were probably just that, Roderick said. Now, however, awareness of opioid addiction has led to tighter rules on narcotic prescriptions.

Thats opened the door to imitations made cheaply from miscellaneous ingredients including Fentanyl, a pain-killer and anesthetic thats up to 100 times more powerful than Morphine. The counterfeit pills are smuggled from Mexico and sold as prescription drugs including Oxycontin or Xanax.

Were talking about not overprescribing, and doctors and pharmacists are listening, Roderick said. So theres fewer pills on the street, and the cartels fill that void. And they dont care how many Americans die from overdoses.

Police and school officials share frustration that the students arrested in the recent incidents wont disclose where they got the drugs, thwarting efforts to stem the supply.

Every kid Ive dealt with when I ask where it came from, I get the shoulder shrug, Watkins said. Part of our reasons for building relationships with these kids is so we can go backwards and find out where it came from.

As they seek the source of the drugs, the schools are working harder on prevention. Seventh- and eighth-graders in Escondido middle schools are participating in a program called Project Alert, which warns of the dangers of substances including alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and inhalants, Villegas said.

And the high schools will host parent nights on each campus to educate families about teen drug abuse, starting with a presentation at Del Lago Academy on Nov. 13.

Our goal is to make sure that we provide an opportunity to go beyond their mistakes, so they can get back into school, get an education and be successful in life, Watkins said.

deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com Twitter@deborahsbrennan
By PTI: Gonikoppal (Ktaka), Nov 4 (PTI) Army Chief General Bipin Rawat today pitched for conferring the countrys highest civilian honour Bharat Ratna on independent Indias first army chief, Field Marshal General K M Cariappa.

"The time has also come to recommend Field Marshal Cariappa for the award of Bharat Ratna. If others can get it, I see no reason why he should not, a deserving personality for the same. We will shortly address the issue on priority," he said. Gen Rawats comments came in response to a request by Col K C Subbayya from The Field Marshal Cariappa General Thimayya (FMCGT) forum about recommending the Bharat Ratna to Cariappa, who hails from Kodagu district in Karnataka.

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Rawat unveiled the statues of Cariappa and General K S Thimayya, also a former Army chief who hailed from Kodagu district in Karnataka, at a function at the Cauvery College at Gonikoppal, Kodagu district. Terming Kodagu (formerly Coorg) as a land of warriors, Rawat said he is proud, privileged and humbled for having got the opportunity to unveil the memorial in memory of Field Marshal Cariappa and General K S Thimayya. Kodagu continues to serve the nation with a large number of officers and men serving the Army, he said and voiced hope that "there will be more Chiefs in the future who will rise from this great land". Cariappa was the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army and was conferred the rank of Field Marshal on April 28, 1986. He was also a recipient of the prestigious order of the British Empire (OBE) for his role in the Burma campaign against the Japanese during the Second World War. Cariappa also led the Indian forces on the Western Front during the Indo-Pak War of 1947. He held the five-star rank of field marshal, the highest honour in the Indian Army, which Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw is the only other officer to have held. Cariappa, whose military career spanned over three decades, retired from the Army in 1953 and later served as the High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand till 1956. He died in Bengaluru in 1993 at the age of 94. PTI KSU RA APR RT

--- ENDS ---
Abel Silvas can trace his familys history back some 250 years here, in what is now known as San Diego. His father taught him about both his Kumeyaay/Diegeno and his Acjachemen/Juaneno sides of the family, and today, Silvas is a historical comedian, mime and storyteller. He uses his one-man show, Running Grunion, to teach others about the history of indigenous people in California, using pantomime and humor.

It was important to me to create a tribal history that dismissed romanticized beliefs about the Mission Indians, and make it humorous instead, he says.

Silvas, 56, lives in Pacific Beach and also teaches performing arts in schools, works as a Native American monitor on archaeological sites under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, and is a member of the tribal council of the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians of the Acjachemen Nation. He took some time to talk about his work on the tribal council and as an archaeological monitor, his Running Grunion show, and his upcoming performances this month (including at 11 a.m. today at Louis Stelzer County Park, 11470 Wildcat Canyon Road, Lakeside).

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Q: Youre on the tribal council of the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians for Orange, Los Angeles and San Diego counties. What does your work on the council entail?

A: Yes, I am on the tribal council of the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians of the Acjachemen Nation, under the Belardes government. Father Serra named us Juanenos after we built the Mission of San Juan Capistrano in 1776. We refer to ourselves as Acjachemen people because the mission was built on our village, called Acjachema, and villagers from all over the area were brought here for this construction. These areas and our land jurisdiction reaches northern San Diego County, western Riverside County, southern Los Angeles County, and all of Orange County. We are recognized by the State of California as a tribe, however, the federal government still does not recognize our sovereignty as an indigenous community. In recent times, anthropologists wrote papers that unequivocally stated that the Juanenos are extinct. So, my job is to prove them wrong while continuing to practice our self-government as a tribe, vote on tribal community issues, report back to the general council, and care for our cultural resources.

Q: Youre the Native American archaeological monitor under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. What can you tell us about this law?

A: Its a federal law that was passed in 1990, requiring all federal agencies, and public and private museums, that have received federal funds to return all Native American cultural items of human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony to lineal descendants, and culturally affiliated Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations. However, this law does not require these agencies to consult with non-federally recognized tribes, like the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians. But in our cases, we may be the appropriate claimants for cultural items in out tribal territory.

Q: Since the passing of this law, what has its benefit been to Native Americans?

A: Relief! Relief that our many grandparents buried here are safe from any destruction that comes their way. The biggest benefit I see is that the law allows oral stories to be heard in courts to back up our arguments, and these stories teach cultural sensitivity. So, on-site, the law encourages Native American monitors to tell these stories to the workers, so we have a much better working environment. I call it Ancient Lives Matter.

What I love about Pacific Beach ...

I love where I live because this is a place I know and feel the history. I can walk in my neighborhood or ride my bike and know that 100 years ago, my grandmother Clara, my great-uncle Abel Silvas, and the rest of my family for generations lived here and walked these same spots. And most inspiring of all is that way back 250 years ago, my grandfathers rode here with Portolas first Spanish Expedition, which arrived in Pacific Beach at sunset on July 14, 1769, and personally met with the Native Americans of Pacific Beach. Father Juan Crespi, the priest on this expedition, wrote in his diary that on this day, the Kumeyaay greeted them in pantomime and gave them grunion fish to eat.

Q: Your work also includes cultural resources management. How would you describe this?

A: Cultural resources management seems to mean two different things: for Native Americans, it means these artifacts are hard evidence and proof of their existence. For developers and land owners, it means, Hurry up and get your stuff out of here so we can build, and if you find gold, share it with me. However, when it comes to unearthed human remains, everyone seems to be on the same page on management.

Q: Tell us about Running Grunion.

A: Running Grunion was created in the summer of 1984 in New York City, just after I attended the Marcel Marceau School of Mime at the University of Michigan. Marcel was so intrigued with my Native American background that he encouraged me to come up with a way to present Native American history in the form of pantomime. The following year, I was accepted to dance with the Northeast American School of Dance in Massachusetts, where I was allowed to create and direct ballet pieces under the artistic director, Tony De Vecchi. One of the dances I did was the beginning of what would become Running Grunion. A few years later, I was discovered at the La Jolla Comedy Store, where I met the famous Native American comedian, Charlie Hill. Charlie really liked my idea and began working with me on it.

During this time, I was going back and forth to San Diego to learn more about my tribes with my dad and he told me stories about my Kumeyaay/Diegeno side and of my Acjachemen/Juaneno side, in which he was an enrolled member. He explained to me that we dont have a reservation and that they owe us for taking our land, so go out and tell people this, and that we are still here.

For the next few years I continued to work with Marcel, my dad, Bill, Tony, and Charlie on developing this one-man show. Finally, in 1988, I had my East Coast debut for the show at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

Q: What can people expect at these performances?

A: To learn a lot about what happened to these unique communities of Native Americans and Californios (which is a California Indian with Spanish ancestry). Things were happening so fast that by the time they figured it out, it was too late. I feel they deserve a chance to be heard because not only do these descendants living today feel the pain, but they remember the hurt from their parents and from their parents parents.

Q: What do you want people to learn/take away from your performances?

A: That we are still here and we want people to understand what happened to us during pre-contact, post-contact, and today. Rather than feel sorry for us and claim to know all about us, learn from us. I truly believe that after my performances, the audience is now a part of our history because they heard the stories of our ancestors and, hopefully, will continue their spirit.

Q: Whats been challenging about your work as a performing artist teaching people about this history and culture of Californias indigenous people?

A: That just because I dont put on mime make-up doesnt mean Im not doing pantomime. That just because Im Indian doesnt mean I know everything about the Grand Canyon or The Four Corners. And the understanding of the differences between the lives of my ancestors from long ago toward our progressive culture of today.

Q: Whats been rewarding about your work?

A: I get to travel and meet people from all over the world, and find that we have many similarities.

Q: What has it taught you about yourself?

A: That Im just a small grunion in a large ocean, but without one little me, there would be one less story in this world.

Q: What is the best advice youve ever received?

A: That as a performing artist, its OK to take risks, just dont break character doing so.

Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to find out about you?

A: That I speak English and that Im not Hawaiian or Polynesian.

Q: Describe your ideal San Diego weekend.

A: Spending time with my family and friends, sharing our stories and history with them. Then, after taking a long bike ride on the boardwalk, I would go back to my house to do more research on the Silvas family and the rest of humanity.

Email: lisa.deaderick@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @lisadeaderick
A military medical team is making progress against a bacterial outbreak at the Marine Corps boot camp in San Diego.

Officials announced Friday afternoon that 69 troops at both Marine Corps Recruit Depot and the boot camps training facilities at Edson Range at Camp Pendleton are being treated for symptoms linked to bacterial exposure.

Thats down from 302 cases reported on Halloween, with 14 new patients. The vast majority of the more than 5,500 recruits at the depot have not been affected by the outbreak and their training continues, officials said.

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We remain dedicated to supporting the recruits and families most affected and preparing recruits to return to training, said Brig. Gen. William Jurney, the commander of both MCRD San Diego and the Corps Western Recruiting Region, in a news release Friday evening.

Most of the patients appear to be suffering from Shiga toxin-producing E.coli bacteria, with the primary symptom of acute diarrhea.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the bacteria sickens 265,000 Americans annually, triggering 3,600 hospitalizations and 30 deaths.

Symptoms typically include painful stomach cramps, diarrhea that can become bloody, a mild fever and vomiting.While most victims recover within a week, some infections can threaten lives.

Five to seven percent of patients develop HUS -- hemolytic uremic syndrome -- a form of kidney failure that often is accompanied by fever, tiredness, vomiting and bloody diarrhea, according to the CDC.

CDC recommends hospitalizing patients with HUS symptoms because their kidneys could stop working and they risk developing other serious ailments. While most people recover within a few weeks, others suffer permanent problems or die.

The Marines report that 17 recruits are being treated at undisclosed off-base hospitals, up from 10 patients on Tuesday. Nine of those patients have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome and the Marines termed that a very serious concern.

No drill instructors or other base staff members have reported the malady, officials added. They annually train 17,000 male recruits.

The cause of the outbreak remains a mystery but Navy investigators continue to search for the source of the exposure. The strain of bacteria can be found in common areas, food, water and the intestines of people and animals.

More than 500 new Marines graduated from MCRDs Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, on Friday but those who exhibited symptoms of the disease will remain at the depot for continued observation.

Officials also said that family members will be contacted whenever a recruit becomes ill, the graduation date is delayed or hes ordered to remain at base for medical monitoring.

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cprine@sduniontribune.com
Some 14 miles west of the Trump administrations prototypes for a future border wall, a small group of San Diego-Tijuana border residents has begun championing a very different notion: removing the wall altogether.

Instead of a double fence, the small, all-volunteer organization Friends of Friendship Park envisions a binational park and pedestrian port of entry at the westernmost end of the 1,969-mile U.S.-Mexico border.

Hey, if youre going to prototype a border wall, why not prototype a border park? asks John Fanestil, a Methodist minister who offers weekly communion at the fence. Why not prototype friendship on the U.S.-Mexico border?

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A long shot? For sure. For the U.S. Border Patrol, the existing double fence separating the suburb of Playas de Tijuana from Border Field State Park south of Imperial Beach deters illicit activitythe smuggling of people, drugs and bulk cashand protects the U.S. agents from aggressions such as hurled rocks.

Beefing up security on the U.S.-Mexico border has been a central issue for President Trump since he campaigned for office. He has vowed to build a big, beautiful wall, along its length and has said that Mexico should pay for the expense.

1 / 17 A hand through the fence from the south side of the border fence. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 2 / 17 Where the U.S. border fence has larger openings, families on the U.S. side remain behind the line during their visit with family at the border. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 3 / 17 Pastor John Fanestil from the First United Methodist Church in San Diego prepares for the offering of communion at the U.S. Mexico border. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 4 / 17 Family on the U.S. side of the border, visit with their family members in Mexico through the U.S. Mexico border fence. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 5 / 17 Family on the U.S. side of the border, visit with their family members in Mexico through the U.S. Mexico border fence. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 6 / 17 Yaritza Sotelo (left) and Itza Sotelo (right) play a childs game while their parents visit with family member at the U.S. Mexico border fence. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 7 / 17 Pastor John Fanestil from the First United Methodist Church in San Diego chats with Maria Galleta at Friendship Park on the U.S. Mexico border. Fanestil has been offering communion at the border every Sunday since 2011. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 8 / 17 A womans hand appears from the south side of the border fence where sections have painted to resemble the U.S. flag. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 9 / 17 Pastor John Fanestil from the First United Methodist Church in San Diego prepares to offer communion to those north of the border who are visiting with family on the south side of the border fence. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 10 / 17 A little boy squeezes his leg through the border fence from the south side of the border fence. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 11 / 17 Pastor John Fanestil from the First United Methodist Church in San Diego offers communion to those on the north side of the U.S. border fence. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 12 / 17 Pastor John Fanestil from the First United Methodist Church in San Diego chats with Maria Galleta at Friendship Park on the U.S. Mexico border. Fanestil has been offering communion at the border every Sunday since 2011. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 13 / 17 Families on the U.S. side visit with their family where they can speak through the border fence at Friendship Park. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 14 / 17 Pastor John Fanestil from the First United Methodist Church in San Diego walks along the border fence offering communion to those visiting with family south of the border fence. Fanestil has been offering communion at the border every Sunday since 2011. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 15 / 17 A woman tears up as she watches her family on the north of the border fence. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 16 / 17 Pastor John Fanestil from the First United Methodist Church in San Diego checks in with his counterpart in Mexico, Guillermo Navarette before they start their binational faith service followed by communion. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 17 / 17 Pastor John Fanestil from the First United Methodist Church in San Diego checks in with his counterpart in Mexico, Guillermo Navarette before they start their binational faith service. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune)

Last month, eight prototypes, each 30 feet high, were unveiled in San Diego at Otay Mesa. In about a month, once the concrete cures, a testing period of 30 to 60 days will be launched.

But members of Friends of Friendship Park, who for years have been advocating for greater public access to this stretch of the border, argue that building good relations with Mexico would enhance security more than a taller wall. They say that securing the border and building a bi-national park are not mutually exclusive concepts. Fast-changing technologies offer new possibilities for law enforcement agencies at all levels, they say, and some of these could be applied here.

Some people might think its the worst time to propose it, but you could also think its the best time, said architect James Brown. Especially in the political climate that were in, it might capture the public imagination.

Friendship Park is the name for a small area that surrounds Monument 258, a stone marker at the site of the original boundary point between the United States and Mexico. For decades, it marked the space where families from both sides of the border would gather.

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo calls for peace and friendship between the people of the two nations, Fanestil said, saying this location should be a place that pays homage to that.

Loose fencing in the area for years had allowed people to reach across, hug, share picnics. But in recent years such exchanges have become largely impossible.

Saul Rocha, a community liaison officer in San Diego for the U.S. Border Patrol, said stronger fencing became necessary as smugglers seized on the opportunity to infiltrate legitimate gatherings. The smugglers were taking advantage of the opportunity that we were providing the families to blend in and conduct their illicit activities.

Today, the fence consists of a highly controlled double-barrier. On weekends, the secondary fence is opened for several hours, allowing those on the U.S. side to step up to the primary fence and talk to friends and family across the border; the tightly woven metal mesh that allows them only to touch fingers. Two or three times a year, the primary fence is opened briefly at the request of the group Border Angels, allowing people to embrace.

Friendship Park is one of the most important meeting spaces in the world, but at the same time, its one of the least humane, Brown said.

Pastor John Fanestil from the First United Methodist Church in San Diego prepares to offer communion to those on the north side of the border fence. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune )

Removing a 1,000-foot stretch of the double fence at this spot is at the heart of the Friends of Friendship Park proposal. Brown and Fanestil speak of a 36-acre park built around this area that would span Tijuana and San Diego, and could even include a pier jutting out into the Pacific Ocean. Wouldnt it be fun to walk out on the pier with your friend from Mexico, and then come back, and give them a hug, and say, See you next time,  Fanestil said.

The proposal at this point is conceptual, and leaves many open questions. Just how would authorities maintain control over the flow of people through the area? How would the perimeter be secured? How would people get there? Would only people with border crossing documents have access?

To come up with a design, a group of Loeb fellows  mid-career architects, designers and other professionals from Harvard Universitys Graduate School of Design--are scheduled to come to the region early next year. There will be two public hearings, one in Tijuana and the other in San Diego, said Brown, a former Loeb fellow and the creator the experimental art space Bread & Salt in Barrio Logan.

Fanestil and fellow park proponents argue their proposal is not inconceivablenor unprecedented. The U.S.-Canada border already has bi-national parks, most notably the international Peace Arch Park that spans British Columbia and Washington state. And for a pedestrian-only border crossing look no further than the Cross Border Xpress pedestrian port of entry linking Tijuanas airport to Otay Mesa.

New technologies in recent years have offered a range of possibilities for law enforcement agencies on the border. A 2015 white paper titled Envision 2020 by University of California San Diego and Cubic Transportation Systems listed vision analytics, biometric markers, sensor technology, and drones as part of the wave for the future for border security.

Removing the wall and creating a bi-national park youd have to secure the perimeters of the park, said Katie Busch-Sorensen, a global senior solutions architect for Cubic Transportation Systems. Physical barriers, biometric markers, overhead video cameras could be part of a future solution, she said.

Its something great to work towards, she said. You could certainly try this out in a smaller area and grow it. I think you should do little trials and make sure you have the protection that you need.

Even if it proves technically feasible, the challenge will mean persuading officials at the highest levels of government, say Brown and Fanestil. It would involve not only creating a bi-national meeting space, but the approval of a Presidential Permit to build a pedestrian port of entry.

This could happen in our lifetime, Brown told a group gathered last month at the Mission Valley United Methodist Church to learn about the proposal. It seems unlikely, but it can happen.

sandra.dibble@sduniontribune.com

@sandradibble
Over the last three weeks a three-person team of San Diego paramedics has delivered 81 vaccinations in locations as diverse as Balboa Park canyons and downtown hotels.

Acting under special dispensation from the state, the team helps extend a long-running campaign of foot-team vaccinations conducted by nurses who work for the county health department in an effort to stop the spread of the citys hepatitis A outbreak which saw its death total hit 20 this week.

Standing on a city sidewalk on a recent morning, Capt. Michael De Guzman said that the experience has been singularly different than what he has experienced throughout his career.

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Usually, he said, paramedics are called after a medical problem has occurred. Someone has fallen down due to a heart attack or asthma or a gunshot wound, and paramedics arrive to stabilize the patient and transport them to a hospital.

But in this case, paramedics are taking preventive action.

Getting to reach out ahead of time, for me that has been pretty cool, De Guzman said.

State law usually does not allow paramedics to vaccinate their patients. But, on Oct. 4 under an emergency request from the county, the California Emergency Medical Services Authority granted a temporary expansion of paramedics scope of practice, allowing them to administer hepatitis A vaccine while the outbreak continues.

San Diego Fire Capt. Michael De Guzman put away supplies after giving two Hepatitis-A immunizations at a sober living facility in South Park. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune )

To date, the city has only one paramedic team, made up of De Guzman, Capt. Cory Beckwith, a paramedic and Capt. Jodie Pierce, a paramedic and registered nurse.

It is Pierces presence on this team that allows it to do its work. The temporary extension of vaccination powers requires oversight by an R.N. even though everyone involved knows very well how to give shots and each has received four hours of training from the health department in how to maintain the vaccine, which must be kept cold at all times, and in how to check and update the countys electronic vaccination registry.

Paramedic vaccination is not unheard of, though it is rare. In 2009, when the H1N1 flu virus caused a global pandemic, some paramedics were temporarily authorized to administer vaccine once it had been developed. Paramedics have also worked to deliver vaccinations after several recent hurricanes.

Dr. Vincent Mosesso, medical director of emergency medicine at at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, did a flu-vaccination trial in 2003 involving 73 different events. No adverse reactions were reported, and Mosesso said that paramedics have proven useful in situations where a public health threat necessitates a broad response.

Its sort of like a mini-army that you can mobilize, and its an important component of a mass vaccination effort, Mosesso said.

Its important, he said, for paramedics to watch for adverse vaccine reactions after vaccines are administered, and its important to keep accurate records of who got what when. Maintenance of vaccine supply is another important part of the process, but, as long as there is appropriate training on these matters, paramedics have no trouble doing the work.

But he added that it is not clear that nurses are necessary to directly supervise the work of paramedics. In his 2003 trial, he said, physicians and nurses designed and delivered training, but paramedics were free to head out into the community and deliver doses on their own.

We never even conceived of having nurses involved at that level. That would seem to defeat the purpose of being able to dramatically and quickly increase the number of health providers who can conduct vaccinations, Mosesso said.

Dr. Kristi Koenig, director of the San Diego County Emergency Medical Service, said Friday that the nurse requirement came from the state. And she said that, even with the requirement that a nurse be involved, having paramedics able to administer hepatitis A vaccinations does quickly multiply the number of hands that can get the work done.

Were certainly seeing more vaccine does, but we also clearly want to comply with all of the state requirements, Koenig said.

At this point in the vaccination campaign, the paramedic team is focusing on group-living facilities scattered across the city. Many of them, such as single-room occupancy hotels and transition homes, have been visited several times by county foot teams or other vaccination workers.

Here, said De Guzman, the paramedic captain, is where his team shines. In a 27-year career, he said, he and his colleagues have learned to talk to people out in the community and assuage their concerns about various medical treatments. At this phase in the vaccination campaign, many have already said no to the hepatitis A vaccine several times, and the job is to eventually convince them to roll up a sleeve.

Flashing a toothy smile, De Guzman said there is a little selling in this job.

As were returning to some of these places, were marketing our product and closing the sale, he said.

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paul.sisson@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1850

Twitter: @paulsisson
Dozens of questions were submitted by the audience at The San Diego Union-Tribunes forum on the homeless last month. Here is a summary of the questions, and our best effort to answer them.

The panel featured San Diego Regional Task Force on the Homeless CEO Gordon Walker, Alpha Project Chief Operating Officer Amy Gonyeau, Father Joes Villages Chief Program Officer Ruth Bruland, Padres managing partner Peter Seidler, former homeless person and San Diego State University student Veronica Hughes and former San Diego Police Department Sgt. Richard Schnell, founder of the SDPD Homeless Outreach Team.

The entire forum can be viewed online on YouTube and on the Union-Tribunes Facebook page.

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First, here are the questions the panelists did address.

Question: What is the first step for us to do better, and how can we help?

Law enforcement must be able to help people off the streets without arrests or conflict that dont address the underlying issues. Agencies need more funding, and landlords need to help provide rooms.

Question: What is being done for people with mental-health issues?

The county has stepped up mental health services that have been provided for homeless people, such as Project One for One, which will use $61 million to fund 733 housing vouchers to homeless people with mental problems. Almost all police officers have 40 hours of training with the departments Psychiatric Emergency Response Team.

Question: What is being done for homeless youths, 18 to 24 years old?

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is beginning to focus on the age group, just as it had done for homeless veterans, and some initiatives will be coming forward next year. Father Joes Villages plans to have more beds for youths.

Question: Are homeless people from other areas moving to San Diego?

A study found 77 percent of the areas homeless population were living in San Diego when they became homeless.

Question: Is it legal for people to sleep outdoors, in public places?

No. There is no legal place for people to sleep in public places in the city, but police officers generally respond to citizen complaints rather than ticketing or arresting everybody on a sidewalk. Shelter beds are available for officers to offer to people as an alternative to being outside, but there is not a bed for everyone, and finding open beds is not always easy.

Question: When will there be a more coordinated effort to address homelessness?

The Regional Task Force on the Homeless is working with the county and all 18 cities to create a coordinated system that will align resources and meet regularly. A homeless management information system is helping agencies track people in the system.

Question: What is being done to ensure the constitutional rights of people on the street?

Advocates for the homeless have come forward to challenge city and police actions on the homeless.

Here are answers to many of the questions that were not presented to the panelists, answered by the Union-Tribune.

Question: Are there any upcoming plans for housing homeless people at the empty Chargers park?

Not specifically, but the San Diego City Councils Select Committee on Homeless has suggested it as a site. Council members Lori Zapf and David Alvarez have specifically said the land should be used as a temporary shelter for those living along the San Diego River before the rainy season brings floods to the watershed.

Question: Could recreational vehicles and cars in impound lots be used to shelter people?

As far as we know, nobody has ever discussed using impounded vehicles as shelters. It doesnt seem likely, because the city is trying to provide long-term, permanent housing or bridge housing connected with services to help solve the issues that made a person homeless.

Question: Is there a danger of hepatitis A spreading because homeless people are sleeping in restaurant patios without the owners knowledge?

That would be a concern if the people are infected with hepatitis A, which is spread through fecal contamination. The city has started a program of periodically washing sidewalks with chemicals, and has asked people to alert crews about places that need to be washed.

Question: Is there any thought about establishing a foster-home program for the homeless?

There has been talk of following a lead from Portland, Ore., where people allow a homeless person with mental health issues to live in a tiny houses in their backyard.

Question: Why dont community leaders explain that giving money to panhandlers hurts them more than helps them?

Feeding and giving money to homeless on the street is controversial. Some people believe it is better to direct them to an agency where they can get long-term help. The Alpha Project opposes giving money to panhandlers.

Downtown San Diego Partnerships Make Change Count program offers people who want to help the homeless an alternative to giving directly to panhandlers. People instead can drop coins into red meters at several downtown locations to support the partnerships Ending Homeless Campaign. Locations of the meters can be found online at the partnerships website.

Question: When will we get more single-room occupancy housing downtown?

San Diego has lost about 10,000 low-income units over the past six years, and its unlikely that they will be replaced with traditional SROs. But many other affordable housing units are in the pipeline.

The San Diego Housing Commission launched its Housing First-San Diego plan in July and is directing about $80 million in funds over three years to create permanent housing opportunities for 3,000 homeless people. The programs include the commissions commitment of $50 million to create 500 additional permanent supportive housing units for homeless people.

Question: Who is legally responsible for the deaths from hepatitis A?

The idea that the city or county governments could be liable has been broached, but its not clear how strong a case could be made.

Sovereign immunity laws generally protect government bodies from liability, giving elected officials wide latitude on decision making.

An area that could make local government vulnerable is the state tort claims law that says officials could be held liable if they were put on notice of a dangerous condition on public property but failed to take corrective measures. Its a law typically used in the context of poorly maintained sidewalks or streets that cause injury or death.

Question: Does there exist some sort of registry with a list of specific needs to help homeless people?

There is no one place with a list of things to donate, and different agencies have different needs. The Alpha Project, for instance, had requested donations of toiletries and hygiene kits for the temporary encampment it is operating near Balboa Park. Most agencies welcome cash donations to allow them to purchase what they specifically need, and their websites usually have information about how to help.

The U-T has a GoFundMe page where you can give money to service providers. The page has links to an extensive list of agencies on the countys 211 site.

Question: When a developer doesnt include affordable housing units in a project, does the company pay somebody instead, and what happens to the money?

Developers pay the San Diego Housing Commission, which uses the money to fund other projects to create affordable housing. The agency is holding more than $278 million in unrestricted cash and other assets, which has attracted some criticism.

The agency says nearly one-third of that amount is committed to 19 largely unfinished development projects. At least six other rental housing developments are still awaiting more than $21 million in commission-held funds collected from developers who opted out of building affordable housing units.

Question: Where can we help with Thanksgiving and Christmas serving food?

Its great that you want to help, but charities have said they usually have more than enough volunteers during the holidays. Instead, consider volunteering during another time of year, when fewer people volunteer. Each nonprofit usually has a section on their websites to explain how to volunteer.

Question: Why wasnt the mayor or any City Council members on the panel?

This particular panel was focused on people who work specifically on homeless issues and are considered experts.

Question: What plans, if any, are there to provide decent sanitation facilities in public places?

Hand-washing stations have been installed in many public places in San Diego and other cities in the county. San Diego also has opened some 24-hour public restrooms.

The city was warned repeatedly as far back as 2000 that human waste on city streets was a problem that threatened public health, and that there was a shortage of 24-hour public restrooms available to the citys growing homeless population downtown.

In 2005, city officials shot down a grand jury recommendation calling for more toilets to address the shortage. City officials said the facilities could cost up to $250,000 each to buy and install, plus another $65,000 per year to maintain, and the city did not have the resources to execute a project of this magnitude.

A $2 million, seagull-themed restroom subsequently built on the waterfront has attracted some criticism in light of that report.

Between 2010 and the peak of the hepatitis outbreak, the city closed more 24-hour restrooms than it opened downtown. As the health crisis peaked this fall, more resources were made available.

The Port District operates 17 public restrooms on San Diegos waterfront, according to information provided by the district. Of those, at least six are open 24 hours a day.

Question: With the hepatitis A outbreak causing a health crisis, when will street feedings be outlawed?

El Cajon recently created a ban on sharing food in parks and other public places in response to the outbreak, but so far the law has not been proposed in San Diego. Police and city officials have discouraged churches and individuals from distributing food downtown, however, because they say it encourages more panhandling.

Bans against street feeding can have a backlash. Fort Lauderdale, Fla., got some unwelcome national attention when a 90-year-old World War II veteran was arrested for violating the citys law against feeding homeless people in 2014.

Question: Why cant we have pre-approved plans to shorten the time and cost to build housing?

The city recently adopted a plan to streamline the process to build affordable housing. The city is also doing that for construction of granny flats.

Question: Where can very poor people go to get a meal instead of begging on the street?

There are many churches and nonprofits throughout the county that operate soup kitchens. Homeless people tend to know about them and inform one another of their locations.

Question: Why was the Alpha Project tent at 16th Street, which housed approximately 250 homeless, taken down?

That tent and another operated by Veterans Village of San Diego in the Midway district were taken down about two years ago because the city was moving away from temporary shelters to focus more on permanent housing. An equal number of beds were said to have replaced the tents, so it wasnt considered a loss of services at the time. With so many people still on the street and the hepatitis outbreak, the city is bringing them back, although they are considered a temporary step until permanent housing is found.

Question: Im concerned that the rivers are not being checked for hepatitis A because its too costly.

Union-Tribune staff writer Joshua Emerson Smith tackled this question after working on a story about the issue. He said testing is within the countys financial means, but officials have said they would rather spend their resources in other areas. Other than that, the county has been vague on why it doesnt test for hepatitis A in the San Diego River.

Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say waterborne transmission of hepatitis A is extremely rare and hasnt occurred in decades, so they also believe it is not a good place to focus resources.

An epidemiological specialist said such testing usually is done to confirm findings from an investigation. If an infected person were linked to exposure to the river, then the best practice would be to conduct a sampling. We may never know where the outbreak started, but county health officials say they are very confident that the river has not been an ongoing source of transmission.

One problem with testing the river is that a positive test would not show whether people are contaminating the river or if the river is contaminating people.

Question: There are homeless camps popping up in canyons. Are we able to make these camps legitimate safe places?

There is no talk of doing that. Instead, the city is focused on using large industrial tents as shelters, but there are discussions about also using public property, such as Golden Hall, as shelters.

The city has become increasingly aggressive at breaking up homeless encampments downtown, along the San Diego River and elsewhere, including ticketing and arresting people for various violations.

Homeless Playlist  On Now San Diego hepatitis outbreak continues to grow: 481 cases On Now Homeless entrenched in booming tent city along Santa Ana River On Now San Diego mayor agreed to homeless hub, then delayed, advocates say On Now Homeless outreach in San Diego On Now Video: Street Art: Portraits of San Diego's Homeless #8 On Now In poverty himself, 'Water Man Dave,' is the fearless saint of San Diego's homeless 5:41 On Now Video: Homeless living in cars find safe havens 2:21 On Now Street Art: Portraits of San Diego's Homeless #7 On Now Pitching a tent plan for San Diego's homeless On Now Homeless efforts get $80M boost for various services

gary.warth@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @GaryWarthUT

760-529-4939
The San Diego Housing Commission agreed Friday to use $6.5 million from its permanent housing fund to staff three large tented homeless shelters the city plans to open by the end of the month, but not everybody was on board with the idea.

While the commissioners unanimously supported the plan, the notion of using housing funds for a shelter did not sit well with some advocates for the homeless who saw the move as a step back from seeking long-term solutions.

Three tents will temporarily house 700 homeless people downtown and in the Midway district. The tents are seen as a way of getting hundreds of people off the street while helping stop a hepatitis A outbreak that has left 20 dead and sickened more than 500  and disproportionately afflicted the homeless.

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The tents are referred to as bridge housing, meaning the people they serve will have access to professionals who could help them find permanent housing, jobs and help with various issues that led to their homelessness.

Still, critics of the plan saw the plan as warehousing homeless people at the expense of building housing, and comments at Friday mornings commission meeting revealed a rift among groups working to solve homelessness in the city.

How you can approve $6.5 million with no plan and no strategy is beyond me, said Michael McConnell, a member of Funders Together to End Homelessness San Diego and a former vice chairman of the San Diego Regional Task Force on the Homeless. We cannot continue to say, We want real solutions, we want real solutions, and continue to fund band-aids over and over.

People critical of the plan also included former San Diego Regional Task Force on the Homeless board President Thomas Theisen, San Diego Housing Federation Executive Director Stephen Russell, Rick Bates of Build Better San Diego and others.

Among people in favor of the tents were representatives of Father Joes Villages, the Alpha Project and Mayor Kevin Faulconers office. County Supervisor Ron Roberts, chairman of the Regional Task Force on the Homeless, sent a letter of support that was read at the hearing.

Faulconer announced the plan to use the tents for shelter in September following a push for them by a group of business people and homeless advocates, but he has continued to stress that the city is committed to seeking permanent housing as a long-term solution.

At least one City Council member disagrees with the plan to use the shelter tents, which are estimated to cost about $43 a person a day.

The cost of beds in these tents for a family of four is estimated to be more than $5,000 per month, more than double the average rent for a 3-bedroom unit in San Diego, Councilman David Alvarez said in a statement released after the Friday hearing. Even worse, this proposal eliminates $6.5 million in permanent housing projects simply to set up tents for seven months.

While true that the cost will come from the commissions permanent housing fund, Housing Commission President and CEO Rick Gentry said the diverted money will not cause any project delays because the city has committed to making up the loss.

As explained by David Graham, deputy chief operations officer for San Diego, the city will help cover the cost of future Housing Commission projects by using whats known as housing successor funds, or money from the former San Diego Redevelopment Agency.

That money was not committed to any particular projects, but eventually would have been available to developers proposing low- and moderate-income housing projects. Graham said the city has been able to create 1,500 afford-housing units with the fund.

Restrictions on the housing successor fund prohibit it from being used for temporary housing, so the city could not directly fund the tent. Such restrictions dont exist on the Housing Commissions fund, he said.

Deacon Jim Vargas, president and CEO of Father Joes Village, spoke at the hearing in favor of the tents, which he said were need to address a crisis.

This situation on the streets need to be addressed immediately, he said.

Others questions whether the tents will offer anything more than a temporary respite from the street, as people will only be allowed to stay 120 days and then may be turned out without no permanent home.

Amy Gonyeau, chief operating officer of the Alpha Project, said she is optimistic that people will find housing by then because many in the tents already will be working toward housing, and some even may have housing vouchers.

The Alpha Project will operate one tent in East Village with 350 beds for adult men and women. Father Joes Villages will operate a tent on its downtown property with 150 beds for families. Veterans Village of San Diego will operate a tent in the Midway district with 200 bed for single adult men and women veterans.

Homeless Playlist  On Now San Diego hepatitis outbreak continues to grow: 481 cases On Now Homeless entrenched in booming tent city along Santa Ana River On Now San Diego mayor agreed to homeless hub, then delayed, advocates say On Now Homeless outreach in San Diego On Now Video: Street Art: Portraits of San Diego's Homeless #8 On Now In poverty himself, 'Water Man Dave,' is the fearless saint of San Diego's homeless 5:41 On Now Video: Homeless living in cars find safe havens 2:21 On Now Street Art: Portraits of San Diego's Homeless #7 On Now Pitching a tent plan for San Diego's homeless On Now Homeless efforts get $80M boost for various services

gary.warth@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @GaryWarthUT

760-529-4939
When tales of young couples being snatched off beaches by North Korean agents first began to circulate around Japan in the late 1970s, they were dismissed by most Japanese as conspiracy theory paranoia. But as years went by, evidence mounted that North Korea had in fact engaged in a systematic program of abductions to obtain instructors in Japanese language and culture for its spies.

North Korea long denied such claims, but in 2002, when then-Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi made his historic visit to Pyongyang, then-North Korean leader Kim Jong Il took Japan by surprise by admitting 13 Japanese had been abducted. Kim apologized, blaming rogue special forces on a reckless quest for glory.

Among the surprised was the family of Megumi Yokota, a schoolgirl snatched while walking home from a badminton lesson in Niigata, on the Sea of Japan coast, in November 1977. Now, as President Trump tours Asia, speculation about Megumis fate has again captured the imagination of the Japanese public.

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Megumi was the sweet 13-year-old Japanese girl Trump referred to in his September speech to the United Nations, where he accused North Korea of various misdeeds and threatened to totally destroy the country.

According to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Trump has agreed to meet with Megumis elderly parents during his 48-hour visit to Japan that begins Sunday. Family members still hold out hope that they could be reunited with Megumi.

Of course I believe my sister is still alive, said Takuya Yokota, her younger brother, who has largely taken over the campaign waged for years by his parents for the return of Megumi. She and the other abductees are valuable diplomatic bargaining chips for North Korea, so they wouldnt have just killed them or allowed them to die.

Takuya Yokota recalled the years of uncertainty about his sisters disappearance.

A few years after Megumi went missing, we started to hear that North Korea could have been responsible, but there was nothing to confirm it, he said. When Kim Jong Il admitted in 2002 that the abductions had occurred, we were still shocked, as was everyone in Japan.

North Korea said eight of the 13 abductees had died, including Megumi, who North Korea said had taken her own life in 1993. According to Pyongyang, she had married Kim Youngnam, a South Korean abducted as a high school student, and gave birth to a daughter.

Five abductees  two couples and a single person  were allowed to return to Japan in 2002, followed by five children of the couples in 2004. That same year, what Pyongyang claimed were the cremated remains of Megumi were sent to Japan.

A university researcher who conducted a DNA test on the remains concluded they came from multiple people  none of them Megumi  but the methodology and accuracy of the test have been questioned.

Pyongyang denies holding more Japanese. Tokyo maintains there are 17 confirmed abductees. Some in Japan think the number is much higher.

I would say the ballpark figure is 100, but nobody knows the exact number except North Korea, said Yoichi Shimada, professor of international politics at Fukui Prefectural University, located near the coastline where two of the returned abductees were taken.

Trumps meeting with the Yokota family, and his mention of the issue before the United Nations, may be simply ammunition in the war of words between the U.S. and North Korean leaders over Pyongyangs nuclear missile development program, but the renewed attention is welcomed in Japan.

This is a very emotional issue, and easy to understand, so the kind of issue that Mr. Trump likes to focus on, Fumiaki Kubo, professor of American government and history at the University of Tokyo, said during a news conference on Oct. 31.

Fukui Universitys Shimada said further pressure can be brought to bear on North Korea, and its current leader, Kim Jong Un, by more economic sanctions. He said Japan should consider all options, even those that sit uneasily with the nations pacifist inclinations.

Regime change is the only way to recover all of the abductees. If the U.S. decides to go with a military option, Japan should support it fully, Shimada said. There is a risk that abductees could perish in a conflict, but if the current situation continues, more and more will die of natural causes.

Ryutaro Hirata, secretary general of the National Assn. for the Rescue of Japanese Kidnapped by North Korea, advocates a softer line.

The fact that Mr. Trump will meet the families of the abductees when he comes to Japan will send a strong message to North Korea, Hirata said. When the U.S. president spoke about the abduction issue in his speech at the United Nations, it was reported around the world. North Korea knows that if it wants to improve its relations with other countries, not only Japan, it must send the abductees back.

It has been 40 years this month since Megumi was taken from her family.

My sister, who was there one day, suddenly wasnt there the next day, or the next week or the next month. The pain that I and our parents felt I cant really put into words, and it has never gone away, Takuya Yokota said. Its coming into winter now and snow is about to start falling in Japan and North Korea. I wonder if shes cold. There are food shortages in North Korea, and so I wonder if she has enough to eat. I think of her every day.

Blair is a special correspondent.

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Liberal Cambodians have never had it easy, but this year has robbed many of hope.

Prime Minister Hun Sen, in power since the 1980s, has jailed an opposition leader, expelled nonprofit workers and shuttered an independent newspaper. Descent Into Outright Dictatorship, screamed a headline on its final front page.

For years, these Cambodians have looked to the U.S. both as an example of the virtues of democracy, and  as a major source of aid  a check on their own governments authoritarian impulses. But they say President Trumps tirades against the press and apparent fondness for strongmen have left them rudderless.

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Activists in autocratic regimes usually point to the U.S. as a model, said Virak Ou, a prominent Cambodian human rights activist. But Trump has almost destroyed that, in a way.

President Trump set off Friday for a 12-day, five-country visit to Asia, the longest of his presidency. After an initial stop Friday in Hawaii, Trump is traveling to Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, South Korea and China  and while hell focus mainly on North Koreas nuclear weapons program and U.S. trade imbalances, hell also find a region sliding ever further from liberal democracy, with repression, censorship and one-man rule on the rise.

Myanmar has driven more than 600,000 ethnic Rohingya into neighboring Bangladesh in a campaign of killing and arson that the United Nations has called a textbook example of ethnic cleansing. Philippine President Rodrigo Dutertes war on drugs has killed thousands of people without due process. And the Chinese Communist Party last week added President Xi Jinpings ideology  which harbors tacit disdain for Western-style democracy  to the partys constitution, granting him powers unseen in the country since Mao Tse-tung.

Although much of the regions authoritarian swerve began before Trump took office, experts say his administration has done little to prevent its acceleration.

Trump, in his dealings with Asian leaders, has kept democracy and human rights issues largely off the table. Last month, he hosted Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha  a retired army general who has used draconian lese-majeste laws to suppress dissent  at the White House. He once called Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, whom the Justice Department is investigating over a corruption scandal, my favorite prime minister. (Najib has dismissed reporting on the scandal as fake news.)

In his first month in office, Trump scrapped the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, which President Obama negotiated in part to counter Chinas rising regional influence. Countries including Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar are growing ever closer with Beijing  which unlike the U.S. does not tie its aid and loans to human rights concerns.

Trump has created a moral vacuum which China has moved to exploit, and to fill, said Isaac Stone Fish, a senior fellow at the Asia Society. And theyre just much more sophisticated, and much more coordinated, about their foreign policy messaging than Trump is.

Publicly, Chinas able to say, We dont care about your domestic issues, we just want to bring trade and prosperity  a Pax Sinica, with Beijing at the center, he continued. People who understand China know that its a lot more complicated  and one would say devious  than that. But we are losing the ability to say that this comes with a lot of human rights abuses, or moral externalities, so to speak.

Critics say Obamas Asia strategy did little to advance the spread of democracy region-wide. They say the former president was premature in lifting sanctions on Myanmar, and they have condemned his decision to lift a five-decade-old arms embargo on Vietnam. (During an Obama state visit, authorities there detained several activists who were on their way to meet him.)

Trumps populist streak  his bellicose tweets, his tirades against fake news  have in some ways been as influential in Asia as his administrations explicit policies. Several heads of state have, echoing Trump, turned on their own news media and denounced critical reporting as fake news.

Myanmars de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, in her first comments on the Rohingya crisis in early September, called allegations of ethnic cleansing fake news and a huge iceberg of misinformation. (The government has barred journalists and aid workers from areas where the alleged atrocities occurred.)

In February, Cambodian leader Hun Sen expressed sympathy for Trumps stance toward the press, calling journalists an anarchic group. (In 2016, he said he hoped Trump would win the election, claiming it would be good for world peace.) In September, his authorities shuttered the English-language Cambodia Daily newspaper, which had been publishing since 1993.

This fake news thing, its being used as an excuse for governments to shut down some of the news and pile on a lot more pressure, said Virak Ou, the activist. And pressure, in this context, is fear  its creating a lot of fear and self-censorship.

Last year, Obama canceled a meeting with Philippine President Duterte over his brutal drug war, and the leader shot back by calling him a son of a whore. Trump has taken more kindly to the anti-drug campaign. I just wanted to congratulate you because I am hearing of the unbelievable job on the drug problem, he told Duterte in an April phone call, according to leaked transcripts. The White House said this week that the two leaders have a warm rapport.

Over the past two or three months, at the very least since August, weve seen a significant shift in terms of how Western powers, especially the U.S. and Australia, have been approaching Duterte, said Richard Heydarian, the Manila-based author of the forthcoming book The Rise of Duterte.

Theyve been raising issues of strategic counter-terror operations, with the rise of ISIS in mind, he continued, referencing a battle between Philippine forces and Islamic State-affiliated fighters on the southern island Mindanao. Duterte has made a big point out of this  when he meets major Western officials, from [Secretary of State] Rex Tillerson to [Australias Foreign Affairs Minister] Julie Bishop, issues of human rights and democracy are barely at the center of the discussion, if raised at all.

Chinese authorities have framed Trumps rise  and, by extension, the growing divisions in American society  as a symptom of democracys inherent flaws. A commentary in the state-run New China News Agency last month decried the crises and chaos of democratic systems.

Endless political backbiting, bickering and policy reversals, which make the hallmarks of liberal democracy, have retarded economic and social progress and ignore the interests of most citizens, it said.

Xi has cast himself as a champion of globalization and free trade  sort of an anti-Trump figure  while deepening repression at home. No country can retreat to their own island. We live in a shared world and face a shared destiny, he said in a three-and-a-half hour speech last month to open the 19th Party Congress, a top-level meeting at which he amassed extraordinary power. He also called for deepening Communist Party control. Government, the military, society and schools, north, south, east and west  the party leads them all, he said.

After the meeting, Trump praised Xis extraordinary elevation, and likened the Chinese leader to a king.

jonathan.kaiman@latimes.com

For more news from Asia, follow @JRKaiman on Twitter
"Remove Mukul Roy and BJP, save Bengal", reads one such posters put up in south Kolkata.

By Indrajit Kundu: A day after Mukul Roy was formally inducted into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), posters have surfaced in Kolkata against Mamata's once trusted lieutenant.

"Remove Mukul Roy and BJP, save Bengal", reads one such posters put up in south Kolkata. With the gloves now off, such posters may be seen as a sign of things to come with Roy bracing up for a hostile reception when he lands in Kolkata on November 6.

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Even though it was a foregone conclusion that Roy would be join forces with the saffron brigade, his former colleagues at the Trinamool Congress were evasive when asked to react to the development.

TMC refused to give any official statement on Friday after Roy was formally inducted into BJP in Delhi after his meeting with BJP president Amit Shah.

However, on Saturday multiple TMC ministers came out to downplay the matter stating that the switch over won't have any effect in Bengal politics.

"It won't be any loss. Mukul Roy is no one. We are a united party. TMC is like the Hooghly river, so if one takes out a bucket of water, will it affect the river?" said Bengal Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim.

Another senior leader and state Power Minister Sovandeb Chatterjee asked, "Mukul Roy became what he is due to the party. Today, if the TMC flag is no more with him do you think he will exist?"

Welcoming Roy into the party fold, state BJP president Dilip Ghosh highlighted Roy's contribution to bring Mamata Banerjee to power by overthrowing the three-decade-long Left rule.

"Mukul Roy has had a very big contribution in the TMC coming to power in Bengal. He will help us grow in the state and we shall work together from now onwards. His experience and organisational skills will help us do well in future elections," Ghosh said.

Earlier this week, a team of Central paramilitary force visited Roy's Kanchrapara residence in North 24 Parganas to conduct a security inspection. With his entry into BJP, the former union railway minister is being provided with Y-category security by the Centre.

--- ENDS ---
An international team of scientists has discovered a large hidden cavity within Egypts Great Pyramid of Giza, and they did it by looking for muons  particles sent to Earth by cosmic rays from space.

The mysterious cavity, described Thursday in the journal Nature, is at least 30 meters long. And though the researchers arent sure whether its straight or inclined, whether its one large space or a series of smaller ones, the discovery has already triggered interest among archaeologists as to the purpose of the void.

What we are sure about is that this big void is there, said Mehdi Tayoubi, president of the nonprofit Heritage Innovation Preservation Institute in Paris, which led the effort. But we need to understand [it] better.

How scientists used particle physics to see inside the Great Pyramid of Giza.

The Great Pyramid of Giza was built during the rule of the Pharaoh Khufu, also known as Cheops, whose reign lasted from 2509 to 2483 BC. The largest of the pyramids, it stands some 139 meters high and 230 meters wide. Tourists enter the pyramid from a tunnel that was dug at the behest of Caliph al-Mamun around AD 820.

Three known chambers sit within this enormous structure at different heights: an underground chamber, the Queens chamber, and finally the Kings chamber. All three are connected by corridors, the largest of which is the Grand Gallery, which measures 8.6 meters high, 46.7 meters long and up to 2.1 meters wide. The Kings and Queens chambers each have two air shafts that were mapped by robots between 1990 and 2010.

But much of the pyramids interior structure has remained a mystery, in part because there are very few documents from Khufus time describing the buildings design and construction.

Other research teams have searched for hidden chambers by measuring tiny variations in the pyramids gravity or by using ground-penetrating radar. The results of those efforts have been inconclusive.

An aerial view of the pyramids at Giza. Khufus Pyramid is in the foreground. (ScanPyramids mission)

For this project, a team of researchers attempted to boost their odds of success by adding muons to their scientific toolkit.

Muons are subatomic particles that are produced when cosmic rays  high-speed atom fragments that hurtle through space  smash into the atmosphere. They carpet-bomb Earth at a rate of 10,000 per square meter per minute.

These tiny particles can pass through hundreds of meters of rock before decaying or being absorbed. This turns out to be very handy for scientists who want to probe a pyramid somewhat in the way that doctors use X-rays to examine a bone inside your body.

This technique had been pioneered decades ago by Nobel laureate Luis Alvarez of UC Berkeley, who used muon tomography to probe the smaller Khafre pyramid nearby. He concluded that there were no large hidden voids within the structure.

Scientists with the ScanPyramids project who are studying the Great Pyramid had already found hints of what appeared to be a corridor behind the chevrons on the structures north face.

Equipment is placed inside Khufus Pyramid. (Philippe Bourseiller / ScanPyramids mission) Researchers from Nagoya University prepare to inspect an interior chamber of the Great Pyramid of Giza using muon radiography imaging. (Philippe Bourseiller / ScanPyramids mission) A previously known grand gallery inside the pyramid. (ScanPyramids mission)

In their latest work, they placed detectors in the Queens chamber and discovered an enormous space that stretches at least 30 meters long and lies about 21 meters above ground level. The muon levels in that space show that it must hold roughly as much volume as the Grand Gallery, which lies below it.

The muon signal was so strong that the scientists could detect it from outside the pyramid entirely.

The discovery is a vindication of Alvarezs technique, said Jerry Anderson, a retired physicist who worked with Alvarez back in the 1960s.

I am very excited and very pleased, Anderson said.

Alvarez had looked at Khafres pyramid instead of Khufus because so little was known about the smaller pyramid, Anderson said.

I wish we had worked in the Great Pyramid, now that I look back on it, he said with a laugh.

Members of the research team use augmented reality to visualize the pyramids void. (ScanPyramids mission) An artists impression of the mysterious void discovered inside the pyramid. (ScanPyramids mission)

Peter Der Manuelian, an Egyptologist and director of the Giza Project at Harvard University , praised the work of the ScanPyramids team.

I think its a big discovery and an important one, said Manuelian, who was not involved in the research.

But he was quick to note that it was too early to say what this space was for  or whether it was intentionally made at all.

The Great Pyramid is a magnet for speculation, both reasonable and unreasonable, Manuelian said. So whenever anything new pops up, the imagination tends to fly.

The study authors said they avoided calling the space a chamber because they do not yet know its purpose. They invited Egyptologists to begin to probe the nature of this strange space.

There are still many architectural hypotheses to consider, they wrote in Nature.

Christopher Morris, a nuclear physicist at Los Alamos National Laboratory who was not involved in the work, pointed out that there are limits to what muons can reveal. He said he hoped the researchers would soon be able to get a bots eye view of the space.

amina.khan@latimes.com

Follow @aminawrite on Twitter for more science news and "like" Los Angeles Times Science & Health on Facebook.

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How your brain processes certain words can help predict your risk of suicide

UPDATES:

This story has been updated throughout.

This story was originally published at 5:20 a.m.
San Diego police raided a marijuana dispensary they said was operating illegally in North Park, seizing more than one pound of cannabis, nearly $8,000 in cash and a handgun Thursday.

Officers with the narcotics unit served a search warrant at the Green Heart SD dispensary, where they discovered the marijuana, several types of edibles and concentrates, $7,700 in cash and the .40-caliber handgun, Lt. Matt Novak said.

He said one employee at the Utah Street shop, near University Avenue, was arrested on suspicion of selling marijuana and operating an illegal business, then given a misdemeanor citation.

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The investigation is ongoing and criminal charges against other individuals associated with the dispensary may arise, Novak said.

Breaking News

Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com

Phone: (619) 293-1876

Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez
For those who knew and loved fallen San Diego police Officer Archie Buggs, Saturday marked the 39th anniversary of his death  and the end of their nearly four-decade-long campaign to properly honor his legacy.

More than 100 people gathered outside the Police Departments Southeastern Division substation on Skyline Drive for a dedication ceremony to name it the Archie Buggs Memorial Building. The station is the first in San Diego Police Department history to be named after a person.

Buggs relatives, his former partner, and some of San Diegos top elected and law enforcement officials, including Mayor Kevin Faulconer and District Attorney Summer Stephan, spoke at the event about Buggs legacy.

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While we cannot change the tragic events that took place 39 years ago, we can honor our responsibility and our commitment to never forget the sacrifice Officer Archie Buggs made for all of us, Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman told the crowd. ...The renaming of the Southeastern Division substation to the Archie Buggs Memorial Building is proof that his service above self and the sacrifice he made will never be forgotten.

Buggs, 30, died early Nov. 4, 1978, during a traffic stop about a block from the station. Buggs had pulled over a car driven by 17-year-old gang member Jesus Cecena for speeding.

As Buggs was writing the ticket, a passenger in the car handed Cecena a gun. Cecena opened fire, shooting Buggs three times in the chest.

Buggs was on the ground when Cecena shot him in the head.

Cecena then sped away, leaving Buggs bleeding next to his running patrol car, his hand on his gun, his ticket booklet on the ground nearby.

At Saturdays event, Buggs former partner, Jesse Navarro, said he and Buggs planned to meet up that night and patrol together in the same vehicle.

When he heard that shots had been fired and an officer was down, he sped to the scene, knowing in his heart it was Buggs, Navarro said. He ran to Buggs, who was bleeding on the ground.

I still like to believe in my heart that there was still a few seconds of his life, Navarro said. I ran out of my police car. He was laying on the street, bleeding. And I held his hand  and I told him  I like to believe he was listening to me  and I said, Archie, I will always, always look out for your family.

Navarro joined Buggs family as they lobbied elected officials and others for a proper memorial to honor the fallen officer. It took nearly four decades, but finally, they got it done.

After the speakers finished Saturday, Buggs sister, Gwen Buggs, and his cousin, Pam Jones, pulled down a piece of golden cloth that had been covering the buildings new sign. A police helicopter circled overhead, briefly sounding its siren in tribute.

Dozens of members of Buggs family, all wearing matching shirts with his photo printed below the words Dedication Day, gathered in front of the sign for a photo.

Its meant for this to be, Gwen Buggs said in an interview after the event. It took 39 years, but Im happy. Im happy.

Roberta Flynn, now a psychologist living in San Diego, said she was a police officer working out of the station with Buggs when he died.

He was very kind, she recalled. Very quiet, but very kind and gentle.

He was also great at catching car thieves, she said.

Flynn said naming the substation after Buggs seemed like a fitting tribute.

I think its great, she said.

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morgan.cook@sduniontribune.com
A 47-year-old woman who was dragging her wheelchair across a street in the East Village area Saturday morning was seriously injured when she was struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run crash, police said.

The crash was reported at 3:55 a.m. on F Street near Park Boulevard, said San Diego police Officer Tony Martinez.

The woman was in the middle of F Street when the westbound vehicle struck her and then fled the scene, Martinez said.

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The vehicle was described as gray or silver and possibly a Honda. The vehicle was last seen going north on 11th Avenue, police said.

The woman sustained two broken femurs and a pelvic fracture, Martinez said. She was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Over-the-top opulence may be a mainstay of the Temecula Valley Womans Club (TVWC) annual Holiday Home Tour, when a handful of exclusive private residences, decorated to the hilt by professional designers, will be opened to the public for two days.

But today, from 2 p.m to 6 p.m. at Wedgewood at Galway Downs, the group is rolling out the hay  instead of a red carpet  to welcome guests to its 2017 gala.

Themed Daisy Dukes and Cowboy Boots, organizers hope to attract a wide range of guests with good food (Southfork Catering has prepared a buffet menu fitting the theme), a laid-back atmosphere, carnival-style games, live and silent auctions, a no-host bar and an opportunity to support a local charity. Music for dancing will be provided by the band Crossroads.

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Their 33rd annual Holiday Home Tour opens next weekend  Saturday, Nov. 11 and Sunday, Nov. 12  and features four residences in Temecula wine country. In previous years the club has featured home tours in the communities of La Cresta, Santiago Estates and De Luz.

This years decadent dwellings include a mid-century modern masterpiece decorated in glam Hollywood style; a Tuscan treasure with a beautiful outdoor entertaining area including a custom-designed infinity pool and sweeping views across the valley; a traditional Georgian manor designed in the Antebellum style and brimming with beautiful objects dart; and a vineyard retreat nestled between two wineries and boasting an outdoor patio decorated in a festive Candyland theme.

The Holiday Home Tour is the longstanding signature fundraising event for the Temecula Valley Womens Club which, since the clubs founding in 1980, has donated in excess of $2 million to various local causes; its members have volunteered more than 1 million service hours.

Beneficiaries of the 2017 Home Tour and Gala include the Santa Rosa Plateau Nature Education Foundations No Child Left Inside program, which is currently presented at 275 3rd- through 12th-grade classrooms in 10 school districts across southwest Riverside County.

The TVWCs grant will help fund the hiring of a researcher to write an assessment and to record the impact and effectiveness of the Foundations programs on students and nature habitats.

Daisy Dukes & Cowboy Boots Gala

When: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. today, Nov. 4

Where: Wedgewood at Galway Downs, 38801 Los Corralitos Road, Temecula.

Cost: $100

Online: Visit www.tvwc.com

Call: (951) 302-1370

Holiday Home Tour

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 and Sunday, Nov. 12

Where: A map on your ticket shows the location of each stop on the self-guided tour with suggested routes. Signage and parking attendants will assist ticket holders with directions.

Cost: $40 advance purchase ($45 on day of the tour) includes access to all four homes. Tickets are available online and at 14 locations across the Temecula Valley.

Online: Visit www.tvwc.com

Call: (951) 302-1370

Note: Because the homes are private residences, open only for this event, ADA accessibility is not offered.

temecula@sduniontribune.com
As a United States senator, I have an obligation to defend our democracy. And during my service to California and the country, we have seen democracy challenged in unacceptable ways.

When our country made an effort to condone torture, I fought back. When President Donald Trump and Republicans in the Senate tried on several occasions to take away health care for 30 million Americans, Democrats said, No. For years we have seen Republicans attempt to roll back womens choices and a womans right to make her own reproductive health decisions  again, we will not allow that to happen. And now, we see the current administration trying to strip away the hopes and dreams of over 800,000 children who came to this country through no fault of their own and are proving to all of us every day with their education, their service, and their work why they deserve to remain in the United States.

See also | Kevin de Leon: Why I should be Californias next U.S. senator

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The challenges to our democracy are many, especially now.

I cannot and will not step away from this fight.

Thats why I am running for re-election.

Im immensely proud of my service in the Senate and what Ive helped do for the people of California and the nation. But theres still so much work left to be done.

Many of my colleagues said it was impossible to pass our 10-year assault weapons ban. But we achieved it through hard work. Im proud to be one of those in the fight to end gun violence. We have just introduced legislation to ban the sale of bump stocks, a tool that the Las Vegas shooter used to turn semi-automatic rifles into machine guns. We must get this passed before we see more tragic incidents like Las Vegas happen again. It is long overdue that we make our communities and streets safe from weapons of war.

One of my proudest achievements was seeing the six-year comprehensive investigation on torture lead to the passage of a bill that made illegal the U.S. governments use of torture. As the then-chair of the Intelligence Committee, I can tell you it was a long, hard-fought victory. But we must remain vigilant. President Trump has said, Absolutely I feel it [torture] works, and has advocated for it to be used once again. We cannot let that happen.

We also face an ongoing battle against climate change, which I have worked with my colleagues to combat by authoring and passing a law that increased the average vehicle fuel economy standards by 10 miles per gallon. We have already surpassed that and are now on track to hit more than 50 miles per gallon by 2025! But today, President Trump is doing all he can to roll back that victory and weaken those standards. We cannot let him do that.

We now face a challenge in getting to the bottom of whether Donald Trump, his campaign and his administration colluded with Russia to influence the 2016 election and obstructed attempts by the FBI to get to the bottom of those actions. This is a difficult investigation, and there are many who stand in our way. As ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, I am committed to finding the truth.

These are just a few of the issues that drive me to get up every morning, go to work and fight on your behalf.

Its also an affirmation of my leadership on these and other critical issues that I am endorsed by California leaders with whom I have worked closely. The endorsements of Sen. Kamala Harris, former Sen. Barbara Boxer, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, Secretary of State Alex Padilla, and two great members of Congress from San Diego, Scott Peters and Susan Davis, are a source of pride to me.

Experience counts. The ability to get things done counts. And the compassion, vigor, and stamina to make a difference counts. Thats why Im running for another term as your United States senator. But I cannot do it alone  I need you to join me as we look to bolster the gains made under President Obama and stop the ill-advised policies of President Trump.

We live in a great state and an amazing country. I am honored to serve you, and I look forward to continuing to do so.

I humbly ask for your support in next years election for United States Senate.

Feinstein is a U.S. senator from California.

Twitter: @sdutIdeas

Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion

Twitter: @sdutIdeas

Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion
California stands at the forefront of a historic struggle for the very soul of America  against a president without one. Every day, this president wages war on our people and our progress. He mocks our values and demonizes our diversity. He attacks our national fabric, eroding our basic freedoms here at home and our moral standing in the rest of the world.

In the face of this threat, we can no longer afford to be polite. We cant cross our fingers and hope that President Donald Trump can learn and change. We cant compromise our core values  its time for California to lead.

See also | Dianne Feinstein: Why I should remain Californias senior U.S. senator

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California is the greatest beacon of opportunity the world has ever known. But we didnt get here through years of political seniority  we built it through acts of audacity. Americas biggest state has never played small ball. Its time for California to have a senator who is willing to stand up and be heard  not from the sideline, but loud and proud from the front line.

I am not just as a defender of the California Dream, I am a product of it. I was raised here in San Diego in Barrio Logan by a single mother with a third-grade education. She was an immigrant who worked hard jobs, long hours and she worked her fingers to the bone  not for herself, but for her children. I remember taking the Number 34 bus with her as she cleaned homes in La Jolla. Through her eyes, I saw the bottom of the economic ladder and how steep the climb is for families like ours. I saw how the costs of everyday life were rising faster than wages and crushing the middle class and working poor. But I also saw the best in California.

I saw a public school system filled with dedicated teachers. I saw business owners and faith leaders and countless others who pushed us through that door to a college education.

So I know  firsthand  that California works best when everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Its a lesson thats hard to learn from the back of a limousine or behind gated walls. And its a lesson that guided me every day as the president of the California State Senate.

When I came to the Senate, California was emerging from the worst recession since the Great Depression. We were struggling to balance the budget and fund our schools, and public universities. But my colleagues and I were determined to not just make California fiscally solvent but to expand the circle of opportunity for everyone.

Unlike Washington, weve started the path to debt-free college by eliminating fees for the first year of community college and expanded university access for 20,000 more California students.

Unlike Washington, weve passed the toughest greenhouse-gas emission standards in America, the strongest energy efficiency and clean energy laws, and harnessed the power of the wind and sun to create 500,000 high-wage clean-energy jobs.

Unlike Washington, we passed the highest minimum wage. We invested in roads and bridges and public transportation and passed the most important affordable housing package in a generation.

Unlike Washington, weve passed our own immigrant rights and protections and stopped wasting taxpayer dollars on federal deportation efforts which tear families apart and undermine confidence in local law enforcement.

And unlike Washington, weve passed the toughest gun safety and ammunition laws in the nation.

Todays California is Americas tomorrow. The record speaks for itself  by nearly any objective measure. Todays California is thriving not in spite of these progressive policies, but because of them.

We are living in unique times facing unprecedented challenges that require new ideas and new energy. The D.C. playbook is obsolete and its time the people of California bring the agenda to Washington  not the other way around.

In this election, California has the opportunity to lead once again and send a message that, with Donald Trump, there is no place for capitulation. If Ive learned one thing as a state leader, its that California will never fulfill its truest potential if we wait for Washington to change on its own. More than at any time in its history, California needs to take its fight to Washington. That is why I am running for the United States Senate.

De Leon is California State Senate president pro tempore.

Twitter: @sdutIdeas

Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion

Twitter: @sdutIdeas

Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion
At its core, San Diegos homelessness crisis is a housing crisis. For many of our most vulnerable neighbors, high housing costs and low supply mean that surviving on the street is the only option. Last month, we received good news on this front when California lawmakers passed a package of bills to provide funding and support for affordable housing developments throughout the state. Now, we have a critical question to answer on the local level: Where exactly should we build this housing? To effectively address homelessness in our region, each of us must reply: Right here in my city.

Consider for a moment the following question: What does the end of a persons homelessness look like? People become homeless for many reasons, and it follows that service providers like Father Joes Villages take many approaches to help people get back on their feet. But if you are struggling with homelessness, you have one clear goal for the end of your journey: a home. So, what happens if that home does not exist? What happens when no apartment is within your budget, and no landlord is willing to rent to you? How will you escape the streets?

That is the very reality facing our homeless and low-income neighbors today. San Diego has the fourth-largest population of people who are homeless nationwide, with more than 9,000 who have no place to call home on any given night. According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, San Diego has one of the smallest shares of low-rent units available in the nation. On top of that, the average rent in San Diego County hit a record high of $1,875 last month, continuing a trend of rising rents in a tight housing market. As a result, nearly one-third of renter households are severely cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 50 percent of their income on housing. Even our neighbors with steady incomes often struggle to find housing within their budgets. For those striving to make ends meet or experiencing homelessness already, paying rising rental costs is often impossible.

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As we face emergency levels of homelessness in our community, we must create housing that includes supportive services to uniquely target the needs of those struggling to find stability. Sleeping on the street is often the final leg of an otherwise complicated path of unpredictable circumstances. That path is different for each person, but a common theme among the people we serve is that they do not have a reliable network to which they can turn for support. To maintain stability and stay off the streets for good, many people living in affordable housing need ongoing support ranging from medical services to career counseling. At Father Joes Villages, we have been providing permanent housing with supportive services like these since 1997. We know that given this kind of assistance, people can thrive in their homes long term.

With the right resources, like the bills California recently passed, together with yes in my backyard support countywide, we can create housing that effectively addresses our closely linked homelessness and housing crises. When we work together to lift up our most vulnerable neighbors, we improve our community as a whole. When more people have a place to call home, we can take pride in knowing that we live in a community where everyone has a fair chance at the path to success. We know that with the right approach, this future is possible for San Diego.

The large number of people sleeping on our streets impacts us all, from the individual lives it damages and concerns about public health to economic issues and the heavy toll homelessness takes on our communitys emergency services. With our regions urgent need for housing supply, no one city can put a roof over everyones head. Leaders and residents alike in each city must consider how we can welcome permanent housing with supportive services into our neighborhoods.

Father Joes Villages continues to work alongside businesses, residents, civic leaders and nonprofit partners to address both the immediate challenges and the underlying causes of homelessness. To achieve lasting change, we call on everyone who shares our vision for a San Diego without homelessness to participate in the process. Make a call or send an email today asking your local leaders to say yes to housing with supportive services in your neighborhood for the sake of a brighter San Diego.

Vargas is president & CEO of Father Joes Villages. To learn more about Father Joes Villages plans to create housing with supportive services, visit www.neighbor.org.
Donald Trump won the presidency last year in part by running against a political and economic system that he characterized as rigged against the average American and for the privileged few. A November 2015 analysis by The New Yorkers George Packer described the anxiety that the Republican establishment, starting with The Wall Street Journals editorial board, felt over the fact that the GOP frontrunner was someone who didnt believe in the party orthodoxy about always looking to help rich people pay less in taxes. Packer illustrated how well Trumps message was playing with less affluent voters by quoting a young New Hampshire man: If Donald Trump, a billionaire in his own right, is saying billionaires in Washington and New York should be paying more  that says something.

Given this history, it is stunning to see how much the wealthy gain from the tax code plan proposed this week by House Republicans and embraced by the Trump administration. So much for Trumps campaign message. Thats the tax plans first strike.

The second huge shortcoming of the GOP tax plan is that, according to Congress Joint Committee on Taxation, it would increase the budget deficit by $1.49 trillion over the next 10 years  ignoring the urgent long-term need to control U.S. debt. According to the Congressional Budget Office, interest on the national debt was already on track to reach a staggering $712 billion in 2026 and be the third largest category of spending by 2028  ahead of national defense and trailing only Social Security and Medicare. Deficits need to be eliminated  not increased.

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Thats not possible with a plan that would phase out the tax on estates worth more than $5.49 million and would end the alternative minimum tax that is an effective check on the wealthy using loopholes and skilled attorneys to avoid paying taxes.

This is indefensible. These households dont need a huge favor from Uncle Sam. Since the 1970s, the top 1 percent of earners have gone from having less than 9 percent of total U.S. income to more than 20 percent. Yet the end of the estate tax and the alternative minimum tax means more than half of the $1.49 trillion in tax relief  $866.5 billion  would go to the wealthy via those two avenues alone.

To be fair, parts of the tax plan have merit. It collapses seven tax brackets to four and ends or limits nearly all itemized deductions, and while that leaves winners and losers, a simpler system is a better system because taxpayers spend less of their time and money on trying to avoid taxes. The tax plan would also encourage American firms to stop parking trillions of dollars in profits in other nations by cutting the tax on these funds from 35 percent to 12 percent. The cut in the highest bracket of corporate tax rates would bring the U.S. more in line with corporate taxes in other developed nations and would promote new investment and job creation, according to an analysis by the pro-business Tax Foundation.

The near-doubling of the standard deduction for individuals and married couples and the 60 percent increase in the child tax credit means many lower-middle-income households would no longer have any taxable income. Some middle-income families would also see lower tax bills. Hurt by decades of wage stagnation, these households deserve relief.

The primary losers of the GOP tax plan appear to be upper-middle-income families in states with high taxes and expensive housing  a group that includes millions of Californians. Thats because the mortgage interest deduction would be capped at $500,000 of debt for newly bought homes; the property tax deduction would be capped at $10,000; and state and local income taxes could no longer be deducted from federal taxes.

Nationally, only 5 percent of mortgages are $500,000 or larger. But California  a state in which the median home price is expected to reach $561,000 next year  has nearly half of those mortgages.

This would be tough to stomach in any tax plan. But given that the change is being sought to help pay for a $866.5 billion tax break for the wealthy, it is indigestible. California lawmakers should fight for a provision that is fair to Californias middle class.

And all lawmakers need to ponder the wisdom of increasing budget deficits when the cost of past borrowing is ballooning. A tax plan that makes this problem worse isnt reform. Its suicide.

Twitter: @sdutIdeas

Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion
Dwellers will have to be relocated in transit camps before they can be allotted new houses, as promised by the DDA (under the union government).

By Pooja Shali: Delhi Development Authority office (DDA) was buzzing with activity on Friday at the Kathputli colony, highlighting both hope and hopelessness.

Officials have been busy completing verification formalities for the slum residents. Dwellers will have to be relocated in transit camps before they can be allotted new houses, as promised by the DDA (under the union government).

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A real estate in-site development project is to be initiated soon, approved by former governments in Delhi via Leiutenent Governor Office. A private developer will be permitted construction on considerable portion of the 14-acre land.

Many residents of this slum have been promised new apartments in a portion of the land. Hundreds of artisans have moved to transit camps once the shifting began in 2014.

The last phase of demolition has been controversial with remaining residents refusing to move following a series of court interventions, political visits and social media activists claiming residents being intimidated by cops.

DDA DEFENDS DEMOLITION DRIVE

Speaking to India Today, Jay Prakash Aggarwal, Principal Commissioner (Housing) and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, DDA said, "The scheme was conceived in 2008 and shifting began in 2014. Legal prior process was undertaken via proper notices published in newspapers. Enough time has been given to residents to get documents verified... Both old and new cases were scrutinized and cleared. 2800 units were built in 2012-13 for transfer. By May 2017, many were even shifted into these houses."

Residents stood in a long queue holding precious ownership documents hopeful of last minute reprieve from the authority. A limited staff lending an ear to questions, grievance and even anger.

Agarwal added, "Grievances are being heard but only documents already verified as per process are to be considered. We have provided temporary accommodation, as well. They are being provided basic facility there."

Majority of dwellers have been moved to Anand Parbat area where rows of cabin rooms with separate bathrooms have been set up.

The number of applicants eventually escalated to 3,000 for which DDA had to look for more locations. 492 people will be provided EWS flats in the Narela area.

Officials maintained many people were struck off the list due to inconsistent versions of applicants. 649 people showed documents but could not show an existing slum during on-spot verification. Some had no voter Identity card, a pre-requisite for such government sanctions.

An appellate committee has been formed, which includes a former court judge overlooking the development.

LONG QUEUES, CHAOS AND CONFUSION AT DDA

The puppeteer has been turned into a puppet this time. The government pulling its strings and a nation watching an age-old traditional community segregated and separated, in hope of a better future.

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There was chaos and confusion as many residents, marked with NJ (Non-existent Jhuggi) on their forms, struggled to understand and counter official procedures.

Some residents raised an issue that extended families received a nod for merely one senior member, deeming it impossible for all to reside together.

"In my extended family the mother-in-law got her name sanctioned but where will I and other brothers go? We have children. How can we all possibly live in one-bedroom house?" said a woman artist hailing from Rajasthan, settled in Kathputli colony .

Family feuds are making it complicated for sanctions. A young man demanded his grandmother was the rightful owner not the father, a woman requested her elderly mother also be provided accommodation and a woman showed her old slum-badge claiming how her name was excluded from the list despite all documents.

PROMISED BENEFITS

Behind the queue were banners marketing government's pet project of the housing scheme. Smiling family portraits and swanky houses juxtaposed with promise of a better life.

A sample apartment is also built in the office compound to appeal residents to move willingly. One bedroom, a living room with lavatory and kitchen including balcony space constitutes the promised structure for beneficiaries.

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Some women were peacefully lounging near the sample apartment and claimed they will agitate via protests because they have been sanctioned the relocation.

More residents poured into the DDA office while JCB vehicles continued to demolish remaining empty houses at the colony 500 meters away.

By the weekend, there will be no trace of a locality, which was once a hub of musicians, puppeteers and artisans.

The DDA, as per modified court order, is permitted to clear all demolition debris on Saturday, November 4.

WATCH VIDEO | Kathputli Colony reduced to debris in DDA demolition drive, locals rendered homeless

--- ENDS ---
Gen. John Kelly is so misinformed about history and why the Civil War ensued (Historians rebut Kelly Civil War claim, Nov. 1). To claim it was about state rights and not about our country ending slavery is ignorant and uninformed.

Does he even realize Lincoln was part of the Republican Party, the party for abolition? Gen. Robert E. Lee is no hero, he was a slave owner dedicated to the enslavement of human beings.

What a great role model Kelly is not!

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Terrance Relles

Santee

Pompous professor David Blight wonders where Gen. John Kelly came by his retrospective on the Civil War.

Blight might try reading President Lincolns Second Inaugural Address in which the president urged that, in spite of the horror of that war, we bind up the nations wounds ... with malice toward none.

Blessed are the peacemakers, said Jesus.

Right now, I am wondering where they are.

Larry Stirling

Mission Hills

Gen. John Kelly, 45s chief of staff in the White House, went out of his way to praise Robert E. Lee basically saying that he was a patriot for the South during the Civil War. He said that it was too bad that President Lincoln couldnt find a way to compromise with the South and allow slavery. Lee killed more U.S. soldiers than were killed in the war in Vietnam and World War II.

This hero of the South, according to Kelly fought for his state, which he thought was more important than country. All of this seemingly OK with Gen. Kelly. It would appear as if Kelly is channeling 45 to the press and the public.

After lying about Rep. Frederica Wilson, being an empty barrel, and accusing her of saying things she never said, Kelly is now looking as dysfunctional as 45.

Just when you thought the generals would save us, ha?

G.D. Morrill

Rosarito Beach

Gen. Kelly stated that Gen. Robert E. Lee was an honorable man.

I have to give Gen. Lee the benefit of the doubt for the times he lived in, but then again he was a Democrat, the pro-slavery party, so who knows!

Gary Faunce

Spring Valley
Once again, a Muslim terrorist has massacred innocent Americans, this time, and again, in New York City, and once again, the shock, disgust and anger will wane in a few days time instead of coming up with the harsh but necessary policy(s) to combat radical Islam.

First, stop calling them terrorists or militants and go to something like worthless refuse of humanity. Next, no public pictures of them anywhere  they love publicity. Third, deport any Muslim remotely questionable. Fourth, the country of origin of successful murderers must suffer some form of retaliation to discourage future attacks. Fifth, the CIA/militarys kid gloves have to be discarded to properly deal with the hard core anywhere we find them. Chances of any of this being adopted: nil.

Perhaps after they kill 50,000 at a single stroke with a nuke/chem/bio weapon will the West get serious about dealing with the existential threat that is Islam.

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Frank Leech

Linda Vista

Being on feds radar should bring action

How many times do we need to read someone was on the radar of law enforcement (N.Y. attack kills 8, Nov. 1)?

Those words are like stating the sun is going to rise tomorrow (but theres nothing we can or are going to do about it).

If our laws protect someone from a foreign country holding a green card who only arrived seven years ago from being deported instantly for being on law enforcements radar, our laws no longer protect us or, sadly, people visiting the U.S.

This isnt a situation about innocent until proven guilty  or at least it shouldnt be. This is. We let you in our country, but now youre on our radar due to your actions and wed like you to leave, immediately. Whats wrong with the lawmakers in this country?

Jim Berg

San Diego
ESCONDIDO -- In housing, as in most of life, appearances can bedeceiving.

Just because city zoning ordinances label a neighborhood"single-family units, the multitude of cars and trucks crammedalong curbs and spilling onto front lawns can tell a differentstory.

You see the cars parked at the home, and it doesnt register,"said Councilman Ed Gallo, who over the last two months hasrepeatedly called for crackdowns on overcrowded households. Thenall of a sudden, theres 19 people living there.

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The problem, Gallo said, is at the very least a nuisance, and atworst a tax burden. The councilman would like to see the cityinvestigate what legislation or enforcement measures it can enactto curb crowding in Escondido homes.

But not everyone agrees with that tack.

Mayor Lori Pfeiler said she would prefer to see the city addressthe problem of overcrowding through programs that help raise theincome of poor households. Providing adult education orsmall-business assistance will help people earn enough money sothat multiple families wont have to share homes.

You have to grow your community so it can be more successful,"Pfeiler said.

Multiple families sharing a home built for five people may be nosurprise in a city where the average house sells for upward of$500,000, while a typical family of four brings in $58,200 inannual income.

But too many occupants living in one home can exceed statebuilding code standards, city and state officials said.

And, as Gallo sees it, overcrowding cheats the city of potentialrevenue. If more people move into Escondido but crowd into theexisting housing stock rather than creating a market for new homes,the city doesnt collect development fees that pay for publicservices such as sewage, schools and fire.

Moreover, lots of people living together isnt the American way,Gallo said.

This is the U.S. of A. and we have different values andguidelines, he said. Right or wrong, its different.

Councilman Sam Abed said he also would like the city to setguidelines to solve the problem.

I dont mind a son, (parent), or other immediate family, Abedsaid. Im not against that. But when it comes to three, four orfive families living in one three-bedroom house, that becomes aquality-of-life issue for the city.

The phantom menace

Determining how many of Escondidos 44,000 households sheltermore residents than they were built for is no simple task.

While neighborhood streets may be cluttered with cars, forexample, few residents admit they share their home with extendedfamily or friends, likely out of fear of being evicted or cited fora health or building code violation.

2000 U.S. Census figures, however, do offer some insight intothe prevalence of the problem.

A little more than 17 percent of all households in Escondidoreported an average more than one person per room -- includingkitchens and living rooms -- the definition of overcrowding underfederal census guidelines. In Poway, by comparison, just 5 percentof households reported more than one person per room. In Carlsbad,that number is 4 percent.

Those figures may not tell the whole story, since they focusexclusively on number of residents, without any consideration forthe amount of space inside a house or apartment, said Beth Jarosz,a demographics analyst with the San Diego Association ofGovernments.

But when you look at a traditional dwelling, its a fairlyreasonable standard, Jarosz said.

Treating the symptoms

Even if some council members want to try to limit the number ofpeople who live in a home, the city has virtually no legal power todo so. Federal law prohibits cities from trying to narrow thedefinition of family to control overcrowding, said City AttorneyJeffrey Epp.

But the city can call the shots when it comes to addressing thetangible results of overcrowding, Epp said.

Crowded conditions can lead to health and safety codeviolations, such as garages that have been converted into bedrooms,or cars parked illegally on front yards. The city can issuecitations for those infractions even if it cant directly controlovercrowding, said Susan Oliver, the citys code enforcementmanager.

And to try to capture some of the revenues Gallo mentioned, thecity is considering establishing tiered sewage fees to charge moreto large households that use the waste system more often.

Abed said he also would encourage denser housing developments inthe city to create more and cheaper opportunities for homeownership.

Such tactics are probably the more sensible and effective routeto controlling overcrowding, said Janet Huston, a spokeswoman withthe state housing department.

Quite often, folks will find that the building codes, withrespect to occupancy limits, arent the answer to whatever theythink their problem to be, Huston said.

What other cities have tried

Thats not to say jurisdictions around the country havent triedto legislate how many people can live in a home.

The city of Manassas, Va., passed a law in December limitinghousing occupancy to members of the same family, which it definedas two or more persons related to the second degree of collateralconsanguinity, in other words, a first cousin. But the citysuspended enforcement of the law earlier this year under pressurefrom housing activists and civil rights groups that argued it wasdiscriminatory.

Other cities have also taken on the issue by trying to limit thenumber of occupants and nonfamily members who can live in a houseor apartment.

Herndon, Va., passed a law in 2004 placing limits on the numberof occupants and nonfamily members in a home. The ordinance wasestablished primarily to target illegal boarding houses, which hadbecome prevalent in the town of 23,000, said Richard B. Kaufman,Herndons town attorney.

We were trying through the zoning ordinance to do somethingmore stringent than state building codes, said Kaufman, but stillallow large families to live together. He added that he believesthe new law has resolved the boarding house issue.

The result is a somewhat technical formula limiting the numberof people allowed in a house, based on space and number of familymembers, not including children. It also allows for up to fourunrelated people to occupy a single house or apartment.

Cultural differences, or just poverty

Large numbers of people living in a home may also be somethingof a cultural norm in a city with a large Latino population such asEscondido, where, according to SANDAG, 42 percent of residents areLatino.

And affordable housing advocates say that shared housing is acommon solution among immigrants earning low wages and strugglingto pay high rents or mortgages.

But Gallo said that divvying up a mortgage or rent paymentsamong the extended family is no solution if it means too manypeople in the house.

Thats their culture down there, Gallo said. Its not theculture up here.

But Raymond Uzeta, president and chief executive officer of theChicano Federation of San Diego County, said its wrong to look atovercrowding as a Latino issue.

Any time you have a situation where housing prices are out ofthe reach of regular working families, people are going to dowhatever they need to survive, Uzeta said. It doesnt matter whatgroup theyre from.

And setting limits for how many people can live in a house mayprove problematic if it is aimed specifically at Latinohouseholds.

Mary Scott Knoll, executive director of the Fair Housing Councilof San Diego, said that while cities may try to address the mostegregious instances of overcrowding, targeting a specific groupwould violate the federal Fair Housing Act of 1968.

What would be a problem is the use of an occupancy standard to address the status of immigration, she said.

Contact staff writer David Fried at (760) 740-5416 ordfried@nctimes.com.

These are some of the varying standards for whatconstitutes overcrowding in a home:

- The U.S. Census Bureau considers overcrowding as more than oneperson per room, including the kitchens, living rooms, and anyother livable space.

- Federal housing statutes allow two people for every 120 squarefeet of bedroom space, and one person more for each additional 50square feet of bedroom space.

- The California Department of Housing and Community Developmentuses an overcrowding formula that limits occupancy to two peopleper bedroom plus one additional household resident.
As Chennai tackles heavy rainfall and waterlogging crisis yet again, let us take a look back at what the 2015 Chennai flood was like.

By Shreya Biswas: The relentless rainfall over the past few days has left Chennai troubled and in a state of deja vu. Two years ago, exactly around the same time, people had watched Chennai, and some other parts of Tamil Nadu, collapse under a flood.

Whether history is going to repeat itself is what many fear at the moment, although officials are repeatedly assuring locals that nothing as horrid would happen this time, as the government is prepared.

Don't spread and believe in rumours #WorkFromHome and 3rd Nov leave r 2 avoid traffic jams n to avoid any untoward incident #ChennaiRains- TN SDMA (@tnsdma) November 2, 2017

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Today, however, happens to be the fifth consecutive rainy day in Chennai, and reports have predicted more.

As we wish the city well and hope for the weather to brighten up soon, let us take a look back at what the 2015 Chennai flood was like:

SUFFERING AND SURVIVING THE DOWNPOUR

By mid-November, the death toll of rain-related accidents was already threatening to touch 100. Locals were struggling to get a grip of the situation and go about their daily lives.

But as it is rightly said, a picture's worth a thousand words. Social media was crawling with such pictures, accounts, and videos.

Velachery is really in a sad state probably the most affected area in Chennai as people are evacuated in boats. pic.twitter.com/JoBnDem5nY- ? ?? ?? (@AriyaVijay) November 16, 2015

So much for developed TN. .n this is the core of the capital Chennai. . pic.twitter.com/pijElvP227- khushbusundar (@khushsundar) November 13, 2015

Travelling through Chennai had become quite the task, thanks to waterlogging, and people were starting to resort to driving boats through concrete roads.

Like now, schools and colleges in certain regions had been ordered to remain shut till the angry weather calmed down. You would understand why, with these pictures of the Satyabhama University.

Chennai:

But like always, there were people then too who dared the bad weather with high spirits, taking it on with heights of innovation 'jugaad' (fixes):

Journalist : How are you coping with #ChennaiRains ? Man : Sofa so good pic.twitter.com/sLxw4FxpZH- The-Lying-Lama (@KyaUkhaadLega) November 16, 2015

THE BIG, FAT FLOODED AIRPORT CRISIS

While the flights were suspended in the wake of the heavy rainfall, rows of planes were photographed standing marooned at the Chennai International Airport.

Aerial images taken by Indian Air Force chopper showed how the airport tarmac and runways were submerged in water. And in the middle of the much-flooded tarcac stood arrays of awkwardly grounded planes.

Scenes at the Chennai International Airport during 2015 Chennai flood. Scenes at the Chennai International Airport during 2015 Chennai flood.

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The Airports Authority of India had shut down the airport to all traffic till December 6, 2015. The Air India, on the other hand, had announced then that no charges would be levied for the cancellation or refund of air tickets to and from Chennai till December 15, 2015.

THE INDIAN NAVY DIVES IN TO HELP

The Indian Navy had been in the thick of things since a string of ships and small boats were deployed in flood-hit Chennai to carry on the rescue operations.

Apart from putting in the might of the amphibious warship INS Airavat, which was brought in from the Eastern Naval Headquarters stocked with supplies, the Navy had stepped up its game by using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other advanced techniques to locate the worst flood-hit areas more efficiently.

Meanwhile, INS Rajali - the naval base located around 60 km away from Chennai at Arakkonam - had been functioned as an airport base to fly in National Disaster Response Force teams and relief materials.

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Here are a few exclusive IndiaToday.in videos showing the brilliant work that the Navy has been carrying out:

Scores of Navy personnel had hit the flooded roads to deliver packaged food, drinking water, medicines and other basic amenities to people trapped in their homes.

Teams had also been rescued those in need of medical attention and moving people whose houses have gone under water to safer locations.

Wading through the thigh-deep waters in air-filled boats or simply on foot, the Indian Navy and other army personnel had ensured the safety and rescue of people in the Tamil Nadu capital tirelessly.

These teams had operated in areas including Tambaram, Mudichur, Kothurpuram, Pallavaram, Thiruneermalai, Urapakkam, Manipakkam, T Nagar and Gudvancheri, and also the worst-hit areas lining the Adyar River.

--- ENDS ---
Tamil Nadu has been reeling under rain fury, with heavy downpour in Chennai for the fifth consecutive day having brought life to a standstill. Eight people have died in the city so far and schools continue to remain shut.

As heavy rains continue to lash Chennai, vehicles seen crossing a waterlogged stretch on Friday. Source: PTI

By India Today Web Desk: It is a good day for kids in Chennai as schools continue to remain shut due to the heavy rain, but the city is down for a rough time.

After some respite during the day, heavy rains hit Chennai again later in the evening and lasted through the night, leading to 14cm rainfall. Areas such as Mylapore, Foreshore Estate, southern suburbs of Tambaram, Chrompet and Pallavaram is said to have faced the worst of it.

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So far, at least eight people have died in Chennai in rain-related incidents, including two children who were electrocuted on November 1 after they stepped on an electricity cable.

The latest addition to the toll was the death of a middle-aged farmer in Tiruvarur's Manal Agaram, who got electrocuted when he stepped on a snapped live wire lying underwater in his field.

While the city gears up with relief measures, reports still predict a moderate to heavy rainfall in many regions.

Children playing in flooded waters near the shores of Marina following the heavy rainfall. Source: PTI

RAINY DAY IN SCHOOLS

Schools and colleges, closed on October 31, continue to remain shut across Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts.

The Anna University and the University of Madras have cancelled all upcoming semester exams.

While it is still not that lucky a day for office-goers, the Tamil Nadu government has appealed to private firms in the affected areas to allow their employees to work from home.

A woman walking on a flooded street near an open electricity box got that was damaged after heavy rainfall in Chennai on Friday. Source: PTI

HOW MUCH RAIN IS TOO MUCH RAIN

Chennai has received some 36cm rainfall in the last three days.

Chennai's Nungambakkam observatory recorded a rainfall of 63mm in last 22 hours, while Minambakkam saw 60mm, Cuddalore saw 66mm, Nagapattinam saw 59mm, Karaikal saw 57mm, and Puducherry saw 42mm.

Also, the Marina Beach area has recorded a staggering 30cm precipitation in 24 hours.

A bird-view image of a flooded Marina Beach in Chennai. Source: PTI

The regional weather office has forecast 'heavy to very heavy rains' in coastal districts, and thunderstorms in Chennai and its suburbs for the next 24 hours.

"For the next 24 hours, there will be heavy rains in some places and very heavy rains in one or two places in coastal districts," said Area Cyclone Warning Centre Director S Balachandran.

The downpour has also largely affected suburban Mudichur, which was one of the worst-affected areas in the 2015 Chennai flood. Residents even staged a protest by squatting on the waterlogged Mudichur Road, demanding immediate action.

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While the rain directly isn't killing anybody, it is causing hazardous situations that is making life extremely dangerous in the flooded areas.

So far, the state government is said to have set up 105 relief camps across Chennai.

WHAT IS THE GOVERNMENT SAYING?

Stuck in the eye of the storm, while Tamil Nadu gets flooded, Chief Minister K Palaniswami visited some waterlogged areas in Chennai and its suburbs recently. The much-criticised chief minister insists that his government is working on a "war-footing" to bring the rain-crisis under control.

He said, via a release, that the government is acting "quickly" to ensure there is no water stagnation in the city.

Visitning flood relief camps in Chennai and suburban Perungalathur, Palaniswami distributed food packets, dhotis, sarees, mats and bedsheets to people living here.

Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam said that the North East monsoon will "increase only step-by-step," and though Chennai received 14cm rainfall last night, "the situation is under control,".

Principal Revenue Secretary K Satyagopal said a 43 personnel-strong team of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was camping in suburban Tambaram to attend to any kind of exigencies.

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WILL 2017 SEE A REPEAT OF THE 2015 CHENNAI FLOOD?

The recent weather and bad management of the crisis is making locals wonder about a repeat of the 2015 Chennai flood, which brought much of Tamil Nadu down to its knees.

However, the AIADMK government sought to dispel such rumours.

"Do not spread and believe in rumours #workfromhome and 3rd Nov leave is 2 avoid traffic jams nd to avoid any untoward incident(sic)," the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Agency tweeted.

Don't spread and believe in rumours #WorkFromHome and 3rd Nov leave r 2 avoid traffic jams n to avoid any untoward incident #ChennaiRains- TN SDMA (@tnsdma) November 2, 2017

FARMING, FISHING, SALT PRODUCTION DISRUPTED

The sea continues to remain rough, with waves rising to several feet, keeping as many as 10,000 fishermen away from doing their job sea for the fifth day today.

People at the shores of Marina following the heavy rainfall in Chennai on Friday. Source: PTI

Salt production in the Vedaranyam area has hit a snag as salt pans in 10,000 acres of land remain submerged.

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A Nagapattinam report said that heavy rainfall for the fifth consecutive day has left hundreds of houses flooded and submerged thousands of hectares of paddy crops in Tamil Nadu.

People had to be evacuated in Tarangambadi and Sirkazhi taluks, while att Tarangambadi, Dansborg, a 400-year-old Danish seafront fort was left in a dangerous inundated state.

[With inputs from PTI]

WATCH VIDEO | With more rains forecast in Chennai, residents dread repeat of 2015 floods

--- ENDS ---
Brooklyn, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/03/2017 -- QYResearchReports.com has added a new research report to its repository, titled, "Global Tyre Curing Press Market Professional Survey Report 2017." It studies the different facets of the market after segmenting it based on various parameters. It sheds light on the size of the market both in terms of value and volume and on its competitive dynamics too. It also presents a qualitative analysis of the various growth drivers and restraints in the market.



The global tyre curing press market saw stellar growth till 2014. At the forefront of driving growth in the market was the flourishing automobile industry. However, the market was dealt a hammer blow by the drastic slowdown of economic growth in China, which is considered the main driver of automobiles and tyres market. This has led to a downswing in the global tyre curing press market. The market was worth US$1089.39 mn in 2016 and is predicted to reach US$1010.67 mn dollars by 2017. From then on, the market is slated to chart an upward trajectory again to reach a value of US$1026.87 mn.



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The report finds that the global market for tyre curing press has been undergoing a transition over the past few years on account of the continued progress in technology and the rapid growth in infrastructural development projects. The increasing spending power of people across the world and rapid urbanization are helping the tyre curing press market to gather steam again. Rising investor interests and funding from the governments along with the rising trend of automation are also predicted to have a positive influence on the market.



Depending upon type, the global tyre curing press market can be segmented into mechanical curing press, hybrid curing press, and hydraulic curing press. The mechanical curing presses hold the mold closed though toggle linkages. The hydraulic presses leverage hydraulic oil as the main mover for machine motion, and lock the mold with a breech-lock mechanism. Hydraulic curing presses cost less as they do not have to withstand the mold-opening pressure and hence can be comparatively lightweight.



Based on application, the global market for tyre curing press can be further divided into ordinary tyre and radial tyre. Regional markets studied in the report are North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, and India.



The report particularly focusses on the raw materials and equipment, which are the two main components in the global market for tyre curing press. It studies raw material costs and equipment and presents information on their suppliers. The report also casts a glance at the labor and other operational costs and discusses various policies and regulations likely to impact the trajectory of the market.



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The report leverages both primary and secondary research to gather crucial information on the market. To assess the competition in the global market for tyre curing press, the report leverages market-leading analytical tools. Some of the key companies mentioned in the report are MHIMT, HF TireTech, Kobe Steel, Larsen & Toubro, Hebert, McNeil & NRM, Specific Engineering, Alfred Herbert, ROTAS, and Rogers.



The development of the automobile industry led the rapid development of the tyre curing press market from 2011 to 2014 and the growth rate arrived at the highest point in 2014 at 25.34%. However, the market of tyre has become to decease since 2015 in China and only increase a bit in some other regions. China is the largest production country of tyre curing press and the surplus productivity problem is becoming more serious, thus the market of tyre curing press has been decreased accordingly since 2015.The global market scale of tyre curing press was 1089.39 million dollars in 2016. It is expected to reach 1010.67 million dollars by 2017 and 1026.87 million dollars by 2022, with the CAGR of 0.32%.



This report studies Tyre Curing Press in Global market, especially in North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2012 to 2017, and forecast to 2022.



This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, covering



HF TireTech

Kobe Steel

MHIMT

Hebert

Larsen & Toubro

McNeil & NRM

Alfred Herbert

Specific Engineering



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Table of Content



1 Industry Overview of Tyre Curing Press 1

1.1 Definition and Specifications of Tyre Curing Press 1

1.1.1 Definition of Tyre Curing Press 1

1.1.2 Specifications of Tyre Curing Press 1

1.2 Classification of Tyre Curing Press 2

1.2.1 Mechanical Curing Press 3

1.2.2 Hydraulic Curing Press 4

1.2.3 Hybrid Curing Press 5

1.3 Applications of Tyre Curing Press 6

1.4 Market Segment by Regions 7

1.4.1 North America 8

1.4.2 China 8

1.4.3 Europe 9

1.4.4 Southeast Asia 9

1.4.5 Japan 10

1.4.6 India 11



2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Tyre Curing Press 12

2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers 13

2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Tyre Curing Press 17

2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Tyre Curing Press 18

2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Tyre Curing Press 19



3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Tyre Curing Press 20

3.1 Revenue and Founded Time of Global Tyre Curing Press Major Manufacturers in 2016 21

3.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Tyre Curing Press Major Manufacturers in 2016 21

3.3 R&D Status of Global Tyre Curing Press Major Manufacturers in 2016 22

3.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Tyre Curing Press Major Manufacturers in 2016 24



4 Global Tyre Curing Press Overall Market Overview 25

4.1 2012-2017E Overall Market Analysis 26

4.2 Sales Analysis 27

4.2.1 2012-2017E Global Tyre Curing Press Sales and Growth Rate Analysis 28

4.2.2 2016 Tyre Curing Press Sales Analysis (Company Segment) 28

4.3 Sales Price Analysis 29

4.3.1 2012-2017E Global Tyre Curing Press Sales Price 30

4.3.2 2016 Tyre Curing Press Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment) 30



5 Tyre Curing Press Regional Market Analysis 31

5.1 North America Tyre Curing Press Market Analysis 32

5.1.1 North America Tyre Curing Press Market Overview 32

5.1.2 North America 2012-2017E Tyre Curing Press Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis 32

5.1.3 North America 2012-2017E Tyre Curing Press Sales Price Analysis 33

5.1.4 North America 2016 Tyre Curing Press Market Share Analysis 33

5.2 China Tyre Curing Press Market Analysis 34

5.2.1 China Tyre Curing Press Market Overview 35

5.2.2 China 2012-2017E Tyre Curing Press Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis 35

5.2.3 China 2012-2017E Tyre Curing Press Sales Price Analysis 35

5.2.4 China 2016 Tyre Curing Press Market Share Analysis 36

5.3 Europe Tyre Curing Press Market Analysis 37

5.3.1 Europe Tyre Curing Press Market Overview 38

5.3.2 Europe 2012-2017E Tyre Curing Press Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis 38

5.3.3 Europe 2012-2017E Tyre Curing Press Sales Price Analysis 38



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FLORENCE, S.C.  All Saints Church has celebrated two anniversaries: its 60th year in Florence and the 500th anniversary of The Reformation.

All Saints Church is a Christian community in the Anglican tradition with a lively history in Florence. This year, it has sought to honor 32 charter families who planted this church from St. Johns Florence. These families shared a vision more than 60 years ago of reaching the growing community of Florence, and that vision is carried out still today.

So, on the recent 60th anniversary of All Saints Church and the 500th anniversary of The Reformation, All Saints Church presented St. Johns Church with The Luther Bible (1819).

All Saints Church is believed to have come in possession of The Luther Bible through members of the Barnwell family who collected many rare books over their years. The Rev. R. W. Barnwell was a priest at St. Johns, and his sister-in-law (Miss Martha Brunson) gave the first acre of land on which All Saints Church was built.

The giving of this Bible therefore is not only tied to the 500th anniversary of The Reformation but also to the history of both churches. With this symbol, All Saints Church was happy to celebrate the partnership of Anglican churches standing on The Word of God.

Many founding members have died, but their vision lives on in Florence, and some of their families still attend All Saints Church. The church operates two schools on its campus: All Saints Episcopal Day School and All Saints Parents Morning Out. In 1960, All Saints Church opened All Saints Episcopal Day School (3K-6th grade). All Saints Parents Morning Out (PMO) cares for children from 3 months through 3K, providing a safe environment for children to learn and grow in their early years.

The impetus for Pelican House in Florence also came to the members of All Saints Church in 1979, when they identified that housing was the greatest need for the elderly in the Florence area. They worked together with Cumberland Methodist Church, and the name Pelican House was suggested, as both churches shared a heritage through the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, whose adopted Christian symbol was the pelican.

Two All Saints Church deacons are involved in the community. Deacon Barbara Holliman is a professor at Francis Marion University, and Deacon Sam Turbeville serves as chaplain to the police force in Florence.
Criticised for being ill-prepared to deal with the heavy rains in Chennai, Tamil Nadu Minister Sengottaiyan said that the government was doing its best to clear waterlogged areas.

By Akshaya Nath: With heavy rains in Chennai over the past few days throwing normal life out of gear, the Tamil Nadu government's preparedness to deal with such situations has clearly been exposed.

There is more downpour forecast in the next 24 hours. Eight people have died due to rain-related incident in Chennai alone. Several parts of the city have been flooded. Schools continue to remain shut while working professionals have been asked not to go to offices until water recedes. Tamil Nadu ministers K.A. Sengottaiyan, Anbuazhagan, Udmala Radhakrishnan, and Valarmarthi visited some of the massively-affected regions in southern Chennai. Besides, MP Jayavardhan supervised the progress on removal of encroachments at Narayanapuram Lake in south Chennai.

A woman walking on a flooded street in Chennai. PTI Photo.

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Several encroachments around this lake have led to a flood-like situation in the nearby areas. While the PWD department and the police have been trying hard to drain out water, incessant rains have thwarted their plans for the same.

The government seems to have learnt no lessons from the 2015 floods in Chennai. It has drawn a lot of flak for being so ill-prepared to deal with such an eventuality. The government released pre-monsoon funds on October 30, three days after the onset of the monsoon.

A view of the flood-like situation at Chennai's Marina Beach. PTI Photo.

India Today's Akshaya Nath caught up with Tamil Nadu Minister Sengottaiyan to find out what relief and rescue operations had been initiated by the government.

INDIA TODAY: What steps are being taken to clear waterlogging areas in Chennai?

Sengottaiyan: Operations are being carried out on a war footing to clear waterlogged areas. We have fast-tracked rescue work just as our leader Jayalalithaa used to. There are 7 lakes connecting this region with Pallavaram. We are doing our best to drain out puddles of water as soon as possible to end the inconvenience locals have had to face all these days.

IT: There are a lot of encroachments along the roadside in this region. Repeated complaints by locals to clear the area of these encroachments have fallen on deaf ears.

Sengottaiyan: There is a high court order to this effect. Complaints have also been received from people. Ours is a democratically-elected government. We are working in a manner to avoid any convenience to anyone.

IT: There's been a lot of criticism about your lack of preparedness for the monsoon. What are your thoughts on that?

Sengottaiyan: People, who are sitting in their houses, only stay indoors and criticise. But we are doing on the ground whatever needs to be done to solve this crisis.

IT: Kamal Hassan and many others have been raising issues of illegal constructions in Ennore. What steps have been taken in that direction?

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Sengottaiyan: Many people belonging to different groups, including Kamal Haasan, are making remarks but then it is easy to point fingers. We are doing all that we can in the same way that was shown to us by our honourable leader Amma.

IT: Do you think your government is overtly criticised by the people?

Sengottaiyan: I can only say that there is no appreciation for our work.

WATCH VIDEO | With more rains forecast in Chennai, residents dread repeat of 2015 floods

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Maha IAS officer

(Eds: adds more inputs)

Mumbai, Nov 3 (PTI) The Anti Extortion Cell (AEC) of Thane police have caught red-handed a private detective and his wife while accepting Rs 1 crore extortion money from an IAS officer, who was sent on leave earlier this year pending an inquiry for alleged corruption, police said today.

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According to the police, the couple, arrested yesterday from Dombivali in neighbouring Thane district, had threatened to defame the IAS officer, Radheshyam Mopalwar, using recordings of his purported phone conversations.

Satish Mangle, who works as a private detective, and his wife Shraddha had allegedly demanded Rs 7 crore from him for not releasing those tapes and also to retract their allegations of corruption against him, made earlier.

In August this year, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis removed Mopalwar as the vice-chairman and managing director of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), after some audio recordings, where the officer is purportedly heard `fixing a land deal, surfaced.

Thane police commissioner Param Bir Singh today said, "Private detective Satish Mangle and his wife Shraddha were arrested by the officials of AEC from Mangles rented flat in Dombivali yesterday.

"Police recovered two laptops, five mobile phones, four pen drives, 15 CDs and some incriminating documents from the flat," Singh added.

The couple and their friend, Anil Vedmehta, contacted Mopalwar through one Kling Mishra and asked him to meet them at Kharegaon toll plaza on Nashik Highway last month, Singh told reporters.

"Initially they demanded Rs 10 crore, but later they settled for Rs 7 crore. Mangle threatened that Mopalwar and his daughter will have to face consequences if he did not pay the money," Singh said.

Earlier, Mangle had twice threatened Mopalwar, seeking money claiming that he had contacts in the Arun Gawli gang and some other organised crime syndicates, and was blackmailing him, he said.

Mopalwar video-recorded his half-an-hour long conversation with Mangle at a five-star hotel in Mumbai on October 31 using spy-cams, during which the accused threatened and demanded money, the police commissioner said.

Mopalwar then approached the AEC of Thane police and lodged a complaint.

AEC sleuths laid a trap to arrest Mangle red-handed. "A policeman in plain clothes was sent to Mangles house to hand over Rs 1 crore as an instalment of extortion money. The sleuths arrested Mangle and his wife when they were accepting the cash," the commissioner said.

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"We are looking for their two accomplices," he added.

In the past, Mopalwar had sought Mangles help, as a private detective, in his divorce-related issues.

While working on the case, Mangle allegedly made recordings of some private conversations, and later he demanded money from Mopalwar, blackmailing him.

Mangle also provided some of these incriminating audio clips to news channels, which were aired.

Mangle and his wife also met politicians and media persons and made some serious allegations of corruption against Mopalwar. Subsequently he demanded Rs 10 crore to withdraw all allegations and to give back the audio clips, commissioner Singh said.

Mangle, who has studied upto Std 10th, networked with senior government officials and recorded their private conversations whenever he got opportunity, a police official said.

He was in trouble in 2012 when a case under the Information Technology Act was registered against him at Bandra police station in Mumbai, the official said. Mangle is also facing a case of extortion and another case of rape at Mira Road police station, he added.

Anti Extortion Cells senior police inspector Pradeep Sharma is investigating the case. PTI DC NP KRK

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Over 438 kg of ephedrine tablets worth Rs 50 crore were seized from the three accused

Police have arrested Myanmar-based Sum Mang and his two aides with 438 kg of an illegal drug that is consumed in rave parties in Delhi. (Photo: Qamar Sibtain)

By Chayyanika Nigam: Sum Mang, a Myanmar-based kingpin of an international drug racket, has been arrested by Delhi Police, along with his two associates. Man, 46, used to transit Pseudoephedrine - a party drug - from Delhi to Myanmar via north-eastern states.

Mang's associates have been identified as Sumit Kumar, 22, a resident of Delhi and Sunil Goyal, 51, a resident of Uttar Pradesh. Over 438 kg of ephedrine tablets worth Rs 50 crore were seized from the three accused.

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The police said Sumit was running a 'narcotics drugs Pseudoephedrine cartel' from Delhi to north-eastern states for further supply to Myanmar to prepare methamphetamine or crystal meth (ice) for rave parties.

"Ephedrine is generally used in cough syrups. It was first used to prepare ecstasy tablets in European countries about 40 years ago. These tablets were later brought to India and people developed an addiction for them," said a police official.

On the afternoon of October 31, the police got a tip off that Sumit, who is involved in the trafficking of Pseudoephedrine by train, would come at the New Delhi railway station at 5 pm to book the parcels of the illegal narcotic drug for Guwahati.

A team was formed and Sumit was held with 340 kg of Pseudoephedrine. After Sumit gave away Mang's whereabouts, raids were conducted and Sum was held with 96 kg of drug from Vikaspuri.

Sunil was arrested on Thursday from Ramprastha with 2 kg of the same drug.

"Besides above recoveries, fake Indian voter Identity card and pan card of Sum Mang, one Maruti Ecco car, and mobile phones have been recovered. This drug was being sent to Myanmar to prepare methamphetamine - which is sold for $200 (Rs 13,000) to $650 (Rs 42,000) per gram all over the world and is use largely in rave parties," said Pramod Singh Kushwah, DCP (special cell).

CASE REGISTERED

A case under NDPS Act for illegally possessing the narcotic drug Pseudoephedrine has been registered.

These drugs have emerged as one of the main party drugs in Delhi and are consumed in the form of tablets.

The key material for manufacturing these tablets are variants of stimulants popularly known as ecstasy, speed, base, and ice in party drug circles.

Sources said these tablets can be taken orally and can also be smoked. But an overdose can damage the liver, and in extreme cases, even prove fatal.

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The line is launching a new monthly cruise giveaway for military families who attend one of Carnivals military appreciation events held on board during every cruise across the fleet. Additionally, a booking incentive in November provides special discounts for military personnel which are combinable with the lines already low Early Saver rates.

New, beginning this November, Carnivals shipboard military appreciation events feature a chance for military families to win a free three- to eight-day cruise from any US homeport to the Bahamas, Caribbean or Mexico. One drawing per month will be held from all entries received fleetwide, with the monthly winners to be announced on the Facebook page of Carnivals well-known cruise director turned brand ambassador, John Heald.

The events will also feature a video tribute honoring the armed forces and narrated by Carnival president Christine Duffy.

A special booking promotion for active and retired military personnel running from Nov. 3-14 provides a $50 on-board credit per cabin plus a two-category upgrade and reduced deposits starting at $99 per person, which can be combined with Early Saver rates. In addition, passengers who qualify for the promotion can book up to two additional staterooms with the same bonuses and pricing.
The Air Force is scouting airfields in the area from where the transport aircraft can land and take off whenever required, a top defence source said.

The search for a new airfield is expected to revive IAF's Nyoma airfield project. The IAF had once landed its Antonov-32 aircraft at this airfield and has been trying to develop it as its base closest to the Chinese border in eastern Ladakh.

By Ajit Kumar Dubey: In the aftermath of the Doklam crisis, India is now planning to develop more airfields in the eastern Ladakh area along the China border so that it can rapidly deploy troops in large numbers in case of any misadventure by the neighbouring state.

"In Ladakh, we have realised that deploying troops for a long time or throughout the year is not feasible. Harsh winters and rough terrain make the job all the more difficult. This is why we plan to develop airfields where we can deploy troops in large numbers using air assets," a top defence source said.

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The Air Force is scouting airfields in the area from where the transport aircraft of the force can land and take off whenever required, the source said.

Sources said during the height of the Doklam crisis, the Indian and Chinese armies had deployed close to 9,000 troops (equal to one infantry division) opposite each other for carrying out exercises in their respective areas.

The Indian Army had issued an operational alert during the crisis as part of which the troops had been deployed by it from the newly-raised mountain strike corps.

"Two brigades (6,000 troops) have already been withdrawn from there and sent back to their actual locations after we called off the alert about 10 days ago," the source said.

Sources said the troops could not have been retained in the area due to the onset of harsh winters and beginning of snowfall, which would have completely blocked land routes and forced them to rely on air evacuation.

The deployment of an additional division meant the army had close to 20,000 troops in eastern Ladakh at the height of the crisis. In normal conditions, it has only one division (Karubased 3 Infantry Division).

As per inputs received by intel agencies, Chinese units are also withdrawing from their areas gradually.

NYOMA AIRFIELD PROJECT

The search for a new airfield is expected to revive the Indian Air Force's Nyoma airfield project that has been stuck for many years now, as it would be turned into a full-fledged base where all types of transport aircraft can land.

The IAF had once landed its Antonov-32 aircraft at this airfield and has been trying to develop it as its base closest to the Chinese border in eastern Ladakh.

Sources said the IAF had also tried to look at Chushul for developing an airfield but it did not seem to be a viable project and is more interested in the development of Nyoma where the air strip was last used in the 1960s.

Nyoma is located at a height of 13,000 feet and India stopped using it after the war with China in 1962, but reactivated it in 2009. India is also upgrading all its seven Advance Landing Grounds (ALGs) in Arunachal Pradesh, some of which have already been activated. IAF's C-130J Super Hercules planes have already landed there.

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These are not fullfledged air bases but landing strips which can be used to drop off troops and supplies. Some can be used for refueling fighter jets.

The Arunachal ALGs were also deactivated after the 1962 war.

Since August, India and China were engaged in a bitter stand-off on Bhutanese soil in Doklam as the Chinese were building a road to Jhamphiri which would have brought it very close to our chicken's neck area which separates the northeastern states from rest of the country.

ALSO WATCH | BRICS Summit: Modi, Xi meet for first time after 73-day-long Doklam standoff

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Egyptian lawyer Nabih al-Wahsh, during a TV panel discussion, said that when a girl wears revealing clothes like ripped jeans, it is "a patriotic duty to sexually harass her and a national duty to rape her."

By India Today Web Desk: Hark, for now there is a man who thinks you will be serving your national duty if you rape a woman for wearing revealing clothes like ripped jeans!

Sorry for ruining your mood, but this happened for real. A "prominent conservative" lawyer in Egypt came on television to preach his beliefs.

Lawyer Nabih al-Wahsh had been invited to a panel discussion debating a draft law on prostitution in Egypt. There, he breached the very important topic of 'what women mustn't wear'.

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"Are you happy when you see a girl walking down the street with half of her behind showing?" al-Wahsh screams on the top of his voice, speaking over his fellow women panelists while gesturing at his buttocks.

Then, as the other panelists try to argue with him, al-Wahsh adds: "I say that when a girl walks about like that, it is a patriotic duty to sexually harass her and a national duty to rape her."

Watch the video here.

There. You hear that? That is the sound of minds being blown after reading about this man's profound stupidity.

NATIONWIDE OUTRAGE AGAINST CALL TO RAPE WOMEN AS 'NATIONAL DUTY'

No, feminists in Egypt are not taking al-Wahsh's aggravating and utterly stupid remarks lying down.

Al-Wahsh's comments have sparked a nationwide outrage, while Egypt's National Council for Women has decided to file a complaint against al-Wahsh as well as the TV channel that invited him.

"All the members of the council denounce and decry this statement that explicitly promotes rape and sexual harassment," the NCW said in a statement.

This same man, in a 2005 TV interview, blamed women's choice of clothing for them being raped.

In case you didn't know, the recent debate took this turn for the worse over women's choice to wear low-waist and ripped jeans.

--- ENDS ---
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Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf intensified her call Friday for city residents to open their houses to homeless people  even as landlords said there would be serious legal issues with the idea and the mayor herself said she had no immediate plans to offer up her own residence.

Schaaf said that while she has no such space to share at her home in the Oakland hills, she would be willing to consider making room for an unsheltered person to live.

I do not have a secondary unit, and I do not own any rental housing, Schaaf said, adding that she doesnt have much time these days for home improvement. The idea of creating a secondary unit in my house is one Im willing to explore with my husband.

Schaafs comments came a day after she delivered a State of the City speech in which she made the striking plea to homeowners to open their doors to homeless people if they have extra space.

Give up that Airbnb, she said Thursday. Fix up that back unit.

Oakland landlord Rick Philips, a past president of the East Bay Rental Housing Association, said its unlikely homeowners will lease rooms to homeless people because of the citys many laws that support tenants.

Oaklands stringent rent control and eviction protections, he said, deter property owners from leasing units to people down on their luck  whether they are veterans or victims of natural disasters. After tenants move in, increasing their rent or kicking them out can be done only under special circumstances. Evicted residents are usually entitled to relocation payments of several thousand dollars  assistance the City Council will consider Tuesday expanding to a larger set of tenants.

Even if you write a lease with a refugee or a homeless person or someone who lost their home to erosion, and you say, After one year, you have to pay market rate, its invalid, Philips said. You cannot make that agreement.

The mayors appeal seems like a Hail Mary, he added. It sounds like, Somebody do something! House these people!

Schaaf emphasized the endeavor was one small part of what the city is doing to address its growing homeless population and increase its housing stock. On Friday, she continued her push, saying she is determined over the next year to find 100 units from property owners in the city to house people coming off the streets.

The goal, she said, is a personal campaign and not tied to any city program. Despite all the social services that government and nonprofits provide  temporary housing, job counseling, food  persuading landlords to rent at affordable prices to formerly homeless people remains a huge hurdle, she said.

This 100-rooms campaign is part of what I call the right-now plan as we work to execute the long-term plan, she said. This is not a requirement. This is not a new set of regulations. This is a help-if-you-can request.

Help could come in the form of unused in-law units or spare rooms, she said.

Not every property owner has the ability or space to rent to someone without a home, Schaaf said. Her own home, she said, probably wouldnt be among the 100.

The request for others to lend a hand comes after a count in January found there were 2,761 homeless people in Oakland  25 percent more than two years ago. Many live in sprawling encampments along sidewalks and beneath highway overpasses. The census found that more than 8 in 10 individuals had their last residence in Alameda County  casting doubt on the notion that homeless people rush to places where services are plentiful.

At a panel on homelessness Monday, Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin made a similar call to property owners, directing them to the new nonprofit Safe Time Home Sharing.

The effort to find landlords willing to share their roofs with homeless people came out of recent meetings Schaaf had with staff at the Bay Area Community Services, or BACS, which operates the Henry Robinson Center in downtown Oakland to provide temporary shelter and food as well as help securing jobs, housing and benefits.

Daniel Cooperman, director of programs for BACS, acknowledged there are no financial incentives for property owners to house recently homeless people. Persuading them to open their doors involves making a pitch to their humanity and focusing on the bigger picture, he said.

Some of these landlords are the same ones who are complaining about encampments near their buildings or work, he said. The more people who can see that side of humanity, rather than, This is just someone I step over to get to my job, the faster were going to recover as a community.

Cooperman said landlords thinking of leasing apartments to his clients will get paid their rent on time every month. The individuals can access services and small amounts of financial help for the first six months after they leave the Henry Robinson Center, he said.

Elaine de Coligny, executive director of EveryOne Home, which administered the January homeless population census, said property owners and the private sector should be doing more, including leasing units to people who have been living on the street.

As more people do it, theyll be able to share the experience of it working, she said. As long as we keep treating housing as a market-driven commodity  where the point is to make a profit off of it  we wont solve homelessness.

Carolina Reid, an assistant professor of city and regional planning at UC Berkeley, said the goal by Schaaf would be more effective if it were developed into a policy with incentives attached and education for landlords.

Sam Davis, a professor emeritus of architecture at the university who has designed facilities for the homeless, said the appeals from the two mayors seem like an aspiration for community involvement and a worthy request  not a large-scale, effective strategy.

I doubt seriously whether itll have an impact and whether people will do it. Many homeless have underlying reasons for their homelessness. They need support and social services, Davis said.

Still, he said, just one person getting into housing should be counted as a victory. And he said the calls to action may show Bay Area residents that homelessness is an issue the entire community should address, not just city governments.

Kimberly Veklerov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kveklerov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kveklerov
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Next to vineyards, Wine Countrys most treasured sight may be its oak trees, the stately green giants that brightened the hills and valleys of the grape-growing region, at least until last months devastating wildfires swept through.

As residents look to rebuild burned homes and communities grasp for normalcy, a parallel recovery is taking shape for the areas scorched and withered oaks. It began a little more than a week ago, when the California Native Plant Society, a statewide network of professional and amateur naturalists, put out a call for acorns.

The Sacramento group was hoping that an online post  Help urgently needed to re-oak Wine Country!  would inspire a few loyal readers to send in seeds to grow new trees. But the response was like nothing organizers expected.

In the first four hours, 600 people signed up to collect, said Dan Gluesenkamp, the groups executive director. After 800 emails, our computer crashed. We didnt know that it was going to ignite like this.

The support brought relief for Gluesenkamp. He knows as well as anybody that this years acorn-producing season is winding down, and acorns need to be gathered within the next few days if the group wants seedlings next year.

The many volunteer collectors are eager to see a glimmer of green return to the more than 250 square miles burned in Napa and Sonoma counties. The groups goal is to plant 100,000 new oaks.

But the effort is more than just a reforestation. Its become a way for many to channel their desire to do something  anything  to help in the wake of disaster.

Realizing that so many people suffered so much, you just kind of feel helpless, said Wendy Smit, 62, a retired Healdsburg resident whose home was far from flames but close enough that she sought to lend a hand by visiting three sites to corral acorns. This is something that will hopefully help out in the long run.

Glen Ellen resident and science teacher Shirley Austin-Peeke, who lost two buildings on her property to the Nuns Fire, says shes collecting acorns, while recruiting students to help, because the act is making folks feel better.

Its been really rough for our community, she said. I think this kind of gives people hope.

The Native Plant Society is asking people to mail in freshly fallen, uncracked acorns or ripe ones plucked straight from the tree. The acorns should be gathered in Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino counties, but only with permission from landowners  and not too many from a single oak so as not to hamper a trees reproduction.

Michael Macor/The Chronicle

The acorns will be treated to kill disease and brought to nurseries to propagate for planting the winter after next.

Im looking forward to seeing what happens with our parks and how they recover, said Austin-Peeke, whose daily drive to Adele Harrison Middle School in Sonoma is marked by blackened hillsides and charred oaks.

Her sixth-grade student and fellow acorn-collector Zoe Bolger, 11, is also keen on an oak comeback.

When we were driving out of Sonoma because of the smoke, we saw a lot of burned-out mountains and quite a few burned trees, she said, recalling her familys exodus from town during the fires.

Oak enthusiasts cite many reasons to respect the tree. Not only does it add to Wine Countrys charm and lift real estate values, but it provides habitat and food for as many as 350 animal species and soaks up a lot of the carbon driving climate change,

One study suggests a house with a mature oak can sell for $30,000 more than one without a tree.

While state officials estimate that more than 7,700 structures burned in Napa and Sonoma counties in the wildfires, no similar census has been taken for trees. But the Native Plant Society estimates at least 50 square miles of oak habitat burned. At least 10 different types of oaks are probably among the dead, primarily coast live oak, valley oak, blue oak and black oak.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Much of the woodland is expected to heal naturally. Fire, after all, can be good for the forest by removing debris and enhancing soils. Many oaks that were damaged, as well as acorns about to sprout, may get a boost from the burn.

The restoration effort by the Native Plant Society will target the more developed areas where trees probably wont rebound on their own. The many miles of firebreaks that firefighters created to stop the blazes  areas cleared of brush and trees, often with bulldozers  will be a top priority.

The group is hoping to squeeze out as many days of acorn collecting for the project as it can in the coming week. The trees usually produce acorns only in September and October, but 2017 has been a banner year for the crop.

Even before the fire we were marveling, Have you ever seen a year like this? Gluesenkamp said. Fortunately thats left a huge opportunity for us.

Kurtis Alexander is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kurtisalexander

How to help

The California Native Plant Society is looking for volunteers to collect acorns to re-oak Wine Country in the wake of the wildfires. To volunteer, email acorns@cnps.org or visit http://cnps.org/acorns.

More online

See The Chronicles complete fire coverage, including investigative reporting, interactive graphics, photo galleries, tributes to the lives lost, and information on how to find and offer help:

www.sfchronicle.com/north-bay-fires
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If a persons resume tells a story about their life  where theyve been and what theyve done  Annette Crespos reads like a novel.

A young mother who dropped out of high school in the 70s to make ends meet, Crespo got her first job at 15. She worked the register at a Shell gas station. Later, she was a model. She tended bar, did hair, makeup, salon work. She parked cars as a hotel valet, kept the books for a moving company.

In the 1980s, Crespo minded the office for the Church of Hakeem, a pyramid scheme masquerading as a church. On the day federal agents busted the door down, she handed them the keys to her boss office.

But to her, the most unbelievable job of them all is the one she has now: Crespo, now 60, is an intern for a San Francisco startup that runs rapid-fire background checks for other tech firms like Uber, Instacart and Zenefits.

At Checkr, the background check startup, no one seems to care about her past.

Instead of asking why she never graduated high school or was charged with drug crimes in 2000, Crespos colleagues ask her to give them life advice or watch their kids.

She has her own desk surrounded by the glossy trappings of the Financial District and a collage of photos of her 13 grandkids. There are always tea bags and snacks for the taking. The paycheck isnt bad either.

And Crespo arrived at this surreal scene not in spite of her, well, checkered past. She was hired because of it.

Checkr has a corporate philosophy that might seem in conflict with the service it provides.

Thousands and thousands of people are getting rejected from jobs for things theyve done in the past, and weve realized its really not fair, CEO Daniel Yanisse said. People shouldnt be banned (from working) for life even if their conviction was from a long time ago and has nothing to do with the job theyre applying for.

More than 73 million people in the United States have criminal records, according to data by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Thats nearly 30 percent of the adult population.

The number of people in state and federal prisons, about 1.5 million, has quintupled since 1980, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. People of color; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals; and people with mental illnesses are disproportionately more likely to be arrested.

More than two-thirds of workplaces run criminal background checks on all of their job candidates, according to the Society for Human Resource Management. Employers say it helps to reduce the legal liability they might face if they hire someone with a record and something goes awry.

Others say background checks help ensure a safe work environment by weeding out violent offenders.

A lot of companies really buy into this fear messaging, like, there is a criminal applying to work at your company  or a criminal in your company  and you need to catch them, Yanisse said. Its not black and white like that. You can have safety and at the same time make sure theres fairness in the hiring process.

Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle

Crespo, who started her three-month internship in mid-August, was one of the first interns the startup hired with the help of Code Tenderloin, a nonprofit that helps people find employment by teaching what the organization calls job readiness, or skills like interviewing, public speaking, dependability and resume building.

The organization has recently partnered with tech firms to provide interns and employees from a local pool of candidates with unconventional backgrounds. Some have been homeless. Others have been incarcerated.

For Checkr, that was part of the appeal.

If we can make a little dent into the social justice system and help some fraction of people get back into the workforce, instead of back to crime and back to jail, we made a difference, Yanisse said.

Crespo works on a team that answers calls from anxious job applicants, wondering if they were approved, asking about old blights on their records they fear will prevent them from finding work.

She understands what theyre feeling. Shes felt it, too.

In 2000, Crespo was was arrested on drug charges and taken to San Francisco County jail.

I was there for hours, Crespo said. They handcuffed me to the wall. It was terrifying.

She posted bail and got out before nightfall. Eventually, the charge would be wiped from her record. But first, she had to attend a yearlong drug rehabilitation course and countless court dates.

That was 17 years ago. Still, Crespo said, she thought it might ruin her chance at getting hired at a startup she knew peddled in background checks.

I was surprised they even gave me an interview. This is a background check company, and look at me, Crespo said. Im older than anyone here. I didnt graduate. I thought, No way are they going to offer me the job.

Now in the last month of her internship, Crespo shows up to work an hour before anyone else. She carries around a legal pad, where she takes notes and makes sure she remembers everything shes asked to do.

Shes not a fast typer, her pointer hovering over keys she presses one at a time. But shes been taking typing courses, trying to improve.

Maybe its because Im getting older, or maybe its this place, she said. Theres something about it. I just love it here. Sometimes on the weekends, Im like wishing I could come into work. Its crazy.

This, Yanisse said, exemplifies the quality he believes background checks too often overlook: hard work, gratitude, loyalty.

Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle

Its why he and other Checkr employees have also taken to supporting initiatives that require managers to delay asking about a candidate's criminal history until after an interview or just before a provisional job offer has been made. These initiatives are known as ban the box laws.

California passed such a law earlier this year, joining 29 other states and more than 150 cities and counties that have outlawed preliminary criminal inquiries. San Francisco adopted a similar provision that applies to both the public and private sector.

It may be too soon to say what the impact of these policies will be, but so far, the results have been mixed.

Advocates of criminal justice reform hail them as a means of making the hiring process more fair. But some research has shown that preventing employers from asking about criminal history at the front end of the hiring process may actually hurt some of the groups these policies were designed to help.

A recent study from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that ban-the-box policies actually decreased the likelihood that young, low-skilled black and Hispanic men would be hired.

Thats because, researchers said, when employers dont have proof of an applicants criminal history, they tended to discriminate based on stereotypes  and young black and Hispanic men are perceived to be more likely to have a criminal record.

If San Franciscans are experiencing this kind of backlash, Yanisse said, Checkr wants to know.

The company has started to routinely sponsor community meetings that invite locals to come and talk to them about barriers to employment  and what companies like Checkr and its customers can do to help.

We cant do much if we dont really understand these people and their situation, Yanisse said. Some people have no idea whats on their background checks. They dont know they can have certain records expunged or how to do that. Now thats part of our sales pitch and the company. Its become a big part of what we do just to help make things a little more fair.

Marissa Lang is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mlang@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Marissa_Jae
Mark Wineman / Getty Images

Police searched Saturday for a suspect after a man was fatally shot in East Oakland, authorities said.

The shooting occurred about 8:15 p.m. Friday on the 9200 block of E Street, a residential neighborhood, police said.
A San Francisco man was sentenced to nine years in prison for killing an elderly man with a single punch, District Attorney George Gascon announced Friday.

Collin White, 40, was convicted in September of involuntary manslaughter as well as three additional felony counts related to the attack and death of Stuart Jackson, 74.

There are no words to make sense of this dreadful act, Gascon said. Unprovoked acts of violence against the elderly in our city are attacks on our community and have to be punished proportionately.

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Gascon had sought the maximum penalty of 11 years on prison.

White attacked Jackson for no apparent reason while they were at a bus stop at Van Ness Avenue and Market Street about 2 p.m. on Dec. 5, 2015.

White struck the victim on the head with a single punch, knocking him unconscious and unable to catch himself as he fell and then hit his head.

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White fled and was captured on nearby surveillance cameras. He was arrested on Jan. 7, 2016 at his home. He was also charged and convicted of assault with force and infliction of injury on an elderly adult, each likely to cause serious bodily injury as well as battery with serious bodily injury, with an enhancement for causing Jacksons death.

Jackson, who liked to sketch in bars and coffee shops, was transported to San Francisco General Hospital after the assault and died just over a week later.

Collin White assaulted an elderly man on the streets of San Francisco for no apparent reason, said Assistant District Attorney Julia Cervantes. That act resulted in Mr. Jacksons death. My heart goes out to his family and friends. I hope that they can find some comfort in knowing that our streets are safer after todays outcome.

Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker
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Its a difficult time for news gathering, and an even more difficult time for local and regional media outlets, so I walked into the Tenderloin Museums new exhibit on the Tenderloin Times with trepidation.

From 1977 to 1994, the Tenderloin Times was a feisty newspaper for an even feistier neighborhood. I felt unsettled by the idea that it was in a museum, instead of being passed around on the street.

I felt even more unsettled that the institution being trapped in amber was the Tenderloin Times. In many ways, that papers work is as relevant to San Francisco now as it was when it was being printed.

Consider the reasons it was beloved. It was the first newspaper in San Francisco to do sustained investigative work on homelessness. It demanded answers from local politicians on issues like evictions and traffic safety. It was published in four languages (English, Vietnamese, Lao and Khmer).

Its amazing to go through the old issues, said Katie Conry, executive director of the Tenderloin Museum. So many of the things that are going on today  from trans history to homelessness  the Tenderloin Times recognized them and treated them with the gravity they deserved. No one else was doing that.

Conry said the Times is the museums most significant temporary exhibit since opening two years ago. For those of us who are unfamiliar with the Times  like me  the exhibit is important indeed. It introduces the Times to a new generation of San Franciscans, and offers a striking counterpoint to todays exhausting moment of fake news, big data and tribal discourse.

We were just volunteers, local people who were determined to speak for a community that had been under siege and misunderstood, said Sara Colm, an editor at the Times from 1985 to 1992. Its a great example of what community organizing can accomplish.

Indeed. The Times was founded in 1977, by homeless San Franciscans and the directors of the Hospitality House drop-in center.

For the first issue, which was the length of a newsletter, they mimeographed 150 copies in the basement. It was scrappy from the beginning: The first issue has an editorial on the front page, laying out a policy to make known any medical, financial, housing, and job-seeking services to the residents of the Tenderloin.

That mission became increasingly ambitious over the years. As you may well know, San Francisco has suffered through homeless crises for decades.

There was one in the early 1980s, too. Distraught after a homeless man died across the street from their building, Tenderloin Times staffers requested nine months of records from the city coroners office. They crunched the numbers and published San Franciscos first count of homeless deaths.

The city itself wasnt even counting the deaths, Colm told me. Our reporting was one of the reasons why (then-Mayor) Dianne Feinstein worked with the churches to create the Central City shelter network.

In addition to counting the number of homeless deaths in San Francisco  a project that went on for nine years  the Tenderloin Times also dug into the neighborhoods elevated rate of pedestrian deaths and successfully pushed for safety measures.

It doggedly reported on the neighborhoods successful attempt to force hotel corporations to contribute to a neighborhood low-income housing fund in exchange for the right to build large-scale luxury hotels.

Like any good local newspaper, it also paid close attention to its changing audience.

By the mid-1980s, the population of Southeast Asian refugees in the Tenderloin was massive, Colm said. We needed to be relevant to the community. So we made the huge decision to publish in the languages our new neighbors were reading.

This was an enormous undertaking, and not just because they had to find and train local Vietnamese-, Lao-, and Khmer-speaking journalists. There were additional challenges.

Diasporic politics were very tricky, as Colm delicately puts it, and the paper had to be careful to cover the events of new arrivals from all sides of the political spectrum. Another, unanticipated challenge came about because early newspaper technology wasnt very diverse.

The typesetting technology at the time didnt support these languages, Colm said. Neither did early computer software technology. So we had to cut each word, each diacritical accent, out from graph paper and do the typesetting by hand. It was wild. But it was how so many new arrivals came to understand what was going on in this city.

As the broadsheets in the exhibit show, the Times stories crackle with voice, verve and dedicated reporting. The exhibit made me happy. Against the backdrop of this weeks bad media news (San Franciscos long-running ethnic media nonprofit Pacific News Service announced its closure, and the local digital news operation SFist was abruptly shuttered by its owner, Joe Ricketts, in what looks to be a labor fight hes having with journalists in other cities), it also made me sad.

Colm told me the Times end had to do with its beginning  it was a matter of service.

The early 1990s recession was pretty dramatic here, and between that and the crack cocaine epidemic, the Tenderloins nonprofits were really struggling, Colm said. Even with the grants we won and advertisements we hustled for, the paper wasnt turning massive profits. So when times got really bad, our publisher, Hospitality House, had to focus on direct service.

It was a good run, she said. As we finished our interview at the museum, we were interrupted by a protest march on the street outside. A parade of local residents waved signs against senior evictions, police brutality and homeless deaths. Colm gasped and dashed outside, recording the proceedings with her phone.

The Tenderloin Times may be in a museum, but the spirit of the paper lives on.

Caille Millner is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cmillner@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @caillemillner

Voice of the Central City: The Tenderloin Times, 1977-94 is at the Tenderloin Museum (398 Eddy St.) through March 30.
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When the San Francisco Symphony this week announced Michael Tilson Thomas intention to step down as the Symphonys music director in 2020, his start date was correctly listed as 1995.

But his stunning debut with the organization took place close to a generation before that  conducting Mahler and Mozart at the Opera House while still in his 20s.

Looking back at Thomas first Symphony performance in early 1974  which included both his first interview and first photos with The Chronicle  many of the qualities that would mark his original and influential San Francisco tenure were already shining through.

Thomas was self-assured in the interview, emphasizing his late start as a music student, while volunteering his appreciation for rock music. And he preached a daring approach that mocked stagnancy; a maverick spirit that seemed to fit with Bay Area cultural history.

One shouldnt program a standard piece simply because it is a salable, easily rehearsed piece, Thomas said in the Jan. 2, 1974, interview. You play and repeat such works because you want to make a statement that is new and, hopefully, fresh. Its hard.

Thomas name appeared in The Chronicle as early as 1968, when he was part of the young conductors series at the Ojai Festival. His first published quotes in The Chronicle appeared in a reprinted 1970 Womens Wear Daily article, introducing the conductor as a 25-year-old Beatles-loving prodigy, who was prone to cheeky asides.

The best thing about music today is that there are so many musics available, Thomas said. Thanks to recordings and concerts, one can hear anything from modern tape phrasing to old Bessie Smith records to, God help us, Sonny and Cher.

Thomas debuted with the San Francisco Symphony 3 years later, in three concerts Jan. 2-4, 1974, in the Opera House, followed by one more in the Flint Center in Cupertino. A Chronicle advertisement promised exciting young conductor Michael Tilson Thomas would conduct Mozart Piano Concerto No. 17 and Mahler Symphony No. 9, with John Browning on piano.

The day of the first concert, The Chronicle ran an interview with Thomas, who made his conducting career sound almost like an accident.

I didnt come to music early, as one was supposed to, Thomas told The Chronicle. I was all set to be a scientist, then some kind of genetic factor took over, and at 17 I got serious about music.

The photo session was even more revealing. Dressed in a crisp shirt and tie but with a more casual jacket for Chronicle photographer Art Frisch, photogenic Thomas smiled, looked pensive and could be seen laughing. The conductor didnt look stiff, uncomfortable or inconvenienced in a single image.

In the newspapers review a few days later, Chronicle critic Robert Commanday noticed that confidence, and gave the conductor his first of many San Francisco raves.

The mystique that it takes a master (preferably old and European) conductor to mind the mystique in Mahler went out the vents of the Opera House Wednesday on the strains of a magnificent Mahler Ninth, Commanday wrote. Michael Tilson Thomas, this weeks guest conductor with the San Francisco Symphony, discovered the depth and breadth of Mahlers ultimate statement. It was not accomplished through the flashiness and hyper-emotionalism that might be expected of one so young and early in his career.

More from the Archive The Vault Home of the San Francisco Chronicle's archive and more than 150 years of journalism covering the Bay Area and beyond.

Thomas would continue as the music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic for several more years in the 1970s, then work with the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra. In 1995, he became the San Francisco Symphonys 11th music director  and has held that position for longer than anyone in the organizations history.

But in 1974, even with the critics on his side, Thomas insisted he still had a lot to learn.

Its a fast evolution, and getting faster all the time, Thomas told The Chronicle. I hear something I did six months ago and think, What an idiot I was! The changes now are even faster than in my early student days.

Peter Hartlaub is The San Francisco Chronicles pop culture critic. Email: phartlaub@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @PeterHartlaub
No, Perry, oil wont solve every problem

Energy Secretary Rick Perry seems to think oil and gas will solve all our problems, even sexual assault. Speaking in Washington last week, Perry claimed expanding the use of fossil fuels for electricity would also help reduce sexual assaults in Africa, particularly in remote villages. The Sierra Club wasted no time in calling for Perrys resignation, and social media users have followed suit. Its bad enough that Perry is using sexual assault victims as props to sell fossil fuel. Using fossil fuels will not help prevent sexual assault. Sexual violence can occur at any time  day or night. Dispelling the myths, creating awareness and teaching consent help prevent sexual assault.
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A fire at a residential building on Nob Hill in San Francisco temporarily displaced about 30 residents and sent one 10-year-old girl to the hospital for minor treatment, officials said.

The fire was reported at 5:56 p.m. in the 1200 block of Mason Street, Lt. Jonathan Baxter of the San Francisco Fire Department said, and it appeared to have begun in the lower levels of the building where a laundromat operates.

Fire investigators were still working to determine the cause of the blaze Friday night. Baxter said the fire spread up through the walls of the building and smoke was coming out of the roof when fire crews arrived a minute after the blaze was reported.

One 10-year-old girl, who had a preexisting health condition, was sent to the hospital for further monitoring, Baxter said, and no other injuries were reported.

Building residents huddled inside the nearby Betty Ong Recreational Center, while a few stood on the street watching. One couple stood outside the laundromat, which was flooded and filled with firefighters, asking if they could just walk in and pick up their laundry.

A firefighter took their hamper and walked into the scene to retrieve their clothes.

Were full service, she said while laughing.

A 65-year-old woman who lives in the building and only gave her surname, Lin, said that occupants began to evacuate on their own as firefighters arrived.

A number of elderly people live here, Lin said in Mandarin. There was so much smoke. It was hard for them to get down the stairs.

Firefighters conducted about 12 assists to help older residents out of the building, Baxter said. Residents were allowed back into the building by 8 p.m.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

A few blocks away, District Supervisor Aaron Peskin was at a dinner meeting when he got a text about the fire. Peskin hurried over to the scene, where he jumped on the phone to order 35 dinner boxes for the residents.

Im buying everyone dinner tonight, Peskin said.

Annie Ma is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ama@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @anniema15
By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 4 (PTI) Union Minister Nitin Gadkari today said a meeting of highway developers and officials from the NHAI and the road ministry will soon be convened for expediting highway projects.

It assumes significance in the wake of highway builders body National Highways Builders Federation (NHBF) taking a strong exception to the National Highways Authority of Indias (NHAI) move to put in public domain the names of as many as 20 companies, including Larsen & Toubro and HCC, that were barred from bidding for highways projects and saying it had no authority to do so.

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"I will soon chair a meeting of highway developers and officials of NHAI besides the ministry to ensure that highway projects are expedited," Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Minister told PTI.

The minister said the government is also trying to reduce the turnaround time of highway projects to significantly enhance the construction pace.

The highways building pace has reached 28 km a day now from 2 km a day when the BJP government had taken charge and the target is to take it to 40 km a day by March next year, Gadakri said.

The meeting of the minister with highway developers and NHAI officials is expected to address the prevailing issue. But, when asked, Gadkari did not comment on NHAIs move to upload a list of terminated contracts on its website which was later withdrawn.

The NHBF had objected to NHAI uploading a list of highways contracts terminated since 2014 and withdrawing it.

The highway builders body in its letter to Gadkari and Principal Secretary to PM Nripendra Mishra said, "Even assuming that NHAI falls under the definition of a state instrumentality and thereby it has, powers to blacklist an entity flows from the executive power to Carry out the trade/business, it has no authority to upload such document in public domain."

The list, which the NHAI withdrew later, had details of 20 projects terminated by the regulator after April 2014 due to contractors event of default in which developers were asked to make any representation to NHAI headquarters by November 6.

The NHAI has uploaded on its website names of companies including Larsen & Toubro, HCC and Essel Infra Projects and the period for which they were barred from bidding for projects.

Repeated calls made to NHAI Chairman Deepak Kumar in this regard remained unanswered.

The letter mentioned, "This unilateral action of NHAI has totally shaken the confidence of the evelopers/contractors community, especially when the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is coming out with ambitious development of national and state highways including the Bharatmala scheme."

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None of the companies, who have been debarred for the next 2-3 years, were issued any kind of show-cause notice or given an opportunity to represent, before they were put to shame in public, the NHBF said.

When contacted, infrastructure major L&T has said termination cannot be treated as its default.

"L&T IDPL, a subsidiary of L&T, terminated a concession for the Pimpalgaon Nashik Gonde Project due to force majeure events arising from law and order issues as per provisions of the concession agreement, after completing the project," a L&T spokesperson said.

He said, "In our opinion the termination cannot be treated as a concessionaire event of default."

The infrastructure major said the matter is subjudice as it is under arbitration/conciliation. As per NHAI directions, the matter has been represented and a decision is awaited from them shortly."

CRISIL on the basis on NHAI list giving details of projects terminated due to contractor/concessionaires event of default said genuine contractors should not be penalised.

Jagannarayan Padmanabhan - Director and Practice Lead ? Transport and Logistics, CRISIL Infrastructure Advisory, said that NHAI has taken a decisive step around issuing termination notice to concessionaires on some of the projects.

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He said, "This is positive for the sector and will help in moving past stuck/ stalled projects and in a way act as a deterrent for any future aggressive bidding by the developers. However genuine concessionaires should not be penalized which could caste a gloom over the sector which is just out of the woods and affect fresh investments by key players." PTI NAM MKJ

--- ENDS ---
Sen. Kamala Harris, a former prosecutor, compared the Russians social-media tactics in the 2016 election to the way criminal predators stalk their prey. They dangle something to ingratiate themselves to their potential victims, then, boom, they come in for the kill, Harris said.

In the case of the Russian exploitation of Facebook, Twitter and Google to disrupt American democracy by intensifying divisions among us to boost the candidacy of Donald Trump, the Democratic senator from California explained in a phone interview from Washington, the American people were their prey.

Social media advertising linked to Russian accounts, a sampling of which was made public last week, showed the sophistication in the targeting of American voters. For example, an adult whose likes and shares of online content reflected an interest in Christianity and right-wing personalities such as Rush Limbaugh and Bill OReilly would be singled out for a good-versus-evil post portraying Hillary Clinton as Satan in a struggle against Jesus Christ.

In very calculated ways, the Russians were able to figure out how to weaponize the algorithms of social media  the ability to customize content to receptive users  to inflame hatreds, cynicism and distrust among Americans toward one another and our institutions. While many of the posts had a pro-Trump bent, directly or indirectly, there were some that played to strong feelings in favor of causes such as Black Lives Matter.

They sought to amplify the divisions that existed in our country, said Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Dublin, a member of the House Intelligence Committee. Still, in ads that featured Trump and Clinton, it was clear they had a favored candidate, Swalwell added in a phone interview Friday.

There is no way of knowing how many Americans may had been motivated to vote or became dispirited and stayed home because of this stealth social media campaign. There also is no evidence to date that Team Trump or any other campaign helped point the Russian invaders to critical battleground areas.

Yet this much is certain: This was an attack on our democracy, every bit as much as the hacking of the Democratic National Committee emails that led to a succession of unflattering revelations about the party leaderships efforts on behalf of Clinton.

Facebook has estimated that 126 million people may have been served content from a page associated with Russias Internet Research Agency in 2015 and 2016. Not all of those posts would have been viewed. But the scale and intent of the assault is evident.

They had a goal of disrupting our democracy by undermining Americans confidence in their government and its institutions, noted Harris, a member of the Senates Select Committee on Intelligence.

Adding insult to injury, said Swalwell, was the fact that a Russian government-supported news network received ad-sharing revenue from the 1,100 YouTube videos it posted.

Not only were they interfering and trying to undermine our election, they got a return profit on that, which is completely maddening, Swalwell said.

This is an example of cyberwarfare in the 21st century.

The big question at the hearings on Capitol Hill last week was: How could this happen? These social media giants have come up with filters to screen out content, and thus keep operating, in countries with governments that are highly sensitive to their citizens protesting and organizing on the Internet. Surely they would have the technical tools and the will to protect their home country from foreign propaganda designed to unsettle our democracy. Right?

The answer from the three organizations, in short: We need to do better.

Some lawmakers were irked that the social media giants sent their lawyers, rather than their chief executives, to the meeting. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, for example, was sharing upbeat news on an earnings call with financial analysts while his general counsel was taking heat on Capitol Hill. Its online ads business had risen by 49 percent in the third quarter.

Perhaps the most devastating exchange of the week came when Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., pressed Facebooks general counsel Colin Stretch about why no red flags were raised when batches of political ads were purchased with Russian rubles.

You put billions of data points together all the time, Franken said. Thats what I hear these platforms do: Theyre the most sophisticated things invented by man, ever. Google has all knowledge that man has ever developed. You cant put together rubles with a political ad and go, hmm, these two data points spell out something bad?

Stretchs answer was impossibly lame: Senator, its a signal we should have been alert to and in hindsight.

Rubles plus political ads equals something suspicious. It shouldnt take a Silicon Valley genius to add it up.

Harris also received weak well get back to you answers when she pushed Google, Twitter and Facebook to disclose how much they had profited from legitimate ads placed on bogus content. Again: really? These companies that pride themselves on their skill at monetizing granular data have not been able to readily calculate their bottom line from their unwitting role in these schemes?

Heres the most unsettling takeaway from last weeks hearings. The social media companies have not necessarily figured out how to counter the last cyberbattle.

I asked each of them: Can you assure us that you know the full extent that the Russians were using their platforms, Swalwell said. And their answer was no.

And there is every reason to believe the Russians are preparing for the next one, in the 2018 midterms or the 2020 presidential election.

Next time, they (the Russians) are going to be smarter, Harris said.

It does not take a leap of imagination to assume other U.S. adversaries, whether North Korea or Iran or China, have taken note of the angst Russia inflicted on our electorate and institutions.

You think theyre not going to try? Harris asked. We have to be prepared.

John Diaz is The San Francisco Chronicles editorial page editor. Email: jdiaz@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JohnDiazChron

This is what foreign interference looks like

The U.S. House Intelligence Committee released these and other ads from Russian accounts on social media.
Facebook, Twitter, and Google went to Washington for congressional hearings about their role in disseminating foreign misinformation ahead of the 2016 presidential elections this week. Things didnt go well.

The tech giants started off on the wrong foot. They sent their lawyers to answer questions before the Senate and House committees, not their CEOs.

If we go through this exercise again, we would appreciate seeing the top people who are actually making the decision, said Sen. Angus King, I-Maine.

King has a point. These companies have faced a barrage of criticism for refusing to take their role in election interference seriously, despite a wealth of evidence that Russia took advantage of social networking to spread misinformation. Sending the CEOs would have sent a message that these companies understand the seriousness of Congress investigation. Not doing so suggests they still have plenty to learn.

It didnt get better from there. Some terrifying tidbits of information were revealed at the hearings  above all the fact that nearly 150 million people were exposed to Russian propaganda across several social media networks and websites, which is nearly 65 percent of eligible U.S. voters.

But, in general, the representatives were left frustrated by the tech companies vague answers to their specific questions about company operations.

In the House, Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Dublin, couldnt get an answer to his excellent question about whether Facebook had done duplicate searches on known Russian-run accounts. In the Senate, California Democrat Dianne Feinstein had to remind the companies of their responsibility to the American public.

I dont think you get it, Feinstein said. What were talking about is a cataclysmic change. ... Were not going to go away, gentlemen.

Congress must not go away. When so many people are relying on your networks for information, you have a responsibility to the public and to democracy. The tech giants need to start showing up and playing their part in preventing propaganda and misinformation.

This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters.
Theres good-demented, and then theres bad-demented.

Heres the good-demented. Youre inside a dome  incidentally, one very much like the Epcot Center, except its plated in gold, with spiky gold stalactites plunging down from its rafters. From this caves floor, multiple gold towers like the Empire State Building stretch skyward, bedecked on every tier with strings of gold beads and other treasures. Tap dancers seem to wear a patina of rhinestones as a second skin. On top of all this, miniature fireworks explode.

It might not be the rendition of Friend Like Me you remember from the 1992 film version of Disneys Aladdin, about the eponymous street rat but diamond in the rough who through his adventures with a genie learns to be himself and thus get a girl and a sultanate. But in its translation to live performance, the touring Broadway production periodically creates stupefying spectacle.

A Lisa Frank color palette glows vibrantly. Marketplace buildings are incandescent, as if theyd be hot as smoldering coals to the touch. Lighting designer Natasha Katz and scenic designer Bob Crowley evoke the desert with surprising shades: Dunes are ruby red, the crepuscular sky sapphire blue, giving depth and mystery to what could be a desolate landscape, cannily suggesting the riches that Aladdin (Adam Jacobs) is about to discover.

But the show, which opened Thursday, Nov. 2, at SHNs Orpheum Theatre, is often just plain stupefying, unforgivably so.

The 1992 animated feature was a textbook example of the phenomenon of Orientalism, whereby Western artists exoticize and misrepresent Eastern cultures, perpetuating colonialist stereotypes of the East as primitive and conquerable, propping up the West as intellectually and culturally superior. One of the movies first lyrics describes Arabia as a land where they cut off your ear if they dont like your face; its barbaric, but hey, its home. The musical rewrites the first half of that lyric  its now about how hot the desert is  but keeps the its barbaric part.

Other sins, though, the musical makes little attempt at correcting. Like the movie, the musical mixes the fezes of Ottoman Empire with architecture reminiscent of the Taj Mahal while making jokes about the pyramids of Egypt and the Israelites yet, if were to take our cue from the opening number Arabian Nights, ostensibly taking place in the Arabian Peninsula. Opening the show, the Genie (Anthony Murphy), emphasizes that its set in a fictional location, but fictional isnt the same as plundering bits and pieces from multiple continents worth of real cultures, as if theyre all the same or interchangeable, and then Frankensteining them into some pastiche.

Some sequences, directed by Casey Nicholaw, conjure that old-fashioned Disney charm. The best number, High Adventure, wasnt even in the original film; featuring Aladdins buddies Babkak (Zach Bencal), Omar (Philippe Arroyo) and Kassim (Mike Longo) as they storm the palace to rescue their pal, it has high-octane silliness and surprise-packed physical comedy worthy of the Three Stooges.

But mostly, the show treats us as the stooges, appending a slew of puns and pop culture references  even maniacally referencing most of the other hit Disney cartoons of the 1990s. Musical arrangements, played by a live orchestra conducted by Brent-Alan Huffman, can be as lethargic as Princess Jasmine (Isabelle McCalla) and Aladdins magic carpet ride, which is about as soaring, tumbling, freewheeling as a semi trying to back up without jackknifing. Acting disappoints, especially Murphys Genie, who amps up the roles cartoonishness to the detriment of its humanity.

With this musical, the cartoon is less cartoonish.

Lily Janiak is The San Francisco Chronicles theater critic. Email: ljaniak@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LilyJaniak

Disneys Aladdin: Book by Chad Beguelin. Music by Alan Menken. Lyrics by Tim Rice, Howard Ashman and Beguelin. Through Jan. 7. Two hours, 25 minutes. $45-213, subject to change. Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St., S.F. (888) 746-1799. www.shnsf.com

To see a preview: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeW0UjBYiIA&feature=youtu.be
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Rent control policies in San Francisco may have fueled gentrification, Stanford economists say.

Stanford economists Rebecca Diamond and Tim McQuade, who published their findings last month, said occupants of rent-controlled apartments built before 1980 are 20 percent more likely to stay than other renters.

It might seem that rent-control policies, therefore, act as a bastion against gentrification, by allowing and encouraging long-term residents to stay, but the researchers say that's not exactly the case.

"Rent control exacerbates the housing shortage by pushing landlords to remove supply of rental housing," Diamond told SFGATE.

She explained that the expansion of rent control "would likely benefit current tenants, especially older ones who likely do not need to move very often," but in the long term, "the rental market will make all rents even more expensive by causing landlords to remove supply."

In 1994, San Francisco residents voted to expand rent-control policies and grant certain protections to renters in pre-1980 apartments. Some landlords subject to the initiative responded by converting their holdings into condos and single-family homes, or redeveloping the buildings to exempt them from rent control, said researchers, who added that this reduced the city's rental housing supply by 15 percent and led to a 7-percent citywide rent increase.

The authors posit that "substitution toward owner occupied and high-end new construction rental housing likely fueled the gentrification of San Francisco, as these types of properties cater to higher income individuals."

Anya Svanoe with Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE) says San Francisco's rent-control policies have been flawed from the start. Rent control itself is not the problem, she said, but a "loophole" in the San Francisco legislation that allows landlords to increase rent an unlimited amount whenever a master tenant moves.

"Rent control is an immediate solution that will provide relief to families experiencing displacement today," she said. In the longterm, construction of affordable housing is essential for those most threatened by displacement.

"For-profit developers build to make a profit, and that's not the kind of housing we need," she said.

The Stanford study found landlords with property in desirable neighborhoods were more likely to try to remove their tenants, either through move-in evictions, buy outs or the Ellis Act, a law that allows landlords to evict tenants if they intend to remove their property from the rental market (by converting it to condos, for example).

Renters impacted by a decreased housing supply could be protected against with governmental insurance, such as subsidies or tax credit, against large rent increases, the study authors say, which would shift responsibility from landlords.

The Stanford study comes at a moment when Bay Area residents must contend with rising rents the average rental price of a two-bedroom apartment in the city is $4,248, according to Rentcafe  and rampant gentrification.

Under current state law, housing built after the passage of the 1995 Costa-Hawkins Act cannot be subject to rent control. A proposed new ballot measure, filed by ACCE, would repeal Costa-Hawkins and allow cities to create new rent-controlled residences for the first time in more than 20 years. To qualify for the 2018 ballot, the measure will require 365,880 signatures.

Seven Bay Area cities, including Berkeley and Oakland, have rent control regulations. According to a 2014 policy proposal from local advocacy organization Spur, San Francisco has 172,000 rent-controlled units, which comprises about 75 percent of the city's rental stock. In its proposal, Spur urged for the protection of existing rent-controlled housing coupled with doubling the amount of subsidized units and reinvestment in the public housing stock.

Michelle Robertson is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @mrobertsonsf.
Executives of Facebook, Twitter and Google pledged to Congress last week to do more to prevent the fakery that has polluted their sites.

We understand that the people you represent expect authentic experiences, Colin Stretch, general counsel of Facebook, told the Senate Intelligence Committee. He said the company was doubling its review staff to 20,000 and using artificial intelligence to find more bad actors.

Mr. Stretch, meet Keven S. Eversley. Eversleys Facebook profile informs us that he is from Minneapolis. But a glance at the Web address for his profile reveals a different name for its creator: Aleksandar Teovski. And nearly all of his Facebook friends, his family photographs, his alma mater and even his employer are in Macedonia, a center for Internet fakery.

Despite months of talk about the problem of fraud facing Facebook and other tech companies, and vows to root it out, their sites remain deeply infected by obvious counterfeits. The Russian influence operation during the 2016 election, which occasioned the three congressional hearings this week, is only one especially consequential sample of a far larger problem, in which the services are gamed for profit or political influence.

Most experts say financial motives are far more common than political goals. Keven Eversley is probably a case in point. Every few days, his profile posts links to sensational, if fact-challenged, articles, all from the same obscure website: conswriters.com: President Trump has ended welfare for immigrants; the FBI was ordered to halt its investigation into the mass shooting in Las Vegas; Hillary Clinton was hit with terrible news about Benghazi, Libya.

Conswriters.com, like hundreds of clickbait sites, pastes enticing headlines on articles that read like the work of time-pressed high school students. But it is packed with Google ads that generate revenue for every click, highlighting Googles foundational role in the ecosystem of online deception.

Jonathan Zittrain, who studies the Internet and society at Harvard, said the companies are reluctant to aggressively purge bogus users and deceptive content because of their business model, which is built on signing up more and more people.

These platforms are oriented to maximize user growth and retention, Zittrain said. That means not throwing up even tiny hurdles along the signup runway, and not closing accounts without significant cause. I suspect they figure there are enough accounts that are the subject of complaints to review without looking for more to assess.

It takes no great technical expertise to spot the dubious accounts, and amateur sleuths around the country have taken up the task. Zachary Elwood, a technical writer and an author of poker books in Portland, Ore., who started tracking evidence of fake Facebook profiles this year, found dozens of impostors, including Eversley.

With 2.3 billion users worldwide, Facebook relies on complaints to police its content. So, Elwood used Facebooks internal complaint tool to report the Eversley profile and 27 others showing evidence of deception. In all but a couple of cases, Facebook responded with a standard message of thanks for the feedback but said the profiles did not violate its community standards  even though those standards require users to give their authentic identities.

The reporting process is frustrating, Elwood said. Facebook seems to be lagging way behind the problem.

Facebook estimates that about 200 million of its more than 2.07 billion users may be fakes. Sean Edgett, Twitters general counsel, testified before Congress that about 5 percent of its 330 million users are false accounts or spam, which would add up to more than 16 million fakes.

Independent experts say the real numbers are far higher.

Scott Shane and Mike Isaac are New York Times writers.
By PTI: Los Angeles, Nov 4 (PTI) Up to four times more coastal glaciers in Greenland are at risk of accelerated melting than previously thought, say scientists who have mapped the regions coastal seafloor and bedrock beneath its massive ice sheet.

Researchers from NASA and the University of California Irvine in the US created the most comprehensive, accurate and high-resolution relief maps ever made of Greenlands bedrock and coastal seafloor.

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Among the many data sources incorporated into the new maps is data from NASAs Ocean Melting Greenland campaign.

The OMG campaign surveyed large sections of the Greenland coast for the first time ever.

The new maps reveal that two to four times more oceanfront glaciers extend deeper than 200 metres below sea level than earlier maps showed.

That is bad news, because the top 182 metres of water around Greenland comes from the Arctic and is relatively cold, according to the study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

The water below it comes from farther south and is three to four degrees Celsius warmer than the water above. Deeper- seated glaciers are exposed to this warmer water, which melts them more rapidly.

The team used the maps to refine their estimate of Greenlands total volume of ice and its potential to add to global sea level rise if the ice were to melt completely, which is not expected to occur within the next few hundred years.

The new estimate is higher by seven centimetres for a total of 7.42 metres.

"These results suggest that Greenlands ice is more threatened by changing climate than we had anticipated," said OMG principal investigator Josh Willis of NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). PTI MHN SAR APA

--- ENDS ---
Wells Fargo & Co. added $1 billion in the third quarter to what it says the bank may face in possible legal expenses.

Legal costs could potentially be $3.3 billion more than what the San Francisco bank has reserved, Wells Fargo said Friday in a regulatory filing. Though that figure is unchanged from the previous three-month period, it constitutes a $1 billion increase because Wells Fargo moved a similar amount into legal reserves during the period.
Bill Hutchinson / Bill Hutchinson /

San Jose police arrested a 20-year-old man Friday on suspicion of hitting an officer with his car and then fleeing the scene.

The suspect, Arturo Huerta-Cabrera, struck the officer during a traffic stop on Oct. 29 for reckless driving on Hotstetter Road near Highway 680. Huerta-Cabrera sped away, leading officers from the police and sheriffs departments and the Highway Patrol on a chase through various parts of San Jose.
A man hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after police say he critically wounded a San Francisco police officer during a shootout was identified Saturday as a 32-year-old Hayward resident.

Police named Sesar Valadez as the suspect in an officer-involved shooting on Halloween night in the Castro. Valadez remained under police custody at a hospital Saturday. He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, resisting arrest, driving a stolen vehicle and a number of weapons violations.

The violations include being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing a firearm with obliterated serial numbers, and discharging a firearm in a negligent manner, authorities said.

The wounded officer was not officially named but has been identified by police as a 41-year-old man, crime scene investigator and nine-year veteran of the department. He was listed in critical but stable condition after surgery, police said Saturday.

Emergency dispatch recordings indicate the officer was shot in the stomach and the hand.

Officers on foot patrol in the Castro neighborhood on Halloween were investigating a report of a suspicious car near 18th and Diamond streets at 12:03 a.m. Wednesday when the shooting occurred, according to police. Officials have released few details on what happened.

As officers approached the car to investigate, the suspect and at least one officer exchanged gunfire, authorities said. Dispatch recordings indicate that a man was locked inside the car and refused police orders to come out, but its unclear what followed. Police later determined the car, a gray Chrysler sedan, was stolen.

Within less than 10 minutes, a taxi was reported carjacked at Diamond and Market streets, less than 300 feet away. Police were investigating whether it was related to the shooting.

A man in his 20s and two women, whose ages were not known, flagged a taxi in the area. The man pulled a gun, ordered the cabdriver out of the sport utility vehicle, and sped off. The stolen vehicle, operated by Super Cab, was later found abandoned on Oakwood Street, police said.

One of the female suspects wore a black-and-white skull mask that was later found by police, according to dispatch recordings. The three suspects remain at large.

The Castro, once known for major street parties on Halloween, scaled back on the festivities after nine people were injured in shootings there in 2006. Those incidents and others led authorities to shut down the neighborhoods official street party in 2009.

Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno
John Mollo, a largely self-taught historian whose expertise on military uniforms led George Lucas to choose him to design costumes for Star Wars, winning Mr. Mollo the first of two Academy Awards, died Oct. 25 in Wilshire, England. He was 86.

His death, in a care facility, was confirmed by his wife, Louise Mollo, who said he had vascular dementia.

Mr. Mollo had a long career in the movies, creating costumes for Richard Attenboroughs epic Gandhi (1982), which brought him his second Oscar; the Revolutionary War drama Revolution (1985) with Al Pacino; Cry Freedom (1987) with Denzel Washington as the South African freedom fighter Steve Biko; Chaplin (1992), with Robert Downey Jr. in the title role; and The Empire Strikes Back (1980), the second installment in the first Star Wars trilogy.

Mr. Mollo had been fascinated by military uniforms since childhood, and his grounding in history made him adept at creating verisimilitude in worlds both imagined and remembered. He wrote for historical publications and produced painstakingly researched, sumptuously illustrated books about regimental raiment from different eras, including Uniforms of the American Revolution (1975, illustrated by Malcolm McGregor).

He was also a consultant on historical films before Lucas recruited him for Star Wars. Lucas wanted costumes that made his fantasy universe feel authentic, and they were not to be so flashy that they outshined the actors. Mr. Mollo fit the bill, even though Star Wars would be Mr. Mollos first film as a costume designer and his first encounter with science fiction.

Luckily, my total ignorance of science fiction wasnt a problem, Mr. Mollo wrote in a foreword to Brandon Alingers book Star Wars Costumes: The Original Trilogy (2014), as he didnt want his film (then called The Star Wars) to look spacey  none of the wide shoulders and flying capes of the Flash Gordon school  in fact, he said, in a memorable understatement, I dont want anyone to notice the costumes.

Mr. Mollos costumes, intricate but appearing lived-in, were based on Lucas instructions and on his own sketches and those of a concept artist, Ralph McQuarrie, who drew some of the earliest renderings of many of the characters.

The results included the weather-beaten martial arts outfit of Luke Skywalker, played by Mark Hamill; the monkish robes of Obi Wan-Kenobi, played by Alec Guinness; the dusty cowboy look of Han Solo, played by Harrison Ford; and the pure white dress draped over Princess Leia, played by Carrie Fisher.

For the dark side, Mr. Mollo encased the imperial storm troopers in hard white carapaces and masks and hid Darth Vader, played by David Prowse and voiced by James Earl Jones, in a swooping black cloak and a helmet that brought to mind that of a samurai. The imperial outfits were designed to embody a fascist, dehumanizing order.

Mr. Mollo said he had never expected the film to be the blockbuster it became on its release in 1977.

Most of the crew thought that the film was a bit odd while we were making it, he told The Times of London in 2012. We doubted that it would ever be shown. And I remember someone asking me what I was doing and I said, Its sort of a space Western and one of the heroes is a dustbin.

Star Wars, the surprise hit of the year, won six Oscars, including the one for Mr. Mollos costumes. He accepted it at the award ceremonies flanked by actors dressed as Darth Vader and storm troopers.

As youve seen, the costumes in Star Wars are really not so much costumes as a bit of plumbing and general automobile engineering, he said in his acceptance speech.

His second Academy Award, for Gandhi, was shared with Bhanu Athaiya. It was one of eight won by the film, including best picture.

John Mollo was born in London on March 18, 1931. His mother, the former Ella Cockell, was an artist. His father, Eugene Mollo, escaped Russia in the 1920s and started a company built around a process for spraying cement.

Mr. Mollo traced his love of military uniforms to his watching the film Clive of India (1935) when he was a child and returning home from the movie theater to sketch the costume of King George II of Britain. He grew up in London and near the town of Farnham, in Surrey, and studied in a local school in Godalming before attending an art school in Farnham.

Mr. Mollo served in the Kings Shropshire Light Infantry in Hong Kong, ending his service shortly before the Korean War began.

After returning home, he helped run his fathers cement company and studied military history on the side, conferring with historians and conducting his own research. His other books include Military Fashion (1972) and Uniforms of the Seven Years War (1977, also with illustrations by Malcolm McGregor).

His first film work came by way of his brother, Andrew, who was also a military historian and film consultant. Andrew recommended him for Tony Richardsons remake of The Charge of the Light Brigade (1968), set in the Crimean War. Mr. Mollo supervised the creation of about 3,000 military uniforms.

Mr. Mollo also designed costumes for science fiction films like Ridley Scotts Alien (1979) and Paul W.S. Andersons Event Horizon (1997).

His first marriage, to Ann Farquharson, ended in divorce. He married Louise Pongracz in 1968. Besides her, he is survived by a son, Thomas; his brother, Andrew; and three grandchildren.

Mr. Mollos last work as a costume designer was on a series of television movies adapted from C.S. Foresters novels about the Napoleonic War officer Horatio Hornblower, the last of which was shown in 2003.

Daniel E. Slotnik is a New York Times writer.
After nearly two decades, the Bad Plus is shaking things up, replacing the bands co-founder Ethan Iverson with pianist Orrin Evans.

But first, Bay Area fans of the avant-garde jazz trio get to bask in their sound as the original lineup performs a string of shows at SFJazz Centers Miner Auditorium.

The Bad Plus, which consists of Reid Anderson (double bass), Dave King (drums, toy percussion) and Iverson, kicked off its four-night run at SFJazz on Thursday, Nov. 2, with a 100-minute show that explored its impressive history of well-honed interplay, idiosyncratic original compositions and crowd-favorite covers.

The 17-year-old group and its members have a history of memorable gigs in the Bay Area  their arrangement of Stravinskys The Rite of Spring with the Mark Morris Dance Group in a Cal Performances concert in 2014, Iverson doing an all-request solo piano lounge gig at the centers Joe Henderson Lab in 2015 and King debuting his quartet in Miner earlier this year  and Thursday night will be remembered as one of them.

Like other keyboard-based trios that emerged at the turn of the century like Brad Mehldaus, Jason Morans Bandwagon and Medeski, Martin + Wood, the Minnesota-bred group became known in part for interpreting new standards. All three members are distinct composers is their own rights, too, and would intersperse their wry originals in concert and on albums with their takes on modern classics such as David Bowies Life on Mars? or Abbas Knowing Me, Knowing You.

But on this night, the Bad Plus started off with Everywhere You Turn, Andersons own composition, and from there the three were in perfect sync.

The first new chestnut during the performance was Time After Time, made famous by Cyndi Lauper and later covered by trumpeter and jazz great Miles Davis. The slow and syncopated arrangement had Iverson playing the familiar melody, King making his own rhythmic statement and Anderson acting as the harmonic center.

Kings free-flowing The Empire Strikes Backwards and Andersons lovely Neptune (The Planet) followed, with Iverson utilizing cascading higher-register arpeggios and upper-octave chords on the latter to sublime effect.

Interestingly, there were no typical extended version of songs until Iversons jazz-styled County Seat about an hour in. Other solos were embedded within pieces, with the other two instrumentalists effortlessly accompanying.

After four other originals, they concluded with a cover of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs Maps. (The New York rockers played it themselves three nights earlier at their sold-out reunion show at Oaklands Fox Theater.) Anderson and King intensely plucked and pounded, respectively, as Iversons treble-heavy playing seemed to float above the musical tension. The three then locked in for some furious, abstract playing that would likely have earned the Yeah Yeah Yeahs nod of approval.

Then the trio returned for an encore in which Iverson performed an unaccompanied chordal introduction to Nirvanas Smells Like Teen Spirit. A de facto greatest hit for the band, the grunge-era classic was featured on the Bad Plus breakthrough major-label debut, These Are the Vistas. The crowd seemed as if it was going to headbang or at least sing along, but settled instead for a well-deserved standing ovation.

The Bad Plus, which concludes its San Francisco stay Sunday, Nov. 5, will reboot with Evans after a weeklong run at the Village Vanguard in New York City that ends on New Years Eve. Iverson, who is departing because of creative differences, plans to play in other settings including his own groups and bands led by revered elders such as drummer Billy Hart.

Yoshi Kato is a freelance writer.

The Bad Plus: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 3-4; 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. Miner Auditorium, SFJazz Center, 201 Franklin St., S.F. www.sfjazz.org
HOUSTON  U.S. authorities on Friday released a 10-year-old immigrant girl with cerebral palsy who had been detained by border agents after surgery because she is in the U.S. without legal permission.

The ACLU and U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro said that Rosa Maria Hernandez was returned Friday afternoon to her family. Her parents brought her into the U.S. from Mexico in 2007, when she was an infant, and they live in the Texas border city of Laredo.

A cousin who is an American citizen took Rosa Maria from Laredo to a childrens hospital in Corpus Christi on Oct. 24, where she was scheduled to have emergency gallbladder surgery. To get to Corpus Christi, about 150 miles away, she had to pass through an interior checkpoint in South Texas operated by the Border Patrol.

Border Patrol agents followed Rosa Maria and the cousin to the hospital, then took the girl into custody after the surgery and transported her to a facility in San Antonio for unaccompanied immigrant minors, under the custody of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The Border Patrol has said it had no choice but to detain Rosa Maria, arguing that she was considered an unaccompanied minor under federal law, the same as a child who crosses into the United States alone without legal permission.

The ACLU sued the government on Rosa Marias behalf Tuesday, arguing that the U.S. government violated federal law on unaccompanied minors and endangered Rosa Marias health by not sending her home.

She never should have been in this situation in the first place, ACLU lawyer Michael Tan said Friday. There is no reason Border Patrol had to target a child.

Though Rosa Maria has been reunited with her family, she still faces the threat of deportation. Tan said Friday that Border Patrol agents had issued Rosa Maria a notice to appear in immigration court, but that the case had yet to move forward.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which oversees the Border Patrol, declined to comment. HHS declined to comment on Rosa Marias case, but said the agencys focus was on the safety and best interest of each child.

Nomaan Merchant is an Associated Press writer.
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The man who killed 58 people at a country music festival in Las Vegas last month had been depressed after losing a significant amount of money in the past two years and that may have been a determining factor in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history, the citys sheriff said.

Gunman Stephen Paddock, a 64-year-old high-stakes gambler and real estate investor, had lost a significant amount of wealth since September 2015, which led to bouts of depression, Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo said in an interview with Las Vegas news station KLAS-TV.

This individual was status-driven, based on how he liked to be recognized in the casino environment and how he liked to be recognized by his friends and family, Lombardo said. So, obviously, that was starting to decline in the short period of time, and that may have had a determining effect on why he did what he did.

Investigators still have not determined exactly what led Paddock to unleash a barrage of gunfire at concertgoers from his high-rise suite at the Mandalay Bay hotel and casino on Oct. 1.

Paddock killed himself after the massacre that also wounded more than 500 people. Las Vegas police and the FBI have examined his politics, any possible radicalization and his social behavior but turned up little.

Investigators have found that Paddock planned his attack meticulously and was purposeful in concealing his actions, the sheriff said.

The gunman requested an upper-floor room overlooking the Route 91 Harvest Festival; stockpiled 23 guns, a dozen of them modified to fire continuously like an automatic weapon; and set up cameras inside and outside his room to watch for approaching officers.

One of the laptops found in Paddocks hotel suite was missing a hard drive, and searches of his internet history turned up nothing unusual.

Investigators found no evidence that Paddock had help carrying out the attack but are continuing to question his girlfriend, who was visiting family members in the Philippines during the massacre.

Marilou Danley is still considered a person of interest in the investigation, Lombardo said. The FBI previously questioned her about Paddocks gun purchases and what she may have noticed about his behavior.

Danley has repeatedly denied knowing anything about the attack and said Paddock never said or did anything that would have led her to believe he was going to carry out a massacre.

In the wide-ranging, two-part interview, the sheriff said he believed Stephen Paddock was able to carry the guns into the hotel unnoticed by bringing them in separate bags over several days. He said Paddock was known among casino staff and nothing appeared unusual.

Michael Balsamo is an Associated Press writer.
Although Gujarat Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani did not promise that he would back Congress in upcoming polls, he at least assured Rahul Gandhi that his followers would not vote for BJP.

By India Today Web Desk: In his bid to woo dynamic leaders from different castes and communities ahead of the Gujarat Assembly election, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Friday met Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani.

Although Mevani did not promise that he would back the Congress, he at least assured Rahul that he would ask his followers not to vote for the BJP.

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The 36-year-old 'Rashtriya Dalit Adhikar Manch' leader, who first hogged the headlines after the incident of thrashing of Dalits in Gujarat's Una last year, met the Congress leader in Navsari. Mevani said Rahul assured him that the Congress would incorporate 90 per cent of his demands in their party's election manifesto.

The closed-door meeting between Rahul and Mevani at a farmhouse on the outskirts of Navsari lasted for about 30 minutes.

"Since the Una incident, we have launched numerous agitations and submitted memorandums. Despite all that, the thick-skinned BJP government, which is not only anti-Dalit but also anti-people, has not considered even one of our demands. They have not bothered to even talk to us", Mevani told reporters after the meeting.

CONG HEARD DALITS' DEMANDS: MEVANI

On the other hand, the Congress patiently heard the demands of the Dalit community and has promised to accept most of them, Mevani added.

Several Dalit youths were flogged in Una in 2016 on the suspicion of cow slaughter when they were skinning a dead animal.

"We had a detailed discussion with Rahulji on our 17 demands. Rahulji not only listened to us, but said that over 90 per cent of them were our constitutional rights. He assured us that most of the legitimate demands would be included in the Congress manifesto", he said.

Asked whether he would advise Dalits to vote for the Congress in the upcoming polls, Mevani said, "I will ask my community not to vote for the BJP."

The demands include five acres of farmland to each Dalit family, alternative employment for those involved in cattle- skinning and manual scavenging, and the release of a probe report on the incident of firing on the community members at Thangadh in Surendranagar district in 2012.

"We listen to everyone and work after hearing their problems - be it Jignesh, Hardik (Patidar quota stir leader Hardik Patel) or Alpesh (OBC leader Alpesh Thakor)", Rahul said after the meeting.

BJP ONLY INTERESTED IN ITS OWN MANN KI BAAT: RAHUL

On the other hand, the BJP is only interested in making the people listen to its "Mann Ki Baat", the Congress vice-president said, taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's monthly radio programme.

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The Congress, out of power in the key western state for over 22 years now, has been trying to woo three young leaders, who have emerged on Gujarat's political firmament in recent times through various agitations.

OBC leader Alpesh Thakor has already joined the party.

Hardik Patel, the Patidar quota stir leader, the most prominent among the three, has so far not declared support to the Congress, but has been critical of the BJP.

The 24-year-old recently met the Congress' in-charge for Gujarat Ashok Gehlot and listed a set of demands, including reservation for the influential Patel community in government jobs and educational institutions in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.

The Congress, however, has promised that it would provide quotas to the community under the Economically Backward Classes (EBC) category.

The first round of talks between Gujarat Congress leaders took place on October 30, but the quota issue remained unresolved. However, it accepted the four other demands put forward by Patel, who did not attend the talks.

WHAT HAS CONGRESS AGREED TO SO FAR

Congress agreed to the demand for formation of a special investigation team (SIT), if voted to power, to investigate alleged atrocities against the members of the community during the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) rally in Ahmedabad on August 25-26, 2015, senior Congress leader Siddharth Patel said. He said legal action would be taken against those found guilty.

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It also promised withdrawal of all police cases against Hardik's PAAS members, including on the serious charge of sedition. If voted to power, the Congress government would make an ex gratia payment of Rs 35 lakh to the kin of those killed during the quota agitation and a government job to one member of their families, Patel said.

The Congress would form a commission for general category communities and provide it with a corpus of Rs 2,000 crore for education, skill development and self-employment, he said.

The reservation issue, however, can prove a major hurdle in Hardik Patel's extending support to the Congress as Alpesh Thakor, who heads the Kshatriya Thakor Sena, has been opposed to reservation to the Patels within the quota meant for the backward classes.

In fact, Thakor had launched an agitation to counter the one led by Hardik Patel for reservation for his community.

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(WITH INPUTS FROM PTI)

ALSO WATCH VIDEO | Gujarat model meant to serve the rich, of no help to the poor: Rahul in Bharuch rally

--- ENDS ---
LOS ANGELES  The nations largest port complex has approved a sweeping plan to slash air pollution by encouraging the phaseout of diesel trucks in favor of natural gas and, ultimately, zero-emission trucks and cargo-handling equipment over the next two decades.

The Clean Air Action Plan, unanimously adopted at a joint meeting of Los Angeles and Long Beach harbor commissioners, provides a framework for transforming the huge hub for freight-moving trucks, trains and ships to cleaner technologies through 2035. But it leaves many details undetermined, including who will pay for up to $14 billion in cleaner trucks and equipment and which industries will benefit.

The plan is the most significant and expensive environmental initiative yet by the ports, which have sought to distinguish themselves from competitors over the past decade by pioneering air quality improvements, some of which have been replicated by other seaports and enshrined by California regulators.

Despite dramatic reductions in diesel emissions under the ports 2006 clean-air plan, the Angeles-Long Beach port complex remains the largest single source of air pollution in Southern California, with progress tapering off in recent years.

State and local air quality regulators say attacking the ports overwhelmingly diesel-fueled operations is crucial to cleaning the nations worst smog to meet federal health standards, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and easing asthma, lung cancer and other pollution-triggered health problems from harbor-area communities to the Inland Empire region.

Also to be seen are the economic impacts of transforming the ports, which handle about 40 percent of U.S. imports, and support hundreds of thousands of jobs across Southern California. Though the volume of shipping containers moving through the complex has tripled since the mid-1990s, the ports face increasing competition from East and Gulf Coast ports, which have less stringent environmental mandates.

By adopting the plan, the ports are expecting businesses and taxpayers to foot the bill for improvements in air quality and public health. They are also sending a signal to manufacturers there will be demand for cleaner trucks, freight-moving equipment and, ultimately, models with no tailpipe emissions.

Another question is how quickly the ports strategies will reduce emissions and whether they will satisfy the demands of state and local regulators, who are increasingly targeting port pollution for reductions they say are crucial to reduce health risks and clean smog in time to meet federal deadlines.

Though the plan outlines goals to switch to zero-emission cargo-handling equipment by 2030 and trucks by 2035 and slash greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050, it lacks new targets for reducing smog-forming emissions.

Key to the plan is a new Clean Trucks Program, which seeks to phase out oldest, dirtiest diesel trucks, transition to cleaner natural gas models, and ultimately switch to electric and other zero-emissions models.

Starting mid-2018, new big rigs entering the ports registry must have engines of model year 2014 or newer, which must meet more stringent emissions standards.

In 2020, trucks will have to meet a stricter, near-zero-emissions standard, or be charged a fee to enter port terminals.

Starting in 2023, trucks must meet or exceed the near-zero emissions standard to enter the registry.

By 2035, only zero-emission vehicles will be exempt from those charges.

Before casting their votes, harbor commissioners heard from environmentalists, community groups and local elected officials, some holding their asthma inhalers, who expressed disappointment with the plan. They said it does not go far enough to mandate the cleanest technologies and to ease the pollution-triggered illnesses residents in the shadow of the ports have long suffered.

Urging accelerated deployment of thousands of cleaner, near-zero emissions trucks was the natural gas industry, which in the short-term is expected to reap the benefits of incentives to encourage the deployment of such near-zero technologies.

Commissioners also heard from representatives of Tesla Motors Inc. and other manufacturers who said heavy-duty electric trucks would be commercially viable sooner than expected. State air regulators urged them to seek to ramp up commercialization of zero-emission trucks quickly and to push for cleaner ships and locomotives.

Some environmental groups criticized the plan as a huge windfall to the natural gas industry and said it lacks clear milestones to force the adoption of zero-emission trucks.

Its not a path to zero-emission trucks, its a natural gas plan, said Morgan Wyenn, an attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council. And its a very expensive distraction from where we need to go.

Port officials defended the plan as striking a balance between near-term reductions in air pollution and zero emissions goals, and economic and health concerns. They portrayed it as technology neutral plan that doesnt mandate natural gas or any fuel in particular, but leaves it to industry to decide how to comply.

Business groups, cargo-moving industries and truckers have criticized the plans estimated price tag of $8 billion to $14 billion, which they say could cause more shippers to divert cargo to ports that dont have such environmental constraints.

John McLaurin, president of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, told commissioners he remains concerned about that cost and its potential negative impacts on port competitiveness and the 1 in 9 jobs in the Southern California region that are reliant on the ports.

The projected cost of the plan dwarfs the nearly $2 billion in public and private funds it took to implement the 2006 clean-air plan. That has stoked fears among truckers that they will be made to shoulder the cost of expensive, and perhaps less reliable natural gas-fueled rigs, then battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell models.

The plan includes assurances that it should not fall solely on the drivers to fund the transition to a new truck fleet to serve the Ports. But labor and community groups said it lacks sufficient safeguards for drivers.

In opening remarks, Mayor Eric Garcetti suggested that expected advances in technology will create a market for electric vehicles that will eventually reach a tipping point, even without firm benchmarks by the ports.

We will get to zero emissions, make no mistake, said Garcetti, who drives an electric vehicle. That technology is moving more quickly than we know. What we dont want to do is tip our hat one way or the other and mandate a huge redo of an industry just to flip it again.

Garcetti urged regulators to secure the funds needed to make that transition and expressed confidence in officials to hold our feet to the fire and to implement this the right way.

Tony Barboza is a Los Angles Times writer.
In light of John Kellys recent commentary on Robert E. Lee, it is indeed time to reassess the reputation of a distinguished general  namely, John Kelly.

The White House chief of staff and former Marine would have us believe that Lee, the rebel commander whose invasions of the North precipitated historically bloody battles, was an honorable man fighting not for slavery but rather because of both sides unfortunate lack of an ability to compromise. Which is quite a barrel of moonlight-and-magnolias moonshine, especially coming from a Bostonian who once helped lead the forces on which Lee waged devastating war.

Kellys Dixie-whistling amateur historiography followed his rearguard defense of President Trumps botched attempt to offer condolences to a soldiers widow. Its probably not a coincidence that in both cases, Kelly made misleading claims to absolve a white mans errors at the expense of African Americans. Lee, he argued, should not be judged by modern standards; Kelly, to his detriment, will be.

Josh Gohlke, editorial writer
Well, so much for a fair trial for Sayfullo Saipov in this country when the president of the United States has already recommended the death penalty having abrogated the presumption of innocence principle referenced in the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution. As heinous as Saipovs alleged crimes were, he is nonetheless entitled to due process.

Perhaps the victims of his alleged crimes and their families would be better served if he were tried in a military court as an enemy combatant where the rule of law might be less likely to be compromised.

Antoinette Doyle, San Rafael

Marijuana sales

Regarding Pot proposal aims to help victims of failed drug war (Nov. 2): I read the article with my mouth hanging open in total disbelief.

My conclusion is that between the plan being developed by the Board of Supervisors and the exceedingly high taxes proposed on the sale of pot, that only in San Francisco could they manage to screw up something like selling marijuana. I predict it will be more difficult, expensive, unfair and crooked to sell marijuana legally than it ever was to sell it on the street.

Allan Horn, Orinda

Leash up dogs

Regarding Dog walkers celebrate win, but despair over ugly process (Open Forum, Nov. 2): Off-leash absolutists are sore winners. Laura Pandapas describes the Audubon Society, the Sierra Club and the National Parks Conservation Association as powerful groups.

But not only did they fail to make their point of view prevail (namely, that the National Park Service does have a responsibility to manage its properties for wildlife and public safety as well as recreational freedom), they failed even to get it heard in local media. What happens next? Well, the remaining wildlife foolish enough to require habitat within a recreation area will continue to be at risk, along with human visitors and their own pets, at the rate of 300-plus documented incidents per year.

Unfortunately, Pandapas probably speaks for most of her community in considering those claims baseless. They are not baseless. Dog-bite statistics are compiled from police records. Your freedom, off-leashers, comes at the expense of endangered species and public safety. Whenever possible, please leash up or use alternative sites that dont put you in conflict with other people or with wildlife.

James Compton, Walnut Creek

Trumps good points

President Trump was not my first choice, nor my second, third or fourth, but he won the nomination and the election, and I am supporting and respecting him.

The press and liberals are doing everything they can to destroy and defame him. So, let me point out his good points: Hes not a professional politician. Hes a successful businessman. Hes very intelligent, truly loves his country, hes not in it for the money (hes not taking a salary), and hes a good family man.

Trump has the welfare of the American people foremost at hand. Hes trying to protect us against future terrorist attacks, he stands up against our would-be enemies. He doesnt drink or smoke, hes anti-drugs. One thing I especially like, he has a beautiful wife. A local radio talk show host said President Trump would be a positive role model for our younger generation if the liberals would stop tainting our kids against him, and I agree.

John Mullany, Point Richmond

Odd situation

Regarding Feinstein urges supes to undo sale of street (Nov. 1): Money wins again, or so it seems. The article about Sen. Dianne Feinstein urging San Francisco supervisors to undo a tax sale of Presidio Terrace made me angry. It appears to be yet another disappointing abuse of power on Feinsteins part.

The week started with the first indictments and guilty plea in the Russia investigation, a discovery that three San Francisco Unified School District schools have lead in the water and sadly, we saw more gun violence. All of this and recently suffering through the most destructive fires in Northern California history that left so many homeless.

This feels like an odd situation to advocate for when so much else needs her attention. Why is a California senator, elected to represent the people of California and not her former neighborhood, personally advocating for a group of people able to pay their own legal bills and taxes for that matter?

Of course, it makes me wonder if she depends on these people to be the donors that will bankroll her next election. Many issues need a senators voice. This is not one of them.

Nettie Atkisson, San Francisco

Coffee controversy

Regarding Starbucks cups writeth over (Daily Briefing, Nov. 3): With all that is going on, it seems to be a First World problem  just drink your coffee.

Mary Piowaty, Susanville
A family in Riverside found an unexpected visitor in their backyard. A visitor from very far away, apparently.

Craig Williams called animal control on Wednesday after spotting a massive crocodile monitor lizard lounging in his backyard.

"It was out there sunning itself," Williams told Riverside Animal Services.

Officer John Hergenreder responded to Williams' call and seized the lizard relatively easily.

"It did not try to escape when I walked up to it, but it did start to hiss loudly," Hergenreder said. "It sensed I was coming to grab it."

The lizard was brought to the Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley, where it was identified as a crocodile monitor lizard, a relative to the Komodo dragon usually found in New Guinea.

Authorities correctly concluded that the lizard was somebody's pet. On Friday, a man arrived at the shelter and picked up his pet, who is named "Chopper." It is legal in California to own a crocodile monitor lizard.

"Crocodile monitors are not usually kept as pets by private individuals," Kim McWhorter, reptile expert at Riverside County Animal Services said. "They need specialized care, mostly due to the large size they can reach. An owner would need a custom-built, room-sized enclosure."

It is unknown how Chopper escaped from his owner.
Both are Rajput leaders. Both have mass appeal. One is 83 while the other is 73. And, both have their sons waiting in the wings. This is what defines Virbhadra Singh versus Prem Kumar Dhumal fight in Himachal Pradesh election this time.

By Prabhash K Dutta: Himachal Pradesh will be voting for 68-member Assembly on November 9 in a bilateral contest between the ruling Congress and the BJP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi have led the election campaigns for their parties from the front.

Unlike the past, the Congress decided to enter the election to Himachal Pradesh Assembly with a declared chief ministerial candidate. Rahul Gandhi declared at a public rally last month to retain Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh as the party nominee for the CM candidate.

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The Congress's move forced the BJP to alter its strategy of going into the polls projecting PM Modi's face. The BJP declared Prem Kumar Dhumal its chief ministerial candidate. With this, the Himachal Pradesh Assembly election 2017 became what it has been since 1998: a Virbhadra Singh versus Prem Kumar Dhumal affair.

MODI, RAHUL AT FOREFRONT

After having addressed a couple of poll rallies, PM Modi is on a two-day tour of Himachal Pradesh as part of his last leg of electioneering in the state. Following today's poll meetings at Rait in Kangra and Surendranagar in Mandi, PM Modi will address rallies at Palampur, Kullu and Una tomorrow.

On the other hand, Rahul Gandhi will come back to address poll rallies at Paonta, Sahib, Nagrota and Chamba on November 6. Rahul Gandhi will again visit the state of November 8 to hold meetings with the Congress leaders to give final shape to party's strategy for the polling day.

However, the Himachal Pradesh election is more about the two-decade old contest between Virbhadra Singh and PK Dhumal.

POPULARITY BATTLE

Virbhadra Singh and Prem Kumar Dhumal are mass leaders in their own right in Himachal Pradesh. Both enjoy sizeable support within the party and outside. While Virbhadra Singh is popularly called "raja sahib" in Himachal Pradesh, Dhumal is considered the only challenger to the incumbent chief minister.

Virbhadra Singh hails from the erstwhile royal family of Himachal Pradesh. Whispers in Congress circles have it that Rahul Gandhi was forced to announce his name as chief ministerial candidate. He had apparently threatened to break Himachal Pradesh Congress with 27 other MLAs.

On the other hand, Dhumal was not an automatic choice for the BJP. Reports suggest that the BJP leadership preferred Union minister JP Nadda as the chief ministerial candidate in Himachal Pradesh. The BJP leadership is said to have been wary of the allegations against Dhumal and his son Anurag Thakur. But, Dhumal is believed to have outsmarted the party leadership.

CORRUPTION CHARGES

Both, Virbhadra Singh and Dhumal accuse one another of corruption and scams. They are known to slap charges of corruption during their respective tenures as chief ministers in the state. This time, even PM Modi has accused the CM and his family members of indulging in corruption.

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Virbhadra Singh and his wife Pratibha, Mandi MP, are facing corruption cases, being investigated by the CBI. Both are on bail from a CBI in a case of disproportionate assets. In 2012, Dhumal and Anurag Thakur faced corruption cases over some alleged dubious land deals.

DYNASTY POLITICS

Interestingly, both Virbhadra Singh and Prem Kumar Dhumal want to further dynasty politics in Himachal Pradesh. The two leaders are advancing in age while both the Congress and the BJP have shown to focus more on younger and fresh faces in states.

Six-time CM Singh is 83 while Dhumal is 73. The BJP has an unsaid rule in place since 2014 to retire leaders who cross 75 years of age. In the case of Himachal Pradesh, the two leaders have been nominated by the respective parties to lead the government should they are vote to power for next five years.

But, the chief ministerial candidates have their respective son waiting in the wings. CM Virbhadra Singh wishes to see his son Vikramaditya Singh fill his shoes and carry his political legacy in Himachal Congress while Dhumal feels that the time is right for his son Anurag Thakur to take the baton from him in state politics.

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Anurag Thakur is a member of the Lok Sabha. But, he may play an active role in the state politics if the BJP wins Himachal Pradesh Assembly election.

Vikramditya Singh, on the other hand, is contesting election for the first time from Shimla Rural constituency, represented by CM Virbhadra Singh in the outgoing Assembly. Shimla Rural seat is said to be the guaranteed entry of Singh junior to the Himachal Pradesh Assembly. CM Virbhadra Singh has filed his nomination this time from Arki assembly constituency in Solan district.

DEVELOPMENT MAY NOT BE 'REAL' AGENDA

The unique thing about Himachal Pradesh is that the pace of development has remained same in the state over the years even though the BJP and the Congress have alternated in government. Figures suggest that under both Virbhadra Singh and PK Dhumal, the GDP growth rates have been around 7-8 per cent.

The development indicators in respect of industry, rural development, education, healthcare and agriculture have not varied much with the change of government in Himachal Pradesh. The infant mortality and gender ratio have also been in sync with the national trend.

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CASTE AND PERSONALITY

Himachal Pradesh is one of the few states in the country where elections have not been polarised along religious divide. Rajputs have dominated the electoral politics in the state. Himachal Pradesh has about 38 per cent Rajput, 26 per cent Dalits, 18 per cent Brahmin, 16.5 per cent others including about 2 per cent Muslims and 1.5 per cent Gaddi population.

Both Virbhadra Singh and Prem Kumar Dhumal are Rajput leaders. Both have fought internal party battles to emerge at the top. While Dhumal faces tough competition from Nadda, Singh seems to have got better of Himachal Congress chief Sukhvinder Sukhu.

This leaves the electoral battle in the state equally poised. The BJP's war cry is Mission 50-plus while the Congress has its own Repeat Mission-2012.

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A fire at a residential building on Nob Hill in San Francisco temporarily displaced about 30 residents and sent one 10-year-old girl to the hospital for minor treatment, officials said.

The fire was reported at 5:56 p.m. in the 1200 block of Mason Street, Lt. Jonathan Baxter of the San Francisco Fire Department said, and it appeared to have begun in the lower levels of the building where a laundromat operates.

Fire investigators were still working to determine the cause of the blaze Friday night. Baxter said the fire spread up through the walls of the building and smoke was coming out of the roof when fire crews arrived a minute after the blaze was reported.

One 10-year-old girl, who had a preexisting health condition, was sent to the hospital for further monitoring, Baxter said, and no other injuries were reported.

Building residents huddled inside the nearby Betty Ong Recreational Center, while a few stood on the street watching. One couple stood outside the laundromat, which was flooded and filled with firefighters, asking if they could just walk in and pick up their laundry.

A firefighter took their hamper and walked into the scene to retrieve their clothes.

Were full service, she said while laughing.

A 65-year-old woman who lives in the building and only gave her surname, Lin, said that occupants began to evacuate on their own as firefighters arrived.

A number of elderly people live here, Lin said in Mandarin. There was so much smoke. It was hard for them to get down the stairs.

Firefighters conducted about 12 assists to help older residents out of the building, Baxter said. Residents were allowed back into the building by 8 p.m.

A few blocks away, District Supervisor Aaron Peskin was at a dinner meeting when he got a text about the fire. Peskin hurried over to the scene, where he jumped on the phone to order 35 dinner boxes for the residents.

Im buying everyone dinner tonight, Peskin said.

Annie Ma is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ama@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @anniema15
NEW DEVELOPMENTS: Attorney disputes claims of misconduct by Drexel Bradshaw

Click to read the latest.

UPDATE: Jonathan Arons, the attorney for Drexel Andrew Bradshaw, responded tothe allegations by saying that the charges are "baseless, unfounded and absurd."

Arons continued, saying via email that "Mr. Bradshaw cared for Ms. Gosey for her final 4 years because she had no one else. He paid out of pocket for her expenses, and his family were the only ones who attended her funeral."

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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) -- A San Francisco attorney is under fire with the State Bar Court of California after allegedly defrauding an elderly client of more than $150,000, according to state bar officials.

Drexel Andrew Bradshaw, 51, has been charged with five counts of misconduct, including a scheme to defraud his now deceased client, Ora Gosey, 86, of $157,000 from her trust in 2013, said Jonah Lamb, public information officer for the State Bar of California.

Lamb said the state bar initiated an investigation of Bradshaw and found that he became the conservator and trustee over Gosey's trust after she suffered a head injury in 2013 that left her incapacitated.

While Gosey was recovering from the fall, Bradshaw funneled trust funds to a company he created under the guise of remodeling Gosey's home, Lamb said.

Additionally, Bradshaw allegedly used the funds from the trust to remodel his own home.

According to public record, Bradshaw is a convicted felon.

In 1991, he pleaded guilty to grand larceny by check. The conviction does not prevent an individual from practicing law, however, Bradshaw lied about his criminal record six years in a row in signed documents to the San Francisco Bar.

With the exception of the current charges, there are no other disciplinary infractions listed for Bradshaw on the state bar's website.

The state bar court is an independent administrative law court where all attorney discipline matters are oversaw or heard. While there are no criminal charges filed, the outcome of the charges can affect an attorney's ability to practice law, or disbarment, according to Lamb.

Representatives for Bradshaw could not be reached for comment.
Donna D'Errico, a former Playboy playmate, says Hefner will be remembered as a generous man.

By Indo-Asian News Service: Former Playboy playmate Donna D'Errico says the adult magazine's chief Hugh Hefner will be remembered as a kind and generous man.

The "Baywatch" star and Miss September 1995, told tmz.com that Hefner's public persona only tells part of his story.

Picture courtesy: Instagram/Donna D'Errico

She says behind the scenes he was a warm, caring man who treated Playboy models like family and still looked out for them years after they had appeared in the magazine, reports tmz.com.

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Also Read: Hugh Hefner to be buried next to yesteryear actress Marilyn Monroe

D'Errico also expressed regret about a decision she made, due to which she missed seeing Hefner to say goodbye.

Hefner died at his Los Angeles home in September. He was 91.

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India has finally withdrawn the 10,000 additional troops along the China border in Ladakh.

By Manjeet Negi: During the Doklam crisis, India deployed close to 10,000 additional troops along the China border in Ladakh who have now been withdrawn from there.

"After the need to remain alert on the border, we had deployed close to 10,000 troops opposite Chinese area for carrying out exercises. The Chinese also had deployed an equal number of troops there," sources told Aaj Tak.

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The Army had issued an operational alert during the Doklam crisis as part of which the troops had been deployed by it from the newly-raised mountain strike corps.

"Two brigades (6,000 troops) have already been withdrawn from there and sent back to their actual locations after we called off the alert about 10 days ago," the sources said.

The troops were part of the Ranchi-based 17 Mountain Strike Corps which has been specially raised to carry out warfare on the China front.

The deployment of One Division of troops meant that 20,000 Indian soldiers were guarding against any misadventure by the Chinese Army in Ladakh area to put pressure on Indian side on the negotiation table.

India has already increased the strength of the 3 Infantry Division deployed in Karu in Ladkah which looks after the Eastern Ladakh area where additional tank regiments have been deployed to tackle any maneuvers by the Chinese to push in armoured regiments from that area.

Also Watch | As Doklam crisis continues, India-China border stand-off at Ladakh's Pangong lake

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The audience was advised they could keep their cell phones on for Remote, the first of three dance performance works mounted by Jess Curtis/Gravity at the Joe Goode Annex. And why not, with both performers deep into their own dinging and chirping devices?

Tara Brandel and Linda Fearon, of Cork, Irelands Croi Glan troupe, moved from self-imposed electronic isolation (and presumably remote connections via their phones) to mutually supporting physical contact and back to their own separate but emotionally transformed spaces. Seen at the Thursday, Nov. 2, opening, as part of the seventh in a series of Intercontinental Collaborations, the piece drew a simple but quietly affecting arc.

In appearance, manner and movement, the willowy, red-haired Brandel and the stockier, white-haired Fearon, who has a disability that affects the movement of her limbs, seemed and sat as far apart as possible on a bare stage. Each in turn walked forward and peered at the audience, then returned to their respective spots and contrasting musical tastes and solo dance moves  low and sinuous for Brandel, angularly emphatic for Fearon.

Gradually, under artistic director Jess Curtis direction, the two wriggled toward each other on the floor, making contact first at the feet, then heads and finally their backs, which produced a mutual elevation as they pressed against each other and rose to standing positions. A sweetly intertwined pas de deux evolved.

Some spoken dialogue  Im not in New York, I want to spend more time with my girlfriend  expressed the two performers wistful but parallel longings. When their own moves fell into a series of mirrored maneuvers, they were intuitively linked, as if by some potent Wi-Fi effect. Back in their places, Brandel and Fearon melted off their chairs to the floor, forever  or at least for this networked together, electronically tranquil moment  changed.

Curtis also directed the world premiere of Sight Unseen, an intriguing if finally narrow-gauge ensemble piece. With the audience around the edges and on the performing area, the dancers narrated their own and each others actions and sensations. I feel a pressure under my left arm, You are spinning.

Like Remote, the piece played with notions of distance and connection, individual action and interpersonal dynamics. Once again, Curtis drew the dancers out of their self-contained cells and into both physicalized and spoken contact. The fact that one of the performers is vision-impaired lent Tiffany Taylors interplay with two other dancers who manipulated her body in various ways a tender but risky frisson. Enough, Taylor said, when a bent limb was bent to the limit. Others did the same in similar encounters. Autonomy was respected and honored in the group.

Sight Unseen registered its point, about the self and community. But it never built or elaborated on its theme. We were all close in to witness and experience the action, but any deeper interior spaces remained inaccessible.

A Portrait of Me as You (Everything Is Copy) a solo work by Rachel Dichter, occupied the middle panel of the evening. From a display of fiercely splayed fingers to a long galloping sequence and other physically demanding feats, Dichter poured it on. I stopped counting when she had jumped in place 350 times. Her chest, sometimes bared and sometimes covered, was pouring sweat by the end.

I wish I could say all the effort paid off. But this Portrait strung together its various episodes without drawing them together. There was one droll moment, when Dichter described actions she wasnt performing. It was nice, for her and us, when she allowed herself to stand still for a moment and catch her breath.

Steven Winn is the Chronicles former arts and culture critic.

Intercontinental Collaborations #7: Three dance performance works presented by Jess Curtis/Gravity. Through Nov. 5 Joe Goode Annex, 40l Alabama St., San Francisco. $20-$35. (415) 483-5996, www.jesscurtisgravity.org.
By PTI: Amaravati, Nov 4 (PTI) The Andhra Pradesh police chief today gave permission to YSR Congress chief Y S Jaganmohan Reddy for his yatra next week but asked organisers to ensure there is no damage to public or private properties during the event.

The Leader of Opposition is embarking on `Praja Sankalpa Yatra from November 6. He will launch his seven- month-long foot march from his village R K Valley in Kadapa district and cover 3,000km across the state.

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A delegation of YSRC leaders met DGP (in charge) Nanduri Sambasiva Rao here and "intimated" him about details of the yatra.

"In view of the letter submitted by P Krishna Mohan Reddy (Jagan Reddys private secretary) and the oral representations made by leaders of YSRCP today, permission is hereby accorded for the Praja Sankalpa Yatra, subject to the Supreme Court guidelines," the DGP (in charge) said in proceedings issued in the afternoon.

Rao laid down a condition that the organisers ensure compliance to the Supreme Court guidelines (against destruction of public and private properties) and that the crowd be regulated by the party by deploying voluntary workers.

He directed district superintendents of police and commissioners to make necessary security arrangements and follow the Supreme Court guidelines.

Ever since Jagan Reddy announced a couple of months ago that he would undertake a padyatra across the state, the TDP leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister (Home) N China Rajappa, had been insisting that the former obtain "prior permission" from the police.

The DGP (in charge), too, had been saying the same.

But the YSRC countered their contention, saying no leader in the past obtained such permission for a similar yatra.

Two days ago, Jagan Reddys PS wrote a letter to the DGP in charge, "informing" about the yatra and requesting that necessary security arrangements be made as the YSR Congress chief is a Z category protectee.

Today, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Ummareddy Venkateswarlu and senior leader Botsa Satyanarayana led a party delegation to Rao to communicate about Jagan Reddys yatra. PTI DBV RSY BAS

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Vizio SB3621

Cnet rating: 5.0 stars out of 5

The good: The Vizio offers excellent performance for an ultra-budget sound bar with great movie sound and toe-tapping music playback. The sound bar offers a decent selection of inputs including Bluetooth and will decode both Dolby and DTS. The sound bar and wireless sub feature excellent build quality and a seamless setup.

The bad: The LED display is not very helpful, and the WAV-file-only USB port is a little weird.

The cost: $148 to $163.

The bottom line: The Vizio is the best sound bar under $300 we have ever heard. If you want better TV sound, its the new budget benchmark.

Yamaha YAS-207

Cnet rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

The good: The Yamaha offers excellent sound quality that is a step up from other budget systems. It offers a bevy of useful features for an affordable price. Build quality is excellent and includes a subwoofer made from MDF and not plastic. The simulated surround modes eclipse anything else available at the same price or less.

The bad: It doesnt have an on-screen display for your TV.

The cost: $300.

The bottom line: The Yamaha is an excellent sound bar package with quality that soars above others at the price.

Samsung HW-K950

Cnet rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

The good: The Samsung is one of the best sound bars weve ever heard for both movies and music. The dedicated rear speakers deliver increased immersion compared with single-speaker designs. Its cheaper than buying a Dolby Atmos receiver and speakers.

The bad: Its expensive for a sound bar, and DTS support is limited. Dolby Atmos is available only on a limited number of titles compared with other surround formats.

The cost: $1,198 to $1,319.

The bottom line: The Samsung combines the discreet looks and simple setup of a sound bar with truly impressive sound for both movies and music.

LG SH7B

Cnet rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

The good: The LG SH7B offers excellent performance for the money, particularly for movies. The connectivity on offer is better than most competitors with HDMI, optical, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Streaming options include Google Cast, Spotify and Pandora.

The bad: Adding surrounds is a little ad hoc. If you want to listen to music, a dedicated stereo system will sound better for the money.

The cost: $400.

The bottom line: The LG SH7B proves how far affordable sound bar/wireless subwoofer systems have come, and sounds equally credible with movies and music.

Steve Guttenberg, Ty Pendlebury and Laura K. Cucullu contributed to this story. For more reviews of personal technology products, visit www.cnet.com.
Deposed Catalan President Carles Puigdemont, who faces imminent arrest, called on discordant separatist groups to unite ahead of elections as the independence movement seeks to draw energy from the arrest of its leaders.

Its the moment for all democrats to unite. For Catalonia, for the freedom of political prisoners and for the Republic, Puigdemont said Saturday in a Twitter post that included a link for a united electoral platform.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy invoked constitutional powers last month to reassert his authority over Catalonia and fire Puigdemont and his government. Since then, eight politicians and two activists have been jailed pending trial, and arrest warrants have been issued for five others, including Puigdemont, who fled to Belgium to try to run a government in exile.

Puigdemont and the four former ministers are being sought for five crimes, including rebellion, sedition and embezzlement, for their roles in pushing regional lawmakers to declare independence from Spain.

Activists in Barcelona were left rudderless and divided when Puigdemont bolted after he was removed from power. Rajoy called elections for Dec. 21 to pressure the separatists by forcing them to choose whether to participate. But the spectacle of the jailed leaders has reinvigorated the movement and thrust the constitutional crisis into the international spotlight.

Puigdemont said Saturday that he will cooperate with Belgian authorities on the arrest order. Under European arrest warrant procedures, individuals are detained and brought before judges within 24 hours. A court then has 15 days to decide whether to execute the arrest order, according to the Belgian Justice Ministry. Including time for possible appeals, a decision must be made with three months. If that decision were to go against him, Puigdemont would then have to be surrendered to Spain within 10 days.

I wont flee justice; Im willing to submit to justice, but to real justice, Puigdemont said in an interview with Belgiums RTBF television on Friday. He said the Spanish courts cant guarantee a fair and independent sentence that will be free of the enormous weight and influence of politics.

You mustnt forget that were the legitimate government, Puigdemont said.

Fueled by questions of cultural identity and economic malaise, secessionist sentiment has soared to reach roughly half of the 7.5 million residents of Catalonia, a prosperous region that is proud of its Catalan language spoken along with Spanish.

The separatist majority of Catalonias Parliament voted in favor of a declaration of independence on Oct. 27. The next day, Spains central government used extraordinary constitutional powers to fire Catalonias government and dissolve its regional parliament.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Charles Penty is a Bloomberg News writer.
KUNDUZ, Afghanistan  Air strikes carried out by the U.S. military killed at least 13 civilians Saturday in the northern Afghan province of Kunduz, according to residents and officials in the area, a difficult battleground for both Afghan and American forces.

The air strikes took place in the Chardara district, where Afghan commandos, often advised by the U.S. military and supported by American air power, had been carrying out operations for several days.

But Ahmad Saved Salem, a spokesman for the Afghan commandos, denied any civilians had been killed in their operations and said the U.S. air strikes had killed 25 Taliban fighters.

Over the past three days of our operations in the village, we havent seen a single civilian, Saleem said. We have video of the eight people killed in the morning strikes, and all of them were armed.

After overnight air strikes against the Taliban, several residents said the fighters forced them in the morning to help them retrieve the bodies of their fighters from the rubble, at which point the air strikes resumed.

Capt. Tom Gresback, a spokesman for the U.S. military in Afghanistan, said they were aware of the claims and were looking into them.

Afghan and American forces have struggled to clear the city of Kunduz and the surrounding area after the Taliban briefly overran the city twice in the past two years.

Following the first fall of the city, in 2015, U.S. gunships mistakenly targeted a Doctors Without Borders hospital in the province, killing 42 people and destroying much of the hospital. Then last year, U.S. aircraft were involved in another deadly episode involving civilians, killing 33.

U.S. air strikes have more than doubled since President Trump announced in August a new strategy for Afghanistan. According to the U.S. Air Force, American aircraft dropped about 900 munitions in August and September, compared to about 260 for the same period last year.

Afghan officials have praised the strikes, saying they have helped fend off Taliban advances and decreased the risk that militants would take over cities and districts, but others have said the civilian toll from the strikes is unacceptably high.

Najim Rahim and Mujib Mashal are New York Times writers.
BEIRUT  Clashes have erupted on the Syrian-Iraqi border between Islamic State group militants and Iraqi paramilitary fighters as the extremist group defends its last stronghold in the region, a Syria monitoring group and an Iraqi official said Saturday.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the clashes started late Friday and continued into Saturday. The Observatory said that Islamic State fighters inside Syria repelled an attack by Iraqs Popular Mobilization Forces, the paramilitary group of mostly Shiite fighters within the Iraqi security forces. The Observatory said the attack took place near the border town of Boukamal but that the PMF fighters crossed back into Iraq.

Jaafar al-Husseini, spokesman for Iraqs Kataeb Hezbollah, a group within the PMF, told the Associated Press his forces clashed with militants just yards from the border with Syria. He said his forces also fired rockets inside Syria from Qaim, the Iraqi border town reclaimed from Islamic State on Friday.

But al-Husseini said his fighters didnt cross into Syria. He said forces from Iraqi militias were already fighting in Syria alongside the Syrian government and other Iran-supported militias to reclaim the last stronghold of the group and secure the road between Iraq and Syria, all the way to Lebanon.

He said his forces are building berms along the border to prevent militants from sneaking back.

On Friday, Syrian President Bashar Assads military announced the capture of the eastern Syrian city of Deir el-Zour, while Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi proclaimed victory in retaking the town of Qaim on the border, the militants last significant urban area in Iraq. The Syrian forces are expected to now focus on Boukamal.

Boukamal is the last urban center for the militants in both Iraq and Syria where Syrian troops backed by Russia and Iranian-supported militias  and U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces are vying for control of the strategic border town, key to control of the borders between the two countries.

Washington is wary of increasing Iranian influence in the area and has backed the SDF in their bid to uproot Islamic State from the borders with Iraq. The proximity of forces in the area has raised concerns about potential clashes between them as they approach Boukamal from opposite sides of the Euphrates River, and now from across the border with Iraq.

Al-Husseini said the PMF will participate in the liberation of Boukamal and will head north to protect the borders and secure the road from Iran to Lebanon.

We can say after liberating the borders that we have foiled the U.S. project on the Iraq and Syrian borders, said al-Husseini.

Spokesman for the U.S. coalition Col. Ryan Dillon said that despite multiple forces operating in the area, including the Syrian troops, Russia and Iranian-backed militias, the coalition continues to work with the Russians to avoid confrontation.

Dillon said there are between 2,500 and 3,500 remaining Islamic State fighters concentrated around Boukamal.

Sarah El Deeb and Qassim Abdul-Zahra are Associated Press writers.
BEIRUT  Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri resigned from his post in a televised address from the Saudi capital Saturday, accusing Hezbollah of taking the country hostage, in a surprise move that plunged the nation into uncertainty amid heightened regional tensions.

In his resignation speech, Hariri fired a vicious tirade against Iran and its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah group for what he said was their meddling in Arab affairs and said that Irans arms in the region will be cut off.

The evil that Iran spreads in the region will backfire on it, Hariri said, accusing Tehran of spreading chaos, strife and destruction throughout the region.

Hariri was appointed prime minister in late 2016 and headed a 30-member coalition government that included members of the Shiite militant Hezbollah. But its been an uneasy partnership between Hariri, who heads a Sunni-led camp loyal to Saudi Arabia, and Hezbollah, which represents a camp loyal to Shiite Iran. President Michel Aoun, who was elected in October 2016 after more than a two-year presidential vacuum, is a close ally of Hezbollah.

As U.S. and Saudi Arabia sought ways to curb Irans growing influence in the region, Hariri has come under pressure to distance himself from the militant group, which has sent thousands of troops to neighboring Syria to shore up President Bashar Assads forces.

In a statement, the presidential office said Aoun was informed by Hariri in a phone call of his resignation, adding that the president now awaits Hariris return to clarify the circumstances of his resignation and proceed accordingly.

Hariris bombshell resignation  even close aides seemed unaware of the announcement  ushers in a stage of deep uncertainty and potential instability. It also throws into doubt parliamentary elections slated for early next year that have been repeatedly delayed.

It comes amid a sharp escalation in Saudi rhetoric against its regional archrival Iran and puts Lebanon at the center of that rivalry.

Hazem al-Amin, a Lebanese writer who follows regional affairs, said Hariris resignation is completely a Saudi step that comes in the context of an international and regional atmosphere against Hezbollah and against Iranian influence in the region.

Lebanon is a fragile country. This confrontation (between Saudi Arabia and Iran) is more violent than Lebanon can stand up to, he said, warning of economic and security ramifications.

Irans foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said the resignation is a plot by the U.S., Israel and the Saudis to foment tensions in Lebanon and the region, the semi-official Iranian Tasnim news agency reported.

Ghasemi dismissed Hariris baseless accusations, which he said indicate that a new scenario for the region was being drawn.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hariris resignation and comments are a wake-up call to the international community to take action against the Iranian aggression that is trying to turn Syria into Lebanon 2.

This aggression endangers not only Israel but the entire Middle East. The international community needs to come together and stand against this aggression, he said.

Hariris resignation was unprecedented in the way it was announced, in a televised address from an undisclosed location in Riyadh. In his speech, Hariri suggested he feared for his life and said the climate in the country is similar to the one that existed before his father, the late prime minister Rafik Hariri, was assassinated in 2005.

Several Hezbollah members are being tried in absentia for the killing by a U.N.-backed tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands. Hezbollah denies any involvement.

Hariris attacks on Hezbollah come on the heels of new U.S. sanctions on the group that many fear will impact negatively on the Lebanese economy.

Zeina Karam is an Associated Press writer.
1 Climate rally: Thousands of demonstrators marched Saturday through Bonn, Germany, to protest the use of fossil fuels ahead of a global climate conference being held in the city this week. Participants carried banners with slogans that included Revolution Not Pollution, Frack Off Our Land and Trump: Climate Genocide. Protest organizers say some 25,000 people took part. Many protesters criticized the German governments reliance on coal-fired power plants for much of the countrys energy even as it pursues ambitious targets for renewable sources. The 2017 United Nations Climate Conference known as COP23 begins on Monday.

2 Somalia threat: The United States on Saturday ordered all non-essential employees of its mission to Somalia to leave the capital, Mogadishu, because of specific threat information against them. The U.S. statement said the information relates to Mogadishu International Airport. Somalia remains one of the worlds most dangerous countries. The U.S. hasnt had an embassy there since 1991 and calls security extremely unstable. Somalias capital was rocked last month by a bomb attack that killed more than 350 people. The U.S. on Friday carried out its first air strikes against Islamic State fighters in Somalia.
Abdul Salam succumbed to injuries, while his colleague Munir Ahmad is still recovering in the hospital.

By India Today Web Desk: Militants in Kashmir today, fired at a police team in Pulwama district.

As per latest reports, a policeman was martyred and a fellow officer was injured in the attack.

Earlier Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police SP Pani said, "Militants fired upon a naka party of police near Police Station Rajpora in Pulwama, resulting in injuries to two of our personnel".

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"The area has been cordoned off and a search for the attackers has been launched". Pani said.

He said it was not an attack on the police station.

The martyred jawan has been identified as Constable Abdul Salam.

Martyred jawan, Constable Abdul Salam Martyred jawan, Constable Abdul Salam

Salam was injured in a crossfire along with his colleague Munir Ahmad, who is still recovering in the hospital.

Meanwhile in a similar incident, earlier today, terrorists attacked a police party at Imam Sahib in Shopian.

The militants hurled a grenade at a camp of J&K Police's Special Operations Group (SOG).

However, the bomb exploded inside the compound without causing any casualty or damage, the police said.

One policeman, injured in firing by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, succumbs to his injuries

(More details awaited)

--- ENDS ---
It has sufficient room to seat 5-6 people comfortably at once, an attached kitchen, wash room and a hydraulic lift to address gatherings during campaign.

By Nolan Pinto: With the elections soon approaching, preparations among political parties are in full swing, to say the least.

First, it was Bharatiya Janta Party first with its Rs 90 lakh hi-tech campaign bus that will criss-cross all the 224 constituencies of Karnataka. This was flagged off on November 2, by BJP national president Amit Shah in Bengaluru. Senior BJP leaders will utilise the facilities of this bus for the next 75 days.

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Not to be left behind, the Janata Dal Secular (JD(S)) also today inaugurated their very own hi-tech campaign bus that will take the former CM HD Kumaraswamy to all the constituencies spanning some 50 days. Kumaraswamy told India Today that his party needs to reach the masses and hence they require such a bus. The bus will be used for campaigning and for conducting public meeting in the evenings by Kumaraswamy but he will stay in villages at night.

Former PM HD Devegowda commenting on the JD(S) campaign said, their objective is a 'Vikasa Karnataka ,' since the current government has failed to tackle farmer suicides.

"We want progress for all sections of the society such as farmers, working class and dalits," he added.

Sources in the JD(S) say that with age not in favour of Devegowda, the burden will fall on Kumaraswamy. However, it was only recently that Kumaraswamy underwent surgery and hence needs to take care of his health.

The campaign bus of Janata Dal Secular The campaign bus of Janata Dal Secular

HOW MUCH DO THE CAMPAIGN BUS COST?

There are speculations that the bus built by Ashok Leyland in Chennai costs around Rs 1 crore. It also has sufficient room to seat 5-6 people comfortably at once, an attached kitchen, wash room and a hydraulic lift to address gatherings during campaign. The bus is also painted in green and white to match the party symbol. HDK very categorically stated that the bus costs only about Rs 70-75 lakh and this was given by the minority cell president of the party. "This is not black money or money donated by any corporate and my party worker will also show this to the IT department when he files it," HDK added.

BJP TOO HAS ITS OWN HI-TECH BUS

The BJPs hi-tech bus has already hit the road with senior party leaders using its special features to campaign. The bus has facilities to sit and relax, a kitchen and washroom. There is also a war room for daily updates of the yatra, a television set and also public address system. It has been built at a cost of Rs 90 lakh and it took just 19 days to be ready.

CONGRESS TO GO AAM AADMI STYLE

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The Congress has decided to campaign without the use of any hi-tech buses this time around. Aga Sultan, senior leader and General Secretary, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), tells India Today, the Congress party will not use these type of buses. He adds it is not the question of money involved here since, "When you go to the voters at the grass root level, you must go as a commoner then only you will understand the pulse of the people.'

He had a word of advice for both the BJP and JD(S) who are riding on the campaign buses, "Travelling in hi-tech buses will not fetch you votes."

Shocking: Woman, family forced to carry baby on oxygen support in Karnataka hospital

--- ENDS ---
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Restaurateurs along Bay Street's ailing business strip are hoping to create a vibrant, eclectic neighborhood dining hub that will draw patrons from across the borough and beyond.

The dining hub is being made possible through a $50,000 grant from the Commercial Corridor Challenge, an initiative put forth by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) NYC, Citi Community Development and NYC Small Business Services.

The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, the Corridor Challenge's local partner on Bay Street, announced during a gathering at Wazobia Restaurant in Stapleton on Friday that 17 small businesses in the area -- primarily restaurants and food-related providers -- will receive grant funding and expert technical assistance to refresh their storefronts with lighting, new signage and other improvements.

"Strong neighborhoods full of thriving small businesses are the backbone of our great city," said Gregg Bishop, commissioner of the city Department of Small Business Services. "With the Neighborhood 360 degree program, we invested in the future of key commercial corridors and now, the Commercial Corridor Challenge will go a long way to continue this momentum."

With the funding, the group of merchants said they want to create an "eclectic dining hub" along the Bay Street commercial strip.

BAY STREET VACANCIES

While storefront vacancy rates average eight percent across New York City, on Bay Street in Stapleton there's a 24 percent vacancy rate.

"Almost half of the storefronts along Bay Street are in poor condition. In light of new development coming on line on Staten Island, there is enormous potential to capture new spending by improving storefronts and upgrading the commercial corridor," said the city in a written statement.

The Advance reported last year that there are many property owners who have been leaving their properties vacant, with hopes they can get higher rent prices once projects like Empire Outlets and Lighthouse Point open in St. George.

THE COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR CHALLENGE



The program applies market-based retailing principles at the neighborhood level through expert technical assistance providers. At each site, low-cost investments will be carefully selected with the goal of increasing pedestrian traffic and retail sales for local businesses.

The program calls for storefront and exterior improvements, wayfinding, and targeted marketing events. The impact of these combined efforts will be measured at each site through comprehensive consumer surveys and electronic pedestrian counts.

This new program invests additional resources to build upon initial commitments from SBS through its Neighborhood 360 program, aimed at strengthening and revitalizing commercial corridors that anchor New York City neighborhoods.

FOLLOW TRACEY PORPORA ON FACEBOOK
By PTI: Bhopal/Indore, Nov 4 (PTI) Kerala-born nun Rani Maria Vattali, who was stabbed to death in 1995 in Madhya Pradesh, was today declared Blessed, a sacred title in the Roman Catholic church order.

The Vaticans head of the Department for Cause of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato, declared Vattali, popularly known as Sister Rani, Blessed, a stage below sainthood.

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Cardinal Amato read out Apostolic (Popes) letter declaring her Blessed in Latin at a Holy Mass at Saint Paul Higher Secondary Schools ground in Indore in the presence of large numbers of clerics and Christians.

The nuns killer also attended the ceremony.

Cardinal George Alencherry read out the letter of Pope Francis in English, while Cardinal Telesphore Toppo did so in Hindi at the mass presided over by Cardinal Amato.

Selmy, sister of the slain nun, who along with other family members was present at the ceremony, said she was "overwhelmed" at the declaration. An elated Selmy said she will walk on the path shown by her sister.

"The Blessed title is considered a prelude to beatification of sainthood as was the case with Mother Teresa," Public Relations Officer of Madhya Pradesh Catholic Church, Father Maria Stephen told PTI.

But for canonisation of sainthood, a miracle is required, he said.

All the four cardinals of India - Mar Baselios Cleemis (president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India), Mar George Alencherry (of Syro Malabar Church), Oswald Gracias (Archdiocese of Bombay) and Telephore Toppo (Archdiocese of Ranchi) graced the ceremony.

Sister Rani, then 41, was stabbed about 50 times on-board a bus in Madhya Pradeshs Dewas district on February 25, 1995, Stephen said, adding she was a member of the Syro-Malabar Franciscan Clarist Congregation.

Her attacker Samunder Singh was hired to kill the nun as some landlords in MPs Indore region were upset with her work on uplift of landless people, he said.

Singh was sentenced to life in prison by a court. His sentence was later commuted due to his good conduct in prison, Stephen said.

He was also pardoned by Sister Ranis family.

At the ceremont, Singh recalled his brutal act.

"At that time, I was in the grip of evil spirits because of which I did that job (killing the nun). Now, I do not want to say anything on the issue," he said.

Singh, released from jail in 2006, said, "My life has changed. Now everyone in this world is part of my family. Sister Selmi and her relatives too are my family and their affection and love has totally changed my life."

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Then Indore Bishop George Anathil initiated the cause for Sister Ranis canonisation process of the Blessed in 2001 by setting up two panels - historical and theological - to examine her life, Stephen said.

The panels submitted their findings to a three-member diocesan tribunal in June 2005 to carry forward the process, the cleric said.

Sister Rani was found to have led a heroic life of Christian virtue. Thereafter, her name was sent to Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints, which reviewed the gathered information and recommended that the Roman pontiff declare the candidate "venerable", he said.

Two months back, the Vatican cleared the canonisation process to promulgate the Decree of the Blessed on Sister Rani. It decided to send a representative of Pope to Indore to officially announce her the Blessed on November 4.

Sister Rani was born to Paili and Elisha on January 29, 1954, at Pulluvazhi in Kerala. She took her first vows in 1974 and was then assigned to Bijnor for mission Apostolate. After serving in Bijnor, she was transferred to Satna and later in 1992 to Udainagar, the MP Catholic Church said in a statement.

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She was a champion for the poor and the marginalised, it said.

The nun began organising people who were exploited by moneylenders. Slowly, she was able to make a difference in their lives. Her self-help groups helped the poor and the downtrodden to break away from the clutches of the established money lending community, the release said.

This indeed annoyed the rich and powerful. She was threatened several times, but she was not to be tied down, it said.

Her bold initiatives won hearts of poor tribals, but they did not go down well with those haaving vested interests who ultimately decided to eliminate her, the release added. PTI LAL HWP MAS RSY SRY

--- ENDS ---
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In the back room of the Democratic Party's headquarters here in New Dorp, behind a wall with a clock stuck on 12:41 and 20 seconds, a Manhattanite was trying to explain how to get Staten Islanders to vote for Mayor Bill de Blasio.

"Nearly half a million people -- some of those people are Republicans and some of those people are Democrats," Brad Raimondo, who began as regional organizer for the de Blasio re-election campaign on Staten Island Sept. 17, said during a phone bank event on a Thursday night last month. "I want to deal with them on an individual basis. And the only way I can find where our supporters are and encourage them to vote, talk to them about the issues they care about, is by talking to them one at a time."

Staten Island's contempt for de Blasio has become infamous since he was elected mayor in 2013.

After only eight months on the job, de Blasio had the approval of just 25 percent of Staten Islanders in a Quinnipiac University poll of voters -- the lowest of all five boroughs. Fifty-eight percent of Islanders disapproved of de Blasio in August 2014.

Despite attempts to appeal to the so-called "forgotten borough," de Blasio hasn't broken any new ground. By early last month, de Blasio's disapproval among Islanders had increased to 68 percent in a Quinnipiac poll of likely voters.

CALLS AND DOORS

"My job isn't to worry about what polls say or anything like that," Raimondo said at the phone-banking event on Oct. 12. "My job is to identify as many of our supporters on the Island as possible."

Behind Raimondo, a poster hanging from the wood-paneled wall declares "Let's knock on a BOATLOAD of doors" above a Staten Island Ferry icon that was nearly half orange by mid-October. Another poster with a Statue of Liberty partially colored in green encourages, "Light up the phones to light up the torch."

Two volunteers and two campaign "fellows" -- those in training who want careers in political work -- were making cold calls with Raimondo that Thursday night.

This is the average size of a typical phone bank on Staten Island, according to Raimondo, held regularly every Monday and Thursday nights since de Blasio won the Democratic nomination in September.

On Saturdays, Raimondo and volunteers also knock on doors and canvass in "high-trafficked areas" like green markets or the ferry terminal, in addition to making call after call. On one Saturday, Raimondo said about 10 people volunteered.

During phone banks, Raimondo usually focuses his attention on rounding up potential campaign volunteers, reaching out to people who have given time in the past or signed up for events. That Thursday night, the volunteers were working their way through a massive list of voter phone numbers provided by campaign headquarters in Brooklyn.

That week they were calling zip codes 10303, 10302 and 10310 on the North Shore. The week before, the calls were mostly to people in 10307, 10309, 10312 on the South Shore, which tends to be more conservative than the north.

"Sometimes Republicans come up on our list," Raimondo said.

'FELLOW STATEN ISLANDERS'



De Blasio campaign spokesman Dan Levitan declined to say roughly how many Democrats, Republicans or independents were part of the door knocking and call lists. Levitan also wouldn't say how many volunteers work in the other boroughs regularly.

But the campaign said dozens of borough volunteers had completed more than 300 phone-banking an door-knocking shifts on Staten Island by late October. Through Oct. 23, the campaign had also raised about $174,000 from donors with Staten Island addresses.

Raimondo explained campaign volunteers or fellows on Staten Island are all Staten Islanders.

"The people who are calling are calling in effect their neighbors -- fellow Staten Islanders," Raimondo said. "And we identify that when we call. We say where we're calling from because this is a city of neighborhoods."

Raimondo, who lives in the East Village and commutes on the ferry, isn't actually from Staten Island. But his wife grew up in Midland Beach -- he helped her family muck out the basement after Hurricane Sandy.

"I feel a connection to the Island and I have some familiarity with it," Raimondo said. "I have a mother in law who sometimes brings me dinner while I'm here, so that's a nice perk."

LONG STATEN ISLAND ODDS

De Blasio's 2013 campaign didn't put too much effort into Staten Island until he already won the Democratic primary and his election was mostly in the bag. Campaigning here has its own quirks for citywide races. Less dense than neighborhoods in de Blasio's Brooklyn stronghold, door-knocking in the borough means canvassing much wider turf.

Staten Island was ultimately the only borough de Blasio lost in the 2013 general election. But he lost to Republican candidate Joe Lhota by only about 6,400 votes.

There are 289,144 active registered voters on Staten Island, according to Nov. 1 numbers from the state Board of Elections. Only 91,139 are enrolled in the Republican or Conservative parties, while 127,548 are Democrats.

De Blasio is heavily favored to win next week's election. A Quinnipiac University poll from early October had de Blasio with the support of every borough except Staten Island, where likely voters favored East Shore Republican Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis.

UNDETERRED

Despite the longer odds, winning Staten Island this time around would be a nice ego-boost for the liberal progressive. De Blasio is particularly defensive about his standing here, often bemoaning the lingering perception that his City Hall doesn't care or consider Staten Island's needs.

"I do not accept the notion that anybody is forgotten," he told an Advance editorial board last month.

Jeremy Gomez, an 18-year-old college student from Clifton and de Blasio campaign fellow, certainly agrees with the mayor.

"Meeting him, he gives off that aura -- like he cares about the people of New York City," Gomez said during a break from making cold calls during the October Phone bank. "I very rarely get people who are completely turned off by the mayor."

Shortly after saying this, Gomez called a woman on his list.

"This is Jeremy from Bill de Blasio's re-election campaign," he chirped, "and we just wanted to know if we can count on --"

Gomez put the phone down. "Well that was a refusal," he said with a smile. "She said, 'No stop' and then she hung up."

Raimondo is undeterred by these responses.

"Dialogue isn't only about talking to people that agree with you. Again, I try not to pre-judge," Raimondo said. "If I go into work every day and I tell myself, oh Staten Island is this way or the polls say this, oh Staten Island is the Republican borough, that doesn't help me do my job."

The election is Tuesday, Nov. 7.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A pedestrian was struck at the intersection of Chesterton Avenue and Amboy Road in Bay Terrace on Friday night.

An FDNY spokeswoman said the pedestrian was transported to Staten Island University Hospital North in Ocean Breeze in serious condition.

The incident happened at approximately 6:14 p.m., according to the spokeswoman.

A spokesman for the NYPD's Deputy Commissioner of Public Information could not provide any additional information about the incident.

The NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad is not investigating the incident at this time, the spokesman said.

--This is a breaking news story. More information will be posted as it becomes available.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- After a terrorist drove a truck into pedestrians and bicyclists in lower Manhattan Tuesday -- taking the lives of at least eight people in his path -- the need to heighten safety measures along bike paths and sidewalks pierced the thoughts of many city officials and community leaders.

The tragedy is part of an increasing trend of terrorists using vehicles to cause mass casualties; a trend that led Rep. Daniel Donovan (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) and Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-Upper Manhattan/Bronx) to pen a bill to provide funding for the installation of critical safety bollards along areas of high traffic.

They introduced "The Stopping Threats on Pedestrians (STOP) Act" to Congress on Oct. 12 -- less than three weeks prior to Tuesday's attack -- when Donovan said, "Congress can't afford to wait for the next tragedy to pass this critical legislation."

Donovan and Espaillat created the bill after the vehicular attacks in Charlottesville, Va., and Barcelona, Spain. They believe that safety bollards could potentially save lives in a situation where vehicles are used as weapons.

"Safety bollards save lives,'' Donovan said. "That's clear from the Times Square car crash earlier this year that would have been far more destructive but for the barriers. We should have more of them, which this commonsense bill will allow."

Safety bollards are defined as raised concrete or metal posts installed on a sidewalk adjacent to a roadway that are designed to slow or stop a motor vehicle, according the STOP bill. Donovan and Espaillat said that these simple structures are capable of preventing potential vehicular attacks.

"We have witnessed an increase in pedestrian injuries and fatalities as vehicles are increasingly being used as weapons to carry out attacks," Espaillat said. "Our bill aims to support cities by providing necessary funding to install safety bollards as preventative measures to guide traffic, protect individuals, and potentially save lives."

Although the installation of safety bollards can be funded by grants from other sources, such as Homeland Security's Urban Areas Security Initiative Program, this bill will create grants specifically and only for safety bollard construction.

There won't be competition for other measures like there is in those grant sources, Donovan said.

The grant money will go directly to local government, authorized in amounts of $5 million for each of the next 10 years, the Congressman added.

Mayor Bill de Blasio applauded Donovan and Espaillat for the STOP Act. "Pedestrian safety is becoming more of a national priority, and we welcome federal funding to help NYC DOT and NYPD make our high traffic areas secure and safe for all New Yorkers," he said.

The bill is currently being evaluated by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and then it will be brought to the floor to vote.

Tuesday's terrorist attack in New York City reinforced the urgency to get this bill passed.

Upon learning of Tuesday's attack, "my first thought was to the victims," Donovan said. "But, certainly, this legislation, when you think about it, in the pedestrian and bike pathways, the devastation, destruction and loss of life could have been avoided."
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Every 20 years, New Yorkers get the opportunity to amend the state constitution.

This is one of those years, and Staten Islanders should vote "no." It's unnecessary.

Here's the lay of the land: On Nov. 7, voters will be asked if they want to hold a constitutional convention. It's one of three proposals on the ballot this year.

If the answer is "yes" on the constitutional convention, voters will elect a total of 204 delegates statewide next year. The convention would be held in April of 2019, and voters would vote on the delegates' recommendations that November.

The last time we held a constitutional convention in New York was 1936. That should tell you about the level of interest this kind of endeavor generally sparks among the other-than-wonk electorate.

There's been a lot of volume around what's being called the "Con Con" this year. There is a concerted effort, driven by public employee unions, to have New Yorkers vote "no." There is concern that once the constitutional Pandora's box is opened, pension laws and workers' rights will be a target.

Frankly, we don't think that argument holds much water given the fact that many of the convention delegates will likely be union-friendly elected officials, their staffers or union officials themselves. And we can't imagine the vast number of current and retired public employees across the state, particularly here in union-heavy New York City, voting against their self-interest if the delegates do actually come up with recommendations that are viewed to be even the smallest bit harmful to unions.

But here's the real crux of the matter: What are the pressing issues that we need to address in a constitutional convention that can't be addressed either through ordinary legislative means or through an existing constitutional-amendment process. Term limits? Ethics reform? A court-system overhaul?

Given that lawmakers have proved to be reluctant to take on such issues in the past, what makes anybody believe that a constitutional convention that would be controlled or at the very least be heavily influenced by those very same lawmakers or their allies would? It defies logic.

Here's another thing: The 204 total convention delegates would each be paid a salary of $79,500, and the cost of the convention has been pegged at anywhere from $50 million to $100 million. We surely have better ways to spend that kind of money, particularly when you add in the fact that the delegates would be allowed to hire staff. Yet another opportunity for political patronage we don't need.

More to the point, though, we already have people earning public money to come up with state laws and reforms. They're called lawmakers. If they're not addressing our pressing needs and doing the job to our satisfaction, we need to push them harder or vote them out.

We don't need a constitutional convention to do that. Vote "no."

PROPOSAL TWO: FELONIOUS PUBLIC OFFICIALS

The second proposal on the ballot would allow the courts to revoke or reduce the pensions of a wide range of "public officers" convicted of certain felonies that have a direct and actual relationship to the performance of their duties.

This is a no-brainer, and Staten Islanders should vote "yes."

A public officer - elected officials, gubernatorial appointees, judges and state employees designated policy-makers, among others - who uses their job to commit a crime has broken the public trust and shouldn't get the benefit of a pension funded by public dollars. It's that simple.

Opponents say the proposal doesn't go far enough in that it doesn't apply to all state and local public employees. They're right. But we have to start somewhere, and maybe the potential loss of a pension will help public servants avoid the temptation to break the law.

Passing a law like this is something that state legislators should have done long ago.

PROPOSAL THREE: UPSTATE PARKLAND

The third ballot proposal allows for pieces of land in the Adirondack and Catskill parks to be used for crucial public works projects by towns that have no alternative but to use the land. To compensate, 250 acres of land will be added to the forest preserve.

The proposal makes sense and should streamline the completion of needed projects. Any loss of parkland will be made up for by the addition of the 250 acres. The proposal has garnered wide support across the state. Staten Islanders should vote "yes."
Buzz is that her affair with designer Arjun Khanna has come to an end too.

By India Today Web Desk: Remember the rumours that Mohabbatein girl Kim Sharma was left penniless after her husband Ali Punjani dumped her for another woman? That Kim returned to Mumbai from Kenya, where she had shifted base after her marriage, only added fuel to the fire. At the time, Kim had rubbished the reports that her marriage was on the rocks and called it "much ado about nothing".

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But if a report in Mumbai Mirror is to be believed, she is officially divorced now. Apparently, she had filed for divorce from Ali a few months ago, and it has finally come through.

Incidentally, Kim has been linked with designer Arjun Khanna for a while now. In fact, their growing proximity reportedly drove a wedge between Arjun and his wife Shefalee, and the couple have been living separately ever since he found love outside the marriage.

However, Arjun's relationship with Kim has gone kaput, reports Mumbai Mirror. Kim is currently making the most of her singlehood.

ALSO WATCH: Ranbir-Katrina to Brangelina, 2016 was the year of celebrity break-ups

--- ENDS ---
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Although Mallika Dua did not take any names, it is obvious that her tweet is directed at Twinkle Khanna.

By India Today Web Desk: After Akshay Kumar told Mallika Dua "main aapko bajata hoon" on a comedy show, Twitteratti were up in arms against him for what they viewed as an inappropriate comment. Things got worse when Twinkle Khanna, who has always been vocal in calling out sexism, said in a statement that "humour has to be seen in its right context" and even cracked two "lame jokes" at Mallika's expense.

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Twinkle posted an apology on Facebook yesterday, saying that her response was "purely emotional and without perspective". She went on to write that she was "reeling from an onslaught of abuse" directed towards various members of her family, including her daughter Nitara, which led to her protective instincts kicking in. "My five-year-old was also dragged in for something that she had absolutely nothing to do with," Twinkle wrote.

Mallika responded to Twinkle's apology on Twitter, although she did not take any names. "That's the thing about parents. They are protective of their children whether they are 5 or whether they are 28," Mallika took to Twitter to write.

Thats the thing about parents. They are protective of their children whether they are 5 or whether they are 28 ????- Mallika Dua (@MallikaDua) November 3, 2017

She was also likely alluding to her father, veteran journalist Vinod Dua, who lashed out at Akshay Kumar when the clip of making the comments surfaced on the internet.

ALSO WATCH: You can have a moustache and be a feminist, says Twinkle Khanna

--- ENDS ---
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Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 125 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 157 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612f03d98b8)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0758ce0)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612f03d98b8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1302 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 955 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0758ce0)') 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 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612f03a1c90)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1300 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 433 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0758ce0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0758ce0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612e74e5e20)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f03bd338)') called at (eval 592) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f03bd338)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0
System error

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context: ... 21: </%method> 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: </%perl> 28: <table width="90%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 29: <tr> ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25

/usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:948

/var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17

/usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149



Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 125 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 157 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612eff48058)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612efc7a228)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612eff48058)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1302 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 955 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612efc7a228)') 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 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612eff68c58)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1300 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 433 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612efc7a228)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612efc7a228)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612efc5cc58)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612eff30000)') called at (eval 592) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612eff30000)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0
The ACT government has ruled out an injecting room for the territory "at this time" but will be interested in the outcomes of a Victorian trial.

"Notwithstanding this, we are committed to expanding access to evidence-informed drug harm minimisation measures, and will continue to monitor emerging evidence," the spokesman said.

The ACT government is not interested in a safe injecting room "at this time". Credit:Andrew Meares

Public Health Association of Australia ACT branch secretary and drug policy researcher David McDonald said legislation technically allowed the government to begin the trial.

"We had the heroin epidemic in the late 1990s with a huge glut of heroin in Australia. We had a huge increase in overdose deaths across the country including in Canberra," Mr McDonald said.
The ACT government is considering annual registration for dogs in the territory as a better way to keep track of pets.

City services minister Meegan Fitzharris admitted the current system of lifetime registration was inadequate, and in the wake of the fatal dog attack in Canberra's north, was an issue that needed to be addressed.

Jana Teivonen, with Oscar the staffy cross lab at the Tuggeranong dog park, disagrees with annual registration for animals. Credit:Jamila Toderas

"We don't have a good picture of how many dogs there currently are," Ms Fitzharris said.

"The current, one-off lifetime registration does not provide an adequate understanding of dogs in our community nor further responsible pet ownership."
By PTI: Kolkata, Nov 4 (PTI) A Dhaka-bound Indian man has been apprehended at the airport here for allegedly trying to smuggle over USD 12,000 currency by concealing it in a mobile power bank and a charger, the CISF said today.

On-duty Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel last night intercepted a passenger identified as Sarfar Mohammad, 35, at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBI), officials said.

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During the x-ray scanning of the baggage of the man, the CISF official detected suspicious images of a mobile charger, power bank and a calculator and hence he was chosen for detailed frisking.

"A total of USD 12,100 currency hidden in the said mobile accessories and calculator was recovered from the baggage of the passenger. The man has been handed over to the Customs authorities for further investigation," CISF spokesperson Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Hemendra Singh said at its headquarter in Delhi.

He was travelling to Dhaka, Singh said.

The value of the seized US dollars is over Rs 8.43 lakh, he said.

On Thursday, in a similar case, two passengers bound for Singapore were apprehended at the airport here for allegedly trying to smuggle over one lakh US dollars by concealing them in power adaptors. PTI NES ASK ASK

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Seven things not to miss at DESIGN Canberra.

DESIGN Canberra celebrates and promotes Canberra as a global city of design. Throughout November more than 150 events, exhibitions, talks, tours, activations, markets, artists studios and open homes will be showcased as DESIGN Canberra transforms the city into a new platform for the best in design.

We've picked out seven highlights not to miss.

After dark at the Canberra Glassworks.

The festival runs from November 5-26, 2017. Check out the whole program at designcanberrafestival.com.au
New South Wales deputy premier John Barilaro has reconfirmed his determination to bring greyhound racing back to Queanbeyan as the ACT moves forward with its ban of the sport.

Speaking after announcing a new cross border partnership between the ACT and NSW governments on Friday Mr Barilaro said greyhound racing provided a potential growth area for Queanbeyan.

Canberra Greyhound Racing Club chairman Alan Tutt says he feels relieved after John Barilaro welcomed greyhounds back to Queanbeyan. Credit:Dion Georgopoulos

He said the people of NSW had clearly shown the industry deserved "a second chance" if it could prioritise animal welfare and said Queanbeyan could be at the forefront of an improved industry.

"A greyhound industry going forward in NSW is one that will have animal welfare front and centre," Mr Barilaro said.
Queanbeyan police are using a controversial NSW Police watch list which disproportionately targets young people and Indigenous people.

A report by the Youth Justice Coalition NSW criticised the NSW Police's Suspect Targeting Management Plan (STMP), a secretive statewide program which predicts the likelihood of a person committing a crime in the future.

A Queanbeyan magistrate said he had seen cases involving people on the plan for drug related or driving related offences and NSW Police have confirmed the Monaro LAC uses the program.

Vicki Sentas from the Redfern Legal Centre Police Powers Clinic is one of the authors of the report, Policing Young People in NSW.

"[It's a] crime prevention program that targets people, both adults and young people, who have committed offences in the past as well as people who may not have committed offence but police otherwise may think they might commit a crime," Ms Sentas said.
The number of apprenticeship places funded by an ACT government body charged with training Canberra workers to meet skills shortages fell in the past financial year.

Figures from the ACT Building and Construction Industry Training Fund Authority published in its most recent annual report showed 331 apprentices were employed in 2016-17, down from 341 in 2015-16.

There were 331 apprentices funded by the government body in 2016-17.

The annual report also showed the authority fell short of its target of funding 350 apprentice places in 12 months for a third consecutive financial year.

Despite the slight decrease in apprentice places, the number of school-based apprenticeships in the ACT funded by the authority increased in the last financial year, rising from 43 to 55.
After a self-described "cautious start" in Australia, Navantia has big plans for the southern hemisphere: it imagines Australia as a high-tech global exporter of warships, patrol boats, tankers  not just Australian-made but designed as well, with the company swelling fivefold from its current figure of 150 employees. "Australia wants to be a player, Australia's defence budget is very high, I think that defence budget is a very good lever to developing industry in the country," says Navantia's chief operating officer Gonzalo Mateo-Guerrero. Navantia chief operating officer Gonzalo Mateo-Guerrero at his office at Navantia headquarters in Madrid. Credit:Latika Bourke When the Coalition government said "no more" to the carmakers, they left town. It's unclear if a defence manufacturing industry would go the same way if deprived of its subsidies.

Navantia's bullishness is in stark contrast to its humble beginnings in Australia in 2006, when John Howard was prime minister and George W. Bush was US president. Mateo-Guerrero remembers attending the United States-Australia Maritime Cooperation Conference at Sydney's Intercontinental Hotel that year when he was the company's one-man show based out of Melbourne. American flags lined the room, illustrating the deep alliance between Australia and the US, causing the Spaniard to wonder "What the hell are we doing here?". Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on board the HMAS Hobart following its commissioning ceremony in September. Credit:David Moir Navantia thought it had no chance against Australia's closest ally when it was invited to build Australia's Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs) and feared it was being used as a stalking horse to improve the American bid. "That's what everybody thought at the time," agrees Andrew Davies from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI). Everybody was wrong. Navantia's smaller design won, setting the company on its current quest to regenerate Australia's defence sector.

A worker constructing a ship at Navantia's shipyards in Ferrol, Spain. Credit:Latika Bourke "The chief of the DMO [Defence Materiel Organisation] came here to Madrid to talk to my boss and he said 'you have to bid and you have to bid to win, you have a chance'," Mateo-Guerrero says. "Australia is very open-minded in the sense they value bids, otherwise we never would have won the AWDs." 'Two-horse race' Now the Spanish shipmaker is hoping to beat Australia's other close ally  Britain. Davies says the contest is widely regarded as a "two-horse race" between Navantia and BAE Systems.

And Navantia is conscious that BAE has a distinct advantage. BAE System's Type 26 Global Combat Ship, which is among the contenders for a $35 billion Australian tender. As Australia's high commissioner to Britain Alexander Downer said last week: "I think if there is one word that comes through when I think about the bilateral relationship: it's the word 'trust'. So government-to-government, we trust each other with our secrets, we share our diplomatic cables with each other. "How many countries are there around the world that you can really trust? This is one of those countries that I feel you can really trust." Much has also been said in both countries about deepening the Australia-Britain relationship and striking a free trade deal (separate to defence exports) as soon as possible.

The British raised the bid for the frigates in Sydney in July, at the annual meeting of the British and Australian defence and foreign ministers known as AUKMIN. "Obviously that relationship has a strong value for BAE, this I would say is the biggest strength, but we have a very strong case," says Matteo-Guerrero. "In Australia I don't think the political relationship will make it; based on our experience with the AWD, you have to have the product." Sophisticated vessels

One of the more serious aspects of Britain's quest to refashion itself as a "global Britain" outside the EU, or as Brexiteer and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson says "to let [the British] lion roar" is Westminster's own 178 billion ($308 billion) defence procurement program. BAE is pitching its new Type 26 frigate, and the Royal Navy has ordered eight. Significantly, the company won't say when the first ship is due, other than the "mid-2020s". In July, the then British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon cut steel on the first of the ships in Glasgow. The next day, he told Fairfax Media that the "expensive high-end warfare ships" were the best on offer from around the world: "The quietness of the ship and the sophistication of the technology on it, put it way ahead of any European offer you may be considering." Former British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon in his London office this year. Credit:Liliana Zaharia Navantia bristles at the suggestion that the Type 26 is the stealthier option: "Our ship is as capable as the Type 26 at anti-submarine warfare ... our ship is more capable in other aspects like anti-air warfare  with new threats like North Korea this is very important," says Mateo-Guerrero.

From a Defence perspective, capability and the safest option are the dominant factors. But there are political considerations. Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne, conscious of his marginal seat in Adelaide, a city carmakers have abandoned, has embarked upon what his political critics privately deride as "buying jobs" with the submarine and frigate tenders, which demand a home build despite estimates that this inflates the costs by about 40 per cent. The HMAS Brisbane air warfare destroyer stands under construction at the ASC Ltd. shipyard in Adelaide, Australia. Credit:Mark Dadswell/Bloomberg And this is crucial for Navantia. "We want to develop the sovereign capability in Australia," says Mateo-Guerrero. "What we propose is to develop the engineering capability, for the first part, three ships, then to grow the concept and functional design capability to adapt and Australianise the ship to new requirements and from there develop completely new ships from a blank page." But will it be enough? German submarine maker ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) proposed a similar idea of creating a submarine-making hub out of Adelaide, but its bid failed when the government, citing capability, chose France's DCNS. "TKMS didn't have the presence and relationship that we enjoy in Australia," says Matteo-Guerrero, when asked if he fears Spain's bid might go the way of Germany's.

"We understand the level of development in the Australian industry and we can offer things, like working closely with the government and even creating capability that can be in a position to export ships from Australia, in a very realistic way." In September, the first of the Navantia designed and built AWDs, HMAS Hobart, was commissioned. But while the company's experience in building ships in Australia's shipyards may give it an advantage, critics would point to its history as a disadvantage. Political storm The AWDs, first ordered in 2007 from Navantia to be built in Australia by the government-owned shipbuilder ASC, have run over budget and three years late. Eventually Navantia was contracted to oversee the build and not just the design. The project has not missed a milestone since. It was this project that prompted Johnston to make his infamous "canoe" remark to Parliament.

The newest destroyer in the Australian fleet, the HMAS Hobart. Credit:AAP "I was there, I was in his office when he said so, we had an appointment with him and we were in his office watching the TV, watching him say so," recounts Matteo-Guerrero. Realising the political storm the minister had set off, the Spanish immediately excused themselves. "The whole thing was a bit of shemozzle," says ASPI's Andrew Davies. "It was a company that had never exported a design before and a shipyard that had never built a design before." But Davies doesn't think the AWD experience will affect Navantia's bid for the frigates. "ASC now understand Navantia's design philosophy and Navantia now understands how ASC does business, so I think history probably doesn't count against them all that much." HMAS Canberra forms up with Navy Ships from the United States and New Zealand on completion of Exercise Talisman Saber 17. Credit:LSIS Helen Frank

Defence says both ships were already scheduled for dry docking this year but maintenance was brought forward to deal with the Siemens-made pods. HMAS Adelaide's propulsion pods were repaired and it left the Navy's Fleet Base in June. It is currently deployed to south-east Asia for the Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2017, where it has already docked in Indonesia and the Philippines. HMAS Canberra completed its docking on October 6 and is undergoing trials before being deployed again. "At no point has the Australian Defence Force been limited in meeting its operational tasks," a Defence spokesman said. But media reports of the dry dockings have caused the government embarrassment, even though Pyne has publicly dismissed the issues as "minor".

"History affects you," concedes Matteo-Guerrero. "But what we can say is the ships are performing very well and they are in operation." When asked if the problem is a Siemens or Navantia one, he says: "I think it is everybody's problem." Davies says: "I don't think the LHDs count against them at all because the problem's not in the Navantia part of the design." Indeed, Navantia's previous winning bids could work in its favour  Defence may be attracted to the "inter-operability" and "commonality" that can only be delivered by having the same company design different ships. Ship-shape onboard HMAS Hobart. Credit:AAP
The Liberal and Labor parties have undertaken sweeping behind the scenes audits of all their MPs to ensure they are not dual citizens and ineligible for parliament, despite both parties fighting an external probe for months.

And in a move designed to bring the citizenship crisis to a head, the Greens will immediately move when the Senate next sits to establish a committee that can compel all senators to produce evidence they have complied with section 44 of the Constitution.

The Greens move shapes as a test for Labor, which on Friday flipped its position and announced that it would support an undefined bipartisan process to uncover any additional dual citizens.

The Greens proposal will likely have the support of the Senate cross bench but will need Labor backing to proceed.
Malcolm Turnbull is set to reject a renewed offer from New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to take 150 refugees from Manus Island.

Mr Turnbull and Ms Ardern will meet for the first time in Sydney on Sunday after the Kiwi leader stitched together a deal that saw her form a coalition government with New Zealand First and the Greens.

Ahead of the meeting, Ms Ardern flagged that she would raise the situation on Manus Island and restate the offer to take 150 refugees, which former prime minister John Key first extended to former prime minister Julia Gillard back in 2013.

"I am looking forward to having a conversation directly with the Prime Minister on Sunday about some of those issues, and New Zealand's role in and view on Manus Island in particular," she said on Thursday.
The key to taking a fashion risk is knowing when to take one, and when to take a second look.

Monelle Mondello took one of the greatest risks at Derby Day by entering Fashions on the Field for the first time, in an outfit she sourced entirely online.

Her long, striped skirt, by an Italian designer, sleeveless top and angular hat may not have had traditional racewear all over it but it won the debutante prizes worth more than $5000 in the daily competition.

"I didn't know what to expect ... it was all very last minute; my skirt only arrived in the post on Friday," Ms Mondello said.
NSW could be falling behind other Australian states and the rest of the world in teaching students key life skills, according to a curriculum expert who is calling for schools to look beyond traditional subjects.

"There needs to be more recognition that schools have a responsibility for the development of a range of skills, values and attitudes," said Phil Lambert, lead curriculum expert in the OECD's Education 2030 project and former general manager of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority.

A leading curriculum expert says NSW schools need to get better at teaching life skills.

"At the moment our focus is at the subject matter level rather than on the whole child," said Dr Lambert, who was recently commissioned by the NSW Department of Education to write a paper on the future of schooling.

In his paper, Dr Lambert identified a range of key competencies that many countries are now beginning to include in their school curricula, including problem solving, communication, resilience and intercultural understanding.
Parents are increasingly paying for their four-year-olds to be tutored to give them a head start and even prepare for a mandatory literacy and numeracy assessment in kindergarten, prompting fears that children face unnecessary pressure before they have entered the classroom.

Tutoring colleges have said preschool tutoring was on the rise as parents "place a strong value on education", but academics warned that tutoring young children takes away from important play-based learning. The Department of Education said such tutoring was unnecessary.

Parents are increasingly sending their preschoolers to tutoring before they start school. Credit:Phil Carrick

Kumon, a tutoring college with centres all over Australia, said its data showed preschool enrolments have increased 45 per cent in five years, while Begin Bright, which also has tutors around the country, said demand for preschool and primary school tutoring was growing steadily.

The Global Education Academy said parents want their children to be academically prepared for school and enrolments in its programs for preschoolers have been rising each year.
Roy had Z+ category security until last month, when he resigned from the TMC - and ceased to be a Rajya Sabha MP.

By Manogya Loiwal : Within two days of joining the BJP, former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mukul Roy has been given Y+ category security.

Roy had Z+ category security until last month, when he resigned from the TMC - and ceased to be a Rajya Sabha MP. He will now be protected by 12 CRPF trained and armed personnel round the clock.

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"There has always been a threat to my life and this why the state government had given me Z+ category protection," Roy told India Today.

"The Central Government too has considered the level of threat perception, hence (it) has alloted (me) the Y+ category security."

Roy was a confidante of Mamata Banerjee's, but their relationship soured because of the Narada and Sarada scams.

ALSO WATCH | Mukul Roy resigns as Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP

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The report also found nearly half of all people who committed suicidehad experienced domestic violence, either as victims or as perpetrators.

Nearly 20 per cent of women who took their own lives were known to police because they were exposed to domestic violence as children, a new report by the NSW Domestic Violence Review Team has revealed.

"This is a critical national emergency. More than one woman is murdered every week and these family violence deaths are on top of that. The federal government must make this a priority because what they are doing is just not enough."

The research used data from police to examine both reported and unreported histories of domestic violence in the lives of those who took their own lives from July to December 2013.

Previous research showed a clear connection between those who think about suicide and their experience of family violence but this is the first study in Australia to show the link. Researchers said there was no reason to believe this pattern was any different across Australia.

Domestic violence researcher Michael Flood, associate professor at Queensland University of Technology, said the reasons men assault their partners and the reasons they kill themselves overlapped.

"From those numbers, it's clear that if we fix family violence that will have [a] significant impact on suicide levels," he said.
Perhaps it is a sign of the times. For all the bloodied little Red Riding Hoods, the very dead Scooby Doos and the howling werewolves, among the most frightening of attendees at Saturday's zombie walk was a man wearing a malfunctioning laptop on his head.

The computer was open to the "blue screen of death", the dreaded failure of Windows operating system.

Graham Bryson wearing a blue screen of death. Credit:James Brickwood

Attending the annual zombie march to raise funds for the Brain Foundation, Graham Bryson of Galston should have been charging on a per-scream basis.

He smelt sweeter than he looked because of the chocolate sauce stained a sticky, blood red that covered his face and body.
The question of reforming abortion law in Queensland will resurface next year and more than 100 candidates have already revealed their support for change.

Abortion is the only medical procedure to feature in the Queensland Criminal Code. It has been there since 1899, but has been amended over the decades.

103 Queensland election candidates have signed Fair Agenda's pro-choice pledge. Credit:AndreyPopov

But following the Queensland election, the new Parliament will be required to deal with proposed legislation to change the law on abortion.

Earlier this year, the Palaszczuk government asked the Law Reform Commission to investigate the issue of modernising the state's laws relating to the termination of pregnancy, with its final report due by June 30, 2018.
Adani has taken the steam out of Annastacia Palaszczuk's first week on the campaign trail as scandal and protesters overshadowed the Queensland Premier.

In an election bombshell, Ms Palaszczuk on Friday pledged to veto a $1 billion federal loan for the controversial Carmichael coal mine, saying her government would play no future role in its assessment.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (right), with Deputy Premier Jackie Trad, at a media conference at Daisy Hill Koala Centre in Brisbane on Saturday. Credit:Darren England/AAP

It comes after the Premier tried to head off an alleged smear campaign by federal LNP senators in Canberra over her partner Shaun Drabsch's work.

Mr Drabsch, in his capacity as infrastructure advisory director for PricewaterhouseCoopers, worked on Adani's application for the loan under the Commonwealth's Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund (NAIF).
The Australian Press Council considered a complaint by Tom Thompson, an authenticator of historical artifacts, about an article in The Sun-Herald.

The Press Council considered a complaint from Victoria Police about an article published in The Sunday Age on 25 October 2015, headed "Strip-searched in Carlton on a sunny afternoon" in print and online.

The article, written in the first person, described the writer's experience of being questioned by two police officers at a bus stop in Lygon Street about a theft of a T-shirt from a nearby store. The article suggested that the police considered the writer to be a possible suspect. The incident occurred mid-afternoon, in view of any passers-by and passengers in a stationary bus. The writer said one of the officers "squatted with a camera and told [the writer] to take down [his] pants to check whether the stolen T-shirt was hidden there", and "to drop his underpants" as well. He said the officer "took photographs of [his] pubic hair", "[t]hen demanded that [he] take down [his] trackies at the back" and the officer "knelt and archived [his] worn out old bum". The article stated that a number of other questions were asked of the writer before he was then able to "pull [his] pants up again". The article was accompanied by a cartoon of two police officers photographing a man with his pants at his ankles.

The writer made a detailed complaint to Victoria Police on 23 October 2015.

The complainant said the writer's assertions in the article were found to be false by the Victoria Police Professional Standards Command. In a letter dated 1 November 2015, Victoria Police informed the publication of this and called for a correction. In March 2017, the writer was found guilty by the Magistrates' Court of Victoria of making a false report to police. The complainant asked the publication on a number of occasions over a lengthy period of time to print a correction, including a request following the Court's finding of guilt, but no correction was printed. The complainant also said that given the seriousness and unusual nature of the writer's allegations, the publication ought to have contacted it prior to publication to seek comment on the alleged events. The complainant said the article unfairly tarnished its reputation and could have significantly affected the careers of the officers involved.
Jindong hemp farmers and Busselton brewers have teamed up together to bring WA its first hemp beer which will be unleashed at the Fremantle Beer Festival.

Dr Weedy's Hemp Ale is a collaboration between up and coming craft brewery Rocky Ridge Brewing Co. and Vasse Valley hemp farm.

Hamish Coates from Rocky Ridge Brewing and Chris Blake from Vasse Valley celebrate their first brew of Dr Weedys Hemp Ale.

While hemp foods and beverages are commonplace in the rest of the world, hemp is still illegal to consume in Australia and New Zealand, but that is set to change.

November 12 is the official date of the nation-wide legalisation of hemp seed for human consumption in Australia and both Rocky Ridge and Vasse Valley are ready for it.
BHP Billiton chief executive Andrew Mackenzie has warned that unless businesses and governments invest in skilled workforces to tackle populism and poverty it could lead to conflict.

He singled out the protectionist America First trade policies of the Trump administration and the rise of the right wing AFD in Germany.

Andrew Mackenzie singled out the protectionist America First trade policies of the Trump administration and the rise of the right wing AFD in Germany at a conference in Perth. Credit:Carla Gottgens

His comments continued a theme that has dominated a German-Australian conference in Perth.

He followed speeches by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier containing thinly veiled criticisms of the US and warnings that rising populism and protectionism threatened global prosperity with false solutions.
Bangkok: Australia has warned of a "high threat" of terror attack in the Philippines, including in the capital Manila.

Australia's smartraveller.gov.au warns Australians "to be alert to possible threats around locations that have a low level of protective security and places known to be possible terrorist targets".

A mosque with its dome blasted out with holes is among destroyed buildings in battle-scarred Marawi,Philippines. Credit:AP

It also tells Australians to reconsider travel to eastern Mindanao and avoid the island's central and western regions, which include Marawi where about 30 Islamic State-allied militants are still hiding out in building basements and tunnels amid the city's ruins.

Philippine security officials have also warned of possible "lone wolf attacks".
Taipei: North Korea has accused the United States of carrying out a "gangster-like" nuclear drill close to its shores just days before Donald Trump visits the region.

The regime's news service claimed two B-1B Lancer bombers flew near the Korean peninsula on Thursday and simulated an attack on "major" North Korean targets.

North Korean leader Kim jong-un. Credit:Korean Central News

It accused the US of "ceaselessly resorting to their frantic nuclear threat and blackmail" to stop the regime's weapons program.

The US Air Force confirmed the incident, which it called a "continuous bomber presence mission".
Abidjan: The death of a local youth leader and ongoing violence in the world's top cocoa producer have people worried.

Ivory Coast is responsible for a third of all the cocoa powder used in chocolate production globally, but disputes between native groups and migrants have forced nearly 7000 people to abandon their cocoa plantations in the past month. Ten people have died as a result of the violence.

A farmer picks cocoa pods from the trees he cultivates on his land in western Ivory Coast. Credit:AP/File

On Thursday, a well-known We youth leader, Modeste Nenonhon, was shot dead in the village of Beoua sparking more violence, the Red Cross and a government spokesman said.

The house of a local prefect was ransacked by protesters in the town of Guiglo, to where many of the farmers have fled, said government spokesman Bruno Kone, adding that an inquiry was underway.
A senior police officer said the proprietor of Katyayani Trades in Noida's Sector 63 was contacted by the operator of the alleged fake website and offered distributorship for Rs 10 lakh.

The fake site is identical to the real site and even displays photos of Baba Ramdev on its home page.

By Shashank Shekhar: Cashing in on the ever-growing popularity of Baba Ramdev's Patanjali products, the cyber criminals have floated fake websites and are duping gullible investors by offering distributorship of the brand for Rs 10 lakh.

The cyber crime branch of Noida Police received a complaint from a trader in Sector 63, who was duped by the website www.patanjalidistributors.org on the pretext of offering dealership of ayurvedic products anywhere in Noida.

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A senior police officer said the proprietor of Katyayani Trades in Noida's Sector 63 was contacted by the operator of the alleged fake website and offered distributorship for Rs 10 lakh.

When the owner, R K Verma, paid the money, the cyber criminals stopped responding to his calls and emails.

Following this, a complaint was filed with the cyber cell.

The fake site is identical to the real one and even has pictures of Baba Ramdev, Acharya Balkrishna and Patanjali products displayed on its home page.

"It is difficult to make out the difference between the real and the fake website," said a senior police officer.

"Be aware of the fake website www.patanjalidistributors.org, offering Patanjali distributorship asking money in lakhs. FIR registered in Noida. Please share to save others," tweeted Vivek Ranjan Rai, head of the cyber wing.

PATANJALI'S WARNING ABOUT FRAUD SITES

Patanjali officials also alerted about similar fraud sites that are duping people on the pretext of selling products, offering jobs and distributorships.

"We are concerned with the recent proliferation of fraudulent and infringing activities of people who are trying to make illegal profit by offering goods, posing as they are part of the Patanjali Ayurved Ltd and its group companies/trust and thereby causing immense damage to the reputation and goodwill of our brands," mentions Patanjali on its website.

Meanwhile, police in its investigation has found that the fake website was created on September 22 and its server has been located in Sector 3, Noida.

Interestingly, the website was being operated from the bordering areas of Orissa and Chhattisgarh. Noida police said the operator of the website has several bank accounts in different states of the country.

"There is a high possibility that the gang is in touch with other people and trying to dupe them. We are close to identifying them and the culprits will be arrested soon," said a police officer.

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Evil takes root when good men fail to act. This is one of the many quotes from the legendary freedom fighter Mr. Nelson Mandela and its with this burden that I have chosen to speak up about our current issues.

My question to the people of this young country named St. Maarten is, what have DP and UP party done for St. Maarten and its people for the last 50 years?

There is no reason why the former coalition government should fall, because the DP leader has always been updated on the developments when it comes to financial aid from the Netherlands to St. Maarten. So, there are no grounds for the DP leader to want to form a new government with the opposition, for DP and UP to go back to their old practices by filling their pockets by cutting deals and keep St. Maarten people suffering.

Why should DP split with its coalition partner when in 2015 it was the DP and UP government that went to Holland and signed for the Integrity Chamber to come to St. Maarten, but NA was never part of that coalition. Furthermore, why should DP want to form a new government with UP when the main two vote-getters of UP cannot pass the screening to be ministers? This says it all.

DP and UP have been fooling the people of St. Maarten for many years and never supported the middle class or poor people of this island.

The people of this country have to realize that the UP leader doesnt have this island at heart, its all about enriching himself, his family and friends.

And the DP leader always speaks of Country First when, under DP and UP, St. Maarten never had an approved budget.

The only party that got things done for St. Maarten is NA, which brought home separate status to St. Maarten, finished the new government building and approved budget for the last two years and more to mention.

I fully agree that Parliament should be dissolved and new elections called, or the island would be placed under higher supervision by the Netherlands before end of the year.

Concerned citizen

Name withheld at authors request
~ Postulation Day November 13th ~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Governor of St. Maarten drs Eugene Holiday signed off the decree for elections to be held on Monday, January 8th, 2018 while postulation day will be on Monday, November 13th, 2017. The Parliament of St. Maarten will be dissolved on January 31st, 2018.

The people of St. Maarten have to go through yet another election because Member of Parliament Chanel Brownbill chose to jump ship and signed an agreement with the United Peoples Party and the Democratic Party. The agreement was signed last week Sunday while the new majority was formed on Monday. On Thursday, the UP/DP/ Brownbill coalition voted on a motion of non-confidence against six Ministers of the Marlin II cabinet which led to the Prime Minister of St. Maarten to submit the resignation of his cabinet and also submit a decree to the Governor of St. Maarten to dissolve the Parliament of St. Maarten and call for new elections. One day after receiving the request from the Prime Minister Governor Holiday signed off on the request and set the dates for postulation, election and the dissolution of the Parliament of St. Maarten.

Prime Minister William Marlin signs National Decree to Dissolve Parliament.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday morning Prime Minister William Marlin and Governor Drs. Eugene Holiday signed the National Decree to dissolve Parliament, following the motion of no confidence in the Marlin Cabinet.

The date for the elections has been set for Friday, January 8, 2018. Postulation day is Monday, November 13, 2017 and the new Parliament will take office on Wednesday, January 31, 2018.

Based on the law, postulation day should have been on November 11th and because of this, the date was moved to Monday, November 13.

Press Release from the Prime Minister of St. Maarten

Click here to view the National Decree signed by Prime Minister William Marlin and Governor drs Eugene Holiday.
Restored print to premiere Nov. 4 as part of UCLA Film & Television Archive Exhibition

A single 35 mm nitrate print had screened in New York City in 1934 and then been placed in a vault. But where did it go?

In September 2016, Jan-Christopher Horak, director of UCLA Film & Television Archive, was searching for material germane to the Archive's research project, Recuerdos de un cine en espanol: Latin American Cinema in Los Angeles, 1930-1960, and noticed a promising film title: Romance Tropical.

A single 35 mm nitrate print had screened in New York City in 1934 and then been placed in a vault belonging to the Krypton Corporation, the contents of which the Packard Humanities Institute (PHI) acquired in 2008. Shortly thereafter, PHI added the material to its collection at UCLA Film & Television Archive. UCLA motion picture archivist Todd Wiener confirmed that the title was produced in Puerto Rico and was possibly the first sound feature film from the island.

Horak followed up with colleagues in Puerto Rico to determine if the title in question was the same Romance Tropical (1934) for which archivists in their country had been searching for more than 80 years. Other than a few photos, a poster and newspaper articles from its initial release, nothing was thought to have remained of the film. In February 2017, a representative of the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, Jose Alfredo Hernandez-Mayoral, travelled to Los Angeles to inspect the print and confirmed it was the long-lost film.

Puerto Rican film pioneer and Hollywood veteran Juan E. Viguie produced Romance Tropical and many famous Puerto Rican citizens worked on the movie, including screenwriter Luis Pales Matos-one of the founders of Afro-Antillano poetry, which blends words from Afro-Caribbean culture with the Spanish verse of Puerto Rico. The film also features the work of composer Rafael Munoz, the island's most famous big band leader.

"The serendipitous rediscovery of Romance Tropical is one of the major accomplishments of our present efforts to find and preserve classic Latin American cinema," said Horak.

"Finally finding Romance Tropical is a wonderful motivator as we make efforts to recover after the devastating passage of Hurricane Maria on our beautiful island. As we watch the film, we have the opportunity to see the Puerto Rico of the 1930s, and to be reminded that, as before and as always, Puerto Rico will rise," said Carlos R. Ruiz Cortes, executive director, Institute of Puerto Rican Culture.

A fundraiser reception benefitting Puerto Rico's National Archive will be held at the tranquil courtyard AMMO Cafe following the film. Enjoy fresh, locally-sourced Puerto Rican inspired fare and drinks. DONATION of $50.00 -Each reception attendee will receive a complimentary ticket to the film screening at 7:30 p.m. For tickets visit: bit.ly/RomanceTropical

The original camera negative for Romance Tropical remains missing. Due to the production's inexperience with new sound technology, the surviving 35 mm print had significant inconsistencies in portions of the audio track. PHI re-recorded the soundtrack and produced a new preservation negative and two new 35 mm prints. PHI will repatriate a print to the island when the Archivo de Imagenes en Movimiento has recovered from Hurricane Maria.

The newly restored Romance Tropical will premiere on Saturday, Nov. 4 as part of UCLA Film & Television Archive's ongoing exhibition, Recuerdos de un cine en espanol: Latin American Cinema in Los Angeles, 1930-1960, which celebrates the Spanish-language film culture of downtown Los Angeles. For decades beginning in the 1930s, a vibrant Spanish-speaking cinema culture thrived in downtown Los Angeles where venues such as the Teatro Electrico, the Azteca, the Mayan and the Million Dollar Theatre were home to popular movies from the golden age cinemas of Mexico, Argentina, Cuba and other Latin American countries. The Archive's 38-film retrospective runs through Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 at its theatrical home, the Billy Wilder Theater, and at the Downtown Independent, the former site of the Azteca.

Puerto Rican film pioneer and Hollywood veteran Juan E. Viguie produced Romance Tropical and many famous Puerto Rican citizens worked on the movie

Recuerdos de un cine en espanol is part of Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA, a far-reaching and ambitious exploration of Latin American and Latino art in dialogue with Los Angeles, taking place from September 2017 through January 2018 at more than 70 cultural institutions across Southern California. Pacific Standard Time is an initiative of the Getty. The presenting sponsor is Bank of America.

UCLA Film &Television Archive is renowned for its pioneering efforts to rescue, preserve and showcase moving image media and is dedicated to ensuring that the collective visual memory of our time is explored and enjoyed for generations to come. A public arts unit of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, the Archive is a unique resource for media study and one of the largest repositories of moving image materials in the world. The Archive is well known for its moving image restoration efforts, and many of its projects are invited to screen at prestigious events around the globe, as well as screening locally at UCLA's Billy Wilder Theater.
By PTI: Karachi, Nov 4 (PTI) Pakistan Customs has seized a large number of smuggled smart phones and tablets worth a whopping Rs 284 million here, a media report said today.

The high-end mobile phones of Q-Mobile company and tablets had been imported by falsely declaring them as LED lights and bulbs, The Express Tribune reported.

The action was taken after a tip-off that some importers were misusing the facility of green channel under paperless system and clearing their goods from Karachi illegally, according to Customs officials.

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A 40-feet container loaded on a trawler was intercepted near mobile market in Saddar area here, Customs Collector Iftikhar Ahmed said.

Upon interrogation, it was confirmed that a large number of mobile phones and tablets, worth Rs 284 million (over USD 2.6 million) was present inside the container, which had been brought into Pakistan without the payment of duty and taxes, he said, adding that the container was seized.

The container was carrying Rs 284 million worth of goods, which included 27,200 mobile phones of Q-Mobile worth Rs 136 million, 35,790 assorted mobile phones worth Rs 143.16 million and 531 Amazon tablets worth Rs 5.31 million, the official added. PTI CPS

--- ENDS ---
We have celebrities to thank for a lot of major fashion trends, both past and present.

They are not afraid of taking some risks on the red carpet, and while some have seen huge success, the majority of these "wild" outfits have fallen flat.
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HARTFORD  The retirement announcement Thursday by Connecticut Supreme Court Chief Justice Chase T. Rogers could open the door for what in the future may be called the Malloy Court.

And Associate Justice Andrew J. McDonald of Stamford might lead the way.

McDonald is a former top adviser to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy as far back as when he was mayor of Stamford. At age 51, he is the youngest of the Supreme Court veterans, who were joined this week by two interim justices elevated from the Appellate Court.

I think the next chief is going to be Justice Andrew McDonald, said Edward J. Gavin, a Bridgeport lawyer who is the former president of the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.

Hes very talented, Gavin said in a phone interview. Hes the former co-chairman of the Legislatures Judiciary Committee. He has ties to the Malloy administration. Hes extraordinarily bright and qualified and I think he is the front runner.

More News Lawmakers approve Supreme Court, Appellate nominees

A former state Senator from Stamford, McDonald became Malloys chief Capitol legal counsel following the 2010 election. Malloy nominated McDonald to the high court in 2013.

This is going to be an extraordinary legacy for Dan Malloy, Gavin said. You could almost call it the Malloy Court. Five of the seven members of the court, who are occasionally joined by Senior Justice Carmen E. Espinosa, have been appointed by Malloy. The replacement of Rogers will be his sixth. I think perhaps the biggest legacy of Gov. Malloy may very well rest in the Supreme Court.

More Information Playing the age game with the Supreme Court Chief Justice Chase T. Rogers, will be 61 on November 12 Senior Justice Carmen E. Espinosa, 68 Associate Justice Richard N. Palmer, 67 Senior Justice Christine S. Vertefeuille, will be 67 on December 10 Associate Justice Richard A. Robinson, will be 60 on December 10 Associate Justice Andrew J. McDonald, 51 Interim Associate Justice Maria Aaujo Kahn, 53 Interim Associate Justice Raheem L. Mullins, 39 * Mandatory retirement age is 70 See More Collapse

On Wednesday, the Judiciary Committee approved the nominations of Appellate judges Maria Araujo Kahn, 53, and Reheem L. Mullins, 39 to interim appointments pending their confirmation next year for full eight-year terms by the entire General Assembly.

Rogers, a former New Canaan resident and former Stamford and Norwalk Superior Court judge, became a judge of the Superior Court in January 1998 and joined the Appellate Court in March 2006.

She began her term as Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court on April 25, 2007, after her nomination from then-Gov. M. Jodi Rell.

In an email to the Judicial Branch on Thursday, the 60-year-old Rogers said that she will leave on Feb. 5, nearly 11 years after taking over the top court, with its $200,000 salary.

When I began my tenure in 2007, I told my family and close friends that I thought ten years in a position of leadership was just about right, Rogers wrote. I continue to believe that and, therefore, have decided to move on to new tasks before I overstay my welcome.

Chief Justice Rogers is a consummate jurist who has served the state admirably and with formidable distinction, Malloy said statement.

Among her many accomplishments, her tenure on the states highest court will be remembered for expanding transparency and access to justice, fostering a culture of inclusion in the judicial branch, and streamlining court processes, he said.

This fall, the court heard arguments in the landmark Connecticut Coalition for Justice in Education Funding vs. Rell school funding case to determine if the state is adequately distributing resources to its poorer school district.

It is the Chief Justices hope that all of the cases she sat on will be decided before her retirement, and she will work diligently to achieve that goal, said Rhonda Herbert, a spokeswoman for the court.

Staff writer Linda Conner Lambeck contributed to this report.
By PTI: Karachi, Nov 4 (PTI) Pakistans Balochistan province government has released the recently detained wife and children of a top Baloch militant commander who is accused of targeting security forces in the restive southwestern state.

Balochistan Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti said three women and three children ? including the family of Dr Allah Nazar, the chief of the banned Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) - were arrested while travelling illegally into Pakistan from neighbouring Afghanistan last month.

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He said that all women and children had been released in keeping with the Baloch traditions.

"The other women included sister of Aslam, alias Acho, commander of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) who was killed in a security operation, and wife of Dileep, another leading commander of the BLF," Bugti was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune.

"The security forces handed over all the women and children to Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri and we have released them. Allah Nazar?s wife left for Karachi with his (Nazar?s) brother Mehrullah," he told reporters in the provincial capital Quetta yesterday.

The minister said that during investigation, it was revealed that the women were involved in distributing funds to the banned Baloch outfits.

"Despite committing crimes of illegally crossing border and distributing funds among terrorists, the government treated them with respect," he said.

The minister rejected the rumours that the women were abducted. "They were arrested," he insisted. PTI ZH

--- ENDS ---
Pakistan has been asked to report in February on action taken by Islamabad against groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jamaat-ud Dawa.

By Geeta Mohan: In a huge diplomatic victory for India, New Delhi managed to get the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) - the global watchdog that combats terrorism financing - to demand compliance from Pakistan on the issue of terror funding.

That happened despite opposition from China, as was the case at the UN.

This decision was taken at the Buenos Aires plenary of the FATF Thursday, where India raised the issue at the International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) of the FATF. Pakistan has been asked to report in February on action taken by Islamabad against groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jamaat-ud Dawa.

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India has been raising the issue of Pakistan's blatant support to terrorists and terrorist groups at all international fora.

This comes just days after India's move to sanction Masood Azhar at the UN was scuttled by Pakistan, with the help of a veto from China.

Even at the Buenos Aires plenary of the FATF, China tried to be a roadblock, but couldn't. Unlike at the UN, two speaking countries are needed to block consensus, and China was isolated in Argentina.

The APG (Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering) of the FATF provided its report and the ICRG noted that "Pakistan made some progress to implement UNSCR 1267. However, concerns related to UNSCR 1267 remain, specifically that designated individuals and entities of concern continue to receive and disperse funds without controls being applied by the competent authorities."

WHAT PAKISTAN MUST REPORT ON

According to the decision taken in Argentina, Pakistan has been requested to report on:

- "efforts to further coordinate, share information, and oversee all federal and provincial government agencies with a role in identifying and freezing UNSCR 1267 and 1373 related property,"

- "efforts to restrict designated individuals and entities of concern from having access to property and financial services (such as FiF having access to funding for humanitarian services)."

- "the SBP's enforcement activity as it relates to ensuring compliance of the SROs and penalising non compliance."

This is the first time the State Bank of Pakistan has been asked specifically to report on action taken to ensure terror funding stops.

Earlier this year, the US had shut down the New York branch of yet another Pakistani bank, Habib Bank Limited (HBL) for failure to comply with anti-money laundering rules.

It was a result of tremendous pressure being put by FATF to curb terror financing by Pakistan.

INDIA WELCOMES DECISION

India has welcomed the international body's decision.

Sources told India Today, "The decision at the Plenary Session of the FATF reflects the continuing concern of the global community on terrorism and its financing. Obviously, this matter in no longer a bilateral issue but has a wider regional ramification."

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This certainly wasn't easy for India given that The Asia Pacific Group (APG) had earlier conveyed to the plenary that Pakistan could be given a break and assessed directly in 2019, when its turn comes up for country evaluation. But India's objection and consensus from all quarters - barring China - was the reason why Pakistan has been put on a 90-day notice yet again.

Some delegations requested clarity on next steps. As a result, ICRG recommended that the "FATF secretariat identify possible options for next steps in relation to Pakistan for decision in February."

ALSO WATCH | US shuts down, fines Pakistan's Habib Bank for terror financing

--- ENDS ---
Early reports suggested that extreme crowds and a stampede may be to blame for the deaths.

At least three people were killed in a stampede on the banks of river Ganga in Bihar

By India Today Web Desk: At least three people died and another ten were injured in Bihar's Begusarai during Kartik Purnima celebrations at Simaria Ghat on the banks of river Ganga.

Early reports suggested that extreme crowds and a stampede may be to blame for the deaths. Photos from the site showed footwear and personal belongings scattered on the ground.

Click here to Enlarge Visuals from the site showed footwear and personal belongings scattered on the ground

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The stampede took place early in the morning at around 8 am.Those who died were elderly people, with two women over the age of 75 being reported killed.

There was no immediate information available on what may have caused the stampede at Simaria Ghat.

Click here to Enlarge Two women were among the three people who died in the stampede in Bihar

Soon after the deadly stampede, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of those killed at Simaria Ghat, news agency ANI reported.

Kartik Purnima has a special place in Hindu mythology. According to the Puranas, this day is considered very auspicious for donating to the poor after taking a holy dip in the Ganga.

#SpotVisuals: 3 dead & 10 injured after stampede at Simaria Ghat in #Bihar's Begusarai. pic.twitter.com/iriqKc4ch4- ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2017

The day is also known as Tripuri Purnima or 'Ganga Snan Ki Purnima' and sees people gathering in large numbers at Begusarai's Simaria Ghat in order to take a holy dip into the river Ganga.

--- ENDS ---
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NORTHWOODS  In February, the Missouri Jobs Center moved from its longtime home at North Oaks Plaza to a new office inside the renovated former Northwest Plaza shopping mall in St. Ann.

The center, one of three operated in St. Louis County by the countys Division of Workforce Development, had been located for more than two decades in this struggling municipality where the unemployment rate was 19 percent at most recent count. It was a place where job-seekers could search for jobs or training, take classes or literacy programs, or use computers to print resumes. Many of the centers users walked there.

Moving critical job services about 10 miles away from the countys nexus of poverty frustrated many officials in the area, who questioned the reasoning.

The 37,000-square-foot office has been empty since. This week, an adviser for County Executive Steve Stenger acknowledged the county still has seven years on its lease with $2.3 million in rent due to the owner, Gregory Sansone.

We were stuck with a bad lease, said Stenger adviser Paul Hampel. He said the office was in very poor condition. We had to get the people who were in there, out of there.

The Stenger administration has steadily moved county offices to the former St. Ann shopping mall, now known as the Crossings at Northwest Plaza, which was built with tens of millions of dollars in public support. This year, the county moved the Board of Elections there in a lease valued at $40 million to $50 million over 20 years. For several months, the county paid rent at two locations.

Stengers critics have said the move to St. Ann was designed to reward the Crossings developers, brothers Robert and P. David Glarner, friends of Stenger who have donated $325,000 to his campaign. Stenger has dismissed any link between donations and the lease, saying the Crossings is an excellent lease at an excellent location.

But members of the County Council said they didnt know about the countys long-term commitment to North Oaks. Council member Hazel Erby, in whose district the job center was located, said we didnt find out until later that there was a seven-year lease.

Paying rent at two locations for the same service is not how any business works, said council Chairman Sam Page.

It was not clear last week how much rent taxpayers were paying for the new job center in St. Ann, which has 42,000 square feet. The Post-Dispatch asked Stengers office on Oct. 23 to allow a reporter to review all leases and contracts for county government offices. Various Stenger aides responded: first saying that the request was not sent to the right person, next that Stengers office did not have such records, and finally that officials were working on providing access. State law requires a government agency to explain a delay longer than three days and provide a date when the records would be available, but none was provided.

A blow to North Oaks

The loss of the job center was a blow for the shopping center at Lucas and Hunt and Natural Bridge roads, which opened in 1962. The center includes a Save-A-Lot supermarket, a Walgreens, an Advance auto parts store and several other shops. It had the largest bowling alley in Missouri, North Oaks Bowl, but the lanes closed in 2014.

In 2007, the city of Northwoods authorized a special taxing district to collect an extra 1 percent tax at stores in the center. The tax allowed Sansone to borrow $1.6 million for upgrades to the center, which would be paid back over 20 years by the taxes collected. But an audit by Missouri Auditor Nicole Galloway released in September found conflicts of interest that led to some questionable payments. The audit said the tax was not raising enough to pay off the bond.

Sansone previously said expenditures of bond funds and sales tax revenues were proper. He did not reply to requests for comment.

Hampel said a move was necessary because the office at North Oaks had a lot of problems.

It flooded, it had electrical problems, mold problems, he said. There were times, in fact, that the place was so messed up  that it couldnt be opened to the public.

Asked why the county did not force Sansone to make the repairs, or why the county did not try to get out of the lease, Hampel said that under the terms of the lease, the landlord was responsible only for the exterior of the building, not the interior. The terms could not be verified because the county has yet to turn over copies of its leases.

A check of records shows the county has invested in renovations to the North Oaks building before. An ordinance in 2008 authorized $50,000 in unspecified work. Hampel said the county this year completed more renovations.

Asked why the county did not temporarily move during renovations instead of taking on a second lease, Hampel said the rent in St. Ann was a good deal and the office space much more suitable.

Hampel said the county plans to revive the North Oaks office for new programs, although plans were not yet firm.

First and foremost, were going to establish a resource center, a one-stop center for youth and young adults with the goal to provide family strengthening and family-friendly programs there and then some other activities that might benefit that area, he said. He said the county was also discussing with the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership to possibly use it as a training space for high-tech jobs but first we have to fix it up.

He added some details in an email: A mix of community groups will occupy and operate the space. The county will help these groups get started but the groups will be responsible from there. The county is seeking federal funding for the program and expects to have a response from the feds very soon on that.

Hampel emphasized that the condition of the North Oaks office was a problem Stenger inherited. He said former County Executive Buzz Westfalls office entered the first contract to lease the space in 1994, and the administration of former Executive Charlie Dooley renewed it in 2004 with a 20-year lease.

Among the first problems that he knew had to be dealt with was this space, Hampel said.
"Ease of doing business also leads to ease of life," PM Modi said as he also hit back at the Opposition, sections of which have questioned the World Bank report that saw India jump to rank 100 in the global ease of doing business rankings.

By India Today Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at an event in New Delhi, applauded India's moving up in the World Bank Ease of Doing Business ranking, saying the international institution has "recognised (the) stupendous work done" by his government.

"Ease of doing business also leads to ease of life," PM Modi said as he also hit back at the Opposition, sections of which have questioned the World Bank report that saw India jump to rank 100 in the global ease of doing business rankings.

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"Kuch logon ko Bharat ki ranking 142 (in 2014) se 100 (this year) hone ki baat samajh nahi aati hai, inko fark nahi padta (Some people are unable to understand India moving from 142 to 100 in the ease of doing business rankings)," PM Modi said adding that some of these people have been part of the World Bank.

Targeting the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government that preceded his rule, PM Modi said, "Yadi insolvency/bankruptcy code jaise sudhar apke samay mein hote to ye subhagya apke hisse na aata kya (If you had brought in reforms such as the insolvency/bankruptcy code, wouldn't you have seen such improvement in ranking as well?)."

The prime minister also lauded the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax, saying it will take India towards a "modern tax regime". Modi also spoke briefly about job creation - an issue the Opposition has repeatedly targeted him on - saying, "We are a young country and job creation is an opportunity as well as a challenge."

PM Modi was speaking at the 'India's Business Reforms' session in New Delhi.

WATCH VIDEO | GST will take India towards a modern tax regime: Modi at business event in Delhi

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JEFFERSON CITY  Though the top Missouri Senate Republican said Monday an effort to reverse $35 million health care cuts during a special session appeared dead, the state senator in charge of negotiations still floated his proposal on Friday.

Gov. Eric Greitens, a Republican, vetoed a bill over the summer that would've prevented the state from tightening eligibility requirements for those receiving in-home and other specialty services through Medicaid. Providers also would've been spared a rate cut.

Greitens vetoed the measure, calling it a one-time budget gimmick to a long-term funding problem. He has shied away from calling a special session so that lawmakers can devise another plan to reverse the cuts, which were originally expected to impact 8,300 people. New figures show the state is on pace to cut services to only a fraction of that.

Even though the prospect of a special session is increasingly unlikely with two months from lawmakers' regular session, there is still chatter about the possibility.

Sen. Mike Cunningham, R-Rogersville, said Friday his plan would center around raising money from new restrictions to the "circuit breaker" tax credit, which low-income seniors and those with disabilities take advantage of. The state could also dip into various other funds to raise money.

He said all 17 Republicans present at a recent caucus meeting signed a formal letter indicating their support of a special session.

"It is now up to the House to assure the Senate that they will pass the reforms," Cunningham said. "If approved, we would be in a position to call ourselves into special session or ask the governor to do so."

Cunningham's framework, subject to negotiation, would only raise about $25 million of the $35 million that was cut, according to the release.

House Budget Chairman Scott Fitzpatrick said Friday he would wait to see if more senators signed the petition before circulating one of his own.

It takes a three-fourths vote among lawmakers in both chambers to call a special session, which means 26 senators would need to sign on, something that requires Democratic support.

"I'd want to see those two or three people (Senate Democrats) sign something before I went around and spent two weeks trying to get 123 people (House members) sign something on our side," Fitzpatrick said.

Senate Minority Leader Gina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors, said Friday afternoon that Democrats would not approve "shifting the burden from one vulnerable population to another."

She said lawmakers approved a bipartisan solution to maintain the services and rates during the regular session, but that Greitens vetoed it.

Among Cunningham's changes to "circuit breaker" would be a revised maximum credit  $450 for renters and $750 per household for homeowners  down from $750 for renters and $1,100 for homeowners, according to the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Cunningham said any changes to the circuit breaker credit would not apply to "100 percent disabled" individuals.

He also named several other funds the Legislature would dip into to raise about $25 million, including the Nursing Facility Reimbursement Fund, the Nursing Facility Quality of Care Fund, the Healthy Families Trust Fund, the Life Sciences Trust Fund, and the Missouri Public Health Services Fund.
By Rohit Kumar Singh: Political blame game has begun over the Simaria Ghat stampede incident which took place on Saturday morning in Begusarai district in which 3 persons lost their lives and left more than a dozen injured. The devotees had gathered on the bank of Ganga River to take a holy dip on the occasion of Kartik Purnima.

Former deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav has blamed the government for its failure in making proper arrangement for the festival when several lakh devotees were expected to throng Simaria Ghat today.

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"Prayers for the families who lost their loved ones in the stampede incident. There was no special arrangement that was made by the Begusarai administration keeping in mind the huge turnout of people. Nitish Kumar government should take responsibility for the incident", tweeted Tejashwi Yadav, former deputy CM.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, soon after the incident announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lacs for the families who lost their loved ones.

According to preliminary investigation, the stampede was caused because of some rumor. The police, however, are trying to ascertain the exact reason which led to the stampede in which 3 persons, all women were killed. The deceased have been identified as Kanchan Devi (70) from Nalanda, Triveni Devi (70) from Sitamarhi and Shakunti Devi (80) from Darbhanga.

Initially, it appears that the Begusarai administration was ill prepared to handle the huge turnout of devotees on the occasion of Kartik Purnima because of which the incident happened.

Also watch: Lalu rail scam: Why JD-U silent, what's Nitish Kumar's next move?

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TV presenter Charley Boorman will drive a 1904 Rover 8hp from the British Motor Museum in Gaydon in this Sundays London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

CHARLEY Boorman, TV presenter, adventurer and travel writer will drive a 1904 Rover 8hp from the British Motor Museum in Gaydon in this Sundays London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

which is the oldest surviving Rover car and just one of six cars from the museums collection which will be participating in this years run. Charley is also representing the Movember Foundation.

Other cars from the museum which will be taking part include a 1901 Wolseley 10hp tonneau which will be driven by motoring journalist Quentin Willson. The British Motor Industry Heritage Trusts new chairman, Kevin Timms, will be driving a 1904 Thornycroft 20hp tonneau, which was driven last year by Lindsey Russell from Blue Peter and in 2014 by Olympic legend, Sir Steve Redgrave. Also participating are the Museums 1899 Wolseley 3hp voiturette, 1902 Albion A1 dog-cart and 1904 Wolseley 6hp phaeton.

The Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Run supported by Hiscox is a premier event in the annual motoring calendar and has been running longer than any other in the world. It marks the historic day in 1896 when a group of pioneer motorists set out from London towards the seaside, in celebration of the emancipation of the motor car.

The British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, based at the British Motor Museum, is again supporting the Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, supported by Hiscox, which is taking place this Sunday, 5th November.
Prakash Raj has lashed out at those who "terrorise" in the name of religion, culture and morality.

By India Today Web Desk: Southern star Prakash Raj on Friday lashed out at those who "terrorise" in the name of religion, culture and morality, raising the issues of moral policing, lynching "on the slightest doubt of cow slaughter" and trolling.

The National Award winner did not take any names in his Twitter post that comes a day after his colleague Kamal Haasan hit out at "Hindu right-wingers".

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"If instilling fear in the name of religion, culture, morality is not terrorising, then what is it #just asking," Raj said on Twitter and posted a lengthy message addressed to "whomsoever it may concern".

"If abusing and manhandling young couples on the streets of my country in the name of morality is not terrorising....

If taking law into hands and lynching people on the slightest doubt of cow slaughter is not terrorising. If trolling with abuse, threat... to silence even a slightest voice of dissent is not terrorising... Then what is terrorising...," Raj asked.

If instilling fear in the name of religion..culture..morality is not terrorizing..than what is it ..#justasking pic.twitter.com/hs8Y3H700L- Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) November 3, 2017

Hitting it out at the right-wing, Kamal Haasan had said, "In the past, Hindu, right-wing groups would not indulge in violence. They would hold a dialogue with opposing parties on their arguments . But this old tactics was defeated and now what they do is using muscle power."

"They started indulging in violence. Right-wing cannot challenge anyone saying there are Hindu terrorists because there terror has spread into their camp as well. Such terror activities are not going to help them in way," Haasan added.

Raj, 52, had earlier criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his silence on those "celebrating" the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bangalore in September.

"I am not talking against any party. I am talking to my prime minister. I am saying your silence is chilling. I am hurt by the silence....I have a right to say this," he had said in a video posted on Twitter.

A prominent name in Tamil, Kannada and Telugu cinema, Raj won the National Award for his role in the Tamil film "Kanchivaram". He is also a familiar face in Hindi cinema with character roles in films like "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag", "Wanted" and "Singham".

WATCH VIDEO | Haasan says Hindu terrorism exists; BJP calls actor mentally unstable

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All-in-one camiknickers with button-up trapdoors at the rear and a set of split-crotch bloomers called free traders will be among a range of vintage undergarments on show at Pongakawa Hall this weekend.

The Te Puke Kiwicoast Lions Club is hosting Grandmas Secrets on Saturday as a fundraiser for Kiwican. The event is sold out, with more than 200 tickets snapped up for the ladies afternoon tea which will include a gentle meander through the eras of feminine undergarments.

Organiser Michelle Cliff says the event was inspired by a similar event in Levin, attended by a family member of one of the club members.

We thought we could take that idea and do something with it and its just blossomed, says Michelle. We started gathering old garments that we had or knew of, and we contacted the lady with the collection in Palmerston North and shes very kindly loaned us a beautiful box of 20 vintage garments.

Gaye Fells collection comes from her aunt, who was born in the 1890s. It was given to her by a maiden friend and much of it had come from her sister who was a prison warder and probably never married. Other pieces have been provided by friends who have had it languishing in their linen cupboards.

Weve also found some incredible stuff that people had tucked away in their drawers and theres some incredible stories behind them, adds Michelle.

We have some Rita Hayworth-style hand-sewn silk gowns that were found crumpled up in a trunk at the local rep theatre. They are just exquisite and have been lovingly laundered and restored by one of our members, Robyn Slater.

Six models, ranging in age from teenagers to senior citizens, will be parading some of the undergarments and there will be static displays of some of the more delicate pieces and items that grandma would have had on her dresser, including jewellery boxes, gloves and hats.

More than 40 undergarments will be on show, including some Bri-Nylon garments from the 1960s and some modern garments from Temptations Lingerie in Mount Maunganui.

Weve got coral pompom frothy negligees, honeymoon sets and full body black easies, which look stunning on the girls, says Michelle.

Its just wonderful for all of these items to have an outing and to be appreciated and enjoyed.

The reminiscence this will evoke, the music that will be playing (from local soloist Genevieve Denize) and the 1928 Oldsmobile we will have parked at the front door will create an atmosphere of wonderful memories. Its going to be a delightful afternoon.
A fundraising event will see participates free-falling out of a plane to help people suffering from cancer.

The Bay of Plenty Cancer Society Jump for Cancer fundraising event 5 will see fundraisers, who made their required target, taking part in a tandem skydive in Taupo.



Fundraisers were required to raise a minimum of $800 in exchange for a 12,000 feet tandem skydive or $1,000 in exchange for a 15,000 feet tandem skydive with one of Skydive Taupos professional skydiving instructors.

Waikato/Bay of Plenty Cancer Society fundraising manager Catriona Findlay says they had 50 people accepted into the Jump for Cancer challenge and of that 33 have to date achieved their minimum fundraising target.

The Jump for Cancer was something that had been successfully run overseas with a similar concept trialed in Auckland, says Catriona Skydiving is on the bucket list for so many people. This is an opportunity not only to tick it off, but to really make it count.

For our first event we were excited by the response, however lots of people signed up, but werent able to meet the minimum target in order to receive a free skydive.

We have changed our processes this year and extended our fundraising lead in time, so we have a lot more fundraisers who were clear of the challenge from the outset, and engaged and supported throughout the campaign.

They have not yet calculated the amount raised this year, but Catriona says they are expecting the event to take their fundraising efforts to new heights with $28,000 raised last year.

The skydive itself will be in one of the worlds most scenic drop zones with views of snow-capped mountains and the fresh blue waters of Lake Taupo.

Catriona says that the event is great for both adrenalin seekers and those who are scared of heights.

Regardless of whether you jump for a friend, a family member, for cancer research or simply to help a stranger- your jump will have a positive impact on the 60 New Zealanders diagnosed with cancer every day, she says.

The Jump for Cancer event is on Sunday, November 5, in conjunction with Skydive Taupo.
It was a casual tearoom conversation that grew into a broad-ranging community health project to combat diabetes.

And as a result of that chat over the teacups, Zespri staff will roll out a week-long diabetes education and prevention programme at Arataki Primary School in Mount Maunganui.

The Arataki project will focus on the schools Maori language unit pupils and will include a free healthy breakfast, community games day, free blood sugar testing and the creation of a student-illustrated book.

The project sprang from a chance conversation between Zespri colleagues Juliet Ansell and Amy Porter. Amy, who works with Maori kiwifruit growers, was horrified to learn from her scientist co-worker that Maori and Pacific island people have a hugely-elevated risk of developing type two diabetes.

Im Ngati Tuwharetoa, from the King Country, so this is about my whanau too, Amy says.

When Juliet told me they are 50 per cent more likely than non-Maori to get this preventable form of the disease, we started talking about things we could do to educate and help locally.

The conversation, which sprang from Juliets health science research around kiwifruit being particularly good at regulating blood sugar levels, quickly spread beyond the walls of the international fruit marketing company.

Researcher and Doctor Anna Rolleston, who is director of the Tauranga-based Centre For Health, became involved as an advisor.

Arataki School principal Shelley Blakey says the project will focus on the schools 86-student bilingual Kopukairoa unit, but will also involve the wider school, parents and caregivers.

We agreed we wanted to get the information to younger kids and teach them how to avoid the disease, Amy says.

People are getting diabetes at a younger age now, but we also knew kids would take the message home to their families and were aiming to bring whanau into the school to get involved and be tested.

Amy says the education and events programme has been developed over six months and its focus on general health and nutrition, rather than just diabetes, aligns with the national curriculum.

But of course, it also needs to be fun for the children. So therell be plenty of games and prizes and well have our smoothie bikes there, where you mix a healthy smoothie using pedal power.

During the week, the students will also help to illustrate a book on diabetes and then receive copies.

Amy says child-focused educational resources are scarce and this one, penned by a local writer Debbie McCauley, will be in both English and te reo Maori.

We live in this community and so do many of our growers and orchard workers. This is Zespris way of giving back.

The Arataki project will roll out on Monday, November 13, and will encompass World Diabetes Day the following day.
By PTI: (Eds: Adds info)

Ahmedabad, Nov 4 (PTI) The alleged prime conspirator in the 2002 terror attack on Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar, Abdul Rashid Suleiman Ajmeri, was arrested at the city airport after he returned from Saudi Arabia in the early hours today, officials said.

Crime branch sleuths arrested Ajmeri, an Ahmedabad resident, based on intelligence inputs that he was travelling to the city to meet his mother and brother, Assistant Commissioner of Police (crime branch) Rajdipsinh Zala told reporters.

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"He was arrested at 1.30 am today after he landed at the Ahmedabad International Airport from Riyadh," he said.

Of the 34 people named in the terrorist attack on September 24, 2002 that left 32 dead and 84 injured, Ajmeri is the ninth accused to be arrested, Zala said.

The ACP said Ajmeri, who had been living in Saudi Arabia for over two decades, had planned the attack and helped others in carrying it out.

"Ajmeri, who is from Ahmedabad, lived in Saudi Arabia for a long time. After the 2002 riots, he raised funds from Muslims in Saudi Arabia for the terror attack," the official said.

"He is accused of conspiring with terrorists belonging to organisations like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Pakistan to arrange funds, personnel and weapons to carry out the attack along with other accused," Zala said.

In 2003, an FIR was lodged against Ajmeri and others at the Sector 21 police station in Gandhinagar under IPC sections related to "criminal conspiracy, waging war against the government, sedition, murder, attempt to murder among others", the officer said.

They were also booked under relevant sections of the POTA Act, the Explosive Substance Act and the Gujarat Police Act, he said.

Two terrorists had entered Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar on September 24, 2002 and opened fire on devotees.

The attackers were killed by National Security Guard commandos.

The Supreme Court had in May 2014 acquitted all the six convicts arrested earlier, including three facing death sentence in the case. PTI KA PD NP GVS

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A man with a big persona and an even bigger photography reputation is celebrating 100 years today.

Longtime resident and highly respected photographer Alf Rendell, whose 100th birthday was on Thursday, is celebrating his lifetime achievements with friends and family at the Tauranga yachting Club.

His daughter says its great to see so many people come a long to celebrate his special day.

But in normal Alf behaviour, he insists Age is just a number.

With his drivers licence just renewed for another two years and still as smart as a tack, its not surprising he has lived until 100.

Alf was 8 months old when his parents shifted from Whakatane to Tauranga in 1918.

Apart from three and-a-half years serving in Fiji and Tonga, before shipping out to New Caledonia during World War II, he has lived his whole life in Tauranga

He recalls the wet plate technology used by his father who travelled around the country taking photographs and found his love of photography through helping his father after leaving school during the Great Depression.

Having survived the depression and another world war, he captured several historic moments through a folding 120 Zeiss Super Ikonta camera from the open rear cockpit of a Tiger Moth biplane.

In 2015, with the help of friends, he compiled a book called Rendells Tauranga - Historic Tauranga From Above, which features some of these aerial photos of Tauranga and surrounds, taken between 1946 and 1956.

The book became a publishing success when it hit Tauranga bookstores around Christmas 2015, quickly selling its first 2000-copy print run.

"Its was so much better than I visualised. People who saw the book for the first time said it brought back memories, says Alf.

Alf now spends his time helping at the Te Puna Quarry Park helping out we he is needed.

He will be planting a Kauri tree in celebration of 100 years at the Te Puna Quarry Park on Tuesday, November 7 at 10am.

Alf and Simon Bridges.
Eight Tauranga Intermediate pupils have become published authors in two languages, thanks to an essay competition celebrating New Zealand identity.

The young writers will have their pieces published in Flying Kiwis, a collection of the best essays from around the country.

The book is bilingual, with the written pieces having been translated into Chinese by the Confucius Institute in Auckland, and published by Chinas Higher Education Press.

Entrants had to write 500 words evoking the theme of New Zealanders doing well, or exceeding expectations  i.e. flying kiwis.

The top 50 entries were selected for publication in the book, which was launched in Wellington and Auckland as part of New Zealand Chinese Language Week (October 16-22).

All of the Tauranga Intermediate pupils  five Year 7s from Totara House, and two Year 8s from Rimu House  agree the hardest part was editing their pieces down to the 500 word limit.

Their stories ranged from a roadside kiwifruit stall as a metaphor for New Zealand, to a story about a Syrian refugee settling here, and a long-lived tuatara observing the changes in New Zealand society across the decades.

Learning Mandarin Chinese is compulsory at Tauranga Intermediate, with all pupils taking one lesson a week for at least a term. Pupils in Totara House study it for six months, and learn Te Reo Maori for the remaining six months.

Flying Kiwis will be distributed as a learning resource in New Zealand, China, the United States, and the United Kingdom, and will also be presented as a gift to visiting Chinese students, teachers, and dignitaries.

Tauranga Intermediate pupil stories:

Emma Bartram

Flying over New Zealand, and what an observer might see.

Stella Thompson

A kiwifruit roadside stall as a metaphor for New Zealand.

Tearani Wikohika

A Chinese girl and a Maori girl enjoy a Kiwi Christmas.

Rori Sargison

A kiwi is inspired to fly after watching enviously as tui soars through the air.

Sunny Davis

A Syrian refugee settles in New Zealand, and earns the nickname the flying kiwi.

Saad Aamir

A long-lived tuatara considers the changes in New Zealand society over the years.

Liam Nielsen

A girl moves to New Zealand and grows to love her new home.
Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller has been appointed National Party Spokesman for Climate Change and Crown/Maori Relations.

Its a great privilege to be trusted with two portfolios that are so vital to our national interest, says Todd.

I am humbled by the confidence that our Leader, Bill English, has placed in me. Im looking forward to working hard as part of a unified National Party team.

Climate change is one of a number of significant global challenges our world is facing  its vital that we get it right. The possible ramifications for the environment, immigration, primary industries and business are huge.

I am committed to holding the government to account on climate change issues and ensuring we have an appropriate framework in place to achieve our international obligations in a way that is sensible, balanced and proportionate.

A healthy environment and a healthy economy are not incompatible concepts  it doesnt have to be a one or the other type arrangement. The success of our country will rest on how successfully we can fuse them together for the mutual benefit of our community, he say.

To be appointed Spokesman for Crown/Maori relations is also a huge privilege and responsibility and Im excited to work constructively alongside Iwi from all over the country.

As we transition to a post-treaty settlement environment the continued relationship between the Crown and Iwi is only going to grow in importance.

It is vital that we continue to build on the strong foundation that have been established over the past 9 years, led by the Hon.

Chris Finlayson and Iwi leaders from all over New Zealand, so that relationship is robust enough to overcome any future issues as and when they emerge.

Coromandel MP Scott Simpson has also been appointed Opposition Spokesperson for the Environment.

He says he is thrilled to take on the roll.

I cant wait to get my teeth into this new job, says Scott.

I am passionate about our beautiful natural environment not just because the Coromandel has so much of it, but because what we feel is important as New Zealanders is firmly linked to our environment.

This new government has created big expectations. My new role will be to hold them to account for their promises.

Now they have to turn slogans into workable policy. Ill be watching their every step and stumble along the way.
On a bleak dawn in January 1939, three months before the end of Spain's devastating Civil War, a group of fifty Nationalist prisoners are lined up in the clearing of a forest near Collell monastery in northern Catalonia. Among them is Rafael Sanchez Mazas, a leading fascist writer. Republican guards spray the prisoners with machine gun fire and most are killed instantly, but the bullets miss Mazas. Taking advantage of the ensuing chaos, he jumps into the thicket on the side of the clearing and escapes.

The famous writer crouches in the sodden undergrowth hoping the search party won't find him; but soon a Republican soldier is looking down at him. One of the soldier's comrades asks him if he's found anyone and, looking straight into Mazas' eyes, he shouts back There's no one here. Then he walks away.

This apparently true story is the basis for Soldiers of Salamis by the Extremadura-born writer and literature professor Javier Cercas. Superbly translated from the Spanish by Anne McLean in the year of its publication, the novel is told from Cercas' point of view and documents his quest to find out exactly what happened on that clearing near Collell in 1939.

Cercas treats the anecdote as a tale that has attained completeness and perfection from being told and re-told

As he searches, Cercas starts to believe that the key to the story which obsesses him lies not with the fascist writer but with the Republican soldier who spared his life. The result is a gripping and moving book that weaves reflections on the nature of story-telling, heroism and memory around a narrative with the pace of a whodunnit.

Mazas is a well-documented figure of the Civil War era and the story of his escape at Collell has become mythical. Accordingly, Cercas treats the anecdote not as a literal account of what happened, but as a tale that has attained completeness and perfection from being told and re-told.

The first time he hears it is in 1994, when he goes to interview Mazas' son, Rafael Sanchez Ferlioso, for a local newspaper.

On his second hearing of the Collell story - watching a video of Mazas himself relaying his escape to camera in February 1939 - Cercas realises that what Sanchez Mazas had told his son (and what he'd told me) wasn't what he remembered happening, but what he remembered having told before.

By encouraging us to regard the tale of Mazas' escape as quasi-mythical, Cercas alerts us to the challenges he faces in sifting truth from legend. Stories that depend on the memory of a memory, he reflects, are often varnished with that gloss of half-truth and fibs that always augment an episode now distant and perhaps legendary to its protagonists.

For this reason, Cercas spends the first section of the book searching for first-hand accounts; and his best bet is to find - assuming they're still alive . the group of forest friends who are said to have sheltered Mazas in the days following his escape from the firing squad.

As Cercas' quest continues, the layers of storytelling become ever more intriguing. The novel's exhilarating finale starts when he meets the Chilean novelist Roberto Bolano (whose gargantuan 2666 is a modern classic of literary fiction), again to interview him for the newspaper. During their lengthy chat, Bolano recalls working at a campsite near Barcelona in the late seventies. He remembers well a Spanish holidaymaker named Miralles, who used to turn up in his caravan every year and stay for the summer. Bolano describes the friendship that developed between him and Miralles and the Civil War stories the latter used to tell him.

Cercas excitedly relays them to us, by which point we are receiving a third-hand account of Miralles' experiences. Yet the author compels you to share his conviction that this man - who, during boozy nights at the campsite, tells Bolano of his time as a Republican soldier in Catalonia at the end of the war - holds the key to the story.

Indeed, at the beginning of the second section (which contains a fascinating biography of Mazas and a compact analysis of his writings) Cercas admits that, as it stands, his book is hamstrung. It lacks something, but he doesn't know what it is until he discovers Miralles. Could this man, who danced paso dobles with a prostitute outside his caravan at night 40 years later, be the soldier who spared Mazas' life in the rain-soaked forest near Collell in 1939? That becomes the central question of the second half of the book, the answer to which holds the essential secret that Cercas is seeking.

If storytelling is often rendered fragmentary by the imperfection of human memory, it is nevertheless a way to remember people and to keep them alive. It performs this function, certainly, for the obscure protagonist of this extraordinary book, about whom you are left wondering long after Cercas concludes his own story.
Contrary to reports, Sidharth Malhotra did not opt out of Race 3 because he did not want to be paired opposite Daisy Shah.

By India Today Web Desk: Ever since Race 3 was announced with Salman Khan and Jacqueline Fernandez in the lead, fans have not been able to keep calm. The cast was revealed by the official handle of Tips Films and Music on Thursday. Joining Salman and Jacqueline in the film directed by Remo D'Souza, are Bobby Deol, Daisy Shah, Saqib Saleem and Freddy Daruwala.

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Sidharth Malhotra's name was also doing the rounds for a while now. Recently, it was being reported that Sidharth opted out of the film because he did not want to be cast opposite Daisy Shah.

However, at a recent event, Sidharth said that he could not sign Race 3 because of date issues. "There were no creative differences. There were other things on my plate, so I couldn't shift things around to do that film. There was time limitation, they are starting shoot right now and I couldn't do it. So we couldn't go ahead with it," he said.

Sidharth added that he would have loved to share screen space with Salman Khan. I know Ramesh Taurani and Salman Khan and they are wonderful people to work with. Maybe (I will work with them) in the future if not this," he said.

(With inputs from PTI)

ALSO WATCH: Sidharth Malhotra dances to romantic number Ishq Wala Love

--- ENDS ---
Over 300 people took advantage of the one day free ride event offered on Spearhead Trails in Tazewell County Oct. 21.

Chris Sturgill a representative of the group operating the trail reported on the event during the Nov. 2 meeting of the Recreation and Parks Facilities Authority meeting Nov. 2. Many of the riders were from West Virginia and came across from the Hatfield McCoy trail.

There were also a large number of riders from northern Virginia. In addition to the riders that took advantage of the waiver there were several riders on the trails with permits. The owners of the Real McCoy Cabins and the Trailhead Resort both reported they had guests taking advantage of the free ride day.

They suggested the event would work better next year if Tazewell and Buchanan County held free ride events on different days. Tourism Coordinator David Woodard said the regional authority hoped to publish a list of events for 2018 in January.

[In other action the authority:]

*Reorganized with Maggie Asbury as chairman and Jamie Cartwright as vice chairman. They also voted to continue meeting on the first Thursday of each month and moved the time from nine to 8:30.

*Heard from County Attorney Eric Young that no proposals were received for a public-private partnership to build a zipline in the county. Asbury reported that she asked a company to make a presentation at the Dec. 7 meeting.

*Received an update from Sturgill on the single track project and trail maintenance.

*Adjourned until Dec. 7 at 8:30 p.m.
Moderate to heavy rains continued today in Chennai as the city fears a repeat of 2015-deluge. Met department has predicted more rains till Monday.

By India Today Web Desk: There is no let up in rains in Chennai and parts of Tamil Nadu for the sixth consecutive day. Moderate to heavy rains continued to lash Chennai, neighbouring districts of Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and other parts of Tamil Nadu.

The Met department has forecast more rainfall in over next few days as a low pressure area still persists in the Bay of Bengal.

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Meanwhile, actor Kamal Haasan appealed to people treat water bodies, rivers and rain as deities and pay obeisance.

CHENNAI TODAY

Chennai showed some signs of returning to normalcy this morning after rainfall weakened on Friday night. But, the rains picked in some parts of the metropolis with met department predicting rain or thundershowers over coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry till Monday.

The commuters had a harrowing time due to delayed services of buses and trains and severe traffic snarls. Mild rainfall was recorded in some areas in the state, moderate in others and heavy in some pockets.

Schools and colleges, closed since October 31, were shut today as well and several university exams were postponed. The state-level National Talent Search Exam scheduled for today was deferred to November 18.

Civic authorities, including corporation officials, district collectors (Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur) coordinated relief work. Power supply was suspended in inundated areas such as parts of MKB Nagar in North Chennai, pockets of Madipakkam in South Chennai and Karapakkam off Porur in Western Chennai to ensure safety.

Netizens posted updates about traffic diversions and inundated areas on social media and volunteers distributed food packets and water in affected areas of Nanmangalam and Pallikaranai in Chennai.

Chief Minister K Palaniswami had yesterday visited many waterlogged parts of the city and its suburbs, insisting that his government was working on a "war-footing". He was accompanied by his deputy O Panneerslevam and senior officials.

MORE RAINS PREDICTED

With the northeast monsoon active in the state and neighbouring Puducherry, Chennai city (Nungambakkam) recorded 65.8 mm of rainfall while suburban Meenambakkam registered 62 mm rains in 24 hours ending 8.30 am today.

The coastal district of Nagapattinam in the Cauvery delta zone recorded 2 cm rain and Karaikal in Puducherry one cm rain from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm yesterday. Comprehensive updates on rainfall for other regions till this morning are awaited.

The Met department said rain or thundershowers were likely to occur at many places over coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and at a few places over interior Tamil Nadu. Heavy rain at isolated places was very likely over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, it said.

RAINS DISRUPT RAILWAY SERVICES

A release from the railways said showers caused track "circuit based signalling to fail" due to water logging in Chennai Division, "affecting punctuality" between Kodambakkam-St Thomas Mount stations in the southern sector from 9 pm yesterday and it was restored at 9.50 pm.

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This was also the case at the northern Tondiarpet and Korukkupet route at 9.35 pm and services were restored at 5.45 am today, the release said. "Wherever automatic signalling got affected, trains got slightly delayed since they had to be dealt with manual signals instead of automatic signals," it said.

There were also some power-tripping issues in railway routes, including the northern suburban Chennai Beach-Central-Tiruvallur. Power was immediately restored by extending supply from adjacent sub stations within a few minutes, they said.

This morning, a rail fracture was detected between St Thomas Mount and Pallavaram stations and it was attended and set right soon after, they said. "Except for some minor delays, train services including Chennai Suburban Services are being maintained normally and monitored continuously by railway officials," they said.

KAMAL HAASAN LAUDS RESCUE TEAMS

Ready to start his political innings soon, veteran actor Kamal Haasan today lauded the police Department for relief work in areas inundated in heavy rains, saying "good citizens shine with or without uniform".

"Thanks for going beyond the call of your duty. Good citizens shine with or without uniform. More similar Thamizhan's (Tamils) should report to duty", he said in a tweet today.

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The actor also shared a picture of senior police officials taking part in relief work in a waterlogged street in Chennai following the heavy rainfall seen in the last week.

Thanks for going beyond the call of your duty. Good citizens shine with or without uniform. More similar Thamizhan's should report to duty pic.twitter.com/54StA3CEq0- Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) November 4, 2017

In another tweet, Haasan urged his supporters to take part in relief work without disturbing workers of Government agencies. "I appeal to my fans and supporters to participate in flood relief and rehabilitation works, without disturbing the government workers", he said in another tweet.

KAMAL HAASAN CALLS FOR PROTECTING WATER BODIES

Calling himself an atheist, Kamal Haasan also stressed the importance of protecting water bodies and said rivers and rain should be added to the list of deities to achieve the purpose. "Add to the list of your deities... start paying obeisance to rivers and rain. If that kind of devotion comes, they will be protected," he said.

Kamal Haasan alleged that deliberate attempts were being made by those in power to turn water bodies into real estate. The actor's comments came at a meeting convened by a coordination committee of various farmers associations.

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His remarks came in the wake of fears of a repeat of 2015-deluge. After the 2015 rain-induced floods, charges were levelled that unplanned development of real estate, with water bodies and water paths encroached to build concrete structures, had led to the flooding.

Haasan, who had recently visited Ennore creek where he voiced concern over encroachment and fly ash affecting fishermen's livelihood and threat of flooding, also expressed concern over the fate of water bodies in the city.

Kamal Haasan also claimed a "river has gone missing" in Tamil Nadu, but did not elaborate on it.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Muskie, the smartphone that was originally intended to become the Google Pixel 2 XL, has now been unveiled as the HTC U11 Plus.

Many Google Pixel 2 XL owners may now be wondering whether Muskie would have made a better version of their smartphone instead of the LG-made Taimen, as Pixel 2 XL problems still run rampant.

Goodbye Muskie, Hello HTC U11 Plus

Early on in Pixel 2 development, Google was actually planning three models for the smartphone. The Pixel 2 was codenamed Walleye and the Pixel 2 XL was codenamed Muskie, while a third model codenamed Taimen was shrouded in mystery. HTC was manufacturing the Walleye and Muskie, while LG was on Taimen.

However, it was reported in June that Google decided to drop Muskie in favor of Taimen as the Pixel 2 XL. A tipster said that Google likely made the move as Muskie did not meet battery life requirements and other goals on cost effectiveness.

Muskie, however, did not just fade away into oblivion. The smartphone has now been revived as the HTC U11 Plus, as confirmed by The Verge with a source who is familiar with the history of HTC and Google's plans.

The HTC U11 Plus is not an exact replica of Muskie back when it was being considered as the Google Pixel 2 XL. The core design and engineering of the smartphone, however, remains.

HTC U11 Plus Specs And Features

The HTC U11 Plus has now been unveiled as the company's latest flagship smartphone, with specifications and features that provide an upgrade over the well-reviewed HTC U11.

The major differences between the HTC U11 Plus and the HTC U11 are the larger screen, which increased from 5.5 inches to 6 inches, the bigger battery of 3,930 mAh from 3,000 mAh, and Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box.

However, despite the larger display, the body of the HTC U11 Plus is not that much bigger than the HTC U11 due to slimmer bezels. To accommodate this change, HTC moved the fingerprint sensor from the front of the HTC U11 to the back of the HTC U11 Plus, a characteristic that likely carried over from its stint as the Google Pixel 2 XL.

Rounding out the specs of the HTC U11 Plus are the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor and either 4 GB of RAM with 64 GB of internal storage or 6 GB of RAM with 128 GB of internal storage.

HTC has not yet officially announced the markets where the smartphone will be available and its price for each of them. The HTC U11 Plus, however, is known to have a price tag in the United Kingdom of 699, equivalent to about $913, for the 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage option.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Samsung Experience 9.0, the company's revamped and rebranded TouchWiz, is now offering a beta version of Android Oreo to all Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus owners based in the United States, UK, and South Korea, just more than two months after Google released the software to the public.

Samsung Experience 9.0 Rolled Out

Samsung Experience 9.0 is of course Samsung's own take on Android Oreo, but that's always the case with manufacturers who have their own customized Android skins. As of Nov. 2, "select" handsets will get to use the new software, but they are nonetheless testers, so they'll be expected to give Samsung feedback on performance, stability, usability, and report whatever kinks they find in general.

The company isn't sharing exactly what Samsung Experience 9.0 includes, but early release notes suggest it focuses on Android Oreo's architecture improvements above everything else. If true, the software update includes user interface tweaks such as notification badges. It could also feature improved sound quality and overall performance.

Changes specific to Samsung are also included, such as a native GIF keyboard, a better cloud storage system, and a new game mode featured in DeX, the phone's "desktop" mode.

Samsung Experience 9.0 Requirements

Again, Samsung said the update is only coming to select devices. To get it, users would need to have a Samsung Account, and those in the United States must have a Galaxy S8 or S8 Plus on either Sprint or T-Mobile to qualify as beta testers. Alternatively, they can also enroll unlocked versions of the phone, but it must be carrying SIMs from the aforementioned carriers. In the UK, users just need to have the unlocked version of the phone.

Those interested may register for the beta program via Samsung Members or Samsung+, which are available to download from the Google Play Store or Samsung's own Galaxy Apps store.

Of course, it goes without saying that beta testers should expect snags and performance hiccups if they're going to download the update. Discovering errors, kinks, bugs, and all sorts of anomalies is the point of being a beta tester, after all.

Samsung promised that there will be additional rounds of beta registrations, so users who fail to join in their first try can attempt to join later. When the initial program ends will vary depending on the country.

The crucial question, of course, is when Samsung plans to roll out a final, stable version of Android Oreo for all Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus owners, because it took until January before Android Nougat reached Galaxy S7 and S7 edge users this year.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
British national Samiun Rahman said he was sexually abused at the hands of five Tamil Nadu special police officials in Tihar Jail.

Suspected al-Qaeda operative and Rohingya Muslim Samiun Rahman (centre) claims he was targeted because he is a British national.

By Sneha Agrawal: British national Samiun Rahman, who was arrested in September for his alleged links to al-Qaeda, has claimed that he was sexually abused at the hands of five Tamil Nadu special police officials in Tihar Jail.

Rahman, a Rohingya, said the five police officials asked him to strip off and then took turns to touch his privates, leaving him uncomfortable.

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According to him, he was put through the ordeal because he is a British national.

He has sought the registration of an FIR against the officials and wants quick action.

In the application filed before the court through advocate MS Khan, Rahman narrated the details of the incident that allegedly took place on Thursday.

"On November 2, five personnel came to my cell and touched my penis. Usually, it is just one personnel who used to search my body properly but that day it was five of them. After touching my penis, they asked me to strip and deliberately harassed me sexually," he said.

COURT SEEKS PRISON AUTHORITIES' REPLY

The court has sought a reply from the prison authorities in the matter.

Earlier, Rahman, 28, had alleged that he was being kept in Tihar in inhuman conditions "like that of an animal" and that the prison "lacks basic facilities such as proper food, drinking water, sanitation and medical facilities."

He claimed that the jail authorities have not allowed him to avail the telephone facility which is available to other prisoners and nor does he have access to the consular despite repeated requests.

A case under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2008 and Arms Act has been registered against him and an investigation has been taken up to unearth the al-Qaeda web he had knitted in India.

He was arrested from Vikas Marg in Shakarpur with a 9 mm pistol, a laptop, a mobile phone with the SIM card of India and Bangladesh.

Rahman, a resident of Port Pool Lane, London, was staying in India with a fake identity.

His parents moved to Britain from Bangladesh in 1960s and settled in central London. His father was a businessman in London. Aged 19, he was arrested by traffic cops in London twice and was jailed for 18 months.

It was in London prison that he allegedly got radicalised, and in 2012, when he came out, he went to Mauritania for terror-related activities.

WATCH | Many Rohingyas have links with terror groups, Pakistan's ISI, Govt tells Supreme Court

--- ENDS ---
Sanjeev Kapoor and his team successfully cooked a huge batch of khichdi in front of a live audience at World Food India 2017.

By India Today Web Desk: Over the last few days, all eyes have been fixed on India's masterchef, Sanjeev Kapoor. Why? Well, because he was all set to make a World Record by cooking the grandest khichdi ever at the World Food India 2017 convention!

The chef and his team had been preparing for the event for months now. On D-Day, November 4, 2017, all the preparations--including the setting up of a massive wok or kadhai, all the ingredients for the multigrain, Brand India Khichdi--were ready.

Picture courtesy: Twitter/Sanjeev Kapoor

Picture courtesy: Twitter/Sanjeev Kapoor

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While the kadhai was heated up and work on the khichdi started on the night of November 3 itself, the actual cooking was done in front of the live audience since 11.30 am.

Picture courtesy: Twitter/Sanjeev Kapoor

Also Read: Here's what will go into achieving the khichdi World Record Sanjeev Kapoor is setting out for

Some officials from the Guinness World Records were present at the event. They will be doing the the final measure of the dish, and announce whether a World Record has been set or not.

Looks who's here! We are ready to create a @GWR with 800kgs of #Kichadi being cooked at #WorldFoodIndia. Are you? pic.twitter.com/HvQXMnevXB- World Food India (@worldfoodindia) November 4, 2017

Doesn't that look tempting? The record-breaking #Kichadi being made at #WorldFoodIndia is almost ready! Stay tuned for more! pic.twitter.com/aHZ2otLYF1- World Food India (@worldfoodindia) November 4, 2017

The khichdi was well on the way by 12.30-1.00 pm, and that's when Kapoor announced that they'll be adding the final touches to the dish with their esteemed guests.

You heard it from the best @SanjeevKapoor! Stay tuned for more on the record-breaking #Kichadi session, happening LIVE at #WorldFoodIndia! pic.twitter.com/pZ0fdyrGvr- World Food India (@worldfoodindia) November 4, 2017

Soon, the cooking podium was graced by Baba Ramdev, Sadhvi Niranjan, Esben Lunde Larsen (the Danish Minister for Environment and Food), and Harsimrat Kaur Badal (the Union Minister of Food Processing Industries). The guests helped add the final ingredients, and stirred the wok to finish the dish.

Picture courtesy: Twitter/Sanjeev Kapoor

While the final weight of the cooked dish isn't in yet (according to their official website, Guinness World Records takes a period between five days and 12 weeks to announce the result), it's quite easy to see that a very large batch of the dish has been prepared quite successfully. Kapoor and his team performed taste-checks throughout the cooking period, so we're sure it has come out wonderfully well.

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Also Read: World Food India draws much excitement with hope of setting a new world record

Clearly, Kapoor and his team has achieved quite a feat! The khichdi will be distributed to the audience at the event, the Indian and foreign dignitaries present, and the Heads of Foreign Missions in India.

Now that Kapoor has successfully accomplished this magnificent and huge task, we wonder if he'll be ready to take up more of these challenges to promote Indian cuisine's greatest gems.

--- ENDS ---
Saudi Arabia's Civil Aviation Authority says the missile did not cause any damage to the King Khalid International Airport and that flights have not been disrupted.

King Khalid International Airport on the outskirts of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital (Image: Google Maps)

By India Today Web Desk: Saudi Arabia says its forces have intercepted a missile fired toward one of its major international airports on the outskirts of the capital, Riyadh.

Houthi-owned news outlet Al-Masira reports that the ballistic missile was fired late Saturday from across Saudi Arabia's southern border by Houthi militants in Yemen.

Al-Jazeera quoted a spokesperson for the Houthi rebels as saying they launched an 800-km range Burkan 2-H missile.

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"The capital cities of countries that continually shell us, targeting innocent civilians, will not be spared from our missiles," the news channel quoted the spokesperson as saying.

Saudi military forces have intercepted missiles fired from Yemen several times in the past.

A Saudi-led coalition has been bombing Houthis and their allies in Yemen since March 2015 in a war that has devastated Yemen and killed thousands of people.

A colonel was quoted by Saudi Arabia's official news agency as saying a surface-to-air Patriot missile had been deployed to destroy the rebels' missile, Al-Jazeera's report said.

Saudi Arabia's Civil Aviation Authority says the missile did not cause any damage to the King Khalid International Airport and that flights have not been disrupted.

The King Khalid International Airport's management said on its official Twitter account that traffic was normal, and that flights were on schedule.

For passengers traveling through @KKIASA in Riyadh, traffic is going as normal and usual, and flights are on schedule.- RUH |? ???? ? (@KKIASA) November 4, 2017

(Inputs from AP)

WATCH | Here's a video that shows smoke near King Khalid International Airport

More footage from King Khalid International Airport after interception of #Yemen Ballistic Missile pic.twitter.com/GE7nS4U5oK- Strategic Sentinel (@StratSentinel) November 4, 2017

--- ENDS ---
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Louisiana mayor says he will 'still be mayor' after arrest for alleged malfeasance, theft related to August 2016 flood
By Vinayak Chakravorty: She laughs heartily when you wonder what her secret of sustenance is, in unpredictable Bollywood where she made a debut over two decades. "Sustenance? Survival would be the apt word in my case! My secret of survival is I never tried surviving any of it."

It is the reason, you realise, Tabu is still around. In an industry that gobbles up talent and oomph alike, she doesn't give a damn. Somehow, she has found her own happy space in the madhouse. She does not take to social media, shies away from parties, works only when she wants to, and she is still very much around doing roles you cannot exactly ignore.

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"Kya kya karoon main? Filmon mein bhi kaam karoon, social media bhi karoon, parties mein bhi jaaon, media ko photo-ops bhi doon (what all do I need to do? Work in films, be active on social media, attend parties, pose for photo-ops)? Do you think I have ever been the sort who is inclined to do any of it after shooting?" she retorts when you mention the fact.

By now the industry has decoded that reticent streak much about Tabu. Perhaps she has been fortunate enough to carve a space beyond the limelight, Perhaps balancing a sufficiently successful mainstream career with a Padma Shri and two National Awards has given her the leverage to survive as the odd one out.

She has never bothered about image, especially off the screen. It is a reason, she tells you, that changing trends in film and filmstar publicity do not affect her.

"I have always been this person (refers to her reticent nature). Just because the format of the media is changing, it does not mean that I will change myself," she says.

The carefree streak extends to professional decisions as well, you realise as she opens up about what drives her decision to sign a film. "The only thing I keep in mind while signing a film is every film has its destiny. So, where do I fit in all of it? I have never signed films thinking about box-office returns or awards. The audience does not buy tickets according to the genre of a film. They watch the trailer and if they like what they see, they go watch the film. The audience no longer decides whether they want to watch a film depending on whether it is big or small," she says.

ON INDIAN ARTHOUSE

Tabu won a National Award early on in her career, for her 1996 film Maachis, and then again for her 2001 release Chandni Bar. In 2011, she was conferred upon the Padma Shri for her contribution to the cinematic arts. After a very commercial debut as a teenager in Dev Anand's Hum Naujavan in 1985, she went on to work with pathbreaking names as Gulzar, Mani Rathnam, Gautam Ghose, Vishal Bhardwaj, besides international names as Ang Lee and Mira Nair. As the most prominent actress in the arthouse circuit of her generation, does she feel Indian arthouse the genre is dying away?

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"Over the past decade, the line between commercial and art cinema has blurred. Now, everything is commercial. Even back in the seventies, when all those art films were made, I am sure they were made with the intention of doing some amount of commerce. Any film that is released with the intention of making money is commercial," she says, and adds after a pause: "Everybody wants a market. Everybody is constantly making sure he or she finds a market for whatever they do."

She would tell you actors, as opposed to filmmakers have a disadvantage over there. "The disadvantage for an actor is one has to wait for work to come one's way. I am not a producer, so I cannot create my stuff for the market and sell it somewhere. I can only work in films that are offered to me."

ON GOLMAAL AGAIN

Her new film Golmaal Again!!! cast her in a wonky role of a woman who sees dead people. Her character triggers off the adventure for the loony pack toplined by Ajay Devgn, Parineeti Chopra, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, and Kunal Khemu. The Diwali release has romped past the Rs 182-crore post and could well be a contender for the year's biggest blockbuster, in a year that has not seen too many big hits in Bollywood.

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"I hope we continue creating a few more records. Time will tell if the year being bad for other commercial films will be an advantage or disadvantage for Golmaal Again!!!" she grins.

It was eighteen years ago that Tabu last worked in a mindless comedy. That film was David Dhawan's Biwi No. 1. The film starring Salman Khan along with Anil Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor and Sushmita Sen went onto become the biggest blockbuster of 1999. Rohit Shetty's Golmaal Again!!! brings back similar mindless humour, only in a funkier pack. It would seem like the more things change, the more they remain the same in Bollywood.

"Every kind of film was being made all those years ago, is being made even today and will continue to be made. Each director will continue to bring in his or her own style into comedy, tragedy, drama and every other genre of cinema. I do not understand things beyond this. Maybe, I don't want to. I am an actor but I cannot claim to be an expert analyst of cinema to dissect these things," she says.

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She is equally non-committal talking about the sudden surge of author-backed heroine-oriented roles coming up in Hindi films. Does she feel today's budding actresses are at an advantage than the days when she was rising? "I don't know about the experiences of younger actresses who enjoy these author-backed roles today. I really cannot speak for them."

Acting, she tells you, is a job at the end of the day for her, so the nature of the role never takes a toll on her. She lets on over this aspect when you ask her if working in a wild slapstick as Golmaal Again!!! is ideal to let her hair down, amid the normally intense roles she is associated with.

"I do not pigeonhole films into categories depending on what effect they have on you and your state of mind. "As an actor every film is a job. So, it is not like a comic role as Golmaal brings relief while working in an intense film leaves you exhausted," she says, and then goes on to add: "What state of mind a film leaves you in depends on the experience you have during the film-making process and how the people involved in the film have treated you. Film-making is a team effort and the team around you makes the experience rather than the subject itself. During Golmaal, for instance, it was great to be around this bunch of funloving people."

Tabu, of course, admits Golmaal Again!!! has been among her "easiest roles".

"The film was easy in the sense I did not have to do any difficult or outlandish stuff. It was an easy role to interpret. Of course, there was an element of mystery about the character, since she can see the dead, but it was very easy for me to pick up the nuances, in the sense that there was no preparation or research work needed to be done."

WHAT NEXT?

So what's coming up next after Golmaal Again!!!? "Nothing," she declares with a flourish, and you almost spot a hint a relief in her voice. "I have a clean slate for now. I will relax at home for a bit and maybe sign a new film only next year. I look forward to a break like this every now and then, after investing seven to eight months in a particular film," she lets on.

In an industry where actors fall over each other to hunt for better roles, didn't we say she is the odd one out? Finally, a dream role she would want to talk about perhaps, which she still hopes for despite having proved all there is to prove? She thinks hard. "There are so many roles I still have to play..." she trails off dreamily.

For now, she shifts focus on her cappuccino as we leave.

WATCH | News Wiz 2017: Diwali Special with team of Golmaal 4

--- ENDS ---
Taking in the culture, admiring the view I have visited many cathedrals, such as the Notre Dame in Paris and St Peter's in Vatican City. At each place I walked around the outside admiring the architecture, then inside and onto the roof taking in the culture and admiring the view. This also allowed me to see how each magnificent cathedral fitted into the local surroundings. I hope to do the same at Uluru one day but now I have a time limit. Nick Pile, Ascot Vale Uluru belongs to all of us, not just a few Yes, Jenna Price (Comment, 3/11), Uluru is mine, and it is yours too. It is a natural part of the Australian landscape which belongs to us all, and we should all respect it. What offends me is not that people climb it, but that back in 1964 someone saw fit to desecrate it by hammering an eye sore of a climbing chain into the side of it. Remove the chain, restore Uluru to its original condition, install a warning sign at the base outlining the dangers of attempting to climb and stating that doing so would be at one's own risk, and let those still tempted to do so take their chances.

June Collini, Diamond Creek We must recognise Uluru's custodians When my wife and I visited Uluru three years ago, we were horrified when we were told by our guide that people climbing the rock often defecated and urinated up there. The climbing ban is about respect for the custodians of 65,000 years. Reg Murray, Glen Iris THE FORUM

More teaching bashing After reading "Teachers reported for 'trivial' incidents" (3/11), I question the ability of students and parents to dictate school disciplinary measures objectively. Confiscating a phone will cause "significant emotional harm" to a student? You cannot be serious. What are the grievance processes that these "innocuous" incidents escalate to the Commission for Children and Young People? Has commonsense gone out the window? Disempowering teachers from setting standards to respect the majority of the students is a very slippery slope, and has ramifications throughout society. Policing and the legal system are a testament to that. Parents, beware. Unless you support schools' codes of conduct, teachers will continue to flee the profession, leaving home schooling to test your own disciplinary standards or lack thereof. Kathy Lang, Vermont South

Remember your roots I have sympathy for Josh Frydenberg having his citizenship credentials questioned because his mother fled persecution in Hungary and came to Australia as a stateless person. However, he is part of a government that is turning a blind eye to the 600 men on Manus Island. They sought our protection and are now living in fear as they are forced out of the detention centre to live in a community that does not want them. I appeal to Mr Frydenberg to remember his roots and argue for compassionate treatment of these men  support them to resettle in a third country or bring them here and support them to get their lives back on track. Marg D'Arcy, Kew East The terrible irony

Josh Frydenberg considers speculation that he might be a dual citizen "absurd", adding it is "neither rational nor humane". He urges us to consider his case with compassion. The men on Manus Island are also stateless, having escaped persecution, as did Mr Frydenberg's mother. Ironically, though, they are seeking citizenship and are asking us to consider their situation with compassion. Is Mr Frydenberg's call for compassion more legitimate than the refugees who are living in inhumane conditions? At most, he stands to lose his job. The refugees have lost everything. Perhaps Peter Dutton could answer this question. Patricia Parkinson, Main Ridge Speak up, Labor As I watch in horror at the escalating conflict on Manus Island and Peter Dutton's callous responses, I am painfully aware of the deafening silence of the Opposition. Does silence mean consent?

Rosemary Wearing, Richmond Our national shame Peter Dutton may well try to wash his hands of the treatment of refugees, but nothing will wash the stain of what he has consciously done to those innocent people. Incarcerated for years, then suddenly told to get out  with no support  into a dangerous environment. Shame on you, sir. Shame on us. Mel Patch, North Croydon Devaluing expertise

Recently three people told me about being forced to change their employment. An exceptionally good teacher does not fit within a school's "budgetary constraints" because she is too highly qualified and so will be replaced by a cheaper graduate teacher. A brickie was told he must drop $10,000 in pay and be employed as a sub-contractor. His employer cannot compete with the low tenders offered on recent building contracts and, hence, must change his tenders. An engineer with 35years experience has a similar story. When dollars overrule expertise, labour and caring, the cracks will appear in our buildings and classrooms. Are we so weak as to let this devaluing of expertise continue? Kevin Mulvogue, Mount Evelyn A fair wage for all Its 110 years since Justice Higgins decided that the test of a fair and reasonable wage was "the normal needs of the average employee regarded as a human being living in a civilised community". Perhaps we need to again apply this criteria in the Australian wage setting. The profit share of the national income has had a very good run for many years now. It is time to return to the spirit of Justice Higgins' judgment. David Fry, Moonee Ponds

Jobs before big profits It is disappointing that NAB, after reporting a $6.6billion profit, will shed 6000 jobs over the next three years for the sake of further increasing profits for its shareholders. Large corporations should bear some responsibility by forsaking some of their profits and keeping more people employed. Both they  and the economy  would reap the rewards in the long term. Peter Harney, Delacombe Towards a clean world Allowing the plundering of Australia's coal (an outdated and unsustainable technology) for use in India, geared to make short-term profits for a company that has anything but good records for paying tax or repaying loans, is incomprehensible. A more mature approach for the delegates at the mining conference (The Age, 2/11) would be to learn to see beyond their bank accounts and commit themselves to preserving a world where their children can still play.

Anny Shaw, Hampton Why weren't we told? Only 200 demonstrators outside the mining conference, where Adani's general manager of corporate affairs and business development defended its Carmichael mine. Were our protest and environmental organisations asleep at the wheel? I heard nothing about this. If I had, like countless others of the anti-Adani majority, I would have been there. How could such an opportunity have been missed? Margaret Ryan, Northcote MPs' actions matter

All this attention to the singular allegiance of politicians to Australia because their parents were born overseas seems misdirected when we have one senator who demonstrated that, for a small amount of money, he would promote the foreign policy objectives of another country. These objectives include threats to Australian ships and planes that travel over international waters. Surely actions are a better guide of suitability for Parliament than ancestry. Nigel Austin, Somerville Opening Pandora's box If we are going to audit the nationality of all our federal MPs, then surely an audit of all candidates at the last election will be needed where MPs were elected by relying on preferences from some candidates who may also have held dual citizenship. Phillip Same, Caulfield North

Nightmare scenario Morning rush hour on Thursday and Eltham was caught in gridlock following a collision. Every street, down every side street, leads back to a single exit point, over the river and into the south-eastern suburbs. Every exit was at a standstill. It was to take more than an hour to leave the suburb. The event exposed a potentially catastrophic condition in an area with a known bushfire risk. What strategic planning by authorities is in place in the event of a bushfire, if one single road can disconnect an entire region from an escape point? Elise Houghton, Eltham AND ANOTHER THING

Politics Turnbull must feel like the groundsman in a cemetery: everybody's under him, nobody's speaking to him. Harriet Farnaby, Geelong West Nothing reeks of self-interest like a pollie spurning a citizenship audit. Jenny Bone, Surrey Hills

Turnbull and Dutton, bring the refugees here so they can have a decent life, just like you two have had. Maureen Grant, Fitzroy North If only Australia had stopped the boats all those years ago, Frydenberg wouldn't be in this pickle. Carmel D'Andrea, Fitzroy North The sad thing is that Dutton and Morrison believe what they say.

Mike Coffey, Horsham The Monster is pushing Manus refugees back into the ocean. Alan Williams, Port Melbourne The world waits with bated breath, hoping the Americans will find a foolproof reason to remove Trump from office. John Walsh, Watsonia

Bishop is using every opportunity to tread the boards during Malcolm's absence. Peter McNamara, Canterbury Did the writers of our constitution regard Commonwealth countries as "foreign powers"? If not, why are we reinterpreting their intention? Jonathan Melland, McKinnon Furthermore

"If anyone knocks on your door that has an Irish accent..." (2/10). Where can I buy a door with an Irish accent? Ron Noonan, Lake Wendouree If Myer is to boost sales, it needs more staff rather than leaving customers wandering around in hope. Bruce Dudon, Woodend How considerate. We could earn the right to die by serving an extra six months of terminal agony.
Shaun Micallef says working alongside the late John Clarke on The Ex-PM was the ultimate compliment from one of his heroes.

"He was a big influence on me when I was younger," the comedian said.

Shaun Micallef said it was the ultimate compliment to have the opportunity to work with John Clarke. Credit:ABC

Clarke, 68, died in April after suffering a heart attack while bushwalking in the Grampians in Victoria.

"We had finished shooting on the Friday and I think it was the Sunday when he passed away," Micallef said.
By PTI: (Eds: With fresh inputs, quotes)

Begusarai (Bihar), Nov 4 (PTI) Three elderly women died of suffocation this morning in a crowded alley near Simariya Ghat where thousands of devotees had gathered for a holy dip in the Ganga on the occasion of Karthik Purnima, police said.

While police initially said there was a stampede, Superintendent of Police Aditya Kumar later denied it, saying the women, all in their 80s, died of suffocation because of the heavy rush of pilgrims.

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Devotees had gathered in large numbers at Simariya Ghat on the banks of Ganga on the occasion of Kartik Purnima and Ardh Kumbh.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed sorrow over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of the deceased. He also directed the district officials to provide free treatment to anyone injured in the incident.

"There was a huge crowd at the Kali temple near Simariya Ghat, where people had gathered to offer prayers on the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima. These three women apparently felt claustrophobic and collapsed on the narrow pathway leading to the temple," the SP said.

The situation was perfectly under control in the area, he said.

"We have ascertained the identities of two women so far. One of them hailed from Noorsarai in Nalanda and another from Sitamarhi. Attempts were being made to establish the identity of the third woman," the SP added.

ADG (Headquarters) Sunil Kumar Singhal also said the deaths were caused due to suffocation.

Asked if he was ruling out a possibility of stampede, Singhal said, "We will reach a final conclusion only after post-mortem reports arrive. If any negligence on part of the police is found, accountability will be fixed. The IG zone and the DIG range would also take stock of the situation."

Soon after the stampede, Sadar Deputy Superintendent of Police Mithilesh Kumar had said, "We are trying to ascertain the cause behind the stampede." PTI CORR AR NAC SNS RMS AAR

--- ENDS ---
Federal Greens MP Adam Bandt has accused Immigration Minister Peter Dutton of being a "terrorist" over the treatment of 600 asylum seekers at the now-closed Manus Island detention centre.

"What is happening between Canberra and Manus has ceased to be government and has become terror," Mr Bandt told a rally in Melbourne's CBD attended by hundreds of people on Saturday.

"If the definition of terror is to use violence and threaten people's lives for political purposes, then Peter Dutton is a terrorist."

More than 600 refugees have barricaded themselves in the mothballed detention centre, which closed on Tuesday.
"It's insulting," says Dennis Halloran of the postal survey. Credit:Kate Geraghty But Australian National University political scientist and survey researcher, Dr Jill Sheppard, explains the turnout says more about Australian's obedience than their interest in the subject matter. "I think what we're seeing is that Australians are conditioned to vote," she says, pointing to our long history of compulsory voting. "When we get something that seems official, our instinct is to respond to it." Before the survey began, critics warned votes would be lost or stolen. But Dr Sheppard says the survey, which has involved mailing ballot forms to more than 16 million people, has actually gone smoothly, noting that some glitches in any postal survey are to be expected. While there have been a couple of incidents of dumped ballots, Australia Post recently told a Senate committee this happened after delivery and replacement forms were issued. Logistical concerns aside, marriage equality campaigners have remained vehemently against the idea of a nationwide survey, arguing it exposes the LGBTI community to a hurtful and damaging debate.

Both sides, however, have since reported abuse and unpleasantness. Tony Abbott was headbutted by a man wearing a "yes" sticker (though the man later said the headbutt had nothing to do with marriage equality), while Kevin Rudd's godson was punched while trying to stop a man ripping down rainbow banners. "No" spokesperson Karina Okotel told the National Press Club "no" voters have been called "brain dead", "homophobes" and bigots". And a doctor who featured in a "no" TV advertisement was the subject of a petition (since abandoned) to have her barred from practising medicine. The "yes" campaign has weathered leaflets that labelled homosexuality "a curse of death" and arguments that children of same-sex parents are worse off. The consensus at the top of the political food chain, however, is there have only been a "few ugly incidents". The Prime Minister told Channel 10's The Project Australians are decent and mature "and they are demonstrating that and confirming that by having a sensible discussion about same-sex marriage". But experts caution the campaign may have been more harmful to LGBTI Australians and their families than it may appear. Back in September, mental health groups sounded the alarm about a dramatic spike in demand, which they attributed to the postal survey. More recently, youth service ReachOut has experienced an almost 30 per cent spike in demand.

While this coincides with exam season, chief executive Jonno Nicholas says it is also due to distress caused by the survey. ReachOut is preparing for the increased demand to continue for months after the vote is concluded, even if there is a "yes" result. "It's not really about the nature of the [public] conversation. It's the sense that 'my life is continually up for judgment'," Mr Nicholas explains. He adds he has also heard stories of LGBTI people who have been left dealing with the fact that family members, such as parents and grandparents, have voted no. "That pain will not go away." Away from the mental stress, there have also been the more practical considerations for gay people during the campaign. Mr Halloran, who lives on a busy street in inner-city Paddington, says he wanted to put a "yes" sticker on his front window, but his partner of 22 years convinced him not to, arguing "I can just see a brick coming through there". With just over a week until the official result is known, the "yes" vote is widely predicted to win (acting Prime Minister Julie Bishop said she assumed the "yes" case would get up this week). This follows years of polls that put support at about 60 per cent, as well as several polls taken during the campaign. In October, a Roy Morgan poll of more than 1500 people found 62 per cent would vote yes.

Greens senator and long-time marriage equality campaigner Sarah Hanson-Young says she feels "very confident" the yes camp will win. The "no" camp also appears to be positioning for a loss. "Irrespective of the result ... we know that we will need to keep fighting for the rights and freedoms of ordinary Australians," Mr Shelton says. Tellingly, conservative MPs who oppose same-sex marriage are gearing up for a legislative fight, flagging up to 100 amendments to the same-sex marriage bill currently on the table. The government is officially sticking to its plan of parliamentary a vote before the Christmas break, but there could be delays and plenty more debate along the way. And is a "yes" vote as certain as it seems, anyway? We have learned from the recent Brexit and US election results not to discount the unexpected. A Griffith University study this week predicted a narrow "no" win, based on an analysis of more than 450,000 tweets posted about same-sex marriage in October. This method also predicted Trump's shock win last year. Indeed, despite the growing confidence in the "yes" camp, Mr Halloran is not organising any celebrations just yet. "I'll wait for the day."
A woman has died in hospital after falling and hitting her head during an argument in the central Queensland town of Mackay, police said.

Police will allege that a 22-year-old man and the 72-year-old woman were arguing at a Morley Street residence in South Mackay about 4.30pm on October 23.

It will be alleged the man grabbed the woman by her arm in an attempt to force her off the property and when he let go the woman fell and hit her head. She later died in hospital.

Police said in a statement on Friday that the man had appeared in Mackay Magistrates Court and had been charged with grievous bodily harm.

The man has been remanded in custody and will reappear in court on December 18, 2017.
A 10-month-old baby boy and his father who were missing in Melbourne have been found.

Reece Garzoli, 28, and his son Jesse were last seen at a friend's home in Preston on Wednesday.

Jesse Garzoli Credit:Victoria Police

Mr Garzoli had not spoken with family members for days and wasn't answering his mobile phone.

On Saturday, a Victoria Police spokeswoman said the pair had been found on Friday "safe and well".
Kate* remembers going over. Part of it, anyway: she was injecting heroin, and then woke up to find paramedics giving her naloxone.

She knew there had to be a better way; not only a life without heroin but a safer life for those who could not stop injecting, too.

For two decades, those at the end of the needle and those who work with them pleaded for a supervised injecting room in Melbourne.

It was a journey marked with thousands of overdoses, floods and droughts of heroin, and cries for help that built to a scream.
Several thousand people have crossed their wrists in the air and chanted "bring them here" at an impassioned march through central Melbourne in support of asylum seekers on Manus Island.

More than 600 men have refused to leave the Australian-funded regional processing centre on Manus Island over fears for their safety outside.

The United Nations' human rights chief has lashed out at the Turnbull government, expressing "serious concerns" over the welfare, safety and well-being of the men.

The centre was closed on October 31 and Australian contractors and service providers have left the island.
Police believe a woman who was punched in the face as she walked her dog in a Gippsland town was the victim of a shocking homophobic attack.

The 26-year-old woman was on a walking track with her dog near Stephenson Park in Sale when she was approached by three men, The Gippsland Times reports.

The t-shirt the woman was wearing when she was attacked.

One of the men then made a remark about the woman's t-shirt, that had a slogan 'Born fabulous, not straight', before punching her in the nose, police said.

The three men then all walked away. They are believe to be aged in their late teens to early 20s, and have been described as Caucasian in appearance and were wearing black jeans and black and grey hooded jumpers at the time of the assault.
Beirut: Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri has resigned, saying he believes there's an assassination plot against him and accusing Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah of sowing strife in the Arab world.

His resignation, which surprised Beirut's political establishment, has brought down the coalition government and plunged Lebanon into a new political crisis.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri. Credit:AP

It thrust Lebanon into the front line of a regional competition between Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shiite Iran that has also buffeted Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Bahrain. A Saudi government minister said Hariri was in Riyadh to ensure his safety.

Hariri, who is closely allied with Saudi Arabia, alleged in a broadcast from an undisclosed location that Hezbollah was "directing weapons" at Yemenis, Syrians and Lebanese.
In Communist times, Russians celebrated the October Revolution on November 7 (after it began measuring the date by the "new" Gregorian calendar). Tanks and rockets rumbled through Red Square before everyone sat down to pelmeni (dumplings), mayonnaise-drenched salads and vodka, followed by family arguments about history. A woman takes a selfie with a statue of Lenin in a forest near Razliv Lake, outside St Petersburg. Credit:AP Now Russians have a different November holiday, on the 4th, when they remember a distant thrashing of the Poles as their "Day of National Unity". Unity is the theme Putin would like Russians to focus on until April, when the vote in the presidential election will be in, and (probably) he will have been re-elected for another six years. In that context, remembering the overthrow of the Tsar is simply not helpful. A worker uses a water sprayer to wash a statue of Lenin ahead of the centenary. Credit:AP

The Russian Revolution started in February 1917, when autocratic Romanov Tsar Nicholas II was forced to abdicate and a Menshevik (liberal minority) government began reforms. After Vladimir Lenin, leader of the more revolutionary Bolsheviks (majority of the split Russian labour party) returned from Swiss exile to Petrograd, the Communists seized power in October (by the old calendar). Tsar Nicholas and his family were murdered in Yekaterinburg in 1918 and Russia descended into a brutal civil war between reds and whites, which lasted until Communist victory in 1922. A wave of emigres fled to the West, including Sergei Rachmaninoff, who went down in history as both a Russian and an American composer. Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to prolong his tsar-like rule without any turbulence from below. Credit:Kremlin Pool Photo via AP In Mikhail Gorbachev's time, Russians were encouraged to think of Stalin as the real monster while Lenin was still more or less a saint. In fact, however, the terror began under Lenin. It accelerated under Stalin, leading to purges in the 1930s when millions of Russians were executed or sent to the gulags. Many of them were true believers in the ideal of equality that had been hijacked by the violent and unscrupulous.

Workers install an armoured car with the Bolshevik slogan 'Vrag Kapital' (The Enemy of Capital), similar to the one Lenin used to address the crowd during 1917, in the yard of the Winter Palace in St Petersburg earlier this month. Credit:AP Mixed feelings "My great-grandfather Ilya Veger was an old Bolshevik," writer Ludmilla Petrushevskaya posted on Facebook. When two of Veger's children were sentenced to "10 years without the right of correspondence" (code for being shot) in 1937, he kept the faith, Petrushevskaya went on. "In 1947, my great-grandfather went to the NKVD [forerunner of the KGB] at the Lubyanka [jail] and said: 'Ten years without the right of correspondence. So now, where are my children?' On November 8, the old man was knocked over by a bread van on Gorky Street. He was 84 years old."

The post received 186 likes. Ada Gorbacheva commented: "A routine horror story. Does anyone want to go back there?" Officially, the authorities may not be doing much to commemorate the 100th anniversary but Russians are talking about their revolution on the internet. Alexei Burmistrov, a dentist in Moscow, shared the story of his great-grandfather, Kuzma Makarovich, who was a red commissar. "In 1937, he was arrested. And shot. They arrested him at night, in winter. Men in leather coats came to get him. They said a vehicle had broken down and they needed help. They told him to dress warmly and bring a saw. Our relatives never saw him again. "Later it was explained to them that was an NKVD joke: 'dress warmly because you are going to Siberia to cut wood'. He didn't get to cut wood. The decision to shoot him was signed by Stalin. To be more exact, Stalin signed a whole book with a list of the doomed. He put a flourishing signature on the first page."

Subversion Alexei also shared a photograph of a wall fresco by an anonymous artist that recently appeared in Moscow. The subversive graffiti appears to be a jolly street scene, showing an outlet of KFC under a red-and-white awning and a turquoise bread van. But if you look more closely, and recognise what you see, the letters NKVD appear beside the KFC sign and the jaunty bread van driver is wearing a militia uniform. (Bread vans were used as a cover to take people away.) The message is that painful history lies just beneath the surface of today's reality. Subversive street art in Moscow is a reminder of the Soviet era, when people would be taken away in bread vans.

"The problem is with the people's memory," said Alexei. "The USSR was divided between those who sat (in prison) and those who guarded them. With the years, those who sat, and their children and grandchildren, are becoming fewer than those who did the guarding." But Russia's intellectuals are determined not to let history be erased. Project 1917 is an attempt by journalist Mikhail Zygar to show all sides of the story. His website is cleverly formatted like Twitter, with real quotes of the day from historical figures. On October 24, 1917, Alexandra Kollontai, the only woman in Lenin's government, tweeted: "The resolution of the Central Committee has chosen the course of 'AI': armed insurrection is unavoidable. The time is ripe. The decision was taken during a closed session. Dawn finally dispelled the tension in the air. We realised we were hungry. The samovar was brought in, cheese, sausage " The journalist Mikhail Zygar, left, with staff on Project 1917 in Moscow. Credit:New York Times

With foreboding, Duke Gavriil Konstantinovich tweeted from Petrograd: "We stayed home and saw few people. I went to the Marble Palace to visit Mama. Our friends and acquaintances came to visit us as if nothing had changed. Money was tight, and we were forced to sell some of our things. In the evening on the feast day of our regiment, I put on my uniform. I very much desired to celebrate by being in uniform. I dared not, however, go outside, as those in epaulets were much harassed." Harassment turned into decades of horror and it was not until after Stalin's death in 1953 that his successor, Nikita Khrushchev, finally exposed the cult of personality in a secret speech to the 20th Congress of the Communist Party in 1956. This fell well short of the Nuremberg trials and process of repentance that Germany went through after the defeat of the Nazis, but veteran Russian TV journalist Vladimir Posner said recently the 20th Congress was sufficient admission of guilt. Putin as Brezhnev? These days, busts of Stalin are appearing in Russia. Taxi drivers have never stopped using Stalin as a talisman, remembering him not as a mass murderer but as the leader who won the Great Patriotic War (World War II).

The failure to bury the corpse of rogue Communism (literally, because Lenin's body still lies in its Red Square mausoleum) has meant modern Russia has not built a new society on firm foundations. Gorbachev and his successor Boris Yeltsin were hampered in their attempts to reform the country by those harking back to Soviet ways. Despite having been in power for over 17 years, Putin has not really changed much  just silenced his opponents and fallen out with the West. Russians are back in the sovok, a slang word meaning both a Soviet-style society and a dustpan. Some are happy to live in a land of false nostalgia, others not. Anti-corruption campaigner Alexei Navalny hopes to run against Putin in 2018 but will probably be barred from the race. Now socialite and TV presenter Ksenia Sobchak has thrown her hat into the ring. Many see her as a spoiler candidate, blessed by the Kremlin. In all likelihood Putin will cheat retirement despite having reached the age of 65.
A rogue Twitter employee, reportedly on his or her last day of the job, apparently deactivates the president's personal account, @realDonaldTrump. The president's personal Twitter page is soon replaced with a light blue background and this message: "Sorry, that page doesn't exist!" Some time between 6:49pm and 6:51pm Vulture TV columnist Jen Chaney happens to notice the president's Twitter account is down. "It was totally a fluke because I don't actually follow that account because I don't want to give him more followers," Chaney said. "I was writing a piece that has nothing to do with politics, really. But I was alluding to something in the piece related to politics and I was trying to find an example of something Trump had recently said, and I thought I would just go over to his Twitter account. By pure happenstance, I looked up his Twitter feed.

"I looked a couple times and I kept clicking on it. . . . That's when I just tweeted, hey, did he delete his account? That was really it." 6:52pm Chaney tweets perhaps the first widely seen image of Trump's then-inactive Twitter account, saying "Has the personal Donald Trump Twitter account been deleted?" "I don't know if that I was the first person to notice. Maybe I was one of the first," she said. "I didn't know what was going on. As soon as I tweeted it, then other people were responding to my tweet and retweeting it. I assumed that the account was taken down on purpose for some reason. My mind immediately goes to 'Oh my God, he deleted it. That means Mueller's closer.'

"Which turns out to obviously not be the case. I didn't think he would accidentally delete it - although I suppose anything's possible." 6:53pm Derek Mead, the executive editor at Vice, appears to make the same observation, simply tweeting: "hmm." From a coffee shop in San Francisco, Ryan Mac, a BuzzFeed tech reporter, sees Mead's tweet. "I mean, as all reporters do, they spend a fair amount of time on Twitter. And I saw some chatter about it," Mac said.

"It was more like when a website goes down and a lot of people are trying to figure out, 'Is it just me?' You don't want to look like an idiot and say, oh, this website is down - and then realise your Internet is out. So I think when I saw it, it was the equivalent of that." 6:54pm Mac repeatedly checks the account to see if it is, in fact, the president's. "I clicked it and yeah I saw the exact same thing that [Mead] did. For me, it was like, is this the actual account that went down? There's so many spoof accounts. Some people thought the 'l' in 'real' was a capital 'I'. But then I realised it was actually him. I spent like two minutes verifying it and typing it carefully. And then I just screenshotted it and everyone saw it. I threw it in Slack and kind of went from there." He also throws it on Twitter:, tweeting "Did Twitter do it."

6:55pm Casey Newton, a reporter at the Verge, sees Mac's tweet and immediately quote-tweets it, causing a stir at Verge's San Francisco office, where Newton is at the time. "I mean, so we know that they've talked about banning Trump," he said. "We also know that they very much do not want to do it and the nature of their conversations has been, basically, is there any theoretical thing that the president could do that would make us ban him. And so, there was that. Then there was also the fact that Twitter does not proactively communicate things like this. Like when it decides to suspend someone, they're just suspended and then you hear about it hours later or the next day. "So when the [@realDonaldTrump] account first disappeared, all of us were wondering: Is this it? Did Twitter hit the big red button?" 6:56pm

Newton starts writing a story outlining two possible reasons Trump's Twitter account might have been shut down. Within five minutes, he has a draft. "This is a new media company, okay? We work very fast over here." 6:57pm In the five minutes since Chaney tweeted her image of Trump's inactive account, dozens of people have retweeted and liked it, causing her phone to buzz nonstop. "My phone was nearby and it started making a lot of noise," she said. "My son was sitting there and I told him what was going on. And he's like, were you the first one to notice? If so, you're going to be on the news tomorrow."

Between 6:58pm and 6:59pm The memes, jokes and conspiracy theories are in full force. Some of them: "Is he getting his account upgraded to 280 characters?" "Is Twitter changing his handle to @DonaldTrump?"

"Is the social media platform exercising some "extreme vetting?" "Where were you when you heard that Trump's twitter account had been deleted?," tweeted the New Republic's Jeet Heer. "I'm not usually a person who covers the president's tweets. But. Um." tweeted MMSNBC's Rachel Maddow. 7pm

@realDonaldTrump is restored. Postscript: The president soon resumes tweeting, praising the "Great Tax Cut rollout" and blasting the Democratic National Committee. Twitter confirms the outage, saying @realDonaldTrump was "inadvertently deactivated due to human error by a Twitter employee." About two hours later, the company blames a "customer support employee who did this on the employee's last day" and says it will conduct a full internal review. The news prompts an "all hands on deck situation" at the Verge.

"We'd discovered the cause and it was somebody saying 'YOLO!' on their way out of the building," Newton said. "When we found out that it was a rogue Twitter employee, I'm at this venture capital event. I am aggressively ignoring all these people and I am just furiously typing in Slack with my colleagues." On Twitter, Newton offers a tantalising tidbit: "I have a quote from the ex-Twitter-employee group I would like to share: 'We're now referring to this individual as 'the legend', lol.' " Exactly 12 hours after his brief Twitter blackout period, Trump publicly acknowledges for the first time that his account had disappeared. He does so by tweeting about it:
By PTI: By Lalit K Jha

Washington, Nov 3 (PTI) Donald Trump will be the first US president in 25 years to make a State Visit to South Korea.

While Trump is unlikely to visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone, he would deliver a major policy speech of the trip before the Korean National Assembly on November 8.

This is the only policy speech scheduled so far during Trump?s nearly two-week five-nation Asia trip with stops in Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and Philippines.

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"It will be the first State Visit in 25 years by a US president," a South Korean embassy official told a group of foreign journalists.

Since a Korean President can host only one State Visit per country during his term, this visit is particularly meaningful, the official noted.

"Trumps visit is expected to be an opportunity for the two leaders to reaffirm their personal friendship and trust, as well as the two countries? ironclad alliance," the official said.

Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in are expected to discuss strengthening the alliance, developing close coordination to resolve the North Korea nuclear issue, establishing peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia, and increasing cooperation on bilateral and global issues.

Trump and the First Lady are scheduled to arrive in Seoul on November 7. PTI LKJ ZH

--- ENDS ---
Washington: Directly contradicting much of the Trump administration's position on climate change, 13 federal agencies have unveiled an exhaustive scientific report that says humans are the dominant cause of the global temperature rise that has occurred since the start of the 20th century, creating the warmest period in the history of civilisation.

Over the past 115 years, global average temperatures have increased 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to record-breaking weather events and temperature extremes, the report says.

The global, long-term warming trend is "unambiguous," it says, and there is "no convincing alternative explanation" that anything other than humans - the cars we drive, the power plants we operate, the forests we destroy - are to blame.

The report was approved for release by the White House, but the findings come as the Trump administration is defending its climate change policies on several fronts, with US President Donald Trump having declared the "war on coal" to be over.
if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi...
By PTI: Chandy

Kottayam (Ker), Nov 4 (PTI) A court today directed the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau to verify whether Kerala Transport Minister Thomas Chandy had violated rules to construct a road through paddy fields to a lake resort owned by him in Alappuzha district.

Acting on a plea filed by a lawyer, Kottayam Special Vigilance Court judge V Dileep directed the bureau to file its report in a month.

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The judge also dismissed the contention made by the state government that Chandy did not carry out illegal land filling in the paddy fields.

In his petition, Subhash, a lawyer, alleged that Chandy illegally carried out land filling on one km stretch through the middle of a paddy field to construct a road to the lake palace resort owned by Water World Company which is headed by him.

He also submitted in the court a report prepared by Alappuzha District Collector T V Anupama which stated that the lake resort owned by Chandy had violated rules.

Chandy has been facing allegations for allegedly filling paddy fields for the construction of a parking space and encroaching Marthandam backwaters.

Chandy, a nominee of the NCP in the CPI(M)-led LDF government, has been under attack from the Congress-led UDF opposition and the BJP ever since the allegations surfaced some time back.

Stepping up its demand for Chandys resignation, opposition alleged there was "mystery" behind Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan protecting the transport minister even after the revenue minister had accepted the district collectors report that "found serious violation of rules".

A businessman-turned-politician, Chandy joined the ministry in April following the resignation of A K Saseendran over allegations of sexual misconduct. PTI COR TGB ROH AAR

--- ENDS ---
Wood Finish range revealed by Glenglassaugh

Brown-Forman has announced that its Glenglassaugh Distillery will release a range of limited releases.

The latest additions to the series represent a new chapter for Glenglassaugh and include the distillerys first ever wood finish expressions. The wood finishes series features a Port Wood finish, a Peated Port Wood Finish, a Pedro Ximinez Sherry Wood Finish and a Peated Virgin Oak Wood Finish.

Glenglassaugh whisky maker Rachel Barrie says: The release of Glenglassaughs first ever Wood Finish range marks a new chapter for this elemental distillery. As surf crashes on Sandend Bay and invigorating North Sea air passes through our warehouses, Glenglassaugh matures first in American ex-Bourbon casks, before changing course in either Virgin Oak, Pedro Ximenez or Port wood, on a voyage shaped by the sea.

From the sweet earthiness of our peated spirit enlivened by American Virgin Oak, to luscious full-bodied sweetness intensified in casks of Pedro Ximenez; from the tempestuous waves of fruit and smoke bottled as Peated Port Wood, to the sublime elemental fruit and freshness of Glenglassaugh Port Wood. I look forward to sharing this multi-dimensional voyage along our elemental coast.

The four releases include:

Peated Virgin Oak Wood Finish

Pedro Ximenez Sherry Wood Finish

Peated Port Wood Finish

Port Wood Finish

4 November 2017 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, news editor
Sunday

CBS Religious School is offering Sunday morning classes. Students are invited to learn about and experience Judaism in a welcoming and egalitarian environment. For more information or to register, contact religiousschool.cbs@gmail.com.

Faith United Church (UCC), 2901 Austin's Colony Parkway in Bryan, welcomes you for All Saints Sunday with 9:15 a.m. Sunday study, "ASK: Faith Questions in a Skeptical Age;" 10 a.m. fellowship and 10:30 a.m. worship. Pastor Karl's message is "Boomerang Kids." Faithuccbryan.org.

First Christian Church, 900 S. Ennis St. in Bryan, will meet for All Saints Day worship at 10:45 a.m. The Rev. Jesse Myers' sermon topic will be "Holding Both Sides Together," based on Revelation 7:9-17 and Matthew 5:1-10. Sunday school classes for all ages begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by coffee time at 10:30 a.m. Child care is available. Youth groups meet at 3 p.m. 823-5451 or firstchristianbcs.org.

St. Francis Episcopal Church, 1101 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, will celebrate Holy Communion at 8 a.m. (Rite 1) and 10:30 a.m. (Rite 2). The Rev. Lisa Neilson will be the priest, and will also lead a class called "Vestry 101" at 9 a.m. A covered-dish luncheon will follow the later service. For information on weekday services and events, contact the church at 696-1491 or stfrancisbcs.org.

Covenant Presbyterian Church, 220 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, will worship at 10:30 a.m. Co-Pastor Jonathan Murray will preach on "Extravagant Generosity." Classes for all ages meet at 9:15 a.m., followed by coffee and fellowship. 694-7700 or covenantpresbyterian.org.

Unitarian Universalist Church of the Brazos Valley, 800 George Bush Drive (Texas A&M Hillel), will meet at 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Aaron Stockwell will deliver the service, "10 Things Unitarian Universalists Believe -- No. 7 will Change Your Life." 696-5285.

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 217 W. 26th St. in Bryan, will host services at 7:30, 9 and 11:15 a.m. www.standrewsbcs.org.

Unity Spiritual Center of the Brazos Valley, 4016 Stillmeadow Drive, Bryan, will have services at 10:30 a.m. Call 324-9857 or unityspiritualcenterbv.org.

Spirit of Faith Church, 900 E. 29th St. in Bryan, will have Sunday school classes for all ages at 10 a.m., followed by morning worship at 11 a.m. All are welcome. 436-6910.

Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church, 3610 Plainsman Lane in Bryan, will have Sunday school classes for all ages at 9:15 a.m. and morning worship service at 10:30 a.m. 846-4753.

Tuesday

Eagle's Nest Praise and Worship Ministries will be opening a free prayer line from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The prayer line number is 775-1513, and calls will be answered by a trained prayer ministry associate. The prayer line is coordinated by pastors Gary and Sheila Jones.

Wednesday

Faith United Church, 2901 Austin's Colony Parkway in Bryan, invites men of all ages to Wednesday morning coffee and guy talk at 10 a.m. Faithuccbryan.org.

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 217 W. 26th St. in Bryan, will have evening prayer at 5:30 p.m. www.standrewsbcs.org.

Friday

Central Baptist Church, 1991 F.M. 158 in College Station, will host a concert by the Christian group Passion at 7 p.m. There will also be teaching from pastors Louie Giglio and Levi Lusko. Tickets are $15.95 for groups of 10 or more and college students, $18.95 for groups of four or more, $21.95 general admission, and $34.95 deluxe. 855-484-1991 or www.premierproductions.com.

Upcoming

Journey through Bethlehem will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 1 and 2 at the Walker County Fairgrounds on Texas 30 West in Huntsville. Journey through Bethlehem is a multidenominational event that re-creates the town on the night Jesus was born. Learn about the people and shops in the town, pay taxes ($1 per person) try the food, learn to make baskets and pottery, and see the lowly stable. 936-291-5920.
A College Station man faces up to 20 years in prison after police say they found THC in the man's Bryan motel room.

According to Bryan police, employees at a motel on Texas 21 called just before noon Thursday and asked that a young couple be removed from a room. The employees said the couple had stayed past checkout time.

Police arrived and spoke with Blaine Rylie Husband, 23, and a woman. Police said Husband immediately spread his arms and legs and told police they could search him, but nothing was found on him. Husband allowed police to search the motel room and an officer found a brownie containing THC behind a towel, as well as a vaping device coated with THC oil, a police report notes. Husband said the items did not belong to him, but he couldn't explain how they ended up in his room.

Husband is charged with possession of more than 27 grams of THC, a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and $10,000 in fines. He was being held in the Brazos County Jail on $25,000 bond.
By PTI: Chandy

Kottayam (Ker), Nov 4 (PTI) A court today directed the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau to verify whether Kerala Transport Minister Thomas Chandy had violated rules to construct a road through paddy fields to a lake resort owned by him in Alappuzha district.

Acting on a plea filed by a lawyer, Kottayam Special Vigilance Court judge V Dileep directed the bureau to file its report in a month.

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The judge also dismissed the contention made by the state government that Chandy did not carry out illegal land filling in the paddy fields.

In his petition, Subhash, a lawyer, alleged that Chandy illegally carried out land filling on one km stretch through the middle of a paddy field to construct a road to the lake palace resort owned by Water World Company which is headed by him.

He also submitted in the court a report prepared by Alappuzha District Collector T V Anupama which stated that the lake resort owned by Chandy had violated rules.

Chandy has been facing allegations for allegedly filling paddy fields for the construction of a parking space and encroaching Marthandam backwaters.

Chandy, a nominee of the NCP in the CPI(M)-led LDF government, has been under attack from the Congress-led UDF opposition and the BJP ever since the allegations surfaced some time back.

Stepping up its demand for Chandys resignation, opposition alleged there was "mystery" behind Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan protecting the transport minister even after the revenue minister had accepted the district collectors report that "found serious violation of rules".

A businessman-turned-politician, Chandy joined the ministry in April following the resignation of A K Saseendran over allegations of sexual misconduct. PTI COR TGB ROH AAR MVV

--- ENDS ---
In a white-hot-charged world of politics, where each side cant wait to catch the other acting the fool, the headlines are flying about bumbling Rick Perry stepping in it again.

The former Texas governor and current U.S. Energy secretary never will win any awards for being precise or even articulate in his public remarks.

On Thursday, he gave critics a double whammy: A rambling, almost indecipherable anecdote that gave anybody with a Twitter account a chance to make fun of him for acting pro-fossil-fuel to the extreme and for being a dummy on sexual assault at the same time.

Heres the core of the story, as reported by CBS News:

During an event with Axios and NBC in Washington, Perry brought up sexual assault after launching into a story about a trip to Africa, where he said people are dying because they dont have access to energy.

And its going to take fossil fuels to push power out into those villages in Africa, where a young girl said to my face: One of the reasons that electricity is so important to me is not only because Im not going to have to try and read by the light of a fire and have those fumes literally kill people. But also from the standpoint of sexual assault: When the lights are on, when you have light that shines, the righteousness, if you will, on those types of acts.

Perrys remarks can be interpreted and misinterpreted a million different ways. Like I said, command of straightforward discourse is not his forte.

But determined to get a quick laugh, news outlets and commentators were quick to report a sound bite that painted it in the worst light  without providing some important context:

First, Perry was sharing an anecdote he heard from a girl in Africa. According to Perry, she said she wanted electricity not only because she wouldnt have to read by a fires light, but also because of sexual assault.

Second, the fact is that bringing power to remote villages in Africa would do these people a lot of good. And, according to some researchers, yes, it would help prevent sexual assault.

For the skimming reader, that may sound ridiculous: Tying sexual assault to fossil fuel? Especially when you consider that everyone in the Trump administration looks for every opportunity to push that form of energy.

But slow down and consider: None of that makes Perry wrong.

And given all the headlines of late about sexual assault, its not stupid that he would link lack of electricity and lights with the possibility of violence. He did it ham-fistedly, but that doesnt make him a Neanderthal.

For an example of how such counterintuitive links can work, consider this National Public Radio piece on the links between access to home toilets in Indias largest state and sexual assaults: Lacking indoor plumbing, hundreds of millions of women in India, under the cloak of darkness, set out for an open field to relieve themselves. In those circumstances, NPR reported, women are vulnerable to being preyed upon. It cited the case of two young girls who were raped and left hanging from a tree. But NPR was not saying that lack of home toilets are the underlying cause of male predation.

Separately, The Guardian has reported on how poor quality and underfunded public services  from lack of lighting to sanitation and decent housing  leave poor women and girls vulnerable and exposed to violence and harassment.

Im not shy about criticizing politicians, including Perry. But I have little patience for knee-jerk criticism and the urge to take half a headline to get a big reaction to vilify the opposition.

Of course darkness alone doesnt cause people to commit sexual assault. But what from Perrys remarks gives people the impression that he said that? Willful misinterpretation.

Of course, the most important deterrents focus on changing the behavior of the perpetrators. We need to be teaching young men not to rape. And to enforce strict punishments. And a whole lot more than that.

But common sense  and years of crime-watch meetings  tells me that adequate lighting doesnt hurt womens chances for safety.

Its sad for our profession when so many mainstream sites rush online with a Perry links fossil fuel development to preventing sexual assault without any of this context. Sites that are openly liberal go further, implying that Perry was trying to put the blame for sexual assault on darkness or clothing or behavior. Thats just way too big a leap.

Now, if you want to have a real discussion, lets debate whether fossil fuels really are the answer. Perrys off-the-cuff remarks came in response to a protester yelling that fossil fuels were causing climate change and killing people in poor countries. Instead, people try to turn it into a gotcha moment.

My real-time reaction: This is exactly the kind of thing that cements in so many Americans minds that the media are biased. At the very least, it illustrates that we cant wait to gang up on easy targets such as Perry.
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WASHINGTON  While large corporations and national business organizations gave the newly released Republican tax plan boffo reviews, a prominent Connecticut business trade association was not so sure.

GOP tax plan sweeteners not enough for CT lawmakers

On the corporate side, yes, its positive, said Joseph McGee, vice president for policy at the Business Council of Fairfield County. But overall when you look at it from a business-and-labor perspective, it is very, very troubling.

The bill eliminates the deduction for state income taxes and caps the property-tax deduction at $10,000, a potential hardship for residents of a high-cost state like Connecticut.

It maintains the mortgage-interest deduction on existing home loans, but places a $500,000 cap on new ones.

Connecticut has a history of being a donor state, one that sends more in tax money to Washington than it gets back in federal spending. Studies peg the return rate at 83 cents of every tax dollar sent to the federal treasury.

For McGee, the key question is what the Republican tax plan  if enacted  would do to that balance.

With all these changes, are we still a donor state? he said. How has this changed the relationship? Thats what I cant figure out.

And although he said he shies away from back-of-the envelope calculations, he added: My gut sense is when you put in loss of the (state and local tax) deductions, youre looking at massive increase of what Connecticut sends to the federal government.

But large corporations praised the Republican plan overall.

This is a watershed moment, said a statement from United Technologies, based in Farmington. We applaud the release of this bill and look forward to reviewing the details.

According to 2015 Internal Revenue Service extrapolated by the non-partisan Tax Policy Center, 661,940 Connecticut taxpayers  37.6 percent of the total number  deducted state income taxes. The average was $13,222 per return.

For property taxes, 658,520 Connecticut residents sought deductions that year, 37.4 percent of the total. The average per return was $7,635.

The proportions of Connecticut filers claiming state-and-local tax deductions is 9 percentage points higher than the overall U.S. average of 28 percent.

As the name implies, the GOP Tax Cuts & Jobs Act adheres to the deeply held Republican-conservative position that tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy create jobs.

But Connecticut lawmakers on Capitol Hill said they doubted the premise.

Noting the proposed reduction of the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 20 percent, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., said large businesses would use the extra cash for shipping jobs overseas and stock buybacks.

Its not about creating jobs, she said.

dan@hearstdc.com
By PTI: industries

New Delhi, Nov 4 (PTI) Supreme Court-empowered green authority EPCA has assured industries operating in the NCR that it will urge the Centre to bring natural gas under the ambit of Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The EPCAs assurance came following a clutch of petitions by industry bodies seeking that they be provided some sort of cushioning in light of the recent ban on the use of Pet Coke and Furnace Oil (FO) in the National Capital Region.

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Industrial units use these fuels for combustion.

The industries are believed to have expressed in their petitions fear of losses as the ban on use of Pet Coke and FO is limited to the NCR, which essentially means that they may "lose out" to competitors operating out of other regions where these fuels can still be used.

However, EPCA (Environment Pollution - Prevention and Control Authority) chairman Bhure Lal and member Sunita Narain tried to allay their concerns citing the new draft standards for SOX and NOX emissions, which will effectively spell the end for these sulphur-heavy fuels.

"We will meet the petroleum minister and request him to consider the industry demand," Narain said.

So, while these fuels cannot be used at all in the NCR (Delhi had imposed a ban way back in 1996), in other parts of the country industries will have to adhere to the stringent emission standards, 600 and 300 micrograms per cubic metre for SOX and NOX respectively, which will come into effect once officially notified by the ministry.

In the absence of any emission standards, the use of these fuels were rampant in industries, generating "enormous amounts" of air pollutants, especially in the National Capital Region, according to the Supreme Court-appointed body.

Pet Coke and FO are bottom-of-the-barrel product at refineries and widely used for being cheaper than natural gas and petrol.

The EPCA also assured the industry representatives that it will petition the Centre to bring natural gas under GST, as the high VAT (Value Added Tax) imposed on gas in states such as Uttar Pradesh was a major reason behind the popularity of cheaper yet polluting fuels such as Pet Coke and FO.

According to the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), natural gas has VAT as high as 26 per cent in states such as Uttar Pradesh, which is "fanning and expanding" the use of dirty fuels.

"Demand for pet-coke has increased to such an extent that last year India imported 14 million tonnes of pet-coke, which is more than the domestic production. If imports and domestic production are added, then India has used more pet-coke than China, when its pollution was at its peak," it said.

The astounding amount of sulphur content in these fuels becomes clear from the fact that while in BS-IV compliant petrol or diesel its 50 ppm (parts per million), in FO and pet coke it ranges between 15,000 and 74,000 ppm. PTI SBR SC

--- ENDS ---

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NORWALK  Voters will have no shortage of issues and candidates to sort through before casting their ballots in Norwalks 2017 mayoral election Tuesday.

Democratic Mayor Harry Rilling is being challenged by Republican Andrew Conroy, petitioning Democrat Bruce Morris and petitioning independent Lisa Brinton.

The candidates have sparred over development, city management, the Walk Bridge replacement project and other issues the city faces while touting their accomplishments.

Harry Rilling

A lifelong Norwalker, Rilling says Norwalk has been good to him and hes been honored to return the favor through public service. Thats included a 41-year career with the Norwalk Police Department, which he headed for 17 years before retiring in 2012.

First elected mayor in 2013 and now seeking a third term, Rilling is proud of Norwalks growth, top credit rating and others interest in the city as evidenced by construction of The SoNo Collection, a large, regional shopping center off West Avenue.

If you hear people around the community, if you hear people outside the community, theyre talking about Norwalk, Rilling said. Norwalk is becoming a destination and were trying to keep it that way.

He named attracting new business and good jobs, continuing investments in education, updating the citys Plan of Conservation and Development, and rebuilding the Walk Bridge as his priorities if re-elected.

Rilling said his administration has met weekly with the state to ensure that Norwalks interests are protected during the bridge replacement. He stands by the states plan to replace the structure with a movable bridge.

Rilling said his administration is investing $130 million in school repairs and construction and an additional $9 million in the Board of Educations Strategic Plan. The latter investment has reduced the educational achievement gap by a third, he said.

While acknowledging problems in Hartford, as evidenced in the recent struggle to adopt a new state budget, Rilling maintains Norwalk will weather the storm.

Because weve been frugal and responsible in our spending, we find ourselves in a good position to make through this budget crises unscathed, Rilling said.

Rilling is a Navy veteran and holds a masters degree in public administration from the University of New Haven. He is past president of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association.

Andrew Conroy

Conroy traces his public service to volunteering on school building committees that tackled long-overdue repairs at Rowayton Elementary School and elsewhere.

I was focusing on neighborhoods, making sure that we got things done, Conroy said.

A Rowayton resident, Conroy served five terms on the Common Council, representing District E. He chaired its finance and public works committees, and served one term as council president. He sat on the citys Zoning Commission and chaired the Norwalk Republican Town Committee and the citys Zoning Board of Appeals before stepping down to run for mayor.

Conroy doesnt see Norwalk in a bad place  its been in good shape for a very long time  but worries about its future amid the states budget problems.

The threat is real, Conroy said. They say if you pull down from your rainy day fund, you have to replenish it rapidly. Thats not going to come from a state grant, its not going to come from a federal grant. Its going to have to come from taxation.

Conroy said the city is stuck between a rock and a hard place and he can get us through that problem.

He has called for replacing the Walk Bridge with a fixed structure with higher clearance. He wants a temporary moratorium on development pending a better understanding of its impacts on traffic, schools and city services.

Conroy named coordinating planning among boards and commissions, supporting the school boards strategic and facilities improvement plans, and promoting Norwalks potential to businesses as his other priorities.

Conroy worked as a marketing director for Max Factor & Co. Since 1989, he has operated a small business consulting service that specializes in online marketing. A U.S. Army veteran, he holds an MBA from the University of California.

Lisa Brinton

Before running for mayor, Brinton founded NorwalkFirst, a political action committee that led the successful fight against a charter revision provision that sought to extend Norwalks mayoral term from two to four years. Still earlier, she co-founded the education reform organization Red Apples.

A former corporate manager, Brinton now hopes to take her business and civic skills to City Hall and replace what she describes as partisan politics with professionalism.

Im running for political reform and professional management. Those are the two things, Brinton said. Weve got to eliminate cronyism that has hindered the state and its also endemic in Norwalk.

Brinton, an unaffiliated voter who lives in Rowayton, has vowed to professionalize City Hall by putting a ballot question to voters on hiring a city manager.

Shes called for transparent, accountable governance, real citizen-driven charter revision, growing the citys tax base with practical economic development, attracting new businesses, and protecting neighborhoods by enforcing the existing noise, blight and other laws.

Brinton has described current development in Norwalk as helter-skelter and said the city should encourage smart commercial development rather than big-box retail stores to grow its tax base.

She has called for a fixed replacement of the Walk Bridge and wants the state to compensate the city by, among other things, reopening a train station on Wall Street and helping pay for two new schools in Norwalk.

Brinton worked for AT&T/Lucent before dedicating herself to civic engagement. She is a member of the League of Women Voters of Norwalk Steering Committee, the Coalition of Norwalk Neighborhood Associations, and co-president of Roton Middle School PTO.

Im not a politician or retired city employee with two pensions, Brinton said. Im a communications consultant and retired corporate executive, turned civic activist, with a record of getting things done.

Bruce Morris

Morris, a South Norwalk Democrat, said hes kept his promises as a state lawmaker and will put Norwalk first if hes elected mayor.

For his campaign, Morris coined the slogan Norwalk First  Smart Growth Economic Development, which he defines as prioritizing Norwalk business and workers, and taking quality-of-life issues into consideration.

He views development, education, health and affordable housing as related. Theyre all intertwined, and I think thats the problem. Everyone tries to pigeonhole issues, he said.

Like Conroy, he sees storm clouds in Hartford, in terms future state aid for Norwalk. He said the city must become self-sustaining by establishing public-private partnerships and promoting development that engages and helps local residents and businesses.

Often its private money that you can get faster and for less dollars and still get the governments work done, Morris said. And not only that, you hold to what is governments responsibility? To make certain that were safe, make sure that were educating, that we have the services that we need within our community.

He cited the Norwalk Housing Authority rebuilding of Washington Village with private developer Trinity Financial as such a public-private partnership.

If elected, Morris said he will couple the citys forthcoming Plan of Conservation and Development with a strategic plan to make sure its goals are realized.

The South Norwalk Democrat isnt pleased with the states plan to replace the Walk Bridge but said city, state and federal elected officials now must work to protect residents and businesses from the disruptions.

Morris is serving in his sixth term representing the 140th District in the state House of Representatives, where he was named deputy speaker in January 2015. He is past chairman of the Black & Puerto Rican Caucus, former human relations director for Norwalk Public Schools, and currently an associate minister at Macedonia Church.
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NORWALK  Expect to see many new faces on the Norwalk Common Council after Tuesdays municipal elections.

The outcome of the at-large race stands to reshape the 15-member local legislative body, which now comprises 11 Democrats and four Republicans.

Five at-large seats are up for grabs. Of the 12 at-large candidates running, eight are newcomers but hardly unfamiliar faces in Norwalk.

Mark Suda, Republican

I'm a homegrown Norwalk kid who wants to serve the public in a different light as a councilman, said Suda, a Norwalk police officer for the past 24 years. I have seen Norwalk in both some very dark times and some very glorious times and everything in between. I feel I can make this city the American dream for the citizens and families.

His priorities: advancing tax reform for seniors, veterans and first-time homebuyers, opening a Boys and Girls Club, helping small businesses, reducing unnecessary city spending and working in a bipartisan manner.

Michael Corsello, Democrat

Corsello, an attorney, has chaired the citys Fire Commission, the Oak Hills Park Authority and sat on a past charter revision commission. He described charter revision as amending the citys constitution and said it should not be undertaken every year or every couple of years.

The electorate spoke, Corsello said of voters decision last year not to extend the citys mayoral term to four years. I dont see any need to reconvene the charter revision commission in the near future.

His priorities: maintaining a quality education system, keeping residential taxes down by intelligently expanding the citys commercial tax base, and adequately staffing city departments to enforce zoning and housing code violations.

Greg Burnett, Democrat

A human resources manager, Burnett has served on the Board of Education and the Board of Estimate and Taxation. He currently chairs the latter board.

I have served on several boards and commissions which has equipped me with strong team-building skills that are crucial in being successful in the Common Council position, Burnett said. I will advocate for all Norwalk citizens in a professional and respectful manner.

His priorities: minimize financial and traffic impacts of the Walk Bridge replacement, support the Board of Education and improve schools, keep taxes down and maintain the citys top bond rating.

Burnett has been cross-endorsed by the Working Families Party.

Peter Halladay, Republican

Halladay, a Korean War veteran, former Human Relations commissioner and classroom volunteer at Cranbury Elementary Schools, has never held elected office before but believes he has much to offer.

As a retired professional, I can dedicate 100 percent of my time to my responsibilities as a councilman, Halladay said. Norwalk faces some complex problems and Norwalkers can count on me to use a lifetime of professional and volunteer experience to make well researched and thoughtful decisions on their behalf.

His priorities: balance growth, help seniors stay in Norwalk and counter negative perceptions about local schools.

Barbara Smyth, Democrat

Smyth says her 10 years teaching in Norwalk Public Schools has given her the perspective to serve as a bridge between the school board, council and families.

I am skilled at community organizing, and bringing people together, Smyth said. I am a wife, mother, and grandmother, who has raised three children in Norwalk: a teacher, a writer, and a budding musician. I believe my life experience is leading me toward what I am now meant to do, and that is to serve the people of the city I love.

Her priorities: revitalize Wall Street, improve parking, unify Norwalk, celebrate its diversity, and provide a good qualify of life for all residents.

Smyth has been cross-endorsed by the Working Families Party.

William Dunne, Republican

Dunne, a former corporate communications writer and past state Senate candidate, sees Hartford policies under Gov. Dannel P. Malloy threatening to drag down Norwalk.

The Common Council needs to build closer relationships with Norwalk-area legislators, to be sure they faithfully represent Norwalks interests in Hartford and not those of Governor Malloy, Dunne said. If elected I will be the Councils watchdog on anything that threatens to add to our cost of living in Norwalk, or that threatens to diminish the quality of life here.

His priorities: address the rising cost of living in Norwalk, improve the citys schools and education curriculum, and protect home values.

Doug Stern, Democrat

Stern, an attorney, describes himself as outgoing, independent and open minded after having graduated law school and opened his own law practice during tough economic times.

It has disciplined me to look closely into what the key point of a given issue may be, and to not be distracted by side issues that are not crucial to the point, Stern said. I am then prepared to passionately argue my analysis of a situation publicly, and be judged accordingly. I feel this independence and focus has served me very well on the Zoning Commission.

His priorities: a quality educational system, zoning and land use, and thoughtful and timely decision-making in an atmosphere of change.

Stern has been cross-endorsed by the Working Families Party.

Richard Bonenfant, Republican

Bonenfant, a self-employed photographer, counts himself among many fine candidates and considers his 14 years service on the council as valuable.

Its important to understand the ramifications before committing to a position on an issue, Bonenfant said. I always try to have the citys interest at the forefront when the entities come before us and ask for favors or approvals, Bonenfant said. Too often the Public-Private partnership concept equates to Free Land and No Taxes within the applicants proposal.

His priorities: Plan and control development, taxes and public safety.

Nick Sacchinelli, Democrat

Sachinelli, a sales executive at Datto and son of a Norwalk Public Schools teacher, said serving the city has been an honor. If re-elected, he hopes to continue applying skills he used during his first term.

I communicate, I do the work, I research, I reach out to experts, and most importantly I listen to the citizens, Sacchinelli said. At the end of the day, no matter what the candidates background and ability, it must be front of mind that we are there for the people we represent.

His priorities: public safety issues, including recent opioid-related deaths, cybersecurity in municipal government, and responsible progress. Change is good, but too much change too quickly is something that needs to be monitored closely, he said.

Sacchinelli has been cross-endorsed by the Working Families Party.

Diane Lauricella, petitioning candidate

Lauricella, a founder of the Norwalk River Watershed Association and longtime environmental consultant who recently helped South Norwalk residents fight encroaching industry, wants to pursue charter revision.

I have 30 years of experience speaking truth to power and showing other citizens about how government can work more effectively, Lauricella said. I believe that we must reopen the Charter for reform, but first have listening sessions for citizens to offer their ideas.

Her priorities: Create more transparent government, reform unfair tax and enforcement policies that hurt neighborhoods and destroy the quality of life, and integrate green and sustainable practices into every level of government and life in Norwalk.

Enrique Santiago, Republican

Santiago, a Norwalk Fair Rent commissioner and Latinos United of Connecticut board member, is running for a first term. He did not respond to requests for comment about his candidacy.

Sharon Stewart, Working Families Party

Stewart, who served as as an at-large councilwoman from 2013-15, did not respond to requests for comment about her candidacy.
Name: Bruce V. Morris

Party: Petitioning Democrat

Office sought: Mayor

Job Title and Employer: State Representative

Date of Birth: November 1955

Family: Married 38 years to Gail Morris, we have four adult children and 15 grandchildren.

Education: Attended University of Connecticut  Political Science major

Elected office experience:

 11 years (2007 to current) as State Representative (140th District) and Deputy Speaker.

 District B Democrats Chairman 2013-2017,

 District A Democrats Chairman 2010-2013,

Former:

 member Democratic Town Committee,

 Executive Board - National Caucus of Black State Legislators,

 Chairman CT Black and Puerto Rican Caucus

Three top issues, as a candidate, in order of priority:

1) Norwalk First  Smart Growth Economic Development  implement an economic plan using public and private partnerships that increase opportunities to Norwalks residents and businesses, growing the grand list and reducing property taxes. Creating Public Private partnerships will ease that burden. We need to create an environment which will foster entrepreneurial/career opportunities for our community, so our kids can work, play and stay here.

2) Building our future by supporting strategic educational investments, providing high quality education for all students. This would include transparent using inclusive, transparent and civil processes that deliberately leverage the diversity of our population.

3) Increasing the affordability of housing in Norwalk, with visionary planning and zoning along with housing policies, we can assure Norwalk isnt overbuilt and unaffordable.

What sets you apart from other candidates?

I am serving my 11th year in the state Legislature and have the great honor of being selected as deputy speaker of the House of Representatives. As such, I am the only candidate who has initiated or sponsored policies around education, housing, small business, criminal justice, public safety, workforce development and many others. I have fostered the necessary relationships, both democrat and republican, to get things done. This experience will be a critical need for Norwalk in the future, given anticipated ever challenging state budgets.

I am an Associate Minister of Macedonia Church. Formerly, I was the Director of Human Relations for Norwalk Public Schools for nearly 18 years. As such, I have the public service administrative and mediation experience with knowledge of Norwalk Public School policies and practices necessary to meet the needs of our city and schools.

Finally I was the Founder and President of several construction-related companies. I understand the needs of business and workers.

With this experience, I am the most suitable candidate promising to use inclusive transparent processes, to address the economic, cultural, administrative and political needs that will ensure the successful future of the City of Norwalk.

I have a legislative record providing evidence, I fulfill my promises.

List political or community activities:

South Norwalk Citizens for Justice  member

District B Democrats  member

Former:

Norwalk Clergy Association  President

Norwalk Early Childhood Council  Co-Chair

Norwalk Community Health Center  Board Chair

Website: morrisisforus.org
Norwalk Police Department

NORWALK  A New York woman is accused of assaulting and threatening to kill her 66-year-old mother, police said.

Police said that 49-year-old Martisha Jones, of Brooklyn, N.Y., was in the state visiting her mother. However, after a few drinks and some choice words, Jones and her mother ended up in a squabble that ended with the daughters arrest, police said.
ALBION  A town hall meeting focusing on Nebraskas ongoing property tax debate is set for Nov. 21 in Albion.

This free public event, hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs, will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Cornerstone Bank, 240 S. Third St. Refreshments will be provided.

Sen. Tom Briese of Nebraskas 41st District will be available to answer questions about interim session activities and expected topics for the 2018 session.

The main focus of the meeting will be the impact of tax proposals on local schools, governments and residents.

There has been no solution or clear path forward to the property tax challenge, said Jordan Rasmussen, policy program associate with the Center for Rural Affairs. The property tax burden still weighs heavily on rural communities. This affects everyone from residents and farmers to the school systems and local governments that rely on tax funding to do their work.

The 41st District includes Garfield, Wheeler, Valley, Greeley, Sherman, Howard, Boone, Antelope and Pierce counties. Residents are welcome to join the conversation.

Our current tax environment can be a complicated thing to approach, said Rasmussen. Our representatives are working toward solutions that sustain the rural communities you call home, so residents need to weigh in with their thoughts and ideas.

For more information, contact Rasmussen at (402) 687-2100 ext. 1032 or jordanr@cfra.org.
Chanakya and Megasthnese hinted about khichdi in their writings but medieval travellers and Mughal emperors made sure that the ancient dish entered historical accounts.

By Prabhash K Dutta: Over the next three days, the range of Indian cuisines would be on display at the World Food India, 2017 in New Delhi. Participants from more than 40 countries and 27 Indian states are taking part in the exhibition, organised in association with industry body CII.

Ahead of the World Food India 2017 and on social media, khichdi, an ancient Indian dish, attracted unusual attention. From the confusion about the Narendra Modi government's plan to declare khichdi the national food to the dish being projected as the Brand India food were all debated and discussed on social media. Cooked and eaten in almost every Indian home, khichdi had seldom received such attention in millennia.

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Simply put, khichdi is a Indian style porridge. It is believed to be the salty derivative of the Vedic dish, Kshirodana (modern version is kheer). The word khichdi has its origin in Sanskrit term, Khichcha meaning 'mixed' or 'mixture'. Renowned chef Sanjeev Kapoor will cook khichdi to set a world record during the World Food India 2017.

KHICHDI IN HISTORY

Ancient Indian texts talk about dishes prepared with the mixture of rice and pulses. Two of the words that are mentioned in reference to a dish like khichdi are Krisaranna and Khichcha.

Archaeological evidence from around 1200 BC proves that Indians ate rice and pulses together. Though, these two grains were definitely eaten in much earlier days separately.

Famous philosopher of ancient age, Chanakya, who was the prime minister of Magadhan emperor Chandragupta Maurya, has cryptically wrote about a balances dish that could possibly be taken for khichdi.

Chanakya's prescription for a balanced meal was one prastha (about 1.4 pounds) of rice, quarter prastha of lentils, 1/62 prastha of salt, and 1/16 prastha of ghee taken together.

His contemporary and famous writer Megasthenese -who stayed in the royal court of Chandragupta Maurya for years - provides a detailed account of how rice and pulses formed the popular dish in India and were eaten together.

FOREIGN TRAVELERS AND KHICHDI

It is interesting that Indian authors and Asian travelers did not write about khichdi much but the foreign tourist-writers found the dish peculiar enough to mention about it in good detail. Indian and Asian writers might have found khichdi too common to warrant a special place in their accounts.

Medieval traveller from Morocco, Ibn Batuta mentions Kishri being prepared and eaten by Indians around middle of 14th century. Ibn Batuta describes that moong is boiled with rice and eaten after adding ghee. He says people had this dish every day for breakfast.

Russian traveller Nikitin described about Khichdi being eaten by people in south India in 15th century. In 17th century, French tourist-writer Tavernier - who was so fond of India that he came here six times - wrote that khichdi was a popular evening meal in Indian homes.

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MUGHALS LOVED KHICHDI

Khichdi had special place in Mughal royal kitchen. There is no record of khichdi being a cuisine in the kitchens of Mughal empire founder Babur or his son Humayun, it gained importance during Akbar, the first India-born Mughal emperor.

Akbar's minister and court historian Abul Fazl talks about several varieties of khichdi cooked in the royal kitchen. In Ain-i-Akbari, he gives specific recipes for each variety. Then, there is famous tale of Birbal's khichdi.

Of all the Mughal emperors, Jahangir can be singled out for his fondness of khichdi. A special variety of khichdi was prepared for him by adding pistachios and raisins to the old recipe. The emperor named the dish as Lazeezaan, meaning delicious.

Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor least known for extravagance and eating, was fond of another variety of khichdi called Alamgiri khichdi. This variety had fish and eggs among its ingredients.

KHICHDI OF OTHER RULERS

The Nizams of Hyderabad too gave importance to khichdi in their royal meals. A non-veg improvisation of khichdi - by adding minced meat - particularly found place in Nizam's kitchen.

In the 19th century, the British took khichdi from India to their own country, where it became Kedgeree. It became a rather sophisticated breakfast dish in England. It is still popular in England.

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Every part of India has some recipe of khichdi. From khichuri in West Bengal to Ven Pongal in Kerala, khichdi has united India in geographical expanse with its flavor and through dynasties till the last Mughal emperor.

.@HarsimratBadal_ explains the rationale behind the World Food India.#NewsTodayLive https://t.co/4fqxBVUizL pic.twitter.com/HCxNg3Giqu

- India Today (@IndiaToday) November 2, 2017

--- ENDS ---
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, November 4, 2017 11:01 1838 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a276acc0 1 Lifestyle city,destination,population Free

In a rapidly advancing world in which people now have access to life-prolonging medicines and mass produced food, modern cities have become the centers for these scientific and technological advancements. This has lead to skyrocketing population growth in urban centers.

But how big have cities grown? Here are the 10 most populated cities in the world, as reported by Time.

10. New York-Newark, United States

The city of New York, also known as the "Big Apple" and "The City That Never Sleeps," and neighboring Newark are home to approximately 18,604,000 people.

9. Cairo, Egypt

Romanticized in movies and literature, Cairo is a beautiful place to visit for the holidays, but may not be the best place for those who are claustrophobic. Approximately 19,128,000 people call this city home. Its high population can also be attributed to its many state-of-the-art universities and medical centers.

8. Osaka, Japan

With its charming corner shops and rich cultural scene, Osaka has attracted many foreigners to come and live in the beautiful city. This has led Osaka to become one of the most populated cities on earth with a population of roughly 20,337,000. The city, however, has also been experiencing a low birth rate of late, which is predicted to cause a decline in its population in the coming years.

Read also: Four cities in Indonesia where you can travel by foot

7. Mexico City, Mexico

A financial hub for Latin America, a cultural center that celebrates the modern and the ancient, and a city that was built on top of the capital city of the Aztec empire, Tenochtitlan , Mexico City is certainly an extraordinary city with a population of around 21,157,000 people.

6. Beijing, China

As over 1.3 billion people live inside China's borders, it is not shocking that its capital is one of the most crowded cities on earth. With a population of about 21,240,000 people, there's no shortage of excitement in this city.

5. Sao Paulo, Brazil

As the most populated city below the equator with an approximate population of 21,297,000, Sao Paulo houses an incredible array of institutions from finance to culture.

Read also: Melbourne retains world's most liveable city crown

4. Mumbai, India

Attracting people from nearby cities because of its cosmopolitan charm and job opportunities, Mumbai now has a population of around 21,357,000 people. And with its total wealth reaching around US$280 billion, it certainly offers outstanding opportunities.

3. Shanghai, China

As Chinas most populated city, Shanghai is certainly not for those tired of the hustle-and-bustle of city life. With a population reaching 24,484,000 people, the city has become a financial center and home to the worlds busiest port.

2. Delhi, India

With a population projected to reach 36 million by 2030, it may be an under-statement to say that Delhi is a very crowded city. Today, it is home to approximately 26,454,000 individuals.

1. Tokyo, Japan

Although its population is predicted to begin declining, Tokyo is still projected to hold the top spot as the most populated city on earth until 2030. Modern, stylish and full of culture, Tokyo is one of the most captivating cities to live but also the most tightly packed. And, in a city of approximately 38,140,000 people, you are sure to have a hard time pushing through the crowds to get to your destination. (ezr/kes)

Topics : city destination population
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Linkedin Sebastian Partogi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, November 4, 2017 12:41 1838 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a276c1e8 1 Art & Culture jalur-rempah,sriwijaya-kingdom,exhibition,national-museum Free

Unhappy the land that is in need of heroes, the late German poet and playwright Bertolt Brecht once said.



Fortunately, while many observers have lamented a paucity of positive role models in contemporary Indonesia, we could actually learn a lot from the success stories in the vaults of our own history.



To inspire the public through our historic role models, PT Jalur Rempah Nusantara officially opened on Friday an exhibition called Kedatuan Sriwijaya: the Great Maritime Empire at the National Museum in Central Jakarta.



The exhibition, which runs from Nov. 4 to 28, concludes the companys Jalur Rempah (spice trail) program on the history of the Indonesian spice trade, which reached its peak when European traders arrived during the 15th and 16th centuries.



The program comprises journalistic reports, television programs as well as the launch of a documentary film titled Banda, the Dark Forgotten Trail.



During the exhibition, visitors will get information on one of the peaks of Indonesian civilization marked by the glory of Sriwijaya in South Sumatra, which served as an international spice trade hub from its rise in the early seventh century until its decline around the 12th century, so that they can be motivated to develop the nation to reach new heights.



The exhibition features historical evidence, archaeological relics as well as contemporary visual artworks comprising paintings and installations. It will also present panel discussions on the subject of Indonesias past, present and future.



Historian JJ Rizal said history had helped shape the nation, from its national identity to language, through hundreds of years of global cultural exchange.

Read also: Jalur Rempah Nusantara: How Sriwijaya once served as beacon for interreligious harmony

Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita said at the opening of the exhibition that Indonesia should accelerate its spice production and exports to live up to the glory of its old days. The price of local pepper as a commodity, for instance, has reached a new low, according to the minister.



We now lag behind Singapore in terms of spice exports, which is ironic because we are a great spice producer; Singapore buys the raw materials from us and while they become famous as an international spice exporter, we no longer get added value [from the global spice trade], he lamented.



Therefore, starting from today, we will learn from history [through the exhibition] and we [in the Trade Ministry] will up our ante in managing the Indonesian spice trade to boost the price of commodities that are endemic to Indonesia, he said.



Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan, meanwhile, said that the current governments effort to boost Indonesias spice trade and economic growth in general through intensive infrastructure building was in line with the spirit of Sriwijayas glory.



We, however, have to sacrifice [our comfort] for a few years before the projects [particularly transportation infrastructure] come to fruition, which will not happen overnight, he said, referring to complaints about traffic congestion caused by simultaneous transportation infrastructure projects in Jakarta.



Luhut said that once the projects had been completed, Indonesia would be able to cut its transportation costs down from the current 14.1 percent to around 7 to 8 percent, which will contribute to economic growth.



He added that the projects also sought to create economic equality, not just focusing on the islands of Sumatra and Java but also across Indonesia to boost trade, economic growth and price stability.
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, November 4 2017

President Joko Jokowi Widodo has agreed to grant the founder of the Islamic Students Association (HMI), Lafran Pane, a national hero title for his contributions to the country.

Alhamdulillah [Thank God], the President has said he will grant the title for Bapak Lafran Pane on Nov. 9, HMI alumni association (KAHMI) presidium coordinator Mahfud MD said on Friday as quoted by Antara news agency.

The HMI has long proposed to the President to grant Lafran the national hero title because Lafran had made many contributions throughout his life through his active roles in the HMI, especially during the HMI 10th Congress in Bogor in 1974, Mahmud said.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, November 4, 2017 14:00 1838 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a276eaaa 1 City MRT-Jakarta,work-accident,Jl-Wijaya,Kebayoran-Baru Free

A concrete segment of the MRT rail track on Jl. Wijaya II, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta fell on Friday night during its installation, injuring a motorcyclist who was passing underneath.

The 3-ton concrete piece was lifted with a crane truck to be installed at 9 p.m. The crane later lost balance and the concrete slipped and hit the truck before falling to the ground and hitting Samsudin, who was riding his motorcycle.

The resident of Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta, was later rushed to nearby Pertamina Hospital. He reportedly suffered minor injuries.

The road section around the construction area was already closed before the installation, said Tubagus Hikmatullah, corporate secretary of PT MRT Jakarta, the developer of the MRT track.

He said the company took responsibility for the victim's medication and the damage to the motorcycle.

MRT Jakarta is constructing the first lane of the rail-based transportation system, linking Lebak Bulus to the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle, Central Jakarta. (wit)
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Linkedin Vivien Shiao (The Straits Times/ANN) Singapore  Sat, November 4, 2017 08:15 1838 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a27681c2 2 Business Singapore,China,bilateral-cooperation Free

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) agreed to strengthen supervisory cooperation and facilitate the development of their capital markets, during the second MAS-CSRC Supervisory Roundtable held in Singapore on Tuesday.

The MAS and CSRC discussed regulatory developments in the derivatives markets and their respective frameworks for supervising fund managers.

They also deliberated on enhancing information-sharing arrangements for derivative products through an upgraded memorandum of understanding.

The roundtable was co-chaired by MAS deputy managing director Ong Chong Tee and CSRC's vice-chairman Fang Xinghai.

The roundtable is one of the key outcomes of Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Singapore in 2015. He had called for securities regulators from both sides to hold regular high-level dialogue sessions. The inaugural roundtable was held in Chongqing, China, in April last year.

"As global capital markets become more interlinked, it is important for supervisory authorities to promote greater understanding of their respective regulatory frameworks," Ong said.

"With growing cross-border capital market activities taking place between China and Singapore, the MAS-CSRC Roundtable provides a good platform for both agencies to exchange views on potential areas for supervisory cooperation on a regular and timely basis."
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Linkedin News Desk (AFP) Washington  Sat, November 4, 2017 07:42 1838 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2766a5f 2 World US,Islamic-State,Somalia Free

The US conducted a pair of drone strikes against Islamic State fighters in Somalia on Friday, the first time America has hit the jihadists in the Horn of Africa nation, officials said.

The strikes occurred in northeastern Somalia and killed "several terrorists," the US military's Africa Command said in a statement.

According to Voice of America, which cited the chairman of the town of Qandala in the semiautonomous region of Puntland, six missiles hit an IS base in Buqa village, 60 kilometers (35 miles) away.

"Local residents and pastoralists were shocked and fled from the area," Jama Mohamed Qurshe told VOA.

AFRICOM spokesman Lieutenant Commander Anthony Falvo said no civilians were in the vicinity of the strikes.

"They struck their intended targets," he told AFP, noting these were the first anti-IS air strikes in Somalia.

The first strike occurred around midnight Somalia time (0300 GMT) with the second strike coming at about 11:00 am (1400 GMT).

In recent months, the US has repeatedly hit Somali jihadists from the Shabaab rebel group that is aligned with Al-Qaeda, but Friday's development marks a significant step in the ever-evolving war against IS.

"US forces will continue to use all authorized and appropriate measures to protect Americans and to disable terrorist threats," AFRICOM said.

IS claimed its first suicide attack in Somalia in May, killing at least five people as it stepped up activities in a region dominated by the Shabaab.

The militants are led by former Shabaab cleric Abdiqadir Mumin, who switched allegiance from Al-Qaeda to IS in October 2015 and was named a "global terrorist" by the US State Department in August.

Mumin was born in Puntland and lived in Sweden before moving to the UK in the 2000s, where he was granted British citizenship.
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Linkedin (Pesona Indonesia) Jakarta  Sat, November 4, 2017 13:07 1838 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a276d844 2 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,South-Sulawesi,Phinisi,festival Free

The Bulukumba regency in South Sulawesi is currently hosting Phinisi Festival 2017. The three-day event had its opening day on Nov.2 and will end on Nov.4. This year marks the eighthanniversary of the Phinisi Festival.

Bulukumba tourism department head Muh Ali Saleng said that this years festivity presents a new event called Leppee  Bira Trip, a sailing trip joined by phinisi traditional boats and various sailboats. The starting point is at Leppee Port in Bulukumba and final destination is in Tanjung Bira.

To be qualified for the trip, a boats engine capacity should be at 15 GT. Participants of this trip does not only include local sailors but sailors from all across South Sulawesi province as well.

Bulukumba regional administration has prepared various prizes which include a car as the main prize, and motorcycles for the Leppee  Bira Trip winners.

Read also: YouTube FanFest to feature local, international YouTubers

Apart from the trip, a group fishing competition is also being held around Tanjung Bira. Each group consists of seven participants, the winner will be based on which group catches the heaviest fish. However, they are not allowed to catch humphead wrasse or shark fish.

This is also a socialization event for the local people, especially fishermen on fishing ethics and regulations, explained Muh Ali.

A phinisi launching event is set to be held during the festival as well, the procession is called Anynorong Lopi and the location is at Tanaberu boats manufacturing site in the Bontobahari district.

Other traditional events that visitors can enjoy at the festival include Kajang traditional rituals called Addingingi Kampong and Attunu Panroli, Pabbitte Passapu dance and Kajang weaving demo show at Kajang area.

We feature these traditional rituals as a way to preserve Kajang culture that not many people ever heard of and to attract local and overseas tourists, added Muh Ali.

Meanwhile, a music performance is held at the Tanjung Bira area, featuring performers such as Ati DAcademy and Indonesian Dangdut Contest (KDI) alumni Lidya, Ayu and Agus Ray.

Phinisi Festival 2017 also presents BergemBira Carnival featuring arts and culture from 10 districts, Phinisi Expo, Jambore Photography and Kite Festival. (asw)
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Linkedin (Pesona Indonesia) Jakarta  Sat, November 4, 2017 14:00 1838 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a276e231 2 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,GenPi,destination Free

Tourism Minister Arief Yahya praised the hard work of Indonesian Charms Generation (GenPI) and Wonderful Indonesia Generation (GenWI) in promoting Indonesian tourism on social media as well as encouraging people to vote for Indonesia at the recent polling for DIVE Magazine's 2017 Travel Awards, a London-based travel publication.

As a result of their hard work, Indonesia was named the worlds top destination for two years in a row by the publication.

Keep on promoting Indonesian tourist attractions, national and local events and tourism policies and success to you all, said Arief.

Indonesia was nominated in three categories: Best destination, dive center or resort and liveaboard.

A total of 13,845 votes were cast since the first polling in May, of which hundreds of nominated places and liveaboards were reduced to top 25 in each category. The second voting period was conducted in October for one full month.

In the best destination category, Indonesia took the first spot with 1,067 or 11.45 percent from the total of 9,399 votes cast, winning over Philippines and Azores.

Read also: Seven airplane features you may not know about

More than 17,000 islands comprise the Indonesian Archipelago, with a wide range of diverse habitats and species, from the pelagic visitors and strong currents of Komodo National Park to the tranquil black sands of Lembeh's muck-diving oddities, and a wide range of everything else in between, wrote the publication.

Indonesia also won in the best dive center or resort category with Siladen Resort and Spa at Bunaken National Park in North Sulawesi. Other destinations in Indonesia that were also listed in the top 10 list include Lembeh Resorts in West Sumatra, Misool in West Papua, Papua Paradise in West Papua, Atlantis International Diving in Bali and Blue Corner in Bali.

In the liveaboards category, Cocos Sea Hunter from Costa Rica came out as the first winner with 233 votes from the total of 1,338 votes cast, winning by one vote from Sulawesis MY Pelagian.

Tourisms products are tourist attractions, which will charge a higher price if it has a higher brand value. International awards like the ones from Dive Magazine definitely boasts Indonesias brand value, Arief said.

Below is the complete winner's list of DIVE Magazine's 2017 Travel Awards. (asw)

Best Destination 2017

1. Indonesia

2. Philippines

3. Azores

4. Mexico

5. Maldives

6. Egypt/Red Sea

7. Bahamas

8. Thailand

9. Fiji

10. Papua New Guinea

Best Dive Center or Resort 2017

1. Siladen Resort and Spa, Bunaken, Indonesia

2. Oblu Heneli, Maldives

3. Wakatobi, Indonesia

4. Lembeh Resort, Indonesia

5. Atmosphere Dauin, Philippines

6. Misool, Indonesia

7. Papua Paradise, Indonesia

8. Atlantis Diving Centre, Indonesia

9. Blue Corner Dive, Indonesia

10. Aiyanar, Philippines

Best Liveaboard 2017

1. Sea Hunter, Cota Rica

2. Pelagian, Indonesia

3. Bahamas Aggresor

4. FeBrina, Papua New Guinea

5. Nautilus Explorer, Mexico

6. M/V, Galapagos Master

7. M/V Sea Spirit, Maldives

8. M/Y Blue Horizon, Read Sea

9. M/V Ocean Sapphire, Maldives

10. Carpe Vita, Maldives.
In a rare video chat with Chinese border troops posted at an unspecified high-altitude location, Xi Jinping asked the People's Liberation Army to boost its "readiness to fight and win wars".

By Ananth Krishnan: President Xi Jinping has held a rare video chat with Chinese border troops posted at an unspecified high-altitude location, as he called for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to boost its "readiness to fight and win wars".

Xi asked the border troops, "Is the weather cold out there? Have you already prepared for the winter?"

A soldier replied, "Today's temperature is minus 12 degrees. It is not that cold! So far, optical fibres have reached every company. Electricity has been transmitted to every squad. We can meet the requirements of living in winter and carrying out missions!"

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Dressed in a military attire, Xi held the conversation with the border troops during his first visit to the Central Military Commission (CMC) joint battle command centre in his second term, following the October 24 Party Congress.

State media showed Xi conversing, via a video link, to PLA soldiers at a high-altitude border location, which experts said could likely be in Tibet or Xinjiang.

State media said Xi also asked "other detailed questions regarding combat preparedness, trainings, logistics and the existence of other difficulties."

His conversation came during a visit to the CMC joint battle command centre with the new CMC leadership, appointed at the congress. Xi chairs the CMC.

CMC MUST LEAD ARMED FORCES TO WIN WARS: XI

"The CMC should lead the armed forces to be ready to fight and win wars, and to undertake the missions and tasks of the new era entrusted to them by the Party and the people", Xi said, reported the official Xinhua news agency.

"The capability to win is strategically important in safeguarding national security and strengthening that capability and combat readiness in the new era would provide strategic support to the realisation of the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation."

He called on the military "to closely follow the situation of national security and to ensure military preparedness in all directions and all fields."

Besides the border troops, Xi also spoke to PLA troops in China's first overseas facility in Djibouti. He asked them "to help promote international and regional peace and stability."

WATCH VIDEO | Chinese President Jinping asks Army to be ready for war

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(front page)

Workers still face social crisis 5 years after Sandy

Capitalism, not climate, caused catastrophe

AP/Charlie Neibergall

NEW YORK  Five years after Hurricane Sandy ravaged New York and New Jersey, thousands of workers  who the propertied rulers and their government left to fend for themselves before, during and after the storm  are still suffering the consequences. And theyre still waiting for long-promised government aid.

Public housing is still concentrated in the flood plains. Condemned houses are still standing, Patricia Kane, treasurer of the New York State Nurses Association, told an Oct. 28 Brooklyn climate change protest on the anniversary of Sandy. New developments are still being built in marsh areas and flood plains. If another super storm were to take place today, we would be no better prepared.

Kane was working as a nurse at Staten Island Hospital during the storm. Twenty-four of the 43 dead in New York were on Staten Island.

In the face of government inaction, hospital workers took the initiative to go door to door after the storm, Kane said, looking for people who needed medical help.

The social catastrophe workers faced  and many still face  was the product of the workings of the capitalist system, which puts profits before human need.

At first city officials said no evacuations were needed since national weather experts predicted that by the time Sandy arrived it would no longer be a full-fledged hurricane, the Washington Post revealed Oct 27. They argued that nursing homes near the water hadnt flooded when Hurricane Irene hit the year before, so why order a costly evacuation now? It was worth taking a chance. For them.

The result  at least 29 nursing homes flooded in Queens and Brooklyn leaving 4,000 nursing home and 1,500 adult home residents without electricity, water, heat or food. It took three days to rescue them.

Like public housing, these facilities were built on low-lying land, regardless of the danger, because it was cheaper.

Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Andrew Cuomo claim that even though its five years since Sandy, were making progress. But nearly 20 percent of the 12,713 families enrolled in the citys Build It Back program are still waiting for their homes to be rebuilt or raised up above flood level, the New York Daily News reported. More than 11,000 other people who had applied were disqualified or gave up in the face of bureaucratic red tape and delays.

The billions of dollars allocated by government agencies supposedly to be better prepared for future storms have enriched legions of consultants and planners, as well as some construction bosses and real estate moguls. With little to show for it.

Five years after Sandy, anniversary stories in the press are riddled with reports of anti-flood projects still in the planning stage or that will begin someday.

Out of 18 major projects to protect public housing that flooded during Sandy  moving generators, electrical controls and heating equipment out of flood-prone basements  only one has been completed.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chairman Joseph Lhota has been boasting about advances in preventing a recurrence of the flooding that disabled the subways. The progress? Flood-prevention devices have been installed at less than half the station entrances that need them.

Five years later!

Press accounts point to a lot of talk about floodgates, berms and seawalls to prevent coastal flooding, but few have gone beyond the design stage. There is one that was completed by the Army Corps of Engineers last year  a $28 million project to protect Brooklyns Sea Gate, a wealthy gated community, from Coney Island beach erosion.

This social disaster for workers in New York caused by the for-profit values of capitalism is being repeated today in Texas, Florida and in the colonial and semicolonial territories in the Caribbean. Two months after Hurricane Harvey tens of thousands who lost their homes and apartments in Houston are still living in hotels and shelters.

And the catastrophe in Puerto Rico from hurricanes Irma and Maria is a hundred times worse, because its a colony of U.S. imperialism. More than a month after the storms, more than 70 percent of the island remains without electricity.

The official death toll in Puerto Rico now stands at 51. But no one really knows. The colonial regime recently admitted it has given permission to funeral homes to cremate the bodies of hundreds who died since the hurricanes hit, while refusing to count any of them as storm-related.

In sharp contrast to the response to the hurricanes in the capitalist U.S.  the richest country on earth  and its colonies, the revolutionary government in Cuba organized working people through their mass organizations to evacuate 1.8 million people in advance of Hurricane Irma. They dont gamble on peoples lives on the pretext that protecting them is too costly.

They didnt need consultants or face red tape from bureaucrats to immediately begin rebuilding homes and repairing the electric grid. Cuban President Raul Castro explained that the revolution would not leave anyone on their own.

Capitalism is to blame

The Oct. 28 5 Years After Superstorm Sandy demonstration drew some 1,000 people to march from Brooklyn to Manhattan, and focused its blame for the social calamity resulting from the storm on climate change and workers use of fossil fuels.

One marcher told me, If we dont stop global warming, it wont matter if youre for capitalism or socialism, because it means death of the entire world.

As part of its broader program, the Socialist Workers Party calls for Washington to unilaterally enforce controls on emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases by industry and agribusiness. But hysterical cries that the world is ending or that global warming is the cause of the social calamity for working people from recent hurricanes are false and disorient working people.

The social catastrophe from hurricanes Sandy, Irma, Maria and other storms is a result of the capitalist profit system, which is responsible for building on flood plains, the refusal to protect or evacuate nursing homes in low-lying areas, the lack of adequate food and water in shelters and the inability to restore electricity in Puerto Rico.

These questions are addressed in a statement, The Stewardship of Nature Also Falls to the Working Class: In Defense of Land and Labor, by SWP leaders Jack Barnes, Steve Clark and Mary-Alice Waters, adopted by a party convention in 2007 and published in New International magazine No. 14.

So long as the extraction of surplus value in warlike competition for profits dictates the production and distribution of wealth, land will remain private property and rental housing for the toiling majority will be built where the propertied classes dont want to live. It will be constructed where workers can afford the rent, including often on flood plains.

The capitalist system, and the propertied families who benefit from it in imperialist centers and semicolonial countries alike, will inevitably continue to ravage humanity and the planet we inhabit, the SWP leaders say. It cannot be stopped without uprooting capitalism itself.

And thats exactly what workers and farmers in Cuba, led by Fidel Castro and the July 26th Movement, did.





Related articles:

Disaster for working people in Puerto Rico continues to unfold







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(lead article, editorial)

Vote Socialist Workers Party: Our party is your party!

Vote for the Socialist Workers Party, the working-class party,party Nov. 7, in mayoral elections from Miami to Seattle! And vote for the Communist League in Canada for mayor of Montreal Nov. 5!

Join the party in talking with workers in cities large and small across the country, before and after the elections, discussing on doorsteps and kitchens a way forward for our class. There is a broad discussion going on about the depth of the crisis we face  crumbling health care, homelessness, crappy jobs or no jobs, an opioid epidemic, police brutality, bulging prisons, farmers who cant make a living, and, on top of it all, wars and devastation facing returning workers in uniform.

The Socialist Workers Party explains that we need to unite the working class and chart a course to end forever the rule of the dog-eat-dog capitalist system of exploitation, crisis and war.

Dont throw away your vote on the twin parties of capitalist rule, the Democrats and Republicans. Their continued power depends upon workers to hold their noses and vote for the lesser evil. But theyre all evil! They all seek to defend the profits of the bosses and bankers on our backs.

The SWP and its sister Communist Leagues in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom offer a perspective forward in struggle against the economic, social and political crisis we face.

Following the social disaster in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, Cynthia Jaquith, SWP candidate for Miami mayor, demanded the government put millions of the unemployed to work at union-scale wages in an emergency, government-funded public works program to rebuild the areas infrastructure and repair and put up new housing, in the U.S. and the devastated colonies of the Caribbean.

Expropriate the drug, hospital and medical equipment corporations and place them under the control of those who work there! Lisa Potash, SWP candidate for mayor of Atlanta, said to thousands at the military-run free medical fair in Hayesville, North Carolina, in August. Working people need  and deserve  a health care system that provides free, quality, preventative health care, from cradle to grave, as a social right.

We need to mount a systematic fight state-by-state against the restrictions that states are imposing on our right to abortion, Mary Martin, SWP candidate for mayor of Seattle, told women who joined a picket line to defend Planned Parenthood in Everett, Washington, in March.

Workers need to build strong unions. We need solidarity to unite the working class to better defend our interests, Osborne Hart told workers across New York and beyond as he campaigned for mayor of New York, including on the picket lines of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers members on strike for months against Spectrums union busting.

And to build the unity we need, Hart explains, the SWP demands amnesty for all undocumented immigrants. We say organize the unorganized, regardless of what papers a worker has.

The party points to the powerful example of the Cuban Revolution, explaining that as Cuban workers and farmers built a revolutionary movement and took political power in 1959, they changed themselves, developing the courage and class consciousness necessary to end capitalist rule and build a new society based on working-class solidarity. This is possible here in the U.S. and everywhere else.

Margaret Trowe, SWP candidate for mayor of Albany, New York, and other party members and supporters of the Cuban Revolution have just returned from the In the Footsteps of Che brigade to Cuba, better equipped to explain why working people here should emulate their example.

That is a fight worth fighting, a life worth living.

Join us to build the Socialist Workers Party and Communist Leagues!





Related articles:

Minneapolis: Only SWP speaks for working class

Communist League campaign: Workers need to take power







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(front page)

What SWP says about the economy is really true

What you say about the economic problems facing workers is really true, Stephanie Russell in Kenosha, Wisconsin, told me as she filled out hersubscription blank. Along with two other Socialist Workers Party members I was knocking on workers doors, introducing the party and its literature.

The Chrysler auto plant here shut down around eight years ago and my dad lost his job, she said. Before Chrysler, American Motors owned it and my grandfather worked there. I gave them rides to work. My husband now has to commute to Milwaukee for his factory job at Snap-on after that plant closed here.

I told her that her story is part of the carnage experienced by millions of working people in towns like Kenosha. The working class needs to unite to fight the attacks from the bosses, who try to solve their problems at our expense, I said. Ultimately we need to take power out of the hands of the capitalists.

Going door to door Oct. 29 in neighborhoods like Russells, we found interest in discussing the crisis facing working people and what can be done about it. Seven ended up getting subscriptions to the Militant, along with a copy of Malcolm X, Black Liberation, and the Road the Workers Power, and two copies of Are They Rich Because Theyre Smart? by SWP National Secretary Jack Barnes.

The five books on special with a subscription are listed in the box below.

Reports like this from members of the Socialist Workers Party across the country and Communist Leagues in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom show the interest we find in working-class politics and the party. Going door to door, meeting and talking with workers, is the foundation of the fall circulation campaign to sell 1,500 subscriptions to the Militant and an equal number of the books on special.

Concurrently with the effort to expand the reach of the partys literature, the SWP is asking workers to help raise $100,000 to finance the partys work.

Some SWP members who work at Walmart campaign near where they work. Sometimes they run into co-workers and people theyve met shopping at the store.

Going door to door near the Oakland, California, Walmart where she works, Carole Lesnick met one of her co-workers, who invited her in. The co-worker was interested in the partys politics presented in the Militant and got a copy, saying she wants to get a subscription when she gets paid.

Helen Meyers and Jacquie Henderson met with one of Meyers former Walmart co-workers in Minneapolis at a restaurant where they discussed working-class politics for an hour. He decided to get a copy of Malcolm X, Black Liberation, and the Road to Workers Power and said he is interested in discussing and going to meetings to learn more about the Cuban Revolution.

Bev Bernardo and another Communist League member in Montreal visited a neighborhood where one of her co-workers from Walmart lives who had previously purchased Are They Rich Because Theyre Smart? They sold that book and a Militant subscription to a hospital worker. A self-employed worker from France picked up a French-language copy of The Clintons Anti-Working-Class Record.

Past co-workers of SWP members in mines, mills, factories and stores like Walmart remember the party and its unflinching commitment to fight in the interests of the working class.

In New York, Vivian Sahner and another campaigner knocked on the door of Alix Dupiton in the Flatbush neighborhood in Brooklyn. I remember the socialist party and its members from where I used to work at a Ford auto plant in New Jersey decades ago, he said. It turns out Sahner was one of those workers. He made a $5 contribution to the fund, subscribed to the Militant and got a copy of Malcolm X, Black Liberation, and the Road to Workers Power.

Joe Swanson in Lincoln, Nebraska, reports setting up a table at a church where Thomas Frank spoke. He is the author of the book Listen, Liberal: Or What Ever Happened to the Party of the People? which argues that while the Democrats seem to have a great program, they always seem to end up standing for the rich and powerful.

Three participants signed up for subscriptions  a college student, a teacher who also got The Clintons Anti-Working-Class Record, and a meat cutter who contributed $3 for the fund drive.

If you would like to help us get Militant subscriptions for your family, friends and co-workers, and introduce them to the books on special  or contribute to the party fund  contact the Socialist Workers Party office nearest you listed on page 8.

Dan Fein is co-director of the SWPs fall circulation campaign along with Mary Martin from Seattle.





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(front page, As I See It column)

Workers: Look to your class, not to your country!

VANCOUVER, British Columbia  Contentious North American Free Trade Agreement renegotiations between Ottawa and Washington, as well as Mexico City; trade disputes over softwood lumber exports and tariffs; Canadian dairy quotas challenged by Washington; and a threatened 300 percent U.S. government import levy on Canadas Bombardier C-Series planes are all reflections of the bosses heightened competition in the midst of the ongoing worldwide crisis of capitalist production and trade.

And the bosses in both Washington and Ottawa are relying on job losses and national propaganda to draw workers in behind their competing campaigns to protect our economy.

We are fighting very hard at the NAFTA negotiating table for the interests of all Canadian workers and for Canadian jobs, Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland told Parliament Oct. 2.

On both sides of the border union officials echo this, urging members to rely on their governments to save our jobs at the expense of workers elsewhere.

The United Steelworkers organizes some 40,000 forestry industry workers in Canada. When the U.S. government announced hefty tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber imports  used in home construction  USW North America President Leo Gerard said this is a direct attack on our Canadian industry.

In the U.S., the same unions website criticizes NAFTA, saying, It is about the outsourcing of good paying American jobs that these agreements facilitate.

And union officials in both the U.S. and Canada take aim at Mexican workers. Speaking during the recent autoworkers strike against GM Cami in Ontario, Jerry Dias, Unifor union president, decried Mexico and $3-an-hour jobs. He told the Globe and Mail, We really have to isolate Mexico from future investment.

But there is no such we  there are two contending classes, the workers and the bosses, with diametrically opposed interests. The union officials strategy is a deadly trap.

There is no such thing as a Canadian job or an American job. Under capitalism, the bosses establish protectionist barriers against their competitors abroad or allow trade to flow freely across borders to protect markets and profits. For the same reason, they lay us off, drive down wages and seek to bust our unions.

Proponents and foes of the trade pact on both sides of the border seek to pit workers at home against workers abroad, who are out to steal our jobs. The bosses seek to break down human solidarity, to make it easier to assault all workers living standards and democratic rights.

NAFTA is a protectionist North American trade bloc against competing imperialist powers like those in the European Union and Japan. It also regulates trade between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, with the northern powers profiting from the exploitation of Mexicos workers. Workers in Canada and the U.S. should stand with Mexican workers against imperial pillage.

Softwood lumber tariff battles

Sixty-nine percent of all forestry and wood products in Canada are exported to the U.S. So when the U.S. housing market crashed in 2007, it dealt a blow to lumber bosses profits on both sides of the border. U.S. housing starts continue their historic decline today.

More than one-third of all jobs in the forestry industry in Canada have disappeared, with over 100,000 workers thrown out of work. U.S. workers face similar devastation. Since 2005, almost 20 percent of all U.S. sawmills have closed, and over 300,000 workers have lost their jobs.

Under these pressures, Ottawa and Washington have squared off in repeated disputes and negotiations over softwood exports. Aiming to protect their shrinking profits, U.S. lumber bosses convinced Washington to impose tariffs of up to 31 percent on Canadian softwood lumber imports last spring.

Western Forest Products said these tariffs played a role in its decision to close down the Port Alberni mill on Vancouver Island in July.

The tariffs meant lumber prices rose, and U.S. construction bosses who were forced to pay more for building materials screamed bloody murder. At the end of August, most of the tariffs were lifted temporarily as negotiations between Ottawa and Washington continue.

To shore up their falling profits, bosses have also turned to speedup, with deadly consequences for workers. British Columbias forestry industry remains one of the most dangerous places to work. In 2012, two sawdust mill explosions killed four workers and critically injured many more.

Testifying at the inquest on one of the explosions, Claude Briere, a machinist and millwright at the mill, told Tyee magazine that conditions totally changed after shifts were extended to 10 hours from eight hours in an effort to boost production.

Way forward for working people

I and other Communist League members and supporters have visited sawmill workers at their doorsteps or at mill gates here in the last couple months, discussing the crisis and introducing them to the League, theand books by revolutionary working-class leaders.

Randy Baust stopped to talk with me as he came off shift in the Interfor sawmill in Maple Ridge on the Lower Mainland Oct. 18. A sawmill worker since 1976, he is USW local secretary. Baust said that six mills in the immediate region had closed.

To fight the devastation, I said, we have to start with seeing that our allies are not the Canadian bosses, but the workers in the U.S. who are on the receiving end of the same treatment we are, sometimes from the selfsame bosses.

Look at the rulers cynical reaction to hurricane devastation in Texas and Florida. Scotiabank economist Brett House told the media that the storms are an incentive for a softwood deal! This, while working people all over the Caribbean, Florida, Texas and California are in dire need of building materials.

Our unions in both the U.S. and Canada should demand that Washington and Ottawa give no-strings-attached aid to those in the Caribbean battered by the storms. And the unions should demand both governments fund emergency efforts to put us to work to fill the construction needs of all those devastated in North America. That would point the way to building a fighting union movement in the interests of workers across all borders.

Our answer to Mexican workers $3-an-hour wages must be to extend the hand of solidarity in a common fight to raise their pay, not unite with our bosses in a futile attempt to deny them jobs. Any other strategy, and we lose our soul.

Michel Prairie in Montreal contributed to this article.





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(special feature)

Disaster for working people in Puerto Rico continues to unfold

Tens of thousands of homes destroyed. Most of the island still without electricity. Washington dispensing aid with an eyedropper. A decision to stop counting the growing number of dead from the storm. This is the social catastrophe for working people in the U.S. colony of Puerto Rico weeks after hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Washingtons bipartisan Financial Oversight and Management Board, known in Puerto Rico as the junta, was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2016 to squeeze the islands workers to pay Puerto Ricos $74 billion debt to profit-hungry bondholders. It is not looking to cut working people there any breaks.

At its meeting in San Juan Oct. 31, board members said they face a problem because tax collections are down in the wake of the hurricanes and thousands of workers are leaving the island.

Junta Executive Director Natalie Jaresko  whose credentials include forcing concessions on working people in Ukraine to meet the terms of International Monetary Fund loans there  has a solution: accelerate government rightsizing. Thats their code word for more layoffs of government employees, reducing the workweek and pay, slashing government services and using the savings to pay down on the bonds.

In fact the debt just got bigger! After Gov. Ricardo Rossello announced that the effects of the storms meant there wasnt enough cash on hand to pay public workers through the end of the year, the U.S. Congress responded by approving a new $4.9 billion loan.

Jose Rodriguez Velez, president of the Union Solidarity Movement (MSS), has a different solution. Cancel the debt, he told the Militant Oct. 31 from Mayaguez. The debt was unpayable before the storms. Its even more unpayable now. The MSS organizes workers at Coca-Cola, Pepsi and the India Beer bottling plants.

U.S. capitalists have plundered the wealth created by labor and land in Puerto Rico ever since U.S. troops wrested the island from Spain and made it a U.S. colony in 1898.

Even before Hurricane Maria ravaged the island Sept. 20, working people have been battered by more than a decadelong worldwide capitalist economic crisis, exacerbated by Puerto Ricos colonial status. U.S. colonial domination distorts the islands economy to increase profits for U.S. bosses.

Puerto Ricos gross national product contracted 18 percent since 2006. The government privatized hospitals, closed schools, raised sales taxes, cut pensions and laid off 30,000 government workers, including many electrical workers, leaving the grid on the verge of collapse.

The government says that 30 percent of the island has electricity now, retired hospital worker Luis Pardo said by phone from Aguadilla Oct. 31, but he noted that figure is misleading. Shopping centers, airports, factories, they all use up a lot more power than people. Probably only 15 percent of households have power.

Im one of the lucky ones, because I live on a main road to the airport, Pardo said. Aguadilla is in the dark.

Many people still dont have water, he said. And for those that do it comes and goes, sometimes just a trickle.

Its worse up in the central hills of the island, Pardo said, where little or no aid has arrived.

Six weeks after the storm hit, the government announced it was reopening 119 schools, even without electricity. Another 1,000 remain closed indefinitely. Secretary of Education Julia Keleher said the government plans to permanently shut as many as 200 of them.

Less than 400 miles of the islands 5,000 miles of road had been cleared and reopened. A third of the hospitals are running on generators.

The state-run Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority was totally unprepared for the storm after years of government skimping on funds for maintenance and enforced reductions to the workforce.

We are missing poles, crossheads, fittings, wires, trucks and insulators. There are areas where there are no boots for the workers, Freddyson Martinez, vice president of the UTIER electrical workers union, told Caribbean Business. Workers are going through scrap heaps to find salvageable parts and are working 10- to 12-hour shifts. At least 14 workers have been injured on the job in the last few weeks alone.

Bypassing Prepas unionized workforce, the government of Puerto Rico has awarded contracts to private companies on the mainland to help restore power. Few believe that a majority of households will have electricity restored before sometime next year.

Without U.S. approval the Puerto Rican government is barred from accepting aid from other countries, and Washington has ignored the offer by revolutionary Cuba to send four brigades of electrical workers, a field hospital and 39 health workers.

Many workers are aware of Cubas solidarity. In addition to Cuba, the Venezuelan government and the electrical workers union in Mexico have offered help, union leader Rodriguez said, but have not been given permission by Washington. It shows that we are a colony.
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy to start a statewide 3000 KM long 'Praja Sankalp Yatra' on November 6th to set the tone of upcoming state election.

By Ashish Pandey: The leader of opposition in Andhra Pradesh and Chief of YSR Congress party, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy to start a statewide 3000 KM long 'Praja Sankalp Yatra' on November 6th.

The Yatra is supposed to set the tone of election in the state which is scheduled in early 2019.

The Yatra with a campaign slogan: "Ravali Jagan, Kavali Jagan" will begin on November 6 at 11.00 AM from Idupulapaya of Kadappa, home district of YS Jagan and it would culminate at Ichchapuram after covering 125 constituencies in six months covering 3000 km in the state.

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Speaking to India Today, a party Leader close to Jagan said, "The slogan has been specifically coined to underscore and reflect people's eagerness to witness Jagan Mohan Reddy as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and so "Ravali Jagan, Kavali Jagan" is a resonance of public aspiration. Voters of state have voiced their belief that only Jagan Mohan Reddy, as a true heir to Dr YSR can bring back the beloved late leader's golden age."

Party has planed Jagan interaction with people at 5,000 locations, meetings with about 180 social organisations and address of 125 public meetings en-route the Yatra.

The party has set a goal to contact 45 lakh families from across the state during this Yatra.

Meanwhile on Saturday party President YS Jagan offered worship at the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at nearby Tirumala and invoked his blessings before embarking on Yatra.

WATCH VIDEO | 'YSR was a dynamic person'

--- ENDS ---
Writer/Director Martin McDonagh (In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths) deftly tackles hot-button issues with Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - a darkly comic drama about a woman who demands justice for the murder of her daughter.





Divorced mother Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand), still grieving over the violent rape and murder of her daughter decides to rent three abandoned billboards and bring attention to the the lack of progress in the police investigation

Many in her hometown are upset by this, including police chief Willoughby (Woody Harrelson), whom the billboards refer to by name.

Even if the topic of police accountability wasn't such a pressing, controversial issue, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri would still be an ambitious, daring movie. There are so many ways it could have gone wrong from concept to execution. Fortunately, this isn't the case.

For starters, there is no definitive right or wrong side here. The movie's eclectic cast of characters pretty much all reside in a murky, morally gray area and the story outright refuses to give you easy answers to tough questions. Mildred has a right to be angry and upset, but her words and actions can often be difficult to sympathize with.

When Willoughby confides in her that he's dying from cancer, Mildred says she already knew and decided to run the billboards anyway, because "they wouldn't be as effective after you croak." She's not indifferent to the pain her actions are causing, but she's more than willing to persevere regardless.

The character of Dixon (Sam Rockwell) is another great example. A racist, incompetent momma's boy with a penchant for abusing his power, Dixon seems like he's being set up as the movie's principal antagonist - particularly after a vicious an inexcusable display of police brutality - yet Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri opts to give him an unlikely and surprisingly effective redemption arc.

All of this could have easily backfired and given us a movie full of unlikable, unsympathetic assholes, but it instead humanises the characters to a great extent. They're flawed, harsh and sometimes not easy to like or agree with - just like real people are.

The depth of the characters gives the movie's incredibly talented cast a lot to work with and they do not disappoint. McDormand is absolutely incredible at portraying Mildred's cold, righteous anger and stubbornnes as well as her vulnerable side - her grief, her despair, her doubts.

It's also a testament to both the strength of the writing and the quality of Sam Rockwell's performance that a character as despicable as Dixon can end up as someone you not only kind of feel bad for but want to see succeed and redeem himself.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri's dramatic peaks are quite something, but what's even more remarkable is how well it balances them with a darkly comedic side. This is a pretty damn funny black comedy that knows exactly when and how to push the boundaries of good taste.

Whether it's Mildred telling a priest to fuck off or her own son Robbie (Lucas Hedges) calling her a cunt in the most amazing way possible, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is just the right amount of crass. It's absolutely hillarious, yet the comedy never undermines the drama.

The movie's open-ended final scene perfectly matches its ambiguity. It doesn't give you clear answers or solutions not because it's lazy or unwilling to commit to a stance, but because it's content to present you with a complex scenario and let you make up your own mind.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is challenging, brilliant and funny as hell - one of the year's best movies and a showcase for some of the year's best performances.




These epic masks have been created for children undergoing radiotherapy to keep them still during treatment.

Batman was chosen by one patient (Lobke Marsden/St James Hospital)

The bold designs range from Batman and Captain America to My Little Pony.

One girl wanted to look like the queen of radiotherapy in her individually designed mask which includes a crown and a striking pendant.

This creation helped the queen of radiotherapy (Lobke Marsden/St James Hospital)

They are all the work of Lobke Marsden, an art therapist and play specialist at St James Hospital in Leeds who has made about 30 masks since the scheme started 10 months ago.

The team at the Bexley Wing found that plain masks can look scary for younger patients and add to the worry of their treatment.

The masks are used by radiographers to keep the patient still so that the treatment targets the right area. They are fastened or clipped to the treatment bed.

Marsden said: Since painting the masks we found children are more cooperative when it comes to wearing their masks for their daily treatment.

An item that was previously perceived as frightening now becomes something that makes them feel braver when they wear it or simply becomes something meaningful as the design is completely chosen by them.

The Captian America mask (Lobke Marsden/St James Hospital)

By keeping them still in a mask, the patients are also spared the trauma of needing anaesthetic every day during a six-week treatment cycle.

I absolutely love to see the patients smile after seeing their painted mask, Marsden added. It is a lovely feeling to be able to turn something quite cold and frightening looking into something personal and meaningful to them.

This red and black Darth Maul mask gained extra special attention when it was shared online.

This mask won celebrity fans (Lobke Marsden/St James Hospital)

Marsden had only been on the social network a few months when she posted the creation  earning her praise from Star Wars alumni Mark Hamill and Ray Park, better known respectively as Luke Skywalker and Darth Maul.

Shout-out to Radio therapy specialist @lobke_marsden for the inspirational ways hospitals use to make children's treatments less harrowing. https://t.co/4CYYs3PMbI  @HamillHimself (@HamillHimself) October 17, 2017

This is so Awesome of you. Breaks my heart knowing kids or anyone dealing with #Cancer The Force Is Strong With You!! https://t.co/kXoBmqY1JR  Ray Park (@IAMRayPark) October 18, 2017

Can I just say you and @HamillHimself made this boys day today when he found out about your tweets!! He loved his mask too. Pfew  Lobke Marsden (@lobke_marsden) October 19, 2017

Ah. Tell him He Force iS Strong With Him! He Rocks! https://t.co/FBRcrwKogw  Ray Park (@IAMRayPark) October 21, 2017

While it was exciting to get their reactions, the best bit for Marsden is the response from her young patients.

The biggest compliment was when a little boy who found the mask-making process quite upsetting, didnt want to pick up or even see his plain mask as it reminded him of the horrible experience, she said.

After I painted his mask into Iron Man he became excited and went from not wanting it near him to wanting to wear it. This child then had his treatment without the need of a general anaesthetic for his radiotherapy treatment.

The My Little Pony-inspired design (Lobke Marsden/St James Hospital)

The team at St James was inspired after seeing something similar elsewhere. They took time to work out which paints could be used  tested by the medical physics department  before starting the first paint job.

Marsden added: We hope that other hospitals will be inspired by our work in the same way we were and will be encouraged to introduce this to their setting.
A few weeks ago, actress Alyssa Milano tweeted, If youve been sexually harassed or assaulted write me too. as a response to this tweet., attached with an image crediting a friend for the idea. The point was to give people a sense of the magnitude of the problem. But sexual assault victims have spoken out. Repeatedly. And not much has changed.

If youve been sexually harassed or assaulted write me too as a reply to this tweet. pic.twitter.com/k2oeCiUf9n  Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) October 15, 2017

Previous mobilisations on social media of women who were abused havent resulted in much. A little over a year ago, a leaked tape showed then-presidential candidate, Donald Trump, telling Access Hollywoods presenter Billy Bush that being famous enabled him to grab women by the pussy. Trump brushed off his comments, referring to them as locker room talk, which lead social media mogul Kelly Oxford to tweet: Women: tweet me your first assaults. They arent just stats. Ill go first: Old man on city bus grabs my pussy and smiles at me, Im 12.

Women: tweet me your first assaults. they aren't just stats. I'll go first:



Old man on city bus grabs my "pussy" and smiles at me, I'm 12.  kelly oxford (@kellyoxford) October 7, 2016

Her tweet was sent on Friday, October 7th, around 7 pm. By Saturday morning, she had over 50 replies per minute according to the New York Times. This resulted in the hashtag #NotOkay, later turning into an awareness campaign of sexual harassment and assault.

Such mobilisation has given, to the people who listened to the victims, a sense of the magnitude of the problem. Yet, Trump was still elected President of the United States. This could possibly indicate that victims speaking out has not only failed to give people a sense of the magnitude of the problem but has failed to give people a sense of the depth of the problem. Perhaps, people fail to understand just how traumatising and violating being sexually abused or assaulted is. Maybe they just dont care, and the proof of such indifference sits in the Oval Office every day.

Even though #MeToo is an attempt to positively approach a solution to the problem, it also encounters some reasonable criticism. Writer Wagatwe Sara Wanjuki says she wont join in the campaign, arguing that we shouldn't have to out ourselves as survivors and that men have always seen the gendered violence happening around them they just haven't done anything about it.

Ms. Wanjuki has a point. Powerful men in Hollywood who have worked with Harvey Weinstein have recently confirmed that they knew he had sexually pursued many actresses in the business, but are only condemning his behaviour now that the cats out of the bag. Matt Damon spoke in an interview on Good Morning America that You only had to spend five minutes with him to know he was a bully; he was intimidating, later adding that it was a known fact that Weinstein was an asshole and a womaniser and stated I wouldnt want to be married to the guy.

Damon was defensive when addressing the subject, saying that This level of criminal sexual predation is not something I would ever have thought was going on. Absolutely not. But, he quickly contradicted his statement, adding I heard the story about Gwyneth, from Ben [Affleck], because he was with her after Brad [Pitt]. Which raises questions -- how could he not have known of Weinsteins sexual predation if he knew a story from one of his victims? Did he not believe Paltrow, or did he just not care enough to say something at the time?

George Clooney, who was in the same interview with Damon, insists he knew of the numerous sexual encounters, but did not know they werent consensual.

Clooney stated that Harvey would talk to me about women that he had affairs with. I didnt necessarily believe him, quite honestly, because to believe him would be to believe kind of the worst of some actresses who were friends of mine. His statement brings up to another problem regarding this issue, which is a tendency to always blame women -- Clooney was willing to believe that a man pursuing an extramarital affair was not as bad as a woman consenting to have an affair with a married man.

The fault, somehow, always falls in the women having the affair, not the married man. Because Clooney didnt really believe the worst of some of his female friends, but was willing to accept that same worst in Weinstein. This could possibly indicate that powerful men in Hollywood are so used to behaving in a sexually-driven manner, and getting away with such behaviour, that this worse is normalised in established men of the film industry.

Then, the result is it unfairly becomes the womens responsibility to contain the men who will incessantly pursue them sexually.

He finished his thoughts with I didnt really think that they were gonna have affairs with Harvey, and clearly they didnt. But the idea that this predator, this assaulter, was out there silencing women, its beyond infuriating. Thanks, Clooney.

Wagatwe Sara Wanjuki offered an alternative point of view. She writes that the focus on victims and survivorsinstead of their assailants and enablersis something we need to change. Again, she has a valid point: why should sexual assault survivors have to relive and repeat their trauma to be believed by others?

Lupita Nyongo ends her Op-Ed on an optimistic note. She states that, since Weinstein, she has not dealt with any such incidents in the business, crediting all the projects I have been a part of with having women in positions of power, along with men who are feminists in their own right who have not abused their power as a reason for that. Ms. Nyongo believes in a changing film industry where established feminists are in power, which might change how harassment is excused and executed in Hollywood. Hopefully, she is right. Nyongo writes, I hope we can form a community where a woman can speak up about abuse and not suffer another abuse by not being believed and

instead

being ridiculed.

I am hopeful of that, too.
Icelanders often describe their country as the land of fire and ice. The diverse landscape is defined by volcanoes, waterfalls, glaciers and geysers - but the capital city of Reykjavik has much to offer too.

With a population of just over 200,000, Reykjavik is home to two-thirds of Icelanders. Unlike most capitals cities, Reykjavik is small, spacious and welcoming. Colourful houses add to the quaintness, and pretty much everything worth seeing is within walking distance.

It's not just quaint, colourful houses, though - the outskirts of the city are more developed, and by Flexa Bay modern apartment buildings at least give the impression that the city has something of a skyline.

The tallest building in Reykjavik is Hallgrimskirkju, that cool church you've probably seen on Instagram. The church is free to enter, but it costs a few hundred krona to take the lift to the bell tower, which has panoramic views of the city. Don't go just before the hour though, or you'll be deaf from the bells for the rest of the day.

Inside the church, minimalistic design that is so synonymous with Iceland reigns. Aside from a 5,000 pipe organ

centrepiece, the interior is completely plain yet also completely captivating.

As a city, Reykjavik has a colossal amount of street art - which makes the city feel immensely cool, though the weather helps too. Sometimes the art consumes entire buildings and is as much worth stopping to admire as a glacier in Southern Iceland.

Reykjavik also has a wealth of museums. Ones especially worth mentioning are the Art Museum, the Settlers Exhibition, the Phallological Museum and Perlan.

The Phallological Museum is a must simply for bragging rights. The exhibits on display include specimens taken from elephants, whales and even trolls.

Perlan, meanwhile, is a bit of a trek away from the rest of Reykjavik's main attractions at about a 30-minute walk from Hallgrimskirkju. The museum is essentially a manufactured ice cave within an observation tower, and also offers 360-degree panoramic views of Reykjavik and the surrounding area from the top.

On the other side of Reykjavik is Harpa, which is a modern conference centre and concert hall. Harpa is free to enter, and there are regular performances in the evening. Flexa Bay and the Old Harbour a two-minute walk from here. The Old Harbour has a fishing village vibe, with a plethora of little places to eat and shop. This is also where boat tours can take you whale or puffin watching.

On the subject of whale, Iceland is one of few countries that controversially still eat the mammal, but this is something that is becoming more of a tourist activity. In fact, 30% of all the whale consumed in Iceland is consumed solely by tourists.

Food is something that is very expensive in Iceland. To combat this, budget-conscious tourists often just stock up on sandwiches from supermarkets and petrol stations. To save money on alcohol, its also a good idea to research happy hours, which often see drinks being sold at half the usual price.

Don't be afraid to walk the streets of Reykjavik after dark either. Reykjavik is one of the safest cities in the world and when it's dark, colourful lights draped across the street and fairy lights tangled in trees create a magical aura.

Whilst there is so much more of Iceland to explore, and you should definitely try to see as much as you can, Reykjavik is perfect for a city break with lots to offer tourists even if you just plan to stay for a couple of days.
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India and Armenia on Friday reviewed bilateral ties across multiple sectors in a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan.

The two leaders discussed bilateral as well as regional and multilateral issues during the course of the meeting.

The two sides reviewed present status of bilateral relations and discussed ways to further strengthen future cooperation in diverse areas including political, defence, space, trade and investment, science and technology, education, culture and people to people contacts, an External Affairs Ministry statement said.

Specific areas with potential to propel bilateral trade and economic relations were discussed including in the sectors of food processing, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, information technology, mining and jewellery, it said.

Data made available by the External Affairs citing Statistical Service of Armenia, the bilateral trade stood at $32.3 million only.

Indias imports from Armenia were at $0.4 million and exports to Armenia stood at $31.9 mn again favouring India.

Indian exports to Armenia consist of bovine meat, agricultural products, electrical equipment, cut and polished diamonds, optical equipment, plastics, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, garments and other chemical goods and cars, while Armenias exports include non-ferrous metals and rawrubber.

In Fridays meeting, both sides agreed that early conclusion of an India-Eurasian Economic Union free trade agreement would unleash huge opportunities in increasing bilateral trade.

Earlier on Friday, Sargsyan attended the World Food India 2017 which was inaugurated by Modi.

He also called on President Ram Nath Kovind and met Vice President Venkaiah Naidu.

The Armenian President arrived here on Thursday on a four-day visit to India.
A vigilance court here on Saturday ordered a quick verification on a complaint that Kerala Transport Minister Thomas Chandy has converted land for paddy cultivation into a road leading to his resort at Alappuzha.

The Kottayam Vigilance Courts order came on a petition from Subhash, the Alappuzha district secretary of Janata Dal-S that Chandy has abused his official powers and caused a loss of Rs 6.5 million to the state exchequer when he converted land that should be used for paddy cultivation.

This is the first time that a court has stepped in after the allegations of land grab surfaced more than two months back.

The plush resort, where the alleged violations have taken place, is located in the Alappuzha backwaters. The Congress-led United Democratic Front and the Bharatiya Janata Party have demanded the ouster of Chandy, who is a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislator.

Trouble increased for Chandy after a report by Alappuzha district collector TV Anupama submitted late last month detected violations.

While Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan both inside and outside the assembly has strongly supported Chandy, the Communist Party of India, the second biggest constituent of the ruling Left Democratic Front has taken a position against Chandy.

Asked for his comments on the court directive by media persons in Thiruvanathapuram, Vijayan walked away without any reply.

State police chief Loknath Behra said that once the court order comes, what needs to be done will be done.

CPI national General Secretary Sudhakar Reddy had openly said that Chandy has done wrong, while Leader of Opposition, Ramesh Chennithala of the Congress, who is undertaking a state wide yatra which will reach the state capital on December 1, said by the time he reaches Thiruvananthapuram, Chandy would have quit.

But Chandys party colleague and NCP national General Secretary Praful Patel, in a statement issued in New Delhi of Saturday, said that it was not fair on the part of Left allies to come to any sort of conclusion on allegations and contended Chandy has done no wrong and all the allegations against him are baseless.

Chandy, a cash-rich Kuwait-based businessman, is a three-time legislator from Kuttanad in Alappuzha.

The NCP has two legislators in Kerala. Chandy was sworn in as a minister on April this year after his party colleague AK Saseendran stepped down after he was caught in an alleged sleaze scandal.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday met victims of the blast in National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)s 500mw unit in Rae Bareli.

Yogi was on a three-day visit to Mauritius when the tragic accident took place and upon his return met the victims in Civil Hospital, Lucknow.

The Chief Minister has announced ex-gratia of Rs.2 lakh each to the families of those killed, Rs.50,000 each to those seriously injured, and Rs.25,000 each to those with less grave injuries.

Fifteen men, who suffered serious burn injuries in explosion were shifted to AIIMS and Safdarjung hospitals in the national capital. While six of them were admitted to AIIMS trauma centre, nine were taken to Safdarjung hospital.

The death toll in the massive explosion at the state-run power giant NTPCs Unchahar plant climbed to 32.

Eighty-five injured people are being treated at hospitals in Rae Bareli, Lucknow and Delhi.

The NTPC has initiated a probe to ascertain the reasons behind the blast.

In a statement, the NTPC had said that at unit number 6 of its Unchahar plant, there was a sudden abnormal sound at 20-metre elevation on Wednesday afternoon.

The 1,550 MW plant supplies electricity to nine states, according to officials, and employs around 870 people.
A couple from West Bengal has been arrested for allegedly trafficking girls from Delhi and pushing them into bar dancing after luring them on the pretext of providing good jobs. The couple has been identified as Subir Das, 21 and Simran, 21 (name changed).

Vijay Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police West Delhi, said, Subir Das owns a dance bar at Cosmos Mall in Siliguri and he deputed Simran to bring girls from NCR region. Das used to pay Rs 10,000 per girl in addition to travel and other expenses.

The DCP said on 10 October a complaint was reported at Inderpuri police station about two girls being forcibly taken to Siliguri instead of Jaipur where they had been promised jobs.

The complainant mentioned that her daughter and her niece were promised that they will be employed as wedding welcome girls. But they landed in Siliguri and were forced into bar dancing, said Kumar.

One of the victims informed her family about their condition and sought immediate help. A first information report was registered at Inderpuri police station under relevant sections and investigation was taken up.

A team under the supervision of SP Tyagi, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mayapuri, was constituted to rescue the girls and nab the accused. The team reached Siliguri and gathered important clues from the local intelligence. Following a tipoff, raids were conducted at Subir Das house near Green Valley apartment on Rajpath road in Siliguri. Both the girls were successfully rescued and Subir Das and Simran were arrested.

After the recovery both the girls were counseled during which they stated that the accused Simran offered them jobs at wedding ceremonies in Jaipur, Rajasthan. But later she took them to Siliguri, West Bengal, and handed them over to Subir Das. He forced them to work as bar dancers, said DCP.

The girls Aadhaar cards and all other proof of identity were forcibly taken away from them.

The arrested couple was charged under Sections 370 (Buying or disposing of any person as a slave), 120-B (Punishment of criminal conspiracy) and 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code, said police.
Superstar Salman Khan is making a return in the genre of action with Tiger Zinda Hai and we must say that he looks really handsome in the recently released stills.

The actor will be reprising his role from the previous blockbuster, Ek Tha Tiger, and by the look of the posters, the film promises to be action packed.

The film has been in talks ever since the announcement of Salman-Katrina Kaif reunion was made.

Recently, Ali Abbas Zafar shared few stills from the sets on his Instagram account. The Dabangg Actor is captured while performing an action scene and he looks remarkably handsome.

Action #mode @tigerzindahai @yrf #dec#22 A post shared by ali (@aliabbaszafar) on Nov 2, 2017 at 11:21pm PDT

In another post, Salman is on a quad bike in a dessert. It seems like the rogue agent is spying on someone.

Liwa#desert @tigerzindahai @yrf #50 #degree A post shared by ali (@aliabbaszafar) on Nov 3, 2017 at 7:59pm PDT

According to Zafar, Salman had fallen ill during their schedule in Austria, which required the actor to shoot in cold climatic conditions. Nonetheless, Salman gave priority to his work commitment and shot for the scenes even after being under the weather.

Austria#tigerzindahai @tigerzindahai A post shared by ali (@aliabbaszafar) on Nov 1, 2017 at 11:35pm PDT

Fans curiosity is increasing day by day as the release date inches closer.

Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, Tiger Zinda Hai will release on December 22.
They are huge and you could be forgiven for thinking they have a life of their own. They arrive in the railway carriage long before he does. They give his face a look resembling that of Lord Kitchener in the famous Your Country Needs You recruiting poster from World War I. We are talking of the voluminous whiskers worn by Kenneth Branagh in his role as Hercule Poirot in the new film version of Murder On The Orient Express.

Branagh not only stars as the Belgian detective; he has directed the new Agatha Christie adaptation. After years in which male screen actors have foresworn facial hair, moustaches are returning in earnest in the film. Theyre back on screen in every shape and size. Cultivating these bristles was no easy matter. Carol Hemming (chief make-up artist on the film) oversaw the growing and application of the moustaches.

The first port of call was Agatha Christie herself, Hemming explains. Before production began, she went through all of Christies Poirot novels looking for every mention of the detectives upper lip. Her starting point was a passage in Christies 1969 novel, Halloween Party.

There was only one thing about his own appearance which really pleased Hercule Poirot, and that was the profusion of his moustaches, and the way they responded to grooming and treatment and trimming. They were magnificent. He knew of nobody else who had any moustache half as good, Christie wrote. With the authors description in the back of her mind, Hemming was determined that Branaghs Poirot would have more extravagant whiskers than those found above David Suchets lip in TVs Poirot or the relatively modest moustaches worn by Albert Finney and Peter Ustinov in some of the earlier film adaptations of the Christie novels.

What became clear was that the moustache was not just about his vanity but about his effect on other people, putting them off guard, making him a figure of intrigue and making them underestimate him possibly, Hemming says. In the build-up to shooting, she had a life cast made of Branaghs head so she could work on finding the best moustache to fit his face. Its not just Branagh who wears whiskers in the new version of Orient Express.

Playing the neer-do-well gangster type, Johnny Depp has a very sleek, neatly cut moustache which makes him look like a dashing movie star from the silent era  Douglas Fairbanks perhaps or John Gilbert. The character actors boast their share of facial hair too. As the valet Edward Masterman, Derek Jacobi has a greying growth beneath his nose which gives him a very lugubrious air. Josh Gadds Hector MacQueen goes for the Chaplin effect. Leslie Odom as Dr Arbuthnot goes for a discreet slither.

As Hemming acknowledges, moustaches like these arent at all commonplace in contemporary movies  with the exception of a few including Brad Pitts in Inglourios Basterds. Were in an era of smooth faces and designer stubble at best. Sean Connery might have worn big whiskers in a sci-fi movie like Zardoz or a period piece like The Man Who Would Be King, but it would be unthinkable for him to be anything other than fully clearly shaven as James Bond. It is hard to pinpoint the precise moment at which the moustaches began falling off movie stars faces. Before World War II, they were utterly commonplace.

Errol Flynn, Clark Gable, Ronald Colman, Chaplin and David Niven and many others wore them as a matter of course. In the 1950s, though, a new generation of method stars emerged who clearly preferred to keep their faces clear of foliage. Marlon Brando may have tashed up to play the Mexican revolutionary leader in Viva Zapata but even at his most feral and rebellious, in The Wild One or A Streetcar Named Desire, he generally found time to shave. The same applies to James Dean and Montgomery Clift. A generation later, Paul Newman and Steve McQueen went for the close shaven look.

So have more recent stars like Tom Cruise, Hugh Grant, Denzel Washington, Matt Damon and Andrew Garfield. Daniel Day-Lewis whiskered up in My Left Foot and wore moustaches that would have made Poirot proud in The Gangs Of New York and There Will Be Blood was well as some goat-like growth in Lincoln but he is much a character actor as a conventional star. The facial hair helps him disappear into his roles. Since the 1940s, British cinema has often used moustaches for comic purposes. The cads and the bounders tended to have them.

Terry-Thomas wouldnt be seen without his in screen comedies of the 1950s and 1960s. Critics referred to the magnificent masher of a moustache that character actor Guy Middleton wore in the Belles Of St Trinians. A dashing RAF pilot or a senior military commander might still have one but a younger generation shunned them. Tom Selleck apart, the 80s and 90s were a period in which no leading movie stars would wear a moustache as a matter of course. Facial hair only came out for period pictures or stylised romps.

It was perfectly acceptable for Johnny Depp to have braids and a beard as Jack Sparrow in The Pirates Of The Caribbean films but Hugh Jackmans werewolf like sideburns in X-Men apart, superheroes have shunned whiskers. You wont find them on Thor or Captain America or Spiderman or the Hulk.

Hemming believes that as moustaches grow more popular again in society as a whole, movies will again start to feature them more prominently. Moustaches have become fashionable again and theres some wonderful facial hair out there. We were able also to look at moustaches now and the way people were going back to using pomades and trimming, she says of the way Murder On The Orient Express refers to contemporary as well as historical male grooming traits.

There are so many men now with beards and so many men with magnificent moustaches. I think it is about time. It always seemed to me that the women got a lot of pampering and attention but the men not so much. Hemming arranged for a barber to be on set during the shooting of Orient Express so that the actors could be shaved with a cut-throat razor every day.

I didnt know if they liked it but they loved it. Poirots voluminous whiskers arent just there for show. They tell us about his character as well. They are in the shape of a heart and are meant to convey the Belgians passion for his detective work. If the film is a success, it may well usher in a brave new era in male grooming in Hollywood in which performances will be judged not just on voice and movement but also on what is worn between the nose and the top of the upper lips.

(The independent)
Italian artist Marco Nereo Rotelli is known for blurring the line between visual art and poetry. His startling use of light, imparting a beatific look to famous buildings in several cities of the world has earned him a distinct place in contemporary art. His collaboration with Syrian poet Adonis (Ali Ahmad Said Esber) has set an example of how two genres of art merge to create unity of thought and at the same time allow, seamlessly, a confluence of cultures to take place.

Rotelli was in Pakistan recently to take part in the first Karachi Biennale where he put up an installation at the NJV School. He also took out time to share his views on the creative process with Eos. The following are excerpts from his interview:

You used BaudelairesLhorloge(The Clock) for an artwork in France in the year 2000. It became the talk of the town. How did the idea come about?

The light installation was important because Id been invited by the municipality of Paris to make an installation for Petit Palais. I remembered a poem by Baudelaire which he wrote in the 19th century. It was an incredible installation and the city answered with astonishment  it was now possible to see the Petit Palais in a new light, in another century. I transferred a poem written on a piece of paper to a building with light projection.

You have worked with Adonis. You dont understand Arabic. How were you able to work alongside him, interpreting his poetry?

I like poetry not just because of its content but because of the idea of space, the music of words. At least 10 years ago, I invited 1,000 poets to send their poems to the Venice Biennale  Derek Walcott, Adonis, Seamus Heaney, etc, and they wrote for me. All I could think about at that time was a door and I presented at the biennale 100 doors and wrote and painted on each one of the poems that they had sent me.

The title of the project was Bunker Poetico. This is the idea that Im referring to change the space, widen your world. Recently in Shanghai I was with poet Yang Lian and Adonis for a meeting of different cultures and to work together. When I work with Adonis, the colour is not only on his paper but in my mind as well.

You play with light in your work, whereas poetry has a lot to do with the auditory sense. How do you reconcile the two genres?

First of all, poetry is light. Poetry is the inner voice. In a certain way, my work is the journey of light. I use light to translate work from one dimension to another. I dont like beauty the way people perceive it, I like the sentiment that light conveys. In my work, light is the project of a poem. For me, light is a blue dialogue because in every site, every place I present my work, the space has to be blue.

Have you ever tried to interpret Dantes work?

Yes. It was the opening of the Italian year of culture in Chicago, US. The ministry of culture had asked me to work with an Italian poet. I decided to present the hell of today. The hell of Dante is in nine cantos. I invited nine poets from those parts of world who were living in difficult situations. They were from countries such as Egypt, Afghanistan and Turkey.

Whats your take on conceptual art?

Im not a conceptual artist. Im a sentimental artist. For me, when I use words I change them in a new language. Often, you cant read or understand them. Its a vision where reality and dream come together. This is the space where I like to work. I like to call it the space of astonishment.

We live in troubled times. How can artists make this world a place worth living in?

After the Second World War, Theodor Adorno said that its not possible to write poetry after Auschwitz. I believe art is inside of the mind of the man. Art can try and create a better world.

There are regions where people are intolerant towards art.

Beauty is not just metaphorical, it is also ethical. If you are beautiful, you will refuse terrible notions.

Are you familiar with Pakistani art?

No, but before arriving in Pakistan I was looking for some Pakistani art and found out that their dimensions are closer to mine, because words seem to be important in Pakistani art. Two days back I saw the work of Amin Gulgees father Gulgee, which is about words. I liked it.

Who influenced you as an artist?

I was born in Venice. As a child I used to look up to Tintoretto. After that I liked Turners work. But eventually, as an artist you have to be alone. Usually I work with poets and music. Thats my dimension.

How should artists present power, love or hatred in their art?

Artists should not think about power or the power of love.

(Dawn/ ANN)
Around 80 militants have been killed in south Kashmir in the past six months and around 115 ultras are still active in the region, of whom over a dozen were foreign terrorists, a top Army official has said.

There are around 115 militants in south Kashmir and out of them, 99 are local and 15-16 are foreign terrorists. The actions that we have taken in past 6-7 months, we have neutralised nearly 80 terrorists including top leadership.

as soon as the number of terrorists decreases, the situation will improve, General Officer Commanding of the Armys Victor Force, Major General B S Raju, told reporters.

Asked about the killing of a BJP youth leader in Shopian yesterday, Major General Raju said these were acts of desperation by the militants.

Two to three such incidents have taken place in the recent past. We are given to believe that these are acts of desperation by the terrorists.

They are not able to make any concerted action against the security forces. So they are looking at weaker targets and I am given to believe that police are taking necessary action against the perpetrators of these crimes, he said.

He said the Army and other security agencies would continue to take all necessary actions against the militants so that the people of south Kashmir could live in peace.

The situation in south Kashmir is much better. Stone pelting and random acts initiated by terrorists have also decreased. As the winter season sets in, our actions would be more effective and peace shall return, he added.

On the Jaish-e-Mohammad militants in south kashmir, Major General Raju said the process of neutralisation of the Jaish cadre has already begun.

We intend to act particularly against the Jaish.

On fresh recruitment among the militant ranks, he said that it was definitely a cause for concern.

A lot of stakeholders need to work in a concerted manner to ensure that new recruitment is put in check. I would put the onus on the parents to ensure that they are able to take care of their children and I would put the onus on village elders, to the Moulvis in the villages and towns to ensure that they get right message across to the young people, he added.

He said teachers and principals of schools and colleges also have a role to play.

The security forces have to ensure that they conduct operations in such a manner that would not alienate the population and the youth, he added.
Sanjay Leela Bhansalis historical drama, Padmavati, will be previewed by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) prior to its release to ensure the film doesnt hurt the sentiments of Rajput groups.

The BJP has come to the decision of previewing the film as many fringe groups have threatened to disrupt its screening for manipulating historical facts.

Also, the movie is being released on December 1, which is around the Gujarat elections slated for 9 and 14 December and BJP doesnt want that any group should feel offended. The BJP intervened sensing chances of a law and order problem during the Gujarat elections.

One fringe group, Jai Rajputana, had vandalised the sets and attacked the crew of the movie in Jaipur earlier this year. The activists also destroyed a rangoli imitation of Padmavati and have now threatened to torch multiplexes if the makers didnt arrange a pre-release screening of the movie for them.

Sensing trouble, the BJP has taken matters into its own hands to review Padmavati and ensure that its release doesnt hurt sentiments of Rajputs.

The film is based on the lives of Rani Padmini, Raja Rawal Ratan Singh and Alauddin Khilji and thats where the controversy began as many groups believe the film will portray Rani Padmini in bad light vis a vis her relation with Khilji. Numerous Rajput groups have claimed that the two never even met and showing it otherwise will be distortion of history.

Joining the entire scenario, the Congress has said if there is actually distortion of history in the movie then it should not be released at all.

Just postponing the release will not assuage the feelings of a community. We demand that if there has been distortion of history as claimed, the movie should not be released at all, senior Congress leader and national spokesperson, Shaktisinh Gohil said.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) chief Praveen Togadia on Saturday said those pelting stones at the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir should be carpet bombed.

Togadia, who is presently on a visit here, also opposed any dialogue with Kashmiri separatists and that Dineshwar Sharma, the new interlocutor on Kashmir, should give top priority to the return of Kashmiri Pandit community to the Valley.

Those demanding azadi or self-rule should go to Pakistan they have no right to live in this country, he told media persons here. Terming separatists Pakistani agents, he said, adding that a dialogue will not help as they only understand the language of the AK-47.

Unless Kashmiri Pandits are settled in their homeland, no dialogue is worth its meaning. The fact that they cannot come back to their homes is not only painful, but insulting as well.

Therefore, I ask Sharma to give priority to the issue and ensure their settlement within a time frame, he said.

The VHP chief also said that special privileges like the Constitutions Article 370 and 35A should be removed if the state of Jammu and Kashmir has to make progress.
French President Emmanuel Macron will fly to India at the beginning of next year to attend the International Solar Energy Summit, his office said.

Macron told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a telephonic conversation that he would make his first visit to India since he took office on May 7 to take part in the meeting.

They noted the positive dynamic  of the International Solar Alliance, which aims to optimize the exploitation of solar energy potential, modernize energy systems, universalize access to energy and accelerate economic development, Xinhua news agency quoted the Elysee as saying on Friday.

The French Presidents office added the alliance that wins the support of more than 100 solar-rich countries is fully in line with the efforts of France and India to achieve the objectives set by the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

The International Solar Energy Summit is an initiative taken by both sides to tackle climate change and develop solar energy use.

Former French President Francois Hollande and Modi launched the International Solar in 2015 to encourage the development of clean energy.
With slogans of Jai Sardar, Jai Patidar, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Friday evening stormed into the Patidar-dominated Varachha area here in the diamond hub asserting that the satya of Gujarat and that of the BJP were two different things.

He also promised to come here again on November 8 when the ruling BJP celebrates anti-black money day.

Varachha area is one of the key centres of Hardik Patel led Patidar agitation for reservations to the community under the OBC category.

Amid a cheering audience, Gandhi asserted that the reality of BJP and Gujarat were two different things, and the fight was now between the two.

He said while the UPA government had allotted Rs 35,000 crore for MNREGA, the national rural employment guarantee scheme, Narendra Modi, as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, had allocated Rs 33,000 crore to Tatas for the Nano project.

You gave everything and wanted employment, education for your children, treatment for your ailment. Did you get it? Every time you click a selfie, a youth in China benefits, Rahul Gandhi said, speaking in Hindi, as the crowds screamed, No, no.

You wanted education for your children, you have to give Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh as capitation fees since most institutions in Gujarat are owned by private companies.

The state of health facilities is no different. This is what the BJP has done in these years. Taken everything from you and helped a handful of business houses.

Terming the small and mid-sized businessmen of Surat as the only ones who can challenge the China story, he termed demonetisation and tardy implementation of GST as an attack on the people.

Demonetisation was done to capture black money. Narendra Modiji did not understand that all black money is not in cash, but in real estate, Swiss bank accounts.

If Modiji had attacked black money, why is Vijay Mallya in London? Why was no suited booted guy standing in the queues in front of the banks? Gandhi asked

GST was Congresss idea, but we had said it should be capped at 18 per cent and there should not be so many slabs. But we were told we run the government, you are in opposition, you dont have to tell us what to do.

GST was implemented without testing. Surat was a loser, small businessmen were the sufferers. The idea was to take your money, he added.

Lambasting Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley over the recent World Banks report on ease of doing business which shows India in an improved situation, Gandhi said: We dont need certificate from the World Bank, but from the small and mid-sized businessmen of Surat.

You people have now gotten into a habit of listening to Narendra Modijis Mann ki Baat every now and then, if we come to power, you dont have to listen to us, but we shall listen to you. The day Congress comes to power in India, we shall change GST, Gandhi added.

He asserted, to a huge applause, Modiji had said Na main Khaunga na khaney dunga, but he did not say a word about the controversy around the astounding growth of Amit Shahs son.

Continuing his direct attack on Modi, Gandhi said: Modiji these days has adopted a new approach called na bolunga, na bolne dunga (I will neither speak nor allow anyone else to speak).

Modi claims himself to be the chowkidar of the country. If he really is so, he should institute an inquiry into the company of Amit Shahs son. If he doesnt do this, he is not the chowkidar, but a bhagidaar (partner).

Earlier in Valsad, Gandhi, terming the Gujarat elections a fight between truth and lies, said truth lies with his party, and not the BJP.

He had also attacked the Modi government over employment generation and noted that all the communities in Gujarat are agitating against the state government, be it the Patidars, the Adivasis, Dalits and the farmers.
As the political heat intensifies in poll-bound Himcahal Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Saturday address two public rallies in Kangra and Mandi, officials said.

The hill state will go to polls for 68 assembly seats on November 9 and with just a few days left, both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have upped the ante against each other, desperate to woo the voters.

In his earlier rallies, PM Modi had launched an all out attack against Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and the incumbent Himachal Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh.

Modi had mocked the Congress poll manifesto promising to end corruption in the hill state and instead alleged that under the Virbhadra regime, the mining, forest and rug mafias have flourished.

The BJP has projected its two-time former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal as its Chief Ministerial candidate in the state.

For both the Congress and the BJP chief ministerial faces, its literally a do-or-die battle as 83-year-old Virbhadra Singh and 73-year-old Dhumal fight for their political survival.

For almost two decades, both the parties in the state have fought almost every assembly and parliamentary polls under their leadership.

Interestingly, both Virbhadra Singh and Dhumal are seeking re-election from new seats and that is not going to be easy for them.

The future of the arch rivals will be pronounced on December 18, the day the votes cast will be counted along with those in Gujarat.

In Himachal Pradesh, Congress won 36 of the 68 seats in 2012 with a vote share of 42.81 per cent, while the BJP bagged 26 seats with a 38.47 per cent vote share.
Governor NN Vohra on Saturday assented promulgation of the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 empowering the State Chief Electoral Officer to determine and de-limit panchayats and conduct the Panchayat elections.

Panchayat elections are due since several years and were delayed on one pretext or the other by successive governments.

Governor Vohra, who has been repeatedly emphasising the importance of holding Panchayat elections for the establishment of the three-tiered framework of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI), has approved urgent promulgation of this ordinance so that no time whatsoever is lost in commencing preparations for the conduct of the pending elections.

The Governor observed that the establishment of the PRI set up shall ensure effective participation of the people in the decision making process and enable them to oversee the implementation of developmental programmes.

The Governor, in discussions with the Chief Minister since summer 2016, has been pressing for the early conduct of elections to both the urban and rural self-governing bodies. The Panchayat elections are now envisaged to be held in winter 2017-18.

Considering the time-frame for the forthcoming elections the Governor has also consented to the issue of the J&K Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Ordinance 2017 to empower the State Chief Electoral Officer to determine and de-limit panchayats and to conduct the Panchayat elections.
Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha on Friday said that Tamil actor Kamal Haasan and people like him should be shot dead for his Hindu terror remarks.

The national vice president of Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha Ashok Sharma said, There is no other way to handle people like Kamal Haasan but to either hang them or shoot them dead.

Sharma said these people accused the followers of Hinduism of terror only to push their own biased communal agenda.

In a column for Tamil weekly magazine Ananda Vikatan, Haasan wrote that while earlier, the Hindu right wing would not indulge in violence, but instead held debates, it now used muscle power instead of dialogue once the old tactic failed.

Angered by the remarks of Kamal Haasan, Sharma said that people who used such language for Hindus, have no right to live.

Another leader of the Mahasabha has called for boycotting all films of the 62-year-old actor and all others from his family, including his daughter Shruti Haasan.

Earlier on Friday, a defamation case was filed against Haasan in a court in Varanasi for his Hindu terror comment.

The case has been filed under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) that pertain to defamation, attempt to cause offence, intent to hurt religious feelings and to incite communal disharmony.

The court has listed the case for a hearing on Saturday.

(With agency inputs)
There was a time when Congress had a strong base in Rajkot but in 1985, BJP took over and has held the reign in Rajkot since then.

Rajkot West has been a seat of repute for the BJP since 2002 when Narendra Modi contested his first election from here. After winning, he later was appointed as the Gujarat chief minister. The BJP has not lost this seat since 1985, however, this time there are strong chances that the Congress Party will give a tough fight all because of the Patidar agitation.

The Patidar agitation has paved the way for a possible Congress victory as the Patidars feel that the party they have always voted for has not been supportive of their reservation demands. Rajkot West is the most high-profile seat of the 8 assembly constituencies in Rajkot district and has a strength of about 75,000 Patidars who may not side with BJP this time around. A lot of ambiguity prevails over which way the Patidars shall sway.

The Congress is hopeful of getting an advantage of the turbulent relationship the Patidar community shares with the BJP.

It was only in the year 1980 that Manibhai Ranpara of the Congress Party had won the seat defeating BJP leader Vajubhai Vala. However, Vajubhai came back to in 1984 and stayed till 2012. The only break being in 2002 when he vacated the seat for Narendra Modi, who later shifted to Maninagar seat and Vala was back to contesting his long-held seat. He won the seat in 2002, 2007 and 2012 and on BJP forming the government at the Centre in 2014, Vala was made the Governor of Karnataka.

After Valas elevation as a Governer, the seat was passed on to the incumbent Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in 2015 by-polls. Later, Rupani went on to succeed the then CM Anandiben Patel after she resigned from her post.

With around 3,00,000 voters, Rajkot West is a seat of much political significance for all the parties. In this election, with 75,000 strong Patidar vote presence in this constituency, the community will decide the fate of Congresss Indraneel Rajyaguru and BJPs Chief Miniter Vijay Rupani.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday reviewed the situation and defence infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh with Chief Minister Pema Khandu and senior Army officials.

Sitharaman is on a maiden visit to Arunachal Pradesh, large parts of which Beijing claims as part of south Tibet. She will be visiting the forward areas in the eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh bordering Myanmar.

Sitharaman is accompanied by Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra, Eastern Command Chief Lt. Gen. Abhay Krishna, General Officer Commanding of Gajraj Corps, Lt Gen Amarjeet Singh Bedi and General Officer Commanding of 3 Corps, Lt. Gen. Anil Chauhan.

While reviewing the situation besides defence infrastructure, the Defence Minister promised that the Indian Air Force infrastructural facilities in the Advanced Landing Grounds shall be permitted for civilian use.

She also assured that requisite funds will be released for conducting survey for laying the strategic railway line from Assams Missamari to Tawang, the border with China.

On the issue of strengthening strategic Balipara-Charduar-Tawang road, Sitharaman said the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) would be given clear directions for fast tracking its upgradation and all necessary funds would be provided for maintenance as well.

She informed Chief Minister Khandu that the system of functioning of BRO has been completely restructured with greater autonomy and delegation of powers for faster implementation.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister impressed upon the need to expedite the operationalisation of the Brigade headquarters in Tirap district so as to deal with the problem of insurgency in the region.

The Defence Minister assured Khandu that the brigade headquarter would be made operational by December 2018.

Describing the visit of Sitharaman to Arunachal as a landmark and historic visit, Khandu raised the urgent need to establish a cantonment in the capital area of Itanagar, for which necessary land would be acquired.

The Defence Minister assured the Chief Minister that this would be accorded high priority.

Khandu also raised the issue of need for expansion of land for Tawang township and urged the Defence Minister to consider freeing up some idle land in the vicinity of the township. She directed the GOC-in-C, Eastern Command to look into this matter favourably and submit a report urgently after consulting the district administration and government officials.

Detailed deliberations were held on a whole gamut of issues in relation to land matters and other important issues of Arunachal Pradesh with Ministry of Defence. The Defence Minister gave an in-principle approval for establishment of three Sainik Schools  one each in Tawang, Pasighat and Tirap-Changlang-Longding (TCL) belt.

The proposal for establishment of an airport at Dirang was also discussed and the armed forces evinced a strong interest in the proposal. The Defence Minister stated that this proposal will be given due consideration.

Earlier, Sitharaman called on Governor Brig. (Dr.) B.D. Mishra (Retd) at Raj Bhavan and discussed wide ranging defence issues, with special reference to Arunachal Pradesh.
The run-up to the Gujarat elections is turning out to be a rollercoaster ride for those following the election buildup in the state. The latest to join the flip-flopping is Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani, Convener of the Rashtriya Dalit Adhikar Manch, who till Thursday had denied joining or supporting the Congress. However, on Friday, he came out in support of the party.

Mevani on Friday met Rahul Gandhi in Navsari and then jointly addressed the media where he openly praised the Congress Vice-president for hearing out the concerns of his community. He shared that as Congress Party has agreed to most of his demands, supporting the party in the coming elections would benefit the Dalit community.

Earlier, Mevani met Rahul Gandhi to know Congress stand on the 17 demands that he had put forth related to his community. The major demands included allotment of five acres of farmland to the Dalits, giving alternative employment to Dalits specifically engaged in cattle-skinning and manual scavenging.

Another important demand raised by Mevani was the release of the report on probe relating to the firing on community members at Thangadh in Surendranagar district in 2012.

Mevani was critical of the BJP for going out to woo the Patidars and engaging them in discussions but not showing the same compassion for the Dalits in the state. He added that he would do whatever it takes to defeat the janvirodhi BJP.
It will remain a moot point for argumentative Indians if a slide on a social-scale negates positive gains registered on an economic index. The cynics would contend that the bubble of euphoria created by gaining an impressive jump of 30 places on the World Banks Ease of Doing Business Index has been punctured by Indias slipping 21 notches in the World Economic Forums Global Gender Gap Index .

The governments economic managers, however, insist that its programme of economic reform has been validated by the Banks assessment. Perhaps it boils down to how much stock one puts in a healthy bank balance being a criterion for overall well-being. Certainly after some none-too-encouraging performances, the Bank has provided a morale booster for the government as it and the Opposition gear up for a battle of rhetoric on November 8 ~ the anniversary of demonetisation.

And though it still has some way to go, the government would find much to appreciate in the observation of a senior Bank official that The significant jump this year is a result of the Indian governments consistent efforts over the past few years and Indias endeavour to strengthen its position as a preferred place to do business.

The ultimate pointer will be the increase in FDI flows, and the extent to which private investment picks up: particularly in the employment-generating medium and small sectors of manufacturing industry. A counter view is that the Bank tends to favour western corporations, and domestic units have yet to perceive alluring signals, despite Dalal Streets response to the Banks upgraded rating. The western criticism could be levelled the other way around when interpreting the WEFs Gender Gap Index.

It is indeed disappointing to note that India slipped behind Bangladesh and China primarily due to less participation of women in the economy and lower wages. The WEF attributed much of Indias declined position to a widening of gender-gaps in political empowerment (what happened to the Womens Reservation Bill?) as well as healthy life expectancy and basic literacy.

Indias greatest challenges lie in the economic participation and opportunity pillar where the country is ranked 138, as well as health and survival pillar where the country is ranked 141 said the WEF. No doubt the Gender Gap index, like the Banks EDB index will ignite firestorms aplenty with the government coming under attack for failing to promote gender-equality.

In fact if there was an accredited mechanism that evaluated an ease of politicking index it would be a one-horse race with India winning by a distance ~ Amartya Sen was being conservative when he spoke of being argumentative, Indians can now politic over anything under the sun. And there would be no gender-gap in that sphere ~ Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati, Smriti Irani and now Nirmala Seetharaman too can scrap as well as the best of the rest
Early Indian art, like Indian spirituality, is the manifestation of a perception of harmony, of oneness and a serene flow of internal bliss. This realisation is not generated by intellect or intellectual pursuit. In the spiritual sphere, the Vedic Rishi is the seer (drasta) of the eternal truth. The language of the veda is a rhythm, a divine word that vibrated out of the infinite to the inner self of man. It was capable of receiving the throbbings of impersonal knowledge.

Similarly, in the cultural sphere, the art of India showcases a spectacle of one of the most ancient, civilisations of the world. The artist out of introspection, a deep realisation from the heart, undictated and undeterred by intellectual reasoning, finds out the expression straying into his consciousness out of the expansive multifaceted nature, a part of the glowing domain of the Infinite. It is by virtue of its unsullied spontaneity and pristine purity that the images were projected. The worldview envisages a concord in the whole of creation.

It sees the same one that is in each of us ~ the flowers, the trees, the animals and other creatures, the squally wind and gentle breeze that at once appals and soothes. This exalted moment of aesthetic experience is described in Indian philosophy as Bhramananda or ultimate ecstasy of salvation ~ a total self-abnegation and surrender. Indeed, art has played an important role in the life of the subcontinent.

Chitrasutra of Vishnudharmottara Porana, which was composed out of earlier oral traditions in the fifth century AD, is perhaps the oldest treatise on art in the world. It states that art is the greatest treasure of mankind. It is more valuable than fame, pelf or prosperity and pearls and jewels. For about a thousand years in early times, an enormous volume of art was produced in India. This depicted deities, mythical creatures, animals, plants, trees, forms that combined these visuals in remarkable concord, in a harmonious blending of different items and also common men and women. But this art never depicted the kings who patronised it.

Nor was the name of the artist ever mentioned. Like the conception of the Rishis of the Vedic era, this conception of art was also indicative of a revelatory knowledge. Thus, individuals did not matter, it was the expression that mattered. So, it was to a large extent an anonymous creation. According to Chitrasutra, personalities are rather unimportant to be depicted in art. The purpose of art like the aim of an ascetics quest is to display the eternal beyond the ephemeral, transcendental beyond the terrestrial, celestial beyond the sublunar.

There are decisive indications in the Indian monuments of a grand, cosmopolitan culture since the earliest times. Influences of art from the Greeks, the Parthinians and from other sources were greeted with considerable warmth, as is evident from Buddhist art and pillars in India. These influences have continued uninterrupted and percolated to the mainstream of art through the centuries.

Artistic styles, designs, motifs and ichnography have been displayed throughout the country since the ancient era. Regional characteristics, local variations and colour enriched these pan-Indian themes further still. It is a disgraceful misfortune that a stupendous mass of the early art has been destroyed by the ravages of time, leaving only an infinitesimal portion thereof.

In the fourth millennium BC, one of the earliest civilisations of the world was developing in the river valleys of the Indian subcontinent following substantial growth and uniform improvement of agriculture. The first sites of these civilisations were discovered in the basin of the Indus river and this has been popularly known as Indus Valley Civilisation.

Excavations across this culture have not revealed evidence of military might or weaponry for warfare. While the art of other civilisations has many images of prisoners, monuments, war-victories and other activities relating to warfare, the art of the Indus Valley Civilization does not boast any such depiction. More than 3000 seals have been recovered through excavations at Indus Valley sites.

Most of these seals combine text with images of animals, plants and persons. They are made of clay, stone or copper and would have been pressed into soft clay to leave their impression. As with any culture, art provides a glimpse of the underlying political, social and religious ethos. Bulls, elephants, bisons, rhinoceros and crocodiles are depicted in a highly naturalistic manner even within the small space of the seals. A highly significant and fascinating seal is the one depicting a hermit ~ a man sitting cross-legged on a seat with splayed arms.

The pasture reminds us of yogic asanas and this art is the invariable symbol of religious asceticism. This depicts renunciation through meditation and concentration. The artefacts that have been excavated from the Indus Valley Civilisation are unique in their small scale. No monumental sculpture has been found. All the art objects whether in terracotta, stone or metal are described as being on a human scale. No palaces or other gigantic specimen of architecture have been discovered. Monumental architecture and art, that displayed regal authority and elegance, followed much later.

The use of a variety of materials was suggestive of the highly impressive level of development of art. The artist was not merely using those materials that were available to him in the area. Specific artistic and aesthetic choices were made and objects wee fashioned from pliant terracotta to hard stone and metal. A variety of styles ranging from the highly naturalistic to abstract and stylised forms such as the figure of a dancing girl with one hand on her hip and similar other stylised figures were found. These works of early art of India were meant to convey the truth as generated by the consciousness of the artist.

The artist claimed that it was he alone who had seen the truth. Every teacher of the ancient period stated that he only followed in the footsteps of others who went before him. The special trait of Indian artists is bereft of ego. Utterly selfless and free from the fetters of ego, the artists reflected the innate spiritual culture of Indian thought and philosophy. It is altruistic in essence. The object that the artist depicts does not have its teeth, nor does it fume with disgust.

Not the scintilla of a frown is discernible on its nature, with a joyous and merry surrender to the natural order without any pugnacious attempt to ride roughshod over the natural forces, inimical or otherwise. For, it is essentially a culture emanating from the belief and perception of an underlying unity of the whole of creation.

(The writer is a retired IAS officer)
After a spell of prolonged and intriguing silence, Aung San Suu Kyi has eventually condescended to visit the province of Rakhine in Myanmar, bordering Bangladesh. Sure, the exodus of more than half a million Rohingya Muslims has further alienated the purportedly democratic dispensation in Naypidaw within the comity of nations.

But the countrys state counsellor has left the world wondering why she took as long as she did to visit the embattled province. In office for close to two years, this was her first trip to the region ~ unannounced and with the approval of the military. There is little doubt that her visit was organised on the terms and conditions of the junta, reaffirming yet again that her silence on the persecution of an ethnic segment has been rooted in the premise that the applecart of democratic/military governance cannot be rocked quite yet.

An all too brief visit to Rakhine was a feeble response to one of the worst humanitarian crisis, reminiscent of the liberation struggle in Bangladesh in 1971. She is yet to face up to the ugly truth. Though the gesture is to be welcomed, she has been suitably wary to avoid a firm statement on the issue, let alone offer an assurance.

Suu Kyi has come under immense pressure from across the world on the Rohingya issue. There have been calls for her to return the Nobel Prize for Peace, and her alma mater, Oxford University, has removed her painting from the campus. Contextualised with the build-up of world opinion against her muted response to the homelessness and persecution inflicted both by the military and the Buddhists, it is hard to escape the conclusion that her visit was no more than an exercise in tokenism. This was not expected of Suu Kyi.

Far from acting as a morale-booster, the visit has left the ethnic group wondering if she is even conscientiously sympathetic to their plight. According to some reports, she told the people that the government is there to help them and that they should live peacefully and not fight each other. The homilies, notably the advice not to quarrel, chime oddly with the harsh reality that confronts the nowhere people.

The statement doesnt even serve the purpose of playing to the gallery. Theoretically, an elected government is in place but its withers remain unwrung. Far from fighting each other, as she imagines, it is intrinsically an offensive by the State ~ as an entity of governance ~ against an ethnic minority. Indeed, the persecution has been condemned by the United Nations as ethnic cleansing. The plight of the Rohingyas has been dismally exceptional.

Suu Kyis visit to Rakhine has done but little to assuage their plight.
Beyond the white sandy beach, the picturesque row of colouful long-tailed boats on the Andaman sea lie waiting for you as the cool breeze softly and gently rock them

This is Koh Hong Island bay in Thailand. If you havent been here yet, make sure to get away here the next time you head to Krabi.

Why you should visit Koh Hong Island

Koh Hong is a small limestone island off Krabi Coast in Thailand.

Of calmer waters, the island is pristine and breathtakingly beautiful.

This little piece of paradise is one of the quietest islands in Thailand.

A visit to the white sandy beach makes for a day trip.

Also known as the Room Island, it has a secret blue lagoon.

Koh Hong is also popularly called Hong Island.

A tsunami in 2004 devastated the island.

The small island is a part of Than Bok Khorani National Park.

Travellers used the long-tailed boats to visit the place.

One can take the guided tours from Ao Nang, Phuket or Phang Nga.
Catalonias deposed separatist leader Carles Puigdemont has said he was ready to run as a candidate in snap regional elections next month after his government was fired by Madrid for declaring independence.

Im ready to be a candidate, Puigdemont on Friday told RTBF television in Belgium, where he is currently holed up after leaving Catalonia at the weekend. I want to send a message to our people.

A Spanish judge yesterday issued an EU arrest warrant against the deposed president of Catalonia  a region of 7.5 million that remains deeply divided over the issue of independence.

I will face justice, but (only) true justice I told my lawyers to tell the Belgian judiciary I am completely ready to cooperate, Puigdemont said.

Madrid last month dissolved Catalonias parliament after regional lawmakers voted to declare independence from Spain off the back of a banned referendum on the issue.

Puigdemonts deputy and seven other deposed regional ministers were detained on Thursday in Madrid.

New regional elections are set for December 21.
French President Emmanuel Macron and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin discussed the situation in Syria, including access to humanitarian aid and political transition, the Elysee said.

Recalling his commitment to a regular and frank dialogue with Russia, Macron told Putin, a key ally of the Syrian government, to do more to ensure that the access to humanitarian aid is guaranteed and effective as soon as possible, notably in eastern Ghouta where many Syrian people were in a situation of great distress, Xinhua news agency reported.

Macron called on the permanent members of the Security Council (to) put an end to the use of chemical weapons and preserve the non-proliferation regime.

France will not give in on the fight against impunity and the full and complete dismantling of the Syrian chemical program, he said during the telephonic conversation on Friday.

All efforts to achieve a political settlement of the Syrian crisis must be within the framework of the United Nations Security Council.

Macron said France was ready to work immediately with Russia, all permanent members of the Security Council and the regional powers, to allow a credible political transition, preserve the unity of Syria and minority protection.
North Korea ruled out talks and threatened to increase its nuclear arsenal in a fresh warning to Donald Trumps administration on Saturday as the US President set off on a tour of Asia.

Trump departed for his first presidential trip to Asia yesterday, with tensions over North Koreas nuclear and missile threats looming large. He is due to arrive in South Korea Tuesday, after first visiting Japan.

The Norths state-run KCNA news agency said in a commentary that the US should be disabused of the absurd idea that Pyongyang would succumb to international sanctions and give up its nuclear weapons, adding that it is in the final stage for completing nuclear deterrence.

It had better stop daydreaming of denuclearisation talks with us, said the commentary titled Stop dreaming a daydream.

Our self-defensive nuclear treasure sword will be sharpened evermore unless the US hostile policy toward the DPRK is abolished once and for all, it said, using an acronym for the official name of North Korea.

The White House said Trump will deliver a speech at South Koreas National Assembly and urge common resolve in the face of shared threat.

But there is widespread concern in South Korea that the US presidents visit might worsen the situation if Trump fails to rein in his fierce rhetoric.

Trump and the Norths leader Kim Jong-Un have traded insults and threats of war in recent months.

Because of his tendency to veer off the script, many Koreans are worried that he may let loose, Professor Yang Moo-Jin of the University of North Korean Studies told AFP.

Some 500 protesters took to the streets in Seoul today, chanting slogans and waving banners as they accused Trump of bringing the Korean peninsula to the brink of war.

No Trump, No War, read one of the banners, while others portrayed the US President wearing a Nazi uniform.

Nearby, a rival group of some 100 Trump supporters, including many military veterans, chanted: Welcome to Korea, We believe in Trump.

Donald Trump, who dismissed direct talks with Pyongyang as waste of time, will meet with President Moon Jae-In, who came to power early this year advocating for engagement with Pyongyang, a stance denounced as appeasement by Trump.

Professor Koh Yu-Hwan at Dongguk University, a leading policy advisor to the government, said Seoul expected Trump to avoid putting Moon in a quandary by renewing pugnacious threats against the North, particularly with South Korea hosting the Winter Olympics in February next year.

Moon has had to dial back his policy of engagement with the North in the face of Pyongyangs persistent nuclear and missile tests.
The UN Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) has denounced the Australian government for withdrawing support to former Manus Island detainees as the stand-off over the provision of services to more than 600 men entered its fifth day on Saturday.

It comes as the detainees have called for an investigation into the death of a 29-year-old asylum seeker, who was killed in a road accident on the island nation on Thursday, reports the Guardian.

In a statement, Rupert Colville, spokesman for high commissioner Zeid Raad Al Hussein, said the UNs human rights committee had serious concerns about the welfare, safety and wellbeing of the men who remained at the centre in Papua New Guinea, which was formally decommissioned on Tuesday.

Water to the centre and essential medical services were also cut off on Tuesday, while electricity was disconnected on Wednesday morning. The men have been digging for water.

Colville said the men were too frightened to leave, the Guardian reported.

We call on the Australian government, as the party who interned the men in the first place, to immediately provide protection, food, water and other basic services which have been cut off since authorities shuttered the facility on October 31.

The Commission repeated its criticism that Australias offshore refugee processing regime was unsustainable, inhumane and contrary to its human rights obligations and said asylum seekers and refugees should be immediately transferred to Australia for processing.

Rallies in support of the Manus refugees were held in Canberra and Brisbane on Friday and planned for Melbourne and Sydney on Saturday.

On Friday, opposition leader Bill Shorten urged Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to accept a renewed offer from New Zealand to take 150 refugees from Australias offshore processing camps.


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A Varanasi court has ordered an FIR against Kamal Haasan, based on a case filed against the actor for "hurting religious sentiments of the Hindus" by making an "inflamatory and derogatory remarks of Hindu terrorism", media reports emerged on Saturday.

Kamal had written in a Tamil magazine that earlier rightwing Hindus used to argue but without indulging in violence. But as their cunning started to fail, they began to resort to violence.

"Extremism has spread into their camp as well," said Kamal, who is said to be preparing for a political plunge. "This extremism is not a victory or progress to those who call themselves Hindus."
The Ahmedabad Crime Branch on Saturday arrested Abdul Rashid Ajmeri, one of the accused in the Akshardham attack of 2002 in Gandhinagar.

According to sources, he was arrested rom the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport of Ahmedabad when he returned from Riyadh.

More details are awaited.

Thirty-two persons had lost their lives in the attack on the temple on September 24, 2002.

It was said that the temple was attacked to avenge 2002 post-Godhra riots in which more than 1,000 persons, mostly Muslims, had lost their lives.

The commandos, who were flown in from New Delhi, had gunned down two alleged terrorists, who were reportedly under 25 years of age. The cross-firing had lasted for several hours.

The Akshardham Temple is just a couple of kilometres away from the Governor's House (The Raj Bhavan) and the chief minister's official residence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hit out at Himachal Pradesh's ruling Congress, comparing it to "termites" and calling for the party to be thrown out in the upcoming assembly elections.

Addressinng an election meeting in Chambi in Shahpur assembly constituency in Kangra district, Modi said the Congress' mindset was as harmful to Indian democracy as a termite "is to the wood it comes in contact with it".

"And since this mindset ran down three-four generations into the Congress, it was important that such a party to be uprooted from power. At every polling booth, the Congress should be wiped out as it is like a termite, which is eating away India."

Lashing out at the Congress for criticising the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes on November 8 last year, he said: "They are going to celebrate November 8 as black day and burn my effigies. They don't know Modi is a disciple of Sardar Patel and won't be cowed down."

"I haven't come here to ask you to make the BJP win. I have come here to ask you to give it a three-fourth majority," he declared.

This was Modi's second rally in Kangra, the district that has the maximum 15 assembly seats out of 68 in the state and holds the key in the government formation.

Taking a jibe at the Congress, the Prime Minister said: "I have heard that the Congress has lost the trust of its own leaders and is looking for rebels in other parties."

"I'm fighting against corruption today and hence have become a pain in their (Congress') neck. People are bubbling with anger against the party. Should we or shouldn't we fight against corruption? Shouldn't the honest be rewarded?" he asked.

Modi, who gave a 46-minute address in Hindi, wooed voters saying, "There was maximum development in Himachal when Atalji (Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee) was in Delhi and Dhumalji (former Chief Minister and BJP's Chief Ministerial candidate Prem Kumar Dhumal) was here in Himachal. You have a chance again."

Seeking to play an emotional card as the area is dominated by soldiers and ex-servicemen, he said: "Himachal Pradesh is the 'Veer Bhoomi'. We are proud of our jawans of this land who guard the country."

Votes will be cast in the Himachal Pradesh polls on November 9 and will be counted on December 18 along with those in Gujarat.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who is the in-charge of the Bharatiya Janata Party for Gujarat, on Saturday accused the opposition Congress of spreading the 'poison of casteism' in the society.

Referring to the ongoing 'Vikas gando thai gayo chhe' campaign on social media, Jaitley said it was strange that the Congress looked down upon development. When this did not help, the Congress is spreading the poison of casteism in the society, said the minister while addressing a press meet in Ahmedabad.

Development is our foremost agenda in Gujarat, and we aim to make it socially and economically prosperous. While we have a galaxy of leadership to support this, the Congress is solely focused on one member of its family," he said.

The BJP leader said that dividing the society was not in the interest of the state, and added that the party would score a big victory in the upcoming assembly elections. Gujarat goes to polls in two phases on December 9 and 14.

"The Congress party is adopting wrong methods to fight the election and taking after Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in using anti-national tactics which are harmful for the progress of the nation. Their corrupt approach to winning the elections is very dangerous for the progress of the state and the nation in general," said Jaitley.

Replying to a question about Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi's critical campaign about GST, Jaitley said the former 'does not understand GST'. Jaitley claimed that finance ministers of Congress ruled states were also part of the decision of implementing the GST.

The finance minister said that the GST was being praised all over the world and that it would bring in a lot of opportunities. In an apparent reference to the UPA I and UPA II, Jaitley said the Congress rule of 10 years had witnessed rampant corruption and policy paralysis. He also claimed that the Congress had never carried out a campaign against black money.

"In the ten years of Congress leadership, they have done nothing to curb black money or corruption, apart from a few minor policies here and there. Everyone knows that under their governance, there was rampant corruption and policy paralysis in India. The economic reforms taken are to curb the black money menace and squeeze funding to terrorists, and also to promote digitisation," said the minister.

(With inputs from agencies)
Russian President Vladimir Putins special envoy Zamir Kabulovs recent visit to India went largely unnoticed. It is difficult to ascertain whether this was the result of deliberate government efforts, given the sensitive nature of talks, or lack of media interest, or both.

The Russian envoy, during his visit, held discussions with Indias National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary S. Jayashankar. The talks revolved around the issues of regional security, in the context of the evolving situation in Afghanistan, and the role of Pakistan in resolving it.

Of late, there seems to be a growing divergence in the approaches of both the strategic partners on the issue of Afghanistan. India is skeptical about Russias outreach to Afghan Taliban and Pakistan, which in Moscows view is a key player in resolving the Afghan tangle. This is one of the reasons behind Kabulovs visitto address Indias concern and build common ground for erasing differences.

Kabulovs visit assumes significance in the backdrop of China agreeing to name Pakistan-based terror outfits like Let and JeM in the latest BRICS summit declaration, as a result of Russian persuasion, and also considering the new US strategy on Afghanistan.

It is clear that Indias position on Afghanistan does not converge with that of Russia, as it did in the past. Russia believes that Islamic State (IS) is a greater threat to regional security than Taliban, an entity which controls nearly 45 per cent of Afghan territory.

According to some Russian experts, Taliban exercises control to different degrees over almost 80 per cent Afghan territory. For Russia, the elements of Taliban willing to shun violence can be stakeholders in Afghan dialogue process, an argument that deserves careful consideration by India.

Russia is accused of maintaining contacts with the Taliban, a charge which Moscow does not deny. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has reiterated that Moscow contacts Taliban for two things: ensuring safety of Russian citizens in Afghanistan, and pushing Taliban to the negotiation table in order to promote an Afghan-based dialogue process.

For that matter, US, China, and Iranall major players in the Afghan issuemaintain contacts with the Taliban, which was, at one point of time, allowed to open an embassy in Doha. Even Afghan government maintains ties with Taliban leaders.

Russia has been accused of supplying arms to Taliban, a charge it has denied categorically, describing it as totally baseless and designed to hide the failure of a 16-year-old US military intervention in Afghanistan, and to justify Trumps renewed military strategy there. Lavrov has emphatically said that Moscow does not provide any support to Taliban, which is a banned organization in Russia.

Russia believes that Pakistan, which exerts strong influence over Taliban, can play a productive role in the resolution of Afghan issue, and in combating terrorisma stand vociferously opposed by India. In Moscows opinion, putting too much pressure on Pakistan suggested by US in its new Afghan strategy can be counter-productive.

Kabulovs statement that Pakistan is a key regional player has raised many eyebrows in India.

Kabulovs statement at the Heart of Asia conference, held in Amritsar last year, that combating terrorism was not possible without the cooperation of Pakistan, had caused a huge storm in the Indian strategic community.

Russia is apprehensive about US President Donald Trumps new Afghan strategyincreasing military presence in the war-torn nation. Russia firmly believes that there can be no military solution in the Afghan issue. Lavrov has described the new US strategy on Afghanistan regrettable, saying that US blue print unveiled by President Trump is a futile course.

While Russia, along with China and Iran, perceive a threat to their security and regional stability from continued military presence in Afghanistan, India has welcomed it. Their reasoning is that immediate and complete US military withdrawal would plunge that country into total chaos and anarchy.

Russia has been keen to see a greater Indian role in Afghanistan, contrary to the US opposition to New Delhis enhanced role there, till recently.

The Russian clout in the Afghan issue seems to have increased in recent years, which is evident from the recently held Russia-NATO Council meeting, that took place after a long time, seeking Moscows cooperation. Russia has initiated a dialogue process involving all stakeholdercountries in search of a tangible solution. However, it was boycotted by the US, despite Russias invitation.

Arun Mohanty is a professor at the School of International Studies, JNU
The simmering discontent within the armed forces about a rank-equivalence template that downgraded the military vis-a-vis the civilian officials of the Armed Forces Head Quarters (AFHQ) cadre, based on a Ministry of Defence letter of October 2016, is now likely to receive the personal attention of Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. It is understood that a new committee is being constituted to review the whole tangle so that false equivalences are not created.

This is a welcome step and will hopefully bring closure to an issue that has its genesis in the ill-advised NFU (non functional up-gradation) principle introduced by the 6th Pay Commission in 2006 under UPA I. It is the considered view of this analyst that this one decision has significantly lowered the efficiency index of the Indian state, which to begin with was below the median, particularly at the lower levels of the great Indian octopus of civilian officials who resent being referred to as civil servants.

The AFHQ which has an authorised strength of 3235 personnel (as of 2016) is deemed to be a group B service in the Indian civil services labyrinth and are the equivalent of the permanent bureaucratic edifice of the defence ministry. Their primary function is to provide secretarial, file-maintenance and housekeeping assistance to the ministry. They remain within the AFHQ, mostly in Delhi, at the mid and junior level of the organisation , while the senior levels of the ministry are staffed by the IAS officers and those on deputation from other Class A / allied services.

The officers of the armed forces of India are in a neither fish nor fowl category and are commissioned officers appointed by the President of India, who is the Supreme Commander. In August 1947, prior to independence the Commander-in-Chief of the British Indian armed forces was second in the hierarchy of the colonial state, next to the Viceroy. And it was logical that in a free India, the military had to be placed lower down the hierarchy and subordinate to the political leadership represented by the legislature.

The first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru had deep reservations about the military as an institution and favored the civilian bureaucracy. At the time, in a sleight of hand, the erstwhile ICS cadre was allowed to retain its primacy and financial emoluments (which were generous to fault) and those of the Indian armed forces officer cadre were drastically cut. The sub-text was that the military had to be shown its subordinate place.

Over the decades, the order of precedence (the pecking order of the Indian state) saw the military being downgraded in relation to all the other organs of state including the police. Subsequently, successive pay commissions have increased the pay and pension benefits to the civilian part of the government and the NFU is the latest such benefit. This has been resolutely denied to the armed forces. Thus every civilian officer of the 49 all India civil service organizations will automatically receive the befit of a higher pay band, irrespective of performance and vacancies. Consequently they will retire at a scale that allows a much higher percentage of pension benefits than the average military officer. Furthermore, most military officers retire around age 54 - 56, depending on rank, while every civilian can go on till age 60.

As a result of these pay commission provisions and NFU decisions, some very anomalous situations have arisen that affect the operational index of the Indian fauj. For instance, there have been reports that civilian officers in the MES (military engineering service) and BRO (border roads organization ) who now receive a higher pay than their erstwhile superiors in uniform have sought a review of the organisational ladder.

This is the anomaly that has now surfaced in the AFHQ, whose senior cadres, quite predictably have sought their piece of the NFU-equivalence cake. Thus the October 2016 letter of the MoD lowered a two-star officer of the army, a Major General to that of a principal director (PD) in the AFHQ; whereas in the past the civilian parity for this rank was deemed to be that of a Joint Secretary (JS). Extending this down the rank structure, a Brigadier (one star) with about 25 years of service will, in the new scheme be equated with a director who may have 14 years of service in the group B category. It is understood that some civilian officers in the MoD have also begun to use signage on their official cars to reflect their new ranks!

To better illustrate this anomalous situation, an officer currently in the MoD explained this as follows. In the highly rank and seniority conscious ministry, we have a situation where a JS from the IAS is seen as being functionally equivalent to a Major General. The AFHQ PD wants to be on par with the Major General. But there is no way that the JS will accept the PD as being on par  functional or otherwise. So why impose this false equivalence on the fauji ?

The Modi governmentif it has the spine that it claims to havemust re-visit the NFU and scrap it once and for all. Many of the related problems such as that of the AFHQ equivalence will automatically be dissolved. Minister Sitharaman has a complex challenge on her hands and one hopes that it will be addressed with the empathy and perspicacity it warrants. Her predecessors chose to kick the can down the road.
A day after joining the BJP, former Trinamool Congress heavyweight Mukul Roy on Saturday said people of Bengal are getting united to bring about another political change in the 2019 general and 2021 assembly elections.

"When the people get united, the change takes place. The people of Bengal are getting united. Therefore I can foresee that another change is going to take place in Bengal in 2019 and 2021 elections," Roy said in an interview with Bengali news channel ABP Ananda here.

"The situation in Bengal is such that the people at the grassroot level are getting united to defeat Trinamool Congress. So no one knows what can happen in the grassroot level in the Panchayat elections," said Roy, once the right hand man of Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee.

Asked about his reason for leaving Trinamool, of which he was a founding member, Roy said the party has lost its aim and ideals with which it once fought to bring about the change in Bengal.

"The change in Bengal was brought about with our blood and sweat. But the aim with which we fought to bring the change, Trinamool Congress has deviated from that path. That is why I left the party with a lot of sorrow," he said.

He also claimed that the change in Bengal should have happened for its 10 crore inhabitants, but instead it took place for only a handful of people.

Stating that he is now wholeheartedly devoted to the BJP, he said he would come back to Bengal on November 6 and talk to everyone willing to meet him at the BJP office on the same day.

Roy said he would also take part in the BJP's public meeting in Kolkata on November 10.
Three elderly women died of suffocation this morning in a crowded alley near Simariya Ghat where thousands of devotees had gathered for a holy dip in the Ganga on the occasion of Karthik Purnima, police said.

While police initially said there was a stampede, Superintendent of Police Aditya Kumar later denied it, saying the women, all in their 80s, died of suffocation because of the heavy rush of pilgrims.

Devotees had gathered in large numbers at Simariya Ghat on the banks of Ganga on the occasion of Kartik Purnima and Ardh Kumbh.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed sorrow over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of the deceased. He also directed the district officials to provide free treatment to anyone injured in the incident.

"There was a huge crowd at the Kali temple near Simariya Ghat, where people had gathered to offer prayers on the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima. These three women apparently felt claustrophobic and collapsed on the narrow pathway leading to the temple," the SP said.

The situation was perfectly under control in the area, he said.

"We have ascertained the identities of two women so far. One of them hailed from Noorsarai in Nalanda and another from Sitamarhi. Attempts were being made to establish the identity of the third woman," the SP added.

ADG (Headquarters) Sunil Kumar Singhal also said the deaths were caused due to suffocation. Asked if he was ruling out a possibility of stampede, Singhal said, "We will reach a final conclusion only after post-mortem reports arrive. If any negligence on part of the police is found, accountability will be fixed. The IG zone and the DIG range would also take stock of the situation."

Soon after the stampede, Sadar Deputy Superintendent of Police Mithilesh Kumar had said, "We are trying to ascertain the cause behind the stampede.
The dam has broken said one of their own leaders, the feisty Scotswoman Ruth Davidson. The pro-Conservative Daily Telegraph suggested it would be no bad lesson if the government collapsed. It humorously addedreferring to the resignation of the Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, who was close to Prime Minister Theresa Maycabinet ministers do not and should not resign over a knee fondle that took place a full five years before the invention of the iPhone".

A sleaze spreadsheet has been swirling around Westminsterthe hub of parliamentary politics in Londonfor at least a week. But what has appeared in the public domain is a redacted list of alleged culprits. This correspondent now has is an un-redacted dossier, which if correct, could conceivably dismantle the May government. In it, 40 Conservative ministers and MPs are named as having violated accepted standards of behaviour. They reflect both heterosexual and homosexual misdemeanours.

As the Telegraph surmised, fondling of knees was probably not the cause of Fallon biting the dust. The un-redacted document gives other reasons. He has since stepping down, been accused by a cabinet colleague, Andrea Leadsom, of making a lewd remark to her. Cold hands? I know where you can put them to warm them up, he is alleged to have stated. This is said to have occurred six years ago. Fallon has denied it.

If the top four portfolios in a government are home, foreign affairs, finance and defence, the man carrying one of the responsibilities has obviously quit. But two others in the power quartet are mentioned in the un-redacted list. One of them is reported to have a non-disclosure agreement with a woman researcher. The other is deemed to have a workplace relationship with a person.

As the guessing game gripped the corridors of the British Houses of Parliament, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson dismissed insinuation he might be involved in anything untoward.

Interestingly, there are three women in the spreadsheet, including two cabinet ministers. About one, the comment was fornicated with male researcher. A female minister of state was described as being inappropriate with male MPs after and pre-divorce.

The pressure on the government would have been greater, but for the lifeline provided by the opposition Labour party. One of its MPs, Kelvin Hopkins, 76, allegedly harassed a party activist three years ago. The accuser, Ava Etemadzadeh, 27, said he had texted her inappropriately and also made inappropriate physical contact while hugging her. Hopkins has been suspended pending an investigation.

But even after he had been reprimanded by the party when the matter came to light, he was promoted to Labours front bench as a shadow spokesman. The Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has strenuously avoided answering questions from reporters about Hopkins elevation.

Britain is in the midst of one of the toughest phases in its modern history. A stable and well established 44 year membership of the European Union is being torn asunder with nothing on the horizon to replace the benefits. Talk of free trade agreements with the United States, China, India, Australia, Canada and New Zealand and a Commonwealth-wide preferential trading arrangement is as yet bravado and would at best be time consuming to accomplish. A bad deal or no deal with the EU, especially on market access, would be disastrous.

The EU insists the two sides must reach agreement on (a) how to maintain a soft border between Northern Ireland (which is a part of Britain) and the Republic of Ireland, (b) EU nationals remaining in Britain after Brexit and (c) the United Kingdom compensating the EU for the long term financial commitments it previously made or paying a divorce bill before Christmas in order to start negotiations on the trading aspect, which Whitehall is anxious to commence.

With the British cabinet is sharply divided between leavers and remainers, neither the UK public nor the EU presently exude confidence about a satisfactory outcome. The acid test is scheduled to come when Brexit Secretary David Davies presents a package to parliament in early 2019. Labours shadow foreign secretary, Emily Thornberry, told Indian journalists her party will vote against a bad deal or no deal. If anti-Brexit Conservative MPs do the same, the government could be defeated, which will mean an immediate mid-term election and probably a Labour victory.

In any case, since May gambled and lost her majority in this years snap poll, opinion surveys have tended to favour Labour. This has now been compounded by public disgust over Conservative sleaze. It is quite reminiscent of 1997.

London-based Ashis Ray is the longest serving Indian foreign correspondent.
It might seem like something from the free-loving 1960s, but sharing can make a lot of sense when it comes to your finances. From sharing a mortgage, car journeys and even childcare, pulling together to increase purchasing power or reduce costs has never been more popular.

Inspiration: Peter Kay and Sian Gibson in the BBC comedy series Car Share

HOUSE BUYING

Rising house prices are forcing buyers to be more imaginative about how they get on to the property ladder. This can sometimes mean buying with a parent or sibling, or even purchasing with friends.

Sharing a mortgage with friends is no longer viewed as unusual with many mainstream banks and building societies willing to lend.

Although some will accept up to four unrelated people on a mortgage, most will only use the highest two incomes when determining how much they are prepared to lend. Hinckley & Rugby Building Society and Halifax are more flexible.

Jordan Ball, a 25-year-old programme manager for an aeroplane parts manufacturer, has just celebrated one year in the first home he bought with two friends in Luton, Bedfordshire.

By clubbing together and sharing mortgage repayments with Lloyd King and Connor Green, both also 25, Jordan has been able to take that often elusive first step on to the property ladder.

Home front: Jordan Ball, left, Connor Green and Lloyd King share a mortgage

Jordan says: We are all lucky to be in stable, well-paid jobs. Connor is a quality inspector for the same company Jordan works for while Lloyd works in computing. Jordan adds: We were renting together and when a house came on to the market in the same street we looked at the financial numbers to see if we could get a mortgage between us.

The three friends secured a 234,000 mortgage with Halifax, paying a six per cent deposit  almost 5,000 each  on the 249,000 asking price. They took a two-year fixed rate at 3.59 per cent. At about 1,183 a month between them the mortgage repayments come in at about the same as they were paying collectively in rent.

There is no way I could have bought on my own, says Jordan. This way I am not wasting money in rent. Hopefully, if property prices rise I will build up some equity. In time, when we are ready to move on, we shall be in a stronger financial position. We all plan to stay in the house for at least five years.

While buying with friends can make financial sense, borrowers must tread with caution. Consider taking legal advice to fully understand the implications of buying together.

Lenders will view all borrowers as jointly and severally liable for the mortgage. This means they can chase any  or all  parties for payments if mortgage arrears accumulate. Liability is not limited to the share that each borrower pays towards the mortgage each month.

Also, borrowers need to think about what they would do if one of them wants to sell before the others. David Hollingworth, mortgage expert at London and Country Mortgages in Bath, Somerset, says: If someone wants out in a house bought jointly, the others may be able to buy out the share, but if they cannot they would have to find another friend to buy into the property and take on the mortgage  or else sell. Talking about these scenarios at the outset should help avoid problems or conflict at a later stage.

HOLIDAY HOUSE SWAP

Homeowners can also share their home  and save money at the same time  through house swapping.

Thousands of homeowners swap properties every year in home-from-home holidays. Not only do you get a change of scene and try out living somewhere new, but as this is a home swap you will have built-in house-sitters looking after your property while you are away.

A number of websites, including Love Home Swap and Home For Exchange, enable homeowners to find suitable swaps beyond just family and friends  both at home and overseas.

This can work out far cheaper than booking holiday accommodation.

Remember to inform your home insurer as you may need to discuss getting extra cover for the period of the swap.

CAR JOURNEYS

Car-sharing has been thrust into the spotlight by comedian Peter Kays successful TV series Car Share.

But lift-sharing or car pools have been around for decades, helping commuters save on petrol costs and enjoy a more sociable trip to work.

The internet has enabled many more people to find suitable car shares, using them for lifts to work and also longer trips to see family and friends.

Journeymen: Ewan Steele, left, and Archie Turner

Websites including Liftshare.BlaBlaCar and GoCarShare  and their mobile phone apps  match up drivers with those looking for a lift.

There is usually no charge to register on these websites. Passengers pay a contribution to the driver to cover some of the fuel costs. Some look for regular journeys, such as the weekly commute to work, while others may need a one-off journey.

Drummond Gilbert is chief executive of GoCarShare. He set up the website to change the way people travel and use their cars  and it now has around 60,000 users.

Passengers pay a fee to the driver while the website takes a 15 per cent commission (from the driver). Some journeys advertised on the website include Manchester to Salisbury for 15 and Bournemouth to Stansted for 12.

Gilbert says: Drivers set their own prices although we have recommended fees based on mileage.

Archie Turner, 43, lives in rural Dorset. When he was stuck in traffic on his daily commute and saw a billboard advert for Liftshare which pointed out that 90 per cent of journeys are completed without a passenger, it struck a chord.

Archie went to the website, which is not-for-profit and applies no charge for users and takes no commission from drivers. He entered the details of his car journey and to his surprise fond a companion  Ewan Steele, 39, who, like Archie, lives in Bridport and travels an 80-mile round trip to work in Poole.

We emailed and then met up in a local pub  to check we would get along, says Archie, a purchasing manager for an aerospace company. We started sharing the car journey four days a week  and that was two years ago. It has halved the cost of our commute, it is better for the environment  and we have also become good friends.

Archie estimates he saves around 30 a week in petrol costs. He pays half the costs of Ewans fuel.

CHILDCARE

The high price of childcare can be a struggle for many households. Often it is a bigger expense than the rent or mortgage. For some, it is economical to halve the burden by sharing a nanny with another family. Known as a nanny share, the arrangement means you and another family share the costs and responsibilities of employing a nanny.

As well as sharing payment of the nannys wages, it also means you share the tax burden. As employers, the families are responsible for paying tax and employers National Insurance on behalf of the nanny.

Nanny shares can work in different ways to suit the families. The nanny may look after your child and another familys child at the same time, for example, working out of one or either of your homes. This will usually be the cheapest option as you can split the hourly pay rate. Expect to pay from around 10 to 15 gross per hour for a live-out nanny. In other cases the nanny may work for you for part of the week and the other family on other days.

Nanny share: The arrangement means you and another family share the costs and responsibilities of employing a nanny

Once your nanny is earning more than the annual tax-free income tax allowance of 11,500 (this is the nannys total earnings  not just what you pay the nanny) you must pay tax and National Insurance  although in a nanny share arrangement the tax liability is split with the other family, significantly reducing costs.

Specialist websites such as Nannytax, Nanny Paye and Paye For Nannies can help with the tax and administration of employing a nanny.

They can send payslips on your behalf, make payments to Revenue & Customs, sort out National Insurance contributions and set up a pension plan for your nanny (under auto-enrolment rules).

Costs and services vary. An annual subscription to Nannytax is 276, 179.99 with Nanny Paye and 138 with Paye For Nannies.

Graham Newton, chief executive at Nanny Paye, says: There are many benefits to a nanny share  not just the reduced tax. Your child will have the benefit of interaction with other children, you can share some of the administrative burdens and costs such as registration with Ofsted. If your nanny drives you can share petrol costs.

Check out playgroups and parent and baby activities for share requests. Post your details and requirements in local cafes or libraries to say you are looking for a similar family for a nanny share.
Horror stories of sexism in the corridors of power and in Hollywood are one thing.

But the all-pervading scourge of inequality is hitting women hard in their pockets as well  no more so than following divorce.

According to the latest women and retirement report from Scottish Widows, seven in ten divorcing couples do not discuss pensions as part of a settlement. And guess who loses out? Women.

Women are missing out to the tune of 5billion a year by ignoring pensions when thrashing out a settlement following a split, research shows

The insurers research  released at the Houses of Parliament last week (how appropriate)  is powerful stuff. It indicates that by ignoring pensions when thrashing out a settlement following a split, women are missing out to the tune of 5billion a year.

Women need to wake up to this vital part of the divorce equation as a matter of urgency. They are likely to have smaller pensions of their own because of the ongoing gender pay gap, maternity leave and career breaks.

Plus the fact they often work part- time and even in the new world of workplace pension auto-enrolment they can miss out because their earnings are too low to be included in the scheme. An anomaly that needs addressing immediately.

Pensions are often the biggest assets a couple have  since homes often have a mortgage that dilutes the value of bricks and mortar.

Pension sharing was introduced 20 years ago but often pots are not taken into account, says Nigel Shepherd, head of family law at legal firm Mills & Reeve.

He says some pensions can be complicated, especially those in the public sector, so legal and financial advice is vital  even though it is an extra cost in the divorce bills.

Women need to wake up to this vital part of the divorce equation as a matter of urgency

Scottish Widows states that just 22 per cent of married women would discuss pensions as part of a divorce. The insurer believes it should be compulsory for pensions to be included in divorce proceedings.

In the meantime, it wants the Government to lead the way in helping women better understand their pension rights in divorce negotiations.

Worthy research which all MPs and the Government should respond to favourably.

Smart meters

Public service advertising sometimes has its merits. I was brought up in awe of the Green Cross Code Man  stop, look, listen, think  and, touch wood, I have yet to get injured crossing a road.

But some of it is an utter waste of money. Cue to last Tuesdays Bake Off final on Channel 4 when the programme (already ruined by Prue Leith revealing the winner beforehand) was interrupted by an interminable advert which attempted to convince us why we should all opt for a smart meter.

The power of 10p advert, which dragged on for at least two and a half minutes (enough time for me to cook a soft boiled egg and do 50 press-ups), featured chef Ainsley Harriott preparing food for a group of bodybuilders, of all shapes and sizes and ages. His task? To see how many he could cook for by using just 10ps worth of energy  he managed to feed 14 of the 18 muscle-bound individuals.

Gaz and Leccy in TV adverts for smart meters

The advert was commissioned by Smart Energy GB, the outfit we pay for through higher energy bills, to promote the roll-out of smart meters. It is spending an astronomical 224million up to 2020 to persuade us to ditch our old meters in favour of new near real-time ones which also allow us to monitor our energy usage (a la Ainsley).

I dread to think how much the advert cost. We did ask Smart Energy GB the question but it chose not to say. Maybe 100,000  and that is before Ainsleys costs are factored in, as well as those of TV presenter Maya Jama and the muscly 18.

As our newspaper has highlighted in recent weeks, smart meters are not without their failings. They are not set up to allow users to switch suppliers (the only way to keep on top of energy bills) and have been known to malfunction. Some suppliers are also bordering on bullying tactics in getting customers to go smart.

We should be allowed to choose whether we want a smart meter or not. We do not need to be indoctrinated at our own expense.

What's the problem with smart meters? Smart meters can deliver accurate billing, so why are many people unhappy at having them fitted? Lee Boyce, Georgie Frost and Simon Lambert, discuss what's good and bad about smart meters in this excerpt from the This is Money podcast. Press play to listen to the smart meter discussion below, or listen (and please subscribe if you like the podcast) at iTunes, Acast and Audioboom or visit our This is Money Podcast page.

Insurance premium tax

Insurance premium tax is an invidious tax which is inescapable. It pushes up the cost of our home, motor, pet and travel insurance.

Since 2005 it has risen from six per cent to 12 per cent. Yet it could rise again in the Budget  possibly to 15 per cent. Such a move would be unfair and punish us all at a time of great uncertainty.
Who would be a bank boss? At one time, leading a high street bank would automatically command respect and guarantee a place in the ranks of the great and the good. Now every last one of the leaders of the Big Four is under fire.

Stuart Gulliver, who is stepping down in February as chief executive of HSBC, leaves behind him a string of multi-billion pound settlements for wrongdoing including a huge penalty in the US for money-laundering for drug barons.

Even as he prepares to clear out his plush office, the bank is facing yet another possible investigation into alleged illicit money transfers for the controversial South African business dynasty, the Guptas.

Now every last one of the leaders of the Big Four banks is under fire

At least Gulliver has managed to hang on to his job for a respectable length of time, having been in the hot seat since 2011. At Barclays, the chief executives throne has resembled the Red Chair on the Graham Norton TV chat show: the bank has had no fewer than five bosses since 2010.

It is entirely feasible that it will soon be six. City regulators are expected to rule shortly on the conduct of the incumbent, Jes Staley, who tried to unmask a whistleblower  a major no-no in post-crisis banking.

World-weary investors would like him to stay, but if the sanction from the Financial Conduct Authority and the language surrounding it is sufficiently harsh, he might have to sling his hook.

The most beleaguered bankers, however, are Antonio Horta-Osorio of Lloyds and Ross McEwan of RBS. Both men are suffering from a painful thorn in the side: armies of small and medium-sized firms claiming they have been brought low by unscrupulous past banking practices.

Horta-Osorio has been plagued by the HBOS Reading fraud, but the spotlight has switched to McEwan and his handling of the scandal over GRG, or Global Restructuring Group.

Most beleaguered bankers: Antonio Horta-Osorio of Lloyds, left, and Ross McEwan of RBS

An interim report by an independent investigator found that while not guilty of the most serious charges  of deliberately driving firms under  RBS had nonetheless been responsible for widespread mistreatment of its own customers.

Yet the bank is behaving as if it believes itself to be the real victim  of hostile politicians, of bogus victims, of a sceptical media and now even of the skilled person who carried out the FCA report.

McEwan recently complained he was tired of the bank being badmouthed and said firms could take it to court if they werent happy. Now he has written at some length to Treasury Select Committee chairwoman Nicky Morgan criticising the interim reports findings and methodology. The banks supporters also point to controversial elements in the action groups representing victims.

RBS is behaving as if it believes itself to be the real victim in investigation

Most people probably think action groups are public-spirited organisations waging a righteous David and Goliath battle. The reality is sometimes less black and white.

Such groups are often run by well-intentioned amateurs who may not be versed in good governance. Action groups are not overseen by City regulators and not everyone involved with them is a choirboy.

The presence of such people does not invalidate the cause, but it does give the banks an easy target. The PR firms and lawyers who make good money out of them bear a big responsibility to encourage action groups to run themselves in an unimpeachable way.

Yet out of this woefully imperfect situation there is a workable solution.

Consultations are about to start on extending the remit of the existing Financial Ombudsman Service so it can take on more small firms complaints. That is not the full answer to the problem.

What is really needed, as we have been campaigning for, is an independent tribunal or a separate turbo-charged Ombudsman  but it is a good first step.
One of the Citys most respected takeover advisers has issued a stark warning that Brexit could have an adverse effect on bids and deals.

US investment bank Greenhill, which is advising Tesco on its 3.7billion Booker group takeover, said conditions arising from Brexit could reduce the volume or size of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic corporate transactions.

The alert came in annual accounts for the banks European and UK arms, signed off at the end of April but filed at Companies House last month.

Brexit warning: US investment bank Greenhill

Greenhill also warned that uncertainty around the outcome of negotiations with the EU could adversely affect European and worldwide economic and market conditions.

Former Tory party treasurer Lord Lupton stepped down as chairman of the banks London division this year after joining the board of Lloyds Banking Group, but remains an adviser.
Alicia Douvall

Former glamour model Alicia Douvall says the biggest financial mistake she ever made was relying on a man to provide for her, rather than standing on her own two feet.

Douvall, a plastic surgery addict who has spent more than 1million on cosmetic procedures, now runs her own skincare business  Douvalls  with daughter Georgia.

The pair have created a luxury range of natural and organic beauty products based on argan oil produced by female workers in Morocco who want to be financially independent from men.

Douvall has vowed never to work with a man again after being turfed out of her home with a six-week-old baby by a multi-millionaire boyfriend.

She was given just 48 hours to leave and ended up having to sell her belongings on eBay to put a roof over her head.

Now 38, she lives in Buckinghamshire with daughters Georgia, 22, and Papaya, five. Her ethical and ecologically friendly skincare range is available from douvalls.com.

What did your parents teach you about money?

That it is easier to make money than it is to keep hold of it. My dad was a businessman. He started off as a mechanic and electrician who went on to own garages and he also worked as a property developer.

My mum worked for him, helping with the accounts. My father made a lot of money and became a multi-millionaire. As a family, we had everything we wanted, including a boat, and went on nice holidays. But he would not just buy stuff for me  he believed in teaching me to negotiate. For example, he would always make me bargain for things I wanted to buy at car boot sales.

How much pocket money did you get as a child?

Just 15 a week when I was boarding at St Michaels Burton Park in Petworth, West Sussex. My parents sent me there from the age of nine because they thought it would be the best thing for me and my education. I appreciated the stability, but I also think I was too young to be away from home. It was not right for me.

I would save my pocket money and buy beauty products such as tanning tablets. I would also try to change my looks by dyeing my hair and tattooing my eyebrows.

Once, when I was 11, I saved up for a couple of months and bought a sunbed via a classified ad in Loot newspaper. It got shipped to the school. Looking back, it was a pretty stupid thing to have spent my money on. I got into a lot of trouble. I was not allowed a sunbed at school, it turned out.

When did you first start working as a model?

When I was 17. I wanted to do catwalk modelling, but because I was 5ft 6ins, I was not tall enough. So I had my first silicone implants and started modelling lingerie. Soon afterwards, I gave up on trying to become a fashion model and became a glamour model instead which was less competitive for a girl like me.

'Silly money': Alicia appeared briefly on TVs Celebrity Big Brother in 2015

Have you ever struggled to make ends meet?

Five years ago, I got myself in a bad position. I had my own company, Douvalls, and two of my clients went bankrupt at the same time, one owing me at least 50,000 and the other owing me 10,000.

I was living at my wealthy boyfriends place at the time and he was giving me an allowance and a car. He was worth hundreds of millions of pounds, but I would contribute to our living expenses when I could. For example, if I earned a 30,000 fee, I would give it to him. Then he finished our relationship and I had to be out of the property within 48 hours. So I literally had nothing.

My daughter, from a former partner, was just six weeks old. I had people coming after me suing for things I could no longer afford to pay for. I had to move into a bed and breakfast with my two kids and sold everything that had any value on eBay  designer dresses, jewellery, handbags, shoes and a Louis Vuitton luggage set.

I raised enough money doing that to be able to clear my debts, raise some cash and put down a 5,000 deposit on a rental home in Marylebone, Central London. I remember once thinking of going into Starbucks but realising I could not afford it. I was really poor with just a couple of suitcases to my name.

How did it feel when you sold everything you owned?

Amazing. To start with, I had to disconnect from material goods. But once I got rid of that attachment, I no longer cared. I knew the money I raised was going to feed my children and help me find a way out of the mess I was in. It was stressful, but when I moved into my new home, that place felt so good. I had managed to put a roof over my kids heads again.

Sell-off: Alicia put her Louis Vuitton set on eBay

Have you ever been paid silly money for a job?

Yes  when I have been on Celebrity Big Brother and Love Island. Both times I was kicked off early which I saw as a bit of a win. The sooner you get kicked off the better because you get paid the same amount for one week as you do if you last until week eight. I earned the most from Love Island. I was on it for a week and I received a six-figure sum.

What was the best year of your life in terms of money you made?

The late 1990s when I was doing Page 3, modelling for magazines and presenting on Playboy TV. At my peak I could earn 5,000 a week. But this year, my business has started to take off and I am looking forward to 2018 which I hope will be the best ever.

What is the most expensive thing you have ever bought yourself just for fun?

Plastic surgery. At one point, I had my ribs shaved, my brow shaved and because I wanted the biggest boobs in Britain some new implants especially made for me. It cost more than 40,000 in total. But whatever it cost, I paid it. I just wanted the surgery. In total, I have spent more than 1million on plastic surgery. I cannot even remember how many procedures I have had done. More than 400.

Alicia has invested all her savings - 20,000 - in her own argan oil business

What is the biggest money mistake you have ever made?

Relying on a man to provide for me instead of standing on my own two feet.

What is the best money decision you have made?

Investing in my argan oil skincare business. I invested all the savings I had  20,000  eight years ago and it has definitely paid off. I have recently signed a deal with a leading UK distributor and have just returned from launching my product range in America. It is going really well.

Do you save into a pension or invest in the stock market?

I have recently got a workplace pension to comply with new auto-enrolment regulations, but I do not invest in the stock market.

Do you own any property?

Not currently. I am renting a three-bedroom house in Buckinghamshire. I think there is a lot of uncertainty about how Brexit will affect the property market.

What is the one little luxury you like to treat yourself to?

I put 40 minutes aside every day to do yoga. It does not cost me money but making time to do it feels like a luxury when you have got a five-year-old and are running your own business.

If you were Chancellor, what would you do first?

I would make sure small businesses are looked after. They are the lifeblood of our economy. Business rates are ridiculously high.

Do you think it is important to give to charity?

Yes. My company raises awareness and money for breast cancer research and works with the Womens Cooperative in Morocco, which produces the argan oil for my products. The Cooperative gives local women fair wages and good working conditions so they can feed their children. That way, they can be financially independent. It is about empowering women.

What is your number one financial priority?

A roof over my head  and providing for my daughters.

Alicia Douvall was talking to Donna Ferguson
Sir Evelyn de Rothschilds latest business venture involves rows of bullion bars and stacks of financiers, as befits one of the foremost bankers of his generation. The unexpected part is, they are all made of chocolate.

His shop, R Chocolate in Belgravia, is a chocoholics nirvana.

The bullion bars are a bit like a posh Twix, consisting of all-butter shortbread with sea salt caramel on top, then coated with chocolate for 4 a pop, while the financiers are fruit and almond confections priced at 1 each.

There are chocolate hampers, chocolate biscuits, hot chocolate drinks, iced chocolate drinks, chocolate bars and chocolate elephants plus a range of Rothschild wines and champagnes to wash them down.

Good taste: Sir Evelyn and Lady de Rothschild at their Belgravia shop

Sir Evelyn spent most of his life in the service of the family bank. He became chairman of NM Roths-child in 1976 then in 1982 took the chair of Rothschild Continuation Holdings, the main company, where he remained until 2003.

So does he now prefer chocolate money to real money? I used to be a banker but Im glad Im not any more. I dont think banking is as amusing as it was and I dont think banks have behaved all that well, he muses, as his wife, Lynn Forester de Rothschild, 63, bustles around rearranging the already perfect displays.

Im mad about chocolate, arent you? Chocolate is a wonderful opportunity for people to be happy.

Apart from chocolate, the duo are philanthropists and pioneers of Inclusive Capitalism or making the system work for everyone, not just the super-rich.

One of his other big ideas is abolishing tax for nonagenarians  it seems churlish to point out he would be eligible himself in four years, but then its doubtful that it will be on Chancellor Philip Hammonds agenda for the Budget.

Once you reach the age of 70, the rate of tax should be reduced every five years. Then when you reach the age of 90, you should pay no tax at all. They should reduce the taxes on old people so they can be self-sufficient.

Once you reach the age of 70, tax should be reduced every five years

At the age of 86, Sir Evelyn has ostensibly retired but the shop, refurbished by his daughter Jessica a year ago, is clearly a passion.

It boasts of being established in 1931, which is not strictly true. It was, however, the year of his birth, and he does claim to have been born with a love of chocolate. We figured it wasnt a complete fib, says Lady de Rothschild. Well, they havent had me up for corruption, Sir Evelyn chimes in.

Chocolate was a rare luxury when he was a child during the war and afterwards when rationing remained in force.

Is the shop a way of reliving his childhood? Oh yes, very much. During the war my father was very kind and gave us his sweet coupons. In those days there was no chocolate, we had barley sugar.

Sir Evelyn was for many years a financial adviser to the Queen and suggests Her Majesty is a frugal soul. She was brought up during the war, with very careful ideas. If you had rationing, that had a big effect on your life, didnt it? All your life.

He was an usher at the Coronation, interjects Lady de Rothschild, excitedly.

R Chocolate in Belgravia is a chocoholics nirvana

Oh yes. They needed fine fellows in uniforms, but the joke was I had the wrong one. I went to Moss Bros because I didnt have a uniform and they made me a commodore overnight by mistake.

Did you actually go to the Coronation dressed as a commodore? gasps his wife. You could have been arrested.

Yeah. Well they were all drunk anyway. You had to get up at five in the morning to be on parade at Westminster Abbey at 7 oclock and they were all drunk when we arrived.

It clearly did no harm to his relations with the Royals.

Do you Tweet? Are you a Trump-ite? I think you are all Trump-ites

Prince Philip, me and King Hussein of Jordan, we started the interfaith group in 1986 for Christians, Jews and Muslims long before anyone else did. When he [the Duke of Edinburgh] was 86, he rang me up and said, Evelyn, I am too old, Ill have to stop. I didnt know what to say, so I said, Yes, Sir. 

Humorous reminiscence aside, the Rothschilds take their chocolate very seriously. For Lady de Rothschild, a British-American lawyer and businesswoman, it is all part of her belief in Inclusive Capitalism.

They buy organic chocolate from a company called Original Beans, which supports Les Femmes de Virunga  the worlds first women-led cacoa co-operative in Eastern Congo, launched late last year. The lives of some of the most oppressed women in the world, struggling to feed their families and put their children through school, are a stark contrast to the London shop, with its exquisite truffles and fancies. Lady de Rothschild, however, sees it as part of her mission.

If we can make the market work for the poorest, most oppressed women in the world, we are doing something really special.

There has been a loss of trust in politicians and business leaders and I think it is perfectly rational. People have seen the rich get richer and the middle-class stagnate.

Sir Evelyn's firm buys organic chocolate from a company called Original Bean

Aside from her marriage, Lady de Rothschild, who is chief executive of E.L. Rothschild, the holding company she founded with Sir Evelyn, is a power-player in her own right.

After training as a lawyer, she forged a successful career in the telecoms and media industry and has a clutch of directorships including at cosmetics giant Estee Lauder.

She has two adult sons by her second husband, who she divorced in 1993. She married Sir Evelyn in 2000, two years after their first meeting at the Bilderberg Conference, the annual chinwag for transatlantic powerbrokers.

The pair are unruly interviewees, because they wont sit still for long. They wander away to talk to the customers, including a couple of lads from Leicester, Greg and Lee, who have won a free afternoon tea in a competition.

We didnt expect to meet Sir Evelyn, he seems lovely, says Greg.

Sir Evelyn seems far more interested in asking questions than answering them. He wants to know what school I went to, which university, how much chocolate I eat a day, and where I come from and whether I use Twitter.

Do you tweet? Are you a Trump-ite? I think you are all Trump-ites.

Apart from chocolate, Sir Evelyns other great enthusiasms include elephants. He founded Elephant Family, a conservation charity, in 2002 with Mark Shand, the late brother of the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Rajmata of Jaipur. We look after Asian elephants. They are probably more intelligent than us.

Well maybe not you, he adds hastily, ever the gentleman.
Michael Heseltine has called for the creation of a sovereign wealth fund as part of a fundamental reappraisal of Britains industrial strategy.

The Conservative grandee said a state-owned investment fund could provide patient capital to back British industry and long-term infrastructure projects.

He has put forward the idea in a 75-page response to the Governments Industrial Strategy green paper.

Strategy: Lord Heseltine is calling for patient capital to help companies grow

Lord Heseltine said such funds are already used by successful economies such as Norway  which set up a sovereign fund to invest its North Sea oil wealth  and by the US.

A successful businessman himself, he added that a UK version is vital if we are to compete globally.

He said a fund could be financed through taxes before becoming gradually self-sustaining as investments paid dividends and made a return. In Germany a similar fund makes 2billion a year, he added.

Lord Heseltine said: This is about backing and investing in growing companies. A sovereign fund would create long-term, stable wealth.

The problem for the small, growing family business is that they need what is called patient capital. That is capital that will stay with them long-term.

Our present system very much relies on support from City institutions whose agenda is to make a quicker return or to float businesses on the stock exchange.

This is about creating a situation where there is someone who will invest in your business without then forcing you to sell, said the 84-year-old who co-founded the Haymarket publishing company.

Lord Heseltine said such funds are already used by successful economies such as Norway  which set up a sovereign fund to invest its North Sea oil wealth  and by the US

He said he regretted not pursuing the idea during his time in government. I wish wed done it in the 1980s when we had the huge resources of North Sea oil.

We should have put more of that into the support of long-term investment activity.

He said a similar investment proposition could be created using the assets of council pension funds. His wide-ranging report also included issues such as tackling Britains ailing education system and supporting winning firms and sectors such as pharmaceuticals.

He said the Government must be in the driving seat, adding: It is unrealistic to think that the private sector can lead the process.

Private firms must be invaluable partners but the power of Government and the scale of public resources is so pervasive that the leadership of the public sector has to be recognised.
Revered: David Hockneys sales were close to 12 million. Inset, A Bigger Splash

He is 80 years old but David Hockney  one of Britains best-known artists  is showing no signs of slowing down either creatively or financially.

A sell-out exhibition of his paintings, drawings, prints, photography and videos spanning six decades at Tate Britain earlier this year received rave reviews.

And accounts just filed for his company, David Hockney UK, for the year ending December 31, 2016, reveal booming sales of nearly 12million, up from 7.5million.

Profits after tax more than doubled to 2.7million and the shareholders funds now stand at 7million, up from 4.3million the previous year.

Yorkshire-born Hockney has donated paintings worth millions to his David Hockney Foundation (UK). He gave the Foundation $7.5million (5.7million) worth of art in 2016. In the previous year, he donated art worth an astonishing $52million.

The Foundation last year lent artworks to ten exhibitions around the world. There is a permanent free exhibition of his work in Saltaire, near his home town of Bradford, West Yorkshire.

Voted the most influential artist of the 20th Century in a poll of 1,000 British painters and sculptors, his most famous paintings include A Bigger Splash. Hockney now lives in Los Angeles.
The Citys top regulator is preparing to lay out new plans to help small firms tackle grievances with their banks.

The move by the Financial Conduct Authority marks a major milestone in The Mail on Sundays fight for an overhaul of the system, which leaves many companies high and dry if they are at loggerheads with a lender.

The FCA is proposing to extend the remit of the Financial Ombudsman Service to include more small businesses and will issue a consultation paper later this month.

The shake-up would give many entrepreneurs a new route to challenge banks, allowing them to avoid costly and lengthy legal battles.

Under fire: RBS chief Ross McEwan has been told to get his act together

The proposals are being drawn up at a time when FCA boss Andrew Bailey is frustrated by Royal Bank of Scotlands handling of firms complaints about its controversial GRG operation.

Liberal Democrat leader and former Business Secretary Vince Cable has now weighed in, blasting RBS boss Ross McEwan in letters to both RBS chairman Howard Davies and Nicky Morgan, chairwoman of the Treasury Select Committee.

GRG  or Global Restructuring Group  was the division of RBS that was meant to assist troubled businesses, but which has been accused of maltreating its own customers. Bailey last week told the Treasury Select Committee that McEwan needs to get his act together on the speed of handling gripes. The Select Committee is preparing to summon McEwan for a grilling.

Under current Financial Ombudsman rules, only individuals and micro-enterprises  firms with fewer than ten staff and less than 2million of annual turnover  can use the Financial Ombudsman.

The Mail on Sunday has been calling for a new tribunal-style system, or beefed up ombudsman, to help aggrieved small businesses.

Bailey would prefer to set up a new body to sort out disputes.

But this would need new legislation at a time when the Government is mired in Brexit. So the regulator believes extending the ombudsman is a positive first step.

McEwan was not at RBS during the GRG scandal. But Bailey has told the Select Committee he had blasted the bank for the slow rate it has handled firms complaints. The FCA chief also said it was unfortunate that RBS has not accepted criticism over GRG more readily.

Liberal Democrat leader and former Business Secretary Vince Cable has now weighed in, blasting RBS boss Ross McEwan

An interim report into GRG, published last month, cleared RBS of deliberately collapsing firms but found widespread failings.

McEwan has disputed that the bank was guilty of widespread inappropriate treatment of customers and claimed the report had come to misleading conclusions.

Heather Buchanan, of the all-party parliamentary group on banking, accused McEwan of splitting hairs about this report rather than addressing the substance.

She told The Mail on Sunday: We are so far in the hair-splitting zone we are in danger of forgetting there is a wealth of evidence based on internal documents that show a strategy to maximise profits for the bank at the expense of businesses. Consistently they (RBS) have tried to blame the victim.

Cable, in his letters to Davies and Morgan, has raised concerns about McEwans handling of the situation  in particular for accusing firms of badmouthing the bank. He urged Morgan to grill McEwan on whether he believes that RBS, which is still taxpayer-owned, is above criticisms for its failures.

Cable also suggested that the 400million set aside by RBS to pay to GRG victims is inadequate.

An RBS spokesman said: We await the letter from Vince Cable and will respond in due course.
By Dr. Binoy Kampmark

The Pirate Party are buccaneering their way into European politics, having found a foothold in the testy soil of Central Europe after colonising, in small measure, various hamlets in Sweden, Germany and Iceland. The Czech Pirates (PPCZ), a term certainly exotic by current political pedigrees, managed to obtain over 10 percent of the vote, a result that gave them a rich harvest of 22 members in the parliamentary elections.

It took nine efforts, but the Czech Pirates had been edging their way onto conspicuous terrain in various local elections, including netting 5.3 percent of the total vote in Prague in 2015. The city of Marianske Lazne also found itself having a Pirate Mayor after garnering 21 percent of the vote.

Retaining their oppositional colours, the Czech Pirates are insisting on avoiding the muddying nature of coalition talks with the overall winners. (The dangers of compromising collaboration!) Their agenda is one that has become fairly known across its other incarnations: the abolition of internet censorship, the favouring of institutional transparency, and the revision of, amongst other things, punitive copyright laws. But other agenda items form their twenty point program, including improving the lot of teacher salaries and tax reform.

The latter point is particularly appropriate, given the partys experimentation with testing EU laws on the subject of pirate sites through its Linking is not a Crime stance. This was sparked, in large part, by attempts by the Czech Anti-Piracy Union to target a 16-year-old for that great terror of the regulator: linking to content designated as infringing of copyright law.

Launching several of their own contrarian sites, including Tipnafilm.cz and Piratskefilmy.cz, the latter carrying some 20,000 links to 5,800 movies, the Czech Pirate Party was overjoyed by the prospect of prosecution. Our goal is to change the copyright monopoly law so that people are not fined millions for sharing culture with their friends.

As Czech Pirate Party chairman Lukas Cernohorsky said at the time, belligerent and defiant, Instead of teenagers, copyright industry lobbyists are now dealing with a political party which didnt run the website for money but because of our conviction that linking is not and should not be a crime.

The gains of the party showed a certain mood at work and, as has been the case in much of Europe, proved boisterously, and at stages angrily, anti-establishment.

Check the Polish, Polish the Czech

Europes redemption lies in the re-affirmation of the Lisbon Strategy of 2000 (and of Goteborg 2001), a ten-year development plan that focused on innovation, mobility and education, social, economic and environmental renewal. Otherwise a generational warfare will join class and ethnic conflicts as a major dividing line of the EU society in decline.  prof. Anis H. Bajrektarevic warned years ago in his seminal work Future of Europe: Of Lisbon and Generational Interval. But as with other intellectual farsighted voices, it was largely ignored. Well so, until the recent alarming elections results in central Europe.

Thus, across its own political spectrum the Czechs were clearly showing they can add fuel to a brewing EU political fire, setting matters to rights on the continent while tearing down assumptions. As with any fire, however, the consequences can be searing.

While the Pirates did well, the Freedom and Direct Democracy party (SPD), a strident right wing outfit, nabbed similar numbers from the other side of the spectrum, sporting its own anti-EU, anti-immigrant brand. As its leader, Tomio Okamura, insists, We want to leave just like Britain and we want a referendum on EU membership.

Billionaire fertilizer tycoon Andrej Babis, the sort of oligarchic figure who should always trouble democratic sensibilities, weighed in the elections with some 30 percent of the vote with his ANO party. His version of politics, another confection of anti-politics dressed for disgruntled consumption, reprises that of the businessman turned party leader. The claim made here is common: that the machinery of governance is somehow analogous to running a business.

Traditional parties, foremost amongst them the long performing Social Democrats, with whom Babis had been in coalition with after gains made in 2013, found themselves pegged back to sixth position in the tally.

The swill stick of politics did not tar Babis all that much, a figure who has managed to develop a certain Teflon coating in a manner similar to other billionaire leaders (think Silvio Berlusconi and a certain Donald Trump in the White House). He had become the focus of suspected tax crimes, and lost his job as finance minister. European subsidies, it was claimed, had found their mysterious way into his pocket.

Such suggestions merely touched the tip of a considerable iceberg, one which also consists of allegations of previous employment with the Czechoslovak secret state security service Stb. According to Slovakias Institute of National Memory, his code name for collaboration during his espionage stint was Bures.

The billionaire seemed distinctly unperturbed, and his partys showing suggested that some water will slide off a ducks back. I am happy that Czech citizens did not believe the disinformation campaign against us and expressed their trust in us. He roundly insisted that his was a democratic movement positively pro-European and pro-NATO and I do not understand why somebody labels us as a threat to democracy.

These elections, however, will be savoured by a party that promises a fresh airing of a stale political scene, and one not nursing those prejudices that provide all too attractive gristle. Legislation, should it be implemented, may well remove the cobwebbed fears long associated with the Internet. But facing these newly elected figures will be ANO and an invigorated, indignant right-wing of politics, a far from easy proposition.

*****************************************

Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He lectures at RMIT University, Melbourne.




Lebanon\s prime minister Saad al-Hariri resigned on Saturday, saying he believed there was an assassination plot against him and accusing Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah of sowing strife in the Arab world.

His resignation, a big surprise to Beirut\s political establishment, brought down the coalition government and plunged Lebanon into a new political crisis.

It thrust Lebanon into the front line of a regional competition between Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shi\ite Iran that has also buffeted Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Bahrain. A Saudi government minister said Hariri was in Riyadh to ensure his safety.

Hariri, who is closely allied with Saudi Arabia, alleged in a broadcast from an undisclosed location that Hezbollah was "directing weapons" at Yemenis, Syrians and Lebanese.

In comments directed at Iran, he said the Arab world would "cut off the hands that wickedly extend to it".

Hariri\s coalition, which took office last year, grouped nearly all of Lebanon\s main parties, including Hezbollah. It took office in a political deal that made Michel Aoun, a Hezbollah ally, president, and was seen as a victory for Iran.

The resignation risks exacerbating sectarian tensions between Sunni and Shi\ite Muslims and returning Lebanon to paralysis in government.

It was not immediately clear who might succeed Hariri, Lebanon\s most influential Sunni politician.

The prime minister must be a Sunni in Lebanon\s sectarian system. Aoun must appoint the candidate with most support among MPs, who he is expected to consult in the coming days.

"We are living in a climate similar to the atmosphere that prevailed before the assassination of martyr Rafik al-Hariri. I have sensed what is being plotted covertly to target my life," Hariri said.

Rafik al-Hariri was killed in a 2005 Beirut bomb attack that pushed his son Saad into politics and set off years of turmoil. A U.N.-backed tribunal has charged five Hezbollah members over the killing. Hezbollah denies involvement.

The Saudi-owned pan-Arab television channel al-Arabiya al-Hadath reported that an assassination plot against Hariri was foiled in Beirut days ago, citing an unnamed source.

Saudi Arabia\s Gulf Affairs Minister Thamer al-Sabhan said in a television interview that Hariri\s personal security detail had "confirmed information" of a plot to kill him.

Lebanon\s internal security force said in a statement on the reports that it had no information about the matter.

Hariri said Hezbollah and Iran had brought Lebanon into the "eye of a storm" of international sanctions. Iran was sowing strife, destruction and ruin wherever it went and he accused it of a "deep hatred for the Arab nation".

Aoun\s office said Hariri had called him from "outside Lebanon" to inform him of his resignation. He has postponed a visit to Kuwait and directed military and security agencies "to maintain stability", it said.

Hariri flew to Saudi Arabia on Friday after a meeting in Beirut with Ali Akbar Velayati, the top adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Afterwards, Velayati described Hariri\s coalition as "a victory" and "great success".





TUSSLE FOR INFLUENCE

Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, will address Hariri\s resignation in a televised speech on Sunday, Hezbollah-affiliated media reported.

A member of Hezbollah\s central committee, Sheikh Nabil Kawouk, accused Riyadh of being behind Hariri\s resignation, saying in a speech reported by Lebanon\s al-Jadeed television: "God protect Lebanon from the evil of Saudi Arabia\s reckless adventures."

Walid Jumblatt, the leader of Lebanon\s Druze minority, said Lebanon was too weak to bear the consequences of Hariri\s resignation, saying he feared political and economic fallout.

"We cannot afford to fight the Iranians from Lebanon," he told Reuters, advocating an approach of compromise with Hezbollah in Lebanon while waiting for regional circumstances to allow Saudi-Iranian dialogue.

Iran\s Foreign Ministry said Hariri\s departure was a plot to "create tension in Lebanon and the region".

"Hariri\s resignation was done with planning by Donald Trump, the president of America, and Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia," said Hussein Sheikh al-Islam, adviser to Iran\s supreme leader.

Sabhan, the Saudi minister, echoed the language of the Lebanese politician saying in a tweet: "The hands of treachery and aggression must be cut off."

Israeli politicians also used Hariri\s resignation to criticize Iranian influence in Lebanon. "His words are a wake-up call to the international community to take action against Iranian aggression," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

ECONOMIC RISKS

Hezbollah\s close ties to Iran and its support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in his war with rebels have been a major source of tension in Lebanon for years.

Beirut has adopted a position of "disassociation" from the conflict, but this has come under strain with Hezbollah and its allies pushing for a normalization of ties.

Since taking office, Hariri had worked to garner international aid for Lebanon to cope with the strain of hosting some 1.5 million Syrian refugees.

The government\s collapse complicates preparations for next year\s parliamentary elections, Lebanon\s first since 2009.

Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil told Reuters there was no danger to Lebanon\s economy or its currency.

Joseph Torbey, head of the Association of Banks in Lebanon, said there was no risk to monetary stability because the central bank had large reserves and there was confidence in Lebanese banks.

Lebanon has one of the world\s highest ratios of debt-to-GDP and last month passed its first budget since 2005, one of the few achievements of the coalition government.

The United States is considering new sanctions on Hezbollah, as part of a tougher stance against Iran and its allies, that Lebanese politicians have fretted could hurt the economy.

SOURCE: REUTERS
Saudi Arabias air defense intercepted a missile, fired from Yemen, close to the capital Riyadh on Saturday, Al Arabiya TV reported.

State-owned Al Ekhbariya TV said it was brought down north of King Khaled Airport and there were no casualties reported.

No previous missiles have come so close to a major population centre.

State news channel Al-Ekhbariya said the missile was "of limited size" and caused no damage.

Yemen has been devastated by a war between forces loyal to the internationally-recognised government of President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi and those allied to the Houthi rebel movement.

Saudi Arabia is leading a campaign to defeat the Houthis, and is the biggest power in an international air coalition that has bombed the rebel group since 2015.

UN-brokered talks have failed to bring an end to the bloodshed, which has claimed more than 8,600 lives and injured nearly 50,000 since the Saudi-led campaign began.

The conflict has also left 20.7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, created the world\s largest food security emergency, and led to a cholera outbreak that is believed to have affected 884,000 people and caused 2,184 deaths.
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A proposal to cut the historic tax credit, a tool used to restore dozens of older Capital Region buildings, would be a calamity, developers say.

Local developer Jeff Buell of Sequence Development called the move to drop the 20 percent income tax credit, proposed under the Republican tax package unveiled Thursday, "a disaster."

Uri Kaufman, who has redeveloped several old mill buildings, said the credit's elimination would have a "devastating impact."

"In Albany, Schenectady and Troy, much of the urban redevelopment we've seen has been a result of these historic tax credits," said Buell, who has restored a number of buildings in Troy and Schenectady. He cited such projects as the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Albany, Proctor's in Troy and his own project, the downtown Schenectady Foster Building, as projects that were made possible with the credit.

"(R)etrofitting these buildings can be very expensive," said Ray Gillen, who chairs the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority. "Credits level the playing field with new construction."

Monica Kurzejeski, Troy's deputy mayor, said some 20 buildings in the city had benefited from the credit. Developers depend on the federal and state historic tax credits, which together can total 40 percent of a project's value, as well as other incentives, to help pay for asbestos and other hazardous materials removal, structural reinforcement of older buildings, and other challenges that wouldn't exist in new construction.

"These layers of incentive programs really help move these projects along," she said.

"Since 2003, the federal historic preservation credit has spurred $4.1 billion of investment in New York State to revitalize vacant and underutilized historic buildings," according to a statement from the State Historic Preservation Office. "Eliminating the federal historic preservation tax credit would undercut economic growth in New York, especially upstate, which now drives over two-thirds of these investments.

"This proposal would significantly curtail reinvestment and job creation in our historic downtowns and Main Streets," the statement said.

A spokesman said that if the federal credit was eliminated, the state credit also would cease, requiring legislation to establish a new credit program.

The federal tax credit dates back to 1976, but was expanded in 1981 during the Reagan presidential administration.

"Our historic tax credits have made the preservation of our older buildings not only a matter of respect for beauty and history, but for economic good sense," Ronald Reagan said in a 1984 video that's posted on the National Trust for Historic Preservation website.

The credits "actually provide more economic benefits to the Treasury than they cost them," said Buell.

The Trust said that since the credit's inception, it has cost the U.S. Treasury $23.1 billion, but has provided $28.1 billion in direct federal tax revenue.

"This is not something that costs money," said Kaufman. "It's something that makes money."

When Kaufman began restoration efforts at the abandoned Harmony Mills in 2000, "nobody who saw Cohoes (then) would have seen it as the fastest growing city in the state of New York."

But the loft apartments are full, and they've helped trigger a wave of other building and restoration projects in the city. For the past two years, the city's population gains have outpaced other cities in the state, according to the Albany-based Center for Economic Growth.

The projects Kaufman has undertaken, including the conversion of the former Albany Felt buildings into apartments in Menands, were dependent on the historic tax credit, he said. Two current projects, including one to restore the vacant Victory Mills in the town of Victory, Saratoga County, are in the works. Others are on hold, he said.

And Kaufman said he thought President Trump would want to support something that makes money for the Treasury.

"Trump is the only president in American history who has used the historic tax credit," Kaufman added. Trump's conversion of the former Old Post Office building in Washington, D.C. reportedly netted a tax credit worth $30 million.

Stephen Obermayer, chief financial officer at BBL, which performed the renovations and restoration work at Harmony Mills, said eliminating the tax credit sends the wrong message, especially "if one of our goals is having remigration back into our great cities to cut down on sprawl and be good stewards of our urban environment." In Albany, which dates back to the early 1600s, "we should be in the business of celebrating our history," he added.

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, asked about the credit's elimination, said that ''as people learn about this bill, they'll find more and more things they don't like. It affects not just upstate New York but older cities throughout the Northeast and Midwest.

"They're pulling the rug out from underneath these localities," Schumer added. "If I represented these areas, I wouldn't want that.''
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CLIFTON PARK -- Richard P. "Rick" Mills, the state's education commissioner from 1995 to 2009, died this week at the age of 72.

Mills had one of the most significant impacts on New York schools of any commissioner in recent memory.

Working under the mantra of "standards," Mills led the push to make the state Regents exams the closest thing New York has seen to a universal high school exit exam. He was also commissioner as the charter school movement, which was approved by the Legislature and former Gov. George Pataki, got under way in New York.

Mills, a Clifton Park resident, died Wednesday from a heart attack while hiking the Adirondacks with a friend, his wife Judy told the Daily Gazette.

Mills was born in Paris, Ill. His father was a teacher and his grandmother and sister were also educators. Mills attended Middlebury College in Vermont, where he would later go on to become that state's education commissioner. In New York, Mills  a former history teacher as well  was known for pushing for increases in education funding.

New York's education world mourned his loss on Friday.

Shenendehowa school Superintendent Oliver Robinson said in a tweet, said "My heart mourns for the passing of one of the best thinkers and leaders in education ... a man of integrity and tremendous dignity."

In a statement, Regents Chancellor Betty Rosa and Education Commissioner Maryellen Elia said they were "deeply saddened" to learn of his passing.

"Rick will be remembered for his high ethical standards, his decades of public service, and most importantly, for his unwavering commitment to the millions of schoolchildren for whom he felt personally responsible," they said in a statement. "Rick was firm in his belief that every student, with the proper support, is capable of reaching high standards, and he worked tirelessly to ensure they received that support. Rick improved the way we track graduation rates, and during his tenure, New York's graduation rate improved steadily."
TROY  The City Council voted 8-0 at its November meeting to approve a new contract with the citys largest police union, which represents officers and sergeants.

The new contract is the first agreement between the PBA and the city since the previous contract expired at the end of 2012. The new contract runs through Dec. 31, 2017 when the parties will have to negotiate a new deal.

Mayor Patrick Madden praised the bipartisan approval of this important agreement.

Council members put aside objections to a contract clause that allows disgraced former Officer Brian Gross to receive lifetime health insurance coverage. Gross retired when he pleaded guilty in June 2015 to divulging evidence secured by eavesdropping to its intended target and official misconduct, both misdemeanors. Gross revealed information about undercover drug operations by the State Police in the city. Gross was covered by a side agreement that permitted officers with at least ten years of service to health insurance when they retired.

The approved contract all officers in the first five pay steps 2.01 percent raises. Officers in step six will receive a 13.85 percent pay or $8,188 raise to $67,288 and sergeants will receive an 11.3 percent raise or $7,887 to $77,288.

Officers who retired during the past five years will receive $1,000 for each year they've been retired. Officers also must work for the city police department for at least 12 years before they qualify for health insurance when they retire.

Officer Nick Laviano, the PBA president, said the new contract makes the city competitive with other police departments in the Capital Region. He said the department may hire up to eight new officers in January. He said officers from other departments are inquiring about transferring to the Troy department. The city has lost officers to other departments as its pay rates lagged behind.

Laviano said the PBA expects to begin a new round of contract talks with the city early next year.

The contract also allows the city to pay PBA members every two weeks; increases co-payments for prescriptions, emergency room use, office visits and outpatient surgery; limits new officers to 18 days of sick pay during the first 18 months of service; sets up detective weekend on-call pay at $400; allows the city to install a time clock system; and calls for negotiating a policy to deal with sick leave abuse.

The PBA has the only current contract with the city. As of Jan. 1, 2018, all of the contracts will again be expired. The state Comptrollers Office advised the city in its recent review of the 2018 proposed budget that the municipality must take new contracts into account. The other unions in the city are Command Officers Association of Troy, Uniformed Fire Chiefs Association, Civil Service Employees Association, United Public Service Employees Union and the Troy Uniformed Firefighters Association.
The San Antonio Police Special Victims Unit detective accused of mishandling at least 130 sex and family crimes cases has been terminated, officials announced Thursday.

Detective Kenneth Valdez was assigned to sexual assault of a child and child injury cases. He had been with the department for 17 years and earned an annual salary of $160,000.

The announcement came from City Manager Sheryl Scully, who had previously said she was "appalled" when she learned about the allegations.

RELATED: More than 130 cases mishandled by SAPD detective assigned child sex abuse, injury, officials say

Now Playing: "There is a lot more that I want to say about this, but federal law and provisions in the collective bargaining agreement with the police union prevent me from doing so," Sculley said before taking questions. Video: San Antonio Express-News

"Detective Valdez was given his due process in accordance with Federal law, State law and the Collective Bargaining Agreement," the statement read. "The results of the Internal Affairs investigation were presented to the City's disciplinary review board made up of citizens and officers who unanimously recommended to Chief McManus that Detective Valdez be terminated."

Police learned Valdez did not properly investigate those cases after an internal audit revealed a difference in the number of cases reported and cases filed, Police Chief William McManus previously said.

The cases dated back to 2013, and the statute of limitations have run out on some.

Officials previously said a lieutenant and two sergeants have also been transferred from the Special Victims Unit for failing to properly supervise the investigations. They have not yet been named.

"There simply is no excuse for such improper behavior, and Detective Valdez is not representative of the thousands of men and women in our police department who are passionately committed to protecting the most vulnerable among us," Sculley also said in her statement.

Sculley also launched an independent review of the department's SVU unit. In the statement, Sculley said the review began this week and "SAPD's SVU will be a better unit as a result."

Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

Staff writer Caleb Downs contributed to this report. | Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here. | fsabawi@mysa.com | Twitter: @FaresInSA
Concerns have been raised over what progress, if any, has been made in trying to find an alternative business for the Coty building at Gortlandroe in Nenagh.

The global giant announced last March that it was to close its Nenagh facility with the loss of over 200 jobs.

At the time, it was revealed that Tipperary County Council had called a meeting of its economic unit to see if a replacement company could be found for the premises.

But, seven months on, Cllr Seamus Morris is furious that there has been no progress on the issue.

I have heard nothing, he told Nenagh Municipal District Council. I am trying to find out if there is any update.

The Sinn Fein councillor said the economic unit had been asked to take the views of the workforce into account on any taskforce that was set up in the wake of the closure announcement.

He told the MDC that the taskforce had met on April 20.

But having heard nothing, Cllr Morris lambasted what he called the arrogance of some of these groups that they think they can decide the future without meeting these people.

He said that, as far as he was aware, no one had been asked what they think should happen at the facility.

The clock is ticking. I am wondering if we are wasting our time. When we are asked to come up with ideas, we are ignored, he said.

Cllr Morris urged that a site specific taskforce be established for Coty.

When MDC Cathaoirleach Cllr John Carroll suggested that they contact the Local Enterprise Office and the economic unit, Cllr Morris retorted: No. I want a quick response. They have ignored us. I am looking for a response before our next meeting.

He demanded a written report before they would meet anybody.

He reiterated his call that the employees at Coty be included in any proposals for the premises.

This is being done with the Coty workers in the UK who are losing their jobs, he said.

Cllr Morris was supported by Cllr Joe Hannigan, Independent, who asked what progress had been made, and if the IDA had made any attempt to bring another industry to the facility.

If it can't be replaced, the town will suffer, he said.

Cllr Hughie McGrath, Independent, said he could hear Cllr Morris' frustration.

He said that it was only by talking to people that you might open the door for something else.

I would hope a lot of work is being done in the background, said Cllr McGrath.
Gardai are investigating an aggravated burglary on the Tipperary/Offaly border after a man in his 50s was reportedly beaten by a number of intruders in his home in Glasderry Beg, Brosna, Birr, County Offaly.

Intruders were said to have broken into a farmhouse at around 2am  they escaped with a small amount of cash while the victim walked to a neighbours house to raise the alarm.

The man was brought to Tullamore Hospital where his injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

No arrests have been made and anyone with information is asked to contact the gardai.

Speaking at Birr Garda Station today Superintendent Martin Cashen said We are appealing to farmers, residents and landowners in the Shinrone area to keep a look out for clothing possibly discarded in fields or hedges.

"Also any suspicious persons or vehicles in the Drumakeenan and Glassderrybeg areas on the N62 Birr to Roscrea Road that was noticed last night or in the days leading up to the incident."

Gardai say that if any items believed to be related to the burglary are discovered, they ask not to disturb the scene and contact Birr GS immediately on 057-9169710.
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[November 03, 2017] Virtual Reality in Retail Market 2017: Company Profiles, Market Segments, Landscape, Demand and Forecast  2023

Market Scenario: The Virtual Reality In Retail Market can be segmented on the basis of hardware, software and type. By hardware segment the virtual reality in retail market consists of headsets, devices, glasses, gloves and others. Virtual reality in retail market is used to attract consumers. Headsets are used to mimic sounds and sights the users see in the real world using technology of motion graphics, algorithms and graphics. This 3D headsets enable users to shop for particular product without going to shop and order a furniture at anyplace.







Virtual reality is defined as computer technology that combines with physical spaces or multi projected environments to produce sounds, realistic images and others that encourage the users presence in virtual or imaginary world. Virtual reality in retail is a form of application that uses three-dimensional artificial environment and interact with three-dimensional environment during shopping and retailing activities.



The study indicates increasing e-commerce industries and promotion of better brand experience by retailers is boosting the virtual reality in retail market. According to the study, retailers are taking initiatives to capitalize on software solution that works effortlessly with hardware and the advanced integrative technology is fueling the virtual reality in retail market. Globalization and digital adoption along with emerging market are the prime factors driving the virtual reality in retail market. According to the study, 3D creation and social media connected to consumers and brands is boosting the market growth. By hardware segment, headsets accounts for highest market share in virtual reality in retail market.





Request a Sample Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/3805 Major Key Players:  Oculus VR (U.S.)  Google (U.S.)  HTC Corporation (Taiwan)  WorldViz (U.S.)  Unity Technologies (U.S.)  Marxent Labs LLC (U.S.)  Wevr (U.S.)  Firsthand Technology Inc. (U.S.)  Microsoft (U.S.)  Magic Leap (U.S.) Study Objectives of Virtual Reality in Retail Market:  To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast of the various segments and sub-segments of the virtual reality in retail market.



 To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth.



 To analyze the Virtual Reality in Retail market based porters five force analysis etc.



 To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW).



 To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective.



 To provide country level analysis of the market for segment on the basis of hardware, software and type.



 To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market.



 To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the virtual reality in retail market.



Segments: Virtual Reality in Retail market is segmented on the basis of hardware, software and type.



Virtual Reality in Retail Market by Hardware:  Headsets  Devices  Glasses  Gloves Virtual Reality in Retail Market by Software Compatibility:  Smartphones  Consoles  Tablets  Others Virtual Reality in Retail Market by Type:  Window On World  Immersive system  Telepresence  Mixed Reality Regional Analysis: The regional analysis of virtual reality in retail market is being studied for region such as Asia pacific, North America, Europe and Rest of the World. North America is one of the leading player in the virtual reality in retail market owing to major retail manufacturers present in the region. The emergence of e-commerce and advanced 3D technology is boosting the market in the region. Asia-Pacific region is expected to have fastest growth in the market due to the growing e-commerce industries and increasing infrastructure development.



Browse Full Report Details @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/virtual-reality-retail-market-3805 Intended Audience  Investors and consultants  System Integrators  Government Organizations  Research/Consultancy firms  Technology solution providers  IT Solution Providers  Original Equipment Manufacturers About Market Research Future: At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.



MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by Solutions, Application, Logistics and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.



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[November 03, 2017] United for Puerto Rico Grants $750,000 to Three Non-Profit Organizations

United for Puerto Rico, a private non-profit organization established under the laws of Puerto Rico and created after Hurricane Irma, announced today the award of $750,000 to three non-profit organizations in Puerto Rico: American Red Cross, Chapter of Puerto Rico; Iniciativa Comunitaria, Inc. and Proyecto Nacer. United for Puerto Rico granted Iniciativa Comunitaria $100,000 for their project Operation Compassion which consists of a mobile clinic to address the needs and medical emergencies of the communities affected by the recent natural disasters. The mobile clinic team will include doctors, medical assistants, psychological service, social workers, pharmacists or pharmacy technicians, nurses, liaison coordinators with medical insurance companies, health promoters, an administrator and administrative assistants. In addition, the American Red Cross, Chapter of Puerto Rico will receive $500,000. These funds will be used for the disaster relief operation, mostly to identify with authorities the most affected areas, deliver supplies and assist in the recovery of said communities. Lastly, Proyecto Nacer was granted $150,000 for the purchase of equipment to continue assisting teenage parents and their children in the Bayamon Municipality and its surrounding areas (Toa Baja, Toa Alta, Naranjito, Guaynabo, Catano, Comerio, etc.) With these grants, United for Puerto Rico has fulfilled its goal of weekly donations disbursement. To date, United for Puerto Rico has distributed a total of $1,598,944.00. "We continue granting donations to non-profit organization dedicated to serve individuals and communities in Puerto Rico that have been affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria,"declared Mariely Rivera, executive director of United for Puerto Rico.



For more information about United for Puerto Rico visit www.unidosporpuertorico.com. Donations can be made by PayPal (News - Alert); wire transfer to Unidos por Puerto Rico/United for Puerto Rico, Account Number: 0108501910 at FirstBank Puerto Rico, Routing Number: 221571473, SWIFT:FBPRPRSJ. "We encourage non-profit organizations to submit their proposals for consideration at: www.unidosporpuertorico.com. Petitions will be evaluated and approved, on a weekly basis, by the Board of Directors," Rivera concluded.

ABOUT UNITED FOR PUERTO RICO United for Puerto Rico, a private non-profit organization established under the laws of Puerto Rico and created after Hurricane Irma, has redoubled its efforts and expanded its mission in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria to aid communities battered by both natural disasters. The NGO is certified by the Puerto Rico Treasury Department and has the federal 501c3 certification from the Internal Revenue Service

Originally conceived by the Office of the First Lady of Puerto Rico, is currently being led by the private sector Mission: Aid individuals and small businesses devastated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria to accelerate in their recovery by helping meet housing, food and health needs, facilitating that they may rebuild their lives, communities and Puerto Rico. As part of this effort, the organization will focus on the immediate needs of those who lost their homes and belongings, particularly among the elderly, children and youths, single mother households, the homeless and the disabled. United for Puerto Rico focuses on raising funds to: 1. Provide immediate aid to those with the greatest needs with the goal of meeting their basic needs of housing, food and health in coordination with institutions and FEMA, and complementing the efforts of these and federal benefits available through FEMA. 2. Collaborate with NGOs dedicated to serve the key groups identified in our mission since these entities have the structure, experience and capacity to be more efficient in this endeavor. 3. Assist small businesses in communities with financial aid to help them resume operations. 4. Provide information on available federal assistance programs to the public in general and facilitate that the greatest number of individuals who qualify for aid programs apply for available aid to leverage all the help that can be garnered for those most in need. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171103005908/en/

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[November 03, 2017] Moeda to Announce Selected Seed Projects and Ambassador Program

NEW YORK, Nov. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Moeda  the first cooperative banking platform powered by blockchain technology  is proud to announce its two newest initiatives: The Moeda Seed Pilot Program and Moeda Ambassadors for Change. On Thursday, November 9th, at The Graduate Institute of Geneva, in Switzerland, Founder and CEO Taynaah Reis will announce the 17 entrepreneurs who have been selected to be a part of Moeda's Seed Pilot Program. The chosen projects will be sponsored via Moeda's microlending program and Unicafes, a national organizing body of cooperatives in Brazil. Though each project will vary in scope, size, and focus, each will tackle one component of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals.

Moeda and its partners believe that through its multi-tiered community support syste and signature cryptocurrency, that Moeda will demonstrate the exponential, sustainable impact that blockchain technology can provide global communities. This revolutionary vision has inspired the creation of several corporate partnerships -- including IBM -- and a $20 million fundraising campaign as of November 2017.



A signature component of this success is Moeda's vast global network. This network will be harnessed and nurtured through its inaugural Moeda Ambassadors for Change program. The Ambassadors for Change will include a diverse, hand-selected body of professionals of all experience levels and backgrounds -- from private investors to C-suite professionals to government officials to CSR-focused academics. This program will connect professionals and offer them the opportunity to collaborate with the Seed Pilot Program entrepreneurs as they develop their ground-breaking projects. To be considered for the Moeda Ambassadors for Change program, contact the Moeda team at [email protected].



About Moeda:

Founded in April 2017 by Taynaah Reis, Brad Chun, and Isa Yu, Moeda is the first cooperative banking system powered by blockchain technology. Moeda harnesses the power, speed, and efficiency of blockchain technology to empower underfunded and unbanked entrepreneurs worldwide. About The Global Goals for Sustainable Development:

The Global Goals are 17 goals adopted by the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in September 2015 and enacted in January 2016. The goals were established to provide concrete guidelines for improving the health of the planet and its people by 2030. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/moeda-to-announce-selected-seed-projects-and-ambassador-program-300549639.html SOURCE Moeda

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[November 03, 2017] Construction Begins for The Flats at Grandview Commons, a New Community That Will Bring High-Quality, Affordable Housing to Madison

Community leaders, local residents and development partners came together today to celebrate the start of construction for The Flats at Grandview Commons, a new 94-unit affordable-housing community for working families in the region. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171103005913/en/ Key investors join the developers and community leaders in giving each other high-fives to celebrate the start of construction for The Flats at Grandview Commons, a new affordable-housing community underway in Madison. UnitedHealthcare, which employs 7,300 people in Wisconsin, was the largest private investor with $5.4 million in equity. WHEDA provided $11 million in both construction and permanent financing. L to R: Terrell Walter and Kevin Newell of Royal Capital Group; Chris Laurent, Building Blocks-Cinnaire; Amanda Hall, Alder, City of Madison (District 3); and Brian Schimming, WHEDA (Photo: Lauren Justice). The new community, developed by Royal Capital Group, is being built on a vacant lot located in the Grandview Commons neighborhood on the east side of Madison, south of Milwaukee Street and east of Interstate 90, just a few miles from downtown. "Commencing construction of this new community in Madison serves as a catalyst for future economic development in this part of the city. We appreciate all of the work of the many partners who have helped make this groundbreaking possible," said Kevin Newell, president of Royal Capital Group. "When completed next year, The Flats at Grandview Commons wll be a model community that brings quality homes with on-site amenities for working families who want a lively and contemporary place to call home."



The Flats at Grandview Commons will include six two-story structures with 28 two-bedroom and 66 three-bedroom units, and a community clubhouse. On-site amenities will include a library, computer lab, meeting space, playground and private garages. On-site family offerings for residents will include programs in health, nutrition and family finances, and after-school activities with local universities. "This is an important moment for our community as we work together to bring new, quality homes for working families in Madison," said State Sen. Mark Miller. "With the support of so many partners, The Flats at Grandview Commons is a model for how we can support residents as they build a brighter future for themselves and their families."

Project funding and key development partners include Building Blocks-Cinnaire, Minnesota Equity Fund (MEF (News - Alert)), UnitedHealthcare and the Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority (WHEDA). WHEDA provided $11 million in both construction and permanent financing for the new community, and approved the use of Low Income Housing Tax Credits for construction. UnitedHealthcare is the largest private-sector investor, with $5.4 million in equity funding through a partnership with Cinnaire and Minnesota Equity Fund. "WHEDA is delighted to help finance an urbanist vision designed to spur people to seek housing in the Grandview Commons neighborhood," said WHEDA Executive Director Wyman Winston. "Together with our outstanding partners we are continuing our mission to build the stock of quality, safe, affordable housing in the city of Madison and Dane County." "UnitedHealthcare's investment in The Flats at Grandview Commons is part of a company initiative to help people live healthier lives by connecting quality and affordable housing to better health," said Ellen Sexton, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Wisconsin. "We are grateful for the opportunity to work together to help expand housing opportunities for the residents of Madison." UnitedHealthcare employs 7,300 people in Wisconsin and serves the health care needs of more than 1.6 million people statewide. UnitedHealthcare has partnered with Cinnaire and MEF to invest over $85 million to help build 13 new communities in Wisconsin and the Great Lakes Region, with nearly 670 new, affordable homes with support services for individuals and families. "Cinnaire partners with socially motivated companies like UnitedHealthcare to make economic investments in well-designed, high-quality affordable-housing developments," said Mark McDaniel, president and CEO of Cinnaire. "This investment will help meet a critical need in Wisconsin, and we are proud to be a partner and help break ground on such an important housing community in Madison." The Flats at Grandview Commons is expected to open in the fall of 2018. Engberg Anderson serves as the architect; Horizon Construction will serve as general contractor; and ACC Management Group will manage the property and on-site support services. Click here to subscribe to Mobile Alerts for UnitedHealth Group. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171103005913/en/

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[November 03, 2017] Yes on Issue 2: 'INDEPENDENT EXPERTS' Who Trash-talked Issue 2 Were Paid Drug Industry Hired Guns

The big drug companies against lower drug prices illegally funneled and hid more than $400,000 in checks to a bevy of hired-gun so-called "independent experts" who used their public positions of trust to attack Issue 2, according to campaign finance reports that the drug industry was forced to finally make public last week. "These so-called 'independent experts' like former Medicaid directors John McCarthy, Mary Corcoran and Barbara Edwards were simply hired guns for the drug companies, and it is sad that they used their former public trust positions to purposely mislead Ohio voters. In fact, it's criminal that Ohio voters did not know this sooner," said Yes on Issue 2 Campaign Manager Rick Taylor. "In addition, we now know late in the campaign that Greg Browning, former Budget and Management director, withheld information about how much he was truly being paid. These four propagandists used the revolving door to cash in on their former positions of trust and traveled up and down the state singing their fraudulent story to newspaper editors and reporters and to anyone else who would listen." Taylor said the drug companies intentionally - and illegally - withheld information about the large payments they were making to Corcoran and Edwards' firms (respectively, Vorys Health Care Advisors, LLC and Health Management Associates) until last week. Vorys was paid $236,699.80, Health Management $95,940. McCarthy's lobbying firm, Upshur Street Consulting, has been paid $96,000 to date, and Browning's firm, Capital Partners, was paid $20,000 before the drug companies ever took the legal steps necessary to form a PAC to run a campaign. Browning told a newspaper he was being paid $2,500 a month and never mentioned the hefty earlier payment of $20,000. "Most of the payments to Vorys and Health Management were made well before July 31 when the drug industry first reported their expenditures - but none of these payments were divulged at that time [in the July 31 report] to Ohio voters," said Taylor. "The reason for this illegal delay was that the drug companies didn't want voters and the media to know that these so-called experts were paid handsomely. That information would have instantly called into question the credibility of their report." Attorneys for the Yes on Issue 2 campaign Thursday got the green light from the Ohio Elections Commission to continue pressing forward with their complaint tha the drug industry violated the state's campaign disclosure laws in an effort to keep Ohio voters in the dark about who was exactly funding the No on Issue 2 campaign. Even now, what companies or individuals have contributed to the No campaign has not been disclosed and millions of dollars in spending cannot be truly tracked.



"The big drug companies are spending $62 million and counting to run the darkest, dirtiest and most expensive campaign in Ohio election history," said Yes on Issue 2 Spokesman Dennis Willard. "McCarthy, Corcoran and Edwards - former political appointees who held top posts in the Ohio Medicaid program - were behind the writing of the Vorys report. That report, dressed up to look like an academic study, was actually just a political hatchet job. Browning told newspapers our math doesn't work, but refused to elaborate because political hacks don't show their homework," said Taylor.

"Their most bogus argument - and one that was sometimes swallowed hook, line and sinker by news outlets - was that Issue 2 was confusing and unworkable," said Taylor. In fact, Taylor points out, the plain language of Issue 2 states that the measure adopts the very same drug pricing system that has been successfully used by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for the past 25 years to reduce the price of the drugs purchased by the VA and saved U.S. taxpayers billions of dollars. "The VA has enjoyed a huge success by simply instructing the drug companies that if they want to sell their drugs to the 8 million veterans in the VA's health program they need to give the VA a discount of 24 percent off what they charge their other customers," said Taylor. "And guess what? The drug companies are willing to provide that discount because the VA is a big customer. They want to do business with a customer that big. They'll want to do the same when Issue 2 passes. They'll want to keep Ohio as a customer so they'll play ball." Issue 2 will work to save Ohio taxpayers at least $400 million a year. "That's money that - for example - could be used to help fund programs to deal with Ohio's opioid epidemic that has been created by some of the same drug companies that are funding the No on Issue 2 campaign," said Taylor. "Or it could pay for more teachers, fire and police officers - or for better benefits for those public servants. Or the savings could be passed on to Ohio taxpayers as a tax cut." Background on Ohio Ballot Issue 2 The Yes on Issue 2 campaign is a broad-based, bi-partisan coalition. More than 200,000 Ohio voters signed petitions to put an amendment on the ballot in November that will lower drug prices for over 4 million Ohioans, including 164,000 children, save taxpayers $400 million annually, reduce healthcare costs for everyone and teach greedy drug companies and their CEOs a lesson. You can learn more by visiting yesonissue2.com or following us on Facebook and Twitter. Paid (News - Alert) for by Ohio Taxpayers for Lower Drug Prices View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171103005921/en/

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KC Police Investigate Deadly Shooting Near 6th, Cleveland Kansas City Police are investigating a homicide after finding a man shot dead on a city street Friday afternoon. Officers received a report of a person with a gun, shots fired, just after 4:30 p.m. Just before police arrived near the intersection of 6th and Cleveland the call was updated to a shooting.

The shooting occurred around 5:15 p.m., compared to a 107 homicides at this time last year representing more than a 15% increase in homicides for 2017. Read more:
Kansas City Frosty Ranking

We knew KC was cool. Now, we can add 'hip' to the list Hipsters sick of $400 a night hotel rooms are setting their sights on Kansas City as their next travel destination, according to a story in today's Kansas City Star. Jetsetter.com - an invitation only travel community - has tapped KC as one of seven flyover "small towns" deemed "hipster" enough to give "XXL metropolises like NYC and LA a run for their money."

Regional Vet Disgrace Allegations

Former Leavenworth VA physician's assistant sentenced to 15.5 years for sex crimes against veterans A former VA physician's assistant has been ordered by a judge to spend 187 months in prison on five charges of sex crimes against veterans. Mark Wisner, 66, was sentenced Friday for aggravated criminal sodomy, aggravated sexual battery, and three counts of sexual battery.

More Deets On Pig Pen Killer Daddy

KCK man who pleaded guilty to murdering his young son is now changing his story KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- A KCK man who pleaded guilty to murdering his 7-year-old son now says he didn't do it. Michael Jones wants to withdraw his guilty plea, go to trial and let a jury decide if he is guilty of murder in the death of his son Adrian Jones.

Sleaze Summit Street Sweeper Charge

Have You Seen This Old School Dude???

KCPD searching for missing 85-year-old man with Alzheimer's Kansas City police are asking for help in finding a missing 85-year-old with Alzheimer's. Police said Joe Sloan was last seen about 2:30 p.m. Saturday near 78th Street and North Garfield Avenue. Sloan was driving a red 2012 Kia Altima with license plate DB4-L0H.

Kansas City Popcorn Coverage

Burnt Ends Chili Dog & Other Weekend Possibilities The classic chili dog is getting an upgrade today as Plowboys Barbeque (1111 Main St.) debuts its latest menu item: a burnt end chili dog. "We've done chili dogs before, but the star was chili and the hot dog was just the vehicle," Plowboys chief pitmaster and co-owner Todd Johns said.

Kansas City Concert Scene

Slowdive hypnotized the crowd last night at the Truman (photos + set list) Slowdive, with Cherry Glazerr Friday, November 3, 2017 The Truman On the heels of its first release in 22 years, British shoegaze pioneer Slowdive made a somewhat surprising stop in Kansas City just a week into its North American tour.

hotness and most of today's Kansas City MSM links related to crime. Checkit:And this is thefor right now . . .
Five year old girl missing from Grandview apartment GRANDVIEW, Mo. - Police are searching for a five year old girl missing from an apartment in Grandview since Friday night. Dezmariah Dream Freeman, who goes by Dream, was last seen at the Candlelite Apartment Complex in the 6500 block of East 125th Street. She was discovered missing between 9:00 and 9:30 p.m.

Authorities are putting out notice in a morning search. Update:. . . Read more:
You may remember I mentioned in last weeks column that my 31 Horror Movies challenge, a task I finished by the skin of my teeth late Halloween night, was delayed by a trip to Las Vegas. If you put down your spoonful of shredded wheat and thought, This Clint guy actually leaves the house? youd have a point. Im a homebody by nature; perfectly content to spend his spare time in The Workshop, a place in Castle Clint I go to when I really need to get some thinking done. And by thinking I actually mean playing an ancient video game while listening to my Hi-Fi.

What a time to pick a trip to Vegas, right? If youre wondering, no, I wasnt there for the tragic shooting but it was a close call. I was there the week after and, wouldnt you know it, my friends and I had rooms booked at the Mandalay Bay thus ensuring that all our mothers expressed continued grave misgivings about us going. I got off easy; one friend of mine got one of those endless Im never going to see you again hugs before we all got in the car and kept telling her, I dont knowI just have a bad feeling about your trip. Wowthanks mom.

Motherly fears of the world ending aside, Vegas was just as fun an experience as the previous time I went 10 years ago. We ate at a whopping three buffets, one of which I refused to leave until I had eaten six plates worth, each with its own theme, from the Americana plate to the I have no idea what exactly is in these sushi rolls plate.

I finally got my chance to try my luck at Baccarat, a game I studied for two weeks before the trip only to discover youre essentially betting on the results of a coin flip. Needless to say, my dreams of being James Bond, passing the shoe around and saying words like Banque, ended with me crying my way back to the cashier.

I got called away from a 10 a.m. video blackjack session at the Mandalay Bay bar, nursing a complementary ginger ale, by a text urging me to find my way through three casinos and out to the street to meet everyone for lunch at The Bruxie, where I ate a giant waffle-sandwich stuffed with fried chicken and a sunny side up egg.

We took an uncomfortably crammed cab ride away from the strip thus letting us see what Vegas is actually like as a functioning city, before ending up at the perpetual street-party of Freemont Street where I bought a giant drink full of pineapple juice, cherries, and other unknown weirdness that put me in a head state to be perhaps a little too transfixed by one of Freemonts lithe Dancing D.J.'s before escaping to the Freemont Walgreens for a bottled water and a breather.

And you know I wouldnt be me if I didnt hit the arcade at the New York, New York Casino where I played some ski ball, the largest Space Invaders game Ive never seen, and took point of pride in setting the high score on their ancient Ms. Pac-Man machine.

But it was that third day in Vegas where we discovered what can happen when fun and promotions for fun collide, as with this ad from a 1979 Journal Gazette featuring a similar promotional Vegas deal from Tylmans Photographic Studio in Charleston. In an effort to save a couple bucks on some exhibits we approached a booth on the walkway between the Mandalay and the Excalibur and a few words and few signatures later, three of us had agreed to our very first timeshare presentation. Why not? The guy said it was only going to take two hours and at the very end, boom, free tickets and 25-dollar stacks at the Luxor. Needless to say the experience did not go quite as planned.

Our shuttle drove us clear out of the city and just when I started to suspect we were all going to be taken to a preserve to be hunted for sport, we arrived at a lone timeshare complex planted in the Vegas desert where our friendly presentation about the value of property we had no intention of signing up for quickly ballooned in time until about three hours later we were exhaustively given the final sales pitch. Our polite refusal was followed by another 30 minutes of good cop, bad cop between our initial agent and her supervisor," the type of dude who chews gum right in your face and calls everyone "Guy", who exhorted us all to pay for the timeshare with our credit cards.

When they finally got the hint we werent going to budge, they were officially done with us; the process to get our free stuff involved us being moved to and from a bewildering series of rooms and cubicles, each one full of dazed people we hadnt seen before who we all had to assume were lost souls doomed to be trapped forever. When we finally had our tickets and a voucher for chips, we were practically kicked out a side exit only to discover the sun had long set and the one shuttle we found waiting by the curb wasnt leaving for another 30 minutes.

As we considered the possibility that we would indeed never get to leave, others soon filed out and soon we were all heading back to the strip in relative silence whereupon one fellow traveler finally broke the dazed tension with a simple question: Hey, none of yall actually bought a timeshare, right? We all shouted No! as one and laughed the laugh of a group of people who made it out of an unexpected adventure alive and with their credit ratings intact.

Finally back at the strip we enjoyed a late artisanal slice at 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza, told the tale of the timeshare, and retreated back to the hotel. Vegas is such a weird place with so much to do in such a concentrated area, its a vacation where it really is what you decide to make of it.

And later that night, we kept it real in classic Central Illinois fashion: We played cards in the room, ate drug store snacks, and watched 80s music videos on MTV Classic. And we still had one more buffet to hit the next day. Lets see James Bond do that.
COUNCIL DUDE JERMAINE REED SERVING AS SPOKESMODEL FOR A SKETCHY BIT OF QUESTION #1 PROPAGANDA HAS CONSTITUENTS CONCERNED!!!

Councilman Jermaine Reed believes he can be the next Mayor of Kansas City with the help of a diverse coalition of supporters and their unifying rage against Prez Trump. Meanwhile, most local political denizens think that he's just trying to line up a job after he's termed out.Whatever the case, the latest Internets blast from the 3rd District representative is drawing criticism . . .The advert is funded by "America Forward" - A low rent PAC run out of a Midtown shanty. The only contribution to the organization in the latest campaign finance reporting period is $3K from The Heavy Constructions Association Of Greater Kansas City.Legal political money laundering questions aside . . .In addition to the fact that voter turnout projections for the upcoming election in the 3rd, 5th & 6th Districts are pathetic. There has been quite a bit of skepticism about the. Translation: City Hall almost never lives up to MBE/WBE hiring requirements and the numbers are usuallywith payoffs going to a few politically connected shell companies but very few jobs employing skilled laborers.Faking MBE/WBE participation is a Kansas City construction fact of life and only consultant dweebs who have never been to a building site or bother to do their own lawn work claim otherwise.Still, the effort to buy votes by way of cash heavy electioneering continues as the real battle over KC's New Airport Question #1 is working to effectively fund and inspire greed through low-rent local chieftains who are desperate to find support.
Fund established for children of slain attorney A memorial fund has been set up for the children of Tom Pickert, a Kansas City attorney who was killed outside his Brookside home on Oct. 25. To make a contribution, make checks payable to the Tom Pickert Memorial Fund and mail to the Tom Pickert Memorial Fund, Country Club Bank, 414 Nichols Road, Kansas City, ...

Middle-class debate over gun control and tort reform have overshadowed the consequences of tragic killing in an otherwise nice Kansas City enclave . . . In the meantime, witnesses at the scene say David Jungerman matches the description of the man who killed Mr. Pickert and debate over the legal tactics of the the dead man gunned down in his front yard after walking his children to school has proven to be a much more controversial than the rising quotient of KCMO murder.For those with a bit of cash to spare, here's more info about the memorial fund . . .
David Saltiel, was awarded the "Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany" on Thursday, for his contribution to German-Jewish cooperation, during an event in Thessaloniki

The president of Greece's Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece (KIS) and the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki, David Saltiel, was awarded the "Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany" on Thursday, for his contribution to German-Jewish cooperation, during an event in Thessaloniki.

The honourary distinction was handed out by German Deputy Foreign Minister Michael Roth, on behalf of the German President Frank Walter Steinmeier.

"It was a personal matter to travel to Thessaloniki today [...] for this very important act between friends," Roth noted and thanked Saltiel for the hand of friendship that he extended towards Germany", despite any reservations he or his environment might have had.

He also spoke about the Holocaust Museum that will be constructed in the city, saying it will not only keep the memory of the Holocaust alive, but will also honour the significant contribution of the Balkan Sephardic community to the society, economy and culture of the city.

The minister stressed this is his 14th visit to Greece, more than in any other country during his four-year tenure, adding that it will also be his last one in his current capacity.

Saltiel accepted the award with emotion, a toast "to life", which the Holocaust brutally deprived from the majority of the members of the once thriving Jewish Community of Thessaloniki and a great "thank you".

He was surrounded by members of the Greek-Jewish community and guests who wanted to participate in the event, held at the house of the German Consul, Walter Stechel.

The head of KIS also thanked Roth for his contribution in the building of the Museum because "he believed from the first moment that it has to be done" and supported it, as well as Thessaloniki mayor Yiannis Boutaris who was there.

Speaking later to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, Saltiel underlined the honour reflects on hos community and Greek Jewry in general.

"I was born after the Holocaust. I know and I fight so that it doesn't happen again, and I have observed that the German state is now on the same boat as us against anti-Semitism, racism, and so I think we have a common course and ideals," he added.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright:Zweifussler License: CC-BY-SA

Source: ANA-MPA
Action Plan 2017-2019 aims to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries, and the effective combination of the "One Belt, One Road" Chinese initiative with Greece's Growth Strategy

Greek and Chinese companies signed four collaboration deals in Athens on Thursday, before the completion of the second Greece-China Action Plan work group meetings.

Action Plan 2017-2019 aims to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries, and the effective combination of the "One Belt, One Road" Chinese initiative with Greece's Growth Strategy.

Heading the delegations from each side were Greek Deputy Economy Minister for Investment Stergios Pitsiorlas, and Chinese National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) Vice-President Jizhe Ning, who also met with Greek government's Vice-President Yiannis Dragasakis.

The agreements inked on Thursday include the following:

1. Growth and development agreement between Shenhua Group Corp., Ltd. and Copelouzos Group

2. Trilateral memorandum of collaboration among Shenhua, the Greek Public Power Corporation (DEI) and Copelouzos Group

3. Memorandum of collaboration between China Development Bank and ADMIE, the independent power transmission operator

4. Memorandum of strategic collaboration among China Development Bank, Mytilineos Group, and the China Nonferrous Metal Industry's Foreign Engineering and Construction Co., Ltd (NFC)

The next Greece-China Action Plan meeting will be held in Beijing.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report

Source: ANA-MPA
Tsakalotos noted the government cannot move the casino to central Athens and Piraeus, to southern and western Athens, or to Lavreotiki, either because of law restrictions, or of similar business activities

Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos submitted on Thursday an amendment in the draft bill on gambling for the relocation of the Regency Casino on Parnitha, to the northern suburbs.

Tsakalotos noted the government cannot move the casino to central Athens and Piraeus, to southern and western Athens, or to Lavreotiki, either because of law restrictions, or of similar business activities.

"As you can understand, we tried to specify the location of the casino to avoid overlapping activities. Essentially, we are moving the casino relatively far from Loutraki and Hellinikon. Excluding other options, we are sending it to the north. By excluding these areas, the casino will not come in the city center and next to residential areas, which are totally excluded. At the same time, the casinos of Helliniko and Loutraki will be are minimally affected, protecting the investments there," he pointed out.

The amendment is included in a draft bill on gambling which was approved in principle by the finance committee earlier in the day. Governing coalition parties SYRIZA and ANEL voted in favour, New Democracy, the Communist party and Golden Dawn voted against, while the Democratic Coalition, Potami and the Centrists' Union reserved their decision for the debate at the Parliament's plenum. Talks are continuing on individual articles of the bill.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Jamie Adams License: CC-BY-SA

Source: ANA-MPA
Saudi government has declared that not all goods and services will be subjected to the standard 5 per cent value-added tax (VAT) rate as some of them will fall under the zero-rated, the exempt or outside the VAT scope altogether.



The General Authority of Zakat and Tax (GAZT) clarified that as per the VAT implementing regulations declared by its board, a 5 per cent VAT will be collected on all goods and services subject to the standard rate at each stage of the supply chain up to the end user.



Those in the zero-rated goods and services category include certain medications and medical equipment specified by the Ministry of Health and Saudi Food and Drug Authority, supply of gold, silver and platinum that is for investment purposes  at least 99 per cent pure - and tradeable in the international bar market.



Other zero-rated goods and services include any exports destined outside the GCC region, services supplied to non-GCC residents, international transport services of goods and people and supply of qualified international transport vehicles and related services such as supply of spare parts, maintenance, repair and modifications of transport vehicles.



As for the exempted goods and services, the list features certain financial services which include but are not limited to the issue, transfer or receipt of, or any dealing with money or any security, the provision of any credit or credit guarantee and life insurance or reinsurance of life insurance contracts. Also exempted is rental of residential real estate, which is defined as a permanent dwelling designed for human occupation.



Any activity exercised by a government body in its capacity as a public authority  such as issuance and renewal of passports and driving licences - shall not be considered to be an economic activity and as such, falls outside the VAT scope and will not be subject to VAT.



GAZT stressed that the nature of the economic activity is what ultimately determines whether or not the exchange of goods and services that occur falls under the VAT scope.



It called upon all businesses to thoroughly read and understand the implementing regulations available on the dedicated VAT website to be fully prepared for the January 1 launch.



The website also features a wide range of resources that support businesses VAT-readiness, including tools, information and tutorial guides, in addition to a list of Goods and services subject to the tax.-TradeArabia News Service
The international deal between Opec and other countries to cut oil output could be extended beyond March 2018 if needed, said a report citing Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak.



Novak's comments came after his meeting with Saudi King Salman on Thursday, reported Reuters.



The Russian minister said he had discussed the deal with King Salman and that the idea of a possible extension would be discussed at an Opec meeting in late November, though any decision could be taken later, the report added.


Mohit Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 4

Sitting continuously for eight hours or more on a chair is equivalent to compulsive smoking. This was stated by Prof Sanjay Bhadada from the Department of Endocrinology of the PGIMER.

Bhadada was speaking at the World Non-Communicable Disease (WCD) Congress at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) here today.

Try to avoid stress at work, as anxiety could lead to depression and diabetes. Chandigarh has 14.6 per cent population suffering from diabetes and prone to suffering from heart attack, renal failure or any other health issues.

Obesity can lead to cancer. An obese child is at a higher risk of developing serious non-communicable diseases. Though the lifestyle nowadays is hectic and there is lot of work stress, there is no alternative to exercise. A walk of 25 minutes is enough to stay fit, said Prof Sanjay Bhadada.

He said the last survey to check the obesity count in Chandigarh was carried in 2007. Ten per cent children, 45 per cent men and 51 per cent women were found to be obese. Considering the volume of diabetics in Chandigarh, it appears the count of obese would have increased in all these years, said Prof Bhadada.

Poor air quality causing lung cancer

Prof Arun Chockalingam from the University of Toronto said suspended particulate matter (SPM) level in India per 1 lakh stands at 800, whereas in Canada it stand at merely five.

Besides causing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the high pollution level is one of the main causes behind lung cancer.

Chandigarh is not the only city facing the increasing cases of lung cancer. Smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer throughout the word. It is time to implement a ban on smoking inside home as the cases of cancer due to passive smoking are also rising, said Prof Chockalingam.

Prof JS Thakur, the main organiser of the world NCD Congress said that even incense (aggarbatti), mosquito coil also cause in house pollution and could lead to COPD.

Scientist Dipika Saras summarised the rising problem of cancer in one line. We are paying the price of urbanisation, said Dipika.

Disease burden data to be released on November 14

Dr Preet K Dhillon from the Public Health Foundation of India said on November 14, the overall data of disease burden in India will be released in Delhi. She expressed surprise at the survey showing low number of cancer cases in Mansa and Sangrur.

Speaking on the issue of inclusion of mental health in big four causes of ailments  cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke  Dr Sandeep Grover said patient with depression and anxiety were more prone to suffer from disease.

Spirituality helps deal with depression

Prof Harvey Skinner from the University of York, Toronto, said, Sadly, there is still a taboo attached to mental ailment.

Skinner said he developed a mobile application for digital studies on mental health. Skinner said the digital platform received rave response in developed countries, however the project of digital heath studies failed to kick off various reasons. He said that two such studies were conducted in Andhra Pradesh and both failed.

Susan Harris said going back to basics is the way forward.

The mental ailments are the by-products of urbanisation. People are distancing from spirituality. Spirituality has a lot to do with enhancing happiness. We need to uphold the basic principles of spirituality to tackle depression and other mental ailment, stressed Susan

300 take part in walkathon

Chandigarh: As many as 300 persons, including doctors and foreign delegates, participated in a walkathon organised by officer-bearers of the first World Non-Communicable Disease Congress at Sukhna Lake here on Saturday morning.The event was inaugurated by the Health Minister of Maldives. The participants of the congress spread the message of doing regular exercise for leading a healthy life. TNS
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 4

A Sector 28 resident was duped of Rs 4.02 lakh in a debit card fraud. A government employee, Bhoop Singh, informed the police that unknown persons had withdrawn Rs 4.02 lakh from his pension account in eight days through multiple transactions. Later, he came to know about the transactions from his account.

A case has been registered in this regard at the Sector 26 police station. The case has now been transferred to the cyber cell.

According to the complaint, Singh had gone to withdraw money from an ATM in Sector 28 here. A youth offered to help him and Singh gave him his ATM pin.

Singh withdrew the money and returned home with his card. However, he checked messages in his mobile phone and to his shock, multiple transactions had been made from his card. He went to his SBI branch in Sector 7 where he was told that the card in his possession was fake.

Case registered

A case has been registered in this regard at the Sector 26 police station. The case has now been transferred to the cyber cell.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 4

Thousands of devotees visited gurdwaras across the city to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. Gurdwaras across the city were decked up with lights and flowers. Special programmes were also held at gurdwaras.

Devotees started visiting gurdwaras early in the morning. Long queues were seen outside gurdwaras, especially outside langar halls.

Ex-MP pays obeisance at city gurdwaras

Chandigarh: Former MP Pawan Kumar Bansal today paid obeisance at various gurdwaras in the city on Gurpurb. Bansal, while joining the Gurpurb celebrations to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev on Saturday, visited Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Sector 19 where he paid obeisance and interacted with devotees. He also partook langar at the Sector 19 gurdwara. He also visited Gurdwara Nanaksar in Sector 28 and went for Prabhat Pheri in Sector 44.  TNS

Devotees throng gurdwaras in Pkula

Panchkula: A large number of devotees thronged Gurdwara Nada Sahib and other gurdwaras here to celebrate Gurpurb. Jasbir Singh, manager of Gurdwara Nada Sahib, said they had made arrangements for langar for devotees. Kulwant Singh, a devotee, said he had come here to do service. Kultar Singh, another devotee, said he came here with his family members to pay obeisance.  TNS

Nagar kirtan taken out in Mohali

Mohali: Devotees thronged gurdwaras in Mohali on Saturday to offer prayers to celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. Gurdwara Amb Sahib was decorated with colourful lights and religious hymns were sung to mark the occasion. Hajuri raagi from the Golden Temple, Amritsar, were invited for kirtan and community kitchen (langar) continued through the day, said Jagmeet Singh at Gurdwara Amb Sahib. Earlier, devotees had taken out a nagar kirtan as religious fervour gripped the city. People also gathered at Gurdwara Singh Shaheedan in Sohana to pay their respects.  TNS
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 3

Panjab University (PU) today held a meeting to curb dengue and malaria on the campus where it was decided to form health committees in each hostel which would submit report every 15 days.

An undertaking will be obtained from residents of the hostels that they have removed water from desert coolers.

All hostel wardens, contractors and hostel representatives were also present. Prof Emanual Nahar, Dean Students Welfare (DSW), and Chief Medical Officer D Dhawan presided over the meeting.

In the meeting, Prof Nahar expressed deep concern regarding spreading of dengue these days.

He said the high court had given a direction to all concerned, including the university, to take immediate steps to curb dengue.

Prof Nahar requested all present in the meeting to maintain proper cleanliness in and around the hostels.

He said the report of health committees should be sent to the Office of the Dean Student Welfare with a copy to the Chief Medical Officer for onward transmission to the Chandigarh Administration.

Cleaning desert coolers, not allowing water to stagnate, checking of overhead water tank and hidden places at regular intervals, immediate repair of leaking taps or pipes and planting of lemon grass were emphasised.

Mess and canteen contractors were told to dispose of vegetable waste regularly.

Prof Emanual Nahar, DSW, asked all wardens to conduct regular cleanliness drives and take photographs of the same and submit to the office of the Dean Students Welfare .
NEW YORK: A compound found in soy food products may help suppress the development of breast cancer, paving the way for new therapies to prevent the disease, a study claims.

Researchers at University of Arizona in the US suggest genistein  a component of soy foods  can protect BRCA1, a gene that plays a pivotal role in thwarting tumour development in breast tissue.

BRCA1 is a tumour-suppressor gene. When working normally, it helps keep DNA stable, protecting against genetic diseases like cancer; when BRCA1 is performing abnormally, the bodys defences against breast cancer are impaired, researchers said.

A small percentage of breast cancers are caused by mutations in BRCA1, many other breast cancer patients have normal copies, but the genes have been methylated - wrapped in strands of carbon-based molecules that render them unreadable. The BRCA1 gene silenced in this manner is unable to do its job as a tumour suppressor, they said.

One receptor, the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), silences BRCA1, triggering a cascade of undesirable effects.

When BRCA1 is unable to carry out its duties as a tumour suppressor, cancerous cells can proliferate, researchers said.

The study, published in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition, found that AhR can be targeted by genistein.

The team hopes this discovery will lead to a genistein-based therapy that can block the harmful actions of AhR.

One weapon that may be used to target AhR is found in soy, a protein-packed legume that is a major source of compounds called isoflavones, they said.

Lifetime intake of soy in Asian women has been linked to reduced risk of breast cancer. Genistein is the predominant isoflavone found in soy and it may actually block DNA methylation  the silencing of the BRCA1 gene, said Donato F Romagnolo, professor at University of Arizona. PTI
When you say "Management and Planning Programs Involving Nonmetropolitan Groups," it doesn't sound too exciting.

But think of MAPPING the future of your community, and you should perk up a bit.

On Oct. 19, the MAPPING process was started with the Mattoon in Motion community planning effort. The local movement, part of the MAPPING program offered via the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University, is an ongoing push to map out future development in Mattoon.

To begin with, participants talked about some of the positives and negatives of life in Mattoon. At that first meeting, the focus was "Where are we now?" Dozens of community members attended and took part in numerous exercises, including what they love about Mattoon and what they don't like.

Common themes that emerged included dwindling income levels, a need for more "progressive" leaders to take new approaches to economic development, and more, as the JG-TC previously reported.

The generosity of the community's many civic groups and individual volunteers, plus the welcoming hometown feel of Mattoon as "not too big, not too small," were praised. Demographics were examined, as were opportunities for retail growth.

The whole idea is for a cross-section of the community to help color in a map of sorts of Mattoon's future. Long-range visions are discussed, and a plan of action for achieving the set goals is put in place.

The second MAPPING meeting yielded ideas such as a vision of Mattoon as a regional hub for workforce training and health care, a community that offers a wide variety of employment and cultural opportunities, as the JG-TC previously reported.

MAPPING members will meet each Thursday through Nov. 16.

Ultimately, participants will identify between three and six high-priority goals for the community, develop an action plan for implementation, and divide into groups to begin work toward the goals.

Finally, a public meeting will be held to share the ideas and projects with the community and invite wider participation.

It's not flashy, but planning ahead is a necessary part of life in general, and it's key to monitoring the heartbeat of any community. Without careful plans in any city, a retail business could be located in a residential neighborhood, where a 24-hour hustle and bustle might disturb nearby homeowners, for example.

Without things like MAPPING, any community is headed into the future nearly blindfolded, just feeling its way along and hoping prosperity lies ahead.

But with planning -- serious, bold, persistent foresight -- and a "map" in mind for a city's growth, current successes can be built upon, and new ventures can be welcomed with an eye toward putting them on the path to prosperity.

Mattoon will benefit greatly from the MAPPING process. We salute current participants and leaders for their help, and encourage all residents to get involved via the upcoming public meeting, its date and time to be determined, to discuss what the MAPPING folks have narrowed down as good goals for our town.

Let's look to the future with a plan in mind. MAPPING has the organizational system already in place to do so. We, the residents of Mattoon, must use these tools to our advantage.

Perk up and get involved.

-- JG-TC Editorial Board
Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, November 4

Unfazed by the BJP campaign denigrating him, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh (83) has been addressing four-five election meetings every day. He has had little help from Congress star campaigners despite a belligerent BJP swamping the state like never before.

The six-time Chief Minister, a one-man army, covers at least four segments daily, occasionally by chopper and mostly by road. Arriving at his residence Holly Lodge past midnight, he is up at 6 am and leaves for electioneering at 8 am. I have not had the time to campaign in my constituency Arki or in Shimla (Rural) where my son is in the fray, he says as he enters the dining room.

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A quick breakfast and he is ready to leave for Jalog and Sunni in Shimla (Rural)  the constituency he won in 2012 and which is now being contested by his son.

I am not seeking votes for Vikramaditya because he is my son, but because he understands your problems well and will be a family member to you in good and bad times, he tells an election rally in Sunni. The response is positive. He then flies to Anni in Kullu. As he wraps up a rally in Nankhari in Rampur, it is 10 am.

It makes no difference what the BJP says about me. The affection showered on me by the people of Himachal keeps me going, he says, unperturbed by the PMs comment at a rally that deserted by his party, he had been left to fend for himself.

In his eighties and suffering multiple health problems, the indefatigable Virbhadra is determined to fight till the last. He brushes off BJPs attacks, saying: I am the biggest impediment in BJPs victory march.

Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, All-India Youth Congress president, who is accompanying him, hastens to add: The CBI raided his house on his daughters wedding. This is how much the BJP fears him.

Unfazed by criticism

"They (BJP) are bound to attack me. I am the biggest impediment in their victory march." Virbhadra Singh, HP CM
Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Sunni (Shimla Rural), November 4

It was amid hectic campaigning that Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh took out time today to campaign for his son Vikaramaditya Singh, who is seeking election from Shimla (Rural), a seat represented by his father in the present Assembly.

I want to assure you that though I will not be your MLA as I have shifted to Arki in Solan, but my bond with you will remain till I am alive. You all are part of my family and I will always be there for you even if I quit active politics, he assured people.

He emphasised on the fact that Vikramaditya was the elected Youth Congress president, who had been given the ticket not by virtue of being the CMs son, but because he was deserving to be their nominee in the Vidhan Sabha.

If you give me the opportunity to represent you, I will serve you not as your MLA but as your son and brother, who will always be there like a family member, was how Vikramaditya Singh was making a fervent appeal to voters of Shimla (Rural) from where he was making his electoral debut. Standing by the side of his father Virbhadra, who spared half a day to address two meetings in this constituency, Vikramaditya assured the people that he would never disappoint them if they would give him one chance.

The Shimla (Rural) segment, carved out after delimitation, had the CM as its MLA. Ironically, it is the BJPs Pramod Sharma, who received the political patronage of Virbhadra, and is giving a tough fight to the Congress. He is a serving professor in the HPU and has contested three elections as an independent and one as NCP nominee unsuccessfully. It is his yearning to be part of what he calls healthy politics that has him taking on Virbhadra, his one-time mentor in politics.

To back Vikramaditya, Raja Brar, All-India Youth Congress president, pepped up the crowd by stating, Do not vote for Ranga-Billa, in an oblique reference to Modi-Shah. I want to ask Modi and Dhumal. Is Virbhadra a dacoit who would have run away that the CBI raided his house on the day of his daughters wedding and could not wait even for a day?, he said on an emotive note.

Being the CMs constituency, there has been unprecedented development in this segment with the list being endless from a Rs 102 crore drinking water scheme, three colleges at Sunni, Chinag and Dhami, three ITIs at Sunni, Jalog and Dhami, a stadium and bus stand at Sunni, Sabzi Mandi and a police post. Probably, what only remains to be done in this segment is to grant the sub-division status to Sunni.

The segment seems to be all set for a keen contest with the BJP leaving no stone unturned to turn the heat, with the CMs reputation being at stake.
Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Sundernagar, November 4

Giving a momentum to the election campaign of the BJP in Mandi district, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today that the Congress had conceded defeat in the elections as party stalwarts had left the arena.

To woo voters, he said, I want better road, rail, air connectivity in the state which will give the impetus to tourism. This will not only attract a large number of tourists but also create jobs.

There was a vast potential for spiritual and adventurous tourism and the BJP would focus on it.

Terming the Congress regime a failure, he said the government should be connected with the common man but this government had failed to do so. Now, the time of Rajshahi had gone and the people would prefer to give chance to those who understood their problems and make efforts to resolve it.

The PM tried to raise the sentiments of people by saying, On the voting day, do not forget the sacrifice of forest guard Hoshiar Singh, who was found deadbecause he fought bravely with the forest mafia. We have initiated several welfare schemes to benefit the people whether it was the allocation of LED bulbs. There are around 4 crore families living without electricity in various parts of the country, which of them 14,000 are in Himachal. The BJP has set a target to provide electricity to all these families, he asserted.
Srinagar, November 4

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah today called upon India and Pakistan to take effective and urgent measures to restore peace along the Line of Control (LoC).

Asserting that the primary concern of both India and Pakistan must be to ensure safety and security of civilians along the LoC, Farooq said, People on either side of the LoC have become the primary target of border skirmishes and are facing the brunt of cross-border hostilities between the two nuclear-powered countries. It, therefore, becomes more important for India and Pakistan to follow the tenets of the 2003 ceasefire agreement in letter and spirit.

He made these comments on the sidelines of his four-day tour to border areas of north Kashmir that began today.

After getting re-elected as the party president, Farooq started his first public outreach programme from Karnah, Kupwara. He will be visiting border areas of Tangdar, Teetwal, Keran and Machhil areas of Kupwara over the next four days to take stock of the situation and take note of the grievances of public besides addressing rallies in these areas.  TNS
Srinagar/Jammu, November 3

Residents of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir today bade a tearful adieu to BJP youth wing leader Gowhar Hussain Bhat, who was allegedly killed by militants.

At Bonagam in Shopian, 52 km from here, hundreds of mourners joined his funeral procession that passed through the village streets before Gowhars mortal remains were laid to rest. This stumped political observers since there is little support for the BJP in the Muslim-majority Valley.

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In Jammu, BJP activists held anti-Pakistan demonstrations in Rajouri district to protest the killing. BJP MLA Ravinder Raina, who led the protesters in the border towns of Sunderbani and Nowshera, called it an attempt to silence the voice of the people of Kashmir.

The body of 30-year-old Bhat, who was kidnapped by militants, was recovered from an orchard in Kiloora in Shopian district.  PTI
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, November 4

Two policemen were injured as militants attacked a police party in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Saturday, police said.

"Militants fired upon a naka party of police near Police Station Rajpora in Pulwama, resulting in injuries to two of our personnel," Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police SP Pani said.

The two injured policemen have been moved to hospital and the area has been cordoned off for searches, a police officer said.

In another attack, militants threw grenade at a camp of Jammu and Kashmir Police's Special Operations Group in Shopians Imam Sahib on Saturday afternoon. The device exploded in the compound without causing any damage, the police said.  With agencies input
Jammu/Srinagar, November 4

Governor NN Vohra today promulgated the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017, paving the way for the much-awaited panchayat elections. Panchayats in state completed their five-year term in June 2016.

The village elections were last held in 2011 when Omar Abdullah headed an NC-Congress coalition government in the state. When contacted, Chief Electoral Officer Shaleen Kabra said the delimitation process had already been completed.

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Governor Vohra had been emphasising that the elections be held without further delay and a three-tier framework for Panchayati Raj Institutions put in place to ensure effective participation of the people in the decision-making process. The panchayat elections are envisaged to be held this winter.

The State Election Commission (SEC) completed the delimitation exercise in March this year, adding 280 panchayats and 4,000 panch segments. Prior to that, there were 4,098 panchayats, including 2,145 in the Kashmir Division (including Ladakh) and 1,953 in Jammu.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti wrote on her Twitter account that the Centre must honour Article 370 of the Constitution that grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir, saying it was a commitment to the people of the state.

The Chief Ministers tweet comes in the wake of the debate over revocation of Article 370 and Article 35-A (related to special rights and special provisions) that was recently deferred for hearing by the Supreme Court.

In another tweet, the CM said: Democracy is a battle of ideas and dialogue is the only way forward. It was an obvious reference to the appointment of Dineshwar Sharma as the Centres interlocutor to hold talks with all stakeholders in the state.

Separatist leaders have rejected the offer, saying mainstream parties like the PDP have no role in the resolution of the Kashmir issue.  TNS

What of Art 370

"Article 370 is the nations commitment to the people of J&K and, therefore, should be honoured." Mehbooba Mufti, J&K CM
Tribune News service

Srinagar, November 4

A day after the Enforcement Directorate issued notice to Yasin Malik and two others, separatist leaders jointly expressed strong resentment over the move, describing it as a ploy to force the resistance leadership of Kashmir into submission.

The separatist leaders, Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Malik, said the issuance of the notice to Malik was not a new thing. They said the Centre through the Enforcement Directorate(ED) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) did not only issue summons and notices to Kashmirs resistance leaders but also arrested them and lodged them in Tihar Jail without proving any charges against them. They said over a dozen leaders and a businessman had been lodged in Tihar Jail New Delhi on fictitious charges framed by the ED and NIA.

Malik said the National Investigation Agency and the Enforcement Directorate were being used by New Delhi as tools so that the separatist leadership surrenders. Malik said the Centre just wants to put a pistol on the head of a person, telling him to meet my interlocutor.

And if you will not meet, then I will put you in Tihar jail. This is unacceptable to us, Malik said at a press conference here.
Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, November 4

A policeman was killed and another injured in a militant attack in Pulwama district of south Kashmir today. Militants carried out two back-to-back attacks in south Kashmir today.

The two policemen were injured when militants fired at a checkpoint at Rajpora, Pulwama, 40 km from Srinagar, around 4 pm.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Pulwama, Mohammad Aslam said: A police party on naka duty at Rajpora was fired upon by some terrorists. In the ensuing gun battle, two police personnel sustained injuries and were shifted to a hospital.

One of the injured policemen, identified as Selection Grade Constable Abdul Salam, succumbed to his injuries while another policeman Muneer Ahmed is being treated at Armys 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar, the SSP said.

Soon after the shootout, the area was cordoned off by security personnel to trace the militants.

The militants, sources said, managed to flee.

Almost an hour earlier, militants targeted a camp of the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the J&K Police at Imam Sahib, Shopian, around 55 km from Srinagar.

The grenade exploded inside the SOG camp, but there was no report of any injury. No damage was caused by the grenade explosion, Superintendent of Police, Shopian, Shriram Ambarkar said.

The grenade attack in volatile Shopian district took place two days after a BJP youth leader, Gowhar Bhat, was hacked to death.

His throat-slit body was recovered on November 2 near his native village. The police have identified two militants of the Lashkar-e-Toiba and two militants of the Hizbul Mujahideen involved in the BJP leaders murder.

This year, the J&K Police have lost 30 men  the highest in the past two decades.

The total fatalities suffered by security forces this year is 69.

Security forces have killed 171 militants in Kashmir so far this year.
Manas Dasgupta

Ahmedabad, November 4

Abdul Rashid Ajmeri, who the police claim was the mastermind behind the terrorist attack on Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar and was absconding for 15 years, was arrested at the Ahmedabad airport this morning.

Two Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists had mounted an attack on the temple on September 24, 2002, allegedly to avenge the killing of Muslims in communal riots in the state the same year.

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Thirty-two persons, including 28 devotees and three commandos of the National Security Guard and a constable of the state reserve police, were killed. At least 100 others were injured in the terror attack. Both terrorists were shot dead by NSG commandos after a 12-hour-long gunfight.

Acting on a tip-off that Ajmeri had boarded a flight at Riyadh for Ahmedabad to meet family members, the Ahmedabad crime branch stepped up vigil at the airport and nabbed him as soon as he got off the plane.
At this writing, there is no motive for the atrocity that occurred in Las Vegas. While this slaughter is being lamented by everyone in the nation, the number of individuals killed makes this man look like a piker compared to some notable murderers.

Those noted killers were mostly Communists. Fidel Castro sent hundred of his perceived political enemies to the wall to be killed. Then there was Mao Tse Tung and Pol Pot who racked up impressive kills, and who can forget Joseph Stalins murders? Going back even further in history, we have Atilla the Hun and the Impaler.

But, for systematic and technological murder by very sophisticated methods, Adolph Hitler takes the cake. Hitler killed six million Jews without ever having his own finger on the trigger. Of course there were other historic murderers. It seems there always are.

With no motivation for his killings in sight, I must attribute his actions to being possessed by a demon, of which many are mentioned in the Bible.

So, with sympathy to the residents of Nevada, and all those who lost their friends and relatives in that horrible blood bath, my prayer is that such a slaughter will never happen again in this or any other nation.

Jack Pierce, Mattoon
Mumbai, November 4

Everybody must believe in the culture of settlement which was advocated even by Mahatma Gandhi, Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra on Saturday said after inaugurating the Alternate Dispute Resolution Centre here.

Great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Abraham Lincoln, who were lawyers first, advocated and supported the culture of settlement. They advised people to settle instead of litigating. Everybody must believe in the culture of settlement, CJI Misra said in the Bombay High Court.

The CJI along with Bombay High Court Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the ADR centre and a creche for lawyers and staff of High Court at the adjacent CTO building in south Mumbai.

"Arbitration has to be cost effective, speedy and impartial. There must be absolute disclosure as mandated in law. The arbitrator or the mediator should show good attitude, sincerity and great respect for the parties concerned," CJI Misra said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Fadnavis while lauding the ADR centre establishment said, "Our courts are grappling with an increasing number of cases and litigations which is resulting in people getting delayed justice.

"The ADR centre will benefit common people. While getting justice is not just a constitutional right but also a fundamental right of the citizens, getting the same on time is equally important.

"The state government assures all logistical support to ensure that the centre remains robust," he said.

The chief minister said the government in consultation with Chief Justice Chellur has finalised a plot in suburban Mumbai for the construction of a new high court building.

Chief Justice Chellur said ADR has achieved phenomenal success in foreign countries and is the best solution to prolonged legal battles.

"ADR is less costly, expeditious and the process is flexible. The centre can address not just civil matters but also criminal matters," she said.

Meanwhile, speaking at another event in the city this morning, Chief Justice of India Misra stressed the need to push for the use of Alternate Dispute Redressal systems, particularly that of institutional arbitration for resolving commercial disputes.

He said the concept of institutional arbitration has caught on in India and that the same was here to stay.

He said it was time for India to assume a pivotal place in the world of institutional arbitration.

CJI Misra was speaking as the chief guest at the annual conference organised by the Mumbai Centre for International Arbitration (MCIA), a joint initiative of the Maharashtra government and a group of domestic and international business and legal communities.

Also present at the event were Justice A K Sikri of the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Chellur and several other serving and retired judges of the Bombay High Court.

Justice Sikri also echoed the CJI's views on developing India as a hub of institutional arbitration.

He referred to India's improved ranking in the World Bank's ease of doing business index, and said that availability of quality arbitration mechanisms was an integral component of ease of doing business.

Both Justice Sikri and the CJI agreed that the country's economy and a robust legal system grew hand in hand and to further improve ease of doing business in India, there existed a need to provide viable alternatives to litigation and implement effective means for enforcement of contracts.

They said a robust institutional arbitration system could provide flexibility, speed, and cost-effectiveness in commercial dispute resolution.  PTI
Tribune News Service

Lucknow, November 4

The Allahabad High Court has questioned Yogi Adityanath governments reasoning refusing sanction to take legal action against Yogi Adityanath and others for instigating communal violence in Gorakhpur in 2007.

The Division Bench of Justice Krishna Murari and Justice AC Sharma had yesterday fixed November 7 as the next date when the government would have to explain on what basis Principal Secretary (Home) passed an order on May 3, 2017, refusing sanction to prosecute the Chief Minister in the 2007 riots case.

Under the rules of business of the state government, passing such orders is the sole prerogative of the Governor or the Chief Minister.

The petitioners counsel, SFA Naqvi, had asked if the Chief Minister was authorised to pass the order in the issue involved in this particular case communicated vide order of May 3, then how has he passed the order in his own favour?

Defending the May 3 order, Additional Advocate General Manish Goel claimed, Principal Secretary (Home), Government of UP, had come into agreement with the legal opinion drawn by the law department, which consists of judicial officers, and had passed order accordingly exercising his power independently vested in him under Uttar Pradesh Business Rule 1975. Therefore, the question of violation of principles of natural justice is not at all attracted or even flouted.

The AAG maintained that the amended government rules of 2016 were privileges, hence, could not be questioned in a court of law.

Challenging this reasoning, counsel Naqvi said if the court could not interfere and interpret the said privileges, then there was no validity in relying on such a document to further ones argument.

Putting the government counsel on the back foot, Naqvi said in that case it was a futile exercise and a waste of the courts time.

The case relates to 2007 when on January 27, 2007, Raj Kumar Agrahari was injured and later succumbed to his injures when a clash broke out between two groups during a Muharram procession in Gorakhpur.

The FIR had been lodged in connection with the communal riots at the Gorakhpur Cantonment police station on January 27, 2007, registering loss of a life and properties. The riots were reportedly triggered after then Gorakhpur MP Yogi Adityanaths hate speeches.

Union Minister Shiv Pratap Shukla, then BJP Gorakhpur Mayor Anju Chaudhary and BJP MLA Radha Mohan Das Agrawal are co-accused in the case.
New Delhi, November 4

A team led by renowned chef Sanjeev Kapoor on Saturday cooked about 800 kg khichdi--a traditional dish--at the World Food India event here in an attempt to enter the Guinness World Records and promote the dish as Brand India superfood.

Yoga guru Ramdev put crowning tadka in the dish which was steam-cooked in a giant wok weighing around 1,200 kg. Officials from the Guinness World Records were yet to ascertain if a record had been made.

Khichdi is a healthy and superfood. It is a solution to those depending on food supplements. It is rich with all nutrition, Ramdev said after putting tadka in the dish.

Promoting khichdi as a Brand India food is a good step towards promoting healthy superfood in not only domestic but also international market, he added.

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Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who also lent a hand in the cooking of khichdi, said: It is a wholesome food as it contains most of the nutrients. It also symbolises the countrys unity in diversity.

The dish was prepared using multigrains like rice, pulses, coarse cereals and vegetables. The night-long preparation was supervised by chef Sanjeev Kapoor.

The khichdi will be distributed to orphans by Akshaya Patra Foundation, and to about 60,000 people.

Other leading chefs, including Imtiaz Qureshi, Ranveer Brar, Sudhir Sibal, Rakesh Sethi, Akshay Nayyar and Satish Gowda, helped in the cooking.

Qureshi, master chef at ITC Hotels, praised the governments initiative to promote Indian foods like khichadi and recognise the talent of Indian chefs.

He said new-age chefs are innovating this dish across the world and it is being consumed in an interesting way these days.

Minister of State for Food Processing Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Denmark Food Minister Esben Lunde Larsen, ITC CEO Sanjiv Puri, Tata Chemicals COO of the consumer business Rich Arora, LT Foods Chairman Vijay Arora and Akshaya Patra Foundation officials were also present at the event.

The mega khichadi preparation was part of the Great Indian Food Street at the global event that features traditional food from more than 20 states. PTI
Kathmandu, November 4

A 25-year-old Indian national has been arrested in Nepal for allegedly smuggling drugs into the country.

The Nepal police nabbed Pappu Shah, a resident of Arariya district in Bihar, following information provided by another drug peddler arrested on Thursday.

Pappu used to illegally bring narcotic drugs from India and supply in different parts of the country, including Kathmandu.

In another incident, a Norwegian national was nabbed from Tribhuvan International Airpot during a security check while he was about to board a flight to Doha.

Police confiscated over 2 kg hashish hidden in his leather bag. PTI
Bhopal/Indore, November 4

Kerala-born nun Rani Maria Vattali, who was stabbed to death in 1995 in Madhya Pradesh, was today declared 'Blessed', a sacred title in the Roman Catholic church order.

The Vatican's head of the Department for Cause of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato, declared Vattali, popularly known as Sister Rani, 'Blessed', a stage below sainthood.

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Cardinal Amato read out Apostolic (Pope's) letter declaring her 'Blessed' in Latin at a Holy Mass at Saint Paul Higher Secondary School's ground in Indore in the presence of large numbers of clerics and Christians.

The nun's killer also attended the ceremony.

Cardinal George Alencherry read out the letter of Pope Francis in English, while Cardinal Telesphore Toppo did so in Hindi at the mass presided over by Cardinal Amato.

Selmy, sister of the slain nun, who along with other family members was present at the ceremony, said she was "overwhelmed" at the declaration. An elated Selmy said she will walk on the path shown by her sister.

"The Blessed title is considered a prelude to beatification of sainthood as was the case with Mother Teresa," Public Relations Officer of Madhya Pradesh Catholic Church, Father Maria Stephen told PTI.

But for canonisation of sainthood, a miracle is required, he said.

All the four cardinals of India -- Mar Baselios Cleemis (president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India), Mar George Alencherry (of Syro Malabar Church), Oswald Gracias (Archdiocese of Bombay) and Telephore Toppo (Archdiocese of Ranchi) graced the ceremony.

Sister Rani, then 41, was stabbed about 50 times on-board a bus in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district on February 25, 1995, Stephen said, adding she was a member of the Syro-Malabar Franciscan Clarist Congregation.

Her attacker Samunder Singh was hired to kill the nun as some landlords in MP's Indore region were upset with her work on uplift of landless people, he said.

Singh was sentenced to life in prison by a court. His sentence was later commuted due to his good conduct in prison, Stephen said.

He was also pardoned by Sister Rani's family.

At the ceremony, Singh recalled his brutal act.

"At that time, I was in the grip of evil spirits because of which I did that job (killing the nun). Now, I do not want to say anything on the issue," he said.

Singh, released from jail in 2006, said, "My life has changed. Now everyone in this world is part of my family.

Sister Selmi and her relatives too are my family and their affection and love has totally changed my life." Then Indore Bishop George Anathil initiated the cause for Sister Rani's canonisation process of the Blessed in 2001 by setting up two panels - historical and theological - to examine her life, Stephen said.

The panels submitted their findings to a three-member diocesan tribunal in June 2005 to carry forward the process, the cleric said.

Sister Rani was found to have led a heroic life of Christian virtue. Thereafter, her name was sent to Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints, which reviewed the gathered information and recommended that the Roman pontiff declare the candidate "venerable", he said.

Two months back, the Vatican cleared the canonisation process to promulgate the 'Decree of the Blessed' on Sister Rani. It decided to send a representative of Pope to Indore to officially announce her the 'Blessed' on November 4.

Sister Rani was born to Paili and Elisha on January 29, 1954, at Pulluvazhi in Kerala. She took her first vows in 1974 and was then assigned to Bijnor for mission Apostolate. After serving in Bijnor, she was transferred to Satna and later in 1992 to Udainagar, the MP Catholic Church said in a statement.

She was a champion for the poor and the marginalised, it said.

The nun began organising people who were exploited by moneylenders. Slowly, she was able to make a difference in their lives. Her self-help groups helped the poor and the downtrodden to break away from the clutches of the established money lending community, the release said.

This indeed annoyed the rich and powerful. She was threatened several times, but she was not to be tied down, it said.

Her bold initiatives won hearts of poor tribals, but they did not go down well with those having vested interests who ultimately decided to eliminate her, the release added.  PTI
Sundernagar (HP), November 4

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hinted at a crackdown on benami properties, and said the Congress is worried as such assets of its leaders will not be spared in his government's action.

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Launching a stinging attack on the opposition party over corruption at an election rally in Sundernagar, Modi said the Congress' campaign against demonetisation was driven by its attempts to mislead the people and create an atmosphere against him before he can raise a "storm" over benami assets.

Read: In Kangra, Narendra Modi compares Congress with termite

"The time has come to return to the poor what had been robbed of... I am going to create a situation that they (Congress leaders) would not be able to reclaim their benami assets," he said.

Heaping scorn on the Congress over its decision to observe the first anniversary of demonetisation on November 8 as black day, he said it was actually "blackmoney day" for the opposition party.

"I tried to get some information from Congress leaders... some (Congress leaders) lost their bags of Rs 500 notes, some of Rs 1000 notes. In the meantime, Modi has come with benami law. Their worry is that Modi will start showing results.

"Their worry is that the benami assets like land, flats, shops they have kept hidden like Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes are not going to be spared. Therefore, they are creating an atmosphere so that before Modi raises a storm over benami assets, they observe blackmoney day and mislead the people," he said.

In a 'benami' property, the person who pays for it buys it in the name of some other person.

There would be many Congress leaders, the prime minister claimed, who would have purchased assets like cars and houses in the names of their drivers and cooks.

He would tell these people that they should not return them to these leaders if they are asked to transfer their ownership, Modi said.

"I am going to create a situation that they would not be able to reclaim it. This is people's money. This has been robbed of the masses and would be used for their welfare," he said.

People had given him power in 2014 to fight corruption and he would continue to do so, Modi said.

Mocking at the Congress' campaign against demonetisation, he said that God gives at times the opposition party "wisdom" which comes to his use.

Referring to alleged scams that happened under the UPA, he questioned the Congress's "audacity" to observe 'black day' on November 8.

On the issue of honesty, Indians would not trust the Congress even after 100 years, such are its "sins", he claimed.
Bijay Sankar Bora

Tribune News Service

Guwahati, November 4

Nestled in the tranquil hills of Meghalaya at the Armys Umroi Cantonment, a state-of-the art new Joint Training Warfare Centre is waiting to get on the rolls with a joint training exercise with the Bangladesh Army next week.

The centre has been set up for conducting joint exercises with foreign armies. It has been envisaged keeping in mind the conducive weather terrain offering optimal training environment and has been developed on par with training centres of leading armies of the world.

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It comprises best in class training facilities, including obstacle training course, jungle lane shooting range and world class infrastructure comprising fully computerised and network-enabled Computer Warfare Centre, besides top-bracket accommodation facilities.

The infrastructure is eco-friendly and conforms to the highest standards maintaining the fragile eco-system of Umroi cantonment, according to defence spokesman Lt Col Suneet Newton.

The project was envisaged in Umroi keeping its proximity to Guwahati city and Umroi Airport. It was completed in record time of one year from the scratch to being made operationally compliant for hosting Exercise Milap, a multi-nation joint training exercise with the Bangladesh Army by Red Horn Division under the aegis of the Gajraj Corps of the Indian Army. It will also host exercises with Myanmar and Chinese armies in the later part of next year.

The Army has other joint training centres in Belgaum, Varangte (Mizoram) and Bakloh, but Umroi is Eastern Commands first such facility.
Ahmedabad, November 4

The alleged prime conspirator in the 2002 terror attack on Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar, Abdul Rashid Ajmeri, was arrested at the city airport after he arrived from Riyadh, a senior official said.

The arrest was made late last night.

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"Ajmeri is one of the prime conspirators behind the Akshardham temple terror attack. He was arrested from the airport after he landed here late last night. We had inputs that he is travelling to Ahmedabad from Riyadh to meet his brother," the DCP of Ahmadabad Crime Branch, Deepan Bhadran, said.

It was alleged that he had planned the terror attack and helped Lashkar-e-Taiba in carrying it out.

Ajmeri, an Ahmedabad resident, "had absconded to Riyadh before the terror act was committed," Bhadran said, adding that more names may come out during his interrogation.

Two militants, allegedly with links to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba, had attacked the temple in Gandhinagar on September 24, 2002, killing 32 and injuring over 80 people.

The attackers were killed by the National Security Guard (NSG) commandos.

The Supreme Court had, in May 2014, acquitted all six convicts arrested earlier, including three facing death sentence, in the case.  PTI
New Delhi, November 4

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has asked the Indian Embassy in the US for a report on the alleged beating of a Sikh boy in the Washington State.

I have seen news reports about the beating of a Sikh boy in US. I have asked @IndianEmbassyUS to send me a report on the incident.  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 4, 2017

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According to news reports, the 14-year-old Sikh boy was punched and knocked down by his classmate in the Washington State with his father claiming that his son was targeted because he is of Indian descent.

Also read: Turbaned US Sikh punched by classmate

"I have seen news reports about the beating of a Sikh boy in US. I have asked the Indian Embassy in the US to send me a report on the incident," Swaraj said in a tweet. PTI
Jitendra K Shrivastava

Tribune News Service

Patna, November 4

At least three women were killed and over a dozen others were injured on Saturday in a stampede on the banks of the Ganga river in Bihar's Begusarai district.

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The incident took place at a major bathing spot at Simaria ghat on the occasion of Kartik Purnima, when thousands of pilgrims gathered for the holy dip.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed his grief over the mishap and announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the next kin of the deceased.

Meanwhile, ADG (Headquarters) Sunil Kumar Singhal said the deaths were caused due to suffocation.

Asked if he was ruling out a possibility of stampede, Singhal said, "We will reach a final conclusion only after post-mortem reports arrive. If any negligence on part of the police is found, accountability will be fixed. The IG zone and the DIG range would also take stock of the situation."

Soon after the stampede, Sadar Deputy Superintendent of Police Mithilesh Kumar had said, "We are trying to ascertain the cause behind the stampede." With PTI
Lucknow, November 4

Hours after he returned from his three-day trip to Mauritius, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday visited the hospitals here where the injured in the boiler blast at the NTPC unit in Rae Bareli have been admitted, even as the toll rose to 35 with two more succumbing to their injuries.

Visiting the injured at the King Georges Medical University, the Civil Hospital and the Sanjay Gandhi Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), Adityanath enquired from the doctors about the condition of the severely injured labourers and directed doctors to ensure that they got the best treatment.

The Chief Minister also asked officials accompanying him to ensure that the ex gratia to the families of the dead and financial assistance for the injured reached them promptly and without any hassle.

We are with the families of the victims in this hour of grief and will do everything to help them, he added.

The condition of 18 injured continues to be very critical, a doctor at a medical facility told IANS. With severe burns, the fear of infection setting in has increased but we are trying our best to ensure that they recover, the doctor added.

So far 21 patients, in two shifts, have been flown by air ambulances to New Delhi for higher and specialised treatment.

The death toll has risen to 35, with the death of two more people.

The condition of five patients in the SGPGI is improving, director Ravi Kapoor said. They had suffered 20-25 per cent burns in the incident.

No FIR has been lodged so far in the matter but two probes--one magisterial and one by the NTPC management--are under way. IANS
Nawanshahr, November 4

Gurbaksh Kaur, who along with her daughter was stuck in Saudi Arabia after being jailed over allegations of planning to kill members of the family she was working for, on Saturday reached her home here and thanked Union and state governments for securing her release.

However, her daughter, is still in Saudi Arabia.

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A couple of days ago, Gurbaksh, through a video clip, sought government's intervention in securing her and her daughter Reena's safe return from Saudi Arabia where they were fraudulently sent by a travel agent.

On learning about their plight in Saudi Arabia, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on October 30 had brought the matter to the notice of External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj, through a tweet saying: "This mother-daughter due from Nawanshahr are in trouble in Saudi Arabia. Request your urgent help".

On which, the External Affairs Minister had asked the Indian Embassy in Riyadh to help.

Yesterday, Swaraj in a tweet had said Gurbaksh Kaur is returning to India and her daughter will be brought back soon.

"Pursuant to efforts of @IndianEmbRiyadh Gurbux Kaur is reaching India today. The daughter Reena will return soon," the minister had tweeted.

The duo, residents of Garhi Fateh Khan village here, had planned to go to Malaysia but their travel agent had fraudulently sent them to Saudi Arabia and was demanding more money to bring them back.

Narrating her tale of woes in Saudi Arabia, Gurbaksh told mediapersons here that though they had planned to go to Malaysia, a travel agent, Neha, in Delhi told them that they were being sent to Saudi Arabia instead.

"My daughter arrived in Saudi Arabia three days after my arrival there. But we were unable to meet each other even once during these past three months and I have no idea of her present condition or location," she said.

The woman told mediapersons that they had sold their small piece of land to arrange money for their journey to Malaysia as the agents had assured them a "packing-related job there.

"But I was made to do all kinds of menial household chores, sometimes at knife-point," she said narrating her ordeal.

The woman said she was not paid any money for the work she did in a house there.

"I was not paid any money for my work and one day the family I worked for turned me out of the house in a burqa and the local police arrested me and put me into the prison saying I had planned to kill the family members," she said.

Gurbaksh said she met many women like her in the prison.

"In jail, I saw many women, including some teenage girls from other countries, including Bangladesh, who were treated very badly and were asked to do work which is considered immoral in our society," the victim said.

While Gurbaksh was highly grateful to the governments and media for their role in securing her release, she urged the government to work for securing the safe return of her daughter as well.

Nawanshahr SDM Aditiya Uppal today paid a visit to her house to welcome her on behalf of the district administration.

The SDM urged the people to bring to the notice of the administration other such cases, if any, so that arrangements could be made to bring those people back too.

He assured the family that the state government was doing its best to bring back Reena also. The SDM expressed hope that she (Reena) too would join her family soon.  PTI
Shiv Kumar Sharma

Tribune News Service

Yamunanagar, November 4

Four persons were killed and 11 injured when a bus of a Punjab-based private transport company hit a motorcycle near Peeruwala village on the Bilaspur-Jagadhri road today.

The bus was carrying pilgrims who were returning to their villages in Bathinda district after attending the Kapal Mochan Mela here. Three motorcycle-borne persons and a bus passenger lost their lives.

The deceased were identified as Charanjit Singh Dhillon (43) of Raipur village in Bathinda district, Raj Kumar (34) of Leda Khas village, Rahul Kumar (18) of Kotri village and Rinku (35) of Jatheri village (all three from Haryanas Yamunanagar district). The bus overturned after hitting the bike.

Resam Singh, Binder, Jagdish, Kulwant Kaur, Dharamjit Singh, Jagtar Singh and bus driver Surat Singh, all from Bathinda, were seriously injured. They were admitted to Yamunanagars Trauma Centre. Four other persons sustained minor injuries.

Rajesh Kalia, SP, said the bus was carrying about 70 passengers, some of whom were sitting on the roof. Randhir Singh, Bilaspur DSP, said a case had been registered against the bus driver.

In another accident, a bus of a Punjab-based private transport company collided with a truck near Ghdhaula village on the Jagadhri-Panchkula national highway today. The bus was carrying about 55 pilgrims from Bathinda district. The driver and several passengers were injured. The driver was admitted to Jagadhris Civil Hospital.
Tribune Reporters

Phagwara/Amritsar, Nov 4

Director General of Police (DGP) Suresh Arora has said the Punjab Control of Organised Crime Act (PCOCA) would be helpful to curb crime and put culprits behind bars.

Talking to mediapersons at Phagwara after holding a meeting of police officials on Saturday evening, Arora said to ensure transparency, the Act could only be imposed after a recommendation from a DIG-level officer and clearance from an ADGP-level officer.

The DGP said the police would open its social media accounts on Twitter, WhatsApp and Facebook to counter the propaganda of antisocial elements. He said IG SK Asthana would head the special cyber crime cell which would be operational by the month-end in Chandigarh.

He said the Punjab Police was being equipped with ultra-modern weapons and 2,000 new constables would be recruited every year.

In Amritsar, the DGPclaimed that the killing Hindu leader Vipin Sharma was not the handiwork of radicals as was being suspected in the initial stage.

During the investigation so far, one thing is clear that it is not radical-sponsored crime, he said, adding that the suspects had been identified and efforts were on to nab them. One of the suspects was identified with the help of CCTV footage, while his accomplices have also been identified, he said.

The DGP visited the crime spot in the Bharat Nagar area on the Batala road where Sharma was shot dead by unidentified assailants. Local police officials were seen detailing him about the incident.

He also visited the family of the deceased and assured them that the accused would be nabbed soon. Sources said Arora also urged the family members not to fall in the trap of some elements who were using them for vested interests.

Top cops interrogate gangsters

Amritsar: Sources said DGP Suresh Arora along with top police officers on Saturday questioned jailed gangsters Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Bobby Malhotra who were brought on production warrant. TNS

AAP cautions CM on stringent law

Chandigarh: Leader of the Opposition Sukhpal Singh Khaira on Saturday warned the state not to enact PCOCA as it was bound to be misused by the police and politicians to settle a score with their opponents. He said a strong willpower was required to control law and order, not a draconian law like PCOCA. He said Punjab had witnessed gross misuse of such ruthless Acts, including TADA. TNS
New Delhi, November 4

Agriculture and Irrigation Minster Rana Gurjit Singh today said the state had the potential to become food processing hub with the progressive measures being taken by the state government.

Addressing a Punjab session on behalf of CM Capt Amarinder Singh during the ongoing World Food India 2017, the minister said the government had put forth food processing sector as a thrust area in its industrial policy, offering a slew of incentive to food processing units. On the occasion, 36 MoUs worth about Rs 3,000 core were signed.  TNS
Shailaja Khanna

It is unusual to take up the name of a cosmopolitan city as yours without any musical roots. But, when you love a city so dearly, you dont mind adopting the citys identity. And that sums up why Jayashri Ramnath is popularly known as Bombay Jayashri.

Trained in Bharatanatyam and Saraswati Veena as well as Hindustani vocals, Jayashri with a unique timbered voice, has made her indelible mark as a Carnatic classical vocalist. She has also forayed into playback singing with various films. Oscar nominated Tamil lullaby in 2013 film Life of Pi, theme song of blockbuster Bahubali and superhit track Zara Zara are some of her celebrated contributions.

In addition, she composes music and collaborates with musicians from across the world, be it artistes from Egypt and Finland. Beautiful with a radiant smile that lights up her face, Jayashri is soft spoken and measured in her words. Her recent performance in Shimla, which was a part of the annual Shimla Classical Music Festival at the iconic Gaiety Theatre, was hugely appreciated. Excerpts from the interview.

With concerts all over the world, travelling is so much a part of your life. Dont you find extensive travelling exhausting?

In fact, I love to travel. Visiting new places, experiencing different vibes, entertaining diverse audience, everything to do with concerts is icing on the cake.

You teach music to autistic children, you are vocal about your concerns about the environment. How are these an extension of your music?

I am not just a musician, I am a thinking person as well. I do believe sensitivity in a musician is very important, and that is developed by being in tune with people and our surroundings, and by being perceptive and receptive to everything. You cant compartmentalise yourself and say, this is music and I am receptive only to music.

How many languages are you fluent in?

As a Carnatic vocalist, I am expected to sing in five languages in which compositions have been written  Tamil, Telegu, Kannada, Malayalam and Sanskrit. Sahitya (lyrics) is very important in our music. I must understand what I am singing to bring in the bhaava (emotion) in my rendition.

Why do you find it necessary to venture into uncharted musical territories, in unfamiliar musical genres?

I have learnt a lot! The Western methodology, training, way of learning, presentation is completely different, and that shapes the personality of musicians of the West. Its different to us, at every level. For a few years, I have worked with Finnish musicians, even sung in their orchestra. Whats most beautiful is that the Finnish, who had never heard Carnatic classical music before I went there, were ready to listen to a three-hour concert. I couldnt fathom this  it was as if they always knew this genre of music. They listened with rapt attention.

I couldnt understand it, was it their ability to absorb or their inherent discipline? I didnt know, but it intrigued me! Amazingly, I also feel at home when I am there.

Two totally different musicians from completely different musical backgrounds and from different parts of the world come together and are able to create a dialogue through music that can hold on its own. When the musical notes take over, after a point, it doesnt matter where you are from, what you have trained in, even what music means to you  it could be your job, or religion or passion.

Whenever I have worked with different musicians, I have realised that its only a conversation between notes that remains a constant and everything else blurs. Music is a bridge between their world and mine, there is a constant role reversal, sometimes one leads the way musically, the other follows. Whether its the Finns, or Hisham Abbas  a pop musician from Egypt , or Hindustani musicians, its the same.

You have also formally learnt Hindustani music. It is said your music is heavily influenced by Hindustani music even today, and that you enjoy singing in North India. Do you agree?

No true musician can remain impervious to the music around them. I was born in Kolkata, brought up in Mumbai, and till today, I enjoy listening to a lot of Hindustani music, as well as allied genres like ghazals (I love Mehdi Hasan sahib). In fact, this classification of music into genres limits its scope. Notes stay the same; it is their use, and the approach to each note which is different. I believe music gives peace, it calms our soul, soothes our nerves, brings joy to our world. I enjoy singing everywhere. Audiences in North India are quite receptive and appreciative. I am looking forward to my next concert in Delhi on November 6 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
SIMLA, Oct. 25.

INDIAS first general elections, the biggest in the world, began today with the casting of votes by the people of Chini and Pangi tehsils of Himachal Pradesh on the countrys north border. The first votes were cast at 8 this morning.

Details of polling have not yet reached here, as there are no means of communication with the tehsils except a wireless link used for official purposes only.

Between today and November second, the 20,000 voters of these two tehsils will cast their votes to elect two representatives to the states 36-member Legislative Assembly and three to the House of People.

Polling in Chini, which is in the Mahasu district, will conclude on October 27, but in Pangi in the Chamba district, it will continue till November 2.

The voters of Chini will have plural votes in the choice of their representative to the House of People as the Mandi-Mahasu parliamentary constituency of which it is a part, has to return two candidates, including one scheduled caste member. Chamba-Sirmur parliamentary constituency, in which Pangi is included, has to elect only one member.

Results in the case of legislative assembly elections will be known within a week or ten days after the conclusion of polling, but those of parliamentary candidates will not be announced until polling in the rest of the state is concluded by the middle of December.
Chandigarh, November 5

The far-flung areas of Pangi and Chini in the hill region of what was not yet Himachal Pradesh had the distinction of being the first to exercise their votes in free Indias first free elections, held in October 1951. An area culled from Punjab and an amalgamation of independent hill States, Himachal Pradesh was then a Chief Commissioners Province.

On March 24, 1952, the first session of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly was held in Rashtrapati Niwas, formerly Viceregal Lodge, Shimla, and the old arrangement was given a burial, with the Chief Commissioner being replaced by Lt. Governor, Major-General Kumar Shri Himmatsinhji.

Himachal Pradesh became a union territory on November 1, 1956. Kangra and several other hill areas of Punjab were merged with Himachal exactly a decade later. Following a long struggle, the UT got its full status on January 25, 1971, when Himachal Pradesh became the 18th state of India.

Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar of the Congress was the first Chief Minister of the state and he led it till 1977. The first post-Emergency election brought about a sea change in the political fortunes of the Congress in the country, and Himachal Pradesh was no exception. Janata Party opened its account in Himachal Pradesh and Shanta Kumar became the Chief Minister.

Congress leader Virbhadra Singh led his party to victory in the next Assembly poll, in 1982, and became Chief Minister. He then led the state for two consecutive terms.

However, thereafter, the picture is not all that clear. Both Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party have registered victories, often one after the other.

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh led his party to victory in the last election, withstanding the Modi wave that decimated the Congress-led UPA nationwide. He has been Chief Minister of the state for a record six times.

The state has 68 constituencies. The fate of the political fortunes of the incumbent and the challengers lies in their hands.
Akash Mehrotra

Nagaland hangs in mind like a dream. With all its history of cordite and crackle of gun, Nagaland is a compelling place, a melting pot of 16 tribes and numerous sub-tribes, hiding the world of animism: head heading; feathered and beaded warriors with warrior mettle; in their sleek jeans and chic hairstyles. But come December, the warrior in them rises. drums are beaten, alarms sounded, feet tapped and war songs hummed. A festive air engulfs the capital city of Kohima. As tribes assemble, melodious songs and the rhythmic thumping of feet become the constant backdrop to the otherwise quiet region. A massive bonfire is arranged as festivity reaches a frenzied crescendo. The state celebrates the beloved Hornbill Festival not just to mark the statehood but also to take pride in the cultural extravaganza that Nagaland is.

First the facts  the Hornbill Festival is organised from December 1 to December 10 every year in Kisama heritage village, very close to Kohima. The fervour of the festival is equally complemented with night bazaar in Kohima. These 10 days are marked with the assemblage of all 16 tribes and numerous sub-tribes. The festival gives an insight into tribal rituals, cuisines, lifestyles and beliefs. And then, there are endless activities  from a display of traditional Naga culture in the form of dance and competition to heritage motor car rally, wrestling, a pork-fat greased pole-climbing contest, art exhibitions, literary fests, stage performances, races, local beverages, exciting cuisines, handicrafts, delicious momos and rice beer  a colourful cornucopia of all things Nagaland and north-east India is. There is no dearth of options  guilt-free shopping of Naga handloom and art pieces and endless moments of photography. For any traveller, the Hornbill Festival is like living a dream. One gets astounded by the sheer amount of colour and sights of this enthralling festival.

Even the itinerary is beautifully set. Tribal dances amaze you. The reds, oranges and yellows of tribal dress, with beatific war masks leave you asking for more. The evenings are usually set for the Hornbill Music Festival, where artistes sing songs and organise gala music. Add to this the Hornbill International Rock Contest and music festival, organised by the Music Task force.

Also, there is a World War 2 Car rally, besides the Hornbill Motor Rally. Theres also a beauty pageant and literature festival. And for the daring travellers, the tenth day has a Naga chilly eating competition. Mind you, Naga chillies are the hottest in the world and can literally take your senses away.

The itinerary is well packed, and however little time you feel like spending in the festival, do pencil in some time to relish Naga cuisines. Every tribe has a different menu and often laid in front of the tribal huts. They continuously cook the food that they make at home. Try the various preparations of pork and beef and wash these down with some rice beer. For the adventurous eaters, there are dishes prepared with snails, worms and various insects. And the food just doesnt end with a walk around the Kisama village; head out to the night bazaar to try the exotic food.
Saba Naqvi

Saba Naqvi

If there is one mission of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that I support in spirit, it is the Swachh Bharat campaign. But a troubling series of events in Mehrauli, a place of history and love (where Delhis famous Phoolwalon Ki Sair takes place) have forced me to pause and ask  is Swachh Bharat becoming a vehicle for local vigilantism and land grab?

Briefly, at the edge of the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, a mandir and madrasa stand side by side, both on land disputed between the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Waqf Board. It's no secret that one of the local RWA organisations with links to a BJP ward member has property interests in the Mehrauli area.

They have no problem with the mandir, possibly even an alliance with one faction running the mandir (there is a legal battle for control here too). Perhaps, it's encroachment by the madrasa and the sight of little Muslim boys in skull caps that incense this lot. But the primary motive behind recent actions is to clear land and grab. And, Mr Prime Minister, they appear to be using your good campaign of Swachh Bharat as cover.

Let me explain. Two weeks ago, a group of citizens went around Mehrauli seeking endorsements for a petition: they said 'these people' are expanding, and a gate leading to the park, but also giving access to the madrasa must be removed. Some residents politely told them to take their prejudice elsewhere and said the gate is for all residents to reach the park. No matter, the good citizens demolished the gate anyway.

Next, good citizens arrived with a JCB digger, within the protected Mehrauli Archaeological Park. It dug from root all trees surrounding the madrasa, and adjacent land. They said it was part of the Swachh Bharat drive and their bid for a cleaner Mehrauli. How cutting down 50 odd trees  a criminal act in a protected park  makes anything cleaner is debatable.

They had no sanction, no authority, but through the evening, madrasa children huddled in darkness as trees surrounding them were uprooted. The good citizens, by chopping trees, declared  we must 'expose' these people  presumably the madrasa lot, expanding hidden behind tree cover. Now an FIR has been filed by the madrasa, but is action likely?

Currently, there hangs a provocative banner on the madrasa wall saying  Swachh Mehrauli with an OM sign prominently top-centre, that proclaims the cleaning drive in Mehrauli Ward 8 is under the aegis of journalist Aarti Singh Yadav (who won the local MCD election on a BJP ticket). Even if this lady were Queen of Sheeba, she has no right to allow citizens to take law into their own hands and chop trees on DDA land without permission. And she certainly should not be overseeing a land grab operation begun in right earnest.

Lets not fool ourselves: trees were cut so that forest cover can go and land occupied, first by suggesting a benign operation like a pretty neighbourhood park, then an office for the local RWA, and, one hears talk of a marriage hall - all adjoining the mandir premises that were recently rented out for a high-octave night function - in violation of Supreme Court rulings as well as the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Noise Pollution Rules. Fact: a protected park is a silent zone. No loudspeakers  either bhajans or azaans.

It's all happening in a historically significant part of Delhi, not far from the Qutub Minar, where great monuments have already been encroached upon.

The mandir and the madrasa at the heart of this mini-clash have no historical significance. But both are near a lovely park, both sadly near land piled high with garbage because of a non-functional MCD. And the Mehrauli area, a mix of slum and middle class buildings, lacks adequate garbage outlets.

If the recent exertions of these residents were really about cleanliness and getting rid of the garbage dump, their efforts should be lauded. But the motives look a lot more unclean  greed and communalism. Academic studies of communal riots have found that the motive for flare-ups is often land and the desire to occupy it by the dominant community. Riots clear land; some people flee and others move in. Hopefully, the situation in Mehrauli will not come to this pass, although the police did have to come in several times this week on these developments.

This entire episode has made me reflect. First, it is only natural that in urban centres, the more middle class surroundings will be cleaner than areas that are home to the poor. We have to be very careful that Swachh Bharat is not used as a pretext for bullying the poor. No one chooses to live in filth; they do so because they have to. Yes, some Dalit bastis are filthy and Muslim ghettoes full of stinking open drains. And they occupy land. But you can't throw out people or intimidate those you do not like under the pretext of cleaning up neighbourhoods. That's not a mission, it's criminal action  dirtying the Swachh Bharat Campaign.
Washington, November 4

Two influential Congressional sub-committees will hold a joint hearing on Pakistans commitment in the fight against terrorism, and the review of the US aid to it even as a Congressman expressed doubts over its commitment to denying terrorists safe harbour.

An announcement to this effect comes nearly three months after US President Donald Trump announced his South Asia policy.

A productive US-Pakistan relationship is essential to bring stability to the region, but doubts persist about Pakistans commitment to denying terrorists safe harbour, Congressman Ted Yoho said.

Two subcommittees of the House Foreign Affairs CommitteeAsia and the Pacific, and Middle East and North Africawould hold the hearing on The Presidents Plan for Afghanistan and Pakistan: Objectives and Resources on Wednesday, November 8.

Alice G Wells, the acting assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia, has been asked to testify before the lawmakers, along with Gregory Huger, assistant to the administrator office of Afghanistan and Pakistan in the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

In this hearing, the subcommittees will hear the latest on US civilian efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan, determine how they fit into the presidents new plan for the region, and oversee the administrations resourcing decisions, said Yoho, Chairman of Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee.

Now that the administration has unveiled its Afghanistan strategy and decided to suspend a significant amount of aid to Pakistan, this hearing will allow members to review the approximate $1.1 billion combined FY 2018 budget request for the two countries, Congresswoman Elena Ros-Lehtinen, Chairman of the Middle east and North Africa Subcommittee said.

This hearing will also explore ongoing challenges in Afghanistan, including combating the Taliban, corruption, economic woes, and a lack of prioritisation of counter- narcotics efforts, as well as Pakistans performance in preventing terrorist groups from establishing safe havens, and assess whether the budget request is meeting US priorities, she said. PTI
Beirut, November 4

Iran put a ballistic missile on display as thousands marched on Saturday to mark the anniversary of the 1979 seizure of the US embassy, with a senior official accusing President Donald Trump of a crazy return to confrontation with Tehran.

Turnout for the annual Iranian street rallies commemorating the embassy takeover, a pivotal event of the Islamic Revolution, appeared higher than in recent years when Trumps predecessor Barack Obama pursued detente with Tehran.

Last month, Trump broke ranks with European allies, Russia and China by refusing to re-certify Irans compliance with its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, reached during Obamas tenure. Under that deal, most international sanctions on Iran were lifted in exchange for Tehran curbing nuclear activity seen to pose a risk of being put to developing atomic bombs.

Iran has reaffirmed its commitment to the deal and UN inspectors have verified Tehran is complying with its terms, but Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has threatened to shred the pact if the US pulls out.

All the governments confirm that the American President is a crazy individual who is taking others toward the direction of suicide, Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, told a rally in Tehran, state media reported. Trumps policies against the people of Iran have brought them out into the streets today, Shamkhani said.

He did not identify the governments he had in mind. The other parties to the nuclear deal  Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany  have voiced disquiet at Trumps opposition to it, fearing this could stir new Middle East instability.

But the Europeans share US concern over Irans ballistic missile programme and destabilising regional behaviour. Senior Iranian officials have repeatedly said that the Islamic Republics missile programme is solely defensive in nature and is not negotiable.

That America thinks Iran is going to put aside its military power is a childish dream, said Brigadier General Hossein Salami, deputy head of its elite Revolutionary Guards which oversees the missile development, according to Tasnim.

US-Iranian tensions have risen anew at a time when Tehran has been improving political and military ties with Russia.

Iran and Russia are both fighting on the side of Syrian President Bashar al Assad against rebels, some of them US-backed, and Islamist militants trying to overthrow him.  Reuters

Strong defiance
Beirut, November 4

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation today, citing Irans grip on the country and threats to his life.

I announce my resignation from the post of prime minister, he said in a speech broadcast from Saudi Arabia by the Al-Arabiya news network. I felt what was being covertly plotted to target my life, Hariri said.

The two-time PM, whose father Rafik held the same position for years and was assassinated in 2005, accused Iran and its powerful Lebanese Shia ally Hezbollah of seeking hegemony in the region.

The 47-year-old Sunni politicians resignation comes less than a year after his government, to which Hezbollahs political wing belongs, was formed.

Iran has a grip on the fate of the regions countries... Hezbollah is Irans arm not just in Lebanon but in other Arab countries too, he said.

In recent years, Hezbollah has used the power of its weapons to impose a fait accompli, he said.

Hariri accused Tehran of sowing discord among the children of the same nation and creating a state within the state... to the extent that it gets the final say on how Lebanons affairs are run.

Hezbollah is a vital ally of Syrian President Bashar al- Assad in the war the Syrian regime is waging against the Islamic State. It enjoys broad support from Iran and is the only Lebanese party to have kept its weapons after the 1975-1990 civil war.

Hezbollah members have been accused over the 2005 assassination of Rafik Hariri, the dominant figure of Lebanons post-war political landscape.  AFP
Beirut, November 4

Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri today resigned from his post during a trip to Saudi Arabia in a surprise move that plunged the country into uncertainty amid heightened regional tensions.

In a televised address from Riyadh, Hariri fired a vicious tirade against Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah group for what he said was their meddling in Arab affairs and said "Iran's arms in the region will be cut off."

"The evil that Iran spreads in the region will backfire on it," Hariri said, accusing Tehran of spreading chaos, strife and destruction throughout the region.

Hariri was appointed prime minister in late 2016 and headed a 30-member national unity cabinet that included the Shiite militant Hezbollah. The government has largely succeeded in protecting the country from the effects of the civil war in neighboring Syria.

The country is sharply divided along a camp loyal to Saudi Arabia, headed by the Sunni Muslim Hariri, and a camp loyal to Iran represented by Hezbollah.

Hariri's resignation today was expected to sharply raise tensions in the country. In his speech, he suggested he feared for his life and said the atmosphere in the country is similar to the one that existed before his father, the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, was assassinated in 2005.

Several Hezbollah members are being tried in absentia for the killing by a UN-backed tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands.

Hezbollah denies any involvement.

He said Hezbollah's policies have put Lebanon "in the eye of the storm."

"Hezbollah was able in past decades to impose a status quo in Lebanon through its weapons directed at the chests of Syrians and Lebanese," he said.

Earlier this week, Saudi State Minister for Gulf Affairs Thamer al-Sabhan sharply criticized Hezbollah, calling for its "toppling" and promising "astonishing developments" in the coming days during an interview with the Lebanese TV station MTV.

Al-Sabhan met with Hariri in Saudi Arabia when the now resigned prime minister was visiting first earlier this week.

Hariri abruptly returned to the kingdom later yesterday before his bombshell announcement today.

In tweets after meeting Hariri, al-Sabhan described it as "long and fruitful meeting" that resulted in agreements over many issues that concern the Lebanese.

"What comes is better, God willing," al-Sabhan tweeted on Tuesday. In a series of tweets, al-Sabhan criticized the Lebanese government for tolerating Hezbollah's criticism of the kingdom.

He earlier said that those who cooperate with Hezbollah must be "punished."

The attacks on Hezbollah came on the heels of new US sanctions on the group.  AP
Islamabad, November 4

Ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has denied any deal with the establishment for his return and also dismissed the possibility of a technocrats government in the country.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president said that after the November 3, 2007 emergency he stood for the cause of independence of the judiciary. I am not the supporter of a judiciary which welcomes dictators, endorses doctrine of necessity and garlands them. Sharif said, Dawn reported.

He said he would not go for any deal or accept a new National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) to escape trial, adding that those who had sought the NRO in 2007 might seek another one in 2017, but the PML-N was not interested in any such deal.

The NRO was promulgated after a deal between then military ruler Gen Musharraf and the Pakistan Peoples Party.

Sharif said he did not see formation of any technocrats government as he had been hearing such rumours for many years. IANS
New York City, November 4

The New York City Police Department said on Friday that it had a credible narrative from an unidentified woman who has made a rape allegation against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein and was gathering evidence for a possible arrest warrant.

Reuters requests for comment from Weinsteins representative and his lawyer were not immediately answered.

New York City Police Department Deputy Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce told a news conference that the alleged victim put forth a credible and detailed narrative.

We have an actual case here, Boyce said. He said the police department became aware of the accusation on October 25.

Boyce said it was a seven-year-old case and we have to move forward gathering evidence.

Boyce said that because Weinstein was out of state the police department would need a court-ordered warrant for any arrest.

More than 50 women have claimed that Weinstein sexually harassed or assaulted them over the past three decades.

Weinstein has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone.

Reuters has been unable to independently confirm any of the allegations.

Boyce said police had spoken to the woman and we found corroboration along the way.

He said the NYPD was working on the case with the Manhattan district attorneys office.

Right now Weinstein poses no threat to anybody in New York City. Hes out of state. So its a continuing investigation, Boyce told the news conference.

Earlier on Friday, in response to media reports, Joan Vollero, a spokeswoman for Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr., told Reuters, A senior sex crimes prosecutor is assigned to this investigation, and the Office has been working with our partners in the NYPD since the new allegations came to light.

Police in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and London have also said they are investigating sexual assault allegations against Weinstein but no charges have been brought against him.  Reuters
Madrid/Barcelona, November 4

Ousted Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont called on Saturday for a united political front in the December 21 election to continue the drive for independence from Spain and to protest the imprisonment of former members of the regional government.

Puigdemont, who went to Belgium after his government was fired following a unilateral declaration of independence, said on Friday he was considering standing in the election from Brussels.

In Spains gravest political crisis since the return of democracy in the late 1970s, PM Mariano Rajoy called the snap election after taking control of Catalonia a week ago.

Political parties that wish to run on a common platform have until Tuesday to register any potential coalition and until November 18 to put forward their candidates.

It is time for all democrats to join together. For Catalonia, for the freedom of political prisoners and for the republic, Puigdemont said in a tweet that included the hashtag llistaunitaria.cat, a site calling for parties to unite against the Spanish government at the ballot box.

Signatures on the website rose to over 27,000 from just 2,000 within a couple of hours of Puigdemonts tweet on Saturday morning.

In a poll published on Tuesday, the pro-independence coalition Junts pel Si (Together for Yes) was seen winning in December with 35.2% if the vote was held immediately. That would return a parliamentary majority to independence supporters if the group stuck with its current pact with far-left party CUP.

The wealthy northeastern region continues to be evenly split between those that support leaving Spain and those that wish to remain part of the country, according to polls taken since the declaration of independence.

If pro-independence parties run on different tickets, it may be difficult for them to win a parliamentary majority, though the imprisonment of former government members may help unite an electorate already wary of Madrids tactics, seen by many as heavy handed.

Pro-Spain candidates including Rajoys Peoples Party (PP), the Socialists and market-friendly Ciudadanos were out canvassing on Saturday with modest rallies in the region calling for the so-called silent majority to vote en masse in December.

On Thursday, nine members of Puigdemonts sacked cabinet were ordered by Spains HC to be held on remand pending an investigation and potential trial. One member of the dismissed cabinet, Santi Vila, was released after paying bail of 50,000 euros on Friday. The other eight could remain in custody for up to four years.

Puigdemont has said he would not return to Spain until he has been given unspecified guarantees by the Spanish government. Following the warrant, any extradition process could take up to 45 days according to the Belgium Federal Public Prosecutors Office.  Reuters

In Belgium for three months
Seoul, November 4

Rallies welcoming and opposing US President Donald Trumps two-day visit to South Korea next week were held here on Saturday.

Conservative voters, mainly elderly loyalists of impeached South Korean President Park Geun-hye who was ousted from office in March and stood trial over corruption charges, held a rally, the local media reported.

They waved national flags of both South Korea and the US, with some of them lifting Trumps pictures to welcome the US leaders first state visit to South Korea in over two decades, Xinhua news agency reported. The so-called rally of Taegeukgi, the South Korean national flag in Korean, also demanded the release of Park.

Similar welcoming rallies were also conducted in different areas of Seoul as Trump is scheduled to visit South Korea from November 7 to November 8.

According to the presidential Blue House, Trump will arrive in the country at about noon on Tuesday and will hold a summit meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

On the second day, Trump will deliver a speech to the National Assembly, becoming the first US President to do so in 25 years.

On the other side of the central Seoul, protest rallies were held against Trumps visit due to his belligerent rhetoric against North Korea that escalated tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

The protesters urged the Moon government to veer away from the hostile policy, which the Trump administration adopted, and to stop annual war games between the two allies to bring peace and dialogue to the peninsula.

The anti-Trump protesters reportedly requested over 100 rallies to be held in Seoul during Trumps two-day stay. Rallies outside the Blue House will be prohibited or restricted for the two days marking the first such measure taken under the Moon government, which was inaugurated in May.

Trump will reach Japan on Sunday, the first stop on the five-nation, 11-day trip during which he will visit South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

North Korea rules out talks

North Korea ruled out talks and threatened to increase its nuclear arsenal in a fresh warning to Donald Trumps administration today as the US President set off on a tour of Asia.

The Norths state-run KCNA news agency said in a commentary that the US should be disabused of the absurd idea that Pyongyang would succumb to international sanctions and give up its nuclear weapons.

Our self-defensive nuclear treasure sword will be sharpened evermore unless the US hostile policy toward the DPRK is abolished once and for all, it said.  Agencies
Washington, November 4

US President Donald Trump has said he would be spending an extra day in the Philippines to attend the East Asia Summit, the White House said.

Trump was to return from the Philippines a day before the summit on November 14 and was to be represented by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

However, minutes before leaving the White House yesterday, Trump told reporters that he would be extending his Asia visit by a day to attend the key summit.

The annual East Asia Summit to be held in the Filipino city of Angeles would see the participation of leaders from 10 ASEAN countries, including India, Russia and China.

Were staying an extra day, because the following day is actually the most important day, Trump told reporters onboard Air Force One on his way to Hawaii.

Trump left Washington Dc last morning on a 12-day Asia trip to visit Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Inside the plane on his way to Hawaii, Trump explained that he had planned to spend a day in Hawaii at the end of the trip, but cancelled that plan. Instead, he will stay a day longer at ASEAN in the Philippines, which follows the APEC conference in Vietnam.

Im going to spend the extra day at the second conference, which is a very important conference, he said.

Just have a good time everybody. Well do a good job. As citizens, we will represent you well. Okay? As reporters, I dont know. But as citizens, definitely. Have a good time.

Nice to see you, said the US president who has been very critical of the media.

Getting ready to land in Hawaii. Looking so much forward to meeting with our great Military/Veterans at Pearl Harbor! Trump said in a tweet before he landed in Hawaii.  PTI
Washington: A disgruntled Twitter customer support employee deleted the Twitter account of US President Donald Trump on his last day at the social media giant. On Thursday evening, Trumps Twitter page showed Sorry, that page doesnt exist! message. My Twitter account was taken down for 11 minutes by a rogue employee, Trump later wrote. PTI
Washington, November 4

A new batch of files, mostly secret CIA records, related to the November 1963 assassination of US president John F Kennedy was released by the National Archives today.

Nearly 680 records were made public, including 553 never- before-seen files from the Central Intelligence Agency, which had objected to their release previously on national security grounds.

Among the CIA files released were detailed records, for example, of efforts to recruit Soviet diplomats serving in foreign missions, complete with transcripts of wiretaps.

The National Archives said the other documents published online were from the Justice Department, the Defence Department and a House committee which conducted an inquiry into Kennedy's November 22, 1963 assassination in Dallas, Texas.

The official Warren Commission which investigated the slaying of the charismatic 46-year-old president determined that it was carried out by a former Marine Corps sharpshooter, Lee Harvey Oswald, acting alone.

The commission's formal conclusion that Oswald killed Kennedy has done little, however, to quell speculation that a more sinister plot was behind the murder of the 35th US president.

Hundreds of books and movies such as the 1991 Oliver Stone film "JFK" have fed the conspiracy industry, pointing the finger at Cold War rivals the Soviet Union or Cuba, the Mafia and even Kennedy's vice president, Lyndon Johnson.

Kennedy scholars have said the new documents are unlikely to contain any bombshell revelations or put to rest the rampant conspiracy theories.

Today's document release by the National Archives is the third this year and in compliance with a 1992 act of Congress that mandated that all Kennedy documents be released within 25 years.

President Donald Trump has given the FBI and CIA six months -- until April 26, 2018 -- to make their case for why remaining documents should not be made public.

The National Archives released 2,891 assassination documents on October 26 and 3,810 records on July 24.

Oswald defected to the Soviet Union in 1959 but returned to the United States in 1962.

He was shot to death two days after killing Kennedy by a nightclub owner, Jack Ruby, as he was being transferred from the city jail. AFP
Dear friends around the world,

As some of you may already know, I am part-Mongolian and part-Tibetan. My father was Tibetan, as were my gurus, monastic and lay friends, and many people whom I regard as important. And so I identify very much with the Tibetan people and when I see them suffer, I feel it is not right for me to remain quiet.

I count myself very lucky that I have been adopted by this beautiful country of Malaysia. And because the Malaysian government is a truly democratic one, I have the freedom to practise whatever religion I choose. I see this with my own eye because the government and the people of this country embrace diversity and see it as a strength. It is this prevailing mentality has benefited everyone in the country and we have all gained from it tremendously.

As a Tibetan monk, I have also been able to freely share my culture, history and the Dharma with anyone who cares to listen. In that way, the democratic government of Malaysia has helped to keep our rich Tibetan culture and rich traditions alive.

Having experienced this benefit and at the same time seeing how much the Tibetan people have suffered segregation for so long, I feel compelled to speak in the hopes that my simple words will help heal a deep fracture that has sadly impacted all Tibetans worldwide, and in the hopes that my pleas will bring about some change in the minds of those who listen to my thoughts.

You see, we Tibetans are already a small nation of people and today we are scattered everywhere around the world. This separation has weakened us very badly and all Tibetans are affected regardless of the region we come from, our religious tradition and our political preferences. Ultimately, all these do not matter if the Tibetan identity becomes extinct completely. And so, the last thing we need is to allow another poisonous issue divide the Tibetan community even more to the point we become crippled as a body of people. By this, I mean the Dorje Shugden conflict that the Central Tibetan Administration, or the CTA (the Tibetan leadership), has allowed to persist and even promotes with its existing policies.

Diversity is very common today and we see powerful nations being built on many diverse backgrounds and yet the citizens of these nations have strong national identities and pride. Whether a nation of people live in harmony or great strife and disharmony depends very much on the government. If the government allows and protects diversity and respects differences and sees everyone as being equal as a liberal and democratic government should, then the differences do not matter. On the other hand, if the government makes big issues out of what separates the people, then there is chaos as we see in the Tibetan community.

Today, there is disharmony within the Tibetan people and they are divided. This is because Tibetan leadership allows and encourages issues that separate people, such as the Dorje Shugden issue. But now the Tibetans need to decide what is more important  for the collective nation to survive or for a small faction to win over another in unnecessary conflict at the overall cost of Tibetan unity.

For the Tibetan people to survive, the CTA must urgently start behaving like a democratic government that the Dalai Lama intends it to be, and stop its persistence in persecuting its own people because it disagrees with the peoples religious belief.

Tsem Rinpoche

Click here to view my other live streaming video Why cant the Dalai Lama bind Dorje Shugden?

VIDEO: A Solution for Tibetan Unity

TRANSCRIPT:

Hi Tashi Delek,

My name is Tsem Tulku. I am from Gaden Monastery and since 1996, there has been a ban against the protector deity of 400 years, Dorje Shugden. I have received the Dorje Shugden practice from my teacher over 30 years ago and tens of thousands of monks, nuns and lay people have also received Dorje Shugden practice from their teachers in the last 400 years. Most of us practice Dorje Shugden for spiritual purposes to remove obstacles to our practice, to remove outer obstacles to our practice so we may engage in the teachings of the Buddha, learn the teachings of the Buddha, meditate, practice and transform our minds in order to become a fully enlightened Buddha. So, there are many Dharma protectors, such as Setrap, such as Palden Lhamo, such as Mahakala, such as Kalarupa, such as Vaishravana, such as Tenma, such as Dorje Shugden, such as Kinkara. There are many, many types of Dharma protectors. What Dharma Protector we practice may come from the region we come from in Tibet, it may come from a particular monastery and our affiliation with it, it may come from the lineage of our gurus, or it may come from our sort of interest and our own sort of karmic connection to our protector. So how we are given a protector in our Tibetan tradition is, our guru may assign it to us, or we practice a particular protector because the monastery we belong to practice it, or the region we belong to practice it, or it is a tradition of our personal families. All Tibetans who are Buddhists will have a Dharma protector, and they acquired the Dharma protectors in a way that I have just described. Now what has been very confusing and has created a lot of schism in Tibetan society? There are many issues that create schism in the Tibetan society.

My father is Tibetan and my mother is Mongolian. My father is from Tibet, he is from Golok in Amdo, Tibet. My mother is from Xinjiang. So, by Tibetan and Mongolian tradition I am a Tibetan by virtue of my father, who is Tibetan. Thats their customs on both sides. Now as a Tibetan, I grew up in the United States, and I went to school there and I also learned American history and culture, the freedom of religion, the freedom of Speech and the freedom of expression. Thats all enshrined in the American constitution.

The American constitution does not envelop or does not cover the whole world but democracy has similar principles. What is enshrined in the democracy or democratic countries is the freedom of religion, the freedom of speech, equality, those are heavily enshrined. For example, in America, there may be people who dont like certain religions, or they dont accept or believe in certain religious paths. They may say that this religion is bad, this religious rite is not good. This religion is good, this religion is not real. They may have some kind of religious debate among the people themselves, but it is not enshrined as a law. It is not spoken about by the leaders, and it is not enforced by the law. But in Tibetan society its different. Over 150,000 Tibetans left Tibet in 1959 as the world knows. And I am the result of that. I am the result of my Tibetan government in Tibet losing their country. And as a result, we become refugees. We have to run all over the world and myself and many other Tibetans have lost our language, culture, and I have relatives in Tibet that I have never ever met. But thats not my fault, that is the leadership that was not able to protect their own country. But I am not going into that.

What I want to talk about is that the current Tibetan leadership, which is kind of overseeing the 150,000 Tibetans in India and Nepal they are called the Central Tibetan Administration or in short CTA.

So, the Central Tibetan Administration, the CTA live in the Northern India in the Himachal Pradesh state, in a hill station town named Dharamshala. So, Tibetans refer to their government as Dhasa or Dharamsala, or the CTA or Peshung. They can refer to any of those words. So, the CTA and the leaders of the CTA have had it enshrined in their constitutional charter that those who practice the religion or the spiritual path of Dorje Shugden are not allowed in Tibetan schools, are not allowed to work in Tibetan government positions, are not allowed to enter Tibetan hospitals, are not allowed to enter Tibetan associations, and receive any benefits that other Tibetans have a right to. So that has been enshrined. If you go to the CTAs charter, you can see that clearly online. Thats very clear and there is no doubt about that. On top of that the Tibetan leadership are always saying that Dorje Shugden is an evil spirit, that Dorje Shugden is a negative being, and if you practice Dorje Shugden you shorten the life of the Dalai Lama. It harms Tibets cause, it harms the Tibetan people, which all dont make sense but I have addressed that in my other live streaming tape, which you can listen to. Now His Holiness the Dalai Lama, whom I respect very much and I love very much and I have a lot of respect for, I still do, has said that our Tibetan people will be democratic. So, they have a democratic system in Dharamsala supposedly, and they are supposed to elect their leaders because for the last 400 or 500 years, there is no election of leaders. The Dalai Lama is the leader, he is the king, he is the spiritual leader, he is the king of the country, he is the secular and the religious leader of Tibet, and there is no competition in any other way. So only the Dalai Lama can sit on the kings throne or the rulers throne. But now the Dalai Lama has said that he is passing everything over to the Tibetans to become democratic, and thats very kind of him. But whats very important to remember is that although in name we are democratic, in practice we have to be democratic too. There are many unfair practices within the Tibetan society and the CTA that I know about, and my friends know about, that I have experienced and that I have seen, and other Tibetans have seen that many foreigners would not understand. But what I want to get into is the religious segregation, the religious prejudice, and the religious bias, that is enshrined in the Tibetan government.

Now the Tibetan government specifically says that if you practice Dorje Shugden, you are not allowed the privileges for the Tibetans. For example, you cannot enter the same monasteries, you cannot visit Tibetan hospitals, you cannot visit Tibetan government offices and receive the same privileges, you cannot work in the Tibetan government. All that have happened no matter how much people deny it, theres much proof on that. Now if Tibetans are to be democratic, if the Tibetans are to go toward the democratic route, what religion a Tibetan practices should not matter. For example, in DalaiLama.com and also Tibet.net, I repeat, DalaiLama.com and Tibet.net  Tibet.net is the official website of the Tibetan Government in Exile or the CTAs website, and DalaiLama.com is the official website of the Dalai Lama. If you look at both of those websites, they have a special section that speaks negatively about Dorje Shugden, that discourages the Dorje Shugden practice, that discourages people to practice Dorje Shugden, that basically is saying if you practice Dorje Shugden you are not good.

Now thats very strange because Japan, Germany, Italy, Brazil, America, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Portugal, Iceland, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Nepal, Mongolia, Russia, etc. There is no democratic government that has a special section criticising and warning you about a specific religion. They can warn you about people who are in the name of religion doing harm to the people in government and thats fair, but to warn people against a specific religion or a spiritual path, is completely undemocratic.

In the United States, where I am from, the constitution of the United States allows us freedom to worship and to gather to worship any religion we choose. Now 200 years ago in America, if you practised witchcraft, or you were suspected of witchcraft, or Voodoo then there would be big issues. Youd be lynched, youd be interrogated, youd be tortured, youd be drowned, youd be beaten and youd probably be set on fire because witches were not allowed. But you see, this is not America 200 years ago. This is 2017, the United States and the democratic world. Whats happening is you cant segregate a group of people because of their religion. You may not agree with their religion. You may not agree with the tenets of their religion, or the god that they worship. But you cannot, and you as a leader, secular or religious cannot discourage the religion of another person in todays world because if you do that, it is political suicide. It is also undemocratic and on top of that, creates dissension and schism among the populous. Imagine if the President of the United States, whatever his personal view is, thats his personal view. But imagine the President of the United States saying, Anyone who practices Hinduism cannot come to my political talks, cannot come to our dinners, cannot associate with me. Who would accept that in todays world? Who would accept that? Imagine if a leader of a democratic country, in their official government website has something written, has comments, or advice written against a specific religion. Who in todays world will accept that? Nobody. His Holiness the Dalai Lama, again let me reiterate, whom I respect very much has mentioned in his teaching that those who practice Dorje Shugden may not attend his talk, may not attend his secular talks, may not attend his peace talks, may not attend his religious rites and rituals. I would like to go one step further and say that even today when the Pope goes and gathers in many countries around the world, or gets together for interfaith services, or meets people of different religion, background, cultures, they never say if you are not catholic or you are not of a particular religion, you cannot join them. Even today the Popes do not segregate against other religions. So, I think a religious leader of His Holiness calibre should also allow all people to meet him, all people to enjoy his wisdom, all people to come and see him and to be around him. I think thats very very important.

So, if you go to Tibet.net, if you go to DalaiLama.com, you will see things written very clearly that if you practice Dorje Shugden, they advise strongly against it. I think the Tibetan government is undemocratic, and I think the Tibetan government or the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the Tibetan leaders are wrong to place those things on their official website. Because it is dated, it is antiquated, it is very very colonial, on top of that is not democratic. If you want to be democratic, you must practice democracy all the way. You dont cherry pick. You dont pick what you like and what you dont like, you dont enshrine. If you are going to call yourself democratic, and based on you being democratic, you receive funds, aid, help, assistance from democratic countries because you enshrine democracy, then you must practice democracy all the way. How do you practice democracy when on your own websites, DalaiLama.com, Tibet.net, you have advised against one particular religion? Be it Dorje Shugden is a devil. Be it Dorje Shugden is an angel, be it Dorje Shugden is a non-existent god, just an idol, be it he is a Buddha, it doesnt matter. It doesnt matter whether Dorje Shugden is a Buddha, is a devil, is a demon, is a god, is a fake, it doesnt matter. But what matters is the people who believe in Dorje Shugden are people. The people who believe in and practice Dorje Shugden are people with flesh, and blood and feelings, and have a right to equality, and have a right to what every human being deserves on this planet. So, it doesnt matter if these people practice Dorje Shugden, it doesnt matter if these people practice Catholicism, if they practice Hinduism, Judaism, Voodoo, if they practice Druid, if they practice witchcraft, magic, it doesnt matter because deep down inside, they are people. If they are people and they are under a democratic rule, they should be accorded the respect of any other human being, regardless of what religion they practice.

A democratic government should not debate whether Dorje Shugden is a god or spirit, is good or bad, it doesnt matter because Tibetans are not in Tibet anymore and Tibetans are scattered around the world, and they will be exposed to many religions, they will be exposed to many paths. Some Tibetans have become atheists, some Tibetans have converted to other religions, some Tibetans have become Buddhists, some Tibetans are Muslims. It does not matter. Some Tibetans practice Dorje Shugden. Some Tibetans are Christians, it does not matter what they are. A Tibetan is a Tibetan, and under the Tibetan rule, under the Tibetan leaders, they should be treated equally, regardless of their religion. If you are Dorje Shugden practitioners, you should not be spat upon. If you are Dorje Shugden practitioners, you should not be segregated or have things written in your official governments website that speaks against your religion and encourage other people to ostracise you, to segregate you, to hate you. That should not be the case.

So, imagine if the Prime Minister of Canada says, all Christians, except Catholics, can join and come to my political rallies, can come to my political talks, can come to my talks, what kind of uproar will that create in Canada, you know, around the world? If that creates an uproar in democratic Canada, why wouldnt something like this create an uproar in so-called the democratic Tibetan society? So (if) Tibetan society is definitely democratic, then all talk against Dorje Shugden must cease immediately. All materials against Dorje Shugden on official websites should be removed immediately. All advice against Dorje Shugden practice should cease immediately. His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan leaders should never speak against Dorje Shugden, should never say anything against Dorje Shugden because the Dalai Lama is not only a spiritual leader, he is definitely a political leader. He is the face of Tibet. So, the face of Tibet should not be [saying], Everyone can come to my talk, everyone is under my compassion. I love everyone except Dorje Shugden people. Thats not right.

The Dalai Lama is a spiritual leader, he is also a secular leader. Under the Dalai Lamas powerful, innovative, compassionate leadership, His Holiness the Dalai Lama should accept all people, all Tibetans, no matter where they come from, who they are, and what religion they practice. Does it befit a man of the Dalai Lamas stature, does it befit the compassion of such a great monk, the Dalai Lama, to say, Everyone may come to my teachings. Everyone is loved by me. Everyone is accepted by me EXCEPT the Dorje Shugden people? Definitely not.

The job of a Buddhist monk is to love all beings regardless of who they are, how naughty they might be or how good they might be. The job of a democratic leader is to gather his people together and unite his people, and bring his people as one regardless of gender, age, colour, race, economic background, sexual orientation, and religion. Any democratic country will unite their people regardless of all I have just mentioned, religion, race, sexual orientation, because we are living in the age of enlightenment, we are living the age where we realise everyone is the same. What religion we practice is not the issue anymore. You cannot say that person practices Dorje Shugden therefore I dont like them, that person practices Dorje Shugden therefore I wont associate with them, that they deserve to be spat upon, that they cannot come for the Dalai Lamas teachings. How come a Dorje Shugden person cannot go to the Dalai Lamas teachings? They had been attending the Dalai Lamas teachings up till 1996. I have attended many of the Dalai Lamas teachings. I certainly do not intend any harm to the Dalai Lama. I certainly do not have any ill wishes for the Dalai Lama. I certainly do not have any bad thoughts about the Dalai Lama. I have attended Dalai Lamas teachings so many times up till 1996 because what happened in 1996? Suddenly in 1996, in the CTAs charter, in the CTAs ruling, in the CTAs constitution, all those who practice Dorje Shugden may not attend the Dalai Lamas talk, may not go to Tibetan hospitals, may not work in the Tibetan government. Suddenly that ruling came. But you have to remember, before that I was practising Dorje Shugden for decades, and suddenly I am not able to. That confuses many people. Now, to make a long story short, any leader in any country should look at his or her people, and think how to unite the people, how to improve the economic situation, how to improve their social situation, how to better the lives, give more education, and give opportunities, and betterment. Thats what every single leader should do, whether they are religious or not. If a religious leader says, Everyone can come to my teaching, everyone can come to my talk, everyone can come to my gathering except this group, then thats not very compassionate, nor is it democratic, it doesnt befit a spiritual leader, it doesnt befit a democratic leader. It doesnt fit any leader today. I would gently and respectfully request the Tibetan leadership to remove all their information against Dorje Shugden practice, Dorje Shugden lineage, and Dorje Shugden people, on their websites Tibet.net and DalaiLama.com. I repeat, Tibet.net and DalaiLama.com. They should remove all that and they should stop segregating and creating dissension among their own people. Number one.

Number two, they should say, Whether you are a Dorje Shugden Tibetan, you are a Muslim Tibetan, you are a Bonpo Tibetan, you are a Nyingma Tibetan, Kagyu Tibetan, you are a Gelug Tibetan, you are a Sakya Tibetan, whether you are a black Tibetan, you are a white Tibetan, a girl Tibetan, a boy Tibetan, whatever Tibetan you are, you are welcome by your leader the Dalai Lama, he loves you, and you are welcome to his talks and you are welcome to get his blessings. Thats what the Tibetan leadership should say, and Im waiting for that. So, if the Tibetan leadership really wants to be democratic, this is how democracy is, this is how democracy operates, this is how democracy really should be. Please dont look at me for what religion I practice, look at me because I am a human being, and I deserve respect as does everyone else. Please look at me as a Tibetan, and as a Tibetan who is proud of his ancestry. Please accept me as I am.

The Tibetan leadership has also said that Dorje Shugden people are connected to China, that they are being paid by the Chinese government to create schism within the Tibetan communities, that they are traitors to the Tibetan nation, that they are basically spies for the Chinese nation. I beg to differ. I have never received any money from the Chinese government, I have never spied for the Chinese government or any government. I have never ever done any government work for any government. On top of that, they say that Dorje Shugden people, some of them wish to harm the Dalai Lama. Well, I dont wish to harm the Dalai Lama. I have no intention of harming the Dalai Lama because I love him. Now, my solution for all this, for this Tibetan democratic government, the CTA in Dharamsala is that they immediately remove all writings from Tibet.net and DalaiLama.com that refers negatively to Dorje Shugden. None of the official website as a government, or a democratic government-to-be should contain any prejudice against anyone with regards to religion, race, and background. That should be removed, if they are genuinely going to be democratic.

Number 2, they should allow all Tibetans to become employees of the Tibetan government or different sectors of Tibetan society on the basis of merit and education, and not religion. Because Tibetan Dorje Shugden practitioners cannot work for the CTA, or cannot work in Tibetan hospitals and schools if they practice Dorje Shugden, that should be removed immediately. They should be able to apply for a job and get it on the basis of merit and qualifications, not religion. On top of that, the monasteries that have been split apart, Gaden has been split apart  over 700 monks have left Gaden Monastery because of the Dorje Shugden issue, because His Holiness has asked them to leave, and its taped in Drepung Monastery of him saying that. All the monasteries should unite, all the monks should unite as before because we all believe in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. All segregation against Tibetan Dorje Shugden practitioners that was started by the CTA should stop, for example, an effective sweeping order should be given by the Tibetan CTA to all Tibetans that signages on restaurants, hospitals, clinics, stores, coffee shops that say, If you practice Dorje Shugden, you are not allowed within these premises. That should be removed. That should definitely be removed because why are you not allowing a certain service based on someones religion? That is not correct.

If they are worried about the Dalai Lamas safety, that they think that some Dorje Shugden practitioners are connected to China, and they want to harm the Dalai Lama; if they are worried about that, they should be worried about all sectors of Tibetans. I am sure there are Tibetan people, there are some Tibetan people who dont like the Dalai Lama, who want to harm him, but it shouldnt be just confined to one group. They should allow Dorje Shugden practitioners to attend the Dalai Lamas talk, attend the Dalai Lamas gatherings, they should allow that because he is our leader, and we have the right to hear what he wants to say, and what he wishes to share, we have that right. We earn it by being Tibetan. We did not harm him, he is our leader. I mean since we are Tibetan and he is our leader, automatically, then please lead us. How do you lead us? By example. Whats the example? Compassion, acceptance, tolerance.

So, if they really have doubts about certain Dorje Shugden people who they think might harm the Dalai Lama, please do a security check. Check their background, check if they have any association, check with the police, check with the FBI, CIA or whoever they are connected to, check. You can check my background as much as you want, I have no criminal records, I have no records of working for any government or nothing, I am just a Buddhist monk. So, if they are worried about certain Dorje Shugden people who would harm the Dalai Lama, do a full security check, people often do that. If they check and the person comes clean, then stop accusing them of being something that they are not. So, what the Tibetan government should immediately do? The Tibetan Exiled Government, CTA, should immediately unite the people, remove any references regarding Dorje Shugden. Why? Because it makes them not democratic, and if you wish to be democratic then act as if you are democratic, be democratic, govern and rule, and take care of your people in a democratic manner, otherwise dont tell people you are democratic, and on that basis, receive a lot of aid from the West.

Finally, Your Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, I and tens and tens of thousands of us who practice Dorje Shugden loved you prior to the ban against Dorje Shugden in 1996, and still love you now. We respect you, I respect you, I love you, and we all love you, and we care about you. We wish no harm towards your person in any way, shape or form. Since 1996, we are not allowed to attend any of your teachings, any of your gatherings, any of your secular talks  even secular talks we are not allowed, and it hurts very very much. Please allow us to meet you, please allow us to join your talks, please allow all people regardless of their religion, even if they practice Dorje Shugden to join your talks. I myself do not wish you any harm, or any negative energy or thinking towards your direction, but I am appealing to you to unite your people, unite all of us religiously, were all Buddhists, were all one. I have received many teachings from you, and I have received many teachings from my root lama. I will continue practising Dorje Shugden, Your Holiness. I will continue practising Dorje Shugden Your Holiness, not to defy you, not to go against you, not to hurt you, and not to be in conflict with you. I am practising Dorje Shugden because my root guru gave me this practice and I cannot stop this practice because I promised him to do so. Your Holiness, please understand that, please understand that there are thousands and thousands of us Tibetans who love you, who miss you, and who are practising Dorje Shugden as a commitment to our lama and not to contradict you. Please unite us, please allow us in your teachings, please allow us to meet you and pay respect to you, thank you very much.
BEATRICE  Its plowing days are long over, but a dormant tractor rescued from the Alaskan wilderness will live on at Homestead National Monument of America.

But this isn't just any Allis Chalmers Model C tractor.

There were about 4 million claims for free land filed under the Homestead Act of 1862 in 123 years. This tractor belonged to the man who was the final homesteader.

Ken Deardorff bought the tractor when he moved to his homestead in the Alaskan wilderness in 1974.

Last year, the Friends of Homestead started an online fundraising campaign to bring the tractor to Nebraska, where University of Nebraska-Lincoln students have been preparing it for display.

Josh Bauer, president of UNL's Tractor Restoration Club, said the project has been a unique and challenging one.

Typically when the club receives a decaying tractor, it's completely stripped down, sand-blasted, repainted and ends up looking brand-new. There was a different plan for the last homesteader's tractor.

"We didn't want to alter the paint in any way," Bauer said. "We didn't want to alter any of the looks of the tractor in any way. We're used to doing full-on restorations where it's a complete teardown. Doing a preservation rather than a restoration was kind of a new challenge for us."

The tractor was cleaned with mineral spirits and denatured alcohol to kill bacteria and black mold.

The rotting wood seat was put back together, and period-correct spark-plug wires were added to replace those that were missing.

The tractor will not be restored to running condition. Bauer said this is partially because it will end up at Homestead Monument, where displays can't have fluids such as gas or oil. Even if it was allowed, he said the tractor has deep mechanical problems, including a cracked engine block, that would make it impossible, or extremely expensive, to get it running again.

One of the biggest additions to the tractor was new stands on casters. This allows the display to be easily moved, and also takes weight off the tractor's wheels and tires.

The last homesteader was a 29-year-old Vietnam veteran from California. The Homestead Act was still two years away from being repealed  though the Alaskan repeal was 10 years away, because of its late addition to the United States. Deardorff staked a claim and settled on 80 acres about 200 miles from Anchorage and nearly 50 miles from the nearest town.

Using his tractor, Deardorff cleared trees to grow crops  mostly hay and grass, as those were the only things that would grow in the climate. The tractor was his most important tool.

When he left the Alaskan homestead 10 years after starting it, the tractor sat outside for the next 30 years. Officials from Homestead Monument learned about the tractor and were determined to bring it to Beatrice.

Doug Koozer, who oversees the tractor restoration club, was one of five people who went to Alaska to get the tractor.

It was extensively photographed before being moved to a clearing. They called in a helicopter to lift the tractor to Big Lake, Alaska, where a crate was custom-built for it. It was put on a barge and transported to Anchorage, then onto a ship to Seattle before being trucked to Beatrice.

It was a lot of work to put in for a 72-year-old tractor that had been abandoned in the wilderness, but the experience was worth every second for Koozer.

"Until you hear the story about what it is and the historical significance, it's just an old tractor," he said. "You can see 50 of them around here, but when you start throwing the history to it as to what it is, where it's been and what they did with it, then it's a whole different story. I would guess most of these kids in this generation have no idea what the Homestead Act is. They're all now aware of what it is because of that tractor."

Mark Engler, Homestead Monument park superintendent, said the preservation is nearly complete and a public unveiling is planned for Nov. 20. He said excitement has been building, and both staff and visitors are eager to see the tractor and what it represents.

"This represents the end of an era," Engler said. "When people think about homesteading it's easy for them to think about single-bottom plows being pulled by horses. Something that not often comes to mind is the use of tractors. This makes the story for many people more relevant."
A Syrian child receives treatment near Khan Sheikhun, Syria, in April 2017 following a toxic gas attack that a UN report found had been launched by the Syrian government; a British offical rebuked Russia's motion for a new investigation. (Photo: AFP/Mohamed al-Bakour)

A Syrian child receives treatment near Khan Sheikhun, Syria, in April 2017 following a toxic gas attack that a UN report found had been launched by the Syrian government; a British offical rebuked Russia's motion for a new investigation. (Photo: AFP/Mohamed al-Bakour)

Russia has circulated a draft Security Council resolution that calls for a six-month extension of the panel, known as the Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM). Its mandate expires on Nov 16.

The United States has put forward a rival text seeking two more years for the JIM following the release of its latest report blaming the Syrian government for a sarin gas attack.

Moscow's text proposed that the council shelve that report on the use of the nerve agent to allow for a new investigation of the April 4 attack on the opposition-held village of Khan Sheikhun.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley said the panel must be allowed to continue its work to identify of perpetrators of many other chemical attacks including another case of sarin use on March 30 on the village of Ltamenah.

"Unless the Security Council takes immediate action to renew the mandate for the JIM, there will be no independent, impartial tool to identify who is responsible for these terrible attacks," Haley said.

"Now more than ever, Security Council members must put aside political games and meet our responsibility to protect the world against chemical weapons use," she said.

SHOOT THE MESSENGER

The Security Council will discuss the fate of the panel and its findings on Khan Sheikhun on Tuesday.

British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft accused Russia of "trying to shoot the messenger to cover up for the crimes of its abhorrent ally."

"The Russian draft resolution is a cynical ploy to discredit a professional, independent and impartial body."

Britain called on the council to renew the JIM's "existing mandate, which has already delivered rigorous and conclusive findings."

Russia has questioned the work of the panel because the experts did not go to Khan Sheikhun and worked from samples Moscow maintains may have been tampered with by Western intelligence.

The Russian-drafted measure "requests the JIM to retain its findings ... until such time when full-scale and high-quality investigation on the site of an incident becomes possible."

The US draft resolution expresses "grave concern" over the findings on the sarin attack and said the experts should "undertake their respective investigations in a manner that they deem appropriate to fulfill their mandate."

More than 80 people, including young children, died in the Khan Sheikhun attack that provoked global outrage and prompted the United States to fire cruise missiles at a Syrian air base.

Russia in late October vetoed a US-drafted resolution that would have extended the mandate of the JIM for a year, casting its ninth veto at the Security Council to block action against its Syrian ally.
Vietnam Airlines will cancel eight flights between Hanoi, Danang, Ho Chi Minh City and Cam Ranh including VN9556, VN9561, VN1557, VN7554, VN1944, VN1945, VN1344, and VN9351.

Two flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Da Lat, VN1380 and VN1381, will also be cancelled and rearranged to appropriate time on November 5.

Jetstar said that they have made changes to the schedules of several flights following the weather forecast.

The airline also said that other flights may be delayed due to these changes.

Passengers with flights between Cam Ranh, Quy Nhon, Tuy Hoa, Dalat, Pleiku, and Buon Ma Thuot are also advised to watch for the weather forecasts and new flight announcements.
A Sakura Vietnam convenience store store in Ha Noi. - Photo baovevlshanoi.com

On display are high-quality Japanese products spanning eight sectors, such as home appliances, foodstuffs, cosmetics, healthcare and fashion.

The two-day meeting is an opportunity for Japanese enterprises to meet directly with Vietnamese wholesalers while advertising their goods to local consumers, the events organiser said, adding that nearly 300 domestic wholesalers are expected to come to the event.

Sakura Vietnam, an affiliate of Japanese Sakura Group, entered the Vietnamese market in 2011 with the goal of becoming a leading provider of Japanese goods in Viet Nam. It operates a convenience store chain of the same name. To date, it has opened nine stores in Ha Noi and six franchised agencies nation-wide.
The new oilfield can be tapped "relatively soon," Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto says. (Photo: AFP/Ronaldo Schemidt)

The new oilfield can be tapped "relatively soon," Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto says. (Photo: AFP/Ronaldo Schemidt)

The new field, dubbed Ixachi-1, is located in the eastern state of Veracruz near existing Pemex infrastructure, meaning it can be tapped "relatively soon, and at low costs," said Pena Nieto.

The estimated volume makes it "the largest onshore find the company has made in the past 15 years," he said to applause from invitees at an event in the central state of Hidalgo.

The field's proven, probable and possible reserves - an estimation of the amount of oil and gas that can be brought to market near-term - are 350 million barrels, the president said.

Pemex said the size of the find may prove to be larger, and even double.

Industry experts urged caution, however.

"It's very early to talk about reserves ... More work needs to be done to see how big it is," said Gonzalo Monroy of Mexico City energy consultancy GMEC.

But he said any new find is good news for Pemex, Mexico's largest company, which has struggled with declining production in recent years.

"Pemex has discovered there is still considerable exploration potential" in Mexico, he told AFP. "That's good news for private industry and for the country."

Mexico enacted a landmark energy reform in 2014 that reopened the oil and gas sector to foreign investors after 76 years of state monopoly, seeking to breathe new life into it.

As a result, Pemex now faces private competition. It reported a loss of US$5.3 billion in the third quarter, as production fell by 12 per cent from the same period last year, to 1.9 million barrels per day.
Tourists riding on trishaws with Pikachu and Angry Bird decorations. (Photo: AFP)

Once a common sight in many parts of Malaysia, the three-wheelers, known locally as trishaws, were largely phased out as cars became more affordable and took over the country's roads.

But in Malacca, a former colonial settlement that is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Malaysia's top tourist draws, the pedal-powered vehicles live on.

Trishaws decorated with Minions (L) and Hello Kitty (R) characters and LED lights. (Photo: AFP)

They have adapted to the modern era in a bid to appeal to tourists, adding figures of cartoon characters such as Hello Kitty and Pokemon's Pikachu and blinking fairy lights that are turned on at night.

Their sound systems blare out an eclectic mix of music, from techno to Bollywood hits and Chinese ballads.

Trishaws decorated with cartoon characters on a street in Malaysia's historical city of Malacca. (Photo: AFP)

"Malacca's trishaws are unique for their decorations - other trishaws, they don't come close," said driver Mohamad Isa Mursidi, whose three-wheeled steed was decorated with Hello Kitty dolls and a bouquet of plastic flowers in a heart-shaped frame.

When they are not ferrying visitors around Malacca, the rickshaws can usually be found hanging around the historic central square in the shadow of the Stadthuys, an imposing red building that was the governor's office during Dutch colonial rule.

A 30-minute ride on a selected route around some of the city's historic buildings costs around 25 ringgit (US$6).

The noisy, garish trishaws may not be to the taste of everyone visiting the ancient city.

But for many heading to Malacca, a trip in one of the colourful rickshaws is all part of the experience.

Trishaws decorated with Hello Kitty characters and LED lights. (Photo: AFP)

"It gives a romantic feeling to the heart at night," said local tourist Ganapathy Kuppusamy.

Malacca, on peninsular Malaysia's southwest cost, has a history dating back to around the 15th century. With a strategic location on the Straits of Malacca, it became a wealthy entrepot and attracted traders from around the world.

It was colonised first by the Portuguese, later by the Dutch and finally by the British in the 19th century, when it became part of the Straits Settlements with Penang, in modern-day Malaysia, and Singapore.
MADISON  A Norfolk man accused in the August stabbing death of a neighbor at a Norfolk apartment complex has been found competent to stand trial.

48-year-old Rodolfo Castaneda-Morejon, 48, appeared in Madison County District Court on Friday for his arraignment hearing on the first-degree murder charge. The arraignment was postponed, but a judge found Castaneda-Morejon to be mentally fit to stand trial.

Castaneda-Morejon is accused of killing 39-year-old Yosvanis Velazquez Gomez at the complex on Aug. 25.

Court records say Castaneda-Morejon told investigators he confronted Gomez about an inappropriate text message sent to Castaneda-Morejon's girlfriend, suspecting the two were having a secret relationship. The records also say Castaneda-Morejon acknowledged stabbing Velazquez Gomez several times.
Workshop consultation on the potential impacts of the EVFTA held by CIEM

The EU is an economic union consisting of 28 member states and a population of 508 million people, and an aggregate GDP of $18 trillion, making it the largest unified market all over the world. The EU is one of Vietnams leading trade partners, accounting for 19 per cent of Vietnamese exports.

Vietnam-EUs export turnover was $20.6 billion in 2015. The EU ranks second among the official development asisstance (ODA) donors of Vietnam with more than 40 per cent of non-refundable aids.

The EU is a very important partner for Vietnam in every field of the economy, with strong impacts on the countrys development. The EVFTA has become more important to the development of Vietnam after the US withdrawal from the TPP, emphasised Truong Dinh Tuyen, former Minister of Trade.

EVFTA negotiations were closed in 2015, the document has been translated into 23 languages and are going to be signed in 2018. Upon entering into force, it will impact the development of modern market institutions and Vietnams international integration via the multiple commitments to open up the market to ensure the freedom of movement for goods, services, as well as investment and factors of production, promoting transparency and stability.

The FTA will also impact Vietnams growth through investment and export expansion. Following a 7/10 roadmap, the EU will remove all import taxes on Vietnamese goods within seven years, while Vietnam will do so in return within 10 years.

This arrangement means the EU will remove taxes faster, and many of Vietnams flagship export products will be able to enter the EU completely exempt of tariffs after the EVFTA comes into effect or a short time later. These advantages will create new motivation for Vietnamese exports to the EU.

According to a report of economist Pham Thi Lan Huong, a researcher of the European Trade Policy and Investment Support Project (EU-MUTRAP), presented at the workshop consultation on the potential impacts of the EVFTA held on November 2, 2017, Vietnams export turnover towards the EU will gain approximately $33 billion by 2020, $42 billion by 2025, and $47 billion by 2030.

Specifically, 50 per cent of the tariff lines on aquatic products will be removed right after the FTA comes online. 0 per cent tax will be applied to rice imports (within a quota of around 20,000 to 30,000 tonnes per year). Goods like coffee, pepper, cashew nut, honey, fresh vegetables, fruits and their processed products or juice will see tariffs removed instantly, while they face rather high tariffs at the moment (up to 17-20 per cent for some products).

Apparel and footwear are two of Vietnams major export goods to the EU, with annual turnovers of $3.5 and 4 billion, respectively. These product categories will see tariffs cut by 42.5 and 37 per cent, respectively, after the enforcement of the FTA. Wood and wood products, computers, electronic products, and components will also see tariff cuts.

Vietnamese businesses could bid to provide goods, services, and to be involved in construction projects in EU member states. This is an opportunity for them to approach the EU markets.

However, firms must follow the original rules applied to each specific product in the FTA, while conducting export or import activities, as well as understand EU regulations and frequently update on information to enjoy the best tax incentives.
Heineken Asia and Pacific president Frans Eusman and Charles de Carvalho, a member of Heineken Family, attending the World of Heineken event

Since opening in 1873 as a small Amsterdam-based brewery, Heineken has grown into the worlds most popular premium lager.

The relentless dedication and passion for quality resulted in 25 million bottles of Heineken being enjoyed each day across 192 countries over the world.

Heinekens original brewery in Amsterdam has been transformed into a sensational interactive tour through the dynamic World of Heineken. It offers four floors of multimedia exhibits, historical brewing artefacts and a tasting bar.

The exhibition is one of Amsterdams most visited attractions, drawing more than one million visitors annually. Now, for the first time ever in Vietnam, Heineken-lovers do not need to go to Amsterdam to get the full Heineken experience: they can experience it in Ho Chi Minh City at The World of Heineken.

At the top three floors (58th-60th floor) of BITEXCO Financial Towerone of the most iconic buildings in Ho Chi Minh CityHeineken offers fans an interactive journey back in time with incredible stories about Heinekens major milestones over the century.

And for the first time ever, thanks to virtual reality technology, Vietnamese beer lovers will be able to take part in the brewing process inside a horizontal tank in which Heineken creates its great-tasting beer with perfect balance over 28 days.

In addition to maintaining the same perfect taste since 1873 with millions of fans across 192 countries, Heineken has successfully built its global presence thanks to creative TV commercials and innovative marketing.

Stage director Victor Vu learning the steps of drawing a tasty glass of beer

At The World of Heineken, Heineken fans will be able to immerse themselves in Heinekens creative TV commercials that have contributed to the companys success.

There are also multiple interactive experiences using cutting edge technology, allowing visitors to take part in Heinekens world class experiences, from sports, unique musical events, as well as drawing your own perfect Heineken beer.

At the end of the journey into The World of Heineken, visitors can enjoy a Heineken at the highest and coolest bar in Vietnam, surrounded by a stunning aerial view of the city.

The World of Heineken shows Heinekens unwavering commitment to quality. It will become a must-see destination with a amazing journey into the heritage and world of Heineken.

Heineken has always committed to bringing world class experiences to Vietnamese consumers and now continues its mission through The World of Heineken. Let us get ready to kick-start your own journey at The World of Heineken!

Tickets cost VND250,000 ($11), including a tour visit to The World of Heineken (58th, 59th, 60th floor) as well as two glasses of Heineken beer, one mineral water, and a memorable gift. Enjoy a discount for the first two months of launching, with only VND235,000 ($10.6) per person from November 3 till December 31, 2017.

The World of Heineken is open to the public from November 3, 2017 (5.00 PM-10.00 PM). Regular visiting hours: 3.00 PM-10.00 PM.

Author Pham Ngoc Thach was keen to learn about the natural ingredients in his favourite glass of Heineken

The Star Serve area, where visitors can try their hands at drawing an authentic glass of Heineken beer

4D technology showcasing Heineken's special brewing process, attracting the attention of Vietnamese showbiz stars joining the event

Tickets can be purchased at the counter of BITEXCO Tower or booked in advance. For further details, please contact:

Phone: +84 8 9898 1873

Email: info@theworldofheineken.com.vn

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWorldofHeineken/
The draft and final versions of Monograph 112 on glyphosates impact on human health

According to newswire Reuters, a piece of information in the final draft regarding research findings was omitted, which was conveniently one of the most notable clues on whether glyphosate, an active ingredient in Monsantos branded agricultural herbicides, could be proved a carcinogenic.

In March 2015, according to the American Chemistry Council, IARC published a report titled Monograph 112 in which the chemical substance glyphosate was categorised as a Group 2A carcinogen.

This implies glyphosate can cause cancer and cancerous ailments in the human body.

The draft version asserted they did not feel that this lesion was compound-related which indicates glyphosate is not cancer-inducing as suspected.

Yet the final report stated a significant increase in the incidence of rare tumours, with a dose-related trend, which could be attributed to glyphosate, concluding that glyphosate is in fact a carcinogen.

The percentage of cancer induction in renal tubule (kidney tubule) was rising from 2-6 per cent, which proves glyphosate is hazardous for human consumption.

Regarding glyphosates effect on animals, specifically tested on rats, there was also an information mismatch between the drafted sketch and the final report.

Non-significant increases in tumour incidences ... were noted in high-dose males as well as in low- and mid-dose females. The authors concluded that glyphosate was not carcinogenic in Sprague Dawley rats, the drafted report referred to glyphosate as a benign chemical on rats with a side note from the authors saying not carcinogenic.

However, the published version turned the side note into ...unable to evaluate this study because of the limited experimental data provided in the review article and supplemental information, completely excluding the aforementioned conclusion in the draft.

The agency would not identify the person behind the data alteration.

After being brought into question, members of IARCs Monograph Working Group who analysed and assessed glyphosate expressed concerns about glyphosates health-related impact on the human body.

IARC would like to reiterate that the draft version of the Monographs is deliberative in nature and confidential. Scientists should not feel pressured to discuss their deliberations outside this particular forum, an extract from IARCs statement on the case of data modification released on its website in March.

According to newswire Beyond Pesticides, since the mid-1990s, glyphosate was touted as a silver bullet in farming, especially in killing weeds without the risk of crop failure. In addition, the herbicide has been rampantly used since its initial registration in 1974.

Nevertheless, the new form of agriculture fostered by agrichemical firms like Monsanto and Bayer fails to include crucial secondary effects from its use.

This implies that secondary consumers (humans and animals), not crops themselves, are potentially threatened by glyphosate.

Such evidence on the carcinogenicity of glyphosate was shed light on by multiple scientific researches on human health conditions and experiments on animals performance after consuming glyphosate-treated agricultural produce.

Unfortunately, the controversial report was of paramount importance in the European Unions decision-making process on extending the licence of glyphosate.

Meanwhile, news of glyphosate distribution hanging by a thread whipped up anxiety among agricultural countries, as export restrictions would hurt the farming industry.

Previously, glyphosate was on the verge of being banned after the European Commissions 10-year proposal of prolonging the licence for the herbicide was rejected.

For instance, Argentinian Agriculture Minister Ricardo Buryaile noted the country's soybean exports could be deeply affected, according to newswire FarmingUK.

According to The Guardian, earlier in October, Ben & Jerrys wiped out all glyphosate-tainted ingredients from the firms production chain and will launch an organic dairy line in 2018 as an outcome of a new survey revealing traces of glyphosate substance in its European ice-creams.

A recent prospective study of over 6,000 adults over the age of 50 living in Southern California, US, showcased alarming findings.

Of the 1,000 active participants, 100 had urinary glyphosate residues in renal tubules between 1993-1996 and 2016.

The growth of patients encountering this phenomenon show no sign of ceasing since 1993, which raises tremendous dismay among secondary consumers of farming produce.

Paul J Mills. PhD, director of Family Medicine and Public Health at UC San Diego, highlighted, The public needs to be better informed of the potential risks of the numerous herbicides sprayed onto our food supply so that we can make educated decisions on when we need to reduce or eliminate exposure to potentially harmful compounds.

Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum, non-selective, systemic herbicide used on perennial plants such as sedges, broad-leaved weeds, grasses, and woody plants. It is a general-use pesticide, labelled as such since 1974 after being introduced by Monsantos Roundup brand.
The inhabitants of the district of Centocelle (Rome) are quite right to protest about the impact that the construction of the Italian Pentagon is having on their archeological park and their green belt (il manifesto, 29 October). However, another, rather more serious impact, passes uncommented on: the impact on the Italian Constitution.

Earlier this year, we reported the following [1]:

 There was a plan to bring together all the Chiefs of the Armed Forces under a single structure, a mini-copy of the US Pentagon;

 This is an integral part of revising the operational model of the Armed Forces; and

 This plan is institutionalized through the White Book for International Security and Defence which was signed off by Minister Pinotti.

This plan overrides over the constitutional bases of the Italian Republic and reshapes the Republic into a power that takes military action in areas overlooking the Mediterranean: North Africa, the Middle East and the Balkans. And the basis for this action? Well there are two: first to support Italys own economic and strategic vital interests; and second, ; and second, anywhere in the world  from the Baltic to Afghanistan  that the interests of the West, represented by the US-led Nato, are at stake.

Functional to all this is the 2016 Framework Law. This institutionalizes military missions abroad (which currently total 30 in 20 countries), financing them through a fund granted by the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

Thus real military expenditure is increasing: with these and the other heads added to the Defence budget, it has risen to around 70 million euro on average per day. As requested by Nato, this will have to balloon further so as to reach around 100 million per day.

Reconfiguring the Armed Forces for offense requires new generation weapons that are even more costly. Italys latest purchase: the updated version of the US missile Agm-88E Aargm, the earlier version of which Italy had previously purchased. 25 of these missiles cost 18.2 million dollars and respect previous models that Italy previously purchased. Agm-88E Aargm is a medium range missile launched by bomber fighters to destroy radars at the beginning of an offensive, thus overcoming the defences of the country under attack.

The manufacturing industry, the Orbital Atk, specifies that the new missile is also compatible with the F-35. Of course, the F-35 is the US Lockheed Martins fighter bomber and Italy is participating in its manufacturing process through Cameris Faco plant managed by Leonardo (formerly Finmeccanica) and has undertaken to purchase 90 of them. The first F-35 arrived in the base of Amendola on 12 December 2016. This made Italy the first country, after the US, to receive the new fifth generation fighter plane that will also be armed with the new B61-12 nuclear bomb.

However Italy is not only a purchaser but is also a manufacturer of arms. The military industry is defined in the White Book as the pillar of the Country System since it contributes, through exports, to rebalancing the balance of trade, and to promoting products of national industry in high paid sectors.

The results speak for themselves. Leonardo has jumped to ninth place in the rankings of the 100 biggest military industrials in the world. Its annual arms sales were around 9 billion dollars in 2016. At the beginning of October, Leonardo announced that it was opening another plant in Australia where it is manufacturing arms and communication systems for the Australian military navy.

In return, to further stimulate production in the military sector which today provides Leonardo with 84% of its turnover, two Finmeccanica companies are being sold to the Japanese company Hitachi. The companies sold are Ansaldo Sts and Ansaldo Breda, global leaders in manufacturing railways.

With funds diverted from the budget of the Stability Law, the Italian Pentagon, the new headquarters of the Ministry of War is built on this pillar of the Country System.
Rebecca Bunch has burned her bridges and run away before. In season one, after Josh recommitted to Valencia, she took the first flight out to New York while all her friends back in West Covina fretted about her. At the time, she was worried that she was the villain in her own story, that she was compromising a relationship that was meant to be.

Now, Rebecca is running again, this time to Rome on Nathaniels private jet. But things are different. She knows shes the villain this time, and she wants to be. She wants to make Josh feel her pain, not just for leaving her, but also for having the gall to be so guileless, so normal, so happy (cue resonant echoes).

But to quote a piece of diner-sign wisdom: If Rebecca aint happy, aint nobody happy. In a crushing sequence, she diagnoses all of her pals flaws to their faces: Heather is lost and aimless after being forced to graduate; Valencia is planning other peoples dream weddings to cope with the fact that hers didnt happen; Darryl is never going to convince WhiJo to have a kid; and Paula has been using Rebeccas life as an escape from her own family  to the point of turning Rebecca into a surrogate daughter, even as her home life spirals out of control. (Brendan is now Valencias weed dealer, which Paula can only respond to with, Hey, he started a business!)

After mic-dropping on all her friends, Rebecca ends up at West Covinas youth hostel, where she befriends a Pauly Shoreloving Danish tourist named Jarl. A shared obsession with Swimfan gives her the idea to stalk Josh at his parents house, and the show abruptly shifts into Swimchan horror-movie mode, complete with fake opening credits and a Scary Scary Sexy Lady tune. Rebecca does her best to spook Josh, hiding in the shrubs, calling the private phone line he got for his 13th birthday, hanging his teddy bear, even trying to get him fired by stuffing his locker at Aloha Tech with stolen remotes.

But just as Nathaniel predicted, the real way to terrify Josh is to mess with his family. When she takes his mom to a carnival, we finally get the confrontation thats been building since Josh ditched Rebecca at the altar. In the hostel, Jarl explains to Rebecca that female revenge movies all end with the woman dying: Stabbing, shooting, drowning, the monster has to be killed! (Related fun fact: The original ending of Fatal Attraction was sympathetic to the mental illness of Glenn Closes character and somewhat vindicated her, but it was changed because test audiences wanted to, in a studio execs words, terminate the bitch with extreme prejudice.)

Indeed, despite being independently financed in her own mind, Rebecca comes close to meeting her end in a conveniently precipitous construction pit, but Josh isnt cruel enough to let her fall. And when she tries to make amends, he also makes it very clear that he doesnt want her in his life  and that if she tries to mess with him again, hell involve the police.

As she always does when shes at rock bottom with Josh, Rebecca tries to turn to Greg, her favorite last resort  and since hes in Atlanta, she settles for his favorite studying bar. The show even cruelly teases Rebecca by having Greg call her, only to have it turn out to be a butt dial. (Not going to lie, I was nearly as crushed by the dashed hope of Gregs return as Rebecca was.) Still, Rebecca does eventually find a surrogate Greg at the bar: Gregs dad, Marco. And after Marco reveals that his son is madly in love with someone else, Rebecca, desperate for any affection she can get, decides to sleep with him. Its a horrifying moment, a real low for a character whos never been short on real lows.

That leads into The End of the Movie, a surprisingly moving song delivered in a cameo by Josh Groban (who has unexpectedly strong comic chops). Crazy Ex-Girlfriend has long played with the tension between being a piece of pop culture and Rebecca seeing her life as a piece of pop culture, and this song makes that subtext text. Life is a gradual series of revelations / That occur over a period of time / Its not some carefully crafted story / Its a mess and were all gonna die is probably the closest well ever get to a thesis statement from this show, and its a brutal one. Who hasnt seen themselves as the star of the show at some point, even while recognizing that the movie of their life would make someone say, What the hell was that movie about?

The irony is that Rebecca, who changed the lives of her West Covina friends by bringing her weird and wild self to town, has once again sparked movie-like changes with her brutal honesty. Paula comes clean about her indiscretions on Rebeccas behalf and tries to renew her commitment to her family; Heather is aware that she needs to get her life together (though shed rather hook up with silky-armed Hector before she gets started on that); and Darryl finally learns the truth that White Josh doesnt want a baby, which might spell the end of their relationship.

The simultaneous push from and pull toward living in a movie tropes raises the question of whether or not this theme is now officially behind us. Does Rebecca truly understand that she needs to stop living in pop-culture tropes? She may be heading home to Naomi in Scarsdale, but Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is close enough to a movie, so we know that shell eventually come back to West Covina. If Rebecca isnt trying to live out the stories shes learned from pop culture, who is she? And what is this show?

Other Notes

 There are so many great callbacks to old jokes in this episode, including the return of Joshy Bear (getting stabbed) and boba (getting filled with poison) in the fake Swimchan credits. Also, its a blink-and-youll-miss-it moment, but when Josh finally cuts Rebecca out of his life, the butter sign returns to say, Butter cant save you now!

 Its good to see Alex again, even if hes suspending Josh for Rebeccas planted remote theft. Corporate is uptight. They dont like stealing, its weird. Sorry, bro.

 Rebecca not-so-subtly quizzing Marco for the first and last name (and middle name, just in case its common) of Gregs new girlfriend might be the single most relatable moment this show has ever served up.

 Brendan may be slipping into criminality, but at least his brother has a Prison Breakstyle blueprint tattoo planned.

 The return of inspiring homeless teen turned state senator Susie Reynolds! (She drank too much Sambuca and passed out in someones yard.)
BOISE, Idaho  Governors of 19 Western states are pressing the federal government to do more to prevent the spread of damage-causing invasive mussels from infected federally managed waterways.

The Western Governors' Association on Thursday sent a letter urging Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to put in place by spring 2018 controls to prevent the spread of zebra and quagga mussels.

The governors are also asking that federal agencies conduct mandatory inspections and decontamination of boats leaving infected water bodies. The mussels can attach to boats and trailers and travel long distances, clogging water pipes, damaging boat motors and affecting other aquatic life.

"Given the significant risks that quagga and zebra mussels pose to uninfested waterbodies, it is critical to implement effective control policies in a timely manner," the letter states.

The governors say they're particularly concerned about the mussels reaching the Columbia River Basin, Lake Tahoe, and the Colorado River Basin above Lake Powell.

The Interior Department has said that hydroelectric projects infested with the mussels might require an additional $500,000 in annual maintenance. The Pacific Northwest gets much of its power from hydro projects, so an infestation could increase the cost of electricity.

Many states have spent millions and continue to do so to keep the mussels out. Some have set up mandatory checkpoints near borders to intercept boats for inspections, including Idaho, which is spending more than $3 million annually.

In Nebraska, boat inspections have included a brief examination of watercraft and a survey of boat operators about their recent boating activities.

Heather Swift, Interior Department spokeswoman, said in an email to The Associated Press on Friday that Zinke hadn't seen the letter and couldn't comment specifically.

The governors' letter Thursday is the second they've sent this year about invasive mussels to Zinke. A letter sent June 22 also pressed for watercraft inspection and decontamination.

The Interior Department responded Sept. 15 with a two-page letter agreeing with the severity of the problem. The most-recent letter by the governors' included "clarifying questions."

The governors asked if federal agencies have the authority to require mandatory boat checks and, if not, what authority would be needed.

"Western states need adequate measures to ensure these invaders do not spread to uninfested waters," the governors said.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/2016 Getty Images

The Good Wifes Julianna Margulies has become the latest actress to speak out against Hollywoods rampant sexual-harassment problem. In a new interview on Sirius XMs Just Jenny show, the actress revealed two separate instances in the 1990s involving Harvey Weinstein and Steven Seagal.

Regarding Seagal, the actress explained that a casting agent sent her to Seagals hotel room in New York under the pretext of going over an audition scene one final time. I lived in Brooklyn, and I said, Oh, I dont do that. I dont travel. I dont have money for a cab. And I didnt. And I said, And I dont take subways late at night. And she says, Dont worry, well reimburse you. And Im here, a woman, Margulies recalled. I got to the hotel at 10:40, and she wasnt there. And he was. Alone. And he made sure that I saw his gun, which I had never seen a gun in real life. And I got out of there unscathed  I dont know how I got out of that hotel room. I sorta screamed my way out.

A few years later, Margulies was invited to have a meeting with Weinstein in his hotel room to discuss a potential film career, using her experience with Seagal to insist that his female assistant join them in the room. She knocked on the door, and she was standing behind me, Margulies explained. And he opened the door in a bathrobe. I could see that there were candles lit in the room, and there was a dinner for two. And I saw him stare at her, daggers. And I caught her in a shrug  like, What could I do? And he looked at me, furious, and he took the door and he said, Just wanted to say good audition. And he slammed the door. And, of course, I didnt get the part. Margulies hasnt encountered either man since.
Photo: Hannes Magerstaedt/Getty Images for Bits & Pretzels

In an interview published Sunday, Star Trek: Discovery actor Anthony Rapp alleged Kevin Spacey made sexual advances against him when the Broadway star was 14 years old. Since then, filmmaker Tony Montana has accused the actor of groping him, while actor Robert Cavazos asserted that Spacey allegedly sexually harassed numerous young men as artistic director at Londons Old Vic theater. In an article published Friday evening by BuzzFeed News, three more men have accused Spacey of harassment and assault, alleging he screened gay pornography for two teenagers, sexually assaulted a journalist during an interview, and had an assistant proposition a military adviser working on the set of 1995s medical thriller Outbreak.

In 1988, Justin Dawes was 16 and a volunteer usher at Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven, Connecticut, when he met a 29-year-old Kevin Spacey. The actor allegedly invited the high-schooler and his friend to his home under the pretense of watching Chinatown. Once they arrived at Spaceys empty, bare apartment, however, he gave them drinks and put on gay pornography. Dawes describes the evening as cringey but benign, and recalls feeling guilty that he potentially gave Spacey the wrong impression a little bit. Says Dawes, I think I had this weird kinda like, Oh gee. Oh man, I feel bad. The boys excused themselves after realizing no one else was coming to Spaceys movie watch, and left.

Another man, who chose to remain anonymous, recalls an incident with Spacey in the early 2000s. While interviewing the House of Cards star, the unnamed writer joined Spacey and some of his friends at a club at the actors behest. Once there, Spacey allegedly, and persistently, began groping the journalist. He just kept reaching between my legs and, you know, just grabbing my dick, the journalist claims. I was trying not to make a big scene, because I had an assignment to write about him. When the interviewer attempted to leave, Spacey allegedly angrily confronted him about spurning his advances. This man was screaming in my face outside of the main bar area, red-faced, spit flying out of his mouth, screaming at me with fury because I didnt want to fuck him, the writer said. He was actually saying that I did want to and I was a coward. That was his tactic. It was unbelievable. Spaceys friends did not seem to react to the actors behavior. Says the writer, They were deliberately not paying attention.

When it came to publishing the interview, however, the journalist later realized that by revealing his experience with Spacey, he would be inadvertently outing the actor. If I were to publish a story about Kevin Spacey sexually harassing me on the job  theres no way without making it quite clear that he likes guys, the writer explained. In the end, the interview ran without the interviewers byline. It has occurred to me since then that theres this weird way that Spacey had discovered that the closet would shield other things, he said. Being closeted has for him enabled him to use this privacy claim as a shield against anybody looking closely at his actual behavior.

The third man to discuss his experience with Spacey in the BuzzFeed article, Mark Ebenhoch, was a military adviser working on the set of 1995s Outbreak when one of Kevin Spaceys assistants allegedly approached him with a sexual proposition on Spaceys behalf. They asked flat out to engage in a sexual act. It was enough to stun me. It blew me away, Ebenhoch says. Ebenhoch, who is gay but was not out at the time, declined. As a military adviser the last thing youd want anyone to know is that you were gay, he explains. You didnt want anybody knowing or even smelling the fact that you might be gay or that there was any kind of interaction with him on any kind of level, Ebenhoch said of his own fear of being outed following the incident.

On Thursday, Spaceys spokesperson said the actor is taking the time necessary to seek evaluation and treatment. His Netflix show, House of Cards, has suspended production of its sixth season until further notice.
Zoe Kazan, robot fan. Photo: Ray Tamarra/GC Images

This month, Zoe Kazan  who, this year, has already starred in The Big Sick with Kumail Nanjiani and made an appearance on HBOs The Deuce  accomplished a personal first: She wrote a well-received post-apocalyptic play called After the Blast, starring Cristin Milioti and, not incidentally, a surprisingly adorable, partially fur-covered robot named Arthur. The play follows a young woman named Anna struggling with depression and trying to have a child with her husband, Oliver, while both are living underground in the wake of an unnamed global catastrophe. For Kazan  whos previously written the plays We Live Here and Trudy and Max in Love, as well as the fantastical screenplay Ruby Sparks  After the Blast is her first foray into dystopia and robotic co-stars. Adam Sternbergh spoke to her about her induction into the dreaded genre-writer category, becoming a late-life Stephen King convert, and one of her unexpected favorite books of the year.

So, youre a science-fiction writer now. Are you ready to put that on your business card?

You know, growing up, I was a real reading snob. I didnt read a ton of genre fiction. About seven years ago, right after I wrote Ruby Sparks, I went through a pretty bad little bout of depression and I really wanted to read  but I wanted to read the way I read when I was a kid: walking down halls, in the bath, in such a hungry way. Somehow, the English major in me had killed that.

So what did you read?

I read Stephen Kings Carrie, looking for a little escape. Frankly, Id always thought Stephen King was airport reading and I was proven so wrong. I was shocked at what an amazing book it is. I think its a great piece of literature. And that opened all these doors in terms of what I read now. I read much more widely. Have you read My Favorite Thing Is Monsters?

I havent.

Its amazing! You have to read it. Its a graphic novel. Its sort of a murder mystery and about this girls obsession with monster movies and its definitely one of the best books Ive read this year. But at some point, over the past four or five years, I started reading a lot more science fiction. And horror.

So naturally you decided to write a post-apocalyptic play with a robot in it.

The idea originated about four years ago with me wanting to put a robot onstage. I read this article about things you can buy in New Jersey, and one of them is robots for conventions that have speakers in them and hand out pamphlets. I looked them up online and they kind of look like Muppets. And I thought, I could put that object onstage. Then I thought, If I did do that, what would I do with it?

What kind of a design process was it to come to the final robot? The choice of plush fur on the robot is kind of genius in terms of making Arthur lovable.

The unsung hero in all of this is the props designer, Noah Mease. Hes a writer himself, and he did a tremendous amount of thinking about future worlds and what we would have and what we wont have. He came up with the plushiness of the robot. He said, If this objects true function is to be a companion  it doesnt need to be able to do anything, it just has to be something people want to have around.

But why write a play about this dystopic future? Why not write, say, an episode of Black Mirror?

The idea of putting this object onstage made it feel to me like this should specifically be told in the theater. Then I became fixated on how the plot should interact with that object, and how to create an anthropomorphic, empathetic reaction in the audience over time. But the biggest surprise to me are the ways in which the play is very personal and very emotional. When I was finished with the first draft, I sat back and I could see what I had written  and thats when I thought, Oh, I wrote something really personal. That really snuck up on me.
President Trump's job approval rating fell to just 33 percent in a Gallup poll this week. One of his campaign aides pleaded guilty in the Russia probe, and two more were indicted. Republicans are fighting over their tax plan, increasing the odds of yet another legislative debacle.

It would seem that the midterm election is the Democrats' to lose. And you can be sure they will try their best to do exactly that.

Democrats seldom miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity. Several recent incidents of self-sabotage have already proven the great Will Rogers adage: "I am not a member of any organized political party. I am a Democrat."

Rich guy Tom Steyer gets October's Rogers Prize for turning one of the Democrats' most unifying themes (the singular disaster that is Trump) into a source of discord. He launched a petition drive, backed by advertising, pressuring Democratic candidates to go on record supporting the impeachment of Trump and committing to "remove him from office at once."

Pretty much no Democrat thinks Trump should be in the White House, but even perfect unanimity among Democrats for impeachment won't remove Trump. And the Steyer "pledge" just might prevent Democrats from winning in Trump-friendly districts they need to retake the House.

First runner-up for the Rogers Prize for Democratic Entropy is Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who nearly salvaged Republican attempts to repeal Obamacare with his ill-timed "Medicare for All" rollout.

The attempt to get Democrats to commit to single-payer health care, and particularly the attempt by some Sanders advisers to make it a litmus test for Democrats, provided a welcome diversion for Republicans at a time when they were feeling intense heat for their votes to take insurance from millions. Democrats are now fighting about an ideal solution that has no chance of becoming law for at least three years.

Second runner-up for the Democratic Chaos Prize is Rep. Linda T. Sanchez, D-Calif., the fifth-ranking House Democrat, who just called for House Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi, Steny H. Hoyer and James E. Clyburn to step down after next year's election.

"There comes a time when you need to pass that torch, and I think it's time," she said on C-SPAN. It's not a crazy idea to say Democrats need younger leaders, but Sanchez's call to make these ducks lame halfway through the current Congress causes more disunity and distraction.

And honorable mention goes to Tom Perez, the Democratic National Committee chairman. When Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., delivered his passionate denunciation of Trump on the Senate floor last week, he validated the Democrats' case against Trump. Yet Perez chose to attack  Flake.

"His retirement is a symbol of a Republican Party whose leaders allow Donald Trump's divisive politics to flourish as long as it serves their political interests, and who fail to criticize this dangerous president until it's too late," Perez said of the early and outspoken critic of Trump.

The malpractice baffled John Weaver, the anti-Trump Republican who advised John Kasich during his 2016 presidential run. "They can have the left and the center, but for some reason the leadership of the DNC doesn't want that," Weaver told me.

Nor apparently, do a number of Democrats. They've struggled so far to come up with a clear midterm election message -- Health care for all! Make the rich pay their fair share! A living wage! -- that would give people a reason to vote for Democrats rather than just against Trump.

House Minority Leader Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer attempted to roll out just such a populist, aspirational agenda earlier this year -- and it was immediately ridiculed on the left because of its name ("A Better Deal"), and it quickly disappeared.

I called some of my favorite strategists, both Republican and Democrat, for this column, to see how they thought the Party of Rogers would, as one Democratic operative put it, "seize defeat from the jaws of victory." Bernie backers and "establishment" types will chop each other to pieces in primaries even if their ideology is much the same. Democrats will overplay the Russia scandal rather than simply letting special counsel Robert S. Mueller III do his job.

Underfunded party committees won't vet the flood of new candidates, some of whom will turn out to have played guitar in nudist colonies. And Democrats will struggle, as out-of-power parties do, with the absence of a leader.

Of course, Trump has generated such destruction that Democrats might win the House in 2018 despite their best efforts to screw things up. But when it comes to self-immolation, nobody holds a candle to them.
In what has become a familiar refrain in the first Twin Peaks trial, Jacob Carrizals attorney was notified Friday that prosecutors and law enforcement officials again have failed to produce discovery evidence to the defense.

The trial was on a two-day continuance Friday after the city of Waco revealed it had three recordings involving the Twin Peaks case that had not previously been turned over to the state or the defense. Judge Matt Johnson granted a motion for continuance for Carrizals attorney, Casie Gotro, Wednesday morning so she could review the materials, which he ordered the city to produce.

It was while on this break that the Department of Public Safety notified the court that it, too, had materials not previously disclosed, including emails and attachments generated by Texas Rangers assisting in the May 2015 Twin Peaks shootout investigation.

Also, the district attorneys office notified the court Friday afternoon about a statement taken in the DAs office and one provided by the FBI that had not been turned over to the defense. Johnson listened to one of the recordings Friday afternoon and ordered the state to provide it to Gotro by 5 p.m. Friday.

The judge called a hearing for 8 a.m. Monday to determine if the FBI recording and the Ranger materials must be turned over, also. In a memo to the court, DPS attorneys told Johnson they had discovered emails and attachments we believe may be directly relevant to the Carrizal matter, but include highly sensitive information concerning confidential informants.

Like the city of Waco before, DPS officials are claiming the documents are privileged and exempt from disclosure.

These delays are inexcusable, Gotro said Friday. The defense has issued dozens of subpoenas only to be told we have already received everything or the records dont exist. There is nothing fair or just about whats happening in this case.

Neither McLennan County District Attorney Abel Reyna nor his first assistant, Michael Jarrett, returned phone messages Friday.

Gotro had said for months before the trial started that prosecutors had not provided her with all the discovery matters she was entitled to under the Michael Morton Act and other statutes governing pretrial discovery. Johnson, and before him, Judge Ralph Strother, ordered the DAs office on numerous occasions to turn over everything they had to the defense.

Each time Gotro asserted that claim, Reyna or Jarrett assured the court the state had given the defense everything they had in the case, which generated a massive amount of documents, photos, videos and reports.

After the state on Monday provided Gotro with delayed discovery for the second time since the trial started, Johnson instructed the DAs office and all agencies with evidence to go back and review previous disclosures and to turn over anything that has not been divulged.

While Gotro has not requested a mistrial because of the discovery miscues, she has alluded to one at least twice during the trial, which was set to enter the 16th day of testimony Wednesday. The state rested its case against Carrizal on Tuesday, and Gotro was expected to start presenting the defenses case Wednesday morning.

Carrizal, 35, president of the Dallas Bandidos chapter, is charged with directing the activities of a criminal street gang and two counts of engaging in organized criminal activity. He is the first of 154 bikers indicted in the May 2015 shootout to stand trial.
Early voting came to a close Friday as Election Day approaches for several city and school district elections and seven statewide ballot measures.

Just 1,169 people cast a ballot during the two weeks of early voting, less than 1 percent of registered voters in the county.

There are 132,823 McLennan County residents registered to vote, which includes people who may have moved but not updated their address, McLennan County elections administrator Kathy Van Wolfe has said. There are 119,550 active registered voters in the county.

Registered voters in McLennan County will have 33 vote centers to choose from Tuesday, one more polling place than the last election.

The county in 2014 moved from 59 precinct-based polling locations to 40 vote centers. Under the precinct-based system, residents could only cast their ballot at their precincts designated location. The vote center program allows residents to vote at any of the polling places across the county. Changes in state law resulted in the number of vote centers being scaled back.

Voters on Tuesday will see their city or school elections on the ballot before the seven statewide referendums.

Mart Independent School District residents can cast a ballot on a proposed $9.2 million bond, while Connally ISD residents will decide on a tax-rate increase that will also bring in more state money. West and Riesel ISDs will have school board elections, and the cities of Robinson, Bruceville-Eddy, Moody and West will have elections for city council members.

Sample ballots and more election information are available at www.co.mclennan.tx.us/337/Elections.
Janette Anderson

March 12, 1956 - Nov. 1, 2017

McGregor resident, Janette Lee Williams Anderson went to her heavenly Father's embrace on Wednesday, November 1, 2017, with her husband and sister by her side. There are no current service planned but a Celebration of Janette's life will be held in the near future.

Janette was born in Poughkeepsie, NY to Virginia (Woodrow) and Charles T. Williams, Jr., on March 12, 1956. She was the fifth of seven children. She grew up in the small town of Millerton, NY, and attended Webutuck Central School.

She became a young mother and raised her family in upstate New York and McGregor, Texas. On December 30, 1988, Janette and David Anderson were blessed in marriage by God and families and the union continues in strength and love. Janette was an active member of Fire Department Flames in McGregor and gave many hours to their annual Christmas Toy Drive. She was also very active with the McGregor Volunteer Emergency Medical Service rising in the ranks from Basic EMT to Paramedic and was president of that organization for several years. Janette was honored with a Community Builder Award from the Masons in 2004 and by the Department of the Army in 2008 for her service with the Robertson Blood Center at Fort Hood with the Community Blood Drives. Janette and David are valued members of the McGregor Baptist Church and have given of themselves in service to the Lord and their church family.

Janette is survived by her loving husband, David Anderson; her three sons, Shane Aaron Breen of Arlington, Darryl Anthony Breen of Austin, Christopher Michael Breen of McGregor; She also leaves behind two brothers, Tom and wife, Pam Williams, of Coventry, CT, Robert and wife, Dianne, of Humble, TX; four sisters, Patricia and husband, Robert Olsen, of Crossville, TN, Sandra and husband, Stewart Billingsley, of Fort Davis, TX, Sharon Williams of Folsom, CA, Wendi Williams of Plymouth, MN; brother-in-law, Kenneth Anderson of Clute, TX; Aunt Sylvia Anderson of Waco, TX; Aunt Joan and Uncle Cosmo Viglioni of Poughkeepsie, NY; too many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews to mention. She also leaves behind her faithful companion, four legged fur baby, Miss Maggie.

Special thanks and love goes out to Pastor Brown, family, wonderful neighbors, friends and church family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
Francis W. Mennenga

April 17, 1930 - Nov. 1, 2017

Rev. Francis William Mennenga passed away Wednesday, November 1, 2017. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 6, at Peace Lutheran Church, Hewitt, Texas. Burial will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen, Texas. Visitation will be 4:00-6:00 p.m., Sunday, November 5, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home.

Pastor Mennenga was born on a farm near Huntley, Nebraska, April 17, 1930. He received his elementary and secondary education in Wilcox, Nebraska, and attended Nebraska State Teacher College in Kearney. Prior to his seminary training at Concordia Theological Seminary, Springfield, Illinois, he was an elementary teacher. He was inducted into the US Army in 1952, and served with the Seventh Army G-2 (Intelligence), Stuttgart, Germany, from 1953-1954. He then taught one more year before entering his ministerial training in the fall of 1955.

He vicared at St. John's Lutheran Church, Rome, New York, 1958-1959. Following his graduation in May 1960, he was ordained and installed, July 10, as pastor of Hope Lutheran Church, Dallas, Texas. After 12  years, he accepted the call as pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hartley, Iowa, in which capacity he served for 6  years (1973-1979), until accepting the pastorate at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Lubbock, Texas, December 1979. During his 13  year pastorate in Lubbock, he pursued graduate work receiving his Bachelor of Arts from Texas Tech University, 1983, and his Master of Divinity from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, in February 1985. He served as Circuit Counselor in Iowa District West approximately a year, and 14 years in the Texas District. He also served as advisor in Lutheran Laymen's League and Lutheran Women's Missionary League, and as Coordinator of Continuing Education in Iowa District West. Mennenga was chaplain from 1989 to 1992 for the Headquarters Fifth Military Police Group of the Texas State Guard, based in Lubbock.

Pastor Mennenga took a rural call to serve at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Aleman, Hamilton County, Texas, in 1993 as a semi-retirement assignment; but he was also called to a full-time ministry to Our Savior Lutheran Church, Whitney, Texas, in 1996. He retired again from the Whitney congregation in November 2003 and moved to 120 Briar Ridge Drive, Hewitt, (Waco suburb) where he and his wife Martha reside today.

Pastor Mennenga married Martha Tabor Shumway of Dallas December 16, 1960, and became the father of her 12  year old son, Michael David Shumway. A son, Nathan Andrew Mennenga, was born May 26, 1963, in Dallas, and lives in Waco, Texas. Michael lived in Corpus Christi, Texas, with his wife Gricel, until his passing in January 2014.He is preceded in death by his parents; and his son, Michael.

He is survived by his wife, Martha; son, Nathan; and three grandchildren.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our "Tribute Wall" at www.WHBfamily.com.
Rudy was born in Hamilton, TX on November 29, 1962 to Victor and Theresa (Ledesma) Rogers. Rudy grew up with three brothers and one sister. Rudy was married to his beautiful and steadfast wife, Ester (Lujan) Rogers for 30 years. Rudy and Ester had four amazing children in addition to two children, collectively, who had previously gone to be with the Lord. His pride and joy were his eight grandchildren whom he loved beyond the ends of the Earth.

Rudy was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be graciously missed and always with us in our hearts. Rudy was a man of many words, a man who gave his all to work hard every single day and a man who was a number one fan of the Dallas Cowboys. He always had a smile for you even on his toughest days. He was a man who knew no strangers and a man who loved well. If you needed a hand, he was the man to call on. If you only met him a time or two you would know the things he loved and treasured on this Earth  his family. He loved his family more than he could verbally express. His emotions of pride and delight in his children and grandchildren were undeniable. Rudy will always be remembered for the man he became and the restoration his soul found in Christ Jesus. He will never be forgotten as our Dad, Pops or RuRu. He will forever be in our hearts until the day we meet again in sanctity with Jesus. We will always love and cherish our time and memories with our beloved RuRu.
Mayor Chris Beutler is out of control, spending public funds as if they are his own private piggy bank. This guy deserves to be indicted for embezzlement and/or extortion.

This guy did nothing to elevate poor roads until pressure came down on him this last election. Again, he failed to curtail spending set by the City Council, which should be fixed to override the mayor. Plus he has failed to curtail other areas of public budget.
The plaques on the walls of Christ Church in Alexandria, Virginia, commemorate famous Americans who at one time called the Episcopal parish their own: George Washington and Robert E. Lee. As a church historian, I believe the vestrys recent decision to remove the memorials  as well as their forebears decision to put them up in the first place  disregards the true purpose of Christians commemoration of the dead.

From the very start of the Christian faith, believers have remembered the great cloud of witnesses who came before them. During the third century, the church in North Africa regularly commemorated early martyrs on the anniversary of their death  the origin of saints days.

Whether honored through holidays or monuments, the church still recognized the complexity of the human situation and never expected perfection from these early saints. Scripture and church history provided plenty of evidence of their shortcomings: Pauls thorn in his flesh, Peters denial of Christ, Augustines lust, Thomas Aquinas borderline gluttony, Martin Luthers anti-Semitic tendencies, John Calvins use of capital punishment and John Wesleys failed marriage.

All had a past, but their past was not the point. Over the history of the church, Christians have sought to commemorate notable believers for the ways their lives pointed to their faith and emulated Christ, while still acknowledging their sin and historical context.

Christ Church was founded in 1773 and installed its Washington and Lee plaques around the patriotic push among the elite during the American centenary about a hundred years later. The plaques mark where both leaders sat in the sanctuary, as well as where Lee was confirmed. The memorials name Washington and Lee, without detailing their Christian commitments  the very reason churches throughout the centuries have commemorated the dead in the first place.

Both Washington and Lee were committed Episcopalians, though they differed in their approach to religion. Washingtons faith generally reflected the rationalist approach of the Virginia gentry of the 18th century. He wasnt a deist, but historians do not have any record of him receiving communion.

Lee, on the other hand, had experienced a religious transformation midlife and his faith ultimately drove him to work for reconciliation efforts after the Civil War both in the nation and in the church. It is true both men were complicit in the slave trade that marked the colonial and antebellum periods of American history, and that shouldnt be ignored. Both Washington and Lee were sinners, after all.

Washington, Lee and church leaders who placed the plaques in the sanctuary to commemorate the two all knew of their own sinfulness. They prayed in the words of their own prayer book, We have erred and strayed from Thy ways like lost sheep, and there is no health in us. They also heard from that same historic liturgy that God pardoneth and absolveth all them that truly repent, and unfeigningly believe.

Yet, just as the decision to add the plaques focused on Washington and Lees patriotism, the deliberation over removing them has focused on political correctness. In conversations driven by cultural forces, no one is treating these men as sinners saved by grace.

What matters most for Christians is that these men share in the same baptism that is still performed in that parish church. The waters of baptism are not temporal; these waters unite Washington, Lee and all Christians everywhere  regardless of fame, race, social status or any other distinction  across time and space. These people are all family, even if theyre not being treated as such presently.

If Christ Church was to commemorate their most notable members, Washington and Lee, it should be for their Christian faith and not for their national accomplishments. Outside interests  including political and social movements, both then and now  should not determine the practices of a Christian community. Over a century later, Christ Church still hasnt learned this lesson.
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What's your favourite quote from The Castle? My teenage sons weren't born when arguably Australia's greatest comedy won best original screenplay at the 1997 Australian Film Institute awards  20 years ago this month. Yet they can still recite lines that have gone down in the national lexicon.

"Tell him he's dreaming!" (The perfect response whenever some chancer is asking too much for jousting sticks  or to sign-up to the NBN.)

Anthony Simcoe, Michael Caton, Anne Tenney, Stephen Curry in The Castle. Credit:Village Roadshow/Working Dog

"How's the serenity?" (A philosophical reminder to ignore petty irritations, whether that's the electronic bug zapper at your personal Bonnie Doon  or the expulsion of a deputy prime minister for being part Kiwi.)

"This is going straight to the pool room." (An affectionate acceptance speech to be recited whenever you're handed a completely useless gift such as a Bavarian beer mug  or connection to the node.)
Canning MP Andrew Hastie has renewed his call for the City of Mandurah to support a drug testing trial for welfare recipients after a new poll revealed massive public support for the scheme.

Mr Hastie slammed the council in September when it complained the City had not been consulted and the drug tests would "demonise" the unemployed.

Canning MP Andrew Hastie and social services minister Christian Porter announce drug testing for job seekers in Mandurah. Credit:Kate Hedley

The council directed the City's chief executive Mark Newman to write to every federal politician in the Western Australia to oppose the Mandurah trial.

But a poll published in The Australian newspaper on Thursday showed three out of four voters were in favour of drug testing welfare recipients.
A man had to be rushed to hospital with serious injuries after an assault in Victoria Park in the early hours of Saturday.

Acting Sergeant Mick Slaughter said police were called to Basinghall Street about 4am where they found a 36-year-old man with serious injuries.

The injured man was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital. Credit:St John Ambulance

He was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital by St John Ambulance.

Kensington detectives are investigating the assault and anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at
RACINE  The remains of a Korean War veteran, unidentified for 67 years, have been confirmed as those of a Racine soldier.

Donald L. Baer, born in 1930, joined the Army at age 18. He followed in a family tradition of military service as the son of a World War I veteran and the brother of World War II veterans.

Baers company guarded an ammunition dump at Camp Mower in Japan, according to his family. He was sent to Korea in 1950, where he and his company defended an airport and main road in South Korea. He went missing in action on July 20, 1950, one day after fierce fighting began, the family states.

Along with other service members who were unrecovered as of Dec. 31, 1953, he was declared dead.

Baers family knew little about how he died until 2001, said his sister Janet Baril, 70, of Marion, Ill. Through research, they found a fellow serviceman who knew Baer and told them he died in a battle in Daejon, South Korea.

After a disinterment, unidentified remains from the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu were confirmed as Baer by comparing a 1948 chest X-ray to the remains of his clavicle.

Baril said she doesnt remember personal contact with Baer, because as the 12th of 13 siblings she was very young when he enlisted.

I certainly felt the emotional loss my parents and older siblings and the rest of the family felt over the years, she said.

Her goal, she said, has been to bring her brother home.

Services planned

That goal will be realized on Veterans Day, when Baers life is to be commemorated at West Lawn Memorial Park Chapel. The family will host a 1 p.m. service for him. Baer will be laid to rest between his father, Vernon, and older brother George.

The family is accepting donations for a flagpole to be placed at West Lawn Memorial Park to fly Baers Memorial Flag. According to Baers obituary, the flagpole was a special request by Baers sister Rosemary, whom family members said never gave up hope of bringing Donnie home.

After the service, Baers family is planning a reception at the American Legion Hall, 1027 New St. in Union Grove, to share pictures and research information with friends.
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By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 03, 2017 | 10:52 AM | PADUCAH, KY

The American Heart Association will host hundreds of McCracken County residents at the Heart Walk today, beginning with registration at 8 am at Noble Park, Shelter 10 in Paducah.As the signature fundraising event for the American Heart Association, the Heart Walk promotes physical activity and heart healthy living in an environment thats fun for the whole family. Heart Walkers raise all important funds to fight the nations no. 1 and no. 5 killers, heart disease and stroke. Walk with friends, family, co-workers, or even people youve never met and youll bond along the way. Any way you choose to do it, your heart will thank you for it!Many walkers are survivors and will be wearing red caps as a symbol of the fight against cardiovascular disease, said Suzanne Riley. Others will be walking in honor of friends or family affected by heart disease and stroke. Walkers raise money for the American Heart Association, which funds research, advocacy in issue areas central to cardiovascular health; and public and professional education.The Heart Walk is sponsored by Baptist Health, Lourdes Hospital, JMS Russell Metals, Ingevity, Banterra Bank, Saputo, Pella, and Murray Calloway County Hospital The 2017 chair is Dr. Patrick Withrow, Director of Outreach, Baptist Health, Paducah.For more information or to register, log on to http://bit.ly/PaducahWalk or contact Suzanne Riley at suzanne.riley@heart.org

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By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 04, 2017 | 07:35 AM | PADUCAH, KY



"Our men and women of Immanuel have been preparing since last year's bazaar for this year's annual event. All the items are handmade or refurbished. Lots of creative floral arrangements, wreaths, Christmas and fall decorations, art, crafts, baked breads and desserts, woodworking and hand-stitched projects will be ready for the public to purchase on Saturday, the 4th. We also have what we call 'Trash and Treasure' which is comparable to a yard sale going on in the gymnasium at the same time. These church-wide efforts support ministry, missions and outreach of our church. This is how we seek to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our world," said Pastor Jamie Broome.



Both 11 am and 12:30 pm seatings for the popular luncheon are sold out.



To see previews of this year's bazaar, link below:





For more info, call 270-443-5306.

Paducah is reminded it's time to think Thanksgiving and Christmas when Immanuel Baptist Church hosts its popular annual Holiday Bazaar at the church, 3465 Buckner Lane. It's their 23rd year to offer handmade, home baked and unique one-of-a-kind items today, from 10 am until 2 pm.There's a huge selection of creatively made items at this event. Crowds of guests arrive right at 10am to be sure they get their favorites, but there's such a wide variety and great selection of homemade goods that even those arriving closer to noon usually have much to choose from. Go early and be amazed at all the Immanuel congregation has made since last year's event.

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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Nov. 03, 2017 | MURRAY, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 03, 2017 | 11:50 PM | MURRAY, KY

Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton of Kentucky visited Murray State University on Friday for an eventful day filled with tours and presentations, including the dedication of the University's new Engineering and Physics Building.



While at Murray State, Hampton met and spoke with several students and faculty members, discussing her professional career and the role of entrepreneurship in the state of Kentucky.



"Murray State was very proud to host Lt. Gov. Hampton on campus," said Jordan Smith, director of governmental relations at Murray State. "Her interest in the University's future, particularly in the academic areas of engineering and geosciences, is a testament not only to our excellent programs on campus but also to her extensive career and academic background in the STEM fields. We hope to have her back on campus very soon."



During her campus visit, the Lieutenant Governor toured the department of geosciences at Murray State, located in Blackburn Science Building, and met with Dr. Robin Zhang, department chair, and Dr. Steve Cobb, dean of the Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology.



Hampton also made time to speak with students in Smith's state and local politics class about her political journey to becoming lieutenant governor and her vision for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.



"The Lieutenant Governor did an excellent job discussing not only her personal journey to Frankfort but also what she envisions for Kentucky's future," Smith said. "Our students were respectful, polite and truly engaged in the important information she shared with us."



Hampton ultimately concluded her campus visit by speaking at the dedication ceremony for the University's new Engineering and Physics Building. Following the ribbon-cutting, the lieutenant governor received a private tour of the state-of-the-art facilities led by Cobb and Dr. Danny Claiborne, chair for the Institute of Engineering. She was joined by Smith, Kentucky State Representative Kenny Imes, Murray State Provost Mark Arant and others.



"As an industrial engineer, I was delighted to help dedicate the impressive Engineering and Physics Building, which will be instrumental in training generations of tinkerers, problem solvers, innovators, inventors, entrepreneurs and leaders," Hampton said. "Future quantum leaps could easily be driven by Murray State University graduates who have fond memories of time spent exploring their craft in this wonderful space."



In addition to spending time on campus, Hampton also toured the local Briggs and Stratton plant, a worldwide manufacturer of gasoline engines, and met with the Murray-Calloway County Economic Development Corporation.
By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 04, 2017 | 12:35 AM | MARTIN, TN

A professor at the University of Tennessee at Martin has written an apology letter to students, faculty and administrators after his example of satirical writing for a class was given to police and prompted an investigation into a possible threat to campus security.Dr. Charles Bradshaw wrote a letter under the pen name "Wesley Sniper" in response to a UTM Student Government resolution to allow concealed carry privileges for students if enabling state legislation passes. The Tennessee Star reports the letter described several weapons the author had stockpiled, and spoke of potential acts of violence against anyone on campus. Referring to the resolution, the author wrote, "if you pass it, it might be the last useful thing you do  before I call in the air strike."Someone showed a copy of the letter to campus police on Wednesday and it prompted an investigation.In a press release, UT-Martin Chancellor Dr. Keith Carver acknowledged the letter, and said it had been written by Dr. Charles Bradshaw, an associate professor of English, as as an example of satirical writing for one of his classes. Carver said the university's Department of Public Safety determined the campus was not in danger, and administrators put Bradshaw on paid leave during the investigation.The release says the Weakley County District Attorney has refused to press charges since the professor was engaged in speech protected by the First Amendment.In the press release, Carver confirmed that the letter was a classroom example of satire, but in light of current events (including the recent death of former student Sonny Melton in the Las Vegas concert shootings), "the subject of mass violence was not the best example to use even for satire."The release also included a statement from Bradshaw, who apologized for "any fear or anger this has caused for students or any others who support the university."His apology is included below, along with the complete press release.--------------An Open Letter from Dr. Charles BradshawI would like to apologize for the problems created by a letter many have seen and responded to that I wrote satirizing S.R. 1704, A Resolution to Allow Students to Concealed Carry on Campus.The letter was written as an example of satire to be used in a class examining different types of written argument and to prove its usefulness to current events. I informed the class that an anonymous faculty member had written it, but it was in no way presented as embodying any political views or actual views that I or any real person held. Nor did I suggest or imply that students should hold a particular view of the Conceal-and-Carry situation.I anticipated that laughter, not fear, would be its effect in my class and among my colleagues, and I shared several copies, anonymously, with selected members of my department.When I found out that campus police were inquiring about the letter, I immediately contacted them to let them know I was the author.I am sorry, given current events, for any fear or anger this has caused for students or any others who support the university. I have the utmost respect for the people I work with on campus and for state government officials and would never wish to scare or harm them. The university has been an extremely peaceful place for me over the years, and I took that security for granted in constructing this letter. I meant neither violence nor harm to any individual or entity mentioned or implied.Most of all, I owe UTMs Student Government Association an explanation. I hold UTM students in the highest regard and reverence their agency in student governance and their freedom to make their own decisions. As a professor, I go to great lengths to empower my students to be independent and responsible thinkers, so it hurts and embarrasses me personally and professionally to think that I have curtailed these values in any way or belittled any student. I applaud the initiative taken by the students who fostered this resolution and sought to responsibly debate in a transparent manner with their colleagues. I am truly sorry if this letter made light of the legislative process or disrespected their bravery in bringing forward such an important consideration. This is the very heart and soul of higher education, and I honor their efforts.I also want to apologize to the other entities and officials of the university that have been involved in this misunderstanding. They have been thorough and quick to respond to every concern, always with the campuss safety at the forefront of their minds.Respectfully,Charles Bradshaw--------------------

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RACINE  Through an acre-for-acre match challenge, SC Johnson is helping to protect 10,000 acres of rainforest as part of the worlds largest tropical reforestation project in the Brazilian Amazon.

In a partnership with Conservation International, from February through June this year, SC Johnson set off to promote a virtual reality film, Under the Canopy. The film, directed by Patrick Meegan, allows people who cant travel to the area to see the wonders of the Amazon and to understand the importance of protecting it.

The Amazon has a special place in the hearts of the Johnson family, said Kelly Semrau, SC Johnsons senior vice president of global corporate affairs, communication and sustainability.

The company brought the film to venues around the world, and viewers could pay $25 to save an acre of the Amazon. SC Johnson matched those acre grants until it reached the goal of 10,000 in June. SC Johnson received donations through CIs website from all 50 U.S. states and 31 other countries.

On Thursday, during its 30th anniversary gala in Los Angeles, Conservation International presented SC Johnson with its Global Conservation Hero award. According to a news release, the organization presents the award to remarkable people and organizations whose commitment to the environment have a transformative, positive impact on the planet and its inhabitants.

Tropical rainforests are one of the planets most vital ecosystems, needed by people everywhere to thrive, said Fisk Johnson, chairman and CEO of Racine-based SC Johnson. We are honored to be recognized by Conservation International for our contributions to the health and future well-being of Amazonia. Protecting forests is critical to protecting our future, and I hope that our support encourages others to get involved.

The Amazon is important because it controls our weather and is the source of one out of every five breaths we take, Semrau said.

The Amazon should be of interest to everyone in North America, she said.

Johnsons Amazon connection

The Amazon is especially important to the Johnson family, as H.F. Johnson Jr. led an expedition there in 1935 in search of the carnauba palm, a source of the wax that was a principal ingredient in SC Johnson products at the time. In 1998, family members returned to the Amazon, retracing his steps.

The 1998 expedition is chronicled in the film Carnauba: A Sons Memoir, which is shown to tour groups at the SC Johnson headquarters at 14th and Racine streets.

With a manufacturing plant in Manaus at the heart of the Amazon rainforest, the issue of deforestation is personal to us, and were committed to helping protect this critical resource for future generations, Semrau said in the press release. We are proud that the funds from our match campaign will help Conservation International and its partners commence this impressive reforestation effort.

The entire reforestation effort is a six-year project, which is the result of a partnership between Conservation International, the Brazilian Ministry of Environment, the Global Environment Facility, the World Bank and Rock in Rio. The multi-million dollar project will mean the restoration of 73 million trees in the Brazilian Amazonia region by 2023.

CI preserves the Amazon in part by making sure indigenous people have jobs unrelated to forest destruction. For example, the organization might teach them how to grow crops underneath the canopy.

SC Johnson has been involved with CI and its work for nearly 20 years.
RACINE  What was once only a concept is on the verge of reality: Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin is closer to seeing its goal of getting homeless veterans off the streets.

On Sunday, the organization is inviting the community to celebrate the completion of five tiny houses at the James A. Peterson Veterans Village, 1624 Yout St. The Great Lakes Navy Band is scheduled to perform; state Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, and Wisconsin Secretary of Veteran Affairs Daniel Zimmerman are scheduled to speak.

Steffane Timm, creative director for Veterans Outreach, said the event will allow the community to look at the finished tiny houses, which comprise the first phase of the project, and to get a better understanding about Veterans Outreachs mission.

Were celebrating the fact that were ready to move five veterans in as soon as we get the applications, Timm said. Pretty much the majority of the project is completed.

On Monday, the organization is to begin accepting applications for the first five residents to move into Peterson Village within the next several weeks. Another 10 houses, Timm said, just need minor touch-ups such as painting or furnishing.

Timm said that, currently, only paper copies of the applications are available at the Yout Street location, but that Veterans Outreach is considering making applications available online.

Community donates to cause

The Yout Street location serves as a food and clothing pantry three days a week and Veterans Outreach recently started having Alcoholics Anonymous meetings there strictly for veterans.

The tiny house project has received a lot of support from the greater Racine community, with organizations and schools looking to pitch in any way they can. Still, for some Racine residents, Timm said, it may be a shock to learn there are homeless veterans in the area.

You hear about it on the news and there are programs in place for homeless veterans, but I dont think people understand that it is happening right here in our city, Timm said. I think theres definitely part of the community out there that doesnt understand that (homeless veterans are ) right next to you; theyre down the street, theyre at the shelter.

Timm said the tiny house project has opened a lot of peoples eyes to the plight some veterans face.

Bringing this to Racine has really shown people what a huge need there is for this, Timm said.

Timm said Phase 2 will be getting the residents the resources they need to try to become self-sufficient.

We still need help moving forward, Timm said. We still need people of various skills to help with classes or cooking for our veterans or even just monetary donations. Its all still needed.
Five members of the Winona FFA Chapter were among a record 66,000 FFA Members, from across the nation, to attend the 90th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 25  28.

Breanna Vogel, daughter of Deb and George Vogel of Winona, walked across the national stage to receive the Prestigious American FFA Degree at the convention. This degree is the highest degree that an FFA Member can earn and it is only awarded to  of 1 percent of the nations 653,359 FFA Members.

The Winona FFA, represented by Tyffanie Denzer, Trinity Hugunin, Breanna Vogel, Melonie Harris and Kayla Drache, had the opportunity to hear motivational speakers, Laila Ali and Mick Ebeling, and participate in leadership workshops.

Winona Members also toured the Indianapolis Speedway, the Ozark Fisheries and the Fair Oaks Dairy/Swine Facilities. They attended a Rascal Flatts Concert and The Worlds Toughest Rodeo and they had the opportunity to visit with over 322 vendors and universities at the National FFA Expo.

Winona FFA Advisor, Brian Sather, chaperoned the Winona delegation and attended sessions with chapter delegates as well as participating in interactive teacher workshops.
When it comes to writing and reading local, who better to learn from than nine local published authors?

These authors and those who write about the local area offered their expertise to writing enthusiasts and book lovers alike at the Winona Public Librarys Winona Area Author Fair and Creative Writing Workshop midday Saturday. It was the librarys third year as host.

The event was part of the librarys larger celebration for National Novel Writing Month and part of the Great River Writes 2017 series, which hosts events for a month for authors and writers within the greater La Crosse, Wis., area.

Samantha TerBeest, the Adult Services librarian, said the library hosts the local event to not only get residents into the library but to also share the work of local authors, books and the various genres they encompass.

It brings awareness, TerBeest said, to topics, books and readings people may not realize exist.

If a reader enjoys nature books, they might take an interest in Janice E. Kirks work. Kirk, who was at the fair Saturday, and her husband took their kids on a yearlong camping trip through the American southwest. She chronicled their journey through paintings and in her new book, The Road to Beaver Park.

That same reader then might take an interest in Ellen McDonahs memoir, One Womans River: A Solo Source-to-Sea Paddle on the Mighty Mississippi. Also at the fair on Saturday, McDonahs story highlights her lone trek down the Mississippi in 2014.

And then theres the action of Andy Schoepps novels and the poetry found in author and Winonas Poet Laureate Ken McCullough. Each offered their own expertise, experiences and writing style to the local author line-up.

Passionate about the genres and topics they write about, the authors were also asked by TerBeest if they would be willing to present a workshop at the fair. The response was huge, much to TerBeests delight and surprise.

Author Kathleen Anne Kenney  whose married name is Kathleen Peterson  spoke to a small audience at the fair about listening to characters while writing, something that Kathleen said makes writers witnesses to their characters lives.

She encouraged the audience to listen to what their characters are saying to them to discover how to develop the characters, giving the audience practice exercises to try on their favorite books.

Kenney, who has authored four books, is working on another and has written plays, has participated in other local author events and admires other local writers.

Im continually so impressed with the number of talented authors we have in this region, Kenney said.

Kenneys latest book, Girl on the Leeside is out now and part of her latest need to satisfy that itch as she said her mother would say about pursuing creating endeavors.

Ill keep writing, Kenney said.
Even before the House Republicans released their tax plan Thursday, polls showed that Americans werent happy with its primary goal  lowering the corporate tax rate.

Most people just dont see that as a pressing issue or economically beneficial. Even a majority of Republicans polled by the Pew Research Center this summer supported either raising corporate taxes or keeping the rates the same. So its no surprise that House leaders have instead touted their plan as a middle class tax cut, a truly misleading label when the financial benefits skew so overwhelmingly to large companies and the wealthy.

Whatever help might be offered to families earning less than $100,000 by such proposals as increasing the standard deduction or an expanding the child tax credit, for example, are likely to be offset by the loss of other tax benefits  most notably the limit on local and state tax deductions and the cap on mortgage interest deductions. Both hit states like Maryland hard.

While a $500,000 mortgage may sound like a princely sum (and it is in much of the country), in areas of high property values such as Marylands Montgomery County, it is not. Even by some fairly generous accounting, middle class families probably wont see much net benefit under various possible scenarios. The nonprofit, non-partisan Tax Foundation estimates that Kavya and Nick who earn $85,000 a year might see a $1,072 benefit while Olivia and Richard who earn $1 million might see $59,130, which, even on a percentage basis, is about eight times better than their middle class brethren (a 9.09 percent after tax income boost for the rich compared to 1.44 percent for the not).

It gets worse. Those tax cuts would expire in a decade; reducing the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 20 percent would be permanent  at a cost of $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years alone. The counter argument from the White House is that reducing corporate tax rates would yield benefits to workers, presumably in the form of wage growth. But thats a dubious claim, at best, given that corporate profits are fairly robust right now, yet wages are stagnating. The most recent U.S. Department of Labor jobs report released on Friday showed hourly wages rising just 2.4 percent over the last 12 months, a period of high corporate profits (perhaps the best in 13 years) and record stock valuations.

Tinkering with the corporate tax rate isnt necessarily a bad idea, but slashing it so substantially and at such a high cost isnt justified and shouldnt be sold to the American people as something it isnt. Describing the Republican plan as a middle class tax cut requires ignoring about 95 percent of its effect. The danger is that too many in Congress may be willing to do just that if the public decides that table scraps, no matter how costly in the long-term, are good enough.
Wisconsins top elected Democrat, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, said Friday that Democratic National Committee failures led to an unfair process in the 2016 primaries that made Hillary Clinton the partys White House nominee.

Democratic Party of Wisconsin chairwoman Martha Laning, meanwhile, said state party officials did not put our thumb on the scale for Clinton or any other candidate in the 2016 primary.

Baldwin and Laning were responding to what Laning called really disturbing claims from former Democratic National Committee chairwoman Donna Brazile, who wrote that Clintons campaign secretly controlled much of the DNCs operations during last years primaries.

But both commented Friday before a memo surfaced about the connection between Clintons campaign and the DNCs fundraising apparatus.

A memo governing the relationship, revealed late Friday by various news outlets, showed that the fundraising arrangement was focused on preparing for the general election.

The memo also didnt preclude the DNC from entering into similar agreements with other candidates and included language saying it was not intended to upend the committees pledge of neutrality during the 2016 Democratic presidential primary, when Clinton was locked in a spirited race with Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

However, the Clinton-DNC deal also called for Clintons campaign to oversee the hiring of new DNC staffers immediately after it was signed in August 2015  well before primary voting took place.

Baldwin, D-Madison, said in a statement issued earlier Friday that the new DNC leadership needs to make sure this doesnt happen again.

Braziles claims reflect arguments by supporters of Sanders that the DNC failed to remain neutral, favoring Clinton long before she became the partys nominee.

President Donald Trump took advantage of the claim, tweeting earlier Friday that Bernie Sanders supporters have every right to be apoplectic of the complete theft of the Dem primary by Crooked Hillary!

Baldwin was an early Clinton endorser, backing her at least as early as 2015.

Braziles claims were published Thursday in Politico in an excerpt from her forthcoming book. She divulged that the DNC, under the leadership of her predecessor, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, signed what Brazile called an unethical joint fundraising agreement with the Clinton campaign that allowed it to control the partys funding and strategy. The DNC is the national umbrella organization for the Democratic Party, overseeing the presidential nominating process and helping to raise funds for down-ballot Democratic candidates.

The agreement was signed in August 2015, nearly a year before Clinton became the Democratic presidential nominee. Its existence was publicly reported at that time, but Brazile wrote that she unearthed a document in 2016 that gave new insight into the implications of the agreement.

Laning said the Democratic Party of Wisconsin took pains during the primary to make its resources equally available to the Sanders and Clinton campaigns. Sanders soundly defeated Clinton in Wisconsins primary, 57 percent to 43 percent. Clinton failed to keep the state in the Democratic column in the general election, losing by about 22,000 votes to Trump.

Both Laning and Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Black Earth, said they think the current leadership of the DNC will operate fairly.

Pocan said earlier Friday that he had not read the excerpt from Braziles book.

If the party clearly had a preference for one candidate, thats wrong, Pocan said. They have to be neutral in primaries, period.
19 govt sites breached in latest cyberattack

A supposed Palestinian hacker group that goes by Hacker CWNE has claimed to have breached the websites of at least 19 agencies of Nepal government.
20 MW Lower Modi likely to come online in December

Construction of the 20 MW Lower Modi Hydropower Project has reached the final stage, and the plant is expected to start generating electricity by December.




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Aussie envoy congratulates 26 scholarship recipients

Australian Ambassador Peter Budd on Friday extended his congratulations to 26 individual for winning the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarship at a programme in the Capital.
Candidates use audio record, personalised letter for election campaign

Candidates of major political parties in the Himalayan district Taplejung are using audio record and personalised letter to reach out to the voters in the region that faces severe transportation issues.
Three recent reports provide new data on the worsening social crisis in America.

According to the annual update of the Society of Actuaries (SOA) mortality improvement scale, released last Friday, life expectancy for 65-year-old men and women declined from 85.8 and 87.8 years to 85.6 and 87.6 years respectively between 2014 and 2015, the most recent years available. The 1.2 percent jump in the mortality rate was the first year-over-year increase since 2005, and the first by more than one percentage point since 1980.

Previous reports noted that life expectancy at birth also declined in the US between 2014 and 2015, the first decline since 1993, at the height of the AIDS epidemic. Someone born in 2015 is expected to live to 78.8, down from 78.9 in 2014.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the decline was due to an increase in eight of the ten leading causes of death in the US, including heart disease, chronic lower respiratory diseases, unintentional injuries, stroke, Alzheimers disease, diabetes, kidney disease and suicide.

Another study by a team of researchers from the University of Michigan found that middle-age workers ten years away from collecting Social Security retirement benefits are in poorer health than prior generations when they were in their 50s. This includes higher rates of poor cognition, such as memory and thinking ability, and at least one limitation on the ability to perform a basic daily living task such as shopping for groceries, dressing and bathing, taking medications or getting out of bed. The percentage with such limitations jumped from 8.8 percent of people who retired at 65 to 12.5 percent of current Americans ages 56 to 57 who will retire in a decade.

Americans born in 1960 will not be able to collect their full Social Security benefits until they reach 67, instead of 65, because of the increase in the retirement age enacted by the Reagan administration and the Democratic-controlled Congress in 1983. At the time, they claimed the change was necessary because Americans were living longer and would see continual health improvements in their old age.

The opposite is now the case. We found that younger cohorts are facing more burdensome health issues, even as they have to wait until an older age to retire, so they will have to do so in poorer health, said Robert Schoeni, an economist and demographer who co-authored the University of Michigan study.

Inequality among seniors in the US is among the worst in the developed world, according to a report issued last week by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which found that the gap between wealthy and low-income seniors is wider in the US than in all but two of the thirty-five OECD member nationsMexico and Chile. While the rich in America live longer and very comfortably, the poor are working longer, dying younger and increasingly living with pain and ill health.

These are but the latest in a succession of reports documenting higher death rates, higher infant and maternal mortality and declining life expectancy for broad sections of the working population. Meanwhile, Donald Trump routinely hails the record-setting stock market boom as proof of the success of his administration.

There is, in fact, an intimate connection between the spectacular rise in the Dow, the ever-greater enrichment of the top 5 and 1 percent of the country, and the destruction of decent-paying jobs, the lowering of wages and the gutting of social programs. The corporate-financial oligarchy is benefiting from the impoverishment of broad sections of the population.

As CNN Money reported, Declining health and life expectancy are good news for one constituency: Pension plans, which must send a monthly check to retirees for as long as they live. In fact, the health care policies of both political parties are designed to lower life expectancy for the working class and thereby decrease the sums wasted, in the eyes of the ruling class, on retirement benefits and health care for workers who have ceased to be a source of profit.

As the World Socialist Web Site wrote in November 2013, citing think tank studies on the crisis resulting from Americas aging population, underlying the health care counterrevolution set in motion by Obamacare is a basic concern of the American ruling class, a concern that is generally left unstatednamely, that people in the end are simply living too long. The advances of modern medicine have extended lives, often significantly beyond the age of retirement.

For the political strategists of the corporate and financial elite, these years of retirement and medical care are not seen as a good, but as a source of costs that must be slashed, so that they can take that money. This is to be accomplished either by raising the retirement age, by lowering life expectancy so that people die earlier, or both.

The scenes of hundreds of low-wage workers and retirees lining up in Charleston, West Virginia over the weekend for free dental and vision carein some cases for their first treatment in yearsunderscores the scale of the social crisis. In McDowell County, part of the depressed coal mining region of southern West Virginia, life expectancy for males is 63.9 years, only slightly ahead of Haiti, Ghana and Papua New Guinea, due to chronic poverty, ill-health, suicide and drug and alcohol abuse.

The reports on life expectancy, health, etc. provide a measure of the drastic social retrogression resulting from the crisis of the capitalist systema system that is incompatible with the satisfaction of basic social needs.

The working class must take matters into its own hands. What is necessary is a frontal assault on entrenched wealth and the political monopoly exercised by the corporate-financial oligarchy through its two right-wing political parties. The wealth of the financial parasites must be expropriated and the major corporations and banks turned into publicly-owned and democratically controlled utilities, so that the wealth produced by the working class can be used to provide jobs, education, housing and free, high-quality health care for all.
Incoming Labour Party Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern signed a formal coalition agreement yesterday with the right-wing, anti-immigrant New Zealand First Party.

One month after the September 23 election, the Labour Party, which won 36.9 percent of the vote and 46 seats, is forming a government with NZ First, which received 7.2 percent and nine seats. The coalition will be supported by the Greens, which won 6.3 percent and eight seats. The National Party, which held office for almost nine years, received 44.4 percent of the vote and 56 seats, the largest bloc in the 120-member parliament. NZ First chose to form a highly unstable coalition with Labour and the Greens instead of partnering with National.

Labour has rewarded NZ First with a role in the government that is vastly out of proportion to the popular support for the far-right, Trump-like party. The party will get four key cabinet posts. Its leader Winston Peters will become deputy prime minister and foreign affairs minister. NZ First deputy leader Ron Mark, a former army officer, will become defence minister.

The coalition agreement underscores the warnings made by the Socialist Equality Group that the Labour-NZ First-Greens government will pursue an extreme nationalist and militarist agenda, including attacks on immigrants, democratic rights and living conditions. No one voted for this right-wing agenda, which was agreed behind closed doors in secretive and anti-democratic talks.

NZ Firsts elevation parallels the rise of far-right and authoritarian formations in country after country, including UKIP in Britain, Trump in America, the French National Front, the Alternative for Germany, the Austrian Freedom Party and the Czech Republics new leader, billionaire Andre Babis. In response to deepening opposition to social inequality and capitalism, these forces are seeking to divide the working class by whipping up nationalism and xenophobia, while strengthening the repressive state apparatus and the military.

Ardern has criticised sections of the American media for likening her policies to those of Donald Trump. Like the Trump administration, however, Labour and NZ First have feigned concern over poverty and inequality, while scapegoating immigrants and ethnic minorities, especially Chinese, for low wages and the lack of affordable housing. In yesterdays press conference, Ardern and Peters reiterated plans to cut immigrant and foreign student numbers by up to 30,000 a year, or some 40 percent.

The ministerial appointments for NZ First signal a shift into even closer alignment with US war preparations against China and North Korea, in line with demands made by Trumps ambassador to New Zealand Scott Brown, in three media interviews following the election.

Ardern told TVNZ today that on Monday she had a warm conversation with Trump, who, she said, was genuinely interested in the New Zealand election. Ardern declared yesterday that New Zealands relationship with the US, which includes membership in the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network, is incredibly important. That has not changed and it will not change.

Just as significant was Arderns announcement that her first overseas visit will be to Australia, New Zealands main military ally. The Australian conservative government and Labor opposition have vowed full support for Trumps warmongering against North Korea and the broader US confrontational stance against China.

For years, NZ First and Labour attacked the National government for cultivating close business ties with China, New Zealands second-largest trading partner. Four days before the election, Peters claimed that China was starting to dominate the lives of New Zealanders and clearly our economic direction.

In a press conference today, the NZ First leader echoed the demands made in the McCarthyite report released by the Washington-based, US government-funded Wilson Center, just three days before the election, calling for an investigation into Chinese interference in New Zealand politics and society. Peters again reiterated his call for an inquiry into unsubstantiated allegations that National MP Jian Yang is a Chinese spy.

Mark, the new defence minister, has previously called for greater military spending to prepare for the prospect of war with China. In June 2016, after the National government announced $20 billion in additional military spending over 15 years, Mark told TV3 there should be even more funding for an air strike capability and elite SAS combat forces. He said National had dropped the ball over the threat that China is posing... in the South Pacific.

New Zealands financial elite considers large areas of the South Pacific and Antarctica to be its sphere of imperialist influence. Together with the US and Australia, major sections of the ruling class want to roll back Chinas growing economic and diplomatic weight in the region.

Workers should not be diverted by Arderns populist rhetoric to address poverty and homelessness, which has been hailed by pseudo-left groups and the trade union-funded Daily Blog. The latter has demonised Asian immigrants and supports the witch-hunt against Chinese influence. It declared yesterday that big corporate farming and big business interests have been defeated by Labour and we should be ecstatic.

In reality, Ardern stressed yesterday that Labour would abide by the budget responsibility rules that it agreed with the Greens in the run-up to the election. This means restricting government spending to below 30 percent of gross domestic product, about the same as the National governments austerity budgets over the past nine years. Ardern announced on Radio NZ this morning that her government will consider further tax concessions for some companies and businesses, which will be funded by further cuts to basic services.

To try to lessen immense social discontent and political alienation, Labour has proposed a grossly inadequate increase of 1,000 state houses per yearin a country where 41,000 people, or one in 100, are homeless. Ardern said her goal was to increase the minimum wage to $20 an hour from the current poverty level of $15.75. Even if this highly conditional promise were implemented, which is far from certain, the increase would take place gradually over the next four years and would not address soaring living costs.

Like the Trump administration, the Labour-led government is moving to strengthen the police, in preparation to suppress working class opposition to its real agenda of austerity, militarism and war. Labour campaigned for 1,000 extra police but Ardern and Peters announced that this has been boosted to 1,800 as part of the deal with NZ First. This is a 20 percent increase on the 2016 level of 9,000 sworn police officers, in a country with just 4.7 million people.

Former Police Association leader Greg OConnor, who is part of the government as a newly-elected Labour MP, has repeatedly defended acts of police brutality, including killings, and demanded that all officers be equipped with firearms.

The Greens, which previously described NZ Firsts policies as racist, will work closely with that party and support the governments anti-immigrant and anti-Chinese measures. Greens leader James Shaw told Newstalk ZB he paid a social visit to Peters yesterday and gave him a bottle of whisky to celebrate NZ Firsts coalition deal with Labour.

The Greens will have three ministers outside cabinet, mostly in environmental-related roles. Labour has promised $1 billion to develop low carbon industries to benefit the Greens corporate supporters.

The working class inevitably will come into conflict with the new governments reactionary agenda, sooner rather than later. The movement against war and austerity requires a conscious internationalist and socialist perspective and leadership, in opposition to the Labour-NZ First-Greens government and its defenders in the trade unions and pseudo-left groups.

We urge workers, students and young people to attend the Socialist Equality Groups public meeting to discuss the way forward after the election, this Sunday, October 29, at 1:15pm, at the Toi Poneke Arts Centre Community Room, 61/69 Abel Smith Street, Te Aro, Wellington.

The author also recommends:

Right-wing nationalists hand power to New Zealand Labour

[20 October 2017]

Why is the far-right benefiting from the crisis of capitalism?

[28 September 2017]

New Zealand First pushes anti-China witch-hunt in coalition negotiations

[9 October 2017]

No to war and social inequality! For world socialism! Statement of the Socialist Equality Group on the New Zealand election

[19 September 2017]
Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, who was imprisoned by the Taliban for five years after walking off his army base in 2009, was dishonorably discharged on Friday but avoided a prison sentence for the charges of desertion and misbehavior before the enemy.

Bergdahl, who had been stationed in Afghanistan, walked off his base in 2009 with the intent to hike 18 miles to another military base to report poor leadership in his platoon. All I was seeing was basically leadership failure to the point that the lives of the guys standing next me to were literally, from what I could see, in danger of something seriously going wrong, and somebody being killed, he would later report on a podcast.

Bergdahl never made it to the base, however. He was captured by the Taliban within less than two hours of leaving. He was imprisoned for five years, during which he was beaten with copper cables and kept in a seven by seven foot cage. He recalls having to wash his hands with his own urine in order to eat the meager rations of bread his captors fed him, and waking every day to wonder if he would be killed.

Bergdahl was released as part of a prisoner of war swap with the Taliban in 2014. They get five people that theyve wanted for five years, and we get a dirty, rotten traitor, Donald Trump fumed at the time.

Trump used Bergdahls release as political capital on the campaign trail, redoubling his characterization of Bergdahl as a traitor. He explicitly called for Bergdahls execution multiple times during his campaign. On one occasion, he said, You know, in the old days--Bing, bong, mimicking a shooter as he spoke.

As the elections neared, the military moved to charge Bergdahl not only with desertion, which carries a five-year maximum sentence, but also with the rarely-used, ancient charge of misbehavior before the enemy. Gen. Robert Abrams convened the court martial despite Trumps inflammatory remarks as well as threats by Senator John McCain to call a congressional hearing if Bergdahl was not punished as a result of his trial.

Bergdahl pleaded guilty to both desertion and misbehavior on October 16. Army Colonel Jeffrey Nance, the judge in Bergdahls case, rejected the defense teams request for dismissal or for a capped sentence in light of Trumps inflammatory remarks about Bergdahl, both as a candidate and as the commander in chief of the Armed Forces. Nance asserted that he was capable of granting Bergdahl a fair hearing despite the comments, which he called disturbing and disappointing.

However, he went on to state: I will consider the presidents comments as mitigation evidence as I arrive at an appropriate sentence. He cited the command influence that Trump could possibly exercise over those charged with sentencing Bergdahl.

On Friday, it took Nance mere minutes to hand down Bergdahls sentence. He reduced Bergdahls rank to private; Bergdahl had been promoted to sergeant during his captivity. He was dishonorably discharged, and Nance further ordered Bergdahl to forfeit $1,000 a month of his pay for ten months.

Trump immediately took to Twitter to denounce the sentence as a complete and total disgrace to our country and to our military.

The sentence is effective immediately, except for the dishonorable discharge, which triggers an automatic appeal. Bergdahls defense attorney, Eugene R. Fidell, called the sentence a tremendous relief.

President Trumps unprincipled effort to stoke a lynch-mob atmosphere while seeking our nation's highest office has cast a dark cloud over the case, Fidell stated. Every American should be offended by his assault on the fair administration of justice and disdain for basic constitutional rights.

Fidell went on to express hopes that Bergdahls dishonorable discharge would be overturned, saying that it would deprive Bergdahl of medical care, mental health care and other benefits he badly needs.

As the World Socialist Web Site wrote in 2015, The real reason for the ferocity of the attack on Bergdahl was his public disaffection from the war in Afghanistan and, in particular, his caustic criticism of the conduct of the American military in that devastated country.

In 2012, Rolling Stone magazine published excerpts of emails from Bergdahl to his parents in Idaho in which he declared, I am ashamed to even be American. The horror of the self-righteous arrogance that they thrive in. It is all revolting.

I am sorry for everything here, he continued. These people need help, yet what they get is the most conceited country in the world telling them that they are nothing and that they are stupid, that they have no idea how to live. Referring to a particularly gruesome incident he had witnessed, he added, We dont even care when we hear each other talk about running their children down in the dirt streets with our armored trucks.
The Hillary Clinton campaign used its financial resources to take control of the Democratic National Committee more than six months before the first primary vote, using the party machinery to insure Clinton won the presidential nomination, according to a new book by a top Democratic insider.

Donna Brazile, longtime vice chairman of the party, campaign manager for Al Gore in 2000, and interim chairman of the DNC from July 2016 to February 2017, makes the explosive revelation in her newly published account, Hacks: The Inside Story of the Break-ins and Breakdowns that Put Donald Trump in the White House.

A chapter of the book was excerpted Thursday on the Politico web site, under the headline, Inside Hillary Clintons Secret Takeover of the DNC. Brazile writes that soon after she became interim chairman after the Democratic convention in July 2016, she began investigating charges of collaboration between the previous DNC chair, Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and the Clinton campaign.

She discovered in the DNC files a signed agreement between the Clinton campaign and the DNC, dated August 2015, in which the Clinton campaign was given effective control of DNC decision-making in return for bailing out the DNC financially.

The DNC was near bankruptcy, and Clinton campaign manager Robbie Mook agreed to pay off its $10 million debt and provide a monthly stipend, which ultimately totaled another $10 million. Brazile continues: in exchange for raising money and investing in the DNC, Hillary would control the partys finances, strategy, and all the money raised. Her campaign had the right of refusal of who would be the party communications director, and it would make final decisions on all the other staff. The DNC also was required to consult with the campaign about all other staffing, budgeting, data, analytics, and mailings.

Brazile admits the grossly anti-democratic character of this arrangement, given that the Democratic presidential nomination was a contest between at least five candidates at that point, two of them, Clinton and Sanders, with substantial support. In all previous such contested races, the rules of the DNC had required it to remain neutral.

The funding arrangement with HFA and the victory fund agreement was not illegal, she claims, but it sure looked unethical. If the fight had been fair, one campaign would not have control of the party before the voters had decided which one they wanted to lead. This was not a criminal act, but as I saw it, it compromised the partys integrity.

Brazile is defensive about the legality of the arrangement for good reason: it involved a brazen effort to evade restrictions imposed by federal campaign finance laws, which limit to $2,700 the amount that an individual can give to a presidential campaign.

Under the deal brokered with the DNC, wealthy donors could pump $353,400 into the partys coffers, $10,000 to each of 32 state parties that participated in the scam, and $33,400 to the DNC itself, in each case, the maximum allowed under federal law. All these funds would be deposited in the accounts of the various state parties and the DNC. Most states would send their money back to the DNC, and the DNC would funnel the whole sum to the Clinton campaign. In the end, the state parties retained less than one percent of the $82 million raised in this effort.

Similar money trails have been a staple of both Democratic and Republican fund-raising efforts for the last several presidential election cycles, but the 2016 campaign was the first in which such flimflam was conducted before the party had selected a presidential nominee, and months before a single vote had been cast in a caucus or primary.

There are several important aspects of the Brazile account. It confirms that the DNC emails released by WikiLeakswhich the US intelligence agencies and the media claim, without providing evidence, were obtained through Russian hackersprovided an accurate picture of the collaboration between top DNC officials and the Clinton campaign. The leaked emails were damaging to Clinton because they were true, not because they were false, or fake news.

Some 12 million people, with a preponderance of youth and students, voted for Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primaries and caucuses, attracted by his claim to be a socialist and his denunciation of the grip of millionaires and billionaires on the US economy and political system.

But he was seeking the presidential nomination of one of the two parties controlled by the billionaires and unshakably committed to their interests, as demonstrated by the blatant purchase of the DNC for $20 million by Hillary Clinton, the favored candidate of the financial aristocracy in 2016.

The US ruling elite was shocked and surprised by the mass support for a candidate claiming to be socialistnone more so than Sanders himself. His major service to Wall Street was to divert this popular following back into safe channels, by wrapping up his campaign and throwing his support to Hillary Clinton at the convention.

Brazile notes in her memoir that she called Sanders in September 2016 to tell him about her discovery of a formal agreement between the Clinton campaign and the DNC. I had promised Bernie when I took the helm of the Democratic National Committee after the convention that I would get to the bottom of whether Hillary Clintons team had rigged the nomination process, she writes.

She described the joint fund-raising agreement between the Clinton campaign and the DNC, telling Sanders, Ive completed my review of the DNC and I did find the cancer, but pleading with him, But I will not kill the patient.

Brazile continues: Bernie took this stoically. He did not yell or express outrage. Instead he asked me what I thought Hillarys chances were. The polls were unanimous in her winning but what, he wanted to know, was my own assessment?

This gives a glimpse of the real politics of Sanders, who agreed to Braziles entreaty not to kill the patient, i.e., expose the Democratic Party and the Clinton campaign by making public this stinking backroom deal.

Some of Sanderss former campaign aides have vocally denounced the DNC and the Clinton campaign in the wake of Braziles revelations. Mark Longabaugh, a former adviser, called the DNC-Clinton deal outrageous, while former campaign manager Jeff Weaver called it egregious and undemocratic, while describing the fundraising scheme as a laundering operation.

But Sanders himself continued to downplay the revelation, suggesting that to focus on the 2016 campaign was a diversion from opposing the policies of the Trump administration. After President Trump tweeted about the Brazile book, calling for a Justice Department investigation, Sanders responded, also on Twitter, We won't be distracted from your efforts to give billionaires tax cuts, take health care from millions and deny climate change.
On November 1, nearly two years after its imposition after the 13 November 2015 terror attacks in Paris, the French state of emergency formally expired. It was by far the longest time that democratic rights were suspended in France since the state of emergency was created by law and then imposed in 1955, amid the Algerian war for independence against France.

The passage of the November 1 deadline does not, however, signify that the French masses are now secure in the enjoyment of democratic and social rights formally guaranteed by the post-World War II constitution. It does not even signify a return to the conditions that existed before the 2015 terror attacks carried out by the Islamic State (IS) in Paris. Rather, it is ever clearer that Frances state of emergency was part of a fundamental political shift internationally by the capitalist class towards dictatorship.

The French state of emergency proved to be the first of a series of escalating attacks on democratic rights by NATO governments, ever more directly targeting popular opposition to war and austerity. Across the Pyrenees, Madrid is imposing Article 155 of the Spanish constitution to suspend Catalonias elected government and, after the brutal police crackdown on the October 1 Catalan independence referendum, impose direct military-police rule in the province.

As the state of emergency expired in France, US intelligence officials were testifying before the US Congress to demand that social media corporations censor oppositional views, warning in McCarthyite fashion that the Internet was being used as a tool of foreign subversion. We all must act now on the social media battlefield to quell information rebellions that can quickly lead to violent confrontations and easily transform us into the Divided States of America, said one.

Within France, politicians and the media declare that the state of emergency could be re-imposed at any time. Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said, We may have to put it back in place, we will make sure we can handle crisis situations. If things became very dramatic, we could come back to the state of emergency.

Moreover, French President Emmanuel Macron is pushing through an even deeper attack on democratic rights than the state of emergency imposed two years ago. Before the state of emergency expired, he set up a permanent state of emergency in the form of a draconian anti-terror law signed on October 30. It permanently dispenses with basic democratic rights, prolonging the most widely used police powers of the state of emergency. It allows security forces to:

* Carry out arbitrary searches and seizures in private homes or any area declared a security zone;

* Impose house arrest and electric monitoring of individuals for up to one year at a time;

* Carry out warrantless identity checks in areas around borders, train stations and airports in which two-thirds of the French population lives;

* Collect and store all electronic, telephone and email data of anyone police believe could be connected in the present or future to serious crime.

The law also institutes draconian limitations on freedom of conscience and expression. It allows the state to dismiss public-sector workers whose beliefs it declares to be incompatible with their duties. It also allows security forces to close down any place of worship whose ideas or theories are deemed to incite terrorism, hatred or discrimination.

Two years after the imposition of the state of emergency, it is untenable to claim that this was simply a war on terror reaction to IS attacks such as the 7 January and 13 November 2015 terror atrocities in Paris. Rather, it was the response of the ruling class to a mortal crisis of capitalism. It used these attacks to respond to escalating class tensions after a quarter-century of imperialist war and social austerity since the Stalinist dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 by making a turn towards dictatorship and the legitimization of neo-fascism.

The main targets of the state of emergency were not the Islamist networks that carried out the 2015 attacks. Rather, it aimed to terrorize working class suburbs in France and popular opposition to ever-deeper assaults by the European Union and the French ruling class on basic social rights.

During the state of emergency, there were over 4,300 extrajudicial searches and seizures, and over 750 people were put under house arrest. Just under 1,000 legal cases were opened, 75 security zones were set up, and 41 people are still under house arrest in France. However, the state of emergency led to only 20 counter-terrorism investigations.

This number pales in comparison to the over 1,700 fighters whom Islamist networks sent from France to Syria, as over 5,000 Europeans in total went to Syria. The vast majority of those passing through these networks long enjoyed tacit official support, as NATO waged war for regime-change in Syria. The forces that carried out the 7 January attack on Charlie Hebdo and the November 13 attacks could plan and carry out the attacks not because they escaped detection, but because the networks of which they were a part were protected tools of war policy.

Both attacks were prepared by well-known members or associates of the Buttes-Chaumont group in Paris. This is Al Qaedas most famous cell in France, founded by veterans of the CIAs covert war in Afghanistan against the USSR in the 1980s. It retains close links to Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and is closely watched by French intelligence. Both the Kouachi brothers who attacked Charlie Hebdo and Salim Benghalem, who helped Abdelhamid Abaaoud plan the November 13 attacks, were members of this cell.

French imperialism reacted to the attacks not by shutting down Islamist terror networks, but by using the attacks to shift politics far to the right, amid a collapse of Frances old, discredited political system. After the 2015 terror attacks, neo-fascist leader Marine Le Pen was repeatedly invited to the Elysee presidential palace by then-President Francois Hollande.

Le Pen emerged as a credible presidential candidate under conditions where the intelligence ties of the Islamist attackers were hushed up, and magazines and newspapers falsely blamed the attacks on a religious war they claimed broad sections of Frances Muslim population were waging.

A key role in this was played by pseudo-left groups like the New Anti-capitalist Party. Having backed the war in Syria, they were silent on the security services complicity with the Islamist networks and implicitly backed the charade of the war on terror. As the two main parties of Frances post-1968 political system, Hollandes Socialist Party (PS) and The Republicans (LR), both collapsed, the pseudo-left helped shift French mainstream bourgeois politics far to the right.

Above all, Hollande used the state of emergency to ram through unprecedented social cuts demanded by the banks. After a decade of austerity in Europe, anger exploded last year among youth and sections of the working class in France over Hollandes labor law. The state of emergency played a key role in setting up violent police crackdowns on protesting students and strikers, and in creating conditions for the union bureaucracy to wind down the protests after the PS took the unprecedented step of threatening to ban them.

The resort of the ruling class in France and internationally to dictatorial measures is not in the final analysis a sign of strength, but of desperate weakness. As it threatens the working class with the dangers of dictatorship and war in a manner unprecedented since the bloodiest years of the 20th century, the bourgeoisie is also exposing the insoluble crisis of the capitalist regime and blowing up the mechanisms through which it contained the class struggle.

The task of the Parti de l'egalite socialiste and the other sections of the International Committee of the Fourth International is to give a revolutionary and socialist perspective to the workers struggles to defend basic social and democratic rights that are on the horizon.
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Asia

Pakistan: Punjab government field health workers protest

Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department contract and daily wage field workers in Lahore boycotted the ongoing government-run polio vaccination campaign on Monday, demanding that their jobs be made permanent. Their street protest in Lahore was joined by more than 400 affected workers. Workers were also protesting against outsourcing and privatisation of health facilities.

Authorities were forced to postpone the planned five-day vaccination campaign but the boycott was called off on its second day after authorities agreed to the workers demand for permanency.

Karachi hospital workers end four-week strike

A four-week boycott of duties by house officers, paramedical staff and final year students at the cash-strapped Abbasi Shaheed Hospital run by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) was called off by workers on October 26 after the mayor of Karachi gave an assurance that wages would be paid within 24 hours.

Workers were demanding the immediate payment of overdue wages. Paramedical staff had not been paid for two months, while house officers and final year students were not paid for five months. The outpatients department and most other hospital services were severely affected during the strike.

The 850-bed teaching hospital is the third largest public hospital in Karachi and services over one million residents in the citys north. It is barely functional as a result of a decade of funding cuts, impacting not only on its ability to pay salaries but also availability of facilities, equipment and medicine. Staff complained about the appalling conditions in the hospital, including shortages of beds, no air-conditioning system in the intensive care unit, lack of functional x-ray and MRI machines, and a shortage of medicines.

PIMS hospital medical staff end 25-day strike

Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) workers in Islamabad suspended 25 days of strike action on October 26 in their dispute demanding to be classed as government employees.

PIMS workers lost their status as civil servants, as well as government accommodation and other benefits, in 2013 when the hospitala 1,200-bed facilitywas upgraded and affiliated with the Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Shaheed Medical University. Workers demanded that the affiliation be reversed. More than 4,000 employees were affected.

PIMS Employees Association said it decided to suspend the strike after a government minister gave an assurance that a bill would soon be passed in parliament to separate the two entities.

Sindh province doctors protest

Hundreds of doctors from various districts in Sindh province demonstrated in front of the Karachi Press Club on Tuesday to demand promotions, permanency and salaries and entitlements on par with doctors in other provinces of Pakistan. The Sindh chapter of Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) further demanded the implementation of a Supreme Court ruling to give effect to pro-forma promotions of doctors retired since August 7, 2015.

FATA hospital workers protest privatisation

Workers from the Landi Kotal Hospital in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), in northwestern Pakistan stopped work on Monday and set up a protest camp to oppose the planned privatisation of the hospital. Workers fear that jobs will be lost and poor people will be deprived of medical facilities.

Health services are only scarcely available in the semi-autonomous region as the federal government is increasingly restricting its funding of public services and pressuring local governments to adopt similar measures. This is affecting public services such as health and education, and eliminating a large number of jobs.

Landi Kotal Hospital staff complained to the media in June 2016 that specialist doctors positions remained vacant for several years. The empty posts included gynaecologist, orthopaedic surgeon, dental surgeon, ENT specialist, pathologist, radiologist and cardiologist. Power to the hospital was regularly cut also, due to non-payment of utility bills.

India: Karnataka D group government workers strike

Members of the District Unit of D Group Employees Association held a protest march in Bengaluru on Monday to demand job permanency. The protesters, including drivers, domestic and court workers and other civil servants, demonstrated in front of the deputy commissioners office, accusing him of not keeping his previous assurance to make them permanent employees.

India: Pune metal engineering factory workers protest

More than 900 workers and family members from the multinational metal engineering plant of Bharat Forge in Pune, Pondicherry marched from the factory to the assistant labour commissioners office at Wakdewadi on Monday. They submitted a memorandum to the commissioner demanding a wage increase and recognition of their newly formed trade union, the Bharat Forge Karmachari Sangathna.

The workers formed the union earlier in the year in opposition to the company-controlled union. Their union is registered with the state government but not recognised by the firms management. Workers complained that the company discriminates against them by paying wages and entitlements well below those of members of the company union.

Workers have demanded the reinstatement of nine dismissed co-workers whom they alleged were dismissed for their activity in the new union.

Burmese garment workers sacked after strike

Ten workers from the Solamoda Garments factory at Shwe Than Lwin industrial zone in Yangon were sacked last week on a charge of alleged theft. The sackingsseven were union leadersfollowed the ending of a four-week strike by 500 of the 800 workers at the Chinese-owned factory.

Workers walked out on September 18 and picketed the factory with 13 demands, including an additional 1,000 kyat to their daily wage. The official minimum daily wage is 3,600 kyat ($US2.64). Other demands were maintenance of the 10,000 kyat bonus for not taking leave for a month and abolition of daily quotas.

Factory management accused the sacked workers of stealing 700 garments during the strike. The workers denied the allegation. They demanded their jobs back and have taken their case to the Yangon regional arbitration council.

Australia and the Pacific

Australian oil workers picket at Esso in fifth month

Close to 200 oil production workers at Essos onshore facilities in Victoria and offshore platforms in Bass Strait are maintaining a protest camp established in mid-June outside ExxonMobils Longford gas plant. The company is attempting to impose new maintenance contracts that could reduce wages by 30 percent, as well as reduced allowances and annual leave and the scrapping of other hard-won working conditions.

Esso awarded a five-year maintenance contract to UGL, but workers were told to sign up with MTCT Services, a UGL subsidiary, at significantly lower wages or risk losing their jobs.

The Esso workers are members of the Electrical Trades Union (ETU), the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) and the Australian Workers Union (AWU).

Following threats of court action against picketers by MTCT in July, the trade unions wound down members protests and removed protest banners and other picket equipment. The workers have been isolated by the unions. There has been no campaign to mobilise other union members in concrete industrial action.

The unions have likened the dispute to the six-month Carlton United Breweries (CUB) picket last year, which saw maintenance workers retrenched and invited to sign up to a new contractor on substantially lower pay. That dispute also was isolated by the unions, which dragged it out until workers agreed to be rehired as CUB employees on an inferior enterprise agreement.
Six hundred refugees are suffering dehydration, hunger and worsening mental health problems at the Manus Island Detention Centre in Papua New Guinea (PNG), after the Australian government moved to close the facility last Tuesday. The shutdown followed a ruling by the PNG Supreme Court last year that the centre was illegal because it deprived the refugees of their freedom without charge.

The asylum-seekers are threatened with an attack by heavily armed PNG military and police personnel. Begsy Karaki, a senior officer in charge of the Lombrum naval base where the centre is located, declared on Thursday that his troops were prepared to remove the asylum seekers with force if they received an order.

Australian contractors, hired by the Liberal-National Coalition government of Malcolm Turnbull, cut pipes and emptied water tanks before leaving the centre Tuesday morning. The final shipment of food, which arrived on October 29, contained less than two days of rations.

The remaining electricity to some sections of the camp was shut-down on Wednesday. Many refugees at the facility are unable to charge their mobile phones, which they have relied upon to maintain contact with the outside world.

On Friday, PNG naval and immigration forces blocked a boat of local residents that was transporting food to the centre. The day before, they prevented a church group from bringing emergency supplies.

These measures are in line with the Coalition governments strategy of forcing the asylum-seekers out of the centre by starving them, depriving them of water, communication and every other necessity of life. The Australian government is demanding they go to other facilities on Manus and the Pacific Island of Nauru, which the refugees have said are unsafe.

On Wednesday, Nat Jin Lam, the regional representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said that two alternative accommodation centres at Lorengau were not fit for human habitation.

Directly rebuffing the claims of the Australian government, Lam said the facilities he had inspected were still under construction. One of them reportedly lacks running water and power and neither have a security fence. I would not be bringing any refugees to stay there, not in that state, Lam said. One refugee who accepted a transfer to the facility left shortly after arriving, making a three-hour walk back to the main detention centre.

The crisis on Manus Island underscores the criminality of the border protection program implemented by successive Coalition and Greens-backed Labor governments. Their policies, including consigning refugees to concentration camps in the Pacific, have made Australia a world model for the persecution of asylum-seekers.

On Thursday, Behrouz Boochani, an Iranian refugee at the Manus Island camp shared a shocking picture on Twitter of asylum-seekers digging a well. They were digging for hours and finally found water, Boochani wrote. I dont know if this water is clean enough to drink or not, but the refugees are drinking from it. Refugees have also sought to stockpile water in bins and to collect any rainwater.

Boochani and other asylum-seekers have indicated that the situation within the camp is becoming increasingly dire. On Thursday, he tweeted: At the moment hundreds of naked men are lying around me. They are starving and their bodies are getting weak.

There are also growing fears of disease outbreaks as a result of the lack of running water and functioning toilet facilities.

Refugees do not have access to required medication or treatment, and at least one of the detainees self-harmed this week. A United Nations report last year found that asylum-seekers on Manus Island had amongst the highest recorded rates of depression, anxiety conditions and post-traumatic stress disorder of any surveyed population in the world.

The Australian governments actions have provoked mounting opposition. The UNHCR issued a statement on Friday night, demanding that services be restored to the centre. It rejected the Coalition governments claim that it is no longer responsible for the men, and called for them to be transported to the Australian mainland immediately.

Former PNG Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare said Australias stance was ruthless and hypocritical. Dont treat them as animals, theyre not animals, theyre human beings, Somare said. His two governments, however, like successive PNG administrations, actively collaborated with Australias persecution of asylum-seekers.

Within Australia, prominent human rights organisations have voiced support for a legal case by the refugees before the PNG Supreme Court, aiming to halt their forcible transfer. On Friday, at least three students were arrested after briefly occupying the Sydney office of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has responded by repeatedly declaring that activists are responsible for the ongoing standoff because they have supported the refugees refusal to leave the centre.

Prominent Labor MPs, including the partys federal leader, Bill Shorten, have sought to cover up their own responsibility for the unfolding catastrophe. It was the Greens-backed Labor government of Julia Gillard that in 2012 reopened the Manus Island centre, and decreed that the refugees sent there would never enter Australia.

In a statement on Friday, Shorten denounced the government for failing to arrange resettlement options. He reiterated the Labor Partys rejection of the right to seek asylum, which is enshrined in international law, declaring, We would never countenance anything that would put the people smugglers back in business. Australia is not and must not be a resettlement option.

Shorten touted an offer by the newly elected New Zealand Labour government of Jacinda Ardern, to resettle 150 of the asylum-seekers. Ardern, who is in a coalition with the far-right New Zealand First Party, centred her election campaign on denunciations of immigrants and refugees.

Moreover, international law experts have previously indicated that the forcible government transfer of refugees from one country to another could amount to human trafficking. Demonstrating the real character of the New Zealand proposal, Shorten favourably likened it to a people swap arrangement with the United States.

Under that deal, just 54 refugees are being resettled from detention centres in the Pacific to the US. They have first been subjected to an extreme vetting process, including prolonged interrogations, and face an uncertain future, as the Trump administration escalates its attacks on immigrants.

For their part, the Greens have denounced the Coalition government as inhumane and callous. They were in a de facto coalition government with Labor when it reopened Manus, however, and thus bear central responsibility for the disaster that is unfolding.
On October 26, the newly formed Labour-NZ First-Green Party government was sworn in by New Zealands governor general. Led by Labour Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, the coalition was announced three weeks after the September 23 election and is the result of sordid, back-room negotiations with the right-wing, anti-immigrant NZ First Party.

NZ Firsts elevation parallels the rise of far-right and authoritarian formations in countries around the world, including the US, Germany, France and Austria. Labour, however, has granted to the Trump-like party a role that vastly exceeds its level of popular support. With just 7.2 percent (9 seats) at the election, NZ First has secured four key cabinet posts, while the partys leader Winston Peters, an anti-Asian demagogue, has been installed as deputy prime minister and foreign affairs minister. Ron Mark, Peters deputy and an advocate of massive increases in military spending, is the new defence minister.

The Labour-led government will pursue an extreme nationalist and militarist agenda, including attacks on immigrants, democratic rights and living conditions. On Wednesday, in her first international television interview, Ardern told CNNs Christiane Amanpour that she was resolute about implementing Labours election promise to slash net migration by 20,000 to just 30,000 a yeara cut of up to 50 percent. The governments first order of business is to ban foreigners from buying New Zealand homes, a measure calculated to scapegoat Chinese investors for the cost of housing and stoke anti-Chinese xenophobia.

The sharp shift to the right by the entire ruling establishment has been engineered behind the backs of the population. Labours coalition with NZ First signals a closer alignment with US war preparations against China and North Korea. A US-based think tank, the Wilson Center, published a report three days before the election accusing the National Party government of being soft on China, and insinuating that some of its leading figures had questionable financial relations with the Chinese government and corporations. At the same time, Trumps ambassador to New Zealand, Scott Brown, gave several media interviews, as negotiations regarding the new government were underway, to publicly indicate that Washington did not want the return of the National Party.

In response, a line-up of pro-Labour commentators, trade unions and pseudo-left groupsthe International Socialist Organisation (ISO), Fightback and Socialist Aotearoa (SA)is fraudulently portraying the new government as progressive and left wing. Referencing Arderns campaign slogan, self-styled radical columnist Chris Trotter intoned: All of us, every progressive New Zealander, must help Jacinda and her Labour-NZ First-Green Government to do this!

These forces are seeking to blind the working class to the dangers that it faces. Labour has been brought into office to forestall an impending explosion of social unrest in the working class over war, inequality and declining living standards. Following the 2008 financial crisis, the previous National Party-led government imposed a brutal austerity regime that has produced escalating poverty, youth suicides and homelessness.

While Labour advanced no policies to oppose this assault, Arderns installation as party leader in August saw the party widely promoted as embodying the mood for change. Labour recovered from a low of 23 percent in the polls to reach 36 percent at the election, enough to negotiate the formation of a coalition government with king maker Peters.

Throughout the election, the pseudo-lefts campaigned for Labour and the Greens as a lesser evil to National. After remaining silent throughout the anti-democratic coalition negotiations, the ISO hailed the Labour-NZ First deal as delivering on a promise of hope and change.

In an October 25 article, the ISO fawned: Labour has announced plans better than the International Socialists dared hope possible. There are real reforms set up here, and proposals which, if implemented, will bring real benefits to the lives of working people.

Leader of the Unite union Mike Treen, who works closely with Socialist Aotearoa, declared that Labours promise to lift the minimum wage to $20 an hour, from the current poverty level of $15.75 by 2021, was a big win for workers and should be celebrated.

In reality, Labour has pledged to abide by the budget responsibility rules that it agreed with the Greens early in the election, to keep government spending below 30 percent of GDP, the same level as in Nationals austerity budgets. Wellington Chamber of Commerce CEO John Milford declared himself comforted by Arderns assurances that hers would be a government of partnership with business, which includes tax cuts for small and medium companies. Even if the minimum wage were raised, the paltry increase would in no way address soaring living costs.

Labours highly conditional promises include the introduction of one year of fees-free tertiary study, for new students only, and a review of the punitive sanctions regime for welfare recipients. Several measures in education, including doing away with the National Standards testing regime, have been foreshadowed, along with an undertaking to construct a grossly inadequate total of 1,000 state-funded houses per year.

These meagre measures are nothing but window-dressing for Arderns reactionary agenda, including a raft of repressive legislation that will be used to suppress deepening opposition in the working class. Labour, supported by the unions, intends to ban strikes during employment contract negotiations; it has promised 1,800 more police, an increase of nearly 20 percent; a work-for-the-dole scheme; and the expansion of an existing military training program for unemployed youth.

The ISO and SA, which both support US imperialist intervention in Syria, have said nothing about the blatant US intervention in the election to ensure that the next government supports Trumps threats against North Korea and China.

Ardern has already declared that New Zealands relationship with the US, including membership in the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network, is incredibly important. That has not changed and it will not change. Her first overseas visits will be to Australia, New Zealands main military ally, and to the APEC conference in Vietnam, where she expects to meet US President Trump.

For years, Labours apologists have sought to legitimise NZ First and its xenophobic policies. Writing in the trade union-funded Daily Blog last week, Trotter warmly described Peters as a patriot, while Treen praised him for his demagogic exclamation that capitalism was working against many people. For its part, the ISO claimed that NZ First, while it had a conservative base, was leaning left for now economically.

The ISO falsely declared that Labour and NZ Firsts anti-immigrant rhetoric was thankfully, toned down during the election. In reality, both parties made severe cuts to immigration the centrepiece of their campaigns. Newsroom reported that Labour lost votes in some working-class Auckland seats due to its anti-immigrant stance.

Last Saturday, Fightback and the ISO helped organise an anti-racism protest in Wellington to counter a tiny gathering of the fascist National Front outside parliament. Invited to speak were two Green Party MPs, Golriz Ghahraman and Marama Davidson.

The Greens, who for the first time have three ministers outside cabinet, previously denounced NZ First as racist. They are nevertheless going to work closely with the party and support the governments anti-immigrant and anti-Chinese measures. To this end, they will likely endorse Peters demand for an inquiry into the status of National Party MP Jian Yang who, as part of an intensifying anti-Chinese witch hunt, has been accused of being an agent of the Chinese Communist Party.

The pseudo-lefts promotion of Labour is to maintain the political subordination of workers and students to capitalist parties by promoting the illusion that they can be pressured to the left. In 2015, they glorified the Greek Syriza government, on the basis of phoney claims that it would oppose austerity measures dictated by the international financial elite. Syriza then worked hand-in-glove with the IMF, the EU and international banks to impose even deeper attacks on the Greek population, while forming a coalition with the Independent Greeksan anti-immigrant nationalist formation whose leader was appointed as minister of defence.

In the 2011 and 2014 New Zealand elections, Fightback, SA and the ISO joined and campaigned on behalf of the Maori nationalist Mana Party, which they glorified as pro-poor and anti-capitalist. In fact, Mana represents those sections of Maori business that favour more national-protectionist policies and supported Labours scapegoating of Chinese people for the housing crisis.

The pseudo-lefts embrace of NZ First, Labour and the Greens serves to underscore their class character. These organisations are not socialist. They are part of the bourgeois establishment, orbiting the trade unions and supporting Labour because of its program of nationalism, anti-Chinese protectionism and militarism, including the defence of New Zealand imperialisms alliance with the United States. Their politics reflect the social interests of privileged layers of the upper-middle class, including academics, trade union officials and the beneficiaries of various identity politics-based, state-funded bodies, who benefit materially, in myriad ways, from these policies.

The author also recommends:

No to war and social inequality! For world socialism! Statement of the Socialist Equality Group on the New Zealand election

[19 September 2017]
Open enrollment for 2018 Obamacare plans began November 1 and runs to December 15, half as much time as in previous years of operation. Cutting the enrollment time is one of the ways the Trump administration has sought to sabotage the Affordable Care Act (ACA), despite the numerous failures of the Republican-controlled Congress to repeal and replace Obamacare, a central Trump campaign pledge.

A new study by Avalere Health finds that premiums for mid-level silver plans, among the most widely chosen, will increase by 34 percent next year. The health care consulting firm says the projected increases are due to changes to the ACA by the Trump administration, lower than expected enrollment, and further insurer departures from the ACA marketplace.

Plans are raising premiums in 2018 to account for market uncertainty and the federal governments failure to pay for cost-sharing reductions (CSR), said Caroline Pearson, Avalere senior vice president, in a press release. CSR reimbursements to low-income individuals and families, used to offset some out-of-pocket costs, were canceled October 12 by Trump. The threat of the CSR cutoff caused private insurers on the ACA exchanges to raise premiums to cover their potential losses from having to pay out the reimbursements themselves.

An average additional 3 to 4 percentage points increase in premiums was charged by insurers to compensate for the prospect that the administration wouldnt strictly enforce the individual mandate, which requires people to purchase insurance or pay a fine. Without the mandate, younger, healthier people were expected to exit the exchanges, leaving an older, less healthy customer base, more costly to insure.

The Kaiser Family Fund (KFF) found that among ACA exchanges in states run by the federal government, gross premiums (before subsidies are applied) will increase an average 17 percent for the lowest-cost bronze plan and 35 percent for the lowest-cost silver plan. Many states allowed insurers to offload the premium increases resulting from the ending of the CSR payments onto silver plans, which are the benchmark for determining premium subsidies (which are separate from CSRs).

As an unintended result of Trump axing the CSRs, KFF says, enrollees will see much higher premium tax credits, and gold plans, which are a step above silver, will actually be more easily attainable, and some bronze plans may even work out to be free, after the subsidy is supplied.

According to a report on 2018 premiums by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued Monday, the average monthly premium for the silver benchmark plan will increase by 37 percent for a typical 27-year-old, to $411 a month. However, the average subsidy will increase by 45 percent, to $555.

It should be remembered, however, that even if the cost to enrollees is lowered, the higher-premium tax credit subsidies go to the private insurance companies, whose participation in the Obamacare marketplace is completely voluntary and based on whether or not they are able to turn a big profit. Obamacare has never been about reforming health care in the interest of ordinary Americans, but about cutting costs for corporations and the government while rationing care and services.

In 2018, the most vulnerable population group will be households that are ineligible for subsidies, typically because they earn more than 400 percent of the federal poverty level ($98,400 for a family of four this year.) This segment accounts for about 16 percent of total ACA enrollments, or as many as 2 million people.

The HHS report shows that insurers are continuing to pull back from the exchange market, with 132 insurers in 2018 compared with 167 in 2017. Eight statesAlaska, Delaware, Iowa, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Wyomingwill have only one insurer in the individual exchange market in 2018.

According to the Avalere study, there will be significant variation across the states in relation to premium increases, with Iowa seeing the highest jump in average silver premiums, 69 percent over 2017, while Alaska will see a decrease in premiums of 22 percent.

Consumers are also much less informed about the options available on the Obamacare marketplace this enrollment period. The Trump administration has cut advertising for signing people up by 90 percent, and funding for in-person assistanceor navigatorshas been slashed by 40 percent. According to Vox.com, one pro-Obamacare advocate estimates that under the best-case scenario, 1.1 million fewer people will be enrolled in health coverage through the ACA next year.

In a parallel development, new information shows that the affordability of employer health plans for low-income families has deteriorated under Obamacare. Writing in Forbes, Chris Conover reports that employer-sponsored health insurance premiums have risen faster than the average income for low-income families under Obamacare.

For families in the bottom fifth of income distribution, employer-sponsored insurance coverage costs have risen by about 15 percent since 2010. Obamacare regulations require that large employers offer more costly benefits covering essential services. However, unlike those in the ACA exchanges, low-wage workers at such firms are offered zero assistance in purchasing this coverage.

Having staved off a repeal of Obamacare, congressional Democrats have no concern for working to improve the health care of ordinary Americans, instead placing their efforts on investigating alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 elections and holding congressional hearings on extremist content on the Internet in an effort to legitimize censorship and attack free speech.

They are still open to a compromise to fix Obamacare, which means shoring up the insurance companies. This has nothing to do with extending insurance coverage to the 29 million Americans who remain uninsured nearly eight years after Obamacare was signed into law, and the millions more who stand to lose coverage and benefits with a repeal of Obamacare and attacks on funding to Medicaid and Medicare.

Big Democratic donors are more interested in putting their money into the effort to increase Democratic seats in Congress in the 2018 mid-term elections and putting a Democrat in the White House in 2020.
Conversations are all

I sleep in the room exactly above the one my grandfather sleeps in. My bed sits in the same position in my room as my grandfathers in his room downstairs. We fall asleep, when we do, in the same corner of the house. Me upstairs. Him downstairs.
The United Auto Workers (UAW) in the United States is the subject of an expanding scandal that has cast a light on its corrupt and incestuous relationship with the Big Three auto companies.

In late July, a federal indictment was unsealed detailing charges against top UAW officials and a corporate executive at Fiat Chrysler (FCA). On Tuesday, the Detroit News reported that the FBI is adding Ford and General Motors to its investigations into a network of bribes funneled through training centers jointly operated by the UAW and the auto companies.

The indictments involving FCA revealed that leading UAW executives received over $4.5 million in payouts from company officials. The money was allegedly transmitted through the joint training center and laundered through several charities, childrens centers and hospice programs. Union officials lavishly spent money officially earmarked for worker training on themselves and their relatives, purchasing furniture, jewelry, designer clothing, international vacations and other luxury items.

Those charged so far include Monica Morgan, the wife of former UAW Vice President General Holiefield, who would be indicted but for his death in 2015; former UAW negotiator Virdell King; Chrysler lead negotiator Al Iacobelli; and Chrysler financial analyst Jerome Durden. Durden and King have both pleaded guilty to corruption charges as part of a deal with prosecutors. UAW Vice President for Chrysler Norwood Jewell is also involved, though he has not been charged, as he allegedly received gifts purchased with money stolen by other officials.

According to a report in the Detroit News, the investigation is now expanding to other top UAW executives, including UAW Vice President for GM Cindy Estrada, who oversaw the UAW-GM training center, and her predecessor, Joe Ashton.

Though not named as prominently as Estrada in the Detroit News report, UAW Vice President for Ford Jimmy Settles oversees the UAW-Ford training center and is also likely under suspicion. All these officials oversee their own charities with funds worth hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars.

The revelations that top officials at the UAW received direct handouts from company executives can come as no surprise to anyone following the operations of the UAW. For decades, the UAW and the other organizations that call themselves trade unions have functioned as instruments of corporate management. They are not workers organizations, but cheap-labor contractors and an industrial police force that work to suppress any opposition from the workers they claim to represent.

In the case of the UAW, the relationship is particularly naked. While the UAW was forged in the bitter and insurrectionary battles led by socialist-minded workers in the 1930s, it came to be dominated by a pro-capitalist and nationalist bureaucracy. In the 1980s, the UAW and the AFL-CIO trade union apparatus responded to the decline of American capitalism and the social counterrevolution launched by the ruling class by integrating itself more closely with corporate management, forcing through concessions contract after concessions contract. The training centers involved in the corruption scandal were set up then, serving as slush funds for union executives.

In recent years, the UAW, led by executives involved in the corruption scandal, has resorted to outright fraud to force through measures demanded by the companies.

The 2015 contract in particular was rammed through in the face of a groundswell of opposition from auto workers, including the first defeat of a national contract backed by the UAW since 1982 (at Fiat Chrysler). The contract that was pushed through at FCA and then GM and Ford built on measures in earlier contracts, including a multi-tier wage system, poverty-level wages, the expanded use of temporary labor and cuts in health care and retirement programs.

That these contracts were implemented through bribery and kickbacks makes them legally inoperative. It also lends further support to widespread allegations that the UAW stuffed ballots to pass the contract at Ford in the final vote in 2015.

The World Socialist Web Site played the central role in mobilizing and organizing opposition to the 2015 contracts. It warned at the time that the biggest obstacle to unifying the working class is the United Auto Workers and the other unions. We noted that top union executives receive hundreds of thousands of dollars, padding the salaries and expense accounts derived from dues and cash diverted from the strike fund with compensation from their positions on corporate boards, joint labor-management operations and the UAWs retiree health care trust.

In response to the opposition of workers, the UAW hired public relations firm BerlinRosen to improve its image and stop workers from using social media. UAW President Dennis Williams denounced outside groups that like to stir people up for helping defeat the FCA deal.

AFL-CIO Metro Detroit lead counsel Bruce Miller called the WSWS vultures on the left dressed in red garb who preach their love for the workers while they advocate on behalf of the enemies of working people. No word from Miller as to whether the corruption charges change his evaluation of who advocates on behalf of the enemies of working people...

Given the current campaign led by the Democratic Party and US intelligence agencies to use allegations of Russian efforts to sow divisions in the US to justify a regime of Internet censorship, it should be recalled that it was the UAW that first began employing the term fake news to attack the WSWS and autoworkers for using social media to share information and coordinate opposition to the 2015 contract.

The outcome of this operation can be seen in the conditions faced by auto workers. Last month, a 21-year-old Ford Woodhaven Stamping temporary worker named Jacoby Hennings died in an apparent suicide after being disciplined for tardiness by the company. A police report acquired by the World Socialist Web Site shows that Hennings died after seeking help from the UAW. Hennings desperation is an acute expression of a near universal phenomenon among autoworkers and the entire working class, which faces precarious and temporary work, uncertain hours, low wages, and a complete absence of rights or real grievance procedures on the shop floor.

The companies, the unions and the entire political establishment fear more than anything else that workers will break from the stranglehold of the trade unions to advance their own interests. Former federal prosecutor Peter Henning told the Detroit News, If the companies are buying labor peace by corrupting union leadership, that has to be a significant concern. This sends a message that union leaders are just in it for themselves. This can rile up members and lead to an insurgency.

An insurgency is precisely what is required. Under conditions of growing international tensions, deepening social inequality, mass deportations and police violence, there is no doubt that the coming period will involve the outbreak of large-scale social struggle involving millions of workers and young people. The UAW scandal is further proof that in the trade unions, workers confront not their representatives, but their most determined enemies.

Workers need new organizations to advance their interests against the massive corporations that control both political parties, the media, the courts, the police and the unions. New organizationsworkplace and neighborhood committeeswill be based on the principle of the class struggle and will seek to draw together different strata and sections of the working class to harness their strength in a common fight against the capitalist system.
Two Brooklyn police officers were arraigned in New York State court Monday, accused of raping a teenage woman while she was handcuffed in a police van. A grand jury indicted the two narcotics detectives, Eddie Martins and Richard Hall, on 50 counts including rape, sexual abuse, kidnapping and official misconduct.

The officers surrendered at the police precinct Monday and were released on bail after pleading not guilty.

Prosecutors recounted in court Monday the chilling charges of Martins and Hall taking turns raping the 18-year-old woman. DNA evidence from a rape test performed on the victim following the attack matched the two detectives.

The two officers were part of a buy and bust drug operation near Coney Island, Brooklyn on September 15. Cruising in an unmarked van, they pulled up on a car with the young woman and two male friends in a parking lot of a public park after closing hours.

Shining a flashlight through the window, one of the plain-clothed officers noticed the woman adjust her bra. He demanded the she expose her breasts to prove she wasnt hiding drugs. She complied. The officers proceeded to search the car and found a small amount of marijuana in a cup holder and a few anti-anxiety pills.

The detectives took only the young woman into custody, handcuffing her and driving her to a Chipotle parking lot in an adjacent neighborhood. Detective Martins used his cell phone to call her friends and instruct them not to follow the police van. They could pick her up in three hours from the police precinct, the detective said.

According to the prosecution Martins told the woman, Were freaks, while seated with her in the back seat. He asked what she wanted to do to get out of the arrest. He tightened the handcuffs and forced the teen to perform oral sex. Martins then pulled down her pants and raped her as his partner watched in the rearview mirror. The two officers switched places, Hall forcing her to perform oral sex. The woman begged for them to stop.

The officers then drove away towards the 60th Precinct in Brooklyn, releasing the victim on a nearby street corner. Before she left, they forced her to take an anti-anxiety pill and warned her to keep her mouth shut. She did not.

After speaking to a friend, she went to Maimonedes Medical Center to document the rape.

Im completely brutalized by the rape. My life is in shatters, the victim later explained via her attorney Michael David. Now every time I see any police, Im in a panic.

The officers, who do not deny having sexual relations with the woman in custody, but claim it was consensual, face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

The brutalization of the teen adds to a long line of horrific abuses by the NYPD, including the sodomization of Abner Louima with a broom stick in 1997 and scores of police murders since then. Sean Bell, Ramarley Graham and Eric Garner are just a few of the most prominent among those murdered by New York police.

Another, less publicized victim, Delrawn Small, was gunned down last year by off-duty NYPD officer Wayne Isaacs, who is currently on trial for murder and manslaughter. The killing of Small was captured on video, exposing the lie Isaacs concocted of being repeatedly punched prior to the shooting.

The systemic harassment by the NYPD and daily abuse extends throughout working class neighborhoods in New York, including the predominantly white neighborhood near Coney Island involved in the rape case, as well as black and Latino neighborhoods across the five boroughs.

In Brownsville, a largely African American neighborhood in Brooklyn, a grandmother said she was held under house arrest by police last week as they waited for the womans daughter to arrive home. Police stood guard inside and outside the apartment, without a warrant, for 16 hours. When they finally left they issued the woman a summons for marijuana allegedly found in her sons bedroom.

In the Bronx, the 42nd police precinct alone has settled 16 separate lawsuits in the last four years for abuse and wrongful arrest. In one case, Juan Ramirez was hospitalized with bruised lungs, fractured ribs and internal bleeding over an incident involving a broken mirror on a police car. Officers beat and jolted Ramirez with a Taser, yet claimed they did not use force when arresting him.

Officers are rarely indicted for these abuses, and even more rarely convicted.
In the days since the Universal Credit (UC) welfare benefit was rolled out more broadly, many people have been plunged into severe poverty.

Beginning last month Universal Credit, the Conservative governments cover scheme for slashing welfare, was introduced to a further 45 job centres across the country. Each month about another 50 will be added. UC was first introduced in 2010, with about five job centres a month bringing it in at that stage.

Universal Credit is a benefit payment system for working-age people that merges all entitlements into one payment. The benefits replaced are income support, income-based jobseekers allowance, income-related employment and support allowance, housing benefit, child tax credit and working tax credit. As of October, 610,000 people received Universal Credit, with more than a third of these in employment.

According to an Institute for Fiscal Studies report, Universal Credit will cost 2 million in-work families 1,600 a year and more than 1 million out-of-work families 2,300 a year. Research by the Child Poverty Action Group found that single parents and families with three children faced losing an average 200 a month.

Huge cuts in the value of the benefit have already been imposed. In 2016, cuts to UC were implemented for some 80,000 households. By 2020, UC cuts will be extended to 1 million households across the UK, saving the government 3 billion a year. This is part of the governments commitment to imposing 12 billion in welfare cuts, as part of its ongoing austerity programme, by 2020.

The UC cuts, first announced in 2015, lower the amount people can earn before low-wage subsidies are reduced. The changes cut the amount of money working people can expect to be paid by the government when their employers provide only a pittance in wages. The new earnings level at which benefits will begin to be withdrawn is now set at a flat 192 a month, down from previous levels of 222 a month for a couple and 263 a month for a single parent.

UC will hit the most vulnerable people particularly hard. It will push a million more children into poverty by 2020, with 300,000 of them under five. According to disability charities, half a million disabled people and their families will be worse off under Universal Credit. This is due to the removal of disability premiums and cuts to child disability payments. Up to 100,000 children face an annual loss of 1,000 under the system.

Thousands of people have been thrust overnight into abject poverty due to the fact that it takes at least six weeks for claimants to first receive a payment under the UC system. Almost a quarter of all claimants have had to wait more than six weeks to receive their first full payment of the benefit because of errors and problems involved in evidencing their claims. The only way that claimants are able to receive any money in the meantime is if they can demonstrate dire financial need, such as not being able to eat or afford heating. They can then apply for a short-term advance loan that must be paid back, but is only worth a maximum of 50 percent of the value of their benefit.

The rollout of UC is resulting in people, and entire families, going hungry and forced to turn to food banks. Others have been evicted or refused a home. Speaking to the BBC, a UC claimant who had already been waiting two weeks for a payment said, Ive got no money, nothing, I dont even have four pence to my name. The woman said she relied on food banks and pointed out that her friends had been forced to wait for 12 weeks to receive a payment.

In one case, a student was not able to receive a UC payment for months because of a mix-up in the housing benefit element of it. After four months, he had built up rent arrears of over 4,000 that was supposed to paid directly from his UC to the hostel where he was staying.

For the last four years, many people in desperate need were forced to call a premium cost UC hotline for advice, whichuntil it was ended last monthcharged them up to 55 pence a minute.

As well as facing delays in receiving UC payments, many of those on the benefit continue to receive punitive sanctions aimed at cutting the pittance they receive even further. Financial penalties are imposed if claimants do not adhere to a Claimant Commitment, which stipulates strict and often arbitrary conditions on looking for work, applying for jobs, reporting a change in circumstance, paying rent and attending training.

In the city of Leedswhere 50,000 current Housing Benefit claimants and 55,000 current Tax Credit claimants are due to transfer to UC by June 2018a quarter of single unemployed people moved onto UC have been hit by sanctions. In areas where UC has been rolled out in Leeds, data shows a big increase in the numbers of people in rent arrears, and using food banks.

The government is imposing UC, despite losing a parliamentary vote on its extension to millions more people. On October 18, Parliament voted by 299 votes to zero to temporarily halt the introduction of UC. Opposition parties in Parliament, led by Labour, passed a motion calling for the government to pause the rollout of UC. The vote was allowed as part of an Opposition Day Debate, of which there are 20 per parliamentary session.

In the face of mounting anger in the population, Theresa Mays crisis-ridden government instructed its ministers and MPs to abstain. This was due to their fear of a rebellion as at least 12 Tories as well as MPs from its governing partner, the Democratic Unionist Party, were prepared to back Labour. Despite the call, one Tory, Sarah Wollaston, backed the Labour motion.

The government responded to the vote by declaring it was not binding and that it would continue to roll out UC regardless.

Despite the rhetoric spouted by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn over the terrible impact of UC on millions of the working poor and unemployed, Labours motionsigned by Corbyn and his main ally, John McDonnellcalled only for UCs rollout to be paused for six months and modified. Nothing in principle is opposed regarding the UC system, with Labour MP Debbie Abrahams introducing the motion with a genuine offer to work with the Government to address the very real concerns about Universal Credit, particularly its design flaws, the administrative issues and the cuts.

On the basis that UC is a simplified online-only way of receiving benefits, Scottish National Party MP Mhairi Black said, I find myself in a bizarre situation: I am going to stick up for the principles behind a Tory policy. Pointing out other absolutely reasonable aspects of the system, Black continued, [I] stress again that we are not calling for Universal Credit to be scrapped altogether.

In his speech to Parliament during the debate, Tory MP Matt Warman was able to declare, It is important to  realise why Members on both sides of the House agree on the principles of Universal Credit. For all the smoke and fury, even the Labour Party is calling only for a pause in this reform, because all of us, on both sides of the House, know it is essential. If we do not persist with it, we will not deliver the essential savings and the benefits that are vital for our constituents.
The US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit decision last month denying Davino Watson, a US citizen held illegally for nearly three-and-a-half years by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), of any right to sue for damages is a travesty of the judicial process and an attack on democratic rights.

The criminal treatment meted out by the government to Watson exposes the decay of basic democratic principles within the United States. It also reveals the fascistic atmosphere being cultivated within the various state immigration and law enforcement agencies, which operate outside of the law even as President Donald Trump vows to unshackle them.

Watson previously served time in 2008 for a minor charge when he was detained by ICE agents and the preparations were made for his deportation, a process that would ultimately claim three-and-a-half years of his life. Efforts to provide contact information and documents proving his citizenship were either ignored or mishandled, with Watson being shuffled across the country with no access to the outside world.

In 2016, Watson was awarded damages totaling $82,500, compensation for just 27 out of the 1,273 total days of his imprisonment. Last summer, the WSWS reported that even this minor sum had been clawed away from him by the courts, with judges stating that the two-year statute of limitations for suing the government had expired while he was imprisoned.

Watson, clearly shaken by this traumatic experience, recently spoke at length with the World Socialist Web Site about his ordeal and the difficulties he has faced as a result.

***

Nick Barrickman: Youve been through a great ordeal. How have you been dealing with the recent court decision?

Davino Watson: Its devastating. There hasnt been a sweet moment since this thing started. Its been horrible. It hurts to see that the government ignored a lot of things in this case. I told them from the beginning that I am a citizen and showed them evidence, which they ignored. I think that if they would have paid attention I wouldnt have spent three-and-a-half years in prison.

As far as the lawsuit goes, this case is not so much about money, its about justice. I dont feel that there was justice served. And thats what bothers me the most.

They claim the statute of limitations ran out while I was in jail. I have a GED (General Educational Diploma). I didnt know at the time that I could have put in a lawsuit while fighting for my freedom. You have to think about it. Im fighting not to be deported; I didnt have a lawyer during that time. I didnt have any legal representation. I didnt know what was happening. The only thing I was trying to do was stay in the country and get out of prison.

NB: Can you describe how you were able to get out of that situation of being imprisoned and in the process of being deported?

DW: My case was in the Second Circuit, which had reversed the BIA (Board of Immigration Appeals) decision. They had granted me representation from a law firm, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, which came on at the end of the case while I was incarcerated. They told me that I had done a good job [defending myself] so far and said they would work out some things for me. I thought the situation was improving.

Immediately, ICE started shipping me across the United States. They just told me pack up. Next thing you know, Im on a plane, and then Im pushed in a van and being dragged down a road in Louisiana. At this point, I didnt know what was going on. I couldnt get in contact with my lawyers; I couldnt get in contact with anyone. Not even phone calls, nothing.

Finally, I ended up in Alabama. I was there for about three weeks in a facility in Etowah County. It was a facility where I was told they [would] try to ship you off in the middle of the night.

I had a cousins phone number I had memorized because we had been in communication so much through the whole ordeal. I eventually was able to call her to get word out and she got in touch with my lawyers.

Maybe a couple days after I made that call, I was told again to pack up, with no explanation of where I was going. They were like, Youre free to go. That was it. No explanation, no money, no identification, nothing. At that time, there was one bus that ran from the location where I was staying. By the time they let me out, the bus had already been gone for nearly two hours. So now Im stranded, and that was just the beginning of things.

NB: How were you treated in these facilities?

DW: I must say that my treatment was very bad. From the beginning, when I produced my mother and father, my naturalization certificate, they ignored it. I was locked up in a cell for 23 hours a day, which is very difficult and definitely took a toll on me. It took something away from me.

Throughout that I fought because I knew I was fighting for what was right. There were many times that people told me, Davino, just give up, and I would say No! This is not right, I cannot let this happen.

There was an extreme level of racism shown toward me. My lawyers now see that and point it out. During the trial, my lawyer, Mark Flessner, told the judge that hes been working in the Eastern District for years and has never seen that level of racism.

There was one deportation officer, and he came to my trial to testify [against me]. His name was Schraeder. At one point, I said to him: You know what youre doing to me is wrong and Im going to win, and he said, I dont care if you win because youre just another nigger and all Im going to do is replace you with somebody else.

I think it boils down to the system. They had all the wrong information--the wrong mother, the wrong father, everything was wrong. I remember throughout the trial, the judge was looking at [the states attorneys] like, How can you be this ignorant with this type of thing?

I remember in 2007, I was in a downstate correctional facility and I was interviewed by ICE agents and gave them all the right information, so they had it all already but failed to investigate any of it. They had my mother and my fathers number, they could have called and asked about me, but they didnt. Even when I got to Allegany County, near Buffalo, I submitted documents and they failed to even recognize them.

That showed me that they didnt really care. They were like, Youre just another black man, were just going to deport you, we dont care about you or what youve got to say.

One of the most disturbing things that happened was the deposition [at my trial]. A Mr. Joseph A. Marutollo and a Mr. James R. Chow were on the case for the government. They were both very disrespectful throughout the whole trial. During deposition they were asking me questions that had nothing to do with the case. They tried to assassinate my character, asking questions such as, Why dont you have kids? Do you have herpes? and things like that.

We were discussing my being locked up. He [Marutollo] pulled out a handbook of the facility I was held at, with little pictures and things, and was like, I looked at the facility; it doesnt look that bad to me. How can you say that? Youve never even been there. I was locked up 23 hours a day! They tried to make it seem as though I didnt suffer because the jail was clean!

Im so emotional right now just thinking about it. I remember just crying, I mean crying in front of the whole court room about how I was being treated. I remember the judge. He must have slept through 80 percent of the trial. My lawyers can tell you that, he wasnt listening to anything. I felt humiliated. I started drinking and got involved with drugs because it affected me so much and I didnt know how to deal with these things. I mean, three-and-a-half years of my life, 23 hours a day in a cell. Whos going to be normal after that?

They didnt even apologize afterward. Nobody said Davino, Im sorry that this happened to you. Nothing. Just one humiliation after another.

The government actually lied and committed perjury during the case. Ive made mistakes in my life which Im not proud of, but Im also not a menace, which is what they were trying to paint me to be. They forged a document saying that while I was being detained, I was caught with contraband. They forged my name and signature [on the paper]. Why do that? Why sit there, as federal agents, and lie?

NB: Its as if the state operates as a law unto itself.

DW: Yes. And the sad thing is that there are so many people like me in that system. They get taken advantage of because they dont know any better. They dont have the same luck that I had. There should be legal representation for immigrants as well.

NB: Do you have anything youd like to say to the readers of this article that youd like them to take from hearing your story?

DW: To never give up, to fight. America is what it is because we fought for what we believe in. I believe that the truth will come out about what happened to me. Its a horrible story. Im just a human being. I paid for my crimes and my mistakes. To do that twice, its insane. Its something that Im never going to get back. It changed my life forever.

Ive been trying to get employment and Ive been unsuccessful because, in my opinion, people dont even need to run a background check, all they need to do is Google me and see that Watson pled guilty for drug possession ten years ago. I have a GoFundMe page. Id like you to include that in the article so that I could get some support.

NB: Of course. Thank you for your time. We are going to make sure that your story gets seen and heard widely. You have a lot more support than you might realize.

DW: Thank you so much for giving me this time to tell my story.
American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten held a secret meeting with then White House chief strategist Stephen Bannon at a Washington, DC restaurant just months after Donald Trumps inauguration, according to an article on the Intercept website published earlier this week.

Weingarten had not previously reported her rendezvous with Trumps neo-fascist aide, which the Intercept said occurred in March 2017 and had been instigated by a mutual friend. The AFT president later told the Washington Post that the meeting was held on April 19 in an empty restaurant near the White House and had been set up by Chris Ruddy, the chief executive of Newsmax Media Inc.

Ruddys conservative news outlet was an early supporter of Trump but had previously alienated right-wing circles by coming to the defense of the Clinton Foundation. Weingarten, a member of the Democratic National Committee, is a Clinton ally, and the AFT has been a longtime financial backer of the foundation, which functions as a corrupt nexus between US corporate and political interests around the world.

Weingarten told the Intercept and the Post that she agreed to the meeting to advocate for public education after Trumps proposed educational budget cuts that could reduce federal educational funding by $9 billion and impose other cuts that would undermine special education and health programs.

If you are the president of the union and youre fighting fiercely to get budget restorations and to not have a dismantlement of public education or of higher education and the administration asks toor its made clear to you that they want to meetyou meet, she told the Intercept. I wanted it to be a real meeting, I didnt want it to be a photo-op, so I insisted that the meeting didnt happen at the White House.

There is little doubt that Weingarten viewed with horror the potential of a social explosion over the destruction of public education, having spent the last eight years of the Obama administration suppressing teacher strikes and protests against school closings implemented under the Democratic presidents pro-corporate school reform.

The Bannon meeting took place amid growing popular protests against the new government of billionaires, generals and ultra-right figures. On February 10, just days after the US Senate confirmed Trumps nominee for US education secretary, Betsy DeVos, teachers blocked the billionaire heiress and school privatizer from entering a middle school in Washington, DC.

In response, Weingarten tweeted, Just heard a protester blocked & almost knocked Secy @BetsyDeVos down at Jefferson. We don't condone such acts. We want her to go to pub schls. A few days after her meeting with Bannon, Weingarten traveled to Ohio to visit a public school with DeVos, at the AFT presidents invitation.

The idea that Weingarten believed her meeting with Bannon could persuade Trump to change his mind about decimating public school funding requires suspending disbelief.

A far more likely scenario was that Weingarten and Bannon were courting each other over a potential political alliance. Indeed, after the debacle the unions suffered with the Clinton defeat, large sections of the union apparatus were jumping onto Trumps bandwagon based on their mutual support for America First economic nationalism, trade war against China and Mexico, and unrestrained militarism.

Less than two weeks before the Bannon-Weingarten meeting, Trump was given a rousing welcome at the Building Trades Unions National Legislative Conference at the Washington Hilton on April 3, while just two miles away at the National Press Club, Richard Trumka, the head of the AFL-CIO labor federation, also had warm words for Trump.

I promise you that Americas labor leaders will always find an open door with Donald Trump, Trump told the union conference, before launching into his standard rant against foreign countries and workers who had supposedly stolen Americas wealth and left US workers impoverished through unfair trade deals. The bureaucrats applauded approvingly as Trump pledged to lift environmental regulations on employers and pointed to his record of restarting the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines. They cheered as he said his administration was cracking down on illegal immigration and preparing to end visa abuses that undermine the American worker.

In his remarks at the National Press Club, AFL-CIO President Trumka, a frequent visitor to the White House, praised Trump for pulling out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact and redrafting the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Mexico and Canada. He complained, however, that Trump failed to assure the unions that dues-paying members would be employed in federally funded infrastructure projects.

No doubt one of the central motivating factors for Weingarten was securing the White Houses support for boosting the business interests of the AFT bureaucracy. Weingarten, who nets an annual salary of $497,300, has sought to shore up the income of union executives through joint schemes with Microsoft mogul Bill Gates. She hopes Trumps infrastructure proposal will provide investment opportunities for the business executives who run the AFT.

As the Intercept article noted, the AFT has sizable pension investments wrapped up in private equity, and the White House was hoping to leverage private equity to help fund the infrastructure package. Indeed, Weingarten was ranked first on Institutional Investor magazines 40 most influential players in US pensions in 2013, according to Axios, which wrote that the AFT was considering investing some of the $73 billion in private equity it controlled into Trump-backed infrastructure projects.

Weingarten walked away with great admiration for Bannon. This is one smart guy, she told the Intercept. In the same way we have taken on the rich and crony capitalists and the hedge funds and the elite, you hear in his theory of the case that same scorn toward them as we have, she said. But his is laced with a white-supremacist nationalism that is abhorrent.

Weingartens squeamishness is about as sincere as the shock AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka expressed when he resigned from Trumps manufacturing board after the presidents whitewash of the neo-Nazis who murdered a young anti-racist counter-protester in Charlottesville, Virginia.

The trade union bureaucracy is a natural constituency for the type of extreme nationalist movement Bannon is trying to build. The union executives share a pathological hatred of socialism and have long peddled the poison of American nationalism to divert the anger of workers over economic hardships and endless wars and prevent a unified struggle by the working class against the capitalist system.

Over the course of many decades, the American trade unions have funded and promoted far-right and fascistic forces against left-wing trade unions around the world. The former long-time president of the AFT, Albert Shanker, was a particularly rabid anti-communist who supported the Vietnam War and CIA subversion campaigns around the world.

In March 2014, Weingarten joined a delegation of international union officials in Kiev to support the Western-backed fascist-led coup to install an anti-Russian government in Ukraine, which has since been used as the pretext for a further US and NATO military buildup. While there, she denounced as Russian propaganda the fact that this supposed democratic movement had been spearheaded by ultra-right Ukrainian nationalists and fascists who trace their history to those who collaborated with the Nazis in the mass killing of Jews, workers, intellectuals and others during the German invasion of Ukraine in World War II.

Having collaborated with these fascistic forces internationally, Weingarten, Trumka & Co. are courting similar forces in the US in a bid to suppress the political radicalization of workers and youth.
EC annuls Joshi's nomination in Tanahun

Election Commission has annulled nomination of corruption-convicted Nepali Congress leader Govinda Raj Joshi from Tanahun constituency-1.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The Tallahassee Police Department says the person found dead on Buena Vista Drive Friday around 10: 30 a.m. was a Florida State student.

It has also been confirmed in a statement by Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity that the student was an associate member of the Beta Eta Chapter at Florida State University.

Todd Shelton, Assistant Executive Director of Communication of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, sent the statement below:

"An associate member of the Beta Eta Chapter at Florida State University died at an off-campus residence on Friday, November 3 after first responders were unable to revive him.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the students family and friends, said Pi Kappa Phi Chief Executive Officer Mark E. Timmes. We appreciate the partnership and support from the Division of Student Affairs during this difficult time.

All chapter operations are currently suspended, and the members of the chapter have been directed to cooperate fully with all investigative efforts." - Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Statement

The name of the student has not been released and there is no word on the victim's cause of death.

WTXL will keep you updated as more details become available.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The Tallahassee Police Department has released the name of the person found dead on McArthur Street as 38-year-old, Kaylyn Van De Wostine.

Tallahassee Police offers their condolences to her family.

Violent Crime Investigators are working with technicians from TPDs Forensic Unit to review all collected evidence. They also continue to interview all known witnesses after canvassing the neighborhood this morning.

The investigator in charge of the case is asking anyone who has information about this case to please call (850) 891-4200.

Anyone with information may also call Crime Stoppers at (850) 574-TIPS if they wish to remain anonymous.
Food Security Info System comes online

The Ministry of Agricultural Development with the support of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), has launched a new online Food Security Information System to map and visualise patterns of food security, poverty and malnutrition in Nepal.
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I was shaken by Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin's murder. Twenty-two years later, I don't need anyones approval on that.

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I was a young soldier at the time, and most of my fellow troops came from the Labor Settlements Movement. The political debate was part of what we did during our free time. Those who grew up in settlements, like me, carried the representation of a certain group in the State of IsraelReligious Zionismon their head and shoulders.

Rabin Square memorial in 2013. Those who only want to point fingers aren't dealing with a memorial day, but with an imaginary righteousness day (Photo: AFP)

When someone from that group went out and murdered a Jewish prime minister, it called for serious self-examination. Such national traumas could lead to a war between brothers, to destruction in our home. A lot of luck and leadership prevented that from happening. Apart from the right-wing conspiracy lunatics, most people examined themselves. So did I.

I had participated in protests against the Oslo Agreements. I had heard scathing words against it, I had met violent people, and I never thought such a murder could take place, that a Jew would murder a Jewish prime minister.

The fact that we survived it is a badge of honor for Israeli democracy. Not every trauma can be overcome. The fact that we have been unsuccessful in deciding on a reasonable commemoration is an ongoing failure.

An annual memorial event organized by members of Commanders for Israels Security and the Darkenu ("Our Way") organization will be held Saturday evening. Both groups are located in the political Left. Two states for two people. Its their full right. They are investing about NIS 1 million (roughly $280,000) in the rally. It would have been better if right-wing organizations had taken part in the organization too, but that didnt happen.

In order to give the rally an apolitical touch, they invited all kinds of people to speak. They sent buses to the north, to the south and to Judea and Samaria. In the end, they even published ads calling for commemoration and stating that "we are one people."

The Left began slamming the rally shortly afterwards. The first claim was that they were flattering the Right, then that they had omitted the word "murder" from their ads (that was later rectified), and finally, that the desire to put political differences aside was a cover-up of the murder.

These claims join a High Court petition filed by playwrights Yoshua Sobol and Ephraim Sidon and an NGO called Secular Forum against a curriculum called "Israeli-Jewish Culture", which they say is teaching about Rabins murder without mentioning that the assassin was a religious rightist or the incitement that preceded the murder.

In both cases, this isn't an argument over historical facts, but over the accusing fingerthe feeling of a certain group in the Left that the murder allegedly serves as proof of the rightness of its way. As if the moral failure of a right-wing religious murderer and of those who supported him, or even sinned by disregarding the incitement (or failing to pay attention), can serve as explanation for the Left's political failure in the elections.

Rabins murder was and still is one of the most significant events in my personal life and in the life of the Hebrew nation. The murder is a bright warning sign, a turning point, which is why its so important too. The murder isnt proof of any ideological rightness, even if the ones guilty of the murder can be found in the Right.

We can argue about what Rabin would have done had he stayed alive and how Yasser Arafat would have responded. Im one of those who think that terror would have erupted in any event. A cat is a cat, and Arafat was an unchanged terrorist. The handshakes with Rabin, and then with Benjamin Netanyahu and Ehud Barak, failed to move him from that place.

The historical processes should be taught in schools, in youth movements and through the media, but theyre not the only thing: Its unthinkable that every curriculum dealing only with Judaism's attitude towards murder will be rejected because it fails to mention the religious right and the incitement in a sufficient manner. It's unthinkable that every rally whose participants dont stand and blame the instigators from 20 something years ago and discuss exactly what was written on the coffin (and who understood or didnt understand what was going on) is a "sycophantic rally."

A memorial day can't be institutionalized for long if all people want is to feel that they are "right" once a year. Its okay to be alarmed by what happened then, and to be alarmed at the same time by a further reliance on Arafat and his twins.

The main lesson from Rabin's murder is to know how to argue and to remember the damage potential of not knowing how to do that. Those who only want to point fingers aren't dealing with a memorial day, but with an imaginary righteousness day.
The American Anti-Defamation League unveiled a worrying report Thursday, according to which 2017 has thus far seen a 67 percent increase in the number of anti-Semitic incidents in the United States compared to last year.

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Between January 1 and September 30, 1,299 anti-Semitic incidents took place in the US, including physical assaults, destruction of property and attacks on Jewish institutions. The number of incidents reported over this nine-month period already exceeds the entire number of incidents reported during 2016, which was 1,266.

Jewish gravestones were desecrated in St. Louis this year

There has also been a marked increase in anti-Semitic incidents reported in American primary and secondary education institutions as well as college campuses. In addition to the significant upswing in the first quarter of 2017, there was also a distinct increase after the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in August.

Footage of Charlottesville's 'United the Right' rally

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Compared to 2016, there has been a higher number of incidents in each of the first three quarters of the current year compared to 2016's first three quarters. A record number of incidents was recorded in the first quarter of 2017, with 667 incidents, with numbers slowing down in the next two quarters, which recorded 632 each.

The ADL's data showed that during the aforementioned nine-month period, there have been 703 incidents of harassments, including 162 bomb threats against Jewish institutions, 584 incidents of vandalism, 50 of which were against Jewish institutions, and 12 physical assaults.

While the data showed incidents all across the US, similarly to previous reports the largest number of incidents were reported in the US states with the largest Jewish populations: New York with 267 incidents, California with 197, Massachusetts with 117, Florida with 69 and Pennsylvania with 58.

Anti-Semitic cartoon in California newspaper

As mentioned above, there had been a marked increase in anti-Semitic incidents immediately following the "United the Right" rally in Charlottesville. Of the 306 incidents reported in the third quarter, 221 took place on the day of the rally, August 11, or later. The rally was one of 33 white supremacist events in the US this year, with an additional 188 incidents in which said white supremacist handed out fliers to disseminate their message of hatred.

Anti-Semitic continued arousing serious concern on many US college campuses and public, private and ecclesial schools. The number of incidents in elementary and high schools doubled in 2017, compared to the same time period last year: 269 in 2017 compared to 130 in 2016.

Of those 269 incidents, 142 included harassment and 114 were incidents of vandalism. In college campuses, 118 anti-Semitic incidents were reported in the first three quarters of 2017, compared to only 74 during the same timeframe last year, marking a 59 percent increase.

ADL CEO and National Director Greenblatt (Photo: Courtesy)

"We are astonished and horrified by the rise in anti-Semitic harassment, incidents and violence targeting our communities. While the tragedy in Charlottesville highlighted this trend, it was not an aberration. Every single day, white supremacists target members of the Jewish communityholding rallies in public, recruiting on college campuses, attacking journalists on social media, and even targeting young children. For over a century, ADL has worked tirelessly to protect any community targeted by hatred  and we're not about to stand down now. No matter how emboldened these fringe elements of society may feel, they will never threaten our mission," vowed Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director.

"We are deeply troubled by the rising number of anti-Semitic incidents, bullying, and hate in our nation's schools and we don't think the statistics paint a full picture of what is happening. Many school-based incidents still go unreported. As a country, we have to do more to ensure that our schools remain places where students can learn safely without fearing bullying and hate," Greenblatt concluded.
Jewish worshipers arriving for prayer at the Western Wall Friday morning were astonished to find a row of glimmering Ferrari vehicles parked near the Wall's main plaza, in contravention of a 2011 decision by the National Planning and Building Council deeming parking in the plaza was illegal.

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The luxury vehicles were parked there as part of an event organized by Ferrari, commemorating its 70th anniversary with a 20-vehicle journey across Israel.

Luxury Ferrari vehicles were parked near the Western Wall Friday (Photo: Ofir Gonen)

However, some worshipers were infuriated with the crass commercialization of one of the holiest sites in Judaism, deeming the publicity stunt a "disgrace", "sacrilege" and "shameful."

The Ferraris drive around the Western Wall (:  )

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"It's absolutely disgusting. This is hardly the place for cars to meet up. It's sad to see the level of denigration to a place so holy to Jews," said one visitor.

This was not the first time complaints were levied against affluent people receiving preferential treatment in parking their cars in the Wall's plaza.

Photo: Ofir Gonen

The area around the Western Wall is plagued by severe parking hardships, with the Jewish Quarter's parking lot open only to the Quarter's residents and the Mount Zion parking garage intended for buses and security vehicles only. This means thousands of worshipers are forced to park their vehicles in parking lots at least 15 minutes away, or avail themselves of public transportation.

Parking permits at the Western Well are provided by the Heritage Foundation or at the discretion of the on-site police station's commanders. This is given when there is free space and when it does constitute a security risk, with disabled people having priority.

'Conclusion drawing' meeting scheduled for Sunday

The Minister of Religious Services David Azulai (Shas) said a meeting had already been scheduled for Sunday, "to be attended by all relevant parties, and in order to draw conclusions and prevent such incidents from recurring in the future," he said.

Minister of Religious Services Azulai said the incident will be studied and conclusions drawn Sunday (Photo: Amit Shabi)

Azulai also said he had voiced his displeasure to the Rabbi of the Western Wall Shmuel Rabinovitch. "There is no room for extravagant displays in this holy site. It was made clear to me there were no intentions on a car show, and that Ferrari's CEO wished to visit the Wall accompanied by several vehicles, all of whom left the area after 10 minutes," the minister said.

Rabinovitch, Rabbi of the Western Wall and the Holy Sites, commented saying he will oversee an inquiry into the incident Sunday in order to draw conclusions and prevent such events from happening again. "This morning's event was a naive acquiescence to a request to allow parking during the early morning hours for a several-minute tour of Jerusalem organized by the vehicle brand's international board members. Needless to say, no payment was collected for the visit," the rabbi added.

Ferrari importer: 'All requisite permits were received'

The "Auto Italia" company, Ferrari's official Israeli importer, said: "The entire world is currently marking 70 years to the founding of Ferrari. Everything was done with prior coordination and the vehicles were parked in the plaza with prior approval. Nothing was done with the intention of harming the Wall's stature. We believe photos of the vehicles will do a great service to Israel's public relations in the world."

The cars were parked where vehicles are not usually permitted to stand (Photo: Hadshot Hascupim)

The religious-Zionist Ne'emanei Torah Va'Avodah movement said: "We profess our immense wonder at the approval accorded a completely commercial enterprise, especially one involving cars that are the exact opposite of 'To walk humbly with thy God.' Is the car's crimson paint redder than the blood of every other worshiper?"

"As a national site, the plaza must not be allowed to be transformed into a marketing gimmick, an incident made all the more irritating in light of the fact that modesty edicts grow harsher year by year, but only as it pertains to women, and not at all regarding modesty in the larger sense," the movement added.
Nadim Hasson, a political activist in the Druze village of Hader , told the Lebanese Al-Miyadin network that Eighteen people were killed in Friday's suicide attack in the Syrian Druze village of by a-Nusra Front terrorists.

Hundreds of Druze rioted yesterday on the Israeli side of the border following the attack on the village, and ten even crossed into Syria and were returned by IDF forces.
An Iraqi Shi'ite militia fighting Islamic State in Iraq near the border with Syria will also take on the jihadist group in the Syria border town of Albu Kamal, the militia's spokesman was quoted as saying on Friday.

Jaafar Hussaini, the spokesman for the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia, one of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) fighting alongside the Iraqi army against Islamic State, was speaking to Lebanese television channel al-Mayadin.

Hussaini said the Iraqi resistance forces, a euphemism for Iran-backed Shi'ite militias, would take part in the battle against Islamic State in Syria's Albu Kamal because it borders Iraq, Al-Mayadin reported.

On Friday Iraqi forces, including PMF, took the Iraqi border town of al-Qaim, near Albu Kamal, from Islamic State.

The Syrian army and allied Iran-backed Shi'ite militias, supported by Russian air power, are approaching Albu Kamal as part of their own offensive against the Islamic State enclave straddling the border between Syria and Iraq.

"Albu Kamal is in missile range of the Iraqi forces in al-Qaim. The presence of our forces on the border with Albu Kamal means there will be a new front in the confrontation with Daesh," Hussaini said using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State.

The Syrian army and its allies are advancing towards Albu Kamal across the desert southwest of the city and along the Euphrates river from the northwest.

Te Syrian government declared victory over Islamic State in Deir al-Zor, the biggest city in eastern Syria, on Friday after two months of battle.
Fradulent activities on the rise

Instances of under invoicing, fake bills and customs duty evasion has jumped by leaps and bounds in the last decade, resulting in billions of losses to the exchequer, said traders and customs officials on Friday.
A US official visiting Bangladesh says Rohingya Muslims should be returned safely to their homes in Myanmar after they were forced to flee the country amid a brutal crackdown by Myanmar security forces.

Simon Henshaw, acting assistant secretary for the US Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration, said Saturday that the US would continue to support Rohingya who have fled to Bangladesh because of persecution in Myanmar's Rakhine state.

He said Myanmar must ensure a safe and stable environment so that Rohingya can return home.

More than 600,000 Rohingya have crossed into Bangladesh since late August amid a crackdown that the UN has called "ethnic cleansing."

Bangladesh says it has sheltered the refugees only temporarily and they must go back to Myanmar.
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri resigned on Saturday, saying he believed there was an assassination plot against him and accusing Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah of sowing strife in the Arab world.

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In a televised address from Riyadh, Hariri launched into a vicious tirade against Iran and its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah for what he said was their meddling in Arab affairs and said Irans arms in the region will be cut off.

The evil that Iran spreads in the region will backfire on it, Hariri said, accusing Tehran of spreading chaos, strife and destruction throughout the region. He added that Iran was "losing in its interference in the affairs of the Arab world", adding that Lebanon would "rise as it had done in the past."

Saad al-Hariri (Photo: Reuters)

The country is sharply divided along a camp loyal to Saudi Arabia, headed by the Sunni Muslim Hariri, and a camp loyal to Iran represented by Hezbollah. President Michel Aoun, who was elected in October 2016 after more than two years of presidential vacuum, is a close ally of Hezbollah.

His election was made possible after Hariri endorsed him for president, based on an understanding that Aoun would then appoint him as prime minister.

In a statement, the presidential office said Aoun was informed by Hariri in a phone call of his resignation, adding that the president now awaits Hariris return to the country to clarify the circumstances of his resignation and proceed accordingly.

Hariri's bombshell resignation Saturday was expected to raise tensions in the country and ushers in a stage of deep uncertainty and potential instability, throwing into doubt parliamentary elections slated for early next year which have been repeatedly delayed.

It also shatters a coalition government formed last year after years of political deadlock, and which was seen as representing a victory for Shi'ite Hezbollah and Iran.

Furthermore, Hariri's resignation thrusts Lebanon back into the frontline of Saudi-Iranian regional rivalry and seems likely to exacerbate sectarian tensions between Lebanese Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims.

Al-Hariri in his resignation speech, Saturday

In his speech, Hariri suggested he feared for his life and said the climate in the country is similar to the one that existed before his father, the late prime minister Rafik Hariri, was assassinated in 2005.

We are living in a climate similar to the atmosphere that prevailed before the assassination of martyr Rafik al-Hariri. I have sensed what is being plotted covertly to target my life, he said.

Several Hezbollah members are being tried in absentia for the elder Hariri's killing by a UN-backed tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands. Hezbollah denies any involvement.

Meanwhile, after Hariri announced his resignation, the Saudi-owned pan-Arab Al Arabiya news network reported an attempt on Hariri's life was thrwarted in Beirut several days ago, citing an unnamed source.

"Those who planned to assassinate prime minister Hariri deactivated the observation towers while his motorcade was passing by," Arabiya cited the source as saying.

The report has yet to receive any official confirmation, while OTV, a channel affiliated with Aoun, claimed security forces in the country denied the reports of an assassination attempt.

Hezbollah has sent thousands of its fighters to Syria to shore up President Bashar Assads government. The groups intervention in Syria is highly controversial in Lebanon.

The Lebanese government has adopted an official position of "disassociation" from the conflict, but this has come under strain in recent months with Hezbollah and its allies pushing for a normalization of ties with Assad.

Since taking office, Hariri had worked to garner international aid for Lebanon to cope with the strain of hosting some 1.5 million refugees from neighboring Syria, seeking billions of dollars to boost its sluggish economy.

Hariri said on Saturday that Hezbollah and Iran had brought Lebanon into the "eye of a storm" of international sanctions. He said Iran was sowing strife, destruction and ruin wherever it went and accused it of a "deep hatred for the Arab nation."

His attacks on Hezbollah come on the heels of new US sanctions on the group that many fear will impact negatively on the Lebanese economy.

"Over previous decades, Hezbollah was able to impose a reality in Lebanon with the power of its weapons, which it claims is the (anti-Israel) resistance's weapons, which are aimed at the chests of our Syrian and Yemeni brothers, not to mention the Lebanese," Hariri said.

He said the Lebanese people were suffering from Hezbollah's interventions, both internally and at the level of their relationships with other Arab countries.

Hezbollah Secretary-Genera Hassan Nasrallah (Photo: EPA)

I declare my resignation from the premiership of the Lebanese government, with the certainty that the will of the Lebanese is strong, Hariri said.

When I took office, I promised you that I would seek to unite the Lebanese, end political division and establish the principle of self-sufficiency, but I have been unable to do so. Despite my efforts, Iran continues to abuse Lebanon, he said.

In the first Iranian comment, Hussein Sheikh al-Islam, an adviser to Iran's foreign minister, described Hariri's resignation as unwise and said "it does not bode well for Lebanon." In comments to al-Alam TV, he said both the US and Saudi Arabia are seeking an escalation.

"Hariri's resignation was done with planning by Donald Trump, the president of America, and Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, to destabilise the situation in Lebanon and the region," said al-Islam in remarks to a state broadcaster.

Saudi Arabia's influential Gulf Affairs Minister Thamer al-Sabhan, who met Hariri in Riyadh this week, echoed the language of the Lebanese politician saying in a Tweet: "The hands of treachery and aggression must be cut off."

Earlier this week, al-Sabhan sharply criticized Hezbollah, calling for its toppling and promising astonishing developments in the coming days during an interview with the Lebanese TV station MTV.

Al-Hariri and US President Trump (Photo: AP)

Al-Sabhan met with Hariri in Saudi Arabia when the now resigned prime minister was visiting earlier this week. Hariri abruptly returned to the kingdom later Friday before his bombshell announcement Saturday.

In tweets after meeting Hariri, al-Sabhan described it as long and fruitful meeting that resulted in agreements over many issues that concern the Lebanese. Whats coming is better, God willing, al-Sabhan tweeted on Tuesday. In a series of tweets, al-Sabhan criticized the Lebanese government for tolerating Hezbollahs criticism of the kingdom.

He earlier said that those who cooperate with Hezbollah must be punished.
Russian Tu-22M3 long-range bombers struck Islamic State targets near the town of Albu Kamal in Syria on Saturday, RIA news agency reported, citing Russia's Defence Ministry.

Command centres and weapon depots were among the targets hit by the bombers which flew over Iran and Iraq.
Ousted Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont called on Saturday for a united political front in the December 21 election to continue the drive for independence from Spain and to protest against the imprisonment of former members of the regional government.

Puigdemont, who went to Belgium after his government was fired following a unilateral declaration of independence, said on Friday he was considering standing in the election from Brussels.

"It is time for all democrats to join together. For Catalonia, for the freedom of political prisoners and for the republic," Puigdemont said in a tweet that included the hashtag llistaunitaria.cat, a site calling for parties to unite against the Spanish government at the ballot box.
LOS ANGELES - The Friends of the IDF (FIDF) broke a new fundraising record on Thursday night, raising $54 million for IDF soldiers.

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The annual fundraising gala, which was held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, was hosted by Israeli model and actress Moran Atias and featured performances from Seal and David Foster.

Among the 1,200 invitees from Israel and the US were Israel's Consul General in LA Sam Grundwerg, FIDF National Director Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir, founder and CEO of Oracle Larry Ellison, president and founder of International Fellowship of Christians and Jews Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, retail fashion mogul Serge Azria, GUESS founders Paul and Marciano Marciano, former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, model Joanna Krupa, actor Gerard Butler and actress Melissa Rivers, among others.

IDF soldiers with some of the celebrities who attended the gala (Photo: Alexi Rosenfeld)

The top donation of the night came from Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, who gave $16.6 million for the construction of well-being facilities for co-ed infantry battalions in the IDF.

For 2,000 years, we were a stateless people. But now, we have a country we can call our own," Ellison said. "Through all of the perilous times since Israels founding, we have called on the brave men and women of the IDF to defend our home. In my mind, there is no greater honor than supporting some of the bravest people in the world.

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews also made a generous donation of $5.5 million, bringing his total donations to the FIDF over the years to over $40 million.

IDF soldiers with Israeli model and actress Moran Atias, Haim Saban, Gerard Butler and FIDF national director Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir (Photo: Alexi Rosenfeld)

FIDF National Board Member and major supporter Haim Saban, who hosted the star-studded event, was surprised when his wife Cheryl announced she was donating $5 million on behalf of their family. "I really didn't know about this donation," he said with a smile.

"Year after year, the support from the Los Angeles community for this remarkable event continues to amaze me, and this years gala is no exception," Saban added. "Cheryl and I are grateful for the outpouring of support for this great cause and are deeply honored by this year's record-breaking donations. Chairing this event for the past 11 years has been a great privilege, and we look forward to furthering FIDFs noble mission of providing well-being and educational programs for the IDFs brave heroesand seeing our community welcome Israel's men and women in uniform with open arms."

FIDF Narional Board Member Haim Saban, first row on left, and singer Seal with IDF soldiers (Photo: Alexi Rosenfeld)

Businessman Robert Book donated $3 million, while another anonymous donation was made for $9 million.

Seventeen soldiers from different IDF units also took part in the event, including lone soldiers who decided to make aliyah to Israel and join the IDF.

Singers David Foster and Seal, former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and FIDF Narional Board Member Haim Saban (Photo: Alexi Rosenfeld)

One of the more touching moments of the gala was when Paralympics champion Noam Gershony, who was injured in a helicopter accident during the Second Lebanon War, told his story and was rewarded by thunderous applause.

Another part of the evening highlighted the contribution made by female soldiers, featuring Cpl. Ravit, whose life was saved by the late Border Policewoman Hadar Cohen, and Sgt. Leah, a former L'Oreal model from Austria who is a lone soldier serving in a special combat unit in the Artillery Corps.
BEIRUT - At least one Islamic State car bomb killed dozens of people at a refugee gathering on the east side of the Euphrates River in Syria on Saturday, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

It said the blast also caused many injuries and took place between the Conoco and Jafra energy fields, an area controlled by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces.
Yuma News

Yuma, Arizona - Today, at 4:32 p.m. Yuma Police Officers responded to a report of shots fired in the area of 11th Street and 10th Avenue.

The initial investigation revealed that shots were fired at an unknown make and model gray passenger car. No injuries were reported.

Two subjects have been taken into custody. The investigation is ongoing.

The Yuma Police Department encourages anyone with any information about this case to please call Officer Shawn Waymire with the Yuma Police Department Special Operations Group at (928) 373-4787 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.
Yuma News

Yuma, Arizona - Jersey Mikes Subs, known for its fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs, will open in Yuma on November 8. Franchise owners Sameh Samaan and Wahid Karas, will hold a grand opening and free sub fundraiser from Wednesday, November 8 to Sunday, November 12 to support Amberly's Place, Desert Mesa Elementary School & Mary A Otondo Coyotes PTO.

The new restaurant, located at 11231 E. Commercial Center Loop, Suite 101, is circulating thousands of coupons throughout the community offering a free regular sub for a minimum $2 contribution to Amberly's Place, Desert Mesa Elementary School & Mary A Otondo Coyotes PTO. Customers must have a coupon to be eligible.

We are proud to support these local charities during our grand opening fundraiser, said Samaan. This is our first location in Arizona and it is a great opportunity to make a difference and help support our community. Were very excited to be serving the authentic Jersey Mikes experience here in Yuma.

Samaan and Karas are exemplary Jersey Mikes franchise owners who share the companys commitment to quality products and exceptional customer service, and who are dedicated to giving back to the local community. Since 2010, Jersey Mikes locations throughout the country have raised nearly $25 million for worthy local charities and have distributed more than 1.5 million free sub sandwiches to help numerous causes. This year, the companys 7th Annual Jersey Mikes Month of Giving in March raised more than $5.5 million for nearly 150 charities throughout the country.

Started in 1956, Jersey Mikes now has 1,500 restaurants open and under development nationwide. This year, Jersey Mikes was named the countrys fastest-growing Limited Service Chain and fastest-growing sandwich chain in the 2017 Nations Restaurant News Top 100.

The growth is fueled by passionate Jersey Mikes fans who crave their subs made Mikes Way with the freshest vegetables  onions, lettuce and tomatoes  topped off with an exquisite zing of the juice  red wine vinegar and olive oil blended to perfection. Jersey Mikes premium meats and cheeses are sliced on the spot, piled high on in-store baked bread and served up with a helping of neighborly banter from a dedicated and high-energy team.

The restaurants hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. You can contact this location directly at (928) 468-3070.

Jersey Mikes, a fast-casual sub sandwich franchise with more than 1,500 locations open and under development nationwide, believes that making a sub sandwich and making a difference can be one and the same. Jersey Mikes offers A Sub Above, serving authentic fresh sliced subs on freshly baked bread  the same recipe it started with in 1956  and is passionate about giving back to its local communities.
Guilty of Madi incident should face action: Dahal

CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said anyone found guilty by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in Madi incident, where a bus was ambushed by then underground Maoists killing 39 persons, should face action.
District of Columbia: A Libyan accused of involvement in the 2012 attack on the US diplomatic complex in Benghazi that killed four Americans, including the US ambassador, appeared Friday before a federal judge in Washington.

Mustafa al-Imam, who authorities said is approximately 46 years old, had been days earlier captured in Libya by American commandos.

Dressed in an orange prison suit, he was officially informed via a translator of criminal charges that include killing a person during an attack on a federal facility using a firearm, providing material support to terrorists resulting in death, and use of a firearm in connection with a violent crime.

The first two counts could carry a potential life prison sentence.

No details on the circumstances of Imam`s capture were provided.

According to the prosecution he was in a group of some 20 armed men who on September 11, 2012 entered the diplomatic complex in Benghazi before setting ablaze a building occupied by US ambassador Chris Stevens.

The ambassador and Sean Smith, a State Department technician, died of smoke inhalation.

The group later fired mortar rounds at a building used by the CIA, killing Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods, two former members of the Navy SEALs working as contractors.

Assistant US Attorney Opher Shweiki ruled out the possibility of bail for Imam, citing a "serious risk of flight."

"He has no ties in the US; he poses a serious danger," Shweiki said. "There is no condition ensuring the defendant will appear in court."

After the approximately 30-minute long hearing concluded US Judge Deborah Robinson ordered Imam remain in custody pending another hearing Thursday.

An alleged mastermind of the attack, 46-year-old Ahmed Abu Khattala, is already on trial in the United States, accused of being a commander of the Ansar al-Sharia militia.
ALMATY: The sister of the Uzbek immigrant accused of killing eight people in New York said her brother might have been brainwashed and appealed to US President Donald Trump on Friday to ensure he gets a fair trial.

Sayfullo Saipov, 29, was charged in a federal court on Wednesday with driving a rented pickup truck down a riverside bike trail, crushing pedestrians and cyclists, in support of Islamic State.

A dozen more people were injured in the city`s bloodiest single attack since Sept. 11, 2001. Trump called for Saipov to receive the death penalty.

Speaking from Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, Saipov`s sister, Umida Saipova, said she hoped Trump would help ensure her brother was given "more time" and "a fair trial".

She told Reuters by telephone that she and her family had been shocked to see Saipov grow a long beard after he got married in 2013.

Umida Saipova told Radio Free Europe (RFE) that her family believed that her brother may have been brainwashed.

"We don`t know who has brainwashed him," Saipova said. "Perhaps he`s become part of some organised group. I don`t know, honestly, how long it will take for his head to get rid of that poison, but I`m sure he will come to his senses, God willing.

She said she had spoken to her brother the day before the attack.

"He was in a good mood. It was a usual, good conversation," she told RFE.

Saipov`s mother, Mukaddas, told Reuters she last saw her son in August when she visited the United States. The attack was a "total shock" to the family, she said.

"I was shocked by the news and I have been in hospital (since then) until this afternoon," she said.

Mukaddas said Sayfullo told her in August he missed Tashkent. She wanted to bring him home, but could not do that because his youngest child was only 20 days old, she said.

Sayfullo never complained about his life in the United States and was able to support his family and help his parents at the same time, she said.

"He was kind with all of his friends," Mukaddas said.

"No, he was not religious and never visited mosques because he was always busy with studying and then working."

Trump has tweeted of Saipov: "should move fast. DEATH PENALTY!"

Umida Saipova told RFE she and her family hoped her brother would not be sentenced to death in some rushed show trial. Amid unconfirmed reports that the Uzbek authorities are questioning her family, she added that she did not know where her father and uncle were.
Washington: Two influential Congressional sub-committees will hold a joint hearing on Pakistan's commitment in the fight against terrorism, and the review of the US' aid to it even as a Congressman expressed doubts over its commitment to denying terrorists safe harbour.

An announcement to this effect comes nearly three months after US President Donald Trump announced his South Asia policy.

"A productive US-Pakistan relationship is essential to bring stability to the region, but doubts persist about Pakistan's commitment to denying terrorists safe harbour," Congressman Ted Yoho said.

Two subcommittees of the House Foreign Affairs Committee -- Asia and the Pacific, and Middle East and North Africa - would hold the hearing on "The President's Plan for Afghanistan and Pakistan: Objectives and Resources" on Wednesday, November 8.

Alice G Wells, the acting assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia, has been asked to testify before the lawmakers, along with Gregory Huger, assistant to the administrator office of Afghanistan and Pakistan in the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

"In this hearing, the subcommittees will hear the latest on US civilian efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan, determine how they fit into the president's new plan for the region, and oversee the administration's resourcing decisions," said Yoho, Chairman of Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee.

Now that the administration has unveiled its Afghanistan strategy and decided to suspend a significant amount of aid to Pakistan, this hearing will allow members to review the approximate USD 1.1 billion combined FY 2018 budget request for the two countries, Congresswoman Elena Ros-Lehtinen, Chairman of the Middle east and North Africa Subcommittee said.

This hearing will also explore ongoing challenges in Afghanistan, including combating the Taliban, corruption, economic woes, and a lack of prioritisation of counter- narcotics efforts, as well as Pakistan's performance in preventing terrorist groups from establishing safe havens, and assess whether the budget request is meeting US priorities, she said.
Washington: A new batch of files, mostly secret CIA records, related to the November 1963 assassination of US president John F Kennedy was released by the National Archives on Friday.

Nearly 680 records were made public including 553 never-before-seen files from the Central Intelligence Agency, which had objected to their release previously on national security grounds.

Among the CIA files released were detailed records, for example, of efforts to recruit Soviet diplomats serving in foreign missions, complete with transcripts of wiretaps.

The National Archives said the other documents published online were from the Justice Department, the Defence Department and a House committee which conducted an inquiry into Kennedy's November 22, 1963 assassination in Dallas, Texas.

The official Warren Commission which investigated the slaying of the charismatic 46-year-old president determined that it was carried out by a former Marine Corps sharpshooter, Lee Harvey Oswald, acting alone.

The commission's formal conclusion that Oswald killed Kennedy has done little, however, to quell speculation that a more sinister plot was behind the murder of the 35th US president.

Hundreds of books and movies such as the 1991 Oliver Stone film "JFK" have fed the conspiracy industry, pointing the finger at Cold War rivals the Soviet Union or Cuba, the Mafia and even Kennedy's vice president, Lyndon Johnson.

Kennedy scholars have said the new documents are unlikely to contain any bombshell revelations or put to rest the rampant conspiracy theories.

Today's document release by the National Archives is the third this year and in compliance with a 1992 act of Congress that mandated that all Kennedy documents be released within 25 years.

President Donald Trump has given the FBI and CIA six months -- until April 26, 2018 -- to make their case for why remaining documents should not be made public.

The National Archives released 2,891 assassination documents on October 26 and 3,810 records on July 24.

Oswald defected to the Soviet Union in 1959 but returned to the United States in 1962.

He was shot to death two days after killing Kennedy by a nightclub owner, Jack Ruby, as he was being transferred from the city jail.
PATNA: A stampede broke out in Bihar's Begusarai district on Friday when a huge crowd had gathered to take holy dip on the occasion of Kartik Purnima.

At least four people were killed and several were injured in the incident.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed his grief over the incident and announced a compensation to the families of those killed in the incident. He also announced a free treatment for those injured in the mishap. However, it doesn't end here.

Witnesses present at the place of the accident told reporters that someone from the crowd spread a rumour which led to the stampede. However, as per locals, gross negligence on the part of the government is said to be real cause behind the incident.

Hundreds of people were expected to take part in the early morning ritual. However, no advance preparations were made by the authorities.

Such events are held under the supervision of Sub-Divisional Magistrate and District Magistrate. Here again, the local authorities were ill-prepared to tackle the growing crowd at the ghat.

Basic arrangements like watchtower or loudspeakers, that are required at the place of large gatherings, too were nowhere to be seen.

As per another report, following the stampede, the locals themselves began to carry out the rescue efforts due to the absence of rescue workers at the place.

Meanwhile, Begusarai SP Aditya Kumar, while speaking to a media group, rejected the stampede report. As per Kumar, the women died due to suffocation in the huge crowd at Begusarai's Simaria ghat that had gathered on the occasion of Kartik Purnima.

"The deceased were of very old age and perhaps died due to suffocation amid the huge crowd," the SP was quoted as saying.

Contrary to this, Sadar SDPO Mithilesh Kumar said the three women died due to cold after taking bath in the river.

On the political front, losing no opportunity to attack Nitish government, former state minister Tejashwi Yadav asked the Bihar CM to take the moral responsibility of the incident.

Reactions from Nitish-led Janata Dal (United) remain awaited!
Patna: At least four people were killed and several were left injured following a stampede during Kartik puja celebrations in Bihar's Begusarai district on Saturday morning.

The incident took place at a major bathing spot at the Simaria ghat on the occasion of Kartik Purnima, when thousands of pilgrims gathered for the holy dip.

#SpotVisuals: 3 dead & 10 injured after stampede at Simaria Ghat in #Bihar's Begusarai. pic.twitter.com/iriqKc4ch4  ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2017

According to district police officials, the stampede was caused by some rumours. As per another report, heavy gathering at the ghat is also believed to be the cause of the stampede.

Expressing his grief on the incident, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced a compensation of Rs. 4 lakh each to those who lost their lives in the stampede.

"We are trying to ascertain the cause behind the stampede," Sadar Deputy Superintendent of Police Mithilesh Kumar said, adding that the women's identities have not been ascertained yet.

He added that the incident occurred in a narrow lane next to the ghat, nearly 100 km from the state capital.

Meanwhile, authorities have confirmed that three out of four people killed were women and said efforts are on to identify the bodies.

All the injured were rushed to a nearby hospital where they were given medical treatment.

More details awaited.
New Delhi: Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh's daughter Sara Ali Khan is all set to make her on-screen debut with Sushant Singh Rajput in Kedarnath. If you are looking forward to watch Sara's debut film, you will have to wait a little longer.

Sara and Sushant's Kedarnath, which was initially slated to release during June 2018 has now been post poned. Producer of the film, Prernaa Arora revealed the new release date to a leading daily.

According to a Pinkvilla report originally attributed to a leading daily, Here's what Prernaa said-

KriArj first has Padman with Akshay sir (Kumar). It has got advanced from April to January. It will be followed by Pari and Parmanu. Then Kedarnath, which I had to release by June. Being a very big film, there will be a lot of VFX, computer graphics and set building. When we wrapped up its shooting from Kedarnath (in Uttarakhand) and came to Mumbai, it was raining here. So, we could not build the set here because its huge. Now, we will be shooting in Mumbai from later this month or December. We will finish all the outdoor shoots and then we will build the whole set of Kedarnath somewhere in outskirts of Mumbai. Then theres no hurry. We can start by April and by May-June we will be wrapping up the set schedule,"

Prernaa added, "I have four films releasing next year, including Vishal sirs (Bhardwajs co-production starring Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan). So, I dont want to release Kedarnath amid all of this. Its a big film for me. So, I am looking at maybe January 26, 2019. The film needs to come at the right date. This is a business and a strategic call by KriArj to release out next big film widely. I am working on it (locking the January 26 date)."

"Brotherhood is its USP. The film talks about unity. So, January 26 (Indias republic day) gives me that requirement and privilege to bring out a subject that talks about the countrys unity, about Hindu-Muslim brotherhood. So, thats why I am thinking of this date. Mostly, I will go with this,"

Well, with the release of the film postponed until 2019, we surely are all the more excited to see what the movie has to offer.

Kedarnath is helmed by Abhishek Kapoor.
Wanted Indian criminals arrested from Pokhara

Three Indian nationals, who are in wanted list of Indian police, were arrested from Siddharthachowk in Pokhara on Friday evening.
New Delhi: Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmavati has been making headlines for a long time.

The movie has been caught up in numerous controversies with the latest protest taking place in Chittorgarh, Queen Padmavati's hometown. The protestors are demanding to stop the release of the film.

Union Minister Uma Bharti took to Twitter and suggested a way to end the Padmavati controversy forever.

She tweeted in Hindi:

"Why not form a committee with historians, the filmmaker, the protesters and the censor board and take a decision?"

In yet another Tweet, she said-

"I request to not associating the film Padmavati with the Rajput community instead with the pride of Indian woman,

Here are her Twitter posts:

                           /1  Uma Bharti (@umasribharti) November 3, 2017

     ,                   /2 November 3, 2017

I stand firm. No non-sense with Indian woman's pride - past, present or future.  Uma Bharti (@umasribharti) November 3, 2017

Padmavati is slated to release on December 1 and stars Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles. The movie's first song Ghoomar was recently released.

Vishavbandhu Rathore, an official of the Sri Rajput Karni Sena, an organisation leading the march, said:

"We are not against the movie as such. What we want is that Bhansali's team should screen the movie for historians and intellectuals before releasing it as we are afraid and concerned that historical facts have been distorted in the movie"
New Delhi: Salman Khan's Tiger Zinda hai shoot hasn't wrapped up yet and the actor's next, Race 3 date of shooting has already been announced! It looks like Salman is in no mood to rest.

Race 3 is one of the biggest releases of 2018 and here's good news for all the fans who have been waiting to know about the day when the movie will go on floors.

Production house Tips Films & Music took to Twitter and announced the start of the filming schedule on November 9, 2017.

Here is their Twitter post:

#Race3 Shoot beings on 9th November!! Here are some photos from the set. More updates to follow soon. #Eid2018 @RameshTaurani @remodsouza pic.twitter.com/k713BiaVUf  Tips Films & Music (@tipsofficial) November 1, 2017

Aren't the pics from the set absolutely intiguing?

Race 3 also stars Jacqueline Fernandez, Bobby Deol and Daisy Shah among others in pivotal roles.Helmed by `ABCD 2` helmer Remo D`Souza, the flick is slated to release on EID 2018.

(With ANI Inputs)
Mumbai: Sidharth Malhotra has signed his next, a biopic on Kargil martyr Captain Vikram Batra, and the actor believes it is an important story to be told on big screen.

The actor was in talks for the film for quite some time and now when he is finally on board he wants to do complete justice to the role.

"It is a lovely true story. It is a very heroic and touching story. The family got in touch with him a year ago. Hearing what he did at the age of 24 for the country we want to do full justice to his story.

"There is so much more in his life that we want to say. I am looking forward to it," Sidharth told PTI.

Without sharing much details about the film, the 32- year-old actor said the team will start shooting for the project next year.

"There is prep work required for the film like horse riding and all... We will start rolling by summer next year. It will be mostly shot in real locations."

According to the reports, Sidharth will have a double role in the film and will portray both Vikram and his identical twin brother, Vishal.

The makers are currently working on the script of the film.

Sidharth, whose latest release Ittefaq has received positive reviews, is also excited for Aiyaary, directed by Neeraj Pandey.
Mumbai, Nov 4 (IANS) From filming in cold weather of Austria to the hot climate of Liwa desert in Abu Dhabi, director Ali Abbas Zafar says the upcoming film Tiger Zinda Hai has been shot in extremely challenging weather conditions.



The action-thriller, starring superstar Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, was shot at the Liwa desert for a crucial sequence in the film. The recorded temperature on the days they shot was at 50 degree celsius, a statement said.



"Tiger Zinda Hai required a certain scale of desert in the film and Liwa provided that. Temperatures were soaring and as we shot action sequences with a moving car here, the conditions were extremely challenging," Zafar said.



Zafar added that the film's unit stood by the vision and added that "the local crew at Abu Dhabi was also very supportive".



Tiger Zinda Hai, which is slated to release on December 22, is a sequel to the 2012 spy thriller film Ek Tha Tiger.
New Delhi: IndiGo Airlines has dismissed Shutller PV Sindhu's alleged claims of misbehaviour with her while she was on board on one of their aircrafts.

Earlier in the day, Sindhu took to Twitter to report about alleged ill-treatment she received from the airlines while she was flying to Mumbai from Hyderabad.

She tweeted, "Sorry to say ..I had a very bad experience when I was flying by 6E 608 flight to Bombay on 4th November the ground staff by name Mr ajeetesh."

"Ground staff (skipper) Mr Ajeetesh behaved very badly and rudely with me. When the air hostess Ms Ashima tried to advise him to behave properly with the passenger (me) but to my surprise he behaved rudely with her," she added.

Rejecting Sindhu`s claims, Indigo replied that the ground operations remained calm with her throughout and were carrying out duty in the best interest of a safe and reliable operation.

Explaining the incident, Indigo said, "Sindhu was carrying oversized baggage, which was not fitting into the overhead bin and was informed that it will be moved to cargo hold of the aircraft."

The airlines said that this was the policy it follows for all as carrying oversized baggage creates inconveniences to other customers and can also be a safety hazard.

"During the entire conversation, the member of the IndiGo ground operations remained calm," the airlines replied, adding, "After several requests to her manager, they finally consented to the removal of the bag from the cabin. We then placed the over-sized baggage in the cargo hold and was handed over to Ms Sindhu on arrival."

Indigo added that though it is extremely proud of Sindhu`s sporting achievements, but safety operations are paramount to them.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday praised India's performance in World Bank's Ease of Doing Business report. Speaking at 'India's Business Reforms' event at Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra, he said his government is committed towards further improving country's ranking.

In its most-recent report, India jumpeped 30 places in the World Bank report - the biggest rise for any country.

In his speech PM Modi praised India's highly improved performance in the Ease of Doing Business rankings of World Bank saying, "India has reached a position from where it is easier to improve further. Our efforts have gathered momentum."

The event was attended by other dignitaries in attendance as well namely World Bank CEO Kristalina Georgieva, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Suresh Prabhu and other government officials.

Prime Minister Modi exuded confidence that India's ease of doing business ranking will further improve next year when the impact of GST - the biggest tax reform - is taken into account.

Modi said India has in three years jumped 42 places to break into top 100 countries on World Bank's ease of doing business ranking.

He also added, "I sense a well deserved mood of celebration here, World Bank has recognized stupendous work done by us towards ease of doing business."

This ranking takes into account reforms initiated only till May-end and does not reflect the impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which was implemented from July 1, he said.

The GST has not just integrated the nation of 1.2 billion into one market with one tax rate but also provided a stable and transparent taxation regime, he said.

This reform plus others that have already happened but need gestation and stabilisation time before they are taken into account by the World Bank, will improve the ranking, he said.

All these combined, gives me confidence that India will accompany a place of pride in World Bank's report next year and the year thereafter, he said.

Modi said he does not want to sleep over the 30 place jump this year - the biggest leap by India ever, and want to do more.

He said he has "one life, one mission" of bringing change to India and its 1.25 billion people.

Taking a dig at the opposition leaders for doubting the ranking, he said those who worked with World Bank are now doubting its ranking.

On the GST, he said a group of ministers has positively accepted issues raised by traders and businesses and the GST Council at its next meeting on November 9-10 will make necessary changes.

He listed out the reforms initiated by his government, saying India is swiftly changing for the better. Tax filing, registration of new business and getting electricity connection have been made easier. "We are among the most open economies of the world," Modi said.

With PTI inputs




New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hailed India's performance in World Bank's Ease of Doing Business report. Speaking at 'India's Business Reforms' event at Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra, he said his government is committed towards further improving country's ranking.

In its most-recent report, India jumpeped 30 places in the World Bank report - the biggest rise for any country.

Here are his top 5 quotes:

1) One life, one mission - bringing change to my country and its 1.25 billion people is my mission.

2) Don't want to sleep over 30 place jump in ease of doing business ranking; want to do more.

3) "Those who've been part of World Bank now question its report."

4) Mai aisa PM hoon jisne World Bank ki building bhi nahi dekhi hai,jabki pehle World Bank ko chalane wale log yahan baitha karte they ( I am such a PM who hasn't seen the World Bank building from close. However, earlier people with an experience of running World Bank used to sit here).

5) Karna kuch nahi aur jo kar raha hai usse sawal puche jaa rahe hain ( They didn't do anything themselves, but now questioning the ones who are actively working for the good of the country).




SHIMLA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in poll-bound Himachal Pradesh on Saturday, addressed a public rally at Rait in Kangra.

The Prime Minister is addressing another public gathering in Himachal Pradesh's Sundar Nagar.

Here are the Live Updates:

- Vikas hi hamare sapnon ko poora kar sakta hai. Vikas hi hamare santanon ko, jahan hum le jana chahte hain, uss raah pe le ja sakta hai: PM

- We want to change lives in villages in India be it roads, railways, air, highways. We want to work for Himachal: PM Modi

- Imaandaari ke naam par desh ki janta aane wale 100 saalon mein bhi Congress ke upar vishwas nahi karegi: PM

- Hum desh ko lootne wale logon ka chun chun ke hisaab karne mein lage hue hain: PM Modi

- Tab baat hoti thi ki kitna gaya aur ab baat hoti hai ki kitna aaya: PM

- There was a time when newspapers were full of 2G Spectrum and corruption news all over: PM

- These elections are not only about forming a government but building a 'Bhavya' & 'Divya' Himachal: PM Modi

- Himachal Pradesh has immense scope for development and hence I urge people to turn out and vote in large numbers on 9th November: PM

- Through the Mudra Yojana, we are empowering the budding entrepreneurs across the country: PM @narendramodi in Himachal Pradesh: PM

There was maximum development in Himachal when Atal ji was in Delhi and Dhumal ji was here in Himachal. You have a chance again: PM

- In 2014, Congress had promised to provide 9 gas cylinders per year. When we came to power, we decided to provide gas through pipelines: PM Modi

After coming to power, we eliminated procedure for an interview for class 3 & 4 jobs. Everyone agreed but the Congress-ruled states denied: PM Modi

- People who were habitual looters and have had to return their loot today won't let me be at peace. Even you know that: PM Modi at Raitt

- On one hand, we are fighting corruption whereas Congress is preparing to mark November 8 as black money day. They will burn my effigies. They don't know Modi is disciple of Sardar Patel and won't be cowed down: PM

- Congress is getting the fruits of its sins. If people are angry today, it is due to its own deeds: PM Narendra Modi

- People across the country are cutting themselves off from the Congress because of their 'Karnamas': PM

- Over 18,000 villages did not have electricity since independence. We took up task of electrification of such villages in mission mode: PM

- Electricity is indispensable today. Be it for mobile phone charging or watching TV, we need it. Imagine how it must be for people who have never seen it in the 21st century. 15,000 villages have been electrified today: PM Modi

- Himachal Pradesh is the 'Veer Bhoomi'. We are proud of our jawans of this land who guard the country: PM

- The world is taking notice of India at every step. Modi is not the reason for it but the 150 crore Indians standing behind him: PM

- Congress is like a termite. There should not be a single polling booth where this 'termite' remains alive: PM

I haven't come here to ask you to make BJP win. I have come here to ask you to give it a 3/4th majority: PM

- Congress leaders have run away from battlefield, leaving everything to fate: PM Modi

- I have heard that Congress has lost the trust of it's own leaders and is looking for rebels in other parties: PM Narendra Modi

- No senior Congress leader came here to campaign. They have already left the field, leaving everything on fate. They have also left Virbhadra Singh to his fate: PM Modi
Gonikoppal (Karnataka), Nov 4 (IANS) Indian Army chief, General Bipin Rawat on Saturday spoke in favour of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa`s name being recommended for the Bharat Ratna.

"We stand proud because of his leadership and I think very aptly brought out, the time has also come to recommend Field Marshal Cariappa for Bharat Ratna," the Army Chief said as he unveiled statues of his predecessors, Field Marshal Cariappa and Gen. K.S. Thimayya at this hill town in Karnataka`s Kodagu district, about 240 km from Bengaluru.

"If others can get it I feel no reason why he should not be a deserving personality for the same. We will certainly address this issue on priority," he said.

The statues were unveiled at Cauvery College.

"No amount of words can describe the leadership of a great leader like Field Marshal Cariappa. He may have gone, but he has left behind an indelible mark on each and every soldier who serves the Indian Army today," Rawat said.

Reacting to the Army Chief`s comment, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said the Army Chief should desist from making comments on policy.

"The army is the most respected institution because it is anonymous behind the scenes. It is the foundational fulcrum of our democracy," he said.

Singhvi`s comments were countered by retired Lt. Gen. Raj Kadyan, who said the Army Chief did not make any comments against the democratic structure.

"Army chief has full right to speak, and what has he said? Has he said anything against discipline and country? He just said the man should have been given the honour," Kadyan told TV news channel News X.

"There is nothing political in his comment, he has not said anything against democratic values of the country," he said.

The bronze statues were installed in the vicinity of the `Lyn House`, the ancestral house of Kodavdira family, to which both the Generals belonged.

Cariappa was the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Army and was conferred the Field Marshal rank on April 1986. He is also a recipient of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his role in the Burma campaign against the Japanese during the Second World War (1939-1945).

Thimayya headed the army from 1957 to 1961. He was the only Indian to command an infantry brigade in World War II.

Cariappa was born on January 28, 1899 and died May 15, 1993 in Bangalore. Thimayya was born on March 30, 1906 and died in harness on December 17, 1965 in Cyprus, where he was commander of the UN Peacekeeping Force.
New Delhi: The Congress on Saturday hit out at the BJP citing a news report which alleged a "prospect of conflict of interest" in National Security Adviser Ajit Doval's son Shaurya running an organisation that has some Union ministers on its board.

"Shah-zada ki apaar safalta ke baad, BJP ki nayi peshkash -- Ajit Shaurya gatha (After the 'grand success' of 'Shah- Zada', BJP's new presentation -- the tale of Ajit Shaurya)," Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi tweeted in Hindi.

The news report has alleged that Doval's son has a "prospect of conflict of interest" in running the think-tank, India Foundation, as Shaurya Doval is a partner in a financial services firm, the think-tank has some top ministers as directors and it relies on financial support from foreign and Indian corporates some of which have dealings with the government.

"The India Foundation's opaque financials, the presence of senior ministers as directors and the fact that executive director Shaurya Doval's day job is running Gemini Financial Services -- a firm that specialises in 'transactions and capital flows between the OECD and the emerging Asian economies' -- also raise the prospect of conflict of interest and lobbying," the media report said.

Congress also demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should fire the four Union ministers who are directors in the organisation and demanded a CBI inquiry into the matter.

"Prime Minister Modi should fire all the four ministers who are on the board of the India Foundation. We want to ask Modiji when he will fire them," senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal told reporters here.
Nepal urges India to send fertiliser to avert shortage

Nepal has requested India to provide chemical fertilisers through a government-to-government deal to prevent a possible shortage during the winter growing season. This is the second time this year that the government has asked the southern neighbour for crop nutrients to tide over the country.
New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi on Saturday accused Congress of searching for rebel leaders in other parties to make a mark in the upcoming Himachal Pradesh assembly elections.

Speaking at a political rally in Kangra's Raitt, PM Modi said there is a big shortage of visionary leaders in Congress. "I have heard that the party has lost faith in its own leaders and is now looking for rebel leaders in other parties," he said. Blaming the state government under Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh of having ignored Raitt's development, he added, "No senior Congress leader came here to campaign. They have already left the field leaving everything on fate."

Urging voters in the state to bid farewell to the rival party, PM Modi said, "Congress is getting the fruits of its sins. If people are angry today, it is due to their own deeds. Every poll booth in the state should reject Congress."

The BJP and its leaders have been repeatedly targeting the Congress party, which has been in power in the state since 2012, over development issues and on charges of corruption against some of Congress leaders. A day earlier, PM Modi had said the party's manifesto mentions zero tolerance for corruption even though its own chief minister faces corruption charges.

On Saturday, PM Modi took the attack a step forward and questioned Congress' intention of marking November 8 as 'Black Day'. "Banning Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes on November 8 last year was our serious step towards curbing black money. Congress wants to mark it as 'Black Day'. Is my fight against corruption wrong? Let them burn my effigies for demonetisation but my fight against corruption will continue."

The BJP and Congress both regard the Himachal elections - scheduled for November 9 - as crucial. While BJP has named Prem Kumar Dhumal as its CM candidate, Congress is banking on Virbhadra Singh to return to power.
Be ready to shell out much more if you are altering your travel plans. There has been a further hike in cancellation charges levied by airlines. The increase has even prompted the government to intervene and take up the matter with the airlines.

Responding to a question on whether there will be any action against the increased cancellation and excess baggage charges, Union minister Jayant Sinha said that he will be looking into the matter. The civil aviation ministry is also likely to discuss the other charges in general with airlines.

Posing huge losses to the passengers, the air ticket cancellation fees have nearly doubled in the past one year. The issue has been brought to the forefront after SpiceJet on Wednesday increased the charges.

The cost of cancelling a SpiceJet ticket in January 2016 was only Rs 1,800 for domestic and Rs.2,349 for international travel. After Indigo announced its hike, SpiceJet too hiked the fee to Rs 2,250 on domestic routes and to Rs 2,500 on international routes. The airline on Wednesday further hiked this to Rs 3,000 for domestic and Rs 3,500 for international travel.

In April 2016, Indigo had hiked its cancellation charge from Rs 1,250 to Rs 2,250. After a further hike this year, currently the fee to cancel an Indigo ticket for domestic travel is Rs 3,000 while for international travel is 3,500 per person.

Vistara currently levies a charge of Rs 4,000 for cancelling tickets in the category of 'Super Saver', Rs 3,600 for 'saver' tickets while Rs 2,400 for tickets booked under the 'flexi' category.

While travel booking portals often give discounts and cashback offers, cancellation for tickets booked through them is even costlier. Along with the airline cancellation cost, passengers are charged for the cancellation fee by the portal too.

These charges also depend on the time at which the passenger is making the amendments. Usually, passengers are allowed to cancel the booking up to two hours before the scheduled time in case of domestic travel while four hours for international travel.

While some airlines refund the money into the bank account, others put it on credit in the passengers' account to be used for future bookings.

Since there are no major benefits if the tickets are booked in advance, the high cancellation charges will only force the passengers not to book the flights in anticipation but to wait until the last minute when the dates for travel are confirmed.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday hit out at the University Grants Commission (UGC) over commercialisation of education and restrained all deemed universities across the country from continuing any distance learning courses from the 2018-19 without prior approval of the regulatory authorities.

"Commercialisation of education seriously affects the credibility of standards in education, eroding power and essence of knowledge and seriously affecting excellence and merit," the top court observed.

The UGC has been asked to restrain such institutions from using the word 'University' within one month. "We restrain all deemed-to-be-universities to carry on any courses in distance education mode from the Academic Session 2018-2019 onwards unless and until it is permissible to conduct such courses in distance education mode," a bench of Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel and Justice Uday Umesh Lalit ruled.

The court was hearing a batch of appeals challenging the orders of the High Courts of Orissa and Punjab and Haryana by which the former held the degrees in engineering obtained by serving diploma holders through distance learning mode offered by certain deemed universities to be valid, whereas the latter termed such degrees to be invalid.

Lashing out at the UGC, the SC said: "The present case further displays lack of effective oversight and regulatory mechanism for the deemed-to-be-universities. The UGC has completely failed to remedy the situation. Serious question has therefore arisen as to the manning of the UGC itself for its effective working," the judgment said.



The court directed a CBI inquiry into the conduct of UGC officials who had granted ex-post facto approvals to the four deemed universities against the policy and into the conduct of these institutions which had abused their position to advance their commercial interests.

The apex court directed that degrees of students who have pursued engineering in academic session 2001-05 from four deemed universities -- JRN Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, Institute of Advanced Studies in Education (IASE), Rajasthan, Allahabad Agricultural Institute (AAI) and Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation, Tamil Nadu, will remain suspended. It set aside the ex-facto approvals granted by the UGC to these four deemed universities, terming them as "incorrect" and "illegal".

The top court directed the AICTE to hold tests for students whose degrees would stand suspended by January 15, 2018. These students will be given more two chances to clear the examination and if they fail to do so, their degrees will stand cancelled.
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday asked the Indian embassy in the United States to look into an incident where a Sikh boy was allegedly beaten.

According to media reports, a 14-year-old boy of Indian origin was beaten by his classmate in Washington. The boy's family has alleged that it was a hate crime and that the boy was targeted for being of Indian origin. A video of the incident was also posted on Snapchat and the consequent outrage has led Swaraj to seek a report from the Indian embassy.

I have seen news reports about the beating of a Sikh boy in US. I have asked @IndianEmbassyUS to send me a report on the incident.  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 4, 2017

Even as local authorities investigate the incident, school officials have reportedly denied any link to the boy's origin as a reason for the attack. Instead, it is learnt that they have blamed a previous classroom dispute.

The boy's father - who has refused to be identified - however told a news channel that his son had never interacted with the attacker. "I am feeling so, so bad because this happened with my son," he said. "He never interacted with this guy. He did not know his name, I don't want to see this happen again with my son or anyone else. I don't want to see this."

Hate crimes in the US have increased in recent months - especially in the wake of attacks claimed by groups like ISIS. The Sikh community has been especially vulnerable and were also targeted in the months after the September 11 attack.
For the first time ever, India has offered to share real-time intelligence of maritime movements in the Indian Ocean with 10 countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri-Lanka and Mauritius.

The move is aimed to counter the threats related to human trafficking, smuggling and territorial disputes in the South-China Sea.

It comes at a time when China is becoming increasingly aggressive in the South China Sea region. China had recently set-up its first off-shore base in the Horn of Africa country of Djibouti. To counter China, India is now looking at a cooperative approach instead of going alone.

Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba said that the offer has been very positively received. The Navy chief gave the statement at the Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC) where the Indian Navy for the first time is hosting Navy and Maritime Chiefs of 10 countries of Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Smt @nsitharaman inaugurated First Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC) at Naval War College, Goa pic.twitter.com/vUVCvi45fh  Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) November 1, 2017

He told India Today that they have identified common security threats across all countries. "We need greater degree of coordination and info sharing to take things forward to provide maritime security and safety of the global commons of the Indian Ocean."

Defence Minister @nsitharaman along with Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba at the inauguration of the Goa Maritime Conclave, in Goa pic.twitter.com/lj7ZMVU8Kq  PIB India (@PIB_India) November 1, 2017

India has also reportedly offered the countries in the IOR to share their real-time data on movement in the Indian Ocean. The information essentially aims at dealing with non-traditional threats arising at sea and not the conventional military purposes.

#GoaMaritimeConclave2017 Admiral Sunil Lanba CNS hosts visiting Chiefs of Navies of the IOR littorals at Conclave Dinner held at the historical 'Reis Magos Fort, Goa' @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/upHI02f1Ed  SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) November 2, 2017

The offer was welcomed at the Conclave where a Navy Chief reportedly said that all countries should equally contribute to the process and modalities for the exchanging the infirmation should be discussed.

China's naval base in the Horn of Africa country is the country's first overseas military base. However, Beijing has officially described it as a logistics facility. It will be used to resupply navy ships taking part in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions off the coasts of Yemen and Somalia, in particular.

Djibouti's position on the northwestern edge of the Indian Ocean has fuelled worry in India that it would become another of China's "string of pearls" military alliances and assets ringing India, including Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.


NEW DELHI: 800 kg khichdi, a traditional Indian dish relished by both rich and poor, will be prepared live on November 4 at the World Food India event here in a bid to create world record and popularise it as brand India food globally.

The 'khichdi' would be cooked by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor.

There have been rumours doing rounds in the social media that khichdi will be declared as the National Dish, however, Union Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, had clarified that khichdi is not being declared the National Dish but is only set to make a record.

Khichdi  prepared using rice, pulses, coarse cereals and spices  has been selected as Brand India Food because it symbolises the countrys unity in diversity.

A giant kadhai (frying pan) of the capacity of 1,000 litres and 7 feet in diameter will be used for slow steam- cooking of more than 800 kg khichdi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the World Food India 2017 event on Friday, at Vigyan Bhavan, here.

The three day-long event, organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, is set to host a congregation of global investors and business leaders of major food companies from November 3 to 5 in New Delhi.
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has reiterated that Article 370, that grants special autonomous status to the state, should remain intact.

In a series of tweets, Mehbooba Mufti demanded for autonomy and self-rule in the Valley, saying "Democracy is a battle of ideas and dialogue is the only way forward. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has an unprecedented mandate and can create history by changing the narrative on Jammu and Kashmir".

"The country should take advantage of Jammu and Kashmir`s geostrategic location and revive its traditional routes to foster greater economic activity. Article 370 is the nation`s commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and therefore should be honoured, the J&K CM's another tweet said.

The PDP leader's statements come at a time when some state BJP leaders have demanded removal of Article 370.

J&K BJP spokesperson professor Virender Gupta had recently said Article 370 is responsible for keeping the settled issue of J&K alive and encourages the separatists and external forces to interfere in the internal matters of India.

"The time has come when the people of Jammu and Kashmir should say goodbye to Article 370 and ask the Government of India to revoke Article 35 A," he had said.

Article 370 grants special status to J&K, while Article 35 A, added to the Indian Constitution through a presidential order, empowers the J&K legislature to define the state's "permanent residents" and their special rights and privileges.

The BJP is a part of the ruling alliance in J&K where it has partnered the PDP.

Article 35 A has come under focus after two Kashmiri women approached the Supreme Court and challenged it. They contended that it had disenfranchised their children.

The Supreme Court on October 30 deferred the hearing on challenge to the Constitution's Article 35A granting special rights to natives of Jammu and Kashmir as the Central government told the court that it may have implications for the dialogue being held by its interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma to find solution to the state's troubled situation.

The bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice DY Chandrachud adjourned the matter for eight weeks as Attorney General KK Venugopal told the court that the Centre's special representative was holding dialogue with different stakeholders to find some solution and if hearing on the challenge to Article 35A takes place, then it will have some effect.
SRINAGAR: Two police jawans were on Saturday injured after terrorists attacked a police station in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district.

The incident took place in Rajpora police station. Heavy firing is underway.

Terrorists attack Rajpora Police station in Jammu and Kashmir, two police jawans injured pic.twitter.com/FMnQGPeLGr November 4, 2017

Meanwhile, terrorists targetted a police party at Imam Sahab in the state's Shopian district.

#Visuals from J&K: Terrorists attacked police party at Imam Sahab in Shopian. pic.twitter.com/KumeYGsuUD  ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2017

On Thursday, a jawan was martyred and a terrorist was gunned down in an encounter with the security forces in Pulwama.

Later, another jawan was injured in Pulwama's Samboora village. He succumbed to injuries at the Army hospital.
Bhopal: The Congress on Saturday said the gang-rape of a 19-year-old woman in the heart of the state capital was a "blot" on the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh.

Leader of Opposition in the assembly Ajay Singh slammed police for its lackadaisical attitude in registering a complaint of the survivor and criticised Home Minister Bhupendra Singh over his absence from the state capital when the heinous crime took place four days back.

"Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan should pull up his home minister as well as the DGP as the shameful incident took place right in the middle of the city and is a blot on the face of the BJP government," he said in a statement here.

"If such a serious crime can take place in the state capital, and police dilly-dally on filing an FIR, then one can imagine the situation in rural areas," the Congress MLA said.

Singh said the home minister has been ineffective in the past also and was slow to react to incidents like firing on farmers in Mandsaur in June and beating of farmers in a police lock-up in Tikamgarh.

While the chief minister chaired a meeting and gave directions to the police after the gang-rape incident, the home minister remained absent from the scene, he said.

The survivor, daughter of a police couple, was allegedly raped by four men on Tuesday night in the vicinity of the Habibganj railway station here. The accused have been arrested.

Five police officials were suspended and a senior cop was transferred by the goverbment over delay in filing an FIR in connection with the offence.
Puppy factory

On a balmy February afternoon, employees at Snehas Carean animal rescue centre based out of Chobharstumbled upon one of the most grisly sights they had witnessed in their careers:
Amritsar: Recent developments in the investigation of Right-wing activist Vipan Sharma`s murder have revealed that it was not a radically sponsored terrorist crime, as told by Punjab DGP Suresh Verma.

"In the investigation conducted so far, one thing is clear- that it is not a radically sponsored terrorist crime," DGP Verma told ANI, who visited the site of murder in Amritsar, and met with the family of the victim on Saturday.

Verma also informed that they have identified one suspect.

With increasing incidents of targeted killings, the DGP has also asked Amritsar Police Commissioner for tightening the rules.

"I have asked Amritsar Police Commissioner that extra force is required in Amritsar. Mobile menace is definitely a challenge to deal with," Verma said, adding the authorities are also strengthening the jail department.

Verma further stressed on enactment of Punjab Control of Organised Crime Act (PCOCA) for tackling such crimes.

"I have always said that to deal with such crimes, there is need for stricter laws," Verma said.

A day ago, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh directed the cabinet sub-committee to expedite the work on the act, which is likely to be brought by the end of this month.

Hindu Sangharsh Sena district president Vipan Sharma was shot by two bike-borne men in Bharatnagar area of Amritsar on Monday.

On Tuesday, Amritsar Police formed a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe Sharma`s death.
New York: Netflix on November 3 dumped Kevin Spacey, saying it would be involved in no further production of its hit series House of Cards that includes the actor, now facing a mounting slew of sexual assault allegations.

Spacey plays Francis Underwood in the hit series and we can't help but wonder if the makers would kill the character on the show.

The streaming service also said it was abandoning the release of an upcoming film Gore that had also starred the 58-year-old actor, whose glittering career is now collapsing around him.

"Netflix will not be involved with any further production of House of Cards that includes Kevin Spacey," a Netflix spokesperson said.

The channel said it would work with the show`s production company, MRC, "during this hiatus time to evaluate our path forward as it relates to the show."

"We have also decided we will not be moving forward with the release of the film Gore, which was in post-production, starring and produced by Kevin Spacey," the spokesperson added.

Eight current or former employees on the award-winning House of Cards told CNN that Spacey turned the set into a "toxic" environment through a pattern of sexual harassment of younger, male crew members.

Spacey is also reportedly being investigated by British police for assault in 2008, has been accused of attempting to rape a 15-year-old boy in New York and of making advances on a 14-year-old boy.

The actor, who plays corrupt US president Frank Underwood on the Netflix series, declared that he was "beyond horrified" by the first allegation to be made public, from actor Anthony Rapp, which he claimed not to remember.
Lucknow: The Allahabad High Court has ruled that the Lokayukta is within the purview of the Right to Information Act, quashing a 2012 notification that kept the anti-corruption ombudsmen out of the transparency law's ambit.

Rejecting the plea of the government counsel that the notification was just and lawful, the Lucknow bench of the high court struck it down holding that it was beyond the authority of the state and was issued in an illegal manner.

The notification was issued on August 3, 2012 by the then Samajwadi Party Government.

The bench comprising justices Sudhir Agrawal and Virendra Kumar II passed the order on Thursday on a writ petition by social activist Nutan Thakur.

The bench was concerned that Lokayukta agency was a forum for complaints against bureaucrats and hence information seekers may do good by bringing the information to public regarding the status of inquiries about such alleged wrong doers.

It advocated that the state should make laws for forfeiture of properties collected by wrong doings.

The petitioner had challenged the notification contending that exclusion of Lokayukta agency in exercise of power under Section 24 of the RTI Act was illegal and arbitrary as Lokayukta agency was not an intelligence or security organisation under the provision.

Allowing the petition, the bench said that after going through the entire Uttar Pradesh Lokayukta and Up-Lokayuktas Act 1975, it did not find that Lokayukta agency was an intelligence or security organisation or institution.

"Therefore, in our view notification of August 3, 2012 is an unlawful and illegal exercise on the part of State Government, hence we strike it down as illegal and beyond the authority of 'State' as also being outside the purview of Section 24(4) of RTI Act 2005," observed the bench.

Section 24(4) of the RTI Act provides that nothing contained in the RTI Act shall apply to intelligence and security organisation as that government may specify from time to time by notification in the official gazette. However, cases related to corruption and human rights violation are liable for disclosure.
Mathura: A foreign national has accused a branch manager of a nationalised bank of allegedly raping her repeatedly since she came to India in September, a senior police officer said.

As per reports, the 20-year-old victim, who is from Russia, accused the man of raping her on the pretext of friendship on Facebook.

"The manager of UCO Bank's Vrindaban branch, Mahendra Prasad Singh, has been arrested based on a complaint filed by the woman," Deputy Superintendent of Police Vijay Shanker Mishra said yesterday.

"He raped me and was in a relationship with several other women. I met him in Vrindavan," the victim said in a statement.

Mathura: 20-yr-old foreign national says she was raped by a bank manager on pretext of friendship. Case registered, man taken under custody. pic.twitter.com/VX6jUO2HoF  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 3, 2017

He raped me and was in a relationship with several other women. I met him in Vrindavan: Foreign national pic.twitter.com/KLv5HYvp0p  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 3, 2017

In her complaint, the woman alleged that the banker "threatened me with dire consequences" if she disclosed his act to anyone.

According to the FIR, she came into contact with Singh through Facebook in November 2016.

They had frequent conversations afterwards. On his advice, she came to India on September 17 and stayed in the temple town of Vrindaban, according to the FIR.

She alleged that on September 22 she was taken to a house, where she was raped and that her ordeal continued since then.

She said that the complaint was filed after she met another Russian woman who counselled her to do so.

However, refuting the victim's claims, the accused said, "There was no contact between us for a year. She was asking me for money. When I refused, she filed this case against me."

The woman has been sent for medical examination.
Aligarh: Two groups clashed in Uttar Pradesh's Khurrampur village here on Saturday over the construction of a toilet on a private land, an official said.

The clashes erupted when one of the groups tried to demolish the structure built on the privately owned land. One person was seriously injured.

The owner had bought the plot about 7-8 years ago and had complained about the structure built long back, the Aligarh District Magistrate told reporters.

Investigation was conducted earlier and it was found that it was built long back. It can be removed after directions from the court, he added.

The police had to open fire in the air to disperse the crowd.
The Peripatetic

In Copenhagen, the skies are perpetually black, and the rain is incessant. Each moment that the clouds part and the sun peeks through feels heaven-sent. In this dark, dank city, it is easy to feel depressive and despondent.
Hawaii: US President Donald Trump paid a somber visit to Pearl Harbor ahead of his first official trip to Asia, also meeting with military officials overseeing US operations in the Pacific region.

Trump and his wife Melania tossed white pikake flower petals into the waters at the USS Arizona memorial, where hundreds of US service members died when Japan launched a surprise attack in 1941, triggering the US entry into World War II.

The Trumps also took part in a wreath-laying ceremony during the stopover on Friday, watching as two sailors placed the flower arrangement before a white marble wall bearing the names of the fallen.

Before his some 20-minute visit to the shrine, Trump met with leaders of the US Pacific Command, amid growing concerns over security in the region.

In brief comments to reporters, Trump said it was "very special being in Hawaii."

He voiced enthusiasm over his trip to Pearl Harbor, "which I`ve read about, spoken about, heard about, studied, but I haven`t seen.

"And that is going to be very exciting for me."

Trump stopped in Hawaii ahead of a tour of Asia lasting nearly two weeks which will include visits to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

He left Washington with heavy domestic baggage -- including new developments in the high-stakes probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 election -- that risks dogging efforts at top-level diplomacy.

The trip itself poses its own set of challenges, with efforts to contain or roll back North Korea`s ballistic and nuclear missile programs topping the diplomatic agenda.
Beirut: Ali Akbar Velayati, the top adviser to Iran`s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has said that Tehran will "protect Lebanon`s stability and government".

He added that Iran supports Lebanon`s independence.

Velayati made the remarks after talks with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We commend the recent success of Lebanese government in fighting corruption," he said.

Noting that Israel and the US are behind the terrorists, the Iranian official said "Lebanon`s victory over terrorism is a victory for us all".

Citing the recent talks on the Syrian conflict in Azerbaijan as an example of increased efforts in the political realm, Velayati said the political efforts are "necessary" as the battles against terrorism must be "accompanied by diplomatic efforts".
BEIRUT: Lebanese prime minister Saad al-Hariri resigned on Saturday, saying in a televised broadcast he sensed a plot to target his life and criticising Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah.

"We are living in a climate similar to the atmosphere that prevailed before the assassination of (his father the late prime minister) martyr Rafik al-Hariri. I have sensed what is being plotted covertly to target my life," he said.

In his statement, Hariri said Iran was "losing in its interference in the affairs of the Arab world", adding that Lebanon would "rise as it had done in the past" and "cut off the hands that wickedly extend into it".

Hariri became Lebanon`s prime minister late last year after a political deal that also brought Hezbollah ally Michel Aoun to office as the country`s president.

Hezbollah is politically dominant in Lebanon, but its ties to Iran and its support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have angered some Lebanese.

Hariri has visited Saudi Arabia, a political foe of Iran and Hezbollah, twice in the past week, meeting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other senior officials.

Beirut-based al-Jadeed television reported Hariri`s resignation statement was made and broadcast from the Saudi capital Riyadh.
Karachi: Pakistan's Balochistan province government has released the recently detained wife and children of a top Baloch militant commander who is accused of targeting security forces in the restive southwestern state.

Balochistan Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti said three women and three children, including the family of Dr Allah Nazar, the chief of the banned Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) - were arrested while travelling illegally into Pakistan from neighbouring Afghanistan last month.

He said that all women and children had been released in keeping with the Baloch traditions.

"The other women included sister of Aslam, alias Acho, commander of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) who was killed in a security operation, and wife of Dileep, another leading commander of the BLF," Bugti was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune.

"The security forces handed over all the women and children to Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri and we have released them. Allah Nazar's wife left for Karachi with his (Nazar's) brother Mehrullah," he told reporters in the provincial capital Quetta yesterday.

The minister said that during investigation, it was revealed that the women were involved in distributing funds to the banned Baloch outfits.

"Despite committing crimes of illegally crossing border and distributing funds among terrorists, the government treated them with respect," he said.

The minister rejected the rumours that the women were abducted. "They were arrested," he insisted.
BEIJING: Troops serving at China`s first overseas military base, in the Horn of Africa country of Djibouti, should help promote peace and stability, President Xi Jinping told them in a video chat, encouraging them to promote a good image.

China formally opened the base in August on the same day as the People`s Liberation Army marked its 90th birthday. It is China`s first overseas naval base, although Beijing officially describes it as a logistics facility.

Djibouti`s position on the northwestern edge of the Indian Ocean has fuelled worry in India that it would become another of China`s "string of pearls" military alliances and assets ringing India, including Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.

Speaking to China`s Djibouti-based forces during a visit to a joint battle command centre in Beijing, Xi "got a good understanding" of the base`s operations and the lives of the soldiers there, China`s Defence Ministry said late on Friday.

Xi "encouraged them to establish a good image for China`s military and promote international and regional peace and stability", the ministry said.

The soldiers responded that they would not let Xi or China down, it said.

China began construction of the base in Djibouti last year. It will be used to resupply navy ships taking part in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions off the coasts of Yemen and Somalia, in particular.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is overseeing an ambitious military modernisation programme, including developing capabilities for China`s forces to operate far from home.

During his visit to the command centre, Xi also instructed the armed forces to improve their combat capability and readiness for war, the ministry said.

Xi said progress in joint operation command systems, especially in efficiency at the regional level, was needed and troops must conduct training under combat conditions.

Djibouti, which is about the size of Wales, is at the southern entrance to the Red Sea on the route to the Suez Canal. The tiny, barren nation sandwiched between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia also hosts U.S., Japanese and French bases.

There has been persistent speculation in diplomatic circles that China would build other such bases, in Pakistan for example, but the government has dismissed this.
MADRID: Spain on Friday issued an arrest warrant on sedition and other charges against Carles Puigdemont, tightening the judicial net around the former Catalan leader who went Brussels after his government was sacked over a declaration of independence.

A Madrid High Court judge asked Belgium to arrest Puigdemont and four associates after they ignored a court order to return to Spain on Thursday to answer charges of rebellion, sedition, misuse of public funds, disobedience and breach of trust relating to their secessionist campaign.

The judge rejected a request from Puigdemont to testify via video conference from Belgium.

In Brussels, a federal prosecutor said Belgian authorities would study the warrant before handing it to a judge. "We will give it to an investigative judge maybe tomorrow or the day after," Eric Van der Sypt told Reuters.

Puigdemont, who is considering standing in a snap election in the region on Dec. 21, has said he did not trust Spanish justice but would cooperate with the Belgian courts.

Embroiled in Spain`s gravest political crisis since the return of democracy in the late 1970s, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy called the election when he took control of Catalonia in response to last week`s declaration of independence by its parliament.

Belgium, where a European arrest warrant can be blocked for several mainly procedural reasons, will have a maximum of three months to decide whether to send Puigdemont back to Spain.

On Thursday, nine members of his sacked cabinet were ordered by the High Court to be held in custody pending an investigation and potential trial.

"We consider ourselves a legitimate government," Puigdemont told Belgian state television RTBF on Friday. "There must be a continuity to tell the world what`s going on in Spain ... It`s not with a government in jail that the elections will be neutral, independent, normal."

"... I am ready to be a candidate ... it`s possible to run a campaign from anywhere."

GENERAL STRIKE CALL

The detention of the secessionist leaders and Puigdemont`s journey to Belgium have given a new boost to the secessionist camp after cracks had appeared in its ranks.

In protest at the jailings, Catalan civic groups Asamblea Nacional Catalana and Omnium Cultural -- whose leaders were imprisoned last month on sedition charges -- called for a general strike on Nov. 8 and a mass demonstration on Nov. 11.

Another six Catalan leaders are due to testify on Nov. 9 on the same charges.

One member of the dismissed cabinet, Santi Vila, was released after paying bail of 50,000 euros ($58,300) on Friday. The other eight could remain in custody for up to four years.

Vila stepped down from the Catalan cabinet before the independence declaration. While he remains a supporter of an secession he has advocated a negotiated solution with the central government.

He has said he wanted to stand as the leading candidate for Puigdemont`s PdeCat (Catalan Democratic party) in the regional election.

Thousands of people staged pro-independence protests on Thursday night in several Catalan towns, and parties forming the current coalition Junts Pel Si (Together For Yes) are pushing to run again on a joint ticket at the election.

An opinion poll published on Tuesday showed Junts Pel Si would win in December with 35.2 percent if the vote was held immediately and would likely reach a parliamentary majority if it stuck with its current pact with far-left party CUP.

The Spanish government said on Friday it would have no option but to open talks within the law with those who held a majority.

"We could offer a new dialogue so that we can fulfil Catalans` aspirations for more autonomy and look into reforming the constitution," Foreign Affairs Minister Alfonso Dastis told French newspaper Le Figaro in an interview.

"Some even mention the idea of a federal model so that regions can have more autonomy, including financially."
Washington: The US has conducted a pair of drone strikes against Islamic State fighters in Somalia, the first time America has hit the jihadists in the Horn of Africa nation, officials said.

The strikes occurred in northeastern Somalia and killed "several terrorists," the US military's Africa Command said in a statement yesterday.

According to Voice of America, which cited the chairman of the town of Qandala in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland, six missiles hit an IS base in Buqa village, 60 kilometres away.

"Local residents and pastoralists were shocked and fled from the area," Jama Mohamed Qurshe told VOA.

AFRICOM spokesman Lieutenant Commander Anthony Falvo said no civilians were in the vicinity of the strikes.

"They struck their intended targets," he told AFP, noting these were the first anti-IS air strikes in Somalia.

The first strike occurred around midnight Somalia time (0300 GMT) with the second strike coming at about 11:00 am (1400 GMT).

In recent months, the US has repeatedly hit Somali jihadists from the Shabaab rebel group that is aligned with Al-Qaeda, but yesterday's development marks a significant step in the ever-evolving war against IS.

"US forces will continue to use all authorised and appropriate measures to protect Americans and to disable terrorist threats," AFRICOM said.

IS claimed its first suicide attack in Somalia in May, killing at least five people as it stepped up activities in a region dominated by the Shabaab.

The militants are led by former Shabaab cleric Abdiqadir Mumin, who switched allegiance from Al-Qaeda to IS in October 2015 and was named a "global terrorist" by the US State Department in August.

Mumin was born in Puntland and lived in Sweden before moving to the UK in the 2000s, where he was granted British citizenship.
Bern: A bottle of 'rare' whiskey, with a price tag of $10,000 and sold to a Chinese customer at a Swiss resort hotel, has turned out to be fake, it has emerged.

The prized tipple, claimed to be an 1878 bottle of Macallan Single Malt, was bought in August at the exclusive St Moritz resort in Switzerland.

However, after putting it to a series of laboratory tests by the Scottish whiskey experts and the Oxford University it turned out to be a fake.

After studying the carbon dating of the bottle, the experts have opined that there is a "95 percent probability, it was created between 1970 and 1972.

Also, the whiskey may not have even been a single malt, the Global Times reported citing the Waldhaus Am See Hotel, which has reimbursed the buyer.

According to the report, its owner Sandro Bernasconi had traveled to China to personally apologize and hand over the check.

"The result has been a big shock to the system.

We are delighted to have repaid our customer in full as a gesture of goodwill," Bernasconi was quoted as saying.

The bottle was originally bought by Bernasconi's father 25 years ago for a "five-figure sum," the report claimed.
document

1. The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Commission of the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS), in partnership with the WTO Friends of Investment Facilitation for Development (FIFD), co-hosted a High-Level Trade and Investment Facilitation Forum for Development, in Abuja, Nigeria, from the 2nd to the 3rd November 2017.The event was opened by H.E. Professor Yemi OSINBAJO, SAN, GCON, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Management Team.WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo, UNCTAD Secretary-General Mikhusa Kituyi, President of the World Economic Forum Brge Brende, ECOWAS Commission President Marcel Alain De Souza, Commissioner for Trade and Industry, African Union Commission Albert M. Muchanga, addressed the High-Level Forum, as did CEOs and Senior Business Leaders from Vodacom, Huawei, and Procter & Gamble. Ministers and senior trade and investment officials from over 30 African countries actively participated.

2.The High-Level Forum met at a time of critical challenges as well as enormous opportunities in Africa. A dramatic increase in population, the mounting pressure for jobs, and the pressing need to expand prosperity across the continent are accompanied with a quantum potential to accelerate industrialization, leap frog technological development, and leverage Africa's demographic dividend for sustained and inclusive growth. Africa is emerging as the next global growth frontier and realizing this potential must be a major priority, not just for Africa, but for the global economy as a whole.

3.The High-Level Forum created a platform that brought together African investment and trade decision-makers, partners from other regions of the global economy, as well as key private sector representatives, to discuss these challenges and opportunities, and to explore how more cooperative approaches to investment and trade facilitation could be harnessed for win-win outcomes.

4.A critical starting point for the exchanges and sharing of experiences was the reaffirmation that trade and investment are inseparable and remain indispensable 'twin engines' for economic growth, modernization, and development in Africa as in the wider global economy. Only by scaling up investments in 'connectivity' infrastructure  ports, transport corridors, telecommunications networks  could African countries participate in, and benefit from, today's integrated and digital global economy. Only by increasing, intensively, investments in globally competitive industries, services, and start-ups  from both foreign and domestic sources  could African countries generate the resources required to advance education, improve health care, reinvest in innovation, and generate employment opportunities for millions of young people. Participants acknowledged  and reiterated  the United Nations' projection that developing countries would need an additional US$ 2.5 trillion in investment annually to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The High-Level Forum equally endorsed the proposition that higher levels of domestic security and stability would be achieved with higher levels of welfare, prosperity and job creation, facilitated by greater intensity in trade and investment facilitation.

5.The High-Level Forum noted that expanding this required investment  and the global networks, know-how, and technologies that accompany it - required complementary polices, institutions, and best practices, domestically, and regional and international cooperation. They underscored the urgent necessity of creating a favorable business climate and of implementing sound market-driven domestic policies. They also highlighted the importance of advancing regional and international co-operation to create a more transparent, efficient, and predictable environment for investment and trade, as well as to ensure that their benefits are widely shared.

6.One of the central objectives of the High-Level Forum was to examine how the WTO could contribute to facilitating required investment - as well as trade  by developing multilateral approaches to improving transparency, cutting red tape, streamlining procedures, and strengthening international co-operation, with the aim of expanding sustainable and pro-development investment. Participants underscored the importance of enabling developing and least-developing countries to increase their participation in global investment flows, including by mobilizing the resources needed to address their technical and capacity constraints. To this end, participants urged WTO Members to undertake more focused discussions aimed at developing a multilateral framework to facilitate investment for development. They also encouraged the WTO to cooperate closely with other relevant international organizations, such UNCTAD, and regional partners, such as ECOWAS, to ensure mutually supportive, pro-development approaches to this critical issue.

7.More broadly, the High-Level Forum called for a successful Eleventh WTO Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires from 10-13 December 2017 to strengthen the WTO as a global public good that remains central to the welfare, prosperity, and development of all its Members. As a valuable and necessary complement to strengthening the global trading system, participants also supported ongoing negotiations to establish the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA)  a Single Market for Trade in Goods and Services across Africa  and called on Members of the African Union (AU) to advance this strategic objective.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines West Africa Nigeria Trade By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

8.The High-Level Forum thanked the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the ECOWAS Commission for hosting this High-Level Forum on Trade and Investment Facilitation for Development.In this context, the High-Level Forum acknowledged and welcomed the determined efforts by the Nigerian Government on Trade and Investment Facilitation and on improving the business environment as well as the 'Ease of Doing Business' for growth in Nigeria.The High-Level Forum also acknowledged the efforts of the ECOWAS Commission at regional integration and the facilitation of trade and investment for growth and job creation.

9.The High-Level Forum requested the Federal Republic of Nigeria to circulate, as a document of the WTO General Council and the Eleventh Ministerial Conference, this Abuja Statement on: Deepening Africas Integration in the Global Economy through Trade and Investment Facilitation for Development
Trekkers, seekers and entrepreneurs

Generations of tourists have been drawn to Nepal since it opened its doors in the 1950s. Those from Europe and America came seeking what they imagined had been lost in the West.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. Installing investigation mechanisms for incidents in the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact is Azerbaijans international obligation, since 1995, deputy FM Shavarsh Kocharyan told reporters.

A trilateral agreement was signed in 1995 between Armenia, Azerbaijan and Artsakh, which speaks about strengthening the ceasefire regime and installing investigative mechanisms in the line of contact. Meaning the installation of these mechanisms is the international obligation of Azerbaijan, Kocharyan said.

Shavarsh Kocharyan reminded that the Armenian side has raised the necessity of installing the mechanisms on various occasions, agreements were even made that these mechanisms should be installed, however Azerbaijan created obstacles. We will insist that Azerbaijan fulfills its international obligation. This isnt a precondition, because as I said, it is Azerbaijans international obligation, which must be fulfilled, Kocharyan said.

He also specified that without the participation of Artsakh, no one can make decisions regarding the status of Artsakh and territorial integrity. The mediators realize this very well and it is no coincidence that they always say that when the day will come for specific negotiations to progress, it is impossible without Artsakhs participation, he said.

Shavarsh Kocharyan said Azerbaijans dream is to break down the peaceful settlement negotiations process of the conflict.

The negotiations format is well known, where three UN Security Council permanent members are mediators, the task of which is also to ensure peace. It is understandable as to what kind of a straightjacket this is for Azerbaijan, which speaks about solutions by force. Thats why they are willing to destroy the negotiations format. But we arent going to pour water on their mill. We are saying that if the conflict isnt getting settled, its Azerbaijans fault, not the mediators.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. In the sidelines of the visit to Uzbekistan, Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan met with the President of the country Shavkat Mirziyoyev. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Government of Armenia, thanking for the warm reception, Karen Karapetyan emphasized the necessity of full utilization of the potential and the partnership opportunities existing between the two states.

The sides particularly stressed the importance of developing trade and economic relations. In this context the creation and effective works of the joint intergovernmental commission was highlighted. A reference was made to partnership in the spheres of agriculture, tourism and IT.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. During the plenary session of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly a report on energy sector entitled "Strengthening cooperation in the field of energy ahead the implementation of the Paris Climate Change Agreement" was adopted. Armenpress reports, the following paragraph is included in article 15 of the report: "The conflict zones should be properly incorporated into international governmental and non-governmental environmental programs regardless of the political situation, so as people's environmental needs are fully guaranteed. We emphasize that sectoral policy in this direction should be inclusive. "

Armen Ashotyan, head of the Armenian delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly, commented on the topic on his Facebook page: "In fact, this is the first time that such international platforms call for the recognition of the environmental rights of the Artsakh people, sectoral internationalization and inclusion. Let us remind that this is the second sphere after the education sphere where this approach is displayed based on the guarantee of fundamental human rights against Azerbaijan's efforts to internationally isolate Artsakh. I think this is an effective course to ensure the consistent internationalization of Artsakh in these and other spheres. "
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. In the sidelines of the visit to Uzbekistan, Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan visited Tashkents St. Philippos Armenian church and met with the representatives of the Armenian community in Uzbekistan. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Government of Armenia, during the meeting Karen Karapetyan introduced the main directions of the governments activities, spoke about the development prospects of bilateral relations and highlighted the role of the community in that works.

We are greatly interested in the participation of our Diaspora in the development of Armenia. We have established friendly relations with many countries by using the potential of our Diaspora. During meetings with heads of states we always state that our compatriots are very law-abiding citizens but at the same time never forget their historical motherland and its very promising. We will make steps for activating bilateral relations, and we hope you will keep active touch with Armenia. You are our ambassadors in Uzbekistan and can become the ambassadors of Uzbekistan to Armenia, Karen Karapetyan said.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) has once again called on the U.S. Department of Treasury to begin negotiations with Armenia on a modern Double Tax Treaty, a longstanding Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) public policy priority that would promote job creation and expand bilateral trade between the two countries, ARMENPRESS was informed from the official website of ANCA.

We value Congresswoman Chus continued leadership in support of a modern U.S.-Armenia Double Tax Treaty and look forward to continuing our work with her and her Congressional colleagues in removing artificial barriers hindering the expansion of bilateral trade and investment  in IT, tourism, agriculture, and other growth sectors, stated ANCA Government Affairs Director Raffi Karakashian. To capitalize on the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) signed in 2015 and the recent wave of new U.S. investments, this treaty needs to be put in place as soon as possible.

In her letter to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Rep. Chu noted that our only existing agreement with Armenia governing tax issues is the 1973 treaty we signed with the now extinct Soviet Union. This outdated accord  negotiated between hostile powers  is clearly insufficient to meet the modern-day requirements of our bilateral relationship. Rep. Chu had issued a similar call in February, 2016, to former Treasury Secretary Lew following meetings with ANCA leaders during an advocacy fly-in.

Congresswoman Judy Chu represents the 27th Congressional District, which includes Pasadena and the west San Gabriel Valley of southern California. She has been a staunch supporter of the Armenian American community since she was elected in 2009 and has co-authored the annual Armenian Genocide resolutions as well as a number of other pieces of ANCA-backed federal legislation.

A U.S.-Armenia Double Tax Treaty would establish a clear legal framework for investors and individuals that have business activities in both jurisdictions, preventing double taxation and facilitating the expansion of economic relations. It would also help reinforce the friendship of the American and Armenian peoples, anchoring Armenia to the West, and providing Yerevan with greater strategic options and independence in dealing with regional powers.

While investors have found ways to adjust to the inadequacies of the outdated 1973 accord, which is recognized by the U.S. but not Armenia, the existing system of foreign tax credits and deductions is not consistent with any accepted tax or accounting system. The U.S. has Double Tax Treaties with many small countries, including Estonia, Jamaica, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, and Slovenia. Armenia has Double Tax Treaties with many advanced countries, including Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, and the United Kingdom.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. Joe Berlingers documentary film about the Armenian Genocide Intent to Destroy will be premiered in Los Angeles and New York on November 10, ARMENPRESS reports, the films music writer, world famous rock musician Serj Tankian informed.

We are glad to inform that the premier of Intent to Destroy film will take place in Los Angeles and New York on November 10. I am proud for the music I have written for the film, Tankian tweeted. Earlier had had said that Intent to Destroy is one of the most powerful films he has recently watched.

Intent to Destroy- became one of the most remarkable films at Tribeca and Hot Docs Film Festivals this year.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan visited on November 4 the Hadrout region and convened there a working consultation with the representatives of the regional administration and community heads.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Artsakh Presidents Office, issues related to socioeconomic condition of the region and implementation of a number of projects were on the discussion agenda. The Head of the State highlighted the maintenance of high level of work coordination and gave relevant instructions towards proper realization of the projects.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. Defense Army serviceman Hrant Mangasaryan, 1997, received fatal injury at the regiment deployed in the north-eastern direction of the contact line on November 4 at about 12:10 as a result of an anti-tank grenade explosion, two others received shrapnel injuries of different severity. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Defense Ministry of the Republic of Artsakh, investigation is underway to find out details.

The Defense Ministry of Artsakh shares the grief of the loss and extends its condolences to the family members, relatives and fellow servicemen of Hrant Mangasaryan, and wishes the injured servicemen speedy recovery.
The Democrat leadership has made constant, profound and incredible pronouncements that one's supportive vote for Republicans is tantamount to surrendering Democracy forever. Understanding their sincere thinking in their extreme position: How will you still vote on this election day?

Democrat; because the continuance of this Democracy from the existential threat of extreme Republicans is paramount.

Republican; the process of having a choice is the democratic method within what so called "Democracy" does exists.
UML tops others in fielding CM hopefuls

As nominations for both the phases of federal and provincial elections are over, the CPN-UML is ahead of other parities in projecting probable chief ministerial candidates in each province. Its second rank leaders are seen in the CM race.
Analysts differ on role of states, along with Washington's willingness to step aside if Congress cannot repeal Obamacare

Identify all state-based health programs to eliminate duplicative services and redirect those funds to the poor and vulnerable.

Draft legislation returning control of the health insurance market from the federal government to the state if Obamacare were repealed.

Implement a Medicaid verification system to weed out ineligible enrollees.

Get permission from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to freeze Medicaid enrollment for the expansion population, or roll back eligibility to pre-ACA levels.

Eliminate state certificate of need laws that limit competition, and scope of practice laws that prevent health care professionals from providing less expensive care that they are trained to perform.

Do away with laws limiting or barring telemedicine, which can offset some of Obamacare's higher premiums, deductibles, and co-pays.

Remove state barriers to expanded charitable, volunteer health care for the poor.

Bring state-paid health plans for public employees more in line with average taxpayers' plans, switch to defined contribution plans, and expand health savings accounts for state employees.

Pass legislation shifting responsibility to pay Obamacare's "Cadillac tax" on high-dollar employer-provided health insurance from the state to the employee.

DURHAM - Republicans' failure to repeal and replace Obamacare leaves the fate of free-market health reforms unclear.Some analysts maintain faith the states have enough leeway to deregulate insurance markets even if Washington fails to act. Others are more skeptical, saying federal bureaucrats must make a priority of state-level flexibility. And in states like North Carolina with divided government, it's not clear how aggressively a gridlocked capital would pursue conservative reforms.Naomi Lopez-Bauman, director of health care policy at the Arizona-based Goldwater Institute, said large national bureaucracies with little accountability would tend to shore up Obamacare's leaky insurance exchanges, throwing good taxpayer money after bad. States have a number of tools to start moving away from the Obamacare mess, she said.Ken Lewis, executive director of the North Carolina Association of Health Plans, instead says the action's likely to come from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. CMS can issue waivers to states, letting local officials design health plans suited to local residents.Moreover, Lewis says partisan politics could stymie Tar Heel State reforms.Lewis said.Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, defends Obamacare and tried to expand Medicaid without legislative approval. The Republican-led General Assembly filed a lawsuit against the governor and the state's expansion plan still has not been reviewed by D.C. bureaucrats.With gridlock in effect, Lewis has more faith that technological advances such as telemedicine ultimately will provide greater access while driving down costs.Many Obamacare opponents hailed President Donald Trump for signing an executive order on Oct. 12 rolling back some Obamacare provisions.Two weeks later, a federal court upheld Trump's order for the federal government to stop issuing cost-sharing subsidy payments to bail out insurers suffering losses under Obamacare. The subsidies helped low-income people buy Obamacare insurance, but were unconstitutional because Congress never authorized them.North Carolina was among 18 states and the District of Columbia on the losing side of a lawsuit trying to force Trump to continue the payments.Lopez-Bauman supported Trump's executive order, but thinks it will have little effect.It allows small businesses to band together to leverage cheaper health insurance coverage. But Lopez-Bauman said the Employee Retirement Income Security Act already allows such arrangements. Expanding the provision to let voluntary associations such as churches, civic groups, and clubs purchase joint insurance plans would have had a bigger impact.Lopez-Bauman said the executive order's most promising feature directs federal agencies to expand employer-paid health reimbursement arrangements. Employees pay coinsurance, deductibles, co-pays, and other health care expenses through those programs. She said the order should have allowed employees to use those funds to purchase insurance premiums in the individual market.Lopez-Bauman outlined a number of state-level recommendations:But free-market reformers face strong pushback. Obamacare supporters distrust conservatives and for-profit insurance companies, and say Trump's executive orders target the poor and vulnerable.Wilma Liverpool of Durham said during an Oct. 19 student-led "Healthcare in America: Unfinished Business" forum at North Carolina Central University.Historically, American politicians have discriminated against minoritiesshe said."We need Medicare for all. It's the only fair thing," Theresa El-Amin, founder and regional director of the Southern Anti-Racism Network, said in backing a single-payer system akin to what U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, is pushing.Brendan Riley, a policy analyst with the liberal N.C. Justice Center, said the Trump administration doesn't seem to care who would be hurt by rolling back Obamacare.Riley also criticized state Republican lawmakers for refusing to expand Medicaid to poor, working age, able-bodied adults. He said further cuts to Medicaid will help Republicans in WashingtonKatherine Restrepo, director of health care policy at the John Locke Foundation, says Trump's executive order could allow states more flexibility. She said Medicaid expansion fails to address the health care system's chronic issue: lack of price transparency.Restrepo said. If consumers knew how much health care cost they would spend money more wisely, and fewer would need to rely on government programs like Medicaid.Instead of Medicaid expansion, the state could expand access with innovative health care delivery models including North Carolina's free and charitable clinics - which get only 20 percent of their funding from government sources - and direct primary care Those models have low overhead and do not accept insurance. Time and money not used to comply with insurance paperwork gives providers freedom to lower costs and spend more time with patients.because too often Obamacare plans' premiums, co-pays, and deductibles cost too much to use, Restrepo said.Lopez-Bauman said the Medicare for All concept would be a fiscal disaster for taxpayers unless patients had to pay much more out of pocket and more services were rationed.Lopez-Bauman said. Participants will have to pay more out of pocket for Medicare. Or, just to keep Medicare afloat, the federal government may have to limit how much taxpayers provide per person each year to cover health costs.
Six-year-olds have become the target of vile racial abuse in the Czech Republic

4. 11. 2017

cas cteni 1 minuta





Teplicky denik, a regional newspaper published in the northern town Teplice v Cechach, has published a picture of a first form class of six-year-olds in one of its schools, the Elementary School in Plynarenska Street. The newspaper regularly publishes photographs of first form classes in the town of Teplice.



The picture was re-published on a Czech nationalistic web page which has produced a wave of vile racist and xenophobic comments from the Czech public. Statements like "These vermin should be shot immediately!" "This is a place to where a hand-grenade should be thrown at once!" "Gas them!" "A class of terrorists!"



The vicious racist abuse remains unpunished. Czech authorities do not normally prosecute individuals who disseminate hate speech on the internet even when this is directly sent by email to victims. Xenophobic and racist websites, specialising in fake news, such as Parlamentni listy, intensify xenophobic and racist hate in the Czech Republic. By accepting such websites as "normal", other media, public figures and politicians contribute to normalising racist hate in Czech society.

, a regional newspaper published in the northern town Teplice v Cechach, has published a picture of a first form class of six-year-olds in one of its schools, the Elementary School in Plynarenska Street. The newspaper regularly publishes photographs of first form classes in the town of Teplice.The picture was re-published on a Czech nationalistic web page which has produced a wave of vile racist and xenophobic comments from the Czech public. Statements like "These vermin should be shot immediately!" "This is a place to where a hand-grenade should be thrown at once!" "Gas them!" "A class of terrorists!"The vicious racist abuse remains unpunished. Czech authorities do not normally prosecute individuals who disseminate hate speech on the internet even when this is directly sent by email to victims. Xenophobic and racist websites, specialising in fake news, such asintensify xenophobic and racist hate in the Czech Republic. By accepting such websites as "normal", other media, public figures and politicians contribute to normalising racist hate in Czech society.



A wave of such racist emails has been sent directly to the school. "I did not think that such a wave of hatred would be triggered by the publication of the photograph," said the headmistress of the school Marcela Prokupkova.



The school children in the picture do not differ in any way from any other school children in Europe. Czech xenophobes and nationalists, however, cannot stand that some of the six year olds are from Roma and from Arab families.



There are absolutely no problems within the school. The six-year olds form a friendly community and the small children of course are not racist to one another.





Picture in Teplicky denik HERE



Source in Czech HERE







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Tweed Farms greenhouse in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. (Canopy Growth Corp.)

The Niagara region of southern Ontario is known around the world as Canadas premiere wine destination. Over 2.4 million tourists visited the province annually for wine-related attractions, according to the Wine Council of Ontarios 2016 annual report, with the majority of visitors coming to the Niagara region.

In amongst the rows of grapevines and fields of tender fruit, Niagara has also started to draw the interest of the cannabis industry as a hub for productions facilities.

Tweed Farms, a subsidiary of Canopy Growth Corporation (the largest-known licensed cannabis production facility in the world), is currently in the process of developing over one million square feet of greenhouse space in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., the heart of the Niagara wine industry. According to Tweed, Niagara-on-the-Lake will be a key hub for the company.

Our experience in Niagara-on-the-Lake has been incredibly positive, Jordan Sinclair, director of communications for Canopy Growth Corporation said. We started there with a 350,000 square foot greenhouse and were tripling the size of that footprint down there for that exact reason.

Tweed Farms property in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. (Canopy Growth Corp.)

As Tweeds production facility is surrounded by existing wineries, right next to Coyotes Run Estate Winery and Icellars Estate Winery, there is a growing concern in the Ontario wine community about the new industry acquiring prime agricultural land in the area in advance of the federal governments July 1, 2018 deadline for the legislation of marijuana for recreational use.

Aaron Dobbin, president and CEO of the Winery & Grower Alliance of Ontario, wants to see that Ontarios wine production isnt hurt by the introduction of a new player to the region.

At the end of the day, for our industry, when our industry grows we want to make sure that we have the grapes available to enable that, Dobbin said.

Good for the grapes

Despite some concern in the region, agriculture and horticulture specialists are excited about the introduction of new crops to the area from a research perspective and for the overall prosperity of the area.

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I think overall, diversifying the crop base is a good thing, Jim Brandle, CEO of Vineland Research and Innovation Centre in Vineland Station, Ont., said. Its all new. New employment, new jobs, new productionnew value, so generally its a good thing.

According to Canopy Growth Corporation, the expansion of their Tweed facility in Niagara-on-the-Lake alone will create over 100 new jobs in the cannabis sector, with a priority to contribute to the local economy in a sustainable way.

Theyre going to use that land to the fullest in a different sort of way but its still an agricultural use and a pretty potentially high value one, so I say on balance theres nothing wrong with that happening, Brandle said.

First-quarter 2017 revenue for Canopy Growth Corporation was $15.9 million, a 127 per cent increase over the previous year. Largely attributed to the Tweed Farms greenhouse, the company harvested over five thousand kilograms of marijuana that quarter, representing a 196 per cent increase over first quarter 2016.

Getting schooled on marijuana

Following Tweeds expansion plans in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara College announced it would offer a Commercial Cannabis Production Graduate Certificate program, beginning in September 2018.

Were a pre-emptive college, and one of our key strengths is our ability to anticipate and respond to emerging industries, trends and labour-market needs, Niagara College president Dan Patterson said in statement when the program was announced in early September.





Also recognized for their agriculture and viticulture programs, Niagara Colleges decision to be the first school to offer a program in cannabis production will bring an influx of trained marijuana professionals to the area, making the region more desirable to cannabis production companies.

Were starting to see the second wave of the people who have seen what the earlier adopters have achieved and the success that theyve achieved, and now theyre going out and trying to replicate that success for themselves, Sinclair said.

Not welcome by everyone

Despite the excitement from researchers about the introduction of new crops, Tweed and its existing Niagara-on-the-Lake facility has not received a warm welcome from all of its neighbours.

We were just down there on Wednesday, the smell is quite overwhelming, Andrew Reynold, professor of viticulture & plant physiology at Brock University said. People dont want to walk out their door and smell a skunk every morning.

Aside from the smell, there is increased concern about the amount and location of land that cannabis production companies can purchase in the area. In September, Niagara-on-the-Lake town councillor Betty Disero requested that the town council ask the Niagara region and the province to develop a policy to protect agricultural lands in the area from marijuana greenhouses.

Her initial motion was defeated but the town agricultural committee is gathering research and feedback on whether there will be significant impact to specialty crops in the region. Councillor Disero told Yahoo Canada Finance that the committee has approved a series of motions and they will be going to town council for approval on November 13.

Provincial and local governments need to take into account the long-term potential for changes in land values and conversion of land uses that may impact other important sectors of the agri-food economy, like Ontarios wine industry,  Richard Linley, president of the Wine Council of Ontario said in an email to Yahoo Canada Finance.

The majority of land in the Niagara-on-the-Lake area is composed of class 1 and class 2 soils, which are top-quality farmlands. These prime agriculture areas are necessary for delicate wine grapes to grow.

If youre going to put modern greenhouses on land that could be growing grapesthen basically thats a loss of agricultural land in an area thats unique in the country, Reynolds said.

According to the Grape Growers of Ontario, the rich and fertile soil, paired with the moderate temperature in the spring and summer seasons, is what makes the Niagara region ideal for growing grapes for the purpose of wine production.

Decision-makers also need to consider the impact of local cannabis production on agri-tourism and whether it would benefit the Ontario wine industry or serve as a detriment in Ontarios designated viticulture areas, Linley said.

Although agricultural land usage is a key priority for existing businesses in the region, Canopy Growth Corporation does not see acquiring land made up of high quality soil a priority.

Regulations will need to be more concrete on both federal and provincial levels of government, but existing agricultural businesses and cannabis companies will need to find a way to share common territory.

We just want to make sure that were active member of the community and were recognizable so people can, if they have concerns, they can come and address them, Sinclair said.

Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android.
New Canadian speaks out against atrocities at refugee camp he used to call home

In a few short weeks, Amir Taghinia has lived both extremes of humanity and fate, leaving the desperate conditions of an offshore Australian refugee camp and arriving in the comfortable Coquitlam home of Wayne and Linda Taylor.

"I still cannot believe that I am in Canada," said the 24-year-old Iranian refugee. "People are so welcoming ... they are so lovely, especially my sponsors."

Taghinia has been in Canada just four days, after spending over four years detained on remote Manus Island, which is part of Papua New Guinea.

A sponsor group of about a dozen Coquitlam residents started the process to bring him to Canada in 2015.Soon after, the Taylors' daughter, Chelsea, met him while administering immunizations to Manus Island detainees.

Taghinia was first sent there in July of 2013 after being rescued from a sinking boat alongside dozens of other asylum seekers who were trying to get to Australia.

As fate would have it, Australia had just changed its immigration policy in July of 2013. In an attempt to prevent asylum seekers from trying to reach Australian shores by boat, the government began paying both Papua New Guinea and Nauru to hold refugees in off shore detention centres.

Filthy conditions

Taghinia, then 20, was one of the first to arrive on Manus Island. Over time, the camp grew to house over 700 men.

"It was so filthy that I cannot put words for it," said Taghinia. "Ninety per cent of the men were sick ... from stress, from unhygienic food and water. And there wasn't a proper place to sleep."

"I was hostage there," he said. "If the Canadian government and my sponsors weren't there, I may have died on this island."

Taghinia has seen the last of Manus Island, but his heart is still very much with the men who remain.

During his custody, he became a spokesman for the detainees, speaking out on mainstream and social media to whoever would listen.

'Trouble maker'

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"I couldn't sit silent," he said. "The [camp administration] intelligence report, they called me the agitator of the centre and a trouble maker. I was not making any trouble. I was just defending human rights."

Wayne Taylor believes Taghinia's reputation on Manus could be why Australian officials expedited his move to Canada.

Normally, it takes about four years to bring in a sponsored refugee, but, in his case, the paperwork came through in just 22 months.

"Our suspicion is that the Australians may have been relieved to allow him go because he was pushing very hard on behalf of the refugees on Manus," said Taylor.

"Bear in mind this is something very strange for the visa office in Sydney, because there aren't too many refugees applying to come from Australia to Canada."

Taghinia hopes that any attention he receives in his new home will also shine a light on the unfolding humanitarian crisis of Manus Island refugees.

Conditions in the camp became even more desperate Nov. 1 when the Australian government decided to end the supply of food, water and medical aid to refugees.

"The Australian government has simply walked away." he said. "My friends are now digging wells in the ground to get water and they have no food. They are starving," said Taghinia.

"If people are not finding out about this, if there is not proper media coverage, we will see in the next day or weeks people digging graves for their friends."
How cases of Paul Manafort and Sergei Magnitsky are linked: money laundering through Cyprus

The indictment this week of former Donald Trump presidential campaign chairman Paul Manafort and his aide Richard Gates, runs to 31 pages.

Much of it reads like a bank ledger, listing dozens of wire transfers both men allegedly made over several years, moving millions of dollars into the United States without paying taxes. Most of those wire transfers came from roughly a dozen bank accounts in Cyprus.

For anyone familiar with the money-laundering tale uncovered by Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, that's an interesting coincidence. The financial fraud case he discovered in Moscow in 2007 also saw millions passed through bank accounts in Cyprus.

"Cyprus is, effectively, the money-laundering country of choice for criminals from Russia," says U.K. hedge fund manager Bill Browder. "And the reason  is because the Cypriot authorities turn a very active blind eye to the money-laundering."

Magnitsky was working for the fund manager when he discovered several of Browder's companies had been effectively stolen by Russian criminals with ties to the country's judiciary, netting them $230 million US ($293.2 million Cdn).

A CBC News investigation earlier this year showed some of that money later flowed through bank accounts that tied back to Canada. It's still not clear if any of the people who received the money here knew it may have originated with a brutal crime in Russia.

Magnitsky was jailed by some of the very people he was investigating and died in prison nearly a year later.

"There are no real money-laundering investigations that have ever happened in Cyprus to my knowledge," Browder told The Investigators for this week's program (Saturday at 9:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5:30 p.m. on CBC News Network).

"And in fact, we have evidence to believe that the Cypriot authorities are effectively in league with the Russians in a number of these situations," he said.

This week, the head of Cyprus's anti money-laundering unit Eva Papakyriacou, dismissed Browder's criticisms as annoying and untrue, according to a report on the Cyprus Business Mail website. It also reported the U.S. has signaled an interest in interviewing some bank officials in Cyprus in relation to Manafort.

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But beyond the spectre of money-laundering, and the apparent use of Cypriot bank accounts to do it, there's another element that links the stories of Manafort and Magnitsky.

Angered by the U.S. government's decision in 2012 to pass the Magnitsky Act, seizing the U.S. assets, and barring the travel of Russians connected to his death, Russian President Vladimir Putin retaliated by cancelling the pending adoptions of Russian children by U.S. families.

That adoption issue was part of the now much-scrutinized meeting last year in the office of Donald Trump Jr. in New York's Trump Tower.

The Russian lawyer who attended the meeting was apparently there to encourage Trump Jr. to convince his father to repeal the Magnitsky Act if he won the presidency.

How far Russia was willing to go to ensure that would happen is now part of the focus of U.S. investigators looking into possible Russian interference in the 2016 election. One of the people in the room for that meeting was none other than Paul Manafort, then still head of Trump's election campaign.

"It is a bit strange to think that my issue, and the Magnitsky issue, has sort of become front-and-centre in the entire Russia-Trump, election interference discussion," Browder told CBC News.

Putin's personal money

But why would Putin be so concerned about repealing the act? Browder believes he knows why.

"He hates it because it affects him personally. It affects his personal money. His net worth. He thinks that his money will eventually be frozen under the Magnitsky Act."

Browder has sought the spotlight in an international campaign to bring those responsible for Magnitsky's death to justice. The Russian government has taken a dim view of his efforts.

In an attempt to turn the tables, the Russian government posthumously convicted Magnitsky, accusing him of engineering the very fraud he had found, and convicted Browder in absentia, for the same thing. It has several times tried unsuccessfully to get Interpol to return Browder to Russia to serve a prison sentence.

That's an explanation flatly rejected by most Western countries. Since the U.S. passed the Magnitsky Act, Estonia has followed, the U.K. has passed a version of it, and Canada became the latest country to approve a Magnitsky law earlier this month.
When Caitlyn Jenner publicly transitioned in 2015, she helped push transgender rights into the national consciousness. Now a restaurant in Allen, Texas, is using her experience as a gag  and many people arent laughing.

Dodies Place Cajun Bar & Grill shared photos of its weekly specials and new bathroom doors in a Facebook post in mid-August, and now its going viral. Jenners famous July 2015 Vanity Fair cover, which marks the first time she publicly revealed herself as Caitlyn, is splashed across the door of the womens bathroom. The mens bathroom door, meanwhile, is covered in a photo of Bruce Jenner at the 1976 Olympics. Come meet our newest members of the Dodies crew, Caitlyn & Bruce! Stop in for our weekly specials, served all day! the Facebook caption reads.

This Facebook post, showing off the new Caitlyn Jenner bathroom doors, caused fired-up discussion. (Photo: Facebook/Dodies Place Cajun Bar & Grill)

Reaction was mixed. About half of commenters thought the new doors were hilarious. This is awesome! Funniest thing Ive seen in a while! one person wrote. Ha! Ha! Love it! another said. But the other half wasnt amused. Thats disgusting, Id have to leave so I could use the restroom somewhere else, one person wrote. I hope Caitlyn comes and rips this place apart, someone else said. Just because you can doesnt mean you should. It would be different if you were showing your support of the LGBTQ community, noted another.

More: These gooey chocolate brownies are somehow still good for you

Dodies Place responded to the controversy via a statement on Facebook on Thursday. First and foremost, our intention was not to make fun of or offend anyone when we installed the pictures of Bruce and Caitlyn on our bathroom doors, the statement read. It was merely a lighthearted gesture to push back against the political correctness that seems to have a stranglehold on this country right now. We believe that political correctness has done more to silence rather than encourage important discussions that our society probably needs to have. Based on the mind-boggling feedback, both positive and negative, people are having that discussion.

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However, the statement continues, name calling and words like transphobic, deviant, racist, homophobic, bigot, etc. serve nothing but to continue to divide us instead of uniting us. After all, we are all part of the same race  the human race. Surely, we can discuss this topic and many others without slapping hurtful labels on each other. Please know that we are here to discuss this and move forward as a community. Everyone is welcome here. The debate continued in the comments of this new post as well.

Dodies Place isnt the first establishment to do this  Nickel Bar in West L.A. also used Caitlyns Vanity Fair cover on the door of the womens room, and a Bruce Jenner Wheaties box image on the door of the mens room upon opening in 2016. (A Nickel Bar employee told Yahoo Lifestyle on Friday that the restaurant had no comment on the bathroom artwork.)

Though some people think the doors are funny, there is nothing lighthearted about this, MJ Okma, a spokesperson for GLAAD, tells Yahoo Lifestyle. These signs feed into dangerous myths and false stereotypes used to suggest that trans identity is somehow invalid.

The doors show disrespect for bathroom bills, which have attempted to restrict which restrooms transgender people can use, Okma says. Transgender people, especially trans women, confront everything from harassment to physical violence for merely using the correct restroom.

Using before and after shots of Caitlyn is also concerning, says Liz Owen, director of communications for PFLAG National, the nations largest organization uniting LGBTQ people, their families, and allies. Sharing pre-transition images of any transgender person is mean-spirited and potentially damaging, she tells Yahoo Lifestyle. Its especially cruel at a time when our trans loved ones rights and lives are under attack on all fronts  from small local businesses, to county school districts and state legislatures, all the way up to the highest offices of the land. Fighting for our families isnt about political correctness, its about survival.

When reached for comment, a Dodies Place employee tells Yahoo Lifestyle that the future of the restaurants bathroom doors are uncertain. The attorneys are working that out now, he says.

Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:

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UML warns actions against rebel candidates

CPN-UML has asked its party members contesting in the upcoming federal parliamentary and provincial assembly polls as rebel candidates to withdraw their candidacy or else face the music.
SATURDAY, Nov. 4, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- If you're one of the millions of Americans who takes one of a class of anti-reflux meds such as Nexium, Prilosec and Prevacid, take heed: These drugs have been linked to higher odds of kidney trouble.

The study couldn't prove cause-and-effect -- it's possible that folks who need these heartburn medicines are simply more prone to kidney disease for other reasons. But the review of data did show a link.

The medicines in question are called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). They reduce stomach acid production and are among the most widely prescribed medications in the world.

According to a team led by Dr. Charat Thongprayoon, of Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, N.Y., recent research has suggested an increased risk of kidney problems for people who take the drugs, but those findings were inconsistent.

Probing deeper, the researchers reviewed data from five studies that included a total of nearly 537,000 people.

They found that people who took a PPI were a third more likely to develop chronic kidney disease or kidney failure than those who didn't take the drugs.

The findings were to be presented Saturday at the annual meeting of the American Society of Nephrology (ASN), in New Orleans.

"This study demonstrates a significant association between the use of PPIs and increased risks of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure," Thongprayoon said in an ASN news release.

He stressed that cause-and-effect wasn't confirmed. However, Thongprayoon believes that doctors "should consider whether PPI therapy is indicated for patients. Chronic use of PPIs should be avoided if not really indicated."

Two kidney specialists said the new research does have value.

"It is important to always evaluate potential side effects -- not only of medications but of treatments and procedures in general," said Dr. Ernesto Molmenti. He directs adult and pediatric kidney transplantation at Northwell Health in Manhasset, N.Y.

Dr. Maria DeVita helps direct kidney care at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. She noted that PPIs -- some of which have gained over-the-counter status in recent years -- "are one of the most commonly ingested medications worldwide."

Also, DeVita said, "PPIs were originally used for a limited time, but now, people may continue to use them for years."

While it remains to be proven that the drugs cause kidney trouble, "we should reconsider our prolonged use of PPIs from time to time to make sure that the benefits outweigh potential risks," she said.

Experts note that findings presented at medical meetings are typically considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

More information

The American Gastroenterological Association has more on proton pump inhibitors.
Tamil Nadus Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple wins UNESCO award

Published: November 4, 2017

The Sri Ranganathaswamy temple at Srirangam in Tamil Nadu has won UNESCO Asia-Pacific award for cultural heritage conservation programme in the Awards of Merit category. It is first temple from Tamil Nadu to grab the prestigious honour from the UN body.

The temple won the award in recognition of its efforts for protecting and conserving cultural heritage. The traditional method of renovating temple premises as well as re-establishment of rainwater harvesting and historic drainage system in preventing flooding were two key parameters that earned temple the award.

UNESCO Asia-Pacific awards for cultural heritage conservation programme

The awards were launched in 2000 by UNESCO for cultural heritage conservation programme. They are given under four categories Award of Excellence, Awards of Distinction, Awards of Merit and Award for New Design in Heritage Context.

These awards aim at acknowledging efforts taken to restore and conserve historical structures without affecting their heritage value in region comprising 48 countries. They are being given to encourage the efforts of all stakeholders and the public in conserving and promoting monuments and religious institutes with rich heritage in the Asia-Pacific region.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

It is one of the most illustrious Vaishnava temples in South India. It has been mentioned Tamil literature as early as Sangam era. The temple is treasure trove of Indias ancient history. It is constructed in the Tamil or Dravidian style of temple architecture.

The legends call it one of eight self-manifested shrines of Lord Vishnu and one of the most important 108 main Vishnu temples. It is known by several names such as Thiruvaranga Tirupati, Bhoologa Vaikundam, Periyakoil, Bhogamandabam.

This temple lies on an island formed by twin rivers Cauvery and Coleroon. Its complex stretches over 156 acres with perimeter of 4,116 m. It is the largest temple in India and one of largest religious complexes in the world. The temple has over seven prakaras or enclosures, which are formed by thick and huge defensive walls running around the holy shrine. It has over 21 magnificent towers inside all prakaras.

The main entrance of temple known as Rajagopuram (royal temple tower) is 73m high and moves up in eleven progressively smaller tiers. The temple annually hosts 21-day festival during the Tamil month of Margazhi (between December and January) which attracts over 1 million visitors.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2017

Category: Art & Culture Current Affairs

Topics: Art and Culture  Sri Ranganathaswamy temple  Tamil Nadu  Temple Architecture  TNPSC  UNESCO Asia-Pacific award

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Imagine youre lying down, and you tell yourself to take a deep breath. But you realize you cant.





You want to jump up, wave your arms or call for help. But even your face is frozen. Youre completely paralyzed.





Youre slowly suffocating to death, and no one seems to notice.





Thats how two medical experts described a Las Vegas inmates possible fate if state officials dont administer enough drugs to render him unconscious during his voluntary execution  scheduled in less than two weeks at Ely State Prison.





That scenario would challenge the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits the government from imposing a cruel and unusual punishment, according to experts.









The new cocktail has raised questions about how the drugs will be administered, the details of which would be available in the state's execution protocol. The state still hasn't released how it will use those drugs, including dosages.





A court hearing is scheduled for Friday in Clark County about unsealing those details for the public.





Dozier, 45, was sentenced to death for the 2002 murder and dismemberment of 22-year-old Jeremiah Miller, whose torso was found in a suitcase inside a trash bin at an apartment complex near the Las Vegas Strip.





Dozier has been sitting behind bars for more than a decade and voluntarily waived his right to appeal his sentence.





The drug cocktail has sparked debate over the use of paralytic drugs in lethal injections, a topic thats been talked about for decades since the first lethal injection execution was carried out in 1982.





The Reno Gazette-Journal reached out to Dr. Joel Zivot, an associate professor of anesthesiology and surgery at Emory University School of Medicine, and Dr. Susi Vassallo, a professor of emergency medicine at New York University of Medicine.





Zivot, Vassallo and Denno have all served as experts and written extensively about lethal injection and its role in capital punishment.





Heres a look at how each of the three drugs work, what theyre used for and how they could affect Dozier if state officials dont administer them correctly.





Fentanyl in executions: It makes sense





Fentanyl is an opiate, like heroin, but it was "cooked up in a laboratory," according to Vassallo.





It's a potent synthetic drug designed to take away symptoms of pain.





Its extremely short-acting and extremely powerful, said Vassallo, who is an emergency medical physician certified by the American College of Medical Toxicology, which deals with drug overdoses.





Depending on the amount you give, somebody can become unconscious and stop breathing, she said. That can be lethal.





Fentanyl is a drug thats used every day in modern medicine. Its also at the center of the opioid overdose epidemic in the United States.





So, you can see that fentanyl  if youre trying to kill somebody  its a very good drug for lethal injection, Vassallo said. It makes sense if thats what youre trying to do.





Fentanyl affects different opioid receptors in the body, which are responsible for pain relief and breathing.





Opioid receptors exist not only in the nervous system, but in organs, such as the heart, lungs, liver, gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.





When you inject fentanyl into a human body, that fentanyl goes and finds that receptor and provides pain relief and respiratory depression, Vassallo said. It slows breathing until it stops.





At the same time, it keeps the person unconscious and unable to feel pain.





Nevada could easily kill a human being with fentanyl, she said. Or they could inject an even longer acting, enormous dose of morphine or any kind of powerful opiate





Diazepam: The sleeping drug





State officials also plan on using diazepam as part of lethal injection cocktail. But the drug itself isn't dangerous . And it doesnt make much sense to use it in an execution, according to both Vassallo and Zivot.









Veterinarians also use it to help alleviate anxiety in dogs and cats. But it doesn't affect consciousness.





Diazepam is used for anxiety, said Zivot, whos practiced anesthesiology for 25 years. In the past, they were used as sleep promoters.





Basically, its just a Valium, Vassallo said.





People take valium to relax, she said.





Valium, in general, wont kill someone. It would have to be massive doses, very massive and given very rapidly.

Cisatracurium: The paralyzing drug

Zivot and Vassallo agreed using Cisatracurium in Doziers execution could violate the Eighth Amendment of the U.S Constitution, which prohibits the government from imposing cruel and unusual punishment.
The U.S.-led Global Coalition has achieved great successes against ISIS on the battlefield in Syria and Iraq. We celebrate the coalitions gains on the ground but, notes U.S. Coordinator for Counterterrorism Nathan Sales: We also have to be mindful that ISIS is adapting and its going to be up to us to adapt along with them.

Every square kilometer of territory thats liberated means women and children and men who no longer have to live under the false Caliphate that ISIS has tried to construct. The success that were having though, against ISIS in Syria and Iraq doesnt mean that the struggle is over. It simply means that the struggle is entering a new stage. And that new stage is one in which ISIS might be sending operatives across the world to carry out attacks. Another, related problem is those who may be inspired by ISIS to commit attacks.

Homegrown terrorism is a threat that is on the rise and it is one that we are going to be focusing on, he said.

The United States and its Global Counterterrorism Forum partners recently announced new initiatives to address threats posed by returning foreign terrorist fighters and by homegrown terrorists. Two separate programs seek to effectively assess the motivations and sympathies of returning family members and to explore the factors that drive people to become homegrown terrorists and identify them before they can strike.

The United States and the Global Counterterrorism Forum also endorsed new recommended strategies to counter radicalism online:

ISIS spreads a message of hatred, a perversion of the tenants of Islam. Its essential for us and its essential for our partners around the world to counter that message of hate and intolerance and violence. We have to work with not just other governments, but civil society organizations, religious leaders, community organizers, private citizens who are in a position to effectively rebut these false claims.

The U.S. will continue to adapt and work together with its partners within both government and communities to realize a world that is secure against terrorism.
On October 20th, Dr. Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina of Nigeria became the 2017 recipient of the prestigious World Food Prize.

The World Food Prize, known as the Nobel Prize for Agriculture and Nutrition, is the foremost international honor recognizing the achievements of individuals who have advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity or availability of food in the world. It was established in 1986 by Norman Borlaug, an agronomist and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate who is widely recognized as the "father of the Green Revolution".

Over the past two decades, Dr. Adesina, formerly Nigerias Minister of Agriculture and now the President of the African Development Bank, has worked tirelessly to expand Nigerias agricultural production, thwart corruption and increase the availability of credit to smallholder farmers across Africa. As Minister of Agriculture, he introduced E-Wallet, a system of electronic vouchers which allows farmers to by-pass corrupt elements that had controlled the fertilizer distribution system for 40 years.

As a direct consequence of the E-Wallet system, the production of cassava, rice, sorghum, maize and cotton rose dramatically, resulting in a significant increase in farmers income and significant improvement of food security for 40 million people in rural farm households.

"It makes no sense, you have a continent with 65 percent of all the world's uncultivated, arable land not being able to feed itself," said Dr. Adesina. We have to unlock the full potential of Africa's agriculture, and turn agriculture from something that's used for managing poverty to something that's used for creating wealth.

Dr. Adesina pledged to use the 250,000 dollar award that comes with the World Food Prize, to provide fellowships and grants to young Africans dedicated to making a living through agriculture.

"Congratulations on winning the 2017 World Food Prize. Your Devotion to the cause of fighting hunger is admirable and deeply needed, said Vice President Mike Pence in a statement read at the award ceremony by USAID Administrator Mark Green.As our global food system is stretched, and the need to feed more people grows, agricultural transformation will require persistence from leaders like you in driving change and capitalizing on public and private sector expertise."
Tehrans outspoken reformist MP, Mahmoud Sadeghi has turned the case of the Supreme Leaders favorite Quran reciter into talk of the town again.

The Quran reciter, Saeed Toosi, 47, is accused of sexually abusing at least 23 of his nine to twelve-year old male Quran students.

Last year, the alleged victims and their families came forward saying that their failure to get justice through legal channels left them no option other than publicly shed light on the case by speaking to VOAs Persian Service, Radio Farda and the BBC Persian.

Immediately after the interviews were aired, the Quran reciter issued a statement and categorically dismissed the allegations as false and unfounded.

One of the alleged victims described to the BBC an assault which he said took place in a public bath house when he was only twelve years old.

"I was so shocked I couldn't understand what was going on," he said. "I was so afraid to say anything because of the shame it would bring upon my name, but then I found out that there were so many other cases among his students. So, I broke my silence."

As the scandal unfolded, it came to light that Toosi was tried for child abuse and convicted by a court in 2012, without publicity. As the case went to an appeals court, Judiciary officials stepped in and closed the case in 2013, leaving the alleged victims with no recourse but to go public in 2016.

After the scandal came to light, the judiciarys spokesman, Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei announced that the evidence for investigating Toosis case was insufficient.

After months of claims and counterclaims, the shocking story of Toosi died down.

As a rule, talking about rape and sexual harassment in Iran is taboo.

Nevertheless, Sadeghi has brought it up again by publishing parliament correspondence on the case with the judiciary.

A copy of the correspondence published on Sadeghis Twitter account, refers to parliaments insistence on Toosis legal case to be clarified.

While referring to Michael Fallon, UKs disgraced defense minister who recently resigned after being accused of sexual harassment, Sadeghi, implicitly mentions Toosis legal case in a sarcastic tweet. Here, [in the Islamic Republic] they shelve the legal case of a voice trainer at the Court of Appeal, after his conviction by the Primary Court.

Sadeghi has also published a copy of the letter signed by the parliaments Principle 90 addressed to the head of the judiciary, stating that Toosi was convicted for sexual abuse in 2012 but, the decision was overruled by an interpretation presented by Ali Khalafi, a judiciary consultant and Tehrans Prosecutor-General Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi, in 2013.

Families of the alleged victims kept complaining to officials but their pleas fell on deaf ears at the Judiciary and they decided to go public in 2016.

Nevertheless, the head of the judiciary, ayatollah Sadiq Amoli Larijani dismissed allegations against Toosi as mere lies, weird and unheard of before, in October 2016.

Sadiq Amoli larijani went further and threatened the complainants by legally being sued for cooperating with hostile media and being a culprit, assisting a crime.

The Judiciary spokesman, Ejei said in October 2016 that Toosi had been investigated for "encouraging" moral corruption. In the meantime, he confirmed that a court had decided Toosi would not face prosecution for "acting" against public morals.

The judiciarys spokesman also said a "religiously faithful and experienced" judge was being consulted and added that the case was being reviewed with "sensitivity."

"Some of the charges are difficult to prove. It is possible that the complainants are right, but it is difficult to prove," Ejei told reporters in October 2016.

"We've always had such cases, before the [1979 Islamic] revolution and after," he added.

One of the complainants cited in a report published by the Persian service of the BBC claimed that Toosi raped him twice, "five or six years ago,"

Nevertheless, the Islamic Republics parliament still insists that Toosi has legally been convicted and should be punished according to the law.

Toosi, is a close ally and friend of the Supreme Leader and other political and religious leaders of the regime.

Allegedly, the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei deeply enjoys Toosis Quran recitations.

Moreover, Mr. Toosi is a member of the Supreme Council of the Quran.

Ayatollah Khamenei has reportedly called his favorite Quran reciter a model to be followed.

Furthermore, Toosi has been awarded many local and international top prizes for his performance as a Quran reciter.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov.4

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

The Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict doesnt have a military solution, said the message adopted by the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly.

The Bureau of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly, composed of the heads of delegations from the European Parliament and from the parliaments of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine unanimously adopted a message to the Heads of State and Government participating in the 5th Eastern Partnership Summit, to be held on 24 November 2017 in Brussels, Belgium.

For the first time, all members of the Bureau agreed on an ambitious text on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

We call for an immediate end to military hostilities between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces (), to solve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict which does not have a military solution, through a re-launch of substantive negotiations in good faith and genuine confidence-building measures and dialogue, said the message.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 4

By Elchin Mehdiyev  Trend:

Regional peace and economic development are interlinked with the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, MP Bakhtiyar Aliyev told Trend.

The MP believes the expectations on the soonest turnabout in settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict are linked with the recent trilateral meeting of presidents of Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia.

We hope the meeting will result in serious changes in the negotiation process, MP Aliyev said.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
VP urges all for polls success

Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun has said the upcoming federal and provincial polls are the occasions to celebrate democracy, calling on everyone to make them successful.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 4

By Elchin Mehdiyev  Trend:

The trilateral meeting of the presidents of Azerbaijan, Russia and Iran in Tehran, first of all, means stability in the region, and secondly, the beginning of a new stage of economic cooperation, Azerbaijani MP Aydin Huseynov told Trend.

Huseynov noted that after the first trilateral meeting, the three countries trade turnover has increased significantly.

After the economic agreements signed following the recent meeting, the trade turnover and, in general, economic ties will expand even more. The economic significance of the trilateral format is much higher, added the MP.

Presidents of Russia and Iran also attach great importance to this cooperation, he said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 4

By Ilhama Isabalayeva  Trend:

An appeal adopted by the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly (PA) Bureau, which includes heads of the delegations of the European Parliament and the parliaments of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, to the heads of state and government, who will participate in the Eastern Partnership summit, reflects a single approach to the issue of occupied lands, Fuad Muradov, head of the Azerbaijani delegation to the Euronest PA, told Trend Nov. 4.

Recalling that the fifth summit of the Eastern Partnership will be held Nov. 24 in Brussels, Muradov said that in anticipation of such a summit, all European international structures send an appeal to the heads of state and government of the participating countries.

The appeal covers many issues, the head of the Azerbaijani delegation said. There is a single approach regarding occupied territories, including those occupied in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The appeal says that peace must be restored in the occupied territories of any country.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 4

Trend:

Azerbaijans former national security minister, Eldar Mahmudov, has been summoned to the Prosecutor Generals Office, Spokesman of the Prosecutor Generals Office Eldar Sultanov told Trend Nov. 4.

Sultanov said Lieutenant-Colonel Vugar Mahmudov, who served as deputy department head at Anti-Terrorism Center of the former Ministry of National Security, actually acting as an assistant to the former minister, has been arrested in connection with an investigation by the Prosecutor Generals Office.

The spokesman noted that Vugar Mahmudov was charged with embezzlement of large amounts of state property together with an organized gang, demanding citizens' property by using threats, grossly violating the legislation on operational search activity, as well as with fraud and abuse of office for greed and personal interests.

A four-month arrest warrant was issued by the Baku Military Court against Vugar Mahmudov.

Azerbaijans former national security minister, Eldar Mahmudov, was summoned to the Grave Crimes Investigation Department of the Prosecutor Generals Office for interrogation in connection with Vugar Mahmudov's case.
Details added (first version posted on 13:47)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 4

By Samir Ali  Trend:

Azerbaijans State Security Service has detained Miryusif Soltanov on charges of state treason.

The press service of the State Security Service told Trend Nov. 4 that Soltanov is suspected of treason through spying in exchange for financial interest and smuggling Azerbaijani citizens out of the country and handing them over to the employees of foreign special services.

Miryusif Sultanov is charged under Article 274 (state treason) of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan, and a preventive measure in the form of arrest has been chosen against him.

Investigative operations are underway.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 4

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

Azerbaijans unemployment insurance fund plans to allocate 33.478 million manats for unemployment insurance benefits next year, according to the funds draft budget for 2018.

The funds revenues and expenditures for the next year were approved at 89.04 million manats, according to the draft.

Of the total volume of the funds expenditures, it is planned to allocate 35.802 million manats for organization of events for self-employment, 13.709 million manats - expenses for maintaining administration of the employment service and its local bodies, 1.788 million manats - paid public work, 1.613 million manats - professional training and additional education, 1.38 million manats - co-financing (together with an insurer) of a part of salary of those insured for a certain period, 1.15 million manats career counseling, 120,000 manats -the organization of labor fairs and stock exchanges.

The funds revenues are formed on the basis of insurance payments from budget organizations and their employees (17.726 million manats), insurance payments of other insurers (53.567 million manats) and other incomes (20,000 manats).

The law On compulsory insurance against unemployment will come into force in Azerbaijan starting from January 1, 2018.

(1.7003 manats = 1 USD on Nov. 4)
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 4

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

The Board of Directors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in the near future may consider granting a loan for the implementation of the International North-South Transport Corridor project, Nariman Mannapbekov, director of ADBs permanent representative office in Azerbaijan, told Trend.

Mannapbekov said that if the project is approved, preparatory work will begin to sign the agreement. He expressed hope that the bank will be able to start tender procedures at the beginning of next year.

Last week, Manila (Philippines) hosted negotiations between ADB railway experts and the leadership of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC.

A source in the Azerbaijani government told Trend that the negotiations were successful and the parties are optimistic about signing an agreement on financing the project.

The International North-South Transport Corridor is meant to connect Northern Europe with Southeast Asia. It will serve as a link connecting the railways of Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia. At the initial stage, it is planned to transport 5 million tons of cargo per year through the corridor and over 10 million tons of cargo in the future.

ADB will allocate $400 million, while the French Development Agency will allocate $175 million.

The loans will be mainly used as investments in the development of Baku-Yalama railway section (border with Russia) as part of the North-South transport project and as support for expanding the management autonomy of the Azerbaijan Railways CJSC, effective financial re-structurization of companys liabilities, expansion of financial and administrative control, efficiency and accountability of the company, as well as the development of business and corporate restructurization of the railway authority.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Nov. 4

By Diana Aliyeva Trend:

Artisans of Uzbekistan will have the right to freely dispose of foreign currency received from the export of their products, according to an order signed by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The order to stimulate the export activity of artisans was given by the Uzbek president during a meeting dedicated to the issue held Nov. 3.

The artisans will be able to receive foreign currency in cash from a bank account, according to the order.

Also it was instructed to organize special exhibitions and fairs in each region, where artisans will participate for free.

Attention was paid to issues of state registration of artisans, providing them with equipment and raw materials, vacant buildings on a preferential basis for organization of activities.

Instructions were given to expand the artisanal centers, simplify the delivery of their products to buyers. In particular, it is important to create opportunities for Uzbek artisans to sell their products in markets and supermarkets, and, if desired, open a store in their home.

The need to finance promising projects of artisans, granting them preferential loans, attracting investments of international financial institutions to the sphere was noted.

At present, there are 34 kinds of artisan activity in Uzbekistan.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov.4

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

Albanian government has approved a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of Azerbaijan for development of Albania's gas master plan, said the press office of Albanian government.

The MoU sets the ground for assistance from Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR in the construction of the necessary infrastructure for Albanias gas supply, with gas through the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP).

Baku and Tirana signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the development of a master plan for Albania in December 2014.

Albania is one of the European countries, which will receive Azerbaijani gas through TAP.

TAP is a part of the Southern Gas Corridor which is one of the priority energy projects for the EU.

TAP project envisages transportation of gas from the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz gas and condensate field to the EU countries.



The pipeline will be connected to the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) on the Turkish-Greek border, run through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Italy's south.



TAPs shareholders are: BP (20 percent), State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (20 percent), Snam (20 percent), Fluxys (19 percent), Enagas (16 percent) and Axpo (5 percent).

TAP will be 878 kilometers in length (Greece 550 km, Albania 215 km, Adriatic Sea 105 km, and Italy 8 km). Its highest point will be 1,800 meters in Albanias mountains, while its lowest point will be 820 meters beneath the sea.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov.4

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

The first pipeline of the TurkStream Offshore Gas Pipeline entered the Turkish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), said the message on the website of the projects operator.

Pioneering Spirit, worlds largest pipelay and construction vessel, marked the occasion by laying down on the seabed the section of the pipeline with Russian and Turkish flags, symbolizing the crossing of the EEZ border between the two countries.

The border crossing also marks the completion of construction of the two offshore lines within the Russian EEZ. In total 448 kilometers of the pipeline were laid down, equally divided over the two lines. Construction of nearly 25 percent of the offshore pipeline section has been realized in less than six months. This is in line with the planned construction schedule. First gas is expected to flow through TurkStream in December 2019, said the message.

After reaching the border of the EEZ with one line, Pioneering Spirit returned towards Anapa to commence deepwater pipelaying with the other line.

Pioneering Spirit will now continue the pipelay activities with one pipeline all the way close to the Turkish landfall. The two TurkStream pipelines will come ashore in Turkey near the town of Kiyikoy, which is located approximately 100 kilometers west of Istanbul.

The average speed of pipelaying by Pioneering Spirit is in excess of 4 kilometers per day, with a record set by the Allseas crew on 1 November 2017 by constructing 5.15 kilometers of Turkstream pipeline in one day. The water depth at the EEZ boundary is approximately 2,171 meters, which is close to the deepest part of the TurkStream route (2,198 meters).

TurkStream project envisages construction of two branches of the main gas pipeline under the Black Sea, the capacity of each branch being 15.75 billion cubic meters of gas.



One branch is meant to supply gas directly to the Turkish market and the other for the supply of gas by transit through Turkey to Europe. The intergovernmental agreement between Russia and Turkey also stipulates that these two offshore branches should be built by December 2019.

On Dec.8, 2016, South Stream Transport B.V., 100-percent subsidiary of Gazprom, signed a contract with Swiss Allseas Group on constructing the first line of the Turkish Stream gas pipelines offshore segment.

Later in February 2017, the two companies inked an agreement on constructing the second line of the pipelines offshore section.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 4

By Nigar Guliyeva  Trend:

Some 79 new plants for the processing of agricultural products are planned to be built in Kazakhstan, while 80 more will be modernized.

This was announced by Vice-Minister of Agriculture Rustem Kurmanov at a working meeting to discuss the Map on Development of the agro-industrial complex in the akimat of Pavlodar region.

Kurmanov said that the ministry, considering the high volume of agricultural imports to Kazakhstan, the loading volume of domestic enterprises and the raw material potential of the country, defined nine priority areas for the processing.

These priority areas cover the processing of milk, meat, hides, wool, oilseeds and grains, fruits and vegetables, sugar beets and potatoes. 435 enterprises and peasant farms throughout the republic are already engaged in these activities.

"A clear map for the location of agro-processing enterprises has been developed," Kurmanov stressed. "According to the map, it is necessary to build 79 new plants and modernize 80 plants. Construction of new plants is planned in South Kazakhstan, Almaty, Pavlodar, West-Kazakhstan and Aktobe regions. These regions enjoy huge a raw material potential."

This will increase the processing of milk and the production of mulled products by 49 percent. Some 33 percent will be ensured thanks to loading of domestic enterprises, while five percent will be contributed by modernization and eleven percent the construction of plants.

"If we implement these measures by 2021, our share of imports will drop for cheeses and butter," Kurmanov said.
Walk the line

Newton Kumar (Rajkummar Rao) is a stickler for the rules. And though he may have managed to walk a straight line for most of his young lifecontent in the knowledge that his principles and actions have been more or less in alignmentno sooner has he entered adulthood than it becomes clear that its not going to be easy to keep things this way.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Nov. 4

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

Dovranberdi Annaberdiev has been appointed Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan.

The relevant decree on his appointment was signed by the countrys president.

Turkmenistans Ministry of Finance and Economy was established recently. The new ministry united the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Economy and Development.

This step was taken under a presidential decree in order to transform the financial, economic and banking complex of Turkmenistan, and improve its activities.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Nov. 4

By Diana Aliyeva  Trend:

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Sapar Isakov and First Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Yagub Eyyubov, who took part in a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government in Tashkent, said the Uzbek presidents press service in a message.

During the meeting with Azerbaijans First Deputy Prime Minister Yagub Eyyubov, the two sides discussed the expansion of mutually beneficial Uzbek-Azerbaijani partnership in trade, energy, transportation and transit, and other priority areas.

They noted the importance of carefully preparing economic agenda during the upcoming bilateral summits.

During the meeting with Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Sapar Isakov, the parties noted the dynamic development of the Uzbek-Kyrgyz multifaceted ties.

It was noted that the mutual high level visits in the past months and their fruitful results brought bilateral relations to the level of strategic partnership.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Nov. 4

By Diana Aliyeva  Trend:

Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia Khalid al-Falih has arrived in Uzbekistan for a working visit.

According to the Uzbek Foreign Ministry, the program of Saudi ministers visit includes participation in the 51st meeting of the CIS Electric Power Council, to be held in Tashkent on Nov. 4.

Khalid al-Falih will hold bilateral meetings and negotiations with leadership of Uzbekenergo JSC and Uzbekneftegaz JSC.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 4

By Fatih Karimov  Trend:

Irans oil exports to Japan (including gas condensates) in September 2017 decreased by 31 percent year-on-year and reached 6.467 million barrels.

Compared to the preceding month, the figure indicates an increase by 94 percent, Japans ministry of economy, trade and industry said.

The figure includes 1.003 million barrels of condensates exported from Irans South Pars gas field.

Iran was Japans fifth oil supplier after Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar, with a share of 6.8 percent in September 2017, while the country supplied 9.7 percent of the Asian countrys oil demand in September 2016 (9.4 million barrels).

Saudi Arabia exported 35.379 million barrels of oil to Japan in September (37.2 percent of the countrys total crude imports.)

Irans oil exports to Japan reached 83.94 million barrels in the fiscal year of 2016, which is a 38-percent increase compared to the preceding year.

Iran supplied 7 percent of Japans oil demand in 2016.

Irans oil exports increased by 1 million barrels per day (mb/d) last year to 2.42 mb/d and the figure would increase to 2.5 mb/d in 2017 and 2.59 mb/d in 2018, IMF previously said in a report.

Irans oil and condensate exports amounted to 2.6 mb/d in September 2017, the countrys oil ministry said recently. The country exported 2.25 mb/d of oil to Asian and European markets in the mentioned period. China, India, South Korea and Japan imported more than 1.9 mb/d in September, highest level since March 2017.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 2

By Khalid Kazimov  Trend:

Business magnate and a member of Tehran trade chamber, Asadollah Asgaroladi, has said that the volume of Irans exports to Russia would experience a triple surge over the next year, if the sides remove the existing obstacles.

"Although Iran and Russia enjoy proper economic ties, the sides have failed to boost the volume of the trade as obstacles still exist," Asgaroladi told Iran's rolling news channels IRINN on Thursday.

Elaborating on solutions to remove the obstacles he described shortcomings in banking ties as a main obstacle.

"We are not satisfied with the banking ties," he said.

Then he touched upon the issue of transportation, saying there is a need for air cargo carriers as dairy products expire soon.

He also spoke about the issue of visa, urging the Russian government to issue one-year multiple-entry visa for Iranian traders.

Asadollah Asgaroladi also believes that launching direct flights between Iran and southern Russia could contribute to boosting the Islamic Republics exports.

Iran exported $400 million worth of commodities to Russia over the last fiscal year ending March 20. The value of Irans imports from Russia last year exceeded $1.5 billion.

The heads of state of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Iran met in Tehran on Wednesday to discuss trilateral ties.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 2

By Fatih Karimov  Trend:

Iran imported 1.8 billion cigarettes during the first seven months of current fiscal year (March 20-Oct. 20), Ali Asghar Ramzi, head of Irans Center for Tobacco Planning and Supervision, said.

The figure indicates a fall by 44 percent year on year, Ramzi said, the official website of Irans industry ministry reported.

Irans 12 cigarette producing plants produced 27.2 billion cigarettes in the 7-month period, 18 percent more compared to the same months of the preceding year, the official added.

He further said that over 7.8 billion cigarettes were smuggled into Iran during the same time span based on estimates, adding that the illegal cigarette import has witnessed a 35-percent fall year on year.

About 55 billion cigarettes is smoked in the country annually, the official said.

He noted that over 91 percent of the cigarette smoked in the country will be supplied by domestic producers during the current fiscal year(to be ended March 2018).

He also said that Irans overall cigarette imports is planed to reach 2 billion during the current fiscal year.

The Iranian administration seriously follows a plan to domestically produce foreign cigarette brands, in order to cut down the imports.



About 6,000 hectares of lands in Iran are under tobacco cultivation, and annually 9,000 tons of tobacco is harvested in Iran, meanwhile the countrys cigarette producing companies need at least 40,000 tons of tobacco.

Over 80 percent of the tobacco, used in Irans cigarette factories is supplied through imports.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Nov. 4

By Diana Aliyeva  Trend:

Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his response to congratulations from Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on occasion of his re-election as General Secretary of Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, said he pays great attention to development of comprehensive China-Uzbekistan strategic partnership.

Xi Jinping expressed gratitude for Mirziyoyev's congratulatory message on occasion of successful completion of the 19th Congress of Chinas Communist Party and his re-election as General Secretary of the Communist Party.

Both countries maintain close contacts at a high level, cooperate closely based on political trust as part of the One Belt, One Road project, and implement a number of large-scale projects that bring real benefits to the two countries peoples.

Xi Jinping also expressed readiness to continue expanding bilateral relations with Uzbekistan and opening new ways to achieve sustainable and long-term development for the benefit of the two countries peoples.
From 6-17 November, the 23rdConference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP23) takes place in Bonn, Germany under the presidency of Fiji, eureporter reports.

It will bring together ministers and government officials, as well as a wide range of representatives from civil society and business. The European Union will be represented by Climate Action and Energy Commissioner Miguel Arias Canete and the Estonian Environment Minister Siim Kiisler, as Estonia currently holds the presidency of the Council of the EU.

Furthermore, Vice-President for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic will attend the Climate Summit of local and regional leaders on 12 November, re-iterating the EUs commitment within global initiatives of cities and local governments leading in the fight against climate change (for the launch of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy, of which he is the Co-Chair, see IP/16/2247).

On 10 November, Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Commissioner Karmenu Vella will speak at the EU Ocean Day on the need for a combined agenda of oceans and climate change (for the EUs Ocean and global actions strategy see IP/17/3603 and IP/16/3619) and on 11 November opens the Ocean Action Day under the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action (GCA). During the conference, the EU will host more than 100 side events at the EU Pavilion in Bonn.

These events, organized by a variety of countries and organizations from Europe and the rest of the world, will address a broad range of climate-related issues from the energy transition to the role of forests and oceans, climate finance, research and innovation and assessing climate risks. Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol meet once a year at high level to discuss how to take international climate action forward and adopt decisions to implement commitments made. This year, Parties will discuss important elements of the historic Paris Agreement and putting its plans into action by 2020. For more information consult the website of the UNFCCC.
Heavy rains have reportedly claimed at least 12 lives in the city, sparking fears of a repeat of the 2015 deluge, The quint reports.

The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu Government to pay compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of two girls who were electrocuted to death because of the floods.
U.S. President Donald Trump keeps dishing about the Russia collusion scandal, cbc news reports.

The one that purportedly, but not actually, involves his former political rival Hillary Clinton; that concerned House Republicans enough to launch a probe; and that's now being fanned by right-wing media at a time when the White House is feeling heat from the Trump-Russia investigation.

The president's discredited allegations, which link Clinton to a bribery case and an Obama-era uranium deal, come after fresh indictments of Trump campaign associates.

Those charges resulted this week from special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the election.

But what Trump calls a "modern-age" Watergate  a conspiracy theory that Clinton accepted bribes in exchange for allowing Russia's nuclear agency to claim American uranium  is unfounded, Russia and nuclear experts say.

It concerns what they consider an innocuous deal: The partial sale in 2010 of Uranium One  a Canadian company based in Toronto that happens to have mining rights in the U.S.  to Russia's nuclear authority Rosatom.

"The short answer is no, there's nothing particularly unusual about it," says Thomas Graham, a former national security adviser in Barack Obama's White House.

Trump described the Uranium One transaction quite differently.

"We had Hillary Clinton give Russia 20 per cent of the uranium in our country," he said in February. "You know what uranium is, right? It's this thing called nuclear weapons."

Wrong in so many ways, Graham says.

Uranium for reactors, not nuclear fuel

To begin with, the uranium was for commercial use in reactors. In fact, Graham says, "the United States has no way to turn uranium into nuclear fuel for weapons."

What's more, Clinton was, by all accounts, never directly involved in the foreign transfer of that company while she was secretary of state.
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri has resigned, saying in a televised broadcast he sensed a plot to target his life and criticizing Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, Reuters reported.

We are living in a climate similar to the atmosphere that prevailed before the assassination of (his father the late prime minister) martyr Rafik al-Hariri. I have sensed what is being plotted covertly to target my life, he said.

In his statement, Hariri said Iran was losing in its interference in the affairs of the Arab world, adding that Lebanon would rise as it had done in the past and cut off the hands that wickedly extend into it.

Hariri became Lebanons prime minister late last year after a political deal that also brought Hezbollah ally Michel Aoun to office as the countrys president.

Hezbollah is politically dominant in Lebanon, but its ties to Iran and its support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have angered some Lebanese.

Hariri has visited Saudi Arabia, a political foe of Iran and Hezbollah, twice in the past week, meeting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other senior officials.

Beirut-based al-Jadeed television reported Hariris resignation statement was made and broadcast from the Saudi capital Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia has intercepted a ballistic missile from Yemen, reports say, after a loud explosion was heard near Riyadh airport, BBC reported.

Saudi air defence forces were quoted by broadcaster Al-Arabiya as saying they intercepted the missile north-east of the capital.

A TV channel linked to Houthi rebels in Yemen said the missile was launched at the King Khalid International Airport.

Saudi forces have reported shooting down Houthi missiles before.

No previous missiles have come so close to a major population centre.

State news channel Al-Ekhbariya said the missile was "of limited size" and caused no damage.
Finland is preparing for a large-scale military exercise with the United States, Sweden and other allies, its defense minister, Jussi Niinisto, said Friday, Sputnik reported.

"These drills are set for 2020. We expect a large number of soldiers and reservists from Finland, Sweden, the US and other partner countries," he told the MTV channel.

The minister said the scale of the exercise required three years of preparations. The goal is to practice assisting one another globally, he said, adding "if theres a crisis well be ready to receive help."

The drills will be similar to those held in Sweden last September. The Aurora exercise involved some 20,000 soldiers from Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Lithuania, Norway and the United States.
The Norwegian Air Force accepted three F-35A jets on Friday as part of plans to phase out aging F-16 fighters, Sputnik reported.

The event marks the first delivery of the Lockheed-made fifth-generation aircraft to Norway's Orland Air Force Station, where they will be permanently stationed, the Aviationist notes. The trio landed around 3 p.m. local time. The company unveiled the Norway's first F-35s at Luke Air Force Base in 2015, where they have been used for pilot training.

Norway will eventually field a fleet of 52 F-35s and Lockheed has agreed to deliver the aircraft at a rate of six jets per year from 2018 moving forward into subsequent years.

According to Defense Industry Daily, the competition to supply Norway with new jets came down to the F-35A and an upgraded Saab JAS 39 Gripen. The Norwegian government ultimately chose the F-35, becoming the first non-US purchaser of the jet in December 2008.

On Thursday, the Pentagon announced it had to suspend all deliveries of the F-35 from September 21 to October 20 as a result of corrosion that was found on the planes.

In addition to the US military, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Israel, Netherlands, Norway, Turkey and the UK are slated to deploy F-35 aircraft, according to Lockheed's corporate site.
Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu discussed bilateral ties and cooperation on counter-terrorism with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson over the phone on Friday, Anadolu reported.

We discussed FETO [Fetullah Terrorist Organization] head Fetullah Gulens presence in the U.S. and the weapons that [were provided by the U.S.] to the YPG terrorist organization, Cavusoglu told a local channel Dim TV in Alanya district of southern Antalya province.

Turkish government considers the PYD/YPG to be the Syrian offshoot of the PKK, a designated terrorist organization by Turkey and the U.S.

However, the U.S. does not view the PYD/YPG as a terrorist group, instead it relies on the group extensively in the battle against Daesh in northern Syria. The PYD/YPG-backed SDF group have been Washington's principal partner in the anti-Daesh fight.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 250 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.
Turkish and German foreign ministers, Mevlut Cavusoglu and Sigmar Gabriel, held talks on a number of bilateral issues in a surprise meeting on early Nov 4 in Antalya amid ongoing chill in ties, Hurriyet Daily News reported.



I met my colleague @sigmargabriel in Antalya informally to discuss bilateral relations; including the difficult issues and mutual expectations, Cavusoglu tweeted out after the meeting in his homeland.



The relationships between the two countries have long been suffering from a deep mistrust. Turkey has been accusing Germany of tolerating the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and its activities in its territories and of granting asylum and protection to the members of the Fethullahist Terror Organization (FETO) following the failed coup attempt last year.



Germany, in return, has been accusing Turkey of arresting German nationals on baseless grounds including journalists and activists.



Turkeys release of German national Peter Steudtner along with seven other activists who have been arrested over terror charges and recent release of another German whose name has not been announced have been regarded positive moves in terms of mending ties between the two countries.



Germanys foreign ministry spokesman Rainer Breul said Nov 3 the German was freed from investigative custody on Oct. 22, but isnt allowed to leave Turkey. He said the person asked authorities not to release further details.



Breul noted that nine other German citizens remain in custody for political reasons in Turkey. Those held included journalists Deniz Yucel and Mesale Tolu.
Tech IPOs have been picking up lately and one lesser-known semiconductor company, Aquantia, made its debut on the New York Stock Exchange today.

The company raised $61 million in its offering, after pricing shares at $9.00. It closed the day of trading at $9.51.

The San Jose, California-based company describes itself as "a leader in the design, development and marketing of advanced high-speed communications integrated circuits, or ICs, for Ethernet connectivity in the data center, enterprise infrastructure and access markets."

Revenue for last year was $86.7 million. This compares to $80.8 million the year before. Losses for last year were just $445,000, down from about 10 million in 2015.

Intel and Cisco are its largest customers. Competitors include Broadcom and Marvell.

Aquantia had received at least $185 million in funding prior to its IPO since it was founded in 2004. This includes investments from well-known names like Cisco, New Enterprise Associates, Lightspeed Venture Partners and Greylock Partners.

Here's a look at the company's first day of trading.




U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks about the job market in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, U.S. November 2, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Chipmaker Broadcom Ltd (AVGO.O) plans to redomicile to the United States from Singapore, President Donald Trump said on Thursday at a White House news conference where the company's chief executive cited Republican tax efforts.

Broadcom Chief Executive Officer Hock Tan told reporters: "America is again the best place to lead a business with a global footprint. Thanks to you Mr. President, business conditions have steadily improved."

The company later confirmed the plan in a statement that quoted Tan as saying: "We expect the tax reform plan effectively to level the playing field for large multinational corporations headquartered in the United States and to allow us to go all in on U.S. redomiciliation. However, we intend to redomicile to the United States even if there is no corporate tax reform.

Trump praised the move, calling Broadcom "one of the really great, great companies."

"They employ over 7,500 workers in many states across our country. Were looking forward to seeing that number grow very substantially, which it is now anticipated to do," he added.

The company, which makes a range of semiconductor products for wireless communications, smartphones, data center networking and other markets, is currently incorporated in Singapore and co-headquartered there and in San Jose, California.

Its shares fell about 3 percent after the announcement.

(Reporting by James Oliphant; Writing by Eric Walsh; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
A Qualcomm sign is pictured at one of its many campus buildings in San Diego, California, U.S. April 18, 2017. REUTERS/Mike Blake/Files

By Liana B. Baker and Greg Roumeliotis

(Reuters) - Communications chipmaker Broadcom Ltd is planning to unveil a bid for smartphone chip supplier Qualcomm Inc by Monday, three sources familiar with the matter said on Friday, an attempt to create a roughly $200-billion company through the biggest technology acquisition ever.

A tie-up would combine two of the largest makers of wireless communications chips for mobile phones and raises the stakes for Intel Corp, which has been diversifying into smartphone technology from its stronghold in computers.

The value of Broadcom's bid has not been decided, though an offer in the range of around $70 to $80 per share is being contemplated, one of the sources said. At $70 a share, an offer would value Qualcomm at $103 billion.

Qualcomm is not aware of the details of Broadcom's bid, and it is far from certain whether it will entertain this deal, the sources said.

"It's a smart move that would make Broadcom into a tech juggernaut," said GBH Insights analyst Daniel Ives.

Qualcomm declined to comment, while Broadcom did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The bid comes as Broadcom plans to move its headquarters to the United States from Singapore. U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the move on Thursday at a White House event where Chief Executive Hock Tan cited Republican tax efforts. It is currently incorporated in Singapore and co-headquartered there and in San Jose, California.

Broadcom's acquisition would be the most ambitious move by Tan, who has turned a small, scrappy chipmaker into a $100-billion company with a string of deals, since he took the helm a decade ago.

The proposal comes as Qualcomm is trying to close its pending $38-billion acquisition of NXP Semiconductors NV. NXP is one of the largest makers of chips for vehicles and expanding into self-driving technology, and Broadcom also is open to acquiring NXP, according to one of the sources.

Story continues

Antitrust officials, who also would have to approve a Broadcom-Qualcomm deal, are still considering Qualcomm's purchase of NXP. Activist investor Elliott Management Corp has taken a large stake in NXP and has been pushing for Qualcomm to pay a higher price for the company, Reuters has reported.

Qualcomm, an early pioneer in mobile phone chips, supplies so-called modem chips to phone makers such as Apple, Samsung and LG that help the phones connect to wireless data networks. Broadcom is also a major supplier to many of the same companies for Wi-Fi chips.

Broadcoms Wi-Fi chips are essentially a commodity and priced much lower than the modem chips.

The only other major supplier of high-end chips is Intel Corp, which supplies about half of the modem chips in Apples iPhones. Purchasing Qualcomm would give Broadcom a much more lucrative line of business in the mobile phone markets.

Intel shares fell 1.6 percent to $46.34.

Broadcom is considering a cash and stock offer of about $70 a share, Bloomberg reported earlier. https://bloom.bg/2h8pnlS

Broadcom is looking to complete its $5.5 billion purchase of Brocade Communications Systems Inc while Qualcomm is in the process of closing its deal for NXP.

Shares of Qualcomm jumped 12.7 percent to $61.81, while Broadcom's stock climbed nearly 6 percent to $273.63 on Friday afternoon. Shares of NXP fell 2 percent and Brocade slipped 2.6 percent.

Shares of Broadcom have rallied this year while Qualcomm has fallen, making the target more vulnerable. The forward price-to-earnings ratio for Broadcom recently stood at 14.6, slightly above its 13.5 average. Qualcomm's recent forward PE of 15.4 was well below its 25.9 average.

Broadcom is working with five financing banks to offer a significant cash component for its bid, according to one of the sources.

Qualcomm faces a multinational legal battle with Apple Inc over Qualcomm's licensing terms to Apple and Apple is considering dropping Qualcomm chips from its phones.

Qualcomm sells chips but also licenses a patent portfolio of related technologies. It requires customers like Apple and Samsung to licence its patents if they use its chips, typically asking for a percentage of the price of the final device.

Apple has objected to that practice, however, and it has a closer relationship with Broadcom than with Qualcomm. If Broadcom were to acquire Qualcomm's patent portfolio and change the licensing, it could have far-reaching effects on the mobile phone industry.

Qualcomm and Broadcom have patent portfolios in wireless communications that are largely adjacent to each other, with Qualcomm covering mobile data networks and Broadcom covering WiFi and Bluetooth, experts said.

Adjacent products are often cheaper when offered by one company, according to standard economic theory, which could be good for phone makers and potentially incline regulators towards allowing the deal, said Henry C. Su, a former Federal Trade Commission trial attorney.

Antitrust concerns over a Broadcom-Qualcomm deal also may be muted because the companies have few areas of overlap beyond Wi-Fi solutions for wireless routers, Bluetooth drivers and some RF semiconductors, said Rob Lineback, a research analyst at IC Insights.

"These companies are leaders in those areas but there are other companies supplying them," said Lineback, who added that asset sales in those areas, if needed to address antitrust concerns, would not affect the value of the deal.

Kevin Krewell, principal analyst at Tirias Research, said that the deal would still make sense for Broadcom and Qualcomm if divestitures were needed to address antitrust issues.

Broadcom may be able to skip review by regulators concerned about foreign ownership of U.S. assets, since it is moving its headquarters to California. Broadcom plans to complete that change before completing any Qualcomm deal, avoiding scrutiny by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, according to one of the sources.

(Reporting by Sonam Rai in Bengaluru, Chuck Mikolajczak in New York, Diane Bartz in Washington and Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; writing by Anna Driver and Peter Henderson; editing by Nick Zieminski and Tom Brown)
Broadcom is planning an unsolicited bid for smartphone chipmaker Qualcomm with an offer possible as soon as this weekend, a source familiar with the matter said on Friday.

A tie-up between the two chipmakers would be the latest in the semiconductor industry that has been rapidly consolidating as companies try to capture a big share of the fast-growing market for connected devices and connected cars.

Broadcom is speaking to advisers and the offer of about $70 a share would include cash and stock, Bloomberg reported earlier, citing people familiar with the matter.

No final decisions have been made and there is no guarantee a deal will go ahead.

The $70-per-share price values Qualcomm at $103.2 billion. The potential offer is a premium of 27.6 percent to Qualcomms Thursday close.

Its a smart move that would make Broadcom into a tech juggernaut, said GBH Insights analyst Daniel Ives.

Qualcomm declined to comment, while Broadcom did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Broadcom plans to redomicile to the United States from Singapore, President Donald Trump said on Thursday at a White House event where the companys Chief Executive Hock Tan cited Republican tax efforts. It is currently incorporated in Singapore and co-headquartered there and in San Jose, California.

Qualcomm, an early pioneer in mobile phone chips, supplies so-called modem chips to phone makers such as Apple, Samsung and LG that help the phones connect to wireless data networks. Broadcom is also a major supplier to many of the same companies for Wi-Fi chips.

Broadcoms Wi-Fi chips are essentially a commodity and priced much lower than the modem chips.

The only other major supplier of high-end chips is Intel, which supplies about half of the modem chips in Apples iPhones. Purchasing Qualcomm would give Broadcom a much more lucrative line of business in the mobile phone markets.

Intel shares were down 2.3 percent at $45.99 in late trading on Friday.

Broadcom is looking to complete its $5.5 billion purchase of Brocade Communications Systems while Qualcomm is in the process of closing its $38 billion deal for NXP Semiconductors.

Story continues

Shares of Qualcomm jumped 13 percent, while Broadcoms stock climbed nearly 6 percent to $274.43 on Friday afternoon. Shares of NXP fell 3 percent and Brocade was down 1.7 percent.

Shares of Broadcom have risen more than 53 percent this year while Qualcomm has fallen 4 percent. The forward price-to-earnings ratio for Braodcom stands at 14.6, slightly above its 13.5 average. Qualcomms forward PE of 15.4 is well below its 25.9 average.

The report also comes when Qualcomm faces a multi-national legal battle with Apple over Qualcomms licensing terms to Apple.
Clovis Oncology, Inc. CLVS incurred third-quarter 2017 loss of $1.24 per share, which was narrower than the year-ago loss of $1.70 per share. However, the reported figure was wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $1.16.

Clovis only marketed drug, Rubraca, was granted accelerated approval by the FDA in December 2016 for the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer in patients who have received prior chemotherapies.

Net product revenues, entirely from Rubraca, were approximately $16.8 million in the quarter, up 15.1% sequentially. However, it missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $20.46 million. Markedly, the company registered 1100 new patients in the reported quarter. However, adoption of Rubraca was slower due to limited BRCA mutant label and increased competition from recently approved maintenance therapies including Tesaro, Inc.s TSRO Zejula and AstraZeneca PLCs AZN Lynparza.

In the year-ago quarter, Clovis did not generate any revenues.

Shares of the company declined 4.47% in after-market trading on Wednesday on lower-than-expected Rubraca sales. Nonetheless, Clovis significantly outperformed the industry year to date. While the stock has been up 64%, the industry gained 2.7%.

Quarter in Detail

During the third quarter, research & development expenses decreased 28.4% year over year to $38.9 million primarily due to decreased development activities related to Rubraca and rociletinib programs. However, selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses climbed 280% year over year to $35 million, reflecting increased activities to support commercialization of Rubraca.

Cash used in operating activities in the quarter was $45.8 million, less than $60.3 million in the year-ago quarter.

Clovis ended the quarter with $628 million of cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities supported by the proceeds raised through share offerings in January and June.

Update on Rubraca

Last month, Clovis submitted a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for Rubraca seeking label expansion as a maintenance treatment for patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer. The sNDA was submitted based on positive data from ARIEL 3 confirmatory study.

Story continues

Rubraca is also under review in the EU for a comparable ovarian cancer indication. Clovis expects an opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use later this year. Additionally, it has plans to submit a supplemental application for the second-line or later maintenance treatment indication in the EU, upon potential approval in ovarian cancer.

In July 2017, Clovis collaborated with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company BMY to evaluate Rubraca in combination with the latters Opdivo in multiple tumor types. After ARIEL 3, another confirmatory study  ARIEL4  is evaluating Rubraca versus chemotherapy in patients who have failed two prior lines of therapy and is open for enrolment.

Going forward, Clovis plans to expand Rubracas label into additional indications like prostrate, breast and pancreatic cancers, among others either as monotherapy or in combination with other agents.

Clovis Oncology, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Clovis Oncology, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | Clovis Oncology, Inc. Quote

Zacks Rank

Clovis holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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(The writer is a Reuters columnist. The opinions expressed are his own.)

By Mark Miller

CHICAGO, Nov 2 (Reuters) - U.S. Republican lawmakers came close to staging a damaging raid on retirement savers this week to pay for a massive tax cut for corporations and the wealthy. Their recklessness brings to mind that old saying - "This is no way to run a railroad." But in this case, using that expression would be grossly unfair to incompetent railroad managers.

At the 11th hour, Republicans rejected a sharp reduction in the amount workers can contribute tax-deferred to their 401(k) plans. But retirement saving could still be at risk depending on how the looming fight among various business and special interests evolves in the days ahead.

We need to have a thoughtful, national conversation about how to improve retirement saving in this country. Instead, Republicans in Congress are throwing ideas at the wall to see what will stick. Worse yet, the 401(k) idea is no more than an accounting gimmick, with an impact on retirement saving that is uncertain at best.

The cap would have been set at $2,400 annually - a dramatic reduction from the 2017 limit of $18,000 (or $24,000 for savers age 50 and higher). Workers would have been encouraged to contribute to Roth accounts, which accept post-tax contributions but generally accumulate tax-free.

The motive behind the envisioned 401(k) grab is clear. Republicans must find very large piles of new revenue - and budget cuts - to offset their proposed tax cuts. The nonpartisan Tax Policy Center estimates the cuts will reduce federal revenue by $2.4 trillion over 10 years, with most of the tax relief going to corporations and the wealthiest households.

Tax-deferred retirement saving offers a juicy target. The contributions to 401(k)s are made with pretax dollars, and withdrawals down the road in retirement are taxed as ordinary income. Deferred taxes on 401(k)s, traditional pensions and IRAs are projected to top $1 trillion from 2015 to 2019, according to the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center. The $2,400 cap would push a large portion of that revenue into the 10-year budget window that matters in Washington.

Story continues

RUNNING THE NUMBERS

You can have a healthy debate about the relative merits of tax-deferred versus Roth accounts. The big plus with a Roth is that contributions and investment returns are withdrawn tax-free in retirement. Both approaches have merit, and winners and losers vary depending on a saver's affluence and tax bracket at the time of contribution and withdrawal. But that is not the debate we are having.

"This simply would bring in revenue right away at expense of lost revenue in future, said Karen Smith, a senior fellow at the Urban Institute. Smith is co-director of the institutes proprietary microsimulation model, called DYNASIM. It is a unique computer modeling program that lets the organization project characteristics such as financial, health and disability status of the U.S. population for the next 75 years.

Smith has been running numbers to determine what the impact of a major shift toward Roth-style accounts would mean. She finds that taking away the upfront tax incentive would prompt people to save less - so much so that the backend tax benefit of a Roth would not be sufficient to overtake the lower savings.

You still need to buy groceries and pay rent - and you have to do all that from after-tax income. The argument here is, tax me more and Ill save more, but its hard to argue it will work that way.

A $2,400 cap would impact savers across the income spectrum. The Employee Benefit Retirement Institute (EBRI) reports that even among low wage workers ($10,000 to $25,000) who contribute to a 401(k), 38 percent would be affected by the cap; for higher-income contributors ($75,000 to $99,999), 76 percent would be affected. The impact on near-retirement workers is especially striking. EBRI reports that for workers age 55-64, some 75 percent of contributions now being made would exceed the $2,400 cap. (The numbers are based on an EBRI database that incorporates millions of administrative records from 401(k) plans)

All this against a backdrop of continued unimpressive saving accumulations. The typical workers nearing retirement age (55-64) had a balance of $104,000 in a 401(k) or Individual Retirement account last year, according to recently released Federal Reserve Board data. Contribution rates to 401(k) plans are flat - combined worker and employer contributions stood at 10.9 percent in 2016, compared with 10.7 percent in 2007, according to Vanguard data.

The gap in saving between wealthy and poor households is stunning. The U.S. Government Accountability Office reported recently that the highest quartile households had median defined contribution account balance of $201,500 in 2013, a figure that plunges to $60,900 for the second quartile and down to almost nothing below that. The gaps between racial groups are no less disheartening.(http://reut.rs/2gLXYTq)

This plan wouldn't just kick the can down the road, said Diane Oakley, executive director of the National Institute on Retirement Policy. It kicks a snowball downhill with an avalanche at the bottom.

Better ideas are available. Making the federal Savers Credit refundable would be a great start. Ending the attacks on efforts to create automatic IRA programs at the state level - much less the abandoned federal-level plan - also would help. Instead, retirement saving is just getting kicked around as a way to pay for tax breaks for the rich.

The GAO recently released a report outlining the challenges we face in financing retirement, and called on Congress to establish a commission to examine the entire system and make recommendations.

Good luck with that, GAO.

(Editing by Matthew Lewis)
CNBC's Jim Cramer knows that sentiment matters when stocks are constantly being driven higher by a raging bull market. But the " Mad Money " host also knows that sentiment is extremely difficult to measure. So Cramer has started asking people why they don't like the market. So far, he's been met with a cacophony of eye-opening answers . One major reason Cramer has heard is that people can't afford to invest in the stock market, despite Cramer's advice to start with small investments and build on their gains. Often times, Cramer asks if they like their iPhones. When they say they do, he asks why they wouldn't go buy shares of Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) . "They typically screw up their faces and say, 'I don't know. I have no idea.' Well, let me tell you something. The company that is Apple reported tonight and it was one of the greatest blowouts I have ever seen," Cramer said. "Spectacular revenue growth, amazing earnings, a re-acceleration in China, bountiful services stream, and you just try getting an [iPhone] 10. Just try." Cramer said that he was proud of his faith in Apple CEO Tim Cook , adding that so many people are "oblivious" to Apple's stock and the plays that benefit when it soars, like Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO) . "No one got Apple right except for us," he said. "What a shame, as this company, with a market cap approaching what could be $1 trillion, could have made fortunes for people if they would just understand that you can own  not trade, but own  a piece of this amazing company."Playing payments Cramer has been following the bull market in payment processing and the rise of digital transactions for a while, pounding the table on plays like Visa (NYSE: V) and PayPal (NASDAQ: PYPL) . But there are more ways to play the global cash-to-credit shift besides credit card companies and payment processors, so Cramer decided to analyze Global Payments (NYSE: GPN) , an international merchant acquirer that enables retailers to accept electronic payments. "The stock of Global Payments has rocketed up more than 48 percent year to date, so good that, yes, I'm kicking myself. I wish I had highlighted it earlier," he said. "These guys own the client relationships in the payments business and they're the ones who set pricing. They also have some e-commerce, cross-border and gambling-related solutions."Vouching for Facebook and Tesla After negative reactions to Facebook's (NASDAQ: FB) and Tesla's (NASDAQ: TSLA) respective earnings reports on Wall Street, Cramer made a somewhat contrarian call . "You know what? I think the stocks of these two companies could reverse and go higher after a couple of days of selling," the "Mad Money" host said. "It has to do with the way they handle their conference calls after they report their earnings, and how they approach their investor bases and make their promises." Cramer began with Tesla. The automaker posted a larger-than-expected loss in the third quarter due to production problems with its Model 3 sedan. Elon Musk , Tesla's outspoken CEO, tried to mitigate analysts' concerns on the conference call, acknowledging the production issues but saying that, once they're fixed, Tesla could become a production machine with the highest profitability in the industry. The Street responded in kind, sending shares of Tesla down nearly 10 percent on Wednesday. But individual investors could respond differently, Cramer said. Dominion Energy CEO talks Facebook deal Data centers comprise one of the hottest areas in the market, so hot that even utilities like Dominion Energy (NYSE: D) are reaping the benefits, Dominion Chairman and CEO Tom Farrell told CNBC . "We did a deal with Facebook," Farrell told Cramer on Thursday. "They're going to open a very large data center in central Virginia and we did a special rate, we constructed a special rate that we would be able to provide them and other large industrial customers for data centers in particular that will power the data centers completely from renewable energy."Facebook's data center will be powered entirely with solar energy, Farrell said, adding that Dominion's data center business will only be ratcheting up in the future. "We did a different kind of a deal, but also very creative, with Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) about a year ago to bring a data center of theirs here as well," the CEO said. "More than half the internet traffic in the United States runs through our service territory and we provide the electricity for all those data centers. We've already opened 11 new ones this year." Federal Realty CEO: No one tenant can tank our businessThe difficulties that the retail sector has been having have managed to seep into investors' feelings about retail-based real estate investment trusts, or REITs. But Don Wood, the president and CEO of shopping center REIT Federal Realty Investment Trust (NYSE: FRT) , told CNBC that the stock market's bad action shouldn't reflect on his company. "First of all, diversification is  certainly in your business, certainly in our business  critical. So when you do look at the income streams from Federal, you absolutely see no one tenant that makes up more than 3 percent of the earnings base," Wood told Cramer on Thursday.With office, retail, residential and lifestyle facilities in its portfolio, Federal Realty has hedged strongly against any one tenant's potential damage, Wood said."The idea is that no one tenant can throw us off our game. It needs to be a collusion of a whole lot. And so far, we haven't seen that," the CEO said. "The bottom line is, if you were to liquidate this company asset by asset, you'd do a heck of a lot better than what it's trading for, even after today. So that says something to me."Lightning Round: Two thumbs up for EXAS In Cramer's lightning round , he sped through his take on some callers' favorite stocks: Exact Sciences (NASDAQ: EXAS) : "Everybody knows the same thing, which is the sales are unbelievable for the colorectal product and I think that it's a good company and I think that the product itself is saving a lot of peoples' lives. So I've got two thumbs up for that one." Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. (NASDAQ: CTSH) : "Look, I think it's a terrific story. The information technology stories that we like? That's a good one, you know we like Accenture (NYSE: ACN) very much, and the one that I tell club members is worth buying is a company called DXC [Technology] (NYSE: DXC) , which was down 81 cents today. I'd pick that one up even more than [Cognizant]." Questions for Cramer? Call Cramer: 1-800-743-CNBC Want to take a deep dive into Cramer's world? Hit him up! Mad Money Twitter - Jim Cramer Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - VineQuestions, comments, suggestions for the "Mad Money" website? madcap@cnbc.com CNBC's Jim Cramer knows that sentiment matters when stocks are constantly being driven higher by a raging bull market. But the " Mad Money " host also knows that sentiment is extremely difficult to measure. So Cramer has started asking people why they don't like the market. So far, he's been met with a cacophony of eye-opening answers . One major reason Cramer has heard is that people can't afford to invest in the stock market, despite Cramer's advice to start with small investments and build on their gains. Often times, Cramer asks if they like their iPhones. When they say they do, he asks why they wouldn't go buy shares of Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) . "They typically screw up their faces and say, 'I don't know. I have no idea.' Well, let me tell you something. The company that is Apple reported tonight and it was one of the greatest blowouts I have ever seen," Cramer said. "Spectacular revenue growth, amazing earnings, a re-acceleration in China, bountiful services stream, and you just try getting an [iPhone] 10. Just try." Cramer said that he was proud of his faith in Apple CEO Tim Cook , adding that so many people are "oblivious" to Apple's stock and the plays that benefit when it soars, like Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO) . "No one got Apple right except for us," he said. "What a shame, as this company, with a market cap approaching what could be $1 trillion, could have made fortunes for people if they would just understand that you can own  not trade, but own  a piece of this amazing company." Playing payments Cramer has been following the bull market in payment processing and the rise of digital transactions for a while, pounding the table on plays like Visa (NYSE: V) and PayPal (NASDAQ: PYPL) . But there are more ways to play the global cash-to-credit shift besides credit card companies and payment processors, so Cramer decided to analyze Global Payments (NYSE: GPN) , an international merchant acquirer that enables retailers to accept electronic payments. "The stock of Global Payments has rocketed up more than 48 percent year to date, so good that, yes, I'm kicking myself. I wish I had highlighted it earlier," he said. "These guys own the client relationships in the payments business and they're the ones who set pricing. They also have some e-commerce, cross-border and gambling-related solutions." Vouching for Facebook and Tesla After negative reactions to Facebook's (NASDAQ: FB) and Tesla's (NASDAQ: TSLA) respective earnings reports on Wall Street, Cramer made a somewhat contrarian call . "You know what? I think the stocks of these two companies could reverse and go higher after a couple of days of selling," the "Mad Money" host said. "It has to do with the way they handle their conference calls after they report their earnings, and how they approach their investor bases and make their promises." Cramer began with Tesla. The automaker posted a larger-than-expected loss in the third quarter due to production problems with its Model 3 sedan. Elon Musk , Tesla's outspoken CEO, tried to mitigate analysts' concerns on the conference call, acknowledging the production issues but saying that, once they're fixed, Tesla could become a production machine with the highest profitability in the industry. The Street responded in kind, sending shares of Tesla down nearly 10 percent on Wednesday. But individual investors could respond differently, Cramer said. Dominion Energy CEO talks Facebook deal Data centers comprise one of the hottest areas in the market, so hot that even utilities like Dominion Energy (NYSE: D) are reaping the benefits, Dominion Chairman and CEO Tom Farrell told CNBC . "We did a deal with Facebook," Farrell told Cramer on Thursday. "They're going to open a very large data center in central Virginia and we did a special rate, we constructed a special rate that we would be able to provide them and other large industrial customers for data centers in particular that will power the data centers completely from renewable energy." Facebook's data center will be powered entirely with solar energy, Farrell said, adding that Dominion's data center business will only be ratcheting up in the future. "We did a different kind of a deal, but also very creative, with Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) about a year ago to bring a data center of theirs here as well," the CEO said. "More than half the internet traffic in the United States runs through our service territory and we provide the electricity for all those data centers. We've already opened 11 new ones this year." Federal Realty CEO: No one tenant can tank our business The difficulties that the retail sector has been having have managed to seep into investors' feelings about retail-based real estate investment trusts, or REITs. But Don Wood, the president and CEO of shopping center REIT Federal Realty Investment Trust (NYSE: FRT) , told CNBC that the stock market's bad action shouldn't reflect on his company. "First of all, diversification is  certainly in your business, certainly in our business  critical. So when you do look at the income streams from Federal, you absolutely see no one tenant that makes up more than 3 percent of the earnings base," Wood told Cramer on Thursday. With office, retail, residential and lifestyle facilities in its portfolio, Federal Realty has hedged strongly against any one tenant's potential damage, Wood said. "The idea is that no one tenant can throw us off our game. It needs to be a collusion of a whole lot. And so far, we haven't seen that," the CEO said. "The bottom line is, if you were to liquidate this company asset by asset, you'd do a heck of a lot better than what it's trading for, even after today. So that says something to me." Lightning Round: Two thumbs up for EXAS In Cramer's lightning round , he sped through his take on some callers' favorite stocks: Exact Sciences (NASDAQ: EXAS) : "Everybody knows the same thing, which is the sales are unbelievable for the colorectal product and I think that it's a good company and I think that the product itself is saving a lot of peoples' lives. So I've got two thumbs up for that one." Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. (NASDAQ: CTSH) : "Look, I think it's a terrific story. The information technology stories that we like? That's a good one, you know we like Accenture (NYSE: ACN) very much, and the one that I tell club members is worth buying is a company called DXC [Technology] (NYSE: DXC) , which was down 81 cents today. I'd pick that one up even more than [Cognizant]." Questions for Cramer? Call Cramer: 1-800-743-CNBC Want to take a deep dive into Cramer's world? Hit him up! Mad Money Twitter - Jim Cramer Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - Vine Questions, comments, suggestions for the "Mad Money" website? madcap@cnbc.com



More From CNBC


Adorned with lei, President Donald Trump walks towards the motorcade with first lady Melania Trump in Honolulu: Jamm Aquino/The Star-Advertiser via AP

Donald Trump has publicly pleaded with Saudi Arabia to sell shares in its national oil company, Aramco, on the New York Stock Exchange.

"Would very much appreciate Saudi Arabia doing their IPO of Aramco with the New York Stock Exchange," the US President tweeted. "Important to the United States!"

The tweet comes as Saudi Arabia prepares to launch its state oil group, on the international stock market. Aramco is the largest energy company in the world, and experts say its equity sale could be the largest in stock market history.

Saudi leaders have considered selling five per cent of the company in an initial public offering (IPO) since early last year. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to make the final decision as to which foreign stock market  if any  will be able to list shares.

America's bid for the listing is likely helped by Mr Trump's friendly relationship with Saudi Arabian leaders.

Mr Trump travelled to Saudi Arabia in his first official foreign visit as President in May  a symbolic move that was criticised by both Democrats and Republicans at the time. He also welcomed the Crown Prince to the White House in March, in what the administration called a "historic turning point in US-Saudi relations.

Mr Trump tweeted from Hawaii, shortly before leaving for Japan. The President departed the day before for a 12-day diplomatic tour through Asia  the longest of any sitting president since George HW Bush in 1992.

The tour will take Mr Trump through Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The President will focus on reducing the nuclear threat from North Korea, advancing international trade, and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region," according to national security adviser HR McMaster.

Mr Trump indicated that he would prioritise the threat from North Korea on the trip, telling Fox News: We have one problem. Thats called North Korea."

I must tell you North Koreas a thing that I think we will solve and if we dont solve it, its not going to be very pleasant for them," he told Fox's Laura Ingraham the day before the trip. "It's not going to be very pleasant for anybody,

The President appeared preoccupied with the stock market on Saturday, however. Minutes before the Saudi Arabia tweet, he wrote that the market was at its "highest ever," and added that unemployment was the lowest it had been in 17 years.
The Greek debt crisis dominated headlines in 2015, amid concerns about broader financial contagion. Former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis, who pushed against austerity placed on his country as a debt bailout condition, has unique experience and perspectives when it comes to debt.

Specifically, Varoufakis said he wouldnt worry about the US deficit level, even as the 75% debt-to-GDP of level has concerned many US politicians.

America doesnt have a debt problem, he told Yahoo Finance. What you have a problem with is investment. Investment in fixed capital, in productive capacities, is very low compared to your savings and the amount of liquidity sloshing around the financial sector. You need to boost investment in things humanity needs.

His book, Adults in the Room, which was just published in the US on Oct 3, highlights the lack of power even for those in power.

For US President Donald Trump, he has direct advice: Dont antagonize China.

[Do] not antagonize China because youre playing with fire as youre boosting the federal budget deficit, he said. Playing with fire on the other side of the Pacific with your major creditors at the time when they are keeping the global economy goingis a very silly policy.

Former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis sits down with Yahoo Finances Nicole Sinclair to talk about the broader implications of the Greek debt crisis and his book Adults in the Room

Varoufakis added, meanwhile, that fake news has been a long-lasting problem for liberals and conservatives alike.

The liberal establishment is complaining about fake news coming from the alt rightThey have good cause to complain about that. But it was the very same liberal establishment that only two years ago were practicing the same fake news strategy against people like myself, he said. I would go into meetings with people like Mario Draghi of the European Central Bank, Jack Lew in Washington DC, Christine Lagarde at the IMF and the systemic liberal press would misreport and distort utterly and completely what I was saying in those meetingsSo its a bit rich coming from them when theyre now complaining for the fact that Donald Trump has upended them using their own techniques against them.

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Varoufakis added his most significant conversations in 2015 as he sought to navigate the crisis were with Wolfgang Schauble, the German finance minister, because they reflected the powerlessness of power.

He is the most powerful finance minister of Europe and maybe of the worldagreeing with me that what was being done to my country was detrimental to the interest of my country but also to Europe, he said. And the two of us finding ourselves in a situation where both of us were powerlessPower is propagated without the powerful having it, he said.

Nicole Sinclair is markets correspondent at Yahoo Finance

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UPS CEO: Thanks to automation, were shipping more packages with the same number of people

Marriott CEO: Corporations overstate the impact of tax cuts on business investment
Ivanka Trump, U.S. President Donald Trumps daughter and informal adviser, told a summit in Tokyo on Friday that the world must boost women and minority participation in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

Ivanka Trump, seen as an important influence on her father, has made womens issues one of her signature policy areas since beginning her role at the White House. Her comments came ahead of her fathers trip to Asia  his first since taking office in January  that begins in Japan on Sunday.

Female and minority participation in STEM fields is moving in the wrong direction, she said at the World Assembly for Women summit. We must create equal participation in these traditionally male-dominated sectors of our economy.

For more on Ivanka Trump, watch Fortunes video:

She said her fathers tax reforms  unveiled by Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday  would benefit American families.

We are seeking to simplify the tax code, lower rates, expand the child tax credit, eliminate the marriage penalty, and put more money back in the pockets of hard-working Americans, she told a meeting room in a Tokyo hotel that had a number of empty seats.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said his government was aiming to mobilize women in Japans workforce and boost economic growth, launching policies such as improved childcare in his Womenomics program.

Weve put our full strength into creating an environment where its easy for women to work, Abe said in an opening address to the conference.

I really feel that Japan has come a long way, he said.

Japans gender gap remains wide despite such efforts, with little progress made since Abe vowed at the United Nations in 2013 to create a society where women can shine.

Japan ranked 114 out of 144 in the World Economic Forums 2017 Global Gender Gap report  sandwiched between Guinea and Ethiopia and down 13 places since Abe took power.

Abe appointed only two women to ministerial posts in a Cabinet reshuffle in August, down from three and five respectively in his previous two cabinets. Only 14% of Japans lawmakers are women.

Men also dominate decision-making in business in Japan. Only 3.7% of Japanese-listed company executives were women at the end of July, according to the Cabinet Office, barely changed from 3.4% a year earlier.
In recent months theres been a litany of news stories about how big Ivanka Trump is in Asia.

Why Japan loves Ivanka Trump, The Independent wrote in January. Donald, Who? Ivanka Trump Is the Star in Japan, read a Toronto Star story in February.

In June, TIME explained Why Americas First Daughter Is a Hit In China. And earlier this year there was story after story about Chinese companies trying to snap up Ivanka trademarks so they could slap the first daughters name on products from weight loss services to wallpaper.

The articles reached a similar conclusion. People in China and Japan are, to some extent, buying what Trumps selling: her image as a have-it-all feminist whos masterfully balanced her roles as successful entrepreneur, mother of three, and style icon.

In Japan especially, shes an aspirational figure for women who are regularly sidelined from their careers after having children.

Women have to work more than twice as much to compete against men, but she has led her fathers business successfully while raising kids, one women told The Japan Times in January.

Now, the first daughter is visiting Japanin the flesh!ahead of her fathers Asia trip, and she was greeted as a celebrity, with at least four television stations live-broadcasting her airport arrival. The Japanese government added an extra day to whats typically a two-day summit to accommodate Trump, whom an aide of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe described this week as one of the most remarkable people in the world because she is actively trying to support women entrepreneurs and improve womens participation in society, according to The Washington Post.

Tokyo even assembled an all-female police unit to accompany Trump during her visit.

Trump promoted her own arrival in a series of Instagram posts.

Enjoying my first visit to Japan with a traditional Kaiseki meal in Tokyo. Thank you to our hosts for their warm hospitality ???????? ???????? A post shared by Ivanka Trump (@ivankatrump) on Nov 2, 2017 at 5:50am PDT

On Friday, Trump addressed the World Assembly for Women conference in Tokyo, touching on her trademark issues of female entrepreneurship and womens economic advancement, topics that align with Abes much-touted Womenomics agenda aimed at adding women to Japans workforce.

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When women work, it creates a unique multiplier effect: women are more likely than men to hire other women, to give them access to capital, mentorship and networks, she said, as Abe sat nearby. Womenomics recognizes the centrality of women, who represent roughly half of our global population, in achieving true economic growth.

More women have entered Japans workforce in the years since Abe launched his Womenomics effort, but they remain over-represented in part-time or irregular work. In a report from the World Economic Forum on Thursday, Japan ranked 114th out of 140 nations in gender equalityranking the lowest of the G7 nations by a long shot. While Japan has made progress on economic participation and opportunity for womenone of the reports four gender equality measuresits seen a reversal in womens political empowerment.

Elsewhere in her speech, Trump targeted workplace culture that fails to treat women with appropriate respect. She identified harassment as a form of this ill treatment, which can never be tolerated, she said.

The comment called to mind the on-going scandal involving allegations of sexual misconduct against Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein. (That controversy, it should be noted, has drawn attentionyet againto the allegations Trumps father faced during his presidential campaign.)

Despite the official fanfare that surrounded Trumps arrival, media outlets covering her speech noted that the hall where she spoke was half-empty. A White House official blamed the light turnout on security that delayed attendees entrance to the hall, but reporters on the scene said they didnt see evidence of that.

Trump is scheduled to dine with Abe on Friday night before leaving the country on Saturday, a day before her father arrives for his three-day Japan visit, his first as president.
WARRI, Nigeria (AP) -- A Nigerian militant group has announced an end to its cease-fire with the Nigerian government, raising the prospects of renewed attacks on oil installations in the Niger Delta.

The announcement Friday by the Niger Delta Avengers threatens the African nation's fragile economic growth. In a statement posted on their website, the militants accused Nigeria's presidency of being insincere in its peace talks and promises.

The group had declared a cease-fire back in August 2016.

Attacks on oil installations in 2016 cut Nigeria's oil production from a peak of 2.2 million barrels per day to about 1.2 million, sending the country's economy into recession.
By Nick Brown and Jessica Resnick-Ault

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello criticized the work of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in returning electricity to the island, saying he was "unsatisfied" with the agency for a lack of urgency he believes has delayed the process.

The Army Corps was tasked with overseeing power repairs in Puerto Rico about a week after the U.S. territory was devastated by Hurricane Maria.

Speaking to Reuters in New York before a meeting with Governor Andrew Cuomo, Rossello deflected to the Army Corps some of the criticism that has been heaped on his administration since Maria made landfall on Sept. 20.

Rossello and the island's power authority, PREPA, were criticized for declining to pursue so-called mutual aid from other U.S. public power utilities after the storm knocked out electricity to all of Puerto Rico's 3.4 million residents.

That decision has become a focal point because it partly spurred PREPA to sign a no-bid contract with tiny private firm Whitefish Energy Holdings - a deal Rossello canceled on Sunday after an uproar over its provisions.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's oversight of that contract, along with another deal PREPA signed with Cobra, a unit of Mammoth Energy Services, is being investigated by the U.S. House of Representatives energy committee.

PREPA only formally asked for mutual aid from utilities in New York and Florida this week.

The initial decision to forgo it, Rossello said, was based on concerns about the bankrupt island's ability to afford the costs of utility workers. The Army Corps, though, said it could help restore power to Puerto Rico within 45 days, with no down payment from the island, Rossello said.

But "we are very unsatisfied" with the Army Corps, he added. "Everything that has been done right now has been done by PREPA or the subcontractors PREPA has had."

Six weeks after the storm, only about 30 percent of Puerto Rico's grid has been restored.

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"Based on the lack of urgency, we have asked for mutual aid programs to be executed quickly," Rossello said. "We have asked that the Corps of Engineers ramp up the plan to bring people over here."

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said the state would send 350 utility workers and 220 vehicles. He did not say how the resources would be funded.

The Army Corps - a division of the U.S. armed forces, made up of soldiers and civilians who provide engineering services around the world - said it had rolled out contracts quickly.

At a press conference in Puerto Rico on Thursday, Jose Sanchez, director of contingency operations of the Army Corps, said the agency had awarded contracts that usually take weeks to months in just seven to 10 days.

Despite his concerns, Rossello said PREPA and the Army Corps would continue to lead power restoration on the island.

Speaking in a press conference with Rossello in New York later in the day, Cuomo was also critical of the federal response to Maria.

"I've never seen these levels of bureaucracy, and the result is intolerable," he said, adding that New Yorkers "burned me an effigy" over just a few days without power after Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

A White House official told Reuters late on Thursday that the federal government had agreed to expand the use of disaster aid to rebuild Puerto Rico's power grid and other infrastructure, and would pick up 90 percent of the cost - up from the typical share of 75 percent.

Rossello also escalated a war of words with the federal board in charge of managing Puerto Rico's finances, telling Reuters the board overstepped its authority in appointing an outside manager at PREPA.

Puerto Rico is in bankruptcy, struggling with $72 billion in debt. Its finances were put under federal control last year.

The oversight board last week said it would appoint retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Noel Zamot as PREPA's chief transformation officer, in charge of leading hurricane cleanup. Rossello has vowed to challenge the action in court.

"Administering Puerto Rico is not one of the board's roles, and it would be the epitome of colonialism if that should happen," he told Reuters.

(Reporting by Nick Brown and Jessica Resnick-Ault; Editing by Susan Thomas and Rosalba O'Brien)
SodaStream International Ltd. SODA came up with impressive results in the third quarter of 2017, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate on both counts. The company also raised its guidance for 2017. The companys shares gained 4.8% during the trading session on Nov 1, to close at $66.71.



SodaStreams adjusted earnings of 87 cents per share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 84 cents by 3.6%. Earnings increased a robust 26.1% year over year driven by strong revenues, improved efficiencies, solid margin and lower tax rates.



Revenues



Total revenues of $139.8 million beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $135 million by 3.5%. Sales rose 12.5% year over year.



The impressive top-line result was driven by a double-digit increase in revenues across all the regions, baring the Americas (up 1.2%). The performance was particularly solid in Germany, Japan, Canada, Austria and Australia.



Sales rose 13.5% in Western Europe, which represented 61% of its global sales, owing to double-digit growth in Germany. Additionally, meaningful gains in Austria and Benelux also added to the positives. Notably, machine and gas refill unit sales increased in high single digits or more in each of these markets.



SodaStreams revenues from the Americas increased 1.2%. The sales momentum has slowed to some extent in Canada following robust first half of 2017. Sales increased in strong double-digits driven by more than 30% growth in machine, gas refill and flavor unit sales.



In the Asia Pacific, revenues increased 34% year over year due to strong demand in Australia and Japan. In Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa (CCEMA) sales surged 10.6%, primarily on higher sales growth in Israel.



Margins Improve



Gross margin rose 170 basis points (bps) year over year to 53.5%. Adjusted EBITDA was $23.3 million, up 30.5% year over year. Continued production optimization, higher production volume, introduction of higher margin sparkling water makers and changes in Fx compared to the same period in 2016, led to the upside.



Operating income was $23 million, increasing 24% year over year, driven by higher operating leverage and gross margin improvement.



2017 Outlook Raised



Total revenues for 2017 are expected to witness 13% year-over-year increase to $536 million, better than the prior expectation of $523 million. Meanwhile, fourth-quarter revenues are expected to increase approximately 14% to about $150 million.



The company has maintained its gross margin guidance that is expected to increase by 150 bps to approximately 53%.



EBITDA of 2017 is now expected to be approximately $98 million, up 30% from $76 million in 2016.



Operating income is likely to grow approximately 40% to about $76 million. Earlier, it was expected to increase 30%.



Earnings per share is now expected to increase 40% to $2.90, up from the prior expectation of $2.70.



Zacks Rank



SodaStream currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.



Key Stocks to Consider



A few better-ranked stocks in the Consumer Discretionary sector are Nutrisystem, Inc. NTRI Interface, Inc. TILE, and Glu Mobile Inc. GLUU, each sporting a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).



Nutrisystem is expected to witness a rise of 62.6% in earnings this year.



Interface is expected to witness 11.9% growth in 2017 earnings. Glu Mobile is expected to witness 83% growth in earnings this year.

Story continues

SodaStream International Ltd. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

SodaStream International Ltd. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | SodaStream International Ltd. Quote

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The elections are behind us, the latest inflation data showed an easing back in the rate of increase, and markets finished last week with their best trading sessions in months. The signs have aligned for investors to feel good. Or should they? Billionaire investor Carl Icahn believes otherwise, and in a recent interview he laid out the case for the bears. I am still quite bearish on what is going to happen. A rally like this is of course very dramatic to say the least, but you have them all the
By Lisa Baertlein and Uday Sampath Kumar (Reuters) - Starbucks Corp cut its profit forecast and posted disappointing quarterly results on Thursday, amid a bitter battle with competitors ranging from boutique coffee seller Intelligentsia to lower-price rivals like McDonald's. Investors, long used to Starbucks exceeding investor expectations, sent shares down 7.3 percent to $50.85 in after-hours trade. The Seattle-based coffee chain said it now sees long-term earnings per share growth of 12 percent or greater, versus its prior call for growth of 15 percent to 20 percent. Fourth-quarter revenue missed Wall Street's target after sales at established global cafes gained 2 percent, less than analysts' average target of 3.2 percent, according to Consensus Metrix. Hurricanes Harvey and Irma battered same-store sales at more than 1,100 U.S. cafes. Sales at mainstay U.S. cafes were down 2 percent for the quarter that ended Oct. 1, excluding the hurricane impacts, they would have been up 3 percent - still just short of analysts' estimate. Analysts have warned that the Seattle-based company is being "middled" by rising competition on the value and quality fronts and that it must bolster sales of higher-priced specialty drinks and breakfast sandwiches. Chief Executive Kevin Johnson told Reuters in an interview that there was no evidence Starbucks was being hit by competition. "We are not going to be squeezed in the middle," he said. Johnson noted that U.S. restaurants in general are seeing declining traffic and said that the one area where the company has seen softness is in the afternoons, particularly with regard to sales of its blended beverages such as frappuccinos. Still, U.S. convenience stores and fast-food chains are improving quality and pricing aggressively. McDonald's Corp recently expanded its McCafe menu with new macchiatos and lattes and is selling small McCafe espresso drinks for $2. Elsewhere, Dunkin' Brands Group Inc is offering special deals on breakfast sandwiches in its bid to win breakfast. At the same time, upscale craft coffee rivals like Nestle SA's Blue Bottle and Intelligentsia are opening more shops. The number of competing coffee shops within one mile of Starbucks shops in several large U.S. markets has increased in recent years, BMO Capital Markets analyst Andrew Strelzik said in a note before the earnings. Adding to the pressure, Strelzik said, Starbucks continues to build its own U.S. stores at the risk of cannibalizing sales. The company, which is cutting expenses and brands, announced a deal to sell its Tazo tea brand to Unilever Plc for $384 million. PROFITS IN FOCUS Johnson, who succeeded Starbucks co-founder Howard Schultz as chief executive in April, is under pressure to continue serving up the kind of growth that Wall Street has come to expect from the world's biggest coffee chain. In the last 12 months, Starbucks shares are up about 4 percent, while the S&P 500 index is up more 20 percent. Starbucks' stock has been trading at a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.8, slightly above McDonald's and Dunkin' Brands, but well below the 52.74 ratio for Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc , according to Thomson Reuters data. Total net revenue decreased 0.2 percent to $5.70 billion, compared with analysts' revenue target of $5.80 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. Net income attributable to the company fell to $788.5 million, or 54 cents per share, in the latest quarter, from $801 million, or 54 cents per share, a year earlier. Excluding items, it earned 55 cents per share, in line with Wall Street targets. Starbucks forecast earnings of $2.30 to $2.33 per share for 2018, when competitive and labor pressures are likely to pose continued challenges. Starbucks has been adding working hours at some U.S. stores to ease backups caused by a flood of mobile orders. Meanwhile, cities and states are boosting the minimum wage and a tightening labor market is forcing some chains to increase pay and benefits to recruit and retain workers. The company, which like many other chains is streamlining menus, said results should get a bump from its pending $1.3 billion purchase of the remaining 50 percent of its East China business from joint venture partners. That deal will give Starbucks ownership in 1,300 cafes in the area that includes Shanghai. Same-store sales from China were up 8 percent, but the broader China and Asia Pacific region posted a rise of 2 percent, versus expectations of 3.2 percent. (Reporting by Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles and Uday Sampath in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Peter Henderson in San Francisco; Editing by Savio D'Souza and Lisa Shumaker)
President Donald Trump's upcoming five-nation Asia tour is expected to strengthen ties with regional allies, but those gains could be diminished if the U.S. leader misses a key summit on the last leg of his trip. A major forum for political and economic cooperation among its 18 member countries, the annual East Asia Summit takes place on Nov. 13 to 14 in the Philippines this year. Trump will be in Manila on Nov. 13 but won't attend the event, according to the U.S. State Department. Instead, Secretary of StateRex Tillersonwill be representing the world's largest economy at the summit's plenary meeting on Nov. 14. Under former president Barack Obama , the East Asia Summit became a pillar in Washington's Asia relations. In 2011, the U.S. acquired membership under Obama's strategy of pivoting American foreign policy focus toward the Asia-Pacific region. Since then, the president attended every year except for 2013 when a U.S. government shutdown occurred. Trump's Asia tour is the longest trip to the continent by a sitting U.S. president this millennium but missing the East Asia Summit is still a big deal for local leaders, experts say."The U.S. decision to join EAS was a milestone in U.S. engagement in Asia and a tradition that should be followed," said Thomas Hubbard, a former U.S. ambassador to South Korea. "I hope Asians will focus on the unusually long time he will spend in Asia rather than on the one meeting he will miss." Donald Tusk from the European Council, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau , and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres are all expected to attend this year's meeting. "Many Asian nations  rightly or wrongly  look at the U.S. president's attendance at the EAS as a barometer of America's enduring commitment to the Asia-Pacific, and arguably will even more so in the aftermath of Obama's rebalance," explained Ashley Townshend, acting director of the foreign policy, defense and strategy program at the Sydney-based United States Studies Center. An op-ed in the Washington Post citing unnamed officials said there were concerns the trip's length could make the president "cranky, leading to unpredictable or undiplomatic behavior."ConsequencesThe commander-in-chief's absence could ultimately hurt U.S. influence in Asia, experts said."Trump's decision not to participate in the East Asia Summit will reinforce regional perceptions that he is skeptical of the value of multilateralism and of a United States that is scaling back its engagement in Asia," said Meredith Miller, a former deputy director at the U.S. State Department's East Asia and Pacific bureau.A lack of participation also signals that "he is out of touch with what matters to America's regional partners," said Townshend. More concretely, Trump will miss a chance to add input on security challenges critical to U.S. interests. East Asian Summits usually produce a statement that touches on hot-button topics such as the South China Sea and North Korea . "Sitting down with the leaders there is an opportunity for the president to make his points on these issues," Walter Lohman, director of the Asian Studies Center at conservative U.S. think tank The Heritage Foundation, said in a recent note. "It would help shape a consensus that can then be used in other diplomatic settings."Trump's no-show could also affect negotiations."The U.S. will be disadvantaged when it comes to negotiating with other leaders on the EAS statement, which is likely to address issues central to Trump's agenda in Asia," said Miller, who is currently vice president of the East Asia & Pacific practice at strategy firm Albright Stonebridge Group. That could leave Beijing with greater room to fill the leadership void as the world's second-largest economy looks to extend its sphere of influence in Asia and beyond. A decision to forego participation in the EAS will be "disappointing," said David Adelman, former U.S. ambassador to Singapore, noting that the summit is regionally important because of its size and composition. Trump's absence could "add to the growing narrative that [his] 'America First' agenda may work at cross-purposes with traditional U.S. leadership in the region."Tillerson's presence may be of little solace to Asian leaders seeking clarity on U.S. policy. The commander-in-chief has frequently undercut Tillerson's diplomatic efforts so "now when Tillerson tries to conduct negotiations, people know he won't have the White House behind him," said Anne-Marie Slaughter, a former director of policy planning at the U.S. State Department. "In the end, the White House will beat the State Department every time," she told CNBC Thursday, adding that she didn't expect Tillerson to remain in his post for the duration of Trump's term. President Donald Trump's upcoming five-nation Asia tour is expected to strengthen ties with regional allies, but those gains could be diminished if the U.S. leader misses a key summit on the last leg of his trip. A major forum for political and economic cooperation among its 18 member countries, the annual East Asia Summit takes place on Nov. 13 to 14 in the Philippines this year. Trump will be in Manila on Nov. 13 but won't attend the event, according to the U.S. State Department. Instead, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will be representing the world's largest economy at the summit's plenary meeting on Nov. 14. Under former president Barack Obama , the East Asia Summit became a pillar in Washington's Asia relations. In 2011, the U.S. acquired membership under Obama's strategy of pivoting American foreign policy focus toward the Asia-Pacific region. Since then, the president attended every year except for 2013 when a U.S. government shutdown occurred. Trump's Asia tour is the longest trip to the continent by a sitting U.S. president this millennium but missing the East Asia Summit is still a big deal for local leaders, experts say. "The U.S. decision to join EAS was a milestone in U.S. engagement in Asia and a tradition that should be followed," said Thomas Hubbard, a former U.S. ambassador to South Korea. "I hope Asians will focus on the unusually long time he will spend in Asia rather than on the one meeting he will miss." Donald Tusk from the European Council, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau , and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres are all expected to attend this year's meeting. "Many Asian nations  rightly or wrongly  look at the U.S. president's attendance at the EAS as a barometer of America's enduring commitment to the Asia-Pacific, and arguably will even more so in the aftermath of Obama's rebalance," explained Ashley Townshend, acting director of the foreign policy, defense and strategy program at the Sydney-based United States Studies Center. An op-ed in the Washington Post citing unnamed officials said there were concerns the trip's length could make the president "cranky, leading to unpredictable or undiplomatic behavior." Consequences The commander-in-chief's absence could ultimately hurt U.S. influence in Asia, experts said. "Trump's decision not to participate in the East Asia Summit will reinforce regional perceptions that he is skeptical of the value of multilateralism and of a United States that is scaling back its engagement in Asia," said Meredith Miller, a former deputy director at the U.S. State Department's East Asia and Pacific bureau. A lack of participation also signals that "he is out of touch with what matters to America's regional partners," said Townshend. More concretely, Trump will miss a chance to add input on security challenges critical to U.S. interests. East Asian Summits usually produce a statement that touches on hot-button topics such as the South China Sea and North Korea . "Sitting down with the leaders there is an opportunity for the president to make his points on these issues," Walter Lohman, director of the Asian Studies Center at conservative U.S. think tank The Heritage Foundation, said in a recent note. "It would help shape a consensus that can then be used in other diplomatic settings." Trump's no-show could also affect negotiations. "The U.S. will be disadvantaged when it comes to negotiating with other leaders on the EAS statement, which is likely to address issues central to Trump's agenda in Asia," said Miller, who is currently vice president of the East Asia & Pacific practice at strategy firm Albright Stonebridge Group. That could leave Beijing with greater room to fill the leadership void as the world's second-largest economy looks to extend its sphere of influence in Asia and beyond. A decision to forego participation in the EAS will be "disappointing," said David Adelman, former U.S. ambassador to Singapore, noting that the summit is regionally important because of its size and composition. Trump's absence could "add to the growing narrative that [his] 'America First' agenda may work at cross-purposes with traditional U.S. leadership in the region." Tillerson's presence may be of little solace to Asian leaders seeking clarity on U.S. policy. The commander-in-chief has frequently undercut Tillerson's diplomatic efforts so "now when Tillerson tries to conduct negotiations, people know he won't have the White House behind him," said Anne-Marie Slaughter, a former director of policy planning at the U.S. State Department. "In the end, the White House will beat the State Department every time," she told CNBC Thursday, adding that she didn't expect Tillerson to remain in his post for the duration of Trump's term.



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The US President urged Saudi Aramco to consider listing in New York - AP

US President Donald Trump publicly appealed on Saturday for Saudi Arabia to list its national oil company Saudi Aramco's shares in New York, intervening in a battle among the world's top stock exchanges.

Mr Trump tweeted: "Would very much appreciate Saudi Arabia doing their IPO of Aramco with the New York Stock Exchange. Important to the United States!"

Mr Trump did not say why he raised the issue at this time or whether he was responding to any information about the NYSE's bid. But by describing the listing as a priority for Washington, he could help sway the Saudis' decision.

The Saudi government, seeking to raise money as low oil prices strain its finances, plans to sell about 5 percent of Aramco next year in a sale officials say could raise about $100 billion (76.4bn), making it the world's largest initial public offering ever.

Saudi authorities have said they intend to list Aramco in Riyadh and on one or more foreign exchanges, setting off a competition among New York, London, Hong Kong, Tokyo and other bourses.

An Aramco spokesman had no comment on Trump's tweet, while a spokeswoman for the NYSE declined to comment.
U.S. government debt yields held steady and were little changed Friday after the Department of Labor reported that the economy added 260,000 jobs during the month of October. The number was strong enough to keep the Federal Reserve on track to raise rates in December, traders said. Yields dipped initially after the report because it fell short of Wall Street expectations, which had been anticipating a larger rebound after Hurricanes Harvey and Irma depressed the September jobs report. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note (U.S.:US10Y) rose to around 2.345 percent at 2:44 p.m. ET, while the yield on the 30-year Treasury bond (U.S.:US10Y) was down at 2.823 percent. Bond yields move inversely to prices. Average hourly earnings were essentially unchanged for the month of October. "You still have hurricane effects distorting the wages," said Michael Schumacher, director of rate strategy at Wells Fargo. "I wouldn't leap to any conclusions regarding this report." The unemployment rate was 4.1 percent as labor conditions returned to normal following the storm-weakened September. Bond traders were still assessing the new Fed Chairman nominee and what his policy on rates will be. President Donald Trump nominated Fed Governor Jay Powell as the person to take on the role as head of the Fed from February 2018. Powell will be replacing current Chair Janet Yellen when her tenure expires. In the Federal Open Market Committee meeting this week, the policymaking body decided to hold rates steady. While Wall Street did not expect much news from the FOMC in November, there is consensus that the committee will increase rates in December for the third time this year. In politics, House Republicans unveiled a plan Thursday to overhaul the tax code. As part of that reform package, the GOP aims to permanently lower the corporate tax rate to 20 percent . The House bill would also slash the number of income tax brackets from seven to four. President Trump will be beginning his trip to Asia on Friday, stopping off in countries including Japan, South Korea, China and the Philippines, to strengthen the U.S.' relationship with Asian nations. CNBC's Christine Wang and Patti Domm contributed to this report.



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Broadcom CEO Hock Tan has been disrupting the semiconductor industry for decades, but hes obviously not finished yet. The serial consolidator has reportedly set his sights on buying mobile chip giant Qualcomm for $100 billion, in what would create one of the largest chipmakers in the world.

There are plenty of skeptics. Broadcom hasnt even won approval for a pending $6 billion acquisition of Brocade brcd , initially announced last November. And Qualcomm is in the middle of a year-long effort to buy NXP Semiconductors for $39 billion, while also engaging in a massive, global legal battle with Apple, its best customer.

Qualcomms shares jumped 13% on Friday to almost $62, still well below the rumored offer price. Broadcom shares gained 5%.

Those who bet against the Malaysian-born CEO, trained at MIT and Harvard, often find themselves on the wrong end of the deal when the dust has settled. In an industry filled with brilliant engineers like Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Advanced Micro Devices Lisa Su, Tan is the finance geek who can manage balance sheet as a powerfully as he can create a new technology product.

And Tan has experience swallowing bigger fish. After building Avago Technologies into a medium-sized chipmaker, his $37 billion buyout of Broadcom avgo in 2015 created a world-class titan, the third-largest chipmaker (which retained the Broadcom name), with products for wireless communications, smartphones, data center servers and many more markets. Qualcomm is, of course, even bigger-with $22 billion of annual sales versus Broadcoms $18 billion.

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Tan climbed the ladder in corporate finance at GM and Pepsico before first getting involved with tech at early PC maker Commodore in 1992. Two years later, he jumped to chipmaker Integrated Circuit Systems as CFO where he eventually rose to CEO and started his acquisition spree. And his dealmaking prowess has led to relationships with top private equity firms including KKR and Silver Lake. If anyone can raise $100 billion to complete the biggest tech deal ever, its probably Tan.

Story continues

Thats not to say Tan doesnt know semiconductors. AMDs Su, who has three degrees from MIT, likes to joke that her industry should have more Harvard MBAs reporting to MIT Phds. Tan almost has both, with a masters in mechanical engineering from MIT to go along with his Harvard MBA.

Known as a ruthless cost cutter, Tans approach has been to gut pie-in-the-sky research projects and focus on the most promising tech developments. He also favors business units that fit together. After merging Avago and Broadcom, for example, he dumped a burgeoning Internet of things unit that made chips that could be used in smart devices for homes and businesses. Most of Broadcoms chips went to huge customers like Apple and Cisco Systems. The Internet of things unit was pitching to hundreds of medium and small-sized hardware developers, a model that wouldnt scale well with the rest of Broadcom.

Qualcomm, a company founded and run by engineers, could probably use a thorough going over by Hock and his green eyeshade crew. With growth in the global smartphone market slowing, the company has attacked all manner of new markets, developing everything from laptops that can run Windows using chips that dont rely on Intel designs to a whole new breed of central processors for self-driving cars. Some of Qualcomms problems with Apple seem to be of its own making since the company cut off rebate payments and stopped providing testing software. And antitrust regulators around the world are putting the squeeze on Qualcomms high royalty rates that bring in billions in profits from smartphone makers.

Qualcomms stock was previously over $80 in 2014. Since then, it fell almost 40% until Fridays rumored deal sparked a huge rally

Wall Street may not believe yet, but a dose of Tans financial brilliance may be just what Qualcomm needs to get back on track.
Fri, 11/18 (10:30am ET): How to Write the Best M7 MBA Essays
Abhishank wrote:

TheyCallMeTim wrote: StratusMBACounselor wrote:



1) that you are very interested in Ross (if indeed you are!)

2) update on any test scores or new dates that you plan to retake GMAT or GRE

3) what you have been doing at work or outside of work that is NEW since your application



There's really nothing more you can do! But by having this in your file at least- you can be top of mind and also let adcom know that you indeed are still very interested in the school (only say this if it is true- and if you are on the fence then I would just say don't do anything at this point and just see how it plays out). But if you really are interested in Ross by all means let them know! I hope this helps some of those that are wondering what to do next. And if you are looking to expand your R2 strategy... and if you are teetering on the WL or Deny pile then I would say you should expand your options now.... please reach out to us for a free consult to get ideas on your profile and where to look next and also see how we can help you in applications going forward. The link for that is here: If you are in the uneasy position of having applied R1 and not heard yet if you will be invited to interview, the assumption that I have after asking Ross Adcom is that you should most likely expect to hear a decision in December which would be a waitlist or Deny. If you want to stay top of mind and hopefully increase the chance you will be in the WL and not Deny pile, reach out to Ross Adcom and just let them know BRIEFLY 3 things- and I can't emphasize enough the brief part!-1) that you are very interested in Ross (if indeed you are!)2) update on any test scores or new dates that you plan to retake GMAT or GRE3) what you have been doing at work or outside of work that is NEW since your applicationThere's really nothing more you can do! But by having this in your file at least- you can be top of mind and also let adcom know that you indeed are still very interested in the school (only say this if it is true- and if you are on the fence then I would just say don't do anything at this point and just see how it plays out). But if you really are interested in Ross by all means let them know! I hope this helps some of those that are wondering what to do next. And if you are looking to expand your R2 strategy... and if you are teetering on the WL or Deny pile then I would say you should expand your options now.... please reach out to us for a free consult to get ideas on your profile and where to look next and also see how we can help you in applications going forward. The link for that is here: https://stratusadmissionscounseling.com ... b-visitor/



I think this is solid advice, but I would add one more thing - reach out to Student Ambassadors. There are ways to communicate your interest and fit outside of the formal admissions process, including ways to include complimentary data in your prospective student file (stomp stomp). This will probably not change the round 1 decision, but when it comes time to reevaluate your application, well... I think this is solid advice, but I would add one more thing - reach out to Student Ambassadors. There are ways to communicate your interest and fit outside of the formal admissions process, including ways to include complimentary data in your prospective student file (stomp stomp). This will probably not change the round 1 decision, but when it comes time to reevaluate your application, well...



I reached out to some of the current students at Ross and learned that Student Ambassadors don't have a direct say in a candidate's application. Hence not sure whether reaching out to the Student Ambassador will be effective, but yeah it won't hurt - so worth trying.

And I also want to add that Ross is conducting events in India in Nov - New Delhi and Mumbai. I suggest attending them to learn more about Ross and also to convey your interest. I reached out to some of the current students at Ross and learned that Student Ambassadors don't have a direct say in a candidate's application. Hence not sure whether reaching out to the Student Ambassador will be effective, but yeah it won't hurt - so worth trying.And I also want to add that Ross is conducting events in India in Nov - New Delhi and Mumbai. I suggest attending them to learn more about Ross and also to convey your interest.

This is an example where you have to read the nuance of a post. The person you spoke to is correct. We don't have a "direct say in a candidate's application," and that was never said nor implied. There is, however, a prospective student information report that all ambassadors can fill out on any applicant, for any type of interaction. These reports speak to the candidate's ability to fit into the Michigan culture. True, this is only one consideration, but in terms of the overall picture/weighting, it is arguably the biggest part of the application.BUT, while my first post foot stomped this point, there is a much larger point. Getting to know students will help you understand what is important to the school and what it is looking for. I mean, honestly, what better source of input to an application could there possibly be than from a person who actually got in? Whether it helps at Ross in this year, next year, or at another school, you have to admit this is reasonable advice.Back to the feedback form - and I should not have to be so explicit here - it may or may not help you get in. Your application may or not be reconsidered later. You will find out when you get your actual decision if it is a hard "no" or a wait list. What I am suggesting is that there could be ways to put more information in front of the admissions staff, IF it is reconsidered (wait listed). Here's another larger point - you should always assume that your interactions with a school, its staff, and its students is being evaluated, and think of it as an opportunity to improve your brand in the eyes of that institution.Finally, I do NOT suggest ever asking a student if they can help you with an admissions decision. If you make a good impression, and they have the ability to help you, they will. That's the case at Ross, at least, because that is our culture.
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We have not been able to verify the jobs, said Secretary Mark Hogan at a recent public hearing of the Joint Committee on Audit.

In this statement, the head of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) confirmed what several years of audits repeatedly found: our state awarded hundreds of millions in tax credits and cash payments to companies to create jobs without ever checking to see if jobs were actually created.

WEDC is the state agency overseeing economic development efforts. They hand out tax credits and cash payments to corporations to create and retain jobs. WEDC writes contracts for companies to receive state money. When a company abides by the contract, it receives a payment, a certificate for a tax break or their loan is forgiven.

Secretary Hogans statement above was his response to questions from myself and others who asked whether he was going to follow the law. We did not trust WEDC was prepared to follow recommendations of the Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB) to set up policy and really start following the law.

The law states WEDC must verify the company actually created jobs, not just their word. Its a bit like your son telling you he cleaned his bedroom. You always walk upstairs and check to make sure.

In the last four years, audit after audit by the nonpartisan LAB found WEDC never verified companies followed through with their contracts.

Numerous times, companies admitted they failed to hold up their end of the bargain. Instead of enforcing the contract, WEDC changed it to reflect what the company did do and gave them the money anyway. Hundreds of millions of tax dollars went to companies without WEDC staff independently verifying the promised jobs.

Even when WEDC knew a company didnt comply with the terms of their contract, they would sometimes still award tax credits and cash payments. In other cases, WEDC claimed the promised (but not delivered) jobs on the WEDC website even though they knew the numbers werent accurate.

For example, auditors found WEDC claimed credit for 485 jobs a company promised to create. The company pulled out of the program and created no jobs but the state website still showed 485 promised jobs. In another case, WEDC claimed credit for keeping 340 jobs despite the company going out of business.

In a third case, WEDC claimed credit for 68 jobs that werent created because the company sold its Wisconsin operation. In yet another example, a company informed WEDC they only created 18 jobs of the 226 promised. WEDC still claimed the entire 226 jobs on their website.

In another instance, a company promised 657 jobs. WEDC staff decided the company was only eligible for tax credits for 489 jobs. But WEDC still claimed the additional 168 jobs on their website.

Another example showed a company reported the creation of 742 jobs, but WEDC staff found only 678 were eligible for tax credits. The online data still reflected the larger number.

During the hearing, I found it difficult to determine if WEDC was incompetent or deliberately skirting the law.

I was most disturbed when Secretary Hogan flat-out said no to my request to release documents to LAB so auditors could complete their work. The document I wanted released was a study by an independent attorney the state paid $8,600 to answer the question: Is WEDC complying with statutes? (are they following the law?)

This question was central to the findings of the audit. If agency leaders didnt think there was a law they needed to follow, I had no hope they would follow the audit recommendations and adopt verification policies and procedures.

I left the hearing with many unanswered questions. Does Secretary Hogan understand he must follow the law? What is Secretary Hogan hiding in the document he refused to release to auditors? How can lawmakers stop WEDC from rewriting contracts if companies dont deliver? How can we get an accurate count for how many jobs were created with the millions of taxpayer dollars?

But the most pressing question was; how can we possibly trust WEDC to oversee a $3 billion contract with Foxconn?
But two days later, reports indicated that the Islamic Republic was striking a somewhat more conciliatory tone. On that day, Iranian state media announced that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had limited the range of the countrys ballistic missiles to 2,000 miles, a distance that a spokesman for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps described as enough for now.

Also on Tuesday, the chief of staff of the Iranian army scaled back the countrys threats regarding the future of the nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Mohammad Bagheri said that Iran was prepared to cease compliance with the JCPOA over the re-imposition of any nuclear-related sanctions by the US, but he said nothing of other types of sanctions, in contrast to previous statements from him and other regime officials.

But on Thursday, the supreme leader cut against any sense of moderation in the regimes tone when he delivered a speech on state television in which he declared once again that the United States is the number one enemy of the Iranian nation. Reuters pointed out that Khameneis fiery pronouncement came just before the regime celebrates Saturdays anniversary of the beginning of the 1979-80 hostage crisis at the US embassy in Tehran.

The speech also closely coincided with a visit to Tehran by Russian President Vladimir Putin, which both leaders used as an opportunity to consolidate opposition to the United States and its Western allies. Khamenei specifically highlighted the two nations mutual anti-Western postures in commenting on the visit. The Sydney Morning Herald quoted him as saying uur cooperation can isolate America before going on to describe US-backed rebels in Syria as terrorists and to accuse the Americans of continuing plots in the Middle East.

These comments come nearly three weeks after US President Donald Trump refused to certify the Iran nuclear agreement and also announced a broad-based strategy to confront destabilizing Iranian influence in the Middle East and to counter Irans sponsorship of global terrorism. On Tuesday, the US Treasury Department added more than 40 individuals and organizations to its list of Specially Designated Nationals targeted for counterterrorism sanctions. Each of the new designees is an arm, affiliate, or member of the IRGC, which Trump described in his speech as a personal terror force for the Iranian supreme leader.

Trumps strategy also involves additional pressure on Iran over its ballistic missiles, the more advanced of which are capable of carrying nuclear warheads, thus falling under the category of weapons identified in United Nations Security Resolution 2231, which calls upon the Islamic Republic to avoid development or testing of such weapons. Despite this resolution, the IRGC has carried out upwards of a dozen such tests since the conclusion of nuclear negotiations in July 2015, thereby lending credence to Trumps claim that Tehran is routinely violating the spirit of the JCPOA. Resolution 2231 was passed in order to implement the nuclear deal, and its own provisions were seen as filling in some of the perceived gaps in the JCPOA, including its failure to address the missile issue.

Iranian advancements in intermediate and long-range missile technology began before the conclusion of nuclear negotiations, and they have involved collaboration with other adversaries of the United States, chiefly North Korea and Russia. In 2015, with Iran and six world powers approaching the finish line of a nuclear agreement, Moscow took advantage of the emerging circumstances to reactivate a long-delayed deal for the transfer of the S-300 missile defense system to Iran. The weapons delivery concluded last year, and its installation continued into 2017.

This is only one instance of military cooperation between Iran and Russia, with the most prominent example being their mutual operations in defense of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad during the six year civil war. That cooperation remained a major topic of discussion upon Putins arrival in Tehran on Wednesday. The Russian president said that his talks with Iranian officials were very productive, and he specifically called attention to the two nations progress in coordinating their positions on the future of Syria.

Analysts in the international media had previously suggested that divergent Iranian and Russia interests in Syria could be exploited to create distance between the two governments; but Wednesdays meeting seemed to underscore their ongoing commitment to cooperation in that area while also providing both with opportunities to brag about their positions as bulwarks against Western influence in the region.

The Sydney Morning Herald also quoted one anonymous Iranian official as saying that the determination of Tehran and Moscow to deepen their strategic alliance will shape the future of the Middle East. Naturally, Iranian-Russian military cooperation is backed up by expanding economic ties, and Putins visit to Tehran notably occurred one day after Russian media announced the start of construction on Bushehr 2, which will be the second Russian-build nuclear power plant in Iran, and potentially the first of seven reactors to be built under an agreement that was signed in November 2014.

Russia Today quoted Aleksey Likhachev, the director general of Russias state nuclear energy company Rosatom as saying I am sure this major Russia-Iran investment project will strengthen cooperation and ties between our countries. Putins visit yielded six new provisional energy deals worth an estimated 30 billion dollars, as reported by the Financial Times.

These agreements underscore the fact that Russia and Iran continue to enjoy a genuine confluence of economic interests. But their mutual antagonism of the US and Europe is arguably more important to Tehran and particularly to hardliners like Supreme Leader Khamenei and the Revolutionary Guards. The Iranian regime has a demonstrated track record for choosing partnerships  with both state and non-state actors  largely on the basis of their willingness to directly confront traditional Iranian adversaries including the US, Saudi Arabia, and Israel.

This record was highlighted again on Thursday with the release of additional documents from the cache discovered during the 2011 raid on Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Ladens compound in Pakistan. The Associated Press reported upon the contents of a 19-page report prepared by the terrorist group in which it acknowledged that the Iranian regime had offered money, arms, training with Hezbollah, and other resources to anyone who was willing to attack US interests in Saudi Arabia.

This further undercuts Tehrans claim that it has never had anything to do with Al Qaeda, a claim that had already been contradicted by the Central Intelligence Agency and the 9/11 Commission, according to the AP report. US intelligence had been aware of connections between Tehran and Al Qaeda at least since 1991. This is made more noteworthy by the sectarian differences between the two entities, with Al Qaeda being a Sunni terrorist group and the Islamic Republic being a Shiite theocracy.

Each new piece of evidence for inter-sectarian cooperation by the Iranian regime is also further evidence of the primacy of anti-Western rhetoric in the regimes self-identity and diplomatic decision-making.
The Iranian opposition movement and its President-elect, Maryam Rajavi, is leading a campaign to isolate the regime in Tehran. It welcomes the new White House strategy that delegitimizes the Iranian regime. Rajavi called on Trump and the international community to work toward the ultimate solution, regime overthrow and the establishment of freedom and democracy in Iran.

By refusing to give approval to the nuclear deal, and designating the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on the list of terrorist organizations, the new US policy is targeting at the heart of the Iranian regime. According to the Washington Post the strategy marks an important change in US policy on the Middle East: a shift from focusing on war against ISIS and towards the end of Irans expansionism in the region.

The steps taken by the White House to carry out this policy include the visit by US Secretary of State to Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region, imposition of sanctions on Hezbollah for being the military wing of IRGC in Lebanon, and sanctions on companies, financial institutions and individuals related to the regimes ballistic missiles programs.

According to F. Mahmoudi, Kurdish-Iranian political and human rights activist, in his Al Arabiya article, Therefore, there is no reason for any objection by European countries to the new White House policy. European states are only thinking of securing their financial and economic interests with Iran, as not only the political and military power of the Iranian regime but also economic control lie in the hands of the IRGC.

Sanctions against the Iranian regime, IRGC and Hezbollah will put European companies and banks in serious danger if they deal with this regime and its affiliates.

Additionally, the sanctions and the terrorist designation of IRGC have put Hasan Rouhani, who earlier presented himself to the West as a moderate, in a position of fully supporting the IRGC.

Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, reacting to the new US strategy, defended the IRGCs presence in Iraq, Syria and Yemen and asked Europeans to stand strongly against Trumps policy. However, it is believed that Europe will eventually choose the US instead of Iran and it will not sacrifice billion of dollars in trade benefits with the US. Additionally, Europe cannot accept the risk of Trumps threat of leaving NATO.

It appears that the only options left with Iranian authorities are confronting, retreating, or buying time until the end of the Trump presidency. Still, the regime must face the other factors at work against it, like the social disaffection within Iran towards the regime, and the recognition of the main opposition movements  the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and Peoples Mujahideen of Iran (PMOI)  by US and its allies in the region.

There is now an opportunity, with the current international situation, for the Iranian people and its main opposition movement (NCRI and PMOI), as well as for the people of Middle East and the whole world, for these factors that can lead to regime change and put an end to Irans destabilization activities in the Middle East.
Regarding the effectiveness of the nuclear deal with Iran, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said, Judging any international agreement begins and ends with the nature of the government that signed it.

When U.S. President Donald Trump announced his new Iran strategy, he said,  in just a few years, as key restrictions disappear, Iran can sprint towards a rapid nuclear weapons breakout What is the purpose of a deal that, at best, only delays Irans nuclear capability for a short period of time? As well, in his September 19th UNGA address, he stated, The Iranian government masks a corrupt dictatorship behind the false guise of a democracy. It [is] an economically depleted rogue state whose chief exports are violence, bloodshed, and chaos.

Trump went on to say that the Iranian people are chief among Irans victims. As the focus is on Tehrans efforts to acquire nuclear and ballistic missile technology, its domestic policies are overlooked. However, Trump recognized the oppression of the Iranian people, The United States is far from the only target of the Iranian dictatorships long campaign of bloodshed. The regime violently suppresses its own citizens.

Arrests and executions of dissidents continue today, targeting journalists, artists, and musicians, among others. Iranian youth are charged with capital crimes, sometimes for offenses as trivial as posting on banned platforms, like Facebook or Twitter.

The Secretary General cited a particularly gruesome massacre in his report to the UN General Assembly earlier this year. Between July and August 1988, thousands of political prisoners, men, women and teenagers, were reportedly executed pursuant to a fatwa issued by then Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khomeini. He was referring to some 30,000 political prisoners, mostly activists in the main Iranian opposition movement, the Mujahedin-e Khalq (PMOI or MEK) who were killed and buried in secret, mass graves.

Senator John McCain paved the way for standing with the Iranian people and opposition efforts to bring democratic change to Iran, when he traveled to Tirana, Albania to meet with Maryam Rajavi, head of the NCRI, earlier this year. Following McCains lead, a senior delegation of U.S. senators, including Roy Blunt and Majority Whip John Cornyn, members of the Select Intelligence Committee, and Thom Tillis of the Armed Services Committee, made the trip this past August.

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich recently explained how crucial the cooperation between the United States and the Iranian opposition is, and said that he hoped the current administration would reach out [to the NCRI] in a much more collaborative way to coordinate information and to coordinate advice and find ways to work together. Speaking of Maryam Rajavi, he said that she is one of the examples of a symbol of resistance to the dictatorship.

Change is coming for the Iranian regime. In fact, Trump said in his recent address, The entire world understands that the good people of Iran want change Irans people are what their leaders fear the most.
The U.S. Treasury Department officially implemented the Countering Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) on October 31st, which officials in Iran call the mother of all sanctions, as it targets Irans Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).

These new sanctions are aimed at IRGC commanders and affiliates involved in domestic crackdown, plundering the populations wealth, exporting the regimes terrorism, and advancing Tehrans nuclear proliferation and ballistic missile program. The IRGC in its entirety reportedly controls over 40% of Irans economy. In fact, the IRGCs Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, involved in large construction projects, has some 5,000 companies under its purview, and is connected with building dams, power plants and refineries.

Recently, 13 prominent U.S. senators wrote a letter calling on the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. Senator David Perdue (R-GA) led the initiative, this letter demands a rigorous new international inspections regime to be imposed on Irans nuclear program. The main objectives include gaining vital access to Irans military sites, up to now considered off-limits by Tehran, and escalating transparency into the regimes uranium enrichment drive.

Some suspect Iran of taking advantage of military sites to continue nuclear activities that are banned under the nuclear agreement between Iran and the P-5+1. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors have been banned from some sites, or forced to endure a bureaucracy ruling of 54 days to obtain access to other disputed sites. This could possibly provide Tehran with enough time destroy any evidence of illicit activities. When the highly controversial Lavizan-Shian site was razed to the ground in late 2003 and early 2004, according to Western diplomats, Iran went to the limits to cover up undeclared nuclear activities.

The new initiative from U.S. senators, highlights the shortcomings in the inspection and verification regime. It is said to have the Trump administrations full backing. The White House is attempting to resolve any outstanding issues over Irans compliance with the nuclear deal, as well as close any outstanding loopholes that might provide the regime an opportunity to obtain nuclear weapons.
Although they would normally be considered Sunni and Shiite enemies, they were able to put their differences aside in favour of their joint hatred of the United States.

The documents released by the CIA include computer files and images and they were seized during the raid in Pakistan that killed leader Osama bin Laden in May 2011.

On Tuesday this week, the United States Treasury Department put in place CAATSA  the Countering Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. These will be the toughest sanctions that have ever been applied to Iran and it particularly targets the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) including its commanders and affiliates.

The IRGC is instrumental in the regimes oppressive domestic policies and is responsible for plundering the wealth of the nation. It is also involved in the spread of terrorism and plays a large role in Irans ballistic missile and nuclear programs.

More than 40% of the countrys economy is controlled by the IRGC via a vast and complicated network of companies.

Iran is already worried about the CAATSA, and it is right to be further concerned about the push being made by over a dozen senators in the US. They are urging the US Mission to the United Nations to enforce more thorough and rigorous inspections with regards to the Iran nuclear deal. They want Irans military sites to be inspected, despite the regimes refusal. They also want to make sure that all the loopholes in the agreement are tightened because the Iranian regime is currently exploiting them.

It is surely common sense that nuclear inspectors access military sites in the country, and Irans refusal is raising suspicions about whether it is conducting illegal activities there.

This is one of the many problems with the nuclear agreement. The UNs nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which is in charge of verifying the nuclear deal, has been denied access or made to wait 54 days before gaining access. These 54 days are more than enough for Iran to get rid of all evidence regarding banned activities.

The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) is a coalition of Iranian opposition groups and it has been instrumental in exposing the Iranian regimes nuclear program. It all started in August 2002 when it exposed the uranium enrichment site in Natanz and the heavy water production plant in Arak.

Since then it has continued to provide evidence about more and more of Irans nuclear program and its clandestine and complex network of military sites.

It goes without saying that the NCRI could be a very valuable resource in helping the United States, and the international community as a whole, figure out how to put an end to Irans nuclear ambitions once and for all.

It must also be noted that the NCRI is the representative of the people of Iran who want a peaceful, free and democratic Iran. No one has worked harder for the people of Iran than the main opposition.
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United States lawmakers questioned representatives of Facebook, Twitter and Google over Russian efforts to influence the 2016 presidential election.

The U.S. Congress is investigating how Russia used the companies internet services to spread disinformation during the election. Congress also asked how the companies planned to stop the misuse of their services in the future.

Senate Intelligence Chairman Richard Burr of North Carolina spoke to lawyers from the three companies at a hearing on Wednesday. He said media reports suggested that Russian-linked Facebook advertisements directly influenced the elections outcome.

The reports claim Russian government agents spent as much as $100,000 on Facebook advertisements.

You must do better to protect the American people andall of your users from this kind of manipulation, Burr said.

Senator Dianne Feinstein of California argued that social media companies are responsible for the material placed on their websites.

Fienstein expressed anger over the reports and suggested that lawmakers may take action.

She said, Youve created these platforms, and now they are being misused. And you have to be the ones to do something about it  or we will.

Facebook, Instagram and Twitter identified some of the material that has been connected to Russian agents. Democratic Party members on the House Intelligence Committee showed examples of this material during the hearings.

The advertisements, videos and tweets covered topics including race, immigration, Islam, and issues of sexual identity.

Facebook, Twitter and Google have admitted that agents connected to Russia used false accounts on their sites throughout 2015 and 2016.

They used the accounts and other methods to spread false advertisements and messages designed to make people angry. Facebook lawyer Colin Stretch told lawmakers last Wednesday that Russian-backed posts on his companys site reached millions of Americans.

Lawyers for all three companies stated that they take the problem seriously and are aggressively fighting it.

Sean Edgett, a lawyer for Twitter, repeated a statement he made to the Senate Judiciary Committee one day earlier. He said the company has studied all the posts on its site from September 1 to November 15, 2016. Edgett said Twitter has suspended 2,752 accounts suspected of Russian links.

Colin Stretch said that false advertisements were a very small fraction of the overall content on Facebook.

He said, however, that the company was taking measures to improve. Were hiring more ad reviewers, doubling or more our security engineering efforts, putting in place tighter content restrictions, he said. Stretch added that buyers of political ads would have to provide documentation about themselves.

The House Select Committee also met on the issue

A few hours after meeting with the Senate Intelligence Committee, the companies lawyers met with the House Select Committee on Intelligence to discuss the same issue.

Republicans on that committee mainly discussed information from the websites showing when the Russian disinformation efforts began.

The information showed that these efforts started before the Republican Party nominated Donald Trump as its presidential candidate.

Senator James Risch of Idaho said, This is a whole lot broader than simply the 2016 election.

Googles lawyer Kent Walker agreed. He said, The large majority of the material we saw was socially divisive rather than electoral advocacy.

However, some Democrats disagreed. Representative Adam Schiff of California said Russian ads targeted stories about Hillary Clintons health and legal problems.

Some Democrats also accused the technology businesses of being slow to recognize and combat the threat.

Senator Mark Warner of Virginia said the big social media companies have a lot of information about Americans. And the idea that you had no idea that any of this was happening strains my credibility, he said.

Both the House and Senate intelligence committees are holding yearlong investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Reports from both are expected at a future date.

Members of both parties in the Senate have introduced legislation to deal with the problem. The bills would require internet-based services to confirm and make public the identities of those buying political advertising. U.S. broadcasters are already required to do that.

Im Jonathan Evans.

Joshua Fatzick, Michael Bowman and Katherine Gypson reported this for VOA News. Pete Musto adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor.

How should governments hold internet-based services responsible for the material users post on their sites? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

disinformation  n. false information that is given to people in order to make them believe something or to hide the truth

agent(s)  n. a person who tries to get secret information about another country, government

manipulation  n. the act of controlling someone or something in a clever and usually unfair or selfish way

social media  n. forms of electronic communication, such as Web sites, through which people create online communities to share information, ideas, and personal messages

platform(s)  n. something that allows someone to tell a large number of people about an idea or product

fraction  n. a part or amount of something

content  n. the ideas, facts, or images that are in a book, article, speech, movie or website

advocacy  n. the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal

strain(s)  v. to cause problems or trouble for something

credibility  n. the quality of being believed or accepted as true, real, or honest
1 A crowd releases lanterns into the air as they celebrate the Yee Peng festival, also known as the festival of lights, in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The event is held to show respect to Buddha.


The downfall of movie producer Harvey Weinstein has been quick and decisive.

The increasing spread of the so-called Harvey Effect has been quick, as well.

It started in Hollywood, when the first accusations of sexual abuse against Weinstein appeared in media reports.

It soon spread to other industries, with the help of the hashtag #metoo. Women, and some men, publicly reported stories of sexual abuse by powerful people. The accused have included famous moviemakers, actors, news media leaders, writers and American presidents.

Most recently, it spread to the British government.

Prime Minister Theresa May this week called for changes in the way Parliament deals with reports of sexual harassment or worse. Her statement was in answer to reports that some British lawmakers had sexually harassed their employees or other people. And on Wednesday, Michael Fallon resigned as Britains defense secretary, following reports of inappropriate sexual behavior.

Weinstein

Weinstein was among the most powerful moviemakers in Hollywood. His popular, and Academy Award-winning films over the last 30 years, include "Shakespeare in Love," "Pulp Fiction," and "Good Will Hunting.

He ran Miramax Films and later the Weinstein Company with his brother, Bob Weinstein.

On October 5, the New York Times newspaper wrote about Weinsteins reported history of harassing and assaulting women. Several women, including actress Ashley Judd, told the Times that Weinstein used his industry influence to try to gain sexual favors. The accusations dated back more than 30 years. The women said they believed refusing Weinstein and reporting the actions would have hurt their careers in Hollywood.

Judd said in the Times report, Women have been talking about Harvey amongst ourselves for a long time, and its simply beyond time to have the conversation publicly.

Now, one month later, more than 50 women have accused Weinstein.

Thirteen say he raped them.

Weinstein has been dismissed from the company he created. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has expelled him. The Producers Guild of America, a labor union, did the same. And many actors have sharply criticized him, even those whose careers he helped launch.

The New York Police Department, Los Angeles Police Department and Londons Metropolitan Police are all reportedly investigating him.

Anita Hill

Public accusations of sexual harassment or assault do not always lead to decisive action.

In October of 1991, an American lawyer named Anita Hill testified that her former boss, Clarence Thomas, had sexually harassed her. Hill appeared at a Senate confirmation hearing for Thomas, who was a nominee to serve on the United States Supreme Court.



Hill told the senators the incidents had taken place 10 years earlier in her employment at two government agencies.

Thomas denied the accusations. He and his supporters said the accusations were politically motivated to block him from the Supreme Court.

The Senate debated the nomination and confirmed it. Clarence Thomas remains a Supreme Court Justice today.

However, the event changed how the country defined and discussed sexual harassment.

Hill told the Associated Press on October 14 that she is impressed by the attention being paid to sexual harassment following the Weinstein story. Yet, she said, progress on the issue had been slow.

This case may be bigger than some in the past, but I think were kidding ourselves if we think that everything is going to change overnight from one episode, even as big as this one, Hill said.

#MeToo

As the number of Weinstein accusations grew, American actress Alyssa Milano asked her followers on social media for help.

She wrote on Twitter on October 15, If youve been sexually harassed or assaulted write Me too as a reply to this tweet. Her aim was to show that sexual abuse is common.

As of October 24, Twitter had recorded more than 1.7 million #MeToo tweets from more than 80 countries.

The hashtag brought strength in numbers, and helped embolden people to share their stories of assault publicly.

The Harvey Effect

More and more women, and some men, continue to accuse well-known and powerful people.

The accusers include Isa Hackett, a producer for the Amazon show Man in the High Castle. She told The Hollywood Reporter trade magazine that Amazon Studios leader, Roy Price, repeatedly asked her for sex in July of 2015. The story was published October 12.

A few days later, Price resigned from his job.

This week, NBC News dismissed Mark Halperin, a top reporter on American politics after several women accused him of sexual wrongdoing.



In a CNN report last week, one woman said Halperin told her she would never work in media or politics after she refused to kiss him.

And, earlier this week, American actor Anthony Rapp publicly accused Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey of sexual abuse. Rapp said when he was 14 years old Spacey attempted to have sex with him. The accusation was published on the news site BuzzFeed.

Spacey posted a statement on Twitter a few hours later. He said he did not remember the incident and was horrified to hear of it. He said if I did behave then as he describes, I owe him the sincerest apology.

Spacey currently stars in the popular Netflix series House of Cards. Netflix announced Tuesday that it has suspended production of the shows final season. It also said it is deeply troubled by the reports. Others have since come forward with sexual harassment accusations against Spacey.

Also this week, two women accused actor Dustin Hoffman of sexual harassment. The first, Anna Graham Hunter, described in The Hollywood Reporter several incidents she said took place in 1985, when she was a 17-year-old production assistant.

Hoffman said in a statement he is sorry that, in his words, anything I might have done [that] could have put her in an uncomfortable situationIt is not reflective of who I am.

Hours later, another woman, writer/producer Wendy Riss Gatsiounis, said Hoffman harassed her in 1991. She said she had been invited to meet with him and a producer to discuss making a play she had written. She said Hoffman made sexual comments and tried to get her to go to a hotel with him. She said when she refused the producer told her they had no interest in her play.

American presidents

Five women recently accused former U.S. President George H. W. Bush of sexual assault. American television actress Heather Lind was the first accuser. Using the hashtag #MeToo, Lind wrote on Instagram that Bush touched her inappropriately while she was taking a photo with him.

After a second woman came forward with similar accusations, the former presidents office explained that because Bush is in a wheelchair, his arms fall near the lower waist of people with whom he takes pictures.

It added that the 95-year old former president has often patted womens rears in what he intended to be a good-natured manner.

Other American presidents, including Bill Clinton and current office holder Donald Trump, have also faced accusations of sexual wrongdoing.

British Parliament

What started in Hollywood may now be playing out in British politics, as well.

A political website called Guido Fawkes reported Monday that assistants to Britains Conservative Party politicians had created a list of 36 lawmakers accused of inappropriate sexual behavior.

Conservative Party leader Andrea Leadsom said that Parliament has zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior among lawmakers. She added that changes would be made to how people can report cases of sexual harassment at Parliament.

And International Trade Minister Mark Garnier admitted to asking his assistant to buy sex objects for him in 2010. The story from the former employee was reported in the British newspaper The Mail on Sunday. British Prime Minister Teresa May has called for an investigation into whether Garnier broke the ministerial code of conduct.

On Wednesday, following a series of accusations of inappropriate sexual behavior, Defense Secretary Michael Fallon sent his letter of resignation to May.

May wrote of the growing issue this week. I do not believe that this situation can be tolerated any longer. It is simply not fair on staff, many of whom are young and in their first job, she wrote.

Im Caty Weaver.

And Im Ashley Thompson.

Ashley Thompson wrote this story based on several reports by the Associated Press and Reuters. Caty Weaver was the editor.

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

harass - v. to annoy or bother (someone) in a constant or repeated way

assault - v. to violently attack (someone or something)

conversation - n. an informal talk involving two people or a small group of people

boss - n. the person whose job is to tell other workers what to do

kid oneself - v. to fail to admit the truth to yourself : to deceive yourself

episode - n. an event or a short period of time that is important or unusual

embolden - v. to make (someone) more confident

suspend - v. to stop (something) for a usually short period of time

inappropriately - adv. done in a way that is not right or suited for some purpose or situation

rear - n. the part of your body that you sit on

intend - v. to have (something) in your mind as a purpose or goal

tolerance - n. the ability to accept, experience, or survive something harmful or unpleasant

conduct - - n. the way that a person behaves in a particular place or situation
Our story today is called "Luck." It was written by Mark Twain. Here is Shep ONeal with the story.

I was at a dinner in London given in honor of one of the most celebrated English military men of his time. I do not want to tell you his real name and titles. I will just call him Lieutenant General Lord Arthur Scoresby.

I cannot describe my excitement when I saw this great and famous man. There he sat, the man himself, in person, all covered with medals. I could not take my eyes off him. He seemed to show the true mark of greatness. His fame had no effect on him. The hundreds of eyes watching him, the worship of so many people, did not seem to make any difference to him.

Next to me sat a clergyman, who was an old friend of mine. He was not always a clergyman. During the first half of his life he was a teacher in the military school at Woolwich. There was a strange look in his eye as he leaned toward me and whispered  Privately  he is a complete fool. He meant, of course, the hero of our dinner.

This came as a shock to me. I looked hard at my friend. I could not have been more surprised if he had said the same thing about Napoleon, or Socrates, or Solomon. But I was sure of two things about the clergyman. He always spoke the truth. And, his judgment of men was good. Therefore, I wanted to find out more about our hero as soon as I could.

Some days later I got a chance to talk with the clergyman, and he told me more. These are his exact words:

About forty years ago, I was an instructor in the military academy at Woolwich, when young Scoresby was given his first examination. I felt extremely sorry for him. Everybody answered the questions well, intelligently, while he  why, dear me  he did not know anything, so to speak. He was a nice, pleasant young man. It was painful to see him stand there and give answers that were miracles of stupidity.

I knew of course that when examined again he would fail and be thrown out. So, I said to myself, it would be a simple, harmless act to help him as much as I could.

I took him aside and found he knew a little about Julius Caesars history. But, he did not know anything else. So, I went to work and tested him and worked him like a slave. I made him work, over and over again, on a few questions about Caesar, which I knew he would be asked.

If you will believe me, he came through very well on the day of the examination. He got high praise too, while others who knew a thousand times more than he were sharply criticized. By some strange, lucky accident, he was asked no questions but those I made him study. Such an accident does not happen more than once in a hundred years.

Well, all through his studies, I stood by him, with the feeling a mother has for a disabled child. And he always saved himself by some miracle.

I thought that what in the end would destroy him would be the mathematics examination. I decided to make his end as painless as possible. So, I pushed facts into his stupid head for hours. Finally, I let him go to the examination to experience what I was sure would be his dismissal from school. Well, sir, try to imagine the result. I was shocked out of my mind. He took first prize! And he got the highest praise.

I felt guilty day and night  what I was doing was not right. But I only wanted to make his dismissal a little less painful for him. I never dreamed it would lead to such strange, laughable results.

I thought that sooner or later one thing was sure to happen: The first real test once he was through school would ruin him.

Then, the Crimean War broke out. I felt that sad for him that there had to be a war. Peace would have given this donkey a chance to escape from ever being found out as being so stupid. Nervously, I waited for the worst to happen. It did. He was appointed an officer. A captain, of all things! Who could have dreamed that they would place such a responsibility on such weak shoulders as his.

I said to myself that I was responsible to the country for this. I must go with him and protect the nation against him as far as I could. So, I joined up with him. And away we went to the field.

And there  oh dear, it was terrible. Mistakes, fearful mistakes  why, he never did anything that was right  nothing but mistakes. But, you see, nobody knew the secret of how stupid he really was. Everybody misunderstood his actions. They saw his stupid mistakes as works of great intelligence. They did, honestly!

His smallest mistakes made a man in his right mind cry, and shout and scream too  to himself, of course. And what kept me in a continual fear was the fact that every mistake he made increased his glory and fame. I kept saying to myself that when at last they find out about him, it will be like the sun falling out of the sky.

He continued to climb up, over the dead bodies of his superiors. Then, in the hottest moment of one battle down went our colonel. My heart jumped into my mouth, for Scoresby was the next in line to take his place. Now, we are in for it, I said

The battle grew hotter. The English and their allies were steadily retreating all over the field. Our regiment occupied a position that was extremely important. One mistake now would bring total disaster. And what did Scoresby do this time  he just mistook his left hand for his right handthat was all. An order came for him to fall back and support our right. Instead, he moved forward and went over the hill to the left. We were over the hill before this insane movement could be discovered and stopped. And what did we find? A large and unsuspected Russian army waiting! And what happened  were we all killed? That is exactly what would have happened in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred. But no  those surprised Russians thought that no one regiment by itself would come around there at such a time.

It must be the whole British army, they thought. They turned tail, away they went over the hill and down into the field in wild disorder, and we after them. In no time, there was the greatest turn around you ever saw. The allies turned defeat into a sweeping and shining victory.

The allied commander looked on, his head spinning with wonder, surprise and joy. He sent right off for Scoresby, and put his arms around him and hugged him on the field in front of all the armies. Scoresby became famous that day as a great military leader  honored throughout the world. That honor will never disappear while history books last.

He is just as nice and pleasant as ever, but he still does not know enough to come in out of the rain. He is the stupidest man in the universe.

Until now, nobody knew it but Scoresby and myself. He has been followed, day by day, year by year, by a strange luck. He has been a shining soldier in all our wars for years. He has filled his whole military life with mistakes. Every one of them brought him another honorary title. Look at his chest, flooded with British and foreign medals. Well, sir, every one of them is the record of some great stupidity or other. They are proof that the best thing that can happen to a man is to be born lucky. I say again, as I did at the dinner, Scoresbys a complete fool.

Download activities to help you understand this story here.

Now it's your turn to use the words in this story. Have you ever had a teacher help you in a special or unusual way? What was that experience like? Let us know in the comments section or on our Facebook page.

______________________________________________________________

QUIZ

Quiz - Luck by Mark Twain Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz



_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

ally n. (pl. allies) a country that supports and helps another country in a war

disabled  adj. having a physical or mental disability : unable to perform one or more natural activities (such as walking or seeing) because of illness, injury, etc.

dismiss  v. to send away; to refuse to consider

dismissal  n. the act of sending a person away (from a position at work or in a school)

join up  (idiom) enlist in the military service

superiors  n. a person of higher rank or status than another
Since he was eight years old, Robert Salazar has been making artistic creations from folded paper.

Now, he is taking his love of origami to a different place: outer space.

Salazar works with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory of the United States space agency NASA. He says that ideas from origami can help design devices for research and exploration:

"Origami offers the potential to take a very large structure, even a vast structure, and you can get it to fit within the rocket, go up, then deploy back out again. So it greatly magnifies what we are capable of building in space."

Researchers are using ideas from origami on several space agency projects.

Starshade

Manan Arya is a technologist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He is working on a project called Starshade. The project's goal is to fit a large object into a rocket. Once the rocket reaches the correct point in space, the Starshade opens like a flower. This large flower shape is meant to block light to permit a space telescope to better see areas close to bright stars.

Starshade, Arya says, can be used to look for planets that orbit other stars.

"Seeing an exoplanet next to its parent star is like trying to image a firefly next to a search light, the searchlight being the star. Starshade seeks to block out that starlight so you can image a really faint exoplanet right next to it."

Other uses: a Robot and an Antenna

Researchers are also using ideas from origami to design a robot and a special antenna for satellites.

The robot is called the Pop-up Flat Folding Explorer Robot, or PUFFER.

It can fold itself flat to get into small spaces. Salazar says the robot can explore environments "otherwise inaccessible" to a robot. It could even be used to explore cave systems on our own planet, he adds.

Antennas on satellites capture and send communications signals.

Arya notes that the idea behind the special antenna's design is to pack it into very small satellites that are known as CubeSats. Arya says it is very useful to be able to fit large antennas into a small space:

"The bigger the antenna you have, the more gain your antenna has, so it is useful to have a big antenna that gets packaged into this tiny space that unfolds out to be a large antenna. The biggest CubeSat antennas we have right now are about half a meter."

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory origami-based technologies have a graceful beauty. In origami, Salazar said, art, science and engineering only have small differences.

I'm John Russell.

Elizabeth Lee reported on this story for VOA News. John Russell adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

origami  n. the Japanese art of folding paper into shapes that look like birds, animals, etc.

deploy v. : to open up and spread out the parts of (something, such as a parachute)

exoplanet  n. a planet that orbits a star outside the solar system.

inaccessible  adj. difficult or impossible to reach, approach, or understand : not accessible

technologist  n. someone who is an expert in technology
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S&P 500 3,991.73 DOW 33,592.92 QQQ 289.39 Retiring Soon? 8 Facts About Retirement You Need to Know 5 Diamonds in the Rough (Ad) Three Penny Stocks Making Big Moves In November Agilent Remains In Buy Range Ahead Of Next Week's Q4 Report 5 Diamonds in the Rough (Ad) Dont Chase Walmart Higher, Wait For Extra Low Prices Russian airstrikes reported in cities across Ukraine 5 Diamonds in the Rough (Ad) Stocks gain ground after wholesale inflation eases in US The Latest | UN Climate Summit

S&P 500 3,991.73 DOW 33,592.92 QQQ 289.39 Retiring Soon? 8 Facts About Retirement You Need to Know 5 Diamonds in the Rough (Ad) Three Penny Stocks Making Big Moves In November Agilent Remains In Buy Range Ahead Of Next Week's Q4 Report 5 Diamonds in the Rough (Ad) Dont Chase Walmart Higher, Wait For Extra Low Prices Russian airstrikes reported in cities across Ukraine 5 Diamonds in the Rough (Ad) Stocks gain ground after wholesale inflation eases in US The Latest | UN Climate Summit
S&P 500 3,991.73 DOW 33,592.92 QQQ 289.39 Retiring Soon? 8 Facts About Retirement You Need to Know Perfect Q4 Timing on Seasonal Trades (Ad) Three Penny Stocks Making Big Moves In November Agilent Remains In Buy Range Ahead Of Next Week's Q4 Report Perfect Q4 Timing on Seasonal Trades (Ad) Dont Chase Walmart Higher, Wait For Extra Low Prices Russian airstrikes reported in cities across Ukraine Invest in Innovative Tech for the Smart Home (Ad) Stocks gain ground after wholesale inflation eases in US The Latest | UN Climate Summit

S&P 500 3,991.73 DOW 33,592.92 QQQ 289.39 Retiring Soon? 8 Facts About Retirement You Need to Know Perfect Q4 Timing on Seasonal Trades (Ad) Three Penny Stocks Making Big Moves In November Agilent Remains In Buy Range Ahead Of Next Week's Q4 Report Perfect Q4 Timing on Seasonal Trades (Ad) Dont Chase Walmart Higher, Wait For Extra Low Prices Russian airstrikes reported in cities across Ukraine Invest in Innovative Tech for the Smart Home (Ad) Stocks gain ground after wholesale inflation eases in US The Latest | UN Climate Summit

S&P 500 3,991.73 DOW 33,592.92 QQQ 289.39 Retiring Soon? 8 Facts About Retirement You Need to Know Perfect Q4 Timing on Seasonal Trades (Ad) Three Penny Stocks Making Big Moves In November Agilent Remains In Buy Range Ahead Of Next Week's Q4 Report Perfect Q4 Timing on Seasonal Trades (Ad) Dont Chase Walmart Higher, Wait For Extra Low Prices Russian airstrikes reported in cities across Ukraine Invest in Innovative Tech for the Smart Home (Ad) Stocks gain ground after wholesale inflation eases in US The Latest | UN Climate Summit
Early Sunday, we will turn our clocks back an hour as daylight saving time ends. The La Crosse County Historical Societys featured artifact this week also turns back the clock  more than 80 years.

When Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected president in 1932, the nation was ready for change. The country was in mired in the Great Depression, with the nations jobless nearing 20 percent and hundreds of thousands of people living in shantytowns called Hoovervilles, named for the unpopular previous president, Herbert Hoover.

Roosevelt campaigned for a New Deal for the common man, and he gave hope to many who were down and out. His theme song, Happy Days Are Here Again, became the most popular song in the country. The time seemed right for showing support for a new president.

Roosevelts landslide victory over Hoover inspired the Gibraltar Electric Clock Co. of Jersey City, N.J., to create a souvenir clock to commemorate the new presidents election. This clock features Roosevelt standing behind a ships wheel, symbolizing him steering the ship of state. On the base below the wheel are Roosevelt and the words At the Wheel for a New Deal. The wheel holds an electric clock with a plain white clock face. Made of cast pot metal, this clock stands 13 inches tall and still has its original electrical cord.

There were a number of variations of this clock. Some were a warm pewter tone, like the one shown here, while others had a bronze finish. The company made another version of the clock with a large eagle next to Roosevelt. The company used the same Roosevelt figure for an electric lamp. There was a similar clock manufactured by a different company that featured Roosevelt standing on the opposite side of a ships wheel.

Roosevelt certainly was the man of the hour.

Like all novelties, these whimsical clocks were made of inexpensive materials and probably sold at low cost. Their appeal today is not political but as antiques. Time has not completely healed these 80-year-old political wounds, but its passage has turned these old clocks into timeless artifacts.

Dont forget to turn your clocks back tonight. Its your opportunity to travel one hour back in time.
New York designer Victoria Hagan has created homes all over the world, including the official Vice President's Residence in Washington for Joe and Jill Biden. Her interiors are known for mixing modern and classic. Hagan has just released a new book, "Victoria Hagan: Dream Spaces." She also designs furniture, fabric and rugs. Every week, Jura Koncius helps you in your quest to achieve domestic bliss. She and weekly guests, whether Martha Stewart, the Property Brothers or Nate Berkus, answer your decorating and design questions. Jura is always happy to whip out her paint chips, track down a hard-to-find piece of furniture or offer her seasoned advice on practical living and decluttering. For more than 10 years, Home Front has been an online conversation about the best way to make your home comfortable, stylish and fun. We invite you to submit questions and share you own great tips, ideas and gripes. No problem is too big or too small, send them over.
The Kuwaiti government will release $160 billion for the next 20 years for the development of resorts on its islands of Boubyan, Warba, Failaka, Maskan and Aouha, reports say.

The ambitious project will, according to local reports, turn the five islands into tourism and leisure destinations consisting of canals similar to those found in Venice, Italy.

The attractive destinations will also display shopping complexes and travel centers that could attract international investments.

The project also seeks to develop free zones, to display conducive environments where implementation of operating rules attracts great minds.

The strategic position of the islands; on the Silk Road project, will enable the country to become a hub of global investment and the development of national product, reports say.

Annual returns of the plan are projected to reach $40 billion upon completion and a total of 200,000 jobs are to be generated.
(HealthDay)Struggling to lose weight? Maybe posting that selfie on social media can help, researchers say.

Their study included 33 people in two weight-loss groupssurgical and nonsurgicalwho regularly blogged or posted online about their weight-loss experiences and were followed for four years.

Sharing their successes and setbacks on social media helped the participants stay committed to setting and achieving their weight-loss goals, according to the study results.

"The sharing of intimate information and photos about weight-loss goals in virtual space is a key factor in motivating behaviors that fulfill that new thinner identity and thus helps people reach their goals," said study co-author Sonya Grier, a professor of marketing at American University in Washington, D.C.

She said this approach allows for relative anonymity, accessibility, availability and flexibility for people to create a community that can help keep them motivated and accountable.

"Not everyone can get the support they need from the people they interact with in person on a daily basis," Grier said in a university news release. "It is helpful that technology can support community building and goal achievement in virtual spaces."

The findings were published in the November 2017 issue of the Journal of Interactive Marketing.

More information: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has information on The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has information on healthy weight loss

Copyright  2017 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Important stuff you won't get from the liberal media! We do the surfing so you can be informed AND have a life!
Zimbabwean police have detained a US citizen for insulting President Robert Mugabe in a tweet she shared, her lawyers say, in the first apparent arrest since the creation of the Ministry of Cyber Security.

Martha ODonovan, who works for the Magamba TV, was detained on Friday during a dawn raid on her home in Harare, Magamba TV said in a statement .

She had re-tweeted a post which apparently referred to Mugabe as a selfish man and sick man, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), which is representing ODonovan, said in a tweet.

Zimbabwe Republic Police says Martha ODonovan insulted Mugabe when she allegedly tweeted that We are being led by a selfish man and sick man', ZLHR tweeted on Friday.

The tweet shared by ODonovan did not refer to Mugabe by name.

ZLHR also said on Twitter that she is being charged with undermining [the] authority of or insulting [the] president.

Fishing expedition

Doug Coltart, a human rights lawyer in Zimbabwean capital of Harare, said that if convicted, ODonovan could face more than 20 years in prison.

ODonovan is charged with insulting the president which is punishable with a sentence of a year, he told Al Jazeera.

More significantly she is charged with subverting a constitutional government which carries a hefty sentence of 20 years in prison. It is almost equal to treason, Coltart said.

This is directly related to her role with the Magamba TV, and a subsidiary of Magamba called Open Parly, which talks all about the work of parliament.

This is what we expected all along that it was not really about the retweet. It was really a fishing expedition to get information about her work at the Magamba TV, and try and go after the organisation itself.

New battleground is social media

This is the first arrest since the creation of the Ministry of Cyber Security in Zimbabwe last month.

The new ministry focuses on crimes on social media and worldwide web in general ahead of an election scheduled for the coming year.

Amnesty International condemned the arrest , saying it marks the start of a sinister new chapter in the Zimbabwean governments clampdown on freedom of speech  and the new battleground is social media.

The human rights organisation added that the charges confirm fears that this new portfolio [ministry] will simply be used to punish anyone speaking out against the authorities on social media platforms.

Zimbabwean officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Mugabe has been ruling Zimbabwe since its independence from Britain in 1980.

He says he seeks to run for another five-year term in next years elections which will be the last under the current constitution.

Al Jazeera

Now read: South Africa and Zimbabwe in airline permit dispute
Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg called the agreement between Turkey and Russia concerning the purchase of S-400 systems the sovereign decision of Ankara, RIA Novosti reports.

Recently the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee Petr Pavel warned the authorities of Turkey about the possible consequences of its agreement with Russia concerning the Russian S-400 missile systems.

According to Petr Pavel, the planned purchase will exclude the possibility of integration of Ankara into NATO joint air-defense forces.

The principle of sovereignty operates when buying military equipment, but the countries are sovereign both when making a decision, and when facing the consequences of that decision.

Pavel noted, that even as a separate installation, not integrated in the common system, S-400 deployed in Turkey will create difficulties for the facilities of allies, which may be potentially located on the territory of that country.

Previously, Foreign Minister of Turkey Mevlut Cavusoglu told Aksam daily that Ankara may refuse buying the S-400 from Russia, if they reach an agreement about co-production of the system.

We urgently need to buy the system, because there is a need for that. We need to secure our air space. Nonetheless, if countries in opposition to Russia dont want us to buy S-400 from them, they need to suggest an alternative option, notes Cavusoglu.

The S-400 system which is classified as SA-21 Growler by NATO, is a system of new generation. It is supposed to destroy all types of modern means of air-cosmic attack like airplanes, prospectors, airplanes of strategic or tactical aviation, ballistic missiles, etc.

This system is the only one, which can operate with the use of four types of missiles having different starting mass and launching range, creating echeloned defense.
Erdogan: Biden administration is determined to sell F-16s to Turkey

Gold price remains stable

Copper falls in price

Microsoft to leave Azerbaijan

G7 and NATO leaders say they are ready to support Poland in investigation of bombings

Joe Biden asks Congress for new funding for Ukraine

Finance Minister: Capital expenses will greatly increase in Armenia in 2023

Azerbaijani MFA accuses French Senate of undermining relations normalization process between Baku and Yerevan

Armen Grigoryan to pay working visit to India

AP: Missile falls in Poland may have been fired by Ukraine to shoot down Russian missile

Erdogan plans to discuss fertilizer transportation and grain deal with Putin

Oil price falls

Blinken calls on Armenian Prime Minister to maintain momentum of peace talks with Azerbaijan

CNN: NATO aircraft tracked the trajectory of the missile that fell in eastern Poland

Armenian FM to visit Tunisia

Yerevan draft budget 2023 revealed

U.S. Embassy: Major General Daniel Lasica arrives in Armenia

Armenian MOD refutes another misinformation of Azerbaijani MOD

Media: Fire in Istanbul is caused by several explosions, not just one

Drone 'allegedly' blows up oil depot in Oryol Oblast

Trump officially announces that he will run for president in 2024

Anwar Gargash: UAE has no interest in choosing sides between great powers

Ukraine suspends oil pumping through Druzhba pipeline towards Hungary

Germany urgently needs gas turbines to stabilize power grids

Polish media report on fall of two missiles on country's territory

Economic downturn worsens in eastern EU due to a spike in inflation

U.S. believes that meeting between Biden and Jinping was strong signal to rest of world

Karabakh MFA welcomes resolution adopted by French Senate

Italy bans facial recognition technology and smart glasses

Germany to establish maintenance center in Slovakia for weapons supplied to Ukraine

Energy Ministry: Russia carried out most massive shooting of Ukraine's energy system since war starts

French Senate passes resolution calling for sanctions against Azerbaijan

Rishi Sunak hints that he will abandon plans to declare China 'threat' to national security

EU supports any call to phase out fossil fuel use

Secretary of Security Council of Armenia receives delegation of EU special envoys, member states

Armenian President Vahagn Khachatryan receives newly appointed ambassador of Cyprus

Zelenskyy's adviser: The situation after Russian shelling is critical

Newly appointed ambassador of Cyprus visits Armenian Genocide memorial

Borrell: EU countries must work together to replenish their military stocks

French Senator: Are the lives of Armenians worth less than the lives of Ukrainians?

Turkey plans to strike targets in northern Syria

Emergency power outages in Kyiv due to explosions

Lavrov calls Zelenskyy's speech at G20 summit performance beyond all regulations and decency

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince embarks on Asian tour

Ukrainian media report missile strikes in number of areas

Chinese 50-year-old man runs marathon smoking

Pashinyan receives delegation of EU special envoys, EU member states on Eastern Partnership

Bloomberg: Paris overtakes London to become Europe's largest stock market

Anti-Iranian rally held in Baku

Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin: Pashinyan's approaches and wordings do not contribute to solving urgent problems

Borrell announces appearance of EU rapid reaction force in 2023

Norwegian Defense Minister pledges $30 million to NATO fund for Ukraine

Italy auctioned biggest truffle for record 184 thousand euros

Serviceman kills fellow soldier in Armenia

Kyodo: 67-year-old Japanese princess diagnosed with breast cancer

Mehriban Aliyeva hurriedly gives up her role of UNESCO 'Goodwill Ambassador' before French Senate meeting

Jeff Bezos says he's ready to give away most of his fortune

Britain to allocate $11.8m to rebuild Ukraine's energy infrastructure

Peskov: Kyiv cannot and doesn't want to negotiate, SVO will continue

Turkey detains another suspect in planning terrorist attack in Istanbul

Tasnim: Iranian authorities released 38 protesters in southeast

Terrorist attack: Number of detainees in Istanbul grows to 50

Armenian FM presents to Europeans consequences of September Azerbaijani aggression

Biden and Erdogan back extension of grain deal

Macron and Erdogan meet on G20 margins

UN: Earth's population is 8 billion people

Indian PM urges G20 countries to find peaceful solution to Ukraine

Minimum wage to rise in Armenia

Ministry: Air pollution level in Armenia up by 30-40% over the past five years

Erdogan and Biden hold talks in Bali

Media: Macron asks Xi Jinping to 'pressure' Putin to return to negotiations

UN: Armenia's population will decrease by 2050

Zelenskyy states that only realistic model of POW exchange is all for all

Ameriabank launches Google Pay, Google Wallet support for card users in Armenia

Argentine President Fernandez feels ill at G20 summit

Ruben Vardanyan receives head of ICRC mission: We must ensure a peaceful childhood for children living in Artsakh

Copper rises in price

Newspaper: Armenian Prime Minister wants to hold referendum on constitutional amendments in spring

Ardshinbank showcases the Google Pay for Android fans in Armenia

Zelenskyy calls not to offer Ukraine compromise with territory and independence

Secretary of State: U.S. stands ready to continue support for Karabakh settlement

Google Pay is a new contactless payment option for Converse Bank customers

French Senate to consider resolution on sanctions against Azerbaijan

Zelenskyy addresses G20 leaders: It's time to stop Russia's war

Karen Vardanyan donated 112 million drams for the medical equipment for National Center for Infectious Diseases

Another four-day parliamentary session begins in Yerevan

Gold declines in value

World oil prices go down

Plans to build 'death pyramid' in London that will hold millions of bodies

Armenian and Georgian Foreign Ministries hold consultations in Tbilisi

Azerbaijani and Iranian FMs hold phone conversation

Steve Jobs' sandals sold for more than $200,000

Armenian PM accuses Azerbaijani leader of terrorizing Armenian civilians

Azerbaijan shells Armenian positions on border again

OPEC downgrades its forecast for global oil demand growth in 2022

White House: Biden and Xi Jinping agree on Blinken's visit to China

CNN: CIA chief Burns meets with SVR director Naryshkin in Ankara

Turkish FM Cavusoglu thanks Ararat Mirzoyan for condolences

Putin signs decree allowing stateless persons to serve in Russian army

Airbus CEO: There is no question of them breaking off trade ties
More than $5 million of aid money was lost due to fraud and corruption during the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, stated Red Cross representatives.

Auditors found overpriced supplies, salaries for non-existent aid workers and fake customs bills. The outbreak of Ebola in 2014-2016 claimed at least 10 thousand lives.

As Ebola spread across Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, the Red Cross in Geneva was dispersing financial contributions to the national Red Cross offices in each of those countries with total financing amounting to $100 million, BBC reported.

Red Cross representatives said they deeply regretted the loss of funds. The organization stated it intended to tighten financial rules and bring those responsible to justice.
The U.N. received 31 allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse against its staff in the three months from July to September this year, DW reported quoting Secretary General Antonio Guterres' spokesman.

The accusations were leveled against U.N. staff from across the system. Twelve of the allegations were against peacekeeping operations and 19 were against workers from agencies, funds and programs - including U.N. children's fund UNICEF and refugee agency UNHCR.

Guterres pledged to stamp out sexual exploitation under the U.N. flag after an investigation revealed widespread allegations of rape and abuse of minors by peacekeepers in the Central African Republic (CAR) last year.

Twelve of the incidents reported in the three-month period were alleged to have taken place in 2017, two in 2016, six in 2015 and 11 before 2015 or the date is unknown.

Ten are categorized as sexual abuse, 19 as sexual exploitation and two are unclassified as the age of the accusers are unknown.
Russia, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are ready to do more work to reduce global oil inventories, the Russian energy ministry said in a statement on Saturday after a meeting of officials from the four countries, Rambler reported.

Russia and Saudi Arabia are leading a deal between OPEC and non-OPEC producers to cut global oil production, with the aim of propping up oil prices.

The states-participant signified satisfaction of reducing commercial stocks of oil and stated their readiness to continue (to make) join efforts towards such a direction, the statement said.

Saudi Arabian oil minister Khalid al-Falih said after the meeting that more work was needed to cut inventories.

There is a general satisfaction with the strategy of 24 countries that signed a declaration of cooperation.

Everybody recognises that (the) job is not done yet by any means, we still have significant amount of work to do to bring inventories down. Mission is not yet complete, more needs to be done, he added.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump may discuss a Syria settlement at an Asian economic summit in Vietnam next week, RIA Novosti reported.

Relations between Moscow and Washington have soured further since Putin and Trump first met at a G20 summit in Hamburg in July when they discussed allegations of Russian meddling in the U.S. election, but agreed to focus on better ties.

Tensions have risen over the conflict in Syria, after Russia vetoed a United Nations plan to continue an ongoing investigation into chemical weapons.

A Syria settlement is being discussed for the agenda of a possible meeting between the two presidents, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by RIA, adding it was in their common interest to have enough time to discuss the issue.

Somehow or another it requires cooperation, Peskov said.

Trump told Fox News this week that it was possible he would meet Putin during his Asia trip.

We may have a meeting with Putin, he said.

And, again  Putin is very important because they can help us with North Korea. They can help us with Syria. We have to talk about Ukraine.
China's top legislature on Saturday voted and passed an amendment to the country's criminal law to punish acts of gravely disrespecting the national anthem, Xinhua reported.

The amendment was passed at the bimonthly session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC).

According to the amendment, punishments previously stipulated for national flag and national emblem desecration in public now also apply to serious acts of public disrespect to the national anthem.

Punishments include deprivation of political rights, criminal detention and imprisonment of up to three years.

The National Anthem Law, adopted at an NPC Standing Committee session in September, came into force last month to ensure appropriate use of the song.

Those who maliciously modify the lyrics, or play or sing the national anthem in a distorted or disrespectful way in public, can be detained for up to 15 days, and even be held criminally liable, according to the law.

China's national anthem "March of the Volunteers" has lyrics by poet Tian Han and music by Nie Er.

The song encouraged Chinese soldiers and civilians during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
Despite concerns about household debt in China , the biggest problems still come from the corporates, state-owned enterprises and local governments, a Barclays economist said Thursday. "In terms of financial deleveraging, the PBOC (People's Bank of China) and the financial regulators have done quite a lot of work in the past year. We have seen a slowdown in shadow financing activities and in interbank business and all these mean the risks in the financial systems have reduced compared with a year ago," said Jian Chang, chief China economist at Barclays. "But in terms of economic deleveraging, I think there is still a long way to go. Particularly, the debt level over GDP remains quite high," Chang, speaking on the sidelines of the Barclays Asia Forum in Singapore, told CNBC.State-owned companies', private firms' and local governments' debt remain the biggest problems in China, said Chang.That remains the case despite corporate leverage having stabilized somewhat. Still, "significant work needs to be done," she added. Outgoing PBOC governor Zhou Xiaochuan recently warnedabout the pace of growth in household debt levels. But, Chang said, China's household debt over GDP at 40 percent was still much lower than average international levels. Despite concerns about household debt in China , the biggest problems still come from the corporates, state-owned enterprises and local governments, a Barclays economist said Thursday. "In terms of financial deleveraging, the PBOC (People's Bank of China) and the financial regulators have done quite a lot of work in the past year. We have seen a slowdown in shadow financing activities and in interbank business and all these mean the risks in the financial systems have reduced compared with a year ago," said Jian Chang, chief China economist at Barclays. "But in terms of economic deleveraging, I think there is still a long way to go. Particularly, the debt level over GDP remains quite high," Chang, speaking on the sidelines of the Barclays Asia Forum in Singapore, told CNBC. State-owned companies', private firms' and local governments' debt remain the biggest problems in China, said Chang. That remains the case despite corporate leverage having stabilized somewhat. Still, "significant work needs to be done," she added. Outgoing PBOC governor Zhou Xiaochuan recently warned about the pace of growth in household debt levels. But, Chang said, China's household debt over GDP at 40 percent was still much lower than average international levels.



More From CNBC


Sing it, Jo.

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what's a tosser @british ppl

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A prick.

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a wanker

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A knobhead

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a twat

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Truly the epitome of all bloody hell

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A pillock.

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i love this thread

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"to toss" is to masturbate. synonyms: wanker, pickle tickler, pole stroker, jerkoff

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A complete bint.

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suddenly i'm anglophobic

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A person (invariably male) whose demeanour is obnoxious. Strictly an annoyingly stupid person who shows off too much or is overly self-satisfied (a poseur).



I love Jo's dry humor. This can be a fun show, given the right guests.

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See Trump family.

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a git

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Male who acts quite undesirably, who is by all accounts, one that possesses qualities that are unattractive and reprehensible.



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A Piers Morgan

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lmao i love british slang

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What's funny is Ian is usually decent. Proves the "best" of men will always be problematic towards women's issues because they've never had to experience them. Out of sight out of mind.

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I got the vibe of him trying to create some sort of a boys' club mentality in the scene. Really offputting tbh.

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Their faces when Jo was talking literally made me want to smash my fucking screen in ARGH.

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ugh SAME I'm glad you said that because it's the "oh look, she can't take a joke" face that all men make when women tell them to make better jokes

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Yeah, Idk these idiots in the first place, but seeing their faces in that screenshot really did make me wanna smack them.

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i saw this! GLORIOUS JO, I've always loved her. She had a show back in the 90s which was one of my gateway drugs into comedy.



For as informed and progressive I'm sure Merton and Hislop like to consider themselves, they looked just old, white, male and out of fucking touch after she schooled them. You always turn into the thing you hate eventually, eh fellas?

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Just looking at this pannel gave me anxiety.

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quentin letts ugh

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I am so weary of HIGNFY's whole schtick this series.



Jo is great, everyone else was not

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what an amazing reply <3

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saw this trending earlier and it gave me life. the man talking at the beginning is a fucking prick.

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I've always really liked Jo Brand. She's funny and I like how slowly and calmly she talks lol - makes me feel like I want to have a chat with her while knitting and sipping tea. I haven't caught the most recent episodes of HIGNFY because the youtube channel that would upload them was suspended a few weeks back and I haven't found an alternative yet.

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My main exposure to her is from that Stephen Fry quiz show, and I always ADORED her voice.

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i've got such a thing for calm slow voices. ahhhhh <3

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I've loved her since I was a kid <3 She brings the best snark and sometimes, like this time, she will lay out the truth <3

She used to be a psychiatric nurse, and as a result, will not allow people to get away with making fun of mental illnesses.

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same. so many men i know hate her and that alone gives me LIFEEEE.

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I do, too. It makes everything she says seem to have equal weight and that's somehow kind of revelatory to me. Like her making this point and then making a joke about her husband or w/e are made in the same measure and it makes her sound like she considers everything, including her comedy.

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Slay

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this article's a good start



Edited at 2017-11-04 08:09 pm (UTC) There's a huge sexual harassment scandal sweeping thru westminister rn. A news paper recently dropped several accounts of inappropriate behavious and sexual harrasment by politicians in the house of commonsthis article's a good start http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mps-sex-scandal-sleaze-spreadsheet-timeline-what-happened-explained-westminster-a8032531.html

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Jo's a star <3 all these all male panel shows always come across as insufferable

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and men continue not to get it. like this shit is just constant for women, so even if it's a minor offense, it's another reminder that we can't even simply go about our day without men being awful in some way

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An American, looking up

Ah yes, I remember that low.



Edited at 2017-11-05 05:12 am (UTC)

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That glasses guy is not happy with what she said and you can tell he wants to say something disparaging.

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that's quentin letts, he writes for the daily fail and he is quite awful

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sorry mods for fucking up the source link!

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OP his last name is spelled Dreyfuss

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aw shit thanks

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a slow castration would be too good for Spacey

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also adding... I'm glad that Spacey is facing consequences - I NEVER would have expected that - but at the same time I'm frustrated because other predators seem to get away with it. Hollywood is very selective with the people they let fall or protect.

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ofc. his victims are men.

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Spacey is an individual who was in a show on Netflix. Weinstein was independent, he sold Miramax years ago. Bryan Singer is connected to the studios, with franchises. Warner Bros., 20th Century Fox, ABC, Columbia TriStar, Marvel, DC--the studios are heavily invested in him. He hasn't been putting out these fires about him all by himself over the years.



Singer has 3 films in post-production and 5 announced. He's made a lot of money for these corporations and they don't want to stop the cash cow.

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The Hollywood elite need to keep all the pedophilia secrets under wraps. They're making it look like a gay thing, when there appears to be an over-all preference for boys over girls by the pedophiles in power.



There's a certain director/producer who's too powerful to even mention, since the public all respects and admires his work. A lot of his work revolves around children in some way, since they're either made about or made for children. It makes him seem wholesome.

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Can we send all people of his kind to some remote island and drop a nuclear bomb on them?

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better if we just potshot them up into space.

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space will send a meteor back at us as punishment tbh

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look I am not trying to start wank but since when did placing a hand on someone's thigh = groping?



Yes I know ontd is very "you should never touch another human being" but culturally for me, touching others is seen as a sign of warmth.



Spacey is a predator but I don't think it's fair to go back and overanalyse every single human contact he ever had. unless he touched your thigh and starting rubbing it, I'm not gonna act outraged

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If you read the entire article he started out touching his thigh and moved on to cup his penis over his clothes for either several seconds or several minutes, Dreyfuss can't remember.

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Omgggggg that's disgusting. I feel like this should be in the post.

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you have a point in general, but I don't think it's possible to overanalyze Spacey's behavior when it happened in the context of dozens (let's be real: hundreds if not thousands) of other cases of harassment.



The crucial point is that Harry Dreyfuss felt disturbed by the incident.

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if you read the piece spacey literally followed him around the room fondling him as he was trying to get away from him...

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i didnt want to go into detail with that bc i didnt know if it warranted going under a cut or not.

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what culture is nonchalant about touching the thigh of someone they arent hooking up/dating/married to?



imo that is the universal signal of "lets get it on"

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Had it been just thigh touching (which we know it wasn't, but hypothetically had it been just a hand on the thigh whilst sitting closely etc) then in some cultures absolutely that isn't way out of the norm. Just like two men kissing each other's cheeks etc isn't the norm in some cultures.



In the context of the culture both HW and Harry Dreyfuss are from and in though, i'd say it's wildly unusual and quite inappropriate physical contact. It's not so much an ONTD thing as a general cultural thing in some places that that is just not ok. In a context-specific way taking into account their background, upbringing, cultural context and age difference etc it's definitely like alarm bell ringing as predatory even if he'd done nothing else.



Edited at 2017-11-05 12:28 am (UTC)

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look I am not trying to start wank





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I was just in the middle of reading this now. The story is so sad, poor guy. Also I think the whole thing is worth reading he offers a really good perspective on how victims cope by downplaying what happened.



So to all the people who have spoken up already, about Kevin, about Harvey Weinstein, and Bill Cosby, and Bill OReilly, and Roger Ailes, and all the women who have opened my eyes to how pervasive this problem is, I cant thank you enough. You helped me see that what was once treated as normal never deserved to be, and that things we all could have condemned sooner were happening right under many of our noses. In minimizing my own experience all these years, I unwittingly played a role in minimizing it for everyone. That ends now. This was never a funny story. Rather than a punchline, I hope my story can serve as inspiration to others who may have felt that they couldnt or shouldnt speak up until now.







Edited at 2017-11-04 10:29 pm (UTC)

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im going to add that to the post bc i think he stated that really well

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it's weird, but I'm so proud of everyone who has the courage to speak about their harassment experience. These people are so brave, I applaud them.

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This is so important tbh!



My best friend was sexually assaulted a few years ago by this guy who's really popular in the Trek convention scene here in the UK, and thanks to Anthony Rapp coming forward about Spacey she found the strength and bravery to come forward publically about it, name him, and as he's all acting a mess and trying his best to discredit her she's gone to the police over it and seeking legal rep.

SO PROUD OF HER. And it's all these people coming forward, being believed and this awareness right now that gave her that push to stop feeling ashamed all these years.



And of couurrsseee since she named him, LOADS of other girls in fandom and the con circuit here have come forward saying how inappropriate and creepy this fucking gross cretin has been towards them over the years. But they just thought it was something wrong they'd done, that they'd ~led him on and deserved it etc. And now people are seeing how completely not ok it all is.



Edited at 2017-11-05 12:27 am (UTC)

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i didnt hear about it(uk) but i am very proud of your friend,

hope she can heal or get some justice.

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A Star Trek actor or someone who goes to all conventions?

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I feel like every Kevin item should come with a disclaimer that this isn't something gay people do.

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Dreyfuss went into that in his story which was nice:



I also cant stand that Kevin, in his apology, tried to distract from the real problem here by coming out, and in so doing managed to undermine all the work the LGBT community has done to do away with the association between pedophilia and homosexuality. The fact that hes gay is not whats important. Rather, its that he has no respect for consent. A lot of people have warned me this could hurt my career because it will make me look like Im jumping on the bandwagon. But as long as the bandwagon is outing a sexual predatorthen Im good with that.

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Wow that last part is amazing.

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Intelligent people already know that.



Stupid people will never believe it.



Edited at 2017-11-04 11:06 pm (UTC)

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piece of shit can't even control himself when his victim's father (and a hollywood legend to boot) is in the same fucking room



he needs to just die. there's nothing of value here.

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yep

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I was shocked by that. He didn't even try to hide it from his victim's parent. He is disgusting.

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he probably got a thrill of doing something devious while the dad was in such close proximity. like the danger of getting caught doing something perverted made it more exciting.

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Mte

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that disturbed me so much.

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right? this is weinstein all over again re: sociopathic entitlement

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kind of reminds me of weinstein going after gwyneth, when she's a paltrow and the goddaughter of speilberg. just goes to show how secure he felt doing it.

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It's just so creepy. Like in a normal consenting situation, most people would be totally grossed out by the other person's dad sitting in the same room. But to Spacey, it was a thrill.

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fr

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My husband was a huge Kevin Spacey fan and he seriously just deleted him from everything and kindly packed up his dvd collection of his films and donated them and the first story broke.



On another note I hope he doesnt have a come back but looking at Mel Gibsons comeback I dont have hope. Gibson was dropped by everyone even the earth and was able to make his way back in peoples good graces.

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kudos to your husband. It takes a lot to let go of something you love.

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Im nursing his broken heart, he will be okay.

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Honestly, Kevin picked great projects (American Beauty withstanding, because I hate that movie), but thinking back....he was never even the most memorable part of any of them...for me anyway. I'm thinking of LA. Confidential though, he might as well have been replaced by anyone else and nothing of value would have been lost.

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apples and oranges. Mel Gibson did his sugar tits drunk rambling on his own time. Kevin Spacey is being fired, tarred and feathered for being lascivious and predatory at work. He's probably not insurable at this point, or at least be hard pressed to find a studio willing to insure him.

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Gibson did have some who stuck by him, notably Jodie Foster. Spacey isn't gonna have that at all.

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I just saw the messiest comment on my fb timeline. A friend made a post about Spacey and there was a guy (who I know to be straight) commenting about how KS coming out as bi was a bad move because don'tyouknow bisexuals aren't actually queer and even gays who organize Pride parades have said they don't want "breeders" marching with them. Like what dude

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Lol, I'm not friends w the guy who left that comment, we just have a mutual friend. Her original post was okay but this guy just barged in with his Thoughts On Bisexuals

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When your friends have idiot friends/family members who comment on their Facebook posts and it shows up on your page, it can be enraging. One of my best friends has a sister who is a huge Trump-supporting, liberal-bashing moron and every time my friend, who is a liberal herself, makes a post, she comments with the dumbest and most offensive stuff I have ever seen. I even blocked her, but then other people comment on the shit she's said, so I still end up seeing it.

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Did he come out as Bi or Gay? I'm pretty sure he said he was a gay man, either way unfriend these stupid people.

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when the allegations from people on the HOC set came out, i immediately thought of nathan darrow (the actor who played meechum, the young character that kevin's character makes out with and has a threesome with) so i looked up to see if he had said anything. apparently he helps run the kevin spacey foundation as the director. he also said in a past interview that he had a "flirty bond" with kevin and that he enjoyed all of it. maybe he lucked out and was the only one who engaged in shit with kevin consensually but i wouldn't be surprised if kevin pursued him aggressively.

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yeah, they provide "mentorships" for young actors, directors, etc. the website has been changed so that all instances in which the word "young" appeared now read "emerging."

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Nathan Darrow isn't young though, he's past 40. He's too old to have been harassed by Spacey given the usual age of his victims.

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That guy is 41 and he looks it

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another day, another victim :(

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His father being in the room but not seeing it reminds me of what I shared today on my tumblr - one time when my mom, sister, and I were visiting with my great-aunt and her husband, he kept making all these lowkey sexual comments towards me. I was 13. All three other women were in the room. My mom and sister were sitting next to me. The only person who tried to do something about it was my sister. Afterwards, my mom was completely oblivious when my sister mentioned how fucking creepy he was and how he crossed the line.



Parents who don't actively protect their children suck. I don't care if Harry was eighteen at the time. You don't stop being a parent the day your kid turns out.



Edited at 2017-11-04 10:49 pm (UTC)

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I'm sorry that happened to you. That is such a demoralizing situation to be in.

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Thank you. At the time, it didn't bother me so much. It made me feel incredibly uncomfortable, but I knew my sister (who was 22 at the time) would protect me. But when it's added to other really bad decisions my mother made re: mine and my sister's safety as we were growing up, it just makes me really mad. Like, I love my mom, but the mentality of laughing off the creepy uncle you shouldn't be alone with needs to die and be replaced by disowning the creepy uncle.

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I'm so sorry. :(



I actually do believe that his dad didn't see, it's actually a surprisingly common tactic for abusers to grope/harass in front of parents because if the kid actually is able to speak up, the abuser can be like "Oh I didn't mean it, you misunderstood" and a lot of parents take the side of the abuser and assume their kid is overreacting which teaches their kid that no one will believe them if they speak out.



Long story short everyone should respect and believe their kids when they feel uncomfortable around another adult.

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I think the most surprising thing to me was this, we all know they weakest link (so to speak) are the most vulnerable, but they don't even care about how well connected some of their victims are, so sure they were of not suffering any consequences for their actions.

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the ref is the only kevin spacey movie I watch regularly, and there were some young actors in it, and now Im concerned :(((

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Ohh man that movie! I used to watch it for xmas all the time... I hope he didn't hurt the kid that played his son 

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CUPED Corp., a nonprofit real estate and economic development company founded by Melissa Goins, has purchased the Readers Choice building, located on the southeast corner of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Brown Street.

The building has been vacant since early July when owner Carla Allison closed her store after 28 years and retired. It was the last African-American owned bookstore in Wisconsin.

CUPED will redevelop the building for tenants Jazales Art Studio and Grateful Girls, both nonprofits working to improve the lives of Milwaukee youth.

The redeveloped building will be named "Kindred" after a novel by one of developer Joanne Sabirs favorite authors, Octavia Butler. The science fiction work includes time travel back to the era of slavery and is about "how, over time and space, we are all connected," Sabir said in a video about the project. She is an entrepreneur and CUPED Corp. board member.

The purchase came about when Vedale Hill, Jazales co-founder and art director, asked Goins to help find a larger and more stable home for the nonprofit, "a multi-function community art hub," which offers free after-school art and education programming and mentoring for city youth.

Founded in 2012, Jazales moved from its original space at 711 E. Center St., in 2014. The Hill brothers stored their furnishings and equipment, and took Jazales to the citys Painting with Purpose project, while it searched for a new location. Jazales relocated to the Halyard Building, 2201 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., in spring 2015. Initially, Goins and the Hill brothers considered purchasing that building but when negotiations stalled, they expanded their search.

This will be Jazales third location, not because the Hill brothers wanted to move but because their landlords havent been supportive of their organization, Vedale Hill said. "Were trying to create a situation so Jazales can have longevity, so we can think about the future."

"Melissa Goins has been a huge force" in helping the Hill brothers think about the future and also about partnerships between the tenants and developers, he added.

Vedale Hill said that the arrangement "could be the catalyst for our sustainability." The organizations mission is "to give kids a great place to be and to give artists great opportunities to work with youth and grow as artists," he added.

One of Jazales long-term goals for Kindred is ownership, said Darren Hill, Vedales older brother and Jazales co-founder and executive director. "Joanne and Melissa know that and they always speak about legacy, about ownership. They see this as a stepping-stone and  if that becomes a viable step for the organization, they would be willing to sell. Thats when we (would) have real security as a program," he said.

Darren Hill said he expects to move to Kindred in spring 2018. Jazales will occupy about two-thirds of the building, including the first floor, the basement and a large second-floor balcony.

Grateful Girls, which helps at-risk and formerly trafficked girls ages 12 to 24, will rent the second floor of Kindred to expand its program. Already operating a safe haven group home and a community resource center at other locations, it will add Work It Girl, an employment training program, in the new location, according to Chandra Cooper, Grateful Girls executive director.

In fall 2018, Grateful Girls plans to open a retail store, The Queens Closet, selling consigned and new clothing and accessories for young women in the Sherman Phoenix building planned for the former BMO Harris Bank Building at 3536 W. Fond Du Lac Ave.

"Were hoping once our youth go through our training program, we will be able to guarantee them jobs through that retail store," Cooper said, adding, "Its very important that our youth are able to get real jobs."

Grateful Girls also plans to start a catering business at Kindred. There is a small kitchen on the second floor. Cooper said the girls will also use catering clients kitchens for food preparation. The training for catering also will be open to boys.

Art plays a large role in the healing process for the girls Coopers organization serves and she plans to collaborate with Jazales Art Studio program.

The retail job training program, which will include resume building, professionalism, customer service and on-site job interviews, is open to all girls in the community.

In the video Goins explained that CUPED stands for Cultivating Urban Plan and Economic Development. Its goal is to bring pride and hope to people and allow them to leverage CUPED to make things happen.

"To me, CUPED stands for a sense of opportunity that we all can determine what our communities look like and how we grow them together," Sabir said. "Its critically important for our tenants to have a home that is a true reflection of the greatness of their work."

Goins added, "The most important thing about this building is the fact that this word, (Kindred), will be written across the building and it will send symbolic, unconscious meaning to all those who drive past it."
Afghanistan has ordered the suspension of WhatsApp and Telegram to resolve "technical problems", officials said Saturday, sparking outcry among social media users. Facebook-owned WhatsApp and Telegram are popular messaging apps among smartphone-using Afghans -- including Taliban and Islamic State jihadists. So far state-owned Salaam Network is the only internet provider to obey the order, which applies from November 1 to November 20, telecommunications ministry spokesman Najib Nangyalay told AFP. "We are testing a new technology and WhatsApp and Telegram will be temporarily blocked," Nangyalay said. "It is not a blow to the freedom of communication in Afghanistan -- we have access to Facebook, Twitter. We are committed to the freedom of expression." Acting telecommunications minister Shahzad Aryobee said the move was in response to dissatisfaction with the services -- something industry insiders rejected. "In order to improve the services and solve the technical problems of these two programmes the Ministry of Telecommunication and Information Technology is considering to introduce a new technology," Aryobee said in a Facebook post on Friday. Testing is "time-consuming" and required the temporary stoppage of WhatsApp and Telegram. The move has ignited a firestorm on social media with users describing the move to block the messaging services as an assault on their right to free speech. "Blocking WhatsApp and Telegram is the beginning of censorship by the Afghan government and bringing the virtual world under their control in Afghanistan. I think this is intolerable," Facebook user Abdullah wrote. Another user Mahdi Yasir said the quality of WhatsApp and Telegram "are great" and urged the government to focus on closing "factories producing Pakistani suicide bombers" instead. "The two applications we were using the most are blocked. God damn this government," Abdulraouf Sharifi posted. A telecommunications official scoffed at the government's claim to be developing a new technology. "They are not going to match an international standard app," he said. "WhatsApp is very popular because it uses less data and the quality is very good. "It could be security related (but) if they block it people can access VPNs," he added, referring to virtual private networks. Around eight million people, largely in Afghanistan's major cities, can access the internet, up from almost none during the Taliban's repressive 1996-2001 regime. Most do so through mobile phones. The Taliban frequently uses WhatsApp to post statements in Afghanistan while IS militants favour Telegram.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  Purdue University and the Purdue Research Foundation signed a strategic research and commercialization alliance on Tuesday (Oct. 31) with the Universidad Nacional de San Agustin (UNSA) in the Arequipa region of Peru to accelerate the development of sustainable solutions to the linked socioeconomic and environmental challenges impacting use and supply systems for the regions food, water and energy.

In acting globally, Purdue looks for opportunities to make lasting impact on a large scale, Purdue President Mitch Daniels said. Purdue works to create a happier, healthier and more prosperous Indiana. I hope that this will help UNSA create a happier, healthier and more prosperous Arequipa, Peru and Latin America.

The UNSA alliance is the latest example of Purdues growing international impact with programs already in place in Africa, Colombia, India, China and Ireland. The goal of the partnership is to make UNSA the premier location in Latin America for cutting-edge environmental sustainability research and innovation, and technology transfer.

We are thrilled to have found a strategic partner in Purdue and Discovery Park, whose mission and themes dovetail seamlessly with the vision of UNSA, said Rohel Sanchez Sanchez, UNSAs rector (president). The new alliance will draw on Purdues unique expertise, which will foster innovation, solutions and economic prosperity locally and regionally.

The partnership, which represents one of the largest collaborative international projects in Purdues history, comprises four key elements, including the establishment of the Arequipa Nexus Institute for Food, Energy, Water and the Environment, the UNSA-Foundry and Tech park, a curriculum development program, and an English language program. Initially, the focus will be on the development of the Nexus institute, which will facilitate collaboration through targeted interdisciplinary projects addressing challenges and needs in the social sciences, food security and safety, water source and quality, and soil health.

We are confident this alliance will create a new era of knowledge, discovery and innovation for UNSA and help solve some of the grand challenges facing Peru, Latin America and the world, said Tomas Diaz de la Rubia, chief scientist and executive director of Discovery Park. The alliance will work to bring a convergence of transdisciplinary ideas to find transformative solutions to the challenges facing the region.

Purdues Center for the Environment (C4E) in Discovery Park will be the administrative and collaborative link to UNSA in establishing the Nexus Institute in Arequipa. Timothy Filley, professor of geochemistry and soil science at Purdue University and interim director of C4E, will co-direct the Nexus Institutes scientific programs and partnerships together with his counterpart at UNSA, Henry Gustavo Cornejo Polanco, professor and dean of the School of Process Engineering at UNSA.

The institutes long-term goal is to serve as the reference point for Latin American research on sustainable watershed management, agricultural innovation and development, soil and water quality assessment, science-based decision-making, and agro-economic development through interdisciplinary research, Filley said. Purdues broad scientific and engineering expertise cuts across these areas which has allowed us to develop a strong, collaborative research network with UNSA colleagues.

More than 70 faculty and staff representing 23 departments and eight colleges at Purdue are already involved in the development of several initial research projects designed to partner with UNSA faculty and students to address the challenges facing Peru. In addition, Purdues Polytechnic Institute is helping UNSA plan the Nexus Institute building. Located in the Majes agricultural valley of Arequipa, it will be equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation, conference facilities and residential quarters for visiting scientists.

Discovery Park will also help UNSA create a technology park and commercialization hub similar to Purdues Foundry, where students, faculty and others work together to move entrepreneurial ideas to the marketplace. Plans to set up a technology transfer program similar to Purdue Research Foundations Office of Technology Commercialization are also in discussion.

Purdue is a world leader in creating new ideas, and the Purdue Research Foundation is a world leader in how you translate those ideas to impact, said Greg Deason, senior vice president of the Purdue Research Foundation and director of innovation and entrepreneurship at Purdues Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship in Discovery Park. We look forward to working with UNSA officials on ways to take their ideas and have a greater impact.

Purdue became involved with UNSA after signing an agreement with the Core Foundation in 2016 agreeing to explore opportunities to provide solutions and economic innovations to help developing communities, especially those in Latin America. Core Foundation represents 15 universities in Peru with the mission to promote economic development through strategic partnerships between universities, government and private companies in North and South America.

Core Foundation is an organization that helps reach 15 of the 17 global goals made by the United Nations for sustainable development, said Core Foundation President and CEO Ricardo Torreblanca. The impact of Core Foundation has been bigger than I have ever imagined, and I can see that we are on the right track.

Purdues engagement in Peru also includes opportunities for Purdue students offered by the University of Technology and Engineering in Lima, Peru through the Purdue Polytechnic Institute.

About Discovery Park

Discovery Park is a place where Purdue researchers move beyond traditional boundaries, collaborating across disciplines and with policymakers and business leaders to create solutions for a better world. Grand challenges of global health, global conflict and security, and those that lie at the nexus of sustainable energy, world food supply, water and the environment are the focus of researchers in Discovery Park. The translation of discovery to impact is integrated into the fabric of Discovery Park through entrepreneurship programs and partnerships.

About the Center for the Environment

The mission of the Center for the Environment (C4E) in Discovery park is to promote proactive, interdisciplinary research, learning, and engagement at Purdue addressing important environmental challenges. C4E works with global partners to conduct use-inspired science to address humanitys most pressing environmental and sustainability challenges.

About Purdue Foundry

The Purdue Foundry is an entrepreneurship and commercialization accelerator in Discovery Park's Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship whose professionals help Purdue innovators create startups. Managed by the Purdue Research Foundation, the Purdue Foundry was named a top recipient at the 2016 Innovation and Economic Prosperity Universities Designation and Awards Program by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities for its work in entrepreneurship. For more information about funding and investment opportunities in startups based on a Purdue innovation, contact the Purdue Foundry at foundry@prf.org.

About Universidad Nacional de San Agustin

The National University of San Agustin de Arequipa (UNSA) was founded on Nov. 11, 1828, as a public university. Its mission is to train high-quality professionals to be competitive, capable of being agents of change and development in society, and excellent researchers. Additionally, its mission is to solve problems that impact the environment of the region and the country of Peru, where UNSA is located.

Writer: Tom Coyne, 765-588-1044, tjcoyne@prf.org

Sources: Mitch Daniels, president@purdue.edu

Tomas Diaz de la Rubia, 765-496-6625, tddlr@purdue.edu

Tim Filley, 765-494-6581, filley@purdue.edu

Greg Deason, 765-588-5254, gwdeason@prf.org

Ricardo Torreblanca, 765-418-6988, rtorreblanca@coreworld.org
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Madagascar : lepidemie de peste ralentit

Health workers are trying to contain an outbreak of plague in Madagascar which has infected more than 1,800 people  including 71 health workers.

Many of the cases (62%) in the current outbreak are pneumonic plague, a more virulent form that spreads through coughing, sneezing or spitting and is almost always fatal if untreated.

The World Health Organisation said, Based on available information and response measures implemented to date, WHO estimates the risk of potential further spread of the plague outbreak at national level remains high.

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Health workers are scaling up preparations in other southern and east African countries, the World Health Organisation says  although global risk is considered to be low.

So why is it spreading  and what can be done to contain it? Here are five reasons people think may be behind the plague outbreak.

Is El Nino to blame?

The plague is endemic in Madagascars remote areas  but this outbreak is largely concentrated in its two largest cities, Antananarivo and Toamasina.

One expert suggests that El Nino  a fluctuation in Earths climate system  may have affected rats, leading to the current outbreak.

Professor Matthew Bayliss told the Express, We have suspicions  and it is no more than a suspicion  that it could be related to the El Nino we had a year ago.

Professor Bayliss suggests that changes in rainfall may have affected the behaviour of rats, which can spread plague.

Bayliss told Mail Online, 2016 was the strongest El Nino on record, and was nicknamed by some Godzilla, he said. Some have suggested the growing burden of climate change was to blame.

It is a change to the movements of water in the Pacific Ocean which then has an effect on climate in many parts of the world, including east and southern Africa.

Story continues

Is dancing with corpses spreading the disease?

En Madagascar desentierran y bailan con cuerpos de familiares fallecidos por la peste negra, eso podria propagar la plaga

Locals on the African island have been ordered to stop the practice of Famadihana, which involves digging up the bodies of deceased relatives and dancing with them before they are reburied.

It is feared that the ceremony may be helping to spread the disease, according to the World Health Organisation.

Willy Randriamarotia, the countrys health chief, told The Sun: If a person dies of pneumonic plague and is then interred in a tomb that is subsequently opened for a Famadihana, the bacteria can still be transmitted and contaminate whoever handles the body.

Are people avoiding hospitals?

Madagascars plague outbreak is unusual as it has affected urban areas increasing the risk of transmission

One aid workers suggests that local people may be unwilling to seek help because they associate hospitals with death.

Panu Saaristo of the Red Cross told Mail Online said that locals may be in fear of the the long time they would have to spend in hospital

People start avoiding healthcare, and that may lead to a situation where people start dying.

People were caught unaware when a man with plague travelled on a bus

A disturbing plague outbreak has killed 124 people and infected more than 1,000 in Madagascar

A health worker, Dr Tim Jagatic, told the BBC that the plague had spread into populated areas when a man infected with bubonic plague had travelled to a city by bus.

The fact it was outside normal plague season  from October to April  meant people were caught unawares.

Dr Jagatic said, He was in a closed environment with many people when he started to develop severe symptoms, and he started to transmit the pneumonic form of the disease to others.

He had the bubonic form of the plague and entered into one of the major cities, where the bubonic version of the disease had the potential of turning into the pneumonic form without treatment.
Iran's national flags are seen on a square in Tehran February 10, 2012, a day before the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl/Files (Reuters)

By Babak Dehghanpisheh

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Iran put a ballistic missile on display as thousands marched on Saturday to mark the anniversary of the 1979 seizure of the U.S. embassy, with a senior official accusing President Donald Trump of a "crazy" return to confrontation with Tehran.

Turnout for the annual Iranian street rallies commemorating the embassy takeover, a pivotal event of the Islamic Revolution, appeared higher than in recent years when Trump's predecessor Barack Obama pursued detente with Tehran.

Last month, Trump broke ranks with European allies, Russia and China by refusing to re-certify Iran's compliance with its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, reached during Obama's tenure. Under that deal, most international sanctions on Iran were lifted in exchange for Tehran curbing nuclear activity seen to pose a risk of being put to developing atomic bombs.

Iran has reaffirmed its commitment to the deal and U.N. inspectors have verified Tehran is complying with its terms, but Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has threatened to "shred" the pact if the United States pulls out.

"All the governments confirm that the American president is a crazy individual who is taking others toward the direction of suicide, Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, told a rally in Tehran, state media reported.

"Trump's policies against the people of Iran have brought them out into the streets today," Shamkhani said.

He did not identify the governments he had in mind. The other parties to the nuclear deal - Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany - have voiced disquiet at Trump's opposition to it, fearing this could stir new Middle East instability.

But the Europeans share U.S. concern over Iran's ballistic missile programme and "destabilising" regional behaviour.

NOT NEGOTIABLE

Senior Iranian officials have repeatedly said that the Islamic Republic's missile programme is solely defensive in nature and is not negotiable.

Story continues

In a sign of defiance, a Ghadr ballistic missile with a range of 2,000 km (1,240 miles) was put on display near the ex-U.S. embassy in Tehran, now a cultural centre, during Saturday's street demonstration, Tasnim news agency said.

"That America thinks Iran is going to put aside its military power is a childish dream," said Brigadier General Hossein Salami, deputy head of its elite Revolutionary Guards which oversees the missile development, according to Tasnim.

Fars news agency posted pictures of demonstrators nearby burning an effigy of Trump and holding up signs saying "Death to America".

Iran and the United States severed diplomatic relations soon after the 1979 revolution, during which hardline students seized the embassy and took 52 Americans hostage for 444 days.

Shamkhani spoke a few days after Khamenei said the United States was the "number one enemy" of the Islamic Republic.

U.S.-Iranian tensions have risen anew at a time when Tehran has been improving political and military ties with Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Tehran on Wednesday. Khamenei told him that Tehran and Moscow must step up cooperation to isolate the United States and help defuse conflict in the Middle East.

Iran and Russia are both fighting on the side of Syrian President Bashar al Assad against rebels, some of them U.S.-backed, and Islamist militants trying to overthrow him.

(Reporting by Babak Dehghanpisheh; editing by Mark Heinrich)
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation Saturday, citing Iran's "grip" on the country and threats to his life. "I announce my resignation from the post of prime minister," he said in a speech broadcast from Saudi Arabia by the Al-Arabiya news network. "I feel... that my life is being targeted," Hariri said. The two-time prime minister, whose father Rafik was assassinated when he held the same position in 2005, accused Iran and its powerful Lebanese Shiite ally Hezbollah of seeking hegemony in the region. The 47-year-old Sunni politician's resignation comes less than a year after his government, to which Hezbollah's political wing belongs, was formed.
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation on Saturday, citing Iran's "grip" on the country and threats to his life. The surprise move risks plunging the small and already fragile Middle Eastern country deeper into turmoil. "I announce my resignation from the post of prime minister," Hariri said in a speech broadcast from Saudi Arabia by the Al-Arabiya news network. "I felt what was being covertly plotted to target my life," he said. Hariri's personal security concerns appeared to gain little traction among the public. Social media were flooded with messages deriding him for choosing to resign from abroad and on a foreign channel. The two-time premier, whose father Rafik held the same position for years and was assassinated in 2005, accused Iran and its powerful Lebanese Shiite ally Hezbollah of seeking hegemony in the region. The 47-year-old Sunni politician's resignation comes less than a year after his government, to which Hezbollah's political wing belongs, was formed. "Iran has a grip on the fate of the region's countries... Hezbollah is Iran's arm not just in Lebanon but in other Arab countries too," Hariri said. He accused Tehran of "sowing discord among the children of the same nation and creating a state within the state... to the extent that it gets the final say on how Lebanon's affairs are run". Iran dismissed his accusations. Hariri's "repetition of unreal and baseless accusations... against Iran show that the resignation is designed to create tensions in Lebanon and in the region", said Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghassemi. - Iran-Saudi tension - Hariri also lambasted Hezbollah. "In recent years, Hezbollah has used the power of its weapons to impose a fait accompli," he said, reading his speech from behind a desk. Hezbollah is a vital ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the war the Damascus regime is waging against the Islamic State group and armed opposition movements. It enjoys broad support from Iran and is the only Lebanese party to have kept its weapons after the 1975-1990 civil war. Hezbollah's arsenal has since grown exponentially and now outstrips that of the nation's own armed forces. The group claims it is the only credible rampart against neighbouring Israel, and its refusal to disarm is the main political crux in Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hariri's resignation and his accusations against Iran should serve as a "wake-up call" to the world about Tehran's ambitions. Hezbollah members have been accused over the 2005 assassination in a massive car bomb blast of Rafik Hariri, the dominant figure in Lebanon's post-war political landscape. He made his fortune in Saudi Arabia, where his son Saad was born. Saudi Arabia is Iran's main regional rival, and the two powers' tussle for influence has played out in ongoing conflicts in Iraq, Syria and Yemen. The office of Lebanese President Michel Aoun, a veteran Christian leader allied to Hezbollah, issued a statement saying it was waiting for Hariri's return to Lebanon "to enquire about the circumstances of his decision and decide on the next steps". Hariri said in his speech that the political climate in Lebanon was reminiscent of that which prevailed before his father was killed. - Risks of war - The February 2005 assassination triggered political upheaval that led to Syria's military withdrawal from Lebanon. Walid Jumblatt, one of Lebanon's political heavyweights and the country's most prominent Druze leader, said Hariri's resignation could adversely affect a country already under huge strain. He argued it was the latest manifestation of the tug-of-war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and called for intensifying diplomatic efforts to solve the feud. "Lebanon is too small and vulnerable to bear the economic and political burden that comes with this resignation," he said on social media. "I will continue to call for dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Iran." Even as he resigned, Hariri warned his foes: "Our nation will rise just as it did before and the hands that want to harm it will be cut." Lebanese political analyst Hilal Khashan argued that Saudi Arabia had been piling the pressure on its protege lately and "summoned" him to Riyadh. He said Hariri's move could start "a cold war in Lebanon that could escalate into a civil war" or even a regional offensive on Hezbollah. It is unclear who could replace Hariri at this stage. Under a power-sharing system that helped end Lebanon's 15-year civil war, the president must be a Christian, the prime minister a Sunni and the speaker a Shiite.
North Korea ruled out talks and threatened to increase its nuclear arsenal in a fresh warning to Donald Trump's administration Saturday as the US President set off on a tour of Asia. Trump departed for his first presidential trip to Asia Friday, with tensions over North Korea's nuclear and missile threats looming large. He is due to arrive in South Korea Tuesday, after first visiting Japan. The North's state-run KCNA news agency said in a commentary that the US should be disabused of the "absurd idea" that Pyongyang would succumb to international sanctions and give up its nuclear weapons, adding that it is in "the final stage for completing nuclear deterrence". "It had better stop daydreaming of denuclearisation talks with us", said the commentary titled "Stop dreaming a daydream". "Our self-defensive nuclear treasure sword will be sharpened evermore unless the US hostile policy toward the DPRK is abolished once and for all", it said, using an acronym for the official name of North Korea. The White House said Trump will deliver a speech at South Korea's National Assembly and urge "common resolve in the face of shared threat". But there is widespread concern in South Korea that the US president's visit might worsen the situation if Trump fails to rein in his fierce rhetoric. Trump and the North's leader Kim Jong-Un have traded insults and threats of war in recent months. "Because of his tendency to veer off the script, many Koreans are worried that he may let loose", Professor Yang Moo-Jin of the University of North Korean Studies told AFP. Some 500 protesters took to the streets in Seoul Saturday, chanting slogans and waving banners as they accused Trump of bringing the Korean peninsula to the brink of war. "No Trump, No War", read one of the banners, while others portrayed the US President wearing a Nazi uniform. Nearby, a rival group of some 100 Trump supporters, including many military veterans, chanted: "Welcome to Korea, We believe in Trump". Trump, who dismissed direct talks with Pyongyang as "waste of time", will meet with President Moon Jae-In, who came to power early this year advocating for engagement with Pyongyang, a stance denounced as "appeasement" by Trump. Professor Koh Yu-Hwan at Dongguk University, a leading policy advisor to the government, said Seoul expected Trump to avoid putting Moon in a quandary by renewing pugnacious threats against the North, particularly with South Korea hosting the Winter Olympics in February next year. Moon has had to dial back his policy of engagement with the North in the face of Pyongyang's persistent nuclear and missile tests.
AFP News

Kenya's former president Uhuru Kenyatta arrived Tuesday in eastern DR Congo's main city of Goma, as fresh clashes with M23 rebels occurred just to the north, sending thousands fleeing. Troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were battling M23 fighters in Kibumba, 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Goma, security officials and local residents said. The M23 has recently seized swathes of territory in North Kivu province, displacing tens of thousands of people in their advance. Kibumba is considered one of the last obstacles to the rebels before Goma, a commercial hub of one million people on the Rwandan border. On Tuesday afternoon, rumours that the M23 was approaching sent a fresh wave of people fleeing to the Kanyaruchinya displacement camp, south of Kibumba. About 40,000 people are currently in the camp, according to its head. A security official who asked for anonymity said that people began to flee after seeing soldiers themselves retreating towards Goma after clashes with M23 rebels. North Kivu's military governor, General Constant Ndima, urged people to remain calm late Tuesday. "I want to reassure you... Loyalist forces are containing the enemy on the heights of Kibumba," he told reporters. The crisis has cratered relations between the DRC and its smaller central African neighbour Rwanda, which Kinshasa accuses of backing the militia. Uhuru Kenyatta, a mediator for the seven-nation East African Community (EAC), arrived in Goma on Tuesday and visited Kanyaruchinya. He told reporters late Tuesday that the stories he had heard were "heart-breaking". "I cannot ignore what I have seen," Kenyatta said. "I must say to all parties: You cannot negotiate in the face of human catastrophe". - 'De-escalation' - Kenyatta's visit to the DRC is the latest in a round of diplomatic bids to defuse the crisis in the impoverished country's volatile east. The former president landed in the Congolese capital Kinshasa on Sunday for talks, following on the heels of a visit from Angolan President Joao Lourenco. The EAC has also called for a "peace dialogue" in Kenya's capital Nairobi on November 21. In addition, the bloc has agreed to send a peacekeeping mission to eastern DRC. Kenyan troops arrived in Goma over the weekend, as part of that operation. On Monday, Kenyatta urged armed groups to put down their arms and return to the negotiating table. "There is nothing that can be gained through the barrel of a gun," he had told reporters. On Tuesday, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he had discussed the situation with Rwanda's Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta, on the margins of the G20 meeting in Indonesia. "I underscored the United States deep concern about the continuing violence in eastern DRC, and called on Rwanda to take active steps to facilitate de-escalation," he said in a tweet. - Rebel return - Biruta, for his part, tweeted that Rwanda is committed to regional diplomatic mechanisms to bring peace to eastern DRC, as well as to finding a political solution to the crisis. Over 120 armed groups roam the region, many of which are a legacy of regional wars which flared at the turn of the century. The M23 -- a mostly Congolese Tutsi group -- first leapt to prominence in 2012 when it briefly captured Goma before being driven out. But the rebel group returned in late 2021 after years of dormancy, claiming the DRC had failed to honour a promise to integrate its fighters into the army, among other grievances. It captured the strategic town of Bunagana on the Ugandan border in June. In recent weeks, the rebels have also won a string of victories against the Congolese army, edging closer towards Goma. The DRC expelled Rwanda's ambassador in late October amid the renewed M23 offensive. Despite official denials from Kigali, an unpublished report for the UN seen by AFP in August pointed to Rwandan involvement with the M23. Rwanda accuses the Congolese government of colluding with Hutu militants who fled across the border after the 1994 Rwandan genocide. hbm-at/eml/kjm
Chanting "Death to America" and burning the US flag, thousands of Iranians protested in Tehran Saturday against President Donald Trump's policies and to mark the anniversary of the 1979 US embassy siege. The storming of the embassy in Tehran by students, months after the Islamic revolution, led to a 444-day hostage crisis and a break in diplomatic relations that continues to this day. Protesters beat effigies of Trump with sticks in front of the former embassy compound while what appeared to be a dummy ballistic missile was put on display in a sign of defiance following new US sanctions. "This year, Trump's anti-Iranian policies have mobilised more Iranians," Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. Trump's administration has taken a tougher line with Iran, threatening to tear up an international accord on its nuclear programme. Last month Trump refused to certify the 2015 deal between Tehran and world powers that lifted sanctions in return for limits on Iran's atomic programme, saying he could pull out "at any time". The United States has also imposed new sanctions over the Islamic republic's ballistic missile programme. A statement read out at Saturday's protest said Iranians "see the criminal America as their main enemy and condemn the denigrating remarks of the hated US president against the great Iranian people and the Revolutionary Guards." Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged Iranians on Thursday to never forget that "America is the enemy". "To give in to the Americans makes them more aggressive and insolent. The only solution is to resist," he said.
Juan Andres Mejia (R), lawmaker of the Venezuelan coalition of opposition parties, talks to the media during a news conference in Caracas, Venezuela November 3, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

By Andrew Cawthorne and Isaac Urrutia

CARACAS/MARACAIBO, Venezuela (Reuters) - One of Venezuela's major opposition parties has decided to run in local elections next month despite a boycott by others, deepening a split in the Democratic Unity coalition to the glee of President Nicolas Maduro and his ruling Socialist Party.

Three of the four main groupings in the coalition have vowed not to participate in the Dec. 10 balloting for 335 mayors and one governor because they believe the election system is rigged.

But the fourth party, A New Time, based in oil-rich western Zulia state where the governorship is up for grabs, argues Maduro must still be fought at the ballot box to avoid simply handing him more political space.

Manuel Rosales, a former Zulia governor who fled to Peru in 2009 after corruption charges leveled by the government of Maduro's predecessor Hugo Chavez, said on Thursday he would be running again on behalf of A New Time.

"I'm not going to leave Zulianos alone," Rosales told supporters.

Rosales was jailed in 2015 on his return from exile. Authorities lifted a ban on him running for office just this week.

His party's stance has infuriated many anti-Maduro activists. Another opposition leader won the Zulia governorship in elections last month but was prohibited from taking office for refusing to bow to a pro-Maduro legislative superbody.

"He's a sellout," said Juan Carlos Rivero, 34, at an auto repair shop in Zulia state capital Maracaibo. He had voted for Rosales in the past but did not plan to in December.

OPPOSITION LEADERS UNDER PRESSURE

Having failed to oust Maduro via street protests earlier this year - which left at least 125 people dead - and having then performed badly in the Oct. 15 gubernatorial vote, Venezuela's opposition is in its worst crisis of recent years.

Though polls show it has majority support, and Venezuelans are angry at Maduro over an unprecedented economic crisis, the opposition has failed to capitalize.

Story continues

Maduro has been exulting in the opposition disarray, saying parties ordering members to abstain next month were behaving undemocratically even as they accuse him of being a "dictator."

"When they lose elections, they cry fraud and when they know things are against them, instead of fighting, they withdraw," Maduro said in a recent speech, adding that Venezuela's elections were clean.

There is speculation the government may take advantage of opposition weakness by moving up the expected December 2018 date for Venezuela's next presidential election.

Various opposition politicians, including twice-presidential candidate Henrique Capriles, remain banned from standing for office on various charges of corruption or plotting.

And rights groups say there are nearly 400 political prisoners, including well-known protest leader Leopoldo Lopez. Authorities deny political persecution, saying all detentions of politicians are for breaking the law.

In the latest threats against opposition leaders, Maduro said in a speech on Friday that congress head Julio Borges should be tried for treason after lobbying against his government abroad, including in financial circles.

The pro-Maduro Supreme Court, meanwhile, said opposition leader Freddy Guevara - who runs the militant Popular Will party in the absence of its leader Lopez - should be prosecuted for "instigation" and using children in protests.

Guevara, who is congress vice president, was prohibited from leaving the country.

(Additional reporting by Eyanir Chinea; Editing by Alexandra Ulmer and Tom Brown)
2017 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #44

Posted on 4 November 2017 by John Hartz

Skeptical Science Facebook page during the past week. A chronological listing of news articles posted on thepage during the past week.

Editor's Pick

Theres a huge gap between the Paris climate change goals and reality

Current pledges are about a third of whats needed.

Coal-fired power plant in Wyoming

n 2015 in Paris, the countries of the world agreed to hold the rise in global average temperatures to well below 2C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.

Hows that going?

The unavoidably grim answer: not well, and not just because President Donald Trump has promised to pull the United States out of the accord.

Every year, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) releases an Emissions Gap report, on the remaining disparity between the worlds stated ambitions on climate and the actions it is currently taking. The 2017 edition of the report is out a week before the next round of international climate talks in Bonn, Germany. And it reports that the gap remains ... substantial.

Researchers calculate that for a reasonable chance of hitting our goal, global greenhouse gas emissions must peak by 2020 and the gap must be closed by 2030  in other words, if we are not on the right trajectory by 2030, all hope of 1.5 degrees is lost and 2 degrees is almost certainly out of reach as well.

Lets run through a few of the top-line conclusions of the report, which was assembled by an international team of scientists based on the most recent published science.

Theres a huge gap between the Paris climate change goals and reality by David Roberts, Energy & Environment, Vox, Oct 31, 2017

Links posted on Facebook

Sun Oct 29, 2017

Mon Oct 30, 2017

Tue Oct 31, 2017

Wed Nov 1, 2017

Thu Nov 2, 2017

Fri Nov 3, 2017

Sat Nov 4, 2017
Starting a business in the U.S. as an immigrant entrepreneur can be both challenging and rewarding. To ensure success, it can help to gather perspective from someone who has done it successfully.

Ron Ben Zeev is the CEO of World Housing Solution, a Connecticut based company that provides expeditionary structures. A lifelong entrepreneur, Ben Zeev was born in Israel and spent his childhood in Africa. He then moved to Europe and started his first business in France at the age of 13.

Since then, Ben Zeev has started businesses on multiple continents and is well versed in what it takes to start a successful business as an immigrant entrepreneur. While he says starting a business as an immigrant in the U.S. poses a unique set of challenges, it also presents opportunities you cant find anywhere else.

Tips for Immigrant Entrepreneurs

Ben Zeev shared his unique perspective in a recent email interview with Small Business Trends. See some top tips for immigrant entrepreneurs in the U.S. below.

Grasp Unique Opportunities

Starting a business in the U.S. means that entrepreneurs have different regulations and processes to consider. That can provide new opportunities for those who are used to the processes from other countries.

Ben Zeev says, Early into my life as an entrepreneur, having lived in Europe, I realized very quickly the US offered opportunities that were hard, if not impossible, to come by in more staid and rigid environment. Things of course have changed since then but overall the US still remains, by and large, a place where you can succeed no matter where you came from.

Keep Fundamentals in Mind

In general, starting a business in the U.S. requires the same type of innovation and problem solving as it would in any other country. You still need to create something that people want, research your market, create a business plan, and get the word out about your offering. Keeping those fundamentals in mind throughout the process can improve your chances of success.

Immerse Yourself in the Culture

You can learn a language from anywhere. But learning a culture can be more complicated. And thats an important part of understanding the market for your product or service.

Ben Zeev explains, Culture is a difficult thing to learn, you can only experience it. When I came to the US, I spoke English rather well, but I did not grasp the cultural nuances that flavor our day to day lives  that only comes from living here, reading, watching and socializing.

Be Part of the Community

You can also learn about your potential customers and do some valuable networking by immersing yourself in the local community where you set up shop, especially if you have a local business like a store or restaurant. Attend local events. Partner with other businesses. Get involved with local causes and charitable groups.

Dont Let Challenges Hold You Back

Immigrants in the U.S. do face challenges that others may not have to worry about. Ben Zeev acknowledges those cultural challenges, but says if you want to succeed in business you cant let them hold you back.

He says, The climate for immigrants has changed, that is an undeniable fact. However, wave after wave of immigrants in the past have faced their own challenges from the Irish to the Italians to the Germans and more recently immigrants from Asia and, of course, Central and South America. No one made it easy for them and yet they came. Today we are challenged by a more overtly xenophobic rhetoric than we have seen in the recent past, but it is nothing new.

Solve a Problem

To start a successful business anywhere, you need to keep your customer in mind. Create something that can actually solve a problem for them in a way that no one else can.

Ben Zeev says, Fundamentally, the secret of launching a successful venture, no matter where you come from, is to solve a problem that people care about in a way that separates you from the competition.

Use Your Unique Perspective

Being an immigrant entrepreneur doesnt just present challenges  it also presents opportunities. You have experiences that U.S. entrepreneurs dont. So you can potentially use those experiences to shape a product or service thats truly unique. For example, you might know of a solution in another country that hasnt made its way to the U.S. yet. Or you might be aware of a trend that you think could resonate with U.S. consumers. Use that perspective to your advantage.

Think Globally

Of course, today you dont have to operate a business out of just one spot. You can use technology to reach customers all around the world. So use your global perspective to create offerings that might resonate with various consumers and use the internet to communicate with them.

Be Passionate About Your Offerings

Ben Zeev says that another important part of succeeding as an entrepreneur anywhere is to be personally invested in your business. You have to launch something that really matters to you and that youre passionate about if you want to stay in it for the long haul.

Add a Social Element

He also says that its a bonus if your product or service is something thats good for the planet in some way. Launching a sustainable product is one way to accomplish this. Or you could add a social or charitable element to your business to make it really stand out.
More than 8,000 design projects from 50 countries applied to the Red Dot Awards contest this year.

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The newest edition of Svatovojtesska Biblia (Saint Vojtech Bible) gained the precious Red Dot Award for communication design.

The prizes for Red Dot Awards were awarded in Berlin in 18 categories. The designer of the bible graphics is the studio of graphic design Pergamen.

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Red Dot Award is even more precious when considering that books are rarely awarded in design contests. Even more surprising is the fact that it was a bible, said creative director of Pergamen Juraj Demovic, as quoted by the SITA newswire, who is also the author of the graphic design for the bible.

We value the prize even more because we gained it in Germany, well-known for its high quality typography, said Demovic for SITA, adding that Svatovojtesska Bible got the award for typography.

I am proud that the bible from our production succeeded in a worldwide competition. Its proof that publishing not only valuable but also beautiful books makes sense, said director of Spolok svateho Vojtecha (Saint Vojtech Society) Ivan Sulik for SITA.

The bible was created with international cooperation, together with Czech studio of virtual communication Viva Design and Finnish printer St Michel Print, Sulik informed.

The Saint Vojtech Society, the biggest and the oldest Catholic publisher in Slovakia, published the Bible in 2016. It has 3,360 pages and is unique thanks to a large type of script and wide edges. It is a family type of Bible and includes a family chronicle.

More than 8,000 design projects from 50 countries applied to the Red Dot Awards contest this year. The jury consisted of 24 members who chose the best. Pergamen also gained a Red Dot Award for the graphic design of a wine label for family vineyard in Modra.
The anti-Islam party spread disinformation and was supported by conspiracy websites.

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The case Capi Hnizdo / Stork Nest  the abuse of EU funds by ex-deputy prime minister and favourite in the election race, Andrej Babis, for his holiday resort within a dubious subsidy  appeared as ordered by the establishment to harm Babis. The Czech Republic again received refugees and media hid it, while Tomio Okamura would be elected even by non-existent people.

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The Czech election campaign was influenced by hoaxes and disinformation. The hoaxes won hundreds of fans for some of the candidates or were used by some candidates as arguments in political statements.

Millions of refugees in villages

Out of a total of 256 statements of Tomio Okamura, chairman of the Svoboda a Prima Demokracie (Freedom and Direct Democracy, SPD) party, the demagog.cz website deemed 68 statements untrue and 49 misleading.

In fact, Okamura is famous for spreading hoaxes on social networks. In his campaign, he used also the famous ship full of refugees (which in fact dates back to 1991), as well as the false quotation of popular Czech actor and director Jan Werich on Muslims.

The SPD party, which got 10.6 percent in the general election, wants to ban Islam in the Czech Republic, limit migration and leave the European Union.

Roman Maca of the Evropske Hodnoty (European Values) think-tank also claims that disinformation had an impact on the partys election result. It definitely contributed to a good result, although these items of information primarily only got to people who already are convinced voters, the analyst told Sme.

SPD has managed to create a kind of information ghetto in the social websites, to which it is hard to gain access, as criticism or questioning are immediately deleted, and critical users blocked.

 His voters  maybe I am exaggerating  really believe that a million refugees in burqas are heading to their small village  analyst Roman Maca of Evropske Hodnoty

These people get into a totally different reality than those following traditional media; and they vote accordingly, Maca says. His voters  maybe I am exaggerating  really believe that a million refugees in burqas are heading to their small village He was following the way that Okamura was helped by this disinformation on the blog on the idnes.cz website.

During the campaign, Okamura was adding critical videos warning they would surely be banned and deleted, although his campaign promo videos were broadcast by the state Czech Television, in compliance with the law. His party colleague Radek Koten form the region of Vysocina helped spread and expand the hoax on dangerous radiation form a French nuclear power plant. Other SPD MPs explore the possibility that the Czech Television is controlled by US financier George Soros, or that the EU wants to ban the Czech consonant R (which was originally meant as a joke).

They stole votes from communists

Even though other parties also used hoaxes in their campaigns, out of the parliamentary parties, SPD did so most ostensibly, according to Maca. However, the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSCM) often used disinformation in the past. The post-election analyses of the kohovolit.eu website showed that it was exactly the former communists voters who went over to Okamura.

The summer poll of the antivirus company showed that 86 percent of those polled in the Czech Republic believe that disinformation and hoaxes can influence voters, i.e. also the election.

His party members may have not only spread the hoaxes: most websites deemed pro-Kremlin and conspiracy ones by the Czech Security Information Service (BIS) backed SPD. For example, the Aeronet website wrote: "Mr. Okamura has the support of a huge voters base in the Czech Republic; but alternative media helped to build up this base to a great extent. We put our hopes into the support of Mr. Tomio Okamura."

Russia did not intervene

Facebook groups also helped the party. For example, the Hlasuji pro Czexit website repeatedly added disinformation and openly supported Okamura. However, one day after the election, it disappeared from Facebook. The website also published quotes of alleged SPD voters, while their photos came form foreign photo-banks. At the same time, the site published quotes with the same layout as one of the official regional SPD websites.

This whole machinery reflects a different reality, and voters then decide according to this alternative reality, and according to Facebook campaigns, Maca opined. Last years poll of the STEM agency showed that about one quarter of Czechs trust alternative media more than the traditional ones.

Even though there were fears abroad before the Czech election that they could be manipulated by Russian internet trolls, this effect did not occur. The Evropske Hodnoty think-tank claims that Russia did not have a favourite in this election, and that any such suspicion could undermine the efforts of Milos Zeman for being re-elected as president. His remaining in the position is also in the interest of Russia, according to analysts.

 Sme
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The following companies are subsidiares of Ingersoll Rand: 13125882 Canada Inc., 211 E. Russell Road LLC, 4458664 Canada Inc., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES ASIA PTE. LTD., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES BORROWER S.C.A., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES LLC, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES MIDDLE EAST FZE, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES SERVICES LIMITED, ASTRUM IT GmbH, Accudyne Industries Acquisition S.A r.l, Accudyne Industries Canada Inc., Accudyne Industries S.A r.l., Air Dimensions, Air Dimensions Inc., Albin Pump SAS, BOC Edwards Global Low pressure Air business, CISA S.p.A., Cameron-Centrifugal Compression, Comercial Ingersoll-Rand (Chile) Limitada, Comingersoll-Comercio E Industria De Equipamentos S.A., CompAir, CompAir (Hankook) Korea Co. Ltd., CompAir Acquisition (No. 2) Ltd., CompAir Acquisition Ltd., CompAir BroomWade Ltd., CompAir Finance Ltd., CompAir GmbH, CompAir Holdings Limited, CompAir International Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd, CompAir Korea Ltd, CompAir South Africa (SA) (Pty) Ltd., Consolidated Distribution Holdings Ltd., DV Systems Inc., Dosatron International SAS, Emco Wheaton Gmbh, Emco Wheaton USA Inc, Enza Air Proprietary Limited, FlexEnergy Holdings LLC, Frigoblock Grosskopf Gmbh, GD Aria Holdings Limited, GD Aria Holdings Limited, GD Aria Investments Limited, GD First (UK) Ltd, GD German Holdings GmbH, GD German Holdings I Gmbh, GD German Holdings II GmbH, GD German Investments GmbH, GD Global Holdings II Inc., GD Global Holdings Inc., GD Global Holdings UK II Ltd., GD Global Ventures I B.V., GD Global Ventures II B.V., GD Global Ventures III B.V., GD Industrial Products Malaysia SDN. BHD., GD Investment KY, GD UK Finance Ltd., GPS Industries, Gardner Denver (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Austria GmbH, Gardner Denver Bad Neustadt Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Belgium NV, Gardner Denver Brasil Industria E Comercio de Maquinas Ltda., Gardner Denver CZ + SK sro, Gardner Denver Canada Corp (Canada), Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments II Limited, Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments Limited, Gardner Denver Deutschland GmbH, Gardner Denver Engineered Products India Private Limited, Gardner Denver FZE, Gardner Denver Finance II LLC, Gardner Denver Finance Inc & Co KG, Gardner Denver France SAS, Gardner Denver Group Svcs Ltd, Gardner Denver Holdings Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Investments Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Ltd, Gardner Denver Iberica SL, Gardner Denver Inc., Gardner Denver Industries Ltd., Gardner Denver Industries Pty Ltd., Gardner Denver International Inc., Gardner Denver International Ltd., Gardner Denver Investments Inc., Gardner Denver Italy Holdings S.r.L., Gardner Denver Japan Ltd., Gardner Denver Kirchhain Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Korea Ltd., Gardner Denver Ltd., Gardner Denver Machinery (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Nash Brasil Industria E Comercio De Bombas Ltda, Gardner Denver Nash LLC, Gardner Denver Nash Machinery Ltd., Gardner Denver Nederland BV, Gardner Denver Nederland Investments B.V., Gardner Denver Oy, Gardner Denver Polska Sp z.o.o., Gardner Denver Pte. Ltd., Gardner Denver S.r.l., Gardner Denver Schopfheim GmbH, Gardner Denver Schopfheim Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Schweiz AG, Gardner Denver Slovakia s.r.o., Gardner Denver Sweden AB, Gardner Denver Taiwan Ltd., Gardner Denver Thomas GmbH (f/k/a ILMVAC GmbH), Gardner Denver Thomas Inc., Gardner Denver Thomas Pneumatic Systems (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Thomas Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Garo Dott. Ing. Roberto Gabbioneta S.r.l., Ghh-Rand Schraubenkompressoren Gmbh, HASKEL EUROPE LTD., HASKEL HOLDINGS UK LIMITED, HASKEL INTERNATIONAL LLC, Hamworthy Belliss & Morcom, Haskel France SAS, Haskel Sistemas de Fluidos Espana S.R.L., Hibon Inc., Highspeed Newco LLC, Hingerose Limited, ILMVAC (UK) Ltd., ILS Innovative Labor Systeme, ILS Inovative Laborsysteme GmbH, INGERSOLL RAND ITS JAPAN LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND (CHANG ZHOU) TOOLS CO. LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND (CHINA) INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING CO. LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND CHINA LLC, INGERSOLL-RAND COMERCIO E SERVICOS DE MAQUINAS E EQUIPAMENTOS INDUSTRIAIS LTDA., INGERSOLL-RAND DE PUERTO RICO INC., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL COMPANY B.V., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL SP. Z O.O., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL U.S. INC., INGERSOLL-RAND PHILIPPINES INC., INGERSOLL-RAND SPAIN S.A., INGERSOLL-RAND U.S. HOLDCO INC., IR HPS Holdco. Inc., ITO Emniyet, Ingersoll Rand Cyprus Investments Ltd., Ingersoll Rand Finance LLC, Ingersoll Rand Global Investments LLC, Ingersoll Rand Global Ventures LLC, Ingersoll Rand Hong Kong Investments Limited, Ingersoll Rand Inc., Ingersoll Rand Investments (SG) Pte. Ltd., Ingersoll Rand Investments B.V., Ingersoll Rand Schweiz Investments Gmbh, Ingersoll Rand Technology R&D (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand (Australia) Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand (China) Investment Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (Guilin) Tools Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (Hong Kong) Holding Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (India) Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Ab, Ingersoll-Rand Air Solutions Hibon Sarl, Ingersoll-Rand Beteiligungs Und Grundstucksverwaltungs Gmbh, Ingersoll-Rand Colombia S.A.S., Ingersoll-Rand Company Limited (Uk), Ingersoll-Rand Company South Africa (Pty) Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Cz S.R.O., Ingersoll-Rand De Mexico S.A. De C.V., Ingersoll-Rand Equipements De Production S.A.S., Ingersoll-Rand Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Industrial Ireland Limited, Ingersoll-Rand International (India) Private Limited, Ingersoll-Rand International Holding Llc, Ingersoll-Rand Italia S.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Italiana Manufacturing S.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Korea Holding Llc, Ingersoll-Rand Korea Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Lux Investments II S.A R.I., Ingersoll-Rand Lux Investments S.A R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Luxembourg Industrial Company S.A R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Machinery (Shanghai) Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Malaysia Co. Sdn. Bhd., Ingersoll-Rand S.A. De C.V., Ingersoll-Rand Services And Trading Limited Liability Company, Ingersoll-Rand Services Company, Ingersoll-Rand Services Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Singapore Enterprises Pte. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand South East Asia (Pte.) Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand Superay Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Technical And Services S.A.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Technologies And Services Private Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Technology R&D (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand Tool Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Trading Gmbh, Ingersoll-Rand Vietnam Company Limited, Instrum Rand JSC, Interflex Datensysteme, Ir Canada Holdings Ulc, Ir Canada Sales & Service Ulc, Ir France Sas, Kryptonite corp, Lawrence Factor Inc., LeROI, LeRoi International Inc, MILTON ROY (HONG KONG) LIMITED, MILTON ROY (UK) LIMITED, MILTON ROY EUROPA B.V., MILTON ROY EUROPE SAS, MILTON ROY INDUSTRIAL (SHANGHAI) CO. LTD., MILTON ROY LLC, MILTON ROY US PURCHASER INC., MP Pumps Inc., Maximum AG Technologies Inc., Maximus Solutions, Mb Air Systems Limited, Nash Elmo, Officina Meccaniche Industriali Srl, Oina VV, Oina VV Aktiebolag, Plurifilter D.O.O., Pt Ingersoll-Rand Indonesia, Robuschi, Runtech Systems, Runtech Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Runtech Systems Inc., Runtech Systems OY, SEEPEX, Seepex (M) SDN, Seepex Australia Pty Ltd, Seepex Beteiligungs-Gesellschaft mit Beschrankter Haftung, Seepex France S.a.r.l., Seepex GmbH, Seepex Inc., Seepex India Private Ltd., Seepex Italia SRL, Seepex Japan Co. Ltd., Seepex Nordic A/S, Seepex OOO, Seepex Pumps (Shanghia) Co. Ltd., Seepex UK Ltd., Shanghai CompAir Compressors Co Ltd, Shanghai Compressors & Blowers Ltd., Shanghai Ingersoll-Rand Compressor Limited, Shenzhen Bocom System Engineering Co., Superay, Syltone, TIWR Real Estate GmbH & Co. KG, Tamrotor Marine Comp AS Norway, Tecno Matic Europe s.r.o., Thomas Industries Inc., Trane Technologies, Tri-Continent Scientific Inc., Vacuum and Blower Systems division, Welch Vacuum Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zaxe Technologies Inc., Zeks Compressed Air Solutions Llc, Zinsser Analytic, Zinsser Analytik GmbH, Zinsser NA Inc., and crayon interface.

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The following companies are subsidiares of CVS Health: ACS ACQCO CORP., ADMINCO Inc., AE Fourteen Incorporated, AHP Holdings Inc., AMC - Tennessee LLC, APS Acquisition LLC, ASCO HealthCare LLC, ASI Wings LLC, AUSHC Holdings Inc., Accendo Insurance Company, Accordant Health Services L.L.C., Active Health Management Inc., Administrative Enterprises Inc., AdvancePCS SpecialtyRx LLC, AdvanceRx.com L.L.C., Advanced Care Scripts Inc., Aetna, Aetna (Beijing) Enterprise Management Services Co. Ltd., Aetna (Shanghai) Enterprise Services Co. Ltd., Aetna ACO Holdings Inc., Aetna Asset Advisors LLC, Aetna Behavioral Health LLC, Aetna Better Health Inc., Aetna Better Health Inc., Aetna Better Health Premier Plan MMAI Inc., Aetna Better Health of California Inc., Aetna Better Health of Florida Inc., Aetna Better Health of Illinois Inc., Aetna Better Health of Indiana Inc., Aetna Better Health of Kansas Inc., Aetna Better Health of Missouri LLC, Aetna Better Health of Nevada Inc., Aetna Better Health of North Carolina Inc., Aetna Better Health of Oklahoma Inc., Aetna Better Health of Tennessee Inc., Aetna Better Health of Texas Inc., Aetna Better Health of Washington Inc., Aetna Capital Management LLC, Aetna Card Solutions LLC, Aetna Corporate Services LLC, Aetna Dental Inc., Aetna Dental of California Inc., Aetna Financial Holdings LLC, Aetna Florida Inc., Aetna Global Benefits (Asia Pacific) Limited, Aetna Global Benefits (Bermuda) Limited, Aetna Global Benefits (Europe) Limited, Aetna Global Benefits (Middle East) LLC, Aetna Global Benefits (Singapore) PTE. LTD., Aetna Health Holdings LLC, Aetna Health Insurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited, Aetna Health Insurance Company, Aetna Health Insurance Company of Europe DAC, Aetna Health Insurance Company of New York, Aetna Health Management LLC, Aetna Health and Life Insurance Company, Aetna Health of California Inc., Aetna Health of Iowa Inc., Aetna Health of Michigan Inc., Aetna Health of Ohio Inc., Aetna Health of Utah Inc., Aetna HealthAssurance Pennsylvania Inc., Aetna Holdco (UK) Limited, Aetna Holdings (Thailand) Limited, Aetna Inc., Aetna Insurance (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Aetna Insurance Company Limited, Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut, Aetna Integrated Informatics Inc., Aetna International Ex Pat LLC, Aetna International LLC, Aetna Ireland Inc., Aetna Life & Casualty (Bermuda) Ltd., Aetna Life Assignment Company, Aetna Life Insurance Company, Aetna Medicaid Administrators LLC, Aetna Network Services LLC, Aetna Partners Diversified Fund LLC, Aetna Pharmacy Management Services LLC, Aetna Resources LLC, Aetna Risk Assurance Company of Connecticut Inc., Aetna Rx Home Delivery LLC, Aetna Services (Thailand) Limited, Aetna Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Aetna Student Health Agency Inc., Aetna Ventures LLC, Aetna Workers Comp Access LLC, Alabama CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Alaska CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Allina Health and Aetna Health Plan Inc., Allina Health and Aetna Insurance Company, Allina Health and Aetna Insurance Holding Company LLC, American Drug Stores Delaware L.L.C., Arbor Drugs, Arizona CVS Stores L.L.C., Arkansas CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Badger Acquisition LLC, Badger Acquisition of Kentucky LLC, Badger Acquisition of Minnesota LLC, Badger Acquisition of Ohio LLC, Banner Health and Aetna Health Insurance Company, Banner Health and Aetna Health Insurance Holding Company LLC, Banner Health and Aetna Health Plan Inc., Beauty Holdings L.L.C., Best Care LTC Acquisition Company LLC, Busse CVS L.L.C., CCI Foreign S.a R.L., CCRx Holdings LLC, CCRx of North Carolina LLC, CHP Acquisition LLC, CP Acquisition LLC, CVS 2948 Henderson L.L.C., CVS 3268 Gilbert L.L.C., CVS 3745 Peoria L.L.C., CVS AL Distribution L.L.C., CVS AOC Corporation, CVS AOC Services L.L.C., CVS Albany L.L.C., CVS Bellmore Avenue L.L.C., CVS Cabot Holdings Inc., CVS Cabot Holdings Inc.  Coram Clinical Trials Inc. 99.72%/Aetna Inc. .28%, CVS Care Concierge LLC, CVS Caremark Advanced Technology Pharmacy L.L.C., CVS Caremark Indemnity Ltd., CVS Caremark Part D Services L.L.C., CVS Caremark TN SUTA LLC, CVS Foreign Inc., CVS Gilbert 3272 L.L.C., CVS Health Applications LLC, CVS Health Solutions LLC, CVS Health Ventures Fund GP LLC, CVS Health Ventures Fund LP, CVS Health Ventures Management LLC, CVS Indiana L.L.C., CVS International L.L.C., CVS Kidney Care Advanced Technologies LLC, CVS Kidney Care Health Services LLC, CVS Kidney Care Home Dialysis LLC, CVS Kidney Care LLC, CVS Management Support LLC, CVS Manchester NH L.L.C., CVS Media Exchange LLC, CVS Michigan L.L.C., CVS Orlando FL Distribution L.L.C., CVS PA Distribution L.L.C., CVS PR Center Inc., CVS Pharmacy Inc., CVS Pharmacy Overseas Online LLC, CVS RS Arizona L.L.C., CVS Rx Services Inc., CVS SC Distribution L.L.C., CVS Shaw Holdings Inc., CVS Shaw Holdings Inc.  Coram Clinical Trials Inc. 99.72%/Aetna Inc. .28%, CVS State Capital L.L.C., CVS TN Distribution L.L.C., CVS Transportation L.L.C., CVS Vero FL Distribution L.L.C., CVS-SHC Kidney Care Home Dialysis of Austin LLC, CVS-SHC Kidney Care Home Dialysis of Los Angeles LLC, CVS-SHC Kidney Care Home Dialysis of Philadelphia LLC, CVS-SHC Renal Holdings LLC, Campos Medical Pharmacy LLC, Canal Place LLC, Care Pharmaceutical Services LP, CareCenter Pharmacy L.L.C., Carefree Insurance Services Inc., Caremark Arizona Mail Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Arizona Specialty Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark California Specialty Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Florida Mail Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Florida Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Hawaii Mail Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Hawaii Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark IPA L.L.C., Caremark Illinois Mail Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Illinois Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Irving Resource Center LLC, Caremark Kansas Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark L.L.C., Caremark Logistics LLC, Caremark Louisiana Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Maryland Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Massachusetts Specialty Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Michigan Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Minnesota Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark New Jersey Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark North Carolina Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Ohio Specialty Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Pennsylvania Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark PhC L.L.C., Caremark Puerto Rico L.L.C., Caremark Puerto Rico Specialty Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Redlands Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Repack LLC, Caremark Rx L.L.C., Caremark Tennessee Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Texas Mail Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Texas Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Ulysses Holding Corp., Caremark Washington Specialty Pharmacy LLC, CaremarkPCS Alabama Mail Pharmacy LLC, CaremarkPCS Health L.L.C., CaremarkPCS L.L.C., Central Rx Services LLC, Cofinity Inc., Compscript LLC, Connecticut CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Continental Life Insurance Company of Brentwood Tennessee, Continuing Care Rx LLC, Coram Alternate Site Services Inc., Coram Clinical Trials Inc., Coram Clinical Trials Inc.  CVS Pharmacy Inc. 75%/Aetna Life Insurance Company 25%, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Alabama, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Florida, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Greater D.C., Coram Healthcare Corporation of Greater New York, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Indiana, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Massachusetts, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Mississippi, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Nevada, Coram Healthcare Corporation of North Texas, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Northern California, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Southern California, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Southern Florida, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Utah, Coram LLC, Coram Rx LLC, Coram Specialty Infusion, Coram Specialty Infusion Services L.L.C., Coventry Consumer Advantage Inc., Coventry Health Care National Accounts Inc., Coventry Health Care National Network Inc., Coventry Health Care of Illinois Inc., Coventry Health Care of Kansas Inc., Coventry Health Care of Missouri Inc., Coventry Health Care of Nebraska Inc., Coventry Health Care of Virginia Inc., Coventry Health Care of West Virginia Inc., Coventry Health Plan of Florida Inc., Coventry Health and Life Insurance Company, Coventry HealthCare Management Corporation, Coventry Prescription Management Services Inc., Coventry Transplant Network Inc., Credentials Inc., D & R Pharmaceutical Services LLC, D.A.W. LLC, Delaware CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Delaware Physicians Care Incorporated, District of Columbia CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., E.T.B. INC., Echo Merger Sub Inc., Eckerd Corporation of Florida Inc., Employee Assistance Services LLC, Enloe Drugs LLC, Enterprise Patient Safety Organization LLC, EntrustRX, Evergreen Pharmaceutical LLC, Evergreen Pharmaceutical of California LLC, Express Pharmacy Services of PA L.L.C., First Choice of the Midwest LLC, First Health Group Corp., First Health Life & Health Insurance Company, Florida Health Plan Administrators LLC, Garfield Beach CVS L.L.C., Generation Health L.L.C., Geneva Woods Health Services LLC, Geneva Woods LTC Pharmacy LLC, Geneva Woods Management LLC, Geneva Woods Pharmacy Alaska LLC, Geneva Woods Pharmacy LLC, Geneva Woods Pharmacy Washington LLC, Geneva Woods Pharmacy Wyoming LLC, Geneva Woods Retail Pharmacy LLC, Georgia CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., German Dobson CVS L.L.C., Goodhealth Worldwide (Asia) Limited, Goodhealth Worldwide (Global) Limited, Goodyear CVS L.L.C., Grand St. Paul CVS L.L.C., Grandview Pharmacy LLC, Group Dental Service Inc., Health Care Management Co. Ltd., Health Data & Management Solutions Inc., Health Re Inc., Health and Human Resource Center Inc., HealthAssurance Pennsylvania Inc., Highland Park CVS L.L.C., Holiday CVS L.L.C., Home Care Pharmacy LLC, Home Pharmacy Services LLC, Hook-SupeRx L.L.C., Horizon Behavioral Services LLC, Idaho CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., IlliniCare Health, Indian Health Organisation Private Limited, Innovation Health Holdings LLC, Innovation Health Insurance Company, Innovation Health Plan Inc., Interlock Pharmacy Systems LLC, Iowa CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., JHC Acquisition LLC, Kansas CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Kentucky CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., LCPS Acquisition LLC, Langsam Health Services LLC, Lo-Med Prescription Services LLC, Lobos Acquisition LLC, Longs Drug Stores, Longs Drug Stores California L.L.C., Louisiana CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., MHHP Acquisition Company LLC, MHNet Specialty Services LLC, MHNet of Florida Inc., Main Street Pharmacy L.L.C., Managed Care Coordinators Inc., Managed Healthcare LLC, Martin Health Services LLC, Maryland CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Med World Acquisition Corp., Medical Arts Health Care LLC, Medical Examinations of New York P.C., Melville Realty Company Inc., MemberHealth LLC, Mental Health Associates Inc., Mental Health Network of New York IPA Inc., Meritain Health Inc., Merwin Long Term Care LLC, Minor Health Enterprise Co Ltd., MinuteClinic, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Alabama L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Arizona LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Arkansas LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Colorado LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Florida LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Georgia LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Hawaii L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Illinois LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Kentucky L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Louisiana L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Maine L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Maryland LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Massachusetts LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Nebraska L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of New Hampshire L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of New Mexico L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Ohio LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Oklahoma LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Oregon LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Pennsylvania LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Rhode Island LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of South Carolina L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Texas LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Utah L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Virginia LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Washington LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Wisconsin L.L.C., MinuteClinic L.L.C., MinuteClinic Online Diagnostic Services LLC, MinuteClinic Physician Practice of Texas, MinuteClinic Telehealth Services LLC, MinuteClinic Telehealth Services of Texas Association, Mississippi CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Missouri CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Montana CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., NCS Healthcare of Illinois LLC, NCS Healthcare of Iowa LLC, NCS Healthcare of Kansas LLC, NCS Healthcare of Kentucky LLC, NCS Healthcare of Montana LLC, NCS Healthcare of New Mexico LLC, NCS Healthcare of Ohio LLC, NCS Healthcare of South Carolina LLC, NCS Healthcare of Tennessee LLC, NCS Healthcare of Wisconsin LLC, NIV Acquisition LLC, Navarro Discount Pharmacy, Nebraska CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., NeighborCare Pharmacy Services LLC, NeighborCare of Indiana LLC, NeighborCare of Virginia LLC, New Jersey CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Niagara Re Inc., North Carolina CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., North Shore Pharmacy Services LLC, NovoLogix LLC, OCR Services LLC, Ocean Acquisition Sub L.L.C., Ohio CVS Stores L.L.C., Oklahoma CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Omnicare, Omnicare Indiana Partnership Holding Company LLC, Omnicare LLC, Omnicare LLC  Aetna Inc 0.28%/CVS Cabot Holdings Inc. 49.86%/CVS Shaw Holdings Inc. 49.86%, Omnicare Pharmacies of Pennsylvania West LLC, Omnicare Pharmacies of the Great Plains Holding LLC, Omnicare Pharmacy and Supply Services LLC, Omnicare Pharmacy of Tennessee LLC, Omnicare Pharmacy of the Midwest LLC, Omnicare Property Management LLC, Omnicare of Nebraska LLC, Omnicare of Nevada LLC, Omnicare of New York LLC, Oregon CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., PE Holdings LLC, PHPSNE Parent Corporation, PP Acquisition Company LLC, PRN Pharmaceutical Services LP, PT Aetna Management Consulting, Pamplona Saude e Beleza LTDA, Part D Holding Company L.L.C., PayFlex Systems USA Inc., Pennsylvania CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Performax Inc., Pharmacy Associates of Glenn Falls LLC, Pharmacy Consultants LLC, Phoenix Data Solutions LLC, Precision Benefit Services Inc., Prime Net Inc., ProCare Pharmacy Direct L.L.C., ProCare Pharmacy L.L.C., Prodigy Health Group Inc., Professional Risk Management Inc., Puerto Rico CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Red Oak Sourcing LLC, Resources for Living LLC, Rhode Island CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Roeschens Healthcare LLC, RxAmerica, Schaller Anderson Medical Administrators Incorporated, Scrip World LLC, Sheffield Avenue CVS L.L.C., Shore Pharmaceutical Providers LLC, Silverscript Insurance Company, Soma Intimates, South Carolina CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., South Wabash CVS L.L.C., Specialized Pharmacy Services LLC, Stadtlander Drug Company, Stadtlander Pharmacy, Sterling Healthcare Services LLC, Superior Care Pharmacy LLC, Sutter Health and Aetna Administrative Services LLC, Sutter Health and Aetna Insurance Company, Sutter Health and Aetna Insurance Holding Company LLC, T2 Medical Inc., TCPI Acquisition LLC, TargetPharmacy, Tennessee CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Texas Health + Aetna Health Insurance Company, Texas Health + Aetna Health Insurance Holding Company LLC, Texas Health + Aetna Health Plan Inc., The Vasquez Group Inc., Thomas Phoenix CVS L.L.C., Three Forks Apothecary LLC, U.S Healthcare Holdings LLC, U.S. Healthcare Properties Inc., UAC Holding Inc., UC Acquisition LLC, UNI-Care Health Services of Maine LLC, Universal American - Medicare Part D Business, Utah CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., VAPS Acquisition Company LLC, Value Health Care Services LLC, Vermont CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Virginia CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Virtual Home Healthcare LLC, Warm Springs Road CVS L.L.C., Washington CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Washington Lamb CVS L.L.C., Weber Medical Systems LLC, Wellpartner LLC, West Virginia CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Westhaven Services Co LLC, Williamson Drug Company LLC, Wisconsin CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Woodward Detroit CVS L.L.C., Work and Family Benefits Inc., ZS Acquisition Company LLC, Zinc Health Services LLC, Zinc Health Ventures LLC, bSwift LLC, and iTriage LLC.

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Philippine shares retreated from a record high scaled earlier on Friday to close 1.6 percent lower as investors locked in profits from three straight sessions of gains, while Vietnam reversed earlier losses to close higher.

Industrials and financial stocks led the losses on the Philippine index, reducing its weekly gain to nearly 1 percent.

Conglomerate JG Summit dropped 3.8 percent while Bank of the Philippine Islands lost 4.2 percent.

"During the biggest part of the trading session investors were quite optimistic anticipating better-than-expected third-quarter results for some of the big companies," said Lexter Azurin, an analyst with Manila-based AB Capital Securities.

Companies such as Ayala Corp, SM Investments and JG Summit are scheduled to report quarterly results later this month.

"But I guess some investors were seeing mixed reactions given that current valuations (of the index movers) are quite rich at this point so we're seeing a lot of investors starting to take profits," said Azurin.

Vietnamese shares pared earlier losses to close 1.3 percent higher.

Industrials and financial stocks accounted for the gains on the index, with builder FLC Faros Construction and Vietcombank rising 6.9 percent and 2 percent, respectively.

Singapore ended marginally higher, with gains in telecom stocks offsetting losses in consumer stocks.

"Traders are being more cautious today, heading into the weekend... the STI may turn range-bound these few days," said Liu Jinshu, director of research at NRA Capital.

Telco Singtel was the top gainer on the city-state's index while Thai Beverage lost 1 percent and led the decliners.

The index has dropped 0.1 percent this week, its first weekly loss in five.

Indonesian shares also closed marginally higher, with the index gaining 1.1 percent on the week, its best in twelve.

Malaysian shares ended flat, resulting in the index's fifth weekly drop in seven.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Hiep, a researcher and lecturer in biomedical engineering at the International University under the Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh City, spoke with Tuoi Tre News after winning the third annual ASEAN - U.S. Science Prize for Women.

The US$20,000 cash prize was sponsored by ASEAN, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and American safety consulting and certification company Underwriters Laboratories.

Nguyen Thi Hiep was born in 1981 and earned her Masters and PhD Degrees in biomedical engineering and materials at Soonchunhyang University in South Korea in 2009 and 2012, respectively.

Over her career, shes garnered more than ten years of experience researching materials for medical applications and their interactions on cells and tissues.

In 2016, she received the LOREAL National Fellowships Talented Young Science Researcher award for a research project on new discoveries related to the use of Titanium material in the restorative dentistry sector.

Speaking of her latest award, Hiep shared she was both elated and surprised at learning shed be honored, particularly because she didnt have much time to prepare for the competition.

This is a competition for women under the age of 40 who do scientific research in ASEAN, Hiep said.

It aimed to honor individuals who have had active contributions in the field of science, as well as to encourage and motivate other female scientists in the region, she added.

* Why do you think you were selected as the winner?

I think one of the reasons I won the prize was that I developed the regenerative medicine major in the biomedical engineering faculty at Soonchunhyang University in South Korea while earning my PhD and, later, again at the International University under the Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh City. That might have impressed the contests organizing board.

I also participate in many conferences for women where I speak about the problems women face in the world of science.

* The prize highlighted solutions for challenges on rapid urbanization in ASEAN. In your opinion, what challenges do Vietnam metropolises face and what solution can your research provide?

The urbanization process in Vietnam, like many other places, is facing serious challenges from communicable diseases.

Reality has shown that Ho Chi Minh City is developing rapidly and has hospitals which offer effective treatments. It has led to a situation that people living in other localities often travel to Ho Chi Minh City for health examination and treatment, even though its sometimes not necessary. Those situations increase the risk of transmission from patient to patient and probably increase dangers for the sick.

Moreover, migration from rural to urban areas can increase the growth of infectious bacteria. People living in different regions have different constitutions, and a bacteria transmitted through many bodies is harder to kill. The consequence is hotbeds of disease that can be hard to deal with.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Hiep  Photo: Dong Nguyen/ Tuoi Tre News

One of the solutions for this is to reduce the pressure on hospitals in cities. We are currently working on at-home medical devices which can help doctors diagnose and monitor patients from a distance.

After measuring vital signs like blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration rate, the devices will send data to patients and doctors mobile phone, websites, or servers at a hospital.

Doctors will then be able to diagnose patients conditions and prescribe suitable medications and treatments based on the data they receive. If the situation is not dangerous, patients will be advised to stay home for treatment and rather than visit a hospital.

We also hope to provide this solution for navy, islanders, and fishermen.

* In your opinion, what are the disadvantages and advantages for women in science?

I think the biggest challenge for women in science is balancing their passion with their family responsibilities. Family has been an important and challenging responsibility for me. Luckily, I always have support from my schools, colleagues, family, and husband.

On the other hand, family does provide me with the motivation to work harder. There are times I am completely focused on working but after a few weeks, I find myself completely saturated.

One thing that can be considered an advantage for women when they work in science is that they are able to develop the softness, sensitivity, and patience needed to solve problems effectively.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Hiep was selected from over 60 applicants from across ASEAN for the ASEAN - U.S. Science Prize for Women. Her work to develop biomaterials can enable people in Vietnam and across ASEAN to use at-home care solutions which can reduce the pressures placed on urban healthcare systems. Dr. Hiep represents the best and the brightest among ASEAN's talented scientists. By winning the Prize, she serves as a role model for other female scientists and can inspire young women to pursue science and technology careers. (U.S. Mission to ASEAN Deputy Permanent Representative Jane Bocklage)
Asiana Food Town is situated within the Sense Market Shopping Center, located underneath 23/9 Park.

The location is in the heart of the southern metropolis and within walking distance of popular tourist destinations such as Ben Thanh Market and the Bui Vien Street backpacker area.

Covering an area of over 5,000 square meters, Sense Market was inaugurated in January.

The venue opens daily from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm and features a variety of shopping activities and food services.

Asiana Food Town spans about 1,500 square meters, housing over 300 seats and nearly 100 food stalls offering distinctive cuisine from Vietnam, Japan, Laos, Cambodia, India, and other Asian countries.

Each stall is decorated in a different theme, all of which harmonize in an atmosphere that embodies eastern culture and cuisine, providing diners with traditional taste and high-quality service.

A Turkish man showcases his skills while making his signature ice-cream for his customers at the underground food court.

The venue is decorated with paintings highlighting traditional Vietnamese culture and cuisine.

Jahid, an Indian chef, makes Naan, a popular Indian dish at the Asiana Food Town.

A Indian chef cooks a dish for his buyers.

Traditional Vietnamese desert is offered at a food stall.

A group of visitors from France and Spain enjoy banh xeo, a traditional Vietnamese pancake, at the Asiana Food Town.

Foreign tourists browse for clothes at the Sense Market Shopping Center.

Visitors check out handicrafts sold at the underground trade area.

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The Viroqua waste treatment plant processes 270,000 gallons/day. Recently Wisconsin imposed a set of new regulations on municipalities. To meet these standards, Viroqua is in the midst of renovating of its plant. The $7 million price tag will be paid by the residents of Viroqua.

Premium Iowa Pork (PIP), which recently purchased the former Driftless Meats, intends to begin its slaughter of 700 hogs/day in the fall of 2018. They requested the city of Viroqua to treat 30,000 gallons of waste/day. Due to the ongoing renovation of Viroquas sewage plant, their request was denied, with the understanding that they may re-apply once the renovated plant is operating.

Should Viroqua decide to treat the waste generated by this slaughtering operation, it would amount to 11% of the total waste currently being processed by the city.

Should the Viroqua City Council, following the renovation of the citys plant (fall of 2018), decide to process the waste generated by this hog processing plant, it's only fair that Premium Iowa Pork pay for 11% of the $7 million price tag ($770,000).

Unlike the residents and businesses of Viroqua this slaughter operation not only provides little, if any, services to Viroqua area but it will contribute very little to the growth of Viroquas economy, since the materials used in hog operations of this nature would be purchased from outside of Viroqua. It is unfair to expect the citizens of Viroqua to foot the bill for a $7 million renovation when 11% of the waste material processed would come from a highly undesirable industry, that will contribute little to the local economy. Not to mention the threat operations of this nature pose to the environment. A vibrant community is built through the selfless efforts of a hardworking, responsible, informed and caring citizenry, who serve one another for the common good and not by greed-driven, self-seeking corporations.

Talk to your elected public servants: the Viroqua City Council, the Vernon County Board of Supervisors and township board. Urge them to make decisions that will not only support economic growth but which will also protect the quality of life we, perhaps, have come to take too much for granted. Urge your elected officials to strongly oppose the opening of the hog slaughtering facility.

It's only fair, that with one voice, the people of Viroqua, Westby and Vernon County let the people of Premium Iowa Pork know, We dont want you here!

Paul Stuebs, Viroqua
Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will travel to Vietnam, where his agenda includes undertaking an official visit and attending the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Meeting, and the Philippines from next week.

The November 6-14 trip provides an opportunity for the Canadian prime minister to meet with partners in the Asia-Pacific region, according to an announcement on his official website.

It is also aimed to promote a progressive trade agenda that creates good, middle-class jobs and more opportunities for people on both sides of the Pacific.

As part of his official visit in Vietnam, Trudeau will meet with State President Tran Dai Quang, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, chair of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, as well as the Vietnamese Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi.

The PM will then head to Ho Chi Minh City, where he will meet with Vietnamese business leaders, and participate in an armchair discussion at Ton Duc Thang University.

Finally, he will travel to the central city of Da Nang to attend the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting, where he is expected to promote Canada as a partner of choice for trade and investment in the region, and deepen economic cooperation with APEC economies.

After the Economic Leaders Meeting, PM Trudeau will travel to the Philippines to attend the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Manila. While at the summit, he will take part in the Canada-ASEAN Commemorative Summit to review relations between Canada and the 10 ASEAN countries and identify areas where we can increase collaboration.

Canada and Vietnams relationship is anchored in strong people-to-people connections, and has expanded greatly in the last forty years," the Canadian premier said in a statement.

I look forward to meeting with Vietnams leaders to  strengthen our trade and investment cooperation, and create more opportunities for our middle class.

Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (left) and Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shake hands in Japan in this screenshot from a VTV program.

Prime Minister Trudeau previously met with President Quang on the margins of APEC in November 2016, and with Prime Minister Phuc on the margins of the G7 in Japan in May 2016.

Vietnam has been Canadas largest trading partner in the ASEAN region since 2015.

Two-way merchandise trade between Canada and Vietnam totaled US$5.5 billion in 2016, up from $4.7 billion in 2015. Since 2011, overall bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries has more than tripled.

Established in 1989, APEC has since become the pre-eminent economic forum with a primary purpose of facilitating economic growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, with Canada among its founding members.

The Economic Leaders Week, the culmination of Vietnams year-long hosting of APEC meetings, is scheduled to take place from November 6 to 11 in Da Nang.

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Police in the southern province of Tra Vinh said on Friday they are investigating a case in which an eight-year-old boy was violently beaten by his stepfather in the local Tra Cu District.

Third-grader Nhan Huu P. went to class on October 31 and left his classmates shocked with a number of injuries and bruises on his body.

The boys form teacher and schoolmaster were immediately notified of the case and they later reported the incident to Tra Cu police.

Duong Kim Dinh, the schoolmaster, later met with the students mother, who admitted that her son had been physically abused by his stepfather.

P. is a good and kind student and we have no idea why he was so cruelly beaten, Dinh said. We are waiting for the police conclusion on the case.

According to photos provided by the school, P. suffers many cuts on his body, with bleeding wounds the size of three fingers on his back, apparently being hit by hard items.

P. was born to Nhan Van B., who is now chairman of a commune in Tra Cu, and Thach Thi So Ph., vice-principal of a local kindergarten.

B. and Ph. got divorced in 2010 and the court decided that P. live with his mother.

Ph. married Thach So Khum in 2015 and has since moved in with him together with her son.

The mother confessed to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Friday that her husband had beaten the eight-year-old with a bamboo stick on October 31.

The child was hospitalized and was only discharged on Friday morning, according to the mother.

When Tuoi Tre expressed concern on the sons safety when he still lives with the man who had physically abused him, and asked to meet the child in person, Ph. shut the door and asked the newspapers correspondent to leave.

The mother said Khum had only acted out of anger when he hit her son.

According to medical record obtained by Tuoi Tre, P. was injured to 16 percent of his body.

Tra Cu police said on Friday they are still investigating to see if Khum should be charged.
Tropical storm Damrey reached the mainland in Vietnams south-central coast early Saturday, cutting off power, unroofing houses, and disrupting traffic in provinces from Phu Yen to Ninh Thuan.

As of 7:00 am, the storm was wreaking havoc on the coastlines in Khanh Hoa and Phu Yen provinces, packing winds at up to 135 kilometers per hour.

In Phu Yen, the storm has unroofed a number of houses and uprooted numerous trees. As of 9:00 am on Saturday, there were no immediate report of casualties during the storm, according to the provinces deputy chairman Tran Huu The.

Traffic was disrupted and power went out in the entire Ninh Hoa town in Khanh Hoa due to the storm. In Nha Trang, the beach city of Khanh Hoa, winds continued to strengthen from the time the typhoon entered the mainland.

A guesthouse sign banner was destroyed by the storm.

Trees were uprooted due to storm Damrey in Nha Trang

Extremely heavy rains are forecast for provinces from Quang Tri to Binh Thuan, whereas locations in the north-central, Central Highlands and southern regions are also expected to suffer from downpours, the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said in its 9:00 am storm announcement on Saturday.

From November 4 to 8, rivers from Ha Tinh to Binh Thuan provinces and the Central Highlands are expected to suffer from flash floods and landslides, according to the center.

Storm Damrey, the 12th typhoon to hit Vietnam this year, is forecast to continue moving deeper into the mainland before weakening into a tropical depression later today.

As of 7:00 pm, the tropical depression will reach the mainland of Cambodia, with winds losing strength to only 40-60 kilometers per hour.

On Friday, authorities in Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan, provinces expected to be affected by the typhoon, have developed plans to evacuate a total of 389,143 people.

More than 3,000 locals on the island district of Can Gio in Ho Chi Minh City were also evacuated to safe places late Friday.

As of Friday evening, Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet said they will collectively cancel 32 flights on Saturday.

A power pole was destroyed due to the storm in Phu Yen.

A flooded street in Nha Trang

A welcome gate was destroyed in Da Nang.

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Two Vietnamese men have been arrested for allegedly chopping down numerous pine trees aged around 40 years in the Central Highlands city of Da Lat, police said on Saturday.

Twenty decades-old pine trees in a forestry area in the citys Ward 12 had been found felled down before the two suspects were nabbed, according to officers.

The suspects are Doan Van Dung, 35, hailing from the southern province of Dong Nai, and 31-year-old Nguyen Van Ngoc from the northern Thai Binh Province.

Dung was identified as son of the man who runs Da Cat Minh Co., a company that had been allowed to lease and manage the forestry area where the pine trees were chopped down.

The forest land in question has recently been revoked by local authorities.

Dung confessed to police that he had hired Ngoc and five other people to cut down the trees with the intention to clear the land for sell.

As of Friday afternoon, the other five remained at large and are being wanted by local authorities.

Part of the area where the trees are cut down.

Cut logs are gathered into a pile.

The area where the pine trees are chopped down.

A stump is seen in this photo.
Local authorities and people in various regions in the southernmost province of Ca Mau gathered and paid tribute to victims of tropical storm Linda, considered the worst storm in the past 100 in Vietnam, on Friday.

Memorial ceremonies, including the release of floating lanterns onto the sea, were held in such estuaries as Khanh Hoi in U Minh District, Song Doc in Tran Van Thoi District and Cai Doi Vam in Phu Tan District.

These are Ca Mau locations that were most hit by the catastrophic storm Linda in 1997, with more than 3,000 people dead and missing in southern Vietnam.

At the Khanh Hoi estuary, an elderly woman named Tran Thi Be spoke in tears when recalling about the loss of her loved ones.

The bodies of my two sons have never been found and they were only 19 and 17 years of age at the time, Be sadly said. That was the last time I saw my sons.

Tran Thi Nhi, another elderly woman in Tran Van Thoi District, also came out to Song Doc estuary to pay tribute to her two lost sons. One of them was killed by typhoon Linda, and the other died while working out in the sea two years later.

The 74-year-old woman still has to make her living by working as a boat attendant.

Young men in these coastal areas often choose to be fishermen, working out in the sea as there are not many other choices for them.

Huynh Thi Cho, a 77-year-old woman, also lost three out of her four sons due to storm Linda. Her only remaining son currently works as a fisherman despite the potential danger of his job.

Three out of the five sons of Huynh Thi Mau also died when storm Linda made landfall in Ca Mau 20 years ago. Even so, the two men who survived the disaster are still working as fishermen.

Fishing boats are seen at Song Doc estuary these days.

Taking place in November 1997, tropical storm Linda now remains the worst typhoon to hit southern Vietnam within the past 100 years.

The natural catastrophe took away the lives of over 770 people, while over 2,000 other missing victims have never been found. The death toll in Ca Mau alone is 128.

Total damage caused by storm Linda was estimated at VND7,200 billion (US$317 million).

The memorial ceremonies for storm Linda victim were held at a time when Vietnams south-central coast is suffering from havocs caused by storm Damrey, the 12th to hit the country this year.

Local authorities are exerting efforts to deal with the storm so that tragedies like Linda would never happen again.
Nine has Rebecca Maddern, Ben Fordham & Freddie Flintoff hosting Australian Ninja Warrior.

Seven will now have Edwina Bartholomew & Hamish McLachlan fronting Australian Spartan for Seven. While Bartholomew is best known for her Sunrise & Dancing with the Stars roles, McLachlan hosts AFL Game Day for Seven

The series will film in Brisbane next month. The Seven production, by both Matchbox Pictures & Eureka Productions, will see teams of 3 battling a massive obstacle course.

Bartholomew told News Corp, We will be filming Spartan in the evenings so it will be topsy turvy on my usual routine. It will definitely be a fun couple of weeks, she said of the show she described as more industrial, more sleek and just bigger. It is on a massive scale.
FILE PHOTO: U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy Joseph Yun (R) answers questions from reporters following meeting with Japan and South Korea chief nuclear negotiators to talk about North Korean issues at the Iikura guest house in Tokyo, Japan April 25, 2017. REUTERS/Toru Yamanaka/Pool/File Photo

Thomson Reuters

By Matt Spetalnick, Arshad Mohammed and Hyonhee Shin

WASHINGTON/SEOUL (Reuters) - Saddled with the toughest job in American diplomacy, the chief U.S. negotiator with North Korea stands between a U.S. president who insists he doesnt want to talk and an enemy who shows no interest in listening.

While veteran State Department Asia hand Joseph Yun might be Washingtons best diplomatic hope for reducing the risk of a devastating war on the Korean peninsula, he serves an administration riven by divisions over how to handle Pyongyang.

On the other side, North Koreas young leader, Kim Jong Un, shows little interest in negotiating either, at least not until he has developed a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the U.S. mainland.

Despite the daunting obstacles, South Korean-born Yun has told colleagues and others he hopes his diplomatic efforts can lower the temperature in a dangerous nuclear stand-off, according to Reuters interviews with more than a dozen current and former U.S. officials and South Korean diplomats.

Most were deeply skeptical about his chances.

"Hes such a dreamer," a White House official said, with a note of sarcasm.

"We dont think this is going anywhere," said another U.S. official, although he suggested it was still worthwhile to keep engaging at some level with the North Koreans as long as Yun does not appear to be undermining President Donald Trumps public rejection of direct negotiations.

Trump has told aides that his military threats will drive North Korea to capitulate and rein in its nuclear and missile programs, four White House officials said, a view not shared among most U.S. intelligence agencies.

Yun, however, is quietly pursuing direct diplomacy with North Korean officials at the United Nations and has a mandate to discuss issues beyond the release of U.S. citizens, a senior State Department official told Reuters this week. In June, he secured the release of U.S. student Otto Warmbier, who returned to the United States in a coma and died days later.

Story continues

'RUNNING OUT OF TIME'

Trump headed to Asia on Friday as a senior aide warned the world is "running out of time" on the North Korea crisis. Behind the scenes, Yun is trying to keep open a fragile line of communication that could be used to prevent any miscalculation by one side or the other from spiraling into military conflict.

Further aggravating tensions, two U.S. strategic bombers conducted drills over South Korea on Thursday. That followed word from South Koreas spy agency that North Korea may be preparing another missile launch.

U.S. officials have said privately that intercepting a test missile is among options under consideration, though there is disagreement within the administration about the risks.

In the midst of this is Yun, a soft-spoken, 32-year foreign service veteran who took on the job a year ago, near the end of the Obama administration.

He is grappling with Trumps strident rhetoric as well as disagreement among the president's top aides over whether saber-rattling will force Kim to capitulate and what the threshold for any military actions should be, according to several U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Concern about Yuns difficulties has surfaced in Seoul, where he visits regularly and where Trump will travel next week on the second stop of his Asian tour.

Several South Korean officials expressed worry that Yuns diplomatic efforts with North Korea lack any real underpinning of support from the White House.

"Things are clearly not easy for him," one South Korean diplomat said. "Yun is precisely that person (to talk to North Korea), but Trump is killing the whole process."

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters on Sept. 30 the United States was probing for a diplomatic opening, only to be slapped down by Trump, who told him via Twitter this was a waste of time.

At the same time, CIA Director Mike Pompeo, who regularly briefs Trump on intelligence matters and is considered one of the most hawkish voices on North Korea in the president's inner circle, has apparently gained stature.

Several officials familiar with those discussions say Pompeo is feeding Trump assessments that U.S. military threats will force Kim to bow to U.S. demands for nuclear disarmament, a position that some U.S. intelligence officers privately contest.

The CIA declined comment.

NORTH KOREAN NEGOTIATOR 'SHOCKED'

A U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Yun has become diplomatically "untethered," not fully connected to a core U.S. approach that is emphasizing economic sanctions and the threat of military action rather than diplomacy.

The one tangible achievement of Yun's diplomatic efforts in the past year was winning the release of 22-year-old Warmbier in secret talks with North Korean officials in Oslo and New York. Yun flew to Pyongyang in June to medically evacuate Warmbier.

When Choe Son Hui, head of the North Korean foreign ministry's North America bureau, met Yun in Oslo, she was unaware of how serious Warmbier's condition was, a source in Washington knowledgeable about the matter said.

But once she learned about it she was "shocked" and Yun was summoned urgently to meet a North Korean diplomat in New York, which quickly led to Warmbier's return home, the source said.

Warmbier's death complicated Yun's efforts as it contributed to a chilling of U.S.-North Korean contacts around that time, the State Department official said.

STUMBLING IN THE DARK

Despite Trumps threats of military action against Pyongyang, the State Department official said Yuns view was "the less you engage diplomatically, the more likely you are in the dark."

Even so, Trumps rhetoric has raised questions among allies, and possibly even in North Korea, about how serious, if at all, his administration is about diplomacy and how much of a mandate Yun may have to pursue it.

Trump "personalized" the conflict  deriding Kim as "Little Rocket Man" - against the advice of his national security and intelligence experts, some of whom warned it could be counterproductive, a senior national security official said.

Another official pointed out, however, that Trump, who in May said he would be honored to meet Kim, had not hurled any fresh insults at Kim in recent days, raising hopes for an altered approach.

A South Korean official in Seoul said it was necessary for Washington to have someone in contact with North Korea to help spur future negotiations if they are ever to take hold.

But Trumps national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, told Japans NHK television this week: "What we cannot afford to do is enter into these long, drawn-out negotiations that allow North Korea to use these negotiations as cover for continuing their nuclear and missile programs."

Former U.S. negotiators sympathize with Yun, whose authority to negotiate has been undercut by the tug-of-war between a White House breathing fire and a State Department pushing a peaceful solution.

"Nobody doubted my authority," said Wendy Sherman, one of the lead U.S. negotiators who achieved the 2015 deal under which

Iran agreed to restrain its nuclear program in return for relief from economic sanctions. "All of this undermines our ability to do the job."

Robert Gallucci, who was chief U.S. negotiator during the North Korean nuclear crisis of 1994 and has had recent contact with Yun, said the envoy is realistic about the challenges of negotiating in the current atmosphere, including the tone set by the president, but he believes in the mission even as his approach is guided by realism.

(Additional reporting by James Pearson in Seoul, John Walcott and David Brunnstrom in Washington, Linda Sieg in Tokyo; Editing by Kieran Murray and Ross Colvin)

See Also:
FILE PHOTO - German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, August 2, 2017. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke (Reuters)

BERLIN/WARSAW (Reuters) - Germany on Saturday sought to defuse a diplomatic row with Poland, saying a call by the German defence minister to support a "democratic resistance" in the neighbouring country had been taken out of context.

The Polish government, whose judiciary reform has been met with youth protests and legal action from the European Union, had accused German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen of interference after she called for supporting "the healthy democratic resistance of the young generation" in Poland.

But a spokesman for von der Leyen said the comments had been misinterpreted and the minister had instead praised Poland's achievements since the fall of communism and called for a more inclusive approach to European integration.

"The defence minister's quote was changed in social media and ripped out of context," a spokesman for von der Leyen told Reuters on Saturday.

"Mrs von der Leyen has emphasized that the EU is an inclusive process, which is about securing and consolidating the common values of the EU and dealing with all positions."

The Polish reform of the courts would give nearly a free hand to the ruling conservatives in picking the country's top judges.

It has triggered protests by thousands of young people and others over the summer and an "infringement procedure" from the European Union.

It comes as some European leaders call for letting some member states in the wealthier, Western part of the bloc push ahead with further integration without the others following suit.

During the show broadcast Thursday on ZDF television, von der Leyen highlighted significant efforts undertaken by the Baltic states and Poland to "live in freedom" and to be part of the European Union.

"Precisely this healthy democratic resistance of the young people, also there in Poland, must be supported," she said.

Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski called on von der Leyen to withdraw her words.

Story continues

"This is one of the most explicit statements, which I am not sure whether it is a warning or an admission by the German side of interfering into our internal affairs," Waszczykowski told the wpolitice.pl right-wing news portal.

The Polish defence ministry said it would summon the defence attache from the German embassy for an explanation.

Von der Leyen is part of the conservative team trying to negotiate a new coalition government with the pro-business Free Democrats and the environmental Greens.

Earlier this year she sparked outrage among the armed forces after she decried what she called "weak leadership" in the military.

(Reporting by Lidia Kelly and Francesco Canepa; Writing by Lidia Kelly and Andrea Shalal; Editing by Stephen Powell)
FILE PHOTO: U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy Joseph Yun (R) answers questions from reporters following meeting with Japan and South Korea chief nuclear negotiators to talk about North Korean issues at the Iikura guest house in Tokyo, Japan April 25, 2017. REUTERS/Toru Yamanaka/Pool/File Photo

By Matt Spetalnick, Arshad Mohammed and Hyonhee Shin

WASHINGTON/SEOUL (Reuters) - Saddled with the toughest job in American diplomacy, the chief U.S. negotiator with North Korea stands between a U.S. president who insists he doesnt want to talk and an enemy who shows no interest in listening.

While veteran State Department Asia hand Joseph Yun might be Washingtons best diplomatic hope for reducing the risk of a devastating war on the Korean peninsula, he serves an administration riven by divisions over how to handle Pyongyang.

On the other side, North Koreas young leader, Kim Jong Un, shows little interest in negotiating either, at least not until he has developed a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the U.S. mainland.

Despite the daunting obstacles, South Korean-born Yun has told colleagues and others he hopes his diplomatic efforts can lower the temperature in a dangerous nuclear stand-off, according to Reuters interviews with more than a dozen current and former U.S. officials and South Korean diplomats.

Most were deeply sceptical about his chances.

"Hes such a dreamer," a White House official said, with a note of sarcasm.

"We dont think this is going anywhere," said another U.S. official, although he suggested it was still worthwhile to keep engaging at some level with the North Koreans as long as Yun does not appear to be undermining President Donald Trumps public rejection of direct negotiations.

Trump has told aides that his military threats will drive North Korea to capitulate and rein in its nuclear and missile programs, four White House officials said, a view not shared among most U.S. intelligence agencies.

Yun, however, is quietly pursuing direct diplomacy with North Korean officials at the United Nations and has a mandate to discuss issues beyond the release of U.S. citizens, a senior State Department official told Reuters this week. In June, he secured the release of U.S. student Otto Warmbier, who returned to the United States in a coma and died days later.

Story continues

'RUNNING OUT OF TIME'

Trump headed to Asia on Friday as a senior aide warned the world is "running out of time" on the North Korea crisis. Behind the scenes, Yun is trying to keep open a fragile line of communication that could be used to prevent any miscalculation by one side or the other from spiralling into military conflict.

Further aggravating tensions, two U.S. strategic bombers conducted drills over South Korea on Thursday. That followed word from South Koreas spy agency that North Korea may be preparing another missile launch.

U.S. officials have said privately that intercepting a test missile is among options under consideration, though there is disagreement within the administration about the risks.

In the midst of this is Yun, a soft-spoken, 32-year foreign service veteran who took on the job a year ago, near the end of the Obama administration.

He is grappling with Trumps strident rhetoric as well as disagreement among the president's top aides over whether sabre-rattling will force Kim to capitulate and what the threshold for any military actions should be, according to several U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Concern about Yuns difficulties has surfaced in Seoul, where he visits regularly and where Trump will travel next week on the second stop of his Asian tour.

Several South Korean officials expressed worry that Yuns diplomatic efforts with North Korea lack any real underpinning of support from the White House.

"Things are clearly not easy for him," one South Korean diplomat said. "Yun is precisely that person (to talk to North Korea), but Trump is killing the whole process."

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters on Sept. 30 the United States was probing for a diplomatic opening, only to be slapped down by Trump, who told him via Twitter this was a waste of time.

At the same time, CIA Director Mike Pompeo, who regularly briefs Trump on intelligence matters and is considered one of the most hawkish voices on North Korea in the president's inner circle, has apparently gained stature.

Several officials familiar with those discussions say Pompeo is feeding Trump assessments that U.S. military threats will force Kim to bow to U.S. demands for nuclear disarmament, a position that some U.S. intelligence officers privately contest.

The CIA declined comment.

NORTH KOREAN NEGOTIATOR 'SHOCKED'

A U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Yun has become diplomatically "untethered," not fully connected to a core U.S. approach that is emphasizing economic sanctions and the threat of military action rather than diplomacy.

The one tangible achievement of Yun's diplomatic efforts in the past year was winning the release of 22-year-old Warmbier in secret talks with North Korean officials in Oslo and New York. Yun flew to Pyongyang in June to medically evacuate Warmbier.

When Choe Son Hui, head of the North Korean foreign ministry's North America bureau, met Yun in Oslo, she was unaware of how serious Warmbier's condition was, a source in Washington knowledgeable about the matter said.

But once she learned about it she was "shocked" and Yun was summoned urgently to meet a North Korean diplomat in New York, which quickly led to Warmbier's return home, the source said.

Warmbier's death complicated Yun's efforts as it contributed to a chilling of U.S.-North Korean contacts around that time, the State Department official said.

STUMBLING IN THE DARK

Despite Trumps threats of military action against Pyongyang, the State Department official said Yuns view was "the less you engage diplomatically, the more likely you are in the dark."

Even so, Trumps rhetoric has raised questions among allies, and possibly even in North Korea, about how serious, if at all, his administration is about diplomacy and how much of a mandate Yun may have to pursue it.

Trump "personalized" the conflict  deriding Kim as "Little Rocket Man" - against the advice of his national security and intelligence experts, some of whom warned it could be counterproductive, a senior national security official said.

Another official pointed out, however, that Trump, who in May said he would be honoured to meet Kim, had not hurled any fresh insults at Kim in recent days, raising hopes for an altered approach.

A South Korean official in Seoul said it was necessary for Washington to have someone in contact with North Korea to help spur future negotiations if they are ever to take hold.

But Trumps national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, told Japans NHK television this week: "What we cannot afford to do is enter into these long, drawn-out negotiations that allow North Korea to use these negotiations as cover for continuing their nuclear and missile programs."

Former U.S. negotiators sympathise with Yun, whose authority to negotiate has been undercut by the tug-of-war between a White House breathing fire and a State Department pushing a peaceful solution.

"Nobody doubted my authority," said Wendy Sherman, one of the lead U.S. negotiators who achieved the 2015 deal under which

Iran agreed to restrain its nuclear programme in return for relief from economic sanctions. "All of this undermines our ability to do the job."

Robert Gallucci, who was chief U.S. negotiator during the North Korean nuclear crisis of 1994 and has had recent contact with Yun, said the envoy is realistic about the challenges of negotiating in the current atmosphere, including the tone set by the president, but he believes in the mission even as his approach is guided by realism.

(Additional reporting by James Pearson in Seoul, John Walcott and David Brunnstrom in Washington, Linda Sieg in Tokyo; Editing by Kieran Murray and Ross Colvin)
NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenya's opposition coalition has asked supporters to boycott three big companies it says benefit from ties to the government of President Uhuru Kenyatta, who won last week's repeat election after an opposition boycott.

Wearing hats embroidered "RESISTANCE", and speaking against a backdrop showing a clenched fist, members of parliament gave their supporters a week's notice to stop using products from telecoms giant Safaricom, dairy products from Brookside and Bidco cooking oils.

"We are calling for a boycott that will be painful, a boycott that will bring these companies to their knees until they stand for electoral justice," said Nakara Lodep, Turkana central lawmaker.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has called for a "National Resistance Movement" to protest the outcome of the repeat election, which was ordered by the Supreme Court after it annulled the results of an August poll over procedural irregularities.

President Uhuru Kenyatta won a second, five-year term with 98 percent of the vote after Odinga boycotted the contest. Only 39 percent of registered voters took part.

Lawmakers said Safaricom was targeted because it had helped transmit election results. Brookside Dairy is partly owned by Kenyatta's family and partly by French dairy giant Danone.

A spokesman for Safaricom said the company had no immediate comment. Brookside and Bidco did not return messages seeking comment.

Odinga has until Monday to file a Supreme Court case seeking to overturn the election. If there are no outstanding legal proceedings, Kenyatta will be inaugurated on Nov. 14.

(Reporting by John Ndiso; editing by Katharine Houreld)
The Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri has unexpectedly resigned during a trip to Saudi Arabia, warning his life was in danger.

Speaking in the nation's capital, Riyadh, he said the climate in Lebanon was like it was before his father, prime minister Rafik Hariri, was assassinated in 2005.

He also attacked both Iran and their allies in Lebanon, the Shia Muslim militant group Hezbollah.

He accused them of meddling in Arab affairs and said that "Iran's arms in the region will be cut off".

Lebanon is largely divided between those loyal to Saudi Arabia, led by Sunni Muslim Mr Hariri, and those loyal to Iran and Hezbollah.

The prime minister's resignation will raise tensions in the country and has thrown its political future into uncertainty.

Mr Hariri's comments come after the US imposed new sanctions on Hezbollah that many people in Lebanon fear will damage the country's economy.

Mr Hairi said Hezbollah's policies have put Lebanon "in the eye of the storm".

"When I took office, I promised you that I would seek to unite the Lebanese, end political division and establish the principle of self-sufficiency, but I have been unable to do so," he said.

"Despite my efforts, Iran continues to abuse Lebanon."

He said: "We are living in a climate similar to the atmosphere that prevailed before the assassination of martyr Rafik al-Hariri. I have sensed what is being plotted covertly to target my life."

Iran called Mr Hariri's accusations a "repetition of the unrealistic and unfounded accusations of the Zionists, Saudis and Americans against Iran".

"This resignation is a new scenario for creating tension in Lebanon and the region," said Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi in a statement published on the ministry website.

"But we believe that the resistant people of Lebanon will pass this stage easily."

Mr Hariri was appointed prime minister in late 2016 and was leader of a 30-member national unity cabinet that included Hezbollah.

Story continues

President Michel Aoun, who took office in October 2016, is a close ally of the militant group.

He was elected after Mr Hariri endorsed him for president, based on an agreement that he would make him as prime minister.

The government have managed to avoid the country being embroiled in the worst of the conflict taking place in neighbouring Syria.

In a statement the president's office said they had been informed of the resignation in a phone call.

They said they were now waiting for Mr Hariri to return to Lebanon to clarify the circumstances of his resignation and proceed accordingly.
Yemen's Houthi rebels have fired missiles into Saudi Arabia before - even one aimed at Mecca, and another at an oil field.

But lobbing one towards Riyadh's international airport - and with surprising accuracy - is a significant escalation.

The Houthis have a stockpile of what they call Burkan or Volcano missiles, their homegrown variant of the Scud. It is less likely, but possible, that the missile was supplied by their Iranian backers.

This is a serious provocation and what matters next is how the Saudis choose to respond.

Yemen has been gripped by a nasty civil war for two and a half years. Houthi rebels are backed by Iran; their rivals are supported by the Saudis and other Gulf Arab militaries.

The Saudis have led a devastating air campaign that has killed thousands and wounded tens of thousands of people, wrecked much of the civilian infrastructure of the country and failed to defeat the Houthis' uprising.

The British supply some of the weaponry being used by the Saudis and provide advisers in their command and control centre through the UK.

A humanitarian disaster has unfolded in what was already a desperately poor country, including outbreaks of cholera and starvation.

The conflict desperately needs fresh thinking, international mediation and progress towards a negotiated settlement.

The last thing it needs is escalation in the form of a missile aimed at Riyadh airport and the Saudi retribution that is likely to follow.
A Spanish judge has issued European arrest warrants for ousted Catalan president Carles Puigdemont and four other separatist leaders.

Mr Puigdemont and the four ex-members of his cabinet travelled to Brussels on Monday after being accused of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds.

National court judge Carmen Lamela has filed a request with the Belgian prosecutor to detain the five and also issued separate international search and arrest warrants to alert Europol in case they flee the country.

She rejected a request from Mr Puigdemont to testify via video conference from Brussels.

:: Analysis - What next for Carles Puigdemont?

"We're going to study (the EU arrest warrants) and give it to a judge," a spokesperson for Belgium's state prosecutor said.

If they are arrested by Belgian police, Mr Puigdemont and his colleagues would have to be brought in front a judge within 24 hours.

Belgian legal experts say extradition would take 15 days, but should the separatists appeal the process it could take a further 45 days - giving them enough time to participate in the region's snap election on 21 December.

Earlier, Mr Puigdemont vowed to stand in the poll, saying: "It's possible to run a campaign from anywhere".

Insisting he "will not run from justice", Mr Puigdemont told Belgian media: "I will go to the justice authorities, but the real justice authorities.

"I have told my lawyer to tell Belgian justice authorities that I am completely ready to cooperate."

The deposed Catalan leader added that it was "very clear that the Spanish justice authorities had become politicised".

On Thursday, Judge Lamela ordered eight regional ministers, including deposed vice president Oriol Junqueras, to be remanded in custody while possible charges are considered.

She also detained another separatist politician, pending a 50,000 (38,290) bail payment.

Mr Puigdemont had also been ordered to appear before a court in Madrid, but ignored the request.

Reacting to the jailing of his former colleagues, Mr Puigdemont said on Twitter that "the legitimate government of Catalonia has been jailed for its ideas".

Posting a photo of protesters, he added: "The serene clamour of the Catalans is of freedom."
Platinum producer Lonmin said it still has a long way to go to improve workers conditions, as a report slammed its treatment of employees during the Marikana massacre.

A government inquiry found it did not do enough to protect workers in 2012 when 46 people were shot by police during a mine strike.

South African president Jacob Zuma said the mining firm did not respond appropriately, quoting from the report on Thursday in a televised address.

Lonmin chief executive Ben Magara said his company had worked hard to build a more open, transparent and mutually trustworthy environment.

Much work has been done in this regard but we still have a long way to go, as does our industry and the country."

Magara said it would be inappropriate to respond to the report in detail so soon after publication and that the findings would take time to digest.

Shares in Lonmin closed at 122.20p on Thursday.

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Theresa May's hopes of breaking a deadlock in Brexit talks appeared to be given a boost after she and Jean-Claude Juncker agreed to "accelerate" negotiations. The Prime Minister flew out to dinner with Mr Juncker, the President of the European Commission, after a Brexit charm offensive with other EU leaders ahead of a summit on Thursday. - Telegraph

Theresa Mays last-ditch attempt to persuade European leaders to open talks on a transition period look doomed to fail as Downing Street appeared to rule out fresh concessions on the UKs divorce bill and Brussels hardened its approach days away from a crunch summit. Calls to the French president, Emmanuel Macron, and the Irish taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, along with a 90-minute dinner in Brussels with the European commission president, Jean-Claude Juncker, and his chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, failed to move the dial in the prime ministers favour, with senior diplomats insisting the UK had not done enough. - Guardian

European leaders are deliberately stalling on a deal that would protect the rights of EU and British citizens after Brexit to wring further financial concessions from Theresa May, government sources claimed last night. Senior figures close to negotiations said that an agreement to safeguard the rights of three million EU citizens living in the UK was almost done. - The Times

Urgent progress is needed on a Brexit transition period to prevent City firms implementing contingency plans that could put up to 75,000 UK financial services sector jobs at risk, a leading industry lobby group has warned. In a plea to negotiators ahead of the n meeting later this week, TheCityUK also said that the stakes are high for the remaining 27 EU nations, where jobs and inward investment will be at risk if a two-year transition period cannot be agreed quickly. - Guardian

Spain has signalled a hardening line over Catalonia by jailing the leaders of two of the largest separatist organisations in a move seen as taking Madrid closer to imposing central rule over Catalonia. In the first imprisonment of senior secessionist figures since Catalonias 1 October independence referendum, the court ordered the heads of the Catalan National Assembly (ANC) and independence group Omnium to be held without bail pending an investigation for alleged sedition. - Guardian/Reuters

North Koreas deputy UN ambassador has warned that the situation on the Korean peninsula has reached the touch-and-go point and a nuclear war may break out any moment. Kim In-ryong told the UN general assemblys disarmament committee that North Korea is the only country in the world that has been subjected to such an extreme and direct nuclear threat from the United States since the 1970s and said the country has the right to possess nuclear weapons in self-defence. - Guardian/AP

Chinese state oil companies have written to Saudi Aramco offering to buy up to 5 per cent of its shares and bypass its planned stock market float. Petrochina and Sinopec have expressed interest in a direct deal with the Saudi national oil giant, Reuters reported yesterday. - The Times

Interserve will report to the stock market as early as tomorrow on the depths of its financial crisis after it emerged that it had brought in restructuring accountants from EY, sending its shares to record lows. The construction company, which also acts as an outsourced caretaker and cleaning contractor, was forced yesterday to issue a statement, albeit a brief one, on the news that EY had been hired at the behest of HSBC and Royal Bank of Scotland, its two main bankers. - The Times

World petrol demand will peak within 13 years thanks to the impact of electric cars and more efficient engines, energy experts have predicted. UK-based Wood Mackenzie said it expected the take-up of electric vehicles to cut gasoline demand significantly, particularly beyond 2025 as the battery-powered cars go mainstream. - Guardian

Palladium, a silvery metal used in catalytic converters for petrol cars, has become one of the star commodities of the year, hitting $1,000 an ounce for the first time since 2001. The metal, mined primarily in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Russia, has risen 48pc this year, making it the best performing precious metal. - Telegraph

A car finance lending binge by Lloyds has left it dangerously exposed to a downturn in the market, experts warn.

Britains banks collectively have 24billion of exposure to motor loans, and Lloyds has been the most enthusiastic adopter. - Mail

The City watchdog is investigating an American investment bank over claims that senior managers improperly interfered with the work of analysts in its research department, an employment tribunal was told yesterday. Jefferies is facing claims from Milan Radia, one of its former leading analysts, that he was forced to change a report under pressure from a potential client of the bank and that he was asked to attend float pitches, in breach of market rules. - The Times

Big four accountancy firm EY has been fined 2.75m for a series of mistakes in the auditing of a tech companys accounts five years ago. EY and one of its partners, Julian Gray, admitted that their conduct fell significantly short of industry standards in relation to the accounts of Tech Data (formerly Computer 2000 Distribution) for the year ending January 2012. - Telegraph

European aircraft giant Airbus is buying a majority stake in Bombardiers C Series programme. The two aircraft manufacturers announced the partnership on Monday evening, weeks after Bombardier was hit by a 300% import levy by the United States following a complaint from rival Boeing that the company had dumped its C Series jets at absurdly low prices. - Guardian

A major shareholder in Millennium & Copthorne hotels has accused the firms independent directors of settling for a knock-down price for the business after an offer to take it private emerged last week. Fidelity International, which owns just under 3pc of the company, making it its fifth biggest shareholder, was on Monday trying to galvanise support from other minority shareholders in order to convince the companys management to think again about recommending the offer. - Telegraph

Airline EasyJet yesterday submitted a bid for some of Alitalias assets. The low-cost carrier revealed its intentions after an earlier announcement by Lufthansa which said it hoped to establish a new Alitalia and that it had also put in an offer for parts of the insolvent airline. - Mail

Theresa May will receive a much-needed Brexit boost today as plans are unveiled for a 1bn investment in the West Midlands train network. Dutch transport giant Abellio has placed a bumper order for more than 100 trains as part of a hi-tech upgrade of the franchise, which covers routes in the West Midlands, as well as from London Euston to Crewe, and Liverpool to Birmingham. - Telegraph

Companies remain worryingly unprepared for new data protection rules that will impose huge fines on organisations that mishandle the personal data of customers, users, employees and associates, the Institute of Directors has warned. The general data protection regulation is huge in scope. It is an attempt to introduce unified rules across the European Union about how organisations create, capture, store and share personal information for the first time since the 1990s global explosion of digital data. - The Times

Netflix netted its best third quarter on record for subscriber growth as it said it will continue to pump more money into its original programming to ward off growing competition in the market. The streaming service added 5.3 million subscribers in the three month period, a 49pc increase from last year and ahead of its guidance for 4.4 million subscribers, thanks to better-than-expected growth in both the US and internationally. - Telegraph

Insurance giant Legal & General has agreed to buy pet insurer Buddies with the hope of cashing in on Britain's love for cats and dogs. The FTSE 100 company said it would be purchasing the Northamptonshire-based business, which was set up by husband and wife Marianne Metaxas and Avi Levine in 2000, for an undisclosed sum as part of a wider ambition to expand into the rapidly growing pet insurance space. - Telegraph

The investment firm behind the collapsed Monarch airline should help repay the 60m cost of the repatriation of its customers, the transport secretary has told MPs.The Civil Aviation Authority operated more than 500 flights over the past two weeks to return 110,000 Monarch passengers home after the airline went into administration on 2 October. - Guardian

Staff at Capita are planning to stage a nine-day strike over pension terms after talks between the company and the union broke down. Union Unite said on Monday that last minute talks with mediation firm Acas had failed, and so staff represented by the union would be walking out between October 28 and November 5. - Telegraph

The withdrawal of the old 1 coin was mired in chaos on Monday after it emerged that thousands of parking ticket machines and shops have yet to fall into line with the new rules. Car parks serving as many as one million motorists a day have defied the Royal Mint's deadline for updating their machines to accept the new coin. - Telegraph

Lidl is creating 500 new jobs as it gears up to open its largest UK distribution centre in Peterborough as part of its plans to invest 1.45bn in the country over the next two years. The German discounter, which recently overtook Waitrose to become the UK's seventh biggest grocer, said that the new site would be its 15th distribution centre and will supply groceries and non-food items to the nearby area. - Telegraph

New peerages will have a 15-year time limit under a plan to shrink the House of Lords. The Lords has almost 800 members, making it the second largest legislative chamber in the world after the National Peoples Congress of China, but pressure has grown on the government to reduce its size. - The Times
Rising crude and metals prices helped propel several resources-linked FTSE 250 stocks higher in an overall quiet session, with concurrent Brexit jitters weighing on the housing sector.

At 1519 BST, West Texas Intermediate crude was up 1.83% to $49.51 a barrel, while Brent firmed 1.55% to $50.41 a barrel.

Against this backdrop, Weir Group, Wood Group and Evraz all enjoyed gains.

At the same time, spot gold was ahead 0.28% to $1,246 an ounce, while spot copper improved 0.76% to $212.9 a pound. Other industrial metals prices also firmed.

To this end, Vedanta Resources and Kaz Minerals appeared as beneficiaries.

Looking to the mid-cap downside, housebuilders Crest Nicholson and Redrow fell as concerns mounted that the UK will vote to leave the European Union on 23 June on the back of several new polls.

The latest Observer/Opinium poll of voting intentions, published on Sunday, revealed that 43% of Britons now backed the UK's exit from the EU, with support for remaining inside at 40%.

In parallel, a YouGov poll on behalf of ITV showed 45% of Britons would choose to leave the EU, versus 41% backing a remain outcome.

A third poll from TNS put support for 'Leave' at 43% against 41% for 'Remain'

Market Movers

FTSE 250 (MCX) 17,085.14 0.10%

FTSE 250 - Risers

Weir Group (WEIR) 1,256.00p 6.44%

Vedanta Resources (VED) 398.10p 6.16%

Kaz Minerals (KAZ) 154.00p 4.19%

Amec Foster Wheeler (AMFW) 441.60p 4.13%

Investec (INVP) 472.80p 3.98%

Serco Group (SRP) 112.00p 3.90%

Polymetal International (POLY) 882.00p 3.89%

Wood Group (John) (WG.) 638.00p 3.66%

Evraz (EVR) 115.50p 3.49%

Drax Group (DRX) 305.20p 3.35%

FTSE 250 - Fallers

Indivior (INDV) 211.20p -10.17%

NCC Group (NCC) 277.20p -4.35%

Crest Nicholson Holdings (CRST) 560.50p -4.02%

Shawbrook Group (SHAW) 276.70p -3.92%

Redrow (RDW) 399.30p -3.78%

Homeserve (HSV) 470.80p -3.52%

Aldermore Group (ALD) 207.40p -3.49%

AO World (AO.) 169.40p -3.20%

Sophos Group (SOPH) 186.20p -3.07%

Greencore Group (GNC) 328.60p -3.07%
S&P 500 3,991.73 DOW 33,592.92 QQQ 289.39 Retiring Soon? 8 Facts About Retirement You Need to Know These 5 Microcap Stocks (Ad) Three Penny Stocks Making Big Moves In November Agilent Remains In Buy Range Ahead Of Next Week's Q4 Report These 5 Microcap Stocks (Ad) Dont Chase Walmart Higher, Wait For Extra Low Prices Russian airstrikes reported in cities across Ukraine 5 Diamonds in the Rough (Ad) Stocks gain ground after wholesale inflation eases in US The Latest | UN Climate Summit

S&P 500 3,991.73 DOW 33,592.92 QQQ 289.39 Retiring Soon? 8 Facts About Retirement You Need to Know These 5 Microcap Stocks (Ad) Three Penny Stocks Making Big Moves In November Agilent Remains In Buy Range Ahead Of Next Week's Q4 Report These 5 Microcap Stocks (Ad) Dont Chase Walmart Higher, Wait For Extra Low Prices Russian airstrikes reported in cities across Ukraine 5 Diamonds in the Rough (Ad) Stocks gain ground after wholesale inflation eases in US The Latest | UN Climate Summit

S&P 500 3,991.73 DOW 33,592.92 QQQ 289.39 Retiring Soon? 8 Facts About Retirement You Need to Know These 5 Microcap Stocks (Ad) Three Penny Stocks Making Big Moves In November Agilent Remains In Buy Range Ahead Of Next Week's Q4 Report These 5 Microcap Stocks (Ad) Dont Chase Walmart Higher, Wait For Extra Low Prices Russian airstrikes reported in cities across Ukraine 5 Diamonds in the Rough (Ad) Stocks gain ground after wholesale inflation eases in US The Latest | UN Climate Summit
While some of the screenplay's narrative time shifts are distracting, and I feared yet another detailed reenactment of the Dallas assassination, for the most part this is Reiner's best movie in years. He can be hit or miss as a director  the classic The Princess Bride versus the forgettable Being Charlie  but here his liberal passion seems to override his soggier impulses to rehabilitate a figure better remembered for bungling the Vietnam War than making substantive legislative change for racial equality.

In contrast to last year's fetishistic Oscar-bait Jackie with Natalie Portman wandering through the White House, eyes glazed, in blood-stained couture, here the Camelot myth is subsidiary to Johnson's rougher-edged reality. That said, Donovan (TV's Burn Notice) is terrific in the small yet significant role of JFK, toning down the character from legend to leader, and embodying the contrast between Harvard elites and Johnson's Southern Dems. Oscar nominee Jennifer Jason Leigh tries her hardest to breathe life into Lady Bird Johnson, but a viewer would be hard pressed to see an individual there  her character exists solely as a backboard to her husband, revealing his vulnerability in pillow talk or his lovability through her puppy-dog eyes.

Harrelson and Reiner have succeeded in creating the rare mature Hollywood political movie, exploring those qualities that make an effective president in his own era and those that come to define his legacy over decades. In a time when Americans wonder how we can make the federal government functional again, LBJ presents a portrait of a flawed man navigating challenging circumstances. He accomplished as much as he did through cunning rather than charisma  and by being the hardest-working man in Washington, the James Brown of the White House.
Mylan N.V., one of the drugmakers named in the suit, said it has investigated the allegations thoroughly and found no evidence of price-fixing. Mylan also said it stands by Rajiv Malik, its president since January 2012, who was named in the expanded complaint.

Based outside of Pittsburgh, Mylan makes a range of generic and branded drugs, including the EpiPen emergency allergy injector. Shares of the company slid 6.6 percent to close at $35.71.

The original lawsuit filed last year claimed that six drugmakers artificially inflated and manipulated prices for two drugs, an antibiotic and a diabetes drug. At the time, Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen said, It was just the tip of the iceberg.

Jepsen said Tuesday that the alleged collusion is so pervasive that it essentially eliminated competition from the market for 15 generic drugs.
Brown County approves Bailey Pro Rodeo as new stock provider

Bailey Pro Rodeo out of North Dakota has been selected as the new rodeo stock provider for the Dacotah Stampede Rodeo, a two-day event at the fair.
This story has been updated to indicate that Roberto Rodriguez has dropped out of the race.

Four candidates are vying to take over the Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education seat vacated by Analee Maestas last month amid fraud and embezzlement allegations.

The APS board will select a new member from the diverse group Nov. 13 after public interviews with each candidate. The winner will serve out the remainder of Maestas term, which ends in 2019.

The APS District 1 candidates, including their length of residency in the district, are:

 Claudia Benavidez, southeast Albuquerque site and program director, PB&J Family Services, 17 years.

 Jude Chavez, nurse, Los Pablamos Medical Skilled Rehab, 20 years.

 Yolanda Montoya-Cordova, state administrator of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, 45 years.

 Lee Romero, residential driver, Waste Management of New Mexico, 23 years.

APS will post questionnaires detailing the candidates positions on various education issues later today or Monday.

A community forum to meet the candidates is scheduled on Thursday.

The winner will officially take office during the Nov. 15 board meeting and begin representing District 1, the southwest section of the city, including Atrisco Heritage Academy and Rio Grande High School.

Maestas, a longtime school administrator, had held the seat since 2011.

She resigned Oct. 10 after state Auditor Tim Keller uncovered roughly $700,000 in questionable transactions at the K-8 charter school she founded, La Promesa Early Learning Center.

Maestas blamed her daughter, Julieanne Maestas, the schools former assistant business manager, for the alleged financial improprieties.

Dr. Maestas now understands that Julieannes unresolved substance abuse problem is directly related to the issues highlighted within the State Auditors report, Analee Maestas attorney said in a statement.
The Arizona developer that helped fund attack ads against State Auditor Tim Keller is alleging in a tort claims notice that Keller is unconstitutionally using his position to punish and silence it, an allegation that the Office of the State Auditor denies.

Its the latest in a series of claims that Albuquerques two remaining mayoral candidates have faced in recent weeks. Keller, a Democrat, and Albuquerque City Councilor Dan Lewis, a Republican, are going head to head in a runoff on Nov. 14.

Pat Rogers, the attorney representing Western Albuquerque Land Holdings, filed the notice on Friday. A tort claim puts the state on notice that a lawsuit may be forthcoming.

Mr. Kellers misuse of the auditors office and the selection of WALH for special treatment out of 600,000 possible investigations, after WALH criticizes Mr. Keller speaks for itself, Rogers said in a news release. Whether people support the Santolina development or not, no one should be subject to punishment and damages for the exercise of their First Amendment rights to criticize any politician, including Mr. Keller.

The auditors office says it is handling the complaint it received on the Santolina development the same way it handles other complaints.

Our office will continue to hold government accountable, regardless of political attacks, and were not going to stop doing our job because some Arizona developer thinks theyre above the law, auditor spokeswoman Aaron Nieto said. New Mexicans deserve to know if there were illegal giveaways to a private company, and thats exactly what the independent firm conducting the audit will determine.

Santolina is a planned 21-square mile development southwest of Interstate 40 and 118th Street that could some day be home to 90,000 people. WALH opposes Keller in the mayoral race and contributed $30,000 to a political action committee that ran TV and radio attack ads against Keller.

On Sept. 15  the same week the ads began running  Kellers office sent a letter questioning whether the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Authority is illegally subsidizing the water infrastructure for Santolina. The letter instructs REDW, the authoritys independent auditor, to look into those allegations, which were made by Norman Gaume, a former water system manager/engineer for the city of Albuquerque, and others.

The auditors office also took aim at County Commissioner Wayne Johnson, who sits on the water authority board and first questioned whether Keller was using his authority to retaliate against Santolina.

It is (a) sad example of sour grapes when Commissioner Wayne Johnson, who happens to be a former mayoral candidate, believes it is acceptable to break state law and compromise the integrity of the routine audit process by leaking confidential information for political fodder, Nieto said.

Last time I checked it was not confidential, Johnson responded. So the allegation that I somehow broke the law is absolutely spurious and false.
Holiday is time for family members to gather and remember those who died

LEXINGTON  Students taking Spanish classes at Lexington Middle School created a display for the school cafeteria showing items they made as they learned about Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead.

In some countries, such as Mexico and Spain, Nov. 1 and 2, are days of gathering with family while remembering family and friends who have died.

"Most people dont understand why the dead can be something to be happy about or celebrate," said Spanish teacher Alejandra Davila-Lopez. "Maybe it depends on if they are religious or not."

She said Mexicans believe that death is not the end of life, but just the beginning of a continuation of life and a progression. When people die they go to the midlands.

She said that viewpoint is similar to what the Greek philosopher Plato proposed in the Allegory of the Cave. He said the body is a case or prison and without it a person can be free to keep going.

Culturally there are different ways of viewing death and it can be interesting to compare the traditions that have developed over time, said Davila-Lopez. "Im learning too," she said of Mexican customs, noting there are some ties to the Aztecs.

In some places Nov. 1 is also known as the Day of the Innocents with a focus on deceased infants and children. All Soul Days, Nov. 2, centers on departed adults.

The northwest region of Spain, where Davila-Lopez comes from, has the remains of Celtic traditions such as Samhain, which marks the end of harvest and beginning of winter and has some ties to present day Halloween.

There is a mix of Pagan and Christian elements combined together in many of the customs, said Davila-Lopez.

It is believed that the spirits of the dead can return for a visit during this time of year which leads to celebrations. Special food is made and portions are set out to be welcoming to the deceased, similar to the steps one might take if they were expecting guests to come to their home, said Davila-Lopez. It is a time to reconnect in a festive spirit of remembrance and celebration.

Davila-Lopez said students began their preparations for the school display last week. Some classes folded white paper to make the shape of a skull. Bright paper was folded for a hat to place atop the origami skull. Davila-Lopez said it was also a good activity to teach listening skills and how to follow directions step by step.

Eighth grade students read articles about La Calavera Catrina  an image of a female skeleton dressed in a fancy hat like those worn by the upper class of her time. The drawing which only shows the upper part, sort of like a head shot, was created by artist/illustrator Jose Guadalupe Posada in about 1910 as a satirical caricature, but adopted by people in Mexico for use with Dia de los Muertos.

"As the artist drew it, it represents the people who are from Mexico, but pretend to be European," said Davila-Lopez, noting it wasnt meant in a flattering way. It can represent the ability to laugh at death and the wealthy who will be equalized because all die someday.

Another artist, Diego Riviera, put a dress on the image to make her into an elegant character, La Catrina, she said.

People paint their faces white and wear big hats. "It represents the dead to them," said Davila-Lopez, meaning death in general instead of one specific person.

Eighth grade students made figures of Catrina. Instead of being gruesome or scary, they are meant to have a nice face embellished with flowers, said Davila-Lopez, showing examples.

She said some students didnt understand that, too influenced by American Halloween.

Seventh grade students researched the origins of Halloween and the connection to other time periods and cultures.

Sixth grade students learned about altars, used in the Mexican observance of Dia de los Muertos. The altars incorporate the four elements of nature  earth, fire, water and wind.

The earth is represented by things that come of the earth such as flowers; orange marigolds are traditionally used. Fire is usually present through lighted candles, but for the school display the candles had no flames out of concern for fire safety. Water and other beverages the dead once enjoyed are set out in open containers. Wind is symbolized through papel picados. Colorful tissue paper is folded accordion-style with tiny shapes cut out to make a repeating pattern. When hung in a row the bright colors are festive and the lightweight tissue paper moves easily with a breeze.

Davila-Lopez said altars usually have a sweet bread made with orange flavoring and zest called el pan de muerte. It is set out in welcome of the dead along with other favorite foods. The small loaves may be decorated with pieces of dough in shapes that represent bones and tears.

Pictures of loved ones are also included on the altars.

Davila-Lopez said items on the altar are placed on levels to represent the journey to the afterlife.

Davila-Lopez said in Galicia, the region of Spanish where she comes from, people dont construct altars, but they do celebrate for two days Nov. 1 and 2. They clean tombstones and, religious or not, take flowers and candles to decorate the cemetery. "People spend a lot of money on that," said Davila-Lopez.

She said Mexico is more celebratory with parties where people sing, laugh and drink.

Davila-Lopez said next year she would like to share sugar skulls with students in her Spanish classes, but they would be difficult to make in the classroom. They are eaten as a reminder that death is not a bitter end, but rather a sweet continuation of the natural cycle of life.

A newly released animated movie made by Disney/Pixar called Coco is based on Mexican customs related to Dia de los Muertos. Coco is scheduled to come to the United States Nov. 22. Davila-Lopez said some students are familiar with the movie and are talking about it in anticipation because they have already seen trailers for it.
Copyright  2017 Albuquerque Journal

By the end of last year, Albuquerque had 61 murders  the highest number in 20 years.

Ten months into 2017, that number has already been surpassed.

Sgt. Elizabeth Thomson of the Albuquerque Police Department homicide unit said 63 murders were committed through Nov. 2. The number doesnt include killings that police considered justifiable, of which there were four.

And, Thomson said in an interview Thursday, it seems likely that there will be more than there were in 1996, when there were 70 murders, the highest number in recent history. If the current pace of homicides continues through the end of the year, there will be 75.

There were 100,000 fewer people living in Albuquerque in 1996, however, and the murder rate was 16.64 per 100,000 people. So far in 2017, the rate is 11.3 per 100,000.

The number of murders has been increasing each year since 2014, and reports of violent crimes and property crimes in the city have also been rising.

Over the past year, 10 people have been slain during other felonies  including a mother and a daughter who were killed in January when, police say, auto-theft suspects slammed into their car. There were two incidents in which police say someone ran over a suspected burglar in retaliation and was charged with murder.

Four people have been killed in domestic violence. Three incidents involved people with mental health problems  including a case in which, police say, a man killed his mother and put her in a cardboard box.

Thomson said that, as in other crimes police investigate, substance abuse plays a large role in fatal violence. Last weekend, police say, a 42-year-old man shot and killed another man in an office building, seemingly at random.

I believe these people wouldnt have committed these crimes at all except for their use of meth, she said. Meth has just been a terrible, terrible scar on our community.

But, she said, the biggest change she has noticed over the past couple of years is that people are increasingly quick to turn to violence as a way to settle disputes. This year, gunfire has erupted during fights over drugs, over poorly worded apologies, over stolen vehicles, and over breakups.

It seems to me that people are using violence to resolve disputes, Thomson said. I have seen an increase in the use of guns to resolve disputes. For a while, it trended that about a third of our murders were committed with firearms; now its half.

Miranda Viscoli, the co-president of New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence, said there arent any data on how many people own guns in the city, but the number of shootings would indicate it is high.

Because we dont register guns, we dont know how many there are, Viscoli said. Anyone can go online and buy any gun they want.

Clearance rate

Detectives have solved only 37 of the 63 homicides this year, putting their clearance rate for the year at 59 percent, Thomson said. The majority of the unsolved cases have occurred since mid-June.

For us, thats bad, she said. Were always in the 80s, if not the high 80s. We have solved six from prior years  but for us, we know that in 2017 were really struggling.

She said one of the reasons for the low clearance rate is she has only five detectives on the homicide unit, although two more are going through training and another will join the unit temporarily next week. She said that means they are all working around the clock.

In February, a University of New Mexico graduate student, Juan Carlos Romero, 26, was shot and killed across from campus. In May, an 86-year-old woman was found dead in her home. And in July, a 14-year-old boy was shot and killed and his two friends were injured as they entered a Dions pizza restaurant.

All of these remain unsolved.

But, Thomson said, police believe a number of the unsolved killings could have been related.

If we solve one and thats related to three others, we have just taken our clearance rate way up, she said. I believe thats a factor, that we have not been able to solve those related to each other.

In May, police arrested Yoan Pena Santiesteban, 33, who they said shot and killed three people during a 12-day crime spree.

Thomson said she believes there are other offenders out there who may be responsible for multiple crimes.

Spike in violence

This is the third consecutive year the number of murders has increased since a low point in 2014. In 2014, there were 30 murders  fewer than half of 2016s and 2017s totals. In 2015, there were 43.

A spokeswoman for the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office said that agencys detectives have investigated five homicides this year.

Other cities in the Southwest have reported much lower numbers than Albuquerque.

El Paso has 120,000 more residents than Albuquerque and reported 10 homicides so far this year. And Tucson, a city with 30,000 fewer residents, reported 22 so far. As of September, Denver reported 48 homicides.

Although 2017 numbers arent available, the FBIs annual report on crime in the United States found the national number of homicides rose for the second consecutive year in 2016. However, experts say the increase was driven by cities such as Baltimore, Chicago and Las Vegas, which had high numbers of homicides.

Thomson said she believes Albuquerques citywide spike in violence over the past couple of years mirrors the early 1990s, a time that was notorious for high crime.

It may be a different drug, it may be involving a different type of gang activity, Thomson said. But I think the picture is very similar. There is a lot of social disorder going on, frankly, a lot less community policing going on, and thats what was happening then.

Journal staff writer Matthew Reisen contributed to this report.
Its one of those criminal cases that makes you shake your head in disbelief.

Within a few weeks 42-year-old Tyra Patterson will be released from an Ohio prison after serving 23 years for a murder she is now widely believed not to have committed. She will have spent more than half her life behind bars. Its a case that makes you wonder how many others have been caught up in the justice system this way.

Tyra, who I first wrote about back in 2013, has always maintained her innocence in the senseless shooting death of 15-year-old Michelle Lai.

In short, Tyra and her friend Becca Stidham were in the wrong place at the wrong time when a group of girls, unknown to them, began to harass and rob five teenagers sitting in a Chevette. After punches were thrown through the car windows a necklace from one of the victims ended up on the sidewalk. Tyra admits she instinctively bent down and picked it up. Then, she says, as she and Becca ran from the scene they heard a shot. They had no way of knowing that a girl named LaShawna Keeny had a gun and had just committed murder.

The frightened teens said they ran to Tyras nearby apartment and once inside Tyra immediately called 911 for help. I heard a gunshot, Tyra told the operator. Please hurry up and come.

The next day Tyra and Becca voluntarily went to the police station to tell them what they knew. Tyra left out the part about picking up the necklace, and that would come back to haunt her. She would be painted as part of the marauding gang who had viciously robbed and murdered a young girl.

After she shared her story with police, Tyra says the detectives words stunned her. Youre a liar. I have witnesses. You killed a young girl. You are going down for murder. And that is exactly what happened. Tyra was sentenced to 43 years to life in prison for being an accessory to aggravated robbery and murder. The actual shooter would be sentenced to less  30 years to life.

Tyra, a 15-year-old high-school dropout at the time, a black kid who had somehow survived a miserable poverty-plagued childhood, says she succumbed to hours and hours of interrogation and confessed because she just wanted to go home.

For some inexplicable reason Tyras lawyer never called Becca to the stand to corroborate their version of the story. The defense never raised the issue of how often false confessions are offered and, perhaps most damning, they failed to play the tape of Tyras frantic 911 call for help.

In addition, jurors didnt learn about two important sworn statements. One from the shooter, LaShawna Keeney, who said, Tyra actually tried to stop the robbery. She walked up to me and told me to leave the victims alone. A second statement from an eyewitness who had been walking her dog nearby read in part, I remember Tyra trying to stop the robbery by telling LaShawna to leave the victims alone.

Five years ago, attorney David Singleton, executive director of the Ohio Justice and Policy Center, took up Tyras case. He dug deeper into the facts and began to put together a strong case for the parole board; he filed for clemency with Ohio Gov. John Kasich and amassed a group of supporters ranging from Hollywood stars to the former Ohio attorney general. Others also stepped up to help Tyra, including the sister of the dead girl who was in the car during the murder. Holly Lai Holbrook supports Tyras version of events and believes she was not involved in her sisters murder.

And get this, six of the 12 jurors that heard Tyras case and voted guilty now say if they knew back then what they know now about the murder  especially that Tyra had been the one who called 911 for help  they never would have voted to convict. They joined the campaign to get the governor to free Tyra Patterson. The pleas were ignored.

Last week the Ohio parole board announced that Tyra is to be granted parole effective on or before this Christmas Eve. The board rejected the prosecutors call for Tyra to finish serving her sentence.

While in prison Tyra has educated herself, participated in more than 200 self-help groups and learned to love the books she never got to read in school. She is now qualified to be a paralegal and has a job and housing waiting for her. Tyra says she looks forward to working with young people to encourage them to stay in school and live drug-free lives.

When Tyra once again breathes free air she will still be considered a convicted murderer. She and attorney Singleton vow to continue the fight to clear her name. I wish them luck.

And I continue to wonder how many others like Tyra Patterson are still unjustly held in prison.

www.DianeDimond.com; e-mail to Diane@DianeDimond.com.
Our lives are better because of the people in this world who recognize a problem and resolve to fix it. These passionate people  who care so much they wont just let a problem go, wont take no for an answer and dont leave solutions to someone else  are truly heroes. They can take pride in leaving the world a better place.

Examples of these heroes are not just everywhere else: They have helped make Rio Rancho the community it is today.

We only have to visit A Park Above to experience how one woman saw a need, and her vision to meet the need became a reality. Jennie Schulte-Riedl saw the need for a park that not only entertained able-bodied children but was also fun for those children with fewer abilities. She told her story and shared her passion, raised money, got others involved and created a beautiful park for all children.

Years ago, a community member  a librarian by trade  decided Rio Rancho needed a library and started a lending library where community members brought their old books and shared them with others. The project evolved, grew, and when Rio Rancho became a city, Esther Bones community endeavor became the libraries we enjoy today.

Its the people in a community  their spirit and their passion  that makes things happen. Its their love for others and their willingness to sacrifice their time and talents that create solutions for problems.

Sister Genevieve of the Felician Sisters Convent saw people struggling to find enough money to feed their families and decided to help. With her leadership, the help of the Felician Sisters and the community, St. Felix Pantry was born and has expanded greatly over the last decades.

Community members and members of the clergy fought to create Storehouse West which provides food, clothing and various kinds of assistance to families in need.

It was the ordinary citizens of Rio Rancho who came together to incorporate this small community into the city of Rio Rancho. It was not an easy battle, and it took a great deal of effort to accomplish this feat. Along the same lines, the ordinary citizens of Rio Rancho banded together to create Rio Ranchos own school district, breaking away from Albuquerque Public Schools in a protracted struggle that finally ended with our schools under local control. It took passion for these people to stand up for what they believed was right and to fight the good fight.

Look around this city  the Hands On Learning Center was created by a few Rio Rancho elementary school teachers who wanted to help teachers teach science, and it has been a successful non-profit for more than 20 years.

Haven House for victims of domestic abuse was started by caring residents. People came together to raise money for bullet-proof vests for our canine police officers. The Seed2Need project in Corrales raises fresh food for thousands of low-income people.

We could go on and on. The examples include major passions like getting our own school district, but there are also innumerable small projects that improve our community every day such as people knitting blankets for people who might be cold or those who fix old bicycles so all children can have a bike.

The examples are before us, and we can clearly see the good that comes from people determined to right a wrong or fix a problem. They are our heroes. So are the heroes-to-be, the ones whose passions will make our world a better place tomorrow.

Contact the Ryans at ryan@abqjournal.com.
The doors closed for good two weeks ago at the St. Josephs Center for Children and Families when the money went dry.

It wasnt good.

It was devastating, said Jackie Perez, who had worked in the La Mesa neighborhood clinic for eight years as program director and one of three therapists. When we learned we would be closed, we started letting our clients know. We wanted to make sure they had other places to go for counseling and family support. So we asked them if they wanted to be referred to other agencies, and most of our clients said they wanted to continue with us.

Such was the bond the small St. Joes staff had cultivated among an often wary community of immigrants, low-income and Spanish-speaking families, many of whom do not accept behavioral health care readily, most of whom cannot afford behavioral health care costs without programs like St. Joes.

It was a place where young parents went to learn to be better parents, where traumatized children and troubled adults went to face their truths, where families strengthened their bonds, where women abused or isolated or in pain went to find their strength and share meals of rice and beans and chile during their weekly support groups.

Especially with immigrant families, they need to trust you, they need to know that you care, said Perez, an immigrant from Mexico. They get to trust us, and then they refer other family members who get to trust us. They know us. Its like a big family.

Perez estimates that big family numbered as many as 700 clients annually.

On Oct. 20, it seemed the family was splitting up. St. Joes, ensconced in La Mesa Presbyterian Church at Copper and Espanola NE, was a small satellite of the Samaritan Counseling Center, which after 30 years of providing mental health services in Albuquerque succumbed to financial difficulties.

I just hate to see things that draw people together come apart, said the Rev. Trey Hammond, La Mesa pastor for 18 years. It would just be tragic if it all went away.

So Hammond, Perez and others decided they werent going to let it.

They decided to rename the program the Hopkins Center for Children and Families in honor of Paul Hopkins, Samaritans longtime executive director whose vision helped bring behavioral health care to La Mesa and surrounding neighborhoods.

They began researching grant money, transition funding and Medicaid access and recertification. They reached out to other agencies, including Centro Savila, a grass-roots behavioral health clinic with a similar mission to serve the underserved in the South Valley since 2011.

Weve seen an erosion of our safety net over the years, with fewer agencies able to sustain themselves, said Bill Wagner, executive director of Centro Savila. When disruptions in care happen, they can really undermine a familys progress. Without these kinds of supports, the risks of their children ending up with serious problems  be it problems with alcohol and drugs, problems with the legal system, problems with dropping out of school  are high.

But with support, these families are able to build stability and increase their chances of becoming contributing members of our community, and I think that responsibility is something that we at Centro Savila want to support.

On Wednesday, the board approved the idea of taking Hopkins under Centro Savilas wing.

The merger will take time. Perez said she is hopeful that the program can reopen its doors as soon as next week, but that may be overly optimistic.

Individual therapy sessions and several programs have been placed on hiatus. But two of the three therapists, including Perez, have given their clients their private cellphone numbers if they need to call  which is to say they are working without pay for now.

This is not a job, Perez said. This is a mission.

The womens group Perez runs refused to stop meeting. The women offered to organize a kermes, a traditional church bazaar, to raise money for the program. Thats how much this place means to them, Perez said. That is how strong they have become.

This is their group, and they want to make sure this place does not close for good, she said. It has made a difference for them. I hope it still can.

UpFront is a front-page news and opinion column. Comment directly to Joline at 823-3603, jkrueger@abqjournal.com or follow her on Twitter @jolinegkg. Go to www.abqjournal.com/letters/new to submit a letter to the editor.
FORT BRAGG, N.C.  For the first time in eight years, Bowe Bergdahl doesnt face confinement, or the threat of it, after a judge spared the soldier from a prison sentence for endangering his comrades by walking off his post in Afghanistan.

The sentence, which also includes a dishonorable discharge, was quickly condemned by President Donald Trump as a complete and total disgrace. In the coming months, the final act of the legal drama will play out when Bergdahls lawyers take his case to a military appeals court to argue that Trumps fiery views of the case merit further concessions  and possibly dismissal of the entire case.

The punitive discharge means the case will automatically be appealed to a higher military court. And a top commander will also review the case and consider arguments for leniency, as is standard in Army legal cases.

Bergdahl walked away from his post in Afghanistan, triggering a search that left some of his comrades severely wounded. He was also captured and held by Taliban allies for five years, and his legal case began when he returned to the U.S.

The judge gave no explanation of how he arrived at his decision, but he reviewed evidence that included Bergdahls captivity and the wounds suffered by troops who searched for him.

The case was politically divisive. President Barack Obama traded Taliban prisoners to bring Bergdahl back in 2014, drawing sharp Republican criticism. As a presidential candidate, Trump called for the soldier to face stiff punishment. He could have received up to life in prison.

The judge also gave the 31-year-old a dishonorable discharge, reduced his rank from sergeant to private and ordered him to forfeit pay equal to $1,000 per month for 10 months.

Defense lawyer Eugene Fidell told reporters that his client had looked forward to today for a long time.

Bergdahl is grateful to everyone who searched for him, especially those who heroically sustained injuries, Fidell added.

Trumps statement came in a tweet about 90 minutes after the sentencing. The decision on Sergeant Bergdahl is a complete and total disgrace to our Country and to our Military, the president wrote.

Bergdahl pleaded guilty last month to desertion and misbehavior before the enemy. The judge had wide leeway in deciding the sentence because Bergdahl made no deal with prosecutors to limit his punishment.

Prosecutors had sought a stiff penalty because of wounds suffered by service members who searched for Bergdahl after he disappeared in 2009.

The defense sought to counter that evidence with testimony about Bergdahls suffering as a captive, his contributions to military intelligence and his mental health problems. The argument for leniency also cited Trumps harsh campaign-trail criticism.

The dishonorable discharge threatens to deprive Bergdahl of most or all his veterans benefits, but it also triggers the automatic appeal to a higher military court.

Fidell told reporters that he looks forward to the appeals court review of Trumps campaign statements, which the president appeared to reaffirm on the day Bergdahl pleaded guilty last month. The Friday tweet will also figure into defense arguments.

As a candidate, Trump made really extraordinary reprehensible comments targeted directly at our client, Fidell told reporters Friday. He said the defense team sees an extremely strong basis for dismissal of the case.

Earlier in the week, Bergdahl described the brutal conditions of his captivity, including beatings with copper wire, unending bouts of gastrointestinal problems brought on by squalid conditions and maddening periods of isolation.

A psychiatrist testified that his decision to leave his post was influenced by a schizophrenia-like condition called schizotypal personality disorder that made it hard to understand the consequences of his actions, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder brought on partly by a difficult childhood.

Prosecutors, who had asked for a sentence of 14 years in prison, did not speak to reporters. But during closing arguments, they focused on the dangerous search missions that left several service members wounded.

Scores of troops joined in an all-out search for Bergdahl in the weeks after he abandoned his remote post.

Prosecutors cited two missions that resulted in wounds, including a soldier whose hand was shattered by a rocket-propelled grenade and another who suffered a head wound that put him in a wheelchair and rendered him unable to speak. A Navy SEAL suffered a career-ending leg wound.

The judge ruled that those firefights would not have happened if not for Bergdahl.

One of the wounded soldiers, Jonathan Morita of California, called the lack of prison time unacceptable. Morita, who testified during sentencing, still does not have full use of his dominant hand after he was hit by the RPG, which did not explode.

Referring to the lack of prison time, he said: It should have maybe not been the life sentence, but it should have been something.

The soldier from Hailey, Idaho, has been working a desk job at a military installation in San Antonio and has not been held in pretrial confinement.

___

Follow Jonathan Drew at www.twitter.com/jonldrew
BEIRUT  Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri resigned from his post in a televised address from the Saudi capital Saturday, accusing Hezbollah of taking the country hostage, in a surprise move that plunged the nation into uncertainty amid heightened regional tensions.

In his resignation speech, Hariri fired a vicious tirade against Iran and its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah group for what he said was their meddling in Arab affairs and said that Irans arms in the region will be cut off.

The evil that Iran spreads in the region will backfire on it, Hariri said, accusing Tehran of spreading chaos, strife and destruction throughout the region.

Hariri was appointed prime minister in late 2016 and headed a 30-member coalition government that included members of the Shiite militant Hezbollah. But its been an uneasy partnership between Hariri, who heads a Sunni-led camp loyal to Saudi Arabia, and Hezbollah, which represents a camp loyal to Shiite Iran. President Michel Aoun, who was elected in October 2016 after more than a two-year presidential vacuum, is a close ally of Hezbollah.

As U.S. and Saudi Arabia sought ways to curb Irans growing influence in the region, Hariri has come under pressure to distance himself from the militant group which has sent thousands of troops to neighboring Syria to shore up President Bashar Assads forces.

It was not immediately clear whether Hariri intended to return to Lebanon. In a statement, the presidential office said Aoun was informed by Hariri in a phone call of his resignation, adding that the president now awaits Hariris return to clarify the circumstances of his resignation and proceed accordingly.

Hariris bombshell resignation  even close aides seemed unaware of the announcement  ushers in a stage of deep uncertainty and potential instability. It also throws into doubt parliamentary elections slated for early next year which have been repeatedly delayed.

It comes amid a sharp escalation in Saudi rhetoric against its regional archrival Iran and puts Lebanon at the center of that rivalry.

Hazem al-Amin, a Lebanese writer who follows regional affairs, said Hariris resignation is completely a Saudi step that comes in the context of an international and regional atmosphere against Hezbollah and against Iranian influence in the region.

Lebanon is a fragile country. This confrontation (between Saudi Arabia and Iran) is more violent than Lebanon can stand up to, he said, warning of economic and security ramifications.

Irans foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said the resignation is a plot by the U.S., Israel and the Saudis to foment tensions in Lebanon and the region, the semi-official Iranian Tasnim news agency reported.

Ghasemi dismissed Hariris baseless accusations, which he said indicate that a new scenario for the region was being drawn.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hariris resignation and comments are a wake-up call to the international community to take action against the Iranian aggression that is trying to turn Syria into Lebanon 2.

This aggression endangers not only Israel but the entire Middle East. The international community needs to come together and stand against this aggression, he said.

Hariris resignation was unprecedented in the way it was announced, in a televised address from an undisclosed location in Riyadh. In his speech, Hariri suggested he feared for his life and said the climate in the country is similar to the one that existed before his father, the late prime minister Rafik Hariri, was assassinated in 2005.

Several Hezbollah members are being tried in absentia for the killing by a U.N.-backed tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands. Hezbollah denies any involvement.

Hariri said Hezbollahs policies have put Lebanon in the eye of the storm. His attacks on Hezbollah come on the heels of new U.S. sanctions on the group that many fear will impact negatively on the Lebanese economy. Hariri has frequently called on the group to withdraw its fighters from Syria.

I declare my resignation from the premiership of the Lebanese government, with the certainty that the will of the Lebanese is strong, Hariri said.

When I took office, I promised you that I would seek to unite the Lebanese and end political division But unfortunately, this pushed Iran and its allies to more interference in our internal affairs, he said.

In Beiruts Tarik al-Jadideh neighborhood, a predominantly Sunni neighborhood supportive of Hariri, residents described the shock resignation as a positive step.

Prime Minister Hariri has reached the stage where he is not able anymore to bear the pressure on Lebanon by Arab nations, due to the intervention of Iran, said Mohyeddine Awwad, sitting in a cafe where posters of Hariri hung.

Earlier this week, Saudi State Minister for Gulf Affairs Thamer al-Sabhan sharply criticized Hezbollah, calling for its toppling and promising astonishing developments in the coming days during an interview with the Lebanese TV station MTV.

Al-Sabhan met with Hariri in Saudi Arabia when the now resigned prime minister was visiting earlier this week. Hariri abruptly returned to the kingdom again on Friday after a meeting in Beirut with Ali-Akbar Velayati, foreign adviser to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader.

In tweets after meeting Hariri, al-Sabhan criticized the Lebanese government for tolerating Hezbollahs criticism of the kingdom.

Maha Yahya, director of the Beirut-based Carnegie Middle East, said that with the Syrian war calming down, Hariris move could be a message from Saudi Arabia to Iran that it cant have it all.

So Lebanon is back on the table as a stage for the next tug of war, she said.

___

Associated Press writer Sarah El Deeb in Beirut, Nasser Kariri in Tehran and Aron Heller in Jerusalem contributed to this report.
SANTA FE, N.M.  New Mexico credits its reliance on paper ballots in part for making the state less vulnerable to hackers and vote thieves.

The state was not among the 21 states where Russian hackers were accused of targeting voting systems last year, New Mexico election officials said.

As concerns circulate about cybersecurity and the election process, more states are considering turning back to paper ballots, The Santa Fe New Mexican reported Tuesday.

All 33 New Mexico counties use paper ballots after the Legislature passed a law in 2006 requiring physical ballots for any election held under state law. The ballots are counted with electronic scanners, and a paper trail is created thats stored for nearly two years after most elections.

Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver said this process makes it more difficult for the outcome of an election to be altered.

Despite the apparent safety of paper ballots, experts said there are still possible ways elections could be tampered with. Other observers warn that states with paper systems should avoid complacency because an election still requires the use of computers in other steps of the process.

Just because youre filling in a ballot, dont be disabused of the notion that technology pervades every other part of the process, said Joseph Lorenzo Hall, chief technologist of the Center for Democracy and Technology in Washington, D.C.

Some members of the U.S. Congress are pushing for legislation to better alert state election officials of threats to voting systems. U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich unveiled legislation that would allow the federal government to share certain classified information with state election administrators. The move comes because national security officials did not always know with whom they should share that information, the Democratic senator from New Mexico said.

The bill would extend security clearances to top state election administrators so the federal officials could be more blunt about what is going on, Heinrich said. The bill would also provide guidelines to help secure election systems and create grants for states to improve equipment.

___

Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com
Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement to represent Bespoke Hotels Ltd in India.

With this strategic partnership, Bespoke and Royal Orchid shall work together to enhance each others revenues and brand presence in their respective markets. Royal Orchid now has the ability to offer its guests hundreds of hotel options across multiple global markets. Bespoke, in turn, shall promote this new partnership in the Indian subcontinent to its guests.

Bespoke Hotels has grown to represent and manage over 200 properties worldwide, with over 50 represented hotels in India, and stands as the UKs Largest Independent Hotel Group. Founded in 2000 by Haydn Fentum and Robin Sheppard, Bespoke has consistently grown to the point where they now manage over 9,500 hotel rooms, 8,000 employees and 815 million of assets.

Admired as Indias fastest growing hotel chain with over 47 hotels under management and ownership, Royal Orchid Hotels encompasses a range of luxury and five star properties in the popular regions of Bangalore, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Goa.

We are delighted to have reached agreement to represent Royal Orchid and welcome them to our burgeoning international portfolio, commented Robin Sheppard, Founder of Bespoke Hotels. They boast a portfolio in some of Indias finest locations, with a commitment to the highest standards of hospitality.

Chender Baljee, founder of Royal Orchid Hotels, added: We are thrilled to have Bespoke Hotels on board, to offer our guests 100s of hotels abroad, and to market our hotels to inbound International travellers. We are looking forward to growing and reinforcing the standing of both brands in the future.
Founded in 1980, popular comic brand Tinkle published by Amar Chitra Katha(ACK Media) and run by Future Group, is celebrating 37 nostalgic years of imparting knowledge with fun. Making the anniversary memorable for generations who have grown reading the comics and solving the puzzles, ACK Media has launched a special line of Tinkle merchandise in association with Planet Superheros and Eco Corner.

Appealing to 90s kids, the new generation and the young at heart, the Tinkle merchandise features iconic comic characters such as Suppandi, Shikari Shambu, Tantri the Mantri, etc., in tote bags, T-shirts, mobile cases, sippers and more.

Speaking about the anniversary and expansion in Tinkle merchandise, Shriya Ghate, Business Head, Tinkle, said, We are extremely thankful to all our readers for supporting us for more than 3 decades. Most importantly, wed like to thank parents for inculcating a good habit of reading and making learning an enriching experience filled with fun. As a brand, Tinkle has been lucky to have a diverse audience of not only children but also the youth and those young at heart. Merchandise helps a brand get closer to its consumer and establish a stronger connect. The new Tinkle merchandise is sure to create a nostalgic moment for all our fans, with something in-store for everyone.

Tinkle merchandise is available at all Planet Superhero stores, certain Eco Corner outlets, Amazon.in, Scootsy.com as well as on amarchitrakatha.com. The entire range of Tinkle merchandise will also be displayed at the upcoming ComicCon in Mumbai on November 11 and 12, in Bangalore on December 2 and 3, and in Delhi from December 15 to 17.
WHAT:

Code 3 Emergency Room & Urgent Care is coming to DFW International Airport, Southgate Plaza. Construction will begin on an 8,160-square foot Freestanding Emergency Center and Urgent Care facility on 1.5 acres of land in the DFW Airport Southgate Plaza Development. The facility will house a 24/7/365 full-service emergency room including observation rooms for short term observation admissions as well as a separate urgent care. The state-of-the-art facility will be fully equipped with a CT scanner, Ultrasound, X-ray, Laboratory, and Pharmacy. The concept will be the first ever of its kind on an airport property in the United States!
August 14, 2017

TEHRAN, Iran  Former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his inner circle have been at the center of a storm on the Iranian political stage in recent weeks, with senior aide Hamid Baghaei hurling brazen accusations of rights abuses at the judiciary.

Baghaei, a former vice president for executive affairs, made the accusations on July 26 after being released from 18 days in detention, his second imprisonment without any charge. Law enforcement officers first arrested him in June 2015, only freeing him after seven months.

Soon after Baghaeis latest detention, Ahmadinejad slammed the move as a grave injustice and called for his immediate release. In an open letter on July 9, the former president openly accused political rivals of deliberately targeting him and his aides, writing, They attack us when they quarrel with each other or make peace with each other  even if they cant settle their scores, again they come to settle their scores with us. In a second letter, Ahmadinejad wrote that Baghaei had gone on a hunger strike and warned that he would hold the judiciary responsible for any harm to his health.

Reacting on July 16, judiciary spokesman Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, without naming Baghaei, threatened that Ahmadinejad could be charged for his letters. He also vaguely spoke of another defendant in a separate case who had confessed to giving 2 million euros [$2.3 million] to that person [Baghaei]. Without further elaboration, Ejei added, [Baghaei] is held in proper conditions. He signed a paper, admitting that he prefers to remain alone rather than going to the communal ward.

When Baghaei was hospitalized on July 25, Dolat-e Bahar, Ahmadinejads unofficial website, released footage of the ex-president and his inner circle standing behind the hospital gates, being denied a visit. In one video, Ahmadinejad complained, Who are the people who give these orders? In another video, he said, We couldnt see him and couldnt make a phone call to him. Nonetheless, we can stay in the hospitals yard until morning.

Baghaei was released on a bail of 200 billion rials ($6.1 million), which is said to have been raised by Ahmadinejad supporters. Immediately after his release, in a public gathering, he bluntly condemned the judiciary, accusing it of unlawful imprisonments.

Please go and see what is going on inside our prisons, Baghaei charged, saying, There was a guy in our cell who had been there for 13 months without any charge or trial, and he hadnt contacted even his family; he had a kid.  Lets assume that he is a criminal. Then you have to take him to court and punish him. Hed gone crazy, losing his mind.  Why? What for? When you then tell [the responsible official] that what he is doing is against the law, he says: Its my decision.  Did we have a revolution for this? Did our youth make sacrifices in the shahs jails and during the revolution to see a bunch of corrupt people come to power?

Baghaei also cited his interrogator, named Ghassemzadeh, as having told him, President [Hassan] Rouhani's brother Hossein Fereydoun had accepted a 600 billion rial [$18.3 million] bribe to find a position for an individual on Bank Mellats board of directors, and we will summon him soon. Of note, Fereydoun was arrested July 16 on financial crime charges and released a day later after posting 350 billion rials ($10.7 million) for bail amid hospitalization for high blood pressure.

Baghaei further rejected any financial misconduct among Ahmadinejad aides and directly denounced Ejei for stating that he didnt want to enter Evin prisons communal ward. He said, When did I say that? Why are you lying? He is a liar! Mr. Ejei is lying now, just as he used to lie when he was at the Intelligence Ministry.  Tell him to bring that paper [he claims I signed]. Ejei notably served as intelligence minister under Ahmadinejads first term (2005-2009) before being dismissed.

Within a day of Baghaeis remarks, Tehrans prosecutor general, Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi, announced the filing of another complaint against him. Interrogator Bijan Ghassemzadeh also denied Baghaeis claims regarding Fereydoun.

Al-Monitor spoke with conservative political strategist Amir Mohebbian about what may be behind the public clash between Baghaei and the judiciary. He said, Although they [Ahmadinejads circle] act based on very complicated cult-like mechanisms and have their own view about political events, the current circumstances, particularly after their [Ahmadinejad and Baghaei's] failed presidential bid and the way they are treated [on the Iranian political stage], have forced them to react in this manner.

He added, Therefore, the judiciarys quick reaction raises eyebrows about the politicization of Baghaei's case. And it is what Ahmadinejad wants. When asked about the possible ramifications of Baghaeis accusations, Mohebbian told Al-Monitor, Baghaeis comments add pressures, as all political factions are unanimous when it comes to complaining about the judiciary.

Given Ahmadinejads strident anti-establishment rhetoric, Al-Monitor asked Mohebbian whether he thinks the former president is capable of capitalizing on dissenting voices to gradually become a new opposition leader. In Mohebbians view, that is an unlikely prospect. He said, Neither the Reformists nor the conservatives trust him, so he has very slim chances to become a new opposition pole.

Prominent Reformist politician Mohammad Ali Abtahi agrees, telling Al-Monitor, Mr. Ahmadinejad cannot stand as an opposition leader because he has lost all his social and human capital. I dont see any future for him. Abtahi, who served as vice president under Reformist Mohammad Khatami, elaborated, Mr. Ahmadinejad really wants to be seen as the leader of an alternative movement, but he has been unable to draw supporters. And by the way, I dont think our people and the entire leadership have forgotten his presidency and [will] allow his return [on the political stage].

Remaining silent for two weeks, Ejei on July 30 dismissed Baghaeis criticisms, saying, Those remarks are not true.  They see themselves as important people, but we shouldnt pay attention to them. I personally dont want to file a complaint against them. Yet he ominously added, Anyone from Ahmadinejads clan who acts against the law will be prosecuted.

In the view of Abtahi, who was imprisoned in connection with the unrest in the aftermath of Ahmadinejads disputed re-election in 2009, the judiciary has been tolerant toward the former president. He told Al-Monitor, The judiciary would have acted differently had Reformists behaved similarly. Mohebbian takes Ejeis warning more seriously, concluding, The Islamic Republic has proved time and again that it doesnt hesitate to confront political figures who go way beyond its security red lines.
Internet of Things company Ring has been hit with a preliminary injunction in a case filed in Delaware courts by security company ADT, barring any and all retail sales of affected Ring products until further notice. Retailers in possession of offending Ring products will be forced to hold them back or return them to the company. Ring is a fairly well-known brand and maker of smart video doorbells, among other IoT products. The injunction affects fairly recent products, particularly those made with the Z1 platform, which was built by defunct security-as-a-service company Zonoff. Products that are not made with the Z1 platform are not affected. There is no definitive date for when the injunction will either end or move from preliminary status, or what will happen at that point. For now, the injunction will last at least until courts rule on the intellectual property case involving Zonoff, ADT, and Ring.

The lawsuit that this injunction stems from is between ADT and Ring, but revolves around Zonoff. The company obtained funding from ADT, and then promptly went under. Reportedly, this was due to a botched sale to Honeywell. Zonoff had already put off other potential buyers and prepared for acquisition when Honeywell backed out of the deal, leaving Zonoff no real recourse but to close its doors. The company had somewhere on the order of 80 employees at that time, including CEO Mike Harris, and almost all of them wound up employed by Ring.

Before going under, Zonoff had begun work on the Z1 platform, which some current Ring products, including Ring Protect, are built around. Because Zonoff had secured funding from ADT before closing its doors, a bankruptcy would bring the possibility of ADT owning Zonoffs assets and intellectual property. The case at hand argues, essentially, that Zonoffs intellectual property belongs to ADT, and Ring has no right to use it. ADT has not yet filed a motion to seize Ring products made with the Z1 platform, nor has it showed any interest in employing the former Zonoff workers who went over to Ring, or dismantling the department within Ring that those employees have formed.
Chinas 5G investments will ramp up over the next decade, China Telecom Groups Technology Committee chief Wei Leping said earlier this week. Mr. Weis comments were made as he was opening the Wuhan-based Global Fiber Optics Conference on Wednesday and came in response to a recently issued research note from Jefferies as part of an unprecedented move wherein a Chinese telecommunications executive opted to publicly reflect on some industry predictions given by a private U.S. entity. The New York City-based investment bank estimated Chinas 5G-related capital expenditure to reach approximately $180 billion in a six-year period ending 2025, with Mr. Wei deeming that prediction acceptable and attaching the same label to the companys forecast of a $280 billion 5G capex over the next decade.

On the same occasion, the China Telecom Group official noted that calls for a capex amounting to $441 billion in the 2020s are way too high, with that particular figure recently being advocated for by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology. Mr. Weis final remarks on the matter came in the form of predictions on product categories set to benefit from 5G technologies before all others, with the executive placing optical modules, fiber connections, and optical access components in that group.

Chinas 5G push is still intensifying and should gain even more momentum in the coming months, with the Far Eastern country being adamant to not be far behind the global adoption of the next generation of mobile networks thats expected to be led by South Korea and the United States. Virtually all telecommunications companies in China are already committing significant resources to the development, testing, and deployment of 5G solutions, with a number of larger players in the industry like Huawei also collaborating with wireless carriers and other firms on advancing the emerging technologies outside of their home country. According to recent estimates, 5G deployment is likely to start taking off come 2019 and one billion of such connections will be established by 2023. That figure is also expected to more than double by 2025, with China being set to play an important part in the long-term global adoption of 5G networks and related solutions.
Folding smartphones have been cropping up in patents and in the news across the web over the past several months but the cautious approach of some manufacturers may indicate that the technology itself is not quite ready for primetime yet. Samsung, in particular, is expected to be very reserved with its own folding handset  the Samsung Galaxy X. There has even been some speculation that device will only be sold in the companys home market of South Korea. Other manufacturers have also announced their own folding devices or have patented versions of the underlying technology. However, those devices wont necessarily be placed at the top-end of the market despite the premium pricing. In fact, the pricing seems to stem mostly from the screens themselves and the development required to create the effect. For example, ZTEs Axon M is an AT&T exclusive and only packs in a Snapdragon 821 SoC, which is 2016s flagship chipset. Thats as opposed to using the latest chipset  the Snapdragon 835. Beyond that, its screen has a somewhat lower resolution than might be preferred, at 19201080, with each of its two screens measuring 5.2-inches. Moreover, neither of the two manufacturers listed here is expected to move the folding technology into their respective flagships, at least for the next generation of devices.

None of that is to say that some caution isnt warranted or that it is something new to the smartphone market. For starters, companies like Samsung and ZTE already have a generally good idea as to how well their flagships will most likely sell. On the other hand, they really have no idea how the market will actually react to new innovations resulting in the complete physical redesign of a smartphone. In Samsungs case, the reasons for caution become a bit more obvious. The company is currently at the top of its game and is among the top smartphone manufacturers in every market. With strong competition from the likes of Huawei, Xiaomi, and others in several key markets, the company cant afford to make too many mistakes. The idea of a bendable or foldable smartphone can be exciting but it is ultimately untried and carries substantial risk in terms of both brand reputation and sales.

Samsung is also expected to launch the Galaxy X at a completely different event from its next-generation flagship  the Galaxy S9. The latest rumors suggest the Galaxy S9 will be debuted later, probably at its own Samsung Unpacked event, while the Galaxy X could be shown later this year or at one of the years mobile-specific events  such as Mobile World Congress 2018 or the Consumer Electronics Show 2018. That would make sense since those two shows are a more traditional showcase for up-and-coming bleeding-edge innovations in the tech industry. That would also keep the devices separate in consumers minds. Meanwhile, ZTE is following a similar track. The company already revealed its own foldable device near the middle of October and has recently informally confirmed a separate flagship in the form of a true follow-up to last years Axon 7. So, for these two companies at least, neither is ready to mess with its top-selling formula yet.

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Moving past the speculation to look at the patents for the technology itself  and in ZTEs case, its Axon M  its easy to see why either company would be hesitant. The design of these new devices, if those are anything to go off of, is arguably not that exciting. As is usually the case with first-generation iterations of a new technology, these are not necessarily the best representations of what could ultimately be possible. Starting again with Samsung, the most recent patents that may be tied to the Galaxy X show something akin to a classic flip phone, where the entire inside of the device transforms into a more modern smartphone when opened up. At the same time, the design doesnt appear to fold down completely, which may be a clear disadvantage it has compared to those older phones. ZTEs Axon M, on the other hand, shows gaps between its two screens when unfurled. That effectively diminishes the intended impact of creating a complete expanded display. Both designs present clear problems in that they may not be at all what the consumer market really wants from a foldable handset and, as outlined above, the manufacturers appear to be aware of that.

There is no guarantee that Samsungs own Galaxy X design will follow its patents precisely. It may be the case that the patents are intended as more of a guideline for mechanisms to fold the device itself, as opposed to showing anything like the final product. With that being said, each company pushing the new technology appears to be taking a measured path. Mobile manufacturers have traditionally introduced similarly innovative features in the past using variants on their more popular devices. Historically, that has seen reasonable success and that appears to be the path chosen by ZTE again with its use of the Axon branding. Samsungs own alleged decision to release the Galaxy X on its own, however, does show a separation from that method of introduction. That could plausibly be viewed as a sign that the company isnt ready to associate its folding technology with its renowned Galaxy S family of devices just yet or as hinting at a heightened sense of caution. The company could eventually choose to provide it with Galaxy S branding when the handset launches, of course, but as of this writing that doesnt seem to be the direction it is headed.
Only two days ago I was discussing the threat of impending incarceration that loomed over all of us with my friend Raul Romeva, the Foreign Minister. The words of Spains Attorney General Maza were not a good omen: the harder theyll fall. In fact, we had already seen how in the case of the Jordis [1] rumours about an impending arrest warrant were circulating in media and political circles a couple of days earlier, suggesting that everything had already been arranged beforehand. Indeed, that is how it panned out: a five-minute long hearing was enough. Eight Catalan cabinet ministers, myself included, are now detained in a Spanish prison by virtue of the Spanish criminal code currently in place. We were summoned through media on Tuesday evening; the actual court summons did not arrive until Wednesday November 1, a public holiday, leaving us less than twenty-four hours before our court date at Madrids Audiencia Nacional to face charges that could carry a penalty of as many as thirty years in prison for every one of us.

On Tuesday minister Romeva said that if jail was the price we had to pay for freedom, then so be it. He spoke vehemently, with words that were composed and clear, and I was touched by the dignity of his message. Also present were our friends and colleagues Carles Mundo, Jordi Turull and Josep Rull, who had said their goodbyes to their families, children, spouses and friends over the last few days. All of us had done the same, trying to spend the last days with our loved ones, such as my two children, who are still too young to understand what it is going on. For days we have been well aware of the level of aggression coming from the PP government, legitimised by the PSOE. Please allow me to calmly ask whether Article 155 [of the Spanish constitution] might have been triggered without the PSOEs complicit disposition, including the PSCs, [the socialists Catalan branch]. Without the PSC, which has eagerly thrown itself into the arms of the PP, none of us would now be in jail. Not one. Nor would the Jordis. The PSC has willingly legitimised the repression perpetrated in Catalonia. Faced with a choice between the PPs authoritarian stance and listening to the voice of the people who merely want to vote and decide, the PSCs leadership has chosen repression, the suspension of freedom, the liquidation of Catalonias institutions and prison for all of us. I am not being spiteful. Rather, I feel deep sorrow and pity for a party that has ended up marching in the streets with the PP and the far right, and siding with Europes most corrupt party. The PSC has closed ranks with the political party whose democratic credentials are the poorest ever, the party that started a signature petition against Catalonia led by PM Mariano Rajoy, the party that has turned Spains judiciary into his masters voice and systemic corruption into business as usual at all levels; a government whose Interior Ministry conspired to fabricate evidence to smear [pro-independence leaders], ruin their lives and destroy our national health service. And they have got away with all of it.

For days we have been well aware of the level of aggression coming from the PP government, legitimised by the PSOE

However, I do not want to write one more word about them. They are not worth it. A verse in the Bible reads: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. Precisely. Let us forget the pain which they wish to inflict upon us and let us get carried away by one single feeling: our love for freedom. We need to channel all our energy into standing up for democracy, organising the defence of our civil and political rights, working to win back our freedom and striving to secure respect for the civil and political rights of all the citizens of Catalonia, regardless of their place of birth, language spoken, whether they regard themselves as Catalans, Spaniards, Arabs or Argentines or any combination thereof. Our struggle is not about flags, but about democracy and allowing the voice of the people to be respected. We must persevere with courage, civic-mindedness and determination, but also with the utmost respect for everyones views, rejecting all forms of violence, including the only kind that we are currently seeing in our streets: the far rights, which has been given carte blanche.

I also wish to ask all the political parties and grassroots groups to get down to work, everyone at their stations, presenting a solidly united action front. And, I beg you, for the sake of everyones concord and harmony, enough with the debate and controversy over how each political party should run in the election. Enough of that: it is a harmful debate that distracts us from the job at hand. We have already gone through all that once and it was catastrophic. Everyone should choose the best way to stand in these elections and may no democrat stay at home on December 21. All freedom-loving people must go to the polls, all political parties must strive to do as well as they can and our joint action and shared strategy must be what brings us together, with respect for everyones feelings.

As president of Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya, I would like to send a message to the people of ERC and to those that have joined us in recent years. I expect all of you to stand together with our Secretary General, Marta Rovira, a remarkable woman whom we love and trust: she is our future. I know that we will continue to broaden our base to build a great political force at the service of freedom and justice. I expect us to remain an example of honesty, rigour and decency. In fact, I have nothing to worry about in that regard, as I am surrounded by individuals who are much better than myself, uncompromising people of great calibre. I refer to my dear Joan Tarda and Gabriel Rufian, who represent our MPs and senators [in the Spanish parliament]: hold the line, my friends! I am delighted and honoured to make this journey with you. Chaquir, Alba Verges and Roger Torrent and the rest of the parliamentary group in Barcelona: you are truly decent people, as are all our mayors and local councillors who work hard every single day; all of you, the party members that work passionately in your home towns and villages, mark my words: we are the ones who will never tire, the ones who will never quit!

One last message. To the people of Catalonia: never give up. There is so much at stake that everything is at stake. Let us honour the memory of those who came before us, think about our children, remember that we are at the receiving end of a punitive operation against our freedom and against Catalonia. They want to see us submissive and down on our knees. They want to turn Catalonia into a defeated province. They stoke the hatred against our school system to create a problem where there arent any. Day in and day out, they undermine our decisions and our will, they unashamedly encourage companies to leave Catalonia and fuel an economy based on speculation while they scorn the productive economy. They wont even commit to respecting the result of the snap election they themselves have called. Our response to all that must be calm, determination, mobilisation, commitment and ballots. Let us set an example by going to the polls massively, as we did on October 1 despite the Spanish polices batons and brutality against the people who wanted to cast their vote. So now lets go out and vote because ballots are sacred to us and the best response that we can provide is victory for democracy on December 21. Lets work tirelessly, lets carry on and persevere with our heads up and a joyful heart. A fraternal embrace to all Catalans. We are a great people and should be proud of that. We will prevail! Do not doubt it for a moment, no matter how rocky the journey might be, because ours is the cause of freedom and fraternity among all the peoples.

Oriol Junqueras is the Vice President of the Catalan government

_________

Translators note:

[1] Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, known in Catalonia as the two Jordis, are the leaders of the two main pro-independence grassroots groups who have been remanded in custody for several weeks over charges of sedition.
Best Styptic Pencils

What Is a Styptic Pencil and Why You Need One in Your Life

The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.

Cutting your face when shaving is common  its par for the course. Even a seasoned barber slips up from time to time (but dont let that thought discourage you from an in-house shave from time to time, since they are a worthwhile indulgence). So know theres no shame in facial bloodshed from knicks and cuts, especially when youre the culprit at hand and the probabilities arent in your favor.

RELATED: Best Razors For Men

Despite what your pops taught you, rubbing alcohol and shreds of toilet paper are not the way to salvage your wounds. Using them tends to only trigger inflammation and prolongs the healing process. Sprinkling talcum powder doesnt do you many favors either, as most experienced barbers discourage its use for shaving purposes. Whats left? The styptic pencil.

A styptic pencil is a hemostatic tool used to immediately stop bleeding, kill bacteria, and soothe skin simultaneously. The product has remained a staple for traditional shavers for many and has found new life during the modern grooming renaissance.

Our Top 7 Styptic Pencils:

Do You Need a Styptic Pencil?

Your face is a fragile commodity. A styptic pencil offers the nourishment and protection your mug craves to heal cuts more quickly due to its astringent properties and skin-friendly ingredients. Consider the following benefits:

Discreet and portable enough to carry everywhere

Easier to apply onto skin than topical options

Features far fewer irritants than most skincare accessories

Much less painful than talcum powder

Works for other skin-traumatizing incidents other than shaving

Probably most enticing is how easy styptic pencils are to use. Start by washing any excessive blood off wounded areas. Dip the tip of the pencil in water, then dab directly onto the injury. Thats pretty much it. There is barely even a sting.

Styptic Pencils vs. Alum Blocks

Shaving enthusiasts find themselves torn between two post-shave antiseptics: styptic pencil or alum black Both provide carry astringent properties, provide relief, and contain potassium aluminum sulfate. It's also ideal for all skin types. Yet they slightly differ in terms of purpose.

Alum blocks aid with closing pores and tiny cuts on the skin, plus deliver cooler relief. However, users are required to wash off residue. Many experts find alum blocks to be a proper measuring stick for how good or bad a mans shaving routine is based on the tingling sensation it generates when applied on the skin.

Styptic pencils are a more modern alternative that work better for severe nicks by sealing cuts more quickly. And unlike alum blocks, they do not require users to wash off any residue. Another underlying benefit is the products ability to sometimes replace small band-aids, which can harbor bacteria and potentially damage newly formed skin underneath.

Why not take a dab at it and prevent further bleeding on minor shaving cuts by adding one of these antiseptic alternatives to your dopp kit.

Pacific Shaving Co. Nick Stick

One of our favorite head-shaving treatments is proving to be quite the role player. Besides saving your skull from scabs, this Nick Stick is also a great tool for your moneymaker  feeding skin a healthy dose of aloe, bergamot, and vitamin E to calm inflammation and halt bleeding. The liquid roll-on moves smoothly across cuts to desensitize them with no discomfort. Zero mess is left behind as the formula creates a clear, thin film to block foreign substances from making things worse. Pairing it with the brands caffeinated aftershave is sheer post-shave bliss.

$8.99 at Amazon.com

Clubman Jumbo Styptic Pen

Clubman Pinaud has remained the premier source for barbers across the globe throughout the past three decades. Recognized mostly for its talc powder, the brands styptic pencil is its hidden gem. The tube is larger than all other selections on our list, still its a great size that warrants consistency with sleek grip control. Dont hesitate to use this pen on bug bites or other irritable scratches.

$6.99 at Amazon.com

Osma Styptic Pencil

Osma claims its styptic pencil hosts the best potassium alum, relaxing skin to keep it sterile and blood-free. The phlebotomy-inspired design is a pretty bold one that gives the compound some edge, while helping reassure users of its solid performance. Its easy to open and has a resealable snap cap to close back up when not in use. Gently rubbing it on a nick will instantly conceal it and reduce shaving irritation across all sensitive areas.

$5.95 at Amazon.com

Glyder Styptic Balm

Incredibly potent and as user-friendly as your favorite lip balm, the compound was developed with anti-hemorrhaging agents, which plug the platelets in the blood to instantly stop excessive bleeding. This stick provides the gentle comfort of a balm and comes rich in carrier oils and powerful vitamins to keep your complexion healthy. No alcohol after scent. No burning sensations. No chalkiness.

$9.99 at Glyder.io

RELATED: How to Achieve the Perfect Shave With a Straight Razor

My Nik Is Sealed Styptic Pen

My Nik Is Sealed uses a dynamic formula that promotes with healing elements such as aloe and vitamin E in a roll-on liquid application. Smearing it on lesions will form an invisible bandage after drying that seals them, keeping germs and grime away. No visible residue is left behind on your face or the roll-on mechanism. The screw top ensures no leakage occurs helping the product last a long time.

$11.93 at Amazon.com

Wolftra Nick Relief Styptic Pencil

This two-piece set is perfect for the shaving couple who finds themselves nursing wounds often. It operates the same as all the other options, though most Amazon reviewers praise the product for its ability to prevent dirt and germs from penetrating beneath the skin, awarding them smoother results once fully healed. The clear tube design is practical for identifying and marking to keep seperate.

$4.79 at Amazon.com

Omega Potassium Alum Stick

Omega is a no-frills potassium alum stick that manages facial restoration just as well as its competitors. Performance-wise, its surprisingly effective for treating bloody mishaps, and doubles as an alum bar you can rub over your face. Its compact and comfortable enough to allow for precise application on the face, legs, and inner thighs too  wherever smooth skin is desired. One stick can last for years when used in moderation.

$9.85 at Amazon.com

If you don't have one of these in your shaving arsenal already, now's the time to give one a try. They might only set you back a few dollars, but they we hell you look like a million bucks.

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Renault has been serious about making electric cars, but only the Zoe stuck. It tried putting a large battery in the Fluence sedan, attaching a plug to its van and even created a bespoke quadricycle for congested cities.Only the Zoe gained traction and after spending a little bit of time with it, we have a pretty good idea why. Diluted to its bare minimum, this is an-hatchback body with lounge-like seats and a relaxing drive. On top of it all, it's about as cheap as an average small car.By comparison, the Tesla Model S is a beast of a car with many times more power but also costs as much as a handful of Zoes. So does the little Renault stand any chance in this comparison?Of course not, as its electric motor produces way less than 100, getting it to 100 km/h in 13.5 seconds. It feels a little faster than that around town, but at the higher speeds of a runway race, it just doesn't have the legs. Remember, neither of these has gearbox ratios, and the Zoe actually tops out at 135 km/h (84 mph).It wouldn't stand a chance in the rolling race either, so Carwow thought of a few different tests. For example, they let the Zoe drive by and try to catch up from a standstill in the Tesla. Also, regenerative braking is put to the test, and the Model S has a better version.But the Zoe does manage to stop a little faster, which is surprising considering the performance reputation of the American car. It also uses its available electric range more effectively, which is not surprising considering the Model S has twin motors and is more massive.
After Catalonia's pro-independence party pushed for independence from Spain, the Spanish government sent eight former Catalan government officials and two leaders of independence groups to jail. Now, one leader of the pro-independence group is asking for the release of "all the political prisoners," saying Catalonia won't participate in upcoming regional elections otherwise, per WashPost.

What's next: The Spanish government is considering charging the 10 Catalans with sedition and rebellion. Catalonia's president Carles Puigdemont called for all of the region's Democratic political parties in favor of independence to unite in a coalition for the Dec. 12 elections.

Go deeper: How Catalonia got to this point.
We still don't know how humans got to the Americas. Many researchers are arguing we need to ditch the land-first hypothesis of human migration, and look for underwater evidence of a seafaring past. It's an idea that's gaining momentum, though the evidence is complex and the proposal isn't unanimously accepted.

Data: Sites compiled from academic papers & information provided by Braje; Map: Lazaro Gamio / Axios

This map shows some of the oldest archaeological sites in the Americas. Many in South America are either along the coastline or major waterways, supporting the coastal migration hypothesis. But North America looks a lot messier and lacks coastal sites.

Why it matters: "We're trying to answer one of the most fundamentally important questions in American archaeology," Todd Braje, an author of the paper that appears today in Science, tells Axios. Recent finds have challenged the old, accepted models of a single migration over a single route.

The history of America used to be obvious: during the Ice Age, sea levels dropped and humans crossed a land bridge between Russia and Alaska. From there, they supposedly followed massive animal migrations down a narrow, ice-free corridor that eventually took them all the way to South America.

The mystery: Most evidence indicates the ice-free corridor opened between 13,500 and 15,000 years ago. But scientists have found a handful of archaeological sites in South America that are around 14,500 years old  and some disputed sites that may be thousands of years older  leaving little time for human migration across two continents to happen. Major finds include:

A solution? Braje and his collaborators make the case that early humans instead moved rapidly along shorelines, following a 'kelp highway' of food-filled fisheries. Crossing land means travel over difficult and varied terrain. Following the coast by boat may have been simpler.

Yes, but archaeologist Gary Haynes, who wasn't involved in the study, isn't convinced, "There is still a possibility the interior route was open to recolonizing animals, pioneering humans, and migrating waterfowl early enough to account for the first human presence in the Americas," he says.

Braje and his colleagues are the first to admit crucial data for the kelp highway are missing. There are very few archaeological sites along the North America coast. And, any coastal settlements that did exist are likely underwater because sea levels rose when the Ice Age ended.

"Archeologists have spent decades looking for early sites which are now inundated on the Pacific side of the continents," says Haynes. "I wish they'd find one, so we'd finally have empirical evidence." Braje and his collaborators have expeditions currently planned.

Go deeper: The above map outlines Clovis-associated sites with a black circle. For a long time, archaeologists believed the Clovis people, who appear to share a culture, were the first humans in the Americas. We now know that many archaeological sites predate Clovis. Still, Clovis settlements appear to follow the ice-free corridor, so some suspect they, at least, migrated on land. However, the 15,500 year old Friedkin site in Texas shows stone tools that, although they are not precisely Clovis, do share some characteristics with the later tech. This has led some to suggest that Clovis culture arose near Texas and spread from there. It's also possible that multiple groups independently invented the tools through a natural progression of trial and error.

Get philosophical: Sometimes new discoveries can raise more questions than they answer. It's very possible neither idea is correct  or that both are. "We now know less of the answer than we did 20 years ago," says Braje  and that's a good thing.
The latest attempt to bring together Sprint and T-Mobile ended over a dinner in Tokyo last night, according to a source familiar with the situation. Deutsche Telekom CEO Timotheus Hottges presented a revised deal to SoftBank chief Masayoshi Son and Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure but once again things got stuck over control of the combined company, the source said.

Both Sprint majority owner SoftBank and Deutsche Telekom, which owns a controlling stake in T-Mobile US, wanted to be the one to hold the upper hand in the combined entity.

Why it matters: Though both sides wanted control, the end of talks leaves Sprint and T-Mobile both as distant rivals to AT&T and Verizon and potentially in need of a different deal, possibly with a cable company.

At the dinner, Son turned down the offer and the two sides agreed to break off negotiations, ending in Saturday's joint statement.

"He didn't want to give up control," the source said. "He thinks that Sprint is a strategic asset for SoftBank and critical to its future."
Robert Mueller's special counsel team is "bracing for an array of challenges to its authority," per Politico, as the Russia investigation heats up and the criminal case against former campaign officials Rick Gates and Paul Manafort gets closer to a trial.

Why it matters: Mueller has been on "an early winning streak," Politico reports, as his team has avoided attempts to block subpoena power and limit his scope of questioning. But former White House prosecutor Julie Myers Wood told Politico the typical response for a defense lawyer is "distort, detract, deny," and Mueller is already beginning to see these tactics take shape against his investigation.
T-Mobile said Saturday it has ended merger talks with Sprint after being unable to come to a satisfactory deal.

"The prospect of combining with Sprint has been compelling for a variety of reasons, including the potential to create significant benefits for consumers and value for shareholders, T-Mobile US CEO John Legere said in a statement. However, we have been clear all along that a deal with anyone will have to result in superior long-term value for T-Mobile's shareholders compared to our outstanding stand-alone performance."

"While we couldn't reach an agreement to combine our companies, we certainly recognize the benefits of scale through a potential combination," Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure said in a statement. "However, we have agreed that it is best to move forward on our own. We know we have significant assets, including our rich spectrum holdings, and are accelerating significant investments in our network to ensure our continued growth."

Why it matters: The No. 3 and No. 4 wireless carriers had been widely expected to combine in an effort to better compete against far larger AT&T and Verizon.

The two companies have been holding talks on and off for years, having scrapped an earlier deal after it became clear under President Obama that the FCC would not approve any combination of the two. Current FCC Chair Ajit Pai has been non-committal but the Trump Administration has been seen as more open to big deals generally.

A key sticking point this time appears to have been control over the combined company. SoftBank owns a majority stake in Sprint, while Deutsche Telekom has a controlling interest in T-Mobile US.

The move could pave the way for each to seek other deals, possibly a combination with a cable company or another global telecom company. And, despite Saturday's pronouncement, it's also possible the two will reignite talks at some point.
President Trump's response to Sharyl Atkisson's question on whether he'd ever try to remove special Russia probe counsel Robert Mueller:

"Well I hope he's treating everything fairly and if he is I'm going to be very happy because when you talk about innocent, I am truly not involved in any form of collusion with Russia. Believe me. The last thing I can think of to be involved in."

Go deeper: The Russia reckoning
A U.S. service member was killed in Kabul, Afghanistan on Saturday from wounds sustained during an operation in Logar province.

General John Nicholson, commander of U.S. Forces - Afghanistan, said in a statement: "On behalf of U.S. Forces - Afghanistan, we offer our deepest condolences to the family of our fallen brother... Despite this tragic event, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the Afghan people and to support them in our mutual fight against terrorism.
4 November 2017 13:55 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

The trilateral meeting of the presidents of Azerbaijan, Russia and Iran in Tehran, first of all, means stability in the region, and secondly, the beginning of a new stage of economic cooperation, Azerbaijani MP Aydin Huseynov told Trend.

Huseynov noted that after the first trilateral meeting, the three countries trade turnover has increased significantly.

After the economic agreements signed following the recent meeting, the trade turnover and, in general, economic ties will expand even more. The economic significance of the trilateral format is much higher, added the MP.

Presidents of Russia and Iran also attach great importance to this cooperation, he said.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
4 November 2017 13:45 (UTC+04:00)

Trends interview with spokesperson of Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry, Hikmat Hajiyev

Q: CNN Greece has presented a story from Azerbaijans occupied territories. How would you comment on this?

A: As it can be seen, the story is one-sided and biased. It propagates the illegal regime created in Azerbaijani territories occupied by Armenian armed forces and distorts the essence of the conflict. It is also obvious that the story was prepared on commercial conditions at the request of Armenian Defense Ministry and is of political advertising nature. Regretfully, CNN Greece fulfills non-objective and biased political orders. We will convey our objection to CNN on this issue.

Q: In the mentioned CNN story, Armenias defense minister touches upon the UN Security Councils resolutions. Whats your opinion on that?

A: The UN Security Council has adopted 822 (1993), 853 (1993), 854 (1993) and 884 (1993) resolutions on Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, condemning the occupation of Azerbaijani lands, confirming Azerbaijans territorial integrity, sovereignty and inviolability of its borders, and demands immediate, absolute and unconditional withdrawal of the occupying forces from Azerbaijans territories.

The resolution 874 welcomes and commends the adjusted timetable of urgent steps to implement Security Council resolutions 822 and 853 set out by OSCE Minsk Group and all its members. The document, prepared in accordance with the mandate of the resolution 853, envisages stage-by-stage withdrawal of Armenian troops from Azerbaijans occupied lands within a concrete schedule.

In his SG/SM/5469 speech, dated October 31, 1994, the UN secretary general openly said the UN position is based on four principles which are reflected in different resolutions of the UN Security Council. The first principle is Azerbaijans territorial integrity. The second principle is the inviolability of international borders. The third principle is the unacceptability of the use of force for acquisition of territory, and the fourth principle is the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all foreign troops from occupied territories of Azerbaijan.

Instead of preparing the Armenian people for peace in accordance with the international law, Armenias defense minister illiterately tries to explain the occupation of Azerbaijani lands by Armenia.

At the same time, he distorts the UN Security Councils resolutions in a ridiculous way and thereby tries to deceive the Armenian people and the international community. Such a distorting action undermines the peace process for the conflicts settlement.

Q: Armenias defense minister also touches upon the issues related to the European Union and Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. How would you comment on that?

A: The European Union expressed its decisive and unequivocal position on the developments in Spains Catalonia. As it said, there should be respect to territorial integrity, sovereignty and inviolability of borders of states, and territorial integrity of states cant be violated against the will of the central government and people. Respect to territorial integrity and sovereignty of EU and non-EU states has also been indicated in the EU Global Strategy as the main principle.

What makes the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict different is that Armenia has occupied Azerbaijani lands using force and has carried out ethnic cleansing in the occupied territories. Violation and occupation, from which Europe suffered during the Second World War, stand at the core of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The adoption of 1975 Helsinki Final Act once again reaffirmed the inadmissibility of attempts to change internationally recognized borders of states by using force and the principle of inviolability of borders.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
4 November 2017 12:12 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Gudrat Seyfullayev was appointed the 13th advisor to Azerbaijans taxes minister, the Ministry of Taxes told Trend.

In addition, Zaur Fatizade was appointed as new director general of the Taxes Ministrys Department of National Revenue. In this position, he succeeded Natig Shirinov who was appointed as director general of the Department for Analysis and Control Over Tax Risks.

Meanwhile, Zamin Rzayev was appointed the director general of the Department for Supervision over Fulfillment of Tax Obligations, while Zohrab Omarov was appointed the director general of the Department for Supervision over Execution of Tax Legislation.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
4 November 2017 18:32 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

An appeal adopted by the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly (PA) Bureau, which includes heads of the delegations of the European Parliament and the parliaments of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, to the heads of state and government, who will participate in the Eastern Partnership summit, reflects a single approach to the issue of occupied lands, Fuad Muradov, head of the Azerbaijani delegation to the Euronest PA, told Trend Nov. 4.

Recalling that the fifth summit of the Eastern Partnership will be held Nov. 24 in Brussels, Muradov said that in anticipation of such a summit, all European international structures send an appeal to the heads of state and government of the participating countries.

The appeal covers many issues, the head of the Azerbaijani delegation said.

There is a single approach regarding occupied territories, including those occupied in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The appeal says that peace must be restored in the occupied territories of any country.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan.

As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts
4 November 2017 13:15 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

More than 10 documents on the development of multifaceted cooperation between the member countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) were signed during the meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government held Nov. 3, 2017 in Tashkent, the press service of the CIS Executive Committee reported.

During the talks of the CIS heads of government in an expanded format, the sides discussed a wide range of issues of integration cooperation between the CIS countries.

An agreement on the exchange of information necessary to determine and control the customs value of goods in the CIS countries, a protocol on amending the agreement on the rules for determining the country of origin of goods in the CIS dated Nov.20, 2009 were signed at the meeting.

Besides, a protocol on amending the agreement on the harmonization of requirements for additional training and professional competence of international road carriers of the CIS countries dated Nov. 24, 2006 and an agreement on exchange of information within the CIS countries in the field of combating terrorism and other violent manifestations of extremism, as well as their financing were also signed.

The CIS Council of Heads of Government appointed Major General Sergey Dudko (Belarus) as deputy head of the CIS Antiterrorism Center.

It was decided to amend the provision on the coordination transport meeting of the CIS member countries.

The heads of government approved the concept of cooperation of the CIS member states in the field of land reclamation and a plan of priority measures for its implementation. The concept of cooperation of the CIS member states in the field of oil and gas engineering and the plan of priority measures for its implementation were also approved.

The next meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government is scheduled for June 1, 2018 in the city of Dushanbe (Tajikistan).

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
St. Elizabeth's Hospital, currently located in Belleville, Ill., will relocate Nov. 4 to a $330 million facility in O'Fallon, Ill., according to Belleville News Democrat.

The new hospital will open at 4 a.m. Saturday while the 140-year-old facility in Belleville will simultaneously close.

Throughout the day, nearly 100 patients will be transferred to the new location with the help of Scott Air Force Base, which has units that specialize in transporting wounded service members.

"We've capitalized on their expertise related to the timing, packaging and how swiftly certain services can be moved," Peg Sebastian, CEO of St. Elizabeth's Hospital, told the Belleville News Democrat.

A fleet of 21 ambulances will assist with the move. Both locations will be fully-staffed during the move in case of an emergency situation, according to the report. After the move, St. Elizabeth Hospital will demolish the old facility.
Seven Democratic senators introduced legislation Thursday that would bar former FDA and Drug Enforcement Agency officials, for two years, from assisting the pharmaceutical industry with lobbying efforts, according to The Washington Post.

The bill is aimed at slowing the "revolving door" between federal agencies and pharmaceutical companies.

"The pharmaceutical industry has a deep-rooted and strong influence in Washington, and a revolving door between drug companies and government cannot undermine the safety of our communities," Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., who sponsored the bill, told The Washington Post.

In addition to the two-year period barring FDA and DEA officials from assisting drugmakers, the bill also expands the definition of "lobbying contact" to include taking part in strategy sessions and limits the issues pharmaceutical industry executives could help with if they take a role in a government agency.

Due to the complexity of drug laws, it is not uncommon for pharma executives take on government roles or for federal employees to switch to the private sector, according to the report.

Currently there are regulations in place to prevent conflicts of interest in the "revolving door" phenomenon, such as a lifetime ban on participating personally on a matter that the official handled while at the government. However, experts say these laws are easily avoidable.
The Georgia Supreme Court ruled Thursday that Atlanta-based Northside Hospital can't bar public access to all financial records, overturning a lower court's decision, according to The Atlanta Journal Constitution.

The lawsuit was brought by plaintiff E. Kendrick Smith, who sought records from Northside's $100 million acquisition of four physician practices. When the hospital rejected his request, Mr. Smith sued.

The case concerns whether the nonprofit hospital should be subject to Georgia's open-records law, Northside has argued is it not bound to the law because it's a private nonprofit organization, not a public entity. The lower court rulings agreed with Northside's stance arguing its financial records were not subject to disclosure.

Georgia Supreme Court justices opposed Nothside's postion regarding the open record laws, but the court also rejected the plaintiff's argument that all of the hospital's financial records should be public. Instead, they remanded the dispute back to the lower court for further proceedings to determine which specific financial documents should be public record.

Attorney Peter Canfield, who represented Mr. Smith, argued Northside Hospital is subject to the open record laws because it was created by a public hospital authority, which is a public entity and the system operates on the authority's behalf.

"The corporation's operation of the hospital and other leased facilities is a service it performs on behalf of the [county's] agency, and so records related to that operation are public records," Georgia Supreme Court Justice Nels Peterson wrote in the ruling, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
A Chinese narcotics control officer refuted claims Friday that his nation was largely responsible for the U.S.' influx of illicit fentanyl in recent years, according to a report from The New York Times.

The rebuff from Wei Xiaojun, deputy director of the narcotics control bureau at China's Ministry of Public Security, undercuts claims made by American analysts that China's poorly regulated chemicals industry has led the nation to become the primary manufacturer of fentanyl circulating the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Mr. Wei said evidence shared between the U.S. and China does not support this claim, though he acknowledged some drugs used illicitly by Americans do come from China. The official also highlighted recent actions taken by the government to curb the production of fentanyl and its analogues, though the nation itself does not have a problem with fentanyl misuse.

"The Chinese government takes into full account the concerns of the international community, including the United States, and has continued to take legislative measures and actions," said Mr. Wei, according to the Times.

President Donald Trump will travel to China next week to discuss the nation's role in America's illicit fentanyl consumption with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

To read the full report from the Times, click here.

More articles on opioids:

West Virginia cities sue Joint Commission over pain management recommendations

Ohio AG rolls out new initiatives to address state opioid crisis  calls on drug companies to pay for them

Ohio nursing college to host educational event on nurse's role in combating opioid crisis
Vancouver, Wash.-based PeaceHealth and Portland, Ore.-based Kaiser Permanente Northwest collaborated on healthcare delivery and coverage in Lane County, Ore.

Kaiser's agreement to cover services at PeaceHealth, which runs four hospitals in Lane County, was mandated by state regulators for Kaiser to offer commercial products in the area, The Register-Guard states. Kaiser first entered the market in January 2016 when it opened a medical office building and dental office in Lane County.



Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals' Northwest region COO Janet O'Hollaren told The Register-Guard Kaiser expects to sell group policies for larger employers in the region late next year. The payer also plans to offer coverage for individuals and families in Lane County in 2019 and Medicare Advantage products by 2020.



As part of the agreement, PeaceHealth and Kaiser Permanente Northwest will jointly fund and develop a community health initiative. The effort encompasses transitional and recuperative housing, at-risk individuals in need of dental care, school-based health centers and workforce development.



More articles on payer issues:

UnitedHealthcare to lay off 381 in Phoenix

Cigna's net income climbs 24% in Q3: 4 things to know

'An Optum wannabe': Experts say UnitedHealth, more than Amazon, is fueling CVS-Aetna deal
Arriva Medical and American Medical Supplies, subsidiaries of Alere, are closing facilities in Florida, according to a Sun Sentinel report.

As a result, a combined 182 employees will lose their jobs. Arriva Medical is shuttering a Coral Springs, Fla.-based plant and terminating 142 positions. American Medical Supplies is closing its Boca Raton, Fla.-based store and laying off 40 workers. The job cuts, which span management positions to customer service representatives, will begin Dec. 31.



The companies, which provide diabetic Medicare members testing equipment and supplies, cited financial hardship as the reason for the closures. In addition, Arriva's Medicare billing number was revoked in October 2016, according to the report.
The Republican Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, unveiled in the House Thursday, would cut taxes by nearly $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years  impacting numerous taxpayers across the nation, including pharmaceutical companies, according to STAT.

Here are six provisions in the bill that could have an impact on the pharma industry.

1. The bill would cut the top corporate tax rate by 15 percent. Under the proposal the top corporate tax rate would drop from 35 percent to 20 percent, which will save pharmaceutical giants money.

Following the bills unveiling, Biotechnology Innovation Organization released a statement applauding Republican lawmaker's effort to "stimulate American investment, support job creation and promote life-saving innovation."

2. The legislation would eliminate tax credit for orphan drugs. The bill includes a provision that would repeal a tax break that pharmaceutical companies can get for developing and testing an orphan drug, which is a chemical agent developed specifically to treat a rare medical condition.

The drug industry in the past defended this tax break vigorously, arguing it encourages investment in diseases where patients generally have limited options.

3. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will preserve the research and development tax break. While the GOP bill could cuts tax breaks for rare-disease research and development, companies can still receive tax breaks for investing in general research and development, according to STAT.

4. The legislation proposes a lower tax rate on repatriated earnings. Any company that has money overseas may benefit from the provision that would, just once, lower the tax rate for corporate money repatriated. In particular, companies would pay 12 percent on cash returned to the country and just 5 percent on non-cash assets. The current rate companies pay on income returned to the U.S. is 35 percent, according to the New York Times.

According to Bloomberg, pharmaceutical giants, Johnson & Johnson, Amgen, Gilead and Celgene keep a large majority of their cash outside of the U.S.

5. The bill adds a new tax for multinational, international companies. The bill would impose a 10 percent tax on earnings that U.S. companies make overseas. Currently, the earnings made overseas do not get taxed until they are brought to American soil.

6. The bill would impact executive compensation. Currently, businesses can write-off up to $1 million in compensation expenses for the top five earners in the company and any additional amount they earn beyond the $1 million, which is called "performance-based" exception. The bill would revoke the "performance-based" exemption, which many public corporations rely on to pay their executives more than $1 million per year.

Ben Proce, a tax partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, told STAT that eliminating the exception will have a "chilling effect" on compensation packages in the drug industry. "I think boards will have to evaluate differently now the after-tax cost of that compensation that will go up to the company," he added.
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Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 03/11/2017 (1839 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Brandon University music students came together Thursday night to raise funds for the victims of recent natural disasters in Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Mabel Contreras, originally from Mexico, helped organize the benefit concert, held at the Lorne Watson Recital Hall.

We wanted to do something  we wanted to be there and help, but we cannot, she said.

Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun Aryn Polichuk and Jessi Gilchrist perform "Adagio ma non tanto" by Johann Sebastian Bach during a Brandon University School of Music student recital benefit concert on Thursday for the victims of recent natural disasters in Mexico and Puerto Rico.

The idea for a benefit concert seemed like the best option for the students who wanted to help from afar. Contreras said the School of Music and the wider university community jumped at the chance to help.

All the people here in Brandon University and the students have been so helpful, and so empathetic, and so understanding, she said.

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake rattled Mexico City on Sept. 19, killing 369 people and collapsing at least 38 structures, mostly apartment buildings.

Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico on Sept. 20 as a Category 4 storm with winds of up to 248 km/h. It wiped out crops, damaged or destroyed 230,000 homes and left the entire island without power. Authorities in Puerto Rico say the number of deaths tied to hurricane Maria has increased to 54.

We need to do something, Contreras said. If we can help, we should help. And I think bringing music and sharing our love for art  sharing all our energies, its a very good way to help. Its a way to collect those donations, but also the good energy, the good thoughts.

Contreras, a cellist, has been in Brandon for two years, and is currently a masters student in performance.

The concert presented works by several different composers, in a variety of ensembles and performers. All proceeds will go to Inciativa Comunitaria in Puerto Rico and Brigada de Rescate Topos de Tlatelolco in Mexico.

 jaustin@brandonsun.com, with files from The Associated Press

 Twitter: @jillianaustin
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 04/11/2017 (1838 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

ERICKSON  It was a Sunday night in November when Johan Celliers was attacked at his farm in South Africa.

Celliers was at his home in Ermelo, a town more than 200 kilometres southeast of Johannesburg, listening to the evening news on the radio when his two dogs jumped up, clearly nervous about something outside.

He walked out with his 9-mm pistol to see if something had happened and saw a flash about five or 10 yards away, followed by a gunshot.

Michael Lee/The Brandon Sun Johan Celliers moved to Canada from South Africa in November 2014, in part because of the frequent attacks against farmers in his home country.

Celliers fired back, releasing all of the rounds in his magazine before calling his neighbours on a two-way radio.

He came out unharmed that night nine years ago. When he checked the damage later on, Celliers found a single bullet hole in the wall of his home, located at head level.

Now living in Erickson, Celliers said it is by the grace of God that he is alive to tell the tale.

I dont see myself as a victim, he said. Im a survivor.

Cellierss encounter is one of hundreds taking place in South Africa against farmers, which saw a notable increase in the 1990s and have been documented by groups such as Human Rights Watch.

The attacks can result in severe beatings, rapes and in many cases death.

On Monday, South Africans living in Brandon gathered for an event dubbed Black Monday, a movement which began in South Africa as a way to raise awareness of the attacks against farmers.

Lukas Scheepers, a South African pastor who raises goats, cows and sheep on his farm between Rivers and Alexander, said he knew of two people who were killed in an attack three years ago near his brothers farm in Magaliesburg, outside Johannesburg.

A neighbour and his son-in-law had broadcast over a two-way radio, known as a common way for farmers to communicate with each other in South Africa, to say they were responding to an incident at a nearby village where their workers lived.

When the two arrived at the village, Scheepers said he heard gunshots over the radio and later discovered that the two men had been killed.

It was shocking, Scheepers said. Nothing stolen, nothing gained, nobody knows why it happened.

While farmers and their workers of all ethnicities are targeted in these attacks, the majority of the victims are white South Africans who historically have been the countrys primary landholders.

In late October, the organization Afriforum, an advocacy group for the Afrikaner minority in South Africa, said at least 341 farm attacks had been carried out so far in 2017, of which 70 people were murdered.

Some see the attacks as an example of racial hatred, while others view it as politically motivated and believe South Africa is moving in a similar direction as neighbouring Zimbabwe, where the government took land from white farmers.

Martie Kruger, an immigration consultant living in Brandon, helped Celliers and others from South Africa settle in Canada.

Kruger moved to Canada herself in 2008 and started out in real estate, recruiting farmers and business people to buy property in Manitoba, before receiving her consulting licence in 2015.

Michael Lee/The Brandon Sun South African immigration consultant Martie Kruger at her home in Brandon.

She can think of at least 28 families who are in the process of immigrating to Canada, in large part because of the violence in South Africa but also because of concerns the government will take their land.

Farmers are scared, Kruger said. They dont have any security. They dont know whats going to happen.

Kruger talks to farmers frequently from her home office in Brandon and once a year, she travels to South Africa to find people who may consider moving to Canada.

I do it because I want to help them and figure out a way for them to leave South Africa.

Celliers, who raised sheep and grew a few cash crops, sold his family farm before he moved to Canada in November 2014.

Before he left, Celliers said his niece and her husband were both attacked at their home and burned with hot water.

The farm attacks, combined with what he sees as widespread political corruption, all factored into his decision to leave South Africa.

Celliers now raises beef cows and at some point hopes to try his hand at canola, but he said selling the family farm was traumatic for him and to this day, he finds it hard to look at old photos and videos of it.

If you live with revenge, if you keep on hating, and connect that with greed, youve got a deadly combination, he said.

Its toxic, its radioactive, it destroys everything.

 mlee@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @mtaylorlee
Online shopping giant Amazon is tipped to officially start its Australian business by the end of November to coincide with the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping frenzy, when retailers drastically reduce prices.

Already some brands have started discounting to whet the appetite of what are said to be the biggest "shopping events" of the year. They start Friday, November 24 and end Monday, November 27.

But the flaw of internet shopping is still the collection and return of goods.

According to Citi's retail analyst, Craig Woolford, Australian shoppers have embraced "click and collect", where they buy online and collect at a store, more than anywhere else in the world.
Dawn over Murwangi, in the Arafura Swamp region of Arnhem Land. Credit:Peter Hannam The non-profit group manages credits for the Arafura Swamp region and its neighbours in an area covering 80,000 square kilometres, or bigger than Tasmania. ALFA has contracts for 1.8 million ACCUs, including net abatement of 830,000 tonnes of carbon-dioxide equivalent in 2016, the best year yet. Feral buffalo damaging the Arafura Swamp region. Credit:Daniel Hartley-Allen 'Cool burning'

The benefits of the managed burning, though, potentially go far beyond supplying money to remote areas ranging from the Kimberley in the west, across the Top End, and northern Queensland. "Cool burning" doesn't come cheap. In 2016, for instance, rangers and traditional owners covered some 50,000 kilometres in helicopters, dropping incendiaries, while those using matches and drip torches travelled at 26,000 kilometres on foot, quad bike, four-wheel drive or other transport, ALFA says. Rangers crossing some savannah land burned during the recent dry season in Arafura Swamp. Credit:Peter Hannam "We also take the tractor, and put a tracker [device] on, so our manager knows," says Djangirri, who is one of two women on the board of the Arafura Swamp Rangers Aboriginal Corp. Biodiversity is helped because the risk is reduced of devastating "hot burns" that can destroy forests and open up the country more to invasive weeds such as mimosa.

Marine rangers off Arafura Swamp, in east Arnhem Land. Credit:Peter Hannam The extra funds also support programs culling feral animals, such as wild buffalo, cattle and pigs that were introduced by the "Balanda"  the common word for Europeans. The swamp is considered unique in its size and range of relatively intact wetlands in the Northern Territory, with the paperbark forests kept well-watered through the dry season by springs along the Goyder River. Marley Djangirr, a ranger at the billabong near Murwangi station. Credit:Peter Hannam Large black-necked stork, also known as jabiru, can be seen stalking along the edges of billabongs - as one did during this writer's recent visit - while the region also supports huge flocks of waterbirds of international significance in numbers and variety.

'Waste Lands' But the significance of the "smoke money" potentially goes much further if the objectives of ASRAC's 2017-2027 Healthy Country Plan can be achieved. Solomon O'Ryan, a ranger at the Arafura Swamp. Credit:Peter Hannam The program was compiled with help from Bush Heritage  a conservation group founded by former Greens leader Bob Brown  and Charles Darwin University. While highlighting the need to reconnect Yolngu with their lore and the land it is based on, it also seeks to address some of the challenges that have bedevilled the region.

For instance, one of 11 identified threats is "Balanda rules [are] always changing", a problem ASRAC hopes to counter with "good governance" and funding sources including carbon credits and a crocodile hatchery. The wording, though, masks waves of trauma that began in 1842 when, unbeknownst to the Yolngu, the "Australian Colonies, Waste Lands Act" was passed, handing their land over to European pastoralists. By 1861,Yolngu men moving south of the Roper River were made to "wear a tin plate slung around their neck. Anyone not wearing a plate was simply shot," author Richard Trudgen, wrote in his book Why warriors lie down and die, quoting an earlier work. Trudgen's book details what he calls four "pastoral wars", beginning in 1885 and extending into the 1930s, that are little known in modern day Australia but are keenly remembered in Arnhem Land today. That 1885 contact began when pastoralist J.A. Macartney tried to set up the Florida station at Murwangi  now the site of an upmarket tourist camp beside the billabong where rangers Djigirr or Djangirr were fishing.

"White people come and destroy all our bush tucker," says Djigirr, who acted and co-directed the 2006 Ten Canoes drama filmed in the Arafura Swamp. 'Be careful of these people' Otto Campion, ASRAC chairman, says the corporation "is already thinking of putting some of our history from our first European contact" in a form visitors can appreciate as part of potential cultural tourism plans. Campion speaks delicately of how Yolngu spearing cattle "got trouble" for his people, noting his own clan has a site "where people got shot". The killing of members of western clans prompted them to flee. "Some people rushed to the escarpment, and left the evidence" in the form of paintings.

"The rock art was telling the story: 'Be careful of these people  they are coming and they have rifles'," Campion says. "After fighting and dropping the population [Campion's forefathers] realised they had to stop," Campion says of the time when Yolngu realised they had no choice but to end resistance and seek protection from missionaries. "If the missionaries hadn't stepped in, they wouldn't exist any more," Trudgen tells Fairfax Media. International traders Trudgen  who has worked with local communities for three decades and is fluent in the region's lingua franca, Yolngu Matha  is blunt in his description of how some Yolngu think of Balanda.

They consider Europeans as "cretin, lawless people" for their past murder of women and children and the seizure of their lands without consultation. "The Aborigines would have been much better off if they had been colonised by Asians," Trudgen says, pointing to centuries of amicable trading between Arnhem Land and Makassar (now Ujung Padang on Sulawesi island in Indonesia). The Makassans came each year for trepang, a highly sought-after sea slug that grows about 10-15 centimetres. In return, they brought fish hooks and line, and other objects that the Yolngu on-traded into central Australia. As Trudgen notes in his book, the South Australian government  which then ran Northern Territory affairs  effectively banned the trade in 1906 without telling the Yolngu. (Part of the grief was that some Yolngu clansmen lived in Makassar and could never return.) Lost for words

Trudgen has campaigned for governments to translate their policies in Yolngu Marta  so more the 8000-odd speakers can understand  and other Indigenous languages. He cites the example of the slow response to efforts to cut petrol sniffing when lead was one of the toxic components. Interviews he conducted with about 250 adults found "not one person knew what lead was, even though they had their own name for it" thanks to the Makassan trade, Trudgen says. More recently, the intervention  introduced by the Howard government to address allegations of widespread child abuse  has fostered an unintended erosion of discipline within Indigenous communities, he says. "They had trouble with the word 'abuse'," Trudgen says. People think "they can no longer discipline children or they'll end up in jail". Signs of social strains were evident even on the recent whirlwind visit. Outside the main store in Ramingining, the main town in the Arafura Swamp region, youth were gathered in the shade, drinking soft drink, and some of them smoking.

On chart on the wall of the store noted "Ramo's" school attendance goal was 90 per cent, compared with a 72 per cent target for Arnhem Region. Week two of term four, though, showed just 55 per cent attendance on the Monday for the local school, dropping each day to below 40 per cent by Friday. Bridging the divide Campion, the ASRAC chairman, hopes his organisation will be able to step up junior ranger training that will give students more of a connection between students' education and the culture and life around them. "We want to set up a program so that everybody knows traditional burning," he says, adding they shouldn't have to get a letter from the principal excusing their absence. "It should be part of their education."

Bush Heritage, which elsewhere in Australia has made strategic purchases of properties to boost conservation, is providing help in the form of staff and other assistance for ASRAC. Solomon O'Ryan, a ranger for 16 years, understands better than most the challenges of bridging the cultural divide. Born of a white Tasmanian father and a Yolngu woman, O'Ryan was brought from Darwin  about 460 kilometres to the west  to his mother's community when he was 11. Conversations with O'Ryan flow without a ripple between descriptions of Dreaming legends and Western ways. "The shark started from the east, heading to the west, and got injured half-way by another spiritual being. This is where he came to rest," he says, standing beside a small lake that is a sacred site for his mother's clan.

With his ranger's hat on  actually a "Hawks" cap, reflecting his love as a player and fan of the Hawthorn AFL team  O'Ryan points out the damage down by feral animals such as cattle. "It used to have many water lilies, now it's just dirty water," he says. "May be in the future we can get it back to its original state." Back to country The appeal of the Healthy Country Plan for O'Ryan is also that it gives people "a reason to get back on country again", he says. "What we're looking at now is everyone in town, relying on a job to go to the shop," he says. "No one relies on the bush to get the food."

The plan also has the advantage of telling the outside world the Arafura Swamp clans are ready to take more control of their lives. ASRAC is seeking independence from the Northern Land Council, and the current funding for about 11 rangers, by the first half of 2018. "People are keen to separate out," says Dominic Nicholls, chief executive of ASRAC, noting "it wouldn't have been viable to set up the corporation without 'smoke money'". That flow of carbon funds should only increase in the future, with new methodology allowing 25-year contracts rather than the 10-year ones now signed. 'For the planet' With the Bonn climate conference getting under way next week, ALFA's Ansell says "you see where the world is headed".
When I was a child, I was so shy and timid, I barely spoke. I was well into adulthood before I began to talk enough to have conversations. And now I can't shut up.

Silence is golden. Credit:Stocksy

Words are powerful. Sometimes hurtful and damaging. I went from a quiet, thoughtful girl to a bitter, angry wife and mother. My own mother was angry and loud, always yelling. I never wanted to be like that.

I recently read a meme that says, "Anger is a sign that something has to change". Damn straight.
It was the simple donation of a bicycle to get her to and from work that brought Gaby*, a refugee living in Queanbeyan, to tears.

"I used to walk, but my ex started coming to my workplace," Gaby said.

Louisa Domestic Violence Service team leader Jan Rudd, GIVIT ACT manager Caroline Odgers and Louisa mulitcultural domestic violence specialist Cy Rago, with donations of goods through GIVIT. Credit:Jamila Toderas

"I was scared, so when it's very dark I can quickly reach home."

Gaby escaped her violent partner with nothing, and now lives at a women's refuge. The story is the same for all of the women and children who take refuge at Louisa Domestic Violence Service.
A Brisbane-based charity offering free mobile laundry services to the homeless has announced its expansion into regional Queensland to combat a skin condition that has been called an "epidemic" in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The first regional Queensland centre for Orange Sky was unveiled on Saturday, with the 'Phytham' truck ready to head to Lockhart River, more than 750 kilometres north of Cairns.

Orange Sky co-founder Nic Marchesi with the Phytham truck, which will head up to the Lockhart River on Wednesday.

The truck has been named after a local rock which, according to the Dreamtime, protects the town of Lockhart River.

Orange Sky founders Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett said the truck was a trial for Orange Sky's plans to expand into regional areas across the country to combat scabies, a contagious and itchy skin condition caused by a burrowing mite.
A man has died after being stabbed more than six times in the chest in far north Queensland on Friday night, police said.

Officers were called to a Hagarty Close property in Cooktown just after 9.30pm after receiving reports that a man had been stabbed.

It will be alleged a 41-year-old man was found inside the home with more than six stab wounds to the chest. He died at the scene.

Police said the two men knew each other.

A 21-year-old man was arrested at a nearby property and later charged with murder. He was expected to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court on November 6.
More than 900 kilometres for a burrito - it may not seem worth the journey to most, but it was worth the effort in Ashlea Russell's eyes after flying from Sydney to attend the opening of Queensland's first Taco Bell fast-food restaurant in Brisbane on Saturday.

An estimated 50 people camped outside overnight ahead of the 9am ribbon-cutting and Ms Russell wasn't the only interstate visitor, with the first customer to enjoy the Mexican cuisine being a Melbourne fan who also flew up especially for the opening in Annerley.

Queensland's first Taco Bell in Annerley on Brisbane's southside. Credit:Dylan Evans - Supplied

For Ms Russell, it all started in the lead-up to her 21st birthday in March, when her mum said she couldn't have a party to celebrate because "there were too many people living in the house" on the New South Wales central coast.

"So I jumped on a plane to Vegas and had my first burrito at Taco Bell and fell in love," she said.
We are up to our ankles in mud when Amina approaches us. Pregnant and with three young children clinging to her arms, Amina explains through tears that her husband is missing after fleeing their village in Myanmar.

Amina and her children travelled by foot for 18 days to reach this camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. After finally reaching the camp in the middle of the night, she was so exhausted that she slept through the morning's aid delivery. The family of four have nothing but the clothes they are wearing.

My Bangladeshi Red Crescent colleague acts quickly, arranging for a meal, a tarpaulin for shelter and a few other survival necessities. The next day Amina returns to thank us. Her smile is a ray of hope in this heaving new city of close to a million people within eyesight of Myanmar.

This is the best we can hope for right now: to give people what they need to survive the coming days.
Gold Coast commuters would get a new motorway alongside the notoriously congested M1 if the Liberal National Party wins government.

Opposition leader Tim Nicholls has committed to splitting the cost with the federal government of a $500 million four-lane arterial between Nerang and Stapylton.

Opposition leader Tim Nicholls on the Gold Coast on Saturday. Credit:AAP

"Gold Coasters are sick of sitting in traffic day in, day out. Our plan for a second M1 will get people home from work sooner," Mr Nicholls said on Saturday.

But Main Roads minister Mark Bailey said Mr Nicholls had made a major costing blunder, with the project actually expected to cost $2.4 billion.
London: To generations of Burmese, the giant ruby known as the Nga Mauk symbolises the colonial exploitation of their country by the British.

Local legend has it that the ruby was stolen from the Burmese royal family by a British officer and found its way into the Crown Jewels. Others believe it may have been given as a gift to Queen Victoria, only for it to then disappear forever.

A jewellery employee displays some of Myanmar's gems: peridot, left, ruby, center, and green jade, in Yangon. Credit:Bloomberg

Now one man is determined to unravel the mystery of the missing Nga Mauk. For Soe Win, the 70-year-old great-grandson of King Thibaw, the last ruler of Burma - now Myanmar - who was sent into exile in India by the British in 1885 - recovering the gem would be a way of restoring pride to his nation.

"The Nga Mauk reminds us that once we were a proud, independent nation with a rich history," Win said.
Washington: Donna Brazile, the former interim head of the Democratic National Committee, says in a new book that she considered replacing Hillary Clinton as the party's 2016 nominee with Vice President Joe Biden after Clinton suffered a fainting spell, according to an account published by The Washington Post.

In her book, Brazile writes of her frequent frustrations with the Clinton campaign, saying she would tell its leaders that she could invoke powers from the DNC charter to oversee the process of replacing a nominee if she were to become disabled, something that has never happened in the modern era of presidential elections.

Donna Brazile, interim chair of the Democratic National Committee during the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Credit:AP

"Again and again I thought about Joe Biden," she wrote, adding that "no matter my doubts and my fears about the election and Hillary as a candidate, I could not make good on that threat to replace her." The Post reported that Brazile had considered replacing Clinton after she briefly collapsed in New York City following a Sept. 11 commemoration ceremony.

Howard Dean, a former DNC chairman, said Saturday on MSNBC that Brazile would have had no power to unilaterally remove or replace Clinton.
Bangkok: The United Nations' human rights chief has lashed out at the Turnbull government, expressing "serious concerns" over the welfare, safety and well-being of more than 600 refugees and asylum seekers on Manus Island.

In a blunt statement issued in Geneva, Zeid Raad al-Hussein, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, described the situation on the Papua New Guinea island as an "unfolding humanitarian emergency".

Refugees and asylum seekers protesting inside the now-closed regional processing facility on Manus Island, which they refuse to leave.

"All migrants, including refugees and asylum seekers are human beings," Prince Zeid said through a spokesman.

"Like all of us, they have a right to a safe and secure environment, a right to an adequate standard of living and to participate in the decision-making process that is affecting their future," the spokesman said.
Chinas state-owned coal and power giant Shenhua Group is entering the Greek green-energy market, investing in several wind farms developed by a major local player.

Shenhua bought 75% of the shares of four wind parks developed by Greek investment firm Copelouzos Group. The parks are either in operation or under construction, Copelouzos said in a statement.

Shenhua, which signed the agreement through its renewable-energy resources subsidiary Shenhua Renewable Co. Ltd., is the first Chinese company to invest in wind power in Greece.

The amount of the investment wasnt disclosed. But the two sides vowed to collaborate on a number of investments in green energy and on upgrades to power plants, at a total estimated value of 3 billion euros ($3.5 billion).

Shenhua also plans to acquire some shares in solar firm PPC Solar Solutions, co-founded by Copelouzos and Greeces Public Power Corp.

The investment in the wind-power parks marks the Chinese companys first solid project in Greece since it inked partnership with Copelouzos in May. The Greek company owns the countrys third-largest wind-power firm, Elica Group.

Since 2016, Chinese companies have made several acquisitions in Greece. China COSCO Shipping Corp. Ltd. purchased 67% shares in Piraeus port for 700 million euros and State Grid Corp. of China acquired a 24% stake in Greece's power-grid operator, ADMIE, for 330 million euros.

Contact reporter Coco Feng (renkefeng@caixin.com)
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'Days of Our Lives' spoilers: Gabi still in DiMera orbit; Paul worries he'll lose Sonny

Fans and longtime viewers know about the love triangle that happened between Abigail (Marci Miller), Chad (Billy Flynn), and Gabi (Camila Banus) over the past several months. "Days of Our Lives" spoilers from head writer Ron Carlivati revealed where these three characters will go moving forward.

As everyone knows, that love triangle blew over a few months back, during the whole incident with Dario (Jordi Villasuso). Carlivati revealed to Soap Opera Digest that Chad has made his choice. He ultimately chose to be with Abigail because he loves her with all his heart and soul. Chad and Abigail belong together, after all.

As for Gabi, Carlivati revealed that he wants her to stick around in the DiMera orbit, so Kate (Lauren Koslow) will be interested in bringing her back. Everyone knows that Kate has always wanted Chad to be with Gabi, but she eventually accepted Chad's love for Abigail knowing that she clearly makes him happy. She also has a connection to Gabi too. Kate thinks Gabi has a good eye for business and will want to use her know-how to benefit both of them.

With Kate bringing Gabi back into the DiMera atmosphere, it will obviously dredge up a lot of old and painful memories for the two women. It will certainly make people wonder if Abigail can really let go of those memories, or if Gabi can manage to really move on despite being around Chad and Abigail. Carlivati revealed that the two women are trying to move past everything that happened.

Moving on to another love triangle, "Days of Our Lives" spoilers indicate that Paul (Christopher Sean) will grow increasingly worried in the midst of this search for Will (Chandler Massey). The search was postponed momentarily due to Sonny (Freddie Smith) getting knocked out because of "Elvis" (John Enos). Sonny will be taken to the hospital and be monitored as he recovers.

All the stress has certainly taken its toll on Sonny, and even with Paul. However, it seems that things are not going to get any better when Paul overhears something Sonny says. He will talk about Will in his sleep. Perhaps, he was saying that Will was the love of his life or that he plans on reuniting with him when he shows up. This will obviously leave Paul crushed and even more worried that their relationship will end when they are able to find Will.

Paul will confide in John (Drake Hogestyn) and admit that his fears are growing. By now, they should have been married and would have built a life together. However, Ben's (Robert Scott Wilson) sudden truth bomb changed everything, and it will change again when Will officially comes back.

"Days of Our Lives" airs Mondays to Fridays at 12 p.m. EDT on NBC.
Increasing suicide rate worldwide predicted to surge in 2020; attempts to spread awareness strengthens

The rising suicide rate is being monitored worldwide, with the numbers of death predicted to increase in 2020.

There are several organizations and groups established to address the suicide crisis. One of the most widespread attempt to spread awareness on the issue of suicide is the hit song "1-800-273-8255" by rapper Logic. The title of the song is the hotline number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The music video of the song highlights suicide tendencies among the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities who are being discriminated. In an interview with Genius, Logic (Sir Robert Bryson Hall) shared that he met some of his fans who were suicidal and was greatly influenced by his song.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an individual claims his/her life every 40 seconds. The agency fears that come 2020, there will be a surge in the mortality rate involving suicide, with a person taking his or her own life every 20 seconds.

Depression or other mental illness remains the leading cause for suicide. Several reports have confirmed a growing number of suicide related deaths in the United States among young veterans.

In Japan, the annual number of people committing suicide has fallen under 25,000 after 18 years. However, the Japanese government is still in the midst of battling the stigma of suicide.

In the United Kingdom, there are 6,639 victims of suicide, with most deaths reported in Northern Ireland. The Samaritans' Suicide Statistics report released in 2017 revealed a slight increase in female suicide rates in the year 20142015. There are several organizations and groups being established to revive a stronger awareness for suicide that took its effect between 1983 until 2007.

Sri Lanka, Guyana, Kazakhstan, and Suriname are among the countries with the highest suicide rate. More distinct causes or factors have been linked to suicide in these countries including human rights violations, drug abuse, witchcraft (in Guyana), and more.
Three hours earlier, Noah Hurowitz, a reporter covering the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn for the local news site DNAinfo, was stationed at the boroughs Supreme Court, awaiting a verdict in the case of NYPD Officer Wayne Isaacss murder trial. Now, standing on the sidewalk outside a Lower East Side bar on Thursday night, balancing a toddler (not his own) on his right arm, Hurowitz is already talking about his newsroom in the past tense.

ICYMI: Local news suffers a tremendous loss

Nobody covers the city like we did. Everyone else has cut back. We would go to community board meetings, community council meetings, he says. Honestly, I worry about the newspapers in New York, because I dont know where theyre going to steal their stories from anymore. We went to everything, and it was boring sometimes, but we fucking got good shit.

At 5 pm, as Hurowitz (also a CJR contributor) sat in the Brooklyn courthouse and his colleagues reported across various corners of New York City, Joe Ricketts, the billionaire owner of DNAinfo and Gothamist, published a letter announcing he was shutting down the operation, throwing 115 people out of work.

Joe Ricketts is shutting down two excellent NYC news cites, one of which has been key as NY reporting has dwindled https://t.co/ESfsumrOd7  Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) November 2, 2017

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Dozens of now-former staffers, who just one week ago voted to unionize, have since gathered with other members of the New York journalism tribe at The Magician, a bar on Rivington and Essex, to hold something of an Irish wake for two news sites that helped define the city in the digital age.

Hurowitz, framed by one of The Magicians Venetian-blinded front windows, hands off the child and considers the impact of Rickettss decision. For DNAinfo to go away, its going to leave a giant hole. I cant speak for the larger news environment, but for New York City, its going to be disastrous, he says. All of these fucking city council people who, god bless them, are going to get away with whatever they want. We kept them honest, man.

We didnt always get the glory, but it made a difference to the people who came to us. And thats gone. I dont know if anything is going to replace it.

Dressed in black head-to-toe, Hurowitzs voice rises as he catalogues his work at DNAinfo. Whos gonna report the story about the unlicensed summer camp in Bed-Stuy? he asks, rhetorically. Whos gonna report the story about the GoFundMe scam where some faker invented an elderly woman? I spent a month combing through eviction records and making spreadsheets of property records, and I nailed her. It may be small potatoes, but it means something to the people who she scammed. And it means something to the parents who sent their kids to a slickly marketed illegal summer camp run by a psycho. Whos gonna shut that shit down now? We didnt always get the glory, but it made a difference to the people who came to us. And thats gone. I dont know if anything is going to replace it.

ICYMI: Plagiarism scandal hits local newspaper

Inside the bar, standing room is scarce as dozens of Horowitzs colleagues from DNAinfo and around the New York journalism community jostle for space. Sam Corbin, a writer for BuzzFeed, carefully opens a box of Peter Pan donuts while Patti Smiths Because the Night bellows from the jukebox. In the back room, two discarded pizza boxes from a nearby restaurant lay stacked on a table. Just before 10 pm, a rack of tequila shots is placed on the bar and quickly disappears.

Looking around the room at dozens of journalists, most in their 20s and 30s, lamenting the end of an era, DNAinfo general assignment reporter Ben Fractenberg reflects on the turnout. Its cathartic to see support from other journalists, he says. Well land on our feet, but people who rely on us in New York, LA, Chicago, San Francisco, DC are losing out.

Its devastating, says Fractenbergs colleague Maya Rajamani, who covered Chelsea and Hells Kitchen. This wasnt The New York Times, but for me it was a dream job. What we were doing was so important. Its a huge loss for New York City.

In a time of cutbacks at legacy new outlets, DNAinfo provided on-the-ground coverage of neighborhoods often overlooked by the citys daily papers. Ricketts founded the outlet in 2009, later expanding its coverage to other cities before purchasing Gothamist in March. As journalists and editors discussed plans to unionize, Ricketts wrote on his blog that he opposed the move. I believe unions promote a corrosive us-against-them dynamic that destroys the esprit de corps businesses need to succeed, he wrote in September.

Much of the conversation rippling throughout The Magician is devoted to castigating Ricketts, who founded TD Ameritrade and is a vocal supporter of Donald Trump. A spokesperson for DNAinfo told The New York Times the union vote was only part of the reason Ricketts decided to close up shop, but that the decision by the editorial team to unionize is simply another competitive obstacle making it harder for the business to be financially successful.

On Thursday night, few staffers are buying the financial defense, and those involved in the unionization effort say they dont regret their decision. This fight is bigger than we are, Fractenberg says. Its about the way news is done. To have a free press, journalists must be organized, which helps keep powerful people in check across the country. Thats why we did this. Our intent was to fill a gap in local coverage. If [Rickettss] goal is to revive local reporting, he would have bargained in good faith.

In addition to anger at Rickettss decision, DNAinfo and Gothamist staffers expressed outrage at the way the owner chose to pull the plug. Katie Honan, who covered Corona, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens for DNAinfo, had the day off. Curious whether a story she had recently filed had posted, she pulled up DNAinfos homepage, where she saw Rickettss message. It really was a punch in the stomach, she says.

Outside on Rivington Street, James White, a bearded Web developer and content manager for The Baffler, turns to a friend. This is a good funeral, he says. One of the best Ive seen. Behind him, a group of DNAinfo staffers stand taking a cigarette break. Fuck Joe Ricketts, a supporter offers from the sidewalk. Fuck Joe Ricketts! the DNAinfo journalists reply, in unison.

Karen K. Ho contributed reporting to this article

Editors note: The description of chants outside the bar in this story has been updated.

ICYMI: NBC journalists harassment allegations revealed. Less than 24 hrs later, a disturbing tweet.

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Pete Vernon is a former CJR staff writer. Follow him on Twitter @ByPeteVernon.
Robert Mercer speaks on the phone during the 12th International Conference on Climate Change hosted by The Heartland Institute on March 23, 2017 in Washington, D.C.

Robert Mercer, a billionaire investor who is a big backer of many conservative causes and a patron of former White House adviser Steve Bannon, is stepping down as co-chief executive of Renaissance Technologies, the giant hedge fund.

Mr. Mercer sent a letter to investors and pension advisers on Thursday morning in which he said he would step down. A copy of the letter was reviewed by The New York Times.

In the letter, Mr. Mercer said he was stepping down from his post as of Jan. 1, 2018, and would also step down from the hedge fund's board. He said he would remain active on the research side of the hedge-fund firm, which makes trades using complex mathematical equations.

More from NY Times:

Republicans release tax plan, cutting corporate and middle-class taxes

Math problem bedevils Republican tax rewrite

Trump to announce Jerome Powell as new Fed Chairman



The letter did not give a reason for Mr. Mercer's decision. Mr. Mercer's involvement in conservative politics became controversial during the presidential election.

The fund was founded by James Simons, a prominent supporter of Democratic causes and candidates, including Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.

A Renaissance spokesman didn't immediately respond to requests for comment. Mr. Mercer couldn't immediately be reached for comment.
On November 4, 2008, the United States elected Barack Obama as America's first black president. Nearly nine years later and out of office, Obama has returned to two questions he asked himself decades ago while in college: "How can I have an impact?" and "How can I make a difference?" On November 1, Obama hosted the first Obama Foundation Summit. Over 500 rising and established civic leaders from around the country and the world arrived in Obama's hometown of Chicago for a two-day series of talks and panels.

In a speech during the opening session, Obama said it was while he was in college that he "began to develop a social conscience." "Or at least, all those values that my mother had whispered in my ear started to come back to me," he said. He listed three of those values that his mom had shared with him: Be kind and be useful and caring about people who are less fortunate than you

Be a peacemaker rather than an instigator

Try to lift people up instead of putting them down It was after that moment that he asked himself, "How can I have an impact?" and "How can I make a difference?" Obama said he was inspired to take action because of the American civil rights movement and learning about the young people who went door to door to try to register people who had never been able to vote before. Although he said there weren't any movements around at the time he graduated college, he continued to follow the values his mother gave him. He sought out a community organizer position with a small group of churches on the South Side of Chicago. "I didn't really know what a community organizer was, but I arrived here and for the next three years I traveled all through the South Side and worked with leaders in churches and block clubs and community organizations," Obama said.

There, Obama said they took on what, at the time, were considered risks: they tried to build a new park in a neighborhood that had been ravaged by the drug trade. They tried to build after-school programs so that young people could aspire to college. They worked on environmental issues in a public housing project that was near a landfill. "And I didn't really set the world on fire, I didn't lead a movement," Obama said, "but what I did learn was that ordinary people in local communities can do extraordinary things when they're given a chance, when their voices are heard, when they come together, when they recognize themselves in each other." He added that thanks to his community involvement, he learned "everybody has a story in them that is sacred." Even after he left community organizing, all the lessons that he learned about people, about being rooted in communities, listening to and sharing stories and "creating power from the bottom up rather than the top down to bring about real change" never left him.
Saudi Arabia's Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, a prominent member of the country's royal family and a wealthy investor, has been swept up in connection with a wide-ranging anti-corruption initiative, according to reports.

Saudi Arabia's King Salman removed a host of prominent officials in a sweeping crackdown, in which dozens of princes and former ministers were detained. News outlets, including Saudi-owned Al Arabiya and The Wall Street Journal, reported Bin Talal was among those arrested. CNBC could not immediately confirm Bin Talal's status.

In addition to Bin Talal, former Finance Minister Ibrahim Al-Assaf was also detained and under investigation, Reuters reported, citing a senior Saudi official.

If verified, the arrest of Bin Talal would represent a jarring turn of events as the prince has cultivated an image as the de-facto public face of Saudi finance. It would also be the most dramatic chapter in the evolving narrative of Bin Salman, who has steadily consolidated his authority since his elevation to Defense Minister in early 2015.

Considered one of the most prominent members of the Saudi royal family, Bin Talal has been the subject of numerous profiles in U.S. and international publications. He has made numerous appearances on CNBC dispensing investment advice  such as last month, when he predicted bitcoin was little more than a speculative bubble that would soon "implode"
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Ready or not, the holiday shopping season has begun. Americans will spend more than $678 billion dollars in the last two months of 2017 as they hunt for holiday gifts, according to estimates from the National Retail Federation, which excludes spending on cars, gasoline and restaurants. That's about $1,000 dollars per consumer. The expected 3.6 percent to 4 percent increase in spending from last year "reflects the very realistic steady momentum of the economy and overall strength of the industry," said Matthew Shay, the CEO of the retail trade group, in a press release. One big bonus for retailers this year is that Christmas falls on a Monday, giving last-minute shoppers an extra weekend day to complete their shopping lists  and potentially splurge on themselves. But parents, wanting to make sure their children get the items they've been wishing for, may not want to postpone their shopping. Parents Magazine put together a list of toys they tested with kids. The children come to the company's office in New York City and Parents Magazine editors watch to see which ones are the favorites. Here's a few picks from their top 50 list.

Bargain buys ($15 and below)

For those looking for a hit with the kids that won't break the bank, Parents Magazine Editor-in-Chief Liz Vaccariello said to check out WowWee's Fingerlings. The toy is geared for ages five and above, and costs $15.



"These guys open and close their eyes, they hang and jingle," said Vaccariello. The Fingerlings even interact and sing together if you clap twice.



Stores are offering exclusive versions as an incentive to get you to shop at their store. But there are already reports, these toys are flying off the shelves. "If you go to Walmart , they have the sloth and the unicorn is at Toys R Us," added Vaccariello.

Fingerlings Source: YouTube

Another bargain buy is the Play Visions' Dirt Bugs in a Jar. This one is geared toward ages three and above, and costs $13. The sandy dough looks like soil and provides toy insects that kids can bury in the "dirt."

Mid-range priced toys

For those willing to spend a little more, LeapFrog's Scoop & Learn Ice Cream Cart costs $40 and perfect for kids older than 2 years old. Vaccariello said this toy works on "development, memorization and sequencing."



"We found the kids played with this for hours," she added.



With the third edition of the "Despicable Me" movie franchise out this past summer, the little minion characters have become one of the must-have toys for kids. WowWee's Mini Minion MiP RC costs $20 and aimed for kids 4 years old and above. The toy speaks "Minion" and can respond to clapping and hand gestures. Kids can drive it around and control it through the Turbo Dave app, which has more than 100 sound effects.

Splurge
Mike Mellia has a bit of an obsession with self-portraits. What started out in college and then moved to Instagram now has him gracing billboards in New York. "I was doing a selfie a day to keep the doctor away," Melia, 37, told CNBC. Since last month, Mellia has been showcased in ads for Brooks Brothers on digital billboards in New York, and he's working with Intel to create virtual reality selfies. It's pretty much his dream job.

Mellia began taking funny self-portraits as a freshman at Columbia University, where he ran for class president by promoting photos of himself in humorous scenarios. He lost his first election, but decided to go bigger as a sophomore. He was victorious the next three years. Several years later, Mellia was creating digital advertising campaigns for fashion brands. He began taking daily self-portraits as a way to test out new digital special effects. Mellia became an expert in video compositing. He would act as a model and place a moving image inside a static picture. It's the same technique used to make Superman fly, Mellia explained. He put his work on Instagram.
Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih talks to journalists during a meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Vienna, November 30, 2016.

Saudi oil minister Khalid al-Falih said on Saturday that more work was needed to bring global oil inventories down.

"There is a general satisfaction with the strategy of 24 countries that signed a declaration of cooperation", he said after meeting attended by his Russian, Uzbek and Kazakh counterparts.

Russia and Saudi Arabia are leading the global oil production cut deal aimed at propping up global oil prices.

"Everybody recognizes that (the) job is not done yet by any means we still have significant amount of work to do to bring inventories down. Mission is not yet complete, more needs to be done," he added.
A woman talks on her phone as she walks past T-mobile and Sprint wireless stores in New York.

Talks between Sprint and T-Mobile over a possible blockbuster merger have come to a halt, both companies announced on Saturday, ending weeks of discussions that had the potential to reconfigure the mobile industry.

The two carriers have been huddled for weeks, but reports suggested talks hit several hurdles. In what was seen as a last-ditch bid to salvage a merger, both sides came together this weekend.

If consummated, a Sprint-T-Mobile deal would have created a mobile behemoth of more than 100 million subscribers, and put them within reach of Verizon and AT&T , the industry's top dogs. T-Mobile and Sprint are the U.S.' third- and fourth-largest wireless carriers, respectively, but they are significantly smaller than AT&T and Verizon.

"The prospect of combining with Sprint has been compelling for a variety of reasons, including the potential to create significant benefits for consumers and value for shareholders," said John Legere, President and CEO of T-Mobile U.S., in a statement.

"However, we have been clear all along that a deal with anyone will have to result in superior long-term value for T-Mobile's shareholders compared to our outstanding stand-alone performance and track record," he added.

Last week, reports surfaced that SoftBank, the Japanese conglomerate that controls Sprint, was planning to end talks with T-Mobile, whose parent is Deutsche Telekom.

"While we couldn't reach an agreement to combine our companies, we certainly recognize the benefits of scale through a potential combination. However, we have agreed that it is best to move forward on our own," Sprint president and CEO and Softbank Board member Marcelo Claure said.

Deutsche Telekom representatives were believed to be visiting SoftBank's Masa Son this weekend, sources told CNBC, but differences between the two camps could not be bridged.

Faber tweet

--CNBC's David Faber and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Traders pass in front of an American flag displayed outside of the New York Stock Exchange in New York.

Saudi Aramco just got a high-profile pitch for its upcoming initial public offering. It came from the president of the United States himself.

The world's largest oil company will debut its shares on the Saudi domestic market, called the Tadawul, but it is also expected to list on at least one foreign exchange in the second half of next year. Its decision, which it has yet to announce, is being closely watched.

On Saturday, President Donald Trump specifically requested the company opt for the New York Stock Exchange , tweeting that the IPO would be "important" to the U.S. Trump is currently in Hawaii ahead of a 13-day tour through Asia.

Trump tweet

The Big Board is the world's largest equity market trading companies with a combined market capitalization of $21.3 trillion as of June and is seen as an enduring symbol of American capitalism.

Where Saudi Aramco lists also carries weighty regulatory implications for the company, as listing on a U.S. or European exchange comes with financial disclosure requirements, as well as Western-style corporate governance and transparency expectations.
The White House raised questions Saturday about the legacy of both President George H.W. Bush and his son, after reports revealed disparaging comments the former presidents made in an upcoming book.

The response from the Trump administration came amid reports recounting how the elder Bush called Trump a "blowhard" who was only interested in stoking his own ego. Meanwhile, former President George W. Bush told the author of the book, "The Last Republicans," that Trump fans the public's anger rather than looking for solutions.

"If one presidential candidate can disassemble a political party, it speaks volumes about how strong a legacy its past two presidents really had," the White House said, in a statement issued to CNN.

Tweet

Separately, the White House told The Hill that voters clearly signaled they wanted a change by electing Donald Trump as president, stoking what appears to be a growing feud between the former presidents.

"The American people voted to elect an outsider who is capable of implementing real, positive, and needed change  instead of a lifelong politician beholden to special interests," White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement to The Hill.

"If they were interested in continuing decades of costly mistakes, another establishment politician more concerned with putting politics over people would have won," she added.

According to a report in The New York Times, at one point the younger Bush tells Mark Updegrove, the book's author, "I'm worried that I will be the last Republican president." That remark became the inspiration for the title of the book, which will be published Nov. 14 by HarperCollins.

The phrase had a double meaning. At the time, it may have reflected Bush's concern that Trump's Democratic challenger, Hillary Clinton, might win the election. However, later it reflected the sentiment the younger Bush had that Trump didn't share the same values that he and his father had, Updegrove told the Times.

George W. Bush even questioned Trump's understanding of the job, the report said.

Both Bushes also said they did not vote for Trump. According to CNN, the elder Bush voted for Clinton, while his son left the top of the ticket blank.

Updegrove told CNN that the Bush father and son relationship is what drove him to write the book.
Special Election on Tuesday

WHAT: Election on use tax ballot measures in Columbia, Harrisburg, Ashland and Boone County

WHEN: Tuesday. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

WHERE: You can find your polling location on the website of the Boone County Clerk or by calling the Clerk at (573) 886-4375.

DETAILS: You'll need to bring a photo ID to the polls. Acceptable IDs include a drivers license or military ID, or a secondary ID such as a paycheck or bank statement. For more information see the website of the Missouri Secretary of State.

BALLOT LANGUAGE: The ballot language for the four use tax measures varies slightly. Here's the language of each.

Boone County: Proposition U

Shall the County of Boone impose a local use tax on out-of-state purchases at the same rate as the total local sales tax rate, currently one and three quarters percent (1.75%), provided that if the local sales tax rate is reduced or raised by voter approval, the local use tax rate shall also be reduced or raised by the same action? A use tax return shall not be required to be filed by persons whose purchases from out-of-state vendors do not in total exceed two thousand dollars in any calendar year. The purpose of the proposal is to eliminate the current sales tax advantage that non-Missouri vendors have over Missouri vendors.

City of Columbia: Proposition 1

Shall the City of Columbia, Missouri impose a local use tax at the same rate as the total local sales tax rate, currently two percent (2%), provided that if the local sales tax rate is reduced or raised by voter approval, the local use tax rate shall also be reduced or raised by the same action? A use tax return shall not be required to be filed by persons whose purchases from out-of-state vendors do not in total exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) in any calendar year.

City of Ashland: Question

Shall the City of Ashland, Missouri impose a local use tax at the same rate as the total local sales tax rate, currently two percent (2%), provided that if the local sales tax rate is reduced or raised by voter approval, the local use tax rate shall also be reduced or raised by the same action? A use tax return shall not be required to be filed by persons whose purchases from out-of-state vendors do not in total exceed two thousand dollars in any calendar year.

Town of Harrisburg: Proposition One

Shall the Town of Harrisburg, Missouri be authorized to impose a local use tax at the same rate as the total local sales tax rate by a vote of the governing body, provided that if the local sales tax rate is repealed, reduced or raised by voter approval, the local use tax rate shall also be repealed, reduced or raised by the same action? A use tax return shall not be required to be filed by persons whose purchases from out-of-state vendors do not in total exceed two thousand dollars in any calendar year. Rejection of this measure will result in an inability to collect revenue on purchases from internet-based vendors and therefore places Harrisburg vendors at a competitive disadvantage to internet- based vendors.
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The two main parties issue new sex allegation rules. The Conservatives also publish a code of conduct. Next, May will move to put pressure on the Speaker over what the Commons itself will do.

The Tories and Labour both rushed out tough new rules to investigate sex allegations in a bid to get control of the Westminster scandal. Tory leader Theresa May also published her partys new code of conduct last night for how all members must behave. It included a strident new definition of harassment to leave no room for pervy behaviour. Any minister, MP or activist will be guilty of it if their actions have the effect of violating a persons dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive situation or environment for them. A single incident of this behaviour would also amount to harassment, it also states.  The Sun

Tory staffers criticise plan  Daily Telegraph

James Forsyth: Why did Williamson leave the Whips Office?

Two explanations are doing the rounds in Tory circles for why Williamson has chosen to leave the Whips Office at such a vital time. The first is he has decided it was time to get out. He has never lost a vote on Government business but with hundreds of amendments put down to the EU Withdrawal Bill, it was getting harder and harder to keep hold of that recordThe more intriguing explanation is that Williamson has decided he needs to start building a public profile for his leadership bid now  and there is no time to waste. This is making ministers and MPs wonder if Williamson has concluded the Prime Minister might not have as long left as some people think.  The Sun

Williamsons Alan Partridge-style Instagram account revealed that he hadnt paid road tax  Daily Mail

New Defence Secretary helped derail Ministry of Defence plans to allow a US radar base to upgrade missile defences in Yorkshire as a young campaigner  The Sun

In defence of Williamson: there are worse things than a novice  Financial Times

Soubry claims that there was a further complaint against Fallon. He denies the allegation and says that it is libellous.

Michael Fallon had to resign because of his behaviour towards women. One person with great courage made a complaint to No 10 of sexual assault. Theresa May made it very clear she took these allegations seriously and within hours he had gone, Ms Soubry said. Sir Michael said that the claim was not true and was libellous. Ive already accepted that I have behaved inappropriately in the past but I have never physically assaulted anybody, he said. He added that no specific allegation was put to him. No 10 declined to comment. There has been no formal report of any alleged misconduct to the police.  The Times ()

Soubry interview in full  The Times ()

Leadsom shopped Fallon to make her unsackable in a reshuffle  Daily Mail

The Commons leader: deluded, out of her depth, cynical  Andrew Pierce, Daily Mail

Fallon doesnt blame me for his downfall  Julia Hartley-Brewer, Daily Telegraph

Former Defence Secretary out and about at the opening of a new girls school  The Sun

Sleaze returns to haunt the Tories  Financial Times

The sex predators of yesteryear  Daily Mail

Elphicke is suspended from the Parliamentary Party after a woman makes serious allegations against him. He denies any wrongdoing.

It is understood that Conservative Party whips contacted the police after being told of the allegations. They also contacted the woman concerned to say that they were co-operating with the police. Mr Elphicke said that he was unaware that he had been suspended until after the statement had been released to the media. The party tipped off the press before telling me of my suspension, he said. I am not aware of what the alleged claims are and deny any wrongdoing.  The Times ()

What whips do  The Times ()

(Bradshaw reports Baker to Standards watchdog over Constitutional Research Council donation)  The Times ()

Corbyns judgment questioned over Hopkins promotion

Mr Hopkins was appointed shadow culture secretary in June 2016 following a rebellion by Labour MPs that left Mr Corbyn desperate to fill holes in his frontbench team. Rosie Winterton, then Labour chief whip, is understood to have verbally raised the allegation of sexual harassment against Mr Hopkins with Mr Corbyns office soon after his appointment to the shadow cabinet. She did not raise formal concerns about the 76-year-old MP for Luton North.  Financial Times

Lewis under investigation by Labour for giving a womans bottom a big squeeze 

Daily Express

Labours Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children suspended after unknown allegation  Wales Online

Thousands join Scottish Labour to vote in leadership race  Herald Scotland

Corbyn appears on Gogglebox  Daily Mail

What was Corbyn thinking when he promoted Hopkins?  Sun Editorial

Was was Harman thinking when she started repeating anti-semitic jokes?  Daily Express Editorial

Jewish group calls on Harman to apologise  The Guardian

Labours Jewish wing produces shocking dossier of party anti-semitism. Quotes include support for the Holocaust.

The scale of anti-semitism within Labour has prompted training sessions for 1,200 party members in a drive to stamp out the vile online abuse. Labours Jewish wing is holding the events that use a slide show of hate-filled messages posted on the internet by the partys own activists. The Daily Mail has chosen to reproduce the comments despite their shocking content in order to highlight the enormity of the problem.  Daily Mail

City Council to take stand against anti-Semitism  Birmingham Post

Charles Moore: This scandal shows that women are now on top. I pray they share power with men, not crush us

My generation of men is the first in human history in which male physical strength  either in war or in ordinary labour  is not at a premium. In many ways, this is an emancipation for both sexes. It has helped bring about a genuine, unforced equality which gives less scope for male boorishness. It benefits both home life and the workplace. It enhances civilisation. The emerging solution to Ruth Davidsons point with which I began is surely power-sharing. I am sorry if this sounds rather wet and middle-of-the-road, but the alternative which we are currently witnessing is detestable.  Daily Telegraph

I am both delighted that women have seized the moral power and anxious that they use it responsibly and humanely.  Janice Turner, The Times ()

The problem isnt women, its us  Jonathan Freedland, The Guardian

May needs to get a grip  Peter Oborne, Daily Mail

Few MPs are sex pests, many are bullies  Katie Perrior, The Times ()

The Tory benches are fizzing with talent  Nadhim Zahawi, Daily Telegraph

The Governments behaviour defies common sense  Daily Telegraph Editorial

The Budget. Hammond believes too much investment is concentrated on housing

He is also due to publish the recommendations of the Treasurys patient capital review, which seeks to find new ways to find finance for innovative ideas and businesses. Economists want money that goes into housing speculation and inflates prices to be diverted into investment in growing businesses. However, there is concern that drastic action when the economy is slowing could cause problems for property owners. The Treasury, No 10 and the Department for Communities and Local Government are struggling to put together a package on housing in the budget.  The Times

He may hike Insurance premium tax  The Sun

Hammond and May rowed over the Budget and housing. It was like he felt he had to explain everything to her like a child. The Sun

Adrift on housing  Times Editorial

Ministerial conduct. Patel accused of breaking protocol over meetings with Israeli politicians.

Priti Patel met the leader of one of Israels main political parties and made visits to several organisations where official departmental business was reportedly discussed. According to one source, at least one of the meetings was held at the suggestion of the Israeli ambassador to London. In contrast, British diplomats in Israel were not informed about Ms Patels plans. Ministers are by convention supposed to tell the Foreign Office when they are conducting official business overseas.  BBC

Johnson backs Patel  Daily Express

Patel accuses foreign office officials of briefing against her  The Guardian

NUT chief attacks Prevent alongside banned teacher who allegedly led the Trojan Horse plot to further hardline Islamism in schools

At a packed debate in Birmingham, Mr Courtney shared a platform alongside Tahir Alam, the former chair of governors accused of being the ringleader of the Trojan Horse plot aimed at orchestrating a plan to promote hard-line Islamist religious teaching in schools. Speakers told 300 local people at the meeting, condemned by Birmingham City Council amid fears it would defend those said to have promoted hardline Islamist beliefs, that reports finding there had been an attempt to wrest control of some schools was the Trojan Horse Hoax.  Daily Telegraph

News in Brief
How The Right Lost Its Mind by Charles J Sykes

Why Trump? How did the land of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln end up with him? Why did American conservatives allow this crude, rude, mendacious braggart to become their leader?

This question greatly pains Charles Sykes, an American conservative writer and broadcaster who has refused to fall in behind Trump, and is aghast at what has taken place:

The gleeful rejection of established norms of civility, tradition, and basic decency played well in an era of reality television, but was the antithesis of what conservatism had once represented Like a number of other conservatives, including talk show hosts, I have to step back and ask uncomfortable questions. Theres no point in mincing words: for me 2016 was a brutal, disorienting, disillusioning slog. There came a moment when I realised that conservatives had created an alternative reality bubble and that I had perhaps helped shape it. Somewhere along the line much of the echo chamber turned on the very principles that had once animated it, replacing ideas of freedom, limited government and constitutionalism wth a crude populist nativism that fed into the Rights media zeitgeist.

Sykes laments how Trumpism has coarsened the culture as a whole, and made it very difficult to bring up children to treat others with respect, avoid name-calling and tell the truth even when inconvenient. For the young, and especially for young men, there is Trump as an alternative role model:

He may be a bully, a fabulist, a serial insulter and abuser of women, but our alpha-male president is a billionaire, who has been elevated to the most powerful job in the world.

America is more and more separated into two nations. People interact less and less with anyone with whom they disagree. And conservatives chose to close their eyes and ears to what was going on:

For years we ignored the birthers, the racists, the truthers, and other conspiracy theorists who indulged fantasies of Obamas secret Muslim plot to subvert Christendom, or who peddled tales of Hillary Clintons murder victims. We treated them like your obnoxious uncle at Thanksgiving. Rather than confront them, we changed the channel because, after all, they were our friends, whose quirks could be indulged or at least ignored.

Trump represents a strain in American life which has always existed. From time to time, Sykes touches on this point. He refers with admiration to Richard Hofstadters essay The Paranoid Style in American Politics, published in 1964, remarking that it seems eerily prescient.

For the paranoid spokesman sees the world in apocalyptic terms, with America in danger of immediate subversion and defeat by its enemies. The end of the world is nigh. While Ronald Reagan wanted the Berlin Wall torn down, Trump wants to build a wall to keep the Mexicans out.

For most of his book, Sykes concentrates on contemporary manifestations of boorishness, including Fox News and the Alt Right. As a report from the front line  where many conservatives, including many members of the Christian Right, persuaded themselves that in order to beat Hillary Clinton, any number of low blows were permissible  this works well.

But Sykes is too disgusted by these disreputable proceedings to be able to see the wider picture. Conservatives usually feel pessimistic about the all too palpable decline in many of the things which they hold dear.

Yet the American Constitution  that magnificent 18th-century edifice, built on ancient foundations  has outlived some third-rate presidents, and will not be destroyed by Trump. Indeed, his career may end in abject failure, and become a warning to future generations.

Even if (as seems to me likely) Trump does not by his disgraceful conduct bring about his own destruction, he is not immortal, and will create a desire for someone better, or at least for someone different.

His opponents were at first baffled by him. For the more agonised they were by his behaviour, the better pleased his supporters were. Trumps bunch of deplorables had found a showman who on Twitter could each day, indeed each minute, enrage and embarrass the ruling class, Republican as well as Democrat.

Outsiders who felt they had long been taken for granted by Washington could revel in Trumps impudence. Barack Obama had risen to the top by knowing, on almost every occasion, how to strike the right note.

Many Americans decided they would like, as a protest against the baffling good manners of the first black president, to put in a white man who knows, on almost every occasion, how to strike the wrong note.

For reputable characters like Sykes, this is a fearful blow to conservatism. But be of good cheer. The night is long that never finds the day.
Carnival Corporation has announced that seven of its brands are returning to Grand Turk, St. Thomas and San Juan starting this month.

According to a prepared statement from Carnival, its brands have operated normal schedules in the aftermath of the September storms, modifying itineraries for only a handful of impacted destinations. Vigorous recovery efforts to restore cruise travel to those affected destinations have led to the re-opening of cruise ports in Grand Turk, St. Thomas and San Juan.

Below is a summary of when Carnival Corporation brands return to these three popular destinations: Carnival Cruise Line returned to Grand Turk on November 1, and will return to San Juan on November 30 and St. Thomas on January 9. Seabourn visited St. Thomas Nov. 3 and will return to San Juan starting on December 18. Holland America Line will return to Grand Turk on November 6, St. Thomas starting on November 8 and San Juan starting on December 7.

AIDA Cruises will return to Grand Turk beginning November 9. Princess Cruises will return to St. Thomas starting on November 12, Grand Turk starting on December 15 and San Juan starting on December 20. Costa Cruises will return to San Juan starting on December 17 and Grand Turk on December 23. And, P&O Cruises UK will return to Grand Turk on December 20.
Metro Cruise Services has announced the appointment of Robert Moroney as Director Shore Services for the East and Gulf coasts, effective immediately. He will be based in South Florida at Metro Cruise Services Fort Lauderdale office, according to a statement.

Moroney brings more than 25 years of experience in senior management across multiple sectors, with an emphasis in cruise services and operations. Before joining Metro Cruise Services, he served as Director of Cruise Services, nationwide, for Ceres Terminals Inc.

For the 11 years prior to that, Moroney held worldwide management positions with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., based in Miami. As Royal Caribbeans Manager of Port Operations, Moroney directed port operations on a global scale, including management of port agencies, stevedore companies, and port and union relationships on a regional basis.

Moroney was also involved in the planning and supervision of the $65-million Port Everglades Terminal 18 construction project, as well as the design and construction of Port Canaverals CT-1, current home for the Oasis of the Seas. In his most recent role with Royal Caribbean, Moroney was responsible for Guest Port Services, overseeing the overall guest experience in 63 turnaround ports worldwide.

Robert Moroney brings exceptional depth of knowledge to our team. His proven commitment to exceptional customer service perfectly aligns with Metro Cruises values, said Stefano Borzone, President of Metro Cruise Services.

In his new position with Metro Cruise Services, Moroney will oversee ground and agency services for the Eastern and Gulf coasts, including Miami FL; Fort Lauderdale FL; Boston MA; Cape Liberty/Bayonne NJ; Mobile AL; and Galveston TX.
Fundamental Australian Dollar Forecast: Neutral

Theres an Australian interest rate decision looming

But theres also next to no chance that rates will rise

Moreover, the Reserve Bank may decide to talk the Aussie down again

Were one month into 2017s final quarter, what will the next two bring? Check out the fundamental and technical forecasts from DailyFX.

The Australian Dollar will face a monetary-policy decision from the Reserve Bank of Australia in the coming week, but that may not provide it with much support, if any.

The key Official Cash Rate still languishes at the 1.50% record low which has endured since August 2016. Its certainly not expected to change on Tuesday when the RBA gives the word.

Now, many other developed market central banks have either tightened monetary policy this year or signalled some intention of doing so. But the RBA has not. Whats more it has explicitly denied that rate rises elsewhere in the world place any burden upon it to follow. One of its officials even said in early October that rates could even go yet lower. Thats not market consensus, of course. Interest-rate futures markets think that the next move, when it comes, will be an increase. But they dont now fully price one of those until the start of 2019.

Why the reticence? Well, the RBAs dilemma was nicely underlined last week. Australias external, export machine is firing very nicely as the latest trade numbers showed. But commensurate vigour remains lacking in the domestic, consumer sector. There retail sales missed forecasts, while wages remain subdued and consumer debt is eye-wateringly high.

Unless the Reserve Bank has had a dramatic change of heart this month, it can be expected to stick with old themes. That will mean an acknowledgement of the Australian economys strengths as well as a frank admission of its weaknesses, probably accompanied by some loud grumbling about the baleful effects of too much currency strength.

Against this backdrop it is hard to see AUD/USD making much headway under its own power. Disappointing US economic data may of course shift the dial in the Aussies favour. But the trouble is that we are at that part of the month in which the US data cycle winds down after the crucial official labour-market release. There simply isnt enough first-tier information on tap in the coming sessions.

Thats why all up it just has to be a neutral call this week. The Australian Dollar may not fall very far, and it may be worth keeping an eye on the little base which seems to be building around last weeks AUD/USD lows in the 0.7690 area. But it doesnt look likely to rise much either.

--- Written by David Cottle, DailyFX Research

Contact and follow David on Twitter: @DavidCottleFX
Surprise, surprise! China for the fourth time blocked India, the US and other nations bid to list Pathankot terror attack mastermind Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, arguing that there is no consensus within the members of the sanctions committee.

New Delhis reaction was pointed. Deeply disappointed that once again a single country blocked international consensus on the designation of an acknowledged terrorist Masood Azhar. India strongly believes that double standards will only undermine international communitys resolve to combat terrorism, the ministry of external affairs stated India hopes there will be realisation that accommodating with terrorism for narrow objectives is shortsighted and counterproductive.

Sanctions

China was the only member in the 15-nation UN Security Council last year to put a hold on Indias application despite all the other members supporting New Delhis bid to place Azhar on the 1,267 sanctions list that would subject him to an assets freeze and travel ban.

Despite the latest block, Beijings chutzpah is to be admired. It has gone ahead to suggest that it is ready to work with India to promote constant progress of bilateral relations guided by this diplomacy with Chinese characteristics for the new era, by highlighting Chinas efforts at making consistent efforts to promote bilateral relations and develop mutual political trust with its neighbours over the past few years.

The BRICS declaration of 2017 issued at Xiamen, China, had generated significant euphoria in India. The 43-page declaration, adopted by the five-member states of the BRICS grouping, took a strong stance against terrorism for the first time since its inception, expressing concern over the security situation in the region and the violence caused by the Taliban, ISIS, Al Qaeda and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani Network, Lashkar-e-Tayyeba (LeT), Jaish e-Mohammad (JeM), Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Hizbut-Tahrir.

This was a remarkable turnaround for a grouping that was unwilling to talk to groups like LeT and JeM based in Pakistan until last year. At the 2016 Goa summit of BRICS, China had led the way in scuttling any mention of these groups in the declaration despite India making it a priority issue. This had caused considerable dismay in India with many observers questioning the very utility of BRICS platform for India as even on issues like terrorism there was little or no convergence among the five member states.

This years BRICS summit happened under the shadow of Sino-Indian standoff at Doklam and so Chinas acceptance of Indias case has come as a surprise to many. New Delhi successfully managed to convey its strong feelings on the issue of terrorism to Beijing and Xi Jinping, who wanted to make the BRICS summit a success, had no compunction in taking on the issue as part of the declaration.

Stand

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang justified his countrys stand by suggesting that with this declaration, BRICS countries have shown their concerns to the violent activities raised by these organisations These organisations are all sanctioned by the UN Security Council and have a significant impact on Afghanistan issue, Geng underlined.

That Pakistan saw this as a real challenge was evident in foreign minister Khawaja Asifs remarks: We (Pakistan) need to break our false image. We have no stake but there is baggage. We need to accept the history and correct ourselves. Islamabad was worried about Chinas stance and Asif made it clear that Pakistan needed to tell our friends that we have improved our house. We need to bring our house in order to prevent facing embarrassment on an international level.

While there is much to commend in the way Indian diplomacy managed to get Chinese support on this issue and the likely pressure it put on Pakistan to clean up its act, it should have also been evident that it wont change much on the ground in so far as Sino-Pak ties were concerned.

Days after the declaration, Beijing assured Pakistan that there is no change in its policy with Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong underscoring that the BRICS declaration mentioned organisations which are already banned.

Terrorism

Pakistans foreign minister too paid a visit to China when he was reassured by the Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, that there has been no change in Chinese policy regarding Pakistan... Pakistan and China are in constant contact regarding regional challenges. He further stressed that China supports Pakistans stand on terror.

The two nations also joined hands to rebuff the Trump Administrations new Afghanistan policy. Taking a contrary stand to that of Trump, Wang suggested that Pakistan has not been given full credit for its efforts to battle terrorism by some countries. Weng said, When it comes to the issue of counterterrorism, we believe Pakistan has done its best with a clear conscience. In comparison, some countries need to give Pakistan the full credit it deserves.

Given China and Pakistans close ties, this should hardly be a surprise. Chinas support for the BRICS declaration was merely a tactical ploy to make the summit a success given New Delhis categorical stand on the issue but its long-term strategic interest has always been to build Pakistan as an equal to India to block New Delhis ascent in global hierarchy. And that long-term strategy is not going to change anytime soon.

With its recent action on Masood Azhars case, China has once again made it clear that it doesnt see good Sino-Indian relations as a priority. It is guided by its short-term tactic of scuttling Indias regional and global rise. India should prepare itself economically, militarily, and diplomatically for a long-term rivalry with China.
It is very disturbing to know that Islamic hate preacher and rabid religious fanatic Zakir Naik is in Malaysia. The immediate question that arises is why has Naik relocated to South East Asia at this point in time?

Saudi Arabia, with its strong Wahabi ideology, has always backed Islamic extremists with moral and material support but Riyadh has of late been shifting abettors of ultra Islam to safer locations instead of harbouring them on the Saudi turf. This is quite obviously being done to keep its own theatre of fundamentalist and terror-linked activities - detrimental to global security interests - far away from its home ground. Yet it is sponsoring activities from different locations like a proxy-driven psychological warfare. One must remember Osama Bin Laden was not sheltered in Saudi Arabia based on a calculated design and was subtly shunted off to other locations. Yet he continued to receive all kinds of support from Saudi Arabia in promoting Islamic fundamentalism and terror related activities.

It would appear from these developments that Saudi Arabia and its affiliates would like to use Islamic countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia as the new hub of terrorist activities with a well-crafted and sinister strategy. This strategy aims to use vulnerable Islamic countries to propagate a radical form of Islam, indoctrinating the moderates to try and convert the country into an extremist state.

The timing is also perfect and well-thought out tailored to Zakir Naik's line of thinking. Islamic State (IS) is on its way out relegating the dream of a Caliphate to a mere utopian concept, particularly after the fall of Raqqa in Syria and Mosul in Iraq. Militarily, IS is seeing an imminent defeat or a complete rout.

IS supporters and the likes of Zakir Naik are making a last-ditch effort to keep the IS ideology alive. And precisely because of this, they will choose countries practising moderate Islam as fresh targets to thrive upon. Malaysia, reeling under severe pressure of the local Islamic ultras, not only agreed to grant refuge to Zakir Naik but also immediately granted him permanent residency. It's evident that all plans are working with surgical precision as part of a blueprint whose die is cast possibly in Saudi Arabia.

Although deputy prime minister of Malaysia, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, disclosed recently in the country's legislative house that Zakir Naik is not being given any preferential treatment, his statement is far from true. Zakir is receiving VIP treatment from all and sundry. He is moving around with an armed bodyguard and is offering his "namaz" in the most privileged mosque - Putra Masjid. In effect, his visit to this elite mosque is sending signals to thousands of Malaysians about how important Zakir Naik is.

Senior officials in Kuala Lumpur were seen embracing Naik treating him like a hero and social media is full of photos and news covering this rabid zealot. A photograph of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak with Zakir Naik has also surfaced on Facebook. Naik has already drawn huge mileage for his cause by being in Malaysia. He must be made to account for this before it's too late.

Also, there is a sizeable Indian population - including many Muslims - in Malaysia, which will remain vulnerable to Zakir Naik's inimitable style of rhetoric, combined with acrimonious hate speeches, strengthening communal forces currently being encouraged with Naik's presence.

A silver lining, however, is visible with a group of Malaysian activists filing a law suit in the country's court pleading for Naik's deportation describing him as a threat to public peace in a multi-racial country. Civil rights groups and local intelligentsia must support these activists and create a favourable public opinion against Naik so that people in general start despising him intensely for trying to divide the Malaysian society on communal lines spreading hatred.

It is imperative to call for an effective counter-narrative as Malaysia's principal opposition party, PAS, which is openly supportive of Naik, has appealed to the government to ignore any potential move by the Indian government to initiate extradition proceedings against Naik. They argue that allegations against Naik are to contain his influence and efforts to spread religious awareness among the international community.

Another significant implication of Zakir's moving to Malaysia is the profound impact it is likely to have in southern Thailand. This region has remained communally volatile and buoyant with turbulent Islamic terrorist activities. The separatist Islamic forces will get a definite boost from Naik through his fervent and passionate speeches with Malaysia, being in the closest possible proximity of Thailand.

Places such as Surat Thani, Hat Yai, Narathiwat, Songkran, Pattani etc need special attention. Thailand would do well in tightening its border control by not only stopping Zakir Naik from entering the country and speak at these places but also try to stop smuggling of inflammatory literature, inspired by Naik, emanating from Malaysia and eventually getting its way elsewhere.

Further, Singapore is known for its tough counter-terror measures but the presence of Zakir Naik in the immediate neighbourhood may embolden Muslims in Singapore to listen to Zakir and get allured by his oration.

Given the professionalism of the government of Singapore, it is expected that they have stepped up their intelligence and are taking all possible measures to pre-empt any untoward development.

On India's part, it would be desirable if the country continues to press for Zakir's extradition at the earliest. It must also take Singapore, Thailand and other ASEAN countries onboard to mount pressure on Malaysia to expel Nail from its soil in the larger interest of peace. Indian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur must be extra active in gathering hard intelligence against Naik and his activities, that threaten Indian security interests.
With the aim of making humans a multi-planetary species, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk unveiled the design and function specifics of his Mars rocket this September.

Musk, through a Reddit Ask Me Anything session, fielded a barrage of questions with a mix of witty, vague and specific responses. The question that he provided a crystal clear answer to, without mincing any words, was the one that science and adventure enthusiasts had been most eagerly waiting for - what would it take to book a seat on SpaceXs Big Fucking Rocket, code named BFR, to Mars in 2024?

All one needs is to fulfil two criteria, answered Musk. First, one must be a billionaire. It will cost $10 billion to buy oneself a chance to be a part of this historic mission to colonise Mars. Second, one must be prepared to die. Sudden, accidental death will be a strong possibility during any moment of this adventurous ride.

Musks first precondition cuts down the eligibility for Mars tourism to exactly 2,043 billionaires on Earth, mostly men above fifty. The second precondition on the other hand, of being willing to die, would have been satisfied by all humans. Why is that, one may ask. Well, the answer has been staring in our faces for much too long now.

The human race is at the juncture of an apocalypse - antibiotic apocalypse - in the words of Dr Sally Davies, Englands chief medical officer. Ready or not, billionaire or not, superbugs can push one into a black hole of prolonged suffering leading to death any moment.

No secret superstars

Our species is facing an onslaught by invisible superstars of evolution. Invisible, not secret. These disease-causing bacteria have outsmarted the strongest of antibiotic cures invented by humans in the last century. By developing protective resistance against their poison, the bacteria have transformed into superbugs, guaranteeing their survival while ringing in doomsday for humans.

Antibiotics, an unprecedented achievement of modern medicine, have been rendered ineffective against superbugs, pulling down the shield of defence against day-to-day infections.

In effect, a setback dragging humans into the past by a 100-odd years, when cesarean childbirth and minor surgeries were considered life-threatening not due to the underlying procedural risk but for the risk of acquiring infections. These are the most basic and routine aspects of modern medicine that one takes for granted in current times.

Image: Reuters photo

Given this, one is left with no option, but to be prepared to die due to infections in todays antibiotic-resistant world, whether acquired through a minor injury or a complex surgery. There is no hope on the horizon until scientists develop a new-generation compound or vaccine to counter drug-resistant infections.

The magnitude of this threat, measured in human lives, is equal to 24 million people pushed into extreme poverty by 2030, and 10 million deaths per year by 2050. Economically speaking, the World Bank predicts it to be a global hit as massive as that of the 20082009 financial crisis, resulting in a tragedy more severe and more prolonged than that.

It would cause the annual global GDP to fall by a devastating order by 2050, estimated to be in the range of 1.1 to 3.8 per cent. For low and low-middle income group countries (such as India) lurking under the double whammy of weak public health system and poverty, the threat and the impact will be bigger and more intense.

Whats the plan, world?

Superbugs are the biggest health threat to our civilisation. The United Nations had adopted a political declaration for a collaborative, global response to this threat in September 2016 on 10 fronts outlined by British economist, Jim ONeill. One year on, ONeills assessment on how countries have progressed on these fronts is lukewarm.

Lord O'Neill analyzes #AMRreview progress' 10 Commandments 1year on. 3 meet expectations 3 less and 3 not sure. #ctaAMR17 #StopSuperbugs. pic.twitter.com/DKAfLshjKf  Marc Mendelson (@SouthAfricanASP) October 12, 2017

The alarming rate at which the problem is growing across the world warrants immediate and simultaneous action on all fronts to optimise access and use of antibiotics. Both at policy level by governments as well as by the civil society. The cost of inaction will derail economies and destroy lives. It is not a country-specific issue, all are in it together. Having said that, India is in the eye of the storm.

The threat has been looming large since the first case of antibiotic-resistant NDM-1 infection surfaced in 2008. Since then, NDM-1 has spread widely within India, and in several other countries. Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis has been on exponential rise in India. The death of an American woman, who had recently returned to Nevada from India, because of the superbug NDM-1 infections that she contracted in India made big news in January 2017.

Whats the plan, India?

Meanwhile, although after much dilly-dallying, the prevailing danger was finally acknowledged by the Indian government this year.

In April 2017, an inter-ministerial group on the topic congregated and a five-year National Action Plan was released by the health ministry. The document enlists a series of tasks, each with a three-tiered priority tag: short-term (Sless than 1 year), medium-term (M1-3 years) and long term (L3-5 years).

The implementation task force for this plan needs maximum support and resources from the government. Dragging ones feet on this issue will bolster an already large-sized avalanche into an uncontrollable monster. The current standing and preparation of India against this challenge (summarised below) is dangerously inadequate along all dictates of ONeill.

Policymakers and politicians in India must not take a myopic view on the cost of tackling antibiotic resistance. All money and effort spent to counter this challenge will prove to be a high-yielding development investment for the country.
VeriFone Systems, Inc. provides payments and commerce solutions at the point of sale (POS) worldwide. It offers countertop solutions that accept payment options, including contactless, NFC, mobile wallets, and EMV; PIN pads that support credit and debit card, EBT, EMV, and other PIN-based transactions; and multilane consumer facing commerce devices. It also provides portable payment devices, including small, portable, and handheld devices that enable merchants to accept electronic payments wherever wireless connectivity is available; and mobile solutions that attach to and interface with iOS or Android based smartphones and tablets. In addition, it offers integrated electronic payment systems that combine electronic payment processing, fuel dispensing, and ECR functions, as well as secure payment systems for integration with petroleum pump controllers; unattended and self-service payment solutions designed to enable payment transactions in self-service, high-transaction volume, and public transportation environments; and network access solutions. Further, it provides installation, deployment, training, and application development and delivery solutions; project management, client education program, and consulting services; helpdesk support, equipment repair and maintenance, and software post-contract support services; and application libraries and development tools. Additionally, it offers omnichannel commerce, terminal management, and security solutions; and cloud-based managed, transaction payment, and other value added services. It sells its products directly; and through third party and channel partners. It serves financial institutions, payment processors, government organizations, and retailers; petroleum, transportation, and healthcare companies; and quick service restaurants. The company was formerly known as VeriFone Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to VeriFone Systems, Inc. in May 2010. VeriFone Systems, Inc. is headquartered in San Jose, California.
Cenovus Energy Inc., together with its subsidiaries, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas in Canada, the United States, and the Asia Pacific region. The company operates through Oil Sands, Conventional, Offshore, Canadian Manufacturing, U.S. Manufacturing, and Retail segments. The Oil Sands segment develops and produces bitumen and heavy oil in northern Alberta and Saskatchewan. This segments Foster Creek, Christina Lake, Sunrise, and Tucker oil sands projects, as well as Lloydminster thermal and conventional heavy oil assets The Conventional segment holds assets primarily located in Elmworth-Wapiti, Kaybob-Edson, Clearwater, and Rainbow Lake operating in Alberta and British Columbia, as well as interests in various natural gas processing facilities. The offshore segment engages in the exploration and development activities. The Canadian Manufacturing segment includes the owned and operated Lloydminster upgrading and asphalt refining complex, which upgrades heavy oil and bitumen into synthetic crude oil, diesel fuel, asphalt, and other ancillary products, as well as owns and operates the Bruderheim crude-by-rail terminal and two ethanol plants. The U.S. Manufacturing segment comprises the refining of crude oil to produce diesel, gasoline, jet fuel, asphalt, and other products. The Retail segment consists of marketing of its own and third-party refined petroleum products through retail, commercial, and bulk petroleum outlets, as well as wholesale channels. Cenovus Energy Inc. was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.
Chegg, Inc. operates direct-to-student learning platform that supports students starting with their academic journey and extending into their careers with products and services to support and help them better understand their academic course materials. The company offers Chegg Services, which include subscription services; and required materials that comprise its print textbooks and eTextbooks. Its subscription services include Chegg Study, which helps students master challenging concepts on their own; Chegg Writing that provides students with a suite of tools, such as plagiarism detection scans, grammar and writing fluency checking, expert personalized writing feedback, and premium citation generation; Chegg Math, a step-by-step math problem solver and calculator that helps students to solve problems; Chegg Study Pack, a bundle of various Chegg Services product offerings, including Chegg Study, Chegg Writing, and Chegg Math Solver services, which creates an integrated platform of connected academic support services; Busuu, an online language learning solution that offers a comprehensive solution through a combination of self-paced lessons, live classes with expert tutors, and the ability to learn and practice with members of the Busuu language learning community; and Thinkful, a skills-based learning platform that offers professional courses along with networking, interviewing, and career services. The company also provides other services, such as Chegg Life, Chegg Prep, and Chegg Internships; provides personal and professional development skills training; and rents and sells print textbooks and eTextbooks. Chegg, Inc. was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.
Crestwood Equity Partners LP develops, acquires, owns, controls, and operates assets and operations in the energy midstream sector in the United States. It operates through three segments: Gathering and Processing North; Gathering and Processing South; and Storage and Logistics. The Gathering and Processing North segment offers natural gas, crude oil, and produced water gathering, compression, treating, processing, and disposal services to producers in the Williston Basin and Powder River Basin. This segment owns and operates natural gas facilities with approximately 0.4 Bcf/d of gathering capacity and 0.5 Bcf/d of processing capacity; crude oil facilities with approximately 150,000 Bbls/d of gathering capacity and 266,000 Bbls of storage capacity; and produced water facilities with approximately 130,000 Bbls/d of gathering and disposal capacity. The Gathering and Processing South segment provides natural gas gathering, compression, treating, and processing; and produced water gathering and disposal services to producers in the Marcellus, Barnett, and Delaware basins. This segment owns and operates natural gas facilities with 2.5 Bcf/d of gathering capacity and 0.7 Bcf/d of processing capacity; and produced water facilities with approximately 75,000 Bbls/d of gathering and disposal capacity. The Storage and Logistics segment offers natural gas liquids, crude oil, and natural gas storage, terminal, marketing, and transportation, including rail, truck and pipeline services to producers, refiners, marketers, utilities, and other customers. Crestwood Equity GP LLC serves as the general partner of Crestwood Equity Partners LP. The company was formerly known as Inergy L.P. and changed its name to Crestwood Equity Partners LP in October 2013. Crestwood Equity Partners LP was incorporated in 2001 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
Snap Inc. is a social media company operating globally. The company was founded in September 2011 by Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy. Originally known as Snapchat, the company changed its name to Snap in order to represent its offerings better as it grew over the years. The companys headquarters are in Santa Monica, California and it is a very tightly held company. The original founders, Evan Speigel and Bobby Murphy own a combined 45% of non-dilutable shares with ownership transferable to the other upon death. The two remain active in the company today serving on the board and acting as CEO (Speigel) and CTO (Murphy).

The company was formerly known as Snapchat, Inc. and changed its name to Snap Inc. in September 2016. Snap Inc. was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Santa Monica, California. Over the years it has been courted by most of the big tech companies including Facebook and Google but has always opted to remain a standalone company. The business went public in 2017 and raised $30 billion on its opening day which is about 10 times the expected amount.

Today, Snap operates as a camera company internationally. The companys main revenue streams are Snapchat, a mobile app for cameras and communications, and Spectacles, a wearable augmented reality device. Snapchat is a camera app that allows users to take pictures and tell stories, the platform also permits ad sales which is an integral part of the revenue and earnings. The companys mission? To empower people to express themselves in todays digital world.

Spectacles is a hardware device that can connect with Snapchat to deliver pictures and video from a point-of-view perspective. The company has since made three upgrades to the original version and has a Next Generation model available too. The Next Generation of Spectacles are not intended for sale but will be made available to creators who wish to push the boundaries of video and digital communications.

In October 2022 the company reported it had more than 347milion daily active users with more than 250 million engaging with AR each day. The platform had more than 250,000 Lens creators (Lenses are AR experiences) with more than 2.5 million lenses created. There were more than 6 billion lens plays each day and more than 75% of 13-34-year-olds in 20 countries were users.
Tidewater Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides offshore marine support and transportation services to the offshore energy industry through the operation of a fleet of marine service vessels worldwide. It provides services in support of offshore oil and natural gas exploration, field development, and production, as well as windfarm development and maintenance, including towing of and anchor handling for mobile offshore drilling units; transporting supplies and personnel necessary to sustain drilling, workover, and production activities; offshore construction, and seismic and subsea support; geotechnical survey support for windfarm construction; and various specialized services, such as pipe and cable laying. The company operates and charters deepwater vessels, including platform supply and horsepower anchor handling tug supply vessels for use in transporting supplies and equipment from shore bases to deepwater and intermediate water depth offshore drilling rigs and production platforms; towing-supply vessels for use in intermediate and shallow waters; and crew boats, utility vessels, and offshore tugs to transport personnel and supplies from shore bases to offshore drilling rigs, platforms, and other installations. It also operates offshore tugs for use in tow floating drilling rigs and barges; and assisting in the docking of tankers, as well as in pipe and cable laying, and construction barges. The company serves oil and natural gas exploration, field development, and production companies; mid-sized and smaller independent exploration and production companies; foreign government-owned or government-controlled organizations, and other related companies; drilling contractors; and other companies, such as offshore construction, windfarm development, diving, and well stimulation companies. As of December 31, 2021, it owned 135 vessels. Tidewater Inc. was incorporated in 1956 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
AbbVie Inc. discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells pharmaceuticals in the worldwide. The company offers HUMIRA, a therapy administered as an injection for autoimmune and intestinal Behcet's diseases; SKYRIZI to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults; RINVOQ, a JAK inhibitor for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients; IMBRUVICA to treat adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), and VENCLEXTA, a BCL-2 inhibitor used to treat adults with CLL or SLL; and MAVYRET to treat patients with chronic HCV genotype 1-6 infection. It also provides CREON, a pancreatic enzyme therapy for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency; Synthroid used in the treatment of hypothyroidism; Linzess/Constella to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation; Lupron for the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer, endometriosis and central precocious puberty, and patients with anemia caused by uterine fibroids; and Botox therapeutic. In addition, the company offers ORILISSA, a nonpeptide small molecule gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist for women with moderate to severe endometriosis pain; Duopa and Duodopa, a levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel to treat Parkinson's disease; Lumigan/Ganfort, a bimatoprost ophthalmic solution for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension; Ubrelvy to treat migraine with or without aura in adults; Alphagan/ Combigan, an alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist for the reduction of IOP in patients with OAG; and Restasis, a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant to increase tear production, as well as other eye care products. AbbVie Inc. has a research collaboration with Dragonfly Therapeutics, Inc. The company was incorporated in 2012 and is headquartered in North Chicago, Illinois.
Assured Guaranty Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides credit protection products to public finance, infrastructure, and structured finance markets in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Insurance and Asset Management. It offers financial guaranty insurance that protects holders of debt instruments and other monetary obligations from defaults in scheduled payments. The company insures and reinsures various debt obligations, including bonds issued by the United States state governmental authorities; and notes issued to finance infrastructure projects. It also insures and reinsures various the U.S. public finance obligations, such as general obligation, tax-backed, municipal utility, transportation, healthcare, higher education, infrastructure, housing revenue, investor-owned utility, renewable energy, and other public finance bonds. Further, it is involved in insuring and reinsuring of non-U.S. public finance obligations comprising regulated utilities, infrastructure finance, sovereign and sub-sovereign, renewable energy bonds, pooled infrastructure, and other public finance obligations; and the U.S. and non-U.S. Structured finance obligations, including residential mortgage-backed securities, life insurance transactions, consumer receivables securities, pooled corporate obligations, financial products, and other structured finance securities. Additionally, the company offers specialty insurance and reinsurance that include life and aircraft residual value insurance transactions; and asset management services comprising investment advisory services, including management of collateralized loan obligations, and opportunity and liquid strategy funds. It markets its financial guaranty insurance directly to issuers and underwriters of public finance and structured finance securities, as well as to investors in such obligations. Assured Guaranty Ltd. was incorporated in 2003 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.
The following companies are subsidiares of PepsiCo: Alimentos Quaker Oats y Compania Limitada, Alimentos del Istmo S.A., Amavale Agricola Ltda., Anderson Hill Insurance Limited, Asia Bottlers Limited, BAESA Capital Corporation Ltd., BFY Brands, BFY Brands LLC, BFY Brands Limited, BUG de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Balmoral Industries LLC, Bare Foods Co., Barrhead LLC, Be & Cheery, Beaman Bottling Company, Bebidas Sudamerica S.A., Beech Limited, Bell Taco Funding Syndicate, Bendler Investments II Ltd, Bendler Investments S.a r.l, Beverage Services Limited, Beverages Foods & Service Industries Inc., Bishkeksut OJSC, Blaue NC S. de R.L. de C.V., Blue Cloud Distribution Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Arizona Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Arkansas Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Colorado Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Florida Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Georgia Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Illinois Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Indiana Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Iowa Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Kentucky Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Louisiana Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Minnesota Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Mississippi Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Missouri Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Nebraska Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Nevada Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of North Carolina Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Ohio Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Oklahoma Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Pennsylvania Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of South Carolina Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Tennessee Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Texas Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Virginia Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Wisconsin Inc., Blue Ridge Sales LLC, Bluebird Foods Limited, Bluecan Holdings Unlimited Company, Bokomo Zambia Limited, Bolsherechensky Molkombinat JSC, Boquitas Fiestas LLC, Boquitas Fiestas S.R.L., Bottling Group Financing LLC, Bottling Group Holdings LLC, Bottling Group LLC, Bronte Industries Ltd, C & I Leasing Inc., CB Manufacturing Company Inc., CEME Holdings LLC, CMC Investment Company, Caroni Investments LLC, Centro-Mediterranea de Bebidas Carbonicas PepsiCo S.L., Ceres Fruit Juices Pty Ltd, ChampBev Inc., China Concentrate Holdings Hong Kong Limited, Chipsy International for Food Industries S.A.E., Chipsy for Food Industries S.A.E., Chitos Internacional y Cia Ltda, Cipa Industrial de Produtos Alimentares Ltda., Cipa Nordeste Industrial de Produtos Alimentares Ltda., Cocina Autentica Inc., Comercializadora CMC Investment y Compania Limitada, Comercializadora Nacional SAS Ltda., Comercializadora PepsiCo Mexico S de R.L. de C.V., Compania de Bebidas PepsiCo S.L., Concentrate Holding Uruguay Pte. Ltd., Concentrate Manufacturing Singapore Pte. Ltd., Confiteria Alegro S. de R.L. de C.V., Copella Fruit Juices Limited, Copper Beech International LLC, Corina Snacks Limited, Corporativo Internacional Mexicano S. de R.L. de C.V., CytoSport Holdings Inc., CytoSport Inc., Davlyn Realty Corporation, Defosto Holdings Limited, Desarrollo Inmobiliario Gamesa S. de R.L. de C.V., Dilexis S.A., Donon Holdings Limited, Drinkfinity USA Inc., Drinkstation Inc., Drinkstation Innovation Co. Ltd., Drinkstation Limited, Dutch Snacks Holding S.A. de C.V., Duyvis Production B.V., EPIC Enterprises Inc., Echo Bay Holdings Inc., Elaboradora Argentina de Cereales S.R.L., Enter Logistica LLC, Environ at Inverrary Partnership, Environ of Inverrary Inc., Eridanus Investments S.a r.l, Evercrisp Snack Productos de Chile S.A., FL Transportation Inc., FLI Andean LLC, FLI Colombia LLC, FLI Snacks Andean GP LLC, Fabrica PepsiCo Mexicali S. de R.L. de C.V., Fabrica de Productos Alimenticios Rene y Cia S.C.A., Fairlight International SRL, Far East Bottlers Hong Kong Limited, Food Concepts Pioneer Ltd., Forest Akers Nederland B.V., Forty-Six Peaks Holding Inc., Fovarosi Asvanyviz es Uditoipari Zartkoruen Mukodo Reszvenytarsasag, Freshwater International B.V., Frito Lay Gida Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Frito Lay Poland Sp. z o.o., Frito Lay Sp. z o.o., Frito Lay de Guatemala y Compania Limitada, Frito-Lay Australia Holdings Pty Limited, Frito-Lay Dip Company Inc., Frito-Lay Dominicana S.A., Frito-Lay Global Investments B.V., Frito-Lay Inc., Frito-Lay Investments B.V., Frito-Lay Manufacturing LLC, Frito-Lay Netherlands Holding B.V., Frito-Lay North America Inc., Frito-Lay Sales Inc., Frito-Lay Trading Company Europe GmbH, Frito-Lay Trading Company GmbH, Frito-Lay Trading Company Poland GmbH, Frito-Lay Trinidad Unlimited, Fruko Mesrubat Sanayi Limited Sirketi, GB Czech LLC, GB International Inc., GB Russia LLC, GB Slovak LLC, GMP Manufacturing Inc., Gambrinus Investments Limited, Gamesa LLC, Gamesa S. de R.L. de C.V., Gas Natural de Merida S. A. de C. V., Gatorade Puerto Rico Company, General Bottlers of Hungary Inc., Golden Grain Company, Goveh S.R.L., Grayhawk Leasing LLC, Green Hemlock International LLC, Grupo Frito Lay y Compania Limitada, Grupo Gamesa S. de R.L. de C.V., Grupo Mabel, Grupo Sabritas S. de R.L. de C.V., Gulkevichskiy Maslozavod JSC, Hangzhou Baicaowei Corporate Management Consulting Co. Ltd., Hangzhou Haomusi Food Co, Hangzhou Haomusi Food Co. Ltd., Hangzhou Tao Dao Technology Co. Ltd., Health Warrior, Health Warrior Inc., Heathland LP, Helioscope Limited, Hillbrook Inc., Hillgrove Inc., Hillwood Bottling LLC, Hogganfield Limited Partnership, Holding Company "Opolie" JSC, Homefinding Company of Texas, Hudson Valley Insurance Company, IC Equities Inc., IZZE Beverage Co., Inmobiliaria Interamericana S.A. De C.V., Integrated Beverage Services Bangladesh Limited, Integrated Foods & Beverages Pvt. Ltd., International Bottlers Management Co. LLC, International KAS Aktiengesellschaft, Inversiones Borneo S.R.L., Inversiones PFI Chile Limitada, Inviting Foods Holdings Inc., Inviting Foods LLC, KAS Anorthosis S.a r.l, KAS S.L., KFC, Kevita Inc., Kinvara LLC, Kungursky Molkombinat JSC, Larragana S.L., Latin American Holdings Ltd., Latin American Snack Foods ApS, Latin Foods International LLC, Lebedyansky, Lebedyansky Holdings LLC, Lebedyansky LLC, Limited Liability Company "Sandora", Linkbay Limited, Lithuanian Snacks UAB, Mabel, Marbo Product d.o.o. Beograd, Marbo d.o.o. Laktasi, Matudis - Comercio de Produtos Alimentares Limitada, Matutano - Sociedade de Produtos Alimentares Lda., Mid-America Improvement Corporation, Mountainview Insurance Company Inc., Muscle Milk, NCJV LLC, New Bern Transport Corporation, New Century Beverage Company LLC, Noble Leasing LLC, Northeast Hot-Fill Co-op Inc., Office at Solyanka LLC, Onbiso Inversiones S.L., One World Enterprises LLC, One World Investors Inc., P-A Barbados Bottling Company LLC, P-A Bottlers Barbados SRL, P-Americas LLC, PAS Luxembourg S.a r.l, PAS Netherlands B.V., PBG Canada Holdings II LLC, PBG Canada Holdings Inc., PBG Cyprus Holdings Limited, PBG Investment Partnership, PBG Midwest Holdings S.a r.l, PBG Soda Can Holdings S.a r.l, PCBL LLC, PCNA Manufacturing Inc., PR Beverages Cyprus Holding Limited, PR Beverages Cyprus Russia Holding Limited, PRB Luxembourg S.a r.l, PRS Inc., PSAS Inversiones LLC, PSE Logistica S.R.L., PT Quaker Indonesia, Papas Chips S.A., Pei N.V., Pep Trade LLC, Pepsi B.V., Pepsi Beverages Holdings Inc., Pepsi Bottling Group Global Finance LLC, Pepsi Bottling Group GmbH, Pepsi Bottling Group Hoosiers B.V., Pepsi Bottling Holdings Inc., Pepsi Bugshan Investments S.A.E., Pepsi Cola Colombia Ltda, Pepsi Cola Egypt S.A.E., Pepsi Cola Panamericana S.R.L., Pepsi Cola Servis Ve Dagitim Limited Sirketi, Pepsi Cola Trading Ireland, Pepsi Logistics Company Inc., Pepsi Northwest Beverages LLC, Pepsi Overseas Investments Partnership, Pepsi Promotions Inc., Pepsi-Cola Advertising and Marketing Inc., Pepsi-Cola Bermuda Limited, Pepsi-Cola Bottlers Holding C.V., Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company Of St. Louis Inc., Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Ft. Lauderdale-Palm Beach LLC, Pepsi-Cola Company, Pepsi-Cola Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Pepsi-Cola Far East Trade Development Co. Inc., Pepsi-Cola Finance LLC, Pepsi-Cola General Bottlers Poland Sp. z o.o., Pepsi-Cola Industrial da Amazonia Ltda., Pepsi-Cola International Cork, Pepsi-Cola International LLC, Pepsi-Cola International Limited, Pepsi-Cola International Limited U.S.A., Pepsi-Cola International Private Limited, Pepsi-Cola Korea Co. Ltd., Pepsi-Cola Management and Administrative Services Inc., Pepsi-Cola Manufacturing Company Of Uruguay S.R.L., Pepsi-Cola Manufacturing International Limited, Pepsi-Cola Manufacturing Mediterranean Limited, Pepsi-Cola Marketing Corp. Of P.R. Inc., Pepsi-Cola Mediterranean Ltd., Pepsi-Cola Metropolitan Bottling Company Inc., Pepsi-Cola Mexicana Holdings LLC, Pepsi-Cola Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Pepsi-Cola National Marketing LLC, Pepsi-Cola Operating Company Of Chesapeake And Indianapolis, Pepsi-Cola Sales and Distribution Inc., Pepsi-Cola Technical Operations Inc., Pepsi-Cola Thai Trading Co. Ltd., Pepsi-Cola de Honduras S.R.L., Pepsi-Cola of Corvallis Inc., PepsiAmericas Nemzetkozi Szolgaltato Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, PepsiCo ANZ Holdings Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Alimentos Antioquia Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos Colombia Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos Ecuador Cia. Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos Z.F. Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos de Bolivia S.R.L., PepsiCo Amacoco Bebidas Do Brasil Ltda., PepsiCo Asia Research & Development Center Company Limited, PepsiCo Australia Financing Cyprus Limited, PepsiCo Australia Financing Limited Partnership, PepsiCo Australia Financing Partner 1 LLC, PepsiCo Australia Financing Partner 2 LLC, PepsiCo Australia Financing Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Australia Holdings Pty Limited, PepsiCo Australia International, PepsiCo Austria Services GmbH, PepsiCo Azerbaijan Limited Liability Company, PepsiCo BeLux BV, PepsiCo Beverage Sales LLC, PepsiCo Beverage Singapore Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Beverages Bermuda Limited, PepsiCo Beverages Hong Kong Limited, PepsiCo Beverages International Limited, PepsiCo Beverages Italia Societa' A Responsabilita' Limitata, PepsiCo Canada Finance LLC, PepsiCo Canada Holdings ULC, PepsiCo Canada Investment ULC, PepsiCo Canada ULC, PepsiCo Captive Holdings Inc., PepsiCo Caribbean Inc., PepsiCo China Limited, PepsiCo Consulting Polska Sp. z o.o., PepsiCo De Bolivia S.R.L., PepsiCo Del Paraguay S.R.L., PepsiCo Deutschland GmbH, PepsiCo Eesti AS, PepsiCo Euro Bermuda Limited, PepsiCo Euro Finance Antilles B.V., PepsiCo Europe Support Center S.L., PepsiCo Finance Americas Company, PepsiCo Finance Antilles A N.V., PepsiCo Finance Antilles B N.V., PepsiCo Finance South Africa Proprietary Limited, PepsiCo Financial Shared Services Inc., PepsiCo Food & Beverage Holdings Hong Kong Limited, PepsiCo Foods A.I.E., PepsiCo Foods China Company Limited, PepsiCo Foods Group Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Foods Guangdong Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Foods Nigeria Limited, PepsiCo Foods Private Limited, PepsiCo Foods Sichuan Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Foods Taiwan Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Foods Vietnam Company, PepsiCo France SAS, PepsiCo Global Business Services India LLP, PepsiCo Global Business Services Poland Sp. z o.o., PepsiCo Global Holdings Limited, PepsiCo Global Investments B.V., PepsiCo Global Investments S.a r.l, PepsiCo Global Mobility LLC, PepsiCo Global Real Estate Inc., PepsiCo Global Trading Solutions Unlimited Company, PepsiCo Golden Holdings Inc., PepsiCo Group Finance International B.V., PepsiCo Group Holdings International B.V., PepsiCo Group Spotswood Holdings S.a r.l, PepsiCo Gulf International FZE, PepsiCo Hellas Single Member Industrial and Commercial Societe Anonyme, PepsiCo Holding de Espana S.L., PepsiCo Holdings, PepsiCo Holdings LLC, PepsiCo Holdings Toshkent LLC, PepsiCo Hong Kong LLC, PepsiCo Iberia Servicios Centrales S.L., PepsiCo India Holdings Private Limited, PepsiCo India Sales Private Limited, PepsiCo Internacional Mexico S. de R. L. de C. V., PepsiCo International Hong Kong Limited, PepsiCo International Limited, PepsiCo International Pte Ltd., PepsiCo Investments Europe I B.V., PepsiCo Investments Ltd., PepsiCo Ireland Food & Beverages Unlimited Company, PepsiCo Japan Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Light B.V., PepsiCo Logistyka Sp. z o.o., PepsiCo Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., PepsiCo Management Services SAS, PepsiCo Manufacturing A.I.E., PepsiCo Max B.V., PepsiCo Mexico Holdings S. de R.L. de C.V., PepsiCo Nederland B.V., PepsiCo Nordic Denmark ApS, PepsiCo Nordic Finland Oy, PepsiCo Nordic Norway AS, PepsiCo Nutrition Trading DMCC, PepsiCo One B.V., PepsiCo Overseas Corporation, PepsiCo Overseas Financing Partnership, PepsiCo Panimex Inc, PepsiCo Products B.V., PepsiCo Products FLLC, PepsiCo Puerto Rico Inc., PepsiCo Sales Inc., PepsiCo Sales LLC, PepsiCo Services Asia Ltd., PepsiCo Services CZ s.r.o., PepsiCo Services LLC, PepsiCo Twist B.V., PepsiCo UK Pension Plan Trustee Limited, PepsiCo Ventures B.V., PepsiCo Wave Holdings LLC, PepsiCo World Trading Company Inc., PepsiCo Y LLC, PepsiCo de Argentina S.R.L., PepsiCo de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., PepsiCo do Brasil Industria e Comercio de Alimentos Ltda., PepsiCo do Brasil Ltda., PepsiCola Interamericana de Guatemala S.A., Pet Iberia S.L., Pete & Johnny Limited, Pine International LLC, Pine International Limited, Pinstripe Leasing LLC, Pioneer Food Group Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods Groceries Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods Group Ltd., Pioneer Foods Holdings Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods UK Ltd, Pioneer Foods Wellingtons Pty Ltd, Pipers Crisps Limited, PlayCo Inc., Pop corners, PopCorners Holdings Inc., Portfolio Concentrate Solutions Unlimited Company, Premier Nutrition Trading L.L.C., Prestwick LLC, Prev PepsiCo Sociedade Previdenciaria, Productos Alimenticios Rene LLC, Productos S.A.S. C.V., Productos SAS Management B.V., Punch N.V., Punica Getranke GmbH, Q O Puerto Rico Inc., QFL OHQ Sdn. Bhd., QTG Development Inc., QTG Services Inc., Quadrant - Amroq Beverages S.R.L., Quaker Development B.V., Quaker European Beverages LLC, Quaker European Investments B.V., Quaker Foods, Quaker Global Investments B.V., Quaker Holdings UK Limited, Quaker Manufacturing LLC, Quaker Oats Asia Inc., Quaker Oats Australia Pty Ltd, Quaker Oats B.V., Quaker Oats Capital Corporation, Quaker Oats Europe Inc., Quaker Oats Europe LLC, Quaker Oats Limited, Quaker Sales & Distribution Inc, Raptas Finance S.a r.l., Rare Fare Foods LLC, Rare Fare Holdings Inc., Reading Industries Ltd, Real Estate Holdings LLC, Rockstar Energy Drink, Rolling Frito-Lay Sales LP, S & T of Mississippi Inc., SIH International LLC, SVC Logistics Inc., SVC Manufacturing Inc., SVE Russia Holdings GmbH, Sabritas LLC, Sabritas S. de R.L. de C.V., Sabritas Snacks America Latina de Nicaragua y Cia Ltda, Sabritas de Costa Rica S. de R.L., Sabritas y Cia. S en C de C.V., Sakata Rice Snacks Australia Pty Ltd, Sandora Holdings B.V., Saudi Snack Foods Company Limited, Sea Eagle International SRL, Seepoint Holdings Ltd., Senselet Food Processing PLC, Senselet Holding B.V., Servicios GBF Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, Servicios GFLG y Compania Limitada, Servicios Gamesa Puerto Rico L.L.C., Servicios SYC S. de R.L. de C.V., Seven-Up Asia Inc., Seven-Up Light B.V., Seven-Up Nederland B.V., Shanghai PepsiCo Snack Company Limited, Shanghai YuHo Agricultural Development Co. Ltd, Shoebill LLC, Simba (Proprietary) Limited, Simba Proprietary Limited, Sitka Spruce, Smartfoods Inc., Smiles and Bites Holdings S.de R.L. de C.V., Smiths Crisps Limited, Snack Food Investments GmbH, Snack Food Investments II GmbH, Snack Food Investments Limited, Snack Food-Beverage Asia Products Limited, Snacks America Latina S.R.L., Snacks Guatemala Ltd., So Spark Ltd., Soda-Club CO2 Atlantic GmbH, Soda-Club CO2 GmbH, Soda-Club CO2 Ltd., Soda-Club Switzerland GmbH, Soda-Club Worldwide B.V., SodaStream, SodaStream Australia Pty Ltd, SodaStream CO2 SA, SodaStream Canada Ltd., SodaStream Enterprises N.V., SodaStream France SAS, SodaStream GmbH, SodaStream Iberia S.L., SodaStream Industries Ltd., SodaStream International B.V., SodaStream International Ltd., SodaStream Israel Ltd., SodaStream K.K., SodaStream New Zealand Ltd., SodaStream Nordics AB, SodaStream Poland Sp. z o.o., SodaStream SA Pty Ltd., SodaStream Switzerland GmbH, SodaStream USA Inc., SodaStream Osterreich GmbH, South Beach Beverage Company Inc., South Properties Inc., Spitz International Inc., Sportmex Internacional S.A. de C.V., Springboig Industries Ltd, Spruce Limited, Stacy's Pita Chip Company Incorporated, Star Foods E.M. S.R.L., Stokely-Van Camp Inc., Stratosphere Communications Pty Ltd, Stratosphere Holdings 2018 Limited, Streamfoods Ltd, TFL Holdings LLC, Tasman Finance S.a r.l, The Gatorade Company, The Good Carb Food Company Ltd., The Pepsi Bottling Group Canada ULC, The Quaker Oats Company, The Smith's Snackfood Company Pty Limited, Thomond Group Holdings Limited, Tobago Snack Holdings LLC, Tropicana Alvalle S.L., Tropicana Beverages Limited, Tropicana Europe N.V., Tropicana United Kingdom Limited, Troya-Ultra LLC, United Foods Companies Restaurantes S.A., V-Water, VentureCo Israel Ltd, Veurne Snack Foods BV, Vitamin Brands Ltd., Walkers Crisps Limited, Walkers Group Limited, Walkers Snack Foods Limited, Walkers Snacks Distribution Limited, Walkers Snacks Limited, Whitman Corporation, Whitman Insurance Co. Ltd., Wimm-Bill-Dann Beverages JSC, Wimm-Bill-Dann Brands Co. Ltd., Wimm-Bill-Dann Central Asia-Almaty LLP, Wimm-Bill-Dann Foods LLC, Wimm-Bill-Dann Georgia Ltd., Wimm-Bill-Dann JSC, and Wimm-Bill-Dann Ukraine PJSC.

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Camping World Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, retails recreational vehicles (RVs), and related products and services. It operates in two segments, Good Sam Services and Plans; and RV and Outdoor Retail. The company provides a portfolio of services, protection plans, products, and resources in the RV industry. It also offers extended vehicle service contracts; roadside assistance plans; property and casualty insurance programs; travel assist travel protection plans; and RV and outdoor related consumer shows, as well as produces various monthly and annual RV focused consumer magazines; and operates the Coast to Coast Club. In addition, the company provides new and used RVs; vehicle financing; RV repair and maintenance services; various RV parts, equipment, supplies, and accessories, which include towing and hitching products, satellite and GPS systems, electrical and lighting products, appliances and furniture, and other products; and collision repair services comprising fiberglass front and rear cap replacement, windshield replacement, interior remodel solutions, and paint and body work. Further, it offers equipment, gears, and supplies for camping, hunting, fishing, skiing, snowboarding, bicycling, skateboarding, and marine and watersports equipment and supplies, as well as operates Good Sam Club, a membership organization that offers savings on a range of products and services and provides co-branded credit cards. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated through a network of approximately 187 retail locations in 40 states of the United States. It serves customers through dealerships, and online and e-commerce platforms. The company was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Lincolnshire, Illinois.
Church & Dwight Co., Inc. develops, manufactures, and markets household, personal care, and specialty products. It operates through three segments: Consumer Domestic, Consumer International, and Specialty Products Division. The company offers cat litters, carpet deodorizers, laundry detergents, and baking soda, as well as other baking soda based products under the ARM & HAMMER brand; condoms, lubricants, and vibrators under the TROJAN brand; stain removers, cleaning solutions, laundry detergents, and bleach alternatives under the OXICLEAN brand; battery-operated and manual toothbrushes under the SPINBRUSH brand; home pregnancy and ovulation test kits under the FIRST RESPONSE brand; depilatories under the NAIR brand; oral analgesics under the ORAJEL brand; laundry detergents under the XTRA brand; gummy dietary supplements under the L'IL CRITTERS and VITAFUSION brands; dry shampoos under the BATISTE brand; water flossers and replacement showerheads under the WATERPIK brand; FLAWLESS products; cold shortening and relief products under the ZICAM brand; and oral care products under the THERABREATH brand. Its specialty products include animal productivity products, such as MEGALAC rumen bypass fat, a supplement that enables cows to maintain energy levels during the period of high milk production; BIO-CHLOR and FERMENTEN, which are used to reduce health issues associated with calving, as well as provides needed protein; and CELMANAX refined functional carbohydrate, a yeast-based prebiotic. The company offers sodium bicarbonate; and cleaning and deodorizing products. It sells its consumer products through supermarkets, mass merchandisers, wholesale clubs, drugstores, convenience stores, home stores, dollar and other discount stores, pet and other specialty stores, and websites and other e-commerce channels; and specialty products to industrial customers and livestock producers through distributors. The company was founded in 1846 and is headquartered in Ewing, New Jersey.
The following companies are subsidiares of Cummins: Anvl, Apollo FC Holdings Ltd., Atlantis Acquisitionco Canada Corporation, Atlantis Holdco UK Limited, Brammo, CIFC Worldwide Partner C.V., CMI Africa Holdings BV, CMI CGT Holdings LLC, CMI Canada Financing Ltd., CMI Canada LP, CMI Foreign Holdings B.V., CMI Global Equity Holdings B.V., CMI Global Equity Holdings C.V., CMI Global Holdings B.V., CMI Global Partner 2 C.V., CMI Global Partners B.V., CMI Group Holdings B.V., CMI Group Holdings Cooperatief U.A., CMI International Finance Partner 1 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 2 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 3 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 4 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 5 LLC, CMI Mexico LLC, CMI Netherlands Holdings B.V., CMI PGI Holdings LLC, CMI PGI International Holdings LLC, CMI Turkish Holdings B.V., CMI UK Finance LP, CMI UK Financing LP, Cherry Island Renewable Energy LLC, Consolidated Diesel Company, Consolidated Diesel Inc., Consolidated Diesel of North Carolina Inc., Cummins (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Cummins (Xiangyang) Machining Co. Ltd., Cummins Africa Middle East (Pty) Ltd., Cummins Afrique de l'Ouest, Cummins Americas Inc., Cummins Angola Lda., Cummins Argentina-Servicios Mineros S.A., Cummins Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Cummins Aust Technologies Pty. Ltd., Cummins BLR LLC, Cummins Battery Systems North America LLC, Cummins Belgium N.V., Cummins Botswana (Pty.) Ltd., Cummins Brasil Ltda., Cummins Burkina Faso SARL, Cummins CDC Holding Inc., Cummins CV Member LLC, Cummins Canada ULC, Cummins Caribbean LLC, Cummins Center of Excellence Singapore Pte. Ltd., Cummins Centroamerica Holding S.de R.L., Cummins Child Development Center Inc., Cummins Colombia S.A.S., Cummins Comercializadora S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Corporation, Cummins Cote d'Ivoire SARL, Cummins Czech Republic s.r.o., Cummins Deutschland GmbH, Cummins Diesel International Ltd., Cummins Distribution Holdco Inc., Cummins EMEA Holdings Limited, Cummins East Asia Research & Development Co. Ltd., Cummins Eastern Marine Inc., Cummins Electrified Power Europe Ltd., Cummins Electrified Power NA Inc., Cummins Emission Solutions (China) Co. Ltd., Cummins Emission Solutions Inc., Cummins Empresas Filantropicas, Cummins Energetica Ltda., Cummins Engine (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Cummins Engine (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Cummins Engine (Shanghai) Trading & Services Co. Ltd., Cummins Engine Holding Company Inc., Cummins Engine IP Inc., Cummins Engine Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Cummins Engine Venture Corporation, Cummins Enterprise LLC, Cummins Filtration (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Cummins Filtration GmbH, Cummins Filtration IP Inc., Cummins Filtration Inc., Cummins Filtration International Corp., Cummins Filtration Ltd., Cummins Filtration SARL, Cummins Filtration Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Cummins Filtros Ltda., Cummins Franchise Holdco LLC, Cummins Fuel Systems (Wuhan) Co. Ltd., Cummins Generator Technologies (China) Co. Ltd., Cummins Generator Technologies Americas Inc., Cummins Generator Technologies Germany GmbH, Cummins Generator Technologies India Private Ltd., Cummins Generator Technologies Italy SRL, Cummins Generator Technologies Limited, Cummins Generator Technologies Romania S.A., Cummins Generator Technologies Singapore Pte Ltd., Cummins Ghana Limited, Cummins Ghana Mining Limited, Cummins Global Financing LP, Cummins Global Technologies LLP, Cummins Grupo Comercial Y. de Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Grupo Industrial S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Holland B.V., Cummins Hong Kong Ltd., Cummins India Ltd., Cummins Intellectual Property Inc., Cummins International Finance LLC, Cummins International Holdings Cooperatief U.A., Cummins International Holdings LLC, Cummins Italia S.P.A., Cummins Japan Ltd., Cummins Korea Co. Ltd., Cummins LLC Member Inc., Cummins Ltd., Cummins Maroc SARL, Cummins Middle East FZE, Cummins Mining Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Mobility Services Inc., Cummins Mongolia Investment LLC, Cummins Mozambique Ltda., Cummins NV, Cummins Namibia Engine Sales and Service PTY LTD, Cummins Natural Gas Engines Inc., Cummins New Zealand Limited, Cummins Nigeria Ltd., Cummins Norte de Colombia S.A.S., Cummins North Africa Regional Office SARL, Cummins Norway AS, Cummins PGI Holdings Ltd., Cummins Power Generation (China) Co. Ltd., Cummins Power Generation (S) Pte. Ltd., Cummins Power Generation (U.K.) Limited, Cummins Power Generation Deutschland GmbH, Cummins Power Generation Inc., Cummins Power Generation Limited, Cummins PowerGen IP Inc., Cummins Research and Technology India Private Ltd., Cummins Romania Srl, Cummins S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Sales and Service Korea Co. Ltd., Cummins Sales and Service Philippines Inc., Cummins Sales and Service Private Limited, Cummins Sales and Service Sdn. Bhd., Cummins Sales and Service Singapore Pte. Ltd., Cummins Sinai ve Otomotiv Urunleri Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Cummins South Africa (Pty.) Ltd., Cummins South Pacific Pty. Limited, Cummins Southern Plains LLC, Cummins Spain S.L., Cummins Sweden AB, Cummins Technologies India, Cummins Trade Receivables LLC, Cummins Turbo Technologies Limited, Cummins Turkey Motor Guc Sistemleri Sats Servis Limited Sirketi, Cummins U.K. Holdings Ltd., Cummins U.K. Pension Plan Trustee Ltd., Cummins UK Global Holdings Ltd., Cummins UK Holdings LLC, Cummins Vendas e Servicos de Motores e Geradores Ltda., Cummins Venture Corporation, Cummins West Africa Limited, Cummins West Balkans d.o.o. Nova Pasova, Cummins XBorder Operations (Pty) Ltd, Cummins Zambia Ltd., Cummins Zimbabwe Pvt. Ltd., Distribuidora Cummins Centroamerica Costa Rica S.de R.L., Distribuidora Cummins Centroamerica El Salvador S.de R.L., Distribuidora Cummins Centroamerica Guatemala Ltda., Distribuidora Cummins Centroamerica Honduras S.de R.L., Distribuidora Cummins S.A., Distribuidora Cummins Sucursal Paraguay SRL, Distribuidora Cummins de Panama S. de R.L., Dynamo Insurance Company Inc., Efficient Drivetrains, Efficient Drivetrains (Beijing) New Power Technology Co. Ltd., Efficient Drivetrains (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Hilite International, Hydrogenics, Hydrogenics Corporation, Hydrogenics Europe N.V., Hydrogenics GmbH, Hydrogenics Holding GmbH, Hydrogenics USA Inc., Markon Engineering Company Ltd., Nelson Burgess Ltd., Nelson Industries, Newage Engineers GmbH, Newage Ltd. (U.K.), Newage Machine Tools Ltd., OOO Cummins, Petbow Limited, Power Group International (Overseas Holdings) B.V., Power Group International (Overseas Holdings) Ltd., Power Group International Ltd., Quickstart Energy Projects SpA, Shanghai Cummins Trade Co. Ltd., TOO Cummins, Taiwan Cummins Sales & Services Co. Ltd., Worldwide Partner CV Member LLC, Wuxi Cummins Turbo Technologies Co. Ltd., Wuxi New Energy Automotive Technologies Co. Ltd., and ZED Connect Inc..

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Its a term weve become familiar with over the past few decades, describing the consequence of the spiritual drift in European Christianity. Its a term youll increasingly hear describing the spiritual state of the union of the United States. To clarify the meaning, post-Christian is a description of a culture or nation that has moved away from its Christian traditions and become fundamentally secular (Websters New World College Dictionary). Among other things, its a consequence of religious pluralism and the growing irrelevance of the church.

The population of increasingly irreligious people in the U.S. has been labeled quite fittingly as the nones. This particular group includes atheists, agnostics, and others who may claim a belief in God but have little or nothing to do with organized religion. According to the Barna survey group, the nones comprise almost a quarter of the American population, and the percentage continues to rise.

Rather than wringing our hands and praying for Jesus return, Id suggest our approach to the adverse effects of a post-Christian culture should focus on an unprecedented opportunity. Never before in our lifetime have there been so many folks living with such need. Whether relational brokenness, emotional trauma, everyday life pressures or political weirdness  our society is ripe to receive the good news of the gospel. Great opportunity always accompanies great need.

Its relatively easy to label our country as a post-Christian culture and long for the good old days where religious debate centered upon theological orthodoxy. In the Christian era, the major decision relative to church involvement wasnt if to go, but where. Things have changed.

We have to decide as Christ followers if were ready to surrender to the inevitability of a post-Christian culture or rise to the challenge of reclaiming our culture for Christ. Here are a couple of thoughts: First, in a post-Christian culture, Christians living out a business as usual faith wont survive. That style of faith never does. This moment calls for true discipleship, not easy believism. Second, we have to decide if our local church matters. Lets ask how our level of commitment to our local church compares to our commitment five years ago. Any national survey or eyeball-test will conclude that the church continues its drift toward irrelevance. Its time to re-evaluate our personal priority concerning the Body of Christ.

While this next statement sounds somewhat bizarre, let me just put it out there. We have an amazing opportunity to win our culture back to Christ! Our post-Christian culture has become an amazing opportunity for mission-minded folks to invite anyone and everyone into this new and transformational adventure called Christianity. This new mission opportunity begins as soon as we walk out the front door today, if not before.
The following companies are subsidiares of NRG Energy: 3279405 Nova Scotia Company, 3283764 Nova Scotia Company, 7549709 Canada Inc., 7644868 Canada Inc., 7711565 Canada Inc., AC Solar Holdings LLC, Ace Energy Inc., Agua Caliente Borrower 1 LLC, Agua Caliente Solar Holdings LLC, Agua Caliente Solar LLC, Allied Home Warranty GP LLC, Allied Warranty LLC, Arthur Kill Gas Turbines LLC, Arthur Kill Power LLC, Astoria Gas Turbine Power LLC, Bayou Cove Peaking Power LLC, Beheer-en Beleggingsmaatschappij Plogema B.V., Berrians I Gas Turbine Power LLC, BidURenergy Inc., Big Cajun I Peaking Power LLC, Bluewater Wind Delaware LLC, Bluewater Wind Maryland LLC, Bluewater Wind New Jersey Energy LLC, Boquillas Wind LLC, Cabrillo Power I LLC, Cabrillo Power II LLC, Camino Energy LLC, Carbon Management Solutions LLC, Carlsbad Energy Center LLC, Carlsbad Energy Holdings LLC, Chester Energy LLC, Chickahominy River Energy Corp., Cirro Energy Services Inc., Cirro Group Inc., Citizens Power Holdings One LLC, Commonwealth Atlantic Power LLC, Connecticut Jet Power LLC, Cottonwood Development LLC, Cottonwood Energy Company LP, Cottonwood Generating Partners I LLC, Cottonwood Generating Partners II LLC, Cottonwood Generating Partners III LLC, Cottonwood Technology Partners LP, Delaware Power Development LLC, Devon Power LLC, Doga Enerji Uretim Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Doga Isi Satis Hizmetleri Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Doga Isletme ve Bakim Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Dunkirk Gas Corporation, Dunkirk Power LLC, EHI Development Fund LLC, EME Eastern Holdings LLC, EVgo Services LLC, Eastern Sierra Energy Company LLC, Ecokap Power LLC, El Segundo Energy Center II LLC, El Segundo Power II LLC, El Segundo Power LLC, Elkhorn Ridge Wind II LLC, Energy Alternatives Wholesale LLC, Energy Choice Solutions LLC, Energy Curtailment Specialists, Energy Plus Holdings LLC, Energy Plus Natural Gas LLC, Energy Protection Insurance Company, Everything Energy LLC, Forward Home Security LLC, GCP Funding Company LLC, GenOn Energy, Geostellar Inc., Gladstone Power Station Joint Venture, Goal Zero, Goal Zero Europe GmbH, Goal Zero LLC, Granite II Holding LLC, Granite Power Partners II L.P., Green Mountain Energy, Green Mountain Energy Company, Green Mountain Energy Sun Club, Gregory Partners LLC, Gregory Power Partners LLC, Hanover Energy Company, Huntley IGCC LLC, Huntley Power LLC, Independence Energy Alliance LLC, Independence Energy Group LLC, Independence Energy Natural Gas LLC, Indian River Operations Inc., Indian River Power LLC, Intellastar LLC, Ivanpah Master Holdings LLC, Ivanpah Project I Holdings LLC, Ivanpah Project II Holdings LLC, Ivanpah Project III Holdings LLC, James River Power LLC, Kaufman Cogen LP, LSP-Nelson Energy LLC, Long Beach Generation LLC, Long Beach Peakers LLC, Long Beach Power LLC, Louisiana Generating LLC, MEC Esenyurt B.V., MEC San Pascual B.V., Maplekey UK Finance Limited, Maplekey UK Limited, Meriden Gas Turbines LLC, Middletown Power LLC, Midway-Sunset Cogeneration Company, Midwest Finance Company LLC, Midwest Generation EME LLC, Midwest Generation Holdings I LLC, Midwest Generation Holdings II LLC, Midwest Generation LLC, Midwest Generation Procurement Services LLC, Midwest Peaker Holdings LLC, Mission Bingham Lake Wind LLC, Mission Del Cielo LLC, Mission Energy Construction Services LLC, Mission Energy Holdings International LLC, Mission Energy Wales LLC, Mission Funding Zeta LLC, Mission Midway-Sunset Holdings LLC, Mission Midwest Coal LLC, Mission Minnesota Wind LLC, Mission Watson Holdings LLC, Mission Wind Boquillas LLC, Mission Wind New Mexico II LLC, Mission Wind Owaissa LLC, Mission Wind Pinnacle LLC, Mission del Sol LLC, Montville IGCC LLC, Montville Power LLC, NEO Chester-Gen LLC, NEO Corporation, NRG Acquisition Holdings Inc., NRG Advisory Services LLC, NRG Affiliate Services Inc., NRG Alexandria LLC, NRG Arroyo Nogales LLC, NRG Arthur Kill Operations Inc., NRG Asia-Pacific Ltd., NRG Astoria Gas Turbine Operations Inc., NRG Astoria Power LLC, NRG Audrain Generating LLC, NRG Audrain Holding LLC, NRG Bayou Cove LLC, NRG Berrians East Development LLC, NRG Bluewater Holdings LLC, NRG Bluewater Wind Massachusetts LLC, NRG Bourbonnais Equipment LLC, NRG Bourbonnais LLC, NRG Brazoria Energy LLC, NRG Business Services LLC, NRG CTA Holdings LLC, NRG Cabrillo Power Operations Inc., NRG Cadillac Inc., NRG Cadillac Operations Inc., NRG California Peaker Operations LLC, NRG Capital II LLC, NRG Carbon 360 LLC, NRG Cedar Bayou Development Company LLC, NRG Chalk Point CT LLC, NRG CleanTech Investments LLC, NRG Coal Development Company LLC, NRG ComLease LLC, NRG Common Stock Finance I LLC, NRG Common Stock Finance II LLC, NRG Connected Home LLC, NRG Connecticut Affiliate Services Inc., NRG Connecticut Peaking Development LLC, NRG Construction LLC, NRG Cottonwood Tenant LLC, NRG Curtailment Solutions Canada Inc., NRG Curtailment Solutions Inc., NRG DG Development LLC, NRG Development Company Inc., NRG 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LLC, XOOM Ontario Holdings LLC, XOOM Solar LLC, and eV2g LLC.

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HANSEN  School isnt in session on Fridays in Hansen, but the lights are still on and children fill the building.

Thats because the Hansen School District offers nearly a full day of activities, thanks to federal grant money.

Its the first year the district has received a 21st Century Community Learning Centers program grant, geared toward high-poverty schools.

A total of $800,000 over five years will be used to provide extra academic help and enrichment activities five days a week.

The program runs 90 minutes after school Mondays through Thursdays and six hours on Fridays. It includes homework help and tutoring, plus activities including dance, music, crafts and science lessons like dissecting trout.

My idea is to bring things to Hansen that we dont normally have here, said Dacia Hernandez, Hansens 21st Century grant director.

Across south-central Idaho, several other school districts have a 21st Century grant for a before or after-school program: Harrison Elementary School in Twin Falls, Wendell, Buhl, Murtaugh and several campuses in Cassia County.

But on a national level, the future of the program is up in the air.

In March, Trumps budget proposal called for zeroing out funds. If that happens, funding would run out in about two years and about 7,000 Idaho children would be left without an after-school offering.

The 21st Century program is about more than academics, said Michele Capps, superintendent of the Murtaugh School District, which is nearing the end of its five-year grant.

There are so many more advantages, I dont know if we can measure it, she said. It would be an incredible loss to a lot of communities if they cut that program.

Across the country, the 21st Century program is a $1.2 billion initiative serving about 1.6 million low-income students, The Associated Press reported in May. Trumps administration says theres no demonstrable evidence that such programs improve students performance in school.

Despite the proposal, though, the House and Senate vote on it and it creates the budget, said Andrew Fletcher, 21st Century and student engagement coordinator for the Idaho State Department of Education.

Both maintained funding so far, he said, but budget negotiations are still underway.

Despite uncertainty surrounding the program, the Idaho State Department of Education is accepting applications now for $1.5 million in new 21st Century grants for next school year.

The programs future in Murtaugh

In Murtaugh, Capps said theyre weighing whether to reapply for a grant after it ends this school year, but they havent made a decision yet.

Its the second time the district has received the grant. The first time was around 2000, but once the grant ended, we let it go after that, Capps said. It later decided to bring the program back.

Despite receiving federal funding, running a 21st Century program still costs money for a school district. And for employees, it means long work days, even if they do get extra pay.

The director does a fantastic job, Capps said. It is a significant amount of work. The district does have to provide a lot of additional assistance to make it work.

For each of the grants five years, Murtaugh School District received less federal funding, meaning the school district had to pick up a little more of the cost.

It also takes 10 staff members  teachers and paraprofessionals  to run the before and after-school program. It often means employees are working until 6 p.m. four nights a week.

Its hard on small districts because your staff gets tired, Capps said.

But the program provides wonderful opportunities for children, she said, including Girl Scouts, tumbling and sewing. Those are activities students likely wouldnt have access to  especially in a rural area. Plus, students get tutoring and homework help.

About 100 children from kindergarten through eighth-grade typically participate each day. On peak days, that number can reach 130.

For a school district with only a few hundred students in preschool through 12th grades, thats a huge turnout.

Capps said she hasnt specifically looked into academic gains among children who participate. But theres no doubt they do better academically if theyre getting homework help, she said.

Plus, she said, the program provides children with a safe place to go after school.

A new offering in Hansen

The Hansen School District used to offer an after-school program for three years under a different grant. But it focused on homework and tutoring and only ran three days a week.

Superintendent Kristin Beck heard about the 21st Century grant and decided to apply.

On average, 66 kindergarten through eighth-graders participate each day. When school district officials wrote the grant application, they were aiming for 100 children to attend.

Under the 21st Century grant, theres enough funding to provide school busing for the students who participate. That wasnt the case under the old after-school program.

One reason behind seeking the grant: The program provides a safe place for children to go on Fridays when school is out. The Hansen School District is on a four-day school week, with classes Monday through Thursday.

There are many two-parent working families in Hansen, Hernandez said, and sometimes, that means students as young as third grade might be home alone on Fridays.

After school on Mondays through Thursdays, one hour is spent on snack time and tutoring, leaving 30 minutes for an enrichment activity.

Program organizers hope to add more activities in the future, such as 3D printing, drones, sign language and Spanish.

So far, the activities have been a hit with the children, Hernandez said. They learn something new and different in a fun environment.

On Fridays, the school district is partnering with the University of Idahos Twin Falls County extension office for three hours of activities.

This Friday, students made volcanoes and worked with seeds while second and third-graders were learning about nutrition through the Eat Smart Idaho program.

In January, a robotics club will launch for fourth through eighth-graders, with the help of UIs extension office.

The 21st Century program supports working parents, Fletcher said. Parents dont have to worry about where their kids are after school, and they have a safe and secure place to be.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The following companies are subsidiares of Procter & Gamble: "Petersburg Products International" LLC, "Procter & Gamble Services" LLC, "Procter & Gamble" LLC, 1837 LLC, Agile Pursuits Franchising Inc., Agile Pursuits Inc., Ambi Pur, Arbora & Ausonia, Arbora & Ausonia S.L.U., Avon - Giorgio Beverly Hills, Billie, Braun GmbH, Braun Shanghai Co. Ltd., Celtic Insurance Company Inc., Charlie Banana USA LLC, Corporativo Procter & Gamble S. de R.L. de C.V., DDFSkincare, Detergent Products B.V., Detergent Products SARL, Detergenti S.A., FPG Oleochemicals Sdn. Bhd., Fameccanica Data S.p.A., Fameccanica Industria e Comercio Do Brasil LTDA., Fameccanica Machinery Shanghai Co. Ltd., Fameccanica North America Inc., Farmacy Beauty, Fater Central Europe SRL, Fater Eastern Europe LLC, Fater Portugal Unipessoal Lda, Fater S.p.A., Fater Temizlik Urunleri Ltd STI, First Aid Beauty, First Aid Beauty Limited, Folgers Coffee, Fountain Square Music Publishing Co. Inc., Gillette Australia Pty. 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Inc., Rosemount LLC, SPD Development Company Limited, SPD Swiss Precision Diagnostics GmbH, Series Acquisition B.V., Seven Seas Limited, Shulton Inc., Snowberry, Snowberry New Zealand Limited, Sunflower Distributing LLC, TAOS - FL LLC, TAOS Retail LLC, THIS IS L, TULA, Tambrands, Tambrands Inc., Temple Trees Impex & Investment Private Limited, The Art of Shaving, The Art of Shaving - FL LLC, The Dover Wipes Company, The Gillette Company, The Gillette Company LLC, The Gillette co., The Iams Company Inc., The Procter & Gamble Distributing LLC, The Procter & Gamble Global Finance Company LLC, The Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company, The Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company, The Procter & Gamble U.S. Business Services Company, This is L., This is L. Inc., Thomas Hedley Co, US CD LLC, Vidal Sassoon Shanghai Academy, VitaminHaus Pty Ltd, Walker & Co. Brands Inc., Walker & Company Brands, Wella AG, Zenlen Inc., Zirh, and iMFLUX Inc..

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Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. operates as bank holding company for the Prosperity Bank that provides financial products and services to businesses and consumers. It accepts various deposit products, such as demand, savings, money market, and time accounts, as well as and certificates of deposit. The company also offers 1-4 family residential mortgage, commercial real estate and multifamily residential, commercial and industrial, agricultural, and non-real estate agricultural loans, as well as construction, land development, and other land loans; consumer loans, including automobile, recreational vehicle, boat, home improvement, personal, and deposit account collateralized loans; and consumer durables and home equity loans, as well as loans for working capital, business expansion, and purchase of equipment and machinery. In addition, it provides internet banking, mobile banking, trust and wealth management, retail brokerage, mortgage services, and treasury management, as well as debit and credit cards. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated 273 full-service banking locations comprising 65 in the Houston area, including The Woodlands; 30 in the South Texas area including Corpus Christi and Victoria; 63 in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area; 22 in the East Texas area; 29 in the Central Texas area, including Austin and San Antonio; 34 in the West Texas area, including Lubbock, Midland-Odessa and Abilene; 16 in the Bryan/College Station area; 6 in the Central Oklahoma area; and 8 in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area doing business as LegacyTexas Bank. Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. was founded in 1983 and is based in Houston, Texas.
Cheer

State labor officials, the College of Southern Idaho and school districts in Mini-Cassia are partnering with local food and manufacturing industries on new training programs for high school students that will allow them to get on-the-job experience (and pay) before they graduate.

It is programs like these that will allow the Magic Valley to continue its economic growth by ensuring local employers are met with a steady, highly trained workforce. And it could help keep more youngsters in Idaho, in high-paying jobs.

The companies  Fabri-Kal, High Desert Milk and McCain Food  collaborated to develop the program. Its also the first time the Minidoka County and Cassia County school districts have partnered on a project like this, the first of its kind on the Magic Valley.

Students in the program for machine operators, for example, will spend 114 hours training in the classroom and 2,000 more on the job. When theyre working, theyll make between $10 and $12 an hour.

If the effort works well, the programs are likely to be expanded into other communities. We hope they are. And, perhaps just as important, we hope it inspires other agencies to think outside the box and seek new partnerships aimed at enriching Magic Valley residents and businesses alike.

Jeer

For the second time this year, governors in 19 Western states, including Idaho, have sent a letter to the federal Interior Department demanding more help stopping the spread of invasive mussels.

Despite their urgent requests, the governors are being met by mostly platitudes from Interior Secretary Ryan Zinkes agency.

Stopping the spread of invasive species is a big concern of the Department and the Secretary, one department spokeswoman said in an email to the Associated Press.

The governors dont think the department or Zinke are appropriately concerned, especially because the feds arent taking the kinds of aggressive approaches to stopping mussels that have worked in states like Idaho.

Consider that Idaho alone spends $3 million a year in taxpayer money to fund checkpoints and inspection stations in an effort to keep zebra and quagga mussels out of our waterways. The damage-causing mussels accumulate on structures, and authorities are especially worried about the toll theyll take on the Wests hydroelectric dams that supply millions of the regions residents with electricity.

Zinke should recognize that most Western governors belong to the Republican Party of which he is also a member and could make significant trouble for the secretary should he continue to ignore their concerns. But mostly we think Zinke needs to do more on mussels because its the right thing to do.

Cheer

Its almost hard to remember the building at 103 Main Ave. E. used to be a dated-looking concrete box.

Goodbye, Banner Building. Hello, new City Hall.

Public employees are still moving into their new digs, and construction crews are still doing some finishing touches, but the peoples building opened for service Monday.

The $5.7 million project to remodel the old furniture store building is projected to be right on budget and even finished a tad early.

Congratulations to city workers in their new surroundings. But, mostly, congratulations to Twin Falls residents, who now truly have a City Hall worthy of this special community.
Public Storage is a REIT focused on acquiring, developing, owning, and operating self-storage facilities in the US and Europe. The company is a member of the S&P 500 and the FT Global 500 and is the worlds 4th largest REIT by market cap. Along with its holdings of self-storage facilities, the company owns a 42% stake in business park company PS Business Parks and is also in business selling packing and storage supplies. The company is headquartered in Glendale California.

The company was founded in 1972 by B. Wayne Hughes and Kenneth Polk who used the leverage of investments from RELPs to grow the business. The original plan was to use the storage warehouses as a means of generating income until the properties were more valuable. The surprise is that demand for storage space was high and led to unexpected profitability.

The company has more than 1,000 locations by 1989 and then, in 1995, it transformed itself into a publicly traded REIT. The transformation was spurred by tax changes that made RELPs obsolete. The transformation was done via a merger with Storage Equities which gave up its name in favor of Public Storage. The company grew again with the acquisition of Shurgard in 2006 but it has since been spun off as its own publicly traded company. Public Storage retains 36% ownership in Shurgard.

As of September 2022, the company owned and operated 2,807 self-storage facilities in 39 states. The total area of rental space exceeded 2 million square feet serving nearly 2 million customers and generating close to $3.5 billion in annual revenues. Shurgard lays claim to another 239 facilities in the EU which amounts to another 13 minion square feet of storage space. PS Business Parks, Inc, which trades under the ticker (NYSE: PSB) owns and operates 28 million square feet of commercial space.

Advantages of Public Storage include scale, leverage, and the balance sheet. The companys size and scale mean that more than half the US population lives within driving distance of a Public Storage facility. The company gives leverage through its three-pronged acquisition, development, and redevelopment strategy which are all supported by the balance sheet. The companys balance sheet is set up for growth and is able to self-fund most new projects.
The following companies are subsidiares of TE Connectivity: 999 Arques Corp., ABB ENTRELEC terminal block business, ACC Telecommunications, ADC Chile Limitada, ADC Communications (SEA) Pte. Ltd., ADC Communications (UK) Holding Ltd., ADC Communications (UK) Ltd., ADC Communications Hong Kong Limited, ADC Telecommunications Equipment (Shanghai) Co., AMP Amermex, AMP Products Pacific Limited, AMP Taiwan B.V., AMP Trading B.V., AMP de Venezuela, Acalon Holdings Limited, Advanced Fiber Products LLC, Advanced Fiber Products Limited, Advanced Tube Technologies, AdvancedCath, AdvancedCath Technologies, Alpha Technics, American Sensor Technologies, Betatherm (R&D) Limited, Brantner Holding Company, Brantner and Associates, Butterfly Management SAS, C.S. Tyco Decisive Inc., C.S. Tyco Dependable Inc., C.S. Tyco Durable Inc., C.S. Tyco Reliance Inc., C.S. Tyco Resolute Inc., C.S. Tyco Responder Inc., CII Guardian International Limited, Cablotec GmbH, Carrier Kheops Bac SAS, Catheter and Disposable Technology, Celis Eletrocomponentes Ltda., Cima de Acuna S.A. de C.V., Clarebury Pty. Ltd., Codenoll Technology Corporation, Communication Expert International Investments Limited, Compagnie Deutsch Distribution SAS, Compagnie Deutsch SAS, Comtec Systeme GmbH, Connecteurs Electriques Deutsch SAS, Corcom, Corcom West Indies Limited, Cotsworks LLC, Creganna, Creganna Captial Holding Ireland Unlimited Company, Creganna Finance (US) LLC, Creganna Finance Ireland Limited, Creganna Luxembourg SARL, Creganna Medical Devices, Creganna Medical Pte. Limited, Creganna Medical Technology Unlimited, Creganna Medical s.r.l., Creganna Regulatory, Creganna Solutions Limited, Creganna Solutions Unlimited Company, Creganna Tactx Singapore Limited, Creganna Unlimited Company, Cregstar Bidco Limited, Critchley Group Limited, Crompton Instruments (South-East Asia) Pte. Ltd., Deutsch, Deutsch Connectors Hong Kong Limited, Deutsch Connectors Manufacturing (Shanghai) Co., Deutsch Connectors Trading (Shanghai) Co., Deutsch Finance SAS, Deutsch GB Limited, Deutsch Group SAS, Deutsch India Power Connectors (Pvt) Ltd, Deutsch Israel Ltd., Deutsch SAS, Deutsch Servicios S. de R.L. De C.V., Deutsch Subco Limited, Deutsch UK, F.A.I. Technology (Hong Kong) Limited, First Sensor, Grangehurst Enterprises Pty. Ltd., Hirschmann Car Communication, Hong Kong Sensors Technologies Limited, Howard A. Schaevitz Technologies, Intercontec Connector System (Shanghai) Co., Intercontec Produkt GmbH, Intercontect Pfeiffer Industrie-Steckverbindungen GmbH, Jaquet North America, Jaquet Technology Group AG, Kemex Holding Company, Kenabell Holding Limited, LADD Distribution LLC, LADD Distribution Limited, LSA, MEAS Asia Limited, MEAS Europe SAS, MEAS France SAS, MEAS Ireland (Betatherm) Limited, MEAS Norway AS, MEAS Shenzhen Limited, MEAS Switzerland S.a r.l., MEAS US Holding, MP&E, Measurement Specialties, Measurement Specialties (Chengdu) Ltd., Measurement Specialties (China) Ltd., Measurement Specialties (China) Ltd. Production Branch, Measurement Specialties Foreign Holdings LLC, Measurement Technology (Chengdu) Ltd., Medical Engineering & Design, MicroGroup, Morlynn Ceramics Pty. Ltd., Nikkiso-Therm Co., PT KRONE Indonesia, PT. Tyco Electronics Indonesia, Pfeiffer GmbH & Co KG, Pfeiffer Verwaltungs GmbH, Polamco, Polamco Limited, Potter & Brumfield de Mexico, Precision Interconnect LLC, Precision Subsea AS, Precision Wire Components, Precision Wire Holding Company, Produxx, RAYCHEM-RPG Private Limited, Raychem (HK) Limited, Raychem (Shanghai) Trading Ltd, Raychem China Limited, Raychem Dominicana S.A., Raychem Industries BVBA, Raychem International LLC, Raychem International Manufacturing LLC, Raychem Juarez, Raychem Limited, Raychem Ltd., Raychem Pacific Corporation, Raychem Saudi Arabia Limited, Raychem Shanghai Cable Accessories Ltd, Raychem Technologies Limited, Rochester Wire and Cable LLC, SEACON Advanced Products LLC, Seacon (Europe) Limited, Seacon Global Production, Seacon Produtos e Servicos Opticos e Eletricos Ltda., Sensitive Object, Servo Interconnect Limited, Shanghai CII Electronics Co., Shenzhen Century Man Communication Equipment Co., Sibas Electronics (Xiamen) Co., TCN Holding (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., TE Connectivity (Barbados) SRL, TE Connectivity (Denmark) ApS, TE Connectivity (HKZ) Holding Limited, TE Connectivity (Kunshan) Company Limited, TE Connectivity (Netherlands) Holding S.a r.l. - Irish Branch, TE Connectivity (Schweiz) Management AG, TE Connectivity (Suzhou) Co., TE Connectivity Argentina S.R.L., TE Connectivity Australia Pty Ltd, TE Connectivity Colombia S.A.S., TE Connectivity Connectors (Suzhou) Co., TE Connectivity Distribution (Thailand) Limited, TE Connectivity EMEA Holding GmbH, TE Connectivity Germany GmbH, TE Connectivity HK Limited, TE Connectivity Holding International II S.a r.l., TE Connectivity Holding International II S.a r.l. Luxembourg (LU) Schaffhausen E-Finance branch, TE Connectivity Holding International II S.a r.l. Luxembourg (LU) Schaffhausen branch, TE Connectivity Holding International II S.a r.l. (Ireland Branch), TE Connectivity Holding International S.A., TE Connectivity Inc., TE Connectivity India Private Limited, TE Connectivity Investments Holding S.A., TE Connectivity Investments Holding S.A. Luxembourg (LU) Schaffhausen branch, TE Connectivity Ireland Limited, TE Connectivity LATAM Holding S.a r.l., TE Connectivity LATAM I S.a r.l., TE Connectivity LATAM II S.a r.l., TE Connectivity Limited, TE Connectivity MOG Europe S.a r.l., TE Connectivity MOG Holding S.a r.l., TE Connectivity MOG Inc., TE Connectivity MOG Sales GmbH, TE Connectivity Manufacturing (Thailand) Company Limited, TE Connectivity Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd., TE Connectivity Morocco SARL, TE Connectivity Nederland B.V., TE Connectivity Netherlands (Poland II) Cooperatief U.A., TE Connectivity Netherlands (Turkey) B.V., TE Connectivity Netherlands Cooperatief U.A., TE Connectivity Phoenix Optix Inc., TE Connectivity Seacon Phoenix Inc., TE Connectivity Sensors Germany GmbH, TE Connectivity Services India Private Limited, TE Connectivity Solutions GmbH, TE Connectivity South Africa Proprietary Limited, TE Connectivity Spain, TE Connectivity SubCom S.L.U., TE Connectivity SubCom Spain Holding S.L.U., TE Connectivity Technology Solutions Limited, TE Connectivity Tunisia Sarl, TE Connectivity ULC, TE Connectivity US Group Holding Inc., TE Connectivity Vietnam Holding Company Limited, TYCO Electronics Polska Sp.z.o.o., TYCO SUBMARINE SYSTEMS INC., TacPro, Tactx Medical, Taicang Speed & Spin Sensors Co., Taliq Taiwan Limited, Tappat Engineering Pty Ltd, TechDevice Costa Rica Limitada, TechDevice Holdings, TechDevice LLC, The Whitaker LLC, Transoceanic Cable Ship Company LLC, TyCom Holdings II SA, TyCom Networks (Peru) S.A., Tyco Electronics (AMP Korea) Malta Limited, Tyco Electronics (Dongguan) Ltd, Tyco Electronics (Gibraltar) Holding Limited, Tyco Electronics (Gibraltar) Limited, Tyco Electronics (Korea) Malta Limited, Tyco Electronics (Kunshan) Ltd, Tyco Electronics (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Tyco Electronics (Qingdao) Ltd., Tyco Electronics (Schweiz) Holding II GmbH, Tyco Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Tyco Electronics (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Tyco Electronics (Suzhou) Ltd., Tyco Electronics (Zhuhai) Ltd, Tyco Electronics AMP Guangdong Ltd, Tyco Electronics AMP Italia Products S.R.L., Tyco Electronics AMP Italia S.R.L., Tyco Electronics AMP Korea Co., Tyco Electronics AMP Manufacturing (S) Pte Ltd, Tyco Electronics AMP Qingdao Ltd., Tyco Electronics AMP Shanghai Ltd., Tyco Electronics Austria GmbH, Tyco Electronics Belgium EC BVBA, Tyco Electronics Brasil Ltda., Tyco Electronics Canada ULC, Tyco Electronics China (Gibraltar) Limited, Tyco Electronics Componentes Electromecanicos Lda., Tyco Electronics Corby Limited, Tyco Electronics Corporation, Tyco Electronics Czech s.r.o., Tyco Electronics Del Peru S.A.C., Tyco Electronics EC Trutnov s.r.o., Tyco Electronics EC Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Tyco Electronics Eta Limited, Tyco Electronics Finance Alpha GmbH, Tyco Electronics Finance S.a r.l., Tyco Electronics Finland Oy, Tyco Electronics France SAS, Tyco Electronics Germany Holdings GmbH, Tyco Electronics Group S.A., Tyco Electronics Group S.A. (French Branch), Tyco Electronics Group S.A. (Ireland Branch), Tyco Electronics H.K. Limited, Tyco Electronics Hellas MEPE, Tyco Electronics Holding Corp., Tyco Electronics Holding France, Tyco Electronics Holding S.a r.l., Tyco Electronics Holdings (Bermuda) No. 7 Limited, Tyco Electronics Holdings (Bermuda) No. 7 Limited Taiwan Branch, Tyco Electronics Hong Kong Holdings No. 1 Limited, Tyco Electronics Hong Kong Holdings No. 2 Limited, Tyco Electronics Hong Kong Holdings No. 3 Limited, Tyco Electronics Hungary Termelo Kft, Tyco Electronics Idento, Tyco Electronics India (Gibraltar) Limited, Tyco Electronics Industrial Y Comercial Chile Limitada, Tyco Electronics Integrated Cable Systems LLC, Tyco Electronics Ireland Limited, Tyco Electronics Israel Ltd., Tyco Electronics Italia Holding S.r.l., Tyco Electronics Japan G.K., Tyco Electronics Lambda, Tyco Electronics Latin America Holding LLC, Tyco Electronics Manufacturing Singapore Pte Ltd, Tyco Electronics Mexico, Tyco Electronics Middle East FZE, Tyco Electronics Motors Ltd, Tyco Electronics NZ Limited, Tyco Electronics Netherlands (Germany Holding) S.a r.l., Tyco Electronics Netherlands (Gibraltar China) Cooperatief U.A., Tyco Electronics Netherlands (Gibraltar India) Cooperatief U.A., Tyco Electronics Netherlands (India) Cooperatief U.A., Tyco Electronics Netherlands Holding B.V., Tyco Electronics Norge AS, Tyco Electronics Philippines, Tyco Electronics Precision Engineering Ltd., Tyco Electronics Printed Circuit Group LP, Tyco Electronics RIMC Holding LLC, Tyco Electronics RUS OOO, Tyco Electronics Raychem GmbH, Tyco Electronics Raychem Korea Limited, Tyco Electronics SIMEL SAS, Tyco Electronics Saudi Arabia Limited, Tyco Electronics Services GmbH, Tyco Electronics Singapore Pte Ltd, Tyco Electronics Subsea Communications LLC, Tyco Electronics Svenska AB, Tyco Electronics Svenska Holdings AB, Tyco Electronics Technology (SIP) Co., Tyco Electronics Technology (SIP) Ltd., Tyco Electronics Tecnologias S. de R.L. de C.V., Tyco Electronics UK Holdings Ltd, Tyco Electronics UK Ltd., Tyco Electronics UK Ltd. (Kenya Branch), Tyco Electronics Ukraine Limited, Tyco Electronics Uruguay S.A., Tyco Electronics Verwaltungs GmbH, Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems B.V., Tyco Electronics de Venezuela, Tyco Elektronik AMP Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Tyco Global Networks Ltd., Tyco Iberia, Tyco International Services GmbH, Tyco Networks (Argentina) S.R.L., Tyco Networks (Italy) Srl, Tyco Networks (Netherlands) B.V., Tyco Networks Iberica, Tyco Submarine Systems, Tyco Submarine Systems C.A., Tyco Submarine Systems de Argentina S.A., Tyco Telecommunications Ltd., Wema Americas LLC, Wema Automotive System Private Limited, Wema Environmental Technologies (Shanghai) Co., Wema Environmental Technologies (Shenzhen) Co., Wema Environmental Technologies Ltd., Wema System AG, Wema System AS, Wema System Hong Kong Limited, Wema System Production and Distribution HK Limited, Xiamen Delixing Electric Equipment Businesss, and motec Montage GmbH.

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Teleflex Incorporated designs, develops, manufactures, and supplies single-use medical devices for common diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in critical care and surgical applications worldwide. It provides vascular access products that comprise Arrow branded catheters, catheter navigation and tip positioning systems, and intraosseous access systems for the administration of intravenous therapies, the measurement of blood pressure, and the withdrawal of blood samples through a single puncture site. The company also offers interventional products, which consists of various coronary catheters, structural heart therapies, and peripheral intervention and cardiac assist products that are used by interventional cardiologists and radiologists, and vascular surgeons; and Arrow branded catheters, Guideline and Trapliner catheters, the Manta Vascular Closure, and Arrow Oncontrol devices. It provides anesthesia products, such as airway and pain management products to support hospital, emergency medicine, and military channels; and surgical products, including metal and polymer ligation clips, and fascial closure surgical systems that are used in laparoscopic surgical procedures, percutaneous surgical systems, and other surgical instruments. The company also offers interventional urology products comprising the UroLift System, an invasive technology for treating lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia; and respiratory products, including oxygen and aerosol therapies, spirometry, and ventilation management products for use in various care settings. It provides urology products, such as catheters, urine collectors, and catheterization accessories and products for operative endourology; and bladder management services. The company serves hospitals and healthcare providers, medical device manufacturers, and home care markets. The company was incorporated in 1943 and is headquartered in Wayne, Pennsylvania.
Watts Water Technologies, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells products, solution, and systems that manage and conserve the flow of fluids and energy into, through and out of buildings in the commercial and residential markets in the Americas, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. The company offers residential and commercial flow control products, including backflow preventers, water pressure regulators, temperature and pressure relief valves, and thermostatic mixing valves. It also provides heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and gas products, such as boilers, water heaters, custom heat, and hot water solutions; hydronic and electric heating systems for under-floor radiant applications; custom heat and hot water solutions; hydronic pump groups for boiler manufacturers and alternative energy control packages; and flexible stainless steel connectors for natural and liquid propane gas in commercial food service and residential applications. In addition, the company offers drainage and water re-use products comprising drainage products and engineered rain water harvesting solutions for commercial, industrial, marine, and residential applications; and water quality products that include point-of-use and point-of-entry water filtration, conditioning, and scale prevention systems for commercial and residential applications. Further, it provides smart mixing system under the IntelliStation name. The company sells its products to plumbing, heating, and mechanical wholesale distributors and dealers, as well as original equipment manufacturers, specialty product distributors, do-it-yourself chains, and retail chains; and directly to wholesalers and private label accounts. Watts Water Technologies, Inc. was founded in 1874 and is headquartered in North Andover, Massachusetts.
Highlights

In white patients with chronic kidney disease, those with depressive symptoms had a higher risk of early death than those without depressive symptoms. This risk was much lower after accounting for use of anti-depressants, however.

In black patients, the presence of depressive symptoms was not linked to risk of death.

Results from the study will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2017 October 31-November 5 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA.

New Orleans, LA (Nov. 4, 2017) -- Treatment of depressive symptoms may help lower the risk of early death in individuals with chronic kidney disease, but racial differences may exist. The findings come from a study that will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2017 October 31-November 5 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA.

Depression is common, under-recognized, and undertreated among patients with chronic kidney disease, especially among racial/ethnic minorities. Delphine Tuot, MD (University of California, San Francisco) and her colleagues assessed the presence of depressive symptoms among 3725 participants in the Chronic Renal Insufficient Cohort (CRIC). The team found that 23.3% of participants had depressive symptoms at the start of the study, with 17.0% prevalence of anti-depressant use. The rate of death was 3.37 per 100 person-years during a median of 6.7 years of follow-up. (A person-year is the number of years of follow-up multiplied by the number of people in the study.)

In white individuals, those who experienced depressive symptoms had a 1.5-fold higher risk of death than those without depressive symptoms, even when taking into consideration socioeconomic factors, severity of kidney disease, and burden of other chronic conditions. This risk was much lower when the researchers accounted for use of anti-depressants, however. In black individuals, the presence of depressive symptoms was not linked to risk of death.

The findings suggest that depressive symptoms may be differentially associated with the risk of early death among white and black individuals with CKD. "This study confirms prior research that depressive symptoms are common among individuals with CKD and suggests that there are potential long-term mortality benefits of treating depression among patients with mild to moderate kidney disease. More research is needed to understand differences in mortality risk among racial/ethnic subgroups," said Dr. Tuot.

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Study: "Treatment of depression symptoms is associated with attenuated risk of all-cause mortality" (Abstract 2763107)

ASN Kidney Week 2017, the largest nephrology meeting of its kind, will provide a forum for more than 13,000 professionals to discuss the latest findings in kidney health research and engage in educational sessions related to advances in the care of patients with kidney and related disorders. Kidney Week 2017 will take place October 31-November 5, 2017 in New Orleans, LA.

Since 1966, the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) has been leading the fight to prevent, treat, and cure kidney diseases throughout the world by educating health professionals and scientists, advancing research and innovation, communicating new knowledge, and advocating for the highest quality care for patients. ASN has nearly 17,000 members representing 112 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.asn-online.org or contact us at 202-640-4660.
Stanford University School of Medicine investigators have reported success in an early-phase clinical trial examining the safety, tolerability and feasibility of administering infusions of blood plasma from young donors to participants with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. There were also some signs suggesting improvements in participants' conditions.

Results from the PLASMA trial, short for Plasma for Alzheimer's Symptom Amelioration, will be presented Nov. 4 at the 10th annual Clinical Trial on Alzheimer's Disease conference in Boston by Sharon Sha, MD, a clinical associate professor of neurology and neurological sciences at Stanford and the trial's principal investigator.

Sha noted that the finding of safety wasn't surprising, given that blood-plasma infusions have long been in widespread use for other indications and are considered extremely safe. More surprising, she said, were hints of recipients' improvement on tests of functional ability: the capacity to perform basic tasks essential to independent daily life, such as remembering to take medications and being able to pay bills and prepare one's own meals.

The PLASMA trial was designed to test a hypothesis advanced by Tony Wyss-Coray, PhD, Stanford professor of neurology and neurological sciences and a senior research career scientist at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, whose research has shown that factors in the blood of young mice can rejuvenate the brain tissue and improve cognitive performance in old mice.

Larger studies needed

Sha, the clinical core co-leader of the Stanford Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and the medical director of the Stanford Neuroscience Clinical Trials Group, cautioned that these assessments were based on caregiver reports and that the number of participants in the study -- 18 -- was small. Further studies on larger numbers of participants would be necessary before conclusions about efficacy could be reached, Sha said.

The trial took place at Stanford Hospital and was sponsored by Alkahest, a privately held biotechnology company headquartered in San Carlos, California. Alkahest holds intellectual property associated with the treatment regimen. Wyss-Coray, a co-founder of the company and chair of its scientific advisory board, continues to work full-time at Stanford. He was not involved in the clinical study.

The trial proceeded in two stages. In the first stage, nine participants with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease were given four weekly infusions either of plasma -- the liquid, cell-free part of blood -- obtained from donors 18-30 years old, or of placebo (a saline solution). Neither the participants nor those administering the infusions knew which of the two infusions any given participant was getting. Then, after a six-week "washout" period, the regimens were reversed: Those initially receiving plasma got four weekly infusions of placebo, and vice versa.

"Those participants served as their own controls," said Sha.

Multiple tests and questionnaires to ascertain mood, cognition and functional ability of the participants were administered to either participants or their caregivers before and after the first four-week infusion period, and again before and after the second four-week infusion period.

The total time elapsing between a participant's first and final visits, including a preliminary screening and a final visit, approached six months. The participants needed to make nearly a dozen round trips to Stanford, accompanied by a caregiver. So, to reduce the travel burden, the investigators decided to modify the design for their next group of nine participants.

These newcomers all received young-donor plasma infusions, and they and their caregivers, as well as the administrators, all knew it. This change cut the time between the first and final visits to 10-12 weeks for the second group of participants, and required commensurately fewer trips. These participants, like the first group, received the full battery of mood, cognition and functional-ability assessments.

Only a single, minor instance of a trial-related adverse event -- excessive itching -- occurred. Sha said this wasn't entirely unanticipated, as it can arise as a side effect of the infusion of any blood product. Another participant had a stroke, but this was considered unrelated to the treatment; the participant had received only four infusions of saline and, furthermore, had suffered the stroke at the end of the ensuing washout period, during which no infusions of any kind were administered.

Improvements in functional ability

An analysis of assessments once all participants had been treated showed no significant changes in participants' mood or their performance on tests of cognition involving tasks such as memorizing lists or recalling recent events, Sha said. These kinds of changes are typically observed only in clinical trials whose durations exceed one year, she added, so the absence of an effect here wasn't particularly unanticipated.

But on two of three different assessments of functional ability, participants showed statistically significant improvement -- this, despite the trial's small size.

"That was surprising, to me," said Sha. "The trial wasn't powered to show efficacy."

At first, the investigators suspected that the report of improvements in functional ability might have been driven by the second group of participants, who along with their caregivers and the investigators themselves knew they were getting plasma; this could perhaps predispose caregivers to optimistic reporting. But examination of the data indicated that, to the contrary, it was the first group of participants -- who had no idea whether they were getting plasma or placebo -- who showed the most improvement in functional ability after receiving plasma infusions.

"Our enthusiasm concerning these findings needs to be tempered by the fact that this was a small trial," Sha said. "But these results certainly warrant further study."

Alkahest has stated in a news release that based on the safety profile and signals of efficacy seen in the PLASMA trial, it is planning to advance the clinical development of a next-generation, proprietary plasma-derived product for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

"I'm excited to see that giving repeated infusions of plasma to elderly people with Alzheimer's disease is safe and that we can move forward to larger studies," Wyss-Coray said. "But I'm also realistic enough to know that it is very easy to cure diseases in small animals and a million times more difficult in humans."

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The Stanford University School of Medicine consistently ranks among the nation's top medical schools, integrating research, medical education, patient care and community service. For more news about the school, please visit http://med.stanford.edu/school.html. The medical school is part of Stanford Medicine, which includes Stanford Health Care and Stanford Children's Health. For information about all three, please visit http://med.stanford.edu.

Print media contact: Bruce Goldman at (650) 725-2106 (goldmanb@stanford.edu)

Broadcast media contact: Margarita Gallardo at (650) 723-7897 (mjgallardo@stanford.edu)
Saturday, November 4, 2017

Ronn D. Torossian, CEO, 5WPR

When the story of Hollywood producer Harvey Weinsteins fall from his ivory tower is written in full, theres better than even odds the beginning of the end will be traced to actress Rose McGowan. Her repeated vociferous Twitter accusations shined a bright light on Weinstein that brought many other women out of the woodwork. Accusation after accusation and Weinstein was unemployed and a public pariah. But now its McGowan who is answering negative press accusations after an arrest warrant for felony possession of a controlled substance was issued for the 44-year-old actress. Immediately after the warrant was issued, McGowan accused authorities of a conspiracy to silence her from speaking out against sexual harassment in Hollywood.

According to multiple media reports, the arrest warrant is the result of an investigation of an incoming flight at Washington Dulles International Airport last January. According to the investigators, items left behind on the plane tested positive for narcotics. Subsequently, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority PD issued a warrant for McGowans arrest. For those keeping notes, that was months ago. So, how long ago did McGowan learn about the warrant? Thats the question many are asking  and that doubt is casting aspersions on the actress other allegations.



The timing is interesting. No one but McGowan can definitively know when she actually learned of the warrant, but its forgivable that some people would wonder why she kept silent for so long. Others, however, have been quick to come to McGowans defense, arguing that her allegations of strong-arming are par for the course. Attack someone powerful and thats what happens.

McGowan swears shes not backing down, and her crusade to end what has been called a culture of sexual harassment in Hollywood continues unabated. As part of her activism, McGowan recently spoke at a Womens Convention in Detroit, Michigan. And she says shes just getting started. As McGowan and other actresses continue to speak out, more and more names are being added to a list that has a lot of people talking. Some are saying Its about time! and others are very loudly and openly wondering why people kept these secrets for so long These conflicting narratives will likely continue to gain steam in the coming weeks.

The total impact it will have on Tinseltown remains to be seen. But the narrative, at least at this point, is clear: for many aspiring stars, the Dream Factory began with a nightmare.
LINCOLN, Neb.  Dean Stevens knows the value of getting a birds-eye view of his corn and soybean fields to assess plant health, wind damage, and pest threats  problems that, in their initial stages, may be difficult to assess on a field scale from conventional scouting.

Stevens, who farms near Falls City in southeast Nebraska, started aerial scouting his fields from small planes in the 1990s, taking photos to document plant health and wind damage. In the early 2000s, he got his sport pilot license and moved to a two-seater powered parachute to do aerial scouting.

Flying just 30 to 100 feet above the crop allowed him to view fields more personally and evaluate stands, water needs, soil nutrition, and pest pressures, taking photos that he shared with his crop consultant. Together they used the data he gathered to address problems in the field.

Grant

Now, with the support of a Farmer Rancher Grant from the North Central Region Sustainable Ag Research and Education Program (NCR-SARE), Stevens is keeping his feet planted on the ground while a drone outfitted with infrared sensors scouts his fields each week, providing key data that can be used to develop prescriptions for targeted, precise in-season nitrogen applications.

On-farm research

A longtime advocate of on-farm research, Stevens has been conducting field trials on his farm since 1974 when he graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a major in soil science.

He has evaluated crop hybrids, fertility, population, seed treatments, fungicides and nitrogen applications.

In 2016, Dean and his wife and farming partner Debra applied for and received a $15,000, two-year NCR-SARE farmer/rancher producer grant to study how to conserve nitrogen use in corn production by applying a larger amount in-season, based on crop need.

The project is: assessing cutting-edge technologies for determining optimum nitrogen rates; demonstrating the efficiency of applying a higher percentage of nitrogen in-season; and using variable rate technology to apply precise nitrogen rates, based on data gathered from drone mounted sensors.

This year, in the first year of the grant, the Stevens established their research study in a bottomland rainfed field of silty clay loam with some silt loam soils.

Theyre testing their current preplant nitrogen rate (160 lb/ac N) and two lower rates (100 and 75 lb/ac N), replicating each rate four times. By applying more nitrogen in-season, they can respond to each seasons specific conditions.

For example, if early mineralization is higher than normal, the in-season N application rate can be decreased or if early season rains may have leached some nitrogen, rates can be increased.

Good stewardship is also an important aspect of moving more of the nitrogen application to in-season based on plant need, Deb said, noting the practice could provide both environmental and economic benefit.

Plant data via the drone

To assess the effect of the different rates on plant nitrogen, a drone outfitted with infrared sensors was flown weekly over the field trials by daughter and son-in-law Laura and Nathan Thompson, both of whom have FAA remote pilot certificates.

The sensor data was then coupled with two algorithms and the Hybrid-Maize models to calculate the optimal in-season nitrogen rate for each strip.

The imagery indicated deficiencies before my eyes could detect it, Stevens said. We monitored the fields closely and planned the in-season nitrogen we would need to reach our full yield potential.

As we suspected, there was a lot of variability across the field in nitrogen need, Stevens said.

Applying fertilizer based on the infrared imagery may not necessarily mean less nitrogen is applied, but rather that what is applied is targeted to exactly how much is needed, where its needed, and when its needed, increasing nitrogen use efficiency and reducing the potential for nitrogen loss.

The corn was too high for a sidedress application and Stevens worked with an aerial applicator who could make precision applications of dry urea to individual test strips.

Traditionally growers might use a predetermined rate and time of application or wait until the plants need for nitrogen was visible, which might cost the grower potential yield, Stevens said.

Using the infrared imagery provided by the drone flights allowed earlier detection of plant nitrogen needs so they could be addressed before yield was affected.

We provided the aerial applicator a variable rate prescription and within each pass, they changed the rate according to the plan.

Adopting the drone technology had its challenges, but was made easier with some high tech children, Stevens said.

Daughter Laura, a Nebraska Extension educator for agricultural technologies, is also a coordinator for the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network, and Nathan works in agriculture. Also contributing to the project through development of educational events is Gary Lesoing, Nebraska Extension crops educator with responsibilities for Nemaha and Richardson counties.

This technology is still in its infancy with multiple firmware and software updates required for almost every flight, Stevens said. Its not just plug and play. To record the imagery correctly, its a little more difficult.

Each flight may have as many as 4,000 single photos that need to be stitched together to create a single, high-resolution image of the field, Stevens said. This compilation is done in the digital cloud by a commercial firm specializing in agricultural uses of drone imagery.

Flights also arent necessarily a one-person job. Drone pilots are required by the FAA to keep their eye on the drone at all times, while also piloting the drone from a screen, Deb said.

While the drone flies a pre-set pattern to criss-cross the field, it can still be helpful to have a two-person crew.

When youre flying a drone at 300 feet in the summertime, you have to keep an eye and an ear toward sprayer planes, Dean said.

There were several flights where they maneuvered their drone to the ground as a sprayer plane moved from one neighbors field to another, crossing their flight path.

Next summer, during the second year of the grant, the research will continue on the Stevens farm and be initiated on Dale and Ronda Yoesels neighboring crop and dairy farm, allowing the on-farm researchers to collect data from two different fields with similar research protocols and management.

Follow their research

Results from the first year of the project will be shared this winter when the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network hosts meetings to report data gathered and lessons learned by participants in 2017.

In summer 2018, the Stevens will share further information about this project at a field day.
Solar must go on rooftops instead of farmland, charity says
Kriti Sanon Parked Her Car At A Distance

Kriti parked her car far away from his house so that the photogs are unable to click her during the visit.

Recommended Video Kriti Sanon gives STUNNING Dance performance during Lip Sing Battle; Watch Video | FilmiBeat

This Trick Worked

''However, the trick worked but, somehow we got to know that she visited his place,'' informed a source.

When Sushant Was Asked About Dating Kriti

He told a daily, "I read about this thing between us, then there were stories about a fight and a break-up and then suddenly, probably because of the Maserati we were back together.''

We Like Spending Time Together

''They are all very interesting but untrue. We are good friends. She's an engineer and I was studying to be one too before I dropped out. We're both from Delhi, big foodies and like spending time together. Period."

What Kriti Said

"It doesn't affect our relationship. I don't see a reason to justify my relationship with Sushant. We know what the truth is.''
Actor Kunal Kapoor, who is working with Akshay Kumar for the first time in Gold, says he has immense respect for Akshay as he is very dedicated towards his work.

"Akshay is someone that I have a lot of respect for. I can't think of many actors that have constantly reinvented themselves the way he has," Kunal told IANS.

"From being the country's biggest action star to the king of comedy and now putting his weight behind socially relevant films, and stories that very few actors would have the courage to back. He is warm, supportive and great fun to be around.

"What I really like about him is, he takes his work very seriously, but not himself or his stardom. He never lets you feel like you are working with such a huge star," added the actor.

"It is about time that we started celebrating our real life heroes. As a country, we have such an incredible history, and so many fascinating stories to tell. And as an actor, I am grateful, that I have a chance to be part of some of those stories," he added.

Gold is directed by Reema Kagti, the film is about India's first Olympic medal win as a free nation in the year 1948 at the 14th Olympic Games in London. It will release on Independence Day next year.

Also Read: SRK Was ARRESTED! When A FAKE Story On Shahrukh Khan Spending A Night With An Actress Was Published
Chitti Chitti, Dance Dance

In this new still, we see Rajinikanth's Chitti donning a jazzy outfit and posing for the camera. By the looks of it, this could probably be a picture from a dance sequence in 2.0.

2.0 Is Going To Be Bigger & Grander

Recently, the makers had launched the audio of 2.0 in an extravagant affair in Dubai. The songs too are slowly catching up with the audience.

Recommended Video Akshay Kumar is not the real Villian in Rajinikanth's Robot 2.0; Find out more | FilmiBeat

The Wait Gets A Little Longer

If reports are to be believed then the release date of 2.0 has been pushed ahead with Akshay Kumar's Padman taking up that slot i.e 26th January 2018. One hears that this is because some CGI for the film is still left to be done.

Akshay Kumar's 2.0 Poster Is Not For The Faint-Hearted

The superstar will be seen playing an eccentric scientist named Richard. Akshay was earlier quoted as saying to PTI, "I've never done a role like this in my entire career. And, I've never seen anyone doing a character like this. It was a whole new experience to play the role of an anti-hero."

Can You Believe This?

Recently in an interview, Aamir Khan revealed that he was offered 2.0 by Shankar. But the actor turned down the film as he couldn't see himself playing Rajinikanth's role in the film. He further said that when he was reading the lines for Part 2, he could only imagine Rajini Sir enacting the role.
Too Hot To Handle

The new picture features 'Tiger' Salman Khan riding a Suzuki Sport bike in the Liwa desert in Abu Dhabi. Going by the looks, it seems that he is probably chasing someone in an action sequence.

Unbeatable

We even hear that for this film, Salman braved -22 degrees celsius to shoot for tough action scenes in the brutual weather of Austria.

Ready, Steady, Shoot!

The superstar will be seen performing some jaw-dropping and death-defying never-seen-before action in the most awaited action entertainer of 2017. And guess what's going to give 'Tiger' some company- his deadly machine gun MG 42.

A Visual Treat

The film has been in five different countries- Austria, Greece, Morocco, Abu Dhabi and India to capture a gripping, explosive and entertaining story.

It's All Real

Earlier, Salman had revealed in an interview that Tiger Zinda Hai is inspired by a real life incident.

He was also quoted as saying, "Tiger Zinda Hai is going to be bigger than Ek Tha Tiger' for sure. It begins from where we left off in part one. Tiger Zinda Hai' has things that you have never seen before in Indian cinema. We are making this film on a huge scale, especially the action."
Alls Well Between DeepVeer!

It all started when Deepika Padukone commented Ufff' on Ranveer Singh's picture and he replied to her with a kiss' emoticon and you won't believe how Deepika commented back with more kissing emoticons and wrote, "Right back at you @ranveersingh."

Ranveer: Ill Be A Great Dad

Recently, in an interview with a tabloid, Ranveer said, ""I believe that one person can be another's heart and soul. I want to be the best family man possible. I want to raise children, two of them. I think I'll make a great dad."

Ranveer On Rumours About Him Being Unprofessional

Talking about same, he said, "I don't feel the need to hide my intellect anymore. Earlier, I thought it would alienate me, but now I don't care."

Recommended Video Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are now in LIVE IN relationship | FilmiBeat

Heres What Upsets Ranveer..

"I have always been professional. I don't care about what's published in a tabloid, but when there are false reports about me being unprofessional, it ticks me off."

Ranveer Blames Rival Agencies For Spreading False Rumours

He further added, "Sometimes, it's news spread by the rival agencies that manage other talent. They try to dissuade a brand from signing me. It's a cut-throat there."

Ranveer, On The Work Front

On the professional front, Ranveer is gearing up for his mega-release, Padmavati. Ever since, the trailer of Padmavati has been released, the actor is being highly praised by movie-goers.
'Saaho' the much-awaited magnum opus trilingual shouldered by Baahubali star Prabhas, is ready to kickstart the next schedule of the film. The Saaho team will be visiting international shores for filming its next schedule.

Saaho was being shot in a Hyderabad Studio ever since the camera began rolling, however, the next schedule will take the team to Abu Dhabi.

The Abu Dhabi schedule is an extensive one with the team shooting for high octane action sequences across locations.

Sources close to the film said, "Since it is the first outdoor schedule for the film, Saaho makers are being cautious and taking preventive measure against leaks and will beef up the security on sets."

Saaho is Prabhas' much-awaited next after the record-shattering Baahubali franchise. The actor will be teaming up with Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor for the trilingual film, building further anticipation for the fans of the duo.

SAY WHAT! Gauri Khan SLUT-SHAMED For Sporting A See-through Dress

By being in the center of all this attention, makers of Saaho have taken extensive measures to protect the look.

Sources from the sets reveal, "Diktat has been issued against the use of cell phones on sets. We have not yet received specifications of the locations of our Abu Dhabi schedule. Makers are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that no content from the sets is leaked and for the same have kept shoot locations a secret. There will also be multiple vanity vans to protect the look of Prabhas."

The makers of Saaho have kept Prabhas' look in the film under strict wraps. Saaho which is touted as an ultramodern flick will star Prabhas in an action-packed avatar, while Shraddha Kapoor will be seen playing his love interest. The film will also feature Neil Nitin Mukesh in a pivotal role.
Q: How would the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act affect me if I earn the bulk of my income through dividends and interest?

First, let's talk about what won't change if this legislation passes.

The bill makes no changes to long-term capital gains tax rates, which also apply to qualified dividends. These rates are currently 0% for taxpayers in the two lowest tax brackets, 15% for the next four brackets, and 20% for taxpayers in the highest tax bracket. This proposal keeps the same income thresholds in place that apply to these rates now.

In addition, since the additional 3.8% net investment income tax on high earners is part of the Affordable Care Act, it isn't going anywhere.

Also, retirement savings tax breaks aren't changing at all. Although lawmakers had considered reducing the maximum amounts you could contribute annually to a 401(k), IRA, or other tax-advantaged retirement plan, such cuts were left out of this proposal.

Finally, short-term capital gains and interest income would still be taxed at your ordinary income rate.

Here's the one change that you should be aware of. While the way short-term gains and interest income are taxed wouldn't change, your rates could. For example, if you're currently in the 15% tax bracket and would be in the 12% tax bracket under the proposed plan, your interest income would be taxed at your new, lower rate.

Above all, it's important to point out that the tax reform effort is still a very fluid situation, and a final bill is likely to look significantly different than the one that was just released.
Essential Phone gets a price cut of $315 (around Rs. 20,400) in Canada News oi -Chandrika Essential Phone comes with a 5.7-inch edge-to-edge QHD (13122560 pixels) display with 19:10 aspect ratio.

Andy Rubin's Essential Phone was launched in the US earlier this year at $699, which is approximately Rs. 45,200. The smartphone recently received a price cut in the US, and it was rumored to get a price cut in Canada as well.

Now, the company has slashed the pricing of the Essential Phone by about $315 (approximately Rs. 20,400) in Canada. After the price cut, the handset is now available in the country at just $510 (approximately Rs. 33,000). Notably, at the time of the launch in Canada, the smartphone carried a price tag of about $820 (approximately Rs. 53,000). Currently, the Essential Phone can be purchased only through carrier Telus.

To recap on the specs, the Essential Phone boasts of a titanium and ceramic build, an almost edge to edge display with minimum bezel at the bottom, dual camera setup, and a fingerprint scanner. There is no sign of any logo or the company branding on the smartphone.

It comes with a 5.7-inch edge-to-edge QHD (13122560 pixels) display with 19:10 aspect ratio. The display further comes with a Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on top for better protection.

The smartphone is powered by an Octa-core 64-bit Snapdragon 835 (2.45GHz Quad + 1.9GHz Quad) processor which is paired with Adreno 540 GPU and 4GB RAM. The device offers 128GB of internal storage.

On the optics front, the Essential phone is equipped with a 13-MP dual camera setup at the back with RGB and monochrome capabilities in each lens. Other features include hybrid autofocus, phase detection, IR Laser Assist Focus, and 4K video support.

At the front, the handset flaunts an 8-megapixel selfie sensor with f/2.2 aperture, 16:9 aspect ratio, and 4K video support. Talking about the battery, the device is backed by a 3,040mAh cell with fast charging support.

Connectivity options provided with the smartphone include 4G LTE, Bluetooth v5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, NFC, GPS, USB Type-C port, Nano-SIM support, and GLONASS. The smartphone measures 141.572.27.8mm, and weighs less than 185 grams.

Best Mobiles in India

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Here's an Apple iPhone X alternative from Ulefone that is coming soon News oi -Samden Sherpa Renders of upcoming Ulefone device shows iPhone X-like all-screen design.

Thinking Apple iPhone X is too expensive? Well, you might have an alternative phone that could suffice your need of owning an iPhone X.

A number of small Chinese manufacturers have already come up iPhone clones, but one mainstream handset maker Ulefone is reportedly designing smartphone dubbed as Ulefone MIX 2 which adopt an all-screen design. Interestingly, the company has now confirmed that it is developing new all-screen phone and its design has been inspired by the iPhone X.

Amidst such development fresh renders of the Ulefone's new smartphone has now surfaced online. And we must say it looks pretty much like Apple's iPhone X. The new renders also once again confirm that this device on the surface will look exactly like the one from Apple.

Talking about the leaked renders, it shows the front panel and we can further see there is a dual front-facing camera setup on the top along with the earpiece and 'selfie softlight'. There is no home button and you can see the branding at the bottom.

But it seems the company is not only incorporating the design but Ulefone has also said that they will integrate the 3D face ID technology to replace the fingerprint sensor. Allegedly, a Chinese company known as Face++ might provide the necessary technology to the company.

Apart from this reports suggest that the smartphone will likely feature a dual camera setup on the back as well. Apart from the design the rest of the specifications of the smartphone is still a mystery.

Besides, speculations hint that Ulefone might position this as a premium and flagship device. If it does then the smartphone will most probably come with premium features and high-end specs. The company has recently unveiled its flagship device Ulefone T1 Premium Edition. This smartphone comes with 6GB RAM and 128GB of internal storage. So we could be seeing similar specs in the upcoming device. We will update you on the same once we get more information.

Via

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Navy Committed to Correcting Mistakes That Led to Collisions, Deaths

By Jim Garamone DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2017  The chief of Naval Operations said today that the collisions in the Pacific that killed 10 sailors aboard the USS Fitzgerald and seven sailors aboard the USS McCain were entirely preventable, and the service is committed to correcting the actions that led to the accidents.

Navy Adm. John Richardson told Pentagon reporters that many aspects combined to cause the accidents, including lack of training, hubris, sleep deprivation, failures in navigation and failures in leadership.

The guided missile destroyers USS Fitzgerald and USS McCain sailed when they shouldn't have, he said, and that decision falls on the commanders, who are responsible for conducting risk assessments.

The demand for ships, or any military capability, is defined by the security environment, Richardson said, adding that the Pacific has been a very demanding environment of late.

The demand of the security environment must match against the resources that can be applied. "When you have a gap between those two, that's risk," the admiral said. "It's all part of that  day-to-day assessment. Every commander has to wake up each day at their command level and say, what has changed in my security environment? What is my new risk posture? And how am I going to accommodate or mitigate that risk?"

Cultural Change

At some point, commanders cannot mitigate the risk, and they should say no to the mission, he said, but the present culture is such that commanders will assess the risk to be acceptable when it is not.

Changing that culture is one goal for the chief -- he wants commanders to be honest about assessments and the shortfalls they have.

While the changes are in the 7th Fleet area, the Navy is on all the seas. "A review of your Navy today shows that this morning there are 100 ships and 64,000 sailors and Navy civilians who are deployed," Richardson said.

"This includes three carrier strike groups and their embarked air wings, three amphibious readiness groups, and their embarked Marine expeditionary units, six ballistic missile defense ships on station, 11 attack submarines, five [ballistic missile submarines]," he said. "The vast majority of these ships are conducting their missions, some of them extremely difficult, effectively and professionally, protecting America from attack, promoting our interests and prosperity, and advocating for the rules that govern the vast commons from the seafloor, to space, and in cyberspace."

The Navy and its sailors are busy, and they have been integral to the wars America has fought since 9/11. "Recent experience has shown that if we're not careful, we can become overstretched, overextended. And if we take our eye off the fundamentals, we become vulnerable to mistakes at all levels of command," the admiral said.

To address this, the Navy has taken some immediate actions, including restoring a deliberative scheduling process in the 7th Fleet, conducting comprehensive ready-for-sea assessments for all Japan-based ships, establishing a naval service group in the Western Pacific -- an independent body in Yokosuka, Japan that will keep their eye on readiness generation and standards for the Pacific Fleet commander -- establishing and using a near-miss program to understand and disseminate lessons learned, and establishing policies for surface ships to routinely and actively transmit on their automatic identification system, Richardson said.

Midterm actions will emphasize training, establishing comprehensive policies on managing fatigue and accelerating some of the electronic navigation systems upgrades, he said.

"Long-term actions include improving individual and team training skills, with an emphasis on basic seamanship, navigation and integrated bridge equipment; evaluating core officer and enlisted curricula with an emphasis on fundamentals [and] navigation skills," the admiral said.

"I have to say that fundamental to all of this is how we prepare leaders for command," Richardson said. "We will deeply examine the way that we prepare officers for increasing leadership challenges, culminating in assumption of command with the capability and the confidence to form, train and assess warfighting teams on the bridge, in the combat information center, in engineering and throughout their command."

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U.S. Department of Defense

Press Operations

News Transcript

Presenter: Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson November 02, 2017

Department of Defense Press Briefing by Adm. Richardson on results of the Fleet Comprehensive Review and investigations into the collisions involving USS Fitzgerald and USS John S. McCain

ADMIRAL JOHN RICHARDSON: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I'll just start with an opening statement. I want to thank you first for the opportunity to be here today and brief you on the recent incidents involving surface forces in the Western Pacific, a comprehensive review that examined the systemic issues surrounding these incidents, and then review the corrective action.

Before I begin I must say that throughout this investigative process, our first and last thoughts have been with our fallen sailors and their families. And I want to offer my deep condolences to those who lost a loved one, and ensure them that they will always be part of the Navy family.

A review of your Navy today shows that this morning there are 100 ships and 64,000 sailors and Navy civilians forward deployed. This includes three carrier strike groups and their embarked air wings, three amphibious readiness groups, and their embarked Marine expeditionary units, six ballistic missile defense ships on station, 11 attack submarines, five SSBNs. The vast majority of these ships are conducting their missions, some of them extremely difficult, effectively and professionally, protecting America from attack, promoting our interests and prosperity, and advocating for the rules that govern the vast commons from the seafloor, to space, and in cyberspace.

And we do much of this work with our allies and partners, enhancing our combined capacity to contribute to maritime security and improve our lethality in warfighting at sea. In the recent three week period for instance, we conducted over 19 exercises with our partners involving 30 partner nations. This is what you expect of your Navy. This is why we exist.

The Navy's been run hard in the past 16 years of war and the pace is picking up, especially in the Pacific. Recent experience has shown that if we're not careful, we can become overstretched, overextended. And if we take our eye off the fundamentals, we become vulnerable to mistakes at all levels of command.

In response to the series of incidents in the service force in 2017, culminating in the collisions involving the USS Fitzgerald and the USS John S. McCain, the Navy conducted both independent investigations into the specific incidents to determine what happened onboard and also a comprehensive review to identify any systemic causal and contributing factors as to why these incidents occurred. Both of these efforts developed the actions needed, to prevent them in future operations.

I'll be clear, these accidents were preventable. The causes for the collisions included a failure to plan for safety, failure to adhere to sound navigational practices, failure to execute basic watchstanding principles, failure to properly use available navigation tools, failure to respond deliberately and effectively when in extremist of collision, a loss of situational awareness and high traffic density, failure to follow the international rules of the road and for John S. McCain, insufficient knowledge and proficiency of the ship's steering system.

We are a Navy that learns from our mistakes. U.S. Fleet Forces Commander Admiral Phil Davidson recently concluded a comprehensive review which was informed further by other mishaps going back 10 years.

The comprehensive review team was made up of 34 uniformed and civilian personnel and their backgrounds ranged from specialists in navigation to officers and civilians with extensive experience and a float leadership, underway operations, institutional training, equipment and systems research, development, acquisition and ship maintenance. It also included civilian experts and military members from other Navy Warfare communities and from other services. Multiple members also had substantial experience in conducting investigations and audits. Several distinguished individuals, a four star retired general and flag officers from the Army, the Marine Corps, a naval aviator and a naval submariner as well as the president of the Maryland Pilot -- Harbor Pilot Association and an academic from MIT were on the team to advise Admiral Davidson.

And the comprehensive review found that over a sustained period of time, rising pressure to meet operational demands led those in command to rationalize declining standards, standards in fundamental seamanship and watchstanding skills, teamwork, operational safety, assessment and a professional culture. This resulted in a reduction of operational safety margins.

Further, the demand for ready and certified ships to support operations exceeded the quantity to be supplied lacking an effective process clearly defined, available supply and associated readiness. Steadily increasing risks were not understood or appropriately mitigated as the ships were routinely assigned to high priority, short notice tasking.

This practice became the norm and resulted in situations where individuals and teams could no longer recognize that the processes in place to identify, communicate and assess readiness and risk were no longer working on ships or at headquarters.

To address this, we have taken some of immediate actions. These actions include restoring a deliberative scheduling process in the 7th Fleet, conducting comprehensive ready for sea assessments for all Japan-based ships, establishing the Naval service group in the Western Pacific: an independent body in Yokosuka, Japan that will keep their eye on readiness generation and standards for the Pacific Fleet Commander, establishing and using a near miss program to understand and disseminate lessons learned, and establishing policies for surface ships to routinely, actively transmit on their Automatic Identification System.

ADM. RICHARDSON: A system that lets other ships in the area know that -- what they're doing. We have other ongoing immediate actions focused on upgrading the training of navigation fundamentals, assessing operational demands against available resources, grading the base line readiness of all 7th Fleet cruisers and destroyers, optimizing the authority and accountability for readiness, implementing schedules that ensure everybody gets sufficient rest, and baselining the force generation model for the Japan-based ships.

We also have some midterm actions that are focused on developing the process to generate sustainable ready forces, starting with the Japan based ships, reviewing the qualification standards, establishing comprehensive policies on managing fatigue, revising readiness- assessment standards, aligning the operational requirements to available resources, and accelerating the -- some of the electronic navigation systems upgrades.

And we have additional longer term actions, so there're immediate actions, short term, and then midterm, and then long term. Long term actions include improving individual and team training skills with an emphasis on basic seamanship, navigation and integrated bridge equipment, evaluating core officer and enlisted curricula with an emphasis on fundamentals, navigation skills.

I have to say that fundamental to all of this is how we prepare leaders for command. We will deeply examine the way that we prepare officers for increasing leadership challenges, culminating in assumption of command with the capability and the confidence to form, train and assess war fighting teams on the bridge, in the combat information center, in engineering and throughout their command.

Our Navy, from the most junior sailor to the most senior commander, must value achieving and maintaining high operational and war fighting standards of performance. And these standards must be embedded in our equipment, our individuals, our teams and our fleets.

The Navy is absolutely committed to doing everything possible to prevent a tragic loss like this again. We should never allow an accident like this to take the lives of such magnificent young sailors and inflict such painful grief on their families, the Navy and the nation.

We must get this right. And we will. We own this. And we're moving out.

Thank you for your time again, and I look forward to your questions.

Q: Admiral Richardson (OFF-MIKE) ...

Q: Admiral, obviously this review was about the Seventh Fleet, but as you look across the Navy and its' ships as a whole, don't some of these problems also exist perhaps in other AORs? And what are you doing to look at some of those? And how do you replicate some of this across the other ships in your fleet? Or is this just Seventh Fleet ...

ADM. RICHARDSON: Right.

Q: ... and you need more ships there?

ADM. RICHARDSON: So we take -- to start -- to get started, we had to contain the investigation -- the scope of the investigation. And so we did concentrate on where we were seeing the problems, which is the cruisers and destroyers out in the Seventh Fleet.

That's where we started, both with the incident investigations, obviously, and also with the comprehensive review.

Now that we have that investigation complete, you know, it's my intention -- in fact I just transmitted a message to all commanding officers -- similar audience that I transmitted the Operational Pause message; for them to study this at all levels of command to figure you and -- and determine, you know, where are they might be vulnerable to the findings in the comprehensive review and also to take a look at what of the recommended actions might apply to them.

And I've asked them to put together a report, report to their superiors. And I'll see the consolidated result of that effort.

Q: Do you think it's likely that this -- some of these problems will just (inaudible) ...

ADM. RICHARDSON: I will tell you, we have -- the ultimate test for our effectiveness is combat operations.

And as I pointed out, you know, we have a forward-deployed fleet. And over this year, in the not too distant past, and currently right now, they are performing exquisitely in the highest degree of combat. And so we're going to go out with the sense that we want to look at everybody and find the vulnerabilities and plug them where they exist.

Barbara?

Q: While you say that you and the Navy own the problem and we understand, with all due respect you serve at the pleasure as the president, you've described a series of ongoing, very comprehensive problems that underlie all of this.

So the question is, why do you -- as CNO, why didn't you know about any of these problems? Because if you knew, you certainly would have fixed them. So how is it that you didn't know, and as chief of Naval operations, what response -- while you serve at the pleasure, what responsibility as CNO do you bear on this? With all due respect, do you believe that you still have the confidence of the sailors and the Navy families?

ADM. RICHARDSON: Barbara, I think there's no doubt that I made very clear from the beginning that as the CNO, I own this. And I won't dodge from that ownership. As we've studied similar catastrophes, incidents in the past both in the Navy and outside the Navy, there is this slow degradation that happens.

And what you end up is a process where it's -- you become -- a situation where deviancy becomes normalized. If you can't meet the -- or you don't meet the standard -- the absolute standards, you come up with a system of standards that you do meet.

So we're aware of this, I do own it, we're taking firm corrective action and we'll get this right.

Q: With all due respect, I understand that Admiral. The question really professionally is what responsibility is there in the -- with the chief of Naval operations for not knowing about all of these problems that led to the loss of so many lives?

ADM. RICHARDSON: Well and again, you know there ...

Q: ... I'm asking you how you feel about it.

ADM. RICHARDSON: I feel responsible for this.

Q: And do you think you can remain with the confidence of the fleet, of the sailors?

ADM. RICHARDSON: I do.

Q: Admiral, thanks -- thanks for your time on this. You mentioned sleep deprivation, you mentioned managing fatigue. Could you give the sense if sleep deprivation had anything to do in the two accidents?

And then what are the Navy recommendations for sleep? Is it four hours, is it five hours?

ADM. RICHARDSON: Yes, so the -- the fatigue did play a role in -- in these incidents. And we've recently gone to a -- throughout the Navy now, the service force recently made it mandatory to execute their at sea schedule with respect -- paying respect to what we call a circadian rhythm.

A 24-hour cycle, inside that cycle getting six to eight hours within a 24-hour period.

Q: So that's not mandatory?

ADM. RICHARDSON: That's mandatory, right. You should be getting that -- that type of sleep every 24-hour cycle.

Q: Hi, Sam LaGrone with USNI News.

So when you read the comprehensive review, you see that there's institution of the organization and institution of additional oversight. What -- what didn't -- wasn't readily apparent when you read it was how do you say no to a combatant commander?

Bob Work, former Deputy of Secretary of Defense said earlier this week that the problem, particularly with the Navy is a simple one. It's there are not enough ships to do the missions that are out there. So in 1999, there were 330ish with 100 ships deployed.

Now there's 276 with about 100 ships deployed. How do you tell those combatant commanders and what responsibility do you all have to say no to them, and how do you do that?

ADM. RICHARDSON: Yeah this is the -- the responsibility and accountability that comes with command. It's -- it's fundamental in the nature of command, that you -- if you're not ready to execute the mission that you're assigned, you've got to make that clear.

And we have a number of examples, again, where that happens, at every level of command. Admiral Davidson and I have those conversations. Admiral Swift and I have those conversations and that happens all the way down to unit level commanders.

When we fail to do that, we've got to - we become vulnerable. We get assigned for missions for which we're not prepared. So we have to insure that we create a climate. This is this idea of culture that's discussed in the comprehensive review, that values these discussions, and is open and listening to those commanders that are saying that I've been stretched too thin.

Yes?

Q: You sort of talked about the culture. I mean, you can improve training, you can institute their sleep cycles, but obviously none of this would have been possible if there wasn't a culture of sort of ignoring some of the things that happened.

How do you build a culture where people will start listening and sort of -- it takes decades for that to build out. How do you build that?

ADM. RICHARDSON: Yes. No, I disagree that it takes decades. And there are a number of examples where large organizations with forceful action can really get at this and turn very much more quickly than that, and so this is what it's going to take.

You know, a forceful effort by every level of command in the Navy, that's what we hope to catalyze through this comprehensive review, and keeping our leaders in this discussion from the four star level all the way down.

Q: Thank you. To get back to the culture question, he says that, you know the high pace of operations led to a culture of accepting a lower grade of readiness, and lowered standards.

Were you part of that culture? Did it get to a point where you felt pressure that you couldn't say no to something and you needed to resource?

ADM. RICHARDSON: I never felt those pressures, so there's -- yes.

Q: But were you part of that culture, sir?

ADM. RICHARDSON: Well, I'm the chief of Naval operations, and so just to Barbara's point, it's hard to escape that level of responsibility. We're all -- everybody in the Navy is part of this, including leadership.

Q: I'm wondering if you could talk a little bit about your training, or a lack of training? It used to be in years passed that an ensign would leave the service academy, your ROTC go up to Newport for surface warfare school, spend months if not more than a year up there learning how to drive a ship, going out on patrol craft, a lot of classroom time.

In 2003, after decades, they changed that. They gave 21CD's. They sent some of these ensigns out to ships and basically said you'll learn how to do it on the job. That lasted for seven years.

Admiral John Harvey, who ran the Atlantic fleet, went to the Hill in 2010 and said this was a mistake, this didn't work. So first of all, talk about the lack of training.

And do you have dozens, if not scores of officers out there that simply don't know how to drive a ship because of that lack of training, and you talk about overextended, overstretched.

You talk about sleep deprivation, you talk about rising pressure, but the report says that the commanding officer of one of these ships didn't know how to operate a console when there was a steering mishap.

Now, he didn't know how to drive his ship. So what does that have to do with the sleep deprivation, or being overstretched, or rising pressure, this officer couldn't drive his ship. How do you explain that?

ADM. RICHARDSON: Oh, you're exactly right. These are failures of command. And when you talk about training, just to your point, we've moved away from that system where we had a set of CD's and we did all that training on the job.

We've reinstituted the basic division officer courses, we've reinstituted an advanced division obstacle course, and have been making steady improvements to both the officer and illicit training throughout.

We've got more work to do here, the comprehensive review identifies several areas where we can do that. Then these ready for sea assessments are going around and doing that assess -- that look, that grading to ensure that we get a solid look and understanding of what the proficiency is at sea. And again there are many, many examples of where our ships -- their commanding officers, their crews are doing very well, but if it's not monitored on a continuous basis these skills can atrophy very quickly.

Q: My question is...

(CROSSTALK)

Q: My question is, during that seven-year period where you had lax training we gave these people CD's. Are you worried that there are too many officers out there in the fleet, who simply don't know how to drive a ship?

ADM. RICHARDSON: We're doing these ready for sea assessments to determine that exactly.

Q: Don't you worry that there are...

ADM. RICHARDSON: I'm concerned enough that I support these ready for sea assessments. We're going to get a solid baseline of that readiness and proficiency.

Q: Admiral, what are the biggest mistakes your sailors made that led to these collisions?

ADM. RICHARDSON: These were fundamental mistakes of ship driving and so the basic responsibility to maintain situational awareness of the ships around you to know the basics of the rules -- nautical rules of the road, how to respond when you get into a crossing situation, the basics of understanding the ship control console, it was actually the operator who didn't know how to do it, not the commanding officer. Those are some pretty fundamental things.

Q: Do officers today have more training than the officers of 15 years ago aboard these ships?

ADM. RICHARDSON: In some areas yes, they certainly have more training than they got when there was a box of compact discs and on-the-job training so we have been reinstituting that training steadily. And in the comprehensive review, there is an appendix that lists exactly that journey that we've been on in training.

Q: Admiral, today compared to 15 years ago are you convinced that your officers aboard these ships have more training than 15 years ago?

ADM. RICHARDSON: It's more than just about hours, it's about the quality of the training and overall it's just the hours is a false metric and so this is exactly what the comprehensive review looked at; it identified some areas we can beef that up and we're moving out to do that.

Q: Patrick Tucker from Defense One. All the failures that you just described are very human failures. As you know, (inaudible) is now looking at a -- they're testing an unmanned ship that actually can follow rules of the road and has demonstrated great hazard or safety potential. Did the committee that looked at this make any recommendations in terms of next-generation software, autonomy, things like that, to reduce the cognitive load that's being placed on these human crewmen?

ADM. RICHARDSON: We've done a lot of examination of that, certain Navy-wide already, outside the scope of the comprehensive review, and so we'll continue that effort independent of the comprehensive review. It's actually a -- it's making progress, and we're monitoring that closely.

Q: Thank you, Admiral, (inaudible) context of it? If you look at that in a context...

ADM. RICHARDSON: No we were studying that outside the context of the review.

Q: Admiral, you've used the word "failure" many times, but you haven't used the word "negligence." Was there negligence involved in either of these accidents?

ADM. RICHARDSON: Yes.

Q: By whom?

ADM. RICHARDSON: Well by several people. I mean, we found that the commander officers were at fault, the executive officers were at fault. There were watchstanders on the ships. And we've been pretty clear about identifying where there was fault and taking appropriate accountability actions, up to and including the 7th Fleet commander.

Q: OK do you anticipate legal action against some of those guilty of negligence?

ADM. RICHARDSON: I have assigned Admiral Frank Caldwell to be a consolidated disposition authority to take a look -- comprehensive look at all of these and to make his recommendations with respect to any further action we may do.

Q: Admiral, you said that the vast majority of ships are operating safely and effectively. I mean, some of the findings here are pretty stunning. For example the training continuum of surface warfare officers and candidates, quartermasters and operations specialists -- my humble rate -- does not provide sufficient seamanship and navigational knowledge in advance of milestone assignments.

So I mean, I guess the question is how could you possibly know if the ships out there is -- if the ships out there are operating and training, you know, safely and effectively, especially since there doesn't seem to be -- and the review finds -- a good way of measuring the performance as these people go along in their careers.

ADM. RICHARDSON: No, you're right. A big conclusion of the comprehensive review is that we've got to beef up the assessment process across the board, both in individual and in team training and effectiveness.

But in many cases, that assessment is going on right now. So while we did focus on this area in the 7th Fleet their assessments of readiness going on throughout the Navy which give us a sense of that proficiency and that effectiveness.

Q: Admiral, in reading through and listening to it sounds like the way this was going these were accidents were almost destined to happen to some ships or ships out there. Would you say that's a fair statement that this was an accident waiting to happen with the way it's been going all along?

ADM. RICHARDSON: I would -- I would rephrase that. I would say that what happened was a gradual erosion of the margins of safety. And so, when the system has that and you get this reduced margins of safety, you combine that with a stressful situation then you're much more vulnerable -- you're much more vulnerable to that.

Q: You've described a number of changes that are being put forth, but as you know, a few years on the Balisle Report a lot of the same recommendations were put forth. They were also some of the same forms of recommendation that you've made now.

Why is this iteration of problems that were first brought up years ago going to be addressed this time? Why should people -- the American public and the Navy community have confidence that in this iteration these problems are actually going to be addressed? And then, the report goes on to describe a real fundamental problem in training, in leadership, in culture, and even the quality of the ships. It talks about how they're some of the oldest ships in the fleet.

In an AOR where the U.S. is dealing with a very real threat in vis-a-vis North Korea, given that you've got a 7th Fleet that hasn't mastered the fundamentals, what confidence should the American public have that 7th Fleet can handle what is probably one of the highest risk from a national security perspective?

ADM. RICHARDSON: Yes. I'll tell you these ships in the 7th Fleet did not master the fundamentals and we noticed some issues at headquarters that may have set them up for that. We're correcting that very quickly. But, again, there are ships in the 7th Fleet that are out there doing their job.

They're ships are old by since they've been built but they're also been some of the most modernized ships, as well. So, we have been consistently sending our most advanced capability out to the 7th Fleet.

Q: Admiral, thanks for your time.

Dan Lamothe, Washington Post.

Wanted to ask you about transparency through all of this. Your report that you released yesterday mentioned you were trying to balance the legal concerns for the country along with trying to get information out about the McCain incident and the Fitzgerald incident.

ADM. RICHARDSON: Right.

Q: At the same time the Navy is still withholding all documents requested from FOIA on the Lake Champlain collision. Can you explain that dichotomy and what will be happening there?

ADM. RICHARDSON: I'll take a look into the request on the Lake Champlain incident. I wasn't familiar that that has been held up. There are legal concerns that have to be recognized and addressed but it has been a pretty consistent thrust through this effort including the release of the full comprehensive review release of the descriptions of the Fitzgerald and McCain incidents to maintain that level of transparency. So, I'll check on what we can release on the Lake Champlain.

Q: (Inaudible) similar level of transparency with these other incidents?

ADM. RICHARDSON: I -- I'll tell you what. I -- I will do that. The Lake Champlain, we'll come up with similar description of that incident that we put together for Fitzgerald and McCain.

OK? All right.

Q: Carla Babb, Voice of America.

I just want to kind of follow up on Champlain. There are people that said more should have been done after the Champlain incident, after the Antietam incident in January that might could have prevented these two deadly incidents that occurred after. Why wasn't more done? Why wasn't an investigation or a more thorough investigation put in place before these happened?

ADM. RICHARDSON: Yes. There were thorough investigations done on those two incidents you just referred to them. And those -- those incidents were shared on a more local level. This effort to instill this Near Miss and Lessons Learned Program will improve our ability to get those lessons out more broadly, more quickly, so we can prevent this in the future.

Yes?

Q: Yes. Hi Admiral.

James from Aviation Week.

The nation has spent billions of dollars on these -- on these ships to take out ballistic missiles and, you know, the past couple of years intercepted no North Korean missiles during all that testing. Why haven't they done so and with what -- the fleet that you've got out there at the moment, could you do that if required by the President?

ADM. RICHARDSON: You know, the details of that capability are classified, as are the decisions that go into it. So it's just inappropriate to discuss those things of here. You know.

Q: Why wasn't the Lake Champlain CO relieved? The Antietam, you know, runs aground in Tokyo Bay, that CO's relieved. The Fitzgerald CO triad is relieved, McCain triad relieved. You guys won't not only release that report, but this guy changed command last month and you guys put out, you know, the Navy news press release 

ADM. RICHARDSON: Each -- each one of those cases is evaluated independently, consistent with this commitment. I'll get to that answer as well.

Q: The report said that the Japanese-based ships were -- were adequately resourced with the exception of manning. As -- as much of this comprehensive review says that the issues were inherent, impactfully in -- in 7th Fleet. How much of that responsibility for manning however is a U.S.-based function? Either from, you know, from -- from y'alls office in OPNAV or fleet forces, that manning component that you indicated in the comprehensive review that was under resourced. How much of that is PAC Fleet, 7th Fleet responsibility? How much of that is a U.S. based responsibility?

ADM. RICHARDSON: I think that there's responsibility for everybody in that regard, in terms of how that manning, you know, assigned and then allocated. We realized this on our own before the incidents happened. And, you know, the manning fluctuates throughout the fleet and there's always an effort to make sure that we are ensuring that first and foremost our at sea and our deployed forces amongst them are manned with the highest priority, and we're filling those at sea gaps.

We made some adjustments recently to, you know, re-address what has been a slight degradation in manning levels out in the Pacific. We're already starting to see the returns on those, but that was put in place before these happened. So, you know, it's a constant balancing and optimization effort that we strive to achieve.

Yes?

Q: Amy Hudson, Inside Defense. Could you give us an update on the initial cost estimate for repair? SECNAV said in September it was going to be about $600 million, that's what you were asking Congress for.

ADM. RICHARDSON: Yes, that's about right. And the John S. McCain is still on their way to Yokosuka. We'll get a better estimate when she gets there.

Q: Admiral, could I follow up on something you said about the commanding officer. He was aware on how to operate the ship control system. But the report says --

ADM. RICHARDSON: No, I didn't say that. Go ahead.

Q: The report says, no one on watch on the McCain, including the commanding officer was properly trained on how to correctly operate the ship control console.

ADM. RICHARDSON: Right. I just want to make clear it was the operator there that mis-operated that. The commanding officer wasn't any help in that regard, so.

Q: But including the commanding officer, it says, did not know how to correctly operate the ship control console. Is that good enough?

ADM. RICHARDSON: That is not good enough.

Q: But again, that gets back to lack of knowledge, lack of training, doesn't it? Not your over -- you're not getting enough sleep or you're stretched or extended. That gets to the basic knowledge of how to drive your ship, doesn't it?

ADM. RICHARDSON: That gets to the -- yeah, exactly, the training and qualification standards that were residents on that ship were not right.

Q: During the McCain investigation, it's said that at least three of the officers on the bridge were from another ship, were not appropriately equipped and trained to operate ...

ADM. RICHARDSON: Right, this goes to the question about the ship control console. And so what had happened there was ...

Q: First of all, what -- how that happened and if that happens on other ships, that this is a systemic problem.

ADM. RICHARDSON: Right. So the -- what had happened specifically is that the operators -- a couple of the operators on the bridge at the time of the collision, particularly the helm were actually crew members from Antietam who were temporarily assigned to the John S. McCain.

Now when that happens, what -- when you get a watch stand -- this is not unusual. Right, ships and maintenance will -- it's not uncommon for them to -- if they need to get their sailors at the experience or qualifications and training.

They'll assign their sailors to a ship that's going to sea and get some underway time. When that happens though, the requisite training and qualification for the systems that are on that receiving command have got to be in place to ensure that before they operate the equipment, they're trained, qualified and certified to do so.

Accounting for any differences in equipment configurations is between the two commands specifically. And that was a gap on John S. McCain. They did not go to any kind of rigorous steps to ensure those watch standards from Antietam were qualified on the equipment on the John S. McCain.

And that ended up contributing to the confusion that led to the collision.

Q: (OFF-MIKE)

ADM. RICHARDSON: I would just say that there was no rigor to the re- qualification standard.

Q: Admiral, with the culture issues we talked about before, you know you're an 05, 06 mid-level officer. You know, are you really going to tell your ISIC that your ship is not good to go when that could realistically lead to a blemish on your FITREP and affect your career?

ADM. RICHARDSON: It shouldn't lead...

Q: And prior to that -- I didn't mean to interrupt you, but prior to that, when you were at the 05, 06 level, whatever command you were at, did you ever tell your immediate ISIC that, you know your unit was not good to go?

ADM. RICHARDSON: Yes, absolutely. The alternative is to go to sea unprepared or unsafe. All right, so you've got to do that. And -- what's that?

Q: You know, when you're in the high stakes waters of 7th Fleet ...

ADM. RICHARDSON: I was in those high stake waters, all right? So this is the -- this culture issue where you -- the can-do aspect of our Navy is something that we want to preserve. It's this bottom up, effusive enthusiasm to get things done.

People -- it's not, you know going and getting tasks done, it -- this is a positive in our Navy. When that turns around and becomes a sense of sort of a must do, I've got to go out at any cost, this is when it becomes toxic.

And this is the culture adjustment that we have to make where appropriate. We have to make it OK. We have to set the standards for going out and executing your missions. The commanding officers have to be absolutely blunt about whether they are meeting those standards or not.

And if, you know -- for instance, a material failure or some kind of a training -- a missed training opportunity, you know, some adjustments have been made. And as I said, those conversations do happen. These are -- these are not things that never happen. It just wasn't happening regularly in the 7th Fleet.

Q: Admiral, are the cultures different between a submarine and a surface ship?

ADM. RICHARDSON: There are, I would say, tribal differences -- you know, in our warfighting areas -- submarine, there's aviation, the special warfare -- information warfare. You get the slightly different cultures for each of those different warfare specialties. And those things are -- are healthy things. They contribute to, you know, overall Naval power. When though, they -- they start to -- those differences lead to, I would say -- you know, lax standards, this -- there's -- that's completely inappropriate.

Q: Sir, just a follow-up on the submarine or -- and a surface warfare officer, as -- as opposed to navigation?

ADM. RICHARDSON: No.

Q: Sir, just a follow-up on that point. If you're -- if you're in the aviation and you're out of compliance with NATOPS procedures, you can say I'm out of compliance of NATOPS procedures. If you're on a submarine and you're out of compliance with Sub Nav or -- or whatever other operational conditions that you have --

ADM. RICHARDSON: Right.

Q: You can say, I'm out of compliance in this rulebook --

ADM. RICHARDSON: Right, we enable that conversation to happen.

Q: Where is -- but where is that equivalency in the Surface Fleet?

ADM. RICHARDSON: So there is some of that in the Surface Fleet and a part of the -- recommendations in the comprehensive review are to reinforce that.

Q: So part of the review does talk about circadian rhythms and sleep. And what I'm wondering is, are you looking to integrate the same kind of crew rest policies that aviation community had in to the surface warfare community?

ADM. RICHARDSON: No -- the fundamentals of it, the principles of it, yes. You know, how they specifically execute it -- each of the missions will give rise to, you know, differences in execution. But the fundamentals of making sure that, you know, before you go and you operate on watch or you operate equipment, you are sufficiently rested, those will be instilled.

Q: Do you need more ships?

ADM. RICHARDSON: What's that?

Q: Admiral, do you need more ships in the 7th Fleet? Does this suggest to you that, perhaps undermanned but also maybe you need additional various types of ships?

ADM. RICHARDSON: Absolutely. A part of this highlighted that there's a mismatch between the sustainable level of naval power that we can generate with the current assigned forces in the 7th Fleet and the mission set -- the growing mission set that is emerging out there. And so, you know, when -- if we are going to define that sustainable level of force generation at appropriate training and -- and readiness standards, and there's a gap between that level of forces and what -- the missions that are out there. That gap can really only be met by additional Naval forces, more ships.

We'll see what that -- I mean, it -- it's a dynamic number -- right -- because the missions keep changing. What we are developing right now is -- hey, with the currently assigned force, given maintenance, and training, and the certification requirements, what is that sustainable level of force generation?

Q: Can I follow-up on that? Because the other alternative is to say no -- to Sam's point, that if the ships aren't there, the way to fill the gap is not just more ships. But to say, no, that's there's only so much we can do 

ADM. RICHARDSON: No, that's --

Q: And you were talking earlier about how you had said no in -- in your career. Why are we -- are we not hearing about an announcement of some sort about reducing the demand, given that you have such problems on a fundamental level and you're trying to encourage a culture of saying we're not ready?

ADM. RICHARDSON: The demand -- the demand is defined by the security environment. And our ability to respond to that demand is defined by -- throughout the Joint Force, not just the Navy, you know, the -- the quantity of ready forces to meet that -- that -- the demand of the security environment. When you have a gap between those two, that's risk, right? And so, it -- it's all part of that is, you know, day-to-day assessment. Every commander has to wake up each day at their command level and say, what has changed in my security environment? How is -- what is my new risk posture? And how am I going to accommodate or mitigate that risk? And at some point, it may get to the point where I can't. And at that point you've got to, you know, say no.

Q: At the beginning of the briefing -- at the beginning of the briefing, you were mentioning about the size of the U.S. Navy and just the number of ships in general.

But are these two incidents -- they kind of proof, or are indication that the U.S. Fleet may have become too large to effectively manage, or supervise?

ADM. RICHARDSON: Yes. No, we've got command structures in place that allow, you know, that to -- proper oversight and command to exist. So it's not a question of being too large to command.

Q: OK.

ADM. RICHARDSON: Thank you all very much. All right.

Q: Thank you.

Q: Thank you.

-END-

http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/1361655/

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UN: Give Millions of Stateless People Basic Right of Citizenship

By Lisa Schlein November 03, 2017

The U.N. refugee agency is calling on governments to grant basic rights of citizenship to millions of stateless people who suffer discrimination, exclusion and persecution.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is making this plea on the third anniversary of a 10-year global campaign to prevent, reduce and eradicate statelessness.

The largest stateless minority group in the world right now is the Rohingya.

Although the Rohingya have lived in Myanmar for generations, the government does not recognize them as citizens. They are forced to live on the margins of society and are denied the most basic rights enjoyed by Myanmar nationals. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have fled to neighboring Bangladesh to escape violence and persecution.

The U.N. refugee agency reports there are more than 3 million stateless people around the world, with about 75 percent of them belonging to minority groups. The agency's "IBelong" campaign to end statelessness highlights the reality that these individuals do not belong anywhere.

Carol Batchelor is the UNHCR's international protection division director. She says stateless people are among the most bereft.

"If you live in this world without a nationality, you are without an identity," she said. "You are without documentation. You are without the rights and entitlements that come, that we take for granted, even just being able to gather here today, having a job, having education, knowing that your child belongs somewhere."

Progress has been made in reducing statelessness since the "IBelong" campaign began three years ago. Thousands of stateless people have been granted citizenship in places such as Thailand, central Asia, Russia, Kenya and West Africa; but the job is far from over.

The UNHCR urges all states to ease naturalization for stateless minority groups that fulfill certain residential requirements, grant citizenship to children in the country of their birth, and eliminate laws and practices that discriminate against people on ethnic and racial grounds.

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403rd Wing participates in Exercise Southern Strike 2018

By Tech. Sgt. Ryan Labadens, 403rd Wing / Published November 03, 2017

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. (AFNS) -- Three units from the 403rd Wing took part in Southern Strike 2018, an annual joint exercise held along the Mississippi Gulf Coast from Oct. 20 to Nov. 3, 2017.

Members of the 36th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, 815th Airlift Squadron and the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron each participated in various scenarios during this training mission.

According to Army Col. James Haynie, exercise director for Southern Strike 2018, this training is a large-scale, joint multinational combat exercise that provides tactical-level training for the full spectrum of conflict. It emphasizes air dominance, maritime operations, maritime air support, precision engagement, close air support, command and control, personnel recovery, aeromedical evacuation and combat medical support. Eighty military units from 33 states participated in the joint exercise.

"What we try to do here is replicate real-world activities that we perform on the conventional level as well as the special operations level. We encompass all components of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines to include conventional Reserve and National Guard units," said Haynie. "What we try to do here is perform the same functions that we'd perform overseas to better train and equip our forces so that when they deploy, they can be at the highest state of readiness that they can expect."

Capt. Erika Seagle, 36th AES flight nurse; Capt. George Atiee, 36th AES medical service officer and Master Sgt. Kimelyn Hall, 36th AES aeromedical evacuation technician, integrated with Air National Guard and other aeromedical evacuation units from other U.S. military branches. Together they assisted with simulated care and transport of patients out of the exercise area, which included the Combat Readiness Training Center and Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, both in Gulfport, Mississippi. The 36th AES was also the only Air Force Reserve aeromedical evacuation squadron to participate in the exercise, said Seagle.

Seagle also noted these joint exercises provide an excellent opportunity for members of different aeromedical evacuation units to work together, since this kind of blending could easily take place in deployed environments.

"All of our crews are essentially practicing their primary function of receiving and transporting patients from one base to another for definitive care purposes," said Seagle. "This is what we do while deployed  working with the Army and other units  so this is real-world training for us based on what we would do down range."

The 815th AS and 53rd WRS flew sorties out of Keesler Air Force Base to simulate the type of inner-theater airlift support they would provide real-world to the director of the mobility forces in the area of operation, such as troop and equipment transport as well as airdrop missions, said Lt. Col. Tim Weiher, 815th AS assistant director of operations. Specifically for Southern Strike 2018, the two squadrons assisted with aeromedical evacuations.

Weiher spoke to the importance of working together with other units from different military branches during this type of training.

"This exercise provides us an excellent opportunity to integrate with folks that we normally don't get to interact with on a normal day-to-day training basis to practice how we plan missions and execute them in a joint environment," said Weiher.

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Inherent Resolve Strikes Target ISIS in Syria, Iraq

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 3, 2017  U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 13 strikes consisting of 15 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

Officials reported details of yesterday's strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.

Strikes in Syria

In Syria, coalition military forces conducted nine strikes consisting of nine engagements against ISIS targets:

-- Near Abu Kamal, a strike destroyed an ISIS line of communication.

-- Near Shaddadi, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS vehicle and damaged a heavy weapon.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS line of communication, a vehicle-borne-bomb factory and an ISIS headquarters.

Additionally, officials reported today that a Nov. 1 strike consisting of one engagement destroyed nine ISIS supply routes near Abu Kamal.

Strikes in Iraq

In Iraq, coalition military forces conducted four strikes consisting of six engagements against ISIS targets near Qaim. The strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed two vehicle-borne-bomb factories, an ISIS-held building, two fighting positions and an ISIS spotter location.

Part of Operation Inherent Resolve

These strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to destroy ISIS in Iraq and Syria. The destruction of ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria also further limits the group's ability to project terror and conduct external operations throughout the region and the rest of the world, task force officials said.

The list above contains all strikes conducted by fighter, attack, bomber, rotary-wing or remotely piloted aircraft; rocket-propelled artillery; and some ground-based tactical artillery when fired on planned targets, officials noted.

Ground-based artillery fired in counterfire or in fire support to maneuver roles is not classified as a strike, they added. A strike, as defined by the coalition, refers to one or more kinetic engagements that occur in roughly the same geographic location to produce a single or cumulative effect.

For example, task force officials explained, a single aircraft delivering a single weapon against a lone ISIS vehicle is one strike, but so is multiple aircraft delivering dozens of weapons against a group of ISIS-held buildings and weapon systems in a compound, having the cumulative effect of making that facility harder or impossible to use. Strike assessments are based on initial reports and may be refined, officials said.

The task force does not report the number or type of aircraft employed in a strike, the number of munitions dropped in each strike, or the number of individual munition impact points against a target.

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China: South China Sea disputes not an issue with US

Iran Press TV

Fri Nov 3, 2017 10:20AM

A senior Chinese official says territorial disputes between China and a number of other countries in the South China Sea are not an issue between Beijing and the United States, adding that Washington is expected to make a positive contribution over the matter and not cause more trouble.

Ahead of a visit to China by US President Donald Trump next week, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang said on Friday, "The South China Sea issue isn't an issue between China and the United States."

Zheng hoped Washington could objectively view what he said were positive developments in the South China Sea and respect the efforts by China and Southeast Asian countries to safeguard peace and stability there.

"We hope that as an external party, the United States can plant more flowers and fewer thorns, help and not cause problems," he said.

Washington, an extra-regional power, often takes sides with China's rival claimants in the Sea. Those other countries are Vietnam, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei. The US also accuses China of attempting to assert control over the region, which is believed to be rich in oil and gas reserves.

China, however, rejects the allegations and accuses the US of interfering in the affairs of a region it does not belong to and deliberately stirring up tensions there.

From time to time, Washington sends its warships to the region to protect it calls "freedom of navigation" in the South China Sea.

Zheng also said that Beijing had no issue with freedom of navigation in the South China Sea but it opposed parties using it as an "excuse" to harm China's sovereignty and security interests.

China, Vietnam 'agree on managing maritime dispute'

In a related development, China's Assistant Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong said Beijing had reached an agreement with Vietnam on managing their dispute in the South China Sea through friendly dialog.

Chen said in a news briefing on Friday that the leaders of China and Vietnam had had many "deep, frank" discussions on maritime issues, on which they "reached an important consensus."

Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a visit to Vietnam next week to attend a summit of Asia Pacific leaders, Chen also said.

"Both sides will uphold the principle of friendly consultations and dialog to jointly manage and control maritime disputes, and protect the bigger picture of developing Sino-Vietnam relations and stability in the South China Sea," he said.

China and Vietnam are traditional allies, but they have been engaged in a dispute over territory in the South China Sea.

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Refugee chief slams UN for failing to resolve conflicts

Iran Press TV

Fri Nov 3, 2017 07:55AM

The head of the UN refugee agency has warned about the growing plight of refugees worldwide, blasting the Security Council and global leaders for failing to avert and resolve the conflicts that have caused massive displacement.

Addressing a meeting of UN Security Council on Thursday, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said that the number of people forcibly displaced worldwide is now approaching 66 million, up from 42 million in 2009.

Grandi said that the swelling number of forcibly displaced people "reflects weaknesses in international cooperation, and declining capacity to prevent, contain and resolve conflicts."

"Have we become unable to broker peace?" Grandi asked the 15-member body, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security.

The UN official also said that the ongoing crises in Syria and Iraq account for about a quarter of those currently displaced, adding that a "combinations of poverty and underdevelopment, environmental degradation, inequality and persecution" would trigger more crises.

Grandi further called on the international community to find political solutions to the ongoing conflicts in the world.

"Securing solutions for the millions of people uprooted around the world, and avoiding a repeat of the massive outflows that have taken place over recent years, ultimately rests on political solutions," he said.

The UN official pointed to the plight of Rohingya Muslim refugees, who have fled Myanmar to Bangladesh, describing the crisis as a "human tragedy on a dramatic scale."

Myanmar's government brands more than one million Rohingya Muslims in the country as "illegal immigrants" from Bangladesh, and has launched a deadly and brutal crackdown on the minority group. Rohingya Muslims, however, have had roots in the country that go back centuries. They are considered by the UN the "most persecuted minority group in the world."

Since August 25, the Myanmar military has significantly stepped up its clampdown on the persecuted Muslim community, mainly based in the country's western Rakhine State, following a series of attacks on army and police checkpoints there.

The UN official also said that the UN's peace-keeping missions should draw on their diverse strengths to help protect civilians affected by conflict, while at the same time preserving the neutral, impartial character of humanitarian action, he said.

"A full response to today's massive displacement flows can only be achieved through action to restore security, resolve conflict and build peace," he concluded.

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ICC Seeks Approval To Investigate Afghanistan War Crimes, Could Include U.S.

RFE/RL November 03, 2017

The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague says she will seek approval to open a formal investigation into allegations of war crimes in Afghanistan.

Fatou Bensouda said in a November 3 statement that there was a "reasonable basis to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity" were committed.

The prosecutor did not mention any specific parties to be investigated.

"In due course, I will file my request for judicial authorization to open an investigation, submitting that there is a reasonable basis to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed in connection with the armed conflict in Afghanistan," Bensouda said in the statement.

"Following a meticulous preliminary examination...I have come to the conclusion that all legal criteria to commence an investigation have been met," she added.

Last year, Bensouda said in a report that there were preliminary grounds to believe U.S. forces committed war crimes in Afghanistan and at secret "dark site" CIA detention facilities elsewhere in 2003 and 2004.

Washington has previously rejected Bensouda's move, saying any probe into their actions would be "unwarranted and inappropriate."

The United States has not ratified the Rome Statute, the court's founding document, so even if U.S. soldiers were to be charged with war crimes it is unlikely they will end up in a hearing at the ICC.

The report also noted alleged abuses by Afghan soldiers and the Taliban.

The prosecutor will focus on allegations committed since May 1, 2003 on the territory of Afghanistan and war crimes closely linked to the situation in Afghanistan allegedly committed since July 1, 2002 on the territory of other states.

If the request is granted by the court's judges, the office of the prosecutor "will investigate, within its mandate and means, in an independent, impartial and objective way, crimes within the court's jurisdiction allegedly committed by any party to the armed conflict."

With reporting by AFP and AP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-icc-prosecutor- to-seek-investigation/28833594.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Hot Air: Costly US F-35 Fighter Jets Miss the Mark, Denmark Finds

Sputnik News

13:36 03.11.2017

To the dismay of Denmark's Air Force, which had been betting on F-35s replacingthe country's aging fleet, the National Audit Office has decided that the pricey war toy is overrated, arguing that the Defense Ministry has been far too optimistic in its evaluation.

For Denmark, where the acquisition of the US F-35 fighter jets is set to become the largest-ever state purchase, the new report highlighting the shortcomings of its prized possession, is hardly good news.

The new fighter jets, which are expected to set Danish state coffers back DKK 66 billion ($10 billion), could actually yield much more modest performance than that stated by the Defense Ministry, the National Audit Office (NAO) found in a report.

According to the NAO, the Defense Ministry has overestimated the amount of tasks the 27 new F-35 aircraft can handle. Another blunder regards how many hours the aircraft can spend in the air. While the Defense Ministry proceeded from a solid 250 hours a year, the same fighter jets only are airborne 168 and 210 hours in Norway and Holland respectively, Danish Radio reported.

"There are a couple of over-optimistic figures," Ole Wver, a professor of international politics at the University of Copenhagen, said. According to Wver, there are two important consequences. "First, some of those who have promoted the decision may well feel cheated. The other problem is that the aircraft we have purchased are unable to perform as expected," he explained.

Denmark's leading daily Berlingske suggested in an opinion piece that the newly-revealed shortcomings may force the country to buy more aircraft than the 27 initially decided, in addition to tarnishing the Armed Forces' reputation.

"The dishonest figures also reveal that both civil servants and ministers are willing to use fake marketing to promote an otherwise sensible political choice," Berlingske wrote.

The NAO's criticism came shortly before Parliament is to make a final decision on the purchase of the 27 new F-35 combat aircraft that will replace the 44 Danish F16 aircraft that have been in service since 1980s.

The agreement on the new combat aircraft was concluded in June 2016 between the Liberals, the Social Liberals, the Liberal Alliance, the Danish People's Party and the Social Democrats.

Rasmus Jarlov, defense spokesman of the Conservatives, which did not support the agreement, said that the NAO's report was not surprising.

"We reached the same conclusion last year. But it's good that the NAO can confirm that we were right," Jarlov said.

Despite the criticism of the ministry's assessment of the aircraft's capabilities, Social Democrat defense spokesman Henrik Dam Kristensen is confident in the decision.

"I have a lot of respect for the NAO, but when we talk about flying hours, it's very important to listen to people who are knowledgeable about aircraft technology," Henrik Dam Kristensen said. "I just believe that the combat aircraft department, which is manned with experts in the area, may be better at assessing this than the National Audit Office," he ventured.

 Sputnik

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US Targets Islamic State in Northern Somalia

By Mohamed Olad Hassan, Carla Babb November 03, 2017

U.S. airstrikes Friday targeted Islamic State fighters in northern Somalia, defense officials told VOA.

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) issued a statement later in the day confirming that the military had killed "several terrorists" in two airstrikes against the terror group.

"We are currently assessing the results," AFRICOM said.

The chairman of the town of Qandala, Jama Mohamed Qurshe, told VOA Somali that several missiles had hit a base for IS militants at Buqa village, 60 kilometers south of his town in the semiautonomous region of Puntland.

"According to the information we are getting from the ground, six missiles hit the militants' base in the mountainous area. Local residents and pastoralists were shocked and fled from the area," Qurshe said.

He said that prior to the strike, residents reporting hearing airplane sounds.

Details of the strike were still not clear  locals said the remote area was accessible only to the militants  but local officials and residents suspected the airstrike targeted the group's senior leaders and perhaps even its top leader.

The pro-Islamic State faction in northeastern Somalia is led by Sheikh Abdulkadir Mumin, a former al-Shabab cleric who pledged his allegiance to IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2015. In 2016, the U.S. State Department designated Mumin as a global terrorist.

Since the emergence of the IS faction in October 2015, the militants have claimed responsibility for at least four deadly attacks in Puntland.

In late October 2016, the militants briefly seized Qandala before they were driven out by Puntland's government.

No cutoff in funding

Meanwhile, the U.S. government denied reports that it was planning to cut funding for the Somali government.

Somali media reports said the U.S. might reduce funding because unnamed Somali officials helped facilitate the October 14 truck bombing in Mogadishu that killed more than 350 people.

There were also reports that linked the alleged cut to an internal State Department finding that the department's Africa Bureau was failing to ensure that U.S. funding was not diverted to al-Shabab militants.

In an email, a State Department official told VOA that "reports of funding being suspended to the Somali army due to alleged facilitation of the bombings by Somali officials are incorrect. The United States continues to provide extensive support to Somali security forces in their efforts to combat al-Shabab."

On Wednesday, the Daily Nation, a leading newspaper in Kenya, quoted a report from the State Department's Office of Inspector General. The report said the Africa Bureau had not established policies and procedures for identifying and mitigating terrorist financing risks for its programs in countries where militant organizations like al-Shabab and Boko Haram operate.

In his email, the State Department official said, "The United States prioritizes transparency and accountability in its partnership with Somalia, echoing one of the top priorities articulated by President [Mohamed Abdullahi] Farmaajo [Mohamed] upon his taking office earlier this year.

"We have communicated conditions for U.S. security assistance to the federal government of Somalia, which includes enhanced measures to ensure proper oversight of our support."

Also Friday, Somali leaders and the governors of Somali states met for a fourth straight day in Mogadishu, in an effort to agree on implementation of a joint security plan.

The government is said to be preparing for a major offensive against al-Shabab.

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Ex-Catalan Leader Ready to Run Re-election Campaign From Belgium

By VOA News November 03, 2017

Ousted Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont says he will run for re-election in December and, if need be, he will run his campaign from Belgium, where he is currently in hiding.

Speaking to Belgian state broadcaster RTBF on Friday, Puigdemont said he was "ready to be the candidate" in the election scheduled for late December.

"We can run a campaign anywhere, because we're in a globalized world," he said.

Puigdemont's comments came as a Spanish judge was expected to issue an international warrant for his arrest in relation to Puigdemont's role in the region's contested independence drive.

Puigdemont flew to Brussels with four members of his cabinet this week after Spanish authorities removed him and the 13-member cabinet from office for pushing ahead with secession.

If an arrest warrant is issued, Puigdemont will fight extradition without seeking political asylum, according to his Belgian lawyer.

Puigdemont told RTBF he would hand himself in to Belgian authorities, "but not to Spanish justice."

Puigdemont had been due to appear at Spain's National Court on Thursday to answer questions in a rebellion case brought by Spanish prosecutors, but he did not show up.

9 government members jailed

The judge jailed nine former members of Catalonia's separatist government on Wednesday, while they are investigated on possible charges of rebellion, sedition and embezzlement connected to their push for the region's independence from Spain.

She later granted one of them bail at $58,300.

In an earlier address from Brussels broadcast by Catalan regional television TV3, Puigdemont called for the release of "the legitimate government of Catalonia" as hundreds of people gathered outside the Catalan parliament, also calling for them to be freed.

"As the legitimate president of Catalonia, I demand the release of the members of my cabinet," he said. "I demand respect for all political options, and I demand the end of the political repression."

Puigdemont said the imprisonment of former Catalan Vice President Oriol Junqueras and eight cabinet members was an attack on democracy and not compatible with a "Europe in the 21st century."

Meanwhile, data released Friday showed that unemployment rose sharply in Catalonia in October, more than anywhere else in Spain, as companies fled in the midst of the country's worst political crisis in decades.

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Venezuela Opposition Coalition Split Ahead of New Vote

By VOA News November 03, 2017

One of Venezuela's major opposition parties has decided to run in local elections next month despite a boycott by others, deepening a split in the Democratic Unity coalition to the glee of President Nicolas Maduro and his ruling Socialist Party.

Three of the four main groupings in the coalition have vowed not to participate in the Dec. 10 balloting for 335 mayors and one governor because they believe the election system is rigged.

But the fourth party, A New Time, based in oil-rich western Zulia state where the governorship is up for grabs, argues Maduro must still be fought at the ballot box to avoid simply handing him more political space.

Manuel Rosales, a former Zulia governor who fled to Peru in 2009 after corruption charges leveled by the government of Maduro's predecessor Hugo Chavez, said on Thursday he would be running again on behalf of A New Time.

"I'm not going to leave Zulianos alone," Rosales told supporters.

Rosales was jailed in 2015 on his return from exile.

Authorities lifted a ban on him running for office just this week.

His party's stance has infuriated many anti-Maduro activists. Another opposition leader won the Zulia governorship in elections last month but was prohibited from taking office for refusing to bow to a pro-Maduro legislative superbody.

"He's a sellout," said Juan Carlos Rivero, 34, at an auto repair shop in Zulia state capital Maracaibo. He had voted for Rosales in the past but did not plan to in December.

Opposition leaders under pressure

Having failed to oust Maduro via street protests earlier this year  which left at least 125 people dead  and having then performed badly in the Oct. 15 gubernatorial vote, Venezuela's opposition is in its worst crisis of recent years.

Though polls show it has majority support, and Venezuelans are angry at Maduro over an unprecedented economic crisis, the opposition has failed to capitalize.

Maduro has been exulting in the opposition disarray, saying parties ordering members to abstain next month were behaving undemocratically even as they accuse him of being a "dictator."

"When they lose elections, they cry fraud and when they know things are against them, instead of fighting, they withdraw," Maduro said in a recent speech, adding that Venezuela's elections were clean.

There is speculation the government may take advantage of opposition weakness by moving up the expected December 2018 date for Venezuela's next presidential election.

Various opposition politicians, including twice-presidential candidate Henrique Capriles, remain banned from standing for office on various charges of corruption or plotting.

And rights groups say there are nearly 400 political prisoners, including well-known protest leader Leopoldo Lopez.

Authorities deny political persecution, saying all detentions of politicians are for breaking the law.

In the latest threats against opposition leaders, Maduro said in a speech on Friday that congress head Julio Borges should be tried for treason after lobbying against his government abroad, including in financial circles.

The pro-Maduro Supreme Court, meanwhile, said opposition leader Freddy Guevara  who runs the militant Popular Will party in the absence of its leader Lopez  should be prosecuted for "instigation" and using children in protests.

Guevara, who is congress vice president, was prohibited from leaving the country.

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Trump says ISIL will pay a 'big price' for attacking New York

Iran Press TV

Fri Nov 3, 2017 03:17PM

US President Donald Trump says that the Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group will pay a "big price" for every attack it carries out in the United States, following the New York truck attack by an alleged ISIL loyalist.

Trump said on Friday that the US military has hit ISIL "much harder" over the past two days after the group claimed the attacker was one of their "soldiers."

"They will pay a big price for every attack on us!" Trump wrote on Twitter.

In the wake of the attack, Trump said he had ordered the Department of Homeland Security to step up "our already extreme vetting" for immigrants entering the United States.

On Tuesday, a 29-year-old Uzbek man rammed a truck into cyclists and pedestrians in New York City, killing at least eight people and injuring 12 others. Authorities swiftly branded the attack an "act of terrorism."

The suspect was identified as Sayfullo Saipov. He is from Uzbekistan in Central Asia but has been living in the US since 2010.

Law enforcement authorities said Saipov had been inspired by ISIL's violent ideology.

On Wednesday, Trump suggested in a tweet that the suspect should be executed.

Trump initially said he might send Saipov, who he called an "animal," to the US military prison at Guantanamo.

The latest incident came five months after a speeding vehicle hit pedestrians on a sidewalk in New York City's Times Square on May 18, killing at least one person and injuring 22 others.

The US claims to be fighting ISIL in several countries but critics say the American government and its allies have encouraged the spread of Daesh in the Middle East to create a perpetual war in the region and advance the US military-industrial complex.

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Uzbek Sister Of NYC Suspect Fears Saipov 'Brainwashed,' Pleads For Time And 'Fair Trial'

RFE/RL's Uzbek Service November 03, 2017

A sister of New York City terror suspect Sayfullo Saipov has told RFE/RL from their native Uzbekistan that her family believes the 29-year-old was "brainwashed" and has pleaded with U.S. authorities to give him "time" and a "fair trial."

Umida Saipova, 27, offered condolences to the families of the victims of the October 31 rampage in which Saipov is accused of plowing a pickup truck through a bike path in Manhattan, killing eight people and leaving around a dozen others injured.

"My mother says she didn't notice any sign of [radicalization] when she visited him in the U.S. twice," Saipova said of 50-year-old Muqaddas Saipova, who was last in the United States to visit her son earlier this year. "My mother said she would have brought him back to Uzbekistan had she noticed anything."

Saipov was shot in the abdomen and apprehended by police, reportedly after fleeing the rented truck, which authorities say contained messages expressing support for radical Islamist group Islamic State (IS). The perpetrator was said to have shouted, "Allahu akbar," as he left the scene of the attack.

The incident was the deadliest terrorist attack on New York City since Al-Qaeda militants slammed hijacked passenger jets into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in 2001, killing more than 2,600 people.

Prosecutors reported that Saipov said he was inspired by IS and "felt good about what he had done," even demanding to hang an IS banner in his hospital room.

'IS Soldier'

IS on November 3 declared in an article in the group's weekly newspaper that "one of the soldiers of the Islamic State attacked a number of crusaders on a street in New York City," according to the SITE Intelligence Group. The group called the attacker a "soldier of the caliphate."

Informed in Tashkent of her brother's reported request to hang the IS flag in the hospital, Saipova said "there was no sign" of a problem.

"We don't know who has brainwashed him," Saipova said, speaking in Uzbek by telephone. "We don't know his circumstances. We don't know. Perhaps he's become part of some organized group."

She added: "I don't know, honestly, how long it will take for his head to get rid of that poison, but I'm sure he will come to his senses, God willing."

But she acknowledged that the family had been alarmed at one point after Saipov's 2013 marriage to see an image of him with a full beard in the style of some extreme religious elements.

"When we first time saw him on Skype with a beard, we got scared, honestly. We were terrified," she said. "I cried and called him and asked him why."

Saipova said her brother told her about having been stopped in his car and mugged, and said he grew a beard to appear older and "to scare them."

'Normal' Conversation

The family had a "normal" conversation with her brother, a permanent legal U.S. resident since 2010, one day before the attack in New York, she said.

"I spoke with him by the phone a day before," Saipova told RFE/RL. "He was in a good mood. It was a usual, good conversation."

He had told them he was eating his mother's "favorite pastry" on his way to pick up a client at the airport, she said.

Saipov worked as an Uber driver in the New Jersey area for about six months before the attack.

Saipova said she was prepared to travel to the United States to speak with her brother in hopes of discovering what might have driven him to violence.

The criminal complaint filed with an injured Saipov present in federal court on November 1 said that the accused had waived his right to remain silent or have an attorney present in speaking to investigators from his Manhattan hospital bed.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo suggested Saipov was radicalized after he arrived in the United States from Uzbekistan in 2010 via the U.S. Diversity Visa Immigrant Program, known as the green-card lottery.

'Message To Trump'

In the hours after the attack, U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted out calls for "the NYC terrorist" to be sent to Guantanamo, the military facility in Cuba where U.S. officials have kept designated "enemy combatants" since 9/11.

But Trump later cited "something appropriate about keeping him in the home of the horrible crime he committed" and suggested the process "should move fast. DEATH PENALTY!"

"We don't think he should be given the death penalty immediately," a crying Saipova told RFE/RL. "We are hoping for a fair trial. We are ready to go there, if it's possible, to talk to him."

She urged U.S. authorities to "give him a bit more time," adding, "Please pass my message to Trump, if possible."

Both of Saipov's parents and an uncle were said be undergoing questioning by authorities in Uzbekistan, and Saipov's sister said on November 3 that the family "still doesn't know where" her father and uncle "are now."

She said her mother had returned to their Tashkent-area home on November 3 from the hospital, where she was taken to be treated for what Saipova described as "shock."

Later efforts on November 3 to contact Umida Saipova by telephone or at the home on the outskirts of Tashkent were unsuccessful.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/new-york- terror-attack-uzbek-saipov-sister- brainwashed-trial/28833491.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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IS Claim for NYC Attack Raises Questions

By Jeff Seldin November 03, 2017

Key differences between Islamic State's claim of responsibility for the New York City truck attack and claims for previous terror attacks have caught the eye of counterterror officials, who are trying to determine what it might mean for the state of terror group.

Most notably, they said, the way in which IS issued the claim failed to follow the group's usual patterns, raising questions about whether the collapse of the group's self-declared caliphate in Iraq and Syria was starting to take a toll.

"One of the soldiers of the Islamic State attacked a number of crusaders on a street in New York City," the group's weekly al-Naba newsletter said late Thursday, claiming attacker Sayfullo Saipov, 29, as one of its own.

"This is one of the most prominent attacks to target crusaders in America," al-Naba continued, adding, "[By] the grace of Allah, the operation instilled fear in crusader America."

But officials and analysts said that it's rare for IS to make such a claim first in al-Naba.

"It's not unprecedented, but it is something we're not used to," said Raphael Gluck, an independent researcher.

While considered an official IS channel, al-Naba has traditionally been used to follow up on the group's initial claims, which often come from its Amaq or Nashir news agencies, in multiple languages, via social media.

Relying on those news agencies this time, however, may not have been possible.

"The Amaq news agency has sputtered in recent weeks, and struggled without a website," Gluck said.

Statement wording

There are also questions about how the statement in al-Naba was worded, which also differs from wordings in many previous claims.

"The al-Naba story on the New York attack relies exclusively on outside media reporting of the attacks," according to an analysis done by Ryan Pereira for the Counter Extremism Project.

"Traditionally, Amaq and al-Naba claims for responsibility include language suggesting that a source close to Amaq or a source close to the Islamic State relayed attack details to the group's media officials," Pereira wrote.

Nor did the account in al-Naba offer any evidence to substantiate the group's claim.

Additionally, it has been rare, though not unprecedented, for IS to claim an attacker as a "soldier of the caliphate" if he is still alive.

Another part of the al-Naba statement that caught the attention of counterterror officials was the way it referred to the deadly October 1 shooting in Las Vegas that killed 58 people and wounded hundreds more.

Al-Naba described the Las Vegas shooting as "the attack carried out by the mujahid brother Abu Abdul Barr al-Amriki  may Allah accept him  against a large gathering of crusaders."

It was not the first time IS had claimed the Las Vegas shooter, Stephen Paddock, 64, as one of its own, referring to him with an Arabic nom de guerre. But so far, investigators have yet to come forward with any evidence that connects him to IS.

Instead, U.S. counterterror officials have cautioned for months that IS is increasingly opportunistic, even desperate, with one official noting the group has been "stepping up its claims of inspired attacks even in cases that do not appear to be connected to the group."

And, although they admit IS has been been able to adapt to losses and hardships, some see the claim late Thursday for this week's attack as possibly falling along those lines.

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China blasts US for sanctioning Chinese bank over alleged ties with N Korea

Iran Press TV

Fri Nov 3, 2017 04:37PM

Beijing has blasted Washington for excluding China's Bank of Dandong from the US banking system over allegations of collusion between the bank and the North Korean government.

In June, Washington alerted firms that it was planning the exclusion. US investigators claim the bank had helped Pyongyang evade sanctions imposed by the UN on North Korea. The bans were imposed over North Korea's internationally-condemned missile and nuclear development programs. The US eventually excluded the bank on Thursday.

The exclusion comes ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing. When banks get barred from the US financial system, they find it difficult to operate internationally.

Beijing "strongly opposes the long-armed jurisdiction imposed by any country," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters on Friday.

The Chinese government has been "comprehensively, actively, meticulously and strictly" implementing UN sanctions against North Korea, she added. "We are meticulously following the clear stipulations on what is prohibited in the Security Council resolutions. In the meantime, every country has the right to conduct normal exchange activities that are not sanctioned by the Security Council," she said.

The Trump administration has been pressing Beijing to do more to stop North Korea from advancing its programs.

Washington sees pushing Beijing to exert pressure on North Korea as the only way short of direct contact with Pyongyang to urge the country to stop developing advanced missiles that are capable of reaching the United States.

Trump, who is to set off on an Asian tour which includes China, will once more urge President Xi Jinping in Beijing next week to exert pressure on North Korea.

Analysts believe, however, China is reluctant to push too hard and risk destabilizing the North Korean government.

The UN imposed its toughest-ever sanctions on North Korea after the government in Pyongyang test-fired new ballistic missiles in July and then conducted its most powerful nuclear test in September.

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North Korea rejects report on 'cave-in, deaths' at nuclear test site

Iran Press TV

Fri Nov 3, 2017 06:29AM

North Korea has dismissed a report by Japanese media that claimed more than 200 people had lost their lives during a cave-in at a North Korean nuclear test site in early September.

Japanese television network Asahi had reported on Tuesday that a tunnel had caved in at the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility, built under Mount Mantap, in northeast North Korea, linking it to a recent nuclear test.

North Korea's official KCNA news agency on Thursday blasted the Japanese broadcaster for the "false report" and "misinformation," which it said had been intended to slander the country and its advances in nuclear technology.

The KCNA said the report "clearly proves that the US and the Japanese reactionaries have gone desperate to slander the DPRK (North Korea) politically and morally, now that they find it hard to check the DPRK's development of a nuclear force through military threat and barbarous sanctions."

It said the US and its regional allies intended to cause discord among the North Korean nation after the successful testing of a hydrogen bomb.

The hydrogen bomb was tested by North Korea on September 3, and according to assessments made by Japanese experts, it was eight times more powerful than the atomic bomb that the US detonated on Hiroshima in 1945.

Pyongyang is under political and economic pressure to stop its missile and military nuclear programs.

Despite the enormous pressure, however, Pyongyang says it needs to continue and develop its programs as a deterrent against hostility by the US and its regional allies, including South Korea and Japan.

In response to Washington stepping up economic sanctions against the country, Pyongyang has said it is considering testing a hydrogen bomb over the Pacific Ocean.

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North Korea says US bombers staged strike drill over Korean Peninsula

Iran Press TV

Thu Nov 2, 2017 11:42PM

North Korea says the US has flown heavy strategic bombers over the Korean Peninsula and carried out bombing drills simulating attacks on major targets in the country.

The B-1B bombers, escorted by US and South Korean fighter jets, flew on Thursday from a US Air Force base in Guam to conduct a "surprise" strike drill, North's official KCNA news agency said on Friday.

"The frenzied US scheme of threats and blackmail, which aims to crush our republic with nuclear [weapons], continues in November as it did in October," the KCNA said.

The US Air Force later said that two Guam-based US B-1B bombers, accompanied by fighter jets from South Korea and Japan, carried out an exercise in the vicinity of the Korean peninsula on Thursday.

"The bilateral continuous bomber presence (CBP) mission was planned in advance ... and was not in response to any current event," the Air Force said in a statement.

Tensions have been building on the Korean Peninsula following a series of nuclear and missile tests by Pyongyang as well as threats of war and personal insults traded between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Trump will tell leaders on a five-nation Asia tour that the world is "running out of time" on North Korea's nuclear program and that he will give his strategy to isolate Pyongyang a few months before making adjustments, a top White House official said on Thursday.

"The president recognizes that we're running out of time (to deal with North Korea) and will ask all nations to do more," White House national security adviser H.R. McMaster told reporters at a news briefing.

Trump leaves on Friday for the US state of Hawaii located in the central Pacific Ocean, the first stop en route to Asia where he will visit Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

US Defense Secretary James Mattis said last week during a visit to South Korea that the threat from North Korea had "accelerated" and warned of a "massive military response" if Pyongyang uses nuclear weapons against Washington or its allies.

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What N. Korean Defectors Want Trump to Know

By VOA Korean Service November 03, 2017

Four North Korean defectors have told VOA in video messages intended for U.S. President Donald Trump what they want him to do and say during his visit to South Korea.

The messages were delivered ahead of Trump's departure Friday morning for a 12-day, five-nation tour which is expected to focus on tensions over North Korea's its development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. He is scheduled to meet South Korean President Moon Jae-in in Seoul on Nov. 7.

North Korea is expected to dominate their conversation at a time when recent polls show Americans consider North Korea to be the most immediate threat to the United States.

"If [Trump's] coming to strengthen Korea-U.S. relations, he's welcome, but if he's coming to foment a war between the two Koreas, I cannot welcome him," said Kim Young Soo, a defector and former soldier who arrived in South Korea in 2006. "As a head of state, I think he could be more discreet when talking about a war."

The defectors want Trump to persuade China, Pyongyang's only remaining ally, to stop repatriating North Koreans who take refuge there.

"While seeking freedom, they are put at risk of being captured by Chinese authorities and being forcibly returned to North Korea," said Ji Seong-ho, a defector. "They may even face death. So I sincerely would like to ask President Trump to urge China's Xi Jinping to stop repatriation of North Koreans so that they can attain their dreams of freedom."

And they want him to keep up the pressure on North Korea with sanctions.

"It'll take an insurgency against the regime to bring about a revolution," said Ri Sun Kyong, who arrived to South Korea in 2002. "Every single country in the world should not help (North Korea) in any way. Instead, they should increase pressure so an insurgency takes place."

Trump, who has signed a sweeping executive order increasing U.S. authority to sanction companies that finance trade with North Korea, has said all options are on the table in dealing with Kim.

Amid the leaders' war of words  Trump has said if Pyongyang launches an attack on the U.S. or its allies, there is "no choice but to totally destroy North Korea," and Kim has said, "I will surely and definitely tame the mentally deranged U.S. dotard with fire"  the Trump administration has also been pushing other countries to end or curtail their diplomatic ties to North Korea.

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The Turkish government has sent 450 of its first locally designed MPT-76 assault rifles to Somalia to fight al Shabaab, weeks after the militant group killed over 300 people in Mogadishu, one of the most lethal terrorist acts anywhere in the world for many years.

According to Turkish news agency Anadolu, the government of President Tayyip Erdogan has ordered local defense industry companies to mass produce the newly designed and manufactured MPT-76 assault rifle, which has passed 47 NATO tests.

The MPT-76 rifles are going to replace the German G-3 rifles used by the Turkish Armed Forces, Anadolu reported.

Turkey has opened its biggest overseas military base in Somalias capital last month and plans to train more than 10,000 Somali soldiers. Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo vowed the new base would help restore the countrys beleaguered armed forces.

Egypt, Uganda, Ethiopia and Djibouti have pledged to support the country militarily to fight the extremist group.

The African Union peacekeeping mission has about 20,000 troops in the country. However, Al-Shabaab, which has been affiliated to al-Qaida since 2011, vowed to increase its attacks.

Somalia is facing an arms embargo imposed by the United Nations 25 years ago.
France's New Caledonia Agrees With Paris on 2018 Independence Referendum

Sputnik News

15:28 03.11.2017(updated 17:04 03.11.2017)

As the tensions over the controversial referendum in Spain remain high, fears that the vote will trigger a series of similar referendums across Europe seem to be materializing with the French overseas territory of New Caledonia stepping up the idea of holding a plebiscite.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe that Paris and New Caledonia overseas territory have reached agreement on the independence referendum in 2018.

Commenting on the news about the referendum on Thursday, Philippe said as quoted by the BFMTV broadcaster that Paris and New Caledonia have "plenty of work ahead," but added that both parties have "mutual trust."

The referendum will take place in line with the Noumea Agreement signed in 1998, which implies gradual transfer of administrative powers to colonies in South Pacific over a time frame of 20 years; and independence referendums between 2014 and 2018.

The exact date for the New Caledonia plebiscite has not been set yet, but it should take place no later than November 2018.

This comes amid heightened tensions in the European Union between Spain and its autonomous region of Catalonia, which declared independence following a referendum on October 1. Over 90 percent of those who took part in the vote supported the idea of a Sovereign Catalonia, causing controversy across Europe.

 Sputnik

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Indian Army in for Massive Overhaul of Infantry Weapons Worth $6Billion

Sputnik News

21:49 03.11.2017(updated 21:52 03.11.2017)

The Indian Army is looking for immediate purchase of thousands of light machine guns, assault rifles, and carbines. The Indian government intends to make these purchases under the 'Make in India' route involving transfer of technology to local firms by global vendors.

New Delhi (Sputnik)  As part of its plan for a major overhaul of its infantry weapons, the Indian Army has issued a request for information (RFI) for the purchase of 45000 light machine gun (LMG) having an effective range of more than 800 meters. The Indian Army is particularly interested in 7.62mm x 51mm LMGs capable of achieving an accuracy of over three minutes of angle up to a range of minimum 800 meters.

"The total quantity required is approximately 45000 LMG out of which the immediate requirement is of approximate quantity 9,000. The 9,000 LMG should be delivered within four months to twenty-eight months from the day of the signing of the contract," an Indian Army official said.

The tender of the requirement is expected to be issued in May next year. The Indian government intends to ensure local production of the LMG and has therefore asked global manufacturers to indicate the minimum quantity of weapons with which, 'Transfer of Technology' can be offered.

Experts are of the opinion that local production of small arms is yet to pick up the pace in India as the state-owned Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) lacks adequate support from the services. "DRDO lacks adequate support from the services and is also not accountable for the commitments made. Thus, while it has promised much and also produced equipment for trials, this has not fulfilled the General Staff Qualitative Requirement (GSQR). There should be intimate cooperation between the DRDO and the Indian Army to design and develop small arms to overcome this anomaly, which hopefully, the new Army Design Bureau may be able to overcome," Rahul Bhonsle, Brigadier (Retd.) of the Indian Army told Sputnik.

Apart from the LMG, the Indian Army is also expected to soon issue the global tender for 770000 assault rifles and 44618 carbines. Industry people indicate that all these procurement would cost approximately $6 billion to the Indian government.

Sputnik had reported in August this year that an earlier tender floated by the Indian government for procurement of LMG was withdrawn due to a single vendor situation. This was the third major tender the Indian government had to cancel after the cancellation of tenders for close quarter battle carbine and assault rifles.

 Sputnik

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Iraqi Forces Liberate Qaim, Key Border Crossing

By From a U.S. Central Command News Release

BAGHDAD, Nov. 3, 2017  Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials congratulated Iraq's government and its security forces today on their victory against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria in Iraq's Qaim district, located in western Anbar province, U.S. Central Command officials announced in a news release.

The liberation of Qaim and the key border crossing with Syria is a significant milestone in the ongoing campaign against ISIS, Centcom officials said. The Iraqis, with the support of the global coalition, have now liberated nearly all of the territory once held by ISIS in Iraq, they said.

"Iraqi security forces have fought hard to reach this point, and their battle-proven troops captured ISIS's last Iraqi stronghold swiftly and thoroughly," said Army Maj. Gen. Robert P. White, commander of OIR's ground forces.

"The threat remains, and there is still hard work to do, but we will continue to stand side by side with the Iraqi government and the [Iraqi forces] to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS," White said.

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Iraqi forces liberate al-Qaim from Daesh control, PM congratulates troops

Iran Press TV

Fri Nov 3, 2017 05:27PM

Iraqi forces have retaken control of the town of al-Qaim from Daesh Takfiri terrorists, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has announced, congratulating the troops on their latest victory against the terrorist group.

Abadi issued a congratulatory statement on Friday, hailing the "liberation of al-Qaim in record time".

The advance comes hours after the units from the Iraqi army, Counter-Terrorism Service, Sunni tribal fighters and Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd al-Sha'abi) entered the strategic town in the country's western Anbar Province near the Syrian border.

Announcing the offensive last week, Abadi said "Daesh members have to choose between death and surrender."

The Takfiri terrorists swept through parts of northern and western Iraq in June 2014. They then began a reign of terror across the captured areas, committing crimes against all ethnic and religious communities in Iraq, including Shias, Sunnis, Kurds, Christians and others.

The recapture of Qaim means that the Daesh terrorists in Iraq are now in control of just the smaller neighboring town of Rawa and surrounding pockets of barren desert along the Euphrates River.

Earlier Friday, Iraqi security forces had retaken the nearby Husaybah border crossing with Syria.

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Iraqi forces enter al-Qaim in final offensive against Daesh: Military

Iran Press TV

Fri Nov 3, 2017 10:16AM

Iraqi forces have entered al-Qaim, one of the last remaining territories in the country still held by Daesh terrorists, in the country's western Anbar province, military commanders say.

Iraqi forces, backed by the air force, unleashed a barrage of artillery fire against Daesh positions inside the town early on Friday.

Troops from the Iraqi army and the elite Counter Terrorism Service "have started the assault on the centre of al-Qaim," Staff Major General Noman Abed al-Zobai, the commander of the 7th Division, said.

Speaking on condition of anonymity another officer said that the town's Gaza district was retaken from the militants.

"Counter Terrorism Service units and tribal fighters have liberated Gaza after violent clashes, leaving some terrorists dead, while others withdrew towards the centre of al-Qaim," he said.

Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd al-Sha'abi) said in a statement that terrorist had set fire to civilians' houses in the southwestern neighborhood to make it hard to see them from the air.

It also said that several Daesh members had fled across the border towards the Syrian town of Albu Kamal in the eastern Dayr al-Zawr Province.

According to, Hashd al-Sha'abi, Iraqi security forces retook a border crossing with Syria from Daesh.

The road, which runs through al-Qaim in Iraq and Albu Kamal in Syria, was recaptured earlier in the day.

Besides the army and Hashd al-Sha'abi, a force comprising mainly Shia volunteer forces, Counter-Terrorism Services and Sunni tribal forces are participating in the offensive to recapture al-Qaim and Rawa, two towns which lie on the border area with Syria.

Announcing the offensive last week, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said "Daesh members have to choose between death and surrender."

The Takfiri terrorists swept through parts of northern and western Iraq in June 2014.

They then began a reign of terror across the captured areas, committing crimes against all ethnic and religious communities in Iraq, including Shias, Sunnis, Kurds, Christians and others.

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Iraqi Forces Enter City on Syrian Border in Final Anti-Daesh Offensive

Sputnik News

11:00 03.11.2017(updated 13:31 03.11.2017)

While the Syrian army has fully recaptured Deir ez-Zor, the largest city in eastern Syria, from Daesh, the Iraqi military has started its final assault on the terrorists' last bastion in Iraq.

According to reports, Iraqi soldiers retook a border crossing with Syria from Daesh, the terrorist group known as ISIS. Additionally, the road between al-Qaim in Iraq and Albu-Kamal in Syria was recaptured by the Iraqi army and Iran-backed Shiite militias.

The operation involves 40,000 Iraqi soldiers, Sunni tribal forces and the Iranian-backed Popular Mobilisation force. They overcame the terrorists' first line of defense on the Husseiba  Karabil line and entered the city, taking the nearby heights.

According to the Shiite militia, during the first hours of the offensive, it successfully managed to attack a number of settlements directly adjacent to the city of al-Qaim.

On Thursday, the troops established control over 85% of the border area.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi last week announced the launch of an operation to liberate the cities of al Qaim and Rawa, calling them the last bulwarks of terrorists in the country. The cities are in the province of Anbar in the west of Iraq, near the Syrian border.

In October, the Iraqi army completed the liberation of the city of El-Havidzh in Kirkuk province, the former headquarters of the Daesh terrorists in the country.

In September, the Iraqi armed forces launched an operation to liberate the city of Akashat, which is located in the west of Iraq  near al Qaim.

 Sputnik

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Rohingya children in Bangladesh face worsening malnutrition crisis: UNICEF

Iran Press TV

Fri Nov 3, 2017 04:38PM

The United Nations children's agency, UNICEF, says life-threatening malnutrition has spread perilously among Rohingya child refugees who have fled Myanmar and entered Bangladesh.

The UNICEF said on Friday that preliminary data showed that a full 7.5 percent of the children crammed into one of the camps in Bangladeshi district of Cox's Bazar face the risk of dying from severe acute malnutrition.

More than 600,000 Rohingya Muslims have so far fled the predominantly-Buddhist Myanmar to neighboring Bangladesh since August 25, when the crackdown on the Rohingya intensified in Rakhine state. Around half of them are children.

"It's very worrying to see the condition of children who keep arriving," UNICEF spokesman Christophe Boulierac, who recently visited the camps, told reporters in Geneva.

More than 2,000 acutely malnourished children are already receiving treatment at 15 treatment centers by the agency and its partners, who are in the process of establishing six additional centers.

The UN children's agency said its preliminary data were based on a nutrition assessment carried out last week of children under the age of five in 405 households in the Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox's Bazar.

"The Rohingya children in the camp, who have survived horrors in Myanmar's northern Rakhine State and a dangerous journey here, are already caught up in a catastrophe," UNICEF Bangladesh Representative Edouard Beigbeder said in a statement.

"Those with severe malnutrition are now at risk of dying from an entirely preventable and treatable cause," he warned.

Malnutrition rates among children in northern Rakhine were already above emergency thresholds before the latest wave of violence.

"The condition of these children has further deteriorated due to the long journey across the border and the conditions in the camps," the statement noted.

The UNICEF stressed that the refugees in the Kutupalong camp are faced with an acute shortage of food and water, unsanitary conditions and high rates of diarrhoea and respiratory infections.

Boulierac estimates that the overall rate of severe acute malnutrition could be higher as it was planning to conduct two additional assessments in other sites in Cox's Bazar this month.

Beigbeder also called for more resources to cope with the humanitarian crisis amid a continuing influx of refugees.

"We need far more attention to the crisis, and far more resources for the response," Beigbeder said, emphasizing that "these children need help right now."

The massive exodus of distressed Muslims in Rakhine has also altered the demographic status of the state, where the military and Buddhist mobs have since last year been attacking Muslim Rohingya civilians.

Many of those who have fled have recounted harrowing accounts of rape, murder, and arson at the hands of Myanmar's forces and Buddhist mobs, in what has been branded "an ethnic cleansing campaign" against the Muslim minority group.

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US Lawmakers Propose Sanctions on Myanmar Over Rohingya Crisis

By VOA News November 03, 2017

U.S. lawmakers have proposed sanctions against Myanmar's military over the treatment of the Rohingya ethnic group, as U.S. President Donald Trump leaves for a 12-day tour of east Asia in which he will meet with members of Myanmar's government at a regional summit.

The bipartisan legislation was introduced Thursday in the Senate, and Friday in the House of Representatives, both calling for renewal of trade and import restrictions on Myanmar, which is also known as Burma. The restrictions are meant as punishment for the military's treatment of the Muslim Rohingya people in northern Myanmar's Rakhine state.

McCain, Engel speak out

Senator John McCain said the Senate's legislation "would hold accountable the senior military officials responsible for the slaughter and displacement of innocent men, women, and children in Burma, and make clear the United States will not stand for these atrocities."

Speaking for the House legislation, Representative Eliot Engel said lawmakers wanted to use sanctions to send a "clear message" to the Burmese leadership, both military and civilian. "This violence must stop, perpetrators must be held accountable, and there must be meaningful civilian control over Burma's military and security forces," Engel said.

A group of nearly 60 human rights organizations joined the discussion this week as well, releasing a letter Thursday directed at Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin. In their letter, the groups noted that satellite images commissioned by independent organizations "show hundreds of burned villages  and tens of thousands of torched buildings." It said refugees have provided first-hand accounts of Burmese soldiers setting fires, gang-raping women, and burning babies alive.

Call for restrictions, sanctions

The letter calls for the U.S. to impose sanctions under the JADE Act, which empowers the president to issue travel restrictions and financial sanctions against Burmese officials and their families if they are found to be engaged in "gross violations of human rights in Burma or in the commission of other human rights abuses."

It also calls on the U.S. to levy travel restrictions and financial sanctions against individuals responsible for corruption and violations of internationally recognized human rights under the Global Magnitsky Act. The act targets people who commit human rights abuses against people who seek to "obtain, exercise, defend, or promote internationally recognized human rights and freedoms, such as the freedom of religion."

The House and Senate bills also seek to prevent U.S. military assistance to Myanmar, where the Burmese military has taken the lead in the alleged human rights abuses.

In the Rohingya crisis, some 600,000 people have fled Myanmar for neighboring Bangladesh, which is now undergoing its own crisis as it seeks to accommodate all the Rohingya who fled their country.

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Ex-PM Sharif returns to Pakistan, appears in court

Iran Press TV

Fri Nov 3, 2017 07:57AM

Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has returned from overseas and appeared at a court in the capital, Islamabad, to face allegations of corruption.

The former leader, who had been facing an arrest warrant since early last month, arrived in the Islamabad court along with his daughter, Maryam, and his son-in-law on Friday. His daughter is also on trial over similar charges.

Sharif's lawyer, Khawaja Haris, said during a brief hearing that the former prime minister had paid two surety bonds of five million rupees (48,000 dollars) each. The court is set to reconvene on November 7.

Sahrif left the court under tight security, without speaking to the media. But his son-in-law, Muhammad Safdar, said outside the court that, "Till the time the courts are... free from the fear of some other people, I can't expect any fair trial from this court."

Sharif, 67, who still maintains control of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Party, resigned as prime minister in July after Pakistan's Supreme Court disqualified him for failing to disclose his income.

The court also ordered a criminal investigation into his family's finances. The Sharifs, however, deny any wrongdoing and say the charges are part of a "political conspiracy."

Sharif himself left the country for London in early October to join his wife, who is receiving treatment for cancer. While staying there, he summoned top officials from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz for a summit on the leadership of the party.

Before leaving London to return to Islamabad on Thursday, Sharif told media that he was "going to Pakistan despite [my wife's] chemotherapy to appear in a bogus case."

"Pakistan's system has contradictions... all this must be changed, now is the time to change it," he added.

According to reports by Pakistani media, the ruling party plans to keep Sharif a central figure during campaigning for general elections due sometime next year. The Supreme Court, however, has banned him from holding office.

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Russia to boost military presence in Arctic, commander says

Iran Press TV

Fri Nov 3, 2017 05:41PM

Russia has announced plans to boost its military presence in the Arctic as part of the country's efforts to consolidate its place in a region believed to be rich in resources.

"Every Arctic island where there are bases of the Northern Fleet is being outfitted with all-season airfields which will be able to host different types of aircraft including heavy transport planes and fighter jets," commander of Russia's Northern Fleet Vice Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov said on Friday.

"We are creating a system to monitor the abovewater and underwater situation in the Northern Passage and to fully control the entire airspace in our zone of responsibility in the Arctic," the Russian military official stated.

He added that the air defense systems in the Arctic would continue to improve and grow following the deployment of the first air defense regiment in Novaya Zemlya archipelago in 2015.

These include the "Arctic Trifold" base on the Alexandra Land island of the Franz Josef Land archipelago, and the "Northern Clover" on Kotelny island of the New Siberian Islands archipelago.

A total of 100 military infrastructure objects are set to be completed this year in the Arctic.

"Every Arctic base of the Northern Fleet can function autonomously without re-supply like an orbital (space) station for one to one-and-a-half years," Yevmenov said.

Over the past years, Russian forces have held regular exercises and significantly boosted military presence in the Arctic as neighboring countries make rivaling claims over the region.

Meanwhile, global warming has opened new waterways and made the Northern Passage more attractive as a shorter link between Europe and Asia.

Earlier this week, the Russian Defense Ministry said its expeditions had discovered eleven new islands and six straits in the Arctic over the past five years.

In August, a Russian tanker carrying liquefied natural gas completed a 4,060-kilometer journey from Norway to South Korea in a record six days and 12 hours via the Northern Passage without the help of an ice breaker.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Arctic earlier this year. During his visit he cited the multi-billion dollar value of the Arctic region's natural minerals, oil and gas resources.

The president said the importance of the region was "huge for both strengthening Russia's position in the world and ensuring its economic interests."

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Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters party (EFF) and hundreds of South Africans grouped in front of the Israeli embassy in Johannesburg to denounce the Balfour Declaration which 100 years ago paved the way to the creation of Israel in 1948.

The protesters, dressed in red T-shirts, chanted Away with apartheid Israel, away calling for an end to Israels occupation of Palestinian territories.

The crowd holding placards also likened Israels treatment of Palestinians to ethnical cleansing.

In front of the heavily guarded mission, Malema urged South Africans to heed the calls of Palestinians living under Israel-made plight.

The vigorous leader of the EFF urged his country-mates to boycott Israel, stop doing business and visiting the occupying state.

He also called for the implementation of one-state solution bringing together Jews and Palestinians in peace.

Other leaders at the rally called for the release of Palestinian political prisoners from Israeli jails.

We call for the release of Marwan Barghouti, who is sitting in Israeli jail, in quite the same way that Nelson Mandela was in jail for all those years, said Zaakirah Vadi, communications officer for the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation.

Mandelas South Africa has always backed the Palestinian cause. The South African government and ruling African National Congress (ANC) is opposed to Israels settlement policies and its siege on Hamas-ruled Gaza.
Canada Sanctions 30 Russians, Top Investigative Official Linked To Magnitsky Case

Mike Eckel November 03, 2017

Canada has announced financial sanctions and other restrictions on 30 Russians, including the country's top investigative officer, in connection with a whistle-blowing Russian lawyer whose 2009 death and the crimes he uncovered have been a persistent thorn in the Kremlin's side.

The list, released on November 3 by Canada's Foreign Ministry, largely mirrors a similar list compiled by the United States after it passed the Magnitsky Act in 2012, which punished individuals alleged to be connected to Sergei Magnitsky's death and a massive tax-fraud scheme he helped uncover.

Canada earlier this year passed its own version of the law, which, as with the U.S. law, prompted vocal criticism from Russia.

Investigative Committee Chairman Aleksandr Bastrykin is one of the most prominent names on the Canadian list, but it also includes several Interior Ministry and tax-agency officials. A group of Venezuelan officials, including President Nicolas Maduro, were also named.

Russian officials have warned repeatedly Moscow would retaliate if Canada went ahead with the sanctions.

In a statement posted on the Foreign Ministry's website after the list was released, spokeswoman Maria Zakharova issued a vague threat to Ottawa.

"This begs the question: what did Ottawa hope to get from this? Did they really think they could 'pressure' Russia? Or were they just indulging their political ambitions?" she said.

"If our Canadian partners like playing sanctions games, then we will be forced to respond. Although we without question prefer the path of constructive cooperation on issues important to the peoples of both our countries," she said.

Magnitsky was employed by British-American financier William Browder when he was arrested and charged with the $230 million tax-fraud scheme that he helped uncover.

He died in Moscow jail in 2009, and the fallout from his death, as well as the original fraud, have rippled through U.S., and now Canadian, foreign policy, helping to send Moscow's relations with Washington plummeting.

In the wake of the 2012 U.S. law, Moscow banned American parents from adopting Russian children. Congress later passed an expanded version of the Magnitsky law, amid a secretive lobbying campaign in Washington aimed at undermining the facts of the Magnitsky case.

Some of the funds from the stolen $230 million were allegedly laundered by a Russian businessman to buy Manhattan real estate. The Russian lawyer who represented him was involved in the lobbying campaign and met with President Donald Trump's son in June 2016.

Russia has also gone after Browder, accusing him of financial crimes and asking the United States for help in prosecuting him, pleas that Washington has ignored.

Like the United States and other Western countries, Canada imposed sanctions on Russia after its annexation of Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula in 2014.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-canada- magnitsky-sanctions/28833931.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Russian FSB Arrests Backers Of Kremlin Foe, Alleges 'Revolution' Plot

RFE/RL November 03, 2017

Russian authorities say they have detained several backers of a self-exiled Kremlin critic in the Moscow area, claiming they were plotting to trigger riots by attacking government buildings and police during a politically charged holiday weekend.

In a November 3 statement, the Federal Security Service (FSB) said the suspects were members of a "conspiratorial cell" of Artpodgotovka (Artillery Bombardment), a movement established by outspoken opposition activist Vyacheslav Maltsev.

The FSB also said that in joint operations with police, it had broken up groups of Artpodgotovka members in Krasnoyarsk, Krasnodar, Kazan, Samara, and Saratov -- major provincial centers across Russia. It did not say how many people were detained.

Maltsev, who has described himself as a nationalist and anarchist, has said on YouTube that Russia is up for a "revolution" this weekend as the country prepares to mark People's Unity Day on November 4 and the centennial of the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution on November 7.

Nationalists traditionally hold rallies on November 4 and Russians nostalgic for the Soviet Union, such as the Communists, celebrate on November 7.

The FSB statement alleged that the suspects detained in and around Moscow had planned to spark "mass disorder" by throwing Molotov cocktails at administrative buildings and attacking police.

It said that "all members of the cell" were detained and 15 bottles containing flammable liquid were confiscated. The detainees could be charged with terrorist crimes, it said.

Maltsev, a former lawmaker in the Saratov region, unsuccessfully ran for the national parliament in 2016. He fled Russia in July after the authorities launched an investigation into his statements.

Prosecutors in Moscow said last month that Maltsev was in France and planned to obtain political asylum there.

On October 26, the Krasnoyarsk regional court ruled that the Artpodgotovka movement was extremist and banned its activities in Russia. On October 10, a Moscow court issued an arrest warrant for Maltsev.

In its statement, the FSB accused Maltsev of establishing Artpodgotovka with the aim of "organizing a revolution in Russia" and claimed that after he left the country, its remaining members "formed groups to conduct high-profile extremist actions aimed at destabilizing the sociopolitical situation."

There was no immediate comment from Maltsev.

With reporting by AP, TASS, RIA Novosti, and Interfax

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-fsb-arrests-suspected-extremists- ahead-revolution-anniversary/28833551.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Gene Warfare? Russia's Accusations Of U.S. DNA Gathering Get Raised Eyebrows, Lawsuit Threat

Tom Balmforth November 03, 2017

MOSCOW -- Russia has dismissed an attempt by the Pentagon to clear the air following a bout of speculation from senior Russian lawmakers that the West is harvesting the genes of Russians to develop a biological weapon more deadly than the atom bomb.

The allegations were dismissed by a Russia observer in the West as "propaganda" reminiscent of a "cut-and-paste job from an episode of X-Files." But they have sparked a call for a clampdown on foreign laboratories collecting DNA -- and prompted one such laboratory company to threaten a lawsuit.

The claims came after President Vladimir Putin on October 30 said that Russian citizens' "biomaterial" was being gathered "systematically and professionally" by foreigners. He asked, without offering a theory, "Why are they doing this?"

Since then, Duma lawmaker and former chief sanitary inspector Gennady Onishchenko has called for legislation to tighten control over laboratories with foreign capital that gather biomaterial, calling it a threat to national security. He and other senior lawmakers have raised the specter of biological warfare.

"I'm not asserting that we are talking about specific preparations for a biological war against Russia. But that scenario is undoubtedly being developed," lawmaker and retired Colonel Frants Klintsevich wrote on his Facebook page. "The warning of the Russian president is very timely. The relevant agencies in the West should understand that we know of their interest."

On November 2, Onishchenko was more unequivocal: "This is an aggressive biological program that was banned by the 1972 convention on biological and toxic weapons."

Amid his flurry of statements, Onishchenko named Invitro, a large medical company based in Russia and Eastern Europe, prompting it to issue a denial of nefarious activity and a threat to sue him in comments to the RBC business holding.

The Russian speculation around DNA collection appeared over the summer when Kremlin-financed international TV broadcaster RT, also known as Russia Today, drew attention to a procurement order for Caucasian Russian biomaterial posted by the U.S. Air Force in July.

On November 1, spokespeople for the U.S. Air Force told TASS and the independent Meduza outlet that the biomaterial was required for ongoing research on the human musculoskeletal system and for identifying "various biomarkers associated with injuries."

The following day, Onishchenko and Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov poured scorn on that explanation. Ryabkov called it "contrived" and said Moscow would raise the issue with Washington. He also spoke out about what he called a "chain of laboratories" established with U.S. assistance or partnership in neighboring countries.

"We are going to express our dissatisfaction with the activity of the United States," he was quoted by Interfax as saying, adding that he hoped the DNA collection only "hypothetically" could constitute a threat to national security.

'X_Files Episode'

The idea of looming biological attacks from abroad as well as nefarious Western laboratories on Russia's borders has been a talking point for Onishchenko in the past.

Last year he alleged that the U.S. Army might be infecting mosquitos with the Zika virus in Russia's south using a laboratory in neighboring Georgia. The laboratory in question appeared to be a reference to a biological research facility that was built in Georgia by the U.S. Defense Threat Agency in 2011 and handed over to the Georgian National Center for Disease Control for operation and ownership in 2013.

The allegations of DNA collection got short shrift with London-based Russia experts, who dismissed the idea that the United States would go about a top-secret biological-weapons program in such public fashion, posting procurement orders and using commercial companies.

Mathieu Boulegue, a research fellow at the Russia and Eurasian Program at the London-based Chatham House, cast the claims in Russia as propaganda designed for a domestic audience, adding in a reference to the American sci-fi drama that frequently involves paranormal activities, "It looks like a textbook case of cut and paste from an X-Files episode."

"I honestly don't think this is anything more than purebred propaganda trying to match destabilization for destabilization," Boulegue said. "And it is also a mirror into Russia's thinking of asymmetrical threats, and what they believe would be a response from the West to Russia's asymmetrical destabilization methods."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-biological-warfare- accusations-raise-eyebrows-lawsuit/28834069.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Canada Sanctions 30 Russian Individuals Over Magnitsky Case

Sputnik News

18:33 03.11.2017(updated 19:26 03.11.2017)

According to the website of the Canadian government, the individuals were sanctioned over "acts of significant corruption" and "gross violations" of human rights.

Global Affairs Canada stated that the sanctions, effective immediately, target people linked to "acts of significant corruption surrounding the $230-million tax fraud uncovered by Sergei Magnitsky in 2008 and to the subsequent gross violations of his legal and human rights during his investigation and pretrial detention, including psychological and physical abuse that ultimately led to his death in a Russian detention center in November 2009."

The assets of those sanctioned will be frozen and they will be refused entry to the country. The list of sanctioned individuals includes former First Deputy Prosecutor General of Russia Alexander Bastrykin and Russian politician and lawyer Leonid Igorevich Markelov.

"Canada has long expressed deep concern about the case of Sergei Magnitsky and what it reflects about the state of the Russian justice system and the rule of law," the website also reads.

Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland said while delivering a speech on the issue on Friday that Canada is determined to protect human rights and combat "corruption worldwide."

Moscow has repeatedly warned Canada that possible sanctions over the Magnitsky case would damage the bileteral ties.

Canada's House of Commons has passed legislation similar to the US' Magnitsky Act that stipulated financial and travel restrictions against the individuals that had been engaged in the death of lawyer Magnitsky and in the case against him and related issues.

Russia has responded to the US with the creation of its own blacklist of American officials associated with the construction and maintenance the infamous detention center at Guantanamo Bay.

 Sputnik

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Bombing under Israeli watch as Syria liberates Dayr al-Zawr

Iran Press TV

Fri Nov 3, 2017 07:47AM

The Syrian army and allied fighters have managed to retake full control over the eastern city of Dayr al-Zawr in their latest push against Takfiri Daesh terrorists.

"The armed forces, in cooperation with allied forces, liberated the city of Dayr al-Zawr completely from the clutches of the Daesh terrorist organization," a military source told Syrian media on Friday morning.

The source added large of numbers of terrorists, including their commanders, were killed during the offensive. Army troops have also seized Daesh arms depots in the city.

Earlier in the day, Hezbollah's military news service reported that Syrian forces were bombarding the last Daesh remnants in the city to make their way into the final district under the terror group's grip.

The report said Syrian government forces had recaptured al-Hamidiya, Sheikh Yassin, al-Ardhi and al-Rashidia districts, and had only al-Hawiqa district left to liberate.

Damascus began the liberation operation two months ago with the support of Russian air force, and broke Daesh's three-year-long siege of the city in September.

Syrian army forces had in recent days stepped up their gains in the city, going neighborhood to neighborhood after the remaining terrorists.

Dayr al-Zawr is the capital of an oil-rich Syrian province of the same name, which borders Iraq.

The city used to serve as the main Daesh stronghold in Syria after the terror group was forced out of Raqqah in the north by a US-backed alliance of Kurdish militants.

The fall of Daesh in Dayr al-Zawr is yet another key defeat for the Takfiri outfit, which has over the past months lost most of the territory it seized in a lightning 2014 advance across Syria and neighboring Iraq.

On the other side of the border, the Iraqi military also announced Friday that they have launched their own final operation against Daesh in the areas that straddle the frontier with Syria, entering the city of al-Qaim.

Nusra Front bombing

As the news of the simultaneous assaults in eastern and in western Iraq emerged, a Nusra Front car bomb killed at least nine people and injured 23 in a government-held village in Syria's southwestern Quneitra area.

According to Syrian state media, rockets and gunfire followed the bomb in Hadher, close to the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, with the number of casualties expected to rise.

Local Syrian sources described the attack as the biggest yet in the area, saying the terrorists used new routes in their assault which they had never used before.

"The onslaught took place after the Israeli army opened a new path for the terrorists under its backing to attack Hadher," Iran's Tasnim news agency quoted one unnamed source as saying.

The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported clashes in the area between the Syrian army and the Takfiri militants.

Nusra Front, which changed its name to to Tahrir al-Sham in January, is the dominant terrorist group in the northwestern militant-held province of Idlib.

In June, Syrian military sources said Israel's airstrikes on the Golan Heights coincided with a push by Nusra Front terrorists against army positions, which was aborted.

Israel regularly hits positions held by the Syrian army in the Golan Heights, describing the attacks as retaliatory after rockets fired mysteriously land in the occupied territories. Syria says the raids aim to help Takfiri militants fighting against government forces.

The rocket attacks are also believed to be coordinated, with Israel always holding the Syrian government accountable and using them as a pretext to respond even though the projectiles always land in open fields.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres in June expressed concerns about a spike in contacts between Israeli armed forces and Syria militants, saying it could lead to escalation and cause harm to UN observers deployed to the Golan Heights.

The Wall Street Journal said the same month that Israel had been providing Takfiri terrorists in Syria's Golan Heights with a steady flow of funds and medical supplies.

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Russia, US craft rival UN resolutions on extending chemical probe in Syria

Iran Press TV

Fri Nov 3, 2017 07:42AM

Russia and the United States have drawn up rival UN Security Council resolutions on extending the mission of a body of international experts probing chemical attacks in Syria.

The Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) was formed by a Security Council resolution in 2015, and is run jointly by the UN and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the world body's chemical weapons watchdog.

Russia, however, has been exceedingly critical of JIM's reports, finding faults with its evidence gathering techniques.

On October 14, Russia vetoed a US-sponsored Security Council resolution that would have renewed the experts' mandate for a year. It said it would wait for an official report on an alleged sarin gas attack last year in northwestern Syria by the mission to decide whether it would back extending its mandate.

The report came out two days after the veto, blaming Syria for the incident which took place in April 2016 in the town of Khan Shaykhun and killed over 90 people.

Both Russia and Syria have rejected the report.

Reacting to the report on Thursday, Russian Foreign Ministry said the JIM experts had produced it without even turning up on site despite being offered guarantees of safety.

Mikhail Ulyanov, the head of the ministry's arms control and non-proliferation department, said, "Imagine a criminal investigation in which police refuse to visit the site of the crime. No court will ever accept it." "But they consider it possible to do such thing at the UN Security Council," he noted.

According to a draft resolution obtained by news agencies, both the American and Russian versions demand the JIM mission's extension, but under totally different conditions.

According to AFP, Russia wants the UN Security Council to shelve the latest JIM report and launch a new investigation into the Khan Shaykhun incident.

The Russian draft also urged a six-month extension of the UN-led panel's mission, while the version put forward by the US calls for a two-year extension of the mandate, the report added.

The Associated Press also reported that the Russian draft resolution on the future of JIM's mandate urges the mission to send investigators to Khan Shaykhun, where the attack reportedly happened, and the Shayrat airfield in Syria's central Homs Province, which the US attacked later in April with missiles under the pretext of punishing Syria.

The accusations against the Damascus government come while Syria has turned over its entire chemical stockpile under a deal negotiated by Russia and the United States back in 2013. The OPCW supervised that removal process.

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Russia's Long-Range Bombers, Sub Launch Massive Attack on Daesh in Syria

Sputnik News

17:13 03.11.2017(updated 18:41 03.11.2017)

Six strikes by the Kalibr cruise missiles were conducted against Daesh terrorists in the Abu Kemal area in Syria by the Russian military forces.

Russian long-range Tu-22 bombers and Varshavyanka class submarine "Kolpino" on Friday struck a massive attack on Daesh terrorist group (banned in Russia) in the Abu Kemal area in Syria, official representative of the Russian Defense Ministry Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said on Friday.

According to Konashenkov, the Kolpino sub launched a total of six Kalibr cruise missiles from an underwater position in the Mediterranean Sea to a distance of over 650 km (some 403 miles). Meanwhile, Su-24 and Su-34 fighters were also involved in the strike under cover carried by Su-30SM, Su-35 and MiG-29.

About 18 airstrikes and 9 sea-based cruise missile attackes have been waged in the past three days, as Konashenkov said. Missile and air strikes on the Daesh militants paved the way for the active military operations against the Syrian troops under the command of General Suheil.

Meanwhile, Russian military has targeted Daesh positions in the town of Abu Kemal in the province of Deir ez-Zor for the second day in a row. The Russian strategic bombers had launched a massive strike on Daesh's arms and ammunition depots, command posts and fortified areas. Recently, a Russian submarine launched a strike with the Kalibr cruise missiles from the Mediterranean on the Daesh targets in Abu Kemal to help the Syrian army's offensive on the ground. Moreover, Russian authorities reported that over 90 percent of the Syrian territory has already been freed from terrorists and, according to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, the Russian military campaign will be completed soon.

 Sputnik

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Britain Investigating Whether Russia Sought To Influence Brexit Vote

RFE/RL November 03, 2017

British authorities have begun investigating whether Russia attempted to influence the British vote last year on leaving the European Union, media reported on November 2.

The British Electoral Commission in comments to The Times referred to emerging evidence in the United States that Russia may have used Facebook and other social media to sow division and influence the 2016 presidential election, allegedly buying advertisements and using "troll farms" to reach as many as 126 million Americans -- nearly half of U.S. voters.

Speculation has been mounting in Britain that Russia may have similarly sought to influence the Brexit vote. Both the British and U.S. votes were very close and featured divisive campaign rhetoric and intensive use of social media to raise public fears on such divisive issues as immigration and foreign labor.

"Clearly, we have seen the allegations about interference in the American election and it is right that we are in a dialogue with companies like Facebook to ensure that nothing like that happened here," Bob Posner, the British commission's director of political finance and regulation, told the Times.

"Should our inquiries provide us with evidence that the existing campaigning rules about political finance may have been broken then we will undertake our own investigations as set out in our enforcement policy. If we believe other, criminal, offenses may have been committed, then these will be referred to the police for investigation," he said.

British Prime Minister Theresa May recently told parliament: "We take very seriously issues of Russian intervention, or Russian attempts to intervene, in electoral processes or in the democratic processes of any country."

Reuters and the Times reported that the British Election Commission is investigating whether a leading anti-EU campaign financier, Arron Banks, breached referendum finance rules which required donors to be based in the United Kingdom.

The commission has not mentioned Russia in connection with its investigation, but Banks told the Times that the agency believes the money came from Russia -- a charge he strongly denied.

"They're in a tizzy. They think it was funded by Russia," Banks told the Times. "Of course it didn't. It came from my bank account."

Banks told Reuters the allegations are part of an attempt by the "Remain establishment" to discredit the Brexit result.

"Allegations of Brexit being funded by the Russians...are complete bollocks from beginning to end," Banks told Reuters in an e-mailed statement, signing off "nostrovia," a version of "na zdorovye," Russian for "cheers!"

With reporting by Reuters and The Times

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/britain-investigating- whether-russia-sought-influence-brexit-vote-facebook- banks-farage/28832740.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Turkish envoy to Georgia talks BTK, South Caucasus Pipeline

Turkish Ambassador to Georgia Zeki Levent Gumrukcu in an interview with Georgian First Channel (1TV) said implementation of significant economic projects will be completed in the region in 2017-2018, Georgia Online reported.The ambassador spoke about the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway and the expansion of the South Caucasus Pipeline.On October 30, the first train will go along Baku-Tbilisi-Kars, but regular cargo and passenger traffic will begin in 2018. Moreover, in the first half of next year, in March or April, Turkey will receive natural gas from Azerbaijan through Georgia, said Gumrukcu.At the first stage, it will be possible to obtain six billion cubic meters of natural gas per year, he noted adding that when the construction of the Trans-Anatolian and Trans-Adriatic pipelines is completed, this volume will reach 16 billion.We built Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum. And now our friendship and strategic partnership are rising to such a level that they will benefit both us and the whole world, added the envoy.
Okay, so this one isn't an issue as much as a miscommunication. Despite Google's newest, premium Pixel smartphone shipping with an 18-watt USB Power Delivery 2.0 wall adapter, the phone's charging speed is capped at 10.5W.

According to a test performed by Nathan K over on Google Plus, the Google Pixel 2 XL has been proven to be charging "slow". This confirms reports of many users who feel that the Pixel 2 XL was not charging at its full potential.

The Pixel 2 XL comes with a wall adapter, which is advertised on Google's site, to charge the phone with up to 18W of current. Nathan K's wattage/temperature graph is shown below.

Notice how the wattage starts at about 15W in the very beginning, but quickly switches down to just over 10W in the graph. The phone continues to charge at this rate until about 50 minutes into the cycle, where it begins to gradually slow down until the very end of the cycle, where charging is completed, 2 and a half hours after starting.

Source: Nathan K on Google Plus

In our review, we usually run a test with a depleted battery as to how much capacity the included charger can restore within 30 minutes of starting. The Google Pixel 2 XL charged to 35% in 30 minutes, which was well below other smartphones in the same category, around upper 40s and lower 50s in the percentages.

Several fast-charging methods switch between multiple voltages. In this wall adapter's case, the phone should charge at 9V (up to 2A) when its battery is depleted below something like 40% or 50% capacity. The Pixel 2 XL is not switching between voltages and is sticking to the single 9V and not going above 1.1A or 1.2A (around 10W). Note that this wattage is only with the included wall adapter, the phone will have to charge at the lower 5V voltage when plugged into a computer's USB port.

One possible reason, according to Nathan K for the phone's charging current to be tuned so conservatively is to save the battery from the same degradation issues that the Google Nexus 6P faced. An incorrectly programmed Power Management chip on the Pixel 2 XL is an entirely plausible scenario, considering the other PR nightmares that Google has faced with the Pixel 2 XL already, including one that could face court.

The original Google Pixel also had a similar situation when it charged at a maximum 15W over an advertised 18W. The smaller battery of the Google Pixel justified this difference in wattage. This is a 58% difference.

Google was not immediately available for comment.

Source
The Samsung Galaxy S8 Active appears to be headed for Sprint, judging by a tweet by @evleaks. That would bring the number of carriers in the US to offer the rugged smartphone to 3 after the Active launched on AT&T and a recent post by the same leakster suggested T-Mobile will follow.

Samsung's Active versions of the flagships have typically been exclusive to AT&T in the US, but this is set to change this year.

Oddly, the chronology of the tweets is a bit off - the T-Mobile one came out first, and the screenshot shows November 22, presumably the launch date. The Sprint one from today says November 17. So not that long of a wait, then.

Source
Police Accountability Boards starting work in most Maryland counties

Mandated by state law after the killing of George Floyd, Police Accountability Boards have begun work in the majority of Maryland counties.
The News in Brief

Opposition Candidate Wins Mayoral Race in Tianeti



The Tbilisi Court of Appeals upheld on October 27 the ruling of the District Court in Mtskheta, which annulled two decisions of the local election administration, and gave victory to Tamaz Mechiauri, opposition mayoral candidate in Tianeti Municipality of Mtskheta-Mtianeti region.



The ruling of the Tbilisi Court of Appeals is final and cannot be subject to further review, which makes Mechiauri the only opposition candidate to win a mayoral race in the country.



Tianeti District Election Commission decided on October 22 to recount the previously annulled ballot papers in precinct No. 20 and considered five of the votes valid, putting the ruling Georgian Dream  Democratic Georgias candidate Lela Kitesashvili ahead of her only opponent by four votes.



Tamaz Mechiauri appealed against the ruling in the Mtskheta District Court, which upheld the lawsuit and annulled the election administrations decisions, giving Mechiauri a one vote advantage in the mayoral race.



Tamaz Mechiauri, a former member of the GD party and former chairman of the Parliaments finance and budget committee, quit the ruling party several months before the 2016 parliamentary elections and established his own party Tamaz Mechiauri - For United Georgia.



The party nominated party-list Sakrebulo candidates in Tianeti Municipality only. According to the preliminary results, Mechiauris party comes second, following the ruling party, with 31.22% of votes. The party named 10 majoritarian candidates in the municipal elections. Only two of nine candidates nominated in Tianeti municipality obtained a victory. One more majoritarian candidate was defeated in Dusheti election district.

(civil.ge)







Modern border facility opens thanks to US support



Georgias Minister of Internal Affairs Giorgi Mgebrishvili and the US Ambassador to Georgia Ian Kelly have opened a renewed, modern building of the #7 Border Sector "Sulda of the second border police division located in eastern Akhaltsikhe region.



The new, modern facility, constructed with the financial support of the US Defence Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), covers 15 km segment of the Georgian-Turkish state border.



Developing the Border Police of Georgia, enhancing its law-enforcement capacity, equipping it with modern technologies and reconstructing its infrastructure are top priorities for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as secure borders are essential for the countrys security, Minister Mgebrishvili stated.



The minister expressed gratitude towards the US government, its embassy to Georgia and the DTRA.



Highly important projects are implemented in the Border Police of Georgia through their assistance, Mgebrishvili said.



Guests from the US embassy and Georgian ministries viewed border guards equipment and vehicles, which had been supplied by the DTRA.



The Interior Ministry press office says that with the support of the DTRA, "extensive work has been done to enhance border security in Georgia.



The ministry wrote that the partnership was focused on the renovation and reconstruction of border sectors, the administrative building of K9 Division and maritime infrastructure, as well as equipping Georgian borders with Border Operation Monitoring System and improving its ship repairing capabilities.

(Agenda.ge)







Tbilisi hosts a fair promoting local production



Traditional souvenirs, clothes, bakery, dried fruit, wine, tea and other Georgian-made products have been exhibited at the old part of Tbilisi, which is hosting a weekend aimed at promoting Georgian entrepreneurs and their local production.



This has been the second fair organised within Enterprise Georgia of the Ministry of Economy.



Considering great public interest last time, fairs will be held regularly to help connect starting entrepreneurs with their potential customers.



The events encourage local entrepreneurs to produce local production as well as attract tourists and boost tourism development in Georgia.



The guests of the fair can not only taste Georgian food and wine but also personally meet with the local entrepreneurs and learn more about their enterprises.

(Agenda.ge)




Grand Rapids is home to art-adorned buildings that sprawl along the banks of the Grand River. It has made a name in recent years for its craft breweries, as well as being the home of Michigans only president, Gerald R Ford.

Things to do in Grand Rapids

Embark on a self-guided brewery tour, stopping to sample the creative beers of the Founders Brewing Company and the Belgian-inspired brews of Brewery Vivant. The latter is set within a beautifully restored old chapel, complete with stained-glass windows and communal tables where you can feast on local cheese platters.

Spend an afternoon wandering through the Frederik Meijer Gardens, a picturesque botanical and sculptural park set across 64 hectares. Its home to a stunning Japanese Garden with flowing water features and traditional stonework, as well as the Iron Tree sculpture by acclaimed Chinese artist Ai Weiwei.

Want to delve into Americas presidential history? Visit the Gerald R Ford Museum, which celebrates the life and work of Richard Nixons successor. Witness the tools used during the Watergate break-in and his prized collection of footballs. Ford and his wife are both buried in the museum grounds.

If youre travelling with kids, head to the Grand Rapids Childrens Museum, which is set within a 1916 building adorned in a colourful mosaic. Get hands-on in the beehive exhibit and at Aunt Daisy's Farm or attend one of the workshops where you can learn to build your own robot.

Getting around Grand Rapids

Gerald R. Ford International Airport is 25 minutes drive south-east of the city centre, with The Rapid bus system accessing all corners of the city. The downtown area of Grand Rapids is relatively compact, with many sights within walking distance of one another.
WATCH: Alert Station Master Saves Woman From Being Run Over by Train in MP
Katy Hayward of Queens University Belfast, who warns that sorting out areas of co-operation is like unbaking a cake

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and British Prime Minister hold talks in Castle Buildings, Stormont, in the months following the signing of 1998s Good Friday Agreement

Officials from Ireland, the European Commission and UK have been trawling through 142 areas of north/south co-operation during weeks of side talks to the formal Brexit negotiations.

The sheer number of areas being examined - everything from energy to environmental management - shows the complexities facing negotiators from both the EU and UK sides as they work to ensure the Good Friday Agreement, and the all-island engagement built up over the last 20 years, is maintained in the context of the UK's EU withdrawal.

Diplomats and civil servants - including from Northern Ireland - have been meeting in Brussels on a near weekly basis for a number of days at a time since the start of October.

They're studying all the economic and social aspects of cross-border co-operation.

The work is dense and complex. Of those 142 areas which have been tabled by the British, officials must determine which ones are inextricably linked to, or are affected by, EU law and policy.

They include issues such as environmental protection, agriculture, animal health, healthcare, the single electricity market, the management of waterways, co-operation on fisheries, with a focus on Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough, cross-border funding and the all-island bodies agreed under the Good Friday Agreement.

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Security co-operation is excluded, as this will be dealt with separately.

The work is being led on the Irish side by the Ireland, United Kingdom, and Americas Division in the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, with input from other departments depending on the issue being examined.

At present, it's a technical exercise with officials painstakingly going through the list to pin point the truly thorny issues - areas that are currently fundamentally embedded within EU policy and legislation.

The purpose of the task is to ultimately look for ways in which co-operation in these areas can continue, when one jurisdiction is outside of the EU.

"It's like unbaking a cake," says Dr Katy Hayward, Reader in Sociology at Queen's University, Belfast, and an expert on European integration on cross-border relations on the island.

"You've got several elements to it - one is of course what has been devolved to Northern Ireland, and then you have the dimensions across the border.

"If you look at the Good Friday Agreement, it names 12 areas of co-operation. They includes areas like health, research and education, social security, environment, agriculture, so those headline areas are ones where we have seen the most impact from EU membership.

"It ties not just to legislation and harmonisation and matching of standards and regulations, but it also ties to European funding of projects."

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney has starkly set out the difficulties facing negotiators looking at these issues

"In at least half of those cases, the assumption, and in some cases the actual language, confirms that north/south co-operation is based on both jurisdictions being part of the same union, and operating to the same rule book," the minister told a recent Brexit event organised by AIB.

"In the absence of that, north/south co-operation, on a balanced basis, seems very, very difficult to design. For a start it is going to require maintenance of equivalence or some sort of mirroring system of regulation north of the border.

"And without devolved government ... that seems to me to be impossible."

Despite being dealt that mission impossible, officials continue the technical work. The two sides are also preparing for a resumption of formal talks next week, with the financial bill expected to dominate.

The conclusions reached in these technical discussions will filter into the formal Brexit talks, although the Irish Independent understands that that will be in the second phase of the negotiations, rather than this current stage, as they centre on the functioning of the future relationship.

Dr Hayward says the side talks show the importance being placed by negotiators on the issue of cross-border co-operation.

But she adds: "There is a danger that if you're thinking too rigidly about a particular area and how you can continue that outside of the European context, that it becomes a bit too much about the detail of the institutional structural side of it, and too little about the principle of the good British-Irish relationship and north/south connections.

"What's happened is that the border has become increasingly conceived of as an issue of practicality, and finding technical solutions to it," Dr Hayward believes.

"This really sets aside so much of the reality of what cross-border co-operation is today, which is about it being normal and of mutual interest at a very local grass roots level."
When the World Health Organisation states that "antimicrobial resistance is a global health emergency", and the UK's chief medical officer says the threat posed by resistance to antibiotics "ranks alongside terrorism", then perhaps it is time to realise that the days of blanket dry cow therapy may soon be coming to an end.

The surefire way to prevent a mastitis issue developing in your herd is to use blanket dry cow antibiotics across the entire herd.

However, the general consensus is, that with antimicrobial resistance increasing in humans, and with the finger being pointed (rightly or wrongly) at agriculture, then perhaps our days of deploying this option may be soon coming to an end.

Already blanket dry cow therapy is illegal in countries such as Germany, Sweden, Denmark and The Netherlands.

And with Irish milk processors competing with these countries on a global market, you would have to conclude that Selective Dry Cow Therapy (SDCT) is going to become the norm in Ireland sooner rather than later.

With this in mind, we have two options: we can bury our heads in the sand or we can be proactive and do our own on-farm trials to enable us to be prepared if and when SDCT becomes mandatory.

Apart from the health aspect, there are also other benefits to SDCT, such as reduced cost of dry cow tubes and no withdrawal periods to adhere to at after calving.

It also allows cows to fight mastitis by using their own natural immune system, thereby increasing their natural ability to fight off future outbreaks of mastitis.

So is SDCT an option for all farmers?

Milk recording

No, it is not. It can only be considered by farmers who have excellent records of the SCC levels within their herd and in general this is confined to herds that are milk recording.

However, for farmers who are not milk recording, most companies offering this service will carry out one milk recording before the winter if you sign up now for the 2018 season.

The general recommendation is that the last milk recording should be conducted approximately two weeks prior to the intended dry off date. As important, is the second milk recording, to measure how successful (or unsuccessful) the exercise was.

Ideally this should be completed before St Patrick's Day, regardless of what proportion of the herd are calved by then.

Is SDCT suitable for all cows within the herd? No, it is not. Only cows with an SCC of less than 50,000 in the milk recording prior to dry off should be considered.

Coupled with this, SCC levels for that cow should have never exceeded 200,000 in that lactation.

The reality is that for most herds, only 10-20pc of the herd may be suitable for this exercise, which makes it a manageable experiment for most.

How is it carried out in practice?

Identify the cows suitable for SDCT and group them separately to the main herd.

Milk them as a separate mob and teat seal them immediately after milking.

I asked Don Crowley, Teagasc expert on SCC, what was the most important point for farmers to remember when carrying out SDCT?

His answer was "hygiene, hygiene, hygiene".

If you are not meticulous regarding hygiene when it comes to inserting the teat sealer, then don't even attempt SDCT as you could create a huge SCC issue for yourself rather than preventing it.

After inserting the sealer, these cows need to be identified.

Ideally a strap around the leg and preferably they should be wintered as a separate group.

Selective Dry Cow Therapy is coming down the tracks, why not be proactive and be ready for it when it does arrive?

Joe Kelleher is a Teagasc advisor based in Newcastle West, Co Limerick
New accounts show that Done Deal Ltd recorded pre-tax profits of 1.58m after sustaining a pre-tax loss of 2,250 in 2015. Stock image

The company behind the counrty's largest online classified website, Done Deal, last year returned to profit as revenues jumped to 12m.

New accounts show that Done Deal Ltd recorded pre-tax profits of 1.58m after sustaining a pre-tax loss of 2,250 in 2015.

It recorded the return to profit after revenues increased by 15pc, from 10.5m to 12.12m. The company since year end has paid out dividends of 573,259.

According to the directors' report, the increase in revenues during the year was in line with management expectations.

The directors said pre-tax profit rose due to an increase in revenues and a decrease in administrative costs as it continues to drive efficiencies.

Administrative costs reduced from 10.4m to 9.5m. The firm also made charitable donations of 209,176 last year and charitable donations of 206,517 in 2015. Revenues have increased from the 8m recorded in 2013.

The website was established in 2004 by husband and wife team Fred and Geraldine Karlsson. The founders were inspired to set up the site after returning to Ireland from Sweden where they had used similar websites.

Initially the ads included their own belongings, before real users started placing ads. They were bought out by Norwegian firm Schibsted Media. Today, the website is part of the Distilled SCH group after Schibsted Media and Distilled Media merged their Irish operations with Done Deal operating under the same banner as daft.ie and adverts.ie

The Distilled Media Group - established by the founders of daft.ie, Brian and Eamonn Fallon - and Schibsted Media each has a 50pc shareholding in the venture.

The profit takes account of 406,827 in restructuring costs and this followed 108,420 in restructuring costs in 2015.

The profit also took account of non-cash impairment of a financial asset totalling 606,652.

Numbers employed last year were static at 56 with staff costs of 3.6m. A breakdown shows that 22 were engaged in sales and customer support; 18 in administration and finance; and 16 'technical' staff. Shareholder funds at the end of 2016 totalled 3.35m, including 2.3m in accumulated profits.

The cash pile last year rose from 674,370 to 2.64m. The company recorded a post-tax profit of 1.29m after paying 287,513 in corporation tax.

The directors remain confident about the business given the trend of advertising spend moving to online media and adoption of new formats to meet the demands of advertisers.
President Donald Trump holds an example of what a new tax form may look like during a meeting on tax policy with Republican politicians including House Speaker Paul Ryan

Irish-owned companies with operations in the US could be hit with an "excise" tax on payments they make overseas from their American operations under the country's proposed new tax plan.

While the changes are designed to stop US firms sending profits offshore, it could potentially be bad news for large Irish business with US operations, such as CRH, Kerry and Glanbia.

US House of Representatives Republicans unveiled the long-delayed legislation on Thursday to deliver deep tax cuts that President Donald Trump has promised.

The 429-page bill represents what would be the largest overhaul of the US tax system since the 1980s.

It calls for slashing the corporate tax rate to 20pc from 35pc, cutting tax rates on individuals and families and ending certain tax breaks for companies and individuals.

But it would also impose a 20pc tax on payments made by American subsidiaries of foreign-owned firms, and potentially US firms that carried out so-called inversions overseas.

That raises the question of whether Irish firms with affiliates in the US will fall victim to the tax if they send money back home. "If it is what it looks like it is, then for certain sectors it is bad," said Peter Vale, tax partner at Grant Thornton.

Americans for Prosperity, which is backed by the politically influential Brothers Koch, is reportedly criticising the plan, calling it a "backdoor border-adjustment tax".

Congressional passage of the tax legislation that would affect nearly every US company and family was far from certain, and some business groups quickly came out against it.

Contentious provisions will test Republicans, who control the White House and both chambers of Congress, but have been unable to deliver any major legislative achievements for President Trump since he took office in January.

The legislation, called the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, produces new advantages for rich Americans through lowered corporate taxes.

"This is a very important and special moment for our country, for all Americans.

"Are we going to let the defenders of the status quo win and see our country continue down this downward spiral?" Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan asked.

Meeting with Mr Ryan and other key House Republicans, President Trump told them he was counting on them to maintain the momentum for tax cuts, and repeated his request that Congress send him the legislation to sign into law by the Thanksgiving holiday on November 23.

Ryan McGrath of Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland said that overall the US tax plans are "not a threat to Ireland".

Mr McGrath said that even the proposed reduced headline corporate tax rate would be higher than Ireland's 12.5pc rate.

President Trump called the bill an "important step" toward tax relief for Americans.

He added in a statement: "We are just getting started, and there is much work left to do."

The National Association of Home Builders in America criticised the legislation, saying it would damage house prices and punish homeowners in urban areas.

(Additional reporting Reuters)
Towards the end of Gerry Gregg's moving new documentary, Condemned To Remember, Tomi Reichental travels to Merasice, Slovakia, to stand in a small, overgrown plot. On this spot, he explains, once stood the Reichental homestead, a happy house which Tomi remembers with huge fondness. Then, the Holocaust came, and Tomi and his family were carted off to endure the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps. Over 70,000 of Slovakia's 90,000-strong Jewish population perished in those camps, and so did 35 members of Tomi's extended family.

He survived, was educated in Israel and Germany, and in the late 1950s, moved to Ireland to start a new life. He settled in Rathgar, married an Irish woman, had three sons and for many years was reluctant to talk about the nightmare he'd endured. Then, a speaking engagement at his grandson Josh's school opened the floodgates and Tomi became a tireless witness to the most terrible concerted massacre in human history. "Slowly, slowly I started to talk, and now they can't stop me," he tells me with a smile.

Now 82, Tomi has spent years touring Irish schools sharing his harrowing memories with students. He's also written a haunting memoir and made three documentaries with Gerry Gregg. "I am one of the last witnesses, so I have to speak out, and I feel that I owe it to the victims that they are not forgotten," he adds.

Holocaust denial began almost as soon as the Holocaust ended, and has been prevalent in the Muslim world since the 1970s. But in Condemned To Remember, Tomi Reichental built bridges by responding to a most unexpected invitation. "I first met Shaykh Umar Ul-Qadri (head imam at the Islamic Centre) at a storytelling event in Liberty Hall," Tomi explains. "And as we were saying goodbye to each other, Shaykh Umar told me 'I would love you to tell your story in my mosque'. It was such a surprise to me and I said, 'Are you sure? You don't even believe the Holocaust happened'. And he said, no, this is different, we are progressive.

"I was very well received by everyone and, for me, it was a big challenge. But in the end, it worked out fantastically and it happened to fall on my 80th birthday, so they made a cake. The mosque event was something really special: I'm not sure that a Holocaust survivor has ever spoken in a mosque before."

Tomi has devoted the last 10 years to sharing and explaining the reality of his wartime experiences, but for much of his life, the Holocaust was something he never talked about. "My wife passed away 14 years ago and I never told her anything. She knew I was a survivor, but I never spoke about it, and if any archive films or documentaries were on television, I would just change the station. It was a horrific time and you don't want to dwell on it. But after my wife passed away, I retired and things started to come into my mind, so I decided to write a couple of articles. They were published and suddenly the media were calling at my door.

"Then my grandson told his teacher that his grandfather was a Holocaust survivor and the Zion school asked me to come and speak to a class. These were kids 11, 12 years old, and I just went and told them what I went through, and in no time at all, the kids were in tears, the teachers were in tears, I was in tears. Then they wanted me to talk to the whole school. That's when the Holocaust Education Trust got involved, and I began going to schools all over the country. What I noticed straight away was how little the students knew about the Holocaust, how little they were taught. And I got this feeling that this can't be left like this."

Tomi was just six years old when the pro-Nazi Slovak authorities insisted all Jews wear a yellow star, and nine when he was rounded up with his family after being turned in by a fanatical neighbour.

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"People often ask me, 'what was the worst thing that happened to you during the Holocaust' and I always say, 'the journey. My father was a farmer but we were comfortable by the standards of the time - we were well-fed, we wanted for nothing. So that's what I was used to as a child, and suddenly you are thrown into this small space, this stinking train carriage with about 50 people - you couldn't even move. Wherever you sat or stood, that's where you were for seven days, there was no way of washing, and no privacy at all. When you went to the toilet, all the family would make a circle around you. Eventually people just gave up, you were like animals. One woman died and her corpse was lying there for two or three days. It was terrible." Tomi's train was bound for Bergen-Belsen, a concentration camp in northern Germany.

"It was not an extermination camp in the sense that Auschwitz was, but people were dying all the same. Seventy thousand people died in Bergen-Belsen, and what happened there towards the end was unbelievable."

Seventy-three years later, the cold, the hunger and the horrors are still with him. "In winter, it would be minus 15 or 20 degrees, and we had no coats or anything. The children's shoes would get tight, because we were growing, and we'd cut the tops off so your toes could stick out.

"The food was the same every day. In the morning you got two slices of bread, some black coffee, maybe some margarine. Then for lunch, you got boiled turnip and in the evening, you got two slices of bread again. It was never enough. I remember the suffering of being hungry all the time.

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"We were in the women's camp and I remember when we arrived, we saw these people walking around... well they were not people, they were just skeletons with shaved heads and sunken eyes, and no buttocks or breasts or anything. Only after a few days did we realise they were all women, mortally sick: they would walk around very slowly, and occasionally they would fall down, and we as kids would stop when we saw this to see what happened next because we learned that usually when these women fell down, they never got up again.

"Then, later on, the typhus epidemic broke out and soon about 500 people were dying every day. Because so many were dying, the crematoria couldn't cope, so the corpses were just thrown about, you're talking about thousands of corpses lying around, decomposing and rotting away, so you can imagine what the stench was like. And we children were playing among them. When we played hide and seek, we would hide behind the corpses. What did I think about it all? I don't know."

Those lucky Jews who survived, Tomi says, did so "by keeping their tradition and keeping the holidays". "My brother had his Bar-Mitzvah in Bergen-Belsen and this woman made a cake for him from slices of bread and margarine - there were about six layers and a candle on top, so it looked like a cake. And obviously she did this by sacrificing a piece of her own bread and asking others to do the same, just for a boy's Bar-Mitzvah.

"That was our resistance. We still were culturally intact."

Condemned to Remember is in selected cinemas now
Netflix has reportedly confirmed it will no longer work with Kevin Spacey as allegations against the House of Cards star mount.

Casting doubt over the hit political dramas future, Netflix said it was working with House of Cards studio Media Rights Capital to evaluate our path forward as it relates to the show.

The move comes after British police said they are investigating an allegation of sexual assault involving the Oscar winner.

In a statement to the Hollywood Reporter, the streaming service said: Netflix will not be involved with any further production of House of Cards that includes Kevin Spacey.

We have also decided we will not be moving forward with the release of the film Gore, which was in post-production, starring and produced by Kevin Spacey.

Netflix said it had also canned a biopic of US writer Gore Vidal, produced by Spacey, that had completed filming and was due for release in 2018.

On Thursday it emerged that the Metropolitan Police had opened an investigation into an allegation of sexual assault made against the star.

It is understood officers from the Mets child abuse and sexual offences command are looking into claims Spacey sexually assaulted a man in Lambeth in 2008.

The Met declined to identify the alleged attacker but said in a statement: On Wednesday, 1 November, City of London Police referred an allegation of sexual assault to the Metropolitan Police Service.

It is alleged a man assaulted another man in 2008 in Lambeth.

Officers from the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command are investigating.

City of London Police confirmed they had referred an allegation of sexual assault from 2008 in Lambeth to Scotland Yard.

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Production was halted on the sixth season of House of Cards after historical allegations of inappropriate behaviour against the star began to emerge.

Actor Anthony Rapp claimed Spacey had placed him on a bed and climbed on top of him following a party at his apartment in 1986.

The former artistic director of the Old Vic Theatre would have been 26 at the time of the alleged incident, while Rapp would have been 14.

Following Rapps allegation in a BuzzFeed interview, Spacey said in a post on Twitter he did not remember the alleged incident and announced he is living as a gay man.

Spaceys talent agency, CAA, is no longer representing the actor amid the growing claims of sexual harassment, according to Associated Press.

On Wednesday, Spaceys representative said the actor was taking the time necessary to seek evaluation and treatment in light of the allegations.

His lawyers have been contacted for comment.
Simon Cowell returned to the X Factor on Saturday night just over a week after he was admitted to hospital following a fall at his London home.

The judge had missed last weeks show launch and Sunday nights second episode on medical advice after taking a tumble down the stairs and viewers were delighted to have him back.

Host Dermot OLeary told viewers: The boss is back Mr Simon Cowell, adding: Its good to have you back.

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While Sharon Osbourne told her fellow judge, Ive missed you, fans at home felt the same.

@Manbernards1 tweeted: Good to see Simon back. Wasnt quite the same without him.

@Robbieanthony87 posted: glad simon is back straight talking even about his own acts.

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@Kxthyy413 wrote: now that simons back on x factor, we finally gonna get some REAL, HONEST, comments on some of these booooring acts.

@Niki_vaghela posted: Its much more interesting with Simons comments. Last week we were stuck with Nicoles uselessness.

He had been replaced by Britains Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon on last weeks show after reportedly fainting before being rushed to hospital.

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The star, dad to three-year-old son Eric, later told The Sun that doctors think I fainted because I had low blood pressure and so I have got to really take good care of myself to sort that out.

After all, I am a dad and have more responsibility than ever.

Cowell said he went to get some some hot milk, but felt really dizzy on his way back upstairs.

He added: Next thing I know someone was putting a neck brace on me and I had a terrible headache, which must have been from me hitting the stairs.

He was photographed flashing a thumbs up when he returned home hours later.
Actor Stephen Fry arriving at a Service of Thanksgiving for Lord Snowdon at St Margaret's Church, Westminster Abbey in central London.

Comedian Stephen Fry has said he was "enchanted" by the furore that followed a complaint to gardai that comments he made on RTE were contrary to Ireland's blasphemy laws.

"I did indeed, I was told about it. I was enchanted. It was extraordinary," he told RTE's Marian Finucane on her Saturday morning Radio One show.

Independent.ie first revealed that an investigation was sparked after a member of the public made a complaint to Ennis Garda station in Co Clare shortly after comments the actor made on an episode of Gay Byrne's 'The Meaning of Life', which was broadcast in February 2015.

During the show the comedian and writer was questioned about what he might say to God at the "pearly gates".

Mr Fry, an atheist, replied: "How dare you create a world in which there is such misery? Its not our fault? Its not right. Its utterly, utterly evil. Why should I respect a capricious, mean-minded, stupid god who creates a world which is so full of injustice and pain?"

He went on to say that if he was met by the Greek gods he would accept them quicker because, "they didnt present themselves as being all seeing, all wise, all beneficent."

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He added: "Because the god who created this universe, if it was created by god, is quite clearly a maniac, an utter maniac, totally selfish.

"We have to spend our lives on our knees thanking him. What kind of god would do that?"

Speaking today Mr Fry said he received correspondence from the public who hoped he would appear in court.

"I got wonderful letters from people who hoped I would appear in court because they wanted it to come to court. They thought it would just be the most wonderful, fantastic street drama in Dublin," he said.

Mr Fry also described the wording of our blasphemy legislation as a "wonderfully Irish solution".

Under the controversial legislation, introduced by then Justice Minister Dermot Ahern in 2009, it is illegal to publish or utter a matter that is "grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters sacred by any religion, thereby intentionally causing outrage among a substantial number of adherents of that religion".

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"I discovered from the person who actually framed the blasphemy law that it was deliberately framed in order to be unworkable," Mr Fry said.

"That's a wonderfully Irish solution to the fact that there was a pre-existing blasphemy law and they thought that was absurd and it would have taken a referendum to get rid of it so they thought that the easiest thing was to just engineer it a little so that it became preposterous.

"So that's really what that was all about," he added.

The media personality also said he was "pleased" that gardai could not find enough people to be outraged in order to pursue the complaint further.

At the time of the conclusion of the investigation a well-placed source said the complainant "was simply a witness and not an injured party. Gardai were unable to find a substantial number of outraged people.

"For this reason the investigation has been concluded."

The man who made the complaint told gardai he was happy that he had done his civic duty by reporting what he believed could be a crime under the current law.

He also confirmed to the detective that he was happy gardai had investigated the matter in full.
Two Irish students died in Belgium because of substandard accommodation. The reaction here was one of disgust, with calls for stricter punishments for unscrupulous landlords.

Malachy Vallely, who owned the overcrowded property, received a suspended sentence and a 6,000 fine three years later.

"Our daughter's life was worth more than that," the family of Sara Gibadlo (19) told the Irish Independent after the verdict was handed down. Vallely was branded a "slum landlord" who used the property as a "cash cow" by the prosecution. He later sold it for 180,000.

Meanwhile, back in Ireland, a group of up to eight landlords are managing at least 40 properties between them - with up to 30 people living in some of the houses.

It often takes a tragedy to bring about change - but sometimes even that isn't enough. An incident similar to what happened in Belgium is inevitable here as authorities continue to blatantly ignore the inhumane conditions people are being forced to live in.

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Overcrowded slums have been uncovered all across Dublin following a special investigation by the Irish Independent. The properties viewed by an undercover reporter all paint a disturbing picture of exploitation and greed. Wardrobes, suitcases and piles of shoes line the hallways as there is no room in the overcrowded bedrooms where beds are crammed in to maximise profit.

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Eight girls are sleeping in one room in a house in Rathmines and are each paying 350 a month to do so. Double adapters lay across the floor; clothes hang off the bunkbeds, and the "curtains have to remain shut in case the council comes".

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Next door, four single beds are packed into a tiny bedroom clearly meant for one person.

"We have to climb over each other to get into the bed," one young Brazilian tenant said. Many keep their belongings stuffed into their suitcase as they have nowhere to put them.

Perhaps that is why nobody is taking action on these overcrowded houses - there will be nowhere for the tenants to go.

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Owners of two houses have since come forward to say they had no idea their properties were being run in this manner.

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"The council told me they called to the house but nobody would let them in and it looked OK from the outside," one said. And that's the thing, many of the houses do look OK from the outside.

Earlier this year, the Irish Independent exposed a house in Cabinteely, south Dublin, where 70 people were living with just two showers to cater for them. These properties are in nice, residential areas, but the evidence is there if you look hard enough. Look for the houses with 10 bins outside, where blinds and curtains remain closed. Then go online and scrawl through adverts that make the property sound too good to be true - because it is.

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The relevant authorities have carried out inspections at some of these properties. However, the Irish Independent revealed how the landlords have been removing bunkbeds, partitions and items of furniture the night before inspections and storing them in warehouses in Bray and Drumcondra. If gardai believe someone is stashing drugs in their house, they don't send a letter to the suspect saying they will call to inspect the property at 2pm on a Tuesday.

Landlords packing tenants into a house like sardines should be treated no differently to suspected criminals. They are raking in thousands of euro - cash-in-hand - weekly and profiting from Ireland's housing crisis. And until the 'hear no evil, see no evil' act is dropped, they shall continue to do so.
A mother and son whose bathroom was splattered in "an explosion of raw sewage" have been awarded 20,000 damages against Fingal County Council and Irish Water.

Barrister Andrew Walker, counsel for Patricia Powell and her son Sean, told the Circuit Civil Court yesterday that both of them had suffered personal injuries as a result of "the explosion".

Judge Francis Comerford heard that the mother and son were at home in Hayestown, Rush, Co Dublin, on August 19 2015, when maintenance work was being carried out on the local drainage and sewage system by the defendants in the area.

The court was told that suddenly there was "an explosion of raw sewage up through the toilet" and that it spread all over the floor, walls, bath and hand basin.

Mr Walker, who appeared with Dermot McNamara Solicitors, told Judge Comerford that Ms Powell and her son had to clean up the mess as best they could and then had to arrange for a contract cleaning company to carry out further work.

The judge heard that a very strong smell remained in Ms Powell's home, forcing them to move out.

Ms Powell and Sean, now living at Hampton Cove, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, sued the county council and the water utility for up to 60,000 damages for psychological distress and trauma, expenses and house relocation charges.

Ms Powell and her son had attended their family doctor.

Judge Comerford awarded Ms Powell 12,000 damages and her son 8,000 damages, and their costs.

He said they were entitled to compensation for nuisance as well as a degree of damages for personal injury arising from the incident.
A man jailed for the rape and sexual assault of a woman whose child he abducted in the same incident has had his 15-year prison sentence increased to 19 following an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Michael Murray (46), formerly of Killiney Oaks, Killiney, in Dublin, was jailed for 15 years for rape, attempted rape, oral rape and aggravated sexual assault, child abduction, threats to kill or cause serious harm, false imprisonment and theft at a Dublin apartment on February 12-13 in 2010.

The Central Criminal Court heard that Murray had lured his female victim into an apartment by telling her that an elderly woman was dying inside and needed her help.

He tied her up and assaulted her before taking her son (4) away and abandoning him in a city centre square late at night.

He returned to the flat where he drugged and raped his victim. Murray had denied the charges.

However, he was found guilty on all counts by a unanimous jury verdict.

The DPP successfully sought a review of Murray's 15-year prison sentence on grounds that it was "unduly lenient".

Setting aside Murray's 15-year sentence yesterday, the three-judge Court of Appeal substituted a sentence of 19 years to begin from the same date.

Giving judgment, Mr Justice George Birmingham said that in the Court of Appeal's view, the combination of the appalling nature of the offence, Murray's very significant prior record and the "complete absence of mitigation" meant the sentence was "inadequate to a significant extent".

He said it was "immediately apparent" Murray had an "appalling record".

Mr Justice Birmingham, who sat with Mr Justice Alan Mahon and Mr Justice John Edwards, said a sentence of 20 or 21 years would have been appropriate and the three-judge court would have imposed this sentence had it been called on to do so at the first instance.
A man threatened to blow up a McDonald's fast food restaurant in Dublin, telling staff that he had a bomb in his bag that would go off if they did not open the till.

Raymond Dicker (47) left the restaurant empty-handed after the owner saw the bag he was carrying was full of meat.

The perpetrator was caught shortly afterwards when gardai found him sitting at a bus stop across the road.

Arrested

Dublin District Court heard that Dicker, a father of two, claimed to be having a "breakdown" at the time and wanted to get arrested.

Judge Kathryn Hutton applied the Probation Act, leaving him without a criminal record.

Dicker, from Railway Close, Clongriffin, pleaded guilty to burglary at McDonald's in Donaghmede.

Garda Lisa Murray said the accused went to the restaurant at 2pm on April 6.

Dicker walked behind the counter and approached a woman who was working there. He then said: "Open the till or the bag will blow up."

The owner was also present and Dicker told him to open the till, but he refused.

"[Dicker] said he had a bomb in the bag and the bag would blow up," Gda Murray said. "He repeated that a number of times."

The owner looked at the bag and saw that it contained meat.

He called gardai and the accused left.

When gardai arrived, the owner was able to point Dicker out to them, as he was sitting across from the McDonald's at a bus stop.

He had nine previous convictions, but they were all for motoring offences, the last of which dated back to 2009.

The incident was out of character for the accused and there was a "wider context" to what happened on the day, Dicker's barrister said.

He was not motivated by financial gain and nothing was stolen.

At the time, he was under "significant pressure", was suffering from depression and "what can only be described as a breakdown during that time", the barrister said.

"He was seeking to be arrested that day because he was in desperate need of assistance in terms of his mental health," he said.

Gda Murray said she was not aware of this. But she added that the accused had been under the influence of alcohol at the time.

Dicker's barrister said she did not have any medical reports to support her submissions but could get some if needed.

"Given what you have told me, I will apply Section 1.1 of the Probation Act," Judge Hutton told her.
Sending tweets on social media live from courtrooms could soon be banned, except in the case of accredited members of the media.

A draft discussion paper on guidelines on the use of social media was first circulated to the presidents of all the courts here in recent months, and an in-depth consultation process is being embarked upon.

The use of social media in courtrooms, particularly during 'live' trials, is one that has attracted controversy in recent months.

A spokesperson for the Courts Service told the Irish Independent: "The drafting of guidelines and a series of discussions are ongoing in relation to the use of social media in courtrooms.

"This has involved the presidents of the various courts. In the near future we will extend discussions to consult with the various professional bodies, other courts users, and nominated representatives of the media," he added.

At this point, it is unclear when the final recommendations will be implemented within the Courts Service.

An informed source said it is likely that any form of instant messaging from the courtroom may be banned, except for accredited members of the media who will work to guidelines.

These guidelines could determine what journalists should and shouldn't tweet, and at what stage.

They could be introduced by way of a practice direction, which complements the rules of court. They are issued to inform parties what the court expects of them in respect of the practice and procedure of the courts.

However, a change to the rules of court would take more time and could take a number of months, according to the informed source.

Last July, the then-chief justice Susan Denham revealed that the guidelines were to be developed, regarding the "who, when and what" of using social media in courtrooms.
Samurai sword killer Stephen Henry was on the loose in Dublin last night after he was released with a fine following his drunk and disorderly arrest.

Henry (41), from Belfast, who failed to return to Magilligan Prison in the North earlier this week, was arrested drunk in Dublin yesterday morning after being thrown out of a city centre hostel and getting mugged.

Barely able to keep his eyes open, he was brought before to Dublin District Court yesterday and let go after being fined 75 for a public order offence that does not carry a jail sentence.

Henry was jailed for life after admitting using a Samurai-style sword in the murder of father-of-two John Cooke (33), an acquaintance, in Lisburn in 2004.

He did not return to prison on Monday after he was granted a day-release pass to visit his family. So the PSNI appealed for information into the whereabouts of the 5ft 10in murderer, thinking he was in either Craigavon or Belfast.

However, he crossed the Border on Tuesday and was picked up yesterday by gardai at Merrion Road, Dublin 4, in city's south side at 8.50am.

Henry was brought before Judge Conal Gibbons at a late sitting of Dublin District Court.

Garda David Carty told the court that Henry, of no fixed abode, had been brought to Irishtown garda station and made "no reply when charged".

He objected to bail, however, the judge pointed out that the charge did not carry a penal sanction, just a fine and the High Court would not be pleased if he refused.

There was no charge before the court for being unlawfully at large and he also said that being homeless was not a reason for refusal of bail.

Defence solicitor Tracy Horan said she agreed with the judge. She also said she thought it would be at least a week until an European Arrest Warrant would be issued.

Garda Carty said he observed Henry had no shoes on and was "completely unaware where he was" and so was arrested for his own safety. He added contact would be made with Interpol.
A judge told a court yesterday that a Fianna Fail councillor "has wriggled like a worm at the end of a hook" and told "a pack of lies" concerning a road prosecution.

At Ennis District Court, Judge Patrick Durcan said that Alan O'Callaghan engaged in "a common scam" and showed nothing but contempt for the system when faced with a fixed-charge penalty notice (FCPN) prosecution.

In the case, O'Callaghan, a member of Clare County Council and current Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe electoral area, yesterday changed his plea to guilty to making a false nomination of a driver caught speeding.

In evidence, Garda Seamus Gleeson said that after O'Callaghan received the FCPN for speeding, O'Callaghan notified gardai that "a Paul Roche from the Republic of Nigeria" was driving his 06 registered BMW X5 jeep when he was accused of speeding on June 1, 2016, at Dough, Lahinch, Co Clare.

Garda Gleeson told the court that the nomination attracted the interest of the investigation unit and it found that O'Callaghan was driving after a blown-up photo of him driving the vehicle on the day was produced.

Garda Gleeson said that he subsequently met with O'Callaghan (41) and showed him the photo to prove that he was driving.

He was driving at a speed of 76kmh in a 50kmh zone on the date in question.

A member of the Clare Joint Policing Committee, O'Callaghan paid the speeding fine but was subsequently charged with making a false nomination. His role as a councillor was not revealed to the court yesterday and at the outset, O'Callaghan of Rosroe, Kilmurry, Sixmilebridge, said he was contesting the case but then changed his plea to guilty midway through.

Judge Durcan banned O'Callaghan from driving for one year and imposed a 750 fine. He said that O'Callaghan "has shown nothing but contempt for the system". He added: "Mr O'Callaghan has wriggled like a worm at the end of a hook until confronted with the reality."

Judge Durcan told O'Callaghan's solicitor, Stiofan Fitzpatrick, that his client has "told a pack of lies".

Mr Fitzpatrick said: "Mr O'Callaghan's instruction to me is this was his honest belief at the time when he filled out the nomination that he wasn't the driver." Judge Durcan said he didn't believe a word that O'Callaghan had instructed in relation to the matter.

Speaking outside court case, O'Callaghan said he will be appealing to the Circuit Court.
Dublin City Council will announce details within the next two weeks of a further round of public consultations on proposals to develop a pedestrian-only plaza at College Green.

The move comes after An Bord Pleanala sought additional information about the impact that banning east-west traffic movements would have on the wider city.

It also asked the council to provide details around the "adequacy of infrastructure", which would facilitate the changes.

In a letter to the council, the board said the additional information "contains significant additional data in relation to the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development".

It said that a further round of public consultation should take place for three weeks, and a decision is now expected by April. The deadline was originally Thursday of this week.

The plans are designed to facilitate Luas Cross City, which opens next month, and create a pedestrian-only plaza, which would remove cars and large numbers of buses from the historic city core. However, concerns were raised by businesses and Dublin Bus about re-routing services, and by the National Transport Authority about the lack of segregated cycle lanes.

Dublin Chamber welcomed the decision to re-open the public consultation, saying a "lot of questions" remained about how the city would operate if the changes were implemented.

"The creation of a pedestrian plaza on College Green could be great for the city," said Graeme McQueen, head of public affairs. "However, a lot of questions remain about how College Green and other areas of the city centre will work in practice once the proposed changes are introduced.

"Crucially, uncertainty remains as to whether the traffic that will be pushed out of College Green can be accommodated on other already congested city centre streets. Reimagining College Green represents an exciting opportunity for Dublin - but only if we get it right."
For picture posts from 2010 and earlier, see the Earlier Picture Posts Page
A lot of boxes have to be ticked if Ireland wants to deliver on Education Minister Richard Bruton's ambition to have the best education system in Europe within a decade.

At its most fundamental is delivering the highest standards in primary and post-primary schools, where children spend up to 14 of their formative years. Research tells us that the better their experience of the system, the longer they will stay in it.

What happens in school, from the earliest ages, is crucial to shaping a child's future.

It is not only about acquiring subject knowledge, but building confidence and esteem, and developing citizenship skills.

Schools play an important role in smoothing out different levels of disadvantage that children may bring into the classroom, such as a deprived socio-economic background or special need that requires them to have additional support.

It takes resources, such as funding for day-to-day running costs, a considered curriculum, a supply of well-trained teachers working under the stewardship of good principals and boards of management. It also needs a system of checks and balances to ensure everything is working, and if it is not, to take the necessary action.

School inspection reports offer an invaluable bird's-eye view of what is happening on the ground. Among recent improvements is a breakdown of the language used to enable them to be better understood.

There was a time the inspection reports were kept under wraps, but, since 2006, they have been publicly available on the Department of Education website. They are essential reading for parents with a child at school, or one who will soon be enrolled.

Reading a recent report about a school in which a parent has a child, or intends to send a child, will deliver pointers. As well as seeing what it says about teaching and learning, parents should be watching for what it says about issues such as the atmosphere in the school, and the arrangements for the care and wider development of students.

Even if a recent report about a school of interest does not exist, careful reading of a random selection of others will provide a picture of what to expect from a good school.

It also becomes clear how and where schools fall down, and whether there is a capacity, and a will, to drive necessary improvements. Sometimes a report may highlight how teaching quality is very good, but that leadership is weak. Ultimately, poor leadership will drag a school down.

It is the hope, and intention, that a critical report will be followed by a concerted drive for improvement, that could quickly turn the school into a model. The ongoing evolution of the inspection regime in recent years has included the introduction of follow-through inspections to check up on whether recommendations have been implemented.

There was a disappointing example this year of the system not delivering.

Despite a critical whole school evaluation (WSE) report last spring, parents withdrew their children from Scoil Bhrighde, Faughart, Co Louth, in September, because of lack of action to address concerns.

The WSE highlighted issues about teaching standards, lack of leadership and poor oversight by the board of management.

The more people who read and heed inspection reports, the less likely it is that such a case will be repeated in future.
Members of the student Council at Mount Temple school walk with deputy principal Mary Byrne and principal Liam Wedimont. From left: Grace Dunne, Lucas Peat, Joe Morley, Ogo Onafuwa, Fred Mosley, Evan Farrell, Kimberly ODor and Karen Mukasa. Photo: Tony Gavin

Articulate, self-confident, respectful, independent and critical thinkers was how inspectors described pupils at a Dublin school.

The way in which Mount Temple Comprehensive School, Clontarf, promotes the student voice was "laudable", they said.

Students at the 896-pupil co-educational school were "overwhelmingly positive about their school and their learning experiences", according to a whole school evaluation (WSE) report. The recently-published report followed a visit by inspectors last April.

Mount Temple is famous for being the alma mater of rock superstars U2.

Inspectors' positive comments include describing the work of the senior management team as being of an "exceptionally high standard".

There was praise too for the school's "truly comprehensive, inclusive, tolerant and enabling" ethos, with students with special educational needs "very well integrated into mainstream classes".

Read more: St Kevins did not put the needs of students first

According to the report there are "very good systems in place for student wellbeing, including a number of support groups, such as one for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students.

A "notable sense of partnership and teamwork in relationships between students and their teachers" contributed significantly to the quality of student engagement and learning.

The quality of teaching and learning was described as "very good" in just over half the cases observed, and good in the remainder, with some excellent examples of practice.

But, in a significant minority of lessons there was an "imbalance between student activity and teacher input, with students mainly listening, reading aloud from the text book or taking notes off the board".

Read more: Concern over professional relationships of staff

Another concern expressed in the report was that Mount Temple was not meeting its requirement to provide a minimum of 28-hours a week tuition for first years.

Inspectors complimented the principal and deputy principal for promoting a culture of continuous improvement, including supporting initiatives such as action projects in science and geography, as part of post-graduate research by staff.

They also highlight how some departments, such as business, home economics and metalwork, have developed their own innovative curricular programmes, based on the new junior cycle.
The family of a man murdered in Myanmar claim the their pleas for help in bringing the chief suspect to justice have been ignored.

Gary Ferguson, who was from Bangor in Co Down, was killed on November 5 last year, but the man wanted in connection over his death is believed to be living in the UK.

Harris Binotti, a 26-year-old teacher from Dumfries in Scotland, fled the city of Yangon, hours after his colleague Mr Ferguson was beaten to death after a night out.

The Ferguson family wrote to Home Secretary Amber Rudd two months ago asking her to intervene - but have yet to receive a response.

On the eve of the first anniversary of Mr Ferguson's murder, his brother Martin appealed for assistance in securing justice.

Mr Ferguson, a 47-year-old English teacher, was living in Myanmar (formerly Burma) with his wife Supatchaya Sichompor and four-year-old son Jeremy.

He was found dead with head and chest wounds in Yangon.

After his concerned wife couldn't reach him, his body was found in Mr Binotti's flat on November 6.

For months, Mr Ferguson's family believed Mr Binotti had gone on the run in Thailand, but in April it was reported he was back in Glasgow, living with his girlfriend and working in a call centre under an assumed name.

At the same time, Interpol issued a red notice - an international alert for a wanted person - on Mr Binotti.

Despite this, Scottish police said they had "no authority" to arrest a suspect identified in an Interpol alert and said the Myanmar authorities have the lead.

However, no extradition treaty exists between the UK and Myanmar.

The distraught Ferguson family wrote to Amber Rudd in September but have not received a reply.

Martin Ferguson said: "We'd like her (Ms Rudd) to do her duty and get this finished and over with. We want to be able to go on with our lives. There's a lot of people affected by this.

"My relationship with my children is affected, they can see what it's doing to all of us. It's just getting harder and harder.

"It's the Government we're relying on to put an end to all of this. By not acting they're keeping the family in pain."

A Home Office spokesperson said: "As a matter of long-standing policy and practice, the UK will neither confirm nor deny that an extradition request has been made or received until such time as an arrest has been made in relation to that request."

Mr Ferguson added: "I think the UK authorities are worried about the death penalty in Myanmar, so they'll never extradite someone who could possibly be executed.

"We haven't got a clue what's going on. All that we get is that until an arrest has been made we can't be given specific details so until then we're just sitting with the lights out."

Mr Ferguson said the family was deeply shocked to find out Mr Binotti was living in Glasgow, adding that the apparent lack of progress was deeply hurtful.

"Shortly after Gary's death, we had a search going on, believing Binotti was still in Asia.

"But I believe the Home Office knew he came back soon after to Scotland and didn't disclose it until the red notice was put out and one of Binotti's work colleagues in Glasgow notified a newspaper in Scotland."

He added: "If it wasn't for that colleague we still wouldn't know any better.

"It just seems to get harder for Gary's wife (Supatchaya Sichompor) and son Jeremy. They're still living on what we can provide for them," he said.

"That's very hard for them financially as Gary was the sole provider."

He added: "We can't rest until Binotti's apprehended. Psychologically, it's just damaged us all."

Martin said the family would all be thinking of Gary on the anniversary of his death, but said holding any formal ceremony would be too distressing.
A Government minister said "the fear of God" should be put into landlords about registering their rental properties.

Employment Affairs and Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty said she was "shocked" by revelations of sub-standard and unsafe rental accommodation.

Landlords should be made to expect much more extensive inspections of their rental properties, she said.

Fire safety dangers and extensive overcrowding in rental accommodation was highlighted first by independent.ie and in the Irish Independent and the 'Herald' about shoddy and dangerous living conditions. The issue was also raised by the 'RTE Investigates: Prime Time' programme on Thursday.

Referring to the programme's revelations, she said: "To say it's probably shocking is an understatement.

"When you look at the conditions that those people are living in, and continue to live in for a period of time after it being reported to the local authorities, it's clearly not good enough.

"You have to reflect on all of the agencies that are responsible for making sure that standards in the rental sector are what they should be and what we expect them to be."

Asked about the reported low rate of inspections in Dublin, she said: "You'd have to look and say, what we saw last night is happening in the city we all live in, then clearly there aren't enough inspections.

"Clearly, the powers of the PRTB [Private Residential Tenancies Board] are not strong enough to warrant people feeling they can be non-compliant.

"As a landlord, the fear of God should be in you to not register with the PRTB.

"As a landlord, you should be expecting an inspector to come as a regular occurrence to make sure that the provision that you are providing is safe.

"That's absolutely the most important thing.

"The rented accommodation might not be all luxury but, at the very least, it needs to be safe.

"What we clearly saw on Prime Time was not safe and that needs to be regulated.

"The only way you can regulate is to have clear inspections to have people live up to the standards that we expect of them.

"That might need to be underpinned by legislation.

"It definitely needs for us to examine the money that the State is putting in towards rent supplement or any other supports that we're using.

"We need to make sure that those accommodations that people are living in are safe," said the minister.
An expert in reproductive medicine has claimed that men could be pregnant 'tomorrow' thanks to advances in womb transplant capabilities.

According to the Daily Mail, Dr Robert Paulson, president of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, was speaking at their annual conference when he was asked if men having babies was 'pie in the sky'.

Paulson replied: "You are talking about trans women. Someone who started out as a man, who became a woman.

"There would be additional challenges, but I dont see any obvious problem that would preclude it. I think it would be possible.

Asked if someone born male could have a uterus transplant, Paulson said: "They could do it tomorrow," before adding that it was "still a very complicated procedure".

However, he also explained that while there was room in the male body to hold a womb and carry a baby, they would not be able to pass the baby through the male pelvis so the birth would have to be via caesarean section.

The male may also require hormone treatment according to Paulson.

At present, only women are allowed to receive womb transplants, thanks to an international agreement called the Montreal Criteria.

The first operation that resulted in a live birth took place in Sweden in 2014.
On Friday night I headed for the Lisdoo Steakhouse where a rather special retirement party was being held for Ray Kelly from Avenue Road who was hanging up his T-square and pencils after 32 years teaching woodwork technology in Bush Post Primary School.

He was there on the night with his wife Barbara and kids Orla, Paul, Claire and Roisin along with a huge crowd of well wishers from the school.

I was only in the door when I met up with Ray who told me he had 32 great years in the school, but 'you have to take into account what time we have on the planet and think about the times ahead, to love life and make the best of it', well said Ray.

Next I got a word with Conor Kerrigan from Medebawn who took over from Ray in the Technology Department after he left in September and has been with the school for 12 years. He said it won't be an easy job to replace him but he's looking forward to the challenge.

I then had the pleasure of meeting Ray's wife Barbara who told me she is definitely looking forward to his retirement and is mad jealous of him, but is looking forward to him widening his experiences to include cookery lessons and maybe even Pilates, living life to the fullest, joining a ski club and spending the kids' inheritances and travel, plenty of travel. This managed to temporarily stop the smiling and laughing from Orla, Paul, Claire and Roisin who said they were looking forward to him having so much more free time.

Not too long later I got a word with Grainne Horan from Ardee who worked for a number of years with Ray and admitted was in a car pool with him for many years, saying he great fun and a true gentleman.

Grainne was there with Rosanna Crudden from Jenkinstown originally from Galway who said he is a very pleasant man to work with and extremely loyal for a Cavan man.

I then headed for a table where I met up with Kim Lynch from Seacrest Manor and Sheila Burns from Culloville who said he was great to work with, worked very hard and was extremely considerate with the students.

After this I got a word with a very special lady Dellemar Keane from Deerpark in Ravensdale who is a regular reader of these pages, thanks Dellemar, she said that Ray is a great colleague and very professional and they all hoped to give him a send off he truly deserved. She assured me it was going to be an excellent night because along with the retirement party, it was a get together for the retired staff and the current staff were just about to start their much anticipated midterm break!

Dellemar was sitting with Sharon Boyle from Lordship who said Ray is a lovely man, very helpful and gave great support to all the teachers. She was beside Florence Gillan originally from Sligo but now living in Newry who said that Ray is one of the old timers, a lovely man and they were definitely going to give him a marvellous send off.

Meanwhile up near the bar I got talking to Stephen Guerin originally from Tipperary but now living in Cooley and Jim Pepper from Dundalk who told me they were there to honour a great man and wish him all the best in his retirement.

Beside them I got talking to Stephen's wife Geraldine who was having a laugh with Tommy Healy from Blackrock who said he is a great fun, with a special sense of humour and this with the Halloween celebrations was sure to make it a spooky and mysterious night!

After this I headed over for a with Jacqueline McEneaney from Greenore and Pauline Holland from Knockbridge who told me that Ray is a great lad and will definitely be missed in the school.

Finally, before I departed I met up with Joe Corcoran, Kevin O'Loughlin and Paul Malone all from Blackrock who assured me the steaks were going to be subsidised, but it was going to be an epic night for sure.
Popular Dundalk pub, Fitzpatrick's of Jenkinstown has retained its listing in the 2018 Michelin 'Eating Out In Pubs' guide just published.

The sole standard bearer for Louth, Fitzpatrick's - described as a first class hostelry with a clientele that returns time after time - is one of 22 pubs from the Republic of Ireland and eight from Northern Ireland featured in the publication.

Produced by tyre manufacturer Michelin - this year's guide recommends some 470 top dining pubs spread across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland of which 27 are new entries and all of which are selected, first and foremost, for the standard of their food.

Speaking at its launch, guide editor Rebecca Burr (who also edits the famed Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland) commented: 'This year we have seen so many pubs get a new lease of life by placing greater emphasis on food. It's great to see pubs being rejuvenated this way as they are often the heartbeat of our towns and villages.'

Published today, the Michelin 'Eating Out In Pubs' guide 2018 is priced at EUR16.99 and is now available in bookshops.
Mark McCormack, 'Create the Great in You' in association with St. Louis Secondary School, presents a Certificate to Students, Mayge Eze, Paige Mellin and Caoimhe Nic Cormaic who successfully participated in a 6 week mentoring and peer-based workshop with 'Create the Great in You'.

Cllr. Maeve Yore presents a certificate to students, Fionnghuala Drumgoole, Ciara Larkin and Kyra McEvoy, who successfully participated in a 6 week mentoring and peer-based workshop with Create the Great in You in St. Louis Secondary School

Transition Year students in St Louis were awarded with their certificates for successfully completing the Create the Great in You (CGY) Mentoring Programme.

Formed in 2015, it has as its focus young people in Transition Year in schools. The tailor made six week programme includes comedy, archaeology, poetry and magic workshops.

Using mentoring workshops and peer-based conversations 'Create the Great in You' aims to provide young people with a space to explore how communication, collaboration and creativity can be applied to develop both community and relationships.

The girls in St Louis were both challenged and facilitated to openly explore and express their passions, identity and potential. They grew in confidence, enhanced their interpersonal skills and learned the importance of being more empathetic toward their peers.

Mark Mc Cormack the founder of Create the Great in You started this endeavour in 2015 after graduating from Dundalk Institute of Technology where he received a Level 8 Hons Degree in Social Care Work.

He said he 'very impressed' with the participation of the students.

'It was so easy to organise a presentation with this group - so many of them volunteered to participate. It's wonderful to see the confidence the girls have even at this early stage of Transition Year.

The girls prepared some performances for the Presentation Ceremony. Paige Mellin wrote a song for the occasion about Creativity Vs Consumption, and there were various other student performances, from ukulele to violin to flute as the girls celebrated their own creativity.

Another student added: 'We met lots of different people who chatted to us about their life paths and we felt encouraged to be daring and dream big ourselves. It was lovely to take time out to think about what really interests us. I think this will really help us to focus on our career trajectory, even though that seems a long way away right now.'

Organiser and TY co-ordinator Marie Meehan was very pleased with their involvement. 'Time and again we have visiting speakers and course organisers. I am so proud that our girls participate so well always and are a wonderful group to work with. Everyone who comes into contact with our students agrees on this. Mark was delighted with the level of participation from the girls. There is plenty more to come for them as the year goes on!'
Three is the magic number for Marvel Comics' dreamy incarnation of the hammer-wielding Norse god of thunder.

Portrayed on screen since 2011 by Chris Hemsworth with flowing golden locks, gym-sculpted abs and laid-back Antipodean charm, Thor finally gets into an otherworldly groove in this third solo outing directed to the comic hilt by Taika Waititi (Hunt For the Wilderpeople).

The celebrated New Zealand film-maker and a trio of screenwriters adhere to a classic three-act structure for their heady brew of rip-roaring action adventure, bone-dry humour and dazzling spectacle that positions this gung-ho chapter closer to Guardians Of the Galaxy than its brawny predecessors.

In front of the camera, a holy trinity of Oscar winners chews the multimillion-dollar scenery with fervour, including Sir Anthony Hopkins, Cate Blanchett and an uncredited Hollywood star serving up theatrical ham in extremis.

Three members of the Avengers also make appearances to whet appetites for next summer's superhero smackdown, Infinity War.

The heavenly convergence of direction, writing and performance would align perfectly if Blanchett was allowed to fully inhabit her snarling villainess, who sets in motion the Ragnarok: a prophetic downfall of the kingdom of Asgard.

Instead, her merciless and supposedly unstoppable goddess of death is clueless and impotent for extended periods.

Loki (Tom Hiddleston) sits undeservedly on Asgard's throne, fashioning the kingdom in his narcissistic image, oblivious to storm clouds billowing on the horizon.

Noble sentry Heimdall (Idris Elba) no longer stands guard on the Bifrost Bridge - he has been usurped by an ambitious whelp called Skurge (Karl Urban).

Meanwhile, Loki's father Odin (Hopkins) has been ushered into early retirement, which inadvertently releases Hela (Blanchett) from her prison where she has languished for millennia.

An initial showdown between Thor (Hemsworth) and Hela culminates in victory to the vengeance-seeking goddess.

The fallen champion is cast out to Planet Sakaar, where he is captured by a mysterious merchant (Tessa Thompson).

She sells him to the Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum), a hedonistic, gambling-mad Elder of the Universe, who presides over the Contest of Champions.

'People come from far and wide to unwillingly participate,' deadpans the tyrant.

Consequently, the freshly shorn god of thunder is pitted against a smashing ally (Mark Ruffalo) in gladiatorial battle.

From its droll opening scene choreographed to the high-pitched howl of Led Zeppelin's Immigrant Song, Waititi's picture is a blast.

Hemsworth pokes merciless fun at himself, including one saucy interlude of near-the-knuckle barbs that intimates an unhealthy relationship between the hunk and an inanimate object.

The director scene-steals via motion-capture performance as an 8ft tall rock monster called Korg, who promises, 'You don't need to be afraid... unless you're made of scissors.'.

Two additional scenes are nestled in the heaving bosom of the end credits to ensure diehard Marvel fans leave on a giddy high.

Thor: Ragnarok rocks, and rolls with the punches.
For the past seven years, the Fire and Ambulance Development in Africa (FADA) project has, as the name suggests, assists in the development of fire services in Africa.

Founded by local man Brendan Mc Coy, retired Sub Officer from Dundalk Fire Service , this project has provided vital fire fighting equipment to a region three times the size of Ireland. This has resulted in the opening of eight fire stations with another five due to open in the near future.

FADA was awarded 'The Extra Mile Essence Award 2016' by the African community in Ireland last year in acknowledgement of the project's work to develop fire services in Africa to keep their local communities safe in the future.

Every year, the project sends out containers of equipment to Africa, and in recent weeks, a week a container full of medical supplies donated by Medicare Ireland, 40 bicycles and an ambulance donated by Cavan Civil Defence along with other rescue supplies, departed for the Benin port and then to the capital of Niger, Niamey.

The project's last visit to Africa, which saw volunteers travel four days to the City of Zinder where they set up a training camp, was featured on RTE's Fire Fighter programme.

The next journey will take the training crew to Niamey, the capital of Niger were they will set up a training school with donated laptops, televisions and medical equipment.

Five more fire engines are due to be shipped to Niger in the near future.

Brendan has paid tribute to everyone who has contributed to the project. 'Without the help of fire fighters Michael Dawe, Dundalk, Sub Officer Darren Gerry, Monaghan Fire and Rescue, and retired Station Officer Peter Leahey Drogheda Fire and Rescue ,the project could not exist,' he said. 'These fire fighters must be commended for their efforts in giving up their time to service, repair and maintain the equipment before it is included it the shipments.'
Dundalk Chamber hosted another very successful embassy visit when the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Russian Embassy came to Dundalk to meet local companies in order to forge business links.

Mr Sergei Averin and Mr Yavorovsky the representatives of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Russian Embassy visited Dundalk last week for a series of one-to-one meetings with various companies from around the North-East.

This is just one in a series of many visits which Dundalk Chamber has organized.

A spokesperson for Dundalk Chamber of Commerce said: 'Mr Sergei Averin and Mr Yavorovsky were certainly delighted with the number and variety of contacts and was sure that the visit would enhance trade in both directions.

'He also stated that a representative from the Russian CCI and Embassy would be delighted to visit Dundalk in the future to meet with more companies in the hope of forging business links between Ireland and Russia.'

Due to the success of the meetings, Dundalk Chamber confirmed they will play host to more embassies in the near future, including the Mexican embassy which will take place on the 24th January 2018 in Louth Local Enterprise Office, Louth County Council, Town Hall, Crowe Street.

If your company would like to attend one of these free meetings please call Marta in Dundalk Chamber on 042 9336343.
It will be another four years before a project to upgrade the wastewater treatment plan in Omeath is completed despite the village being highlighted in the Environmental Protection Agency's annual report for discharging raw sewerage into the sea.

The north Louth village was one of a number of centres in the county which have fallen foul of EU regulations regarding sewerage treatment.

The EPA's 2016 Urban Waste Water Treatment Report has listed eight locations in Louth, including Dundalk, Drogheda, Ardee, Blackrock, Dunleer, Castlebellingham, Tallanstown and Omeath as priority areas where 'improvements are required to resolve environmental priorities.'

Dundalk and Drogheda were found to be non-compliant with more stringent treatment requirements while Ardee was non-compliant with secondary treatment requirements.

The waste water treatment plants at Dundalk, Dunleer, Blackrock, Castlebellingham and Tallanstown were found to be sole threat to Dundalk Bay and the Castletown, Glyde and White rivers, putting these water bodies at risk of not achieving good status.

Following the publication of the report, Irish Water issues a statement outlining its plans for improving facilities in the county.

'In Co Louth Irish Water has commenced a project to upgrade the Ardee Wastewater Treatment plant. Work is progressing to upgrade the nutrient quality standards at the Drogheda and Dundalk Wastewater Treatment plants and is expected to be compete this year. A project to upgrade the Omeath Wastewater Treatment plant is due to be completed in 2021.' It also noted that the Blackrock, Castlebellingham, Dunleer, and Tallanstown Wastewater Treatment plants are new to the priority list. 'Irish Water will assess these locations and identify any necessary actions.'

Sinn Fein President and TD for Louth, Gerry Adams said: 'The EPA report reveals serious levels of non-compliance with sewage discharge in parts of Louth. It is a cause for concern.'

'The reality is that local infrastructure falls far short of the necessary requirements to effectively manage these matters because of the consistent failure by Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Labour.

'The EPA report makes for damning reading. Raw sewage is being released into the environment from 44 urban areas. Works to eliminate raw sewage from many areas are delayed by up to three years. Improvements are needed at 148 urban areas to comply with EU treatment standards.

'Significant capital investment is needed to upgrade deficient waste water treatment systems, improve water quality and avoid financial penalties. The government's failure to invest properly means that the State is being brought to the European Court of Justice for breaching the urban waste water treatment directive and could be liable for large fines.'
The big, lopsided words written in pencil captured not just the charm and innocence of youth, but a poignant prediction.

"The excitement in this book made me feel warm inside," Alice Newton, 8, wrote in a note. "I think it is possibly one of the best books an 8/9-year-old could read."

Alice was writing about the first few chapters from the manuscript of J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," which had been given to Alice's father, Nigel, the founder and chief executive of Bloomsbury. The young girl's input proved crucial, and Newton approved editor Barry Cunningham's proposal to publish the book that would become the first in the blockbuster series that would sell more than 450 million copies worldwide and be translated into 79 languages.

That scene opens "Harry Potter: A Journey Through a History of Magic," a fun, fact-filled book for young readers that serves as preview to the British Library's new exhibition, "Harry Potter: A History of Magic." The exhibit will come to the New-York Historical Society next fall.

With activities and illustrations from Rowling, Jim Kay and Olivia Lomenech Gill, the book takes readers on a tour through the Hogwarts curriculum  Potions, Herbology, Charms, Astronomy, Divination, Defense Against the Dark Arts and Care of Magical Creatures  by exploring the subjects in the series, the professors who teach them and some of the historical origins for items and characters.

For instance, Nicholas Flamel  in the books, the creator of the Philosopher's Stone (or Sorcerer's Stone in the U.S. versions of the books)  was a real French scribe who died in 1418 and was believed to be an alchemist. Mandrakes, which second-year students help plant in "Chamber of Secrets," are real, too, but instead of helping restore people and ghosts petrified by a basilisk, mandrakes were believed to be a medieval herbal remedy for headaches, earaches and insanity, best harvested by unearthing the human-shaped roots by attaching "one end of a cord to the plant and the other to a dog."

Harry Potter fans of all ages will enjoy the breezy nature of "A Journey Through a History of Magic." The book sheds light on the folklore Rowling incorporated into her series without getting bogged down in dry narrative  Professor Binns' History of Magic class it is not.

Kay's and Gill's illustrations lend the book vibrancy, helping characters and creatures alike pop out from the pages. Younger readers in particular might enjoy the book's activities, such as making a color-changing potion out of lemon-lime soda, but it might be best to make sure they've read the series first: "A Journey Through a History of Magic" does feature some minor spoilers.

For older fans, the book's real magic lies in cataloging items from Rowling's collection. "A Journey Through a History of Magic" features pages upon pages of Rowling's illustrations, handwritten drafts, typed manuscripts, flow charts and scenes that appeared differently in the final published stories. One draft of "Chamber of Secrets" has Harry and Ron Weasley crashing Mr. Weasley's flying Ford Anglia into the lake instead of the Whomping Willow; the names of the Order of the Phoenix and Dumbledore's Army were originally switched; and a manuscript of "Sorcerer's Stone" has Rubeus Hagrid warning Cornelius Fudge  who is not only a Muggle but the prime minister of England  of the threat of Lord Voldemort. The warning scene would be substantially rewritten with different characters as the first chapter of "Half-Blood Prince." Fudge, of course, was the minister of magic in the final draft.

Seeing Rowling's creative process is a treat. Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom are the same respective characters in a 1991 sketch, but fellow Gryffindor Dean Thomas was originally named Gary. And speaking of Gryffindor, "A Journey Through A History of Magic" features handwritten notes on how new students are sorted into houses. Rowling toyed with the idea of a ghost ride, a riddle or statues of the school's four founders coming to life and picking students before she settled on the famed Sorting Hat.

Much like tapping the right brick to enter Diagon Alley, "Harry Potter: A Journey Through a History of Magic" brings readers back into Rowling's imaginative world. It's part history, part nostalgia trip. But more importantly, it'll make you want to pick up the books and relive Harry's adventures all over again.

Or, as Albus Dumbledore once said, "Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!"
Richard Tiernan and Eoghan Jones, with Special Olympian, Kyle Norton officially opening the new SuperValu store at The Fairways, Dublin Road, Dundalk

SuperValu has announced 55 new jobs at its new anchor store in the Fairways complex

The new 17,600 square foot SuperValu Fairways store, which represents a total investment of 7 million, is located in a new flagship retail development at the former Fairways Hotel Site in Dundalk.

The Fairways development also includes a Costa coffee shop, a pharmacy and residential units.

The store is owned by local businessman Richard Tiernan, and sells a variety of locally-sourced products such as Kookie Dough, which specializes in making high-quality cookie products, and Sing Li, which produces curry sauce and pastes.

Some of the other locally-sourced products available at SuperValu Fairways include Moran Jams, Rafferty's Fine Foods, Morgans Seafoods and McCloskey's Bakery.

The SuperValu Fairways store features a sizable Bakery, as well as butcher and fish counters, and parking for 150 customers.

The new store also features a comprehensive health and wellness section with over 1,600 products to reflect consumer demand for products like nuts, dry fruits, vitamins and supplements.

Commenting at the opening, Richard Tiernan said: 'We're delighted to be providing an economic boost to Louth, between the 55 people that are employed at the store and the local suppliers who will have their products on sale. Our combination of fresh food leadership, value and a tailored service to the local community makes us the ideal destination in the run-up to Christmas, which will be our busiest trading period during the year.'

Commenting on the announcement, Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, SuperValu, said: "As Ireland's leading grocery retailer, we are delighted to announce the opening of this SuperValu store as anchor tenant in the new Fairways retail development. It will provide consumers in Dundalk with our unique combination of quality and innovative food, complemented by a tailored local offering. Today's opening demonstrates the strength of SuperValu's independent community retail model, as local businessman Richard Tiernan invests in his local community with this new store."
A unique Irish orchestra is due to perform in Co Wicklow for the first time next month.

Dave Flynn's Irish Memory Orchestra is the first and only orchestra in the Western world to play exclusively from memory.

This thrilling phenomenon has brought audiences to their feet at concerts from Dublin to Moscow. The Irish Memory Orchestra is focused purely on the presentation of Irish traditional music, old and new, in contemporary orchestral settings.

Featuring outstanding musicians Mairtin O'Connor and Dave Flynn with Niamh Varian-Barry, Matthew Berrill, Billy MagFhloinn and Aidan Dunphy, it promises to be a special event.

'Audiences seeing the Irish Memory Orchestra for the first time may be astounded at the informality and communication between the musicians,' one critic wrote.

The Irish Memory Orchestra will perform at the Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely on Sunday, November 5, at 8.30 p.m. Tickets costing 22 (20 concession) are available from the Courthouse.
The Loreto girls of the class of 87 gathered at the Harbour Bar recently for their reunion.

There was a great turn out for the celebration, 30 years since they all finished school.

The women got a chance to catch up with people, some of whom they hadn't seen since graduating.

Others had remained in touch over the years.

Ciara Douglas (Nolan), Barbara Worwood (Bermingham) and Deirdre Casey (Mcelroy) organised the event.

They got a good response to their appeal for people to come along, and in the end around 40 people out of a year of 60 attended the reunion.

Lisa McDonald travelled from Vienna and Gillian Greene came from the UK, with one or two coming from counties such as Kildare and Lought.

Otherwise, the women there were from Bray, County Wicklow and Dublin.

Ciara said that everyone had an absolutely brilliant night.

'I'd give the Harbour bar 10 out of 10,' she said. 'They really went out of their way for us. That included a cocktail for everyone on arrival. Many of the former Loreto students brought pictures with them on the night, and they enjoyed a trip down memory lane looking at the photographic record of their school days.

This was the second big reunion. They also had a 20-year reunion in 2007.

The women went to the Martello afterwards and said that they were treated like royalty for the entire event.
No WiFi (North Wicklow Filmmakers) is celebrating its first anniversary.

The group is open to new members. Their short films are shown at Mermaid Arts Centre on the first Monday of each month.

Their work is also available to view online.

The group was set up by Bray actor Brian Matthews Murphy one year ago as an outlet for local filmmakers and actors of all levels of experience, to collaborate on projects.

To date they have completed more than 20 projects involving over 60 people.

Their short films have been seen at film festivals such as The Berlin Flash Festival, Fastnet in Schull and March on Film in Dublin, where The Confessional, directed by Shane Conaty and written by Conor Waldron recently won best screenplay.

Eagle eyed viewers have seen great local locations in their films, such as Dann's Bar and The Hot Spot in Greystones, The Harbour Bar and The Esplanade Hotel in Bray, as well as all the great scenery that County Wicklow has to offer.

New members are always welcome and they are always looking for new businesses to work with.

'We are delighted to be partnered with The Mermaid theatre, Bray where you can watch our short films on the first Monday of each month or you can check out our YouTube channel North Wicklow Film Makers for our samples of our work, which is updated weekly' said a spokesman.

To find out more about No WiFi, find them on Facebook at North Wicklow Films, or email northwiclowfilmmakers@gmail.com.
Minister of State Pat Breen launched the 2018 Student Enterprise Programme during a visit to Colaiste Chill Mhantain last week.

During his visit, Minister Breen - who is Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection - met with student Cillian Scott, whose 'Scott Engine Tables' wowed the judges last year and saw the National Student Enterprise Award in the Intermediate category return to Rathnew. Talented Cillian converts car engines into attractive coffee tables and has appeared on the Late Late Show.

The Minister was also impressed as students James Byrne, Jack Kennedy and Rian Byrne presented their business ideas.

'Since the Student Enterprise Programme began in 2003, more than 150,000 students have benefited and we want to keep nurturing Ireland's future entrepreneurs and business leaders in the years to come,' said Minister Breen at the launch, which was also attended by Frank Curran, the new Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council.

'Entrepreneurship is the backbone of the Irish economy and initiatives such as the Student Enterprise Programme are key to fostering a more enterprising culture.

'I would encourage principals and teachers to get in touch with their Local Enterprise Office, to find out how they can get involved in the next Student Enterprise Programme,' added Minister Breen.

Over 22,000 students from 620 Irish schools participate in the programme each year.
Crews spent months carrying out work at Wicklow Gaol ahead of its opening in 1998.

One of the workmen involved in the restoration of Wicklow Gaol some 20 years ago has finally revealed some of the spooky and frightening experiences he and his colleagues encountered during the works.

The gaol has a well documented association with paranormal events and Wicklow County Council's Project Construction Manager Brian Grennan has now spoken publicly about the six-month ordeal the men faced as they worked to get the jail ready for the official opening by President Mary McAleese in 1998.

'People were genuinely frightened,' said Mr Grennan.

'It came from a world we know nothing about. A lot of pain and suffering went on in that place.'

Built in 1702 and finally closed in the 1920s, the history of Wicklow Gaol is intertwined with the history of Ireland and, in its time, its walls held thousands of prisoners during the Great Famine, the 1798 Rebellion and the War of Independence.

During the restoration 20 years ago, the first strange incidents began to occur as workmen were bringing electricity into the building. One man said he had been touched on the shoulder while he worked alone inside the building.

'After that, we were afraid to work alone inside the jail,' said Mr Grennan.

'Many a time I was closing up at night and I couldn't get around the place fast enough to get out. The hairs would stand on the back of my neck.

'It's not a place you'd want to spend the night in. People were genuinely frightened,' he said.

One of the strangest events of all took place as the building of a replica convict ship (located in the vicinity of the old chapel) was being completed.

'The men had been working late into the night varnishing the decks of the ship.

'We left and locked up and then at eight o'clock the next morning, the foreman was shocked to discover children's footprints running across the deck which had all been caught in the varnish,' said Mr Grennan.

On another occasion, a cleaning firm was removing dust from the cells when staff members heard horses trotting into the yard, only to find there was nothing there at all.

Marie Comerford has worked in the jail for the past 15 years and has documented dozens of strange events, both involving herself and visitors to the gaol.

She often sees the swirls of mist and said that the presence of the mist was verified by the American group Ghosthunters International who caught it on their equipment.

She has also regularly heard whispers and felt tugs on her skirts.

'It was just like a child pulling on her mammy's skirt,' she said.

Some visitors to Wicklow Gaol also have also their own spine-chilling tales to tell.

One American woman began feeling weak and couldn't breathe while in the old cell of the rebel Billy Byrne.

'She said she felt something around her neck...and Billy Byrne died by hanging,' said Ms Comerford.

Then there was the new staff member who complained that one old man dressed in period clothes was far too old to be expected to work in the gaol.

He had been sitting on a bench outside the cafe and greeted her as she was passing by. But there was no old man in the jail.

'The spirits are certainly there but they are not going to do any harm to us. They're just telling us their stories,' said Ms Comerford.
According to reports emerging from Leo Varadkar's spin office - the vaunted, 5million 'cost neutral' Strategic Communications Unit - the Fine Gael-led Government are taking steps to crack down on corruption.

While any steps to deal with the rampant corruption and cronyism that has dogged this country for decades - some would say since the foundation of the State - most people could be excused for saying that they've heard all this before.

Supposedly the Government are preparing to launch a series of new initiatives - including a stricter monitoring regime for financial institutions - aimed at clamping down on white collar crime.

Many will find the notion of 'stricter monitoring' laughable in itself.

It's surely an easy task to introduce stricter rules when - as the evidence of recent years would strongly suggest - Ireland, for all intents and purposes, had none to begin with.

Those that feel this is an exaggeration need only look to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) the body charged, since 2001, with ensuring Irish companies obey the law.

The ODCE was set up of foot of the revelations from various tribunals and in its 17 years the body has proved to be such an outstanding success that the Government is now, apparently, planning to scrap it entirely.

The decision to abolish the ODCE and replace it with a new white collar crime agency follows the collapse of the Sean Fitzpatrick trial - the longest in Irish legal history - after which the ODCE was severely criticised by the trial judge for producing evidence that fell far short of legal requirements.

Amid the fallout from the collapse of the trial the then Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald slammed the body as being "not fit for purpose."

When she officially founded the finance watch-dog back in 2001 the then Tanaiste said the establishment of the ODCE would send a "message that the Government no longer tolerates those who are guilty of corporate crime in Ireland."

Now - 16 years on and after Irish banks helped bring about the worst recession in our country's history - the Government is finally admitting that the ODCE hasn't exactly lived up to Harney's lofty expectations.

We should point out that criticism of the ODCE is nothing new.

Within a year of its foundation Bertie Ahern's Government of the day was harshly criticised over the lack of funding it was giving to the ODCE, which had received just 3 million in its first year.

The body was also subject of regular criticism in legal circles where it was often claimed the ODCE hammered small businesses but often rolled over for larger firms.

It is now being claimed that three new bills to be introduced by the Government will lead to a sea change in how Ireland deals with corruption. If that happens it will be a welcome development.

However, one fears that in the end we'll see little more than a re-branding of the bodies that failed us so badly in the past.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice...
A 33 year old Mid-Cork man has been jailed for three years after he pleaded guilty to cultivating cannabis and possessing cannabis for sale or supply, following a 60,000 drugs seizure by gardai at a remote location in Co Cork.

Father of one, Adam McCarthy, a native of Ballincollig but with an address at Aughinida, Rusheen, Macroom, pleaded guilty to cultivating cannabis and possessing cannabis for sale or supply at the rented house at Rusheen on August 24th 2015.

Garda Conor Cahill told Cork Circuit Criminal Court this Tuesday that gardai raided the house on the day in question and found a sophisticated growhouse operation in a number of rooms upstairs with four tents containing 46 mature cannabis plants with a street value of 36,000.

They also found 1.5 kilos of harvested cannabis herb with an estimated street value of 30,300, said Garda Cahill, adding that McCarthy who was the registered tenant was not at home at the time.

Gardai contacted McCarthy who met them by appointment and was arrested and taken to Bandon Garda Station where he made full admissions in relation to the growhouse and the cannabis and co-operated fully with gardai.

McCarthy told gardai that he was growing the cannabis to sell to his friends, said Garda Cahill, adding that he had two previous convictions for simple possession of cannabis but had no previous convictions for possessing cannabis for sale or supply.

Defence counsel Tom Creed SC said that a probation report on McCarthy was very positive as he had gone back to work as a carpenter. Garda Cahill agreed this was an accurate report as McCarthy had got his life back on track since being caught with the drugs.

Mr Creed said McCarthy had pleaded guilty at the earliest available opportunity and by doing so had significantly assisted the prosecution case who might have faced difficulties proving possession of the drug given he was not in the house when the plants and drugs were seized.

Judge Sean O Donnabhain said McCarthy's plea was a particularly notable mitigating factor in such circumstances, given it obviated the need for the state to legally prove possession while he also noted that he co-operated fully with gardai upon his arrest.

Both factors along with his lack of any previous conviction for drug dealing and the positive probation report meant that there were exceptional circumstances which would allow him not to impose the mandatory ten year jail term.

Nonetheless the quantity of drugs in the case was significant, with a value of over 60,000, and the headline sentence was one of six years. However, given his guilty plea and co-operation, he would suspend the final three years leaving McCarthy with three years to serve in jail.
In an initiative aimed at supporting local businesses, Mallow Chamber has just launched the Mallow Gift Card, which can be used in up to 60 local retail outlets.

The Gift card is available from 15 to 500 and carries tax benefits for employers who use it to reward and motivate their staff.

Employers can reward their staff with up to 500 on a Mallow gift card completely tax-free as a one-off benefit each year, while at the same time stimulating the local economy. The benefit is exempt from income tax, the Universal Social Charge (USC) and employee and employer PRSI.

For example, if an employee on a 40% tax rate was to receive 500 net salary, the cost to the employer would be a gross salary of 1,041.67 plus employer's PRSI at 10.75% of 111.98, giving a total cost to the employer of 1153.65. Therefore, the Mallow Gift Card can potentially generate savings of up to 653.65 to employers for each employee (at the top tax rate) who receives a 500 voucher.

President of Mallow Chamber, Sean Lynch, said the organisation is very pleased to partner with The Gift Voucher Shop in this offering. "It is innovative and practical and allows businesses in Mallow to not only reward and incentivise their employees, but to stimulate trade in the town," he said.

David Walsh of GVS said the company is delighted to be able to offer this service to employers in the area.

Any businesses wishing to purchase the Mallow Chamber gift card can contact One4all directly on 01-8708181 or e-mail corpsales@one4all.ie. Or simply call into Katie's Newsagents. For further information visit the Mallow Chamber website mallowchamber.ie.
The Old Drogheda Society will host it's Autumn Lecture " What Lies Beneath" by Kevin Barton,on Tuesday November 7th at 7 pm in the Governor's House, Millmount.

The lecture will reveal results from the Millmount Archaeological Remote Sensing (MARS) Project - a series of geophysical surveys carried out on the mound at Millmount since 2013.

Kevin Barton is an archaeological geophysicist currently working on community projects in Ireland, Germany and Poland.

Please note the time of the lecture 7 pm (usually 8pm).

There will be a bookstall on the night. Voluntary contributions welcome.
It was a full house once again at the T.LT. Theatre on Friday afternoon where graduation took place for the student block of Drogheda Institute of Further Education of 2016/17.

QQI Awards were presented for Level 5 and Level 6 Certificates. Certificates and Diplomas were also awarded from IATA/UFTAA, City & Guilds of London, CIBTAC, ITEC and IAOT.

Drogheda Credit Union continued their long association with DIFE by again generously sponsoring the event.

The awards on the afternoon covered a wide variety of areas ranging from Culinary Arts, Art & Design to Business and Pre University Courses in Arts, Law, and Science, From Construction Studies to Beauty Therapy, Sport & Leisure, Nursing, Childcare and Applied Social Studies, Healthcare Support, Diploma in Dental Nursing and Pharmacy Technician,

Mr. Davy McDonnell, Principal, directed the proceedings, assisted by Ms. Pauline Sheeran. The attendance included his Worship the Mayor of Drogheda Cllr. Pio Smith, and Director of Further Education and Training for LMETB Ms. Sadie Ward Mc Dermott.

Also in attendance were Mr. Paul Brassil representing the Drogheda Credit Union, sponsors of the event and the chair of the board of management in DIFE, Cllr. Oliver Tully.

In presenting the Awards Mayor Smith praised the students for their hard work, their families for their support and encouragement, and their teachers who empowered them to successfully complete their courses. He also emphasized the value of their qualifications in progressing to third level or in joining the workforce.

Mr. Paul Brassil, President of the Drogheda Credit Union, in presenting the Course Student of the Year Awards commended the students on their focus and efforts over the academic year and praised the role of the College in equipping students for the modern work place.

Ms. Sadie Ward Mc Dermott of LMETB in congratulating all the graduates outlined the important role played by Drogheda Institute of Further Education and its dedicated staff in providing education and training that is a springboard for people of all ages to progress to further study or into the workplace.

The evening concluded with the presenting of Beauty & Holistic Therapies Year 2 graduate Christine Kinsella of Mell, Drogheda with DIFE overall Student of the Year Award.
Eamonn and Alma Delany celebrated their golden wedding anniversary recently surrounded by family and friends at a party in the Boyne Valley Hotel.

It was a trip down memory lane for the pair, who held their wedding reception in the same hotel, and the band playing even featured Eoin Lynch who was part of the resident hotel band on the night of the couple's wedding back in 1967.

'David Leddy and Eoin Lynch were there playing with a band on the Saturday night of the party and Eoin said he played in a resident band in the hotel going back the years and he remembered playing at wedding,' says their son Alan.

The couple also celebrated the event with a Mass in Duleek Church on October 11th, the same date and church in which the pair made their original vows and they were also delighted to receive a blessing from the Pope.

Eamonn has worked with horses all his life and still trains race horses at the couple's home in Corballis, Laytown.

He won a townscup for Delvin in the late 1960s and rode his first winner at Laytown as an amateur jockey when he was just 13 years old.

He is also a committee member of both Laytown and Bellewstown Racecourse. And it was through a mutual love of horses that the couple first met.

There son Alan explains: 'A friend of Mum's brought her to Navan races one day and introduced her to Dad on the day.'

Eamonn has lived in Corballis all his life while Alma is originally from Duleek.

Alma would be well known through her work with greyhounds and has bred and trained a number of very successful dogs over the years.

With this kind of pedigree, it's no wonder their four children grew up with a love of animals. Alan is involved with the horses, Mark works at and both Ruth and Jean are keen horse lovers.

There four children were all present at the party, with Jean flying home from Australia especially for the occasion, and they were also joined by extended family and friends including some who had travelled all the way for Denmark to help them celebrate.

Alan said the couple had a fantastic night and enjoyed every minute of the celebrations and the part.

He thanked everyone who came along and made the event so special. After the party the couple headed off to Tenerife for a well deserved holiday, which they thoroughly enjoyed.

And Alan had one final tip from his dad, revealing that Yaha Fizz was a horse to watch for the year ahead!
Drogheda is looking at a 'last chance' to be recognised on a national scale with submissions for the National Planning Framework - 2020 to 2040, closing shortly.

The deadline was set for this Friday, but has been extended by a week to November 10th.

This legally binding plan will dictate where government efforts in infrastructure and job creation will be focused for the next 20 years.

The 5 cities named in the framework each have a plan set out for their future and funding to accompany those developments. By contrast, Drogheda, Ireland's largest town, has been bundled in with towns of a population of 10,000 or more and are subject to more general guidelines, rather than specific actions.

The Northern Environs Plan allows for Drogheda's population to expand to nearly 60,000 in the next ten years. And that's not even counting people in the surrounding towns and villages who rely on Drogheda for services or the 6,000+ living in estates in the Meath part of Drogheda. Drogheda's current population, plus Louth County Council plans, indicate that Drogheda is on the cusp of having a city population already.

Local people can make a difference by making their voice heard. A public consultation process is currently on-going. Local people are invited to log on to the National Planning Framework website www.npf.ie to make a submission. Alternatively, written applications can be sent to the NPF Submission, Forward Planning Section, Dept. of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Custom House, Dublin D01 W6X0. The deadline for submissions is midday on Friday 10th November.

Senator Ged Nash has appealed to the people of the town to get behind the campaign to ensure that Drogheda's size and potential is fully recognised in the final National Planning Framework.

He said, "When I secured the Boundary Review for Drogheda, I was confident that the case for a boundary extension spoke for itself and that the town could then take its rightful place at the top of the proposed new National Planning Framework. A change of government and a consequent dilution of influence at the very top put paid to the ambition of extending the town boundary which would have properly reflected the real scale and significance of the town,' he stated.

"Drogheda's omission from the National Spatial Strategy did enough damage. However, our exclusion from this plan could be disastrous.

"Unlike the NSS, this Plan will have a legal, statutory effect and governments up to 2040 will be dictated to by this Plan in terms of jobs investment, major infrastructure and service delivery. I am urging anyone who cares about Drogheda to make a submission on the Plan at www.npf.ie,' he added.
The Newry Help the Homeless have set up weekend services outside St Peter's Church to assist the homeless and those in need.

A 13 strong group arrived at 8pm on Saturday night and immediately set up a serving area and within 15 minutes had a number of people seeking assistance.

The group intend to come to Drogheda each Friday and Saturday from now on at 8pm, providing tea, hot food and a change of clothes for people. They will also have the services of a hairdresser and a dentist.

Mayor Pio Smith was on hand to welcome the group and said that a hot meal is welcome for people on the streets.

The Newry group has been on the go for two years and also operate services in Dublin and Dundalk. Their Dublin service sees local shops donating food at the end of business to hand out. Their work has already been featured on RTE and Sky.

Volunteer Margaret Devlin Blair says it's a great cross border initiative and they decided on the Drogheda link following a discussion with local woman Marie Walsh.

'Not only do we provide food, but we find places for people to live', she states. She says the increase in numbers in Dublin has been 'scary' - especially in the last six months.

'We can also provide advice for people and the team is very excited about the Drogheda move. We also bring sleeping bags and tents and have a mini bus', Margaret explained.

For those wishing to know more about the service, Newry Help for the Homeless is on Facebook and Margaret can be contacted via Facebook too - Margaret Devlin Blair. Last Friday also saw a special mass in the Dominican Church for the homeless and Fr Jim Donleavy was delighted with the turnout on the evening.
Want to be part of 'Ireland's Got Talent'? Here's your chance!

'Ireland's Got Talent' is coming to Irish TV screens very soon and the organisers are looking for people of all ages to fill their audience.

And the location will be Drogheda's state-of-the-art venue, the TLT.

The 900-seat venue was selected some time ago for the star-studded shows.

Louis Walsh, Michelle Visage, Denise Van Outen and Jason Byrne will be auditioning talent from all around the country and you can come along and watch

To apply for audience tickets, please visit www.tv3.ie/takepart and fill out an application form.

Audience members must have availability on one of the following dates: Tues 28th Nov. 2.30pm or 6pm, Weds 29th Nov. 2.30pm or 6pm, Mon 4th Dec. 2.30pm or 6pm, Tues 5th Dec. 2.30pm or 6pm, Weds 6th Dec. 2.30pm or 6pm.

Tickets are free but in short supply and high demand.

Tickets will be allocated on a random basis.

Under 18's must be accompanied by an adult. Max 6 tickets per online application.

The shows promise to be action packed.
Over 300 people enjoyed one of Ireland's finest traditional bands in Malahide recently as Malahide Lions Club welcomed Altan to the town for a very special performance that benefited three local charities.

It was a sort of homecoming for the band as it was in Malahide, 30 years ago that Altan was formed by lead vocalist Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh and her late husband, Frankie Kennedy.

Back then, Mairead and Frankie were both teaching in St. Oliver Plunkett School in the village.

Both accomplished musicians, they had already released two albums which were met with critical acclaim.

Frankie felt that the next step would be to put together a band, and enlisted Mark Kelly on guitar, Ciaran Curran on bouzouki and fiddler Paul O'Shaughnessy.

At the time, the Malahide Festival was in full swing and the band's first gig in front of a substantial crowd was as support to Moving Hearts in the Festival Marquee.

From then on, the band went from strength to strength and now tour all over the world.

The Malahide concert, which took place at the Grand Hotel, was hosted by Malahide Lions Club in aid of the RNLI and Hugh's House, a venture that offers free accommodation to parents of children who are long term patients in Temple St and the Rotunda Hospitals.

Appropriately, that charity was started by Malahide native, Ade Stack and her husband, Marty Curley.

The idea is a simple but brilliant one - the house is a place to stay for parents forced to move to Dublin while their sick children are taken care of in Temple Street Hospital or at The Rotunda. Hugh's House not only provides a homely place to stay but means families can stay together and do not have to be separated while they are going through the trauma of dealing with a seriously ill child.

The idea formed in Ade and Marty's heads as they watched parents sleep on plastic chairs and sometimes on the floor at both hospitals as they nursed their own son, Hugh through 247 days in hospital. Ade said it was 'kind of obvious' what had to be done and that was to provide accommodation so that families could stay together during these horribly difficult days. She said: 'Fundamentally, we can't change the outcome for these families or their child but we can change their journey.'

The proceeds of the gig were split between Hugh's House, the RNLI who do such an amazing job protecting Fingal's coastal communities and other local causes that are aided by Malahide Lions Club.
Freshly cooked local food, wine tasting and light refreshments was the order of the evening at the Fingal Chamber networking evening at Musgrave Marketplace.

Over 40 people attended on the night and were welcomed by Brian Staunton, General Manager Musgrave Marketplace and offered tours of the facility.

Recently appointed CEO of Fingal Dublin Chamber, Anthony Cooney welcomed guests and congratulated Brian Staunton and Musgrave Marketplace on celebrating 40 years here in Ballymun. Musgrave and this building has been a well-known landmark to Chamber members during those 40 years.

Musgrave Marketplace treated guests to tasty fresh sea food treats along with wine expert Jean Smullen providing wine sampling and pairing tips

Musgrave Marketplace are offering members and all businesses, regardless of size a free card to shop in Marketplace. With over 12,000 lines including office needs such as break time, cleaning, stationery, corporate gifts and hampers and best of all it's all under one roof meaning one invoice.

In the coming days Members will also be offered 'day passes' for staff to shop here in Marketplace.

Musgrave Marketplace have joined the Chamber to be part of a thriving business organisation that gives them great access to their market base.
This year, Protestants all around the world have been celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation.

On Oct. 31, 1517, a young professor of theology by the name of Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. These statements protested some of the teachings of the church and were originally written in Latin and intended primarily for debate among clergy and scholars. Luthers intention was never to break up the church or to start his own movement. It was simply to compare what the church was teaching with the Bible and to reform what was necessary. However, the Theses were quickly translated and became the worlds first viral post. The Reformation was born.

A little over three years later, it seemed like the Reformation was about to die when the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles the V, summoned Luther to an imperial meeting in Worms, Germany. Charles had dizzying amounts of power and influence that stretched from the eastern edges of Europe to the recently discovered New World and wanted to reunite Germany. Luther went to the meeting thinking he would be given an opportunity to explain and defend his teachings, however; he was really only given two options: 1) take back everything that he had taught and written, or 2) be declared an outlaw by the emperor and a heretic by the church. Option number two just about always ended with death on smoking stake.

After being presented with these options, Luther asked for a night to pray and think about it. He then appeared the next day and uttered his famous words: "Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason  I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other  my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen." Luther simply stood on Scripture and believed that his teachings and writings did the same.

While these words of Luther have been etched in monuments and statues in Germany and around the world, often forgotten are the chilling words of Emperor Charles V: I have decided to mobilize everything against Luther my kingdoms and dominions my friends, my body, my blood and my soul. By Gods grace, which is nothing short of miraculous, Luther and the Reformation would live on.

For us, living 500 years later in a risk averse society, we might wonder what drove Luther to risk not only his name and reputation, but his personal security, freedom and even life. Why would he be willing to risk it all? The answer is that Luther had found the answer to lifes biggest question and nothing mattered in comparison. The question was, How can I know that God loves me? The answer was in the cross of Jesus Christ who died for the sins of the world. This is heart of the Reformation and the truth that led Luther to risk it all.
Fingal County Council's Director of Economic, Enterprise and Tourism Development, Ed Hearne, Chief Executive of Fingal Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Anthony Cooney, Alter Pharma Country Manager, Rita Crowley, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Mary McCamley, Chief Executive of the daa, Dalton Philips and Fingal County Council's Chief Executive, Paul Reid at the launch of this years Dublin Economic Monitor at The Atrium in County Hall, Swords.

A pharmaceutical firm who decided to locate in Balbriggan said they looked at 300 buildings in various locations over a period of two-and-a-half years and settled on Stephenstown as the ideal location for their business.

At the presentation of the latest report from the Dublin Economic Monitor held at County Hall in Swords, Country Manager of Alter Pharma, Rita Crowley explained the company's decision to locate in Balbriggan, saying: 'A lot of companies overlook the north side of Dublin to do business in. This wasn't a decision that we made lightly, we looked at a lot of buildings in South Dublin, too.

'Overall we looked at over 300 buildings over a period of two and a half years. Our current building is 48,000 square feet - we needed very big warehouse facilities and offices and as it turned out we were able to find this in Stephenstown.'

She added that the presence of Dublin Airport and Dublin Port was also an important factor: "We export over ninety seven percent of our products to the Belgian pharmaceutical market so we have a lot of exportation on a weekly basis."

Chief Executive of Fingal County Council emphasised a need for investment in skills in the county in order to attract more high value companies to the region, saying: 'Fingal County Council is continuously monitoring the kind of companies investing in our area and what requirements they have in terms of attracting and retaining their workforce. We are currently undertaking a skills strategy, to analyse the skills requirements across the county, from both the supply side and demand side."

He added: "We are working with both the business community and providers such as the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown and Dublin City University in doing this.

'I am confident that with the young and growing population we have in Fingal, coupled with the right mix of skills that can be developed in the medium-term, we will have a strong pipeline of talent to continue to attract investment to Fingal.'
Two Donabate businesses are counting the costs of Halloween this morning after a weekend fire that saw a pharmacy 'lost' in the fire while a hairdressing and beauty business next door was also damaged.

The fire at Units 1 and 2, Ballalease North on the Portrane Road in Donabate saw three fire tenders rush to the scene after gardai raise the alarm just after midnight on Sunday night.

Swords Fire Station dispatched its D Watch crew to the blaze and a fire officer at the station reported that Donabate Pharmacy was 'lost' in the blaze after the roof collapsed into the building while hard-working fire crews managed to save Styles Hair and Beauty, next door.

There are no reported injuries as a result of the fire and an investigation into the blaze has begun.

Early indications are that the fire may have started at the back of the property, possibly in a bin which would reflect a recent increase in wheelie bin fires across the county in the run up to Halloween.

The Fingal Independent recently reported how a major fire on green space between two estates in Swords was started when a bin was stolen from a nearby property and set alight.

The Donabate incident, if proven to have started in a similar way would represent a dramatic escalation of Halloween related incidents.

Customers of the popular local pharmacy gutted in the fire took to social media early on Bank Holiday Monday morning to express their shock at the incident and their sympathies to the business owners.

One customer said: 'The amount of people depending on daily medication from there. Honestly hope everyone is grand but like why would ye be so like disturbed to destroy a whole pharmacy?'

Another local added: 'That's just terrible news so saddened to hear that, Nuala an Lisa are so nice and always great for advice. I'm just shocked, they have been a great support to us and I'm sure many more locals.'

The incident followed a weekend of antisocial behaviour on the peninsula. Gardai were called to homes at The Links and Somerton that were 'egged' on Sunday night with locals reporting a large gang of youths on bicycles, travelling around local estates wearing hoodies and engaging in antisocial behaviour.

With Halloween looming tonight, emergency services are braced for another busy night.

Fingal County Council is reminding all of its citizens that bonfires are illegal and ruin our open spaces and cost a lot of money to clean up as well as being dangerous for humans and animals alike and damaging for the environment.

Build up of bonfire materials can be reported to the council by contacting its Litter Hotline at 1800201093 or by emailing environment@fingal.ie

Be safe, this Halloween.
Rush is still one of 44 areas where the Environmental Protection Agency has identified untreated sewage entering the sea but the EPA has said that water quality at Rush beach has improved marginally and holds out the hope that the area's current giant wastewater treatment project that is underway will end the problem.

The EPA said that Rush is among 44 areas around Ireland where 'waste water is collected and released back into the environment without treatment'.

The latest EPA report which covers results from last year was released last week where the agency outlined the risk of untreated sewage entering the environment, saying: 'Untreated waste water, commonly referred to as raw sewage, can be contaminated with harmful bacteria and viruses. It can pose a threat to public health, aquatic ecosystems and the amenity value of our waters.'

Holding out hope for a major improvement in Rush in the coming years, the EPA said: 'Five of the areas currently discharging untreated waste water are expected to be connected to treatment plants by the end of 2017. These areas are Youghal, Belmullet, Rush, Bundoran and Killybegs.'

According to the EPA, Ireland's failure to address wastewater deficiencies causes an unacceptable risk to the environment and public health.

Waste water treatment at 50 of Ireland's 185 large towns and cities fail to comply with standards set to prevent pollution and protect public health.

Sewage from the equivalent of 120,000 people across 44 areas still enters the environment untreated each day.

Plans to install treatment at some of these areas is delayed by up to three years and most will not be completed until 2021, the EPA warned.

Four bathing water areas were deemed unsafe for swimming during the testing period due to health risks caused by sewage, including Loughshinny Beach.

Commenting on the report Mr Gerard O'Leary, Director of the EPA's Office of Environmental Enforcement said: 'Wastewater from over half our population failed to meet environmental standards.

'For many years Ireland failed to address the deficiencies in wastewater treatment. Substantial and sustained investment is now required to protect our valuable waterways and protect public health.'

Mr Darragh Page, Programme Manager of the EPA's Office of Environmental Enforcement said: 'Ireland's environment is at risk because waste water is not treated to the necessary standards, even though the final deadline to meet these standards was 2005.

'New or upgraded treatment systems are required in some areas.

'In other areas, there is already sufficient treatment capacity in place, but the management of the treatment systems needs to improve.'
The retention of the 9% VAT rate is vital for tourism here in Fingal, according to a Fine Gael Senator.

Senator Reilly James Reilly said: 'While there is still uncertainty about the outcome of the Brexit process, tourism continues to be a national success story. That said, one clear impact of the UK's decision has been a continuing weakness in the value of sterling which has knock on effects for Irish tourism.

'That is why Fine Gael in Government decided to retain the 9% VAT rate for the tourism and hospitality sector. This measure was first introduced by Fine Gael and helped create jobs all over the country, particularly in towns and rural areas where they were needed most.

'It is undeniable that the 9% VAT rate has contributed hugely to the regeneration of the hospitality sector and to our tourism industry in Fingal.'

He added: 'It is essential that competitiveness and value for money is maintained - this is essential as we face into Brexit - and I ask that everyone involved in the tourism and hospitality sectors adhere to this.'

Senator Reilly believes the special VAT rate has made a difference to rising tourist numbers. He said: 'The latest official data on overseas travel from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), showed an increase of 2.9% in overseas visits to Ireland for the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same period of 2016. In 2010 there were 18 million passengers using Dublin Airport in Fingal.' He said: 'By the end 2017 the numbers of passengers using Dublin will hit 30 million.'
Hundreds of pupils in a Balbriggan primary school are accommodated in prefab classrooms built 17 years ago as a 'temporary' measure and despite the school being slated for a new permanent building in the Government's 2019 to 2021 school building programme, school management are yet to hear anything from the Department of Education about the project.

The intolerable situation at St Molaga's Senior National School in Balbriggan was raised in the Seanad by Senator James Reilly last Wednesday, who called on the Minister for Education to address the Seanad on the matter.

He told his Seanad colleagues: 'I want to raise a very local important issue. It concerns St. Molaga's school in Balbriggan and is affecting 463 children. The school now has 16 prefabs. The children have been in prefabs for years.

'It is terrible to think that in 2017, children are cold at school during the winter and too hot in the summer. They are on the list for a new school, but there is no firm date and no hard evidence that progress is being made.'

Senator Reilly added: 'I congratulate the Minister for Education and Skills on the changes he introduced in the budget to the pupil-teacher ratio and in respect of students with special needs, but these very changes mean that the three extra teachers for the school this year - there will be four next year - will have no classrooms in which to teach the children who represent the future of the country. In a republic of equal opportunities they deserve proper facilities in which to learn and enhance themselves and the country in the future. I, therefore, ask that the Minister be invited to come to the House. I am sure a request is being made to have a Commencement debate on the issue.'

Initially the senator's request for a commencement debate on the issue was denied but he asked the Cathaoirleach to reconsider that decision.

Senator Reilly said: 'I hope the Cathaoirleach will reflect on this and extend to the people of Balbriggan, particularly its children, the courtesy of allowing the Minister to come to the House to answer on this very serious and pressing issue in a commencement debate.'

The following day, a commencement debate on the issue was granted when Senator Lorraine Clifford Lee brought the issue up again and shared her time with Senator Reilly. The two Fingal senators were able to question Minister for State, John Halligan on the issue and call for action at St Molaga's.

Cllr Tom O'Leary (FG) backed calls for a new permanent building for St Molaga's and said he would continue to push the Department for action on a number of other local school projects but the Fingal councillor said that overall, the Government's record in investing in local schools was a good one.
The search to find Ireland's Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE) is advancing to the County Final stage.

IBYE, which has a 2 million investment fund, is run by all 31 Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) and is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Enterprise Ireland.

At the upcoming County Final on Wednesday, November 30, Local Enterprise Office Fingal has an investment fund of 50,000 to award to six local entrepreneurs across three categories: Best Business Idea, Best Start-Up Business and Best Established Business.

Over 100 Fingal IBYE applicants were invited to a prestigious business networking event 'Celebrating Entrepreneurship', with Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Mary McCamley and Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, Paul Reid last week.

The competition is now in its fourth year and Oisin Geoghegan, Head of Enterprise with Local Enterprise Office Fingal said that the standard of entries is higher than ever.

'The exceptionally high standard of entries will make the competition tough and challenging, but it will also help bring out the full potential of entrants and inspire them to succeed whether they win at the County Final stage or not. We see the IBYE initiative as a springboard for young entrepreneurs here locally, who want to start or expand a business. They will have the support of their Local Enterprise Office all year around.'

The 15 finalists selected are: in the Best Idea category, Alan Griffin of Portmarnock, Suzanne Culleton of Malahide, Orla McLaughlin of Baldoyle, Kevin Kelleher of Malahide and Justin Perry of Portmarnock. In the Best Start-Up category: Sean Murray of WeBringg from Castleknock, Liam Brennan of ScoobyBox from Baldoyle, Bernard Nolan of MediMe from Malahide, Marck Kulik of Smart Trace Ltd from Malahide and Agnes Chvojka of Aggies Food Studio from Castleknock. In the Best Established category:

Gary Egan of Egan Mechanical Services from Clonee, Emma Smith of FX Makeup Academy from Malahide, Ryan Scott of Drop Chef from Sutton, Seamus Tighe of Everest Granola from Blanchardstown and finally Mark Coleman of The Hot Seat from Rush.
Preparations are under way again this year for a Christmas dinner for the homeless and alone with a fundraiser taking place on November 17.

Organised by Wexford People Helping People the Christmas Day event will take place in St Joseph's Community Centre, Wexford town moving from last year's location of Glynn Community Centre.

Wexford People Helping People is a volunteer group set up to tackle the problems of homelessness, families/individuals in financial difficulties and those suffering from mental health illnesses, directing them to appropriate services in their area.

Initially, this was in response to not only focusing on those with housing issues, but to focus on the root cause of problems stemming from low income, high private rent rates, shortage of public housing and unlivable conditions due to damp, mould etc.

Other factors could include job loss, medical expenses, sickness, separation, delayed social welfare payments and loss of essential services such as electricity and water in which thousands have experienced recently.

The group aim to empower communities across Wexford by bringing about unity amongst the people by helping others facing various difficulties. A helping hand for the most vulnerable in society to ease the strain and stress on many people.

Last Christmas the group was founded by Claire-Marie Malone and the first Christmas Day dinner was organised for those alone and homeless. The event was held in Glynn Community Centre and proved very successful with 40 guests and 60 dinners and hampers sent out that evening to those who couldn't make it.

There were volunteers from all over the south-east including a couple who came down from Galway to either help out on the day or in the run up to our event. Donations flooded in during those four weeks of organising giving everyone a day to remember.

This year the committee has decided to hold the Christmas Day dinner in a more centralised location at St Joseph's Community Centre in Wexford town which has been kindly sponsored by St Joseph's committee.

This will give more people a chance to come along and enjoy Christmas dinner. This year the dinner is being held for anyone who would like to enjoy a community Christmas celebration and also the organisers are encouraging anybody alone or experiencing homelessness to join in too. A strictly non-alcohol event, the day will consist of a sit down meal for both volunteers and guests, games and activities for the kids and a visit from Santa Clause with presents.

To volunteer or to attend the dinner contact Gary O'Brien - 085 8256235; Nikki O'Brien - 089 2119489; Claire-Marie Malone - 086 1611771; Gail McMahon - 085 8336866 or Bianca O'Grady - 0858122884.

A strict confidentiality policy is operated by the committee.

To help fund this year's Christmas dinner there will be a musical fundraiser in the Riverbank House Hotel on November 17 at 7.30 p.m. Music on the night will be provided by Natty Wailer (formerly of Bob Marley and The Wailers) and Mandy J; Hot Rod Hearse (Rockabilly and Folk mix); Vagabond (Irish Folk, Ballads and Country); Kermie (Kerry and Jamie singing a bit of everything) and Rachel Grace (Folk/Blues and Contemporary).

There will be a raffle with lots of spot prizes on the night thanks to the generosity of local businesses and individuals.

Tickets are only 10 each and can be purchased from The Riverbank House Hotel, Jenny's Beauty Bar on Lower Rowe St and Candy Boutique on North Main St. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.

To donate a prize contact the committee.
Generous Graham Murphy from Ballyoughter, Gorey, raised 2,740 for his school recently through a sponsored walk. Graham presented a cheque to his principal, Rita Waters of Our Lady of Fatima in Wexford, after his family organised the walk to help raise funds for the school.

The walk, which took place in early October, was very well-supported by everyone. Refreshments were served in the new school in Ballyoughter and a raffle took place, with a lot of great prizes sponsored by local people and businesses.

Mrs Waters said: 'More than 40 people took part in the walk from Ballyoughter to Clogh, which was about 7.5 km.'
An air ambulance was called to The Rock, Gorey, on Wednesday evening after a local man sustained serious injuries in a fall from a ladder. The helicopter landed in the community field, but was not required in the end, as the injured man, who is from Gorey and is in his late 50's, regained consciousness in the ambulance.

He had been helping his brother-in-law build a shed, when he fell from a height. He was said to have sustained a fractured skull, a broken pelvis, and several broken ribs. He was brought to Wexford General Hospital, and later transferred to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin for treatment.
CORRECTED VERSION:

Frenchtown High School students and staff will receive prejudice reduction and violence prevention training in December as part of the districts response to recent social media posts that were racially derogatory and threatening.

Were really excited to be able to work with educators at the middle school and high school, and work with all the students at the high school, as an opportunity to strengthen connections, gain some knowledge and skills, and hopefully move forward, Empower Montana Executive Director Heidi Wallace said. The nonprofit provides educational programming on diversity, inclusion and intervention options when people see hateful incidents occur.

In mid-October, a teen girl made social media posts featuring a teen boy, including one where he held a hunting rifle and she, or another student, wrote bout to go shoot some (racial epithet). In response to people offended by the first post, another included a photo of two rifles on the seat of a vehicle and said get over it especially if ur cali people... like I live in montana.

Shortly after learning about the incident, Superintendent Randy Cline said the district does not condone such behavior and that the school would follow procedure in addressing it. Two unidentified students were suspended and the report was forwarded to the Missoula County Sheriffs Office, which had its school resource officer, a former detective, review the case.

MCSO Spokeswoman Brenda Bassett said Thursday that the case was ultimately turned over to Missoula Youth Court, which handles criminal and non-criminal charges filed against juveniles as well as their probation.

Deputy Missoula County Attorney Jennifer Clark said she is still reviewing the information shared with them by the sheriffs office. She confirmed that any case against the girl, who is a minor, would be handled in Youth Court. The office hasnt yet decided whether to charge the other student, a boy who is 18.

Cline and Principal Jake Haynes said in an email Friday that "the district's investigation of this incident is complete,'' but cited student confidentiality when asked whether the teens remained suspended or if any additional actions were taken.

Last week, Cline had said he has never seen anything like this before.

A current student told the Missoulian such comments are more frequent than school leaders have admitted and hopes talking about them publicly will trigger more immediate and direct action. She is not being identified because she is a minor and asked not to be named. Her allegations could not be independently verified.

This is very common. Theres a whole group called Hick Nation constituted of people who do that on the regular, she said. Just a few days before the inflammatory social media posts, a teacher told her that some of those students went through a McDonalds drive through chanting the n-word during the schools lunch break.

Another time, she said, one student walking down the hallway yelled at another student who was dating a person of color, and called him the n-word lover. Two teachers were standing 15 feet away. They looked at them and turned away.

She was unsure if the incidents she described were reported up the chain and if the discipline was instead handled later, although she said friends have reported similar comments to teachers and nothing ever happens. She said she has only ever seen one teacher intervene when he hears inappropriate racial comments.

Cline said in an email Friday that the principal and assistant principals had talked with concerned parents and students after the suspensions, but none of those conversations included any new allegations.

"Parent and student response to these discussions have been positive,'' Cline said. "There has been no discussion or mention by any student or parent related to what you describe. The district will investigate any incidents, such as those described above, and follow the law, its policies and its procedures when determining appropriate actions.''

Cline said the school handbook says students "shall not racially harass or intimidate others by name calling, using racial or derogatory slurs, wearing or possessing items depicting or implying racial hatred or prejudice.'' Students who are harassed should report the problem and staff members are directed to refer all complaints to a building administrator.

"The district will not tolerate any retaliation against individuals who file complains, participate in the complaint procedure or are the subject of a complaint,'' he said.

Wallace from Empower Montana said that if students do not see teachers or other adults responding  even if they later are in private  teens could feel a little hopeless and might be discouraged from reporting what they see or hear.

There can be a culture of fear in being targeted worse if you are speaking up, she said. The most important thing we can do is inspire and empower as many allies as we can within the school, adults and youth, who have the same information and the same skills for being able to interrupt things as they see it with the intention that those behaviors will be minimized.

When the group visits the school later this year, Wallace said presentations will be paired with hands-on activities where students and staff will be given scenarios to practice new skills for how to safely intervene. Each session will be led by two trainers, one adult and one teen.

The group has led similar workshops at dozens of schools across the state, Wallace said, including Whitefish, Polson and Ronan as well as Big Sky High School and C.S. Porter Middle School in Missoula. Some are in response to crises such as the recent social media posts in Frenchtown but many are at the request of schools that want to be proactive about creating a safe and welcoming culture.

I would encourage listening, creating opportunities to listen to the youth and their experiences, Wallace said. What issues are they concerned about and what ideas do they have?
A leading oncologist who hails from Scarnagh in Inch has released his second album to raise money for cancer.

Professor Joe O'Sullivan who is one of Ulster's leading cancer doctors works at the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital.

Inspired by the hope and positivity shown by his patients and their families when coping with illness and loss Prof O'Sullivan decided to pen a ten track album, Another Light, ,to raise money for the Friends of the Cancer Centre.

The 47-year-old Scarnagh native has been living in Bangor, Co Down for the past 14 years and is married to Dara. The couple of four children, Lucy, Anna, Leo and Oisin. Two of the children, Anna and Oisin also feature on the album.

Another Light follows on from Joe's successful debut album, Take a Deep Breath, which was released in 2015 and raised over 10,000 for Friends of the Cancer Centre.

Speaking about the new album Joe said: 'Much of the inspiration behind the new album, once again, comes from the people I've had the privilege of meeting and treating over the years. In particular I've been inspired by hope and the effect it can have when we're faced with life's challenges.

'Hope is an incredibly powerful thing and for someone with cancer, or someone who is supporting a loved one with cancer, it can make a real difference to how they face their diagnosis and treatment.

'It's certainly not easy, but I've seen many of my patients find inner strength they didn't know they had by being able to find a little light in those dark moments. I wanted to try to capture that in my songs so that anyone listening might also be able to take a little bit of hope away with them.'

Friends of the Cancer Centre, based at the heart of the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital, is a cause close to Joe's heart as the charity works to support cancer patients and their families across Northern Ireland. All money raised from the album will support the charity's vital work in the areas of patient care, patient comfort and research and will make a real and meaningful difference to the lives of thousands of cancer patients locally.

Joe said the reason to support Friends of the Cancer Centre was simple.

'As the album was inspired by the wonderful people I treat, I wanted any money raised to be used to support them and hopefully many others.

'Friends of the Cancer Centre is my favourite charity and I get to see the incredible difference it makes to patients every day. From funding additional medical staff including doctors and specialist nurses, providing free tea while patients wait on treatment, to supporting research into new and improved ways to treat cancer, everything it does makes a real difference to so many.

'On a personal level, I love how the charity is a vehicle for people to give something back and this is my way of thanking Friends of the Cancer Centre for supporting my patients and the staff in the hospital.'

Colleen Shaw, chief executive of Friends of the Cancer Centre, said: 'Joe is an incredible supporter of Friends of the Cancer Centre and we are delighted that he is once again generously donating the proceeds from his wonderful album to the charity. The money raised will make a real difference to our work, but just as important is the impact it will have on our patients and supporters through the positive message it delivers.'

The album is available to buy from www.friendsofthecancercentre.com
Those who love to spend time browsing in local bookshops might come across a familiar name on the shelves.

Gorey native Susan Ryan has just had her first novel published. She described 'The King of Lavender Square' as 'a magical and multi-layered tale about an African-Irish boy with a dream powerful enough to change his life and the lives of his neighbours.

'It is a rally cry against loneliness and a call to arms against the age of anxiety. It is an antidote to isolation and of conversation with real people in real life and in real time. It is a tonic.'

Susan (44) grew up in Ramsfort Park, Gorey, daughter of Fergus and the late Betty Ryan who died in 2003. Fergus and Betty ran an accountancy firm on Lower Main Street, Gorey, for many years.

Now living in Dublin with her partner Stephane, their daughter Sophie (4), and Stephane's son Daniel (23), Susan works as an advertising copywriter.

Her first attempt at a novel was written many years ago. She said it was a 'terrible book' but it still got some interest from agents. 'I didn't like it so I moved on and started working on "The King of Lavender Square",' she said.

She sent the first few chapters to a London literary agent, and she was signed in 2006.

'I went to London and it was really exciting,' she said. She met an editor who had discovered several top authors. However when that editor left the firm, the new one didn't pursue the book further, so Susan left the book aside. Two years ago, she sent the chapters to Irish publishers Poolbeg, and they offered to release it, so she got writing again.

Susan got the idea for 'The King of Lavender Square' while living in a flat in Rathmines. 'I had a view of the square which was really nice and I used to people-watch,' she explained, 'but I noticed that none of them would speak to each other, and would pass each other by.'

'I wondered what would force them to talk to each other, and I thought a child might,' she added. 'So I came up with a child called Patrick Kimba. He is African Irish and when his mother becomes very sick, his neighbours are forced into looking after him, because there's nobody else.'

Susan said the novel has a 'Maeve Binchy feel' to it. Years ago, she completed a Dublin Writers' course with the acclaimed author. 'She was fabulous,' she said. 'She was able to talk to everybody, even children. She told a human story that resonated. To me, she was one of the greatest Irish writers. She just captured something about the Irish.'

Susan went to secondary school in the Loreto Abbey in Gorey. Three of her former teachers - Nola Farrell who was her English teacher, and Noreen Ryan and Marie Travers attended the recent launch in Dublin. She also hopes to do a launch in Gorey in the near future.

'The King of Lavender Square' is available in Byrne's Bookshop, Zozimus Books, and the Bookstation, Gorey, online, and in book stores nationwide.
Enniscorthy native Colm Toibin is one of a number of people who has been named an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI).

Toibin was awarded the honour alongside homeless campaigner and carer, Alice Leahy, historian Roy Foster, fashion designer Louise Kennedy, pianist John O'Connor, President Royal Australian College of Physicians Dr Catherine Yelland, Consultant Paediatric Pulmonologist Prof Bernard Kinane and Olympian Eamon Coghlan.

Honorary Fellowship is the highest honour bestowed by RCPI and is reserved for individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to society.

RCPI President, Prof Mary Horgan, paid tribute to the new Honorary Fellows and said this honour is in recognition of their contribution to medicine, care of the homeless, music, history, literature, fashion and sport.

Born in Enniscorthy in 1955 Colm Toibin is an Irish novelist, short story writer, essayist, playwright, journalist, critic and poet.
Donning a blindfold may conjure up saucy ideas but doing it for the National Council for the Blind of Ireland is all good clean fun with the only sauce being on the plates! Diners in Kerry are looking forward to the 2nd annual Dine in the Dark event for NCBI.

According to Chris White, CEO of NCBI; "Dine in the Dark is a wonderful evening out for people. Dining under blindfold allows us to challenge our thinking around sight loss and the people affected by it. It is also a great way to give back to your local community and support people living with sight loss."

There are currently 51,718 people with sight loss in Ireland with 1,678 people in Kerry [1] and this number is rising. "Early intervention is essential to ensuring that anyone experiencing sight loss can live an active and independent life. When we think of living with sight loss it's easy to focus on the practical difficulties that must be overcome, but there is also a huge psychological impact. Depression is a frequent complication. In fact, rates of depression among older people with vision impairments are at least twice those of the general population [2] and seven times those of their sighted peers [3]." said Chris.

Funds raised through Dine in the Dark will support NCBI's emotional support, advice and counselling services so the charity is encouraging every restaurant in Kerry to get involved in the campaign.

Doreen Curran, Ophthalmology Franchise Head at headline sponsors Novartis, said "Novartis is delighted to sponsor NCBI's second annual Dine in the Dark week. Our focus as an organisation is on patient care and our partnership with NCBI also allows us to support people living with sight loss in accessing practical rehabilitation services to live independently. This is a truly unique campaign."

Other Kerry restaurants who are taking part in the event include the Brehon Hotel, the Listowel Arms Hotel and the Lord Kenmare Restaurant.

Restaurants can register easily online and the lists of participating restaurants can also be found at www.dineinthedark.ie. Follow the online conversation using #Dine4NCBI and following Dine in the Dark on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

Dine in the Dark is run in partnership with the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) and is sponsored by Novartis, Fujitsu, Dawn Meats and Classic Drinks.
It's billed as the most Irish festival of them all, and the massive Oireachtas na Samhna is certainly a welcome addition to Killarney, especially given that it takes place during the most testing times of the year in terms of tourism.

Some 10,000 people descended on Killarney during the 2016 Oireachtas, a celebration of the Irish language and culture like no other. Killarney has become a near-permanent host for An tOireachtas in recent years - 2017 will be the sixth time the town has hosted the festival in eight years - and while this year's events will take place in the INEC and Gleneagle Hotel for the most part, festivities will also extend to the Brehon Hotel, the Killarney Avenue, the Killarney Plaza, the National Park, and St Mary's Cathedral.

"It's estimated to be worth around 8million to the local economy," Councillor Michael Gleeson, a Clasheen resident and keen admirer of the festival, told The Kerryman. "The festival is greatly appreciated in Killarney, particularly during the 'shoulder season', which is traditionally the toughest time of the year for the tourism industry."

People of all ages will compete across disciplines that include dancing, singing, acting and storytelling, with the official opening taking place from 3.30pm at the Brehon today (Wednesday) set to include the awarding of literary prizes, most notably the prestigious Gradam Ui Shuilleabhain. The highlight of the five-day celebration will, as ever, be the blue-riband sean nos singing competition Corn Ui Riada, scheduled for 7pm on Saturday at the INEC, but there will be no shortage of events to enjoy, including Thursday night's concert, "Comoradh ar Fheile Oireachtais 1987", which from 9.30pm at the Gleneagle will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Corca Dhuibhne-hosted 1987 Oireachtas.

"It promotes Kerry and Killarney culture," Cllr Gleeson said. "I look forward to it as an opportunity to meet friends from Corca Dhuibhne, Muscrai, and other Gaeltachtai.

"Joe McHugh TD will be there for the festival; when he took up his role as the Minister of State with responsibility for Irish and the Gaeltachts, he didn't have much Irish, but he has made every effort to learn since. Maybe there's a lesson there for others; it might be worth following his lead and visiting Killarney this week to engage with Irish language and culture."

Shaws Department Stores have named the Irish Hospice Foundation as its charity partner for 2017 and the chain will help raise vital funds for the IHF's Nurses for Night Care programme which provides homecare nursing for people nearing end of life.

As part of this partnership Shaws will host a charity fashion show, at Tralee's Rose Hotel on Thursday, November 9.

Tickets, priced at 20 are on sale now in Shaws Tralee store and via The Rose Hotel.

All proceeds from the event will go directly to the IHF.
Ballybunion's Men's Shed has received a Community Vibrancy Recognition Programme Award in recognition of its valuable contribution to Kerry and further afield.

The award was presented in association with a Kerry Group and NEWKD partnership, and judges cited the shed's part in Ballybunion's vibrancy; providing support to men in the area; promoting the national men's shed movement; and leadership in community, environmental and rural matters as reasons for its win.

Having opened in 2012, the Ballybunion Shed is one of 425 throughout the country - Ireland has the largest concentration of men's sheds on earth - and aims to provide a place for men to meet and undertake shared activities in an environment conducive to learning and skill-sharing. After receiving the award, Chairperson Pat Cummins was full of praise for his members, crediting them on their community-driven ethos.

Director of Corporate Affairs Kerry Group Frank Hayes was also keen to praise the Ballybunion group on its efforts, and the men's shed movement as a whole.

"The men's shed movement provides important social support for a section of the community that was traditionally overlooked," Mr Hayes said.

"The Ballybunion shed is a fantastic example of an open and inclusive environment that offers something to all participants and to the wider local community."

NEWKD Chairperson John Stack explained the important role played by Men's Sheds within his group's overall vision.

"The development of men's sheds in the NEWKD area is a key part of the company's strategy," he said.

"We congratulate both the volunteers and staff involved in the Ballybunion Men's Shed, which is uniquely relevant to the needs in the local area."
One of the nation's best-loved chefs is bound for this neck of the woods where he will be joined by a plethora of talented little helpers as he undertakes a special fundraiser.

Neven Maguire is on his way to Glin this coming Wednesday, November 8, to help out St Fergus's National School in Glin with a cookery demonstration of a very seasonal bent that's set to bring fans of exquisite cuisine in from all over West Limerick and North Kerry.

Neven fans are already awaiting the cookery demonstrating with whetted appetite - especially as it is based on a Christmas theme, just in the nick of time.

"This is a big undertaking for the school and we hope to have a full house at Ceol Corbrai in Glin on Wednesday, November 8," a spokesperson for the school said. Tickets are 25 and are available in all the local shops in Glin and the school office. Doors open at 6.30pm with Artisan Food Fair, followed by a complimentary wine and cheese reception.
Bad weather has derailed many events and ceremonies in Kerry over the years - but while Saturday's ceremony in honour of Colonel Pat Quinlan had to take place within the Sea Lodge Hotel in Waterville due to poor weather, one of the members of the Pat Quinlan Monument Committee said moving indoors was the makings of the day.

Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny was one of around 300 people in South Kerry on Saturday to pay tribute to the late Colonel Quinlan, who famously led the A Company of the Irish Army's 35th Infantry Batallion when it came under attack from Katangese forces in the 1961 Siege of Jadotville in Congo. The siege lasted almost a week with forces held as Prisoners of War for weeks thereafter - with no loss of life.

Also among those in attendance were family; current and former members of the Irish Army; TDs, Senators and Councillors; and six survivors of the siege.

Caherdaniel Commandant John O'Sullivan took charge of an Honour Guard drawn from the Limerick-based 12th Infantry Batallion, with Lieutenant Michael Moriarty from Castlegregory acting as Flag Officer. Fr Gerry Finucane and Fr Liam Cuffe - whose father served in the siege - also took part in the weekend's celebrations.

Fianna Fail Councillor Norma Moriarty was a member of the local committee - which also included Leonard Hurley and Colonel Quinlan's son, Leo - and she explained that the indoor ceremony added rather than took from the jubilant mood on Saturday.

"We had a great turnout, the place was booked out, and having it indoors made it a more comfortable occasion, with attendees and guests able to meet and greet each other and enjoy the moving ceremonies," she said.

"I put a notice of motion in at a meeting of the South and West Kerry Municipal District last year at a time when there was increased awareness around the siege and Colonel Quinlan's deeds; it was just a couple of months after the film 'The Siege of Jadotville' was released.

"We'd like to thank everyone who supported that motion and in bringing a monument to Com an Chiste Pass, overlooking Colonel Quinlan's place of birth at Hog's Head and not far from his former school in Loher.

"We'd also like to thank Holger Lonze - who lives in Portmagee and has his studio at Ionad na Dromoda - for working on the monument, and Tech Amergin and IRD Waterville for their co-operation in helping us raise awareness of this man's actions."

There was also praise for Enda Kenny TD for his participation in Saturday's unveiling.

"One of his last acts in office was to sign off on medals to members who had served in Jadotville, so it was fitting to have him there," Councillor Moriarty said.

"It has also been announced that those medals for the survivors of Jadotville will be presented in December at Custom House Barracks in Athlone."
A Fianna Fail politician is calling for a big tax break for all workers who dealt with the fallout of Ex-hurricane Ophelia - whether rescuing people, clearing roads of trees or fixing the slew of downed power lines across the country.

Kerry Fianna Fail TD John Brassil said that the least the Government can do to recognise these workers - some of whom risked life and limb to help others - is to apply the lower rate of tax on their overtime payments.

Many now face the higher tax band on overtime carried out during and after the unprecedented red alert storm.

Deputy Brassil made the request in a parliamentary question to the Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe.

"At present, all income over 33,800 per year, or 650 per week, is taxed at the higher rate of 41% plus PRSI and USC," Deputy Brassil said.

"As a result of the significant amount of overtime worked, many workers will see their weekly pay packets take a major hit from tax."

He said the work was particularly onerous in a rural county like Kerry: "I think that right across the country, and especially here in Kerry, the local communities are incredibly grateful to everyone who worked so hard, in extremely difficult services, to ensure the safety of everyone.

"These workers, in the county council, the fire service, the ESB, TLI, the ambulance service, and the coast guard worked incredibly long hours, often by putting themselves in danger.

"I think the least we can do is ensure that whatever overtime they receive for this work should be taxed at the lower rate.

"To my mind, it would be unconscionable for these workers to lose over 50% of it in taxes, USC and PRSI."
Junior Infants who had a great day at Spa NS on Friday in their Halloween Costumes

Showing off their Halloween Costumes on Friday at Scoil Eoin,Balloonagh, on Friday (from left) Kayrena Bolger, Ryne Ybanez, Aoife Hassett, Ava Duggan and Joe McMahon

Halloween seems to grow more popular every year and across the county communities were out in force to celebrate the spookiest and most ghoulish night of the year.

The biggest event in the county - and indeed one of the biggest in the entire country - was the annual Halloween Festival in Knocknagoshel which took place on Sunday and once again drew huge crowds to the north Kerry village.

Now firmly established as Ireland's premier outdoor Halloween festival, visitors to the Well Road trail experienced another chilling production, with hundreds of volunteers and performers doing their bit to ensure the visitors enjoyed a genuinely ghastly experience.

This year's Knocknagoshel horror show involved a lorry load of deadly spiders that had escaped and turned the children of the village into a horde or rampaging, blood thirsty zombies.

As ever no effort was spared and The Kerryman - which is a regular visitor to the Knocknagoshel event - can report that it was one of the very best Halloween shows the local committee have ever staged.

The Knocknagoshel festival has been running since 1994 and every year money raised at the event goes to support local charities and causes.

The main beneficiary of this year's horrific spooktacular is the Tralee Soup Kitchen a voluntary group who feed hundreds of people for free every week.

Of course Knocknagoshel wasn't the only place to celebrate Halloween with large and small events held all over the county to mark the annual festival of fear.

One of the biggest events was held in Kenmare where the local Halloween Howl committee organised a Halloween parade on Tuesday night as well as an evening of traditional Halloween party games in the town park.

Near Glenbeigh the Red Fox Inn hosted a Halloween disco for children while the neighbouring Bog Village tourist attraction was transformed into a haunted hamlet filled with all manner of ghosts, goblins and ghouls.

In Killarney and Tralee hundreds of people lined out to take part in fancy dress fun runs while pubs and night clubs across the county hosted Halloween parties.

Schools also got in on the act with most primary schools around the county - and a few Secondary schools - holding fancy dress days on Friday to celebrate Halloween and the start of the, no doubt, eagerly anticipated mid-term break.
Listellick National School Principal Annette Dineen hailed it as 'a great day for everyone in and our wider school community' on learning of the exciting news that a 2020 completion date has been set for a brand new school and added facilities.

The Kerry Education and Training Board (KETB) approved the signing of the Service Level Agreement (SLA) for the new eight-classroom school last week, flagging a new era for education in the community.

The building will feature a general purpose room, a library, multi-purpose room as well as offices and staff facilities, and brings the finishing line closer for a project that's been on the school community's mind for decades, as Ms Dineen explained to The Kerryman.

"This campaign effectively started around 17 years ago, and I can't believe it's finally happening," she said.

"Our original facility only had three classrooms, and the idea of having a new school has been mooted for a long time as the population outgrew what we had.

"We converted our old hall to provide more classrooms years ago and for at least ten years we've had to take a bus to Cumann Iosaef Hall or Abbeydorney to do PE. Both places have been so kind and accommodating, but transport, rent, and other matters have come at a significant cost to the school and parents," Ms Dineen said.

"One of the main problems we've had is that we have three separate buildings on site, so we always have to be dressed for crossing from one building to another. The first reaction we all had to the news was 'oh, we'll be able to dress differently!'.

"We also had a very traumatic incident in 2014 when Storm Darwin blew our roof off during classes, and we had to evacuate the building. That ramped up our urgency to get the project off the ground."

The Department of Education confirmed in 2013 that it would purchase a site for a new school subject to planning. The site, across the road from the present school, was purchased a few years later after planning was secured. The Department of Education has asked the KETB to take responsibility for the construction of the new school.

"The next stage will see the KETB drawing up the design plans before the works go out to tender. We told the pupils on Friday there would be a new school in 2020, and they were all thrilled that we'll soon have an end to having to bring umbrellas and raincoats to school every day!

"Some of the older classes were a little sad that they'll be gone before the new school opens, and some of the kids were a bit disappointed that they won't have to get the bus to the halls in Abbeydorney and Cumann Iosaef anymore, because they loved the spin out.

"But the overall feeling is that everyone's feeling ecstatic that it's finally happening for us.

Ms Dineen said there were many to thank for helping the school get to the point of securing the good news.

"The list of people I must thank is endless, and it's so long that I don't want to highlight names. I must however thank all the TDs and councillors who have helped us over the years and, of course, successive boards of management and the school communities. The finish-line is in sight at last!"

The news was also welcomed by Kerry ETB Cathaoirleach Councillor Jim Finucane and CEO Colm McEvoy.

"I am pleased that the ETB Board approved the signing of the Service Level Agreement between Kerry ETB and the Department of Education and Skills for Listellick National School," Mr McEvoy said.

"This is the first occasion the ETB has been requested to deliver a major building project outside of its own scheme. We look forward to working with the Board of Management, Principal, Staff and the School Community in progressing to completion for December 31 2020."
A new waste-water treatment system designed to look and function as a natural wetland could be on the way for Lixnaw according to proposals by Irish Water.

The waste-water plant currently serving Lixnaw only provides primary treatment and isn't large enough to treat all waste-water from the village. The EPA, which licences the plant, has ordered that an upgrade is required for the plant by the end of 2019 in order to comply with the statutory requirement. The solution proposed is an 'Integrated Constructed Wetland' (ICW), a sustainable system designed to treat waste-water from small, rural communities.

The suggested system would have the capacity to serve some 1,200 people, and a 5.5-hectare site located west-northwest of the village has been earmarked as a possible location.

In designing this system, Irish Water said it engaged with locals during a consultation process, which included bringing a group of people from Lixnaw to view a similar project in County Waterford.

The national water utility now hopes to progress with a planning application for the project.

"An Integrated Constructed Wetland is an excellent wastewater treatment solution for a community like Lixnaw," Irish Water's Paul Cremin said.

"Not only does it treat waste-water to a very high standard, but it also encourages biodiversity by providing a habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna.

"There is no one-size-fits-all approach to developing an ICW. Each site is unique which is why we have been engaging closely with the local community to ensure that we have all the relevant information before proceeding with this planning application. We will continue to welcome all input from local residents as we move forward". Subject to the planning process, Irish Water said it hopes that construction work will get underway by next summer.
Eleven years after the Government set a target of having 175 youth mental health workers serving Kerry and Cork, just 86 are employed in the sector.

The failure of the policy, described as 'shameful' this week, comes as existing mental health workers struggle to cope with spiralling demand - amid evidence that children and teens experiencing mental health difficulties are faced with inordinate delays to access even the first stage of services.

The figures were released to Fianna Fail this week, showing that just 86 'whole time equivalents' (WTEs) currently staff the sector - fewer than half of the 175 set out in the 'Vision for Change' plan 11 years ago.

"Despite a Vision for Change being published more than 11 years ago, the number of staff dedicated to providing child and adolescent mental healthcare services (CAMHS) in the Kerry and Cork region is nowhere near what was envisaged in the strategy," Kerry Fianna Fail TD John Brassil warned.

The investment is needed more than ever now following a recession that, while slashing the public coffers, severely impacted the mental health of all generations.

Deputy Brassil said the current state of the services 'simply isn't good enough': "The Kerry and Cork region needs an additional 89 WTEs to keep pace with demographic changes. Compared to 2016, we have stayed still. The gap between current staffing levels and what is required under a Vision for Change remained the same. This simply isn't good enough at a time when there are no out of hours CAMHS services and inexplicably and dangerously high waiting lists for access to services and treatment," he said.

He warned that continued failure to meet the long-established targets would mean that it would be decades before the provision of a fully functional CAMHS.

"More than 11 years after its publication, this is shameful. The HSE must expand its overseas recruitment in countries other than the UK. In addition, the Department must allow more specialists to be trained and educated."
Bravery awards were given to four teenagers who tried to rescue the life of a Dublin scout who got into difficulty off Hook Head and a Graiguenamanagh man who rescued a man from drowning.

Ceann Comhairle Sean O'Fearghail TD, presented 15 awards in recognition of outstanding acts of bravery at a national ceremony in Farmleigh House on Friday, October 20. The 15 honours are awarded by Comhairle na Mire Gaile - the Deeds of Bravery Council - which was established in 1947 to provide for suitable recognition by the State of outstanding deeds of bravery.

Congratulating the recipients, Mr O'Fearghail, said: 'The Bravery Awards are the only such awards made by the Irish State to its citizens and it is fitting that these courageous acts of bravery are acknowledged and celebrated. Today we celebrate the actions of very brave people from every corner of the country, who, through their heroic and courageous acts have helped other people. I am honoured to present Bravery Awards to this year's recipients.'

Mr O'Fearghail said: 'Today we remember the courage and bravery of Caitriona Lucas, a coast guard volunteer who tragically died during a search off the County Clare coast in September 2016. Catriona's courage and selfless action on that day says everything about her - her strength of character and spirit and willingness to help others.

'It is also a reminder of how committed and brave members of our emergency services put their lives on the line on a daily basis.'

On December 6, 2015, a group of 14 scouts led by two scout leaders visited Hook Head Lighthouse. While most of the scouts and the scout leaders went into the cafeteria for lunch, a few of the scouts went out for a walk.

A number of scouts made their way out onto the rocks. The scouts were playing on the rocks and were moving in and out of the rocks trying to avoid the waves while getting as close as possible to them. At approximately 2 p.m., Philip Byrne and a young girl, Aoife Winterlich, were running up the rocks away from a wave when they were hit by the water from behind and knocked onto the rocks.

Philip Byrne made it onto his feet but Aoife was still down. A second bigger wave came and pulled him into the water. He managed to make it to his feet again and then he and Sean Baitson saw the girl sitting on a rock 10 meters out and 20 meters down.

She was moving on the rock but appeared to be dazed.

Philip Byrne, Sean Baitson, Kyle Corrigan and Cody Ridge Grennelle made their way to where the girl was and tried to retrieve Aoife from the water. Kyle Corrigan began to lift her when another wave struck, knocking him, Cody and Sean into the water. This wave also dragged the girl further into the sea.

Philip Byrne jumped into the water and managed to reach Aoife, who was limp in the water and going in and out of consciousness, before her eyes closed.

Both of them were tossed about by the waves before the current took them out beyond the swell to calmer water.

Philip Byrne managed to keep her afloat. He was attempting mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. He remained with her until the helicopter arrived. Emergency services responded and were on the scene within minutes. Philip and Aoife were winched from the water by the Coast Guard personnel. Just as they reached the helicopter, the girl fell from the harness back into the water. She was retrieved immediately and returned to the helicopter where C.P.R. was administered en route to Waterford Regional Hospital. Aoife was subsequently transferred to Crumlin Children's Hospital on December 8, 2015 and tragically was pronounced dead at 5:15 p.m. two days later.

For their efforts Sean Baitson, Philip Byrne, Kyle Corrigan and Cody Ridge Grennelle were each awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.

Eoin Bolger was awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery. On November 16, 2016 at 3:30 p.m., Thomastown Garda Station, Co. Kilkenny received a call concerning the safety of a man.

A garda arrived to the bottom of the Barrow Lane where he saw a car just about to enter the water at the boat slip in Graiguenamanagh.

By the time he got to the boat slip, the car was starting to float into the main river channel. The driver's door was open and the male did not appear to be wearing a seat belt. The car was starting to sink at an accelerating rate as it went into the river channel and was well out of the reach of the garda who continued to shout at the man to get out of the car. The man continued to look down and was not responding.

The car drifted into the middle of the main river channel and was sinking front first. Eoin Bolger dived into the water and swam out to the car which by now was in mid-channel, 15 meters or so from the river bank and about 50 yards from the boat slip. As the car and driver became submerged Mr. Bolger reached it, went underwater and pulled the male out of the car. The male initially resisted his attempts to remove him but then complied with Mr. Bolger's attempts. Mr. Bolger then surfaced along with the male and pushed him towards the river's edge. Graiguenamanagh Fire Brigade units were on the scene and assisted in getting the male onto dry land and administered oxygen.
Almost 100 patients and their families attended an information evening in Clayton Whites Hotel to hear about the county's new kidney dialysis unit which is due to open in Sinnottstown Lane at Drinagh on the outskirts of Wexford town in the New Year.

Patients listened to a presentation by Ms. Alice Medjaou, Deputy General Manager of University Hospital Waterford which will have clinical governance over the long-awaited Wellstone Clinic being developed by B.Braun. Ms. Medjaou said the satellite haemodialysis unit will lead to improvements in patient-centred care resulting from the provision of services closer to patient' homes. County Wexford patients currently have to travel up to three times a week to Waterford or Dublin to receive dialysis treatment and the routine can be exhausting.

Stephen Byrne, Operations Manager with B.Braun gave a progress report on the project and said the final commissioning of equipment and staff training are on schedule to be completed in early 2018 with the first treatments being offered soon afterwards. Architect Liam Mc Loughlin spoke about how the contemporary design using best international standards will improve the patient experience. Consultant nephrologist Dr Frank Kelly discussed clinical governance and support arrangements for the Wexford centre. Irish Kidney Association Chief Executive Mark Murphy who advocated the need for a haemodialysis unit in Wexford, said he looked forward to the development of quality dialysis care in the centre. Debbie McDonald and Aileen Roussell outlined how the B.Braun model places the needs of the patient centre stage.
The court heard the accident occurred as the girl was walking through the racecourse

A young girl who slipped and fell, injuring her head at Sligo Racecourse has been awarded damages of 40,000 at the Circuit Court in Sligo.

The award was made to Allie O'Shea of Garavogue Villas who sued County Sligo Races Limited through her mother, Ellen following an accident on August 29th 2015 when she was aged 12.

The court was told that the plaintiff was walking through the entrance the racecourse when she slipped and injured herself on abandoned metal frames.

She had entered the racecourse through the pedestrian access which is used by walkers and joggers.

There was no race meeting on at the time of the accident.

The case was defended by Judge Doirbhle Flanagan found 100% in favour of the plaintiff saying she had suffered a very serious injury and had not contributed in any way to the accident.

The plaintiff was represented by Mr Peter Daly BL with Mr Gerard McGovern, solicitor.

Mr Damien Higgins BL with Ronan Daly Jermyn solicitors of Galway appeared on behalf of the defendant company.

The schoolgirl banged the left hand side of her head off the metal frame of abandoned metal frames and was brought to the Emergency Department of Sligo University Hospital where three sutures were inserted in a head wound.

She was discharged under the case of her GP, Dr Damien Tiernan and was left with a 3cm scar over her left forehead.

Dr Tiernan noted that the plaintiff remained very self conscious of the scar and has suggested that it may require revision in the future. The likelihood of it fading was unlikely, the court was told.

The plaintiff was out for a walk with a friend when the accident occurred around 7.30pm. Mr Mark Jordan, engineer, gave evidence on behalf of the plaintiff.
Two friends who sustained extensive burns during an accidental shed fire on Sunday evening are in a serious condition in hospital.

Colm Morrissey and Pat Reddy suffered their injuries when an outbuilding at Mr Reddy's property at Kilmagig, Avoca, became engulfed in flames.

The scene was attended by emergency services, including Arklow Fire Service, and the men were transferred to St James's Hospital, where they remain.

Mr Morrissey's mother Frances said that the family is in shock and that the entire community has rallied round to offer support.

'The two of them were badly burned and are in induced comas. We cannot go into visit in case of infection so we were advised to stay home while the surgery was taking place. The doctors thanked us for observing the rules. Colm has had the first of many operations to come,' Mrs Morrissey said.

'Everybody in the community has been so kind. We even got calls from as far away as Australia where Colm worked for a while. We don't know yet what caused the fire. It is awful to look at him like that in hospital. All we can do is hope and pray that they will both recover,' Mrs Morrissey added.

She also paid tribute to the medical team for the 'marvellous work' they are doing for her youngest child, who is aged in his early forties.

A Garda spokesperson said that foul play is not suspected but they are investigating how the property went on fire.
The moment of truth: Katie Taylor is embraced by her mother Bridget as she wins the WBA World Female Lightweight title

It's back to work at the weekend for WBA lightweight champion of the world Katie Taylor, as she prepares to defend her title in London next month.

The announcement was made during a homecoming press conference yesterday in Dublin along with manager Brian Peters.

There was joy in Bray on Saturday night when Katie conquered defending champion Argentine Anahi Sanchez in Cardiff, on the Anthony Joshua under-card. Taylor took the points victory and her first world title just 11 months into her professional career.

'Words can't express how I feel,' she said, moments after her arm was raised by the referee. 'I'm just delighted to be world champion.'

On arrival in Dublin airport on Sunday, Katie told RTE that she had celebrated with family and friends the previous evening.

'This is something I worked for my whole life really. Since I turned pro 11 months ago my dream was to bring that belt home, so it's an absolute dream to have it,' she said.

'This time last year I was definitely at the lowest point of my career but I knew it wasn't over for me. I knew it wasn't the end. I knew the best was yet to come. I had to stay determined and not give up and that's exactly what I did.'

She sustained a nasty cut above her eye in the fight, the first of her career to date.

Sanchez was overweight by a pound at weigh-in so was disqualified from claiming the belt in the clash.

In a matter of weeks, Taylor will defend that title against US number one Jessica McCaskill on December 15.

'I'm going back to America at the weekend to start training,' said Katie yesterday at Dublin's Irish Film Institute.

'I am a quiet person, but in the ring, that's where I feel the most alive I guess,' she said. 'I just want to be the best out there. I want to be the greatest of all time really. I want to make history in my sport and I've always wanted that. I've a great team of people around me to make that happen.'

She said that she can't wait to headline the show, and is looking forward to stepping into the ring with rival McCaskill, who has been calling Taylor out for the past year.

'She'll regret that,' said Brian Peters.

'She's a great fighter,' said Katie. 'It definitely will be a tough fight but these are the fights that I want.'

Brian said that fans can expect a bout on home soil in March or April. He said that it will be a very special event for the Irish supporters.

'The support Katie's got has been fantastic,' he said. 'It will be great for them to get an opportunity to see Katie at home.'

The homecoming fight is expected to take place in the 3 Arena.
An Egyptian TV presenter has been sentenced to three years in prison for discussing women having children outside wedlock on air.

Doaa Salah asked if her viewers had considered having sex before marriage.

The Al-Nahar TV presenter also suggested a woman could briefly marry to have children before divorcing her husband.

Opening the Dodi Show wearing a false pregnancy bump, she said: If she gets divorce she becomes a single mother. If, God forbid, she is widowed, she becomes single mother. So can you choose, yourself, to become a single mother before you get married?"

She also complained artificial insemination was not offered in Egypt.

Ms Salah was immediately suspended from her presenting job for three months after the broadcast.

She was later charged and convicted of outraging public decency.

Ashraf Naji, a lawyer, filed a lawsuit against Ms Salah after the programme aired in July and she was reportedly ordered to pay 10,000 Egyptian pounds in compensation (430).

Authorities said the ideas touted by Ms Salah "threatened the fabric of Egyptian life", according to the EFE news agency.

Although it is not illegal to have a child outside marriage in Egypt, it is frowned on. Parents can find it difficult to register illegitimate children because of rules requiring them to prove the paternity of the child.

Critics say Egypt is growing increasingly conservative and in recent months the state has used vague morality laws to arrest 70 men and women accused of being gay.

Ms Salah's three-year prison sentence follows a verdict that is open to appeal.
U.S. citizen Martha O'Donovan arrives at court in Harare, Zimbabwe November 4, 2017. O'Donovan was charged on Friday with attempting to overthrow the Zimbabwean government, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years in jail, after police earlier accused her of insulting 93-year-old President Robert Mugabe. REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo

A U.S. citizen was charged on Friday with attempting to overthrow the Zimbabwean government, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years in jail, after police earlier accused her of insulting 93-year-old President Robert Mugabe.

Martha O'Donovan, who works for Magamba TV, which describes itself as Zimbabwe's leading producer of political satire, was picked up in a dawn raid on her Harare home, her lawyer said.

O'Donovan, who denies both charges, was expected in court on Saturday, lawyer Obey Shava said.

Police spokeswoman Charity Charamba could not be reached for comment on the new, much more serious, charge.

O'Donovan was first charged with insulting and undermining the president, according to a police charge sheet, which accused her of last month calling Mugabe a "selfish and sick man" on Twitter, the first such arrest since the creation of a Ministry of Cyber Security last month.

That charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail, her lawyer said.

Shava said police then accused O'Donovan of setting up Magamba, being behind a "shadowy Twitter character" called @matigary and setting up another Twitter account @OpenParlyZw "for the sole purpose of overthrowing the government through unconstitutional means".

The government has been particularly uneasy about social media after activists such as pastor Evan Mawararire and his #ThisFlag movement last year used social media to organise a stay-at-home demonstration, the biggest anti-government protest in a decade. A national election is due in 2018.

The police search warrant showed that central to its investigation was a post on O'Donovan's Twitter feed referring to a "Goblin" whose wife and step-sons had imported a Rolls-Royce, an apparent reference to Mugabe, though he was not named.

In a statement to police seen by Reuters, O'Donovan said:

"I deny the allegations being levelled against me as baseless and malicious. That is all I wish to say."

The U.S. embassy in Harare confirmed an American citizen had been arrested and said it was monitoring the situation closely.

Shava said his client had refused to sign a new document known as a "warned and cautioned statement" with the fresh charge. The document sets out the government's case and signing it signals a suspect understands the charge.

She had signed the statement on the lesser charge.
South Koreans are voting for a new president to replace Park Geun-hye, who was forced out after a huge corruption scandal.

The favourite is a liberal candidate who has pledged to improve ties with North Korea, re-examine a contentious US missile shield, and bring in sweeping economic changes.

Conservatives worry that a victory by Moon Jae-in might benefit North Korea and estrange South Korea from its most important ally, the United States.

Mr Moon (64) was the clear favourite as conservative forces struggled to regroup after the scandal ended Ms Park's presidency.

He said after casting his vote: "I gave all my body and soul (to the election) to the very end. My party and I invested all our efforts with a sense of desperation, but we also felt a great desire by people to build a country we can be proud of again."

The final opinion surveys released last week showed Mr Moon, the Democratic Party candidate, had about a 20 percentage-point lead over his two main rivals - a centrist and a conservative.

His victory would end a near-decade of conservative leadership by Ms Park and Lee Myung-bak.

Mr Moon was chief of staff for the last liberal president Roh Moo-hyun, who sought closer ties with North Korea by setting up large-scale aid shipments to the North and by working on now-stalled joint economic projects.

Outspoken conservative Hong Joon-pyo, the candidate from Ms Park's Liberty Korea Party, described the election as a war between ideologies and accused Mr Moon of being aligned with North Korea.

Mr Hong said the election was a "war of regime choices between people, whether they decide to accept a North Korea-sympathising leftist government or a government that can protect the liberty of the Republic of Korea," South Korea's formal name.

The polls have shown him even with centrist Ahn Cheol-soo.

The winner will be sworn in after the National Election Commission ends the vote count and confirms the result on Wednesday.

Because the vote is a special election, the new president will forgo the usual two-month transition and will serve one full, five-year term rather than only completing Ms Park's original term, which was to have ended in February 2018.

Ms Park, South Korea's first female president, is in a detention facility near Seoul and awaits a criminal trial set to start later this month.

She has been indicted on bribery, extortion and other corruption charges, which could send her to jail for life if she is convicted.

Mr Moon, who lost the 2012 election to Ms Park by a million votes, frequently appeared at rallies against her, and the corruption scandal boosted his push to re-establish liberal rule.

He called for reforms to clean up social inequalities, excessive presidential power and corrupt ties between politicians and business leaders.

Many of those legacies dated to the dictatorship of Ms Park's father, Park Chung-hee, whose 18-year rule was marked by both rapid economic rise and severe civil rights abuse.
The ousted leader of Catalonia remains the subject of a European arrest warrant as questions mount over how long he will elude the Spanish justice system by staying undercover in Belgium and delaying extradition.

Former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont and several members of his separatist government fled north to Brussels after Spanish authorities removed the region's senior officials from office a week ago.

It is thought that Puigdemont and four others are still in Belgium, but sources close to them would not reveal their whereabouts.

Puigdemont wrote in Dutch on his Twitter account Saturday that he would "co-operate" with Belgian authorities, although his lawyer has said the pro-independence politician would fight a forced return to Spain.

"We are prepared to fully co-operate with Belgian justice following the European arrest warrant issued by Spain," Puigdemont wrote.

Prosecutors in Brussels said they were examining the arrest warrants for Puigdemont and four of his associates and hope to launch extradition proceedings as soon as possible.

Federal prosecutors in Belgium shared the warrants with their city counterparts due to links the five politicians from Catalonia have to Brussels, a statement from the capital's prosecutors' office said.

The statement did not explain what those links are. Puigdemont spoke at a news conference in Brussels on Tuesday and appeared on Belgian state television on Friday.

Puigdemont also sent a Twitter message in Catalan to political followers in north-eastern Spain. He weighed in on a debate among secessionists in Catalonia regarding strategy for the December snap election Spain's government has called as part of its temporary takeover of the region.

"It's the moment for all democrats to unite. For Catalonia, for the freedom of political prisoners and the Republic," Puigdemont wrote, endorsing calls for pro-secession political parties to unite in a coalition for the election.

Spanish government spokesman Inigo Mendez de Vigo said on Friday that politicians, even those who are jailed on suspicion of a crime, can run in the election unless they are convicted before it takes place. Puigdemont has left the door open to running.

In Barcelona, the government seat of Catalonia, pro-union parties criticised Puigdemont for his flight to Europe's capital 662 miles away.

Albert Rivera, leader of the liberal Citizens party, said Puigdemont had got what he asked for when he pushed ahead with plans for secession despite warnings from Spanish authorities that he was breaking the law.

"Mr Puigdemont, wherever you are, come back to Spain and show your face before the law," Mr Rivera said. "When you once bragged about flouting the law, you cannot now be indignant when a judge opens an investigation into your acts."

Miquel Iceta, leader of Catalonia's Socialists, said at a separate rally: "We have members of the government in prison, and others in Brussels trying to avoid the law. This is time to build bridges, not raise frontiers."

Puigdemont and the four former ministers are being sought for five crimes, including rebellion, sedition and embezzlement, for their roles in pushing regional lawmakers to declare independence from Spain.

But the longer he can delay his arrest and extradition, the greater chance he would have of being a factor in the December 21 election.

AP
A lawyer in Egypt who said women who wear ripped jeans should be raped in an act of national duty has been reported to a top prosecutor after being accused of promoting sexual harassment.

Nabih al-Wahsh faces legal action after he made the controversial comment in a live TV discussion as part of a panel which was debating laws on inciting debauchery.

He suggested that if women who wore provocative clothing became victims of a sex attack it would teach them not to put on such garments again.

Mr al-Wahsh said: Girls must respect themselves so others respect them. Protecting morals is more important than protecting borders.

But campaign group National Council for Women reported Mr al-Wahsh to Egypts top prosecutor over his comments.

It said in a press release: All the members of the council denounce and decry this statement that explicitly promotes rape and sexual harassment.

Its member Nada Draz said the campaign group also plans to file a complaint to the TV station Al-Assema - where the Egyptian lawyer made his comments that sparked outrage.

Mr al-Wahsh had been speaking on the satellite channel two weeks ago over laws on inciting debauchery in Egypt.

He told fellow panellists: "Are you happy when you see a girl walking down the street with half of her behind showing?

I say that when a girl walks about like that, it is a patriotic duty to sexually harass her and a national duty to rape her.

It came after he branded a liberal cleric an "infidel" in a TV debate last October that ended with chairs and shoes flying around the studio.

The row erupted after Sheikh Rashad, who is famed for his liberal interpretation of Islam, argued women should not necessarily be required to cover their hair with a headscarf.

Mr al-Wahsh's latest rape comments came after a 2008 study found that 83 per cent of Egyptian women said they had been sexually harassed and 53 per cent of men blamed women for bringing it on themselves.

The countrys capital, Cairo, was last month branded the most dangerous megacity for women.

Campaigners there say this stems from centuries-old traditions of discrimination, with women having limited access to good healthcare, education, and finance.
Former Catalan cabinet member Santi Vila, centre, walks out of prison after being released on bail in Estremera, Spain, yesterday. Photo: Reuters

Spain's judiciary has issued a European arrest warrant for Carles Puig'demont and the four other former Catalan ministers who have sought refuge in Belgium, his lawyer said.

Paul Bekaert said that the deposed Catalan leader would seek to avoid returning to Spain for questioning.

He added that the process to extradite his client from Belgium to Spain could be a time-consuming procedure.

"The atmosphere is not good to give testimony at the moment, and it is better to take a step back," Mr Bekaert told Belgian television channel VRT.

Hours earlier a judge in Madrid had imprisoned nine members of the Catalan government removed from power by Spain's government after illegally declaring independence.

Eight of the nine former Catalan officials remanded in custody were denied bail by the high court judge.

The judge is investigating all 14 members of the deposed government on accusations of rebellion, sedition and misappropriation of public funds, crimes that carry jail terms of up to 30 years.

The lawyer added that Mr Puigdemont was prepared to cooperate with Belgium's prosecution service, which will deal with the arrest warrant.

Mr Bekaert had said in earlier statements that any extradition process from Belgium to Spain would take some time as the arrest warrant must be translated, processed by the Belgian federal police and state prosecutors.

Then Mr Puigdemont must collect the order and take it to an investigating judge's court, the lawyer explained.

That judge, Mr Bekaert said, "has various options". "They can have him arrested and handcuffed. But the investigating judge does not have to arrest him; he can also leave Mr Puigdemont at liberty, under certain conditions. I will try to go down these alternative routes".

The entire extradition process could take months, or even years.

From Belgium, Mr Puigdemont yesterday slammed the Spanish authorities for what he considers an "attack" on Catalonia's legitimate right to select its own leaders and future status.

He called on Catalans to protest against the Spanish authorities "without violence, peacefully and with respect for everybody's opinions".

Tens of thousands of people demonstrated in Barcelona and other cities in Catalonia on Thursday night after the news broke that the former regional officials had been imprisoned.

The jailings set off a new round of protests in Catalonia. Several thousand people gathered on Thursday night in Barcelona and other towns to call for their release.

Mr Puigdemont and his cabinet were removed by Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy last week a day after the Catalan parliament voted in favour of a declaration of independence.

Mr Rajoy used extraordinary powers given to him by the Senate to depose the separatists, dissolve the regional legislature and call an early regional election.

Mr Puigdemont surfaced in Belgium on Tuesday with some of his ex-ministers, saying they were seeking "freedom and safety" there.

In all, Spanish prosecutors are investigating 20 regional politicians for rebellion and other crimes.
Moors Murderer Ian Brady's ashes were buried at sea in the middle of the night after a cremation in Southport last Wednesday, it has been confirmed.

The child killer, who used the name Ian Stewart-Brady, died aged 79 on May 15 this year, and was incinerated without ceremony.

The body was collected from the mortuary at Royal Liverpool hospital by a Tameside Council official at around 9pm on October 25, court documents show.

Under police escort the corpse was then taken to Southport Crematorium, where the cremation began at 10pm exactly. No music or flowers were allowed. Following this, Brady's ashes were placed in a weighted biodegradable urn, driven to Liverpool Marina and later dispatched at sea on Thursday, October 26, at 2.30am.

The serial killer's crimes shocked the nation as he tortured and murdered five children in the 1960s, along with Myra Hindley, who died in prison in 2002.

There were fears the remains of Scottish-born Brady would be scattered on Saddleworth Moor - where they buried four of their victims. Brady's executor Robin Makin gave assurances there was "no likelihood" of this happening, but the Chancellor of the High Court, Sir Geoffrey Vos, ruled the issue of disposal should be taken out of Mr Makin's hands.
A Canadian mining company says it's raised more than $2 million from an outside investor to help fund its pursuit of a gold mine north of Yellowstone National Park.

Lucky Minerals Inc. said Friday it's entered a $2.5 million investment agreement with Toronto-based Clarus Securities. The deal is expected to close this month.

Montana regulators granted permission in July for Lucky to begin exploration work in the Absaroka Mountains near the town of Emigrant.

Lucky chief executive officer Robert Rosner told the Bozeman Daily Chronicle that Clarus likely would continue investing in its Emigrant Creek mining project if the exploration work is successful.

Environmental groups are challenging the state's approval of the project in court. They say mining would damage waterways draining into the Yellowstone River, hurting tourism.
Laura Plummer has been locked up in an Egyptian jail for almost a month

A woman has been detained in Egypt after flying into the country with painkillers for her husband's sore back.

Laura Plummer, 33, from Hull in England, was arrested when she was found to be carrying tramadol and Naproxen in her suitcase, The Sun reported.

The newspaper said she signed a 38-page statement in Arabic which she thought would result in her being able to leave the airport, but she has been held in a 15ft by 15ft cell with 25 other women for nearly a month.

Her brother James Plummer, 31, said the family has been told she could face up to 25 years in jail, with one lawyer even mentioning the death penalty.

Mr Plummer said his sister had been arrested for what he thinks the authorities in Egypt call "drug trafficking", but said she had only brought a small amount of medication for her Egyptian husband who she visits two to four times a year.

The Sun said she took 29 strips of tramadol, each containing ten tablets, plus some Naproxen, adding that her husband suffers back pain due to an accident.

Mr Plummer told the Press Association: "It's just blown out of proportion completely."

He said his sister just thought she was doing a "good deed" by bringing the medication over to her husband, and said she will be "completely out of her comfort zone" in jail.

"She's so by the book, so routine, she just likes her own home comforts, watches Emmerdale every night or things like that, going to bed at nine o'clock every night," he said.

Mr Plummer said his mother and sisters have travelled to Egypt to visit Laura following her arrest on October 9, adding: "They say she's unrecognisable. When they seen her, she's like a zombie, they said."

He said her hair is starting to fall out due to stress and he voiced concerns about how she will cope.

"I don't think she's tough enough to survive it," he said, adding: "She has a phobia of using anybody else's toilet, so let alone sharing a toilet and a floor with everybody else. That will be awful for her, it'll be traumatising."

Mr Plummer said the family feel "helpless" due to being in a different country, and said of his sister: "It's awful for Laura ... she's not a tough person at all. She's only small."

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are supporting a British woman and her family following her detention in Egypt."
Europe has seen few political dramas quite like it in recent years: a political showdown followed by a constitutional crisis followed by a deposed regional president surfacing in Brussels as he and his associates face sedition charges back home.

The twists and turns of the crisis in Catalonia - and the speed at which it unfolded - have taken everyone by surprise, as have the high emotions on all sides.

This week, a Spanish judge locked up nine former ministers in Catalonia's regional government pending trial on charges including rebellion and sedition - only allowing one, Santi Vila, to be released on bail as he had quit on the eve of the illegal declaration of independence.

They are among some 20 people - including deposed president Carles Puigdemont - facing charges that could lead to sentences of up to 30 years in prison. Puigdemont's decision to steal away to Brussels was a calculated one: "We are here because Brussels is the capital of Europe," he said after arriving. "This is a European issue and I want Europe to react."

The crisis is another headache for an EU already burdened with the fallout from Brexit and facing several other regional movements inspired by the Catalan separatist push.

In Brussels, Puigdemont remains defiant, describing himself as the "legitimate president" of Catalonia though the regional parliament was dissolved last week. He says he is not seeking asylum but that he came to Brussels "to have more security".

Few could have imagined this scenario in the run-up to the controversial independence referendum on October 1.

Clashes and a heavy-handed response by police on the day further ratcheted up tension. Last Friday, its parliament boldly declared independence, a move that immediately triggered Madrid to invoke Article 155 of the Spanish constitution for the first time and impose direct rule on Catalonia. Most of Catalonia's political parties have agreed to snap elections in December, which will bring about a new regional government.

What flavour that government may have is an open question: while many Catalans are inflamed over what they see as Madrid's hamfisted approach, others took part in a massive pro-unity rally in Barcelona. Catalonia is divided and support for the secessionists is far from the dominant mood.

Much can happen between now and December and many fear the simmering animosities could yet again flare into violence. In the meantime, there is the economic impact of Spain's worst political crisis in decades to reckon with.

Catalonia, a region of 7.5 million people, generates about one-fifth of the country's overall economic output. But uncertainty about Catalonia's future has prompted some 2,000 banks, multinationals and mid-size companies to move their headquarters outside the region. Figures released this week showed that unemployment rose sharply in Catalonia by 3.67pc - affecting 14,698 people - the largest loss of jobs in all of Spain's regions. In comparison, Madrid experienced a rise of just 0.08pc during the same period.

On Thursday, the Bank of Spain warned that the upheaval resulting from the independence drive - if the uncertainty continues - could markedly slow economic growth in the next months. All the signs indicate that the turmoil is set to continue.

The move to detain the eight regional ministers accused of rebellion and sedition has already brought thousands of angry Catalans to the streets in Barcelona in protest. Rallies in their support have also been held in other Catalan towns. From Brussels, Puigdemont deplored the detentions as "an act that breaks with the basic principles of democracy".

Prosecutors are also seeking a European Arrest Warrant for Puigdemont, who says he will not return to Spain unless he receives guarantees of a fair trial. His presence in Belgium is ruffling feathers there. "We really shouldn't be importing Spanish problems," a Belgian official told the Politico website.

Back in Spain, many have been taken aback not only by how quickly the situation escalated but also how the crisis has led to a resurgence of reactionary right-wing nationalism in other parts of the country.

The sight in recent months of counter-independence demonstrators in Madrid and other places singing Franco-era anthems and making salutes associated with the dark decades of his fascist regime has disturbed many.

The ghosts of Spain's history are being stirred.
General Mohammad Ali Jafari told a conference called A World Without Terror in Tehran that Iran's supreme leader has limited the range of ballistic missiles it makes to 1,240 miles or 2,000km (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iran has displayed a surface-to-surface missile as part of events marking the anniversary of the 1979 US Embassy takeover and hostage crisis amid uncertainty about its nuclear deal with world powers.

Thousands gathered at the former US Embassy in central Tehran where the missile, believed to be a 1,243-mile (2,000km) range solid-fuel Sejjil, was on show. It was the first time Iran had displayed a missile during the annual gathering.

Later in the day, the semi-official Tasnim news agency, which has ties to the elite Revolutionary Guard, said the missile was a Qadr-F that has the same range.

Hundreds of Iranian militant students stormed the US Embassy following the 1979 Islamic Revolution that toppled US-backed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. They took 52 Americans hostage for 444 days after Washington refused to hand over the shah, who was in the US.

A crowd chanted "Down with the US" and "Death to Israel" during the anniversary celebration. State TV said similar celebrations were being held in other Iranian cities and towns. They also burned flags of both the US and Israel as well as an effigy of President Donald Trump.

President Trump refused to re-certify the 2015 landmark nuclear deal between Iran and world powers in October and the US has imposed more sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missile programme.

The US Congress must now make a decision regarding the 2015 nuclear deal, in which Iran agreed to limit its enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.

Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the country's Supreme National Security Council, addressed the crowd, saying Iran will make any sanctions imposed by the US "ineffective" even as America targets Iran's economic, nuclear and defensive power.

Mr Shamkhani, alluding to Mr Trump's threats against North Korea, said even US allies know that the US president "has no power to realise his bluffs, against Iran, too". He called the US the "eternal enemy" of Iran.

The former embassy in Tehran is now a cultural centre while standing as a symbol of a US defeat for many Iranians. Many Iranians call it the "den of spies".

The US cut diplomatic ties with Iran following the embassy takeover and has had no diplomatic relations since.

AP
Allegations that Lee Harvey Oswald was connected to the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) were "totally unfounded", say newly released documents regarding president John F Kennedy's assassination.

A 1975 CIA memo says a thorough search of agency records in and outside the United States was conducted to determine whether Oswald had been used by the agency or connected with it in "any conceivable way."

The memo said the search came up empty. The memo also said there was also no indication that any other US agency used Oswald as a source or for recruitment.

The US National Archives released another 676 government documents related to the assassination - the third public release so far this year. Under law, all the documents were to be disclosed to the public last week.

Most of the latest release comprises 553 records from the CIA that previously were withheld in their entirety. There also are records from the US Justice and Defence departments, the US House of Representatives' Select Committee on Assassinations and the National Archives.

University of Virginia historian Larry Sabato complained that many of the documents in the latest release were still heavily redacted. He tweeted about a 144-page record, titled "Material Reviewed at CIA headquarters by House Select Committee on Assassinations staff members," that had writing on only a handful of pages.

President Donald Trump has ordered the release of all records related to the assassination, and they are expected to be made public on a rolling basis during the next three to four weeks.

He also directed agencies to take another look at redactions and withhold information only in the rarest of circumstances.

One record showed how US officials scrambled after the assassination to round up information about Oswald's trip to Mexico City weeks earlier.

Officials wondered whether Oswald had been trying to get visas at the Soviet and Cuban embassies in Mexico City in order to "make a quick escape after assassinating the president".

A CIA message sent November 24 1963 - two days after Kennedy was killed - said an "important question" that remained unsolved was whether Oswald had been planning to travel right away or return to the US and leave later.

Another record dated April 11 1964, recounted a visit to the CIA by three staff members of the Warren Commission, which was set up to investigate the assassination.

The memo said the staff members indicated that Thomas Mann, former ambassador to Mexico and then-assistant secretary for inter-American affairs, "still has the 'feeling in his guts' that (Cuban leader Fidel) Castro hired Oswald to kill Kennedy".

They said, however, that the commission has not been able to get any proof of that.

AP
Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri has resigned from his post during a trip to Saudi Arabia in a surprise move that plunged the country into uncertainty amid heightened regional tensions.

In a televised address from Riyadh, the 47-year-old fired off a vicious tirade against Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah group for what he said was their meddling in Arab affairs and said: "Iran's arms in the region will be cut off."

"The evil that Iran spreads in the region will backfire on it," he added, accusing Tehran of spreading chaos, strife and destruction throughout the region.

Mr Hariri was appointed prime minister in late 2016 and headed a 30-member national unity cabinet that included the Shiite militant Hezbollah. The government has largely succeeded in protecting the country from the effects of the civil war in neighbouring Syria.

The country is sharply divided along a camp loyal to Saudi Arabia, headed by Sunni Muslim Mr Hariri, and a camp loyal to Iran represented by Hezbollah.

Mr Hariri's resignation on Saturday was expected to sharply raise tensions in the country. In his speech, he suggested he feared for his life and said the atmosphere in the country is similar to the one that existed before his father, the late prime minister Rafik Hariri, was assassinated in 2005.

Several Hezbollah members are being tried in absentia for the killing by a UN-backed tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands. Hezbollah denies any involvement.

Mr Hariri said Hezbollah's policies have put Lebanon "in the eye of the storm".

"Hezbollah was able in past decades to impose a status quo in Lebanon through its weapons directed at the chests of Syrians and Lebanese," he said.

Earlier this week, Saudi State Minister for Gulf Affairs Thamer al-Sabhan sharply criticised Hezbollah, calling for its "toppling" and promising "astonishing developments" in the coming days during an interview with the Lebanese TV station MTV.

Mr al-Sabhan met Mr Hariri in Saudi Arabia earlier this week. Mr Hariri abruptly returned to the kingdom on Friday before his bombshell announcement on Saturday.

After the talks with Mr Hariri, Mr al-Sabhan described it on Twitter as a "long and fruitful meeting" that resulted in agreements over many issues which concern the Lebanese. "What comes is better, God willing."

In a series of tweets, he slammed the Lebanese government for tolerating Hezbollah's criticism of the kingdom.

He earlier said that those who co-operate with Hezbollah must be "punished".

The attacks on Hezbollah came on the heels of new US sanctions on the group.

AP
Saudi military forces have intercepted missiles fired from Yemen several times in the past

Saudi Arabia said its forces have intercepted a ballistic missile fired from Yemen towards one of the kingdom's major international airports on the outskirts of the capital, Riyadh.

The missile was fired across Saudi Arabia's southern border by Yemen's Houthi rebels, who are at war with the kingdom.

Several Houthi-owned media outlets, including Al-Masira and Saba, reported the rebels had launched the missile.

It was shot down by Saudi air defence forces, with fragments of the missile landing in an uninhabited area north of the capital.

Saudi Arabia's Civil Aviation Authority said the missile did not cause any damage to King Khalid International Airport and flights were not disrupted.

This is the first time a Houthi missile has come this close to a heavily populated area, and it appears to be the farthest such a missile has reached inside Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh is around 620 miles north of the border with Yemen.

A Saudi military spokesman condemned the attack in a statement, saying the missile was fired "indiscriminately" towards a populated civilian area.

Saudi military forces have intercepted missiles fired from Houthis several times since March 2015, when a Saudi-led coalition launched a war against Houthi rebels and their allies after they captured northern Yemen and ousted the Saudi-backed president from power. The kingdom has also imposed an air and sea blockade on Yemen.

The war has killed more than 10,000 civilians and displaced 3 million others, pushing the Arab world's poorest country to the brink of famine

The US, which is one of the kingdom's most important military suppliers, has backed the coalition with logistical support.

In the past, Saudi Arabia has accused its rival, Shiite power Iran, of training and helping arm the rebels. Iran denies it has provided material support, though it acknowledges its political support of the Houthis.

Al-Masira said the missile launched on Saturday evening was made in Yemen and was the third to be fired towards Riyadh this year. It reported the rebels saying the missile was fired in response to "Saudi-American aggression and crimes against the people of Yemen".

Earlier this week, a suspected air strike by the Saudi-led coalition killed at least 29 people, including children, in northern Yemen.
Fraud by Red Cross workers and others wasted more than six million dollars (4.6 million) meant to fight the deadly Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the organisation has confirmed.

The revelations follow an internal investigation of how money was handled during the 2014-2016 epidemic that killed more than 11,000 people in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.

Up to two million dollars (1.5 million) disappeared due to "likely collusion" between Red Cross staff and employees at a Sierra Leonean bank, the investigation found.

The International Federation of the Red Cross also revealed evidence of fraud in the two other hardest-hit countries during the Ebola crisis, Liberia and Guinea.

Investigators in Liberia found "evidence of fraud related to inflated prices of relief items, payroll and payment of volunteer incentives."

The IFRC estimated the loss at 2.7 million dollars (2.1 million).

And in Guinea, at least one million dollars (765,000) disappeared because of fraudulent billing practices by a customs clearance service provider. Two other investigations there are pending, the IFRC said.

Ebola erupted in Guinea and spread rapidly to Sierra Leone and Liberia.

The international aid response was initially slow, and once money arrived it was often disbursed quickly in the rush to purchase supplies and get aid workers into the field.

"I feel disappointed and concerned by the reaction of a few individuals, that their actions detract from the amazing work of the Red Cross staff and volunteers during the Ebola outbreak," said Paul Jenkins, head of the delegation for the IFRC and Red Crescent Societies in Sierra Leone's capital, Freetown.

"Their actions saved thousands of lives and the IFRC will continue to ensure that its funds are used for the purpose for which they are given," he said.

The IFRC said it was strengthening its efforts to fight corruption, including introducing cash spending limits in "high-risk settings."

It also plans to send trained auditors along with emergency operations teams.

Other measures will include additional staff training and the establishment of a dedicated and independent internal investigation function.

The IFRC said it was working with Sierra Leone's Anti-Corruption Commission to "investigate and legally pursue any persons involved."

AP
US president Donald Trump and Melania Trump throw flower pedals while visiting the Pearl Harbour Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

President Donald Trump has paid a solemn visit to Pearl Harbour and its memorial to the USS Arizona.

Mr Trump saluted after entering the memorial following a short boat ride with first lady Melania Trump.

They approached a wreath of white flowers - a gift from the couple - and watched as two sailors who stood beside it at attention placed the wreath near a wall of names of the fallen.

Pearl Harbour was the scene of a surprise attack by Japan that plunged the US into the Second World War, killing hundreds of service members.

After the wreath was placed, the Trumps tossed white flower petals into the waters above the battleship's sunken hull.

Mr Trump did not speak publicly at the memorial, but during an earlier meeting on Friday with military officials, he said he was eagerly anticipating the visit.

"We are going to visit very shortly, Pearl Harbour, which I've read about, spoken about, heard about, studied, but I haven't seen. And that is going to be very exciting for me," Mr Trump said at the start of a briefing with leaders of the US Pacific Command.

Mr Trump stopped in Hawaii on the eve of his first visit to Asia.

He arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbour-Hickam on Friday after a day-long flight from Washington.

He departs on Saturday for Japan, the first stop on the five-nation, 11-day journey that will also take him to South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

The president quickly donned a lei after he left Air Force One with his wife, who also wore a wreath of flowers.

He signed autographs and gave high-fives to children who were among a group of civilians and service members that gathered for the arrival.

Mr Trump was not the only attraction to arrive on base, with a few in the crowd shouting their admiration for White House chief of staff John Kelly.

"We love you General Kelly," one person shouted at the retired four-star Marine general who stood several feet behind the president.

The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbour marks the final resting place of more than 1,000 sailors and Marines who were killed on the battleship during the surprise Japanese attack on December 7, 1941.

Accessible only by boat, the memorial straddles the ship's sunken hull.

A total of more than 2,300 sailors, soldiers and Marines died as a result of the attack, as well as 68 civilians, according to the National Park Service.

AP
Eight people after an Uzbek citizen steered a rented van on to a bike path and sped south towards the World Trade Centre (AP)

Argentinian survivors from Tuesday's attack sit during a news conference at the Consulate General of Argentina in New York City, New York, U.S., November 3, 2017. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

Four Argentine survivors of a deadly terrorist attack in New York City this week have said they always will carry the pain of seeing five of their friends killed.

Juan Pablo Trevisan, Ariel Benvenuto, Guillermo Banchini and Ivan Brajkovic gathered at the Argentine Consulate in New York and Banchini, speaking for the group, read an emotional statement that brought tears to the eyes of consulate officials.

"Friendship has a profound significance for Argentinians," Mr Banchini said. "We were brought here because of a friendship that was born when we were young, and that always accompanied us. We will forever mourn our friends. Love brought us here, and love will continue to unite us".

The four survivors belonged to a group of 10 who came to the city last week to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their graduation.

Five of them died after an Uzbek citizen steered a rented van onto a bike path and sped south toward the World Trade Centre, striking cyclists and pedestrians, killing eight.

Sayfullo Saipov, 29, was arraigned on Wednesday on terrorism charges.

The Argentinian group bore the brunt of the fatalities who were named as Hernan Ferrucchi, Alejandro Damian Pagnucco, Hernan Diego Mendoza, Ariel Erlij and Diego Enrique Angelini.

Another one, Martin Marro, who lives near Boston, Massachusetts , was seriously injured although he is expected to make a full recovery.

The four survivors hugged after Mr Banchini read the statement, and applause erupted in the room. Deputy Consul General Eduardo Almirantearena had tears in his eyes.

"What has the world become? How could someone think, plan and execute a plan like this? We can't get our heads around it," Mr Banchini said.

He called for love "ruling over hate and life prevailing over death."

"We have to return home now. We have to accompany the inconsolable families of our friends," he said. "Let us go with our pain to our homes."

Expand Close Sayfullo Saipov appeared in court in a wheelchair and was ordered to be detained (St. Charles County Department of Corrections/KMOV via AP) / Facebook

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AP
London, Nov 4 (IBNS): Cancer cells can be targeted and destroyed with the metal from the asteroid that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs, according to new research by an international collaboration between the University of Warwick and Sun Yat-Sen University in China.

Researchers from the Professor Sadler and Professor OConnor groups in Warwicks Department of Chemistry and Professor Hui Chao's group at Sun Yat-Sen have demonstrated that iridium  the worlds second densest metal  can be used to kill cancer cells by filling them with deadly version of oxygen, without harming healthy tissue.

The researchers created a compound of iridium and organic material, which can be directly targeted towards cancerous cells, transferring energy to the cells to turn the oxygen (O2) inside them into singlet oxygen, which is poisonous and kills the cell - without harming any healthy tissue, read the University of Warwick website.

The process is triggered by shining visible laser light through the skin onto the cancerous area  this reaches the light-reactive coating of the compound, and activates the metal to start filling the cancer with singlet oxygen.

The researchers found that after attacking a model tumour of lung cancer cells, grown by the researchers in the laboratory to form a tumour-like sphere, with red laser light (which can penetrate deeply through the skin), the activated organic-iridium compound had penetrated and infused into every layer of the tumour to kill it  demonstrating how effective and far-reaching this treatment is.

They also proved that the method is safe to healthy cells by conducting the treatment on non-cancerous tissue and finding it had no effect.

Furthermore, the researchers used state-of-the-art ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry to gain an unprecedented view of the individual proteins within the cancer cells  allowing them to determine precisely which proteins are attacked by the organic-iridium compound.

After vigorously analysing huge amounts of data - thousands of proteins from the model cancer cells, they concluded that the iridium compound had damaged the proteins for heat shock stress, and glucose metabolism, both known as key molecules in cancer.

The University of Warwick has the UKs most advanced laboratory for this type of highly advanced mass spectrometry, and is a world-class centre of analytical science.

Co-author Cookson Chiu is a postgraduate researcher in Warwicks Department of Chemistry, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and Bruker. He commented:

This project is a leap forward in understanding how these new iridium-based anti-cancer compounds are attacking cancer cells, introducing different mechanisms of action, to get around the resistance issue and tackle cancer from a different angle.

Dr Pingyu Zhang and Dr Huaiyi Huang are Royal Society Newton International Fellows in Warwicks Department of Chemistry. Dr Zhang added:

Our innovative approach to tackle cancer involving targeting important cellular proteins can lead to novel drugs with new mechanisms of action. These are urgently needed. In addition, research links between UK and Chinese academics will not only lead to lasting collaborations, but also have potential to open up the translation of new drugs into the clinic as a UK-China joint development

Peter OConnor, Professor of Analytical Chemistry at Warwick, noted:

Remarkable advances in modern mass spectrometry now allow us to analyse complex mixtures of proteins in cancer cells and pinpoint drug targets, on instruments that are sensitive enough to weigh even a single electron!

Professor Peter Sadler is excited about where this work can lead. He said:

The precious metal platinum is already used in more than 50% of cancer chemotherapies. The potential of other precious metals such as iridium to provide new targeted drugs which attack cancer cells in completely new ways and combat resistance, and which can be used safely with the minimum of side-effects, is now being explored.

International collaborations can greatly hasten progress. Its certainly now time to try to make good medical use of the iridium delivered to us by an asteroid 66 million years ago!

Photochemotherapy  using laser light to target cancer  is fast emerging as a viable, effective and non-invasive treatment. Patients are becoming increasingly resistant to traditional therapies, so it is vital to establish new pathways like this for fighting the disease.

Iridium was first discovered in 1803, and its name comes from the Latin for rainbow. From the same family as platinum, it is hard, brittle, and is the worlds most corrosion-resistant metal. Yellow in colour, its melting point is more than 2400 Celsius.

The metal is rare on Earth, but is abundant in meteoroids  and large amounts of iridium have been discovered in the Earths crust from around 66 million years ago, leading to the theory that it came to this planet with an asteroid which caused the extinction of the dinosaurs.

Distinguished as a Very Important Paper, the research, Organo-iridium photosensitizers can induce specific oxidative attack on proteins in cancer cells is published in the Wiley journal Angewandte Chemie.

Image: Wikimedia Commons




California, Nov 4 (IBNS): New maps of Greenlands coastal seafloor and bedrock beneath its massive ice sheet show that two to four times as many coastal glaciers are at risk of accelerated melting as had previously been thought.

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine, NASA and 30 other institutions have published the most comprehensive, accurate and high-resolution relief maps ever made of Greenlands bedrock and coastal seafloor. Among the many data sources incorporated into the new maps is data from NASAs Ocean Melting Greenland campaign.

Lead author Mathieu Morlighem of UCI had demonstrated in an earlier study that data from OMGs survey of the shape and depth, or bathymetry, of the seafloor in Greenlands fjords improved scientists understanding of both the coastline and the inland bedrock beneath glaciers that flow into the ocean. Thats because the bathymetry at a glaciers front limits the possibilities for the shape of bedrock farther upstream.

The nearer to the shoreline, the more valuable the bathymetry data are for understanding on-shore topography, Morlighem said. What made OMG unique compared to other campaigns is that they got right into the fjords, as close as possible to the glacier fronts. Thats a big help for bedrock mapping, he added.

Additionally, the OMG campaign surveyed large sections of the Greenland coast for the first time ever. In fjords for which there are no data, its difficult to estimate how deep the glaciers extend below sea level, read the University of California website.

The OMG data are only one of many datasets Morlighem and his team used in the ice sheet mapper, which is named BedMachine. Another comprehensive source is NASAs Operation IceBridge airborne surveys. IceBridge measures the ice sheet thickness directly along a planes flight path. This creates a set of long, narrow strips of data rather than a complete map of the ice sheet.

Besides NASA, almost 40 other international collaborators also contributed various types of survey data on different parts of Greenland.

No survey, not even OMG, covers every glacier on Greenlands long, convoluted coastline. To infer the bed topography in sparsely studied areas, BedMachine averages between existing data points using physical principles such as the conservation of mass.

The new maps reveal that two to four times more oceanfront glaciers extend deeper than 600 feet (200 meters) below sea level than earlier maps showed. Thats bad news, because the top 600 feet of water around Greenland comes from the Arctic and is relatively cold. The water below it comes from farther south and is 6 to 8 eight degrees Fahrenheit (3 to 4 degrees Celsius) warmer than the water above. Deeper-seated glaciers are exposed to this warmer water, which melts them more rapidly.

Morlighems team used the maps to refine their estimate of Greenlands total volume of ice and its potential to add to global sea level rise if the ice were to melt completely, which is not expected to occur within the next few hundred years. The new estimate is higher by 2.76 inches (7 centimeters) for a total of 24.34 feet (7.42 meters).

OMG principal investigator Josh Willis of JPL, who was not involved in producing the maps, said, These results suggest that Greenlands ice is more threatened by changing climate than we had anticipated.

On Oct. 23, the five-year OMG campaign completed its second annual set of airborne surveys to measure for the first time the amount that warm water around the island is contributing to the loss of the Greenland ice sheet. Besides the one-time bathymetry survey, OMG is collecting annual measurements of the changing height of the ice sheet and the ocean temperature and salinity in more than 200 fjord locations. Morlighem looks forward to improving BedMachines maps with data from the airborne surveys.

The maps and related research are in a paper titled BedMachine v3: Complete bed topography and ocean bathymetry mapping of Greenland from multi-beam echo sounding combined with mass conservation in Geophysical Research Letters. This project received support from NASAs Cryospheric Sciences Program and the National Science Foundations ARCSS program.

Image: Wikimedia Commons
The Fortnight on Elimination of Violence Against Women, mandated by a UN declaration, begins on 25 November and ends on International Human Rights Day, 10 December. Violence against women still continues worldwide, including India, but women are also fighting back, reportsi Aninnya Sarkar

When I was almost beaten to death, my broken ribs fought back, recalls Kaveri, 27, who now lives on a footpath of Kolkata. Twelve years back when she was 15, her parents forcefully got her married. The physical violence by her husband started almost immediately because she couldnt meet her in-laws dowry demands.

Every night was a repetition. I was beaten with leather belts, my head was banged against the wall, Kaveri says. One day she was attacked with an iron rod and thrown out of the house. Her neighbours took her to a local government hospital. After recovering, she went to her parents place but they refused to let her live with them and advised her to return to her marital home. Rather than returning to the hell hole, Kaveri chose the footpaths of the Central Avenue. To earn a living, she now works in a small tea stall.

There are hundreds of Kaveris in India - tortured, killed ,and even driven to committing suicide. But they are fighting back too, struggling for justice.

According to the National Family and Health Survey 3 (2005-06) , the rate of domestic violence in India was 37.2%. According to the recently published National and Family Health Survey 4 (2015-16) , the rate of domestic violence for married woman is 28.8% and for women who have experienced violence during pregnancy is 3.3%.

In the patriarchal social system, the assumed male superiority and female inferiority is the well canvassed binary that is internalised within the family system. As a result, the master- slave dialectic operates as a normative practice within the traditional households where women are always accepted as physically weak, economically dependent and a reproductive slave, says Sanjukta Dasgupta, professor of English, Calcutta University.

The violence is not confined to the poor and uneducated section of society alone.

Sikha Talapatra, a Ph.D enrolled scholar and lecturer at Kalyani University, West Bengal, came to work one day with a blue scar on her forehead. After concerned enquiry by her colleagues, Sikha admitted that she was a victim of marital rape.

I am constantly in war with my spouse and facing violence. He wants me to leave the job and settle down as a home maker. But I wont lose my independence, even if I have to divorce him, Shikha says emphatically.

Indian law, however, has moved with the times to come to the rescue of hapless women. Earlier, in the pro-male dominated society there were no rights to give relief for domestic violence. Now things are changing, people are much more educated and these cases are brought to light by filing an application to the court under Section 498A, says Gitanath Ganguly, an executive chairman of Legal Aid Matters.

Explains Biswajit Thakurta, a Public Prosecutor in Kolkata: According to the rules of Supreme Court, under Section 498(A), there are two types of violence recognised- mental cruelty and physical cruelty- so if a woman faces any such kind of violence in her household, she can immediately go and report to the local police station, the officer in-charge is supposed to file the complaint by doing a thorough investigation of the case.

Sadly, domestic violence is not restricted to male members alone. It may extend to other female members of the household as well.

Neelam Singh, a nurse from Kolkata Medical College and Hospital talks about an injured pregnant woman who was accompanied by her mother in law.

Her face was covered and she was bleeding heavily. When we asked her what happened, her mother-in-law said that she fell down from the stairs. But when we took the patient inside for private examination, she burst out, What stairs? She has beaten me and now have come to the hospital to check whether the baby is ok or not.

Ironically, a report in the National Family Health Survey 3 finds that a higher proportion of women compared to men finds wife beating as justifiable. Thus, more than the husband or the father-in-law of the family, the mother-in-laws hostility also leads to violence.

Swayam, an NGO in Kolkata which extends legal advice to women finds that though Section 498A is a critical tool many victims say that it is not always foolproof to get justice.

Abida Begum, a domestic violence survivor shares how her husband used to torture her psychologically by threatening her, using verbal abuses to her because she was unable to bring a male-child to the family.

But when she went to lodge a complaint at the police station, they refused to note down the report as she failed to show any mark of injury to prove that she was a victim.

But, Thakurta informs, In case the officer- in-charge of the local police station refuses to write the report , the victim can file a complaint with the Deputy Commissioner of Police or the Superintendent of the police.



Not being very familiar with the procedure women face other problems, says Gargi Guha, director, Support Service coordinator at Swayam. These days we often hear comments that Section 498A is misused. But my experience of working with the survivors in the last 22 years is that when a survivor approaches the lawyer to take up her case, he or she doesnt explain explicitly the disparity between a civil case and a criminal case, and the benefits they are going to get from it.

Additionally, To make the case stronger and presentable, the lawyers often compel their clients to include statements that are at times fake or might have not happened in reality. so when the victim is put in the trial court and the defense lawyer cross examines her on the basis of the FIR report, the woman feels nervous and the case becomes complicated or the accusation becomes false sometimes.

Another dark side of the patriarchal society is how violence often extends to children. When the father abuses the mother in front of the children, they take this as a practice and instead of sympathising with the mother, they also maltreat her.

Swati Burman, a survivor shares how after suffering brutality in the hands of her husband, she faced the same kind of cruelty from her son .

I had hoped that when my son grew up, he would support me but since I had no money and couldnt to give him any, he took his fathers side and both of them beat me up often.

Swati gave up hope of ever having a peaceful home and started living alone by setting up her own parlour and slowly built a life on her own.

Its quite pathetic to walk out with almost nothing in hand. But it can be done. Because you are walking out with freedom to find your own self, says Swati.

Gender sensitisation combined with information on their legal rights can help women looking for justice in a long way. Educational institutions and work places are ideal areas to conduct workshops on this subject. Many schools for girls have now introduced courses on self-defence which is positive step too.

(Some names have been changed to protect privacy)



Image: A still from the Deepa Mehta film Heaven on Earth in which a young Indian Punjabi woman who finds herself in an abusive arranged marriage

Other Images: UN Photo / Gender Violence Posters
Image: MohitSingh/Wikipedia

New Delhi, Nov 4 (IBNS): The Supreme Court of India on Friday has declared all engineering degrees obtained through distance education since 2001 as invalid, reports said.

Three universities, JRN Rajasthan Vidhyapeeth University, Udaipur; Vinayaka Mission Research Foundation, Salem, Tamil Nadu; IASE Deemed University, Rajasthan, have been found guilty of conducting the distance learning programme without taking permission from the concerned bodies, including the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

The apex court has ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation to probe the role of University Grants Commission (UGC) in the case.

In its order, the bench warned all deemed-to-be universities from carrying out any courses in distance education mode from the academic session 2018-2019 onwards unless and until it is permissible to conduct such courses in distance education mode.

It also stated that the concerned universities will have to obtain specific permissions by the concerned regulatory authorities in respect of each of those courses.

Image: MohitSingh/Wikipedia
Patna, Nov 4 (IBNS): At least three people were killed and 10 others wounded in a stampede at a bathing spot in Begusarai district of Bihar on Saturday morning.

The huge crowd of devotees had gathered at the Simaraia ghat to take a holy dip in river Ganga on the occasion of Kartik Purnia when the stampede broke out.

All the victims are said to be women.

Witnesses said the stampede took place owing to mismanagement as there were no proper arrangements to control the crowd which had gathered there.

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief over the incident and announced a compensation of Rs four lakh to each victim's family.

This is the third such incident occurred in Bihar in quick succession.

In January this year, at least 20 people were killed when a boat capsized in river Ganga in Patna during a kite festival organised by the state government on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.

In October 2014, at least 30 people were killed in another stampede which took place at Patnas Gandhi Maidan during Dussehra celebration. The crowd had gathered to watch Ravan Vadh when the incident took place.

Yet another stampede took place at the Adalatganj ghat of Ganga river in Patna in November 2012, killing at least 20 people.

The victims were returning from the banks of the Ganges after offering prayers to the Ganga during Chhath when the incident took place.

A series of such incidents has raised a big question mark over the functioning of the ruling Nitish Kumar government in Bihar.

Former Bihar chief minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal chief, Lalu Prasad, gave his reaction on Twitter. Expressing his grief, the former CM said the state government must pay attention to congestion management.

thebiharpost.com
Guwahati, Nov 4 (IBNS) : In yet another strange incident that has come to light, a retired army man from Assams Barpeta district has reportedly been served with a notice from the Foreigners' Tribunal, asking him to prove his Indian citizenship.

Earlier, the Foreigners' Tribunal of Assam had sent notice to another ex-army serviceman, who had served the Indian Army for 30 years, and asked him to prove that he is an Indian citizen.

According to reports, the Foreigners' Tribunal no 1 of lower Assams Barpeta district on November three sent a notice to a retired army personnel, Mahiruddin Ahmed, who has served Indian army for 18 years, in connection with Foreigners Tribunal case no 129/2017.

The tribunal also served another notice to his wife in connection with a different case.

Mahiruddin Ahmed had served Indian army as a Havildar in the Field Ordinance Depot at Batinda in Punjab. He a resident of Khablarbhita village in Barpeta district.

According to reports, born on January 1, 1964, Mahiruddin passed the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination conducted by SEBA in 1980 and joined the Indian army on September 16, 1986. He retired from service on August 31, 2004.

Earlier, a similar notice was served on Mohammad Azmal Haque, who was appointed as Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) in the Indian Army. The Assam police, however, claimed later that the whole thing was a case of mistaken identity.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Srinagar, Nov 4 (IBNS): At least two cops of Jammu and Kashmir Police were injured when suspected militants attacked Rajpora Police station in South Kashmir of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, police said.

According to reports, suspected militants opened fire on a police station resulting in injuries of two cops who reportedly guarded the main gate of the station.

Reports further said that heavy exchange of fire is taking place in the area.

Earlier today, militants attacked police party at Imam Sahab in Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir, without causing any damage.

On Nov 2, five jawans were injured in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district after a CRPF vehicle was attacked by the militants.
Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, Nov 4 (IBNS) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the Congress has conceded defeat in Himachal Pradesh as its senior leaders have left the field leaving Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh to his fate.

Addressing a rally at Raitt in Himachal Pradesh, Modi launched a blistering attack on the Congress over corruption, saying the people of the country will not trust the party for the coming 100 years.

"I have heard that the Congress has lost the trust of its own leaders and is looking for rebels in other parties," he said.

The PM said the state of affairs the Congress has gone to such a stage that even its Chief Ministerial candidate (VirBhadra Singh) is out on bail.

The CBI has been on a probe into an alleged scam involving Singh.

Modi also asked the people to get rid of the Congress by ensuring a three-fourths majority to the BJP in the November 9 Assembly election.

"I have heard that the Congress has lost the trust of its own leaders and is looking for rebels in other parties."

"I haven't come here to ask you to make the BJP win. I have come here to ask you to give it a three-fourths majority," he declared.

In a reference to the Congress' decision to mark the first anniversary of the demonetisation as black day, Modi said the opposition party would observe "blackmoney day" and burn his effigies as it was angry with his fight against corruption.

"They are going to celebrate November eight as the black day and burn my effigies. They don't know Modi is a disciple of Sardar Patel and won't be cowed down."
Kolkata, Nov 4 (IBNS): Kamaleshwar Mukherjee directorial upcoming Bengali film Amazon Obhijaan on Saturday unveiled the world's largest poster, breaking the previous record of Indian film Baahubali, released in 2015.

Amazon Obhijaan's lead actor Dev, along with Mukherjee and music composer Debojyoti Mishra, have launched the film's poster. Its size is 60,800 sq.ft. (5640 sq. meters).

Baahubali's poster size was 51,598 sq.ft. It was also approved by The Guinness World Records.

SVF, the production house of Amazon Obhijaan, is also trying to register the name of the film in Guinness World Records.

Speaking about the poster, actor Dev said: "The full credit goes to the team (of SVF). I am extremely happy to see that we are thinking about diverse marketing strategies for different films."

"I am feeling proud because everybody (production teams) is thinking about how should we promote our films," the Tollywood actor added.

Amazon Obhijaan is a sequel to a 2013 Bengali film Chander Pahar, which was based on writer Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay's novel with the same name.

Chander Pahar was also directed by Mukherjee.

Speaking about the film's poster, Mukherjee told media: "It is definitely thrilling. I haven't seen any poster like this before. This is incredible."

However, the director gave all due credit to the production team of SVF.

More than 100 man-hours and 80 people were engaged in creating and installing the massive poster, which consists of 32 individual prints that were fitted together on site.

Though the film was initialy thought to be shot at any cold region, later Amazon rainforest of South America was chosen as the shooting location.

Speaking about the shooting experiences in Amazon, Mukherjee said: "Amazon is the broadest river in the world. It has 250 branches and we shot there only. Two of those branches meet at point called Manaus, the last civilisation in Brazil, which was the place we stayed. From Manaus, we traveled through boat to different locations for shooting."

Unlike Buneep in Chander Pahar, no such fictious wild animal is present in Amazon Obhijaan.

Speaking at the launch event, Dev was illustrating how challenging it was to shoot in Amazon amid life threatening animals and insects.

About his own challenge as an actor in the industry, Dev, who also played the lead role of Shankar in Chander Pahar, said: "I always think that when I will talk about a film, questions asked to me must be different every time. Just like film strategies, roles should also be different. Me as an actor try not to play the same role within three years. My all films should be different."

The film is slated to release on December 22.



(Reporting by Souvik Ghosh, images by Avishek Mitra)
New York, Nov 4(Just Earth News): Briefing the press at United Nations Headquarters in New York for the first time, the first-ever UN advocate for the rights of victims of sexual exploitation and abuse on Friday highlighted her role to give those who have suffered visibility and amplify their voices.

I'm the first prong of the full-pronged strategy of the Secretary-General to address SEA [sexual exploitation and abuse] systemwide, said Victims' Rights Advocate Jane Connors.

My priority is to give visibility to those who have suffered, including through connecting with them personally, and I wish to amplify their voices in a way that cannot be ignored, and support them as they rebuild their lives, added the Australian law professional and long-time human rights advocate.

Since taking up her responsibility as the UN advocate on 14 September, she has had various interactions, including at the High-Level Meeting on the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, held in New York on 18 September. She has met with representatives of countries, UN colleagues and other stakeholders and recently visited the Central African Republic (CAR) for two weeks to meet with victi

She said she works with field advocates in four locations  Haiti, CAR, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan  who have direct contact with these victiIn the future, other locations might be added.

Connors called on donors to contribute to the Trust Fund for SEA victims so that the UN can help victims rebuild their lives and seek justice.

Her appointment is in line with the Secretary-General's pledge  made in his report on Special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and abuse: a new approach  that the UN will put the rights and dignity of victims at the forefront of its prevention and response efforts.

31 new allegations from July to September

Prior to Conners' briefing, Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, gave an update on cases of sexual exploitation and abuse, which he said the UN will try to do quarterly.

Dujarric reported that for the period of 1 July to 30 September, the UN received 31 allegations.

Not all of them have been verified, and some are in the preliminary assessment phase, he said.

Out of the 31 allegations, 12 are from peacekeeping operations and 19 from agencies, funds and programmes. Of them, 10 are categorized as sexual abuse, 19 as sexual exploitation, and two are of an unknown nature.

He said that 12 of these allegations occurred in 2017, two in 2016, six in 2015 or prior, and the dates are unknown for 11. And 38 male alleged perpetrators have been associated with these incidents. Of the 36 victims, 72 per cent are women and 19 per cent are girls. And 14 investigations have been launched during this timeframe.

He also said the UN is piloting a Victims Assistance Protocol which sets the roles and responsibilities of those on the ground to ensure coordination to provide victims with immediate assistance.

And with the most recent voluntary contributions from Member States, the Trust Fund in support of victims of sexual exploitation and abuse will rise to $1.5 million, he added.

Dujarric said the Secretary-General has also instructed the heads of all entities system-wide to provide action plans and risk analyses to commit the leadership to the fight against sexual exploitation and abuse, and almost all have been received.

Also, mandatory training for all UN personnel prior to deployment has been launched. In the DRC this month, a single and uniform 'Incident Report Form' will be introduced to ensure assistance is provided immediately, appropriate investigative action is undertaken, and to improve data collection.

So far, 58 Heads of State or Government have joined the Secretary-General's Circle of Leadership. And 74 Member States have signed the Voluntary Compact and 18 more have formally indicated their intention to sign it, the Spokesman added.

UN Photo/Evan Schneider

Source: www.justearthnews.com
New York, Nov 4(Just Earth News): One year after the entry into force of the Paris Agreement on climate change, the Bonn Conference, which opens on 6 November in Germany, will be an opportunity for nations around the world to show their ambition for climate action and their determination to keep their promises.

While Paris represented one of those moments where the best of humanity achieved an agreement so important to our collective futures, Bonn represents how we will move forward to fulfill its promise, said the Executive Secretary of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Patricia Espinosa, on the margins of a ministerial meeting in Fiji on 17 October 2017 to prepare for the Bonn Conference of the Conventions States Parties.

We are running out of time to turn things around. To do so, we must significantly increase our efforts to reduce emissions and our carbon footprints, she added.

The Paris Agreement, which was adopted by the 196 Parties to the UNFCCC in December 2015 in the French capital after which it is named, calls on countries to combat climate change by limiting the rise of global temperature below 2 degrees Celsius and strive not to exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius.

A year ago, the Marrakech Climate Conference concluded with the Marrakech Action Proclamation, for our climate and sustainable development, in which the UNFCCC States Parties affirmed their commitment to the full implementation of the Paris Agreement. On Friday, 169 Parties have ratified the Agreement.

At the Bonn Conference, informally known as COP 23, countries will seek to move forward in completing the rule book for operationalizing the Paris Agreement. The Conference, which runs until 17 November, is chaired by Fiji, an island State particularly affected by the impacts of climate change.

Never has our work been more necessary. We see this with respect to the extreme weather events affecting almost every continent throughout the world, said Espinosa.

COP 23 President and Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama agrees. We can no longer ignore this crisis. Whether it is fires in California, Portugal and Spain. Flooding in Nigeria, India and Bangladesh. The dramatic Arctic melt. Ice breaking off the continent of Antarctica. The recent hurricanes that devastated the Caribbean and the southern United States [] Its hard to find any part of the world that is unaffected by these events, he said at the ministerial meeting in Fiji.

Bonn Conference an opportunity to boost climate risk management efforts

In an op-ed published in October 2017, Espinosa, alongside the Administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), Achim Steiner, and the UN Secretary-Generals Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, Robert Glasser, said the Bonn Conference provides an opportunity to not only accelerate emission reductions but also boost the serious work of ensuring that the management of climate risk is integrated into disaster risk management as a whole.

A week before the opening of the Bonn Conference, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced that the levels of carbon dioxide (C02) surged at record-breaking speed to new highs in 2016.

The Bonn Conference will feature a series of meetings and events, including the high-level segment, on 15 November and 16 November, attended by Heads of State and Government, Ministers, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Guterres has invited leaders to consider championing six high-impact areas at a special Climate Summit in 2019. These areas are investment in clean technology, maturing carbon pricing, enabling the energy transition, risk mitigation and building resilience, augmenting the contribution of sub-national actors and business and mobilizing climate finance.

Increasing ambition is the only way to keep the global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius this century, and as close to 1.5 degree as possible. By focusing on these sectors, we can substantially reduce the gap between where we are and where we need to be, said UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, at the pre-COP meeting in Fiji.

Among the side events scheduled at COP 23, several will be organized under the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action to show how cities, regions, private sector companies and investors are trying to implement the Paris Agreement in the areas of energy, water, agriculture, oceans and coastal areas, human settlements, transportation, industry, and forests.

Photo: UNFCCC

Source: www.justearthnews.com
Brampton, Nov 4 (IBNS): Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in Brampton alongside Ruby Sahota, Member of Parliament for Brampton North, and other Brampton Members of Parliament to share the news about further action to support Canadian families.

In Budget 2016, the government introduced one of the most important and innovative social policy measures in a generation. That budget replaced the previous child benefit system with the new Canada Child Benefit (CCB)a simpler, more generous, better targeted benefit that is entirely tax-free.

The CCB has helped lift about 300,000 children out of poverty and, by the end of this year, child poverty will have been reduced by 40 percent from what it was in 2013.

In the fall of 2016, the government took further action to support Canadian families over the long term by announcing that, as of the 202021 benefit year, the CCB would be

indexed to ensure it keeps pace with the rising cost of living.

A year later, Canada's economy is growing faster than expected and performing better than other G7 countries (France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK and USA). This is, in part,

thanks to the positive effects the CCB has had in improving consumer confidence and consumption.

With this increased flexibility, and to ensure benefits of our strong growth are shared with the middle class and those working hard to join it, the government proposes to accelerate the indexation of the CCB's benefit amounts and phase-out thresholds by two years to July 2018.

This means better support sooner to ensure that the CCB continues to play a vital role in helping Canadian families and our economy.

Indexing the CCB sooner will provide an additional $5.6 billion in support to Canadian families over the 201819 to 202223 period.

Sahota said: Canada now has the fastest growth in the G7, giving us more flexibility to re-invest the benefits of that growth in the middle class, and those working hard to join it. A strengthened CCB means more money that is tax free, for books, skating lessons or warm clothes for the winter.
HAL stock price rises after it gets LOI for 9 helicopters from Indian Coast Guard In hefty trading volumes on Wednesday, Hindustan Aeronautics' shares surged 7% to an all-time high of Rs 2,697.70 on the BSE after the company obtained a letter of intent (LoI) from the Indian ... November 16, 2022 | 2:38 pm

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Protest by the Karni Sena against Sanjay Leela Bhansali's multi-starrer Padmavati picked up pace in Rajasthan ahead of its December 1 release with a complete bandh observed in Chittorgarh today.

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"We are not against the movie as such. What we want is that Bhansali's team should screen the movie for historians and intellectuals before releasing it as we are afraid and concerned that historical facts have been distorted in the movie," Vishavbandhu Rathore, Pradesh Mahasachiv Sri Rajput Karni Sena, a Rajput community organisation, told IANS.

"We had called for Chittorgarh bandh today, and we got support from everyone. It was a complete bandh in Chittorgarh today," said Mahipal Singh Makrana, state president of Shri Rajput Karni said.

Rani Padmini or Padmavati was the queen of Chittorgarh.

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He said before releasing posters and trailer of the film it should have been shown to the historians and intellectuals, but inspite of the promise made by Bhansali's team a few months back nothing was done.

"We are now going to Gujarat to hold a press conference there and also hold a rally in Gandhinagar on November 12 against the movie," he said.

In January, activists of a Rajput organisation, Shri Rajput Karni Sena had protested, manhandled and misbehaved with the crew of "Padmavati" claiming that Bhansali was distorting historical facts in the movie.

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They had also damaged some cameras and other equipment. Bhansali had to stop shooting.

"We will not allow distorted facts to be shown in the film at any cost," Makrana said.

Karni Sena claims that they have got a big library and that in no book is it written that Alauddin Khilji fell in love with Padmavati or that he was her lover.

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"They are trying to defame Padmavati by distorting historical facts. It is not acceptable," an activist of Karni Sena said.

In March some miscreants broke the mirrors in Padmini Mahal (palace) in Chittorgarh Fort where Alauddin Khilji is believed to have seen Rani Padmavati or Padmini.

Shri Rajput Karni Sena claims that mirror was invented years after this incident is claimed to have happened so it is a completely untrue and false story.
1. Mallika Dua Responds To Twinkle Khanna's Emotional Apology On Her 'Lame Jokes' In The Coolest Possible Way

Twinkle Khanna, in her apology, wrote that since her five-year-old was dragged into the hoopla, she reached breaking point. And with my protective instincts in overdrive, I reacted irrationally Mallika Dua used the same example and proved her point. She defended her father Vinod Duas remark, who had written on Facebook, I am going to screw this cretin Akshay Kumar for telling his co worker Mallika Dua that aap bell bajao main aap ko bajata hun at 5:26.This is his sense of humor and language. Star Plus..wake up...

2. Netflix Cuts Ties With Kevin Spacey, Might Kill His Character In 'House Of Cards' Season 6

CNBC.COM

Post a flood of sexual assault accusations came forward, Netflix has announced that it is cutting ties with Spacey, and he will be ousted from all the projects associated with him. In a statement, the company said that he won't be a part of any further production of House of Cards that involves him. It will evaluate whether the show will continue without him. Also, film Gore starring him, won't be released.

3. Karni Sena Calls For A Bandh In Chittorgarh Against Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmavati'

Twitter

Protest by the Karni Sena against Sanjay Leela Bhansali's multi-starrer Padmavati picked up pace in Rajasthan ahead of its December 1 release with a complete bandh observed in Chittorgarh today.

4. Amid Rumours Of Break-up With Deepika, Ranveer Says He Wants To Be The Best Family Man Possible

I believe that one person can be another's heart and soul. I want to be the best family man possible. I want to raise children, two of them. I think I'll make a great dad.

5. Priyanka Chopra Feels Honoured To Stand Alongside 100 Most Powerful Women In The Forbes List

In an Instagram post, PC wrote: Honored to stand alongside these amazing trailblazers, who show us everyday that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to and that its ok to stay true to who you are. Here's to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.
Three people have been confirmed dead and at least 10 others injured in a stampede in Bihar's Begusarai district on Saturday morning. The incident took place while a huge crowd was moving towards Simaria ghat on the banks of the Ganga to take holy dip on the occasion of Kartik Purnima.

All the three persons killed were women aged above 80 years. The identity of the deceased was yet to be ascertained. Read more

There Is No End To The Rain Mayhem In Chennai As The City Continues To Remain Submerged

The torrential rains which resumed on Friday after a day of sunshine continue to pound the city which has been under water in most parts.

The rains have shown no signs of slowing down and will most likely to remain the same at least for the next couple of days. Read more

Female Rhino Shot Dead Inside Kaziranga National Park, Poachers Flee With Horn

An adult female rhino was shot dead by unidentified poachers at the Kaziranga National Park (KNP) in upper Assam who took away its horn and fled.

The poachers had used an AK-47 rifle to kill the adult female rhino on Friday night, an official said, adding with the killing of this rhino, the toll rose to three this year. Read more

Wishing To Start Races, Maharashtra Govt To Now Compare Running Ability Of Bulls And Horses

Amidst the popular notion of people that bullocks are not meant for racing, as well as the concerns of animal rights activists, the Maharashtra state government is now mulling to restart the races among bulls and horses.

Bullock cart races were banned in Maharashtra after the Supreme Court declared the race as violative of the provisions of the central Act in 2014. After the Tamil Nadu government enacted a law to regulate jallikattu (taming of the bull), there was a demand to revive bullock races in Maharashtra. Read more

India Shows Progress In Immunisation Drive, 90,000 More Children Can be Saved Annually If Efforts Are Stepped Up

A global study has lauded India's efforts on immunising children aged less than five years for two deadly diseases, pneumonia and diarrhoea.

The report by International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC) of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health analysed the progress of 15 countries that have the highest incidence of pneumonia and diarrhoea. Read more

50,000 People In Rajasthan To Sing Jana Gana Mana, Vande Madaram To Celebrate First Anniversary Of Demonetisation

Days after the Jaipur Municipal Corporation made it mandatory for employees to sing the national anthem and the national song at the start of the workday and before going home, respectively, the state government too is on a similar pursuit.

The Vasundhara Raje government will celebrate the first anniversary of demonetisation on November 8 by hosting a mega event at SMS Stadium in Jaipur where over 50,000 people will assemble to sing the national song, Vande Mataram, and the national anthem. Read more
Samiun Rahman, a British national of Bangladeshi origin who was arrested on charge of radicalising Rohingyas to fight the Myanmar Army, has alleged that he was "sexually harassed" in the Tihar Central Jail.

On Friday Rahman told the court in an application moved through counsel M.S. Khan, that on November 2, five security men came to see him in jail Number 1 and touched his body parts inappropriately and told him to strip.

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Additional Sessions Judge Sidharth Sharma who heard his application has asked the jail officials to file a response on Rahman's plea and listed the matter for November 8.

In his complaint Rahman also said his cell lacked basic facilities and he did not get proper food, drinking water, or medicines.

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The 27-year-old was arrested near Shakarpur bus stand in east Delhi on September 17. Police claimed his mission was to set up base in Manipur or Mizoram and radicalise Rohingya Muslims to fight the military in Myanmar.

Police said the accused was in India for the past two months under a fake identity of Shumon Haq from Kishanganj in Bihar and held a fake voter identity card in the same name.

dna

Rahman, an alleged operative of Al-Qaeda for four years, had received three-month arms training in Syria and also fought in Alleppo. Police said Rahman's father, hailing from Bangladesh, was a businessman in London while his brother and three sisters also worked in London.
In 2015, Chennai was brought to a standstill by the flood unleashed by the retreating North-East monsoon. Many thought the city would learn its lessons, but unfortunately, it didnt as the city once again left gasping for breath just after hours of rain on Wednesday and flood like the situation has arisen once more.

A 2015 flood pic, Reuters

Is it 11 AM ? Looks like 6 pm already #ChennaiRains !! pic.twitter.com/Lm8e1iewNl  Selvam  (@Selvam_R7) October 30, 2017

The low lying areas of the city were worst hit and people were seen wading through knee-deep water to reach to their destinations. The neighbouring districts of Thiruvallur and Kancheepuram too are facing tough times, thanks to the continuous rain.

Condition of urapakkam... For one day continuous rain  #ChennaiRains pic.twitter.com/kahBTG3Dqa  MADRAS CENTRAL (@MadrasCentraI) October 31, 2017

According to the meteorological department (MET), 21 places in Tamil Nadu witnessed heavy rainfall in last 24 hours and 16 places received extremely heavy rainfall. Sirkazhi, a town in Nagapattinam district, recorded maximum rainfall at 31 cm. Meenambakkam, a district neighbouring Chennai, received 17 cm rain between 8.30 pm Monday and 5.30 am Tuesday.

The department has warned of heavy rains in the next few days. S Balachandran, Director, Area Cyclone Warning Centre, said that the Northeast monsoon is vigorous in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

The 24 hour of rain once again brought Chennai to a standstill as areas like Madipakkam, Velachery, Mudichur and Sunnambu Kolathur once again swamped under water and residents of the area are furious that government which is busy settling political scores within the party didnt listen to any lesson from last year floods.

Shivraj, a resident told IndiaToday, "We have been regularly complaining to the authorities about lack of stormwater drains and to ensure the area doesn't get flooded. The monsoon has just set in, and see our condition. What if it rains harder in the days to come." Another resident, Nawaz said, "Government doesn't care about us, only when elections come do they remember us."

An Old Picture from 2015 floods. AFP

Opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has hit out at the ruling AIADMK government for lack of monsoon preparedness. DMK spokesperson Manu Sundaram told India Today, "Each week, the state government seems to be facing a new crisis. After just 12 hours of rains, Chennai city has brought back unhappy memories of 2015 floods. The government is ill-prepared and ill-equipped to handle another monsoon. Chennai and its residents may once again have to rise up to save each other."
Ace shuttler PV Sindhu took to Twitter to express her anger over the 'rude' behaviour of an airline ground staff over her kit bag when she was flying to Mumbai.

AFP

In a series of tweets, the Olympic silver medallist claimed that Ajeetesh, who as per her works for Indigo, behaved rudely with her and an airhostess who intervened to advise him against doing so.

"Sorry to say ..i had a very bad experiencewhen i was flying by 6E 608 flight to bombay on 4th nov the ground staff by name Mr ajeetesh(1/3)," Sindhu tweeted on Saturday

Sorry to say ..i had a very bad experiencewhen i was flying by 6E 608 flight to bombay on 4th nov the ground staff by name Mr ajeetesh(1/3)  Pvsindhu (@Pvsindhu1) November 4, 2017

She then posted a screenshot, detailing her experience. "Ground staff (skipper) mr ajeetesh behaved very badly and rudely with me. When the air hostess Ms ashima tried to advise him to behave properly with the passenger (me) but to my surprise he behaved very rudely with her. If this type of people work for a rupted (sic) airline like indigo they will spoil their reputation @IndiGo6E," she posted on Twitter.

Indigo, however, defended their employee claiming that Sindhu was carrying an oversized baggage which wasn't fitting into an overhead bin. "Ms P V Sindhu boarded flight 6E 608 Hyderabad-Mumbai... carrying oversized baggage which was not fitting into the overhead bin.

bccl/representational image

Ms Sindhu was informed that it will be moved to cargo hold of the aircraft. This is the same policy we follow for all customers. Oversized baggage inside the cabin inconveniences other customers and can also be a safety hazard if it cannot be secured properly in the cabin," IndiGo spokesma Ajay Jasra said.

"During the entire conversation, the member of the IndiGo ground operations remained calm. After several requests to her manager, they finally consented to the removal of the bag from the cabin. We then placed the over-sized baggage in the cargo hold and was handed over to Ms Sindhu on arrival. We are extremely proud of Ms Sindhu's sporting achievements and are grateful for the laurels she has won for our country.

However, safety of our operations is paramount to IndiGo. We hope that Ms Sindhu will appreciate that our colleague was only carrying out his duty in the best interest of a safe and reliable operation," Jasra added.

Sindhu's father was also travelling with her. "The ground staff misbehaved with Sindhu while handling her kit bag. Sindhu had requested him to handle it with care as there were racquets inside. But the person behaved rudely. The air hostess tried to interfere but he was also rude to her. One should not behave with a lady like that, so Sindhu tweeted. She was hurt," Sindhu's father Ramanna said.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has sought a report from the Indian Embassy in the US following reports of an attack on a Sikh schoolboy in a city in Washington State.

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"I have seen news reports about the beating of a Sikh boy in US. I have asked @IndianEmbassyUS to send me a report on the incident," Sushma Swaraj tweeted.

The 14-year-old boy was beaten up by a classmate in Kent city, with his father claiming that the victim was targeted as he is of Indian descent, the media reported.

afp

The incident happened on October 26, less than a block from Kentridge High School, where both the boys are students, KIRO-TV reported.

In the clip that was posted on mobile application Snapchat, a teenaged boy followed the victim and punched him, knocking him to the ground.

The victim was punched several more times as he tried to protect his head and crawl away.

I have seen news reports about the beating of a Sikh boy in US. I have asked @IndianEmbassyUS to send me a report on the incident.  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 4, 2017

The victim's father said he felt pain each time he looked at the video. "I am feeling so, so bad because this happened with my son. They beat him from the backside and hurt him too much.

"This is a very big thing for me, here in America... I can't explain... how I am feeling," said the 14-year-old's father, who declined to be identified.

The family said the incident exposed racial divisions in the city. However, school officials said the attack was not religiously or racially motivated, but was instead a continuation of an earlier classroom dispute.

The victim's parents denied that, saying their son did not even know his attacker's name. "He never interacted with this guy. He never knew his name," said the victim's father.

Calls and messages from people in the region poured in expressing outrage about the incident.

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The Kent area is home to many Sikhs. The family said it wants peace for them and everyone. "I don't want to see this again happen with my son or anyone else. I don't want to see this," the boy's father said.
Cruelty on humans has been going on everywhere, but lately cruelty against animals has also been on the rise in India lately.

On Thursday, policemen arrested a final-year engineering student of a private college in Katpadi near Vellore for throwing a puppy to its death from the terrace of his apartment complex last week.Police officials said the student. The student's involvement came to light after he posted a message on a WhatsApp group boasting that he had killed a puppy.

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Vishesh was produced before a magistrate in Vellore later. The court imposed a penalty of Rs 50 on the student and asked him to reappear after a fortnight. The puppy belonged to another resident in the locality who had found it on the street and adopted it as a pet. Last Saturday, it wandered into the student's neighbourhood and subsequently went missing.The dog's owner found its body a day later.

afp/representational image

Activists said the lack of stringent provisions in the Prevention of Cruelties to Animals (PCA) Act is the main reason why offenders manage to get off lightly. Offences such as maiming, torturing or killing a pet animal only attract a token fine as penalty. "The puppy was a small bundle of love and in no time everyone in the house got attached to him," the owner said.

Animal welfare activist K Shravan said several amendments had already been made in the PCA Act and were sent to Parliament for approval. Although the amendments were made in 2011, they are yet to get the go-ahead from Parliament.

bccl/representational image

"Only when the amended act comes into force will we be empowered to stop people from inflicting cruelty on animals, especially pets, or maiming or killing them. The amendments contain stringent punishment for such offences," he said.
In a shocking case of airline mismanagement, Pakistan International Airlines' (PIA) last flight from New York left behind two bodies, booked for Lahore, at the JFK Airport.

Reuters

Also Read: PIA To Resume Its Second Flight Service To New Delhi By October End, Due To Increased Demand

PIA spokesperson Mashood Tajwar said that the mistake was committed by the agency providing luggage handling service to the airline on the ground at JFK Airport.

The PIA expressed solidarity with the mourning families. The two coffins were meant to be flown to Lahore on October 28, Dawn online reported.

A man who was accompanying the body of his brother, and his family members who were waiting in Lahore, left for New York to locate the body after waiting for two days for an answer by the PIA.

"The grieved family had been agonised," said Hasan Mubarak, a relative, who was to receive the body at Lahore airport.

Picture for represenation/reuters

Mubarak said his cousin Nauman Badar, 28, died in the US on October 25. He said the flight arrived at Lahore airport nearly two hours behind its scheduled landing time.

They also came across a family from Sialkot who were also trying to find the body of a relative which was expected to reach Lahore by the same flight.

Mubarak said the bodies were enlisted in the cargo list and it was initially found that they were replaced by luggage containing catering items. The bodies lay unattended at JFK Airport for 14 hours and nobody from the PIA knew where they were.

Mubarak's cousin will be buried in Maryland while the other body was being flown by Etihad Airways to Lahore, PIA's statement said.

PIA said it would look after the transfer arrangements, adding that "all expenses will be borne by PIA".

With inputs from IANS
A combined team of physicists and engineers has discovered a void in the Great Pyramid at Giza in Egypt, one that no one knew existed before. And they made the discovery using the cosmic rays were bombarded with when we go to space.

Images courtesy: ScanPyramids

The empty space is the first discovery of an internal structure in the pyramids in almost 200 years. However, scientists still have no idea what it is, and why it was put there. Heck, they dont even know for sure how they can access it. But it might bring archeologists and historians a step closer to understanding why the ancient Egyptians even built the imT

The research team made their new discovery by tracking subatomic particles called muons. Muons are produced when cosmic rays that barrage the Earth break down in our atmosphere and rain down on us at light-speed. The key thing here however, is that muons not only drift easily through air, they can also travel through solid objects like the stone blocks of the pyramid. In this case, the scientists monitored how many muons passed through the pyramid in order to detect any internal spaces. Its similar to how an X-Ray machine is able to see any breaks in your bones without a doctor having to actually cut into you.

The Great Pyramid in question here is the largest of the set in Giza, built for the pharaoh Khufu (aka Cheops) between 2509 and 2483 BC. The new discovery is part of the efforts of an international mission called ScanPyramids, which aims to peek inside each of these massive Egyptian structures without drilling any holes.

An illustration of where researchers believe the void is located inside the pyramid

The gigantic cavity has been nicknamed the Big Void, and is almost 100 feet long. Its situated just above an internal corridor within the pyramid called the Grand Gallery, which is one of many passages that connect the two main rooms in the structure, the Kings Chamber and Queens Chamber. Unfortunately, the pictures scientists receive by tracking muons are very low resolution, they only have a basic idea of what theyre looking at. They dont know whether the floor is level or the room is tilted, whether its a single large space or composed of many adjacent rooms, or even what purpose it serves in the pyramid.

"What we are sure about is that this big void is there, that it is impressive, and that it was not expected by any kind of theory, the studys co-author Mehdi Tayoubi from the Heritage, Innovation, and Preservation Institute, said in a press briefing. However, Tayoubi believes the Big Void isnt an accident or an effect of deterioration. She thinks the Egyptians intended to build the space, though she has no idea what for,

Of course, the mission refuses to drill holes in the heritage structures (assuming the local government were to ever even allow that, so the next step is to design a robot that can squeeze into the pyramid via an existing entryway. Perhaps then well get a few more answers.
Peace and Protest: Art and Dance

Date:

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Time:

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Event Type:

Concert/Show

Organizer/Author:

San Jose Peace and Justice Center

Email:

Phone:

408-297-2299

Location Details:

Local Color

27 South 1st Street

San Jose, CA 95113

The Art of Protest: silk screen posters of the 1960s-1970s tell a local story of social protest relating to the Vietnam war, the military draft, the civil rights movement, political reform efforts, and state repression in the United States. A new poster updates the collection to the present upsurge of protest.



Sharat G. Lin will give brief presentations on the origins and historical context of the posters after 7 pm.



The Dance of Peace will be led by Khalilah Ramirez in front of the exhibit after 7 pm.



Rise Up for Justice will hold a workshop on customizing screen printing.



Exhibit Hours: Th-Sa 5-9 pm, Su 4-8 pm

November 9-12 and November 16-19



Free and open to the public



Sponsored by the San Jose Peace and Justice Center, Local Color, and Rise Up for Justice
Dateline Dateline Irrawaddy: How Should Myanmar Respond to US Sanctions?

This week, The Irrawaddy discusses how the government and military should react to any coming sanctions on the Myanmar Army over the Rakhine crisis.

Ye Ni: Welcome to Dateline Irrawaddy! This week, well discuss political consequences of the United States of Americas plan to re-impose sanctions on military officials and instigators in connection with the northern Rakhine issue.

Chairman of Democratic Party for a New Society U Aung Moe Zaw and chief editor of Narinjara News Agency U Khaing Myat Kyaw will join me to discuss this. Im Irrawaddy Burmese editor Ye Ni.

As you know, sanctions are coming back. The US recently said that it would impose targeted sanction on commanders and instigators involved in the Rakhine issue. The Presidents Office has told us that the sanctions would hamper the democratic transition of the country. It has just been over one year since sanctions against Myanmar were lifted. What lessons can we learn from this and what corrections should we make in politics?

Aung Moe Zaw: It will cost a lot for our country, and it is also upsetting. If sanctions are re-imposed, surely international aid will cease, and some cooperation with the international community will stall. This will cause a lot of hindrance in rebuilding the country, I assume. Here, I think we should take lesson in three aspects. Firstly, in cooperating with the international community, we should be committed to collaborating with them to find a solution. Secondly, it is about transparency. And finally, it is about responsibility and accountability. These are crucial, I think. The initial cause of [pending] sanctions are, as far as Im concerned, that our country strongly rejected the UN human rights delegates Yanghee Lees proposal to investigate into the case. And there was barely cooperation [with the international community] to address the problem in Rakhine State. And regarding transparency, local and foreign media, as well as local and foreign organizations that should be informed [about the issue] were denied access to the conflict area. So, it appeared as if our country was deliberately covering up the issue. And concerning responsibility and accountabilitythe problem has occurred, and whatever good intention you have, you may make mistakes in handling it. The [government] has to take responsibility for those who make mistakes. And it appeared that our country is still denying those mistakes.

YN: There are suggestions that renewed sanctions would further widen the divide between the military and the government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi who are finding it difficult to reconcile [with each other]. There is also increased suspicion, as chairman of the Arakan National Party (ANP) Dr. Aye Maung even suggested, that the Daw Aung San Suu Kyi government was deliberately creating a situation leading the international community to impose fresh sanctions on Myanmar. Ko Khaing Myat Kyaw, what do you think of the increase in suspicion?

Khaing Myat Kyaw: Frankly speaking, I dont think the government has plotted to lead the international community to impose sanctions against the military. It is because clearance operations are led by the military and they therefore decided to impose targeted sanctions on it. Through this, the international community wants to pressure the military. I dont think the government would be that inconsiderate to urge the international community to put pressure and sanctions on the military. I think it is because the international community wants to put pressure and take punitive action against it. The military is responsible for those operations, and the international community wants to directly impose sanctions on it. In every country, the government and military are related institutions. If the militarys reputation suffers, the countrys reputation also suffers. So, I dont think government leaders would be that stupid.

YN: Speaking of sanctions, I think the international community may take the 2008 Constitution into consideration and assume that there are two governments [in Myanmar] and the elected government doesnt have control over the military. So, they planned to target the military. Thats why security forces have withdrawn, ended the blockade against the WFPs [World Food Bank] food supplies [into the area], and there has been negotiation with Bangladesh on repatriation of refugees in the wake of the news that sanctions would be imposed. But at the same time, there are groups that approach [the governments handling of the problem] with suspicion. As there is pressure from the Union Solidarity and Development Party [USDP], Ma Ba Tha [Association for Protection of Race and Religion], and nationalist forces, do you think the government will be able to handle the problem effectively, Ko Aung Moe Zaw?

AMZ: It depends on how much the military is willing to cooperate. USDP, being the opposition party, will understandably try to force the ruling party into a corner. But Ma Ba Tha is different. They are somewhat radical nationalists. They will try to drive either the ruling party or liberal forces into a corner. I think the government will be able to handle their pressure. But it needs the cooperation of the military. I support what youve said. Surely, it seems that there are two governments in Myanmar because of the Constitution. No one knows if the elected government has influence over the military. So, if the international community imposes sanctions, it would go directly to the military. Anyway, I think the government will be able to overcome the pressures of the USDP and Ma Ba Tha.

YN: Ko Khaing Myat Kyaw, you recently went to Maungdaw. In solving the Rakhine problem, the military, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi government, and local Arakanese people have different approaches. Under such circumstances, what will you suggest as long-term solutions to this problem?

KMK: This problem happens in Rakhine and Arakanese people are experiencing it first-hand. The government in office is a democratic government elected by the people. So they should listen to the voices of people and solve this problem in cooperation with people. But now Rakhine political parties are not able to participate in solving the problem. And so are Rakhine civil society organizations. Arakanese people know nothing about what actions are being taken [by the government]. It seems that the government is acting on itself and [Arakanese] people are acting on themselves. The elected government, whether it likes it or not, needs to enter dialogue with the ANP, which is supported by Arakanese people. There are scholars and individuals respected by the Arakanese people. The government should also negotiate with them. It should discuss frankly with them. Only then, will we get an answer that is acceptable to Arakanese people. But now all the Arakanese people feel like they are marginalized. Rakhine political parties, people and CSOs feel like they are marginalized and the government is acting as if Rakhine was nothing to do with this problem. So, if the government wants to resolve this problem, it should negotiate with Rakhine political parties, community leaders, and scholars. Though the problem is happening in Rakhine State, it concerns the whole country. People of the entire country must join hands to solve this. Arakanese locals are not happy that they are being left out. If this continues, it will be harder to solve this problem. Arakanese people now have a certain understanding of the problem. They now know the causes of this problem, what they should compromise and what they should demand. So, I think if the government negotiates with all [Rakhine stakeholders], this problem will be solved. The government should hold talks with Rakhine political parties, scholars, and representatives of CSOs, and modest community leaders of each township [in Rakhine]. Then well be able to find an answer, I think. Otherwise, opposition may arise. For example, regarding international non-governmental organizations [INGOs], the government should have satisfactorily explained why they are needed. But as the government didnt, [Arakanese] people are hostile toward INGOs, thinking that they are helping the other community. This has marred the image of Rakhine State, and the image problem of Rakhine is also the image problem of the country. The government should explain to [Arakanese] people why they need to accept INGOs and why they provide humanitarian assistance. The people are likely to accept it if the government explains well. So, I think the government needs to cooperate closely with Arakanese people and political parties to solve these problems.

AMZ: Id like to add to what Ko Khaing Myat Kyaw has said. The major weakness of the current government is for example, in Shan Statemajor Shan political parties appear to be marginalized. Likewise, CSOs are seemingly counted out. A government surely needs to talk to CSOs, political parties, and representatives of local communities. And the current government is failing to do so, I think. So, this has made it difficult to solve most of the problems.

KMK: Another thing is the government needs to carefully observe INGOs, and discuss thoroughly with Arakanese people because Arakanese people feel there is bias [in INGOs provision of humanitarian aid]. The international community should treat the two communities equally if they want the problem solved. The United Nations is one-sided now. Over 30,000 [Arakanese and other ethnic people] have fled [the violence]. And [dozens] were killed. But neither the UN nor the international community has shown sympathy. So, this has made Rakhine people think they are not being treated as [equal] human beings. So, consequently they have become hostile toward INGOs. They are not able to complain to the international community directly, so they have shifted their anger to Muslims in the area.

YN: Thank you for your contributions!
Specials Discrimination and Fear Hamper HIV Eradication in Myanmar

People living with HIV attend an INGO treatment center in Yangon. / Thet Tun Naing / The Irrawaddy

YANGON  While Myanmar has been celebrating triumphs in controlling its HIV epidemic, the country is facing a new challenge with infection rates among the gay community in major cities among the highest in Asia.

Myanmars number of deaths due to the virus have halved in just six years. State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi touted HIV as an area of greatest progress since her government took power last year in her diplomatic address in September.

But as international donors withdraw funding in the wake of the countrys perceived development, the government warned that its HIV program was facing a funding shortfall of US$150 million by 2020a third of what it says is needed to battle the disease.

The head of UNs HIV program in Myanmar, Oussama Tawil, said the country could lose some of the momentum it has gained over the last five years, if current investments decline and other funds are not mobilized.

With urban centers including Yangon and Mandalay having Asias highest rate of gay and bisexual men and transgender women infected with the virus27 and 22 percent respectively in in 2015some worry that the funding shortage would further exasperate what experts have described as the latest battle ground in tackling the epidemic.

The percentage of Myanmars new infections coming from this community nearly doubled to 13 percent in 2015 from five percent in 2000, making it one of the three populations most at risk to HIV, following people who inject drugs and sex workers.

Health experts said pervasive discrimination against homosexual, bisexual, or transgender people in Myanmar is preventing people from seeking medical help to prevent and treat HIV and Aids.

Intercourse between people of the same sex is illegal in Myanmar with the penal code punishing carnal intercourse against the order of nature with up to 14 years in prison.

Living in Fear



After a young man was diagnosed with HIV in 2009, he says he felt like committing suicide.

The 29-year-old from Kyaukme in Shan State who referred to himself as Ko Kyaw Kyaw was forced to quit his job at the restaurant he worked at as the company screened employees for HIV.

Destitute, Ko Kyaw Kyaw could not turn to his family for supporthe feared they would neither accept that he had had sex with a man nor that he was HIV positive.

There was just no one to take care of me, he told The Irrawaddy.

According to Ko Hla Myat, director of one of Myanmars largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) associations Colors Rainbow, the group is misunderstood by the public and face daily humiliation.

The majority of Myanmars population dont see them as humans with equal rights, so they experience lack of respect in all aspects of lifeat school, at work, in public health, housing, and even within their families, he told The Irrawaddy.

This pervasive discrimination deters individuals at-risk of HIV infection from seeking prevention and treatment services at public hospitals for fear of humiliation or mistreatment.

Like many of the gay or transgender people living with HIV the Irrawaddy spoke to, Ko Kyaw Kyaw avoided government clinics and instead sought help through an INGO when he became worried about his HIV status.

He said friends told him about humiliation at the hands of health professionals, and that some doctors and nurses were known to reprimand patients and tell them HIV infection was punishment for their lifestyle.

For UNAIDs Oussama Tawil, eliminating stigma and discrimination is of utmost importance for Myanmar to hit country targets in bringing the epidemic under control.

There is a need to continue to raise awareness among law enforcers, health and social-care providers to recognize and uphold rights of men who have sex with men, transgender and others as highlighted in the national plan on AIDS. he told The Irrawaddy.

Safe Spaces

Instead of public hospitals and government agencies, it is non-governmental and community- based organizations that provide prevention services for people like Ko Kyaw Kyaw. That includes providing information on safe-sex, handing out condoms, and encouraging HIV testing, and health facilities that provide treatment without discrimination.

But many users of LGBT-friendly health centerssuch as Aye Nyein Myittar and Population Services Internationaltold The Irrawaddy they feel uneasy over the future of these critical services as global funding dwindles and the government and INGOs struggle to keep up with the costs.

At the centers, counselors work to inform communities about the risks of HIV, the importance of testing and help patients deal with diagnosis and starting treatmenteven accompanying them to public hospitals if necessary.

Outreach workers at the centers travel to areas of the city frequented by LGBT, hold group sessions, offer pre- and post-HIV test counselling and have recently began reaching out to people through Facebook, Viber, B-talk and mobile applications popular with gay and bisexual menquadrupling the number of of gay and bisexual men getting tested for HIV and the number testing HIV-positive in just six months.

U Chit Ko Ko, a 60-year old retired natkadawa spirit medium that dresses in female attirewas one of the first people in Myanmar to speak out about being HIV positive and openly gay when he found out he had the virus in 2002.

He supported people in the community to get tested before setting up Lotusone of the first groups to reach out to those at risk.

After working with hundreds of people over more than a decade, he said discrimination and stigma in Myanmar were still preventing vulnerable people from receiving the services they needed.

Awareness is needed to fight discrimination, he told The Irrawaddy. Without talking about LGBT and HIV, you cant eliminate the disease.
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By Samuel White | EurActiv.com |  

Scientists have raised the alarm after a study 27 years in the making found the biomass of flying insects in nature protected areas has declined by more than 75% since 1990. The causes of the decline are not fully understood.

The decline of Europes bee populations has been on policy-makers radars for some time. Less attention has been paid to the plight of other flying insects but a study published in scientific journal Plos One in October has revealed that they too have declined in both diversity and abundance in the last quarter of a century.

From 1989 to 2016, scientists in Germany collected insect samples across 96 unique location-year sites in nature protected areas, covering the period from March to October. Over the 27 years the study was carried out, the average biomass of flying insects collected at the sites fell by 76%, with a more marked average drop of 82% in mid-summer.

Flying insects are a vital part of many ecosystems: they pollinate 80% of plant species and some 60% of birds rely on them as a source of food. They are also an important source of protein for many mammals and a key part of the nutrient cycle.

Recently reported declines in several [insects] such as butterflies, wild bees and moths are in parallel with a severe loss of total aerial insect biomass, suggesting that it is not only the vulnerable species, but the flying insect community as a whole; that has been decimated over the last few decades, the study said.

Justice for bees: French court to look at pesticide ban An environmental organisation has filed a lawsuit to ban sulfoxaflor, a pesticide that has fallen through the cracks of the ban on neonicotinoids. EURACTIV France reports.

The study pointed out that landscape and climate change were unlikely to have accounted for a large share of such a severe decline, but stressed that the decline, irrespective of landscape configuration and habitat type suggests large-scale factors must be involved.

Agricultural intensification a plausible cause

Most of the nature reserves where the insect samples were collected (94%) were surrounded by agricultural fields, and while the studys authors stopped short of explicitly blaming factors such as the use of pesticides, fertilisers and agricultural intensification, they did say these may form a plausible cause.

The study is a wake-up call about the terrifying impact of industrial farming practices on the natural world that we rely on for our food and wellbeing, Franziska Achterberg, Greenpeaces EU food policy director, told EURACTIV.com. Synthetic pesticides in particular are poisoning the environment and contaminating our bodies.

Scientists and environmentalists have been saying for years that insecticides are indiscriminate killers, including of vital insects like bees and butterflies.

But pesticide producers strongly refute this link. Graeme Taylor, the director of public affairs for the European Crop Protection Association (ECPA), which represents companies such as Monsanto, DuPont, Syngenta and Bayer, told EURACTIV that given insects were monitored exclusively in protected areas, there is no obvious justification to conclude agriculture as being the main cause of the decline.
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By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) |  

Somehow Secretary of Energy Rick Perry managed to find Africa, and while he was there, he learned that a lot of people dont have electricity. In a news conference this week, he expressed the opinion that fossil fuels would prevent sexual assault.

Perry said, assaulting and abusing the English language, Its going to take fossil fuels to push power out into those villages . . . But also from the standpoint of sexual assault, when the lights are on, when you have light that shines, the righteousness, if you will, on those types of acts.

What he meant, probably, was that electrification and public lighting help reduce violent crime, because the perpetrators of the latter like the dark. As we will see, in the conflict zones of Africa, this premise does not hold.

It should be noted that when governor of Texas Perry actively resisted Federal regulations to reduce prison rape, so he seems more interested in hydrocarbons than in do-gooding.

Perrys remark drew a sharp rebuke from the Sierra Club, which pointed out that man-made global heating caused by burning coal, oil and gas is ruining the lives of women even faster than that of men.

Lack of electricity is certainly a problem for development in Africa. Over Two thirds of Africans, some 625 million people, live without electricity. In some countries, as few as 10 percent of households have it.

But electrification can be pursued in environmentally sustainable ways. Since much of Africa lacks electricity wires,it isnt locked into the bad fossil fuel habits of Europe and North America. Morocco has an impressive Green Energy program that has seen the opening of massive concentrated solar plants near the Sahara and several wind farms on the Atlantic. Many African villagers are putting up solar panels, which are falling rapidly in cost, and you could imagine a combination of wind, solar and inexpensive batteries there rather than a dirty, expensive and vulnerable hydrocarbon-fueled grid.

Best of all, solar and wind are everywhere and there is no impetus to fight over control of them.

As for fossil fuels, they are responsible for enormous numbers of rapes.

Let me explain why saying that is not just as silly as Perrys thoughtless remark.

Take Sudan. It is an oil state. It is also an enormous, complex country. Sudan proper is majority Muslim, with Arabic a leading though not the only language. What used to be the south of the country, now an independent country, is majority Christian and dominated by the Dinka and Nuer peoples. Nearly a third of people follow African religions and 6% are Muslim down there.

So Sudan has several big oil fields that are partly in South Sudan and were drilled, with the oil being transported to Port Sudan by pipeline for export abroad. The people of the south felt as though they were not getting a fair share of the oil revenue, which was being expropriated by the central government, and so they fought a decades-long civil war for independence.

In the course of that conflict there was mass rape, which is commonly used as a tool in modern total wars.

Then in 2011, South Sudan seceded. Then it got rich, right? What with being in control of its oil? No.

Being a complex society dominated by two big ethnic groups, the Dinka and Nuer, it fell into civil war as elites of these two struggled for control of the vast oil wealth. It doesnt get the press that Syria did, but South Sudan is one of the most brutal civil wars on the planet.

h/t VOA

And guess what? A UN report shows that mass gang rape has become an everyday weapon there.

Then there is the violent conflict in the Niger Delta of southern Nigeria. It is also over oil and its proceeds, and their distribution.

And there is war rape? There is war rape.

In contrast, Morocco is putting in wind farms and solar plants like crazy. They will provide all its electricity by 2050, and as electric cars are adopted will replace petroleum, the dirty, polluting, globe-heating stuff over which people are killing each other and raping women in the rest of Africa.

Morocco is on track to produce 42% of its electricity from renewables by 2020, in just a couple of years.

Morocco is a really nice country and well worth visiting if you havent been there. It is of course not without conflict.

But no one has launched a guerrilla war to capture a wind farm or a solar plant. And not one woman has been raped for wind or solar electricity.

So, as I say, Rick Perrys take on reality is the opposite of the actual reality.



Related video added by Juan Cole:

The Young Turks: Rick Perry: Stop Sexual Assaults With Fossil Fuels
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Maan News Agency |  

BETHLEHEM (Maan)  The office of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas released a statement on Thursday, the centenary of the Balfour Declaration, calling on the British government to apologize to the Palestinian people for the suffering caused as a result of the Balfour Declaration a hundred years ago.

The second day of November marks the centennial of the disastrous Balfour Declaration, which, in 1917, the British government gave the Jews of the world a national homeland in Palestine while it was aware that Palestine is owned and inhabited by another people, the Palestinian people, the statement said.

Abbas called the declaration null and void given that it ignored the national and political rights of the indigenous Palestinian people.

The Palestinian people have suffered as a result of this promise, Abbas said, highlighting the Nakba, or catastrophe in 1948, during which time the state of Israel was created, leaving some 750,000 Palestinians and millions of their descendants as refugees.

Since then, the suffering and tragedies of the Palestinian people have not stopped, whether inside what was left of the land of Palestine, which has now been under occupation for 50 years, since 1967, or in the Diaspora and refugee camps, the statement said.

Abbas went on to say that the  responsibility for the displacement and suffering of the Palestinian people belongs not only to the British government that issued the Balfour Declaration, but the current administration of UK Prime Minister Theresa May, who on Thursday celebrated the centenary in London with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

What is troubling today is thatthe British Government insists on celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, persisting to openly confirm its colonial policies against our Palestinian people, the statement said.

We therefore reiterate our call upon the British government to publicly apologize to the Palestinian people for issuing the Balfour Declaration and to bear the consequences of making that promise by compensating the Palestinian people politically, materially and morally, recognize the State of Palestine and work toward ending the occupation from our land just as it sponsored the occupation state, Israel, on the land of Palestine, the statement concluded.

Via Maan News Agency

-

Related video added by Juan Cole:

Al Jazeera English: The Balfour Declaration explained
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TeleSur |  

This marks a decisive defeat for the terrorist group which has seen its territory shrink at an exponential rate during 2017.

The Syrian Army has declared a total military victory over the Islamic State group in Deir Ezzor city, the provincial capital of Deir Ezzor, an oil rich province that was once a bastion for the militant group.

Two months ago, the Syrian Army was able to link with its besieged forces in Deir Ezzor that had been under siege for over 3 years.

In those two months, the Syrian Army began a decisive campaign against ISIL militants that caused the terrorist group heavy casualties and funneled them into a handful of neighborhoods.

The besieged unit was under the command of the late General Issam Zahreddine, who was able to witness the citys siege come to an end.

The Syrian Army managed to fully secure the eastern city of Deir Ezzor after expelling ISIS militants from its last neighborhoods inside the city, a Syrian military official said in a statement.

The Russian Center for Reconciliation of the opposing sides in Syria indicated that officers from the Russian Defense Ministrys International Demining Center cleared 275 explosive devices within the city.

Over the past 24 hours, 25 hectares of the citys territory and its suburbs have been explored, as well as four kilometers of roads and six buildings. As many as 275 explosive devices have been cleared, the Center said in a statement.

A weapons cache was also discovered in Deir Ezzor city which allegedly overshadows the large weapons cache that was found in Al-Mayadeen.

This victory marks a series of defeats for the Islamic State group in Syria who lost their de facto capital of Raqqa, Al-Mayadeen, a major Islamic State group hub, and many towns along the Euphrates River leading to Albukamal.

Al-Masdar News reports that the Syrian Army and its allies are within 30 miles of the strategic city of Albukamal, which sits at the Iraqi border.

Meanwhile, Iraqi forces have launched an offensive against the Islamic State group on their western border to finally seal the Syrian-Iraqi border.

Via TeleSur



Related video added by Juan Cole:

EuroNews: Syrian army retakes Deir al-Zor from ISIL
TVNZ reports:

Health Minister David Clark has formally requested an investigation be made into alleged unjustified spending by the former chief executive of the Waikato District Health Board.

On 5 October, the Waikato DHB announced the resignation of their chief executive Dr Nigel Murray with immediate effect.

This resignation occurred part-way through an independent inquiry into alleged financial breaches during his tenure, which was never completed.

I have written to Commissioner Peter Hughes today to request this action because such issues or allegations, especially relating to senior leaders in the public sector, risk damaging confidence in the public sector, Dr Clark says.

It is critical that transparency in and accountability for these processes and outcomes is maintained.

Mr Clarks letter to the State Services Commissioner has asked the commission to investigate the unjustified expenditure by Dr Murray of DHB funds, and any similar conduct by any other person within the DHB during the course of the independent inquiry.
May 1, 2021, 6 AM

Washington Postal Scene  By Bill McAllister

Starting Nov. 26, the United States Postal Service hopes to have more of its trucks making Sunday package deliveries, and their packages wont just be coming from Amazon.

Walmart told the Associated Press Nov. 1 it is one of several retailers considering using the Sunday delivery program.

Seattle-based retailing giant Amazon has been the mainstay of the USPS Sunday package delivery program.

Kim Frum, a spokeswoman for USPS, declined to offer details of the new program, which was mentioned in an Oct. 25 news release.

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The Postal Service said then it was hoping to expand Sunday deliveries to locations with high package volumes and noted that has been making Sunday package deliveries in most major cities.

The Postal Service expects to deliver more than six million packages each Sunday in December and noted some deliveries will occur on Christmas Day.

The AP reported that the program will be available in 20 cities and will allow customers to place merchandise orders online before a Saturday cutoff time. Postal workers will then pick up the merchandise for delivery Sunday.

The package business has been a bright spot for the Postal Service in recent months, growing by double digits while first-class letter volume continues to drop.

Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan was quoted in the Oct. 25 news release as predicting that packages during the coming holiday mailing season will increase to 850 million, or more than 10 percent over last years numbers.

The package business involves higher costs than letter deliveries.

Financial officials have said packages are not growing fast enough to overcome deficit of dollars that used to come from letters.
The iPhone X is shipping and you may already have one but the jokes on you because a key feature in it is a big loser.

Writing for Fortune, Rutgers business professor Chan Choi tries to explain Why Apple Made a Bad Bet on Face ID. (Tip o the antlers to Peter, Todd, 5cat and @designheretic.)

Theres the title, and then Fortune adds two zinger lines because the situation is just that bad.

Apples New Face ID Might Be Problematic The new Face ID on Apples iPhone X might seem cool, but the feature could wind up being a problem.

So, before we even get to the article, we already have a lot of information on Face ID and the sum of that information is ZOMG Face ID is so bad, yall.

Steve Jobs was partly correct when he said, A lot of times, people dont know what they want until you show it to them.

The Macalope is used to seeing the quote truncated to just whats after the comma. How can Jobs just be partly correct with that qualifier before the comma? He was entirely correct.

But, there are still radical innovations that people will scratch their heads over even after they have seen them.

Yes, but a lot of times they dont!

Facial recognition is already available in other smartphones, tablets, and laptops, with varying degrees of successful implementation. The Face ID is claimed to be the most sophisticated among them, but it will still need further refinements and updates in the coming years to work flawlessly.

Thats the bar? Flawlessly? Because the Macalope is here to tell you, Face ID will never work flawlessly. Touch ID is great, incredibly useful and heavily relied upon, but it doesnt work flawlessly. Try to imagine the same standard being applied to a Samsung phone. Go ahead, the Macalope will wait.

Just kidding. He will not wait. He does not have until the heat death of the Universe.

Now, what is all this flimflammery based on?

There are reports It was also reported there are many reports and analyses

In other words, the same nonsense the Macalopes been skewering for weeks with a dash of innuendo.

And Sen. Al Franken even asked in a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook, Is it currently possibleeither remotely or through physical access to the devicefor either Apple or a third party to extract and obtain usable faceprint data from the iPhone X?

If only there were some sort of name you could ascribe to the act of presenting a question as evidence of a problem. OH, WELL.

In the introduction event, the Face ID unlocking demo did not work well, which ended up fueling the doubts.

Well, no!

Now, you can believe Apples account of what happened or not, but not mentioning their explanation and just flatly saying it didnt work well when the company says it worked exactly as it should have just shows you either didnt bother to look up what happened or dont care to accurately report it.

But suppose all of these hurdles and negative perceptions on the technology are resolved in time.

Yes, what if they fix all this stuff people are just making up?! Highly unlikely, of course, but what if?!

Well, then Choi thinks Face ID will be great for a whole bunch of nightmare scenarios.

For one, the technology may be used to read subtle emotions, which can be applied to reading, watching, shopping, communicating, or finding new friends and significant others.

Alas, Choi laments, dumb Apple wont let developers have Face ID data.

But due to the security and privacy concerns

[rude hand gesture]

it was reported that

Chan works in reported like some artists work in oils. Its like watching someone make a collage. A big, wrong collage.

the company will sandbox the new iPhones facial recognition capacity in a way that prevents app makers from harvesting biometric data.

What a buzzkill! The Macalope knows some creatures who want you to give them your face. Theyre all demons.

With the Pandoras box partially closed, it may be an uphill battle for the Face ID technology to become a must-have feature for future iPhones.

Because if theres anything people want its companies harvesting their facial expressions to find out if theyre happy or sad on a given day. Note, this is the same thing that Chan was earlier insinuating must be a problem because a U.S. senator was asking whether or not it could happen.

Apple will let developers use the sensors on the iPhone X in a more limited fashion than Face ID uses them. But, no, the company will not share Face ID data with them, nor should it ever since thats whats used to unlock your phone.

The amount of misinformation floating around on Face ID and misguided opining based on that misinformation would be astounding except, well, this is Apple were talking about. When a mythical beast can make a modest living talking about bad coverage, this is just par for the course.
A new study links chronic insomnia with kidney decline and failure, as well as with the risk of early death in the case of United States veterans. Managing long-term sleeplessness may help to stave off such negative health outcomes, the researchers hypothesize.

Share on Pinterest How far-reaching are the health effects of chronic insomnia? New research suggests it may increase risk of kidney disease and early death.

Research has identified insomnia as the most common sleep disorder, with around 35.2 percent of adults in the United States reporting short nightly sleep duration, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Sleeplessness is also linked with a large number of health conditions, including depressive symptoms, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Alzheimers, to name but a few. On the flip side, recent studies have emphasized the protective quality of a good nights sleep when it comes to the chronic effects of stress.

A recent study from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, TN, now links insomnia with kidney function decline, kidney failure, and an increased mortality risk.

Drs. Csaba Kovesdy and Jun Ling Lu, the lead researchers involved with the study, focused on the risks posed by chronic insomnia to kidney health, and for this purpose they worked with a large cohort of U.S. veterans.

Their results were presented this week at the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week 2017.
Rangers general manager Jon Daniels didnt mince words in telling reporters that he has no plans to embark on a rebuild, as T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com and Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram write. This is not a rebuild, Daniels told reporters. We expect to win. We are always going to have that mindset. Texas will face an uphill challenge in filling out a rotation that, at present, has only Cole Hamels and Martin Perez locked into spots. Daniels acknowledged that the Rangers are going to have to remake half the staff, and as Sullivan notes, that applies to the bullpen as well, where Keone Kela, Matt Bush, Alex Claudio and Jake Diekman look like the only set-in-stone options. Per Wilson, Daniels suggested that team payroll will be more in the $155MM range at which it sat in 2016 than this past seasons $165MM territory. While the Rangers may not pursue a closer, theyll look to bring in at least one veteran bullpen arm.

A bit more on the Rangers
The Astros enviable core of talent has already delivered one World Series title and set them up as contenders through at least next season. The big-picture question facing Houston, however, will be which members of the roster are kept over the long term. Here are some notes from FanRag Sports Jon Heyman on the state of any Astros contract extensions

Dallas Keuchel is currently in the process of switching his representation. The ace southpaw has one final year of arbitration eligibility (MLBTR projects him to earn $12.6MM) before hitting the open market as part of the star-studded 2018-19 free agent class. The agency change  and timing could suggest hes thinking about change , Heyman writes, though Keuchel has been willing to discuss an extension with the Astros in the past. Previous talks didnt result in a long-term deal, however  Heyman notes that one of the teams initial offers was similar to the early-career extensions signed by Madison Bumgarner and Chris Sale .

is currently in the process of switching his representation. The ace southpaw has one final year of arbitration eligibility (MLBTR projects him to earn $12.6MM) before hitting the open market as part of the star-studded 2018-19 free agent class. The agency change  , Heyman writes, though Keuchel has been willing to discuss an extension with the Astros in the past. Previous talks didnt result in a long-term deal, however  Heyman notes that one of the teams initial offers was similar to the early-career extensions signed by and . There havent been any extension talks with George Springer in at least a year and a half. Houston also made an early-career extension offer to Springer, and then a significantly larger offer around two years ago. Springer is in line for extra money as a Super Two player, as he earned $3.9MM in 2017 and is projected for a big raise up to $8.9MM in 2018. Since the Astros have Springer under team control through the 2020 season, there isnt any immediate need for an extension, unless the Astros want cost-certainty over his arb years or want to establish Springer as a long-term cornerstone player into the next decade.

in at least a year and a half. Houston also made an early-career extension offer to Springer, and then a significantly larger offer around two years ago. Springer is in line for extra money as a Super Two player, as he earned $3.9MM in 2017 and is projected for a big raise up to $8.9MM in 2018. Since the Astros have Springer under team control through the 2020 season, there isnt any immediate need for an extension, unless the Astros want cost-certainty over his arb years or want to establish Springer as a long-term cornerstone player into the next decade. Some interesting details are provided on Jose Altuve s representation history, as the second baseman initially parted ways with Scott Boras in 2013 when Boras advised Altuve against signing an extension with the Astros. Altuve went on to indeed sign that extension in July 2013, and Altuves subsequent rise to superstar status made that four-year, $12.5MM deal with two club option years into a major bargain. (Houston exercised the first of those club options for 2018, netting Altuve another $6MM in guaranteed money.) Altuve re-hired Boras as his agent in July 2016, which Heyman writes  Stephen Strasburg , Carlos Gonzalez ) that there is still hope at a longer-term deal to keep Altuve in Houston. could be taken as an indication he has a different mindset now that he has the security of that initial contract. Boras clients generally end up reaching free agency, though there have been enough high-profile exceptions to that trend (i.e.) that there is still hope at a longer-term deal to keep Altuve in Houston.

s representation history, as the second baseman initially parted ways with Scott Boras in 2013 when Boras advised Altuve against signing an extension with the Astros. Altuve went on to indeed sign that extension in July 2013, and Altuves subsequent rise to superstar status made that four-year, $12.5MM deal with two club option years into a major bargain. (Houston exercised the first of those club options for 2018, netting Altuve another $6MM in guaranteed money.) Altuve re-hired Boras as his agent in July 2016, which Heyman writes  Carlos Correa seems perfectly willing to go year-to-year until he hits free agency. The shortstop said last spring that he was at least willing to listen about a long-term deal but only until he hit his arbitration years; Greg Genske, Correas agent, made the bolder statement that Correa had no interest at all in an early-career extension. Last April, MLBTRs Charlie Wilmoth explored the many forms a Correa extension could take, if the two sides did happen to come to an agreement. Correa will become eligible for arbitration next offseason, so the team has one more year to work out a multi-year deal, assuming Correas previously-stated deadline still holds.
The son of Ghanaian broadcaster Kwasi Kyei-Darkwah (KKD), Kwaku Darkwah Kyei-Darkwah has made a 'shocking' revelation about his sexual orientation.

The model has written an article titled 'To be Young, Gifted, Black and Queer' on intomore.com, saying he is gay but has had a difficult time coming out about his sexuality.

He said in the past he was quiet, obedient and often stayed in his room to prevent being noticed. But he is mature now and can no longer run away from who he is.

The moment I realised I was gay happened in primary school. Someone called me gay as an insult and I responded with so what? I was totally fine with it, but others weren't and that was when the discomfort and shame with my sexuality started, he told intomore.com.

Kyei who was featured on the online magazine together with other gay models with African backgrounds said he could no longer conform to people's standards of sexuality.

Living under my parents' roof, I was constantly hiding. I'd get home from school and be incredibly quiet, helpful and obedient. I stayed in my room most of the time. I was playing the role of the 'ideal son' so I could just skate by unnoticed. It wasn't until I was no longer living at home that I started to realise I wasn't anyone or anything I'd known so far in my life, he said.

I went through a lot of ups and downs, trying out new ways of dressing, trying out new friendship groups, and reinventing myself over and over again. I realise I did this because I was still trying to fit in a box  the stylish black guy, the cool and macho black guy, the femme, flamboyant and fun black guy. None worked because there is a lot more to me (and any person for that matter) than a stereotype. I am now very comfortable with my sexuality because I don't feel I need to conform to any one image, he added.

Darkwah is not resident in Ghana but the issue of homosexuality is a very sensitive one in Ghana which has stoked fiery debates as regards the propriety or otherwise of decriminalizing it the country.

Kyei's father, KKD, a doyen of media and arts was entangled in rape allegations a few years ago  a case that sullied his reputation.

KKD has two children  Kwaku Darkwah Kyei-Darkwah and Ohemaa Asokwa Kyei-Darkwah.
Kevin Spacey is being investigated by UK police over an alleged sexual assault.

The Sun newspaper said a man, aged 23 at the time, made a complaint on Tuesday about the alleged incident in the London borough of Lambeth.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that they are investigating an alleged assault on a man from 2008.

They would not confirm the allegation was made against House of Cards actor and double Oscar winner Spacey.

Spacey said on Thursday that he is seeking treatment after facing allegations of sexual misconduct from a string of men.

No arrests

The Sun reported that a British actor claimed he woke up to find Spacey performing a sex act on him in 2008.

The man is said to have run from the property after Spacey allegedly said: Dont tell anyone about this.

A spokesman for the Met said it had no record of any arrests having been made in connection with the investigation and police declined to comment on The Suns report, which says the complainant had been interviewed by police.

It comes after a number of allegations, including CNN reporting that Spacey made the set of Netflixs House of Cards into a toxic work environment through a pattern of sexual harassment.

It said allegations were made by eight people who currently work on the show, or worked on it in the past, with one former employee alleging the actor sexually assaulted him.

Netflix suspended production on House of Cards on 31 October following allegations by Star Trek actor Anthony Rapp, who claimed Spacey tried to seduce him when he was 14.

Spacey said he was beyond horrified to hear of the incident, which he does not remember.

US filmmaker Tony Montana also claimed he was groped by the actor in a Los Angeles bar in 2003.

Montana said he was left with PTSD for six months after he claims Spacey forcefully grabbed his crotch.


04.11.2017 LISTEN

Naturally, the exploits of great men, when told, tend to be spurring. This time, however, I was more than inspired and motivated learning about and meeting this great individual at the Centre for Women in Abuja during the 2015 National Youth Reform Conference which had my organisation as a partner. I was a member of the planning committee at this event where Mr. Adebola Williams was a speaker. I must confess, I bloated with admiration at the personality of this simple yet sophisticated and awesome man. From my short encounter with this media mogul, I could boldly tell that Debola Williams is a personification of altruism. He is a selfless, charitable, and large-hearted man. Ever since then, I have always been his greatest admirer.

It was this kindled interest in Mr. Adebola Williams that glued me to my phone and patted me up when I slumbered off to listen to this mans speech on the second and last day of the recent Obama Foundation leadership summit held in the United States. At this two-day summit, which kicked off on Wednesday, November 1 2017, a handful of speakers delivered wonderful speeches and a number of distinguished and promising youths stood by the lectern to tell inspiring stories of success. To keep track of this auspicious

event, I sat up late at night and intently stared at my mobile screen following the trend of the event on Bellanaija. As beautiful as these speeches were, the breathtaking story of greatness which was kindled by hopelessness and fueled by despair, as told by Adebola Williams, unusually caught my attention. His thunderously applauded eight-minute-six-second speech at the event was expectedly engaging and extraordinarily inspiring. For anyone who listened to his speech, it was a narrative of how this ingenious young mind built an empire of hope for the hopeless African youths and how this empire has engaged more than thirty million youths in the past eleven years of its existence. Indeed, like Adebola Williams said, In despair lies several opportunities; especially to be pioneer, especially to be great.

After listening to the speech, I was forced to further re-think the opportunities that lie in the seemingly god-forsaken Nigerian land. It was amazingly inspiring to hear that at 18, Debola and his friends rose to the responsibility of converting the African youths' hopelessness and despair in government to a flourishing media business under the name RED  a social business that inspires young Africans to take social and political action through the power of storytelling.

Going through the chronicles of this rare genius life, I was most marveled learning that Debola and his friend, Chude started their business with zero capital. And by this, I am not saying that in a metaphoric sense - the prospering RED Media was literally kick started with #0 and it has never got a capital injection. This is incredible considering the fact that lack of fund or its inaccessibility is the foremost bottleneck to entrepreneurial success in this part of the world. At this point, my heart desired nothing than a mentoring session with this veteran entrepreneurs. I couldnt be more surprised that the brains won the 2014 CNBC Young Business Leader of the year award.

At 31, Debola Williams is an uncommon greatness having scored unmatched points in the media profession, entrepreneurship, civic advocacy, and human capital development. At this relatively young age, he has co-founded Red Africa which houses The Future Awards Africa, Ynaija, and StateCraft Inc. In addition, this illustrious entrepreneur has founded the Lagos Business Transit and has chaired the Enough is Enough initiative. A Mandela Washington Fellow, Adebola Williams also boasts membership of the British Council Global Change maker and simultaneously sits on the board of Slum to School initiative. He is an uncommon embodiment of greatness.

More astonishingly, Debola Williams has made revolutionary and remarkable contributions to governance across Africa through his Political Communication Agency, StateCraft Inc. Owing to his media expertise and communication strategies that have worked wonders, he was described as the man with the golden touch by the Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo having won the 2016 election through Demolas campaign intiatives. This is not an exaggerated praise on the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the StateCraft Inc., Adebola Williams, who had also previously helped both President Goodluck Jonathan and President Muhammad Buhari won the 2011 re-election and the 2015 elections respectively.

According to Martin L. King Jr., life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'what are you doing for others'. In a painstaking effort at answering this great question, Adebola Williams, forms a part of the award-wining Slum-to-School, an initiative that goes out to pick teens and youths from the wanderings on the street to a better and educated life in a school. He is a humanitarian par excellence.

Perhaps, one recurring factor in the narratives of great men and leaders is their quality training, rich knowledge, and intrinsic motivation. A probe into the formative years of this young African pride bore witness to this fact. Debola Lagos, as he is fondly called, has a rich educational background and training and a brilliant track record in entrepreneurship, advocacy, and activism. He read journalism at the prestigious London School of Journalism. Though he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, it is was pathetic and shocking to the young Williams when, at nine, he watched his familys wealth vanished into the thin air before his eyes. Surprisingly, the young Debola took charge of his life and, at fifteen, started working.

For ages, the popular saying, Show me your friend, and I will tell you who you are, has always been true and the case of Mr. Debola Williams is another proof. He wines and dines in the midst of equally great minds like his friend and business partner, Chude Jideonwo.

Perez Tigidam of the Nerve has described this duo as the Moses of the 21st century leading fellow youths out of a bleak socio-political and entrepreneurial past. He (Debola) walks with Japheth Joshua Omojuwa, a prominent blogger, public speaker, socio-economic and political commentator, social media expert, and twitter warrior. And, he is a friend to Samson Itodo; one of Nigerias foremost youth think tanks on governance and citizens participation and the brain behind Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (YIAGA).

With this brilliant track record in governance and advocacy, entrepreneurship, and humanitarianism, the entire team of Brain Builders International thinks it would not be over-ambitious to recommend this renowned, bright, smart, prudent, marvelous, inspiring, philanthropic, visionary, and exceptional Nigerian entrepreneur for a national award of recognition on contribution to nation building and human capital development. We believe that if something like merit exists in Nigeria of today, it should be conferred on exceptional minds like Adebola Williams.

Olasupo Abideen Opeyemi is a young fellow of the Young Africa Leadership Initiative (Regional Leadership Centre). He is the executive director of the award-winning Brain Builders International; a United Nations recognised and certified SDGs group. He is also the CEO Brain Builders IT Firm, OPAB Global Consult, OPAB Gas Station, and OPAB Farms. He hails from Osun State. Abideen tweets at @opegoogle. You can shoot him a mail at [email protected]
Former President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday delivered a lecture on challenges of democracy in Africa.

He gave the lecture when he spoke at a graduation ceremony at the Institute of Security Studies in Abuja, Nigeria.

He touched on a number of issues including his life after handing over power to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, as well as the slow pace of democracy in some African countries.

Below is John Mahamas full lecture:

Challenges Of Democracy & Development In Africa

Thank you for the very kind words used to introduce me this afternoon.

Mr. Chairman, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and my friend Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama; the Director-General of State Security, Alhaji Lawal Musa; and the Director of the Institute of State Security, Mr. M.B. Seiyefa, I thank you all for the kind invitation to deliver today's graduation lecture.I also acknowledge the presence of the High Commissioner of Ghana to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

I am particularly honoured that you graciously accepted to shift today's event from the original date of October 31, to enable me participate in a roundtable conference of the African Presidential Leadership Center in Johannesburg.The event saw seven former leaders drawn from across the continent sharing our experiences on how to improve educational outcomes on the continent. Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, was one of the participants at this roundtable, and his contributions to the discussion were very insightful and revealing of the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria, the world's most populous black nation, when considering policy options in the education space.

The meeting in Johannesburg revealed the value of expertise one garners from having the privilege of serving as the leader of one's nation.It also gave life to the words President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf spoke at the inauguration of my successor, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. She said to me, President Mahama, you have indeed demonstrated that there is life after the Presidency.

It gave me a sense of pride to hear these words. Of course, she said these words because of the work we did together in resolving the Gambian stand-off and aiding the advancement of democratic consolidation in the Gambia, even at a time when I had accepted defeat in Ghana's election of 7th December, 2016.I think that that was what my friend Geoffrey Onyeama was referring to, when he spoke about the work we did together in The Gambia with President Buhari, President Koroma and Her Excellency, Johnson Sirleaf.

Indeed, I think the main reason why I was added to that delegation was to serve as a good example to President Yahya Jammeh. He had lost the election and he had conceded and called the victor and congratulated him. Then a week after, he reneged on the congratulations and refused to hand over. I had also lost an election; I had conceded. So, I guess I was added to serve as a good example for him to let him follow my example.

I therefore wish to thank President Buhari for the privilege of working alongside him and President Johnson Sirleaf in unravelling the Gambian impasse. I wish the people of Gambia every success in the journey of consolidating their fledgling democracy. Since leaving Office, I have been involved in many assignments both to do with the consolidation of democracy on the African continent and also in election observation on behalf of the Commonwealth and, lately, ECOWAS.

I remember the day after I had handed over  this was the 8th of January  I woke up in the morning and remembered there was no Office to go to. So, I relaxed in my bed and turned on the TV, watching CNN.I spent the whole day watching TV at the time Donald Trump was the President-elect, and they were going through the transition, waiting to hand over; so, I just kept watching what was going on.

My daughter, Farida, who had gone to school in the morning arrived in the afternoon. She found me lying in bed which was unusual, because when I was President we could go a whole week without seeing each other.

She leaves the house early in the morning to be able to get to school on time, by which time I probably had not gotten out of bed. She gets back home late afternoon and I am in the Office and I get back in the night when she is asleep. So, we could go the whole week without seeing each other. For the first time, she came back from school and there I was lying on my bed and watching television.

She asked me, ''Daddy, didn't you go to the Office?'' I said ''No, don't you remember that I handed over to President Akufo-Addo yesterday.'' She said OK; so it means you are not going to the Office anymore? I said ''No, I have no Office to go to.'' And she said, ''then I am happy!'' She added, ''so will I be coming home from school and meeting you in the house? I said yes and she said, ''then I am very happy that you lost the elections!''

Let me extend my warmest thanks to H.E. President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR and the staff of this esteemed college for the honour done me in extending an invitation to deliver the graduation lecture on this auspicious occasion.The role of your Institute is important in building that corps of critical and strategic thinkers who we need to help transform the fortunes of this continent and especially our sub-region.

Your students are therefore a very special group of people who have been primed by their study here to play a vital role towards the development of not only Nigeria but the continent and beyond.

Let me say congratulations to the graduating students!

May I also congratulate the national directors present here, the eminent members of faculty and the non-teaching administrative staff for producing these fresh graduates, who, I am confident, would illuminate the African continent and beyond with productive, ground-breaking contributions that would make our world a more secure place than it is today.

Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Chairman, I thank you all for prioritizing to share your time with me as I attempt to do justice to the topic of today  to tell you what I think are the challenges of democracy and development in Africa.

In 2012 I launched a book, my memoir, entitled My first coup d'etat and other true stories from the lost decades of Africa.

The book captures my coming of age in the late sixties until the early 1990s  a period when the initial euphoria of independence had faded and we had become entrapped in a revolving door of military dictatorships. A period when Africa saw a general decline in its economic fortunes.

In Ghana, the experience was particularly traumatic and saw a massive migration of our nationals to sojourn here with our cousins in Nigeria.

It is a period during which our countries were still cooking in a governance cauldron  a kind of laboratory in which different experiments in governance were being carried out. We went through three decades in which we saw brief periods of constitutional rule interrupted by military dictatorships.

Ladies and gentlemen, our continent Africa, like many other parts of the world, has gone through these leadership experiments, and has been struggling to find the best solution for advancing the hopes and aspirations of our people.

This quest has been fraught with various setbacks and reversals, sometimes dimming all hope that this high natural resource-endowed region will ever find the right governance mix to actualize the dreams of our people for a better life.

In this short lecture, therefore, I will endeavour to highlight a few of the challenges confronting Africas governance and development with the hope that it will add to the ever-raging debate on a myriad of perspectives and solutions.

In my view, this continent's challenges are focused around a few issues:

Our quest for a better leadership structure in our countries

Formulation and management of strategic interests

The need for new paradigms of economic development

Threats to democratic consolidation

Challenges of Intra-Africa Trade

LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE

If you follow the evolution of human society per the theory of the early philosophers: Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau; it is posited that when humans decided to move from a state of survival of the fittest in which they roamed in the bush mainly in small family groups and decided to settle in larger societal groups, they needed rules and regulations to order society.

This need came with the requirement for a system of governance to enforce compliance with the rules and regulations. This led mainly to the evolution of leaders who were considered to be monarchs.

Every nation, every ethnic group or clan needs one form of governance or another to ensure the survival of its people, safeguard society's interests, ensure security and peaceful coexistence. Although there are various variants of governance, two main broad governance systems are recognized widely across the world: you are either a dictatorship or a democracy.

While democratic and open governments are held up as the best system and dictatorships are frowned upon, I wish to state with emphasis, that there is no one size fits all system of governance.

Democracies are generally preferred because of the protection of human rights, transparent and accountable governance,open government, free speech and stability. But democratic systems also have the downside of high cost of periodic elections, the influence of special interests on elected leaders and the general lack of a sharp national focus, in some cases, because of the frequent changing of leadership and change of national development plans anytime such changes happen, and also the generally slow nature of the decision- making process.

Dictatorships will generally be led by a single political party, a military junta, a military or armed forces council or whatever the leaders might wish to call it.

Dictatorships would normally be established after a military or civil putsch. This results in a usurpation of power from the existing system, a civilian administration or in some cases a monarchy.

In Africa, the era of military coups seems to be fading into distant memory with the upsurge of democratically-elected leaders.

While democracy has, generally taken hold in Africa with elections being held regularly, there are still several situations in which elected leaders continue to cling to power either by modifying their Constitutions to remove term limits, age limits, or institute mechanisms that ensure that they stay in power as lifetime leaders of their nations.

Democracy is a desirable ideal and in today's world is more politically correct. It is therefore fashionable to put systems in place to legitimize even the most authoritarian regimes.

If such systems of legitimacy are difficult to implement, at least you can insert the word ''democratic'' in your country's name. For example, the People's Democratic Republic of Gondwanaland.

But while democratic societies are desirable, the question we ask is: are dictatorships all negative?

As I said earlier there is no one size fits all solution when it comes to what governance system is more appropriate for which nation.

Democracy evolves and countries are at different stages of evolution in democratic governance.

Democracy must not be imposed by external pressure. There are several examples that illustrate what happens when there is an attempt to democratise a country in advance of the stage of development that it has reached. We can cite the example of Iraq and the war that has gone on there and the suffering their people have gone through.

We can come home to Africa and talk about Libya. I believe whatever the government of Muammar Gadhafi was, it was still better than the situation in which Libya finds itself today.

We also have the example of Syria to learn from. It is going through a long Civil War.

But let's also look at some other countries that have seen rapid development. Let's take the example of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) which today is different separate states, including Russia.

After Mikhail Gorbachevtook over, there was a general push to transform the Soviet system. When Mikhail Gorbachev retired from office in December 1991, the Soviet Union was dissolved the next day. When Boris Yeltsin took over, there was an attempt to fast-track the democratization of Russia and open up the society as quickly as possible.

Now, we all know what happened. The Soviet Union broke up and Soviet Union which had been the second 'world power' because we lived in a bi-polar world with US and Soviet Union being the world's strongest power, after a while, Soviet Union became a second-class power.

We started talking of a unipolar world where only the United States was considered to be the most powerful nation in the world.

Be that as it may, several years later, enter a former KGB agent Vladimir Putin. With restrictions of some democratic rights; restrictions of freedom of expression, and geo-political maneuvering, he has managed to place Russia again as a major player, and as a counter force to the United States when it comes to the world's most powerful nations.

You can also look at the example of China. China is a dictatorship because it is a one-party state. China at the same time has used market rules, opened up and deregulation, to move the mass of its people out of poverty and move to the second place as the world's second richest country.

And yet the people have given up some rights. You don't have, exactly, free expression in China. There are some things you cannot do in China that you will be able to do elsewhere.

Governance systems are based on the peculiarities of the nation; they are based on the cultures of the people. And even though democratic governance is the ideal, like I said, it evolves and every country moves toward that ideal at its own pace, and so it must not be imposed as a necessity that people should adopt democratic governance.

History abounds with further examples of authoritarian leaders like Lee Kuan Yew, Suharto of Indonesia, Mahathir Mohamad of Malaysia and Park Chung-hee, all from East Asia, who ruled their countries from the 1960s to the early 2000 in some cases.

Now, these people I mentioned are credited with using their dictatorial powers to put in place strategies and firm systems that ensured, among others, policy consistency and the accelerated development of their countries, before transiting into western style democracies.

Today, we see Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and how rapidly they have progressed. In the period when that acceleration took place, they were under authoritarian governments.

If you come closer home, the fastest growing economies in Africa today are Ethiopia and Rwanda. We probably would not say these are the most democratic or open societies in Africa, and yet they are growing and moving faster than several other countries that have strong democratic governance and creating a better life for their people.

These examples have led some researchers to even posit that because democracy finds it difficult to bloom in areas with high numbers of illiteracy and weak institutions that abound in under-developed or developing countries, it is somehow beneficial not to make an early incursion into democracy.

These examples have triggered the debate as to whether a nation should democratize first before development, or develop before opening up the democratic space, or even achieve the two in parallel, democratize while developing

It is worth noting however, that the period of dictatorships in East Asia, was during the Cold War when western allies were busy forming alliances as opposed to the situation now where they act as global watchdogs for human rights and respect for the rule of law.

In Africa, parallel to the rapid progress being made in Singapore, Korea and Malaysia at the time, Africa also had its breed of dictators. Instead of their unchallenged rule becoming an instrument of progress for their countries, their rule saw their nations decline to abysmal depths. Idi Amin of Uganda, Mobutu Sese Seko and Emperor Jean Bedel Bokassa readily come to mind.

So, yes, dictatorships, in some circumstances, are unique in increasing the efficiency of governance by reducing delays in the formulation and implementation of policies due to the absence of the need for consensus and endless debates to implement projects or policy and the unique ability to calibrate complete legal systems by decree and even an ability to stay focused over long periods, accelerating economic development. But, at what price?

Democracy is expensive, talking of the four-yearly ritual of election-related costs. Ghanas National Electoral Commission earmarked about $200 million for the 2016 exercise, whereas Nigerias Independent National Electoral Commission budgeted well over $550m dollars for the 2015 elections.

But the benefit of political stability and its returns far outstrips the expense of these exercises.

The cost of transitions may be high, but the guarantees of political freedom, inclusion, respect for the rule of law, equality, protection of human rights etc. cannot be over-estimated in democracies.

Apart from providing protective limits, these guarantees send a loud message to investors and other development partners as well. Any attempt to understate the benefits of democratically held elections is respectfully, therefore, a myopic perspective.

Democratic elections also reduce the tensions in opposition elements to try to usurp power. This is because they are guaranteed an opportunity to compete with the ruling party for the general mandate of the people come elections.

Democratic governments also provide checks and balances against abuse of power and state resources. Even though I must hasten to say, that from what is happening in many countries, this guarantee is not always assured.

Progress made under democracies are more sustainable because they are achieved by consensus and the participation of all stakeholders. In dictatorships, progress made can unravel when the object of fear, the ruler, is removed.

Therefore, for the safeguarding of rights and freedoms, for the protection of the public purse and the general reduction in the number of insurrections, Africa is better off operating an imperfect but highly effective leadership structure of democracy than to accept the high risk of dictatorial rule.

FORMULATION AND MANAGEMENT OF STRATEGIC INTERESTS

Africa is like a beautiful virgin with many suitors, we are told.

Strategic interests relate to natural complementary interests in the long term, defence and geopolitical concerns.

These interests are either overt or covert and materialise during classified bilateral or multilateral talks or what in the intelligence and security environment you describe as sinister operations of foreign agents in diplomatic missions.

For every portion of Africas gold, uranium, timber and oil, there is a foreign country that believes that it is their strategic interest and will ensure that those interests are protected.

African leaders have had to navigate these dangerous waters for several years, sometimes leading to the overthrow of a leader who strongly believes that he cannot allow his countrys resources to be raped by foreign countries at the expense of his people.

For a long time these foreign interests have largely succeeded because many African countries have not been able to entrench their national interest within their democratic institutions.

They have succeeded because the quest for power often trumps the safeguarding of our national interests. I recall the decision to fight galamsey (illegal, small scale mining) in my country, Ghana and my decision to approve the deportation of some foreign nationals that were neck deep in the brazen destruction of our forest reserves and environment. I experienced a strong push back from foreign interests. But it's a story for another day!

I therefore propose that African leaders must make efforts to define their own national interest and ensure that, just like the western countries, we take collective and entrenched positions that do not vary irrespective of who is at the helm of affairs.

The national interests of African countries must also reign above all other issues!

This will not only guarantee our socioeconomic development but will also curtail the intrusion of foreign agents in our democratic space.

NEW PARADIGMS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND COOPERATION

The current world view of economic relations is one that pits one nation against another in what has come to be known as the zero-sum game.

The world environment has kept changing. We had the post war era after the Second World War. Then we slid into the Cold War era. After the Cold War era, with the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Fall of the Iron Curtain and dismemberment of the USSR, we entered an era called the Era of Globalisation.

It appears we are entering into a new era. There has been no proper definition or description of this era, but it is obvious that the Era of Globalisation is transforming into something else.

This new era is characterized by the rise of populism; the rise of far-right extremist parties into governments. It is characterized by an increase in Xenophobia in many countries. So, when US President Donald Trump says 'America First', it characterizes a new era.

The era of Globalisation had seen consensus building and joint decision taking among countries and international bodies like the United Nations. This is why we were able to, together, sign an agreement for ameliorating Climate Change in the world.

But currently, for instance, America is withdrawing from the Climate Change Agreement and reversing several agreements that it had become a party to with the rest of the world. Everywhere you go, far right extremist parties that are anti-migration are becoming popular and attempting to take power in those countries.

We are therefore in a situation where one countrys gain is another countrys loss, instead of a win-win. This has led to the formulation of various strategies to protect each countrys interest from being undermined by the operations of others.

As has been well elaborated by Ha-Joon Chang, a professor of economics at Cambridge University, in his book, 'Kicking away the ladder', the very methods applied by the developed countries to get to the heights they have attained in their socioeconomic development is being denied developing African countries due to various regulations.

In the development of these advanced countries, they used things like subsidies, protection of infant industries from unfair competition by external forces, the non-enforcement of patent rights and fair credit terms or the availability of credit to develop industries that directly compete with foreign interests.

But like the book says, once they reached that height, they kick away the ladder so that nobody has the ladder to climb and reach where they are, and that is what they are doing to Africa. Their economists and experts come and tell us we must not subsidise our farmers, yet they subsidized their farmers before they could reach where they are. They use phytosanitary and all kinds of non-tax measures to prevent us from being able to export into their markets.

This problem is not insurmountable if we determine to work together towards a solution. This is the time for us, as Africans to commit towards finding solutions that are in our interest and in the interest of the economic expansion of our countries.

It is time for us to truly start finding solutions that present what game theorists call a 'win-win' outcome. Because in the absence of better opportunities for mutual benefit, the industrialisation drive we are pursuing will always be obstructed by those who have always used our raw materials as inputs for their industries to create prosperity for their citizens.

For instance, Ghana has produced cocoa since colonial times. Currently, we still process barely 30% of the total cocoa that we produce. However, if you look at the price of cocoa beans, it has the tendency to fluctuate. A year ago, it was at $2900 per ton; today it is selling at barely $2000 per ton.

Yet, the price of finished goods that are processed out of cocoa maintain a stable price.

That is why I outlined a policy, by 2020, to process at least 50% of the total cocoa beans we produce in Ghana, and it is my hope that the current administration will continue to put in the means so that we can add more value to the things that we export.

The same should go for Nigeria. I know that very positive work is taking place to make Nigeria the hub for petroleum production in Africa  and I think Nigeria can do it. As a major oil producer, involving the private sector  and I am aware that Dangote is building some refineries and tank storage capacities  it should be possible to process Nigerian oil locally into finished petroleum products and export them to West Africa and the rest of Africa without us having to import petroleum products from outside.Speaking as a former leader of an African country, I can tell you that our quest to build our countries into industralised economies that can begin refining our own raw materials and manufacturing what we need, is not a development paradigm that the rich nations are enthused about.

THREATS TO DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION IN AFRICA

It is also important to look at what the growing threats to democratic consolidation in Africa are. These include lack of jobs for a fast-growing population, inequality, election fatigue and mistrust of the political elite, and lately, the effects of election disputes.

Africa currently has the fastest growing population in the world. It is said that persons under 35 constitute about 70% of the African population. With improved educational outcomes, the challenge of finding jobs in our economies to absorb these teeming numbers of young people is a dire threat to the stability of the continent.

In Ghana, the entire public service is made up of 600,000 people out of a population of 27 million. We have 50,000 graduates every year coming out of the universities and other tertiary institutions and hoping to find work in the public service. This is difficult. But that is why we need to equip these young people with entrepreneurial skills to see themselves not only as employees but potential employers, and to give them the skills that make able to go out into the world and set up their own businesses.

Transformational thinking is therefore required here. Accelerating the growth of African economies, promotion of entrepreneurial spirit, creation of more opportunities for the private sector especially in the agriculture and agribusiness space are all urgently needed to address this burgeoning threat.

We need to address the threat of the ever-increasing African population or, it will become our time bomb.

The rate of our population growth is outstripping and outpacing the rate at which our economies are expanding and growing. We are having to find more resources to build schools to accommodate more number of children we are having.

We are having to build more hospitals to accommodate the ever-increasing population. But if we had a slower growing population, the resources would be able to outpace it and create a better quality of life for the people in any nation.

We must accelerate our economies and at the same time ensure that we slow the growth of the African population. We can do this if we educate our people. In all the surveys done, between educated women and illiterate women, educated women have the tendency to have fewer children than illiterate women. Therefore, putting all girls in school and keeping them in school, and not taking them out early and marrying them off is something that will assist in controlling birth rates.

African leaders must act fast to address geographical inequalities in order for their people to feel that they have a stake in the preservation of the nation state.

There are still many countries in Africa where infrastructure and development is limited to the capital and a few urban centres, while the rest of the population lives in squalor without adequate access to essential social services. One of the commitments we must make as African leaders is to spread the fruits of growth geographically so that every part of our country experiences that spread.

Other threats to democratic consolidation include election fatigue and a sense of cynicism amongst the voting population in democratic African states. Every four or five years, they turn out in numbers to vote every four or five years in the hope that they will experience visible improvement in their circumstances.

Unfortunately, in many cases, this is becoming a mirage. Slow growth of the economy and a fast-growing population is creating a situation where people feel that it is pointless to continue voting the political elite into power with no direct benefit for themselves.

This is spawning election fatigue and a mistrust for the political leadership, especially in circumstances when we as leaders make our promises go over the top and remain unfulfilled. Sometimes we make promises that are high in the sky and not achievable in the short term. When that happens, people get disappointed that those promises were not fulfilled and it makes them lose trust in the democratic system.

INTRA-AFRICA TRADE

With all the strategic interests of foreign partners and the various socioeconomic impediments from foreign interests, why is it that Africa still puts even more impediments in our own way by preventing trade between ourselves?

Countries become the key drivers for the general develop of the entire region and I believe that Nigeria has a responsibility to the West African region. You cannot shirk that responsibility because it is not only the largest economy in West Africa; it is the second largest in Africa.

If Nigeria gets its acts right, accelerates its economy and impacts on economic development and trade in the West African sub-region, it will drag all the other 14 West African countries with it. I have said before that Nigeria has nothing to fear from any of the other 14 countries. That is why, when I was President, we used to have discussions about Nigeria's Prohibition List that an exemption should be made for the West African sub-region.

West Africa was the first sub-region in Africa to allow Visa-Free travel of our people across our sub-region. But we have been slow in the other aspects  allowing free movement of goods and services across our borders. Regions like East and South Africa have overtaken us. They have more trade among themselves and they move more goods among themselves than we do here in West Africa.

For example, the latest figures from the UN Statistics Division (2015) shows that Ghana's imports from other African countries as a share of its GDP is only 3.8%. Nigeria does not feature at all, while that of the Central African Republic is 1.2%.

Other economies are however doing well. Zimbabwe imports the most from other countries on the continent, at 43.4%.

Before you say Zimbabwe cannot do any less, please note as well that Zimbabwe is the country with the highest volume of exports to other African countries at 30.5%. Swaziland is next at 30.3%

Ghana exports only 1%.

It starts with removing barriers to trade such as unnecessary customs checks along our roads, tariffs, impediments to migration and operating businesses outside ones country of origin.

CONCLUSION

I will like to conclude by saying that Africas destiny lies in the hands of Africans and the earlier we work towards our national and continental security and placing those imperatives above the interests of external forces, no matter the consequences, the sooner we will realise our inherent greatness as a continent.

It is time we expand the purview of national security to cover not only the protection of state actors, but also the research, development and implementation of elements that border on national advancement and institutionalisation of national interest within the public service of our countries.

Personalisation of power may have an allure of its own, but no one rules forever. The best way to guarantee development for your generation and descendants is to institutionalise national values and interest.

Thank you, and May God bless us all.
Selembouha Dadi can only imagine the homeland she dreams of but has never seen, agonisingly out of reach beyond the Algerian refugee camp where she has spent her whole life.

"They tell me it was beautiful," the 25-year-old told AFP.

The territory that Dadi yearns for is Western Sahara, a sprawling swathe of desert on Africa's Atlantic coast that has been disputed by Morocco and independence fighters from the Polisario Front for decades.

Her father Moulay abandoned everything and fled 42 years ago when Moroccan troops arrived in 1975 during the rush to claim the former Spanish colony as Madrid let it go.

Sahrawi refugee Selembouha Dadi can only imagine the homeland she dreams of but has never seen, agonisingly out of reach beyond the Algerian refugee camp where she has spent her whole life

Now, along with tens of thousands of other refugees, their family of nine lives in one of a string of refugee camps just 50 kilometres (30 miles) away, beyond the Algerian border and a "defence wall" erected by Morocco in the 1980s.

Morocco and Mauritania were meant to share Western Sahara when Spain relinquished control, but in 1976 the Polisario proclaimed the independence of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic -- and was determined to fight for it.

Mauritania in 1979 gave up its claim, leaving Morocco to seize most of the 266,000 square kilometre (100,000 square mile) territory, but it was not until 1991 that a UN-backed ceasefire came into force.

Rabat considers Western Sahara an integral part of Morocco and proposes autonomy for the resource-rich territory, but the Algerian-backed Polisario Front insists on a United Nations-backed referendum on independence.

The 2,700-kilometre barrier erected by Morocco slicing from north to south divides the 80 percent of Western Sahara controlled by Morocco from the 20 percent held by the Polisario.

'Left everything behind'

Moulay Dadi, 72, served tea in a large traditional tent, a vestige of the Sahrawis' nomadic past, and cooler than the nearby family cottage with its zinc roof.

A Sahrawi refugee sits in her tent at the Boujdour camp in Algeria, just 50 kilometres (30 miles) away from her dispute homeland

He recalled his life back in his desert homeland herding the family's animals. He was 30 when the Moroccan forces arrived.

"We fled and we left everything behind us, our animals, our property, the houses," he said.

"We left everything behind us."

He settled in Algeria's Tindouf region with his wife and parents, who did not live to see their homeland again.

Some 100,000 Sahrawi refugees live today in the camps around Tindouf. They belong to a mosaic of nomadic tribes who have for centuries plied the sandy expanses of the Sahara with their camels.

The Dadi family's Boujdour camp, which, like the other camps, bears the name of an area of the Western Sahara controlled by Morocco, is dotted with brown-walled houses the colour of the surrounding desert, one of the most inhospitable in the world.

Their home consists of a large living room, a small dining room and a kitchen. The shower and toilets are in a separate building.

A Sahrawi refugee walks through the Boujdour camp in Algeria, just over the border from the disputed territory of Western Sahara

There is intermittent electricity and no running water. Trucks pass regularly to fill a large canvas water reservoir.

Like the Dadis, many Sahrawis have set up traditional tents next to their houses in the camp, where life moves slowly.

After the morning prayer, Selembouha Dadi and her mother, in her sixties, cook and clean.

The youngest of the children, 12-year-old Mellah, goes to school.

Some of her brothers work on building sites and the others are in the army of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.

Sahrawi refugees in Algeria live mostly on funds from exiled relatives in Europe and on international aid.

A Sahwari refugee walks in the Boujdour camp in Algeria, over the border from the disputed desert territory of Western Sahara

The European Union provides some, $11.6 million (10 million euros) a year, despite the Polisario Front being accused of embezzlement in recent years.

Some residents have set up small shops -- groceries, bakeries, fruit and vegetable stalls -- in the camps.

Others work as officials for the SADR, which has its central administration in Rabouni, not far from Tindouf.

Isolated for decades and largely forgotten by the world, many Sahrawis still believe that they will one day return to the lands of their ancestors.

"We want our land whatever we find there," Selembouha said.
A day's workshop on micro business has been held in Accra with a charge on small business owners to aim at growing from their status to join the small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and contribute immensely to the country's economy.

The workshop was organised by Financial Inclusion Forum Africa in collaboration with the Foundation for Financial Inclusion (FFI), the Centre for Financial Inclusion and Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited as part of the Global Financial Inclusion Week 2017.

It was on the theme: 'New Products, New Partnership and New Potential'.

The participants made of micro and small enterprise owners, were taken through topics such as good financial management: the secrets to growth from micro to SMEs, sources of finance for the micro business, strategic marketing and improving on customer experience.

Mr Joshua Mensah, the Executive Director of FFI, urged participants to add value to themselves and their businesses to attract more customers saying, more start-ups collapse due to lack of value addition.

He said information added to knowledge was known as education hence urging participants to continually seek knowledge on the nature of their various businesses and to make sure that they had enough information on the market to apply.

Mr Mensah said there was the need to understand business development process to ensure that the entrepreneurs were clear on the stage they had reached in development and to envisage the direction in which they were moving.

He said for any business venture to thrive, there was need for innovation and creativity as well as the quantification of the product or service available.

He urged the micro and small business owners to be clear on their business concepts, values, mission and vision of their businesses.

He indicated the need to be competent with the business saying, 'You must be very good at what you do and there should be something peculiar about your business. For you to be great, you need to be passionate with your potential for profitability'.

On his part, Mr Confidence Agblobi, the Director of Marketing at the GH Media School, told participants to appreciate their customers because they were the reasons why they were and would continue to be in business.

He urged the micro and small enterprise owners to change the way and manner they handled their customers and to ensure that the customers were satisfied to guarantee a possible comeback.

Mr Israel Sowah, an Investment Consultant, told participants never to go for a loan to start a business but could go for a loan only when they needed to expand their businesses to the next higher level.

He urged them to exhaust all available sources of income for their businesses before considering the loan facility option.

Mr Sowah said: 'The requirement for financing is very essential to doing business and you need to register your business as well as have business plan to access a loan facility.'

He indicated that collateral for a loan facility was not only building or any immovable property but it also included fixed deposits with banks, Letters of Understanding, Letters of Credit and Insurance companies guaranteeing on behalf of the borrower.
04.11.2017 LISTEN

New Abirem (E/R), Nov 3, GNA- The Ntiamoah Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization has donated items worth GHa50,000.00 to the maternity ward of the New Abirem government hospital as a way to wipe out maternal mortality in the area.

The items include; pulse auxymeters, trolleys, gloves, bed sheets, Adult and children weighing scales, LED television, swivel chairs among others.

In a short ceremony held at Abirem to present the items to the hospital, Mr Robert Kwaku Appiah Asante, the Founder and the Executive Chairman of the foundation said his major priority was to improve quality health care delivery to the people of Abirem hence his tireless efforts in elevating the then health centre to a district hospital.

This, he added was made possible with the help of the Ghana Hope Foundation, an international non- governmental organization based in America and the Newmont Akyem Golden Ridge Limited.

He expressed satisfaction at the significant improvement of the hospital, most especially the magnificent buildings put up by Newmont as well as operation tables, state of the art electric beds and mattresses donated by the foundation for the past decade.

Mr Asante added that, the foundation for years had been registering over 1, 304 people onto the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to enable them access quality healthcare delivery.

To improve quality education in the area, he hinted that over 107 people had been awarded scholarships to pursue different courses in the university, training colleges and the Senior High school level.

Mr Atta-Larbi Sekyi, the Medical Superintendent of the facility commended the foundation for the significant strides it was making to lift the image of the hospital to a befitting standard.

He mentioned inadequate staff and furnisher in the hospital, poor road network and lack of incubator to be the major challenges the facility was facing at the moment.

He therefore pleaded with other NGOs, philanthropists and the government to provide the facility with an ambulance to aid their movement.

Obrempong Kwesi Amoh Kyeretwie I, the Chief of Abirem and the Acting Kotoku Gyaasehene of the Akyem Traditional area commended the Ntiamoah Foundation for lifting the image of the facility to a hospital level.

He entreated the professional health workers especially those at the Maternity ward to make good use of the items to help minimise the high rate of maternal mortality in the area.

Obrempong Amoh Kyeretwie therefore cautioned them to adopt the spirit of proper maintenance to ensure that the items provided them were been taken care of.

A citation, after the programme, was presented to Mr. Robert Kwaku Appiah Asante, the Founder and the Executive Chairman of the Ntiamoah Foundation for his immense support in bringing development to the people of Abirem through his hard work, dedication and commitment.
04.11.2017 LISTEN

Mr Joseph Ashon Cudjiw, former President of the Travel Writers Association of Ghana has urged journalists not to allow their profession to be used to slander people in authority without justification.

He said in such situations, journalists should engage themselves in what he termed 'self-censorship drill' by exercising the much needed courage and bravery to advise personalities who approach them with destructive and baseless allegations.

Mr Ashon Cudjiw gave the advice in an interview with the Ghana News Agency when he spoke on 'the implications of defamation stories on national progress.'

The former President and the past Greater Accra Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) called on sub-editors of the various media houses to be extra vigilant to 'kill' all disparaging and baseless news items which come their way.

He said the nation is privileged to have a visionary leader in the person of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and had called for total cooperation and goodwill of all Ghanaians for the development and prosperity of the country and such destructive stories must be avoided.

''We should therefore do everything possible as dependable professionals and equally development-oriented citizens, to assist the president push his development agenda forward,' Mr Ashon Cudjiw urged.

He said the President has put in place laudable policies and if allowed to go through without any impediments, the nation would achieve major breakthrough in its economic independence.
A local NGO, 'Eastern Harvest Food Bank' has launched a project to feed the poor and the needy.

It has targeted to provide food aid to over 10,000 such people, including the aged, every year.

The NGO has over the past two-and-a-half months been feeding about 1,500 needy people in the New Juaben Municipality.

The beneficiaries twice receive food stuff and other items from the NGO to keep them and their families going.

Mr. Eric Darko, the Director told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that for now they had limited the assistance to those above the age of 50, who 'are sick and inactive'.

He said the support, with time, would be extended to other districts and regions across the nation to bring relief to more vulnerable people.

He added that the NGO had been receiving support from individuals, philanthropists and corporate bodies for the sustenance of the project.
04.11.2017 LISTEN

Mr Eric Kwakye Darfour, the Eastern Regional Minister, has urged Ghanaians to remain calm whilst interim measures are being taken to sustain the normalcy to affected communities in the recent Fulani menace.

In a statement signed by the Minister and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, Mr Darfuor assured Ghanaians of government's commitment to deal with the threat, whilst he expressed government's deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the ten people who were killed in the recent conflict between Fulani herdsmen and the Kwahu Community.

'I assure all communities in the Eastern Region and Ghanaians both home and abroad that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's Government considers these conflict as a menace to society and a threat to our democratic and peaceful coexistence, more especially at a time when NPP government is taking all the pain to grow investor confidence in the country and empower the private sector as engine of growth.

'Indeed these conflicts are of great concerns and worry to me as the leader of the Region, which I recently inaugurated a steering committee for Investment Coordination for Sustainable Industrial Programme (ERICSIP), an initiative designed to harmonise all investments across the 26 districts of the Region to ensure maximum impact whilst positioning the Region as a modern and sophisticated society for prosperity and dignity.

'As the Regional Minister and also as a Member of Parliament, I will continue to do everything within the laws of Ghana to ensure that the conflicts are addressed to a large extend.

'I consider the following as key action steps towards providing answers to the many questions and eventually a lasting solution to the challenge in which lies many opportunities for a paradigm shift in our agricultural practices including livestock and crop farming.

'An invitation to a frank, open and sincere national discourse on the matter devoid of partisanship and blame games. Facilitating dialogue between the leadership of the affected communities and leadership of cattle rearing associations within the affected district.

'Initiating proposals for policy reforms that should empower the private sector to invest in the application of modern technology and infrastructure in the management of Ghana's growing cattle industry,' Mr Darfour said.

He said there have been several interventions made by government over the period whether under military or democratic regimes to curb or otherwise mitigate arising from cattle rearing in Ghana, yet we have not succeeded as a country in dealing with the problem.

On the contrary, he said the challenge worsened by day, which could be attributed to several factors including increasing population and increased demand for meat products.

This, he said, had made cattle rearing a lucrative economic activity for entrepreneurs both in the public and private space.

He therefore said addressing the challenge required a holistic and multifaceted approach as it would touch on many sectors of the economy such as agriculture, environment, business development, trade, industry, amongst others.
Eleven months after handing over power to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former President John Mahama has been opening up about some of the things that transpired after he handed over power.

In one of the revelations, the former President mentioned that, his nine-year old daughter, Farida Mahama, was very happy that he lost the December 7 general elections.

According to John Mahama, his daughter was excited because she will be seeing him [Mahama] more often.

John Mahama said whilst he served in the highest office of the land, he hardly saw his daughter because he comes home late and leaves very early the following day, adding that sometimes he goes a whole week without seeing Farida.

Former President John Dramani Mahama made the revelation on Thursday when he delivered a lecturer during a graduation ceremony at the Institute of Security Studies in Abuja, Nigeria.

No office to go to

Mahama at the ceremony said: I remember the day after I had handed over  this was the 8th of January  I woke up in the morning and remembered there was no Office to go to.

So, I relaxed in my bed and turned on the TV, watching CNN.I spent the whole day watching TV at the time Donald Trump was the President-elect, and they were going through the transition, waiting to hand over; so, I just kept watching what was going on, he added.

I'm happy you lost

The former president said whilst he was cooling off, his 9-year-old daughter who he barely spent time with as President, enquired why he was still at home and had not gone to work.

My daughter, Farida, who had gone to school in the morning, arrived in the afternoon. She found me lying in bed which was unusual, because when I was President we could go a whole week without seeing each other.

She leaves the house early in the morning to be able to get to school on time, by which time I probably had not gotten out of bed. She gets back home late afternoon and I am in the Office and I get back in the night when she is asleep. So, we could go the whole week without seeing each other. For the first time, she came back from school and there I was lying on my bed and watching television.

Below is what ensued between John Mahama and his daughter:

Farida: Daddy, didn't you go to the Office?

John Mahama: No, don't you remember that I handed over to President Akufo-Addo yesterday?

Farida: OK; so it means you are not going to the Office anymore?

John Mahama: No, I have no Office to go to

Farida: Then I am happy! So will I be coming home from school and meeting you in the house?

John Mahama: Yes

Farida: Then I am very happy that you lost the elections!

International assignment:

The former President also noted that, ever since he left office, he has also been preoccupied with international assignments, speaking at different fora, including mediating the political impasse in The Gambia as well as monitoring elections in Kenya and Liberia.
04.11.2017 LISTEN

Members of the Non-State Actors (NSA) in Health, a civil society advocacy platform, has claimed that there are current shortages of condoms in the country and that can seriously erode the gains in the fight of HIV and AIDS.

'If we are talking about HIV prevention, condom is very key, and lubricants as well. You can't talk about prevention without these', Mrs Cecilia Senoo, President of NSA told the Ghana News Agency during a briefing on the side-lines of the first general meeting of the NSA held recently in Accra.

She alleged that checks by some NSA members with the Ghana Health Service had revealed that there were shortages of condoms, especially in the regional health facilities, and those few ones who had the condoms were selling them at exorbitant prices that people couldn't afford.

"This means that people in the communities cannot have access to condoms which negatively impacted on universal health coverage that ensures that health financing should not be a barrier to accessing quality health care services".

Mrs Senoo, who is also the Executive Director of Hope for Future Generations (HFFG), an NGO, said the NSA was worried that the country might lose the gains made so far in the prevention of HIV and AIDS, saying: "People are going back and we are losing our gains. Now nobody is talking about HIV prevention'.

'HIV is rising because prevention is relegated to the background. Nobody is talking about it, she alleged.

'We need to ensure that there is condom investment in HIV prevention,' she advised.

Mrs Senoo noted that government counterpart funding of 15 per cent of GDP to the health sector had also not been forth coming and that had been a big challenge to the sector, against the background that many donors, including Gavi were redrawing their assistance to many countries.

"Very soon there will not be GAVI and immunisation of children will suffer. We also have nutrition problems among children, HIV drugs are getting short, TB drugs are facing shortages, so what are we doing about these?" she queried.

She said Government was supposed to put in resources before others come on board and if government failed to honour such commitments, then the health of the people would be at stake.

Mrs Senoo said Ghana was far below committing to the 15 per cent Abuja declaration for health and that successive governments kept committing on paper but the actual resources did not trickle down to the sector.

She said there was also periodic shortages of Anti retroviral (ARVs) and currently the paediatric liquid ARV were facing shortages and so children were now taking ARV tablets.

Mrs Senoo said the NSA had planned as on outcome of the general meeting, to use its advocacy agenda to engage government on various platforms to discuss its commitment towards health.

NSA is made up of civil society organisations, community and traditional leaders, private sector patient groups looking at issues affecting the health sector and advocating for the gaps to be bridged to ensure a better health for Ghanaians.

It serves as a strong voice for communities and Ghanaians.

Meanwhile, officials from the GHS have refuted the claim that there were condom shortages in the country, confirming rather that there were enough stock of condoms that could last till the end of the year.

The official said there were also other forms of contraceptives including Copper-T used by women to prevent pregnancies that could also last for 22 more months.

In a related development, officials from the Ministry of Health, led by Mr Joe Dodoo, Deputy Head in charge of Policy, used the occasion to brief the NSA membership about the new National Health Policy being formulated by the state, and requested the NSA should submit their inputs to the Ministry for onward addition to the main policy.
Purge the evil person from among you (1 Corinthians 5: 13).

WE SHOULD not make the mistake of thinking that Christians are impeccable. The truth is true Christians can be overtaken by faults. You may call it sin or transgression. As long as Christians live in this corrupt, fallen and immoral world with daily temptations, while awaiting the return of our Saviour, King Jesus, we may slip here and there.

However, we do not continue to live in sin, swim in sin or deliberately practice sin as if Christ never saved, that is, delivered or rescued us from the bondage or controlling power of sin over our lives. The Holy Spirit, the Author of righteousness who dwells in our hearts helps us to rise up when we are tempted to fall so that we can continue living a life of righteousness in Christ Jesus.

Christ Jesus Himself was led by the Holy Spirit to be tempted by the devil perhaps as part of His preparation for His public ministry. Glory to God that Satan could not get Christ Jesus to sin. When our Saviour was arrested and brought before Pilate, the Roman governor for trial, he (Pilate) said, I find no guilt in this man (Luke 23: 4).

Indeed, Jesus Christ committed no sin and no deceit was found in His mouth. He was sinless, blameless, guiltless, flawless, pure, holy, righteous and perfect yet He humbly walked the road to the cross and shed His blood for the remission of man's sins.

Jesus Christ did not inherit the Adamic sin as all men do, because He was conceived of the power of the Spirit of God. And when Satan tried to tempt Him to sin he failed.

Satan may tempt some of us of our individual peculiar lusts. He closely monitors our desires and tempts us to sin or give up on God. Have you forgotten how Satan tempted, won over and eventually destroyed Samson and Judas Iscariot?

During supper when the DEVIL HAD ALREADY PUT IT INTO THE HEART OF JUDAS ISCARIOT, Simon's son, to betray him (Jesus) (John 13: 2).

It was clear that Judas Iscariot had a desire for money and so Satan put a dart (obviously in the form of a strong suggestion) into his very heart to betray his Master for money. We all are tempted of our desires. It can be sex, food, cars, houses or fame.

Let no one say when he is tempted, I am being tempted by God, for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person IS TEMPTED WHEN HE IS LURED AND ENTICED BY HIS OWN DESIRE. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death (James 1: 13  15).

When temptations hit, some children of God may prevail and be fast to escape as the Lord Jesus did in the wilderness and as Joseph did while in Potiphar's house. Others may be overtaken in it completely as Samson, Judas Iscariot and Demas did. They loved sex, money and the pleasures of the world respectively and so abandoned the faith (John 13: 1-2) and (2 Tim. 4: 10).

However, a true worshipper will not deliberately practise sin but may fall into it when tempted.

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, YOU WHO ARE SPIRITUAL SHOULD RESTORE HIM in a spirit of gentleness (Galatians 6: 1).

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the churches in Galatia, clearly admitted that a born-again Christian can be caught in a sin. Senior apostle Peter fell into a sin of hypocrisy and Paul rebuked him. He opposed him to his face In the end, he won back his brother (Gal. 2: 11-14).

In the Corinthian church too, some of the believers were overtaken in sins which were actually reported to Paul for action (1 Cor. 5: 1). To ensure the purity of the church, Paul taught that sin should be dealt with immediately. But how should it be handled? He said fellow mature Christians should restore the brother or sister who has been overtaken in a sin.

He did not say we should abandon them to their fate and gossip about them. He did not say we should make hate speeches about them or speak evil about them to kill them slowly. All he instructed was that they must be restored; they must be saved and not killed with hurting words. Hear James also:

My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his sin wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins (James 5: 19).

A child of God may fall in sin and when this happens God expect fellow believers to help restore or bring them back in the faith. However, I believe that in extreme cases, rebellious persons and others who are unrepentant may be expelled from the church as was the case in First Corinthians Chapter Five.

FROM James Quansah, Kumasi
04.11.2017 LISTEN

When I arrived at Kyebi Government Senior School from my birthplace, Asiakwa, it cost me money, and I was anxious to recoup my loss by grabbing as much knowledge as possible. But this gave me the reputation of being a swollen- headed swot.

Some of my classmates were annoyed that whenever the teacher asked a question, I put up my hand and answered it. Correctly.

So they decided to teach me a lesson. They brought a guy from a rival school, who was said to have a great command of big words in English, to challenge me.

He began by asking me to tell him the meaning of the following sentence:

You are inthokthicathed with the ekthubillance of your own febothity!!

Not having yet been exposed to the lingo of the boxer, Chris Eubank, I said What?

And the boy repeated the sentence.

Id never heard anyone lisp as badly as that, and honestly, I couldnt make head or tail of what he was trying to say. I said, I cant understand you!

He got annoyed and told me:

You have no thagathity!

After some research, I got to know that what hed been trying to recite, in his first salvo of big words, was a quote from the British politician, Disraeli, which ran as follows: You are intoxicated (sometimes rendered as inebriated) with the exuberance of your own verbosity!

And You have no thagathity, I found, meant, You have no sagacity; i.e. you have no wisdom; i.e. you are a fool!

Id forgotten all about this  despite the fact that occasionally, I had heard expressions that made me remark: Tu Bra! (Bring it forth!) beneath my breath.

But I was glancing through some of the postings on a Nigerian internet forum on the Internet when I came across the following: On the 2014 United Nations International Youths Day held in UNILAG  students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) (had to) arm themselves with writing materials and mobile dictionaries to attend Patrick Obahiagbons speech. Patrick Obahiagbon aka I-godo-migodo, was a former member of Nigerias House of Representatives (and) is currently the Chief of Staff to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State.

Next came this:

Why I speak Big, Big Grammar  Hon Obahiagbon

QUOTE: Patrick Obahiagbon, who represents Oredo Federal Constituency of Edo State, shot to (the) limelight the moment he arrived (in) the House of Representatives in 2007, with his uncanny knack for jaw-breaking words. For reasons, he explained exclusively to Saturday Vanguard, the 1983 product of St John Bosco Grammar School, Obiaja, Edo State, swore that he has since cut short on the big, big vocabulary he uses. The 1987 Law graduate of University of Benin, who also holds two Master(s) degrees, (explained) that the intention is not to deliberately befuddle or obfuscate them.

Excerpts: Sincerely speaking, I want to tender an unreserved apologia to my colleagues and all those who feel that my language is obscurantist. The truth is that I do not set out deliberately to mystify my audience, to deposit my audience in a portmanteau of indecipherability or in a portmanteau of conundrum. No, no, no, no! Far from it. The cosmic force would not allow me to do that. But, you see if you ask homo sapients who have interfaced with me for close to twenty years now, they would tell you that I no longer speak high-sounding language. I have reduced it radically.

But, let me say that I am an omnivorous reader and I put my nose on the grinding stone to read for more than 7 hours a day, when most innocent men are sleeping And like I always tell people, the dictionary for me is not a reference point; the dictionary is a vade mecum, a constant companion. I spend, on the average, not less than an hour a day referencing the dictionary, for the past twenty to twenty-five years. So dont be maniacally bewildered if I speak most times, from what I draw while reading. But, really, the intention is not to deliberately befuddle or obfuscate my presentations on the floor.

I was a student Union activist all my years in the University of Benin. Little wonder, as soon as I left the University and finished my Youth Service, I dabbled into the aqua of political arena. I have been in State and National politics effectively from 1999. But it has not been a bed of roses, giving (sic) the miasma, that convoluted phantasmagoria, given the prependalism and all the intrigues in Nigerian politicsEvery time I lost an election, I would decide to be more recusant rather than being recumbent. I decided to be more quixotic rather than being laisser-faire; to challenge my destiny the more, rather than relapsing into a cocoon of levity, or into a cocoon of political narcissism. And I thank the great galaxy of the universe, that in 1999, my bread was buttered. The cosmic afforded me the lacuna to give a vivacious and vibrant representation to my constituency I am a robot in the hand of God. I believe that the hand of God and the cosmic imprimaturs are in my political odyssey. UNQUOTE

What? Seriously? Yes! But that was only an appetiser. It is when we get into an interview with the same guy, published by Punch Newspaper, that we get the real McCoy:

QUOTE: WAEC Seized My English Result Twice  Patrick Obahiagbon

Punch - Did you write exams in school in these big words?

Honourable  I used such words very-very freely in my exams both at the secondary school and in my university and little wonder I had the misfortune of my English results being seized intermittently in my O' Levels.

WAEC released my results for the other subjects and withheld my English result. This happened for about three years. Twice, I passed the University Matriculation Examination but I could not proceed to the University because of my English results thatwere not released. [until] . after the third attempt.

Punch  Why do you always use 'big grammar'?

Honourable- I am not really consensus ad idem with those who opine that my idiolect is advertently obfuscative. It's just that I am in my elements when the colloquy has to do with the pax nigeriana of our dreams and one necessarily needs to fulminate against the alcibiadian modus vivendi of our prebendal political class.

Punch  How do you talk to your wife, children and even your friends?

Honourable  I relate with my family and friends very warmly and in an atmosphere of camaraderie, stripped of my confutational habiliment and gladiatorial homilies.

Punch  Is this the way you proposed to your wife, speaking high tech grammar?

Honourable  Of course, the business of the day when I interfaced with mywife on matters of the heart had to be in plain Caeser's language and you can decipher why that had to be so. The matter in view did not permit itself of sphinxian conundrum.

Punch  Do you know that many people don't take you too seriously when

you talk because they think you are not communicating?

Honourable  Why will I be perturbed from ensconcing myself in the palatable arms of Morpheus because people have deprived themselves of the cultivation of the regime of the mental magnitude? I read all the farrago of baloneys and vacuous bunkum from pepper soup objurgators. The spirit of animadversion remains their fundamental human right. It also remains an indubitable fact that I get millions and millions of requests daily from people all over the world requesting for my verbal mentorship which positive cosmopolitan reactions have assisted my equipoise and righteous sense of pachydermatous garb. I cannot put my nose to the grindstone daily and expect to be understood by those luxuriating in a modus vivendi, verging on pepper-souping, suyaing,[i.e. eating suya or kebab] big Stouting [i.e. imbibing Stout beer from the larger bottles] and isiewulesing (i.e.partaking in an Igbo dish made with a goats head]. Has a philosophical wag not once pontificated that things of the spirit are spiritually discerned and that it takes the deep to call the deep?

Punch -Why do you pull your trousers up beyond the waist?

Honourable -Hahahaha.That trousers style is called Yohji Yamamoto. It was my own audacious statement to remonstrate against the pervasive tendency of Nigerian, especially our youths, that took to the practice of putting on trousers exposing their lower anatomical contours. UNQUOTE

By CAMERON DUODU
The deputy minister-designate for Food and Agriculture, Kennedy Nyarko Osei, has been unanimously approved by parliament to replace William Agyapong Quaittoo, who resigned his position a couple of months ago.

Mr Nyarko Osei, who is the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Akim Swedru in the Eastern Region, was vetted on Thursday, October 26, 2017 by the Appointments Committee following his nomination by President Akufo-Addo.

The nominee was highly commended by his colleague MPs for his good temperament and affability.

According to his fellow MPs, there is no doubt that he would deliver to meet the expectations of Ghanaians.

The first deputy minority chief whip and National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for Banda, Ahmed Ibrahim and NDC MP for Wa Central, Rashid Pelpuo, were particularly full of praises for the deputy minister-designate, whom they said had distinguished himself as a young MP.

They asked him to continue to discharge his duties as an MP and also a minister.

NPP MP for Effutu, Alex Afenyo-Markin, asked Mr Nyarko Osei to assist his minister to completely eliminate army worms from the country.

He said the deputy minister-designate must promptly attend to concerns raised by fellow MPs in relation to the growth of agriculture.

Mr Afenyo-Markin said for instance, that some MPs had raised the issue of government compensating farmers whose farms were destroyed by the army worm invasion.

During the vetting, the NDC MP for Tamale North, Alhassan Suhuyini Sayibu, had wanted to pin the deputy minister-designate down with reference to a statement he (Nyarko Osei) had allegedly made on Asempa FM to the effect that 80% of politicians are liars, especially NDC activists, but the deputy minister-designate told the committee that he did not remember making such a statement on the above-mentioned radio station.
News about a group of students of Ghana Senior High School, Koforidua suffering food poisoning made the headlines last week. Parents were expectedly anxious seeking to know whether it was occasioned by food they consumed at school or not.

It turned out however that thankfully those who suffered the health condition had patronized a nearby joint labeled 'Bush Canteen'.

Food is one of the things we take for granted in this country. From being negligent about the nutritional values of what we consume to the conditions under which they are prepared and even preserved, we do not seem to care.

The reckless pun that 'African germs do not kill' still holds sway among some of us the educated as we ignore the rudiments of food hygiene.

What befell the students, for which thankfully they were treated and eventually discharged, should be a wake-up call for all us especially the authorities who are responsible for ensuring that standards of food hygiene is upheld.

By this commentary, we ask school authorities to ensure that those who sell food within and near them adhere to basic hygienic standards so that we do not encounter what befell the Koforidua students again.

While we encourage school authorities who are already ensuring that food sold within and outside campuses meet hygienic standards, we demand of those who have not learnt from what triggered this commentary to do so to obviate a replication of the Koforidua incident.

Students should be periodically educated about the dangers in reckless patronage of food joints outside the school and the possible fallouts. When they are properly informed they would appreciate the importance of food hygiene.

It is interesting how some persons sought to demonise the free SHS using this incident as basis for their warped argument when indeed the students who contracted the health challenge were not boarders but day students. In any case, food poisoning can afflict us wherever we are and when it happens all we have to do is take another look at the conditions under which our food is prepared and preserved for consumption especially at school.

Recently the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) embarked upon a programme to ensure that food hygiene is maintained by those who prepare and sell food within their area of jurisdiction.

We salute them for the belated initiative. This is one of the core mandates of assemblies but it is however, hardly enforced. The result of the negligence is the selling of food by all manner of persons under mostly unacceptable conditions.

It is a fact that some health conditions can easily be transmitted by food handlers to others but with such persons not even knowing their statuses, it is not possible that they would do anything to prevent such possible transmissions.

The AMA and other assemblies across the country should ensure that food sellers and handlers meet a certain minimum health standard. Those who qualify should be certified to sell or even handle food. Those who do not, should not be allowed to sell food.
Les emplois a Rennes sont abondants et varies. Il y a quelque chose pour tout le monde. Que vous soyez a la recherche dun emploi []
04.11.2017 LISTEN

I am often elated whenever the movers-and-shakers of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) are challenged by their largely charlatanic counterparts of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to set the proverbial records straight. On such occasions, the avid student of Fourth-Republican Ghanaian political culture and history can invariably rest assured of having the balance sheet heavily tilted against the Rawlings-fathered NDC Abongo Boys.

And so I was not the least bit surprised when Akufo-Addo Water Resources and Sanitation Minister, Joseph Kofi Adda, recently told off some NDC propagandists who had luridly presumed to call President Addo DankwaAkufo-Addo to the carpet for aptly lauding the Kufuor-led New Patriotic Party government for having foresightedly and progressively initiated the Wa Water Project, in the countrys Upper-West Region (See Akufo-Addo Will Not Apologize for Claiming Kufuor Started Wa Water Project  Minister Daily Guide/Modernghana.com 10/9/17).

We are told that at a recent launching of the completion of the Wa Water Project, Nana Akufo-Addo took the well-deserved opportunity to laud former President John Agyekum-Kufuor for making this rather basic, albeit existentially indispensable, amenity a dream come true. The conception of the project itself, we are told, was hatched by the late Alhaji Abdul Rahman Musah, the extant Board Chairman of the Ghana Water Company and former Vice-Chairman of the New Patriotic Party. It would be repackaged by the current NPP-Member of Parliament for Sissala-West, Mr. Patrick Adamah, a project-development expert, and funded by the Korean government. In the latter instance, of course, it is quite safe to surmise that the unmistakable reference here is to the South Korean government, Seoul, rather than the so-called Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) or Pyongyang.

What flabbergasts me to no end, is the impetuous quickness with which the NDC propagandists incessantly take credit for development projects whose conception and execution they have little to absolutely no input. This is also the one area of our national development terrain in which they need to be promptly stopped from fabricating whole cloths of mendacity in order to make themselves and their effectively bankrupt political machine relevant in the minds of the Ghanaian electorate. On the latter score, it would be very much in order for the New Patriotic Partys leaders to call on their National Democratic Congress counterparts not only to promptly withdraw this propagandistic falsehood, but to also publicly and unreservedly apologize for the same or to be prepared to appear before a legitimately constituted court of the land to acquit themselves or justify such depraved act of thoroughgoing mendacity.

In other words, it is about time the key operatives of the Akufo-Addo Administration forced their NDC opposition counterparts to think deeply and wisely before making statements and pronouncements that have seismic consequences on our national political culture. By all means, let our politicians and statesmen and women be religiously dedicated to serving up their people absolutely nothing but the unalloyed truth in all things pertaining to the visionary and salutary development of the country.

*Visit my blog at: kwameokoampaahoofe.wordpress.com Ghanaffairs
It is the best decision ever to be taken by a sitting postcolonial Ghanaian government. And I am inexpressibly proud that the head of the government that made this most progressive decision is a relative. To be certain, I would have been equally proud, if the decision to have Mrs. Barbara Mahama work in one of our foreign diplomatic missions, high commissions or embassies, had been taken even by former President John Dramani Mahama, the uncle-in-law of Major Maxwell Adam Mahamas widow  Mr. Mahama was recently shown by the media giving financial assistance to the slain mans wife  though I strongly doubt if any leader of the clinically certified kleptocratic main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) could have so creatively and progressively thought about offering this most healthy opportunity for the young and talented widow of the brutally slain military officer, who met his most savage end while on duty near Denkyira-Obuasi, in the Central Region, to meaningfully and profitably use her professional skills and talents to more nobly take care of herself and her very young and fragile family (See Government Sends Major Mahamas Wife[sic] on Foreign Mission 3News.com / Ghanaweb.com 11/3/17).

The decision to have Mrs. Barbara Mahama nobly earn her keep, as it were, is one that ought to make all well-meaning and progressively minded Ghanaian citizens proud of being Ghanaian and having Nana Addo DankwaAkufo-Addo as their President. It indubitably adds onto the legion instructive reasons why Ghanaian voters made the right decision in resoundingly electing the Akufo-Addo-led government of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to handle their business for the next four years. Hopefully, the voters would wisely renew President Akufo-Addos mandate come Election 2020. Significant teething challenges and all, the choice of Nana Addo DankwaAkufo-Addo as President of the Democratic Republic of Ghana is the best thing in living memory, at least since this countrys reassertion of its sovereignty from British colonial rule. The reasons that Mr. Dominic Nitiwul, the Defense Minister and the New Patriotic Partys Member of Parliament for Bimbilla, in the Northern Region, gave for having Mrs. Mahama work at one of Ghanas foreign missions or embassies, in of themselves, are far less important than the healthy precedent set by such decision.

Which is that, henceforth, Ghanaian citizens who find themselves in a situation similar to that of the widow of the slain member of the 5th Battalion of Infantry of the Ghana Armed Forces, and not only affiliates of the GAF, would be offered the salutary opportunity to make something meaningful and progressive out of such physically and psychologically harrowing circumstances. The decision also ought to highlight the imperative necessity for all our young men and women to be provided access to avenues and opportunities to make themselves professionally relevant to themselves, their families and the nation at large. It is, in fact, in the latter context that the fee-free Senior High School policy initiative implemented by President Akufo-Addo ought to be envisaged. Which, of course, gives the lie to the scandalous and politically and economically regressive decision by the erstwhile Mills-Mahama regimes to reduce the curricular duration of the countrys Senior High School System from the globally accepted 4-year module to the hardly practically adequate 3-year regime.

To be certain, a 4-year SHS system is scarcely adequate for the effective development of a modern polity like Ghana, which is poised to healthily resuming its leadership role on both the African continent and the global community at large. Recently, for instance, one political cynic even suggested making tertiary education fee-free. This suggestion, of course, is not without precedent. Indeed, the generation of my late father, which constituted the pioneering intake of the nations flagship academy, the University of Ghana, attended the latter for free. Gratis! Ironically, it was under the stewardship of essentially that same generation and the one immediately before that, that the enviably progressive tradition of a fee-free tertiary education was rendered unsustainable. We need to find ways and means of making a fee-free tertiary education sustainable once again. For tertiary education is the indispensable brain-trust vis-a-vis the destiny of our country.

*Visit my blog at: kwameokoampaahoofe.wordpress.com Ghanaffairs
It is a tough call, but President Nana Akufo-Addo must sack George Ayisi-Boateng, says Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide newspaper, Abdul Malik Kwaku Baako.

Kwaku Baako says it would be better if Ghanas High Commissioner to South Africa exited voluntarily after making a public statement that has been condemned as divisive and undiplomatic, but since he has failed to do so, the President must act to save the face of the Ghanas diplomatic missions.

If I had my way and if I was the adviser to the President I would say that they should ask him [Ayisi-Boateng] to step aside. It is better, he said on Joy FM/MultiTV news analysis programme, Newsfile.

Kwaku Baako

Ghanas Ambassador to South Africa came under fire when he said at a public forum that he would put the interests of members of his party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), ahead of other Ghanaians in the discharge of his duties.

After defending the comment and claiming he was taken out of context, the public bashing, chiefly on social media, intensified, causing him to apologise and retract the comments.

Mr Ayisi-Boateng

Related: There is nothing to apologise for - Ayisi Boateng stands by 'divisive comments'

But still, a section of the public believes he must be relieved of his post.

The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) does not consider the apology to be genuine , arguing that Mr Ayisi-Boateng could really discriminate against Ghanaians in South Africa who come to his office on the basis of their party affiliations if he is made to stay in office.

Related: Ghanaians in SA accept Ayisi-Boatengs apology but...

Kwaku Baako also believes Mr Ayisi-Boateng must go because his gaffe is unpardonable.

None of us is perfect, so it is expected that occasionally we will slip here and there. All of us sitting here we have slipped some occasions. We have apologised, we have retracted and weve asked for forgiveness and we expect that people will do so. But High Commissioner to South Africa...he was speaking in a public forum...so I find it so difficult that he spoke [that] language and the content of it.

The veteran journalist said although Mr Ayisi-Boateng may only be revealing the truth about Ghanas body politic  where service delivery sometimes depends on personal and political affiliations  Mr Ayisi-Boatengs true mindset regarding how he intends to run his office has come out.

If you are caught, you face the music, he said.

He adds:Now it is within the prerogative of the President; hes retracted, he has apologised. There are people who are saying forgive him, others say dont forgive him. Whether he continues to be the High Commissioner to South Africa or not, it is within the jurisdiction of the President. That is the bottom line, Mr Baako said Saturday on Newsfile.
04.11.2017 LISTEN

There should be full investigations into matters of corruption at the University of Education Winneba (UEW). That Finance officer at the University of Education, Winneba, bought whoever wanted to launch investigations into his operations.

He was more powerful than the VCs. He bought all of them. I am happy this matter has come this far. The chicken have come home to roost. UEW must not be run as someone's family entity.

Now they've attributed the whole saga to ethnocentricism. The tribal bigots have jumped into the fray with their version. When people want to flee the long arm of the law, they choose two venues; Ethnicity and political affiliation.

We cannot continue along that path if we want the best for our institutions in particular and Ghana as a whole.

The processes activated by the Council ought to be allowed to bring finality to the issues so tabled.

*P.K.Sarpong, whispers from the corridors of THE THINKING PLACE.*
Students sponsored by the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the umbrella of the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta/Coordinator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (OSAPND) led by Brig. Gen. P. T. Boroh (Rtd), has drawn the attention of the Nigerian public to the activity of faceless fraudsters in the United States of America who are using the platform of social media to spread misleading and mischievous information about our welfare as government sponsored students in different institutions of higher learning in the United States of America and the activities of OSAPND under Gen. PT. Boroh.

Jimmy Iwezu, student leader in Alabama State University in a statement made available to journalists yesterday said, We wish to disassociate students from any attempt to tarnish the image of Nigeria in the US through outright lies, falsehood and blackmail being peddled in the social media by a faceless group that has called on people to join them on Saturday, 4th Novemeber, 2017 for a public demonstration against the government of President Muhammadu Buhari at the White House in Washington DC, USA.

The statement reads: We wish to put it on record that our allowances and tuition fees have been paid up to the month of September, 2017 and the Office has promised to pay up to November, 2017 when the next payment is made in October, 2017.

We wish to express our appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment and dedication to sustainable peace and development in the Niger Delta through his support and continuation of the Presidential Amnesty programme. We also wish to commend the able leadership of Gen. PT. Boroh for the positive changes that he has brought to bear on the programme through prompt payment of our fees and allowances.

While it has not been all rosy, we note that despite the economic recession that Nigeria went through, it was still able to sponsor our education abroad and we are very grateful.

We want to use this opportunity to appeal to all detractors and sponsored saboteurs to cease from their evil activities of blackmail and distraction from the good job that OSAPND and Gen. PT Boroh have done since 2015. We also appeal to the Federal Government of Nigeria for sustainability of the program which has achieved its mandate to ensure peace and stability in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria.
The ranking member of Parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee says embattled South African High Commissioner should be reassigned to play a role in the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says George Ayisi-Boateng, having been lauded as a very good party man, he "could be reassigned within the party."

We are told that he does really help party members and he is a TESCON patron and all of that, he added.

Mr Ayisi-Boateng came under public criticism after declaring that he will prioritise members of the NPP in his dealings because they are the reason he got the job.

The comments were condemned as undiplomatic, and calls for his resignation keep increasing despite his public apology.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

Explaining the Minoritys call for his resignation, the North Tongu Parliamentarian said on Thursday morning when they met, they considered his belligerent attitude not to apologise after 72 hours as worrying.

Also, the lack of confidence by Ghanaians in South Africa not to work with him made their call for his resignation or reassignment stronger.

As a senior citizen and a High commissioner, we all thought that he will take the opportunity to apologise and rally all of us and assure everybody in South Africa of the protection of his office if he need be."

The former Deputy Minister of Education explained that if the second apology had come from Kumasi where Mr Ayisi-Boateng lives and he had not been summoned, coerced and compelled, the Minority will not have had any qualms with it.

"But if he was compelled which appears to be the case in this instance, how sure are we that he has changed the mindset because the apology says upon sober reflection. Sober reflection at the Flagstaff House after compulsion?

"He should have issued this apology at his own behest, voluntarily and not coerced," he noted.

Abdul Malik Kwaku Baako

Adding his voice to the calls Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide newspaper, Abdul Malik Kwaku Baako said President Nana Akufo-Addo must sack Mr Ayisi-Boateng.

Kwaku Baako says it would be better if Ghanas High Commissioner to South Africa exited voluntarily after making a public statement that has been condemned as divisive and undiplomatic, but since he has failed to do so, the President must act to save the face of Ghanas diplomatic missions.

If I had my way and if I was the adviser to the President I would say that they should ask him [Ayisi-Boateng] to step aside. It is better, he said.

Kwaku Baako also believes Mr Ayisi-Boateng must go because his gaffe is unpardonable.

None of us is perfect, so it is expected that occasionally we will slip here and there. All of us sitting here we have slipped some occasions.

"We have apologised, we have retracted and weve asked for forgiveness and we expect that people will do so. But High Commissioner to South Africa...he was speaking in a public forum...so I find it so difficult that he spoke [that] language and the content of it.

Story by Ghana| Myjoyonline.com | Abubakar Ibrahim
Benin's government and health sector unions have reached an agreement to end a crippling two-month strike that saw treatment in public hospitals and clinics grind to a halt, the government said on Saturday.

Workers walked out in August over proposed privatisation plans, which are part of wider free-market reforms from President Patrice Talon's government to kick-start the country's slowing economy.

The walkout is said to have been responsible for the deaths of a number of patients and led to mounting public anger.

But a government source said an agreement was signed late Friday and that nearly 2.5 billion CFA (3.7 million euros) would be made available towards improving salaries and conditions.

Benin's economy is largely dependent on trade with its larger neighbour to the east, Nigeria, which has itself not long emerged from a months-long recession.

Talon's plans for recovery -- at a time of rising costs of living and tax -- have seen a wave of industrial action in recent months, including the court and education sectors.

One union leader said the government had agreed to postpone the creation of a working group to look into the implementation of the privatisation plan.

Development minister Abdoulaye Bio Tchane, who led the negotiations, said: "The government showed its willingness to meet the demands of the health sector unions and to end the strike in this very crucial sector."

The government gave "its agreement in principle to resolve, in the shortest time possible, concerns about workers' jobs in the sector", he added.
04.11.2017 LISTEN

The Coalition for Democratic Governance (CDG) in its press release on the 25th October 2017, described the purchase of the App for two million and five hundred thousand US dollars (US$2,500,000.00) as fraudulent and a source of financial loss to the state.

This fraudulent payment and government's decision to pay Google additional $400, 000 each year has been vigorously condemned by the public; describing the VOKACOM system as expensive, amateurish and an embarrassment to technology and innovation. It is important to note that Vokacom which is partnering Ghana Post GPS to roll out the Digital Address System, has no previous experience in rolling out such a system anywhere in the world.

According to the Managing Director of Ghana Post, James Kwofie, Ghana is to pay Google, an amount of $400,000 for embedding the companys online map into the countrys newly designed National Digital Property Addressing System. The Ghana Post GPS application, both in the browser and mobile apps embed a piece of code from Google, specifically, from their Maps platform, which allows Ghanaians to locate their homes and generate digital addresses.

The Chief Convener of CDG, Dr. Kofi Hayford is of the view, that embedding this Google Maps API (Application Programming Interface) cannot cost the nation $400,000 annually as the head of Ghana Post and Minister for Communication wants us to believe.

According to investigations conducted by CDG, he said Google allows businesses, governments, big organizations and anyone making lots of use of their Google Maps API to pay a fee depending on size and usage.

According to Google regulations, using their API in a mobile application, either Android or IOS, attract charges. Example: Default 1,000 free requests per day, increased to 150,000 free requests per day after identity verification. Free uplifts for complying applications.

Source: https://developers.google.com/maps/pricing-and-plans/

That is, if the application of a legitimate entity (such as Ghana Post GPS and Ghana Government), complies with proper use as stipulated by Google; Google would allow an almost unlimited amount of requests per day for their API.

Similarly, by using Google Map API for website mobile application, the Ghana Post GPS team are not using any specialized, reserved premium option of the Google API. In fact, what Ghana Post is using is just the same as the tens of thousands of individual developers around the world use without payment. Therefore, Google is officially saying we do not have to pay, when API is used in a mobile application.

CDG by this revelation wants to know why the country is paying the US$400,000.00 and for which services?

According to Lawyer Hayford, it is worth noting that the use of Google Maps API for mobile, purposes is literally free. Here are conditions for the use of Google Maps API for websites:

i. It is Free up to 25,000 map loads per day.

ii. IT cost $0.50 USD / 1,000 additional map loads, up to 100,000 daily, if billing is enabled.

Assuming the Ghana Post GPS website for unexpected reasons receives as many as 100,000 daily requests, it will still cost just (100,000 / 1,000) x 0.50$ = 50$ per day. Similarly if one uses Googles Maps embedded API in your website, the usage is unlimited.

In the case of Ghana, it is not likely that 50,000 Ghanaians will visit the web application within 24 hours after launch because most of the users will be accessing the application from their mobile apps, and with mobile app API, Google assures its users that it is almost unlimited and free of charge.

Now, at 50$ per day, as calculated above, and with Web Application of 100,000 requests per day, we come to a total of $ 18,250 per year (365 days).

This is with the assumption that even on Sunday as many as 100,000 people would open a web browser just to see their address; which is most unlikely. The calculated amount is likely to be less.

Besides when an address is generated, it is written down or memorized. You would therefore not go on the net often for the same address.

Therefore CDG is of the view that the maximum the country must be paying to Google is $18,250.00 and not $400 000.00

CDG is demanding that the Government sets the record straight on how much the country will be paying annually for the Google API and must indicate whether or not there are any hidden charges.

It is unfortunate, that the Ghana Post GPS has not subscribed to the Google Analytics Premium nor the Adobe Analytics suites since they cost $150,000 per year and $100,000 per year respectively, he stated.

The free Google Analytics, which hundreds of thousands of businesses around the world use allows up to 5 million impressions per month. (Ref; https://webmasters.stackexchange.com/a/81102/56771).

As a result of the above calculations and analysis, the CDG is calling on the Government to come clear on the payment of $400,000 annually to Google.
South Sudan's capital Juba was tense on Saturday as dozens of soldiers surrounded the residence of powerful former army chief Paul Malong in a bid to disarm his bodyguards.

Streets across the city were largely empty as people stayed at home for fear the standoff would erupt into clashes, an AFP correspondent said.

The deployment was confirmed by presidential spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny who said it was a "routine operation" which should not cause any concern.

"The situation is normal... this is not anything to worry about," he told AFP. It was also confirmed by Information Minister Michael Makuei.

The move came five days after President Salva Kiir signed an order, a copy of which was obtained by AFP, authorising the arrest and disarming of Malong's bodyguards, which also said any resistance "must be met with reasonable force".

There was no indication as to why Kiir had given the order.

Malong, a general who was sacked by Kiir in May, is a hardline ethnic nationalist who belongs to the president's majority Dinka tribe.

South Sudan has been gripped by a brutal civil that has lasted nearly four years, with Saturday's standoff emptying the streets of Juba, the capital

He is widely regarded as being the mastermind of fighting that erupted in Juba in July 2016 that left hundreds of people dead and crushed hopes of a power-sharing government between Kiir and Riek Machar, his former deputy turned rebel chief, who is a member of the Nuer tribe.

The Dinka and the Nuer are the two largest ethnic groups in South Sudan and have a history of bloody rivalry.

South Sudan has been gripped by a brutal civil war that has lasted nearly four years, and the standoff in Juba prompted many residents to stay home for fear of violence.

"I have not got out of my house since morning because... fighting may break out," said Moses Alier, a resident of Hai Mouna in western Juba told AFP by phone.

Malong's dismissal in May had sparked fears among residents that it could trigger clashes between his supporters and troops loyal to the president.

The general is currently under house arrest, with the October 30 presidential order stating that he should not be allowed to leave his residence "at any time".

South Sudan gained independence after the Christian majority south split from the Muslim north in 2011 after a 22-year civil war that killed hundreds of thousands of people.

But the world's youngest nation quickly fell into civil war in December 2013 after Kiir accused Machar of plotting a coup, with the conflict leaving tens of thousands dead and forcing a third of its 12 million people out of their homes.
Ghanas enthusiastic efforts of becoming an economy less dependent on cash in the West African sub-region will be a mirage if the Bank of Ghana (BoG), mobile money transfer operators and other stakeholders fail to act on growing mobile money fraud.

Criminals have invaded the countrys leading mobile money transfer platforms making it possible for some people to doubt the genuineness of the platforms which help to boost financial inclusion in the West African second largest economy after Nigeria.

According to Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, mobile money operators in Ghana namely, MTN Mobile Money, TigoCash, Airtel Money and Vodafone Cash have recorded 388 money fraud cases in 2016 as against 278 in 2015.

Although the mobile money operators did not reveal the amount of money made away by the fraudsters, majority of these cases have been reported to the police for further investigations and closure. While some fraudsters involved in the some cases have been prosecuted.

To this end, telecom industry analysts warned that mobile money fraud which is rampant in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, is also rising in Ghana and it is here to stay because of the identifiable loopholes in the national identification system, greed and ignorance, among others.

Identifiable loopholes

Experts noted that not all the national ID cards permissible for the registration of mobile money account(s) are genuine. Because of this it is difficult to trace mobile money fraudsters and other criminals in the country.

In Ghana, the national ID cards which are permitted to be used for the registration of mobile money account(s) and SIM cards are a valid Passport, drivers license issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) card, Voter ID and National ID cards.

But some criminals do cheat these agencies mandated to issue these national ID cards. So some of the ID cards used in the mobile money account registrations could be faked, according to cyber security experts.

Mobile money operators blamed the geometric rise of mobile money fraud in the country on customers greed and ignorance.

Some customers attempt to get more money to solve their pressing demands end up being cheated by fraudsters.

The Head of Research & Communications at the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, Derek Laryea noted that some customers are not aware of the existence of mobile money fraud in the country because of limited information and publicity.

A Manager, Mobile Finance Services Analytics, Budget & Reporting at MTN Mobile Money, Solomon Hayford, added that inadequate customer vigilance and compromises, are among the contributory factors to the uptake of mobile money fraud in the country.

But the mobile money regulator, Bank of Ghana (BoG) identified the overwhelming growth in mobile money wallets/accounts, over the last two years, as the main attraction for fraudsters.

The Director of Payment Systems at the BoG, Dr. Setor Amediku recently noted that as of today, there are over 22 million mobile money accounts as against 11.6 million regular bank accounts.

He noted that whereas the huge growth in mobile money wallets has boosted the countrys drive towards greater financial inclusion, wallet holders have not been able to keep up with the technology so they have also become vulnerable to more sophisticated fraudsters.

Dr. Amediku was speaking at a Mobile Money Fraud Forum as part of the just-ended Cybersecurity Week held in Accra.

Types of mobile money fraud

Anonymous calls from fraudsters: Customers receive calls from fraudsters after deposits to transfer funds received with the claim being airtime.

False Promotion: Customers are lured to authorize cash out transaction with the claim of winning Mobile Money promotion.

Cash out Fraud: Customers are pushed payment approval prompt and lured to enter their pin code in order to receive price won through Mobile Money.

False Promotion: Customers are lured to visit merchant point to redeem price won through Mobile Money.

Scam: Fraudsters calling to dupe customers under the pretext of delivering goods from abroad. Some fraudsters call and ask for specified amounts to be deposited into a mobile money account, in exchange for goods from relatives/friends from abroad.

False Cash out SMS: Fraudsters send false cash out messages to merchants for authorization of which the physical cash is issued by the merchant to the fraudster without the equivalent e-cash.

False Promotion SMS: Fraudulent consumers send fake SMS to agents either from their own handsets or generated from computers. The SMS looks genuine to the recipient.

Addressing mobile money fraud

Mobile money operators are beginning to intensify mobile money fraud education to enable them reduce or end the canker in the country, he said.

Although, telcos especially MTN Ghana are doing their best to fight the mobile money fraud in the country, the BoG which is the mobile money regulator, is appeared not to be doing anything to help the mobile money operators to fight the menace.

The BoG is yet to crack the whip despite the failure of the above-mentioned measures instituted by the operators to end or reduce the mobile money fraud in the country.

Per the new E-money Issuer (EMI) guidelines introduced in 2015 by the BoG to govern the mobile money sector, it is mandated to sanction mobile money operators when there are breaches on the parts of the operators. Surprisingly, in the face of the growing mobile money fraud in the country, the BoG is still playing the ostrich.

Mobile money in numbers

Despite the fact that banking started in Ghana about a century ago, only about 40 percent of Ghanaians have bank accounts, meaning majority of the population are unbanked. This unbanked population therefore use cash for transactions, excluding them from the formal financial system, i.e. access to savings, bank credit, mortgages, investment and other financial products.

But in the last five years, mobile money has seen an astronomical growth, drawing thousands of the unbanked households into the financial inclusion net.

According to the BoG data, as at 2012, the total value of mobile money transactions totaled GHS594.12 million. Significantly, as at December last year the value of transactions had reached GHS78.5 billion, indicating that within five years, mobile money transactions has grown by more than 13,000 percent. This is huge and promises a better future.

Regarding employment by mobile money firms, as at end of last year, the cumulative registered mobile money agents in the country was 136, 769. Of this number, 107, 415 are active mobile money agents.
A member of the Council of State, Nii Kotei Dzani has condemned attacks in Ada East District during confirmation polls for the nominated District Chief Executive (DCE).

In a press statement, he solidarised with the victims of the cowardly attack.

I was ashamed to view video footage of the incident, which clearly showed some police personnel standing idly by at the premises where the regrettable incidents took place, he observed.

Mr Dazni urged the Police Administration to take urgent steps to identify and bring to book those officers who abdicated their duties so publicly, which he believes will positively boost their public image.

I charge all relevant security agencies to rise to their constitutional mandates and combat the creeping lawlessness in our midst, no matter the affiliations of the instigators of such violent occurrences, he added.

Below is his statement

It was with profound sadness that I received the news this afternoon of an attack on members of the Ada East District Assembly during confirmation polls for the nominated District Chief Executive (DCE), allegedly perpetrated by the so-called "Invisible Forces", a notorious vigilante group.

In this moment, I wish to express my solidarity with the victims of this cowardly attack, innocent Ghanaians peacefully discharging their democratic duties. As a country, it is time we rid ourselves of factionalism of all kinds, especially those borne out of political divisions, in order that we can pull together as one people working to realize a common vision of development and prosperity for our country and people.

I was ashamed to view video footage of the incident, which clearly showed some police personnel standing idly by at the premises where the regrettable incidents took place. I urge the Police Administration to take urgent steps to identify and punish those officers who abdicated their duties so publicly, in order to restore the reputation of the Police Service in the eyes of the public.

Further, I wish to remind all government appointees to be mindful of the fact that it is from the same Constitution that all of us derive our offices, irrespective of the level in the governance structure in which we serve. That is why we must all be tolerant and respectful of each other and condemn behaviours that project violence against one another.

I charge all relevant security agencies to rise to their constitutional mandates and combat the creeping lawlessness in our midst, no matter the affiliations of the instigators of such violent occurrences. It is only by uniformly and consistently applying the law that the needed deterrence would be established against those that operate outside the boundaries of the law. In this particular instance, I am committed to seeing through the processes that will ensure justice for all who fell victim to this afternoon's aggression and violence.

As always, I stand ready to offer my support in any way I can to achieve a harmonious society for all who reside within this beautiful land of our birth.

---SIGNED---

DR. NII KOTEI DZANI

(Member, Council of State)
04.11.2017 LISTEN

We should not hypocritically behave as if the past three governments of the Rawlings, Atta-Mills and Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) treated non-party members who were bona fide Ghanaian citizens any better than the rhetorical modus operandi that was poignantly, if also scandalously, captured by Mr. George Ayisi-Boateng, the present Ghana High Commissioner (or Ambassador) to South Africa. Mr. Ayisi-Boateng has since publicly and unreservedly apologized for having told a crowd of pro-New Patriotic Party (NPP) students at the Kumasi Technical University (KTU), that when it came to helping Ghanaian residents in South Africa find jobs, his priority would be to focus on registered card-carrying members of the ruling party.

In the virulent brouhaha provoked by the remark, especially among members, supporters and sympathizers of the countrys main opposition National Democratic Congress, what all of these overnight moralists and self-righteous critics shamefully appear to have either forgotten or conveniently decided to ignore is the precedent-setting context in reaction to which Mr. Ayisi-Boateng allegedly issued his repulsively partisan promise. Not that taking the latter into consideration, though perfectly understandable, makes the patently undiplomatic remark any more acceptable; but the ineluctable fact remains that Ghanas High Commissioner to South Africa did not totally speak out of a vacuum. Mr. Ayisi-Boateng has clearly noted that he was responding to a directive issued by then-President John Evans Atta-Mills, late, shortly after the latters inauguration in 2009, to all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives around the country, to the damnable effect that these public servants were to prioritize National Democratic Congress members and supporters when it came to the creation and the offering of jobs to those who either needed them or qualified for the same.

What makes the Atta-Mills Decree even more serious and indisputably scandalous, if, indeed, the then-President issued the same, is, of course, the fact that Prof. Atta-Mills was a highly trained lawyer and one of the most authoritative scholars on the tax laws of the country. Plus, the fact that Prof. Atta-Mills had taught for some two decades at the Faculty of Law at the countrys flagship academy, the University of Ghana. If Prof. Atta-Mills did not fully appreciate the stark fact that Ghanas 1992 Constitution expressly prohibited discrimination on the basis of political party affiliation, among a host of other prohibitions, then how can any of us honestly expect Mr. Ayisi-Boateng, who clearly appears to be a legal pedestrian, compared to Prof. Atta-Mills, to be held to a higher moral standard?

To be certain, I really dont remember the Atta-Mills Edict being roundly condemned by any of the moral mavens who have now self-righteously turned up the heat on Mr. Ayisi-Boateng. Or has there all of a sudden occurred the proverbial Paradigm Shift which presently makes totally unacceptable that which was perfectly acceptable scarcely a year ago. Or it is simply that the operatives of the ruling New Patriotic Party have curiously and unwisely rendered themselves relatively more vulnerable, punching-bag mode, to be wantonly and hypocritically abused by the leaders of the main opposition National Democratic Congress?

We also know for a fact that the Atta-Mills-led regime of the National Democratic Congress had not treated all Ghanaians equally in the distribution of jobs and development projects, because globally renowned statesmen like the former United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, have been decrying the countrys spoils system, or winner-takes-all regime, that has characterized the political culture of Fourth-Republican Ghana ever since anybody can remember. We also know that under the John Agyekum-Kufuor-led government of the New Patriotic Party, some remarkably progressive attempts had been made to remedy the situation by including leaders from several opposition political parties in his cabinet and other non-cabinet executive positions.

And presently, we see President Addo DankwaAkufo-Addo doing the same. And so the likes of Dr. Kobby Mensah, the University of Ghanas Business School lecturer, do great mischief by pretending as if the New Patriotic Party did not sport, or possess, a governance record that made Mr. Ayisi-Boatengs remark more the aberration than the norm (See  Govt Shouldnt Waste Time; Ayisi-Boateng Must Be Sacked MyJoyOnline.com / Modernghana.com 11/3/17).

*Visit my blog at: kwameokoampaahoofe.wordpress.com Ghanaffairs
04.11.2017 LISTEN

The Vice Chancellor of the Tamale Technical University (TaTU). Professor Abdullai Salifu Asuro has reassured people of the Northern region especially, students and teachers that, the Technical University status of the TaTU is on course despite recent brouhaha.

The Tamale Technical University was among several Polytechnics that were converted into Technical University by the former NDC administration.

But the ministry of education recently proposed reconverting TaTU back to a Polytechnic.

But addressing students and teachers at the 23rd Matriculation of the University, the Vice Chancellor of the school, professor Abdullai Salifu Asuro said the school is still a University and coming 18th of November, the first congregation of the Tamale Technical University has slated to take place.

He said the University for the 2017/2018 academic session received a total of two thousand nine hundred and eighty eight (2,988) applications for the various programmes, but admitted only two thousand two hundred and ten (2,210).

Out of the number admitted, professor Abdullai said thousand three hundred thirty seven were male and Eight hundred (1,337 and seventy three (873) females

"For the 2017/2018 academic session, a total number of two thousand nine hundred and eighty eight (2,988) applicants applied to the Tamale Technical University to study various programmes in the Institution, out of which two thousand two hundred and ten (2,210) applicants were offered admission made up of one thousand three hundred and thirty seven (1,337) male and eight hundred and twenty three ((873) female" he stated.

He used the occasion to urge students to study hard so that they will complete successfully.

He also urged tutors to be untop of their jobs as the University is managing to stay afloat to deliver good services to students and parents despite dwindling resources. And called on all stakeholders of the institution to put all hands on deck as the institution marches into a university status

"I therefore urge all and sundry to put hands on deck for our forward March into the future as a Technical University of Excellence " he noted

Professor Salifu Asuro also assured students and teachers of TaTU of maximum security on campus. And plead that, reports are giving to the Dean of Students on suspicion of any unusual activity or behavior for checkup and control.

He also reminded matriculants of their commitment and obedience to the Vice Chancellor and all authorities of the Tamale Technical University, warning that, any breach of their Oath swon will attract appropriate sanctioning.
04.11.2017 LISTEN

A socio-political group, G42 Imo Liberation Forum has warned the state government to desist from what it described as a waste of tax payers money over its alleged plans to spend a whooping Eight Hundred and Fifty Million Naira on erecting a Christmas tree ahead of the Christmas celebration.

A statement signed by the Director of Communications of the group, Dr. Walter Duru and made available to newsmen further described the plan as a misplaced priority, even as he accused the government f insensitivity.

The attention of G-42 Imo Liberation Forum has been drawn to an alleged plan by the Imo State Government under the leadership of Chief Rochas Okorocha to spend about Eight Hundred and Fifty Million Naira on a meaningless Christmas tree ahead of the 2017 Christmas celebration.

This is coming at a time Civil Servants and Pensioners in the state are being owed several months arrears of salary and other entitlements; while poverty is at its highest level in the history of the state.

The situation is made worst by the fact that the dust raised by the over Five Hundred Million Naira allegedly spent in the building of a Statue for the President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma is yet to settle.

We refuse to treat this as mere speculation as history has shown that this is not far from the style of the present administration in the state; a government that is not accountable to anyone and is run in utmost secrecy. The government must tell Imo people how much it actually spent on erecting the ridiculous Jacob Zuma Statue and others there-in, as well as the said Christmas tree. 

The G-42 Imo Liberation Forum, a Socio-political group in the state sees this as the highest level of insensitivity, misplaced priority and share waste of the peoples resources and hereby condemn it.

Continuing, Duru accused the Okorocha-led government of disrespecting the citizens of the state, even as he urged him to discontinue the project and pay attention to the welfare of the citizens.

The present APC-led government must realize that it is holding the peoples resources on thrust and therefore accountable to the people. This administration has treated Imo people with so much disrespect and disdain that we can no longer fold our arms to allow this anomaly to continue.

We therefore call on the state government to discontinue the wanton waste of the peoples resources and invest the peoples resources in areas that are beneficial to majority of the citizens.
Former President John Mahama has urged African governments to safeguard the stakes in their countrys natural resources by formulating long-lasting policies.

He said African leaders must make efforts to define their own national interest in the abundant minerals found on the continent and ensure that, just like the Western countries, we take collective and entrenched positions that do not vary irrespective of who is at the helm of affairs.

The former President made the suggestion while delivering a keynote speech at a lecture on Thursday during a graduation ceremony at the Institute of Security Studies in Abuja, Nigeria.

His speech was titled, Challenges of Democracy and Development in Africa, and also sought to urge African states to tap into the benefit of stable democratic dispensations to boost development.

For every portion of Africa's gold, uranium, timber and oil, there is a foreign country that believes that it is their strategic interest and will ensure that those interests are protected. African leaders have had to navigate these dangerous waters for several years, sometimes leading to the overthrow of a leader who strongly believes that he cannot allow his country's resources to be raped by foreign countries at the expense of his people.

For a long time these foreign interests have largely succeeded because many African countries have not been able to entrench their national interest within their democratic institutions, the former President said.

He also said democracy is preferred the world over because it protects human rights, allows for transparent and accountable governance, and preserves free speech and stability.

"But democratic systems also have the downside of high cost of periodic elections, the influence of special interests on elected leaders and the general lack of a sharp national focus, in some cases, because of the frequent changing of leadership and change of national development plans anytime such changes happen, and also the generally slow nature of the decision- making process, he said.

Democratic governance, he said, is being undermined by lack of jobs.

Read the full speech below:

Thank you for the very kind words used to introduce me this afternoon.

Mr. Chairman, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and my friend Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama; the Director-General of State Security, Alhaji Lawal Musa; and the Director of the Institute of State Security, Mr. M.B. Seiyefa, I thank you all for the kind invitation to deliver todays graduation lecture.I also acknowledge the presence of the High Commissioner of Ghana to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

I am particularly honoured that you graciously accepted to shift todays event from the original date of October 31, to enable me participate in a roundtable conference of the African Presidential Leadership Center in Johannesburg.The event saw seven former leaders drawn from across the continent sharing our experiences on how to improve educational outcomes on the continent. Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, was one of the participants at this roundtable, and his contributions to the discussion were very insightful and revealing of the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria, the worlds most populous black nation, when considering policy options in the education space.

The meeting in Johannesburg revealed the value of expertise one garners from having the privilege of serving as the leader of ones nation.It also gave life to the words President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf spoke at the inauguration of my successor, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. She said to me, President Mahama, you have indeed demonstrated that there is life after the Presidency.

It gave me a sense of pride to hear these words. Of course, she said these words because of the work we did together in resolving the Gambian stand-off and aiding the advancement of democratic consolidation in the Gambia, even at a time when I had accepted defeat in Ghanas election of 7th December, 2016.I think that that was what my friend Geoffrey Onyeama was referring to, when he spoke about the work we did together in The Gambia with President Buhari, President Koroma and Her Excellency, Johnson Sirleaf.

Indeed, I think the main reason why I was added to that delegation was to serve as a good example to President Yahya Jammeh. He had lost the election and he had conceded and called the victor and congratulated him. Then a week after, he reneged on the congratulations and refused to hand over. I had also lost an election; I had conceded. So, I guess I was added to serve as a good example for him to let him follow my example.

I therefore wish to thank President Buhari for the privilege of working alongside him and President Johnson Sirleaf in unravelling the Gambian impasse. I wish the people of Gambia every success in the journey of consolidating their fledgling democracy. Since leaving Office, I have been involved in many assignments both to do with the consolidation of democracy on the African continent and also in election observation on behalf of the Commonwealth and, lately, ECOWAS.

I remember the day after I had handed over  this was the 8th of January  I woke up in the morning and remembered there was no Office to go to. So, I relaxed in my bed and turned on the TV, watching CNN.I spent the whole day watching TV at the time Donald Trump was the President-elect, and they were going through the transition, waiting to hand over; so, I just kept watching what was going on.

My daughter, Farida, who had gone to school in the morning arrived in the afternoon. She found me lying in bed which was unusual, because when I was President we could go a whole week without seeing each other.

She leaves the house early in the morning to be able to get to school on time, by which time I probably had not gotten out of bed. She gets back home late afternoon and I am in the Office and I get back in the night when she is asleep. So, we could go the whole week without seeing each other. For the first time, she came back from school and there I was lying on my bed and watching television.

She asked me, Daddy, didnt you go to the Office? I said No, dont you remember that I handed over to President Akufo-Addo yesterday. She said OK; so it means you are not going to the Office anymore? I said No, I have no Office to go to. And she said, then I am happy! She added, so will I be coming home from school and meeting you in the house? I said yes and she said, then I am very happy that you lost the elections!

Let me extend my warmest thanks to H.E. President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR and the staff of this esteemed college for the honour done me in extending an invitation to deliver the graduation lecture on this auspicious occasion.The role of your Institute is important in building that corps of critical and strategic thinkers who we need to help transform the fortunes of this continent and especially our sub-region.

Your students are therefore a very special group of people who have been primed by their study here to play a vital role towards the development of not only Nigeria but the continent and beyond.

Let me say congratulations to the graduating students!

May I also congratulate the national directors present here, the eminent members of faculty and the non-teaching administrative staff for producing these fresh graduates, who, I am confident, would illuminate the African continent and beyond with productive, ground-breaking contributions that would make our world a more secure place than it is today.

Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Chairman, I thank you all for prioritizing to share your time with me as I attempt to do justice to the topic of today  to tell you what I think are the challenges of democracy and development in Africa.

In 2012 I launched a book, my memoir, entitled My first coup detat and other true stories from the lost decades of Africa.

The book captures my coming of age in the late sixties until the early 1990s  a period when the initial euphoria of independence had faded and we had become entrapped in a revolving door of military dictatorships. A period when Africa saw a general decline in its economic fortunes.

In Ghana, the experience was particularly traumatic and saw a massive migration of our nationals to sojourn here with our cousins in Nigeria.

It is a period during which our countries were still cooking in a governance cauldron  a kind of laboratory in which different experiments in governance were being carried out. We went through three decades in which we saw brief periods of constitutional rule interrupted by military dictatorships.

Ladies and gentlemen, our continent Africa, like many other parts of the world, has gone through these leadership experiments, and has been struggling to find the best solution for advancing the hopes and aspirations of our people.

This quest has been fraught with various setbacks and reversals, sometimes dimming all hope that this high natural resource-endowed region will ever find the right governance mix to actualize the dreams of our people for a better life.

In this short lecture, therefore, I will endeavour to highlight a few of the challenges confronting Africa's governance and development with the hope that it will add to the ever-raging debate on a myriad of perspectives and solutions.

In my view, this continents challenges are focused around a few issues:

Our quest for a better leadership structure in our countries

Formulation and management of strategic interests

The need for new paradigms of economic development

Threats to democratic consolidation

Challenges of Intra-Africa Trade

LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE

If you follow the evolution of human society per the theory of the early philosophers: Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau; it is posited that when humans decided to move from a state of survival of the fittest in which they roamed in the bush mainly in small family groups and decided to settle in larger societal groups, they needed rules and regulations to order society.

This need came with the requirement for a system of governance to enforce compliance with the rules and regulations. This led mainly to the evolution of leaders who were considered to be monarchs.

Every nation, every ethnic group or clan needs one form of governance or another to ensure the survival of its people, safeguard societys interests, ensure security and peaceful coexistence. Although there are various variants of governance, two main broad governance systems are recognized widely across the world: you are either a dictatorship or a democracy.

While democratic and open governments are held up as the best system and dictatorships are frowned upon, I wish to state with emphasis, that there is no one size fits all system of governance.

Democracies are generally preferred because of the protection of human rights, transparent and accountable governance,open government, free speech and stability. But democratic systems also have the downside of high cost of periodic elections, the influence of special interests on elected leaders and the general lack of a sharp national focus, in some cases, because of the frequent changing of leadership and change of national development plans anytime such changes happen, and also the generally slow nature of the decision- making process.

Dictatorships will generally be led by a single political party, a military junta, a military or armed forces council or whatever the leaders might wish to call it.

Dictatorships would normally be established after a military or civil putsch. This results in a usurpation of power from the existing system, a civilian administration or in some cases a monarchy.

In Africa, the era of military coups seems to be fading into distant memory with the upsurge of democratically-elected leaders.

While democracy has, generally taken hold in Africa with elections being held regularly, there are still several situations in which elected leaders continue to cling to power either by modifying their Constitutions to remove term limits, age limits, or institute mechanisms that ensure that they stay in power as lifetime leaders of their nations.

Democracy is a desirable ideal and in todays world is more politically correct. It is therefore fashionable to put systems in place to legitimize even the most authoritarian regimes.

If such systems of legitimacy are difficult to implement, at least you can insert the word democratic in your countrys name. For example, the Peoples Democratic Republic of Gondwanaland.

But while democratic societies are desirable, the question we ask is: are dictatorships all negative?

As I said earlier there is no one size fits all solution when it comes to what governance system is more appropriate for which nation.

Democracy evolves and countries are at different stages of evolution in democratic governance.

Democracy must not be imposed by external pressure. There are several examples that illustrate what happens when there is an attempt to democratise a country in advance of the stage of development that it has reached. We can cite the example of Iraq and the war that has gone on there and the suffering their people have gone through.

We can come home to Africa and talk about Libya. I believe whatever the government of Muammar Gadhafi was, it was still better than the situation in which Libya finds itself today.

We also have the example of Syria to learn from. It is going through a long Civil War.

But lets also look at some other countries that have seen rapid development. Lets take the example of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) which today is different separate states, including Russia.

After Mikhail Gorbachevtook over, there was a general push to transform the Soviet system. When Mikhail Gorbachev retired from office in December 1991, the Soviet Union was dissolved the next day. When Boris Yeltsin took over, there was an attempt to fast-track the democratization of Russia and open up the society as quickly as possible.

Now, we all know what happened. The Soviet Union broke up and Soviet Union which had been the second world power because we lived in a bi-polar world with US and Soviet Union being the worlds strongest power, after a while, Soviet Union became a second-class power.

We started talking of a unipolar world where only the United States was considered to be the most powerful nation in the world.

Be that as it may, several years later, enter a former KGB agent Vladimir Putin. With restrictions of some democratic rights; restrictions of freedom of expression, and geo-political maneuvering, he has managed to place Russia again as a major player, and as a counter force to the United States when it comes to the worlds most powerful nations.

You can also look at the example of China. China is a dictatorship because it is a one-party state. China at the same time has used market rules, opened up and deregulation, to move the mass of its people out of poverty and move to the second place as the worlds second richest country.

And yet the people have given up some rights. You dont have, exactly, free expression in China. There are some things you cannot do in China that you will be able to do elsewhere.

Governance systems are based on the peculiarities of the nation; they are based on the cultures of the people. And even though democratic governance is the ideal, like I said, it evolves and every country moves toward that ideal at its own pace, and so it must not be imposed as a necessity that people should adopt democratic governance.

History abounds with further examples of authoritarian leaders like Lee Kuan Yew, Suharto of Indonesia, Mahathir Mohamad of Malaysia and Park Chung-hee, all from East Asia, who ruled their countries from the 1960s to the early 2000 in some cases.

Now, these people I mentioned are credited with using their dictatorial powers to put in place strategies and firm systems that ensured, among others, policy consistency and the accelerated development of their countries, before transiting into western style democracies.

Today, we see Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and how rapidly they have progressed. In the period when that acceleration took place, they were under authoritarian governments.

If you come closer home, the fastest growing economies in Africa today are Ethiopia and Rwanda. We probably would not say these are the most democratic or open societies in Africa, and yet they are growing and moving faster than several other countries that have strong democratic governance and creating a better life for their people.

These examples have led some researchers to even posit that because democracy finds it difficult to bloom in areas with high numbers of illiteracy and weak institutions that abound in under-developed or developing countries, it is somehow beneficial not to make an early incursion into democracy.

These examples have triggered the debate as to whether a nation should democratize first before development, or develop before opening up the democratic space, or even achieve the two in parallel, democratize while developing

It is worth noting however, that the period of dictatorships in East Asia, was during the Cold War when western allies were busy forming alliances as opposed to the situation now where they act as global watchdogs for human rights and respect for the rule of law.

In Africa, parallel to the rapid progress being made in Singapore, Korea and Malaysia at the time, Africa also had its breed of dictators. Instead of their unchallenged rule becoming an instrument of progress for their countries, their rule saw their nations decline to abysmal depths. Idi Amin of Uganda, Mobutu Sese Seko and Emperor Jean Bedel Bokassa readily come to mind.

So, yes, dictatorships, in some circumstances, are unique in increasing the efficiency of governance by reducing delays in the formulation and implementation of policies due to the absence of the need for consensus and endless debates to implement projects or policy and the unique ability to calibrate complete legal systems by decree and even an ability to stay focused over long periods, accelerating economic development. But, at what price?

Democracy is expensive, talking of the four-yearly ritual of election-related costs. Ghana's National Electoral Commission earmarked about $200 million for the 2016 exercise, whereas Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission budgeted well over $550m dollars for the 2015 elections.

But the benefit of political stability and its returns far outstrips the expense of these exercises.

The cost of transitions may be high, but the guarantees of political freedom, inclusion, respect for the rule of law, equality, protection of human rights etc. cannot be over-estimated in democracies.

Apart from providing protective limits, these guarantees send a loud message to investors and other development partners as well. Any attempt to understate the benefits of democratically held elections is respectfully, therefore, a myopic perspective.

Democratic elections also reduce the tensions in opposition elements to try to usurp power. This is because they are guaranteed an opportunity to compete with the ruling party for the general mandate of the people come elections.

Democratic governments also provide checks and balances against abuse of power and state resources. Even though I must hasten to say, that from what is happening in many countries, this guarantee is not always assured.

Progress made under democracies are more sustainable because they are achieved by consensus and the participation of all stakeholders. In dictatorships, progress made can unravel when the object of fear, the ruler, is removed.

Therefore, for the safeguarding of rights and freedoms, for the protection of the public purse and the general reduction in the number of insurrections, Africa is better off operating an imperfect but highly effective leadership structure of democracy than to accept the high risk of dictatorial rule.

FORMULATION AND MANAGEMENT OF STRATEGIC INTERESTS

Africa is like a beautiful virgin with many suitors, we are told.

Strategic interests relate to natural complementary interests in the long term, defence and geopolitical concerns.

These interests are either overt or covert and materialise during classified bilateral or multilateral talks or what in the intelligence and security environment you describe as sinister operations of foreign agents in diplomatic missions.

For every portion of Africa's gold, uranium, timber and oil, there is a foreign country that believes that it is their strategic interest and will ensure that those interests are protected.

African leaders have had to navigate these dangerous waters for several years, sometimes leading to the overthrow of a leader who strongly believes that he cannot allow his country's resources to be raped by foreign countries at the expense of his people.

For a long time these foreign interests have largely succeeded because many African countries have not been able to entrench their national interest within their democratic institutions.

They have succeeded because the quest for power often trumps the safeguarding of our national interests. I recall the decision to fight galamsey (illegal, small scale mining) in my country, Ghana and my decision to approve the deportation of some foreign nationals that were neck deep in the brazen destruction of our forest reserves and environment. I experienced a strong push back from foreign interests. But its a story for another day!

I therefore propose that African leaders must make efforts to define their own national interest and ensure that, just like the western countries, we take collective and entrenched positions that do not vary irrespective of who is at the helm of affairs.

The national interests of African countries must also reign above all other issues!

This will not only guarantee our socioeconomic development but will also curtail the intrusion of foreign agents in our democratic space.

NEW PARADIGMS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND COOPERATION

The current world view of economic relations is one that pits one nation against another in what has come to be known as the zero-sum game.

The world environment has kept changing. We had the post war era after the Second World War. Then we slid into the Cold War era. After the Cold War era, with the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Fall of the Iron Curtain and dismemberment of the USSR, we entered an era called the Era of Globalisation.

It appears we are entering into a new era. There has been no proper definition or description of this era, but it is obvious that the Era of Globalisation is transforming into something else.

This new era is characterized by the rise of populism; the rise of far-right extremist parties into governments. It is characterized by an increase in Xenophobia in many countries. So, when US President Donald Trump says America First, it characterizes a new era.

The era of Globalisation had seen consensus building and joint decision taking among countries and international bodies like the United Nations. This is why we were able to, together, sign an agreement for ameliorating Climate Change in the world.

But currently, for instance, America is withdrawing from the Climate Change Agreement and reversing several agreements that it had become a party to with the rest of the world. Everywhere you go, far right extremist parties that are anti-migration are becoming popular and attempting to take power in those countries.

We are therefore in a situation where one country's gain is another country's loss, instead of a win-win. This has led to the formulation of various strategies to protect each country's interest from being undermined by the operations of others.

As has been well elaborated by Ha-Joon Chang, a professor of economics at Cambridge University, in his book,  Kicking away the ladder , the very methods applied by the developed countries to get to the heights they have attained in their socioeconomic development is being denied developing African countries due to various regulations.

In the development of these advanced countries, they used things like subsidies, protection of infant industries from unfair competition by external forces, the non-enforcement of patent rights and fair credit terms or the availability of credit to develop industries that directly compete with foreign interests.

But like the book says, once they reached that height, they kick away the ladder so that nobody has the ladder to climb and reach where they are, and that is what they are doing to Africa. Their economists and experts come and tell us we must not subsidise our farmers, yet they subsidized their farmers before they could reach where they are. They use phytosanitary and all kinds of non-tax measures to prevent us from being able to export into their markets.

This problem is not insurmountable if we determine to work together towards a solution. This is the time for us, as Africans to commit towards finding solutions that are in our interest and in the interest of the economic expansion of our countries.

It is time for us to truly start finding solutions that present what game theorists call a win-win outcome. Because in the absence of better opportunities for mutual benefit, the industrialisation drive we are pursuing will always be obstructed by those who have always used our raw materials as inputs for their industries to create prosperity for their citizens.

For instance, Ghana has produced cocoa since colonial times. Currently, we still process barely 30% of the total cocoa that we produce. However, if you look at the price of cocoa beans, it has the tendency to fluctuate. A year ago, it was at $2900 per ton; today it is selling at barely $2000 per ton.

Yet, the price of finished goods that are processed out of cocoa maintain a stable price.

That is why I outlined a policy, by 2020, to process at least 50% of the total cocoa beans we produce in Ghana, and it is my hope that the current administration will continue to put in the means so that we can add more value to the things that we export.

The same should go for Nigeria. I know that very positive work is taking place to make Nigeria the hub for petroleum production in Africa  and I think Nigeria can do it. As a major oil producer, involving the private sector  and I am aware that Dangote is building some refineries and tank storage capacities  it should be possible to process Nigerian oil locally into finished petroleum products and export them to West Africa and the rest of Africa without us having to import petroleum products from outside.

Speaking as a former leader of an African country, I can tell you that our quest to build our countries into industralised economies that can begin refining our own raw materials and manufacturing what we need, is not a development paradigm that the rich nations are enthused about.

THREATS TO DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION IN AFRICA

It is also important to look at what the growing threats to democratic consolidation in Africa are. These include lack of jobs for a fast-growing population, inequality, election fatigue and mistrust of the political elite, and lately, the effects of election disputes.

Africa currently has the fastest growing population in the world. It is said that persons under 35 constitute about 70% of the African population. With improved educational outcomes, the challenge of finding jobs in our economies to absorb these teeming numbers of young people is a dire threat to the stability of the continent.

In Ghana, the entire public service is made up of 600,000 people out of a population of 27 million. We have 50,000 graduates every year coming out of the universities and other tertiary institutions and hoping to find work in the public service. This is difficult. But that is why we need to equip these young people with entrepreneurial skills to see themselves not only as employees but potential employers, and to give them the skills that make able to go out into the world and set up their own businesses.

Transformational thinking is therefore required here. Accelerating the growth of African economies, promotion of entrepreneurial spirit, creation of more opportunities for the private sector especially in the agriculture and agribusiness space are all urgently needed to address this burgeoning threat.

We need to address the threat of the ever-increasing African population or, it will become our time bomb.

The rate of our population growth is outstripping and outpacing the rate at which our economies are expanding and growing. We are having to find more resources to build schools to accommodate more number of children we are having.

We are having to build more hospitals to accommodate the ever-increasing population. But if we had a slower growing population, the resources would be able to outpace it and create a better quality of life for the people in any nation.

We must accelerate our economies and at the same time ensure that we slow the growth of the African population. We can do this if we educate our people. In all the surveys done, between educated women and illiterate women, educated women have the tendency to have fewer children than illiterate women. Therefore, putting all girls in school and keeping them in school, and not taking them out early and marrying them off is something that will assist in controlling birth rates.

African leaders must act fast to address geographical inequalities in order for their people to feel that they have a stake in the preservation of the nation state.

There are still many countries in Africa where infrastructure and development is limited to the capital and a few urban centres, while the rest of the population lives in squalor without adequate access to essential social services. One of the commitments we must make as African leaders is to spread the fruits of growth geographically so that every part of our country experiences that spread.

Other threats to democratic consolidation include election fatigue and a sense of cynicism amongst the voting population in democratic African states. Every four or five years, they turn out in numbers to vote every four or five years in the hope that they will experience visible improvement in their circumstances.

Unfortunately, in many cases, this is becoming a mirage. Slow growth of the economy and a fast-growing population is creating a situation where people feel that it is pointless to continue voting the political elite into power with no direct benefit for themselves.

This is spawning election fatigue and a mistrust for the political leadership, especially in circumstances when we as leaders make our promises go over the top and remain unfulfilled. Sometimes we make promises that are high in the sky and not achievable in the short term. When that happens, people get disappointed that those promises were not fulfilled and it makes them lose trust in the democratic system.

INTRA-AFRICA TRADE

With all the strategic interests of foreign partners and the various socioeconomic impediments from foreign interests, why is it that Africa still puts even more impediments in our own way by preventing trade between ourselves?

Countries become the key drivers for the general develop of the entire region and I believe that Nigeria has a responsibility to the West African region. You cannot shirk that responsibility because it is not only the largest economy in West Africa; it is the second largest in Africa.

If Nigeria gets its acts right, accelerates its economy and impacts on economic development and trade in the West African sub-region, it will drag all the other 14 West African countries with it. I have said before that Nigeria has nothing to fear from any of the other 14 countries. That is why, when I was President, we used to have discussions about Nigerias Prohibition List that an exemption should be made for the West African sub-region.

West Africa was the first sub-region in Africa to allow Visa-Free travel of our people across our sub-region. But we have been slow in the other aspects  allowing free movement of goods and services across our borders. Regions like East and South Africa have overtaken us. They have more trade among themselves and they move more goods among themselves than we do here in West Africa.

For example, the latest figures from the UN Statistics Division (2015) shows that Ghanas imports from other African countries as a share of its GDP is only 3.8%. Nigeria does not feature at all, while that of the Central African Republic is 1.2%.

Other economies are however doing well. Zimbabwe imports the most from other countries on the continent, at 43.4%.

Before you say Zimbabwe cannot do any less, please note as well that Zimbabwe is the country with the highest volume of exports to other African countries at 30.5%. Swaziland is next at 30.3%

Ghana exports only 1%.

It starts with removing barriers to trade such as unnecessary customs checks along our roads, tariffs, impediments to migration and operating businesses outside one's country of origin.

CONCLUSION

I will like to conclude by saying that Africa's destiny lies in the hands of Africans and the earlier we work towards our national and continental security and placing those imperatives above the interests of external forces, no matter the consequences, the sooner we will realise our inherent greatness as a continent.

It is time we expand the purview of national security to cover not only the protection of state actors, but also the research, development and implementation of elements that border on national advancement and institutionalisation of national interest within the public service of our countries.

Personalisation of power may have an allure of its own, but no one rules forever. The best way to guarantee development for your generation and descendants is to institutionalise national values and interest.

Thank you, and May God bless us all.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | George Nyavor | [email protected]
Early evening is also the best time to dive into Hanoi's vibrant contemporary arts scene.

"Many tourists aren't aware of how much is going on in this city every night," Pham Hoang Mien, co-owner of event listings website Hanoi Grapevine , tells CNN Travel.

The website aims to list every exhibition opening, art installation and cultural performance in Hanoi, making it a valuable resource for curious travelers.

"If you are into visual arts and want to learn about the contemporary art in Vietnam, the must-visit destination is Manzi art cafe," advises Mien.

Situated in a beautiful old villa on one of Hanoi's most tranquil streets, Manzi also happens to be a great spot to enjoy a glass of wine.

Manzi , 14 Phan Huy Ich, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam; +84 24 3716 3397

3. Binge on street food

Sit down for papaya salad with beef in Hanoi's Old Quarter.

HOANG DINH NAM/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

Even Barack Obama couldn't resist the appeal of Hanoi's street food.

Last year, while US president, Obama joined Anthony Bourdain for a dinner of bun cha (barbecued pork served with airy rice noodles).

You could follow their footsteps to Bun Cha Hoang Lien cafe and order the Obama Combo, which includes a serving of bun cha, seafood spring roll and a bottle of Hanoi Beer for a princely $4.

But, whisper it. Bun cha is really a lunchtime dish.

For dinner, Tracey Lister, the Australian author of "Vietnamese Street Food," advises travelers to wander the frenetic but fascinating Old Quarter -- a centuries-old district dedicated to craft, trade and, nowadays, tourism -- to seek out the most popular vendors and dive in:

"The Old Quarter morphs into a different being at night. It's a good time to eat on the street too, as the city slows down a notch -- not too much, just enough to enjoy a breeze blowing through the laneways."

Bun Cha Hoang Lien , 24 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi, Vietnam; +84 24 3943 4106

4. Tap into local beer

Vietnamese flavors at the Standing Bar.

From Standing Bar

Conveniently enough, the Old Quarter is also the perfect place to drink a glass (or two) of bia hoi.

Often consumed streetside from tiny plastic stools, the Hanoi proletariat's beer of choice will set you back as little as 25 cents a draft.

In the evening, young travelers gravitate to what's known as Bia Hoi Corner, to trade travel stories over cheap eats and beer.

The Old Quarter morphs into a different being at night. 

Tracey Lister, 'Vietnamese Street Food'

But for a more local (read: less touristy) experience, and far superior grub, head for 1A Duong Thanh Street on the western side of the Old Quarter -- about a 10-minute walk from Bia Hoi Corner.

Bia hoi is an easy, and ubiquitous, option if you're simply looking to cool off with a light lager.

And for those seeking high-quality, craft beers? We'd recommend making a beeline for the Standing Bar.

The city's first dedicated taproom overlooks the tranquil waters of Truc Bach Lake and gets creative with its recipes.

"We have something for everyone -- pale ales, IPAs, pilsners, stouts, ciders, you name it," Huong Anh, the Hanoi-born manager, tells CNN Travel.

"What people love is that they're all brewed here in Vietnam and many of the beers use local ingredients, from jasmine and coffee to cashew and chocolate."

Bia Hoi Corner, intersection of Luong Ngoc Quyen, Ta Hien and Dinh Liet Streets, Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam. The area closes at 2 a.m.

Standing Bar , 170 Tran Vu St, Truc Bach, Hanoi, Vietnam; +84 24 3266 8057

Made fresh daily, bia hoi is a popular type of Vietnamese draft beer. The cost? Less than 25 cents a glass.

5. Catch a show

Hanoi Rock City's Red Room.

From Hanoi Rock City

The longest-running live act in town might still be found at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, where a traditional Vietnamese orchestra accompanies a short puppet show.

Based on a tradition that traces its roots back to the 11th century, the short, nightly shows relate classic Vietnamese folk tales and legends.

But for more contemporary sounds, Hanoi Rock City lures music lovers with its fresh, eclectic performances.

"We have always hosted a diverse range of acts in our Red Room and in the courtyard -- folk, reggae, jazz, indie, grunge, hardcore ... you name it," co-founder Duc Anh tells CNN Travel. "We just want to showcase great music in Hanoi."

Around town, other notable venues for live music include The Doors Cafe , Rafiki's , Binh Minh Jazz Club and Hanoi Social Club .
04.11.2017 LISTEN

Family members and loved ones with heavy hearts, tributes and unrestrained tears, gathered at the forecourt of the Ghana International Press Centre on Saturday, to bid the late Nana Kodjo Jekrahuda Jehu-Appiah a befitting farewell.

Most of the mourners were adorned in traditional Ghanaian mourning clothing of black and red showed deep emotions as they took part in the final burial and memorial service of the late Jehu-Appiah.

The ceremony started at exactly 0830 hours with an opening prayer by Reverend Benjamin Kweku Amoah followed with an emotional filing past of the mortal remains of the deceased by loved ones.

The immediate family of the deceased held a 15-minutes farewell ritual to bid their departed loved one safe eternal journey to his maker, which was interspersed with singing of solemn hymns by the Musama Disco Christo Church Choir.

Dr Koma Steem Jehu-Appiah, a member of the Jehu-Appiah Family, read the biography of the late Jehu-Appiah.

Nana Jekrahuda Kodjo Jehu-Appiah, Head of the Home Desk of the Ghana News Agency, was born on July 9, 1962, and was the first of the five children of Prophet Dr Mathapoly Moses Jehu-Appiah and Madam Sarah Peregrino.

Joojo as affectionately called by his family members and friends started his primary school education at the Saint Monica's Preparatory School at North Kaneshie, Accra.

He enrolled at Saint John's Grammar School in 1978, where he graduated with a GCE Ordinary Level Certificate and proceeded to Swedru Secondary School in the Central Region in 1983 where he successfully obtained his Advanced Level Certificate.

In 1987, Nana Kodjo enrolled at the Ghana Institute of Journalism and graduated in 1989.

He also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy and Religion from the University of Ghana.

Nana Kodjo Jehu-Appiah joined the Ghana News Agency in January 1991 as a young reporter and was posted to the Northern Region of Ghana where he endeared himself to everybody and excelled in his work.

He took Advanced Training Course for Journalists at the International Institute of Journalism in Berlin, Germany.

By dint of hard work, he was chosen by the GNA to cover the then Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama in 2001 and travelled with him to many countries, including Nigeria, Cuba, Italy and the United Kingdom.

Nana Kodjo distinguished himself creditably in both local and international assignments and won many admirers both within the Agency and outside.

Mourners expressed shock over his sudden demise describing him as a man with many parts always ready with a smile and very cheerful.

Dr Jehu-Appiah read: 'The good times we shared with you, we will always recall and miss you so much. You will always be in our thoughts and forever in our hearts'.

Nana Kodjo Jehu-Appiah's demise occurred on September 11, at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital after a short illness.

He was 55 years and survived with a wife, Mrs Vera Ama Zodanu Jehu-Appiah, and two children, Nana Kodjo Jehu-Appiah Junior and Nana Efuah Jehu-Appiah.

The mortal remains of the deceased would be interned at the family cemetery at Mozano in the Central Region.

The burial service attracted both young and old from all walks of life who shared fond memories of the deceased and described him as affable, approachable and remembered him for his great sense of humour.

There were tributes from the wife, children, Ghana News Agency, the Editorial Department, the Communication Workers Union, the Ghana Journalists Association, while Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mr David Eklu of the Ghana Police Service paid a glowing tribute on behalf of the Service.
Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Member of Parliament (MP) for the Efutu Constituency, has said it is our responsibility to ensure that the right things are done at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW).

He said as the MP for the area he cannot sit unconcerned and watch things go bad at the institution.

Mr Afenyo-Markin said this when he interacted with students from the Political Science Department of UEW who visited Parliament House.

The students were on an educational tour of Parliament and other state institutions in Accra.

Some of the students also asked the MP what he is doing to ensure a conducive learning environment in the school.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education Winneba (UEW) Prof Mawutor Avoke and five other senior officials have been asked to step aside as investigations into alleged malfeasance continues.

The Vice-Chancellor and the Finance Officer are also a subject of three investigations - Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) and the university's fact-finding committee.

They have been accused of "malfeasance in various procurement procedures and contract awards".

The Vice-Chancellor and Finance Officer had already been ordered by the Winneba High Court last July to hand over to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor until a case brought before it is determined.

This was after a private citizen, Supi Kofi Kwayera, asked the court to declare the University's Governing Council illegal because its tenure expired in November 2013.

Mr Afenyo-Markin said the current litigation at the institution is as a result of constitutional issues regarding certain appointments at the University.

He said news of alleged misappropriation of public funds with respect to the award of contracts cannot be swept under the carpet.

He said the UEW as a centre of academic excellence and as MP for the area his interest is to ensure that the correct things are done for the benefit of all in the society.
The High Level Ministerial Committee on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has met in Accra to review the status of implementation of the SDGs in Ghana presented by the National Development Planning Commission.

The High Level Ministerial Committee was inaugurated by H.E. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the commemoration of his appointment as Co-Chair of the U.N. Secretary General's Eminent Group of Advocates on September 7, 2017.

A statement signed by Trudy Dako, the Special Advisor to the Minister for Planning, said the maiden meeting of the Committee discussed key issues, including greater inter-ministerial collaboration to achieve the SDGs, alignment of our national plans with the SDGs and leveraging private sector resources for the implementation of the SDGs.

The Committee also received an update on the President's role as Co-Chair of the Eminent Group of Advocates.

The Minister for Planning chaired the meeting which agreed to meet quarterly to discuss priority issues about the ongoing implementation of the SDGs.

Present at the meeting were the ministers for Planning; Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration; Monitoring and Evaluation; Trade and Industry; Health; Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation.

Others are Education; Sanitation and Water Resources; Employment and Labour Relations; Food and Agriculture; and Fisheries and Aquaculture, along with the Deputy Minister of Finance, and representatives from the Ministry of Gender, Children & Social Protection.
A 25-year-old American journalist charged with attempting to overthrow Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, on account of an alleged tweet that described the ageing leader as "selfish and sick", was remanded in custody Saturday after denying the accusations.

Martha O'Donovan, who appeared in court in the capital Harare, was charged with subversion as well as undermining or insulting Mugabe, now 93.

The arrest of O'Donovan and the seizure of her laptop in a dawn raid at her apartment on Friday, came just weeks after the government appointed a cyber security minister tasked with policing social media.

Prosecutors said that on October 11, O'Donovan posted a message on Twitter under username "@matigary" which said: "We are being led by a selfish and sick man". The tweet was illustrated with a photo showing the Zimbabwean president with a catheter device.

"Our client is vehemently denying both charges," her lawyer Obey Shava told AFP, adding that O'Donovan would apply for bail on Monday at the High Court.

O'Donovan works for Harare-based Magamba TV, which describes itself as a leading producer of cutting edge political satire and comedy. Its content goes out on YouTube.

Human rights lawyers on Friday had said the arrest was linked to a retweet which did not mention Mugabe by name but referred to a "goblin whose wife and step-son bought a Rolls-Royce".

Mugabe's stepson with his wife and first-lady Grace, is thought to have recently imported two British-built Rolls-Royce vehicles, according to local media reports.

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe delivers a speech during a ruling ZANU-PF party event on November 4 in Bulawayo

But a charge sheet read in court on Saturday referred to the different post on Twitter that specifically mentioned Mugabe.

The US embassy said on Friday that it had been in contact with O'Donovan and her legal counsel.

The cyber-security ministry was created in Mugabe's latest cabinet reshuffle last month which also saw his deputy Emmerson Mnangagwa being stripped of his justice portfolio.

The new ministry is seen by rights groups as an attempt to clamp down on social media in the run up to next year's election.

"Some use the internet to fight us and implement what they say is regime change," Mugabe said on Saturday while commissioning a community information centre in the southern city of Bulawayo while O'Donovan was appearing in court.

Mugabe has already been named by his ruling ZANU-PF party as its presidential candidate for the 2018 poll.
Les blattes ou cafards (Blatta orientalis) sont des insectes qui appartiennent a la famille des Blattoptera. Ils se caracterisent par leur forme allongee, leurs ailes []
Togo's government has scrapped a ban on weekday marches after a series of anti-government protests defied the order, the country's security minister and the opposition said on Saturday.

The restrictions were introduced on October 10 on security grounds following a wave of demonstrations that saw hundreds of thousands of people on the streets calling for the removal of President Faure Gnassingbe.

Some protests had resulted in violent clashes with police and soldiers and come amid calls from a coalition of 14 opposition parties for Gnassingbe to step down, and for a limit of two, five-year terms to be introduced for presidents.

"The measure banning marches during the week has been lifted," Togo's security minister, Colonel Yark Damehame, told AFP, adding that security forces were at marches purely as "observers".

"It's up to the organisers to flag up troublemakers," he said.

Coalition spokesman Eric Dupuy said the original protest ban was unlawful, adding: "The regime has to learn to respect the laws of the land."

Talks have been held to discuss the itinerary for planned marches on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, he added.

A government official said there was an agreement to ensure "peaceful protests", with demonstrators sticking to agreed routes and the security forces ordered to be "professional and patient".

Death toll

France -- the former colonial power in Togo -- and others have expressed concern at reports of plain-clothes militia working alongside the military and being involved in beatings last month.

More than 500 Togolese nationals from the north -- traditionally a Gnassingbe stronghold but where the opposition has gained support -- have fled across the border to Ghana and alleged human rights abuses.

The West African regional bloc ECOWAS has urged dialogue between the two sides.

Gnassingbe is the scion of Africa's oldest political dynasty. He has been in power since 2005, taking over after the death of his father, General Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled Togo for 38 years.

In his first comments on the unrest, he told his ruling Union for the Republic party last weekend that he was "optimistic" about riding out the protests.

A coalition of independent human rights groups on Saturday said they had recorded 14 deaths between the first protests on August 19 and October 31.

Among the casualties, nine people were shot dead and 236 injured.

40 of the injured were shot, many others beaten, while 60 members of the security forces were also wounded.

Of the nearly 400 people who were arrested, 227 have been freed and 86 charged and sentenced, according to the CACIT umbrella group of organisations.

A separate AFP count put the death toll at 16 with some 200 injuries.
04.11.2017 LISTEN

Ashanti Region Director for Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Mr. Sampson Ampaw, has assured residents of Kumasi that the acute shortage of water that has hit the metropolis will soon be over.

He said water will soon flow through their taps as officials of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) are working on the equipment that was broken down due to power upsurge.

Residents are resorting to unhygienic sources of water following a water shortage that hit them, following an equipment brake down at the citys water treatment sub-station at Barekese dam.

Some of the affected areas include Pankrono, Tech, Ashtown, Suame, Maakro, Tafo, Kronum and their environs.

In an interview with Otec news Piesie Lardy, he said the water crises that has hit some part of the city since last week Wednesday is unfortunate, but sooner than later the it will soon be resolved because looking the extent the ECG officials has reached in solving the problem I can confidently confirm that they will soon finish working on the machine and the usual operation will start.

According to Mr. Ampah, the magnitude of the damaged caused by the power fluctuation to the companys transformer, unable the ECG to finish fixing the problem.

The ECG technicians have told us that the transformer needs to be replaced with a new one because the damaged caused is beyond repair, he added.

He therefore appealed to residents to bear with them as they are working hard to fix the problem.
The US mission to Somalia on Saturday urged all of its non-essential staff to leave Mogadishu immediately following a specific threat against them at the capital's international airport.

The warning came just hours after US forces confirmed carrying out their first-ever drone strikes targeting Islamic State (IS) jihadists in the Horn of Africa nation.

"Due to specific threat information against US personnel on the Mogadishu International Airport, the US Mission to Somalia has directed its non-essential US citizen employees to depart Mogadishu until further notice," a statement posted on its website said.

It reiterated warnings that the situation in Somalia was "extremely unstable", saying the threat level against US citizens remained "critical".

In a statement released in Washington late on Friday, the US military's Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the strikes, saying they hit northeastern Somalia and killed "several terrorists".

The first strike occurred around midnight on Thursday (2100 GMT) with the second taking place on Friday morning, some 11 hours later. There were no civilians in the area at the time, a spokesman told AFP.

Quoting an official in the port town of Qandala in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland, a report by Voice of America said six missiles hit an IS base in Buqa village, 60 kilometres (35 miles) away.

In recent months, US forces have repeatedly hit jihadists from the Shabaab rebel group that is aligned with Al-Qaeda, but the drone strikes were the first such strikes targeting IS, the spokesman said.

Several dozen armed men belonging to an IS-linked group briefly seized control of Qandala in October 2016, holding it for around six weeks before Somali forces retook it.

In May this year, the group claimed its first suicide attack in Somalia, killing at least five people in Bosaso, a coastal city some 70 kilometres (45 miles) west of Qandala, as it stepped up activities in a region dominated by the Shabaab.
04.11.2017 LISTEN

I have been mute for a while now though there are a lot of issues begging for my attention. I have done so not for the fear of insults I have been receiving for my critique on national issues, but have realized that we now have a government who is so clueless that it does not want to hear of any opposing views.

No wonder many people who were very loud during the previous administration have ran into hiding, despite the many disastrous and embarrassing situations this ten month old government has led us into.

The media that is supposed to be helping the ordinary Ghanaian ask certain questions, cannot find its voice again. It does appear that we are now instilling a certain culture of silence. That is quite unhealthy to our democracy and its potentials.

It is this culture of silence that has made way for this family and friends government to continue to demonstrate arrogance, incompetence, dishonesty, outright lies and its violence orchestrated through party soldiers. Let me leave that for another day as I succinctly zoom into some ugly statements I have read, purportedly coming from a certain "NPP High Commissioner"

I find it amazing that many are surprised over the statements made by Ambassador Ayisi Boateng.

Though Ayisi should have known better and not "okro mouthing" such "street like" statements, he indeed spoke the mind of the NPP and Nana Akufo Addo. That has been the agenda of this government since it came into power. Who didn't see and continue to see those party hooligans who are roaring around like hungry lions? Did they not sack other Ghanaians from jobs, confiscated state properties and continue to terrorize citizens? What has happened to them? They are more Ghanaians. You don't need any rocket science to know that the statements from that "bigot" is a representation of the NPP grand agenda. Don't you see the lame and incoherent defense coming from their communicators?

The only worrying situation that somebody who represents a whole nation and suppose to understand diplomatic issues chooses party over nation. His statements of unfair favouritism for the NPP indisputably put his office into disrepute, subjected the image of Ghana to international ridicule and an absolute breach of oath of office. Any serious President would have dismissed this bigot with immediate effect. Sometimes, I am tempted to believe that the President of Ghana is not in charge. The best the "competent" president succeeded in doing is that He ( the president) called the ambassador to the flagstaff house, begged him to issue a faked unremorseful populist diversionary apology.

It is very pathetic that our nation known for its strong democratic pillars is being pulled apart by desperate and selfish politicians. The President has a little reputation to protect and sacking that party bigot, can help him protect that little integrity and reputation. "The best way of disciplining your puppy from soiling your dining table is by forcing it to eat its own vomit."

The ambassador goofed and must go!!!

An ambassador cannot behave like a serial caller and thinks he has the wherewithal to protect the image of Ghana.

What is more lugubrious is the fact that he continues to make more insulting statements after discerning citizens have ostensibly ostracized his egocentric and partisan inclined posture. Indeed, the public opprobrium greeting the matter has not given Ayisi Boateng enough warning to turn over a new leaf. I implore readers to read the news item below:

https://www.thenewstateman.com/single-post/2017/11/01/President-Akufo-Addo-cannot-sack-me-my-comments-are-party-position---Ayisi-Boateng

So Ayisi Boateng has the temerity to call the bluff of the president and Ghanaians over his own ugly statement? Is this not an indication that some party elements are more powerful than the president? Well, "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely "

I have since been listening to and reading some lame defense coming from the apologists of the NPP and all I can say is that many of the NPP folks who are defending this indefensible statement are rather more patriotic to their party than they are to the nation. That is the reason why they must bootlick such antidemocratic politicians who take pride in selling their ignorance and unfairness to the whole world with pride. What a pity!!

Some media houses who suppose to speak the voice of the ordinary citizens like me are rather working assiduously to divert attention from the issue by as usual making mischievous headlines and throwing mud at the former administration. This country is an interesting place to live...

At the peak of insecurity and abundant lawlessness arising from the rampaging militia groups, what cohorts of the NPP want us to do is go and sleep, wake up and praise them for implementing Free Senior High School. Funny!!!!

All the higgledy piggledy in this country today is as a results of failed leadership, crass incompetence and absolute lack of control. No wonder party soldiers are becoming more powerful than state soldiers.

God save us!!

Denis Andaban
04.11.2017 LISTEN

There is a blatant attempt by some members of UTAG who are bent on politicising the current debacle in uew and a serious move to squeeze ethnocentric bigotry into the matter just to poison the intention behind a decision of the high court and the current governing council of UEW for actions being taken against two officers and three additional officers just to make sure that, the current investigation by EOCO into an allegation of procurement breaches against same officers wont be compromised as they continue to stay in office.

The VC and the finance officer were all asked to step aside by the high court which is a court of competent jurisdiction so to speak. It is interesting to note that, after UEW UTAG attempt to join the case at the winneba high court was jettisoned, some members of UTAG have decided to put same matter which is before a court on political and tribal lines for reasons best known to them. The truth of the matter is that, UEW as an institution of the Republic is fraught with looting brigade and i doubt the genuineness of the kind of AUDIT that has been going on for a decade now.

The assemblyman is in the court of law to fight for justice which is his exclusive right per the laws of Ghana and any move by some section of UTAG to impute ethnocentrism into the matter will not suffice on the face of logic and common sense in the eyes of the ordinary Ghanaian because, I have been a student of UEW and knows the institution very well. UEW is an institution that, even a clueless DETECTIVE" two days stay on that campus alone will be able to pick intelligence on how the authorities team up to milk the ordinary student in a RAMBO looting style. There has been a total mess in UEW for some years now and the matter before the court is seeking to ensure an immaculate cleansing of the said institution.

When i was a student, i used the little resources i had to battle Authorities on this same thing which is currently happening in main campus. Early this year, chronicle news paper published a full petition together with me and my colleagues filed to BNI with a caption" TWO STUDENTS PETITION BNI FOR THIEVERY AND EXTORTION IN UEW,K". This petition forced the embattled VC to issue an incoherent a drunken like disjointed rejoinder as a counter petition. In the said incompetent rejoinder, the embattled VC blatantly lied that, the decision to charge interest on fees partly paid by students was a decision of a council whose legitimacy is currently on the altar of impeachment at the winneba high court.

The VC lied because, there was already a negotiation between student leaders concerning students who had financial problems and could not pay their fees in full. Nowhere did management and student leaders agree that, interest should be charged on fees partly paid as if UEW was a financial institution where interest are paid on loans taken by customers .

In 2015,. I personally dragged UEW,Kumasi campus to EOCO for criminal investigation on financial malfeasance as well as procurement infractions pursuant to a lecture theatre project student were levied for close to six years without meeting the contractual obligations management entered with students which was to the effect that, after six years of levying students, a lecture theatre with offices will be completed where SRC and ESA were going to have offices allocated to them.

As at the time the said student leaders entered into that contract with management, SRC and ESA who were the contributors of the project were signatories to the account which was opened specifically for the said project. Two years down the line when those students had completed , school authorities went to change signatories against a caveat of the said contract and were operating the said account at the blindside of the students who were the major stakeholders in so far as the project was concerned.

After six years ,the lecture theatre did not even get to 40% of work done. As we speak, the said project is still there and students on campus could make an attestation to this fact. In 2015, management proposed a levy of GHC 100 to be paid by every student for three years towards the completion of the said project. Management did that through the backdoor but the untimely intervention of some of us who opposed this incompetent THIEVERY and students were saved. Some of us were threatened for invoking external jurisdiction to object to the said levy.

At the end, EOCO had to come in. The school account was frozen for almost a month because EOCO was conducting an investigation into the fraudulent project. The Finance officer who was at post then had to take a panic "leave that ate" into his retirement because he couldnt withstand EOCO heat. As we speak ,the investigation is still ongoing in kumasi campus.

As at the investigation was ongoing under an NDC government, nobody sought to politicise it and nothing with regards to tribal ethnocentric issue was raised in that matter. But today, another EOCO investigation into alleged fraudulent dealings in Main campus has sparked issues of unnecessary tribalism and political innuendos all because a certain government is in power and there is this incongruous perception that, certain individuals within government are using state institutions to attack uew and this is done by people who ought to have known better. The simple question is , why didnt people raise same issue they are raising today when i dragged the entire university before EOCO for defrauding students? Why didnt people accuse the NDC government of being behind what i did as a student then?. Why cant people with enviable certificate raise the bar but will do things that will put their intelligence in doubt and bring them before the altar of mockery, ridicule and contempt?

I have read a lot of propaganda articles from people who claim to be alumnus of Uew and truth be told in it raw form that, those behind the articles are seriously ignorant about previous happenings of UEW with respect to CORRUPTION and UNFAIR treatment of students.

This is not and cannot be the first time a state institution is descending on uew, the current EOCO investigation in main campus had it route from Kumasi campus and this is known to every activist on Kumasi campus so those politicising and raising tribal lines on the current matter should try their best to be abreast with the history of state institutions " descending on Kumasi campus which is a branch of UEW.

Uew needs a complete overhaul and that is the only means to ensure sanity in their operations. The matter before the winneba high court will send a strong signal to the other public universities we have in Ghana so that, they will be guided by the laws of the land in their dealings. I am an alumnus and i am for any cleansing exercise that will ensure SANITY in UEW....

Dawda Eric(Equity)

Citizen for vigilance

4th November, 2017
04.11.2017 LISTEN

The Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Taleb Rifai has visited Madagascar to express the Organizations full support to the tourism sector. Madagascars tourism is facing a challenging situation following a plague outbreak which has prompted some countries to implement travel restrictions with Madagascar. Mr Rifai recalled the World Health Organization (WHO) advises no restriction on travel or trade on Madagascar.

UNWTO is echoing the advice by WHO to governments not to rush to issue inaccurate travel advisories. The WHO Key Messages updates dated 26 October recalls that the risk of international spread appears unlikely. WHO advises no restriction on travel or trade on Madagascar based on the current available information" said Mr. Rifai.

We can not penalise a country twice  once by the country being hit and having to confront and pay the direct heavy price of a devastating crisis and second by us, human community, falling into misguided perceptions and, as a result , shunning and isolating the victim country and adding to the problem rather than to the solution he added.

WHO recalls that it is important to strike a balance between encouraging countries in the region to be ready to act in case of an outbreak, while avoiding panic that could result in unnecessary or counterproductive measures such as trade restrictions or travel bans on affected countries.

We are facing a perception crisis. Clear and factual communication on the real situation in Madagascar is crucial to prevent damaging advisories from adding gravity to the crisis said Rifai.

Meeting with the Minister of Tourism, members of government, the President of the National Assembly, representatives from the United Nations in Madagascar, including the WHO Resident Coordinator, the World Bank, local private sector and media, Mr Rifai recalled that positive news are coming out of the sector such as the new strategic partnership between Air Madagascar and Air Austral. We need to communicate the good news; build our capacity and restore confidence.

The Minister of Tourism Roland Ratsiraka recalled Being an island with 80% endemic biodiversity, Madagascar has a natural calling for sustainable tourism said the Minister of Tourism. Mr. Secretary General, your visit is rich in meaning, gives hope to a whole people and those who still doubt the economic benefits of the tourism industry he added.

Collaboration among all countries in crisis situations is critical and we call upon all countries in the region to cooperate in a way that reinforces prevention without creating unnecessary travel bans said the Najib Balala, Chair of the UNWTO Commission for Africa and Minister of Tourism of Kenya.

UNWTO Secretary-General and the Minister of Tourism of Madagascar will be meeting the press next week at the World Travel Market in London to brief on the current situation in the country.

Official-unwto-secretary-general-visit-to-madagascar 24263375618 O
The Minister for Business Development, Hon Mohammed Ibrahim Awal, has assured International Investors that their investment will be safe, secure and profitable if they choose to invest in Ghana.

Apart from the abundant natural resources which ranges from Gold, Diamond, Timber, Bauxite, Manganese and Oil among others, the country also boasts of a well-educated labour force capable of meeting the manpower requirement of any industry that would be set up in Ghana, the Minister explained.

Addressing the first Ghana Investment Summit in Cologne- Germany last Tuesday, the Minister said the country has a well-established legal regime that protects private property rights as well as an independent Judiciary that ensures speedy resolution of commercial disputes.

According to Hon. Awal, the Akufo Addo-led government recognises that the private sector remains the engine of growth and this explains why it has introducedmany business-friendly policies such as the establishment of a whole ministry in charge of business development.

He stated that as part of its commitment to supporting and complimenting private initiative, the NPP government on assumption of power initiatedseveral policy measures including tax exemptions, reduction in corporate taxes, elimination of several nuisance taxes, introduction of paperless clearing system at the Ports

Hon Awal further announced that the NPP government has begun an electronic (online) registration of business since September this year by setting up an automated front desk to fast-track the business registration process, reduce delays and avoid corrupt practices adding the period of registering a business in Ghana today can be done within 24 hours as against the fourteen-day period set by the World Bank

All these policy measures, the Minister argues, have created an enabling business environment which international investors should take advantage of by making Ghana their first choice as the country remains the best investment destination for people who want the best returns on their investments.

For his part, the Deputy General Secretary of NPP, Nana Obiri Boahene thanked the Cologne Chapter of NPP for putting the programme together and expressed the Partys gratitude to members of NPP-Germany for their continued support and contribution to the mother party in Ghana.

Responding to the concerns raised by most investors regarding land acquisition in Ghana, Nana Obiri Boahene advised potential investors to exercise due diligence and undertake proper background checks so as not to fall victim to scammers and fraudsters.

He argued that some of these unpleasant incidences can be avoided if prospective investors engage with the appropriate authorities as well as seeking the services of legal practitioners for the necessary advice and assistance.

The Deputy General Secretary urged Ghanaians in Diaspora not to be passive observers but active participants in the economic development of the country saying, You have a government that is willing to listen to you and more importantly help you to succeed if you decide to come and invest in your motherland

Also present at the Summit were the Hon Mustapha Abdul Hamid, Minister for Information, Mr John Kumah CEO, National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Plan (NEIP) Mr Sylvestor Tetteh, Fund Administrator, Electronics and Electricals, Mr Ernest Kofi Owusu Bempah Bonsu. The rest are Hon. Henry Kwabena Kokofu, Former Member of Parliament for Bantama, Mr Hamza Tanko, Business Advisor to the Minister for Business Development and Mr Ali Suraj, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.

The Communication Team

NPP-Germany
04.11.2017 LISTEN

The Islamic Council for Development and Humanitarian Services [ICODEHS] Is a Ghanaian Development Charity Organization. Being run under the Chairmanship of Sheikh Mustapha Ibrahim, it engages in constructing schools, orphanages Mosques, Clinics and offers support for a large number of orphans throughout Ghana and other African Country.

Because the organization began with writing of books to enlighten people on Islam and morality it has decided to continue supporting schools. Currently the whole world is moving into digital paperless regime. Therefore, there is the need for emphasis on the use of computers in schools.

The latest charity work by ICODEHS is the donation of ten computers each to the Tahiriyya Islamic school in Bolgatanga and the ICODEHS basic school at Achimota in Accra. Apart from these two schools the ICODEHS Academy at Baatsona Spintex has also benefited from free computers. As usual the donations were made with support from Mohammed Bun Rashid Al Mattoon Humanitarian and Charity est of Dubai United Arab Emirates. The representative of ICODEHS said the donations were important in these days when all educational institutions are required to promote the study of Information Communication Technology.

As said earlier the items were presented by [ICODEHS] on behalf of the donors to enable the students of the school to have practical learning in ICT and computer studies for them to stay clear the wrong use of computers.

Students and teachers of the beneficiary schools revealed that before the donations were made, the schools which had many students did not experience the use of computers in line with their time table. They thanked the donor organization and Chairman of ICODEHS Sheikh Mustapha Ibrahim for the kind gesture and promised that due to the computers donated to the schools, the students would study hard to pass their examinations [theory and practical] in ICT and Computer Studies.

Executive Director, eanfoworld for sustainable development
04.11.2017 LISTEN

According to Dr. Akwasi Osei, the Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Authority, about four million Ghanaians, out of the estimated population of 28 million are suffering from mild to severe mental illness. Unfortunately, not much attention is paid to the plight of these mentally-ill patients.

Their presence on the street poses a serious threat not only to the environment and tourism in Ghana, but also the lives of other people, especially children. This is because there are several reported cases of murder of children and women by people suffering from mental health illness.

However, one of the few organisations that has taken mental health issues seriously in Ghana and abroad is the Mensah Mental Health Rehabilitation Project popularly known as MEMHREP. It is a registered Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) based in Ghana and the United Kingdom. Led by Mr. Adu Gyamfi, MEMHREP has done so much in terms of advocacy on the plight of mental-ill patients and support for them since 2011.

Such support include regular donation of items - food, clothes, and cash to mental health clinics, bathing, clothing and feeding of victims usually roaming on the street. This Charity Organisation is of the view that, human beings, no matter their circumstance, must be well-fed, clothed and accommodated since God created them in His own image.

It is in line with the above that a fundraising dinner and dance is being organised in Ghana to support the construction of Rehabilitation Centre in Ashanti Region in Ghana. The purpose for the Rehabilitation Centre (which is still under construction) is to accommodate all mental health patients roaming on the street in Kumasi, offer them treatment and reintegrate them into the society after they had been cured. The date is Sunday, 12th November, 2017, the time is 2pm - 6pm and the venue is Silicon Hotel, near KNUST in the Kumasi Metropolis.

Activities lined up for the night include the launching of MEMHREP's first ever magazine entitled; "The Plight of the Mentally-ill Patient, MEMHREP's Support so Far". The Magazine, which has been compiled by health personnel and Psychologists reveals the causes of mental illness, the challenges, remedies, activities undertaken by MEMHREP and pictures of victims. The upcoming fundraising event will also feature famous gospel musicians, Members of Parliament, prominent chiefs, pastors, imams, and business tycoons.

Invitation letters are being distributed by members of MEMHREP. It is our hope that the general public will fully participate in the upcoming event to contribute financially and materially to this noble cause. Mental health patients have suffered enough. They are exposed to all kinds of environmental hazards and the females ones are usually beaten and raped. It will be a shirk of our responsibility if this inhuman treatment continues without action. The people who find themselves in this unfortunate situation are human beings like us just that stress, poverty, and certain diseases have made them so. MEMHREP believes anybody - aged, young, children, male or female is a potential victim to mental illness and thus, a way must be found to feed, clothe, accommodate and care for them.

We are therefore appealing to all those who cannot make it on the 12th of November, 2017 to channel their support through any of the following MEMHREP's accounts:

 CAL Bank, Kumasi Kejetia Branch. Account name: MEMHREP. Account No: 151017809014. Ghana

 Santander Banking UK Plc

S/Code: 09-01-28

A/No: 21027409

Account Name: MEMHREP

(UK)

 Bank Identifier Code(BIC): ABBYGB2LXXX INternational

Bank Account Number(IBAN):GB71ABBY09012821027409 (Outside UK)

NO CONTRIBUTION OR DONATION IS TOO SMALL'  EVERY LITTLE HELPS. 'Boa Onyame Adehye'. You can also contact MEMHREP on

0249083336 - Ghana

0044(0)7572625833 (UK), 0013476476864 (USA)

Katakyie Kwame Opoku Agyemang - 0202471070

Asante Bekwai-Asakyiri

"Vision, coupled with persistency, results in true success"
04.11.2017 LISTEN

In a press release dated 1st November 2017, UTAG made a vain attempt to muddy the waters at UEW, and ended up with a 'bleeding nose'.

UTAG opened its statement with a denial of the arrest of the Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) and five (5) others by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on 31st October 2017. UTAG should be told in no uncertain terms that an arrest doesn't necessarily mean putting handcuffs on the hands of somebody; and detention does not necessarily imply locking someone up overnight in cells. The mere pronouncement by an officer empowered with the power of arrest, that one is under arrest, suffices.

One can equally be detained anywhere, so far as the movement of the person concerned is lawfully restricted within a certain period of time.

The denial by UTAG that Prof. Mawutor Avoke was not formally written to by EOCO to appear before it, is absolute falsehood. UEW received a letter from EOCO requesting the university to release the officials in question to it to help in its investigations into alleged procurement breaches. Subsequent to that, specific letters were served.

In point 2 of UTAG press release, it sought to absolve Prof. Avoke of the illegality of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UEW and the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), vis-a-vis the clear provisions of the 1992 Constitution and the Public Procurement Act 2003 (Act 663) as amended.

This argument of UTAG does not hold water.

Prof. Avoke could have chosen to abandon or reviewed the MoU with the GHA signed by his predecessor and adhere strictly to the provisions of Act 663 in the award of all UEW contracts.

The position of UTAG can be likened to a male rapist who puts up an argument in court that the victim (lady) stripped naked and bent down in front of him, hence the rape. This is no defence.

UTAG argument that the Acting VC signed most of the payment vouchers is a desperate lie and deserves no time wasting. Evidence in that regard should be made available to EOCO by UTAG, since UTAG is in possession of the said evidence. Rebuttal to UTAG point 3.

UTAG's beef in point 4 is that the then VC, Prof. Asabere-Ameyaw, should rather be the one at the centre of the EOCO investigations. The long arm of the law, will surely catch up with Prof. Asabere-Ameyaw, if indeed he awarded some contracts without due regard to the provisions of Act 663.

With regard to the Ag. VC, EOCO is yet to be provided with evidence to pursue him. It is therefore the duty of UTAG to furnish EOCO with the PVs bearing the Ag. VCs valid signature.

UTAG is now operating on the theory propounded in "Animal Farm". It is clear from the general contents of the press release that some members of UTAG are more important than others. Is UTAG saying that the Ag. VC of UEW (Rev. Fr. Prof. Afful-Broni) is not a UTAG member?

In point 5, UTAG, as 'custodians of the laws of this country', states that the Winneba High Court granted itself the jurisdiction to hear the akpeteshie's seller's (Supi Kwayera) suit against UEW.

Under Article 140 (1) of the 1992 Constitution, the High Court is granted jurisdiction in all matters and in particular, civil and criminal matters, etc. Furthermore, the financial jurisdiction of the High Court is unlimited, per the provisions of the Courts Act 1993 (Act 459), and other relevant laws in force.

UTAG can redeem its battered image by quoting the 1992 Constitution or other relevant laws in force that denies the High Court jurisdiction in Supi Kwayera's suit. The issues here are not the same as in a level 100 classroom, where lecturers of the calibre of UTAG's President, would go and make vile statements and get away with it without being challenged. Quote the law to back your hallow arguments, 'Dr' UTAG President!

The argument of UTAG in point 6 that it was expecting the matter to be settled amicably, has no basis in law. Matters that bother on criminal wrongdoing cannot be settled out of court. Act 663 and the Criminal Code, 1960, Act 29, are explicit in this regard.

Since when did UTAG adopt the position that the law should take its course if any of its members violate the laws of Ghana? Was it not this same UTAG that put up the disgraceful argument that the suit brought against UEW by Supi Kwayera was an attack on academic freedom? Which Article in the 1992 Constitution or Act of Parliament, provides that a suit by a private citizen against a public university under Article 41 (f) of the 1992 Constitution, constitutes an attack on academic freedom?

Prof. Avoke only started receiving a basic salary, that is without other allowances from September 2017. The injunction took effect on 14th July 2017. He received all allowances for July and August, for no work done.

With the interdiction, Prof. Avoke and his colleagues could, henceforth, be on one-third of their basic salary, so UTAG should brace itself for more sad/good news. UTAG point 8 answered.

For the avoidance of doubt, NO strike action or whatever strategy UTAG has up its sleeve, can derail the ongoing investigations by EOCO, the BNI and the UEW Fact Finding Committee. No one is above the law in this country. A Trade Union will NEVER be permitted to hold the entire country to ransom!

It is heartwarming that the apostles of a law suit against a public university, being preached around as an attack on academic freedom, are now the deponents of affidavits at the law courts.

More on this failed academician in my rejoinder to Prof. Victor K. Owusu's article titled, "UEW At The Mercy Of Failed Academics: The AG VC And Council Chairman In Mind".

From the above submissions, which clearly exposes the biased stand of UTAG, the question is; is UTAG now an object of ridicule or an association up for grabs by the highest bidder?

Alhassan Salifu Bawah

(son of a peasant farmer)
For years, theres been no more reliable investment class in Australia than residential property in our major cities. But increasingly, it looks like 2017 could be the year that changes.

In new research released this week, Credit Suisse has found that the boom times seem to be over for real estate in Australias hottest market.

Over the past few months, the Sydney housing market has not only cooled down, but has arguably turned cold. Over the past year, Chinese capital flows have fallen considerably, in part reflecting the impact of stricter capital controls. This fall foreshadows weakness in NSW housing demand in the year ahead.

Its tough to know exactly how large an effect Chinese buying has on Australias real estate markets. But Credit Suisse did find that Chinese capital flows have predicted about three quarters of NSW property transfers since 2010.

Thats not to say that Chinese buyers are snapping up three quarters of properties sold. Instead, its more likely that local buyers are chasing the momentum of foreign buyers. Bidding up property to any price on the assumption that someone  foreign or local  will always be around to buy it at an even higher price, when theyre ready to sell.

But that assumption, that there will always be a greater fool, could be very dangerous. If the market begins to hint that the gains wont continue forever, it could quickly turn into panic selling as those people try to get out.

A collapse in housing prices could very easily spill over into the wider economy. Large numbers of Australians are sitting on huge paper gains, locked up in their houses. Those profits arent real, obviously, as long as theyre holding that property. Its just a theoretical asset value. But if feels like being richer, and that feeds into spending habits  the fabled wealth effect at work.

If the wealth effect can work positively, spurring us to spend more when the paper value of our assets rise, surely it can be just as powerful in reverse. Even homeowners who had no immediate plans to sell may reign in their budgets if the value of their home falls hard enough.

That kind of drying up of spending can quickly act like sand thrown into the markets gears, grinding it to a halt.

Its a harsh picture. And it may be difficult to imagine from here, at the peak of a booming housing market and a strong stock market. But its often when things look their best that you should be looking for a dose of caution.

If the big performers of the last five years, housing and the stock market, were to stumble, where should an investor look for alternatives?

This week in Money Morning, your editor Ryan Dinse looked at an outsider story thats breaking through to the mainstream. He believes that this could be where the next decades biggest gains could come from. Read on for more.

This week in Money Morning

Its incredible just how wide-ranging the applications for blockchain could be. By now youve read plenty about how it could revolutionise the financial world. And Ryan has explained how blockchain tech could be used to vastly open up the sharing of medical information, without violating privacy. That could be a massive boon both for personalised medicine and medical research.

But what about chicken farming? Is that something you imagined that the blockchain would disrupt and improve?

To read Ryans explanation of how the blockchain could mean a new world in premium agriculture and in food safety, and what that means for investors, check out Mondays Money Morning here.

Ryan went out on a limb Tuesday when he criticised one of the worlds best known, and most imitated, investors. But he argues that Warren Buffetts recent dismissal of bitcoin isnt just wrong. It represents the old-style finance worlds inability to adjust to the financial revolution cryptocurrency brings. Ryan argues that the bubble destined to burst isnt in bitcoin, but in Buffett style capitalism. And that cryptocurrencies represent a truer form of the free market at work. To read why, you can find Tuesdays article here.

As automation eliminates more and more jobs, arguments rage over the eventual consequences. Will it enrich us all? Or doom almost everyone to crushing poverty, while a select few reap all the benefits?

History tells us that the job losses from advances in productivity are usually temporary. New options are quickly created, and the disruption eventually proves to be better for everyone. But a long-term lift in standards of living is cold comfort if you lose your job today. In Wednesdays Money Morning, Ryan looks at how you can hedge your bets on the rise of automation, to benefit however it turns out. Click here to read the article.

On Thursday Ryan asked why oil has been left behind, when almost every other asset and market is booming. Traditionally oil is strongly correlated with the wider market. Which only makes sense; when industry is booming, theres more demand for oil. When its slowing down, theres less. But as Ryan explained, though this correlation is normal, there are exceptions. And on previous occasions where oil and the rest of the market split, it led to a huge opportunity for investors. Are we seeing the same thing again? Click here to read Ryans answer in Thursdays Money Morning.

Then on Friday Ryan looked at a famed Wall Street story that proves that investors are made, not born. With the right tools and learning, even people brand new to the market achieved incredible results. Ryan looked at how they did it, and the rules you can apply to your own trading. Click here to read Fridays story.

And to find out more about Ryans latest investment research, and the new asset he believes could beat the stock market and real estate both next year, click here.

Until next week,

Tyler Jefferson,

Editor, Money Weekend
By Steve Horn, a freelance investigative journalist and past reporter and researcher at the Center for Media and Democracy. Originally published at DeSmogBlog

On October 23, 84 Congressional representatives made a splash when they published a letter to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions asking if those engaged in activism disrupting or damaging pipeline operations should face criminal prosecution as an act of terrorism under the USA PATRIOT ACT.

Spearheaded by U.S. Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO) and co-signed by dozens of other, primarily Republican, representatives, the letter pays homage to the First Amendment, while also noting that violence toward individuals and destruction of property are both illegal and potentially fatal. The letter, covered by several media outlets, was championed by the industry lobbying and trade association, the American Petroleum Institute (API), which said it welcomed the letter.

But according to a DeSmog review, API and other industry groups were a key part of bolstering the letter itself. API, along with the Association of Oil Pipe Lines (AOPL) and the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA), is listed as among the supporting groups on the website DearColleague.us, which tracks congressional letters and their backers.

The website is run by Clayton Hanson, formerly a reporter for Roll Call and the Charlotte Observer, which says it exists as the largest publicly available archive of free Dear Colleague letters.

Dear Colleague letters are official correspondence between members of Congress that lawmakers use to gauge or build support or opposition for legislation or other causes, explains the DearColleagues.us website. In the case of the October 23 letter to Sessions, its genesis was a Dear Colleague letter written to other congressional offices to gather signatories for the cause.

Credit: DearColleagues.us

Beyond API, the letter was also promoted by the oil and gas industry-funded Western Energy Alliance.

Cathy Landry, vice president of communications for INGAA, says the organization did not ghostwrite the letter.

INGAA is a supporting organization because we care about public safety, the environment, and the integrity of our pipelines and pipeline facilities, Landry told DeSmog. There are many ways to voice opinions about pipelines that do not involve putting the public, pipeline employees, or the perpetrators themselves in harms way  or threaten the environment  by trespassing and tampering with equipment. The Congressman and his staff wrote the letter and asked for our support.

Hanson told DeSmog he sees this case as being a chicken and the egg situation, and that the process is often a collaborative one between congressional offices and industry.

On many occasions, legislators work with industries to come up with the language for letters, he said. I think that the motivations are threefold. First is to say that theyre doing something to constituents, even if it doesnt get anywhere. The second is that its something that they can they can talk about at fundraisers for that industry. Lastly, theyre used to put out feelers for support with members that they might not have a lot of contact with.

Valve Turners

This letters publishing comes in the aftermath of last years major uprising against the Dakota Access pipeline at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota.

Emails and memoranda previously obtained and reported on by DeSmog show that law enforcement and contract public relations professionals described those who participated in the Standing Rock protests as potential terrorists. Greenpeace USA and activists the organization collaborated with at Standing Rock are likewise being described as partaking in eco-terrorist activities in a recent lawsuit filed against the organization for alleged racketeering, as defined by the Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).

Importantly, it also follows other anti-pipeline actions by the valve turners, or those who participated in acts of non-violent civil disobedience to shut down the flow of Canadian tar sands into the U.S. at several pipeline pump stations. The activists affiliated with the Climate Disobedience Center, in those cases, have used the necessity defense to say that their activism was the last line of defense they had to halt runaway climate change which could ensue from the combustion of oil and gas flowing through pipelines.

In May, API published its own letter on the issue to the Department of Justice, which addresses the valve turners head-on and has a footnote on their activism.

Investigations and law enforcement actions are a critical element to preventing criminality as well as potential environmental damage, reads the letter, which like the recent congressional letter, pays homage to First Amendment rights. While we respect individuals rights to free speech and peaceful protest, robust investigations into whether laws protecting critical energy infrastructure and the environment were broken is a responsible next step in certain situations.

Bipartisan Letter

In its press release supporting the letter to to Sessions, API refers twice to it being a bipartisan effort. But only four of the 84 signatories, according to the outlet ThinkProgress, were Democrats.

A key component of securing our nations energy infrastructure is ensuring that law enforcement has the tools needed to prosecute those who attack it, API stated in its press release. We appreciate this bipartisan effort and look forward to working with lawmakers and law enforcement in protecting our industrys personnel, the environment, and communities across the country.

The four Democrats have taken over $3 million in campaign contributions from the oil and gas industry throughout their political careers, ThinkProgress reported. And as Kevin Gosztola of the independent news organization Shadowproof pointed out, the letters lead author, Buck, also has been a major recipient of oil and gas industry money during his political career, pulling in a total of $400,000 in campaign contributions.

Hunton & Williams Tie

Gosztola also noticed that the letter in many ways mirrors an article written by the law firm Hunton & Williams in 2016 for its clients, a post which came after the valve turner incidents.

In addition to being subject to common law claims  such as trespass, nuisance, burglary, and criminal mischief/sabotage  any person who knowingly and willfully damages or even attempts or conspires to damage or destroy an oil or gas pipeline or component may be subject to criminal prosecution under the federal Pipeline Safety Act, reads the law firms brief. Beyond civil and criminal liability, individuals damaging pipeline facilities could be investigated and/or prosecuted under other statutes depending on the circumstances, such as the Patriot Act or the Homeland Security Act for domestic acts of terrorism

Both API and INGAA have, in the past, been clients of Hunton & Williams. The firm also represented many of the countrys largest coal companies in their lawsuits against the Obama administrations implementation of the Clean Power Plan, which would have regulated greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired power plants.

Database Creation

Just two days after the congressional letter was published, the Energy Equipment and Infrastructure Alliances (EEIA) new Energy Builders initiative announced the creation of an Energy Infrastructure Incident Reporting Center. EEIA is a community of thousands of locally-based contractor, equipment, materials, and service businesses that support shale gas and oil operations, according to its website. The initiative was also launched as a reaction to pipeline protests which have popped up nationwide.

The new database describes its purpose as tracking and exposing attacks on critical energy infrastructure.

Incidents of eco-terrorism, sabotage, arson, vandalism, and violence are on the rise as severe actions have become a regular feature of pipeline protests, endangering public safety, the environment, jobs, and leaving taxpayers on the hook for millions of dollars, the databases website explains. If you observe or hear about an incident of violence, sabotage, illegal trespass, or other opposition misconduct, please describe it briefly here and well consider it for inclusion in the database.

Annie Leonard, executive director for Greenpeace USA, decried the creation of the database in comments conveyed to the Associated Press.

Corporations and their governmental enablers are desperate to silence dissent every way they can, Leonard told AP. Leonard also called the new database more fear-mongering by corporate bullies hoping to see what they can get away with in Trumps America.

API, Association of Oil Pipe Lines, and U.S. Rep. Bucks office did not respond to a request for comment.
(Natural News) There is an urban legend that has been floating around on the Internet for several years now, that Monsanto either has obtained or is working towards obtaining a patent for a genetically modified strain of cannabis. Monsantos own website vehemently denies this, stating categorically, Monsanto has not and is not working on GMO marijuana. This allegation is an Internet rumor. While the naive among us might choose to take them at their word, those who are more familiar with Monsantos tactics know not to believe a thing they say. Just think about how vehemently they deny any link between cancer and glyphosate, the main ingredient in their Roundup weed killer. Even a damning report by the World Health Organizations International Agency for Research on Cancer, declaring glyphosate to be probably carcinogenic to humans, has not made them change their tune.

With 26 states and the District of Columbia having legalized medical marijuana, and seven states legally allowing even recreational use, it is not surprising that many companies and individuals have been eager to jump on the marijuana bandwagon. And for those who dig a little deeper, there are definite links between Monsanto and the burgeoning cannabis market. Mint Press News reports that Scotts Miracle-Gro Co., the exclusive marketer of Roundup in North America, has expressed serious interest in the distribution of the green stuff.

I want to target the pot market, said Jim Hagedorn, Scotts Miracle-Grows CEO. Theres no good reason we havent.

Monsanto has spent billions on the development of new agricultural technologies, including $1 billion on the purchase of an agri-tech startup called Climate Corp. It stands to reason, then, that they would be keen to get in on the marijuana market, where even small time operators have been making an absolute fortune.

Its such an obvious money-spinner, that even Snoop Dogg is getting in on the action by launching a fund for the development of marijuana startup companies.

Fortunately for those who are aware of the myriad health benefits of marijuana, and are desperate to see it remain out of the clutches of Big Agri companies like Monsanto and Syngenta, an Oregon-based research and diagnostic company called Phylos Bioscience has made it their business to sequence the DNA of cannabis. [RELATED: Could marijuana be the cure for cancer?]

The company, which operates out of the federally-funded Oregon Health and Science University, and therefore only handles DNA samples rather than the plant itself, has spent the last two years collecting samples from around the world. This has allowed them to sequence the plants DNA and to develop 3-D software and an interactive guide called Galaxy to make the data come alive.

Sample collection was a huge part of this process, said Carolyn White, sales and marketing manager at Phylos. One side was a collaboration with growers, dispensaries and labs to collect modern samples, and the other a process of hunting down ancient landrace strains from all over the world.

The company offers far more than just simple identification or cataloging of marijuana strains, and is the only entity to offer actual DNA sequencing. Dr. Mowgli Holmes, Chief Scientific Officer at Phylos, compares this sequencing to a bar code in terms of identification and evolutionary relationship relative to other samples.

Using this information, Galaxy allows users to follow the lines that connect each strain of marijuana back to its genetic parent.

This is all good news for those who have invested heavily in the distribution of marijuana, as it should help protect their intellectual property rights from agri-giants like Monsanto  if the company ever caves in and admits its actually interested in developing a genetically modified version of marijuana, that is.

Sources include:

ACCMag.com

NewCannabisVentures.com

MintPressNews.com
(Natural News) Virgin Active, which is a chain of health clubs located in South Africa, Italy, Spain, Australia and a few other countries, has recently come under fire for allegedly editing out the cochlear implant of one of their models, 27-year-old Simone Botha Welgemoed.

Naturally, when Welgemoed noticed that her implants were not in the advertisement when it was officially published, she was not very happy. I was shockingly surprised, and it felt like somebody just dropped a bucket of water on me, she said in an interview with The Sun. I couldnt believe what I saw when my sister tagged me in the Virgin advertisement on Instagram. I couldnt believe what I saw.

Welgemoed explained that she was born profoundly deaf and received her cochlear implant (CI) at the young age of 22 months. At that stage I was the youngest child in Africa to receive it  without my CI I hear absolutely nothing at all, she said. (Related: Why are healthy young men in America suddenly going deaf?)

When she realized that Virgin had digitally removed her cochlear implant, she immediately contacted the company for an explanation. Virgin Active immediately responded to my post on Facebook and made contact with me to meet with them, Welgemoed explained, adding that the company was extremely apologetic and that somebody on the creative team, probably uneducated about hearing disability if I can say so, told them to remove it.

A spokesperson for Virgin explained in a statement that the photoshopped image is not in line with our values, and admitted, We got it wrong and we realize that.

Once again, we find ourselves with a story that the left wing mainstream media will most likely stay far away from due to the fact that its not in line with their progressive agenda. If it were a right-leaning company or organization that had digitally removed the cochlear implants, then chances are the liberals would be seizing the opportunity to take some shots at conservative Republicans. But Virgin isnt exactly a right-of-center company; in fact, they have been in the news on several different occasions for falling time and again on the left side of the political spectrum.

Why would the mainstream media be critical of a company whose CEO derides climate change skeptics, for example? Back in 2014, Virgins CEO Richard Branson wrote in a blog post that those who do not buy into the idea that mankind is having a significant effect on the weather need to get out of our way. The comments came not long after Apple CEO Tim Cook said essentially the same thing, urging climate change skeptics to stop buying stocks in the technology company. Evidently, Richard Branson is not a believer in the facts, nor does he agree with the conclusion that over 31,000 scientists have arrived at.

Branson even spent some quality time with former president Barack Obama on his own private island in the Caribbean earlier this year, which was apparently such a tremendous experience that the Virgin CEO felt the need to publish a full account of the vacation online. As Townhall reports, Barack Obama learned kiteboard during his time spent with Branson, which is an increasingly popular sport whereby riders surf on a board while being pulled by a kite.

In other words, Richard Branson is a leftist who likes to hang out with other leftists, so it makes sense that the left-wing mainstream media wouldnt want to take any shots at his company, even if it deserves it. As for the model who had her cochlear implant edited out by Virgin Active, she has every right to be upset, and hopefully Virgin corrects the problem in a timely fashion.

Sources include:

Lifezette.com

DailyCaller.com

Townhall.com
Sonia Silvestri was trained to use satellite imagery to map coastal vegetation and salt marshes. But when a colleague e-mailed her last year about the Indonesian Peat Prize  a competition to determine how best to map the extent and depth of peatlands in Indonesia  it sparked her interest. A prize for mapping Indonesia's peatlands could help to stop illegal clearances, which are a fire risk. Credit: AP/REX/Shutterstock

Peatlands result from the accumulation of dead plants on wetlands to form thick, carbon-rich layers. In Indonesia, where peatlands are drained and cleared for oil-palm plantations, resulting fires often send thick smoke throughout the region and release vast amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere: in 2015, fires in the region emitted hundreds of millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide. To boost the enforcement of a nationwide moratorium on peatland development, the Indonesian government worked with the David and Lucile Packard Foundation in the United States to create the prize, which carries a US$1-million purse.

Silvestri, then a remote-sensing researcher at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina (where she maintains a courtesy appointment), theorized that scientists could map peat by combining satellite images with airborne electromagnetic data, which are often used to find layers of coal or minerals below ground. She and a wetland ecologist from Duke put together an international team that includes geophysicists, foresters and environmental consultants. The team is now one of five finalists for the prize, whose winner will be announced in February 2018.

It's been an exciting adventure, says Silvestri, who leads the DAG4Peat team. This prize gave me the opportunity to follow a new direction in my career, but it was also risky, something that would have been difficult to get funded via traditional grants.

The use of goal-driven prizes to spur innovation has increased since the success of the Ansari X Prize in 1996, which aimed to accelerate the development of low-cost space flight (see 'Glittering prizes'). The X Prize Foundation in Culver City, California, offered a $10-million prize for the first non-governmental organization to launch a reusable crewed craft into space. By the time the prize was awarded, in 2004, some 26 teams had signed on.

Innovation prizes offer cash incentives to solve vexing problems. They are now a staple throughout US federal agencies, including NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, as well as in philanthropic organizations such as the Roddenberry Foundation in Encino, California. These one-off contests pit teams of scientists  from companies, consulting agencies and academia  against each other.

Prize competitions typically offer a substantial purse to the first team to achieve a specific goal. Some competitions offer milestone cash awards to help teams continue to develop their idea. 'Challenges'  for example, those offered by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) or by Cancer Research UK  often aim to spark innovation in a research area, and typically reward a set of selected teams with seed funding to develop their ideas and to compete for more funds to conduct research or commercialize the project.

Unlike conventional federal investment in research and development  roughly $113 billion in 2016 in the United States alone  or awards such as the Nobel prizes, which honour scientists' past work, these prizes and challenges typically aim to translate science into tangible solutions, such as new devices or research capabilities, that will further the awarding organization's aims. The competitions typically take at least one year, if not several, and often require competitors to reach project milestones.

Europe took longer than the United States to warm to the trend, says Olivier Usher, research manager at the Challenge Prize Centre at Nesta, an innovation foundation based in London. However, the European Commission (EC) is inviting submissions for nine Horizon Prizes up to 2019, including a 1.5-million (US$1.8-million) prize to find ways to help cut atmospheric CO 2 emissions.

Yet competing for prize or challenge funding can be tricky for academic researchers, particularly those in the early stages of their careers. Unlike grants, prizes pay off in prestige, expanded networks and media attention for the finalists, but typically only one winner gets the purse (although some competitions, such as the Google Lunar X Prize or the Roddenberry Prize, reward finalists with smaller sums).

Aspiring prizewinners will need to secure funding to compete. They should seek competitions whose goals and winning criteria are clearly articulated, and will need to discern whether entering the competition will significantly improve their science.

Success stories

Silvestri, now based at the University of Padua in Italy, admits that her gamble paid off. Earlier this year, she won a Marie Curie Fellowship, funded by the EC, to expand on how the techniques that her team is exploring could be used to map peatlands on a global scale. Entering the prize competition allowed her to develop new capabilities that could prove useful to any country with peatlands.

Hao Hu, a photonics scientist at the Technical University of Denmark in Lyngby, and his team were already working on an international project, funded by a 9-million Danish Research Council grant and an ECJapan grant, when they won the 500,000 Horizon Prize in 2016 for breaking optical-data transmission barriers in telecommunications. The prize opened new doors for me, says Hu. It's the start of brand-new research.

Model of an unmanned lunar rover developed by Team India for the Google Lunar X Prize. Credit: Manjunath Kiran/AFP/Getty Although only the winner or winners get financial benefits, the organizations that run prize competitions argue that all entrants stand to gain recognition. While the competition winner reaps the most benefits, other entrants also get increased visibility, says Walt Reid, who directs the Packard Foundation's conservation and science programme and came up with the idea of the Indonesian Peat Prize.

Competing also expands entrants' reputation and experience, adds Robert Benedict, a co-founder of Context Partners in Portland, Oregon, which designed the Peat Prize. He urges scientists to consider the perks of competing, such as enhancing their CV, expanding their network or gaining access to a particular field site to test an experiment. Charlie Brown, co-founder of Context Partners, advises would-be participants to look for clear articulation of the problem statement, the competition's eligibility requirements and criteria for winning. Aspirants should also make sure that the research will help them to reach their career goals whether they win or not.

Muhammad Zaman, a biomedical engineer at Boston University in Massachusetts, won a $2-million award in 2014 to scale up PharmaChk, his fast, portable device to screen for counterfeit or substandard medicines. The Saving Lives at Birth challenge winner was funded by USAID, the Gates Foundation, Grand Challenges Canada and others, and built on an earlier $250,000 seed grant from the programme. Before this, most of Zaman's funding had come from the US National Institutes of Health or the US National Science Foundation. Through competing, we forged new collaborations with people in East Asia and West Africa that wouldn't otherwise have happened at all, he says.

Zaman marvels that his work will now have an impact beyond what he could have accomplished through his academic research alone. It's phenomenal that the prize money has helped a small research group like ours to affect millions of people, he says.

Will it be worth it?

Prizes create the infrastructure and competition necessary to launch new branches of scientific exploration, but competition rules may shift or be unforgiving, which can disrupt the playing field. And the final purse may not be what the prize organization had originally advertised. Anil Vaidya, a London-based medical engineer and industry consultant, assembled a team to compete in the $10-million Qualcomm Tricorder X Prize, launched in 2012, to develop SCANurse, a precision-diagnostics device. He was happy to take the risk to develop and promote the team's device, but doubts that he'd want to invest as much (his team spent at least $100,000) to compete again. As it was, his team had to drop out of the competition because of a US Customs and Border Protection glitch.

John Thornton, chief executive of Astrobotic, a space-robotics company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, entered his company into the Lunar X Prize competition to be the first private firm to land on the Moon; the competition initially promised $20 million to the winner. His team alone met the three milestones, netting $1.7 million in prize money, but Thornton says that the team spent far more than that throughout the competition. Astrobotic dropped out of the competition late last year, saying that it could not accelerate its research and development to meet the launch deadline.

The paperwork required to enter a prize competition is minimal compared with that for most grants, but entrants need immediately to grab the interest of reviewers who are unlikely to specialize in their research area. You have to explain how you are going to change the world to a panel that is not in your scientific domain, says Trey Ideker, a systems biologist at the University of California, San Diego. As a runner-up in the inaugural Roddenberry Prize competition in 2016  which sought ways to address social issues such as education or poverty  his team received $150,000 to create cancer-cell maps.

Competitions often draw a huge number of entrants, lowering the likelihood of winning and making it difficult to capitalize on the marketing value of the prize or to raise interim funds, says Thornton. A $30-million USAID competition in 2016 to combat the Zika virus received more than 900 applications in just 9 weeks, but only 21 applicants received funding for further development. More than 600 groups submitted proposals to the Roddenberry Prize, which awarded a cash prize to one winner and four runners-up.

The financial cost of entering a contest can deter aspirants who cannot devote time and resources to a project when they are not getting paid up front. Zaman, who has participated in several competitions, has received discretionary funds from his department and the university in the early stages of prize-project development. If I didn't have those, it would be a challenging situation, he acknowledges. He says that the university provided him with a line of credit for institutional funds, which allowed him to meet initial competition milestones.

But universities' familiarity with prizes and their potential benefits varies, as does their support. Silvestri struggled to secure interim funding to compete in the peat prize. She couldn't get university funds to cover her fieldwork; administrators cited concerns about whether the university could recover the expenses even if she won, because prize funders often do not allow the purse to be used for recompensing institutions' indirect costs. Eventually, Silvestri got funding from Stanford University in California and the Duke University Wetland Center for her fieldwork outside Indonesia.

Prize administrators encourage entrants to explore a range of funding options. Paul Bunje, a senior scientist for energy and environment at the X Prize Foundation, advises contacting networks of alumni, who are often eager to see their alma mater in high-profile competitions.

Collaborative networks may also be able to help. Many competitions require interdisciplinary efforts, which can diffuse the financial load, says Reid. Having team members at a variety of institutions can help raise initial funding, he says.
San Francisco police commissioners voted 4-3 late Friday night in support of a plan to arm all city police officers with Tasers following a raucous six-and-a-half-hour hearing that was at one point shut down and relocated to another room in response to audience protests.

The vote means the department will move to develop a policy for the conducted energy devices, commonly known by the brand name Taser. However, an amendment by Commissioner Robert Hirsch will delay implementation until the department's new use of force policy has been in effect a full two years in December 2018.

Commission President Julius Turman and commissioners Petra DeJesus and Bill Ong Hing, all of whom were appointed by the Board of Supervisors rather than the mayor, voted against the policy and spoke out strongly against the move.

Turman said the department was making great strides in changing its culture, implementing a new use of force policy, increasing the number of officers trained in crisis intervention and improving community relations.

"Now is not the right time to do this," he said. "This is going to derail the progress we are making."

"Please commissioners, do not do this," Turman added, saying the commission should revisit the issue in a year.

Commissioner Joe Marshall, however, dismissed arguments about timing.

"When the department was not progressing it was not a good time to have them, when the department is progressing it is not a good time to have them," he said. "What I heard is that people just don't like Tasers, and for a lot of people it will never be the time to have them."

San Francisco police commissioners voted 4-3 late Friday night in support of a plan to arm all city police officers with Tasers following a raucous six-and-a-half-hour hearing that was at one point shut down and relocated to another room in response to audience protests.

The decision marks a major victory for the police department and for Police Chief Bill Scott.

Police in San Francisco have been lobbying to be allowed to use the devices for more than 10 years as a less lethal alternative to firearms, but the commission has previously been deterred by stiff community opposition. Opponents argue the devices are unsafe and fear they will be used as another weapon against the vulnerable and disenfranchised.

The department renewed its efforts this year however under the leadership of Scott, who took over in January. This time, the push also has the backing of a set of 272 U.S. Department of Justice recommendations for department reform issued in October last year, which include a call for the department to adopt Tasers.

Friday's commission hearing was the culmination of a process launched earlier this year with the creation of a task force to develop a potential policy for the use of conducted energy devices. Two meetings were also held in September to gather public comment.

Scott, who previously served with the Los Angeles Police Department where Tasers are in use, acknowledged that they pose a risk of injury or death, but said studies show they reduce the risk of injury overall to both subjects and officer. He noted that they also allow officers to maintain more distance from suspects than other options.

"I strongly believe as the chief of police that our officers need CEDs" Scott said, calling them "part of a comprehensive range of less lethal force options."

Those speaking at the hearing, however, were largely opposed, with many speakers citing the high cost of Tasers, which according to a budget and legislative analyst report could cost as much as $8 million up front as well as annual costs for training, replacement and legal liability.

Others cited studies showing they are disproportionately used against minorities and the mentally ill and questions around their reliability, as well as a general distrust of police.

"Many said it doesn't matter whether police have guns or Tasers, it was going to be bad for them either way," Human Rights Commission Executive Director Sheryl Evan Davis told the commission in a summary of public feedback.

A UCSF study presented to the commission also indicates that in their first year of use, Tasers may actually increase the rate of sudden deaths and police shootings, although those numbers appear to later subside.

Those speaking against included representatives of the State Bar and the Coalition on Homelessness, as well as Supervisor Sandra Fewer. Fewer said it would be shortsighted for the department to put its resources into Tasers when it has not implemented most of the other recommendations from the Department of Justice and is still working to improve training on deescalation practices.

"It is irresponsible to authorize the use of a weapon that escalates violence without having conducted intensive training in deescalation first," Fewer said.

The hearing was brought to a halt shortly after the start of public comment after members of the public began shouting and chanting in defense of Maria Cristina Gutierrez, a former "Frisco Five" hunger striker who played a role in the downfall of former police Chief Greg Suhr, when she kept speaking past her allotted time.

Audience members convened an impromptu public meeting of their own, chanting and taking turns speaking out against the use of Tasers, until the meeting was moved to a different hearing room, sending the crowd pouring upstairs and leaving many left waiting outside while the hearing resumed inside.

The maneuver drew angry protests from a number of speakers, but Turman refused to allow more than a few people back inside at a time during the lengthy public comment period. The move prompted Commissioner Petra DeJesus to leave the room to stand with audience members outside in what she said was a protest at their treatment.

"We had to switch rooms because people won't let us hear what is being said, it is disruptive," Turman said in response to one complaint. "Let us hear what people have to say. Of course I take everything people say seriously but I have to hear it."

DeJesus said the commission had "turned a deaf ear" to community concerns.

"There's something wrong with this process, I think it was designed to keep people out," she said. "I think it's a shame for this commission to even consider voting on this."
A Hayward man was arrested Friday after shooting and critically wounding a San Francisco officer earlier this week, police said.

The suspect, Sesar Valadez, 32, was also severely wounded in Wednesday's "exchange of gunfire" in the Castro district.

Booked in absentia at a hospital, Valadez was booked on a slew of charges, including two counts of attempted murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm with obliterated serial numbers, driving a stolen vehicle, discharging a firearm in a negligent manner, carrying a loaded firearm in public and resisting arrest, according to police.

Wednesday's incident began just after midnight when a 41-year-old officer, who had been flagged down by a citizent, started to investigate a suspicious vehicle near 18th and Diamond streets, according to police. That's when shots were fired.

The officer, a nine-year veteran, sustained at least one gunshot wound. He has undergone surgery and remains hospitalized, police said.

Valadez was also hospitalized with a gunshot wound. His injuries are considered life-threatening, police said.

The investigation has revealed that the car deemed suspicious was a gray Chrysler sedan with paper dealership plates that had been reported stolen. A firearm, that police believe belonged to the suspect, was found at the crime scene, and homes in the area were riddled with bullet holes.

Police said two women and a man carjacked a SuperCab at gunpoint near the crime scene, and they believe it is connected to the shooting.

Police found the cab abandoned on Oakwood in the Mission district, where dozens of police officers launched a massive search for the suspects later Wednesday.

Neighbors say officers searched backyards and rooftops in the area for hours. It remains unknown whether the suspects have been located.



The San Francisco Police Department's homicide unit and Internal Affairs Division, the San Francisco District Attorneys Office, the Department of Police Accountability are investigating the shooting.

Castro resident Pete Howells described hearing "a lot of shots" and noted that the the shooting was "not just your typical exchange."

The incident marked the third officer-involved shooting in a Bay Area city in under 12 hours. A stabbing suspect on Tuesday was killed after being shot by police in Sunnyvale. Hours later, Sonoma County sheriff's deputies shot a man who tried to run over a person in a stolen car.

It's also the second incident in two weeks to leave a San Francisco police officer critically injured. On Oct. 18, bicycle officer Elia Lewin-Tankel was run down by a van driven by a suspect wanted in a weapons investigation. Lewin-Tankel is still recovering in the hospital.

Wednesday morning's shooting was not the first instance of the Castro district being marred by violence on Halloween night. Nine people were shot in the neighborhood in 2006 after a fight broke out.

Anyone with information about the recent shooting is asked to call the San Francisco Police Department tip line at 415-575-4444. People can also text a tip to TIP411 and start the message with "SFPD."
Graduates of Presentation High School have launched a petition demanding their alma mater to release more details on the sexual misconduct allegations made on a former teacher after an alumna published her story in the Washington Post.

The current principal at Presentation High, Mary Miller, explained in an e-mail shared with parents and alumna that the school acknowledged the allegations and that an investigation was conducted 25 years ago on the former teacher. According to Miller, due to privacy and confidentiality, she cannot disclose the details or the outcome of the investigation.

The teacher accused of sexual assault has been long retired from Presentation High School and died last October.

The petition started last month after Kathryn Leehane wrote an opinion piece in the Washington Post entitled, When the Legal System Fails Sexual Misconduct Victims  We Have to Find Our Own Closure.

In the piece, Leehane shared a moment when the former teacher made her recite a poem, You must feel the longing here, He slid his hand down and lifted my hand to my left breast. You must feel the desire in your heart.

According to Leehane, she wasnt the only one to report the sexual misconduct on the same teacher.

The petition expressed concerns about the response students received from the administrators and are asking Principal Miller for the following:

 An independent investigation into all the allegations of abuse by the teacher in his 20-year tenure.

 A public apology in form of an open letter.

 Appropriate consequences against anyone who was aware of these accusations and nothing.

 A substantial monetary pledge towards charities that work with survivors of sexual assault.

The authors of the petition are hoping to receive a response within 90 days of when it was first posted.

NBC Bay Area has reached out to Principal Miller as well as spokespeople for Presentation High School and have yet to receive a response.
If you asked Jay Demello where he would be living five months ago, he never would have guessed that hed be sleeping under BART tracks at a homeless encampment.

I was that person driving down the street going, look at that nasty camp, the freelance contractor said. I would shake my head and say, Someone needs to do something about it.

But a series of events, each seemingly worse than the last, pushed him out of his apartment and onto the streets. For a while he slept in an RV, until it was impounded due to outstanding tickets. He couldnt afford the bill, so he wound up losing all of the construction tools inside.

Without my equipment, I couldnt get work, Demello said. It was really one thing after another...I dont think people realize how easy it is to suddenly be homeless in the Bay Area.

Demello is one of about 30 people who live at the so-called Here There homeless encampment at the Berkeley-Oakland border, named for its presence at the prominent art installations that spell out the words. The camp, equipped with a couple dozen tents, a kitchen space, solar panels and a reading area, has been there since last January.

Residents, who collectively refer to themselves as First They Came For The Homeless, said the encampment has been a lifeline for homeless people who want to stay sober and live in a supportive community. They also consider their presence to be a long-running protest against the treatment of impoverished people across the Bay Area.

But now, displacement is looming over the group, an outcome that members knew was in the offing but still came as a disappointment. Although they had been granted a temporary respite on Oct. 24, BART won a lawsuit to evict the group on Wednesday and quickly posted 72-hour notices to evacuate. Crestfallen, residents began packing up some items on Friday.

BART will probably come first thing Sunday morning with all of their equipment and kick us out, said Sam Clune, a resident at the camp who has gone through numerous camp evictions. They always do it early in the morning, when no one else is around.

BART said that it had received more than 50 complaints about encampments on its property. Another camp at 63rd Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Way in the city was cleared out by BART police on Oct. 25 after neighbors complained following a fatal drug overdose, fires and an assault at the site.

Were not that camp, Clune said, suggesting that the two were lumped together and, subsequently, punished together. ...One of the reasons weve been able to maintain our support from people in the community is because of what we try to do here, which is to provide a safe place to live.

In a statement, BART representatives said they provided a list of resources  including living shelters, meal services, bathing facilities, launderettes, and storage lockers  to the residents of both encampments.

BART will continue to work with the courts and the community to resolve this complex issue, BART Spokeswoman Alicia Trost said in a statement. We have provided adequate notice to relocate alongside information about available resources. We are hopeful the western encampment will comply with the notice to vacate.

Members of First They Came for the Homeless did not say where they plan on going next due to concerns over security. However, they vowed to stay together and in Berkeley, as they have throughout a number of other evictions while on the poor tour  a name they use to describe their movement around the city.

Most residents at the camp dont have family to rely on, and more than half suffer from illnesses. One resident has Parkinson's Disease, another has brain cancer, and yet another is awaiting bypass surgery, Clune said.

This is where you go if your family is already dead or without means and you find yourself sick, Clune said. Were trying to deal with medical issues while we deal with the fact that we dont have walls. Its not easy.

Resident Tracey Clinton credits community support with allowing the group to remain as long as it has. Friends of Adeline, a South Berkeley community group, provided the encampment with a portable toilet and hand washing station, while others have dropped off food, books, chairs and more. Before getting the eviction notice, the residents had been able to decorate the space with fresh-picked flowers and hand-made motivational signs.

The support weve gotten here, the outreach that has been for us, its like nothing Ive ever seen, Clinton said. Even if (BART police) come and crunch that tent Ive been sleeping in, Ive still won. I might be losing down the road, but right here and now, Im a winner.

All told, about 1,000 people currently live on the streets or in shelters in Berkeley, a 16 percent jump in the homeless population since 2015. Meanwhile, the number of people living on streets and sidewalks has skyrocketed 79 percent since 2009s count, a statistic Clinton said represents the ineptitude of homeless shelters in dealing with the crisis.

Shelters kick you out during the day, Clinton said. You cant actually live there.

Facing pressure from First They Came for the Homeless and other supporters, Berkeley City Council extended its existing declaration of a homeless shelter crisis on Tuesday. The tactic will allow for more flexibility to create temporary homeless shelters and other services, Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin said.

Throughout his 2016 campaign and in his first term, Arreguin has repeatedly stressed the citys need to create and improve services for its homeless population. A major part of that plan is the Pathways Project, a $2.8 million initiative debuting early next year that promises to connect homeless residents with services as well as housing.

But at Tuesdays meeting, the city council met resistance from advocates and homeless residents, some of whom said the council has been slow to act. Some also claimed that the city should have done more to protect First They Came For The Homeless from eviction.

We dont own the land at the Here There encampment, Councilwoman Kate Harrison said, defending the council. We realize it would be best if we could lease or purchase this property, but we have not had a receptive audience to that. There wasnt much that we could do.

Residents are hopeful that the City Council will follow in the recent footsteps of Oakland and sanction some encampments, a complicated move that will be investigated and discussed later this month. Doing that would give people who live in so-called tent cities more legal footing and stability, but Clune isnt holding his breath.

The city spends a lot of time talking about big solutions that theyre not going to do, Clune opined. A lot of its just talk, with very little actually getting done. It seems like theyre more interested in adding to the fiefdom of workers and machinery more so than it is in solving the homeless problem.

Clune is hopeful that community support will follow the camp wherever it ends up next, especially as he and his friends brace for the winter months. On Friday evening, as they were debating their next steps, it started to rain in Berkeley.
Nearly half of Hawaii's coral reefs were bleached during heat waves in 2014 and 2015 and fisheries close to shore are declining, a group of scientists told state lawmakers.

The scientists from the Nature Conservancy briefed the lawmakers on Thursday about what they called an unprecedented situation for Hawaii's sea life.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials said 56 percent of the Big Island's coral were bleached, along with 44 percent along West Maui and 32 percent around Oahu.

The scientists said more severe and frequent bleaching is predicted.

"In the 2030s, 30 to 50 percent of the years will have major bleaching events in Hawaii," said Kuulei Rogers of the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology.

When ocean temperatures rise, coral expel the algae they rely on for food. This causes their skeletons to lose their color and appear "bleached."

Coral can recover if the water cools. But they die if high temperatures persist. Eventually reefs degrade, leaving fish without habitats and coastlines less protected from storm surges.

As for Hawaii's fish, University of Hawaii researchers compiled data for 15 years and found a 90 percent decline in overall catch from the last 100 years, which includes fish such as ulua, moi and oio.

"What we found was pretty overwhelming," University of Hawaii scientist Alan Friedlander said. "About 40 percent of the species will be classified as overfished. The correlations are more people, less fish."

Friedlander suggested expanding marine reserves and said gear restrictions and size limits help, but bag limits and quotas don't work.

Those who fish argued against more regulations.

"If the fishermen don't stand up and come down here and fight for fisherman's rights now, we'll lose more than we can possibly ever imagine," said Makani Christensen of the Hunting, Farming and Fishing Association.
Joe Biden will be running for President of the United States in 2020  no ifs, ands or buts, at least according to Chris Matthews, host of MSNBCs "Hardball."

"Ive talked to his family. Hes running. OK? Fact," Matthews said Friday following an appearance at NBC10 promoting his new book, "Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit."

Biden, President Obama's vice president and a popular seven-time senator from Delaware, is a "regular guy," Matthews says, who would rather summer at casual Rehoboth Beach than tony Marthas Vineyard.

Its Bidens everyday sensibility that could help him attract working-class whites, a group Matthews believes Democrats need to woo once again.

"The Democrats gotta get back to being the party of regular people: firefighters, waitresses, cops. Regular people," Matthews said. "I dont like talking ethnically, but thats a fact. Theyve lost the working class whites and theyve got to get them back."

Biden has been opaque about his intentions for the 2020 election cycle. He told Vanity Fair last month that he hadnt made up his mind.

"I havent decided to run. But Ive decided Im not going to decide not to run. Well see what happens," he said.

A spokesman for Biden told NBC10 Friday afternoon that they had no official comment on Matthews' comments and pointed to Biden's Vanity Fair interview.



Biden has run for president twice, in 1988 and 2008  the latter ending with him joining Obamas ticket. He also considered running in the 2016 election. But after delaying a decision for months, he decided to sit out.

He said his family asked him not to run after the May 2015 death of his son, Beau Biden, the former Attorney General of Delaware. It's a decision Biden told NBC Connecticut in January that he regrets "every day" but that was right for his family.

Since leaving the White House, Biden has launched academic centers at the University of Pennsylvania and University of Delaware.



Matthews says if the 74-year-old can show he has a youthful mindset and survive inevitable gaffes from slips of his tongue, he could make it to the general election.

"If Joe has the spirit of a young guy, I think he can put together a ticket, perhaps with Kamala Harris from California, and that ticket could be pretty powerful," Matthews said.


President Donald Trump paid a solemn visit to the memorial at Pearl Harbor, a sacred journey for a commander-in-chief about to depart on an Asia trip that will be shadowed by fears of another international conflict.

Trump saluted Friday after entering the USS Arizona memorial following a short boat ride with first lady Melania Trump. They approached a wreath of white flowers  a gift from the couple  and watched as two sailors who stood beside it at attention placed the wreath near a wall of names of the fallen.

The Trumps then tossed white flower petals into the waters above the battleship's sunken hull, as the president then peered down where the rusted wreckage is visible at the water's surface.

Nearly 1,200 crew members died on the USS Arizona during the December 7, 1941 surprise attack by Japan that plunged the U.S. into World War II.

Trump, who had spoken earlier in the day about being eager to see the sacred site for the first time, appeared moved by the visit. As the wreath was quietly placed into position, Trump crossed his arms in front of him, closing his eyes as he bowed his head in remembrance.

As the sun began to fade over the Pacific, Trump then listened intently to a National Park Service tour guide, stopping briefly at a display that explained how some survivors of the attack, when they die years later, have chosen to be cremated and have their ashes placed in the sunken ship alongside the remains of their fallen colleagues.

Trump said not a word about North Korea or its nuclear ambitions on Friday, the eve of his first official visit to Asia. He will arrive in Japan on Sunday morning, the first of five countries he will visit over 11 days as he exhorts Asian allies to increase pressure on Pyongyang to abandon its deadly ambitions.

Hawaii acted as a sort of midway point on Trump's trip halfway around the world. He arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Friday after a daylong flight from Washington.

The president quickly donned a lei after he left Air Force One with his wife, who also wore a wreath of flowers. He signed autographs and gave high-fives to kids who were among a group of civilians and service members that gathered for the arrival.

Trump wasn't the only attraction to arrive on base. A few in the crowd shouted their admiration for White House chief of staff John Kelly.

"We love you Gen. Kelly," one person shouted at the retired four-star Marine general who stood several feet behind the president.

Trump was briefed by leaders of the U.S. Pacific Command. The growing threat from North Korea  a crisis that will shadow the entire trip  was expected to be among the topics discussed. Trump was also meeting with the governors of Alaska, Hawaii and Pacific U.S. territories, all potential targets of any successful attempt by North Korea to strike the U.S. with a nuclear-tipped missile.

"We are going to visit very shortly, Pearl Harbor, which I've read about, spoken about, heard about, studied, but I haven't seen. And that is going to be very exciting for me," Trump said at the start of a briefing with leaders of the U.S. Pacific Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in the region.

The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor marks the final resting place of more than 1,000 sailors and Marines who were killed on the battleship during the surprise attack on what President Franklin Roosevelt deemed "a date which we live in infamy." Accessible only by boat, the memorial straddles the ship's sunken hull.

A total of more than 2,300 sailors, soldiers and Marines died as a result of the attack, as well as 68 civilians, according to the National Park Service.

The visit to the memorial comes soon after Trump was embroiled in a controversy over his attempt to console the grieving families of America's war dead. The family of one of the four soldiers killed in a Niger ambush last month said the president disrespected them when he called to offer a condolences, a charge Trump vehemently denied.

And The Associated Press discovered that a number of families of soldiers killed since Trump took office had not received a call from the president, despite his claim that he had called nearly all of them.

Associated Press writer Darlene Superville in Washington contributed to this report.
'Sorry, That Page Doesn't Exist': A Twitter employee shut down President Trump's personal Twitter account on their last day of work Thursday, resulting in the @realDonaldTrump account going dark for 11 minutes.

Now the internet has launched a petition to give the person a keys to the City of San Francisco.

The Care2 petition had garnered 612 signatures of the 10,000 goal as of Friday evening.

It reads:

Bullying, doxing, racist speech, and instigation of nuclear war. Those are just a few of the many reasons why the American people think Donald Trump should be banned from Twitter. Yet, despite repeated violations of its terms of service, Twitter continues to find weak justifications for allowing Trump to remain on the site.



This week, one brave Twitter contract employee finally did what we've all been asking for. On his or her last day of work at the San Francisco-based company, the contractor deactivated Trump's account. For eleven solid minutes, Twitter was a better place.



This person is an American hero who deserves to be honored. That's why we're calling on San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee to give him or her the keys to the city.



Twitter has more than enough reasons to take down Trump's account, but it continuously prioritizes generating clicks over public safety. We need to show the company that removing Trump from Twitter is the right thing to do by honoring this now former contractor.



Please sign this petition asking Mayor Ed Lee to give the person who deactivated Donald Trump's account the keys to the city!

At first, Twitter blamed the deactivation on "human error, but later blamed a customer support worker for deactivating Trump's account on his or her last day on the job.

The San Francisco-based social media company promised a "full internal review"

Trump's critics celebrated the brief deactivation. California Congressman Ted Lieu tweeted:

Dear Twitter employee who shut down Trump's Twitter: You made America feel better for 11 minutes. DM me & I will buy you a Pizza Hut pizza.

After his account was reactivated, the president tweeted: "I guess the word must finally be getting out-and having an impact."
Massachusetts on Friday became the first state to impose a ban on bump stocks since the deadly shooting at a Las Vegas music festival.

An appropriations bill that included a prohibition on the devices, which are designed to make semi-automatic rifles mimic the firing action of fully automatic weapons, was signed into law Friday by Republican Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. The Democratic-controlled Legislature gave final approval to the measure on Thursday.

Polito is Massachusetts' acting chief executive with Republican Gov. Charlie Baker on vacation outside of the state. Baker had previously expressed support for banning the devices.

"Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito support the Second Amendment to the Constitution and Massachusetts' strict gun laws, including the ban on assault weapons and bump stocks, and are pleased that the Commonwealth continues to lead in passing commonsense reforms," according to a statement released from Baker's office to NBC Boston.

Authorities investigating the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history said the gunman, Stephen Paddock, used a bump stock when he opened fire Oct. 1 from his Las Vegas hotel room on concert-goers below. Fifty-eight people were killed and hundreds more wounded.

The Gun Owners Action League of Massachusetts, an affiliate of the National Rifle Association, had sent an alert to its members earlier Friday urging them to contact Baker's office and demand that he use his line-item veto power to separate out the bump stock ban from the rest of the $85 million budget bill, which was needed so the state's comptroller can close out the books on the previous fiscal year.

A Massachusetts man with dementia reported missing Wednesday was found safe Thursday on a bus in Georgia.

"The provision passed by the legislature ... allows for excessive punishment including life imprisonment, with a minimum sentence of 18 months, for the mere possession of these accessories," said the group.

The legislation, which would also ban most trigger cranks, provides no "pathway to legal ownership," for the devices and no ability for current owners to sell them, said the gun owners group. The group previously criticized lawmakers for taking a vote before even holding a public hearing.

The move doesnt make political sense. The timing makes it all about Russia, says UMass professor Erin OBrien.

Democratic state Rep. David Linsky, one of the first in Massachusetts to call for outlawing the devices, said it would make the state safer while respecting the rights of gun owners.

"I am proud of my colleagues in the Legislature for continuing Massachusetts' reputation as having among the safest and most effective gun laws in the nation," Linsky said in a statement.

An organization founded by former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was grievously wounded in a 2011 shooting in Arizona, praised Massachusetts lawmakers for banning bump stocks and urged other states to follow suit.

California law already prohibited the sale of bump stocks.
The Chicago Police Department dispelled Friday rumors of a terrorist attack planned for Chicago over the weekend.

The departments crime prevention and intelligence center became aware of the bogus threat and said there is no credible threat to Chicago or any event in the city.

Police encouraged anyone with information about suspicious activity to call 911 or submit an anonymous tip to www.CPDtip.com.

"Earlier this evening we became aware of messages being shared on social media and by text speculating about a rumored terrorist threat," Alicia Tate-Nadeau, executive director of Chicago's Office of Emergency Management and Communications said in a statement. "I have personally spoken with our federal law enforcement partners tonight and there remain no credible threats to Chicago or to any event in our city."



Messages spreading on social media claimed that friends or relatives who work for the police department had told them a terror attack was planned for River North near downtown Chicago on Saturday.

Supposedly there is a secret terror threat in Chicago this weekend, specifically River North, Source: friend of a friend whose bro is CPD, one Twitter user wrote.

Police said the ominous warnings were also being shared via text message.

Authorities will continue to monitor the situation, police said.

The messages come just days after a 29-year-old man used a rental truck to mow down pedestrians in Manhattan on Tuesday.

ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack that left eight dead and more than a dozen wounded.

The OEMC's website has a section offering advice on what to do should an individual find themselves in the midst of a terror attack.

Be vigilant. Be aware of suspicious behaviors or out-of-place activities around you, the website reads. Look for strange behavioral traits-not appearance, because a terrorist can come from any ethnic group or walk of life.
Police will be on scene at Washington Middle School in Meriden Monday after a student allegedly made a threat against the school, according to school officials.

According to a note from Assistant Principal Dan Corsetti over the weekend, police were immediately notified and investigators do not believe the threat is credible. The extra security will be in place only as a precaution.

Corsetti did not specify what the threat said.

Parents and students should expect to see extra officers at the school.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Embattled school bus agency Dallas County Schools has filed a lawsuit, suing the Texas Attorney General's Office to prevent the public from seeing an internal investigation into whether crimes caused the agency's huge financial losses.



The lawsuit means the public will not get to see the report before Tuesday's election -- when voters will decide if DCS should continue to operate or be shut down.

The future of Dallas County Schools is on the Nov. 7 ballot for Dallas County voters. Before casting your vote, know what a "for" or "against" vote means for the future of the school bus agency and taxpayers.

DCS is now spending taxpayer dollars hiring a private law firm in an effort to keep the internal report a secret.



More than two weeks ago the Texas Attorney General's Office ruled that DCS must release that report to NBC 5 Investigates; we first requested the document in July under the Texas Public Information Act.



The report details the work of a former FBI agent DCS hired to probe huge financial losses at DCS to see if it was caused by criminal activity.



During a taping of Lone Star Politics Friday on NBC 5, NBC 5 political reporter Julie Fine asked DCS Board President Gloria Levario about the decision to keep information from the public.



"The reason it hasn't been released is because we are part of an FBI investigation, and also an investigation by the Texas Rangers, and our superintendent is looking at all our legal responsibilities to make sure that it's OK for us to go ahead and release this information," Levario said.



Levario told NBC 5 Investigates Friday that DCS will likely release the report to us, but not until a more detailed financial audit is complete. It appears that report will also not be made available until after the election. The Texas Attorney General's Office Friday said even on an accelerated track it could take three months to resolve the lawsuit and get the documents released.

On Nov. 7 Dallas County voters will decide whether to close school bus agency Dallas County Schools after an NBC 5 investigation exposed dangerous bus driving and financial mismanagement at the agency.

Meanwhile, the Dallas Independent School District raised concerns about what might happen over at DCS if voters choose to shut it down. There's a week-long gap between the election and the day a dissolution committee takes over and some at the school district are concerned DCS employees frustrated with the result of the vote might walk away with DCS property. DISD officials asked county officials to help monitor things, but at this point NBC 5 has been told the county sees no reason for concern about any widespread problems.



NBC 5's Lone Star Politics airs Sunday morning at 8:40 a.m.
Pastor E.G. Roberts says preaching was never a choice, and for him it is much more than just a job.

"We need to save lost souls. People are searching for a higher calling," Roberts said.

As membership grows at the Way of Christ Christian Church in Duncanville, so does the need for more space.

"It's nothing wrong with this place. We feel this place is home, but we're trying to reach a larger population," Roberts said.

The congregation made it their mission to raise enough money to build a new sanctuary from the ground up. They settled on land in DeSoto. A builder with whom the pastor worked on another project referred him to Standard Steel Buildings in Rockwall. The church wanted to build their new church using steel, and thought Standard Steel Buildings could help begin the construction process.

They did research and looked at different churches the company built.

"We just made sure that he was a legit company, which he was, so we thought," Roberts said.

The pastor and his board members were impressed with the designs and blueprints, so they signed the contract. They paid about $13,000 up front. According to Roberts, that's when the trouble started.

"They said that the price for steel was gonna go up, and we had to put down another $10,000. And we said, OK, so we did that," Robert said.

Months went by and the church didn't hear from the company.

Roberts says the owner, Kevin Kissire, stopped returning his phone calls almost immediately. The project manager, Jason White, wasn't answering either.

They couldn't get either to pick up until they started calling from different numbers.

Roberts says whenever they could reach the owner and project manager, their list of excuses for not moving forward on the project ranged from being out of town to family emergencies. Ultimately, they kept saying the pastor would need to put down more money to move forward. The church ended up shelling out nearly $50,000 for the project.

More than a year later, and still nothing.

"By now we figured the first phase would be finished," Roberts said.

The pastors says the project manager eventually informed him he was no longer affiliated with Standard Steel Buildings and that the owner moved to the Philippines. That manager, Jason White, confirmed with NBC 5 Responds that he no longer works for the company. But when asked where all the money had gone, he hung up the phone.

After looking into the owner's background, we learned Kevin Kissire has been convicted of at least five theft charges over the years, including writing a bad check. We also discovered he stopped paying taxes on Standard Steel Buildings back in 2015 and the state yanked the company's business license. We tried to call Kissire, but all of his numbers have been disconnected. We also reached out to him via Facebook days ago and have yet to hear back.

How does Pastor Roberts feel about all of this?

"From a fleshly side, I would love to get my hands on him; from a spiritual side, I have to forgive him. But if I actually saw him, the flesh may win this time," Roberts said.

The pastor says he started doing some research of his own and learned his church was far from alone. Azure Pools and Outdoor Living tells NBC 5 Responds they, too, were ripped off by Standard Steel Buildings. They say they paid that company more than $40,000 to build a new office, but they were left with nothing.

"We also have documents stating that his mama, his daddy, his uncle, his aunties, all of them are part owners in the company," Roberts said.

We reached out to Weldon Kissire, the owner's father. He confirmed that many family members worked with his son many years ago as advisors, but he tells me they eventually parted ways.

Weldon says he's spoken to the pastor many times and he'd believe what the pastor says over his son any day.

The congregation is raising money once again hoping to have a new building sometime next year. Financially crippled, but not broken.

"The money don't belong to me, it belongs to the Lord. When you're brave enough to steal from God, you'll steal from anybody," Roberts said.

The pastor has filed a police report with the DeSoto Police Department. He says he was told the matter was civil and there wasn't much that could be done. Roberts says they can't afford to sue, but he's not giving up. He hopes that sharing his story will prevent someone else from falling victim.
A court order issued Thursday banned three protesters from entering SeaWorld San Diego and Aquatica San Diego for the next three years due to a demonstration that took place at the amusement park over the summer.

The Superior Court of the State of California County of San Diego issued a court order banning Lisa Marie Lange, Ricky Chavez Rodriguez, and Lyanne Fernandez from entering the two parks in San Diego and Chula Vista and from harassing, intimidating, attacking or threatening protected SeaWorld employees.

All three protesters are with the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). On July 24, the trio, along with a few others, protested in the park during an Orca Encounter presentation alongside "Babe" actor James Cromwell.

SeaWorld claims the protesters were behaving aggressively and refused to leave the park. PETA said the protest was peaceful.

Following the incident, SeaWorld sought a workplace violence restraining order against Lange, Rodriguez, and Fernandez. This court order resolved that case by agreement.

Marilyn Hannes, president of SeaWorld San Diego, said the company is pleased with the outcome adding, in a press release: "We will not tolerate this type of behavior in our parks."

In a statement, PETA President Ingrid Newkirk said the organization will continue to hold peaceful protests.

"PETA will continue to hold peaceful protests against SeaWorld as the company feels the impact of falling attendance and public pressure to stop confining sensitive marine mammals to tiny tanks, thereby denying them any semblance of a fulfilling life. We ask decent people to come together to protest such cruelty by all lawful means available."



PETA and SeaWorld have been at odds over the treatment of the animals living at company's amusement parks.

In early 2016, SeaWorld said it would not breed killer whales and would stop using them in shows. SeaWorld San Diego has since ended its theatrical orca shows and breeding program. Parks in Orlando and San Antonio will follow suit by 2019.

In recent years, the San Diego amusement park has struggled with a drop in attendance connected, in part, to the release of the controversial 2013 documentary Blackfish, which criticized the treatment of the parks killer whales.

Since the release of the film, SeaWorld San Diego has rolled out new rides, attractions and ticket deals in an attempt to increase attendance.
A 29-year-old Henderson County woman is on suicide watch after being arrested and accused of fatally shooting her two young daughters early Thursday morning.

Sarah Nicole Henderson is in the Henderson County Jail, charged with the capital murder of her children, 7-year-old Kaylee and her 5-year-old half-sister Kenlie.

Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse said Henderson showed no remorse or "much emotion" when she confessed to the murders and was "just matter-of-fact" during her interview with police following her arrest. He added detectives learned she'd been planning the crime for a couple of weeks and had also intended to kill her husband.

"Over the last 24 hours, the investigation shows that she planned these murders for at least the last two weeks," Hillhouse said. "It appears she also intended to kill her husband, but the entire crime did not go as planned."

According to the sheriff, Henderson's husband called 911 at about 11:30 p.m. Wednesday to report that she was suicidal. A second call was made minutes later to cancel the request, which canceled the EMS response, but sheriff's deputies still went to the residence.



Deputies arrived at about 11:45 p.m. but left after the couple said they were fine and no one was in danger.

Hillhouse said Henderson's husband called 911 nearly three hours later, at about 2:24 a.m., to report that his wife had shot both of her children.

In the 911 call, the husband said he was asleep in the bedroom and the victims were sleeping in the living room. He said he woke up to his wife telling him she' shot both of the children.

"I didn't want to believe it and went in there and they were dead," he said in the recording.



When police arrived, both of the children were deceased.

"It's a life-changing event for everyone  not only the family, but all the first responders  that responded to the call. It's something that you don't ever forget," Hillhouse said.

Detectives arrested Henderson, who the sheriff confirmed was the subject of the original call to the home, and transported her to the Henderson County Jail where she is being kept under suicide watch.

Hillhouse confirmed that Henderson's husband is not suspected of any wrongdoing. He also confirmed the man is not the father of either of the victims.

A motive for the slayings has not been confirmed, and the investigation into the shootings is ongoing.

Neighbors spent Thursday trying to wrap their heads around the violent incident.

"I've never had a conversation with her, but the little girls would come over here and ride their little bikes around the circle driveway. They would draw pictures and put them in the mailbox for us," said Jaylyne Palmer, who's lived across the street from the Hendersons for much of the last decade.

Deputies with the Henderson County Sheriff's Department, along with the Texas Rangers and Child Protective Services, are handling the investigation.

Henderson is being held on $2 million bond on one charge of capital murder of a child under the age of 10. A second capital murder charge is pending. In Texas, the murder of a person under the age of 10 is an immediate capital offense punishable by death or life in prison without parole.

It's not clear if Henderson has obtained an attorney.

NBC 5's Frank Heinz contributed to this report.


Members of the South Florida community laced up their shoes Saturday to commemorate a U.S. Navy SEAL who paid the ultimate price.

The first Annual Ryan Owens Memorial Run was a grueling four-mile beach run, celebrating and honoring the 36-year-old decorated U.S. service member.

"I just want to honor his memory and his commitment to the country and sacrifice," said John Owens, Ryan's brother.

Senior Chief William "Ryan" Owens was killed this January during a raid on al Qaeda militants in the Arabian Peninsula's branch in Yemen -- the first military operation approved by President Donald Trump.

"Rather have Ryan here then this event to go to, but in lieu of him not being able to be here it's a great honor for him," said Ryan's father, Bill Owens.

Ryan's brother, John, is also a navy seal and founder of the Naked Warrior Project -- which this weekends run was in support of.

"I'd like to keep doing it to help support our mission to raise money to help build a memorial of my brother here in South Florida," he said.

Many law enforcement agencies also showed up to support the mission.

"That's why we started the Naked Warrior Project for to honor the fallen special operations personnel that have given all for the country," John said.

Ryan grew up in South Florida and then moved to Chillicothe, Illinois, to attend high school. Ryan enlisted in the Navy before high school graduation. His father and brothers still live in South Florida today and all speak of him wanting to return when he retired from the Navy.
What to Know Ten high school friends were vising New York from Argentina when a truck came barreling down the bicycle path they were on

Five of them were killed; four of the surviving members spoke out at a somber press conference

The 29-year-old man accused of driving the truck through the crowd faces terrorism charges

A group of men who survived a terror attack this week spoke out Friday, days after a truck barreled through a Manhattan bike path, killing eight people, including five of their friends.

Joined by four fellow survivors at the Consulate General of Argentina on Friday, Guillermo Banchini described how a joyous outing with high school friends was shattered in an instant.

There are no words that I can give you, Banchini said in Spanish. It hurts more than anything Ive felt before. Also, its unbelievable the experience we had. We survived and we watched our friends die.

Banchini and the other men were part of a larger, close-knit group of friends who had graduated together from a school in Argentina in 1987. The overall group of 10, most of them working as architects, regularly got together. During this trip, they were supposed to tour through Boston and New York.

They had been riding bicycles when they were hit. Five of them  Hernan Diego Mendoza, Ariel Erlij, Diego Enrique Angelini, Alejandro Damian Pagnucco and Hernan Ferruchi  didn't survive.

A fifth survivor in the group was still recovering at a hospital Friday.

As the press conference wrapped up, Banchini and the others, still visibly overcome with emotions, shared an embrace.

The whole world has changed, Banchini said.

Ann-Laure Decadt, a 31-year-old mother from Belgium, was also killed in the attack. Her family said she had been hit from behind as she rode a bicycle.

Two Americans  23-year-old software engineer Nicholas Cleves, from Manhattan, and 32-year-old project manager Darren Drake, from New Jersey  were also killed.

On Thursday, about 100 mourners carrying candles walked on the promenade next to the route where authorities say 29-year-old Sayfullo Saipov entered the bike path Tuesday afternoon and drove for almost a mile, mowing down bicyclists and pedestrians before crashing into a school bus.

Saipov faces federal terrorism charges that could carry the death penalty. His attorney said he hopes everyone lets the judicial process play out.
Governments, scientists, industry groups and environmental campaigners are meeting in Germany next week to discuss implementing a global agreement to curb climate change, despite uncertainty over how the United States will figure into the effort.

President Donald Trump announced earlier this year that the U.S. will pull out of the 2015 Paris climate accord unless his administration can secure a better deal.

Other countries have pledged to press on regardless at the Nov. 6-17 meeting in the western German city of Bonn. The 23rd Conference of the Parties (COP) will be presided over by Fiji, one of the small island nations particularly vulnerable to the effects of global warming.

Researchers say extreme weather like the events of recent months  including hurricanes in the Caribbean, heatwaves in Europe and flooding in south Asia  are going to become more frequent as a result of climate change. To prevent catastrophic consequences, they say countries must make concerted efforts to shift the global economy away from fossil fuels and to adjust to some inevitable impacts, such as rising sea levels.

"This COP is more important than most people realize," Andrew Steer, head of the World Resources Institute, a Washington-based environmental think tank, said.

Steer said a growing number of commitments from governments, as well as from major companies and cities around the world was "broadly encouraging." He noted the falling cost of renewable energy  a key technology required to help power-hungry economies kick the carbon habit.

Most of the 195 countries coming to Bonn  where the U.N. climate agency is located  appear willing to continue hammering out the details needed to make the Paris 2015 accord work, German Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks said ahead of the two-week talks.

Negotiators will try to agree on ways to measure each country's greenhouse gas emissions and to make sure everyone is playing by the same rules. Since the Paris agreement doesn't foresee sanctions for countries that fail to meet their targets, peer pressure is the main mechanism for ensuring that governments abide by their commitments and continue to increase their efforts in future.

A key issue will be the transparency of emissions reports, said Nigel Purvis, a former U.S. State Department negotiator under the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush presidencies.

The United States used to be the major force pushing for more open reporting and that will suffer because of the Trump administration's planned withdrawal from Paris, he said.

"Without U.S. leadership the deal is likely to take a little bit longer and may not be as strong," said Purvis, president of the group Climate Advisers.

Negotiators have until the end of 2018 to come up with the final rule book; it would be subject to approval at the next climate summit in Katowice, Poland.

Observers say that without the United States driving the talks  as it did in Paris when Barack Obama was in the White House  other leaders will have to fill the gap.

"The United States are not anymore the most important actor in this game of climate change," Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, said.

"The most important actor is China, and India will soon become extremely important, as well as the European Union," Schellnhuber said.

Some are also placing their hopes in Emmanuel Macron. The French president is expected to fly in on Nov. 15 to show his support during the final phase of the talks. Macron has called for a follow-up meeting in Paris next month.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, a veteran of past climate summits, will also put in an appearance in Bonn despite being tied up in negotiations to form a new government. The Green Party, with which she hopes to forge a coalition, has urged Merkel to set a firm date for Germany to end the use of coal-fired power plants.

Environmental campaigners are planning to highlight Germany's continued reliance on the heavily polluting source of energy with a protest at a coal mine near Bonn ahead of the talks.

Geir Moulson, Pietro De Cristofaro, Catherine Gaschka, and Seth Borenstein contributed to this report.
A Florida woman was arrested Thursday for allegedly riding a horse while intoxicated, according to the Polk County Sheriffs Office.

Donna Byrne, 53, was charged with a DUI and animal neglect for putting the horse in danger of being injured or killed, the department said. According to officers, she smelled of alcohol, had watery, red eyes and was staggering while saddled on the creature.

Byrne was riding the horse on Combee Road near North Crystal Lake Road in Lakeland when officers responded to the scene. An onlooker initially reported the incident to police, saying Byrne looked like she was confused or in danger.

After arriving on scene, officers conducted a field sobriety test and found that Byrne had a breath alcohol level of .157 and .161. The legal limit in Florida is .08. Byrne was then arrested and the horse was transported to the Polk County Sheriffs Animal Control livestock facility.

Byrne has previously been charged with five felonies and 10 misdemeanors, including cruelty to animals, drug possession, probation violation and criminal traffic.
Twin 67-year-old sisters from Texas and Arizona died after being swept into the ocean by a massive wave in Mexico.

Barbara Thomas, of McKinney, and Beverly Skrimpsky, of Scottsdale, were hit by the rogue wave while vacationing in Cabo San Lucas on Sunday.

The twins were lifelong best friends who traveled the world.

"They're special people. Anybody that knew them loved them," said Steve Thomas, Barbara's husband of 45 years.

Thomas said he went looking for his wife and her sister when they didn't return from a morning walk on the beach and ended up running for his life.



"All of a sudden a five foot wave was a 10 foot wave, it was a 15 foot wave, it was a 20 foot wave all in the matter of time that it took for me to just tell you that. That's how fast it happened," Thomas said.



Thomas said he knew something was wrong when he spotted one of the women's sandals on the shore.



Security notified him when he returned to his rental house that the coast guard found the women in the water, he said.



"It's hard," Thomas said. "When you have somebody that you love that much that they've been your life your whole life."



It wasn't the first time an accident like this happened recently.



Steven Urycki, of Illinois, died after being swept into the ocean the week before.



"A guy dies five days before this and nobody says a word?" Thomas asked.

He said he had no idea the threat of a rogue wave even existed and hoped that sharing the story prevents others from meeting the same fate.



"I've lost the love of my life just because she's out walking on the beach," he said.



The U.S. Embassy in Mexico is warning travelers to Cabo about dangerous wave conditions with strong currents, rip tides and rogue waves.

"Not all hazardous beaches in this area are clearly marked. Swimmers, waders and even people simply walking along the beaches have been washed into the ocean by rogue waves," the warning says. "Some have drowned and others have disappeared."
A man who allegedly abducted his 2-month-old son in the Gorman area, triggering an Amber Alert, has been taken into custody Saturday, with his child returned safe and unharmed.

Jeffrey Michael Gomes, 42, and Jefferson Gomes were located at approximately 11:50 a.m., according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The announcement was made by the department's Major Crimes Bureau and the sheriff's Santa Clarita Valley station, said Deputy Joana Warren of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

The two were possibly found on the northbound Golden State (5) Freeway, Warren said. The two may have also been spotted this morning at the Los Angeles International Airport, said Los Angeles Airport Police Officer Rob Pedregon.

At about 5:15 a.m., someone reported that a white pickup truck matching Gomes' white 2007 white Chevrolet 2500 was spotted leaving the airport's Central Terminal Area and going eastbound on Century Boulevard, Pedregon said. Officers reviewed video footage of the area and dispatched some units, but were unable to locate the truck.

"We (then) notified our jurisdictional partners," he said.

The abduction of Jefferson Gomes on Friday followed some kind of domestic violence incident, according to Deputy Juanita Navarro-Suarez of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Information Bureau. The boy was last seen at 1:20 p.m. Friday in his father's pickup truck, which was towing an approximately 28-foot "toy hauler" trailer, Navarro- Suarez said.

Jeffrey Gomes fled from the area of Zenobia Way, just north of state Route 138 in Lebec and was believed to be heading north on Interstate 5, the deputy said Friday.


A U.S. military service member was killed in Afghanistan Saturday, the commander of U.S. operations in the country said in a statement.

The service member, who was not identified, died of wounds sustained in the Logar province of the country, officials said.

"On behalf of U.S. Forces  Afghanistan, we offer our deepest condolences to the family of our fallen brother, said General John Nicholson, commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan. "Despite this tragic event, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the Afghan people and to support them in our mutual fight against terrorism.

Further information was not immediately available.
Sharing Platform Mighway Offers RVs as Emergency Housing Options to those Affected by Northern California Fires

SAN FRANCISCO: Mighway, a platform connecting owners of RVs with guests, is working with its owner community to provide temporary, discounted emergency accommodations for those displaced by fires in Northern California.





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"With the generous help of our owner community, we have been able to provide RVs as a temporary housing solution to those affected," said Mighway CEO Dave Simmons. "We know there is a housing shortage already, and we still have many RVs available that can be accessed right away so victims don't need to relocate. The Mighway platform is normally used by travelers - but the potential to connect those in need with those who can assist is something we would always look to leverage in a crisis. This is a core benefit of the sharing economy."As a business, Mighway has waived its service fee related to these bookings. It also has extensive insurance options to give owners peace of mind when lending vehicles. "My family is so grateful to Mighway for the assistance they provided when my sister's home was lost in the Sonoma County fires," said Elis Imboden, whose sister was displaced by the fires. "They went out of their way to provide her with a clean, comfortable RV that same day, which allowed my sister and her family to stay in the area while figuring out their next steps. They even offered a discounted rate and waived certain fees, which was a huge help given the chaos."
Want to be an Instant Insider? Tips from Enterprise Help Travelers Maximize their Time in New Places

ST. LOUIS: Traveling to a new city and struggling to experience all the must-do activities while you're there? According to new research from Enterprise Rent-A-Car, you're not alone.





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Enterprise's "Instant Insider" survey reveals that more than eight out of 10 travelers cite "fitting everything in when your trip is too short" as one of their biggest travel-related challenges.The survey also reveals that nearly two out of three (64%) say that when they have a limited amount of time in a new place they don't always know where to go, and 61 percent feel "pressured" to fit everything in. What's more, 78 percent of travelers say that when visiting a new city they want "to do the things the locals do." But, when pressed for time, 67 percent prioritize visiting tourist sites over local hot spots."Today, individuals are arguably more pressed for time than ever before, and that impacts most every phase of our lives, including travel. When you have limited time in a new city, how can you ensure you're doing and experiencing the right things? And who can you turn to for the best advice? These are key questions we wanted to explore in an effort to help travelers everywhere," said Steve Short, vice president at Enterprise. "Balance definitely appears to be key. Of course, many will want to visit major tourist attractions in new places. However, 72 percent of our survey respondents say that it's important to go where the locals go. And 93 percent advise leaving time to enjoy the things you discover, versus just the things planned in advance. A good mix of both planned and free time appears to be a winning combination."While planning may be key before most getaways, surprisingly, less than half of survey respondents say they create an itinerary. The majority of travelers prepare for their trips by "checking the local weather forecast" (77%) and "checking the internet for recommendations on things to do" (68%). In addition, where people go for travel advice varies based on the timing of their trip. Before a trip, the majority of travelers (60%) seek the counsel of friends and family members, as well as internet review websites (58%). After arrival, hotel staff (53%) are most sought after for advice.To help travelers navigate some of the nation's most popular cities, Enterprise has partnered with two well-known influencers who live in those cities and can share their local insider tips. The influencers are country music star Brett Young, originally from Orange County, California, and now residing in Nashville, as well as freestyle hip-hop dancer, entertainer and actor Stephen "tWitch" Boss, who lives in Los Angeles. Brett's and tWitch's insider advice about their cities will be posted on the Enterprise Facebook page as well as their own social channels.
Prince Jackson 'doing OK' post motorcycle crash

Washington D.C. [USA], Nov 3 : Prince Michael Jackson is doing fine after a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles.





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The eldest son of the late Michael Jackson took to his Instagram page to post a photo of his legs strapped down, while lying inside what appeared to be an ambulance. He captioned it as, "Well s--t..."Later, a representative informed that the 20-year-old was involved in a motorcycle accident on his way to college on November 2 in Los Angeles, E! Online reported."He suffered some injuries but is doing OK. Thank you all so much for your support and prayers and we will update you on his progress shortly", he added.According to TMZ.com, Prince, who is a student at the Loyola Marymount University, was checked out at an ER after the accident and then released. He made to class on time.Prince, who began posting videos of himself riding a Harley Davidson bike in September, had earlier said that he took a three-day California Motorcycle Safety Program course to learn to ride a motorcycle, as he had only ridden dirt bikes before.Moreover, his sister Paris Jackson had voiced concern over a video of himself riding his motorcycle that was posted on September 19, writing, "WHERE ARE YOUR RIDING GLOVES!?!!!!!!!! YOU PROMISED ME."Subsequent videos showed him wearing them.
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PM Modi to inaugurate 'World Food India' fair today

New Delhi , Nov.03 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Friday inaugurate an international mega food event, 'World Food India' 2017 in New Delhi from Vigyan Bhavan.





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The three day-long event, organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries under leadership of Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, welcomes to host congregation of global investors and business leaders of major food companies from November 3 to 5 in New Delhi.After the inauguration from Vigyan Bhavan, the Prime Minister will visit the Food Street at India Gate Lawns opposite National stadium.At the inaugural, host Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti will be joined by Chief Ministers of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.Ministerial delegations from a number of countries, leading global and Domestic CEOs, etc will also be present in the inaugural session.World Food India aims to transform food economy and realize the vision of doubling of famers' income by establishing India as a preferred investment destination and sourcing hub for the global food processing industry."World Food India platform will strengthen India's position as a global food factory and is a positive step towards making the country food secure. India is expected to attract an investment of $10 billion in food processing sector and generate one million jobs in the next three years," an official statement said.This is the first time that India is hosting such an event for the food processing sector.The event will witness specially curated experiential platform by chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who will showcase Indian and foreign cuisines using Indian ingredients, flavours and fragrancesDuring the mega event, India will host over 2,000 participants, over 200 companies from 30 countries.Besides representatives of 28 states, 18 ministerial and business delegations, nearly 50 global CEOs along with CEOs of all leading domestic food processing companies will also participate at the event.Germany, Japan and Denmark are partner countries to World Food India, while Italy and the Netherlands are the focus countries.A massive exhibition spread over 40,000 square metres in the verdant C- Hexagon lawns of India Gate is expected to attract significant footfalls. More than 800 global companies representing 22 Countries and domestic companies will be exhibiting.
Army pays tribute to first PVC recipient Maj Somnath Sharma

Budgam (Jammu and Kashmir) , November 3 : The Indian Army on Friday paid tribute to Major Somnath Sharma, the first recipient of the highest Indian gallantry award Param Vir Chakra, in a wreath-laying ceremony in the Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir.





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GOC Victor force, senior army officers and other ranks were present at the ceremony.Major Sharma was killed in Budgam on this day in the year 1947 while evicting Pakistani infiltrators from the Srinagar Airport.B.S. Raju, the head of Victor Force, recalled Major Somnath Sharma as a very brave officer who lost his life while saving Kashmir.To tackle Pakistan's repeated attempts of invasion, the D Company of the 4th Battalion of Kumaon Regiment, under the command of Sharma, was deployed in Srinagar. Sharma, whose left hand was in a plaster cast, insisted on being in combat."Major Somnath Sharma was a very brave officer. He was deployed here under the 4th battalion (Kumaon regiment) immediately after independence. The Pakistani soldiers and their 1,000 raiders were going to attack the Srinagar Airport after partition when Major Sharma bravely saved the airport, the state, but died in a fight with the North West Frontier," B.S. Raju said.Sharma's company was under heavy fire and was outnumbered by a ratio of seven to one. Before losing his life in a mortar shell explosion on a pile of ammunition near him, Sharma transmitted a message to his brigade's headquarters, which read: "The enemies are only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to our last man and our last round."
Michelin starred restaurant bans diners from Instagramming your food

London [UK], November 3 : One of Britain's famous restaurants has just banned its diners from photographing their food.





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According to The Independent, a restaurant named The Waterside Inn has erected a sign telling diners not to photograph their food.The restaurant was founded by Michel Roux and his brother Albert in 1972.Michel Roux, who founded the restaurant with his brother Albert, said, "I'm really getting so upset about people taking pictures. We put up a card at the door - 'No photos, please.'"Part of Roux's vexation with photographing food is that he feels a photo cannot represent the quality of the flavours.The restaurant is now run by Roux's son, Alain. Albert's son, Michel Roux Jr, is chef-patron at the family's other temple to fine dining, Le Gavroche, and is more relaxed about customers photographing the food.The Waterside Inn has held three Michelin stars since 1985.A food trends report issued last year by Waitrose found that one-third of those aged 18 to 34 regularly post pictures of their meals on social media.In 2014 a group of top chefs in France launched a campaign to ban the practice all together, claiming that it spoiled the atmosphere of eating out.
Prince Charles to pay two-day visit to India

New Delhi , November 3 : Prince of Wales Charles Philip Arthur George accompanied by Duchess of Cornwall Camilla Parker Bowles will be on a two-day visit to India on November 8 as part of their 10-day four nation tour to Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei and India.





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This visit, the ninth of the Prince of Wales to India, is aimed at strengthening the bilateral relations between the two nations.The Prince is scheduled to meet the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discuss a wide range of issues, including that of the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which will take place in April 2018 in the UK, Climate Change, Sustainable Development Goals, Economic cooperation and others.India-UK trade is at US$ 12.19 billion.India is the third largest investor in the UK and the second largest international job creator in the UK.UK is the third largest inward investor in India, with a cumulative equity investment of US $24.37 billion for the period April 2000 - June 2017.The Indian diaspora in UK is one of the largest ethnic minority communities in the country, with the 2011 census recording approximately 1.5 million people of Indian origin in the UK equating to almost 1.8 percent of the population and contributing to 6 percent of the country's GDP.The Prince of Wales had earlier visited India in 1975, 1980, 1991, 1992, 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2013.
3,550 VVPATs found to be faulty before elections: Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer

New Delhi , November 3 : After reports of 3,550 Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPATs) failed in Gujarat ahead of Assembly polls, state Joint Chief Electoral Officer Jaydeep Dwivedi cleared that devices failed due to damage while transporting.





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"These VVPATs were brought from different states including Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal. During transportation, these 3550 VVPATs were damaged and they failed the First Level Check (FLC), which is conducted by the engineers of Bangalore-based Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Hyderabad-based Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL)," Jaydeep Dwivedi told ANI.As per the Election Commission of India's directive these VVPATs would be sent back.The Commission is well equipped with adequate (70,000) VVPATs which have passed the FLC and will be used in the upcoming polls.According to some reports, during the FLCs test in Gujarat, the EC has rejected 3,550 VVPATs.A total of 70,182 VVPATs will be used in the Gujarat polls.Out of 70,182 VVPATs, 46,000 devices are new and are coming from the BEL and the ECIL.For the first time, the VVPATs are being used in all 182 assembly seats in Gujarat.
G-SHOCK Partners With French Streetwear Brand Pigalle For Two Limited Edition Models

DOVER, N.J: Casio G-SHOCK unveils two new limited edition watches in collaboration with French streetwear brand Pigalle. Inspired by recent sporty collections, the two new models combine Pigalle founder Stephane Ashpool's renowned aesthetics with G-SHOCK's signature toughness for a new take on the DW5600 case design. The collaboration watches are available in two colorways and a limited quantity of 1800 pieces total.





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The DW5600PGW-7 offers a sleek white band with hints of pink on the face and buckle, while the DW5600PGB-1 features a black band with hints of silver. Both watches feature Pigalle branding on the face and band as well as the signature Pigalle box logo engraved on the back. The logo is also visible in the face's background when illuminated.Casio's collaboration with Pigalle is a natural fit as both brands value creativity and innovation. The project originally began when Stephane Ashpool brought a group of 15 young designers to the CASIO headquarters in Japan to learn about G-SHOCK's creator, Mr. Ibe. Now, G-SHOCK and Pigalle have teamed up to create a watch that blends cutting edge technology with Stephane Ashpool's unique high fashion and urban influence.Each limited edition model comes equipped with standard G-SHOCK technology of shock resistance and 200M water resistance, as well as an EL backlight, flash alert, multi-function alarm, stopwatch, countdown timer, date display and a full auto calendar -- all in a 42.8mm case.The limited edition DW5600PGW-7 and DW5600PGB-1 will retail for $140 and will be available for purchase beginning in November 2017 at select Macy's, select fashion apparel, shopcasio.com and the G-SHOCK Soho Store.
Discovery Institute: A Wikipedia Horror Story as the People's Encyclopedia Begins Erasing People it Doesn't Like

WASHINGTON: Noted German paleontologist Gunter Bechly has been deleted from Wikipedia, the self-described free and open encyclopedia, according to Discovery Institute.





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Bechly is a former curator at the State Museum of Natural History in Stuttgart and an expert on fossil history and systematics of insects. He has over 125 scientific publications (incl. a book at Cambridge University Press), more than 160 new species described by him (incl. three new insect orders), 8 species and even a dragonfly family named by other scientists in his honor.Wikipedia editors are typically anonymous and adopt fanciful identities. "More startling than Bechly's deletion was that it came at the hands of a self-described 500-year-old wizard who goes by the pseudonym Jo-Jo," says Evolution News & Science Today editor David Klinghoffer. "That's what passes for scholarship at Wikipedia."Wikipedia has been criticized in the past for advancing political and ideological agendas in its entries on scientific subjects such as climate change and intelligent design."Twisting the narrative isn't enough. Now they're trying to completely erase people they disagree with," says Klinghoffer.Bechly, once a staunch believer in modern evolutionary theory who organized Germany's largest celebration of the 150th anniversary of Darwin's Origin of Species, has since gone public in his support for the emerging scientific theory of intelligent design. His current research for Biologic Institute focuses on design evidence in the fossil record. What seems to make Bechly dangerous for the self-proclaimed guardians of the naturalistic paradigm at Wikipedia is the very fact that he is an internationally distinguished paleontologist and evolutionary biologist, who changed his mind based only on scientific arguments, and now rejects Darwinian theory of evolution as not being a viable explanation for biological origins."Wiki editors have rigid and not altogether surprising biases," adds Klinghoffer, who has monitored Wikipedia's coverage of intelligent design and evolution over the past decade. "They are lightning fast at erasing corrections to pages they care about."He continues: "Wikipedia's coverage of intelligent design, which they mischaracterize as 'a religious argument for the existence of God,' is hopelessly prejudiced and inaccurate."It was while Bechly organized his museum's Darwin event that he began to change his views on intelligent design. This resulted in his being pushed out of the museum."When organizing the Darwin anniversary event I made one big mistake," explains Bechly. "I read the books against intelligent design. What I recognized to my surprise is that the arguments I found in those books were totally different from what I heard and read about the discussion of intelligent design versus neo-Darwinian evolution."Bechly adds: "Then, I read Darwin's Black Box where Michael Behe introduces this concept of irreducible complexity, and the most important thing that I realized is there are clearly scientific arguments that show there are problems with the neo-Darwinian scenario."According to Klinghoffer there's not much to be done to correct entries at Wikipedia. He knows from experience that fighting Wikipedia on its own pages is a waste of time. This incorrigible bias and censorship at Wikipedia is alarming, because Wikipedia is besides Google one of the most often frequented source of information on the Internet. Who controls Wikipedia, controls what people tend to think about certain controversial subjects."I recommend that people share this story with friends, as widely as possible, so that perhaps readers will take the online encyclopedia with a pinch of skepticism next time," says Klinghoffer.
Good morning, everyone. Welcome to our Corner.

We have some very exciting senior activities coming up very soon that Id like to share with you.

Our first is an event that, due to our devastating fires, had to be rescheduled. Im very excited about this event, as it gives us the opportunity to work on better balance, to help prevent our falling as we get a little older.

The date for this event is Nov. 6, so you must move fast on this one.

The event is, Area Agency on Agings StopFalls Napa Valleys First Annual Fall Prevention Champion Award Ceremony and Fall Prevention Extravaganza.

The occasion will be the awarding of the fall prevention workshop graduates from 2016-2017. I was honored to be asked to present these awards, by Laura Furman, StopFalls seniors coordinator and master trainer, with Area Agency on Aging. Laura teaches this class at Rohlffs Manor, as well as at the Napa Senior Center.

In addition, a Kaiser physician will speak to us about fall prevention. Area Agency on Aging will give us introductions to their Matter of Balance, Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance, and their exciting new BINGOCIZE program.

A special treat will be a representative attending from Family Drug to share their footwear, and to inform interested parties on the insurance that is available to get the shoes.

The where, when and time: Rohlffs Manor, Concordia Building Dining room, 2435 Sutherland Drive; Monday, Nov. 6, 2017; 9 a.m.  noon (check in time, 8:30)

A breakfast bar will be available, and lunch will be provided.

Please call the Area Agency on Aging at 707) 643-1797 to register.

Due to limited parking, we are being asked to park on Sutherland Drive, Baywood Lane or Linda Vista Avenue.

The news of our next event was sent to me by my friend, Ian Stanley Posadas, Program Director of LGBTQ, who does an amazing job of helping make everyone proud of who they are. Also, good things happen to good people. Ian is also a happy newlywed. Congratulations, Ian!

This coming Tuesday, Nov. 7 is Napa LGBT Seniors Discussion Group from 10:15-11:15 a.m. at Queen of the Valley Community Outreach, 3448 Villa Lane, Suite 102. There is plenty of parking and nearby bus transportation. (By the way, this is a monthly meeting for seniors held the first Tuesday of every month, same place, same time.)

As always, Ian is the facilitator for these meetings, and on Tuesday, Ian writes that the focus will be on embracing our resilience, whether it be recent fires, floods and earthquakes, or years of discrimination, hate and violence, it can seem like the world is trying to keep us down. Yet, time after time, we LGBT people find the ability to come together, rise and shine.

For the Nov. 7 LGBT seniors discussion group in Napa, we will discuss ways that we have been impacted by disasters and trauma, as well as ways that we have found to recover from the difficulties we face.

He adds, There are no strict age qualifications, so for those that consider themselves lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender older adults, please come! Also, light pastries, coffee & beverages will be offered. We look forward to seeing your there.

If you have any questions, email ian@lgbtqconnection.org or call 707-251-9432.

Thank you, Ian.

Actually, our next event is hardly formed, but I thought you might like to know about it. Im sure that most of you know Karen Schuppert who writes about healthy foods and delicious-sounding recipes in the Register. If youd like to have Fun in the kitchen with Karen, jot down Dec. 4. I recently asked Karen if she would consider teaching a class on: How does one become excited about cooking? I love my family and my friends, and would love to cook delicious meals for them, but its not happening. Thanks to Karen, it might happen!

So mark your calendar for Dec. 4 and well send more info when we have it.

I was pleased to receive this message, recently, from our friend and master meditation teacher, Dr. James Keolker, who is, by the way, the only teacher of meditation for seniors in Napa Valley.

Dr. Keolker will be presenting a Special Senior Healing Meditation Class for those who may have experienced loss or difficulty during last months devastating fires.

The place: Rianda House Senior Activity Center, at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 17.

Dr. Keolkers class will focus on the importance of maintaining calm. We have all been touched in one way of another by these terrible events, Keolker said, so this class will offer ways of moving on, even gratitude, so very beneficial as we approach the Thanksgiving season.

Thank you, Dr. Keolker, for offering a very timely and beneficial program.

One last important message that I would like for you all to pass along, if you would, please. We need to get this very timely information out ASAP, and Im counting on your help.

It concerns important disaster-related benefits available to many immigrant communities and others, but only a short window to apply.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Deadline to apply is Nov. 16.

What is DUA? Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is a federal program that provides financial Assistance and employment services to work authorized jobless workers and the self-employed who cannot work as a direct result of a major disaster. DUA is available to any work authorized unemployed worker or self-employed individual who lived, worked, or was scheduled to work in the disaster area on Oct. 8, and due to the disaster experienced one (or more) of the following:

 No longer has a job or a place to work;

 Cannot reach the place of work;

 Cannot work due to damage to their work place;

 Cannot work because of an injury caused by the disaster

How do you apply for DUA?

To apply go online at https://eapply4ui.edd.ca.gov (available in English and Spanish), or by phone between 8 a.m. and noon, Monday-Friday. English: 1-800-300-5616

For more information on Disaster Relief services visit www.wildfirerecovery.org and www.immigrantguide.ca.govSpanish: 1-800-326-8937

This is a time to reach out to all, and I know that you will.

Best wishes to all for a wonderful new week.
Voya Financial Honors Hawthorne, California, Teacher with First Place Voya Unsung Heroes Program Award

WINDSOR, Conn: Voya Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VOYA), a leading provider of retirement plans for educators, announced today that Ding-ay Tadena, a mathematics teacher at Hawthorne High School in Hawthorne, California, has received the first place prize in the company's national 2017 Voya Unsung Heroes awards competition.





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Through the Voya Unsung Heroes program, Voya Financial awards grants to K-12 educators nationwide to honor their innovative teaching methods, creative educational projects and ability to positively influence their students. Over its 20 years, the program has awarded more than $5 million in grants to more than 2,000 educators across the U.S.As the first place winner, selected from more than 1,200 applications, Tadena will receive $25,000 in addition to an initial $2,000 grant. This will bring her total financial award from Voya to $27,000. The money will be used to help fund "When Geometry Meets Fashion," an innovative program for students at Hawthorne High School."We are honored to recognize Ding-ay Tadena as the first place winner in the 2017 Voya Unsung Heroes program," said Heather Lavallee, president of Tax-Exempt Markets at Voya Financial. "For more than 20 years, Voya has recognized our nation's teachers who go above and beyond as they educate the children in their communities. In the same way that we help our clients prepare for and protect their financial futures, teachers set their students on the right path for a promising future. We are thrilled to be able to empower educators like Ding-ay to bring their innovative ideas to life."Tadena's innovative teaching idea, "When Geometry Meets Fashion," is focused on connecting "left brain and right brain" skills and applies a Project-Based Learning (PBL) strategy in her geometry classes. Students apply the math skills they have developed from Tadena's class to the study of music, art and fashion design. The Voya grant will allow Tadena to provide materials for a diverse array of mathematical art projects, including drawing, painting, fashion and accessory design, and more. Tadena believes by understanding and applying the crossovers between arts and mathematics, students will be able to find color, glamour and beauty in what is sometimes considered a mundane subject."The 'When Geometry Meets Fashion' program provides an exciting opportunity for our students to learn using both sides of their brains by merging mathematics and art," said Dr. Vanessa Landesfeind, principal of Hawthorne High School. "We often isolate subjects in school; however, by overlapping disciplines, you find there are many synergies that can be used to benefit our students' educational experiences. We are proud of the wonderful work Ding-ay is doing with her math students and hope this type of unique and innovative program will encourage others to use crossovers between subjects to help our youth excel."With the Voya grant, Tadena plans to purchase items for the program, including dress forms, expandable body forms, mannequins, sewing machines, assorted textiles, 3-D printers and art materials. These items will help ensure the continued success of the program for years to come and will allow other teachers to utilize the resources so they can also discover the joy of arts integration into other subjects.
Rs 10,000 Crore MoU signed between Govt of India and Patanjali

New Delhi November 3 : A memorandum of understanding (MoU) of Rs 10, 000 Crore was signed between the Government of India (GoI) and Patanjali on Friday at the World Food India 2017.





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The MoU was signed by Managing Director of Patanjali, Acharya Balkrishna and Harsimrat Kaur Badal, the Union Cabinet Minister of Food Processing in the Government of India.Speaking to ANI, Acharya Balkrishna said, "World Food India 2017 is a great initiative. This will generate new opportunities. This event will help people.""In our country there are lots of issues and adulteration in food is one of them. Duplicity is more dangerous than adulteration. Even foods not been processed in one of the issue. Hope steps will be taken up to deal with these issues", he added.Meanwhile, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, the Union Cabinet Minister of Food Processing also asserted, " This event that has brought together stakeholders from all food value chains to collaborate the increase in food processing in India.""Since food processing sector is the largest employment generator so youngsters of our country will get access to employment. Besides generating revenue this will help in the development of the country," she added.The World Food India 2017 organised at Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day.The three day-long event, organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, is set to host a congregation of global investors and business leaders of major food companies from November 3 to 5 in New Delhi.Earlier in October, Patanjali climbed from 45th place last year to 19th this year, in the Forbes magazine's Annual India Rich List 2017.
Ramdev to give tadka of 'Khichdi'

New Delhi , Nov 3 : In a attempt to promote 'Khichdi' as 'Brand India Food', Yoga guru Swami Ramdev on Saturday will give chhonk (tadka) for preparing 1 tonne of the dish at World Food India, Delhi.





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As reported, this attempt is to create Guinness World Record.The making of 'Khidchi' will take place in the presence of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal at India Gate at 12.30 pm.The three-day long event is set to host a congregation of global investors and business leaders of major food companies from November 3 to 5 in New Delhi.Earlier in the day, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) of Rs 10,000 crore was signed between the Government of India (GoI) and Patanjali at the event.
Trump extends Asia trip to attend East Asian Summit

Washington D.C. [United States], November 4 : United States President Donald Trump is extending his Asia trip by another day to attend the East Asian Summit in the Philippines.





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Speaking to the media prior to departing from the White House for his five-nation trip, Trump announced, "We're actually staying an extra day in the Philippines. We have a big conference, the second conference, and I think we're going to have great success," the Hill reported.White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders later confirmed the move.Trump's Asia trip commenced on November 3.He will tour Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.The trip already includes two regional summits: the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' meeting in Danang, Vietnam, and the U.S.-Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting in the Philippine capital of Manila.The 12th East Asian Summit will be held in Angeles.
AMERICAN CANYON  Governor Jerry Brown pleased officials in American Canyon and other California cities and counties with his veto last month of legislation governing the addition of wireless equipment atop utility poles.

Senate Bill 649, which was backed by the telecommunications industry, sought to establish statewide rules for the placement of small cell wireless facilities throughout the state. Small cell was defined as equipment taking up from 21 to 35 cubic feet of space atop streetlights and other poles.

American Canyon opposed the measure, saying it would have interfered with their governance of wireless infrastructure in neighborhoods and other parts of town.

The city has wanted to adopt a new ordinance that would define standards for the addition of antennas or wireless telecommunication facilities in the public right-of-way. The issue arose in 2016 after a company, Mobilite, contacted City Hall about placing cell equipment near homes and the Community Gym on Benton Way.

Council members approved a moratorium last year on the siting of new telecommunications antennas to give Cooper time to draft the ordinance.

But Cooper stopped working on the ordinance after SB 649 was introduced earlier this year in the state Legislature. He said there was no point in the city adopting new rules until it knew the fate of the legislation, which was introduced by Sen. Ben Hueso, D-Chula Vista, and co-authored by Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa.

With this behind us, we will resume work on a proper ordinance, said Cooper.

Dodd told the American Canyon Eagle in June that he supported SB 649 because consumer demand for reliable, high-speed wireless networks continues to expand rapidly across our state.

He said it was important that we install the necessary infrastructure to meet this demand and realize the economic benefits for our communities.

The former Napa County supervisor acknowledged the concerns of local governments like American Canyon and Yountville, which also opposed SB 649, while reiterating the need for the new law.

As someone who served in local government, said Dodd in June, I believe that its important to conform with reasonable local requirements while creating the most streamlined process possible to meet the broadband needs of our residents.

Dodd did not respond for comment regarding the governors veto.

Brown said in his veto message of SB 649 that there was something of real value in having a process that results in extending this innovative technology rapidly and efficiently.

Nevertheless, he added, I believe that the interest which localities have in managing rights of way requires a more balanced solution than the one achieved in this bill.
FT Ranking 2017: ACEM's Executive MBA No.6 Worldwide

SHANGHAI: Antai College of Economics and Management (ACEM) is delighted to announce that the Executive MBA Programme has continued its rise in Financial Times ranking and stands at No.6 in the world this year.





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The programme has gone up 26 places since first entering the rankings in 2013 and has been among global top 10 for three consecutive years.The programme is also ranked:aNo.1 in the world for 'Salary increase'aNo.2 in the world for 'Salary today'It has also made great strides in other evaluating criteria, up 44 slots in 'Career progress' over last year and placed at No.14 worldwide for 'Aims achieved'.It also holds No.13 worldwide for 'Female students', thanks to a growing number of female executives and entrepreneurs in the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai.With its strength in combining global knowledge with local insights, the programme has achieved sustained progress and maintained its position as top 10 in the world despite regulation changes brought by the Chinese government last year.Aimed at educating ethical business leaders, the programme devises practical curriculum catering to specific demands of doing business in China. The course modules centre on innovation, finance and the online economy, while incorporating the latest ideas and development trends based on in-depth research of the Chinese economy and numerous case studies of Chinese companies.In the meantime, the programme also strive to cultivate international perspective through overseas modules in countries including United States, Britain, France, Germany, Israel and Singapore, granting students opportunities to broaden horizons and acquire first-hand experiences through exchanges and internships.'The EMBA programme closely follows contemporary development of business and society and aims at training industrial leaders promoting China's economic progress,' said ACEM Dean Zhou Lin."The college has also worked hard to design unique teaching methods suitable for Chinese business schools and to inscribe our answer to the new challenges of business education in China.The more national, the more international, and that is the core competence behind ACEM's progress in global rankings,' concluded Dean Zhou.
Film Festivals Give Limelight to Crowdfunded Cinema

MUMBAI: Festival juries and the people align their movie choices as independent films funded on Wishberry get due recognition





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Two independent movies - Azmaish and Bhasmasur , crowdfunded Rs. 20 lakhs and Rs. 5 lakhs, respectively from a total of 192 people. The filmmakers chose India's largest crowdfunding platform, Wishberry to raise this amount. Both these films have been gaining attention in the International and Indian film festival circuits in the last few months.Azmaish is a documentary by Sahiba Sumar that stars two women - Indian actress, Kalki Koechlin and Pakistani filmmaker, Sabiha Sumar. The women go on a journey across India and Pakistan to understand why people in both the countries are turning to religious extremism for answers. The film had its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September amongst the likes of Aaron Sorkin's, Molly's Game. The documentary has already had the honour of having its World Premiere at the prestigious Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland, and is being screened at the BFI London Film Festival and the India Today Conclave. "I think crowdfunding is a great way of directly interacting with the audience and asking them to be a part of the project," said Kalki Koechlin, the award-winning actress and protagonist, when asked about Azmaish , the documentary that raised a whopping Rs. 20 lakhs via crowdfunding for post-production.Bhasmasur, an independent feature film made by Nishil Sheth shot entirely in rural Rajasthan, is the story of a father and a son, and their donkey. This movie, made by fresh talent right out of film school, needed Rs. 5 lakhs to reach the finish line. 72 funders came out in support of the movie and opted to receive various interesting rewards like original scripts as memorabilia and production workshops in return for their money. The film itself then went on to be selected to feature in the India Story section of the popular Mumbai Film Festival that had films like Hansal Mehta's, Omerta in its roster.Anshulika Dubey, COO and Co-founder, Wishberry says, "It is an exciting time for independent filmmakers. The festival recognition of crowdfunded cinema legitimizes the process in a huge way. Never before have people been able to claim that they were involved with a film that won a National Award, but that time has arrived."
Ayurveda Attracts US Students to India

KOCHI: Ayurveda, regarded as the mother of all medical sciences in the world, is increasingly attracting educated Western citizens to India, especially youth from the US who have shed their hippy-dippy image and started embracing organic food and lifestyle habits as never before.





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A 25-member postgraduate students' team, primarily comprising of US nationals, had their first exposure to the ancient healthcare tradition that has been practiced in India for 5,000 years at Sukhayus, a heritage wellness retreat at Fort Kochi, India by Punarnava Ayurveda Hospital, the globally acclaimed Ayurveda curative brand from India that has catered to thousands of patients from across the world during the last 25 years.The student tour was coordinated by Dr. Jaime Llambias-Wolff, Associate Professor at Division of Social Science, York University, Toronto and the group comprised of postgraduate students from various US universities. The visit to Punarnava was as part of a global tour to expose students to other systems of medicines that are in practice across the world.Dr. Jaseela Anvar, BAMS, MS, Medical Director of Punarnava Ayurveda led the scientific sessions on Ayurveda, she introduced students to the basics of Ayurveda, explained how it works in curative and wellness perspectives. Delegates actively participated in the sessions to better understand the Ayurveda approach towards managing various lifestyle disorders, degenerative autoimmune diseases and developmental delay in children. Students were exposed to Panchakarma process with the support of a live demonstration. A team of specialist doctors and researchers at Punarnava addressed their specific queries on Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy as well."Ayurveda has influenced the origin and evolution of many other traditional systems of healing in the world. A precise blend of Ayurveda and other interdisciplinary sciences along with modern diagnostics can work wonders in the management of many degenerative and auto-immune spectrum of disorders," said Dr. A.M. Anvar, Chairman and Managing Director of Punarnava Ayurveda."The recent years have witnessed an increased influx of students of Ayurveda from various countries especially the West and many of them are from reputed medical universities. This is a definite indication towards the widening acceptance for Ayurveda globally, and we are considering a global roadshow to take Ayurveda to more countries as part of our silver jubilee initiatives," said Dr. A.M. Anvar.
What Can 12 Million Conversations Tell Us About Mental Health?

BRIGHTON, England: A major new report examining 12.9 million online conversations surrounding mental health has been published today by national anti-bullying charity Ditch the Label, in partnership with leading social intelligence company Brandwatch.





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The largest study of its kind, the UK Mental Health Study 2017 explores the link between bullying and mental health by analysing public online conversations over the course of a five-year time period, across sites including Twitter, Instagram, blogs, forums and online news sources.Using social listening to surface unsolicited insights, the report attains an authentic picture of how the UK discusses mental health online everyday.Edward Crook, Research Manager at Brandwatch says, "There's a lot of existing research on mental health, but no one has ever conducted a digital study at this scale. Social media provides the biggest ever pool of human thought, and we used Brandwatch to understand 12.9 million of these conversations in the UK. This gives an unprecedented view of how we relate to mental health and how we experience symptoms. This is research with purpose; our findings are geared toward challenging the stigma surrounding mental health, improving awareness and tackling barriers to care."Research from Ditch the Label has continually drawn links between bullying and mental health issues, with their Annual Bullying Survey 2017 finding that of those who have been bullied online:a2 in 5 have gone on to develop social anxietya2 in 5 went on to develop depressiona1 in 4 have had suicidal thoughtsLiam Hackett, Founder and CEO of Ditch the Label says, "The link between bullying and mental health is indisputable. Young people tell us all the time that living with the stigma of mental health is often harder than living with the symptoms. This research clearly shows that the UK has a stoic culture with negative attitudes towards emotional openness and crying. In order to rectify the epidemic of mental illness, we must challenge the harmful cultural norms and encourage emotional openness and challenge stigma at all levels. One young person previously told us that at the age of 14, he is navigating through depression, anxiety and panic attacks whilst trying to balance the stress of being bullied and exams. No young person should ever have to go through that experience."
Wolverine Project Bootstrap Sheds Light On The Skills Gap

ROCKFORD, Mich: Wolverine, the brand synonymous with work boots and clothing since 1883, is shedding light on the skills gap with its third year of Project Bootstrap.





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Project Bootstrap is Wolverine's way of saying thank you to the women and men who keep the country running through their expert skills and strong work ethic. This year, Wolverine is supporting the next generation of trade workers by donating 2,000 boots directly to students at trade schools across the country.Wolverine Project Bootstrap has partnered with television series, This Old House, to highlight the skills gap. Wolverine and This Old House recognized students from the American College of the Building Arts in Charleston, South Carolina to hear more about their skills, what the skills gap means to them and to deliver the first round of Project Bootstrap donations. "We are hard-working people and take pride in work that most people don't take much time to notice," said Jacob Jackson, a high school junior with a focus on timber framing at the American College of the Building Arts. "It's not every day someone walks up to you and tells you they appreciate you."To further its commitment to close the skills gap, Wolverine has also donated $50,000 to This Old House's Generation Next initiative, a charitable campaign that encourages and empowers young people to join the skilled trades. All contributions to this initiative - approximately $500,000 this year - support the mikeroweWORKS Foundation's 2017 Work Ethic Scholarship Program. "The skills gap is a real problem and we need brands like Wolverine to make significant efforts to help fix it," said Mike Rowe, CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation and executive producer and host of Facebook's Returning the Favor. "If we don't invest in our future, the skills gap will continue to widen and we won't have enough trained workers to meet the demands."According to an analysis by the Bureau of Labor, trade jobs account for 54% of the labor market but only 43% of the country's workers are trained in the trades.[1] "We are focusing on students this year as our own small way of addressing the skills gap and saying thank you for their hard work," said Andrew Shripka, vice president of marketing at Wolverine. "Before they start their careers in masonry, carpentry or one of the many other skilled trades, we want to equip them with appropriate work boots for their jobs."Project Bootstrap is an embodiment of Wolverine founder G. A. Krause's belief in the possibility of opportunity, supporting employees and the importance of building for the future. In 2017, Wolverine will be donating boots to trade schools across the country including American College of the Building and Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Wolverine is also offering a discount to all students currently enrolled in a trade school with a valid school email address.
Hainan Stole the Spotlight at 2017 Montreal International Tourism and Travel Show

HAIKOU, China: On the morning of October 20, the two-day 2017 Montreal International Tourism and Travel Show rang up the curtain in Place Bonaventure.





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As the largest comprehensive tourism exhibition in Canada, Montreal International Tourism and Travel Show has been held for 29 sessions till now. With over 400 travel organizations worldwide (travel bureaus, tourism associations, travel agencies and airlines) involved and 1,000-odd activities covering seminars, delicacy fairs, cultural performances, etc., the 2017 Montreal International Tourism and Travel Show attracted nearly 40,000 practitioners and visitors.China National Tourist Office, Toronto led the travel organizations in Hainan Province, Guangdong Province, Shandong Province and Tibet Autonomous Region to participate in this show, in a bid to promote the image of "Beautiful China" and attract more tourists from North America.The exhibitors from Hainan Province, including the representative of Hainan Travel Promotion Center Co., Ltd., were led by Zhou Jiansong, Deputy Director of Policy and Regulation Division of Hainan Tourism Development Commission.With the background of coastal scenery, the booth of Hainan Province provided detailed tourist maps in English, foldout posters, and various souvenirs, such as fridge magnets and bookmarks.The booth was visited by a flow of Canadians for consultation and interaction, and receives overwhelming favorable comments. Canadians and visitors from other countries were more than happy to envisage their wonderful trip to Hainan Province after seeing tourism products of Hainan Province at the booth.
Candice Simons Honored as Diversity Business Leader by Corp! Magazine at 11th Annual Salute to Diversity Awards Celebration

DETROIT: Candice Simons, founder of Brooklyn Outdoor, a Detroit-based independent outdoor advertising agency, is being honored as a Diversity Business Leader by Corp! Magazine at the 11th Annual Salute to Diversity Awards Celebration.





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Simons founded Brooklyn Outdoor in 2013 with a mission to keep advertising dollars and employment in Michigan. Since 2013, she has built a powerhouse team of majority females. The company services world-renowned brands in cities across the U.S., including New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, and is the only major outdoor advertising firm headquartered in Detroit."Advertising is a traditionally male dominated industry. I am proud to be a female leader paving the way for more women to join the field and adding to the ongoing dialogue of diversity across all spectrums of business," said Simons. "I hope being recognized as a diversity leader inspires other females to take on leadership positions and shut down traditional biases."Simons, along with fellow honorees, will be recognized by Corp! Magazine during an Oct. 26 luncheon at the International Banquet Center in Detroit. 2017 honorees will be featured in the November/December issue of Corp! Magazine.
PSE and G Post-Sandy Investments Are Making New Jersey's Energy Grid 'Energy Strong'

NEWARK, N.J: Five years after Superstorm Sandy left millions of New Jerseyans without power, Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE and G) has completed strategic infrastructure investments that, in the event of another Sandy-like storm, will keep critical equipment out of floodwaters' way and the lights on for many.





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Under its $1.2 billion Energy Strong program, PSE&G has raised and reinforced electric substations and switching stations, replaced vulnerable natural gas mains and added technology to prevent critical customers from losing power.During Superstorm Sandy, 2 million of PSE&G's 2.2 million electric customers lost power."When the Energy Strong upgrades are complete, 490,000 PSE&G customers previously impacted would not lose power from flooding," said John Latka, senior vice president of electric and gas operations for PSE&G. "And customers who did lose power would be restored more quickly."Energy Strong infrastructure projects completed to date include:aRaised, eliminated or rebuilt 18 substations or switching stations that flooded during severe weather events. At the end of the program, 26 projects will be in service, including protected and eliminated substations and switching stations.aInstalled 240 miles of new, sturdy and durable plastic natural gas pipes in flood-prone areas. Approximately 90,000 customers served by those pipes are no longer at risk of losing gas service from floodwaters seeping into these previously leak-prone mains.aCreated redundancy and installed technology to reduce the number and duration of outages for 260 critical customers, including hospitals, wastewater treatment facilities, and police and fire stations. Also benefiting from this work are 412,500 customers and businesses in close proximity to critical customers.Click here to view video: Sandy: 5 Years LaterIn addition to making New Jersey's energy system stronger, the work is benefiting the state's economy by creating thousands of jobs over the life of the program."Our Energy Strong investments have gone a long way in making our system better able to stand up to severe weather events," Latka said. "But there is much more to be done. We have aging equipment that needs focused replacement programs, and a need to make the grid smarter, raise more stations in flood prone areas, and protect more customers against weather and gas supply outages."In addition to improving infrastructure, PSE&G has made significant changes to better communicate with customers before, during and after major storms."Since Superstorm Sandy, we've ramped up proactive and interactive communications with customers, and have more ways for people to stay informed about the status of repairs," Latka said.New communication tools include two-way texting, email notifications and an enhanced outage map that provides customers detailed information about power outages in their neighborhood and across PSE&G's service area. Social media, including Facebook and Twitter, continues to evolve as an important way for the company to communicate with customers."We hope to never see the likes of Sandy again, but we feel confident that our investments will ensure that our customers, employees and systems are better ready to weather severe storms in the future," Latka said.
College of Business at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Receives USD 150 Million Naming Gift

URBANA, Ill: The College of Business at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will be known as the Gies College of Business after an unprecedented investment from a distinguished alumnus. The gift, announced today, will accelerate progress towards being recognized as the best and most innovative business school in the nation.





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This monumental gift comes from Chicago businessman and College of Business alumnus Larry Gies (Geese) and his wife Beth. Their intent is to create an immediate and lasting impact for current and future students of the college through their $150 million investment."We are incredibly grateful and proud to have two successful U of I graduates reinvest in the very place where their entrepreneurial journey began. This ranks among the largest gifts to any business school in U.S. history," said Dean Jeffrey R. Brown, College of Business, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign."This gift is the result of strong confidence in the excellence of our students, the innovative spirit of our faculty and staff, and the vision and determination to make the Gies College of Business the best undergraduate business college in the country," Brown added.The investment will grow and strengthen the College of Business' key initiatives: deliver undergraduate excellence, create exceptional graduate programs, expand the boundaries of theoretical and applied business knowledge, and use technology to democratize education."The College of Business at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a very special place to me. It is on this campus that I developed a foundation for success. We are honored to give back to the college that gave so much to us and I hope our choice to make a decisive investment encourages others to do the same," said Larry Gies. "This investment is, and always will be about the students here and what we can become together - the greatest business school on earth, where purposeful leaders get the tools to pursue their passion to make the world a better place. I'm truly excited for our students and the future of our College."Larry Gies is the founder, President and CEO of Madison Industries, one of the largest and most successful privately held companies in the world. Madison builds entrepreneurially driven, branded market leaders that are dedicated to making the world safer, healthier and more productive through innovations in filtration, medical, process improvement, energy and safety."This investment makes a bold statement about the future impact the Gies College of Business will have on our campus and beyond. A gift of this size will allow us to significantly increase our investment in students, faculty and world-class programs, and will solidify our distinction as a global innovator in business," said University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Robert J. Jones. "As we begin our 'With Illinois' comprehensive fundraising campaign, signature gifts such as this demonstrate the transformational impact our alumni have on the university and the world.""I want to offer my congratulations to the College of Business on this historic gift," University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen said. "It comes at an important time of renewal and aspiration and will provide wonderful impetus to the recently launched philanthropic fundraising campaign, 'With Illinois.' It will benefit the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in fundamental and transformative ways."For over a century, the College of Business at the University of Illinois has consistently produced the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators impacting the global economy. Across the globe, it is recognized as a world-class institution for learning and practicing innovation, technology and entrepreneurship. In addition to opening the doors to immediate opportunity, this investment is also a catalyst for additional giving that will seal the college's position as a global leader in the field of business and innovation for generations.The college naming is pending approval by the Board of Trustees, scheduled for its Nov. 16 meeting in Chicago.
First Airplane Evacuation Sling for Wheelchair Users Launches on Kickstarter

SAN FRANCISCO: ADAPTS LLC today announced the launch of a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter for the world's first affordable and portable emergency evacuation sling for wheelchair users on an airplane. Simultaneously, A Disabled Passenger Transfer Sling (ADAPTS), will be demonstrated for the first time at the Abilities Expo in San Mateo, Calif. this weekend.





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Transfer Sling Targeted for Emergency EvacuationsADAPTS solves the longstanding problem of how to quickly and safely evacuate people with disabilities and injured people from disasters. ADAPTS' lightweight and strong fabric allows rescuers to move people to first responders. The convenient sling is essential anywhere a disaster strikes, including aircraft, cruise ships, public venues, hotels and homes. The compact sling is easy for travelers to carry. It can be used to rescue people from anywhere a stretcher can't go, such as floods, hurricanes, fires or earthquakes."When I was a flight attendant, I knew we needed a better way to save people, an actual device to move passengers with disabilities away from an airplane crash fast," Robin Wearley, founder of ADAPTS LLC, said."Every day I worry about people in wheelchairs who travel on planes," Wearley added.Precious Time and Lives Can be Saved with ADAPTS"Products like the ADAPTS system fill an important safety need for the entire disabled community," Jeff Butler, 2016 Paralympic Games USA wheelchair rugby team silver medalist, said.There is no affordable assistive device available in the marketplace today that carries wheelchair users or the injured down a narrow aisle to emergency exits during an airplane evacuation, according to ADAPTS LLC research."As wheelchair travelers increase in number and take to the skies, it is only a matter of time until one of us is caught in a life-and-death situation on an airplane," John Morris, disability advocate at WheelchairTravel.org, said.Currently, the grab and run method is the primary way airline crews get wheelchair passengers off of planes. ADAPTS allows anybody to rescue passengers, saving precious time during an emergency. Once at the bottom of the slide, they can be rapidly carried to first responders."Any evacuation device needs to be fast and simple to use, water and flame resistant, and have no sharp points to puncture inflatable slides," Wearley said.Kickstarter Brings ADAPTS to the WorldFrom Oct. 27 through Dec. 18, ADAPTS will be available through Kickstarter for a pre-order price of $129. The yellow sling is made from sturdy life jacket fabric and folds into a tote. Backers can support ADAPTS at a variety of reward levels.After a successful Kickstarter campaign, ADAPTS will be available next year.ADAPTS will be demonstrated for the first time at the San Mateo Abilities Expo this weekend at booth 340. The Expo features recent technologies, products and lifestyle solutions to improve the lives of people with disabilities and their communities.
Olives from Spain Invites Us to Discover Tapas

NEW YORK: To talk about Spanish cuisine is to talk about tapas, or gastronomy in small bites. Tapas are an informal and fun way to enjoy food, with friends or family, which has recently gained more and more followers around the world.





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Have an Olive Day makes the tapas tradition available to the American consumer with new ways to enjoy the par excellence tapa: olives.To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8209951-olives-from-spain-invites-discover-tapas/Spain is the country with more bars per inhabitant in the world, making going out a founding element of Spanish culture. Historically, social relations have been built around bars. Whether between its walls or on its terraces lies the unmistakable gastronomy of tapas. To say Spanish tradition is to say tapas. And to say tapas is to say olives.Olives have always been known as the Queen of the Tapas. There are plenty of reasons for this reign. Being a preserved food, they are always at their best moment of consumption. With a simple drain and serve, the waiter has the ideal appetizer ready. Having in its flavor notes of the four basic flavors; sweet, salty, bitter and sour, they go well with any type of beverage, well beyond its classic introduction in a dry martini.A classic in constant evolutionTapas have undergone an authentic revolution, and are now placed at the top of the gastronomy list without it's simplicity. With such a growth in popularity, it's possible today to find tapas bar coast to coast in North America.Olives are one of the pillars of this transformation. They are still an icon of the bars in their original format, but they are also the protagonists of the new trend that bets on tapas as the new gastronomy. Simple but with incredible presentations to make tapas a must for the 21st century.
The Ninth Measure Releases 'Homecoming' as New Praise and Worship CD

DENVER, Colorado: The Ninth Measure, the acclaimed Praise and Worship band based in Denver, released their debut CD this week featuring 12 original songs. Providing the faithful with inspirational and meaningful messages wrapped into unique rhythms, sound and presentation, The Ninth Measure has created a masterpiece of style and distinction.





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In the album 'Homecoming,' the audience is provided a 'no song sounds the same approach,' although every song lifts the Lord in Praise as well the listener in spirit. The album 'Homecoming' provides the ultimate listening experience and the opportunity to just feel good.Featured tracks include:1.Emmanuel With Us - Music and lyrics by Michael S. Young2.Heaven is Your Home to Stay - Music and Lyrics by Michael S. Young3.Magdalena - Music and Lyrics by Michael S. Young4.Miracles - Music and Lyrics by Michael S. Young, Featuring Alex Tyler5.Porch Swing - Music and Lyrics by JewelAnne6.Waves of Mercy - Music and Lyrics by Michael S. Young7.Just Thinkin'- Music and Lyrics by Michael S. Young8.Take Care of Everything - Music and Lyrics by Michael S. Young9.Walk With Me Jesus - Music and Lyrics by Michael S. Young10.Spirit Take Me Higher - Music and Lyrics by Michael S. Young11.Light Through His Wounds - Music and Lyrics by Michael S. Young, featuring Marcus Allen12.Dancing on the Moonbeam - Music and Lyrics by Michael S. YoungFeatured Artists:Emily Adams - VocalsJewelAnne - VocalsDoug Heath - BassZach Kaiser - CongasJeff McGarrity - KeysMichael S. Young - Guitar & VocalsEngineered by - Alex TylerProducers - Alex Tyler, Michael S. Young
China Zero Emission Vehicle Requirement Mandate Boosts Battery Electric Powertrain Demand

BOSTON: New mandates are to impose tougher limits on fuel consumption and harmful emissions from cars and light trucks. The mandate in China will require 8 percent of auto makers' sales to consist of zero (tailpipe) emission vehicles in 2019 - an equivalent of 120,300 battery electric vehicles to the Volkswagen Group.





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The Strategy Analytics report, "OEM Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Strategies: China ZEV Requirement Accelerates Electric Vehicle Demand", comments on recent developments in electrification and the effect on auto makers' powertrain strategies.Click here for the report: http://bit.ly/2zQ7w7JCertain US states, such as California, are also tightening their ZEV Requirement mandate to 4.5 percent of sales in Model Year 2018 and 22 percent of sales in MY 2025. In addition, certain countries are to impose bans on the sale of combustion engine-only vehicles from as early as 2025, all in the effort to limit air pollution.As Europe has tried to limit greenhouse gas emissions, it has encouraged the use of diesel powertrains, inadvertently causing a rise in nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions. The Volkswagen diesel emission scandal has dented consumer confidence in diesel and so Strategy Analytics expects auto makers will turn to 48-Volt mild hybrids as a near-term solution. Chronic air pollution in Chinese cities has led to the government taking a tougher line and force auto makers to go to battery electric.The result is that Strategy Analytics now expects a total of over 22 million electrified vehicles to be shipped in 2024, with battery electric, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles all seeing very strong growth rates.However, Kevin Mak, Senior Analyst at the Automotive Practice of Strategy Analytics adds caution. "Despite Volkswagen Dieselgate, do not expect to see a mass conversion from diesel to battery electric overnight. Battery and charging technologies are improving, but are not really ready yet to develop models with a practical 300 mile driving range and a 15 minute recharge time. Auto makers face the challenge of meeting the near-term mandates with hybridization and still invest billions of dollars to enable a battery electric long-term future."
I can't think of anyone better than Yevgenia Albats to tell the back story of why the Russians hacked the U.S. election and flooded Facebook and Twitter with fake political ads.

Albats is the prize-winning editor-in-chief of the last independent Russian political weekly, The New Times, and an anchor with Moscow's last independent radio station, Echo Moskvy. This week she is the inaugural writer-in-residence at the University of Pennsylvania's Perry World House and Kelly Writers House.

It takes phenomenal courage to pursue independent journalism these days in Moscow. One of Echo Moskvy's correspondents was stabbed in the neck two weeks ago. And a few years ago, when Albats sent her Subaru to be serviced, the mechanics found a plastic package under the hood containing a Nokia cellphone and plastique explosives. Seven months ago, the bolts on her tires were unscrewed.

The Committee to Protect Journalists lists 58 Russians killed since 1992 while covering politics, crime, war and human rights, with 24 others murdered for unknown motives.

So it's a far cry from the heady days in 1990 when Mikhail Gorbachev's glasnost policy loosened press restrictions, and gutsy journalists like Albats seized the chance to start revealing Soviet secrets. That year I shared an office with her at Moscow News, the newspaper at the forefront of glasnost, where I was an exchange journalist, as she started writing about the KGB. She later wrote the seminal book The State Within a State: KGB and Its Hold on Russia.

Today, says Albats, the KGB has been reincarnated big time in its new form under Vladimir Putin. She says Russia has become a corporation where security, the economy, and virtually all media are controlled by intelligence agencies and the military, from which all top officials now come. Putin, of course, is a former KGB colonel.

Understanding that KGB dominance helps answer the big question: Why did the Kremlin try to hurt Hillary Clinton and presumably help Donald Trump?

Albats cites two key reasons: Putin's yen for revenge against Clinton and his desire to discredit the U.S. ballot. The Russian leader's KGB mentality is the key to both.

Putin believed Washington was behind the so-called color revolutions in several ex-Soviet republics in the 1990s, while Bill Clinton was president. He held Hillary personally responsible for massive protests in Russia in 2011 and 2012 against unfair elections. And he "absolutely believed" the United States organized a popular uprising in Kiev in 2014 that led to the ouster of a Putin-backed Ukrainian president.

"Putin thought, 'You, Clinton, did what you did in my back yard. I'll show you what I can do to you,'" says Albats. "They can't comprehend the idea that people might rise up out of convictions."

Moreover, the Kremlin "was afraid of Hillary" because they believed she would maintain U.S. sanctions imposed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "There was constant anti-Clinton and pro-Trump propaganda on Russian TV in 2016," she recalled. The Kremlin was convinced Trump would lift the sanctions, which had really hurt the ruling elite.

But the Kremlin also believed U.S. polls and thought Trump couldn't win the election. So Putin's second goal, Albats says, was "to bring about chaos. Putin believes in managed chaos." The aim was to exacerbate divisions in U.S. society as well as harm the reputation of the woman he thought would win.

The Russian leader also wanted to message to his own people that "U.S. democracy doesn't exist, or fair elections, and that freedom leads to chaos." The leading Russian talk show host, Dmitry Kiselyov, a mouthpiece for Putin, told his audience in September 2016, on state-controlled TV, that the U.S. establishment might kill Trump because he was ready to come to an agreement with Russia. In other words, the U.S. system is no different from theirs.

When Trump won, the Russian leadership was ecstatic. "There were celebrations with Champagne in the state Duma," Albats says, and Putin's elite thought sanctions would end immediately, and they could shop again elsewhere in Europe and vacation in the south of France.

So Putin was shocked that Trump didn't immediately deliver. "They were stunned because in their psyche, Trump is the most important man on Earth and he is constrained by who -- by Congress? They don't understand that Trump can't just call these people and tell them to lift sanctions. In Russia, the KGB would just put a camera in an apartment" of key legislators and use blackmail.

Although Putin has been thwarted in his expectations of Trump, this doesn't mean he won't try to meddle in U.S. politics again.

As Albats points out, Russian meddling is about more than Trump or Clinton. It is about Putin's hostility toward the U.S., which he considers Russia's Enemy No. 1. Hacking and manipulation of social media are but one dangerous tool in his effort to weaken his adversary.

So long as Trump refuses to recognize that reality and devise a counter-strategy, he is helping Putin continue this dangerous game.
British Ambassador to the United States of America Heralds the Arrival of the New Rolls-Royce Phantom

WASHINGTON: The New Rolls-Royce Phantom made its debut in the nation's capital yesterday evening at an event hosted by Sir Kim Darroch, the British Ambassador to the United States at his official residence in Washington D.C. New Phantom is the pinnacle offering from Rolls-Royce, the world's leading luxury brand.





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As the longest existing nameplate in motoring history, Phantom has defined British luxury craftsmanship for more than 92 years. Every modern Rolls-Royce is handcrafted exclusively at The Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England."Rolls-Royce is an outstanding example of a British luxury brand that combines modern engineering with classic British style," said Sir Kim. "American car enthusiasts appear to like the result, whether Rolls-Royce or other British car brands: the US is the single largest country market for British cars, and the latest Rolls-Royce Phantom is sure to be another hit, representing as it does a unique combination of state of the art design with handcrafted excellence."Speaking from the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England, Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce, Torsten Muller-Atvos said, "As the world's leading luxury brand, we at Rolls-Royce are proud to carry the message around the globe that Great Britain's luxury industry is the world's best. I thank Sir Kim for welcoming New Phantom, the world's leading luxury product, to America in such style.""We are proud that the newest and most exclusive member of the Rolls-Royce family has been welcomed to America by the British Ambassador to the United States," said Pedro Mota, President of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Americas. "Rolls-Royce continues to represent the very best of luxury craftsmanship in the world. For well over a century, Rolls-Royce has been a global beacon for British luxury manufacturing excellence. With the arrival of New Phantom, considered by those in the know as 'The Best Car in the World,' the United States is poised to remain the largest market for Rolls-Royce, worldwide," added Mota.New Phantom offers a wholly new, innovative and contemporary interpretation of the Rolls-Royce Phantom DNA. New levels of luxury, technology and silence are underpinned by "The Architecture of Luxury", an all-aluminium spaceframe architecture designed by Rolls-Royce engineers at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood.
Radio Flyer Offers Personalized I See Me! Children's Book

CHICAGO: Just in time for the holidays, Radio Flyer and I See Me! are launching a new fully customizable children's book. The book, My Radio Flyer Adventure, allows adults to personalize the dedication, pick the Radio Flyer product, as well as select the character's name, gender, hair color, and skin tone to create the first-ever one-of-kind I See Me! children's book.





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In celebration of Radio Flyer's 100th anniversary, the storyline commemorates storytelling, imagination and outdoor play - values Radio Flyer has been committed to for ten decades. It marks the first time the beloved I See Me! children's books have partnered with a toy brand to make a memorable experience."We're really excited to launch our first customizable children's book," says chief wagon officer Robert Pasin. "When you say 'Radio Flyer' to someone, the first thing they do is smile and the second thing they do is tell a story - a theme we wanted to capture with this book. We're proud to create timeless toys that act as vehicles of the imagination, inspiring adventure, active play and warm memories that last a lifetime."The My Radio Flyer Adventure story follows a child as they take an incredible adventure using their imagination and Radio Flyer product of choice - either a wagon, tricycle or bike. The 20-page book features unbelievable creatures and destinations with illustrations reminiscent of their award-winning short film, Taking Flight."Radio Flyer's mission to bring smiles to kids of all ages came together with I See Me's mission to make each child feel special, and the result is a beautifully illustrated book that makes your child the hero with their Radio Flyer," says Maia Haag, Co-Founder and President of I See Me!The custom book is now available online at RadioFlyer.com, retailing for $29.99. Simply visit the site and upload the requested information. A bound, hardcover book will arrive within 6-8 business days.
Pumpkins with a Purpose

MISSISSAUGA, ON: For Canadians wanting their pumpkins to stand out amongst the crowd this year, giving their pumpkin a purpose could do the trick.





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World Vision is asking Canadians to raise awareness about the world's vulnerable children by including a heart in their design and posting a photo to social media with the hashtag #CarveAHeart. World Vision has created three fun and unique heart stencils for pumpkin carvers of all abilities to help get things started."Last year, we saw Canadians from coast to coast show their support and raise awareness for families living in difficult circumstances by carving a heart in their pumpkin. We're excited to see this initiative grow as more families and friends take part," says Megan Radford de Barrientos, a World Vision Canada writer who put together this compilation of last year's initiative.Every Halloween, families carve fun, scary or cool designs into their pumpkins and leave them on the porch for the amusement of trick or treaters. By carving a heart and posting a photo of their pumpkin to social media with the hashtag #CarveAHeart, families can add purpose to this fun fall activity.Canadians can also show their support by texting LOVE to 41010 to donate $5. The funds will be directed to the gift of "Crop Seeds for Farmers" from the World Vision Gift Catalogue.World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization working to create lasting change in the lives of children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by our Christian values, World Vision is dedicated to working with the world's most vulnerable people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.
Using a molecular method likely to become widely adopted by the field, researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health have discovered brain circuitry essential for alertness, or vigilance - and for brain states more generally. Strikingly, the same cell types and circuits are engaged during alertness in zebra fish and mice, species whose evolutionary forebears parted ways hundreds of millions of years ago. This suggests that the human brain is likely similarly wired for this state critical to survival.

"Vigilance gone awry marks states such as mania and those seen in post-traumatic stress disorder and depression," explained Joshua Gordon, M.D., Ph.D., director of the NIH's National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), which along with the National Institute on Drug Abuse, co-funded the study. "Gaining familiarity with the molecular players in a behavior - as this new tool promises - may someday lead to clinical interventions targeting dysfunctional brain states."

Karl Deisseroth, M.D., Ph.D., Matthew Lovett-Barron, Ph.D., and Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, colleagues, report on findings using a neural activity screening technology they call Multi-MAP (Multiplexed-alignment of Molecular and Activity Phenotypes) online Nov. 2, 2017 in the journal Cell.

For the first time, Multi-MAP makes it possible to see which neurons are activated in a behaving animal during a particular brain state - and subsequently molecularly analyze just those neurons to identify the subtypes and circuits involved.

In this case, the researchers used the technique to screen activity of neurons visible through the transparent heads of genetically-engineered larval zebra fish. They gauged vigilance by measuring how long it took the animals to swish their tails in response to a threatening stimulus.

A molecular analysis revealing subtypes led to identification of six suspect circuits composed of distinct populations of neurons that modulate neuronal activity, only one of which had previously been linked to vigilance. Virtually the same players were operative in follow-up experiments examining such reaction time-related circuitry in mouse brain. Using optogenetics - another breakthrough exploratory tool developed by Deisseroth and colleagues -- the researchers narrowed the field to three circuits that definitively boost alertness in mice, including the one previously known. The other three are thought to play a reportorial rather than regulatory role.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed a new drug screening technique that could lead to the rapid and accurate identification of fentanyl, as well as a vast number of other drugs of abuse, which up until now have been difficult to detect by traditional urine tests.

The method, outlined in the current edition of the journal Analytical Chemistry, addresses a serious public health emergency related to opioid addiction and unintentional overdose deaths: the lack of a reliable and inexpensive test that allows for comprehensive surveillance of synthetic drugs flooding the illegal market.

The new method would eliminate a two-stage process currently in use for drug monitoring by allowing technicians to run many tests at once in a high throughput manner -- dramatically cutting processing time while improving screening accuracy with quality assurance. Importantly, this mass spectrometric method can also screen for a wider range of drugs of abuse, as well as identify designer drugs that elude conventional tests.

New technologies are urgently needed, given a worldwide epidemic of prescription and illicit drug abuse and its devastating impacts on public health. According to a recent report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime approximately 35 million people worldwide used opioid drugs in the year 2014. In 2016, the Public Health Agency of Canada reported an estimated 2,800 people died of opioid overdoses alone. It expects that number to rise to at least 3,000 in 2017.

Conventional tests using immunoassays fall short because they cannot detect the alarming assortment of drugs, which include synthetic opioids, tranquilizers, stimulants and anti-anxiety agents. Additional confirmation tests are also required due to a high rate of false positives and false negatives, which slows the process further.

Lab Diagnostics & Automation eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today

"Drug testing is always behind the times since screening relies on antibody reagents that target only known drugs and they are prone to error, which contributes to higher health care costs and delays to clinical decision making," explains Phillip Britz-McKibbin, a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at McMaster and lead author of the study.

"Current technologies are not specific, accurate nor comprehensive enough, which impairs a physician's ability to properly care for patients, such as monitoring for drug compliance, potential substitution or polydrug usage," he says.

This problem extends beyond pain management; take, for example, a clinically depressed patient. Prescribed anti-anxiety medications can be harmful if taken at the wrong dosage or not taken at all, leading to a higher risk for self-harm especially if mixed with other drugs. Only accurate urine tests can show whether or not the patient is following a doctor's prescription or taking other harmful substances that can compromise treatment efficacy and patient safety, explains Britz-McKibbin.

Researchers plan to validate the method relative to conventional screening tests for a broad spectrum of drugs of abuse on a cohort of in-patients, currently under physician care.
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Latest news on NAC meet

There is no date that has been fixed for the NAC meet as yet. However if the government wants to go ahead with the pay hike by January, then the NAC will have to meet. Only once the NAC clears the proposal and suggests to the government can the pay hike be implemented.

Latest news on pay hike

The government is clear that the pay hike would be raised from Rs 18,000 to Rs 21,000. Employees want the hike to be at Rs 26,000. However the economy has been hit badly post GST and demonetisation. Hence there is no proposal as of now to hike the basic minimum pay to Rs 26,000.

Knocking Jaitleys door

The CG employees say that they are tired of the assurances being given by the officials. Most officials are however in the dark about the latest developments. Soon, the CG employees would meet with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. Only he can give some clarity on the matter, the employees feel. Jaitley was the one who in fact assured the employees that the matter regarding the hike would be looked into following which the NAC was formed.

7th Pay Commission frustration to end in the New Year

While 2017 was a bad year for the CG employees thanks to the poor recommendations made by the 7th Pay Commission, 2018 could be a better year. No doubt there has been a delay, but various sources say that the government is doing its best to give the pay hike by January 2018.
'Add water bodies to list of your deities': Kamal Haasan

India

pti-PTI

Chennai, Nov 4: Expressing concern over the encroachment of water bodies, veteran actor Kamal Haasan, a self- declared atheist, urged people to add water bodies to the list of their deities.

"Add to the list of your deities... start paying obeisance to rivers and rain. If that kind of devotion comes, they will be protected," he said.

The fact that such an appeal came "from an atheist" like him shows how concerned he is about the fate of water bodies, Haasan said. He alleged that efforts were being made to turn water bodies into real estate.

The actor's comments came at a meeting convened by a coordination committee of various farmers associations. His remarks also assumed significance in the wake of incessant torrential rains in Chennai and its suburbs and severe water-logging in many areas, leading to fears of a repeat of the 2015 deluge here.

After the 2015 deluge, charges were levelled that unplanned development of real estate, with water bodies and water paths encroached to build concrete structures, had led to the flooding. Haasan, who had recently visited Ennore creek where he voiced concern over encroachment and fly ash affecting fishermen's livelihood and threat of flooding, also expressed concern over the fate of water bodies in the city.

There is no information on lakes in and around Chennai and attempts are being made to turn them into real estate, he said.

The actor claimed a "river has gone missing" in Tamil Nadu, but did not elaborate on it. Haasan, who has been dropping hints of taking the political plunge of late, said his supporters and "some friends", numbering around five lakh, have plans to refurbish water bodies in the state. They would soon meet farmers' representatives to implement the proposal, he added.

"Agriculture is an ancient and fantastic profession. It even inspired wars, but songs, poems and science also grew because of it... the 7,000 year-old agriculture is required even today," he said.

The national award-winning actor also took a swipe at the extraction of hydrocarbons, another issue in Tamil Nadu.

"Hydrocarbons cannot be eaten and are meant to be used in lifeless machines. It is not fit for man and nature. Plundering nature in the name of development and science has affected the world, particularly India," he said.

Locals and farmers have been resisting extraction of hydrocarbons from farm lands in Kathiramangalam and Neduvasal.

PTI
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 01:49:50|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) and 15 opposition parties agreed on Friday to reform the country's electoral system and scrap the simple majority vote system.

Under the new electoral rule, Ethiopia will have a hybrid electoral system composed of 80 percent simple majority vote system and 20 percent proportional vote electoral system.

The two sides have been locked in discussions for months on reforming Ethiopia's electoral law which follows simple majority vote system.

Ethiopia's fragmented opposition parties say the simple majority system unfairly favors EPRDF and marginalizes the diverse voices of opposition supporters.

EPRDF and opposition parties also agreed to increase the federal parliamentary seats from the current 547 to 660 to accommodate the electoral system changes.

In the last national election in May 2015, EPRDF and allied regional parties swept all 547 federal parliamentary seats, sparking criticism against the simple majority voting system.
From hijab to Kashmir, Zawahiri was Al-Qaeda's voice for everything anti-India

As Al-Qaeda scouts for new chief, Indian agencies worry about an Islamic State spillover

They stay among you to kill you: Ansarul Bangla Team could be Indias biggest threat

Al-Qaeda suspect accuses Tihar jail authorities of sexual assault

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

A Delhi court has sought the response of Tihar Jail authorities on a sexual harassment complaint of a British national inside the prison where he is lodged for allegedly recruiting youths for al-Qaeda to carry out terror activities.

27-year-old Shamiun Rahman, a British national of Bangladeshi origin, was arrested in September for his alleged involvement in recruiting Rohingya Muslims for the terror outfit and train them to fight against the Myanmarese army.

In his application moved before Additional Sessions Judge Siddharth Sharma, he alleged that he was sexually harassed by Tihar Jail security personnel and inhuman behaviour was meted out to him by the prison authorities.

The court directed the jail authorities to file response on the application moved by advocate M S Khan by November 8.

The accused alleged that he was forced to live in inhuman conditions inside the jail and it lacks basic facilities such as proper food, drinking water, sanitation and medical aid.

The Special Cell of Delhi Police had alleged that the process of radicalisation of Rahman alias Raju Bhai began in a jail in London where he was lodged on charges of rash driving.

During this period, he stayed at various madrassas in Kishanganj (Bihar), Hazaribagh (Jharkhand), NCR and other places. He had plans to set up base in Mizoram or Manipur to train radicalised youths.

An FIR was filed by the special cell after his arrest under various provisions relating to the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Arms Act and Passport Act.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Saturday, November 4, 2017, 6:08 [IST]
Alleged gang rape and murder of Class 8 tribal student sparks tension

India

oi-Amitava

By Amitava

Alleged gang rape and murder of a student in Kadirgunj village in North Dinajpur district of West Bengal has sparked tension. The victim, a class 8 student belonged to the tribal community.

The incident occurred at Kadirgunj village under the Karandighi Police Station in North Dinajpur.

On Friday night the parents of the victim had gone to a nearby village to attend Raas celebrations. The victim who is the eldest of the 4 daughters was sleeping in the veranda.

It is believed that the assailants had stifled her and carried her to the nearby Litchi groves where they gang raped her. Followed this they allegedly strangled her to death and left the dead body on the veranda.

The parents returned late at night. They initially thought that their daughter was in deep sleep. However when she did not respond to their calls, closer inspection revealed the horrific truth.

She had bled from the nose and her body bore marks on injury. There was mud and grass all over her body.

Police state prima facie she was taken to the Litchi groves and gang raped and then strangled to death. The groves signs of resistance. A post mortem has been conducted.

"Situation is tense. As a preventive measure we have deployed additional police force to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control" stated Ayesha Rani, District Magistrate.

"We have given 72 hours deadline to the police to arrest the culprits. If they fail to do so we will bring the district to a grinding halt" threatened Samuel Marandi of the Tribal Coordination Committee.

The incident has stoked fear of a rerun of the July 15 incident in which a group of tribals allegedly vandalised a bus stand, ransacked and torched shops in Raigunj, the district head quarters, North Dinajpur.

The agitators were protesting against the "molestation and attempted rape" of two tribal women near the waiting room of Raigunj bus stand on July 9.

Later, local shop owners blocked roads in protest and called for an indefinite strike.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Saturday, November 4, 2017, 23:16 [IST]
From using Bhagwad Gita to local rowdies, Christian missionaries are on overdrive mode in Karnataka

BJP workers pelt stones at Yeddyurappa's vehicle

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Some BJP workers pelted stones at party's state president B S Yeddyurappa's vehicle in Banasandra of Turuvekere on Friday.

Irked by Yeddyurappa not stopping at their constituency, supporters of Nagesh Choudari, a ticket aspirant for the upcoming assembly election, pelted stones and created a ruckus.

Nagesh is said to have gathered about a 1000 supporters at Banasandra to show the support he has got.

Yeddyurappa decided not to stop over at the spot. Irked by this the supporters of the local leader resorted to stone pelting.

Yeddyurappa, has meanwhile, denied any division within the party and said that all concerns would be addressed

Nagesh is said to have been sacked from the party last week after allegations of anti-party activities were levelled against him. Supporters were also looking for an explanation from Yeddyurappa on Nagesh's sacking.

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Story first published: Saturday, November 4, 2017, 13:41 [IST]
Mayor Priya is not the puppet but the savior - How did Chennai recover from the floods?

Chennai: Heavy rains to continue, no respite for another 2 days

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

The rain woes for Chennai are expected to continue. Heavy showers are expected to take a break in the morning and afternoon on November 5.

However on November 5 from evening onwards, rainfall activity is expected to pick up pace reports Skymetweather. Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to occur during the night and will continue until morning.

On November 6 there would be no breaks in rains, Rains are expected over the city of Chennai during the day. Thus, moderate to heavy rainfall activity will occur over the city throughout the day. The night will also not provide much relief and showers will continue until the morning hours, Skymetweather also reported.

A government release said 105 relief camps have been set up in chennai. Facing criticism over the handling of rains in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister K Palaniswami visited several water- logged parts of the city and its suburbs, insisting that his government was working on a "war-footing". He was accompanied by his deputy O Panneerslevam and senior officials. Schools and colleges, closed since October 31, remained shut in Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts, as the Tamil Nadu government appealed to private firms to allow their employees to work from home. The Marina Beach area recorded a whopping 30 cm of precipitation. A middle-aged farmer was electrocuted at Manal Agaram near Tiruvarur when he stepped on a snapped live wire lying under water in his field, police said, raising the death toll in rain-related incidents to eight since October 27, when the northeast monsoon arrived.

Fear of 2015 deluge? As the heavy spell led to fears of a repeat of the December 2015 deluge, the AIADMK government sought to dispel such rumours. It asked people not to pay heed to rumours on social media that many lakes and reservoirs around the city were about to surplus and that water would be released. "Do not spread and believe in rumours #work from home and 3rd Nov leave is 2 avoid traffic jams nd to avoid any untoward incident(sic)," the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Agency tweeted.

Most parts of the city and suburbs received heavy rains last night, with the DGP office near the Marina Beach gauging a maximum of 30 cm of precipitation in 24 hours ending 8.30 am today. The famous Marina beach front and service lanes were under water.

OneIndia News
'Medicine can also be studied in Tamil medium!' - CM Stalin's efforts are getting a growing response

Mayor Priya is not the puppet but the savior - How did Chennai recover from the floods?

Chennai Rains: Why residents are not convinced by CMs assurance of working on war-footing basis

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

Chennai, Nov 4: All these days as rain battered Chennai and coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, raising fear of a repeat of deadly 2015 floods, senior leaders of the ruling state government, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), almost went into a hiding.

The anger among the public was palpable as they alleged that the government agencies failed to clear the lakes and construct proper storm water drains to retain the rain water which led to almost flood-like situation in the capital city once again.

Till late Friday night, Chennai witnessed 55 mm of rains, a record downpour for which the city's infrastructure is not strong enough to withstand.

So far, eight people were killed in rain-related incidents across the state since the beginning of northeast monsoon late October. Schools and colleges in Chennai will remain closed on Saturday too. In fact, educational institutions in the city and nearby places have been closed since Tuesday. Several exams too have been postponed.

Amid criticism of the AIADMK regime's handling of the rain situation in the state, Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Friday visited various parts of the city and its suburbs, hit by water-logging, insisting that his government was working on a "war-footing".

Accompanied by his deputy O Panneerslevam and senior officials, the CM visited RK Nagar and Perungalathur on the city outskirts.

"Low-lying areas with water-logging were identified in the Chennai Corporation (limits) and Kancheepuram district. Workers (in Chennai) worked on a war-footing and stagnant water has been removed," the CM told reporters.

People asked me to devise a permanent solution to the issue of inundation, Palaniswami said. As part of the government's resolve to address the issue, a storm water drain system is being constructed for the city's needs and the work is over on 300 km of the proposed 386 km long system, he said.

The entire work will be completed soon, he said without divulging further details.

The AIADMK leader added the government acted "quickly" to ensure there was no water stagnation in the city.

To a question, he said encroachments on water bodies were being removed in line with court orders, and denied that there was any delay in this work.

The CM said following the plans devised post-December 2015 deluge in the city, the government has ensured there was no stagnation of water this year despite the heavy downpour, he said.

"You saw how much of water stagnation was there in Bengaluru and Mumbai," Palaniswami said while asserting that his government was doing a better job.

Tamil Nadu ministers accompanied by designated officials have fanned out to various affected areas and are overseeing the relief activity, he said.

The state government has been facing criticism from the opposition, including Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), over handling of the monsoon fury.

They have also questioned the claim of the state government that it had undertaken desilting works ahead of the monsoon.

Meanwhile, Principal Revenue Secretary K Satyagopal said a 43 personnel-strong team of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was camping in suburban Tambaram to attend to any kind of exigencies.

However, residents of the city are not convinced by the CM's assurances.

"Our politicians will never admit their faults. Thankfully, till now rains are lesser than 2015 December, otherwise situation would have been far worse. The entire Chennai and neighbouring areas are partially flooded. It's true the state received record rainfall again, but things could have been better if the government had improved the infrastructure," alleged a Chennai-based environmentalist.

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Story first published: Saturday, November 4, 2017, 6:49 [IST]
Demonetisation - Has the Government achieved what it promised?

India

oi-Shreya

By Shreya

On November 8, 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a massive move aimed at curbing circulation of black money announced that Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes would cease to be legal tender, and hence have to be deposited in banks. He claimed that the move would help in bringing more transparency in the economy and would help expose the ones indulging in the circulation of unaccounted cash.

The Prime Minister had also said that ATMs and banks would be lacking in cash for 3 says on the day of the announcement, however, this period of lack of availability of cash ran into months and soon people who were cheering for the move before, started questioning the decision.

If reports are to be believed, over 150 people died waiting in the serpentine queues at the ATMs, the then ruling party of Uttar Pradesh, the Samajwadi Party also offer ex-gratia to the kins of the ones who dies due to demonetisation. In different parts of the country people complained of several problems such as difficulty in availing medical treatment due to lack of new currency, many small businesses were forced to shut down due to the lack of currency and also because India is still lagging behind when it comes to digital transactions.

The Government was also attacked on it changing narratives pertaining to the goals of demonetisation. The Government had promised that such a moved would control the circulation of black money in the system at first and them shifted to achieving a cashless economy, then said that the move was designed to combat terrorism and also said that curtailing the production of counterfeit currency notes was what it was aiming at.

In spite of providing discount of the use of cashless transactions for business purposes, it failed to push digital transactions in India to any decent extent. Several jawans have lost their lives even after demonetisation which proved that the move did not do much when it comes to combating terrorism.

Also according to recent data, almost 99% of the cash scrapped has made its way back to the banks making it clear that demonetisation failed to catch the ones hoarding black money. Over 600 Rs 2000 counterfeit currency notes were also found.

Demonetisation to many,is a massive failure which failed to achieve what it has promised, however some still think that demonetisation will show its effect and people have to be patient to reap the benefits of the move.

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Story first published: Saturday, November 4, 2017, 16:00 [IST]
Doctors' strike: Is the new proposed bill in Karnataka unfair?

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

The private hospitals and practitioners went on a strike in Karnataka on Friday to register their protest against a proposed bill which seeks to regulate private medical institutions, including the fee charged and punishment for malpractice.

The Karnataka Private Medical Establishment (Amendment) Bill, which is likely to be tabled in the winter session of the state assembly, seeks to hike the penalties levied on doctors in case of malpractice, to the extent of imprisonment. The bill is also aimed at regulating the amount of money charged in various hospitals and to make the costing more transparent.

If we ask why the treatment at private hospitals/ clinics is expensive, well, there is no one line answer to it. There are several factors that determine this. Here are some of those factors that play a key role.

The cost of medical education:

There are 45 medical colleges affiliated to the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, and around 5 colleges are without affiliation. Approximately 15 of them are the government run medical

colleges and the rest are all by private managements.

After writing the entrance exams for MBBS course, 20% of the eligible candidates get into the government medical colleges and the rest all enter the private sector.

The fees in these private medical colleges is again regulated by a body formed with the government and that fees is in no way approachable for a decently earning human being, ranging from 7 to 20 lakhs per annum. So if the regulation for pricing is done, no private medical college can run nor get admissions in future. The blackest of black money can't help sustain a medical college which can't get enough to even pay the salaries of the workers, said a doctor who did not wish to be named.

One smooth wave of the KPME act amendment and all private medical colleges are almost closed, he added.

The cost of setting up a clinic:

Labour act implies that a skilled labour be paid Rs.14,000 a month and an unskilled labourer be paid Rs. 11,000 a month approximately. A clinic requires one nurse (skilled), one sweeper (unskilled) and

one compounder (unskilled). Just the wages to these 3 will come to around Rs.36,000/- per month. And this holds good even in the villages.

To make Rs.36,000/- per month, a doctor who is supposed to charge only Rs.50 per patient will have to see a minimum 24 cases per day. And that is just to feed the workers. Now, a 20 bedded basic nursing home would at least require 5 nurses, 2 sweepers, 2 ward boys and a lab and an x-ray unit. The consultation amount is Rs.100/- as it's in a town. But the burden on the wages doesn't change. Runs to a lakh plus. So how many patients should the doctor see then? 100 per day???, asked a doctor.

The new bill: What are doctors worried about?

The new bill also proposes severely penalising the doctor who errs in diagnosis and treatment. A doctor we spoke to explained how this will instil fear in the minds of the doctors. He also gave us two scenarios to explain what the ground reality is when it comes to treatment.

Scenario-1:

Albert (name used as an example) comes to the hospital with stomach ache. He has been continuously vomiting and is very much in distress. He needs emergency care. The doctor is seeing another patient and request Albert to wait for a minute. Albert obliges. The doctor, after examining Albert, immediately puts some fluids to stabilise him, then gets an ultrasound scan and blood tests done, identifies it as being probably appendicitis, advises surgery. On opening the abdomen, he finds that the appendix was normal, but it's a case of infection, clears the infection and winds it up. Albert is explained that it was not a case of appendicitis, the actual cause was different and Albert goes home happy

Scenario-2: (Post KPME act amendment 2017)

Albert enters the hospital with severe stomach ache and recurrent vomiting and enters the hospital in acute distress. The doctor is seeing another patient and requests Albert to wait for a minute. Albert threatens to complain against the doctor if he doesn't see him immediately. The case being examined also threatens the doctor that he would also complain if Albert was seen before finishing his treatment. Fight erupts and doctor gets hit. Somehow, doctor regains his composure and manages both cases, diagnoses after ultrasound and blood tests that it may be a case of appendicitis. Is about to advise surgery, but thinks twice. In case the diagnosis is wrong? So asks for a CT scan for more evaluation. Inconclusive. Then asks for an MRI. Inconclusive. Ultimately decides to open the abdomen. Alas. Appendix is normal. Infection inside. Now what to do?

The doctor relieves the infection and winds it up. Albert is enlightened that his appendix was normal, abdomen was infected and now he is ok. Gives him a bill of twenty five thousand."

"Albert is not happy. How dare the doctor say his appendix was normal? Let's teach him a lesson. He just walks into the nearest panchayat office and complains. Wrong diagnosis. Misled by the doctor. Needs compensation. The doctor is liable for up to 5 lakhs compensation. And that too not in a court. No lawyer to help. In a panchayat office governed by an IAS officer.

Conclusion:

One may say that both the scenarios describe two extreme ends of spectrum, but then again there is a vast grey area between the two extremes. There are many things that cannot be foreseen, especially when it comes to diagnosis of a diseases. Doctors' skill and aptitude are undoubtedly the most important things to give best possible treatment to patients. But, considering the vast number variables that exist in treatment of diseases, will not a harsh penalty like imprisonment erode the confidence of doctors approaching the patient?

At the same time, patients suffering due to negligence by doctors is also not something that can be tolerated. So, a midway has to be found, just making strict laws will not solve this problem.

OneIndia News
Expelled CPIM MP Ritabrata Banerjee granted conditional anticipatory bail

India

oi-Amitava

By Amitava

The District Court of Balurghat has granted conditional anticipatory bail to Rajya Sabha MP Ritabrata Banerjee against a personal bond. The Court however has asked him to surrender within three weeks and cooperate with the CID in the investigations.

On October 10, police had initiated a case against Banerjee based on a complaint against him at the Balurghat Police Station in South Dinajpur district of West Bengal by software engineer Namrata Dutta, pressing charges of sexual exploitation against the MP. The case was later transferred to the CID.

Despite repeated summons Banerjee had failed to turn up for questioning.

Anirban Guhathakurta, Banerjee's lawyer stated "he has been granted conditional anticipatory bail against a personal bond of Rs. 5000/- . He has been ordered to surrender within 3 weeks and cooperate with the investigating agency."

Reacting to the judgment, Namrata Dutta, talking to media persons stated that she had full faith in the judiciary. "However if required I will approach the higher court" stated Dutta.

Namrata Dutta's police complaint states that she has met the MP on a social network site in May 2016. A relationship developed and Ritabrata Banerjee said that he wanted to marry Dutta. He even came to Balurghat and met Dutta's mother.

Alleging physical relations, the complaint stated "He lured me to his 104, South Avenue Apartment" where he allegedly physically exploited her.

They allegedly met a number of times. Dutta was studying in Netherlands since October 2016 and Banerjee paid her a visit in Netherlands in December 2016 claimed the complaint.

"During that time we had problems and I wanted to end the relationship. He threatened to commit suicide by consuming sleeping pills. Thus I was forced to stay in the relationship" stated the complaint.

The complaint stated that now the MP is denying to marry Datta and was avoiding her calls. She also alleged that he was in a fresh relationship and has been threatening her with dire consequences.

"He also wanted to to bribe me by promising to give me Rs. 50 lakhs so that I do not talk to the media and keep our relationship a secret" stated the complaint.

"He used me, outraging my modesty and also transferred Rs. 2.5 lakhs to my bank account as compensation for having a physical relationship with me" alleged Datta in the complaint.

Incidentally Ritabrata Banerjee is a Member of Parliament (MP) who on September 17 was expelled from the primary membership of the CPIM party for grave anti-party activities, including "moral degeneration in relation to woman."

The MP too had lodged a complaint against Dutta at the Garfa Police Station in Kolkata on October 6 demanded stern action against the woman stating that she has been blackmailing him and trying to malign him.

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Story first published: Saturday, November 4, 2017, 11:02 [IST]
Gurpurab celebrations: Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat is mantra of our country, says PM Modi

Gurupurab: Indian High Commission gears up for safety, security of Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan

PM Narendra Modi to participate in ceremony to commemorate Guru Nanak Dev's birth anniversary

Guru Nanak is watching: Hymn singer lashes out after Kamal Nath attends Sikh event in MP

Guru Nanak Jayanti: Celebrations in India and Pakistan

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

Guru Nanak (1469-1539 C.E.) was the founder of the Sikhism and the first of the Sikh Gurus. His birth anniversary is celebrated worldwide on the day of Kartik Purnima as per Hindu lunar calendar.

A Sikh Jatha from India has left for Pakistan to celebrate 548th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev from Golden Temple in Amritsar on Thursday.

Over 2,600 Sikh pilgrims from India reached Pakistan to attend the 548th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev.

Soon after their arrival, the pilgrims left for Janum Asthan of Baba Guru Nanak at Nankana Sahib, the Dawn reported.

The main function will be held at Nankana Sahib on Saturday, where the pilgrims will perform sacred rituals. After that, the devotees will leave for Punja Sahib, Hassanabdal.

Every year, devotees from all over the world gather at Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hassanabdal to celebrate Baba Guru Nanak's birth anniversary

The celebrations last for more than a week during which sacred rituals are performed at the Gurdwara and sweets and langar are offered, irrespective of religious orientation.

Martial arts skill A Sikh devotee displays martial arts skill during a religious procession ahead of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Jammu on Wednesday. PTI Photo Nagar Kirtan procession Panj Payaras (five beloved ones) leading the Nagar Kirtan procession on the eve of the 548th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, in Amritsar on Friday. PTI Photo Panj Payara Children dressed as Panj Payara's (five beloved ones) during the religious procession Nagar Kirtan procession on the eve of the 548th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, in Amritsar on Friday. PTI Photo Sikh Jatha leaving for Pakistan A Sikh Jatha leaving for Pakistan to celebrate 548th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev from Golden Temple in Amritsar on Thursday. PTI Photo OneIndia News
What the Karnataka High Court had said on hijab ban

HC stays Karnataka govts decision to ban pillion on 100 cc bikes

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Those with 100 cc bikes can breathe easy and take a pillion rider along with them. The Karnataka High Court has stayed an order of the government which banned riding pillion on bikes that are 100 cc or less.

The court also stayed another circular of the government which had banned registration of and use of sub 100 cc two wheelers with pillion seats.

Justice BV Nagarathna also stayed the operation of the contentious Rule 143(3) of the Karnataka Motor Vehicles (KMV) Rules, 1989 -the genesis for the two circulars dated October 13 and October 23 -till the government comes out with the amendment to the rule.

Earlier, additional advocate general A S Ponnanna informed the court that the government, which had issued the circulars based on the observations made by the HC in a motor vehicle accident case, is contemplating amending the rule.

OneIndia News
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 02:30:04|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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VALLETTA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The funeral of assassinated Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was held in the northern town of Mosta on Friday afternoon, as the country observed a national day of mourning in her honor.

Flags one all government and public buildings, as well as European Union flags outside the European Commission were flown at half-mast in the day.

Hundreds descended upon Mosta, filling the church and the square outside, in order to pay their respects to the slain journalist.

Caruana Galizia, a blogger and investigative journalist aged 53, was killed in a strong car bomb explosion which completely destroyed the car she was driving.

Police at the scene said the body was thrown out of the vehicle into a nearby field. It was the fourth car bomb attack in Malta since the start of 2017.

Caruana Galizia's death had sent shockwaves throughout the world. The European Commission called on Malta to get to the bottom of the crime and to bring her kills to justice.

Malta's police have been unable to solve 33 out of a total of 110 murders on the island since 1996, according to statistics tabled in parliament this week by home affairs minister Michael Farrugia.

At a 70-percent success rate, the country has a significantly lower rate than the European average, which currently stands at 85 percent.

Since 1996, the years in which the largest number of murders had taken place were 1999 and 2012. In both years, there were a total of 10 murders in Malta.

Four of the murders from 1999 remain unsolved, while those responsible for three of the murders in 2012 have yet to be brought to justice. Out of the six murders committed in 2014, four remain unsolved.
Kartik Purnima 2017: Devotees throng Ganga ghats in UP and Uttarakhand

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

Kartik is the eighth lunar month in Hindu calendar. The full moon day during the month of Kartik is known as Kartik Purnima. Depending on people and the region, the full moon day in Hindu calendar is also referred as Poornima, Poonam, Pournami and Pournimasi. In Vaishnava tradition Kartik month is known as Damodara month. Damodara is one of the names of Lord Krishna.

Many people take pledge to take holy dip before sunrise in Ganges and other holy rivers every day during the month of Kartik. The ritual of holy dip during Kartik month begins on the day of Sharad Purnima and ends on Kartik Purnima.

Devotees in large numbers converge on the Ganga ghats in Haridwar including the famous 'Har ki Pairi' to take a holy dip in the river on the occasion of Kartik Purnima.

The mass ritual bath is held on the banks of the river every year on the full moon night or the 15th day of the month of Kartik as per the Hindu calendar.

Also, devotees have thronged the ghats in Varanasi in the wee hours for the bath and the ritual continues through the day. Besides seeking the blessings of the holy Ganga river, devotees also worship Lord Vishnu after the bath.

Muhurat

Purnima Tithi Begins = 13:46 on 3/Nov/2017

Purnima Tithi Ends = 10:52 on 4/Nov/2017

Devotees will perform Ganga Aarti Devotees will perform Ganga Aarti on the occasion of Kartik Purnima in Varanasi on Saturday. Ganga Aarti uses fire as an offering. It's usually made in the form of a lit lamp, and in the case of the Ganges River, a small diya with a candle and flowers that's floated down the river. The offering is made to the Goddess Ganga, also affectionately referred to as Maa Ganga, goddess of the most holy river in India. PTI file Photo Ghats in Haridwar Ghats in Haridwar witness huge rush on the occasion of Kartik Purnima in Uttarakhand. Courtesy: ANI news Prayers after holy dip Women devotees offer prayers after taking holy dip in the rivers during holy month of Kartik. PTI Photo 'Khichdi Mahotsav' Priests of Gaudiya Mission celebrates 'Khichdi Mahotsav' while distributing Khichdi to devotees during the Rass Purnima festival at Gaudiya Math and Mission head office, in Kolkarta on Friday. PTI Photo
Central team roped in as dengue cases in Bihar rise to over 5000

Bihar's Gopalganj by-poll to see a tough fight between BJP and RJD

Bihar: Fire breaks out amid Chhath Puja celebrations in Aurangabad; many critical

Bihar: Over 200 students sick, claim they saw 'dead lizard' in mid-day meal

Kartik Purnima tragedy in Bihar: 3 dead, 10 injured in stampede, CM announces ex-gratia

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

At least three people were killed and 10 others injured in a stampede during Kartik Purnima celebrations on Saturday at Simaria ghat in Begusarai district of Bihar.

While devotees were performing Kartik Purnima puja on the ghat, panic gripped the crowd for unknown reasons.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar announced ex-gratia of Rs. 4 lakh each to those who lost their lives in the stampede.

Reason for the stampede is not yet known. People started to rush towards safer places. During this time women and the children were choked to death.

According to the information, the injured have been admitted to the nearby hospital.

Police chief Rajaratna has confirmed the death of three people to ANI.

Lakhs of pilgrims gather at ghats to take the holy dip in river Ganga on the occasion of Kartik Purnima in Bihar.

OneIndia News
Picture of spurious form being circulated sparking residential certificate controversy

India

oi-Amitava

By Amitava

Following the language controversy that had metamorphosed into an agitation shutting down the Hills of North Bengal for 104 days, a new controversy is being given shape in the form of a rumor.

A post is going viral in the social media that claims that for residential certificates from the Sub Divisional Office in Darjeeling one has to produce documents dating back to 1950 as proof of one's permanent citizenship. The post claims that it is a ploy to project Gorkhas as refugees in India.

The District Administration has declared it false and baseless rumor. Political commentators feel that it is a meticulously calculated plan to create unrest and disturb the newly found peace after the 104 day long bandh that has left the Hills high and dry.

Incidentally a controversy had been sparked in June stating that Bengali was being made a compulsory language subject in Hill schools. Despite repeated assurances by the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that such proclamation had not been made for the Hills, regular protests were given shape.

The matter was given such an emotional stir being projected as cultural and linguistic domination. Soon the protests turned into an agitation for Gorkhaland with the 104 day bandh.

This time it is the picture of a form entitled "Application for Residential Certificate," that is being circulated in Social media sites.

The form has the header "Government of West Bengal, Office of the Sub Divisional Officer, Sadar, Darjeeling." In the Submitted Documents part of the form, the 2nd clause states "As proof of Permanent Citizenship: i. Land deed/land tax receipt since 1950. ii. Voter list proving residence since 1950 iii. Birth certificate proving residences since 1950 iv. Ration Card proving residence since 1950 v. Any other Government documents proving residence of the family since 1950.

The rumor has caused panic and has prompted protests in social media sites. Some Hill political parties have also raised voices of dissent.

Commenting on this, Joyoshi Das Gupta, District Magistrate, Darjeeling talking to Oneindia stated "We are aware of this. It has been circulating for quite some time. No such form has been issued from my office. Very few people would have documents dating back to 1950s, so how can such documents be made compulsory? It is a complete false and baseless rumor."

Interestingly in the State of Sikkim, people eligible for the recently notified Residential Certificates have to comply with a cut-off date.

A Sikkim Government notification clearly states that Residential Certificates will be issued to all those who have been residing continuously in Sikkim since or before April 26, 1975 or are permanent employees of the State Government but do not have a Certificate of Identification.

A Certificate of Identification is issued to Sikkim Subject Certificate holders and their descendants.

The Darjeeling DM however spoke of numerous complaints received her office in the last few months regarding "dual citizens" from Nepal.

"The complainants claim that residents of Nepal are getting residential and other documents here, thereby usurping the benefits meant for the hill residents. Many residents and organizations have demanded the scrapping of Article 7 of the India-Nepal Friendship Treaty also" added the DM.

The Article 7 of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between the Government of India and Government Of Nepal states "The Governments of India and Nepal agree to grant, on reciprocal basis, to the nationals of one country in the territories o the other the same privileges in the matter of residence, ownership of property, participation in trade and commerce, movement and other privileges of a similar nature."

The DM stated that similar complaints are coming from the plains of the district regarding Bangladeshi settlers.

"We have asked officers all over the district to be more careful and ensure no ineligible person gets Government documents anywhere in the district. For electoral Roll revision we are giving special attention to verify citizenship carefully all over the district (both the Hills and the plains.) We have to be extra cautious as this district has borders with so many countries" added Das Gupta.

The district administration recently had conducted a probe into an alleged Nepal citizen holding public office in Darjeeling.

Nira Sharma, Councillor of Ward 1 of Darjeeling Municipality was found to be a citizen of Ilam district of Nepal. "She has not surrendered her Nepal citizenship nor has she enrolled as per Ministry of Home Affairs norms. A complaint has been lodged under Citizen's Act and Foreigner's Act. Her name will be struck off the electoral rolls. Three others are also being investigated" added the DM. Sharma is absconding.

Both India and Nepal do not allow citizens to hold dual citizenships. This is the second tenure for Sharma as a Ward Councillor. Earlier also she had won from Ward number 1 contesting in Gorkha Janmukti Morcha ticket. Her Councillorship will automatically stand terminated with her name struck off the electoral rolls.

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Story first published: Saturday, November 4, 2017, 21:16 [IST]
90 Percent of Indias Online Skill Gaming Industry Says 28 Percent GST over GGV Will Be Catastrophic

GST collections up by 16.6% to Rs 1.52 lakh crore in October, says Centre

PM Modi hints at more measures for businesses on GST

India

oi-PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said a committee of state ministers has accepted most of the suggestions made by them and an announcement is likely in the GST Council meet next week.

The GST Council had announced several measures to ease problems faced by businesses last month.

The next meeting of the Council headed by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and comprising state finance ministers is scheduled to meet on November 9 and 10 in Guwahati.

Speaking at an event to mark massive jump by India in World Bank's ease of doing business ranking, PM Modi said the GST Council had set up panels of state ministers and officials as some of the states had expressed reservation on certain issues.

Modi said a group of state ministers was constituted to look into the issues raised by businesses and small traders, and they have "positively accepted" most of the suggestions.

The recommendations of the panel will be accepted at the next meeting of the GST Council on November 9 and 10 if no state raises objections.

Referring to the the World Bank's ranking, the Prime Minister said the latest report did not take into account implementation of GST.

"As you all know, GST is the biggest tax reform in the Indian economy. And it impacts many aspects of doing business. With GST, we are moving towards a modern tax regime, which is transparent, stable and predictable," he said.

There are many other reforms which have already happened, but need gestation and stabilisation time, before they are taken into account by the World Bank, he said.

"There are a few other reforms where our team and the World Bank team need to find common ground. All this, combined with our conviction to do even better, gives me the confidence that India will occupy a place of pride in the World Bank report next year and in the years thereafter.

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Story first published: Saturday, November 4, 2017, 23:59 [IST]
Rahul Gandhi has no idea of GST: Arun Jaitley

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday said that Rahul Gandhi, who has been attacking him over the alleged failure of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), had "no idea" of the taxation scheme.

Referring to Gandhi's comments last month where he had termed the Goods Service and Tax reform as Gabbar Singh Tax, Jaitley said "He (Rahul Gandhi) doesn't have any knowledge about the subject and the Congress was also a party to the decision."

"The Gabbar Singh Tax only meant that the poor who sweats sees his money being stolen from him," Gandhi had said.

"Note ban was taken up for a few reasons. When the Congress-led UPA was in power for ten years, it had not fought against black money. The party never took big steps against corruption," Jaitley said while addressing the media in Gandhinagar.

FM Jaitley said that the government is also taking up the issue of bringing transparency in political funding seriously.

"In my budget speech this year, I said that in order to legitimise political funding, we also need to look at issuing electoral bonds," the finance minister said to media.

While talking about Gujarat and its development under the BJP, Jaitley said that socio-economic development is the only agenda of the Gujarat unit of the party.

In 2012 Gujarat gave leadership to the country and new history was written. The leadership given by Gujarat is leading the entire country and making India's image better also at global level. The direction of agenda of development that Gujarat gave is now being displayed to the world, he said

Jaitley is currently in Gujarat for a day and will meet different party leaders in Ahmedabad. He will focus on the campaign for the polls and will talk to the spokespersons of the party."

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Story first published: Saturday, November 4, 2017, 18:35 [IST]
What PM Modi said after meeting world leaders at G20 Summit

PM Modi, Xi Jinping greet each other at G-20 dinner in first meet after Galwan clash

PM Modi, US President Biden exchange greetings at Mangrove forest visit in Bali

Bengaluru is No 1 on Indias innovation index, home of technology: PM Modi

In pics: Together, PM Modi with other G20 leaders plant mangrove saplings in Bali

Rout 'termite' Congress from every polling booth: Modi

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

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Himachal Assembly elections : Modi urge voters to rout Congress | Oneindia News

Launching a scathing attack on the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged the electorate in Himachal Pradesh to rout the grand old party from every polling booth.

Addressing an election rally in Himachal Pradesh's Raitt, Modi said that the Congress has lost trust in its leaders and is trying to poach rebels from other parties.

"Ek bhi polling booth aisa nahi hona chahiye jahan Congress roopi deemak bacha ho (There should not be single polling booth where termite Congress remains)," he said.

He said people are angry with the Congress because of their deeds.

"They are going to celebrate November 8 as black day and burn my effigies. They don't know that Modi is a disciple of Sardar Patel and won't be cowed down," he said.

"People who were habitual looters and have had to return their loot today won't let me be at peace. Even you know that," he added.

The Prime Minister said that Himachal Pradesh made significant progress when former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was at the Centre and Prem Kumar Dhumal was the state chief minister.

"In 2014 Congress had promised to provide nine gas cylinders per year. When we came to power, we decided to provide gas through pipelines," Modi said.

Voting for the Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections 2017 will be held on November 9 and the counting has been scheduled for December 18.

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Story first published: Saturday, November 4, 2017, 15:01 [IST]
Ukhand: Disabled girl waits for reunion with parents after being abandoned by them 6 months ago

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

Haridwar, Nov 4: The ancient city of Haridwar in Uttarakhand, where the mighty Ganga river flows through its heart, is a holy place where millions of pilgrimages visit to take the blessings of almighty.

It seems gods, who rule over Haridwar, are yet to bless a minor girl who is differently-abled. The girl was allegedly abandoned by her parents at the railway station of the city almost six months ago.

The girl, currently being admitted in a hospital under the supervision of the police, is still waiting to meet her parents.

The police officials are trying their best to locate the parents of the abandoned child since last six months, but to little success.

A police official told news agency, ANI, that search for parents of differently-abled girl allegedly abandoned by them at Haridwar railway station six months ago is still on.

Uttarakhand: Search for parents of differently-abled girl allegedly abandoned by them at Haridwar railway station 6 months back still on. pic.twitter.com/k4fB9mA67M  ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2017

"We'll try our best to find her parents and send her to them as soon as possible. If it doesn't happen we'll send her to child care centre," added the police official.

Disabled rights activists say that every year hundreds of disabled children are abandoned by their parents as they find it hard to take care of them.

"This is a sad reality. Nobody wants a disabled child. Generally it is difficult to trace the parents/guardians of disabled children after being abandoned," said a disabled rights activist.

As per Census 2011, in India, out of the 121 crore population, about 2.68 crore persons are "disabled" which is 2.21 per cent of the total population.

Along with lack of financial stability and rampant illiteracy, the disabled community of the country is also fighting social bias and apathy, lack of care and protection and lack of facilities, to name a few problems.

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Story first published: Saturday, November 4, 2017, 8:18 [IST]
What does privacy mean in the era of Modi and Yogi?

India

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By Shreya

It was not long back in 2015 that the Supreme Court of India repealed Section 66A of the IT Act which enabled the arrest of anybody who posted 'objectionable content' anywhere in electronic media. The Section was repealed for its vagueness, however a similar kind of Act is again haunting the netizens of India, this time is Section 67 - which outlaws publishing of 'obscene content' in electronic form.

However, the Supreme Court of India also declared a little more than a month ago that privacy is the fundamental right of any individual, but some ministers do not seem to be interested in the Supreme Court verdict on Privacy. Recently a 19-year old S. Thirumurugan was booked under Section 67 of the IT Act and Section 505 (public mischief) of the IPC, for allegedly making abusive comment on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a private Facebook chat.

BJP district secretary K. Marimuthu, who received the message, as reported by The Indian Express was the one to file a complain against S. Thirumurugan. The both were Facebook friends and Thirumurugan had sent Marimuthi replies in 'filthy language' when the former sent the latter memes criticising actor Vijay's controversial dialogues in the movie Mersel.

When asked if this act breached the act of privacy, BJP Spokesperson said as quoted by a national broadcasting channel, "Abusing is different from criticism. Abusing an individual with filthy words cannot be encouraged. BJP is welcome to any kind of criticism but unhealthy or filthy comments made by anybody are not welcome. We all live in a society. I myself am very active on social media, but I don't encourage any unhealthy comments, and I never do that,"

18-year-old Zakir Ali Tyagi had to spend 42 days in jail for his social media posts, he was booked under Indian Penal Code's Section 420 (cheating) and Section 66 of the Information Technology Act (computer related offences). The 18-year-old made fun of river Ganga being a living entity and questioned the policies of the ruling BJP Government.

There have been several others who have been booked for posting 'objectionable' content about ministers on social media, which again raises the question - Has the repulsion of 66A of the IT Act shown been fruitful? And also - What defines what is abusive and what is critical?

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Story first published: Saturday, November 4, 2017, 20:01 [IST]
Why protesting Ktaka doctors should learn lesson on humanity from this Odisha doctor

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

Bhubaneswar, Nov 4: What ills the noble profession of medicine in the country? Is it greed, competition or lack of compassion for patients? These are some of the complex questions which don't have any straight answers.

However, one thing is clear--doctors have always been in the line of fire as they are being alleged to be too "greedy" and don't even spare "looting" poor patients. But to paint all the doctors with the same brush would be an injustice to the medical profession.

In spite of large-scale commercialisation of the profession, you will always find several doctors working in remote corners of the country for the poor and needy without thinking a bit about their own benefits.

One such doctor, who is no less than a hero, is Odisha's Omkar Hota.

The young doctor hogged the limelight after he decided to walk eight kilometers from his hospital to attend a pregnant woman in labour pain in a remote village of Malkangiri district, infamous for maoist insurgency.

Hota walked eight kilometers to help the woman deliver her baby as the patient could not come to the hospital on her own because her village Sarigeta is yet to get proper road connectivity.

The 'good doctor' did not stop at that. After delivery, the patient developed some complication and she needed further treatment. It is then that Hota decided to take the woman to the hospital.

However, as the patient was too weak to walk, the doctor and her family members put her in a cane bed and carried the new mother on their shoulders. Thus Hota walked another eight kilometers back to his hospital, but this time with the patient on his shoulders.

In a way, Hota created a new benchmark for doctors and humanity at large--never leave anyone alone in distress.

Odisha:Doctor helped woman deliver baby in Sarigeta,later traveled on foot carrying her for 8 kms to reach hosp due to bad road connectivity pic.twitter.com/axtNZnk9sw  ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2017

Now, coming back to private medical practitioners in Karnataka, these medicos and their colleagues in allied professions hosted a day-long strike by closing down private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres across the state on Friday.

The reason behind their strike is that they were protesting against the proposed Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (Amendment) Bill.

Thus around 50,000 private doctors did not attend patients on Friday and kept the doors of at least 45,000 private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres closed.

The protesting doctors say the bill is against their very right to practice their profession.

If the Bill is passed in the state Assembly in the forthcoming winter session then it will enable increased government regulation on private hospitals: including fixing of fees and cost of treatment, and a district-level grievance committee that can take action against erring hospitals.

The clauses in the Bill miffed the doctors as activists allege that private medical practitioners don't want to be accountable to the patients. The doctors have threatened that if the Congress government in the state does not fulfill their demands then they would go on a strike again on November 10.

Activists working in the field of health say that the private hospitals' lobby in the state is purely bullying the government by putting the lives of so many patients at risk.

The Karnataka Janaarogya Chaluvali (KJC), a network of civil society and grassroots organisations working on health issues in the state, has condemned the strike in strong words.

"We condemn the continued opposition by private medical establishments to protect patients' rights, democratic accountability and transparency under the proposed amendments to the KPME Act 2017," stated a press release of the KJC.

"The private medical establishments in the state continue to oppose and resist attempts by the government to hold them democratically accountable, adhere to patient rights and safety guidelines, regulation of cost and grievance redressal mechanisms.

"The private hospitals have continued with their misinformation campaign deliberately twisting and misrepresenting various provisions in the Amendments to suit their interests," added the press release.

Probably, the adamant doctors of Karnataka should push their boundary a bit and learn something from the likes of Hota, who are no less than 'messiahs' for the suffering patients.

OneIndia News
Why the Army went after the Pakistani terrorists first

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Indian Army put out some statistics on Friday which revealed that there were around 80 terrorists that were killed in the Kashmir Valley in the past six months.

What is more important is that in this very high death toll, most of them killed were top commanders. Currently there are around 115 terrorists remaining in the Valley of which only 15 are from Pakistan.

Army sources tell OneIndia that the strategy was to take down the foreign terrorists and the top commanders first. Most of the A++ terrorists have been knocked down and this is a very good sign.

Those who remain are foot soldiers and in the absence of their top bosses to guide them, they are comparatively less lethal. The source also said that taking down the local terrorists are easier when compared to the ones from Pakistan.

Laying a surveillance on a local terrorist is easier since they are well known to the locals. Their hideouts get busted easily when compared to the ones from Pakistan. Moreover the local terrorists are also more likely to surrender when compared to their counterparts from Pakistan, the officer also added.

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Story first published: Saturday, November 4, 2017, 10:51 [IST]
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 02:35:05|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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NICOSIA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- A boat with 175 Syrian refugees arrived on the northwestern coast of Cyprus after sailing from the southern Turkish city of Antalya, police said on Friday.

They were 81 men, 35 women and 59 children, among them a two-day old baby, a police statement said.

The new arrivals bring to over 1.000 the number of Syrian refugees who made the trip from Turkey to Cyprus this year.

The police said the boat was spotted in rough seas by radar a noon when about six kilometers off the coast.

A police patrol ship was sent to escort the boat to the nearest shore.

Authorities said Civil Defense Personnel and medical staff attended to the refugees before they were processed and led to a special camp.
Zakir Naiks extradition request soon says India

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Just a few days after Malaysia assured India of support in the Zakir Naik case, the Ministry for External Affairs said that a request for custody would be sent out soon.

The internal legal process was nearly complete and the request would be sent to Malaysia soon, where the radical Islamic preacher is residing.

Earlier this week, Malaysia had said that it is yet to receive any formal request, but will continue to monitor the activities of Islamic preacher, Zakir Naik, Malaysia has said. This was stated in a written statement by Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said that he is yet to receive any formal request from India, but will help if the same is made. He further said the country would continue to monitor the activities of Naik and will also act if found to be involved in acts of terrorism.

If Indian requests for help, we will give it. It is not about surrendering him, but about investigations, he also said. He is not a Malaysian citizen, but has a permanent resident visa for Malaysia, since the past five hears, he said in his statement to parliament.

In India, the Enforcement Directorate and the National Investigation Agency have filed chargesheets against the radical Islamic preacher. The ED has already served four summons on him. The ED is likely now to make a formal request seeking help in investigations from Malaysia.

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Story first published: Saturday, November 4, 2017, 5:57 [IST]
PM Modi, Xi Jinping greet each other at G-20 dinner in first meet after Galwan clash

Be ready for war always: Xi tells Chinese armed forces

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Chinese President, Xi Jinping has instructed his armed forces to be prepared for war. He said that the army must improve its combat capabilities and readiness for war.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks while inspecting the CMC joint battle command centre as its commander-in-chief.

"The CMC should lead the armed forces to be ready to fight and win wars, and to undertake the missions and tasks of the new era entrusted to them by the party and the people," Xi was quoted as saying by state-run Xinhua news agency.

CMC is the overall high command of the 2.3 million-strong Chinese PLA, the world's largest army.

This is the second time Xi has highlighted the role of the armed forces since he began his second term after securing the endorsement of the key Congress of the ruling CPC which concluded here on October 24. He was re-elected as president, general secretary of the party, and head of the military.

Xi began his second tenure on October 26 with a meeting of top military officials, regarded as a main source of his power base, after the once-in-a-five-years CPC Congress endorsed his leadership for another term and also conferred on him a powerful status, equating him with party founder Mao Zedong by including his ideological thoughts in the Constitution.

Xi, 64, who heads the powerful Central Military Commission, is the only civilian leader in the body which is otherwise packed with top officials of the armed forces.

In his meeting with the military top brass, he ordered them to be absolutely loyal to the party, to focus on how to win wars, to pioneer reforms and innovation, to scientifically manage commanding a unit, to lead troops in accordance with the strictest standards and to be in the forefront in complying with laws and regulations.

OneIndia News
32,000 girls converted to Islam and sold as ISIS slaves: This is The Kerala Story

A bayath, a massive suicide bombing, the Coimbatore blast was in the making for a year

Islamic State suffers territorial losses in Syria, Iraq

International

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Beirut, November 4: Islamic State's goal of establishing a "caliphate" in the region has been shattered as the outfit has lost more than 96 per cent of the large parts of Iraq and Syria it once held.

Syrian President Bashar Assad's military on Friday announced the capture of the eastern Syrian city of Deir el- Zour, while Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi proclaimed victory in retaking the town of Qaim on the border, the militants' last significant urban area in Iraq.

The militants are left fighting for a final stretch inside Syria and desert regions along the Iraq-Syria border.

Three years ago, they had defiantly erased that line, knocking down berms marking the frontier. Since then, they have lost infrastructure, resources, supply routes, control over about 8 million people and most important administration of a contiguous territory.

The extremist group may still prove to be a major challenge for months as it turns to a clandestine insurgency.

Iraqi forces' last conventional military fight against IS played out in Qaim, on the western edge of Anbar province along the border with Syria.

Operations began there in the last week of October. On Friday, Iraq said it now controls the town and the nearby border crossing with Syria.

The crossing in the Euphrates River Valley was used by IS to move fighters and supplies between the two countries when the group controlled nearly a third of Iraqi territory.

Brett McGurk, the US envoy for the fight against the Islamic State group, said Thursday the group is now facing "annihilation" with the losses in western Iraq and nearly 96 percent of its territory.

He earlier said 6.6 million people have been liberated as the group lost over 90,000 square kilometers (35,000 square miles) in the last year.

The Islamic State "has not reclaimed single meter of this ground. Migrant and refugee flow reversed," McGurk tweeted Thursday.

The Syrian government declared Friday that it has taken full control of Deir el-Zour, where its troops and tens of thousands of civilians have been besieged by IS militants for nearly three years.

Gen Ali Mayhoub, spokesman for the Syrian army, called it a strategic victory, noting Deir el-Zour's location on a crossroads linking Syria's eastern, northern and central regions, and its role in distributing the province's oil.

Mayhoub said IS militants are now isolated and encircled in the countryside east of the city. Government forces are focused on Boukamal, the last IS urban center in Syria.

Kurdish forces backed by the U.S. also are making a bid for the strategic border town from the other side of the Euphrates, renewing fears of a confrontation between the two forces seeking to control the border area.

Raqqa, the IS group's de-facto capital, fell to Kurdish- led forces on October 17, four months after operations to reclaim it began.

The city was the group's hub of operations, and its capture was a major symbolic blow. The first city to fall into IS hands, foreign fighters flocked to Raqqa.

The US-led coalition estimated that 40,000 fighters from Europe, North Africa and Asia once flowed into IS territory.

The group carried out beheadings and other killings in a public square in Raqqa to try to project its ruthless nature.

The city also was the center of its media operations, where videos about the benefits of life under IS were produced. Planning for some of the major violence in Europe was traced to Raqqa, including the deadly attacks in Paris in 2015 and in Brussels in 2016.

On October 14, the Syrian government said its troops and allied fighters seized the town of Mayadeen, on the western bank of the Euphrates River.

The town had become a refuge for the militant group's leaders from fighting in Raqqa and Deir el-Zour to the north and Iraq to the east. Mayadeen was also a major point in the race for control of the oil-rich eastern Deir el-Zour province.

Th US feared that advances by Syrian troops and allied fighters toward the Iraqi border could help Iran expand its influence in the region and establish a "Shiite corridor" of land links from Iraq to Lebanon, and all the way to Israel.

Iran backs militias fighting alongside the Syrian military.

PTI
Pak army provides Siachen gear to terrorists for infiltrations during winter

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

A meeting of top Pakistan army officials with terrorists of the Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Tayiba was held last week to discuss on how to carry on with the infiltrations during the winter.

During the meeting, the Pakistan army decided that it would be providing terrorists with high altitude gear so that infiltrations can take place even in the peak winter.

Infiltrations normally slow down due to heavy snow fall in December. However, the Pakistan army wants to ensure that the process continues and the Indian forces do not get time to settle down.

Intelligence Bureau officials tell OneIndia that based on intercepts and information gathered, there was a meeting that was held two weeks back at Murdike in which officials of the Pakistan army and terrorists of the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish were present.

While discussing on how to keep the infiltrations up during winter, it was decided that high altitude gear would be provided. The army will now provide terrorists with high altitude gear which they use in the Siachen region. Indian Intelligence Bureau officials report that this is a clear sign that the Pakistan army does not want the issue to die down.

Normally during the winter, security forces get a bit of a breather as infiltrations are down. However, this time around security forces will have to prepare for a long winter as terrorists will look to beat the snow and infiltrate.

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Story first published: Saturday, November 4, 2017, 7:41 [IST]
Rohingya crisis: Is demonisation of Aung San Suu Kyi misplaced?

International

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By Oneindia

Naypyidaw, Nov 4: The soft-spoken and frail looking Aung San Suu Kyi has always been a mascot of non-violence and resilience, who dedicated her life for the cause of democratic values.

Her fight against the military junta in Myanmar kept her under house arrest for almost two decades, beginning from 1989 to 2010.

Myanmar's pro-democracy leader Suu Kyi is one of the world's most prominent political prisoners which resulted in her worldwide fame. Suu Kyi, who is currently Myanmar's de facto leader, was honoured with the Nobel Peace prize in 1991.

Till recently, her name was invoked along with Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela whenever there was any talk about long-drawn non-violent struggles.

However, things took a U-turn, the world suddenly demonised Suu Kyi, especially the west, as the Rohingya crisis erupted resulting in the exodus of at least 605,000 minority Muslims to Bangladesh from Rakhine State. The violence in Rakhine State against the Rohingyas started on August 25.

So, what resulted in Suu Kyi's fall from grace? A person, who till recently was treated as a divine figure across the world, has been demonised globally.

The "demonisation" of the Nobel laureate has been well-explained in a column written by S Pulipaka, senior consultant with the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), New Delhi, and K Srinivasan, former foreign secretary, for The Telegraph.

The writers explained that Suu Kyi has been maintaining a cautious approach towards the alleged violence perpetrated against the Rohingyas by the military of the country as it has the potential to create political instability in the country.

It may be noted the Suu Kyi, in spite of being the head of the country, has no control over the military.

"If she makes a mis-step in her response to the Rohingya crisis, the military could align with Buddhist nationalists to unsettle her government. It is the potential for political instability and resultant chaos that prompts Suu Kyi to take a cautious position on the sectarian violence instead of the robust condemnation that would satisfy the West and their fellow critics," wrote Pulipaka and Srinivasan.

The writers stressed on the point that it was wrong to blame Suu Kyi solely for the entire Rohingya crisis, described by the United Nations (UN) as "ethnic cleansing" of minority Muslims by the Myanmar's military.

"The West-led group of nations and media, which initially treated Suu Kyi with undue deference, now subject her to derision and denunciation. They should note that the Rakhine crisis is the consequence of innumerable interconnected factors of history, domestic politics and regional dynamics. Any condemnation of human rights violations and personal criticism of Suu Kyi must first critically examine and unpack these complexities," they wrote.

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Story first published: Saturday, November 4, 2017, 9:49 [IST]
32,000 girls converted to Islam and sold as ISIS slaves: This is The Kerala Story

'Several terrorists' killed in US' first strike against IS in Somalia

International

pti-PTI

Washington, Nov 4: In its first strike against the Islamic State in Somalia, the US has conducted a pair of drone strikes against dreaded terrorist group's jihadists in the Horn of Africa nation, officials said.

The strikes occurred in northeastern Somalia and killed "several terrorists," the US military's Africa Command said in a statement yesterday.

According to Voice of America, which cited the chairman of the town of Qandala in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland, six missiles hit an IS base in Buqa village, 60 kilometres away.

"Local residents and pastoralists were shocked and fled from the area," Jama Mohamed Qurshe told VOA.

AFRICOM spokesman Lieutenant Commander Anthony Falvo said no civilians were in the vicinity of the strikes.

"They struck their intended targets," he told AFP, noting these were the first anti-IS air strikes in Somalia. The first strike occurred around midnight Somalia time (0300 GMT) with the second strike coming at about 11:00 am (1400 GMT). In recent months, the US has repeatedly hit Somali jihadists from the Shabaab rebel group that is aligned with Al-Qaeda, but yesterday's development marks a significant step in the ever-evolving war against IS.

"US forces will continue to use all authorised and appropriate measures to protect Americans and to disable terrorist threats," AFRICOM said.

IS claimed its first suicide attack in Somalia in May, killing at least five people as it stepped up activities in a region dominated by the Shabaab. The militants are led by former Shabaab cleric Abdiqadir Mumin, who switched allegiance from Al-Qaeda to IS in October 2015 and was named a "global terrorist" by the US State Department in August. Mumin was born in Puntland and lived in Sweden before moving to the UK in the 2000s, where he was granted British citizenship.

PTI
With the number of anonymous rogues from Pak rising, here's how BSF is beating down the drones

US: Congressional sub-committees to review aid to Pakistan

International

pti-PTI

Washington, Nov 4: Even as a Congressman expressed doubts over Pakistan's commitment to denying terrorists safe harbour, two influential Congressional sub-committees will hold a joint hearing on Islamabad's commitment in the fight against terrorism, and the review of the US' aid to it.

An announcement to this effect comes nearly three months after US President Donald Trump announced his South Asia policy. "A productive US-Pakistan relationship is essential to bring stability to the region, but doubts persist about Pakistan's commitment to denying terrorists safe harbour," Congressman Ted Yoho said.

Two subcommittees of the House Foreign Affairs Committee -- Asia and the Pacific, and Middle East and North Africa - would hold the hearing on "The President's Plan for Afghanistan and Pakistan: Objectives and Resources" on Wednesday, November 8.

Alice G Wells, the acting assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia, has been asked to testify before the lawmakers, along with Gregory Huger, assistant to the administrator office of Afghanistan and Pakistan in the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

"In this hearing, the subcommittees will hear the latest on US civilian efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan, determine how they fit into the president's new plan for the region, and oversee the administration's resourcing decisions," said Yoho, Chairman of Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee.

Now that the administration has unveiled its Afghanistan strategy and decided to suspend a significant amount of aid to Pakistan, this hearing will allow members to review the approximate USD 1.1 billion combined FY 2018 budget request for the two countries, Congresswoman Elena Ros-Lehtinen, Chairman of the Middle east and North Africa Subcommittee said.

This hearing will also explore ongoing challenges in Afghanistan, including combating the Taliban, corruption, economic woes, and a lack of prioritisation of counter- narcotics efforts, as well as Pakistan's performance in preventing terrorist groups from establishing safe havens, and assess whether the budget request is meeting US priorities, she said.

PTI
From plotting a hijack to creating the JeM, why Pakistan guards Masood Azhar so much

In a case of bad karma Taliban outs Pakistan on what India had always said on Azhar

Who is Maulana Masood Azhar, why does Pakistan back him and China not block him

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

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Maulana Masood Azhar, how he become the head of Jaish-e-Mohammad | Oneindia News

China once again stood in the way of a ban on Maulana Masood Azhar, the dreaded terrorist who heads the Jaish-e-Mohammad. India has complained time and again and even handed out proof about Azhar's involvement in scores of terror strikes that include, Pathankot, Uri among others.

Who is Maulana Masood Azhar and how did he become such a dangerous terrorist, a fact that Pakistan refuses to accept.

Azhar was born in Bahawalpur, Punjab on 10 July 1968 as one of ten siblings. Azhar's father, Allah Bakhsh Shabbir, was the headmaster at a government-run school, and his family operated a dairy and poultry farm. Azhar studied at the Jamia Uloom ul Islamia Banuri Town in Karachi, where he became involved with Harkat-ul-Ansar.

After he suffered injuries in the Soviet-Afghan War, Azhar was chosen as the head of Harkat's department of motivation and became an editor for the Urdu-language Sad'e Mujahidin and the Arabic-language Sawte Kashmir.

Azhar later became the general secretary of Harkat-ul-Ansar and visited many international locations.

Azhar visited Nairobi in Kenya to meet with leaders of various terrorist groups linked with the al-Qaeda. In 1993, he was in the UK on a fund raising mission. In 1994, he was arrested in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. In 1995, terrorists of the Al-Faran kidnapped foreign tourists and among the many demands was also the release of Azhar. All the tourists were killed barring one who managed to escape.

In 1999, he was released in exchange for the hostages aboard IC-814 which was hijacked and routed to Kandahar, Afghanistan. Upon his return to Pakistan, he floated the Jaish-e-Mohammad. This outfit then carried out the deadly Parliament attack.

Since then the Jaish has carried out a series of attacks in India. Several requests have been made to either extradite him or at least put him to trial. None of those requests were accepted by Pakistan as he along with the Lashkar-e-Tayiba's Hafiz Saeed continue to remain the ISI's most strategic assets.

OneIndia News
The seven-million strong American Muslim community fears a backlash after the Tuesday (Oct. 31) attack in New York where a driver plowed a truck through crowds in lower Manhattan killing eight and injuring a dozen more.

Imam Mohammad Qatanani, spiritual leader of the Islamic Center of Passaic County (N.J.), said: "People here feel they will be blamed as a religion and as a people. Because this guy was a Muslim, Muslims will be blamed anywhere and everywhere."

According to Pittsburg Post-Gazette the Islamic Center of Passaic County had already received eight telephone threats, prompting police to assign extra patrols to the area.

"They say they're going to kill us, they're going to burn the place down, all using extremely foul language," said the mosque's president, Omar Awad. "They say, 'We're going to come rip your ... beard off.'"

The New Jersey office of the Council on American Islamic Relations reported threats had also been made against the Omar Mosque, next door to the apartment house where lived Sayfullo Saipov, the man who is accused of plowing a rental truck into bikers and pedestrians.

Tensions have flared within the Muslim community as well, with two men getting into a fistfight at a mosque in a dispute over the cause of Saipov's alleged radicalization, according to Post-Gazette.

"When we figured out he was from Paterson, we knew trouble was coming," Rami Abadi, a 32-year-old graphic designer told Washington Post. Abadi attends the mosque next to the apartment building where Saipov was living. "All eyes are going to be on Paterson now. Because of one psycho," he added.

Little Istanbul: Paterson is home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the United States. Islamic leaders in the city of 147,000 people estimate Paterson's Muslim population at 25,000 to 30,000.

Neighborhoods have been dubbed Little Ramallah or Little Istanbul for their respective Arab and Turkish residents. Peru has a consulate in the city to serve the large number of Peruvians.

Paterson was an engine of the Industrial Revolution, its factories churning out textiles and embroidery that helped earn it the nickname Silk City. But many of the industrial jobs are gone, and nearly a third of Paterson's population lives in poverty, the city beset by crime and drugs.

It has been in this environment that the Muslim community established itself over decades, with a mix of Arab, Asian, African-American and European members of the faith. The Islamic Center of Passaic County, formed nearly three decades ago in Paterson, draws about 2,000 people for Friday communal prayers.

Now, some are afraid they will be made to answer for the actions of a man many leaders of the community say they didn't know.

Pittsburg Post-Gazette quoted Qatanani as saying that Saipov did not attend the Passaic County mosque. As for the Omar Mosque, congregants disagreed over whether he prayed there.

The Omar mosque had been targeted by the New York Police Department, which conducted broad surveillance of Muslims in New Jersey, New York and beyond after 9/11, a program uncovered by The Associated Press in 2011. An NYPD report from the surveillance found no evidence of criminal activity at the Omar Mosque, Pittsburg Post-Gazette said.

President Trump: The day after the truck attack, Trump tweeted that the United States "will be immediately implementing much tougher Extreme Vetting Procedures." Trump also said he wanted to send the attacker to the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and called for the attacker to receive the death sentence.

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Tales of exaggeration and outright lies by this president are not new. In 1974, the New York Times did a profile on the young Trump. He claimed he was worth $200 million when his taxable income then was $2,200 a week; that he was of Swedish heritage; that he had graduated at the top of his class at Wharton! Claims of high intelligence are repeated often, and an assurance of how he would get better deals abroad.



Which brings us to his foreign policy. His campaign promoted America First, a doctrine earning its name before WW2 when proponents wanted the US to stay out of another European war. Roosevelt thought otherwise and the Japanese ended the issue.



Since the election, however, the only isolation Mr. Trump has initiated is in the unintended alienation of allies. Against foes, he has been quite belligerent. He has threatened to annihilate North Korea; he ordered missile strikes against Syria when the evidence of its culpability was vague; the stepping back from the Iran nuclear deal and his clear backing of the Saudis place him in the Sunni camp against the Shias.



While closely aligned with Netanyahu, he claims to be pushing for a peace deal. He certainly has of a different source. Beset by the new Trump-Netanyahu-Saudi alliance, the Palestinian factions Hamas and PLO have agreed to peace (at least a truce) and power sharing.





He has sent an additional 6,000 troops to Afghanistan, a drop compared to Obama's efforts, which failed. They have made no difference and the Taliban control half the country.

If all of this constitutes foreign policy, its strategy remains a mystery while it has all the makings of a mishmash response to events in ways ill-informed even thoughtless.

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Photo taken on Oct. 30, 2017 shows fisherman Mark Buttler is collecting nets and has captured a big Asian carpe on the Mississippi river, Kentucky, the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Yifang)

by Xinhua writers Xu Jing, Miao Zhuang and Liu Yifang

CHICAGO, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- After less than 10-minute cruising on the Mississippi River in west Kentucky, Mark Buttler stopped his boat near a shoal and began to cast nets. He harvested 400 pounds of fish from two fishnets on this bright autumn morning.

For the 62-year-old fisherman, who joined his father for fishing soon after high school graduation in the westernmost part of the U.S. state of Kentucky, the daily routine also includes selling his catch to a local business run by a Chinese entrepreneur.

Buttler has been fishing almost every day on the Mississippi River for more than 43 years. Before 2013, he sold his fish either to a market up north or to a seafood restaurant in Ledbetter, Kentucky. Then Angie Yu came to the City of Wickliffe in west Kentucky and opened the Two Rivers Fisheries to process fish from the Mississippi.

"The year she opened, we started selling to her. She pays a good price and she's just been good to us," Buttler told Xinhua. "She's closer and that's where we've been ever since. I have no need of searching for other places."

Buttler was not the only one who embraced Yu's business. Wickliffe, a small town with a population around 800, a per capita income of slightly more than 17,000 dollars and 16.1 percent population living below the poverty line, received Yu with open arms.

"It (Two Rivers Fisheries) brought a little more hope that there would be more jobs. It's a good place and it's going to get better. Jobs are important, everybody likes jobs," Wickliffe Mayor George Lane told Xinhua. "They (local residents) all hope she does well, and everybody likes her. It would be really good to get more workers."

Photo taken on Oct. 30, 2017 shows workers of the Two Rivers Fisheries are unloading the Asian carpe collected from local fishermen, Kentucky, the United States.(Xinhua/Liu Yifang)

Tod Cooper, Ballard County Executive, said Yu and her Two Rivers Fisheries a "tremendous asset to the community." As an agricultural county and part of the agriculture is fishing industry, "we still have one of the highest unemployment rates in the western part of the state of Kentucky, so we really think if Angie could expand that would really help employ some of the people that are unemployed right now," Cooper told Xinhua.

Before launching Two Rivers Fisheries in 2012, 60-year-old Yu had been engaged in international trade. In this sense, the company is just an extension of her business, as she is exporting 80 percent of the processed fish to the Middle East, East Europe and Asia.

Two Rivers Fisheries now employs 16 local residents doing processing work in plant, and purchases fish regularly from more than 70 fishermen nearby. The production was 500,000 pounds in the first year of production in 2013, then doubled to one million pounds in 2015, and further doubled to two million pounds in 2016.

Yu has not stopped on this. She recently signed an agreement with Jiangsu Rentian Agricultural Technology Co. Ltd from China, under which the latter will provide its "Immersion Freezing Technique" and an investment of 40 million dollars.

With the technique that can freeze fresh products to minus 18 degrees in 20 minutes to keep the freshness and taste of fish, and the 40-million-dollar investment, "we can double or triple the production, that means we need hiring additional 300-plus workers," Yu said.

Yu's efforts also coincide with the U.S. government's eagerness to remove some of the Asian carp from the river.

In the 1970s, the United States imported Asian carp to resolve the problem of plankton. In early 1990s, the Asian carp got into the Mississippi River and since then they have expanded and multiplied rapidly.

"They can have over one million eggs as far as their fecundity goes and... they outgrow all the native predators and that allows them to multiply like crazy and they've pretty much been able to outcompete a lot of native fishes," said Sara Tripp, Large River Ecologist with the Missouri Department of Conservation, in an interview with Xinhua.

"They're really starting to have an effect on the native fish in the Mississippi River," Tripp stressed.

Photo taken on Oct. 30, 2017 shows Angie Yu (Front Right) of Two Rivers Fisheries signed an agreement with a representative of Jiangsu Rentian Agricultural Technology Co. Ltd in Kentucky, the United States.(Xinhua/Liu Yifang)

In order to contain Asian carp from entering the Lake of Michigan and then the other lakes in the surrounding area, the U.S. Federal Government has worked out various ways, including setting up electric barriers in rivers flowing into Lake of Michigan, and injecting carbon dioxide into the rivers, but all with limited effect. Finally, eating them becomes the most viable way, which can help start a new market while remove some of the fish in the river.

Wang Changzheng and his assistants from the College of Agriculture of Kentucky State University visited the Two Rivers Fisheries regularly to study how to process Asian carp into products that more consumers would like to have.

Compared with ordinary carp, Asian carp is higher in terms of nutrition and tastes better. Moreover, Asian carp has high content of unsaturated fatty acid. "What we are doing is to process it into popular products by resorting to certain food processing methods." aid Wang, whose work has been funded by the Kentucky State University as well as the U.S. Agriculture Department.

The Kentucky Department of Wildlife and Fish now has a big program helping the commercial fishermen to access some areas to take out Asian carp from the Mississippi. And the Two Rivers Fisheries is the closest one for a lot of fishermen to come over with their fish. Workers at the plant start working early in the morning and only call it a day after processing all fish received. But they have no complaints.

Photo taken on Oct. 30, 2017 shows workers of Two Rivers Fisheries are processing Asian carpe at the workshop in Kentucky, the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Yifang)

Jim Burns is the supervisor in the process room, and has worked here for three years. He told Xinhua that he loves what he is doing. "I think that we all have a great affection for each other (here)."

Jeff Smith, as operations manager of the plant, has been involved in every aspect of the business from the fishermen all the way to the customer. "We've got an excellent team here, Ms. Angie being the president and owner of the company, the other lady that works here in the office, we get along great," he told Xinhua.

Yu often cooks Chinese food for the workers, and would give out red envelopes with cash bonus sealed inside on traditional Chinese holidays. "We are a family, we work together to clean this water system, to create jobs, and to contribute to our community," Yu said, adding that fish is a low-end product and fish processing yields low profit. "We need to be deeply rooted in the neighborhoods and earn the respect of local residents before we can keep the business moving."

Buttler earned more than 46,000 dollars in 2016. "It is a big difference in income," he told Xinhua, adding he probably won't retire and would like to hand down the business to his grandchildren and keep it going. "It's all good when you get somebody you can depend on to get your check and take your fish."

"It's been good. I wouldn't trade it for the world," Buttler said.
From Reader Supported News



Relatives and citizens demand justice for Alex Villamayor

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Millions of Americans travel overseas every year, whether it's across the border to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, Cancun, or to more exotic locales. But nobody expects to die violently while abroad, and especially not a 16-year-old.

That's what happened to Alex Villamayor.

Villamayor was an American citizen living with his parents in Paraguay. As the summer wound down, he made plans to begin his freshman year of college in Maryland. But first, he accepted an invitation to spend a weekend at the family ranch of a teenage friend in Paraguay.

That weekend ended with Villamayor dead of a gunshot wound to the head.

Paraguayan authorities were quick to rule the death a suicide. But this didn't make any sense. There was no gun residue on Villamayor's hand, and the gun was placed in such a way that it would have been nearly impossible for him to have fired the shot.

Moreover, Alex was a happy kid -- an honors student -- with a supportive family. As far as the people closest to him could tell, he was going places in life and seemed excited about the future.

The Villamayor family did what every family is supposed to do in a terrible situation like this: They immediately contacted the American embassy and the FBI for assistance. They asked embassy officers there to press for a proper investigation. But the Paraguayan authorities had already botched the case.

Under intense pressure from the Villamayors, the case was reinvestigated and the cause of death was changed to homicide. But the area where Alex died wasn't sealed off. Witnesses weren't interviewed. And the classmate who'd invited Alex to the ranch fled the country and is now incarcerated.

Meanwhile, the US embassy said it would "monitor the situation." I've worked in American embassies around the world, so let me tell you what that means: it means that they don't intend to do anything.

Indeed, all the embassy did was send a diplomatic note to the Paraguayan government asking for "clarification" of the investigation.

The family then contacted their elected officials. And this is where Donald Trump ought to come in. He's made a mantra of putting "America First." Now is the time to do exactly that, even if the Villamayors' other elected representatives won't.

After Alex's aunt, Kim Luk, contacted her senators for their help, Maryland senator Ben Cardin and former senator Barbara Mikulski wrote back saying that the embassy was "working with the family" on the case, apparently not even realizing that it was the family who had contacted them in the first place.

Cardin's staff had the gall to send a follow-up letter saying that they'd "spearheaded a call to the embassy." Mikulski's office didn't even pretend to be interested in the case. She was retiring.

To his credit, then-representative Chris Van Hollen, who replaced Mikulski in the Senate in January 2017, has taken up the case and has pressed the State Department for action. But that begs the question: Where's the State Department in all this?

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From Alternet

Religious fundamentalists turned the showmanship of an Alabama hustler into a national media circus.

Judge Roy Moore, the "Ten Commandments Judge" in Alabama now running for the U.S. Senate, says the controversy he and Fox News have stirred up is about religion.

"Reporters don't understand religious liberty and where it comes from," Moore told reporters in Washington DC this week. "It comes from God," he said, "not from the Constitution."

Moore, of course, is wrong. These efforts by the so-called religious right are not about religion. They're about power. A power that seeks, ultimately, to replace democracy.

We were warned about people like Moore, and media like Fox, by the founders of our nation and the framers of the U.S. Constitution.

The judge's main arguments for keeping a graven image of the Ten Commandments in the Alabama Supreme Court rotunda are, he said, that America is a Judeo/Christian nation founded by Christians, and that the foundation of American law is the Bible and the Ten Commandments. He's repeating these claims in his run for the Senate.

The most well-known of the Founders and Framers of this nation -- those who wrote the Declaration of Independence, led the Revolutionary war, and wrote the Constitution -- would strongly disagree with Moore and Murdoch's Fox on all counts.

Instead, the record tells us that many of the Founders and Framers believed that secular democracy is a more powerful unifying force for a decent and peaceful civil society than any religion ever was or could be. Although most were spiritual in their own ways, and many were also openly religious, as students of history, the Founders and Framers knew the damage that organized religion could do when it gained access to the reins of political power.

The Founders clearly divided power into four categories: military, religious, wealth/corporate, and political. The interaction of these types of power produced the three historic types of tyranny -- warlord kings; theocratic popes; and wealthy feudal lords or monopolistic corporations like the East India Company.

Every past tyrannical government in the history of civilization, our Founders realized, had oppressed its citizens because it had combined political power with one or more of the other three categories. This, they believed, was the fatal flaw of past forms of governance, and they were determined to isolate political power from each and all of the other three to prevent America from repeating the mistakes of previous nations.

Thus, political power would only be held by "We the People," and never again shared with military, corporate, or religious agencies.

For example, to keep political power from combining with military power in the new United States of America, the army was put under the civilian control of the elected president, and he, in turn, was legally incapable of declaring war (that power being given solely to Congress). As James Madison pointed out on April 20, 1795, presidents will always be tempted to gain excessive power by becoming warlords, which is why Congress must withhold from presidents the power to make war.

"In war," Madison wrote, "the discretionary power of the Executive [president] is extended. Its influence in dealing out offices, honors, and emoluments is multiplied; and all the means of seducing the minds, are added to those of subduing the force of the people. The same malignant aspect in republicanism may be traced in the inequality of fortunes, and the opportunities of fraud, growing out of a state of war...and in the degeneracy of manners and morals, engendered by both.

"No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare."

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Sometimes, authors delete their quicklinks after publishing them.



To see if the quicklink was renamed or re-published, please click here.


Bank runs, bankrupt cities, & bailouts! Its time to prepare for the new reality

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Bank runs, bankrupt cities, & bailouts! Its time to prepare for the new reality by Press Release Distribution

This recent article in Fortune magazine makes it clear that most small banks will not survive Dodd-Frank over the next decade - a bill so humongous it needs its own website - unless major changes are made. Says Fortune:



Do we need to worry about Too Small to Survive?

"Now that President Obama has been re-elected, analysts, consultants and dealmakers have turned from whether Dodd-Frank will be repealed to what it means for banks now that it's likely here to stay. The overwhelming conclusion: Thousands of small banks will soon disappear."

The 7,000 mostly small banks are literally Too Small to Survive - the equally dangerous corollary to Too Big to Fail.

Now that Obama has been re-elected and Dodd-Frank is certain to survive, in some watered-down form, it's clear that one of the only practical ways to help the banks that serve small businesses, communities, and other "backbones" of America instead of Wall Street, is to backstop them with a Public Bank, along the model of the Bank of North Dakota.



According to a Massachusetts' study of the Bank of North Dakota from the FRB of Boston:



"About 50 percent of BND's lending derives from participating in or purchasing business loans originated by smaller banks."



"Thanks largely to BND, North Dakota has a more robust community banking network than any other state. It has 35 percent more local banks per capita than South Dakota and four times as many as the U.S. average. Small local banks account for 60 percent of deposits in North Dakota, compared to only 16 percent nationally.

Over the last decade, lending by North Dakota's local banks has averaged about $12,000 per capita (plus about $2,400 in participation lending by BND), compared to just $3,000 for community banks nationally. BND has also enabled local banks to maintain a higher loan-to-asset ratio than their counterparts in other states, which means they devote more of their assets to productive lending, rather than safer holdings like U.S. securities."

"...take a look at each end of the banking spectrum. On one end are the nation's 6,900 small, locally owned, community banks. These institutions control $1.4 trillion in assets. That's 11 percent of all bank assets. They currently have $257 billion in loans to small businesses and farms on their books.

On the other end, four giant banks--JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, Citibank, and Wells Fargo--now command $5.4 trillion in assets, or 40 percent of the total. Given that they are nearly four times as large as all local banks combined, one might expect that they would have made four times the small-business loans, or about $1 trillion. In fact, these banks have a mere $85 billion in small-business and farm loans on their balance sheets."

So, instead of making 4 times the loans as the 6900 small locally owned banks, the 4 giant banks have made slightly more than 1/4 as many loans! That's a lot of 4s, but they're pointing the wrong way! Instead, we find, from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, that JP Morgan alone, has made over $69 Trillion in risky derivative investments, despite having only $1.8 Trillion in assets. These off-the-books bets are not subject to fractional reserve, or ANY, standard GAAP accounting rules, but they are subject to the results of meltdowns and dried-up markets. In the Fall of 2007, while everything was unraveling, and even the Fed was accused: "They know nothing!" by CNBC stock promoter/ranter Jim Cramer, it would later be only the Fed that bought the toxic mortgage assets and rescued the banks. Then, apparently, they knew something, namely that in a market in free-fall, no institution was going to step up and buy the toxic products the member banks had fraudulently peddled, no matter how large the reported assets were .



Since 2008, over 465 small banks have failed , while not one of the 19 TBTF banks has either been allowed to fail or been significantly downsized (they've all lost a large amount of market cap, proving investors are smarter than regulators or Washington politicians, or perhaps just less corruptible). Wikipedia says: "The 2008 financial crisis led to the failure of a large number of banks in the United States. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) closed 465 failed banks from 2008 to 2012. [ 1 ] In contrast, in the five years prior to 2008, only 10 banks failed. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] "

Only 10 banks failed in the five years prior to 2008, but 465 banks failed in the four years 2008-2012, and 3 more so far this year (2013).



The Citizen's for a State Bank article goes on to say:



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Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121

"There's no dispute that we now live in a hyper-connected, globalized world--but plenty of argument over the type of globalization that's best for our collective future. In this timely work, Rob Kall makes a persuasive case for 'trickle-up' globalization from below and that the truest, best, and most long-lasting fundamental change always comes from the bottom up. Read this bookthen act on it!"



Rory O'Connor, award-winning filmmaker and author of Friends, Followers, and the Future: How Social Media are Changing Politics, Threatening Big Brands, and Killing Traditional Media
From Truthdig

Donald Trump's primary enablers, the corporate Democrats, may be poised to blow it again in upcoming elections in Virginia on Nov. 7 and Alabama on Dec. 12.

Both races are critical to stopping the Trump onslaught, and if the Democrats don't act, the GOP could steal them. Independent election protection activists are working to reach the candidates and state parties. Their success or failure in preventing the theft of these two key elections will say much about the American future.

The Virginia governorship will be a key pivot in upcoming battles over gerrymandering. The far-right candidate, Ed Gilllespie, who now is running about even with Democrat Ralph Northam, could conspire with a GOP-controlled legislature to rig districts for the next decade.

In Alabama, a U.S. Senate victory for Roy Moore -- a former judge with a history of racism, sexism and homophobia -- would super-charge fascist theorist Steve Bannon's ongoing putsch. Polls show Moore running even with Democrat Doug Jones for Jeff Sessions' vacated seat.

In both states aggressive campaigns to disenfranchise voters of color could make the difference. The presence of easy-to-hack electronic voting machines also demand intense scrutiny from an active, engaged Democratic Party.

But the charisma-free trio of Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi and Tom Perez appear incapable of opposing the Trump lunacy.

A new report entitled "Autopsy: The Democratic Party in Crisis" by media critic Norman Solomon and other progressive activists explains what killed the Democratic Party and makes clear that the corporate Democrats in the Senate, House and party prefer Trump running wild in the White House over the social democrats represented by the nation's most popular politician, Bernie Sanders.

The social democrats are the 30 million or more Americans who supported Sanders in last year's primaries. They are the sole grass-roots force preventing a total Trump fascist coup.

But the Perez-led Democratic National Committee has purged Sandernista social democrats across the board. The party machinery is now in the hands of corporatists with no connection to the grass-roots activists who were once the soul of the party and embody its only chance to get back in power.

The Clinton corporatists long ago sold the party infrastructure to Goldman Sachs. As wealthy militarists, they stripped the DNC of any meaningful connection to the aggrieved grass roots of the dying American working and middle classes. Their core commitments are far closer to those of Donald Trump than they are to Bernie Sanders. They are far more comfortable with Trump in the White House than they would be with Sanders or someone else truly committed to social democracy.

They are also more than willing to let the GOP steal elections, since the Democrats have effectively won every presidential election since 1992.

But in 2000, Al Gore let Florida Gov. Jeb Bush steal the presidency for his brother George W. In an election allegedly decided by 537 votes, Gov. Bush stripped more than 90,000 primarily black and Hispanic voters from the registration rolls. He then flipped some 20,000 digital ballots from electronic machines in Volusia, Fla., and other counties at critical moments in the election night vote count.

Gore did seek a recount in four counties. But when the U.S. Supreme Court voted 5-4 to stop it, he conceded. Gore won the nationwide popular vote by more than half a million. He eventually won a recount in Florida. But despite his hundreds of millions in personal wealth, he's never done anything to fight the corruption of our electoral system. Instead he's joined the corporate chorus blaming Ralph Nader for daring to run a campaign that had zero impact on Gov. Bush's theft of the 2000 election.

In Ohio in 2004 John Kerry was the rightful winner of an election stripped and flipped by Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell, who now sits on Trump's Jim Crow Presidential Commission on Election Integrity to institutionalize election theft on a nationwide basis. Despite his personal millions, Kerry has never lifted a finger to make sure such a theft never happens again.

With Barack Obama, the grass roots rose up to put him in the White House. But the party shunned them once in office, and sat silent while the GOP took a thousand federal, state and local offices, many of them through illegal registration stripping and electronic vote flipping.

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See original here

Six weeks after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, millions of residents are still living without safe drinking water and electricity. Health experts say the storm's massive damage to Puerto Rico's water system is threatening to cause a public health crisis, as more and more people are exposed to contaminated water. Over the weekend, Democracy Now! was in Puerto Rico, and we traveled about three hours into Puerto Rico's mountainous highland region in the interior of the island in order to look at the ways austerity has exacerbated the crisis caused by Hurricane Maria.

This is a rush transcript. Copy may not be in its final form.

AMY GOODMAN: We begin today's show in Puerto Rico, where, six weeks after Hurricane Maria devastated the island, millions of residents are still living without safe drinking water and electricity. Health experts say the storm's massive damage to Puerto Rico's water system is threatening to cause a public health crisis, as more and more people are exposed to contaminated water. On Thursday, the White House finally agreed to release FEMA disaster aid with more flexibility to try to help rebuild Puerto Rico's devastated power grid and other infrastructure.

The shift in aid disbursement was necessary because of Puerto Rico's massive debt crisis, which both severely limits the island's ability to prepare for the storm ahead of time and to respond fully in the days afterward. According to an investigation by Puerto Rico's Center for Investigative Journalism, quote, "The permanent disaster [of Maria] has been largely due to the slow and inefficient deployment of the emergency response due to a fatal combination between the lack of liquidity of the government of Puerto Rico and its municipalities and the federal government's inaction," unquote. For the last year, Puerto Rico has been controlled by an unelected fiscal control board, imposed by the U.S. Congress, whose role is to enact austerity measures to ensure the bondholders of Puerto Rico's debt are repaid.

Well, over the weekend, Democracy Now! was in Puerto Rico. We traveled around three hours into Puerto Rico's mountainous highland region in the interior of the island in order to look at the ways austerity has exacerbated the crisis caused by Hurricane Maria. We begin our journey in a town called Lares, about two hours west of the capital San Juan. I began there by asking Democracy Now!'s Juan Carlos Da'vila, who grew up in Puerto Rico, to tell us about the history of this town called Lares.

JUAN CARLOS DA'VILA: So, the motto of this town is "Lares, Ciudad del Grito," which translates to "Lares, City of the Scream." That is in reference to the revolution of 1868 here in the town of Lares, where Puerto Rican revolutionaries gathered to overthrow the Spanish forces from here and declare the Puerto Rican independence. The colonial administration, that continues to administer the colony, are saying that the motto is too subversive, that "Ciudad del Grito" is too subversive, so they have tried things like "Lares, City of the Beautiful Women" or "Lares, City of the Open Skies," so that to, in a way, try to erase the history of Lares.

AMY GOODMAN: Let's go over to the street of Pedro Albizu Campos.

JUAN CARLOS DA'VILA: Pedro Albizu Campos is a revolutionary leader of Puerto Rico, who was president of the Nationalist Party, a Harvard graduate. And he --

AMY GOODMAN: I think he was the first graduate -- Puerto Rican graduate of Harvard Law School.

JUAN CARLOS DA'VILA: So, yeah, Pedro Albizu Campos is a very important figure in Puerto Rico. He stood for the independence of Puerto Rico. He fought valiantly against United States imperialism. So, here, the important thing about Pedro Albizu Campos being here in Lares, and his street here in Lares, is that he represents the continuation of that struggle of the revolutionaries fighting against the Spanish forces. And for that, he was in jail, and he was tortured. And many believe he --

AMY GOODMAN: He was in prison for decades.

JUAN CARLOS DA'VILA: Yeah, he was in prison for many years. And he was -- and it is believed that he was tortured, and they experimented with radiation on him.

AMY GOODMAN: In Lares, we meet up with Martin Cobian, a professor at the University of Puerto Rico and a member of the Center for Transdisciplinary Studies in Agroecology. We head about an hour further into the mountains, to a region called Las Maras.

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From Smirking Chimp

This week's ISIS-inspired truck attack in lower Manhattan by Uzbek immigrant Sayfullo Saipov has prompted discussions on a number of fronts. There is blowback, the foreign-policy-chickens-come-home-to-roost indicated by an increasing number of radical Islamists emerging from the former Soviet republic of Uzbekistan, a Central Asian nation whose brutal dictatorship is financed and armed by our U.S. taxdollars.

There is the ongoing verbal diarrhea of our mentally diseased president, whose tweets that Saipov deserves the "DEATH PENALTY" (caps his) were overshadowed by his even more outlandish suggestion that the suspect be reclassified as an "enemy combatant" (a Bush-era phrase undefined by American law) and sent to the U.S. torture-concentration camp at Guanta'namo. Always the opportunist, Trump also said the "diversity visa" program ought to be abolished because Saipov came to the U.S. under what is more commonly known as the visa lottery.

Seems to me that the biggest issue raised by the New York attack is the one we're not talking about: the need to protect bicyclists from cars and trucks on public roadways.

Saipov drove his rented Home Depot truck down the West Side Highway onto what becomes West Street, the six-lane road that follows the Hudson River in Manhattan. At Houston Street, just south of Greenwich Village, he made a quick right and a quick left onto the joint pedestrian-bike path that runs alongside the highway. There he mowed down cyclists and pedestrians, killing eight people.

Those eight people aren't dead solely due to Saipov. They were also killed by the City of New York and its lousy urban planning.

Though in recent years there has been considerable progress in terms of setting aside asphalt for bike paths, walkways and urban parklets, New York and many American other cities, city officials seem largely oblivious to the risks of placing soft human bodies in close proximity to speeding cars, SUVs and trucks.

New York, where I live, is one of numerous cities to report success with bike-rental programs. Ours is called Citibike; you rent a bike from a kiosk and return it to a docking station near your destination. In between you make your way down and across city streets, where cars and trucks rule.

I almost understand the city's reluctance to dedicate a bike lane to, or to dedicate entire streets, along smaller crosstown thoroughfares. They're too narrow; you'd have to eliminate a lot of street parking, which would create more congestion. But the way New York has handled bike lanes along big boulevards is nothing short of inexplicable.

Nothing separates the bike lane from motor vehicle traffic but a line of white paint or, in some cases, short plastic sticks. Forget terrorism -- hype aside, terrorism kills so few people that the only rational way for individuals to respond to it is to ignore it and live your life. It's the ordinary accidents that worry me: two cars collide, one or both lose control and enter the bike path. It happens all the time in New York and elsewhere.

The West Street path where Saipov murdered his victims benefits from a short jersey barrier along the automobile section. But it's easily accessible to even a large truck driven by a person of ill will, as we saw a few days ago -- not to mention the random drunk who thinks it's a service road. And it contains yet another ridiculous design flaw: putting pedestrians and bicyclists in the same space. Cyclists weave between walkers, terrifying them. Walkers are oblivious to cyclists, creating more accidents. Both deserve two safe, discrete spaces to enjoy the outdoors.

What's maddening about this is that this is the kind of tragedy that is predictable and easy to avoid with minimal expense. Bike paths running adjacent to traffic should be separated by solid concrete or metal barriers between intersections. At intersections, a series of metal bars wide enough to allow bikes to pass through but too narrow for cars, and solid enough to stop one traveling fast, should be installed.

The same precautions should be taken along densely-populated urban streets in order to protect pedestrians. In May 2017 a man high on PCP drove on a sidewalk in Times Square, killing a woman and leaving more than a dozen others injured. But it would have been worse had his vehicle not been blocked by a bollard. Sturdy metal barriers should be installed along busy streets to protect pedestrians from out-of-control cars; at intersections they should go with those poles I mentioned above.

You can't protect everyone. You can't anticipate every nefarious plot. But disasters that are predictable, easy to avoid or mitigate, and relatively inexpensive are a no-brainer.


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In revisiting the PBS series on Vietnam, it is even clearer to me now that Burns' intention was more about bolstering his self-created image as america's chronicler of culture and benchmark events than it was to providing journalistic integrity in an attempt to uncover the many truths that still remain buried in mainstream accounts of Vietnam. But to do that, Burns would have had to stand up to his bosses at PBS who are solidly in the pocket of the neoliberal/neocon establishment.

Ten hours of dramatic footage and cherrypicked interviews does not tell the true story of how the invasion of Vietnam was planned before WWII had even ended. Or how the massive US military machine that was created during that war was eager to test for itself the evolving technologies that the Axis powers had been developing before their defeat for the control of developing nations -- particularly those intent on self-determination and guerrilla resistance. The genocidal experiment began in earnest long before troops were committed when the following steps and events began taking shape:

the relocation to Bethesda and Aberdeen of various key members of the Third Reich and the scientists who ran the infamous Japanese torture center, Unit 731;

the Pentagon's designing the "electronic battlefield" strategies for efficient carpet bombing of infrastructure;

massive testing of bio-defoliants, "rainbow herbicides" and chemical weapons by Dow, Monsanto and others leading up to Operation Ranch Hand where the chemicals, like dioxin, were sprayed directly on millions of Vietnamese civilians to test mortality thresholds;

drafting plans for sabotaging rice paddies and dams to force mass starvation through crop destruction and flooding to test human endurance;

forced mass-relocation campaigns to subvert all sense of cultural identity and ancestral tradition;

new interrogation, humiliation and torture techniques along with creation of programs like the State Department's Phoenix Program designed to destroy all will in the hearts and minds of the peasants who resist complete subjugation.

The following quote by the great war-photo journalist, the late Philip Jones Griffiths, will provide the needed contrast and perspective on Ken Burns' collaborationist tripe. In his book Vietnam Inc, Griffiths quotes a US officer reviewing the effectiveness of napalm on site in Vietnam in language that reveals the deep racist undercurrent of the US military. Race was a most critical factor in gaining approval in government funding for the atrocities, yet overlooked or downplayed by Burns, as it has been with every other revisionist "historian" of the US campaign of terror in Southeast Asia, specifically the Vietnam Experiment in Counterrevolution, a/k/a the Vietnam War:





We sure are pleased with those backroom boys at Dow. The original product wasn't so hot -- if the gooks were quick they could scrape it off. So the boys started adding polystyrene -- now it sticks like sh*t to a blanket. But if the gooks jumped under water it stopped burning, so they started adding Willie Peter (white phosphorus) so's to make it burn better. And just one drop is enough, it'll keep on burning right down to the bone so they die anyway from phosphorus poisoning.

***image source: John Pilger



(Article changed on November 5, 2017 at 04:40)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 05:40:58|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Discrimination, exclusion and persecution are "stark realities" for many of the world's stateless minorities, the United Nations refugee agency warned on Friday in a new report.

"Stateless people are just seeking the same basic rights that all citizens enjoy. But stateless minorities, like the Rohingya, often suffer from entrenched discrimination and a systematic denial of their rights," UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said on the launch of the report: This Is Our Home: Stateless minorities and their search for citizenship.

An estimated 10 million people worldwide are stateless, including 3 million officially, a status that deprives them of an identity, rights, and often jobs, the report says.

The report notes that more than 75 percent of the world's known stateless populations belong to minority groups. Left unaddressed, their protracted marginalization can build resentment, increase fear and, in the most extreme cases, lead to instability, insecurity and displacement.

A press release said that although the report is based on research prior to late August when hundreds of thousands of Rohingya, the world's biggest stateless minority, began fleeing Myanmar to Bangladesh, their situation is nonetheless illustrative of the problems that years of discrimination, protracted exclusion and their impact on citizenship status can lead to.

"In recent years, important steps have been taken to address statelessness worldwide. However new challenges, like growing forced displacement and arbitrary deprivation of nationality, threaten this progress. States must act now and they must act decisively to end statelessness," Grandi stressed.

The report shows that, for many minority groups, the cause of statelessness is difference itself: their histories, their looks, their language, their faith. At the same time, statelessness often exacerbates the exclusion that minority groups face, profoundly affecting all aspects of their life, from freedom of movement to development opportunities, and from access to services to the right to vote.

The report was released on the third anniversary of UNHCR's #Ibelong Campaign, which urges all states to implement measures, such as facilitating the naturalization or confirmation of nationality for stateless minority groups, allowing children to gain the nationality of the country in which they were born; and ensure universal birth registration.
From Paul Craig Roberts Website



the Congress

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The insouciant American electorate is so inattentive that it routinely elects enemies of civil liberty to represent the public in Congress. Last Wednesday Rep. Adam Schiff (D, CA), Rep. Trey Gowdy (R, SC), Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D, CA), Sen. Mark Warner (D, VA), Rep. Jackie Speier (D, CA), Sen. Tom Cotton (R, AR ), and Rep. Joaquin Castro (D, TX) tried to intimidate executives from Facebook, Twitter, and Google into blocking all digital dissent to the anti-Trump/Russian line taken by the DNC and military/security complex and to serve as spy agencies for the CIA.

Two of the above -- Gowdy and Cotton -- are Republicans who have aligned themselves with the attack on Russia and Republican President Trump. What unites the members of the two parties is that they want a police state. Jackie Speier demands to know from Google why Google hasn't "shut down RT on YouTube."

Joaquin Castro wants messages linked to Russia turned over to the US government. Trey Gowdy wants false statements blocked, which would mean that the entire print and TV media in the US would be shut down along with Congress, John Brennan, Robert Mueller, and James Comey. Gowdy does not know that the First Amendment guarantees free speech and leaves it up to the public to decide what is true and what is false.

You tell me. What kind of insouciant people are capable of electing representatives who do not respect the Bill of Rights? Is a country whose government does not respect its own Constitution a democracy? Is such a country an exceptional, indispensable country? Or is it a completely corrupt entity whose government no longer has the slightest allegiance to the Bill of Rights and the US Constitution?

What is the quality of an electorate that sends those with a police state mentality to represent them in the government that has power over them? Are we witnessing the destruction of democracy by the electorate? Is the failure of the American people staring us in the face?

Are you amazed that it is the executives of Facebook, Twitter, and Google, and not the members of Congress who have sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States, who point out to US Representatives and Senators that their demands for censorship and spying are unconstitutional?

What is the liberal/progressive/left, which believes that good resides in government and evil in the private sector, to make of this?

Is the hatred of dissent so great that nothing else is important?

Here is a report on Wednesday's hearings by the House and Senate Intelligence (sic) committees on "extremist" views.
From Gush Shalom

I HATE self-evident truths.

Ideals may be self-evident. Political statements are not. When I hear about a self-evident political truth, I immediately doubt it.

The most self-evident political truth at this moment concerns Iran. Iran is our deadly enemy. Iran wants to destroy us. We must destroy its capabilities first.

Since this is self-evident, the anti-nuclear agreement signed between Iran and the five Security Council members (plus Germany) is terrible. Just terrible. We should have ordered the Americans long ago to bomb Iran to smithereens. In the unlikely event that they would have disobeyed us, we should have nuclear-bombed Iran ourselves, before their crazy fanatical leaders have the opportunity to annihilate us first.

All these are self-evident truths. To my mind, all of them are utter nonsense. There is nothing self-evident about them. Indeed, they have no logical basis at all. They lack any geopolitical, historical or factual foundation.

NAPOLEON ONCE said that if one wants to understand the behavior of a country, one has to look at the map.

Geography is more important than ideology, however fanatical. Ideologies change with time. Geography doesn't. The most fanatically ideological country in the 20th century was the Soviet Union. It abhorred its predecessor, Czarist Russia. It would have abhorred its successor, Putin's Russia. But lo and behold -- the Czars, Stalin and Putin conduct more or less the same foreign policy. Karl Marx must be turning in his grave.

When the Biblical Israelite people were born, Persia was already a civilized country. King Cyrus of Persia sent the "Jews" to Jerusalem and founded what can be called the "Jewish people." He is remembered in Jewish history as a great benefactor.

When the State of Israel was founded in 1948, David Ben-Gurion saw in Iran a natural ally. It may now sound strange, but not so long ago Iran was indeed the most pro-Israeli country in the Middle East.

Ben-Gurion was an out-and-out realist. Since he had no intention whatsoever to make peace with the Arabs, a peace which would have prevented the original small State of Israel expanding without boundaries, he looked for allies beyond the Arab world.

Looking at the map (yes, he believed in the map) he saw that the Muslim Arabs were surrounded by a number of non-Arab or non-Muslim entities. There were the Maronite Christians in Lebanon (not Muslims), the Turks (Muslims, but not Arabs), the Kurds (Muslims but not Arabs), Iran (Muslim, but not Arab), Ethiopia (neither Muslim nor Arab) and more.

Seeing this, Ben-Gurion devised a grand plan: a "partnership of the periphery," an alliance of all these entities surrounding the Arab world and which felt threatened by the emerging pan-Arab nationalism of Gamal Abdal-Nasser and other Sunni-Muslim-Arab states.

ONE OF the greatest enthusiasts for this idea was the Shah of Iran, who became Israel's most ardent friend.

The "King of Kings" was a brutal dictator, hated by most of his people. But for many Israelis, Iran became a second home. Tehran became a Mecca for Israeli businessmen, some of whom became very rich. Experts of the Israeli Security Service, called Shabak (Hebrew initials of General Security Service) trained the Shah's detested secret police, called Savak.

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Muslims have a lot to owe to Sardar Patel

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This is the centenary of the year when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel first met Mahatma Gandhi and India got its unifier as we know the nation today. His birth anniversary, which falls this week, was all but erased from public memory under the Congress continuance and the media/academia that controlled the public narrative. It's only now that the man is being pulled out of history's dusty racks.

History bears testimony how the birth centenary of Sardar Patel on October 31, 1975, was blocked from public consciousness by the dispensation of Indira Gandhi and the media/academia cabal. Contrast this with Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru's who was festooned all over India in 1989 during his birth centenary.

You have Marxist historian Romila Thapar pointing out Sardar Patel's role in reconstruction of legendary Somnath Temple after Independence, an act of communal and not secular ideals of India by inference, though how Nehru pushed the passage of the Haj Committee Act in 1959 is better not questioned.

Congress loses no time in terming Sardar Patel as its own, and couldn't care less about your protest that the "Iron Man" got Bharat Ratna only 44 years after India 's independence. Try telling them that no less than three Nehru-Gandhi icons were decorated with India 's highest civilian award in between (two of them, Nehru and Indira, while they were still alive). A few awardees in between, while Patel was kept in the storeroom, could be suitably embarrassed.

All this while Patel's has been nuanced into an anti-Muslim persona. Be it agenda-driven websites that have mushroomed lately; the known left's stable such as The Hindu/Frontline or NDTV, and mainstream media, Patel's legacy has suffered in their hands. The man deserves truth even if respect eludes him from the indifferent amongst us. Sardar was no less than Bismarck --but India hasn't been a match to Germany in gratitude.

The anti-Muslim narrative must seize our immediate attention. BJP has been tireless in pointing out Sardar's role in India 's unification. It's been easy for the Indian ecosystem to club the two and project it against Muslims of the country. One, it establishes their "secular" credentials and two, it kind of helps in explaining their willful neglect of the towering Sardar.

Was Patel Anti-Muslim?

The one unethical method the intelligentsia adopts is to take a quote out of its context and use it to buttress its agenda. We have Rajmohan Gandhi writing in "Patel A Life" (p. 426) that "He (Patel) was unquestionably roused more by a report of 50 Hindu or Sikh deaths than by another 50 Muslim deaths."

Another by Rajmohan Gandhi: ""Patel could not get over his anger against Muslims whom he held responsible for the Partition; they had brought this tragedy not only upon themselves but also on others."

Patel has been blamed for introducing the permit system, which didn't allow Muslims to claim their Indian citizenship even if they had gone to Pakistan for a visit after August 15, 1947. He is also burnt at stake for slapping the Evacuee Property Law, which meant the absorption of movable and immovable assets of Muslims who chose to leave for Pakistan . In both instances, it was in retaliation to similar moves made in West and East Pakistan, but such logic is usually lost in wilderness.

Quite a few of Sardar's utterances are cited to hold him guilty of anti-Muslim bias. There is this speech in Hyderabad , just two months before his passing away in 1950, where he said: "I naturally begin to doubt whether Muslims here feel that their future lies in India ." (That his next sentence condemned some Hindus for celebrating Gandhi's assassination, is studiously avoided) (Chopra, P.N., The Sardar of India, p.150.)

There are these words of Sardar's in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in January 1948: "The Muslims who are still in India , many of them helped in the creation of Pakistan ... They (now) say why their loyalty is being questioned."

When Pakistan invaded Kashmir, the same month, he addressed Muslims in Lucknow , thus: "I want to tell you frankly that mere declaration of loyalty to the Indian Union will not help you in this critical juncture... those who want to go to Pakistan can go there and live in peace."

Contrast these words with the actions Patel took vis-a-vis the minority communities. He was instrumental, as chairman of the committee on minorities and fundamental rights, in allowing Muslims and Christians the right to (a) propagate their religion; (b) the right to preserve their language and culture; and (c) the right to run their own educational institutions. (1)

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Delegates to the National Convention of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) passed two significant resolutions, which may allow local unions to recommend that their members vote for independent political candidates, including those from the Green Party. The meeting of more than 1,000 union members took place during the last week in October in St. Louis, MO.

In the past, labor unions have, with few exceptions, endorsed electoral candidates from the two corporate parties. These politicians kowtow to the interests of corporations and the wealthy. Because of the expense of electoral campaigns, such candidates rely on funding from corporate PACs and upper-income donors. This has resulted in electoral contests in which candidates vie for approval of the wealthy without speaking to the needs of working people or the planet.

I described this problem last year in my article entitled "Evil of the Two Lessers." Now, perhaps as a result of corrupt primary elections in 2016, the AFL-CIO appears to be standing up on its hind legs.

Significantly, AFL-CIO Resolution #2, was entitled, "An Independent Political Voice." While never explicitly mentioning the Democratic Party, this resolution very clearly states, "The time has passed when we can passively settle for the lesser of two evils."

This resolution assures continued support for politicians who have proven to be "friends and allies of labor." Unions will continue to work for politicians who have voted for issues important to working people. These issues are enumerated as "good jobs, health care, safe working conditions, secure and dignified retirements, protecting and enhancing collective bargaining and the rights of workers to organize, protecting the right to vote, access to affordable education and housing, good public education and public services, an end to trade deals that cost millions of jobs, and investments in infrastructure and the environment leading to the creation of millions of jobs."

The delegates therefore resolved that the AFL-CIO "studies the viability of independent and third-party politics; and explores other reasonable means of advancing the interests of labor in electoral politics." Of course, the future will determine whether the national AFL-CIO and its local unions will take the next step and act vigorously to fulfill the wishes of its membership.

The door is now open for third parties like the Green Party to seek endorsements and support from organized labor.
Active Protection Systems Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025

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Global Nuclear Fuels Market Outlooks,Share Analysis and Trends 2017-2022

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Nuclear Fuels Market is set to Grow according to the Expcted CAGRIn this report, the global Nuclear Fuels market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.The report is split segment wise considering the following key regionsNorth America,Europe,China,JapanAnd more.The report covers major commercial contenders and there market valuation including the prices, revenue, growth rate and market share with below mentioned top playersARMZ Uranium Holding Company,Cameco,Energy Resources of Australia,BHP BillitonAnd moreAccess a sample report on:The report discusses the following contentTOCChapter 1 Nuclear Fuels Market Overview:Product Overview and Scope of Nuclear FuelsNuclear Fuels Segment by Type (Product Category)Chapter 2 Global Nuclear Fuels Market Competition by Manufacturers:Global Nuclear Fuels Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)Global Nuclear Fuels Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)Chapter 3 Global Nuclear Fuels Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017):Global Nuclear Fuels Capacity and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)Global Nuclear Fuels Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)Global Nuclear Fuels Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)Chapter 4 Global Nuclear Fuels Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017):Global Nuclear Fuels Consumption by Region (2012-2017)North America Nuclear Fuels Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)Europe Nuclear Fuels Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)Chapter 5 Global Nuclear Fuels Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type:Global Nuclear Fuels Production and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)Global Nuclear Fuels Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)Global Nuclear Fuels Price by Type (2012-2017)Browse Full Report from:To summarize the Nuclear Fuels market research report covers the current as well as future prospects of Nuclear Fuels market. It is primary as well as secondary research performed to predict the diversity, growth, revenue and market share for 2017 to 2022.About UsReports Monitor (ReportsMonitor.com) is a platform for companies looking to meet their market research and business intelligence requirements. Our aim is to change the dynamics of the Market Research industry by providing quality intelligence backed by data. Your requirement for market forecasting is fulfilled by our exclusive quantitative and analytics driven intelligence. We have a vast collection of reports, covering maximum industries worldwide. Our process is meticulously planned and executed in order to use maximum resources and explore the market for getting genuine insights. The prime focus is to get reliable data, Decision makers can now rely on our distinct data gathering methods to get factual market forecasting and detailed analysis.Contact UsJay MatthewsDirect: +1 513 549-5911Email: sales@reportsmonitor.comWebsite:
Global Rugged Thermal Cameras Market Professional Survey Report 2017

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This report studies Rugged Thermal Cameras in Global market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2012 to 2016, and forecast to 2022.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringFlir Systems, Inc.BAE SystemsRaytheon CompanyLeonardo SpADanaher CorporationAxis CommunicationL3 Technologies Inc.Thermoteknix Systems Ltd.FlukeBosch Security SystemsBullardDownload Sample Copy From Here:On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoShort Wavelength Infrared Thermal CamerasMid-Wavelength Infrared Thermal CamerasLong-Wavelength Infrared Thermal CamerasBy Application, the market can be split intoMilitary and DefenceIndustrialCommercial & ResidentialBy Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Table of ContentsGlobal Rugged Thermal Cameras Market Professional Survey Report 20171 Industry Overview of Rugged Thermal Cameras1.1 Definition and Specifications of Rugged Thermal Cameras1.1.1 Definition of Rugged Thermal Cameras1.1.2 Specifications of Rugged Thermal Cameras1.2 Classification of Rugged Thermal Cameras1.2.1 Short Wavelength Infrared Thermal Cameras1.2.2 Mid-Wavelength Infrared Thermal Cameras1.2.3 Long-Wavelength Infrared Thermal Cameras1.3 Applications of Rugged Thermal Cameras1.3.1 Military and Defence1.3.2 Industrial1.3.3 Commercial & Residential1.4 Market Segment by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 India2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Rugged Thermal Cameras2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Rugged Thermal Cameras2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Rugged Thermal Cameras2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Rugged Thermal Cameras3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Rugged Thermal Cameras3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Rugged Thermal Cameras Major Manufacturers in 20163.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Rugged Thermal Cameras Major Manufacturers in 20163.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Rugged Thermal Cameras Major Manufacturers in 20163.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Rugged Thermal Cameras Major Manufacturers in 20164 Global Rugged Thermal Cameras Overall Market Overview4.1 2012-2017E Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 2012-2017E Global Rugged Thermal Cameras Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)4.3 Sales Analysis4.3.1 2012-2017E Global Rugged Thermal Cameras Sales and Growth Rate Analysis4.3.2 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Sales Analysis (Company Segment)4.4 Sales Price Analysis4.4.1 2012-2017E Global Rugged Thermal Cameras Sales Price4.4.2 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment)5 Rugged Thermal Cameras Regional Market Analysis5.1 North America Rugged Thermal Cameras Market Analysis5.1.1 North America Rugged Thermal Cameras Market Overview5.1.2 North America 2012-2017E Rugged Thermal Cameras Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.1.3 North America 2012-2017E Rugged Thermal Cameras Sales Price Analysis5.1.4 North America 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Market Share Analysis5.2 China Rugged Thermal Cameras Market Analysis5.2.1 China Rugged Thermal Cameras Market Overview5.2.2 China 2012-2017E Rugged Thermal Cameras Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.2.3 China 2012-2017E Rugged Thermal Cameras Sales Price Analysis5.2.4 China 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Market Share Analysis5.3 Europe Rugged Thermal Cameras Market Analysis5.3.1 Europe Rugged Thermal Cameras Market Overview5.3.2 Europe 2012-2017E Rugged Thermal Cameras Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.3.3 Europe 2012-2017E Rugged Thermal Cameras Sales Price Analysis5.3.4 Europe 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Market Share Analysis5.4 Southeast Asia Rugged Thermal Cameras Market Analysis5.4.1 Southeast Asia Rugged Thermal Cameras Market Overview5.4.2 Southeast Asia 2012-2017E Rugged Thermal Cameras Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.4.3 Southeast Asia 2012-2017E Rugged Thermal Cameras Sales Price Analysis5.4.4 Southeast Asia 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Market Share Analysis5.5 Japan Rugged Thermal Cameras Market Analysis5.5.1 Japan Rugged Thermal Cameras Market Overview5.5.2 Japan 2012-2017E Rugged Thermal Cameras Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.5.3 Japan 2012-2017E Rugged Thermal Cameras Sales Price Analysis5.5.4 Japan 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Market Share Analysis5.6 India Rugged Thermal Cameras Market Analysis5.6.1 India Rugged Thermal Cameras Market Overview5.6.2 India 2012-2017E Rugged Thermal Cameras Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.6.3 India 2012-2017E Rugged Thermal Cameras Sales Price Analysis5.6.4 India 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Market Share Analysis6 Global 2012-2017E Rugged Thermal Cameras Segment Market Analysis (by Type)6.1 Global 2012-2017E Rugged Thermal Cameras Sales by Type6.2 Different Types of Rugged Thermal Cameras Product Interview Price Analysis6.3 Different Types of Rugged Thermal Cameras Product Driving Factors Analysis6.3.1 Short Wavelength Infrared Thermal Cameras of Rugged Thermal Cameras Growth Driving Factor Analysis6.3.2 Mid-Wavelength Infrared Thermal Cameras of Rugged Thermal Cameras Growth Driving Factor Analysis6.3.3 Long-Wavelength Infrared Thermal Cameras of Rugged Thermal Cameras Growth Driving Factor Analysis7 Global 2012-2017E Rugged Thermal Cameras Segment Market Analysis (by Application)7.1 Global 2012-2017E Rugged Thermal Cameras Consumption by Application7.2 Different Application of Rugged Thermal Cameras Product Interview Price Analysis7.3 Different Application of Rugged Thermal Cameras Product Driving Factors Analysis7.3.1 Military and Defence of Rugged Thermal Cameras Growth Driving Factor Analysis7.3.2 Industrial of Rugged Thermal Cameras Growth Driving Factor Analysis7.3.3 Commercial & Residential of Rugged Thermal Cameras Growth Driving Factor Analysis8 Major Manufacturers Analysis of Rugged Thermal Cameras8.1 Flir Systems, Inc.8.1.1 Company Profile8.1.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.1.2.1 Product A8.1.2.2 Product B8.1.3 Flir Systems, Inc. 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.1.4 Flir Systems, Inc. 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Business Region Distribution Analysis8.2 BAE Systems8.2.1 Company Profile8.2.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.2.2.1 Product A8.2.2.2 Product B8.2.3 BAE Systems 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.2.4 BAE Systems 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Business Region Distribution Analysis8.3 Raytheon Company8.3.1 Company Profile8.3.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.3.2.1 Product A8.3.2.2 Product B8.3.3 Raytheon Company 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.3.4 Raytheon Company 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Business Region Distribution Analysis8.4 Leonardo SpA8.4.1 Company Profile8.4.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.4.2.1 Product A8.4.2.2 Product B8.4.3 Leonardo SpA 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.4.4 Leonardo SpA 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Business Region Distribution Analysis8.5 Danaher Corporation8.5.1 Company Profile8.5.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.5.2.1 Product A8.5.2.2 Product B8.5.3 Danaher Corporation 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.5.4 Danaher Corporation 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Business Region Distribution Analysis8.6 Axis Communication8.6.1 Company Profile8.6.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.6.2.1 Product A8.6.2.2 Product B8.6.3 Axis Communication 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.6.4 Axis Communication 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Business Region Distribution Analysis8.7 L3 Technologies Inc.8.7.1 Company Profile8.7.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.7.2.1 Product A8.7.2.2 Product B8.7.3 L3 Technologies Inc. 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.7.4 L3 Technologies Inc. 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Business Region Distribution Analysis8.8 Thermoteknix Systems Ltd.8.8.1 Company Profile8.8.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.8.2.1 Product A8.8.2.2 Product B8.8.3 Thermoteknix Systems Ltd. 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.8.4 Thermoteknix Systems Ltd. 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Business Region Distribution Analysis8.9 Fluke8.9.1 Company Profile8.9.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.9.2.1 Product A8.9.2.2 Product B8.9.3 Fluke 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.9.4 Fluke 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Business Region Distribution Analysis8.10 Bosch Security Systems8.10.1 Company Profile8.10.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.10.2.1 Product A8.10.2.2 Product B8.10.3 Bosch Security Systems 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.10.4 Bosch Security Systems 2016 Rugged Thermal Cameras Business Region Distribution Analysis8.11 Bullard9 Development Trend of Analysis of Rugged Thermal Cameras Market9.1 Global Rugged Thermal Cameras Market Trend Analysis9.1.1 Global 2017-2022 Rugged Thermal Cameras Market Size (Volume and Value) Forecast9.1.2 Global 2017-2022 Rugged Thermal Cameras Sales Price Forecast9.2 Rugged Thermal Cameras Regional Market Trend9.2.1 North America 2017-2022 Rugged Thermal Cameras Consumption Forecast9.2.2 China 2017-2022 Rugged Thermal Cameras Consumption Forecast9.2.3 Europe 2017-2022 Rugged Thermal Cameras Consumption Forecast9.2.4 Southeast Asia 2017-2022 Rugged Thermal Cameras Consumption Forecast9.2.5 Japan 2017-2022 Rugged Thermal Cameras Consumption Forecast9.2.6 India 2017-2022 Rugged Thermal Cameras Consumption Forecast9.3 Rugged Thermal Cameras Market Trend (Product Type)9.4 Rugged Thermal Cameras Market Trend (Application)10 Rugged Thermal Cameras Marketing Type Analysis10.1 Rugged Thermal Cameras Regional Marketing Type Analysis10.2 Rugged Thermal Cameras International Trade Type Analysis10.3 Traders or Distributors with Contact Information of Rugged Thermal Cameras by Region10.4 Rugged Thermal Cameras Supply Chain Analysis11 Consumers Analysis of Rugged Thermal Cameras11.1 Consumer 1 Analysis11.2 Consumer 2 Analysis11.3 Consumer 3 Analysis11.4 Consumer 4 Analysis12 Conclusion of the Global Rugged Thermal Cameras Market Professional Survey Report 2017MethodologyAnalyst IntroductionData SourceBuy Now This Report From Here:Global QYResearch() is the one spot destination for all your research needs. Global QYResearch holds the repository of quality research reports from numerous publishers across the globe. Our inventory of research reports caters to various industry verticals including Healthcare, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Technology and Media, Chemicals, Materials, Energy, Heavy Industry, etc. With the complete information about the publishers and the industries they cater to for developing market research reports, we help our clients in making purchase decision by understanding their requirements and suggesting best possible collection matching their needs.Unit 1, 26 Cleveland Road, South Woodford, London,E182AN, United KingdomCall: +44 20 3239 2407
Argan Oil Industry Increased its Growth in Personal Care Products over 9.5% Says MRFR.

Argan Oil Industry

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Market Research Future published a half cooked research report on Global Argan Oil Market which is estimated to grow more than 9.5% during the period of 2017-2023The Global Argan Oil Market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and rest of the world (ROW). Middle East and Africa (Rest of the World) holds a major market share followed by North America. High demands for healthy oils with widespread applications from the developed countries of these regions are contributing to the positive growth of Argan oil market. Morocco, U.S., the Netherlands, China, U.K., and Japan are the major importers of Argan oil.Market OverviewThe increasing sale of Argan oil is driven by rising awareness among the consumers about the beneficial properties of Argan oil. High antioxidant content of the oil makes its application more significant in personal care products due to the anti-ageing property the oil imparts. Rise in consumption of healthy food products has supported the sale of Argan oil in the global market. Increasing disposable income and economy development is also found to fuel up the market demand of unconventional oils such as Argan oil. The consumption as well as production of Argan oil is found to be high in Middle East and African region and is evaluated to increase at a positive growth rate in various countries of North America, Europe and Asia Pacific region.Access our Sample Report @Market ForecastGlobally the Argan oil market share as one of the fastest growing unconventional oil segment is estimated to escalate at a higher growth rate which is supported by the rising mass consumers demand for natural and healthy products. Rapid urbanization and increased disposable income has led to consumers inclination towards aromatherapy and spas which also has a positive impact on this market. Demand for organic and natural skin care products among the mass population is also driving the market of Argan oil.Downstream analysisConsumption of organic Argan oil is growing at significant rate based on high consumers demand for chemical-free products in order to reduce the harmful effects imparted from such products. Increase in demand for effective personal care products especially among the female population has resulted in increased sale of Argan oil across the globe.Sale of Argan oil through supermarkets and hypermarkets is found to be high on a global level. This is due to consumer convenience and preference for one-stop shopping experience. In addition, based on the adoption of advanced technology by the consumers into their daily routine and convenience shopping experience, the sale of Argan oil through e-commerce is found to escalate at a positive growth rate.Argan oil manufacturers across various regions follow the strategy of improving their existing product line by adding innovations for their business expansion. Due to this the application of Argan oil is increasing across various industries. In the Middle East and Africa region, Morocco is among the dominating countries holding a major share in Argan oil market and exports the product in various other countries which include U.K., the Netherlands, Spain, France, Italy, and others.For Discount and Inquiry @At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR) and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have the prime objective to provide optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies depending on products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments enables our clients to know more consequently do more, which gives them answer for their each and every important question. In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meeting with industry experts and does industrial visits for its research analyst membersOffice No. 528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028 Maharashtra, India
Steer Loader Industry to Develop Rapidly at CAGR of about 8% by 2022

Steer Loader Industry

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Market research future published a half cooked research report on Global Skid steer loader market. The skid steer loader market is expected to grow over the CAGR of around 8% during the period 2016 to 2022.Market HighlightsThe growth of the global skid steer loader market due to the boom of the construction industry with the increasing urbanization. This increase in urbanization has led to the rise in the number of construction projects in developing nations, thereby escalating the demand for skid-steer loaders. The huge cost of equipment is leading to the growth of the rental business, making it one of the major trends emerging in the market. Having equipment on rental basis is a cost-effective alternative for a customer that also promotes the growth of the market. However, the rise in manufacturing costs of loaders due to the increase in the price of raw materials, shrinks the profit margin of manufacturers, thus acting as a restraint to the growth of the market.Access our Sample Report @Market Research AnalysisAmong all applications, the infrastructure sector is expected to be the largest market segment during the forecast period. Increasing investments in the infrastructure sector by various governments across the globe is estimated to enhance the growth of the market during the forecast period. Being aided by the construction industry is also expected to contribute to the growth of the global skid steer loader market.North America region is expected to dominate the global skid steer loader market with the highest CAGR, owing to the huge expenditure on R&D by the established players in the region such as Bobcat Company and Caterpillar Inc. Asia-Pacific region is also expected to grow due to heavy investments in the construction of infrastructure such as the construction of roads, residential areas and ports in the region. In developing economies such as China, huge infrastructural investments are made in educational, healthcare and transportation projects, which are further expected to boost the skid steer loader market in the region.Scope of the ReportThis study provides an overview of the global skid steer loader market, tracking one market segment across four geographic regions. The report studies key players, providing a five-year annual trend analysis that highlights market size, volume and share for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC) and Rest of the World (ROW). The report also provides a forecast, focusing on the market opportunities for the next five years for each region. The scope of the study segments the Global Skid steer loader market by its application and region.By ApplicationInfrastructure SectorResidential SectorBy RegionNorth AmericaAsia PacificEuropeRest of the WorldKey PlayersThe key players of skid steer loader market are Bobcat Company (U.S.), Case CE (Netherlands), Caterpillar Inc. (U.S.), Komatsu Ltd. (Japan), Terex Corporation (U.S.), LiuGong Machinery Co., Ltd. (China), Lonking Holdings Limited (China), J C Bamford Excavators Ltd. (U.K.), Liebherr Group (Switzerland) Hitachi, Ltd. (Japan) and others.For Discount and Inquiry @MRFR team have the prime objective to provide optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies depending on products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments enables our clients to know more consequently do more, which gives them answer for their each and every important question. In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry,Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028 Maharashtra, India
Decorative Tile Market: Supply Chain analysis and its growth of 4.2% till 2022.

Decorative Tile Industry

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Market research future published a raw research report Global Decorative Tile Market that contains the information from 2017 to 2023. The Global Decorative Tile Market is expected to grow with the CAGR of approximately 4.2% from 2017 to 2023.Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 85 market data tables and figures spread in 140 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content & market synopsis on Global Decorative Tile market Information from 2017 to 2023"Access our Sample Report @Decorative tile are wide used in housing sector, commercial sector and other amenities. Decorative tile is used for decorative purpose as well as safety purpose in an infrastructure. Decorative tile provides stronger, harder and water resistant to floors and walls. The growth in construction industry, which requires a subsequent amount of wall & floor covering tiles. Decorative tile provides luxurious interior and also safety. All these factors are driving the market for decorative tile in the forecast period.The global decorative tile market has been analyzed based on type, application, end-users and regions. On the basis of product type, the global decorative tile market has been segmented as ceramic tile, porcelain tile, stone tile and others. Based on application, it is classified as, floors, walls and others. Based on end-users, it is further classified as residential and commercial.Asia-Pacific region is expected to dominate the marketAsia-Pacific region holds the largest share of global decorative tile market in 2016 and is expected to grow at a high rate. The continuous growth in residential and commercial sector in Asia Pacific, requires a decorative tiles for decorative and modern interiors. Also, the growing attention towards the development of modern infrastructure with beautiful interior are majorly contributing for the growth of decorative tile in this Asia-Pacific for forecast period.Ask for your specific company profile and country level customization on reports.The key players of global decorative tile market are H & R Johnson (India), Kajaria Ceramics Ltd. (India), Crossville Inc. (U.S), Internacional De Ceramica Sab De Cv (Mexico), Iris Ceramica (Italy), Panariagroup Industrie Ceramiche S.p.A. (Italy), Porcelanosa Grupo (Spain), Seneca Tiles (U.S), Mohawk Industries, Inc. (U.S) and Emser Tile LLC (U.S).For Discount and Inquiry @At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR) and Market Research & Consulting Services.Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028 Maharashtra, India
Protesters demonstrate against Australia's refugee policy at the Parliament House in Canberra, capital of Australia, on Nov. 18, 2013. (Xinhua/Qian Jun)

GENEVA, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- United Nations aid agencies on Friday called on the Australian government to stop its "policy of deterrence by rescuing people at sea, mistreating them and abandoning them".

"We are concerned by events in the past week at Australia's offshore Regional Processing Center on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea where refugees and asylum seekers are holding out after the Australian government's decision to close the facility and pull out its support staff," said Rupert Colville, spokesperson of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

"We share the concerns of other UN agencies, including UNHCR, about what is an unfolding humanitarian emergency," he added.

The spokesperson for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) Babar Baloch said, "Australia's policy of deterrence by rescuing people at sea, mistreating them and abandoning them has become a notion of cruelty."

Both UNHCR and OHCHR said they are seriously concerned about the well-being of the 600 men who remain at the center due to both a lack of basic amenities as well as rising tensions with the surrounding local population.

"We call on the Australian government, as the party who interned the men in the first place, to immediately provide protection, food, water and other basic services which have been cut off since authorities shuttered the facility on October 31," Colville said.

According to UNHCR, the West Lorengau Haus, which was intended to be temporary accommodation for the 600 asylum seekers, was incomplete and uninhabitable as of Oct. 30.

While urging the governments of Australia and Papua New Guinea to fully respect the refugees' human rights, the UN agencies also repeated their "overall concerns" about Australia's offshore processing centers, which are described as "unsustainable, inhumane and contrary to its human rights obligations".
The Muck: Ferguson's Success Fuels the Fire, Tom Dwan Engaged?

November 03, 2017 Kim Yuhl Contributor

Chris Ferguson is having a run like no other at the World Series of Poker this year with 17 cashes and two final tables this past summer. And so far at the World Series of Poker Europe, he's cashed six times already, including his win in Event #7: 1,650 Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better. It's not surprising that he won a bracelet, it's more like a severe shock to the system.

And even though we should have predicted an eventual win, that doesn't mean we have to like it.

FTP stuff aside, Ferguson is on a ridiculous tear in WSOP events. How can someone so good at poker be so oblivious to social responsibility?  Adam Schwartz (@PokercastAdam)

Ferguson's Win Brings out the Haters

Leave it to Ferguson to stir the pot and light our Twitter feed on fire. We haven't seen this much activity (outside of the endless Bitcoin discussions) in a while.

Chris Ferguson being allowed into and to win major tournaments reflects on the moral standing of the entire poker world.  Neil Stevens (@presjpolk)

It's nauseating seeing Chris Ferguson winning money from poker players  Nick Wealthall (@nickwealthall)

@Jerry10Moreno @RealKidPoker @phil_hellmuth @WSOP Google Chris Ferguson. He used Full Tilt as a Ponzi scheme, stole https://t.co/SoTwfy4c5Q  Dan Sweatt (@DanceWet86)

Ferguson Finds a Friend

While the majority of the poker community isn't ready to forgive, Phil Hellmuth couldn't resist jumping into the limelight, as only Hellmuth can. In the end, this picture of Hellmuth and Ferguson became the real story.

Welcome back to the @WSOP winners circle Chris Ferguson!! #ChrisFergusonsSixthWSOPWin #WSOPBraceletHunting https://t.co/erSts4SOoB  phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth)

You have to wonder if he was so focused on the camera that he forgot the optics. Don't worry though; he was quickly reminded.

@phil_hellmuth @WSOP Couldnt find time to grab a selfie with Harvey Weinstein, Chris Brown, or Bernie Madoff? Next best thing I guess.  Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker)

@phil_hellmuth @WSOP is ferguson bringing u positivity ? Or are u bringing it to him?  Jason Mercier (@JasonMercier)

Hellmuth's support prompted a rare reply and public comment from the recent bracelet winner himself.

Thanks, Phil! Need a few more to catch up to you though, sir! I appreciate the warm welcome, just wish everyone els https://t.co/KWg2OPQ7wf  Chris Ferguson (@ChrisFerg1963)

@WSOP Chris Ferguson right now looking for a positive comment: https://t.co/nTOqJoYmg4  Michael Allen (@12kVolts)

It's probably fair to say if Ferguson started talking to the poker community, they might begin to warm up.

@yvrchris Serious. Cashed 17 times in Vegas, now 6 of 7 so far WSOPE. Just don't get how he doesn't think addressin https://t.co/jNxvlMx3Rf  Adam Schwartz (@PokercastAdam)

Daniel Negreanu weighed in again with his thoughts on Howard Lederer and why he's not quite ready to forgive Ferguson.

@tangerinelaw @phil_hellmuth @WSOP Im a forgiving person. He acknowledged his role and made an apology for the har https://t.co/bI4jLZqXjk  Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker)

And in true Hellmuth fashion, he just had to have the last word.

Im a forgiving person, in my book Poker Brat I talk about how I believe Chris Ferguson is innocent. #LoversLove https://t.co/n6gI8Tks6H  phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth)

Stay tuned for round two of "Poker Twitter on Fire," which is scheduled to happen at the conclusion of the WSOP Europe, where Ferguson is on track to claim the Player of the Year title. We're holding our breath.

Missing Tommy Dwanz

While some might wish Ferguson would go missing, our fascination with a fellow Full Tilt pro, the elusive Tom Dwan, never seems to fade. And to feed that obsession, PokerTube's Pete Manzinelli is on the hunt to find the missing "Tommy Dwanz".

While presenting the action at King of the Hill III in Pittsburgh last month, Manzinelli cornered Brandon Adams and asked, "Is he being held against his will" in China?

And Adams dropped a bombshell (literally) that included: Vegas, babies, and a ring.

Check out Manzinelli's latest report and his plea for best man status.
When Philip Roth announced his retirement from literary fiction back in 2012, the reaction was mixed. For many, Roth is one of the last great surviving voices of 20th Century literature; John Updike and Saul Bellow are both unfortunately deceased, while Thomas Pynchon lives a reclusive existence and, while Don DeLillo is still alive and working, as is Paul Auster, these Great American Authors of the 20th Century are growing fewer and further with each passing year.

To others, however, Roth is less revered. Famously, Man Booker International Prize judge Carmen Callil resigned from the panel after the decision to award Roth its accolade, while the Jewish author has been labeled a semitic anti-semite by some, thanks to his depiction of Jewish characters, particularly in his earlier books.

The sexual predilections of some of his characters  see

Portnoys Complaint, The Breast, The Humbling, for example  have not endeared him to everyone, while critically acclaimed television series Girls used his work as a touchstone reference point for misogyny. If the aim of literature is to spark debate, Roth has succeeded.

Love or loathe Roth, his skill as a writer and his dedication to the craft are difficult to deny. Few people in recent years have had the controversial and problematic mantle of Great Man of Letters bestowed upon them as often as he. Why is this? Because of the prolific and high-quality contribution he has made to our literary canon.

The complexity of his characters such as Nathan Zuckerman and David Kepesh  both of whom feature across a number of Roths books; the ease with which works like

American Pastoral and The Plot Against America unpick the accepted realities of Americas historical narratives  none of this is by accident and it all makes clear that these are the works of a great writer.

So, with Roth retired from the world of literary fiction, theres no better time than the present to turn our attention to his considerable library of non-fiction. As you might expect from someone whose name is synonymous with the written word, theres rather a lot of it.

The scope of the Library of Americas latest collection,

Why Write?, begins in 1960, as the novelists first major work, Goodbye Columbus, was making a splash on the American literary scene.

From here, it covers 53 years of prose output, culminating in 2013, only three years after the publication of his final novel,

Nemesis. All in all, this is an exhaustive collection of work.

But its not always an easy collection to engage with. Casual fans of Roths, delving into this treasure trove of his thought and reflection, may be disappointed with

Why Write?. To start with, the collection is too disparate to make much sense as a stand-alone work. Roth is not plowing the furrow of an academic, building on and developing philosophical or critical ideas over time; nor is he acting as a social or cultural commentator, illuminating the areas left darkened beyond the boundaries of his fictional work. Instead, he is exploring the act of writing, the act of characterisation, the act of reading, the act of expression, and hes settling long-standing misconceptions. Theres a scattergun feel to the collection, through no fault of the authors.

His appraisals of the great works of Saul Bellow, for example, make for fascinating reading for fans of both writers, but make little sense for readers without the contextual knowledge of the relationship between Bellow and Roth. The essay on Kafka, which opens the book, meanders into a family anecdote about a suitor of one of Roths aunts. Its strange and self-indulgent but it does make sense when viewed alongside the wider body of Roths work.

So we find ourselves at a crossroads. Causal fans of Roths may struggle with what is a rather disjointed and incoherent collection spanning five decades of work. But hardcore fans  vociferous readers of Roths output  may find themselves going over familiar ground.

While there are 13 previously unreleased pieces included in this volume  spanning the time period from 1992 to 2013  much of what is collected here has been released before. The opening segment of the book was published as the

Reading Myself and Others collection back in 1976, and the Shop Talk volume in 2001.

Its this middle section, Shop Talk, which is perhaps the most rewarding for the general reader. Anyone harbouring a general interest in Roths work, as well as those approaching from a more serious academic standpoint, will be delighted with this section, which shines a spotlight on the writers at work.

The bulk of Shop Talk is made up of conversations between Roth and other writers, including Primo Levi, Ivan Klima, Milan Kundera, and Edna OBrien. Of these, perhaps the conversation with OBrien is the most illuminating, as Roth the Interviewer is confronted with something several steps removed from himself  a writer of a different nationality and a different gender.

Always an amiable conversationalist and an insightful interlocutor, most of Roths interviews are worth reading, but the encounter with OBrien manages to steer away from the cozy aesthetic of two successful middle aged men chatting about success, and is all the better for it.

The final section, Explanations, deals in part with something which becomes a noticeable theme across the entire collection: setting the record straight. Roths ire at being confused with his creation Nathan Zuckerman (both Jewish novelists of a similar age, both from Newark, New Jersey) is put to bed by the time the collections first section is complete, but Roths clearing of the air rages on.

Explanations is made up of a series of talks and letters delivered throughout the 90s and into the second decade of the 21st century. Several of these pieces are marvellous; The Ruthless Intimacy of Fiction, for example, seeks to disentangle, and then to re-entangle, the threads of fact and fiction, illustrating how a literary heart is always laid bare. The Yiddish/English acceptance speech for a Jewish Research Lifetime Achievement Award from the YIVO Institute is similarly fascinating and is a short but sweet examination of the interface between the two languages.

Other pieces, however, are rambling and, in many cases, unnecessary. Errata is a case in point; a sprawling section of an open letter written by Roth to Wikipedia in 2012, Errata sees Roth settling, at extreme length, a series of errors pertaining to his life and work. While we as readers can understand his frustrations about being misrepresented, the protracted nature of the piece has a habit of quickly eroding any sympathy we may have held for Roth and his plight.

Why Write? is, ultimately, a fine companion piece to the work of a brilliant novelist. Its flawed, and perhaps a little bloated, but fans of Roth will find much to enjoy here.
Sonic Youth might be my favorite rock band for reasons that would go off this page, but we can spare a paragraph. Its partly because their marriage of noise and melody are liberating. Its partly because their influences range from John Cage to the Velvet Underground; from Glenn Branca to Nirvana. Its partly because as they grew older, they stopped trying to be so youthful (despite the name); they stopped equating confusion with sex by looking for clues in poetry, so to speak. Its partly because their music seemed born out of or the solution to suburban malaise. But its mostly to do with the fact that their music kicks ass, and theres a lot of it.

Of the three Sonic Youth songwriters, Ive always like Thurston Moore the most. His voice is eternally warm and casually melodic for someone oft-described as a slacker. His solo discography has been almost impossible to navigate; though the main releases get plenty of press, most of it is, as Nick Soulsby writes, dismissively tagged as a side project at best, or otherwise a curio, demo, leftover, try-out, slumming or moonlighting (p. 2). Its perhaps no surprise that Moore has collaborated with Jim ORourke or John Zorn: theyre all artists who seem to be releasing three projects a year.

Soulsby states the purpose of this oral history quite plainly: to correct the neglect of his vibrant discography, to recognise him as an artist in his own right with an existence outside the context of [Sonic Youth] (p. 2). Hard to say it succeeds: We Sing a New Language wont do much if youre not a heavily-invested Sonic Youth/ Thurston Moore/ noise/ free improvisation fan. There are little details from the various contributors that you wont get anywhere else. For example, Ive always known Thurston Moore featured on R.E.M.s Monster, and contrary to Wikipedias entry, Moore claims he only did backing vocals. Elsewhere, however, engineer Justin Pizzoferrato notes that Trees Outside the Academy was recorded within J Mascis house.

Expectedly, other than the aforementioned factoids, the rest is heavy praise: Yoko Ono drops in for two sentences (p. 214) while many of the lesser-knowns describe how wonderful it was to work with Thurston. Joe Tunis remarks, Putting out a release by Thurston definitely garnered some attention, and actually it helped legitimise the label a bit locally  once [people] heard I put out something from the guy in Sonic Youth, they were like, Oh wow, its kind of a real label (p. 201); Deb Googe says, Thurston messaged me to see if I would be interested in playing bass for them, and of course I was its Thurston Moore! (p. 214).

I assumed Thurston Moore was going to be a biography parallel to Kim Gordons excellent Girl in a Band: A Memoir, which wasnt just revelatory of her as a person, but also the band and the albums they made together. I assumed a Thurston Moore biography was going to try to rectify a lot of the bad press Moore has received since the bands dissolution and it was revealed he was cheating on her. Thurston Moore is not a biography, but it seems to provide biographical information as its main purpose. A biographical study, isolating Moore entirely, seemed inappropriate when the music under consideration is an expression of what creative individuals can unleash together in unison, writes Soulsby. Maybe thats fair, and theres nothing wrong with the format of an oral history, especially one for a discography like Thurstons. I just wish there were more revelations about the albums therein.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-11-04 06:59:01

China Lithuania International Fin-Tech Cooperation Forum Held at DHgate Headquarters

DHgate

Daniel Scarpato, +86-137-1750-9415

daniel@dhgate.com

On October 30th the China Lithuania International Fin-Tech Cooperation Forum was held at the headquarters of the leading Chinese cross border e-commerce marketplace DHgate. The Lithuanian Ambassador to China Ms. Ina Marciulionyte, DHgate Founder and CEO Ms. Diane Wang, Board member of the Bank of Lithuania Marius Jurgilas, and over 100 government officials and FinTech executives from both nations attended the forum. The forum featured an in-depth discussion on how China and Europe can collaborate to capture the rising opportunity of FinTech to facilitate bilateral trade.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201711030059

Main Forum Participants: Lithuanian Ambassador to China Ms. Ina Marciulionyte, bottom third from right; DHgate CEO Diane Wang, bottom third from left; Marius Jurgilas, bottom second from right. (Photo: Business Wire)

Bilateral Appreciation

"The two countries have actively cooperated in various fields, but todays forum is the first time ever for the Internet finance sector," said Ambassador Ms. Ina Marciulionyte of the Republic of Lithuania in her keynote speech, enterprises of the two countries can start a more concrete and pragmatic cooperation and contribute to economic development.

Ms. Diane Wang, the Founder and CEO of DHgate.com, Chinas first and biggest B2B cross border e-commerce marketplace, made an introduction, DHgate is very honoured to host this forum to encourage more discussion and cooperation between China and Lithuania in the area of FinTech, to use Chinas practices, serve global needs, through Lithuania, to bring benefits to society.

Chinese FinTech

China is recognized as one of the most advanced markets for FinTech.

According to a McKinsey Report:

The overall market size of China Internet finance in 2015 reached 12 to 15 trillion RMB (nearly 20% of Chinas total GDP), and user numbers reached 500 million;

The P2P lending transaction volume, at more than 500 million RMB, is the largest globally;

Third party payment transaction volume, at over 10 trillion RMB, easily overshadows US and EU leaders.

The wealth management transaction volume reached 700 billion RMB within just 2 years, and this is just the beginning of everything.

Beyond domestic markets, leading digital platforms are poised to expand to international markets.

Camel Financial

Camel Financial, a Chinese FinTech firm that originated from DHgate, is one of these platforms.

Representative of Camel Financial Mr. Mihan Huang introduced that Camel Financial is devoted to creating a digital transfer network between China and Europe based on block chain technology, to achieve online real-time banking and settlement needs.

Forum Outcome

During the forum, the board member of the bank of Lithuania Mr. Marius Jurgilas expressed his expectation on providing a gateway for Camel Financial for its technologies and network to expand into all EU economies. Mr. Marius also expressed their welcome and willingness to facilitate the process for Camel Financial to set up a specialized bank in Lithuania, and through Lithuania to enter into more European markets.

About DHgate

DHgate.com is the first to market and the biggest B2B cross border e-commerce marketplace in China, providing global importers with quality products at competitive prices. Founded in 2004, DHgate.com has approximately 10 million global buyers from 227 countries and regions, with 1.4 million global sellers offering 40 million products in 8 languages.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201711030059
PR-Inside.com: 2017-11-03 23:33:12

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Ashburton Ventures Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCWire) - Ashburton Ventures Inc. (TSX Venture:ABR). has issued a press release with the following headline:Matthew Harvey Resigns from Advisory BoardTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on Ashburton Ventures Inc., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Ashburton Ventures Inc.Source: Ashburton Ventures Inc. (TSX Venture: ABR, FWB: ARB, WKN: A1J3M5, ISIN: CA0437832086)Date: November 03, 2017Time: 6:33 PM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Ashburton Ventures Inc. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, NIPC, said it would soon undertake a comprehensive impact assessment of existing incentives to promote investment in the country with a view to determining if they delivered the desired benefits.

The Executive secretary of the Commission, Yewande Sadiku, said on Friday in Abuja that the impact assessment exercise on incentives was part of a multi-step process the agency was considering towards incentives reform in the country.

Apart from the first step of putting together all the existing incentives backed by legal instrument in a publication, Mrs. Sadiku said the review exercise would help determine if the existing incentives have delivered the benefits, to allow for a recommendation for new incentives or amendment.

The NIPC boss was speaking at the public launching of the Compendium of Investment Incentives in Nigeria, a special publication documenting investment incentives in the Nigerian tax laws and other sector-wide fiscal concessions approved and gazette by the Federal government.

The publication was put together in collaboration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, pursuant to the provisions of section 4 (1) of the NIPC Act mandating it to collate, provide and disseminate up-to-date information on investment incentives available in Nigeria.

We cannot attract investors if we cannot give them full information about the range of incentives available for them, Mrs. Yewande noted.

The document provides prospective investors information on all available incentives in Nigeria in one location. Without the full depth of information on what is existing already, you will not be making recommendations for a review or new ones, she explained.

NIPC, she said, had the mandate to promote investments in Nigeria, either through ease or cost of doing business, or ensuring the payment of appropriate taxes.

She said the Compendium would not only be updated periodically as more incentives were duy gazetted, but would be enriched in content, to continue supporting the drive for business in a sustainable way.

The NIPC boss said the compendium was put together as part of the agencys responsibilities to coordinate incentives in Nigeria, to make it easier for information on them to be available to prospective investors.

Beyond the impact assessment exercise, she said the Commission was also considering developing a domestic direct investment strategy that would focus on working with states on a state-by-state basis to generate prospective direct investors data in the country.

It is important that Nigerians we think have the capacity to make material investments in Nigeria, but may not have information, are deliberately and actively encouraged to invest in their country by making all the information they require to make their investment decisions available.

The compendium is not creating new incentives. But, providing information available in different sectors of the economy and bringing them together to one coherent place for investors, to make it easier for them. The next edition would focus on incentives available at the state level, she said.

Chairman of FIRS, Tunde Fowler, said the publication was another effort to make information on tax incentives and customs duties available to both existing and prospective investors, to guide them in their investment decisions.

He said the FIRS would continue to partner with the NIPC to promote efforts towards ensuring the countrys economic growth and development, adding that the time was right to provide all information about all sectors of the economy.

Nigeria must have a publication that provides the delicate balance between giving incentives and also expecting productivity and returns. Government must put in place a monitoring team to ensure that the incentives were not abused, Mr. Fowler said.
Worried about rising unemployment, Technoserve, a United States-based non-governmental organisation in partnership with Citi Foundation launched a project to train and support 300 youth entrepreneurs and shop owners in Abuja on Friday.

The organizers came to my shop and explained how the training will increase my expertise in managing my business and making more sales, Kingsley Owhor, a provision seller at Lugbe said.

For Mr. Owhor, he intends to access the financial assistance, technical know-how and use of technology in doing business which the program promises to cover.

Daniel Akachukwu , a dry cleaner at Wuse said he is more concerned with the skills he will acquire through the training.

Its not all about money but how to manage the money. Its better to learn how to catch fish than always ask for a fish, Mr. Akachukwu said.

The project titled, Pan African Youth Entrepreneur Development, PAYED according to organisers is a one-year program designed to equip 150 unemployed youths between the ages of 18 and 35 who have entrepreneurship drive with functional business plans and financial assistance such as ease of access to loan and start up packages.

Another 150 shop owners will be trained on new business and financial management skills that can be directly applied to increase average business sales by more than 30 per cent.

This will help reduce rate of youth unemployment. These young entrepreneurs will become bosses and also employ others, Chinwe Iworji, the project coordinator said.

Ms. Iworji said the project is divided into two; the training phase and the after care phase.

She said the training phase will last between November 6 and May 2018 after which there will be 70 per cent increase in use of technology in doing business and employability skills among participants.

Speaking at the event, Sidney Inegbedion, President, Nigeria Entrepreneur Forum said the programme will improve job creation by advancing entrepreneurship skills.

Entrepreneurship is one of the most viable economic routes for the youth to navigate themselves to the top.

In the dreams and aspirations of the Nigerian youth, we have seen outstanding potentials and successes in the creative industry where Nigeria has been penetrating the African sub-regional market with lightening speed.

Nevertheless, more is yet to be done to enhance the competency of the Nigerian youth in order to record advances in ICT, alternative energy technologies, automobile technology and global market access.

This is why we are partnering with Technoserve to tackle some of the challenges young entrepreneurs are facing in the country, Inegbedion said.

In his goodwill message at the occasion, Martin Finnegan, project manager at Technoserve said the partnership was created to solve the challenge of unemployment by working with youth across three African countries: Kenya, Nigeria and Ivory Coast.

60 per cent of Africas population is under 25 years of age. By 2050, Africa will be home to 452 million people under the age of 25. This provides African countries with an extraordinary asset but will become a huge liability if not properly manage, Finnegan said.

He said the partnership encourages self-sustaining economic activities by addressing the policies, information and incentives that help markets function better.

Mr. Finnegan also gave insights on other ongoing programmes by the group in agriculture and water resources.

Beneficiaries testified to an upward boost in their businesses after the previous two-year training organised by Technoserve on the use of technology to run businesses and the importance of record keeping.
Feels like a mood that squeals out of Kagara in Mark Nwagwus I am Kagara (2016).

The task: How an octogenarian novelist navigates such an inchoate path and must yet achieve fictional crudity, elan and allure. Little wonder why Mark Nwagwu has chosen this time to grace us with the return of his well-known character Chioma Ijeoma in his new book I am Kagara.

Now, I am Kagara is the third novel in the series that feature Chioma Ijeoma; we initially had Forever Chimes (2008) and then My Eyes Dance (2010). Forever Chimes was a prelude to the life of Chioma and that of her family; through that we are able to see Chioma as a child and how she grows into her teenage years. Chioma had a very privileged life and experienced family love to its utmost. We also get to see the life of Pa Akadike who happens to be Chiomas grandfather. In My Eyes Dance, we see Chioma in a quest for cultural identity after the death of her grandfather, Pa Akadike.

Chioma Ijeoma could not have chosen a better time to re-emerge, especially at a time when many youth, young ladies inclusive, are conflicted about their African identity, and the overall import of this post colonial times. Reading Forever Chimes gives one a strange sense of perfection about Chiomas childhood. She has everything. She has the love of her parents; neither does she have to experience the difficulties of an average Nigerian girl child, nor have to bother about her education or her meals for the day. She even has the opportunity to travel abroad! So what then was the authors vision for such a perfect character? How would she endure a society she had absolutely no experience of? What was her path going to be? Would she end up having her seventeen children? Would she become a world renowned painter? Mark Nwagwu did surprise us all with the direction in which the book takes its course.

With My Eyes Dance, one begins to grasp the concept of Chiomas character, even getting to understand the cultural diversity among the various people populating her universe, such as her great grandmother, Nneoma and her great grandfather, Pa Akadike; her students: Rosemary, Jeff, Cheryl, Dwight, Cathie, Bill, Jean, among others, later given Igbo names.

Apparently Mark Nwagwu had something better in I am Kagara. Here, we are again meeting Chioma for the third time and precisely at the point when she is struggling into the constantly unfolding reality of womanhood and embracing her roots. She is at the same time trying to figure out the world around; a world in which in spite of its pace, she cannot help but keep up with.

Throughout Mark Nwagwus tentative trilogy, Chiomas goal is to understand balance and harmony, to understand that there can be harmony among the confusing mass of issues that pervades the humans thoughts and life. One can do anything and be everything. Why should she have to restrict herself to just one sphere of life? Why should she have to choose between ethnic and religious groups?



Looking at the world around her fictional generation in particular, and her strive to keep up the balance, she cannot help but be conflicted. She wants to be educated, knowledgeable, have a say in the politics and economy of her country, but then she also wants to recognise her sole purpose as a woman and wants other people to respect and acknowledge that too. How does she balance all of these?

I am Kagara proves that balance is definitely not something Chioma made up in her mess of a mind; it is not impossible to achieve. Mark Nwagwu has provided us with a strange but intricate character. Chioma is definitely not Olanna in Chimamandas Half of a Yellow Sun, and neither is she Enitan in Sefi Attas Everything Good Will Come. Chioma is stranger than those beautiful women; she is masculine and feminine at the same time, and sometimes she is neither. Chioma is a devout catholic, in fact she is so devoted that she never misses mass (although that doesnt stop her from seeing and speaking with spectral emissaries). She finds easy fusion of her African heritage and the judeo-christain religion. In this contemporary age where women are beginning to understand the meaning of liberation and equality, Chioma is what modern day women would regard as independent. She has a good job and an apartment of her own.

Regardless of her independence, Chioma neither forgets the emotional dependence on her roots as an African woman, nor does she forget her purpose when she is teleported back to Nigeria, which is to help liberate and free the young Kagara girls. I think what crowns the seeming paradox in Chiomas character is that she is a lover of good wine; a return to the archetype of the aesthete as a wine connoisseur?

We catch a glimpse of modern day Nigeria through the eyes of Mark Nwagwu in his book I am Kagara, where terrorist organisations are threatening and killing people in the Niger Delta and in north-eastern Nigeria. Chioma is to save her society from collapse by rescuing the Kagara girls, all the while leading a liberation movement in spite of the distraction of having to fight off evil spirits, very much like Komona in Kim Nguyens War Witch.

Throughout Mark Nwagwus tentative trilogy, Chiomas goal is to understand balance and harmony, to understand that there can be harmony among the confusing mass of issues that pervades the humans thoughts and life. One can do anything and be everything. Why should she have to restrict herself to just one sphere of life? Why should she have to choose between ethnic and religious groups? Chioma did prove that one can indeed harmonise everything in life. I am Kagara offers a whole new aspect to Chiomas personality. We see a whole new feminine aspect to her; we see how she rises to the responsibility of helping the kidnapped girls.

In fact, it must be noted that Mark Nwagwu finally provides us with ethically justifiable revolutionary violence in the must read I am Kagara.

Iwalewa Olorunyomi is a student in the Department of Classics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
On Sunday, October 29, Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna fielded questions on his monthly media chat.

The governor spoke on diverse issues, from early budget preparation, to unqualified teachers and the planned $350 million loan.

Here are excerpts from the interview.

Q: Your government has set a pattern for presenting budgets early and getting the budget signed before the year ends. This is new in the history of the state. How do you do it?

El-Rufai: Thank you for this question. It is important to impose a sense of order in the budgeting process. That enables the government to make proper choices in spending decisions, and to have a proper window for implementing our pro-people programmes. So, we decided that our budget year must run from January to December, just like the Gregorian calendar.

By Gods grace, we have been able to prepare, present and sign each of our budgets before the new year begins. This is made possible by several factors. One is the hard work of the members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly who have been very diligent in examining, discussing and passing the budget. When they were considering the 2017 Budget in 2016, they even slashed it by N1 billion. Another factor that helps is the regular budget retreats that our state executive council holds every quarter. That way we know how the budget is performing and we are able to make adjustments. Then our Planning and Budget Commission issues the call circular early and our MDAs respond promptly. It is all team work.

Q: Why is the 2018 budget described as the Budget of Consolidation?

El-Rufai: No state government has published as many tenders for capital projects like Kaduna State. That is because we are committed to open, competitive bidding. We have started so many projects in sectors like Education, Health, Roads, Water Resources, Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development. We have not had the resources to push some of them as strongly as we would wish. But we have had the courage and the vision to start them.

Therefore, we have decided that priority will be given to completing these multiple projects, to consolidate on the practical things we are doing to make change real for our people. There are schools renovated, hospitals being rehabilitated, built and equipped, roads being constructed, mining communities being given infrastructure, water works being rehabilitated or retrofitted.

Q: In your 2018 budget speech, you said your administration will be prioritizing the completion of projects. What are these projects?

El-Rufai: As I said in response to your previous question, we have to complete the equipping of 255 Primary Health Centres and 23 secondary health facilities. Across the state, we are renovating our secondary schools. Some, like Queen Amina and Government College, Kaduna, have been completed. Many more and ongoing across the state. For instance, as at mid-2017, there were 443km of township roads and 16 intercity roads with a distance of 414.8km at various stages of completion. In addition, 17 rural feeder roads with distance of 172 km are being constructed. There are many schools being rebuilt, hospitals being upgraded and equipped, water works being refitted, rehabilitation centres being fixed. We are very proud to have initiated these projects in the interest of our people. And we have been clearheaded enough to take on inherited projects that we consider feasible and viable!

Q: KADRA seems to have replaced KAPWA. What is KADRAs job?

El-Rufai: KADRA is the Kaduna State Roads Agency. As their name implies, KADRA has responsibility for our roads. We are confident that it will do well. The agency has an energetic leader, and we have high expectations that KADRA will help to deliver and maintain decent roads across the state. As you can see, they have started filling potholes and grading roads. They would and must do a lot in this dry season.

Q: When will payment for the previous drainage works start? Will there be fresh drainage works?

El-Rufai: As I said at the budget town hall meetings, payments will be made on certified drainage works. And KADRA will initiate new drainage works when and where necessary.

Q: The World Bank loan issue has been generating so much controversy. But Senator Kabir Gaya has now assured that the Senate will approve it. Is the matter now settled?

El-Rufai: Thank you for this question. On 20 June 2017, the World Bank announced that it has decided to provide a budget support facility of $350m to Kaduna State. The Bank did not just wake up to this. Let me tell you how it started. During the general election campaign in 2014 and early 2015, my colleagues and I campaigned about the poor state of our schools. We said many schools did not have roofs, doors, windows, water and toilets, and we promised to fix it.

Once we won the elections, the things we had complained about became our responsibility to correct. But as prepared as we were with our Transition Committee report, we still got a few shocks when we took office. In our first week, we took briefings from all MDAs in the state. That is when the then chairman of SUBEB told us that at least 50% of our school children sit on floors because there was no school furniture.

We declared a state of emergency in education and started to fix schools and buy furniture. After fixing almost 10% of our over 4200 primary schools, we realised we would need a lot of money to fix everything and to actually build new schools that can have enough classrooms, staff rooms and other facilities. So, we compiled the pictures of our schools into an album, and I took it to Abuja and showed it to the Minister of Finance to explain the level of investment we would require. Then I shared the photos with our development partners, including the World Bank. That is how the conversation that led to the loan started.

The World Bank has scrutinised Kaduna State and they are convinced we meet their standards. We have healthy Fitch ratings B Credit Rating with Stable Outlook. (In November 2016, Fitch Ratings assigned Kaduna State a long-term foreign and local currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) of B and a National long-term rating of A+ (nga) with stable outlooks).

The World Bank checked our laws, our accounts and our performance, they are convinced we merit their support.

Our commissioners have appeared before the relevant committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and presented detailed explanations for the rationale and the purposes of the loan. Our delegates were commended for the quality of their presentations. Nobody in those committees of the National Assembly can honestly claim not to be aware of the justification and the purpose of the loan.

So, we are grateful for the assurance Senator Kabiru Gaya gave us that the Senate will approve the federal governments borrowing plan so that we can begin to access this very low-interest loan. The World Bank facility is critical to achieving our governance objectives in the short to medium term.

Q: Your government has issued notices to recruit 25,000 teachers to replace the 22,000 teachers that failed the competency test. How is the administration going to avoid the mistake of the past in employing new teachers?

El-Rufai: Unqualified teachers entered the system because the recruitment of teachers was politicised. The local government council chairmen and other senior politicians and bureaucrats saw teaching as a dumping ground for their thugs, supporters and other unqualified persons.

Teachers were employed at local government level without adherence to standards. In many instances, no examinations or interviews were conducted to assess the quality of recruits. Political patronage, nepotism and corruption became the yardstick, thus giving unqualified persons a way in. Teaching jobs were given as patronage to those connected to politicians and bureaucrats.

The Kaduna State Executive Council has approved the recruitment of 25,000 primary school teachers. Recruitment notices have already been advertised by the Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). This time around, there would be standardised tests for the recruits and a further training programme before the new teachers take over the classrooms. No unqualified person will scale through. And we will vet certificates very closely and very often. The future of our children is so important that we will not take chances. We will be vigilant in ensuring that only good people teach in our public schools.

Q: Commentators across the country have praised your decision to sack and replace the 22,000 teachers that did not meet the grade. But some people in Kaduna said that you promised sometime in the past that government will not sack anyone but will train those that need training and place the ones that those not need training in other places? What can you say on this?

El-Rufai: Many people dont realise that the June 2017 competency test was administered to measure the impact of several training and retraining efforts by ESSPIN and the Teacher Development Programme. Teacher training is about improving the capacity of a teacher to impart knowledge. What the competency test showed is that many of the teachers do not have the knowledge, so how can they impart what they do not have? Are they saying we should send primary school teachers back to Primary Four? If you have knowledge but are deficient in teaching skills, we can train you to acquire the skills of a teacher. But when there is no knowledge, what is there to teach?

In 2012, the previous government gave all primary school teachers a five-year grace to acquire NCE. That expired this year, but many teachers still dont have it.

Q: The Nigerian Union of Teachers has threatened to strike over the matter of the failing teachers. How will your government respond?

El-Rufai: Everybody knows that we will not be deterred in doing what is right for the future of our children. This is not about politics, or people making a public show of opposing what they know to be right. Shouldnt everybody be embarrassed by the test results. Where is the sense of shame? I hear some people say the pass mark for teachers in a Primary Four exam should be 60%; the same people say the state government has no right to test the competence of its employees. One evidence of the crisis in our society is that a union whose members failed a Primary 4 examination thinks it can create problems over the issue rather than be a part of the solution.

We are not people that bow to threats. We will respond appropriately. What will be point of the threatened strike? To force us to violate our oath of office and knowingly retain as teachers those that are not qualified? That will not happen!

We will recruit as many qualified teachers as we can find. We will not keep unqualified teachers on our payroll.

Q: There is a perception that the Kaduna State House of Assembly is dragging its feet on passing the laws to make the local government election possible. The local government election was even postponed after SIECOM had announced a date. Are the honourable members scared of elections?

El-Rufai: We in the Executive branch have fully supported SIECOM with the resources it needs to organise local government elections using the electronic voting machines. That is why SIECOM was able to announce the dates for the elections. SIECOM then postponed the elections after the House of Assembly said the enabling laws had not been passed. We urge our legislators to pass these laws so that we can have local government elections promptly. We here are ready for elections.

Q: When you came in to office, you reduced ministries from 19 to 13 and you now have 14. You also reduced commissioners from 24 to 15. We learnt that you have extended this cost-cutting to local governments. What is the position?

El-Rufai: This government is committed to reducing waste, eliminating fraud and cutting costs wherever we can. We believe that most of the resources of government must be devoted to serving the needs of ordinary people, building schools, hospitals, roads and delivering other public goods.

You cannot do this except you reduce the cost of running government. We started from the Executive branch. We inherited 19 ministries, but now we have only 14. The previous government had 24 commissioners, but we have only 15. We have fewer special advisers and special assistants than the government before us.

Next, we verified state civil servants. We gave each ministry what its maximum establishment can be and signed an Executive Order to effect this. Surplus staff above the establishment of each Ministry have been posted to the office of the Head of Service pending subsequent steps in our public service reform and renewal programme.

We have now moved to the local government level. Remember that we reduced districts from 390 to 77, so that our local government councils will have fewer district heads and staff to pay and have more money for development.

Part of the reason why many local governments are broke is that they are overstaffed. The admin department of Zaria local government has 300 staff. For what? This overstaffing is why many of the local government councils cannot pay salaries without the support of the state government.

So, we have prescribed personnel figures for all the 23 local government councils in Kaduna state. Direct council staff will now be less than 7000 in total. This excludes teachers under SUBEB and primary health centre staff who have been moved to the State Primary Health Care Development Agency.

I have signed an Executive Order directing the Administrators of the 23 local government councils to comply with the prescribed personnel levels.

Q: The Kaduna State APC Caucus and Executive Committee met this week and backed all your decisions regarding teachers and the World Bank loan. How is the party maintaining its unity?

El-Rufai: The APC in Kaduna State is united around its manifesto. Its leadership does not view power as an excuse for a bazaar focused on sharing offices among politicians. The reason for being in politics is to influence policies and programmes, not to share appointments. 1.1 million persons voted for the APC in the governorship election. We must serve this people, and that is what we are doing.

Some people joined the APC late in 2014 and in 2015 because they knew we would win, and they thought that after winning it will be business as usual. They are unhappy and disappointed that it is not business as usual.

The APC in Kaduna State will stay together to deliver concrete change for our people.

Q: KADFAMA, KADGIS, KASUPDA, Water Corporation, SUBEB, Ministry of Works, Pension Bureau and KSMC are all recruiting new staff. Where are you getting the resources for fresh recruitments?

El-Rufai: These agencies need additional personnel to serve our people better. We must find the resources by reducing waste, raising more IGR and encouraging investments.

We are proud of our record as a job-creating government. We will create as many direct jobs as are necessary for our MDAs to work well, inject youth and be more efficient in achieving results. But all the direct jobs will be smaller than what the private sector can create.

That is why we are pursuing multiple initiatives to attract private sector investments. Apart from the successes already recorded in agriculture through Olam, Sunseed, Vicampro and others, we are bringing Mahindra to assemble tractors. Peugeot France is also coming to build a brand new factory in Kaduna to assemble cars. They have already cleared the site in Chikun Local Government Area. We are guided by the need to find jobs, jobs and more jobs for our teaming youth.

Q: How is the state doing with IGR this year? In the budget speech, you mentioned the N100 annual development levy payable by every adult. How would this be collected?

El-Rufai: In 2016, Kaduna State raised a record N23 billion as IGR. We hope to do better in 2017. I urge our people to pay their Land Use Charge and Ground Rent.

The law of this state requires every adult to pay an annual N100 development levy. This is a small sum that helps to grow a sense of civic responsibility. We believe that every adult resident can afford to pay N100 every year and insist on accountability.
Students sponsored by the Office of the Presidential Amnesty Programme in the United States have commended the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for sustaining the Amnesty Programme and the peace in the Niger Delta region.

A statement by Jimmy Iwezu, leader of the Amnesty Students in the U.S., obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, also dissociated the group from a planned protest at Washington, D.C., on Saturday.

We wish to express our appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment and dedication to sustainable peace and development in the Niger-Delta through his support and continuation of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

We also wish to commend the able leadership of Gen. Paul Boroh (rtd) for the positive changes that he has brought to bear on the programme through prompt payment of our fees and allowances.

While it has not been all rosy, we note that despite the economic recession that Nigeria went through, it was still able to sponsor our education abroad and we are very grateful.

The statement drew the attention of the public to the activities of those it called a few faceless fraudsters in the U.S.

It said the group was allegedly using the social media platform to spread misleading and mischievous information about our welfare as government-sponsored students in different institutions of higher learning in the United States.

We wish to disassociate ourselves from any attempt to tarnish the image of Nigeria in the U.S. through outright lies, falsehood and blackmail being peddled in the social media by a faceless group that has called on people to join them on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, for a public demonstration against the government of President Muhammadu Buhari at the White House in Washington DC, USA.

For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to put it on record that our allowances and tuition fees have been paid up to the month of September, 2017 and the Amnesty Office has promised to pay up to November, 2017 when the next payment is made.

The students appealed to those they termed detractors and sponsored saboteurs to desist from their evil activities of blackmail and distractions against the good job that the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger-Delta has done since 2015.

We also appeal to the Federal Government of Nigeria for the sustainability of the programme, which has achieved its mandate of ensuring peace and stability in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria.

Mr. Boroh had told NAN that the Amnesty Programme was managing no fewer than 30,000 ex-agitators from the Niger-Delta region.

The presidential aide said the programme, which started in 2009, had sponsored the beneficiaries in various skill acquisition, education and entrepreneurship trainings, among others.

He added that well over 5,000 ex-agitators had benefitted within the past two years in critical areas of aviation, maritime, oil and gas and agriculture.

According to him, the programme has helped greatly to stabilise the Niger Delta region, adding the federal government is consolidating on the achievements to buoy the economy.

Mr. Boroh had also said the Buhari administration was committed to a peaceful and developed Niger Delta region, adding that this commitment had encouraged investors movement into the region.

The impact of the Presidential Amnesty Programme in the Niger-Delta region has been very satisfactory and encouraging because the ex-agitators have imbibed that culture of ensuring peace.

This is to allow for growth in the region and they are happy about it because a lot of valuable entrepreneurship programmes are ongoing in the entire Niger-Delta region.

Their (ex-agitators) morale is high and they are happy. Each time I go to discuss with the ex-agitators and the youth, they pledge their loyalty and support to the present administration.

This is so that the administration can continue the good things it is doing because of the commitment of Mr President in ensuring peace, stability and development in the region.

(NAN)
CHICAGO  After less than 10-minute cruising on the Mississippi River in west Kentucky, Mark Buttler stopped his boat near a shoal and began to cast nets. He harvested 400 pounds of fish from two fishnets on this bright autumn morning.

For the 62-year-old fisherman, who joined his father for fishing soon after high school graduation in the westernmost part of the US state of Kentucky, the daily routine also include selling his catch to a local business run by a Chinese entrepreneur.

Buttler has been fishing almost every day on the Mississippi River for more than 43 years. Before 2013, he sold his fish either to a market up north or to a seafood restaurant in Ledbetter, Kentucky. Then Angie Yu came to the city of Wickliffe in west Kentucky and opened the Two Rivers Fisheries to process fish from the Mississippi.

"The year she opened, we started selling to her. She pays a good price and she's just been good to us," Buttler told Xinhua. "She's closer and that's where we've been ever since. I have no need of searching for other places."

Buttler was not the only one who embraced Yu's business. Wickliffe, a small town with a population around 800, a per capita income of slightly more than $17,000 and 16.1 percent population living below the poverty line, received Yu with open arms.

"It (Two Rivers Fisheries) brought a little more hope that there would be more jobs. It's a good place and it's going to get better. Jobs are important, everybody likes jobs," Wickliffe Mayor George Lane told Xinhua. "They (local residents) all hope she does well, and everybody likes her. It would be really good to get more workers."

Tod Cooper, Ballard County Executive, said Yu and her Two Rivers Fisheries a "tremendous asset to the community." As an agricultural county and part of the agriculture is fishing industry, "we still have one of the highest unemployment rates in the western part of the state of Kentucky, so we really think if Angie could expand that would really help employ some of the people that are unemployed right now," Cooper told Xinhua.

Before launching Two Rivers Fisheries in 2012, 60-year-old Yu had been engaged in international trade. In this sense, the company is just an extension of her business, as she is exporting 80 percent of the processed fish to the Middle East, East Europe and Asia.

Two Rivers Fisheries now employs 16 local residents doing processing work in plant, and purchases fish regularly from more than 70 fishermen nearby. The production was 500,000 pounds in the first year of production in 2013, then doubled to one million pounds in 2015, and further doubled to two million pounds in 2016.

Yu has not stopped on this. She recently signed an agreement with Jiangsu Rentian Agricultural Technology Co Ltd from China, under which the latter will provide its "Immersion Freezing Technique" and an investment of $40 million.

With the technique that can freeze fresh products to minus 18 degrees in 20 minutes to keep the freshness and taste of fish, and the $40 million investment, "we can double or triple the production, that means we need hiring additional 300-plus workers," Yu said.

Yu's efforts also coincide with the US government's eagerness to remove some of the Asian carp from the river.

In the 1970s, the United States imported Asian carp to resolve the problem of plankton. In early 1990s, the Asian carp got into the Mississippi River and since then they have expanded and multiplied rapidly.

"They can have over one million eggs as far as their fecundity goes and... they outgrow all the native predators and that allows them to multiply like crazy and they've pretty much been able to outcompete a lot of native fishes," said Sara Tripp, large river ecologist with the Missouri Department of Conservation, in an interview with Xinhua.

"They're really starting to have an effect on the native fish in the Mississippi River," Tripp stressed.

In order to contain Asian carp from entering the Lake of Michigan and then the other lakes in the surrounding area, the US Federal Government has worked out various ways, including setting up electric barriers in rivers flowing into Lake of Michigan, and injecting carbon dioxide into the rivers, but all with limited effect. Finally, eating them becomes the most viable way, which can help start a new market while remove some of the fish in the river.

Wang Changzheng and his assistants from the College of Agriculture of Kentucky State University visited the Two Rivers Fisheries regularly to study how to process Asian carp into products that more consumers would like to have.

Compared with ordinary carp, Asian carp is higher in terms of nutrition and tastes better. Moreover, Asian carp has high content of unsaturated fatty acid. "What we are doing is to process it into popular products by resorting to certain food processing methods." aid Wang, whose work has been funded by the Kentucky State University as well as the US Agriculture Department.

The Kentucky Department of Wildlife and Fish now has a big program helping the commercial fishermen to access some areas to take out Asian carp from the Mississippi. And the Two Rivers Fisheries is the closest one for a lot of fishermen to come over with their fish. Workers at the plant start working early in the morning and only call it a day after processing all fish received. But they have no complaints.

Jim Burns is the supervisor in the process room, and has worked here for three years. He told Xinhua that he loves what he is doing. "I think that we all have a great affection for each other (here)."

Jeff Smith, as operations manager of the plant, has been involved in every aspect of the business from the fishermen all the way to the customer. "We've got an excellent team here, Ms Angie being the president and owner of the company, the other lady that works here in the office, we get along great," he told Xinhua.

Yu often cooks Chinese food for the workers, and would give out red envelopes with cash bonus sealed inside on traditional Chinese holidays. "We are a family, we work together to clean this water system, to create jobs, and to contribute to our community," Yu said, adding that fish is a low-end product and fish processing yields low profit. "We need to be deeply rooted in the neighborhoods and earn the respect of local residents before we can keep the business moving."

Buttler earned more than $46,000 in 2016. "It is a big difference in income," he told Xinhua, adding he probably won't retire and would like to hand down the business to his grandchildren and keep it going. "It's all good when you get somebody you can depend on to get your check and take your fish."

"It's been good. I wouldn't trade it for the world," Buttler said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 07:51:32|Editor: Yang Yi

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Workers process Asian carps at the plant of Two Rivers Fisheries in Kentucky, the United States, on Oct. 30, 2017. Chinese entrepreneur Angie Yu came to the City of Wickliffe in west Kentucky and opened the Two Rivers Fisheries to process fish from the Mississippi in 2012. Two Rivers Fisheries now employs 16 local residents doing processing work in plant, and purchases fish regularly from more than 70 fishermen nearby. The production was 500,000 pounds in the first year of production in 2013, then doubled to one million pounds in 2015, and further doubled to two million pounds in 2016. Wickliffe, a small town with a population around 800, a per capita income of slightly more than 17,000 dollars and 16.1 percent population living below the poverty line, received Yu with open arms. "It (Two Rivers Fisheries) brought a little more hope that there would be more jobs. It's a good place and it's going to get better. Jobs are important, everybody likes jobs," Wickliffe Mayor George Lane told Xinhua. (Xinhua/Liu Yifang)
The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta/Coordinator, Presidential Amnesty Office, Paul Boroh, says the beneficiaries on the offshore programme abroad have been paid their school fees, upkeeps and other allowances.

Mr. Boroh, retired brigadier general, disclosed this in a statement by the Director of Information, Amnesty Office, Charles Dafe, on Saturday in Abuja.

While debunking the allegations that the Nigerian Government owed some amnesty beneficiaries abroad their entitlements, he said that 90 per cent of the beneficiaries would graduate in December.

The coordinator also disclosed that the office would be left with only 10 per cent of the beneficiaries on scholarship abroad.

He said, With our beneficiaries in onshore Nigerian universities including those on vocational training, our office if fully up to date in settling their educational and empowerment requirements.

We have no funding issue in settling our offshore and onshore students.

There are other developmental agencies for the Niger Delta region that have granted scholarships to students abroad and may have payment issues for their students, they are not sponsored by Presidential Amnesty Office.

Mr. Boroh said that those alleging that the amnesty office had outstanding foreign students bills were peddling false information and were being unpatriotic to the sacrifices and efforts of the government.

He alleged that some of the changes he had introduced into the programme, like domestication of the programmes that did not require sending beneficiaries abroad, had precipitated unfair attacks by those it affected.

Other changes according to him include policy of strategic exit arrangement, which compelled beneficiaries that have been educated and vocationally empowered to quit the programme.

These government well-considered changes or policies are meant to reduce government expenditure and are in the best interest of the country.

The policy changes in the programme affected some students, who failed their studies and expect government to fund their endless time of studies.

It also affected militants not originally captured in the programme pressurising to be part and those that have benefitted first degree but insisting that the programmes must see them up to doctorate degree level, he said.

(NAN)
The stage is all set for the Senate and the House of Representatives to receive President Muhammadu Buhari as he presents the 2018 budget Tuesday next week.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, failed to appear before an ad-hoc committee of the Senate investigating allegations of corruption levelled against him.

Below are major highlights of what transpired at the Nigerian Senate this week:

Tuesday

 The Senate charged the Ministries of Finance and Budget to prioritise the Ministry of Health in the release of annual budgetary allocation while bemoaning the poor state of government owned hospitals.

 The Senate Committee on ICT and Cybercrime said that the current law on cybercrime in Nigeria needs to be reviewed to meet the standard in developed countries.

 The Senate said the sack of former Secretary to Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has vindicated its position on investigation carried out by its ad hoc committee on Mounting Humanitarian Crisis in the North-east.

 In a statement signed by the Senate President, the lawmakers condoled with Senator Danjuma Goje, who lost his wife on Monday.

Wednesday

 The Senate ad-hoc committee set up to investigate various allegations levelled against the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris threatened to issue an arrest warrant to compel his appearance.

 After assent by President Buhari, some senators faulted the North-east Development Commission for excluding Kano and Plateau states, among other reasons.

 A director of the Federal Scholarship Board, FSB, Fatima Ahmad, informed the Senate President and some other Senators that the country is currently owing Nigerian students abroad N2.4 billion in tuition and allowances.

Thursday

 Senator Dino Melaye alleged that the Ministry of Power squandered $385 million on projects not appropriated in the budget between 2013 and 2016.

 The Senate received a letter from Mr. Buhari seeking to present the 2018 budget at a joint session of the National Assembly by 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7, 2017.
Nigerians have reacted to Fridays announcement by President Buhari that he had approved a foreign medical treatment for a former vice-president, Alex Ekwueme.

Mr. Ekwueme, 85, reportedly collapsed at his residence in Enugu on Sunday morning.

While some citizens praised Mr. Buhari for the move, others see it as having a political undertone and another reminder about the countrys lack of adequate medical services.

For starters, Section 5, Subsections 1 and 2, of Remuneration of Former Presidents and Heads of State Act 1999 allows for free medical treatment for former vice-presidents and their immediate family members:

(1) Free medical treatment for former Vice-Presidents and their immediate family within Nigeria.

(2) Treatment abroad for former Vice-Presidents and their immediate family and where necessary at Federal Government expense.

Ahmed Mustapha, a political analyst, said Mr. Buharis announcement was only for the news value.

Theres nothing political about it, Mr. Mustapha, who identifies with the ruling All Progressives Congress, told PREMIUM TIMES by telephone Saturday. It was appropriate in the context of letting Nigerians, especially the people of the South-East, know that the former vice-president has been flown abroad.

But a lawyer, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, said the announcement was patronising and highly unnecessary.

It was a very negative declaration, Mrs. Ibezim-Ohaeri said. I think the president needs to stop this eye service narrative to the people of South-East because its getting too hilarious.

When Mr. Buhari himself was a former head of state and he travelled for medical treatment abroad as par of his entitlements, was it ever announced by those in power then?

The Remuneration Act gave former presidents and former vice-presidents similar entitlements.

A former head of state, Ibrahim Babangida, was flown abroad for medical treatment on at least two occasions in 2016.

Mrs. Ibezim-Ohaeri said Mr. Ekwueme, who was Nigerias vice-president from 1979 to 1983 when Mr. Buhari overthrew the Shagari administration in a military coup detat, has sufficient resources to take care of his medical treatment anywhere in the world.

Sir Ekwueme was a man of means who could afford to pay for his own care, she said.

Mrs. Ibezim-Ohaeri said the decision to fly Mr. Ekwueme abroad should not have been announced because it marked the latest indictment on Nigerias worsening public health system.

The president is basically telling Nigerians that he had lost confidence in Nigerias healthcare system, she said.

Mr. Mustapha also expressed his sadness about the implications of the announcement.

Im really sad that our leaders over the past decades have failed to put our healthcare system in a good state, he said.

Mr. Buhari detained Mr. Ekwueme on corruption charges after the December 1983 coup. The former vice-president has been a member of the Peoples Democratic Party since its creation in 1998.

Mixed reactions have also poured in on Twitter:

That announcement of Ekwueme's treatment (a perk to which he is entitled as a former VP) just screams of "notice me"  Igala_Alan_Shore (@i_am_Anomeli) November 3, 2017

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Ask them to contribute money to treat Dr. Alex Ekwueme now, they will crawl back into their holes Awon alaini lakai  Tunde Eneji (@iameneji) November 3, 2017

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The sad thing is that someone actually thought it was a good idea to announce the Ekwueme thing  Ms Boateng (@JoyceOdukoya) November 3, 2017

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 Ekwueme can afford immediate treatment anywhere in the world . A failed leader like Buhari is simply campaigning for reelection https://t.co/dtl5KUILfe  IKECHUKWU (@iykimo) November 3, 2017

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Some people are in the middle:

If the truth be told, the tweet from the Presidency was unnecessary. The reactions from certain quarters was equally overboard & ridiculous.  Yinka Ogunnubi (@yinkanubi) November 3, 2017

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Some also see it as a favour for the people of South-East:

Each time Buhari does any good for SE, it is because of 2019. Buhari won 2015 without the support of SE and can still win 2019 without SE.  Sunday Ogo (@Sidac06) November 3, 2017

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Even if PMB allocates the entire 2018 budget to the South East, he will be maligned for it with shouts of 2019.

He got 2015 without SE   ZahrahMusa (@Zahrahmusa) November 4, 2017

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More often than not, leaders across the world are put on the defensive either in form of a backlash for a policy misstep or by the ferocious snap of their political detractors.

Also as frequent, though, is the tendency of their aides to swiftly intervene and minimise the magnitude of public relations damage a controversy could inflict on their principals.

This is what top officials of the Buhari administration have done over the past two and a half years.

Within this period, the government has endured its fair share of public relations nightmare.

From disowning its official campaign document following citizens demand for fulfilment of promises; to blaming rats for budget inconsistencies, some of Buhari administrations excuses could stack up well with those of Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf, Saddam Husseins spokesperson who was declaring victory on TV even when invading Americans could be seen launching sorties in the background.

Following the recent blaming of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party for the scandalous recall of a dismissed fugitive into public service an excuse that rivals the legendary dog-ate-my-homework parlance PREMIUM TIMES collates 10 of the governments most controversial, even ridiculous, excuses.

This list is by no means exhaustive, but heres our top 11 in no particular order:

1. Rats invasion compelled president to work from home

The administration came under intense ridicule when it claimed that President Buhari was compelled to work from home because he discovered that rats had taken over his office when he returned from his latest medical vacation in the U.K.

The presidency was trying to disabuse the public from reports that the president might not have recovered well enough to undertake presidential duties.

2. Ministers are noisemakers

When Mr. Buhari began feeling the heat from the public after failing to appoint ministers nearly four months into his term, he excused himself by undermining the role of ministers.

The ministers are there, I think, to make a lot of noise, the president said during a trip to Paris in September 2015. He hyped the efforts of civil servants as crucial to running public service.

While civil servants play long-term roles by virtue of their career, the ministers have constitutional roles to play in government.

While the civil servants could be delegated by the president, ministers help drive the policy of an administration. They sit at federal executive council meetings with the president for policy directives.

The policy agenda of an administration based on its ideology is foisted on civil servants to implement through the ministers, who are political appointees and usually members of the ruling party.

3. Rats tampered with budget

The Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, blamed rats for manipulating the budget of his ministry  subsequently disowning it.

The excuse competed with an earlier claim by lawmakers that their version of the same 2016 budget had suddenly gone missing.

4. PDP responsible for Maina scandal

Abdulrasheed Maina, a civil servant and former chairman of presidential task reform team, was dismissed from service as an assistant director in 2013 by President Goodluck Jonathan for alleged corruption.

Mr. Maina was recommended for prosecution, but he fled from the law to Dubai. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission then declared him wanted.

In 2015, Mr. Buhari defeated Mr. Jonathans bid to return for a second term in office.

No one had heard much from Mr. Maina since he bolted until two weeks ago when PREMIUM TIMES revealed that the Buhari administration, despite its claims to be tough on corruption, had surreptitiously reinstated him into the civil service.

The public outrage that followed the report sent the administration reeling.

But rather than take serious disciplinary measures against those responsible for the gross violations and implement changes that would forestall future occurrences, the presidency decided to shirk responsibility  in the most bizarre way it could.

Mr. Shehu, unsurprisingly, issued a statement, putting the blame of Mr. Mainas return on Mr. Jonathan, who had stopped directing Nigerias affairs for 875 days preceding the scandal.

Of course, Mr. Jonathan lashed out at the administration, describing it as uncoordinated and rudderless. But even this wasnt nearly as scathing as the barrage of insults directed at Mr. Buhari and his aides for passing the buck.

5. Recession is just a word

When Nigerias economy plunged into recession last year, the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, moved to assuage the fears of Nigerians.

Mrs. Adeosun urged citizens not to be frightened about the development, saying a recession is just a word.

Following public backlash, she later denied ownership of the Twitter account, saying she could not have altered such. The tweet was also deleted.

But two days later, PREMIUM TIMES spotted a video that showed Mrs. Adeosun actually making those statements.

I know people are concerned about recession. Recession is a word, Mrs. Adeosun said. We can come out of recession.

6. Handover notes delayed ministerial appointment

Apparently having forgotten that he had earlier downplayed the importance of ministers and said he was not in a hurry to appoint them, Mr. Buhari in November 2015 said Jonathan administration officials were to blame for delay in ministerial appointments.

During a speech at the National Democratic Institute, which came a few days after he inaugurated the first set of ministers, the president blamed the Jonathan administration for submitting vague handover notes to his own government.

Throughout the speech, which was read by Lai Mohammed, the minister of information who represented him at the event, nowhere did the government highlight the specific aspects of Mr. Jonathans handover notes that were vague.

This excuse is ridiculous because handover notes are optional and, all over the world, incoming leaders are known to have selected key cabinet positions even before their inauguration.

When the National Assembly considered major amendments to the Constitution, it included a timeframe within which a new president must name cabinet members.

The lawmakers did not consider the significance of any handover note before imposing no longer than 30 days from the day of assumption of office because they know its not mandatory, even though its part of the democratic process.

7. Buhari postponed Federal Executive Council meeting to receive a report

Mr. Buhari returned from his latest medical vacation in London on Saturday, August 19. His first FEC meeting was supposed to be Wednesday, August 23, but the president postponed it.

A State House statement said the decision was taken to give the president a chance to receive a report on alleged corruption by suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, as well as the discovered Ikoyi cash haul involving the National Intelligence Agency.

A picture later circulated shortly after the statement, which showed that the president received some documents from the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Receiving a report should take a few minutes at most. And this could be done before or after the FEC meeting, which usually holds between 10:00 a.m. and noon.

8. PDP to blame for all that ails Buharis government

Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Hameed Ali, dropped a hoopla on Friday when he held the PDP responsible for Mr. Buharis shortcomings.

Mr. Ali, a key ally of the president, declared that the administration has failed, but said all the recorded misfortunes could be ascribed to PDPs alleged influence over Mr. Buharis choices.

9. Federal Executive Council meeting cancelled because of Sallah

The FEC meeting for Wednesday, September 6, was cancelled since ministers had no time to prepare their paperwork due to Sallah break, according to Mr. Mohammed.

The government declared public holidays for Friday, September 1 and Monday, September 4 for 2017 Sallah. The celebration itself held on September 1.

The excuse sent tongues wagging across the country since the FEC has a fixed date that all cabinet members are aware of.

In 2014, Sallah holidays were on October 6 and 7, yet the Jonathan administration convened FEC on October 8.

It was only in 2013 that FEC was cancelled because October 15 and 16, Tuesday and Wednesday, fell on public holidays for that years Sallah.

10. Unnamed official made scandalous insertion into presidents speech

While launching a campaign to preach against widespread act of immorality a year ago, Mr. Buhari lifted quotes from Barack Obama without attribution while reading from a prepared speech.

The plagiarism was later observed by a THISDAY columnist, Adeola Akinremi, earning the president another round of public condemnation.

The presidency subsequently blamed the scandal on an unnamed deputy director at the State House, even after Mr. Buhari himself had apologised for the damage.

11. SSS Recruitment Scandal

When, in April, PREMIUM TIMES uncovered how the State Security Service quietly recruited far more persons in from the north than the south against the countrys federal character laws, the presidency responded.

In a distributed statement on the same day, the Buhari administration confirmed the lopsidedness but said it was informed by an alleged imbalance in previous recruitments carried out by the agency.

But no evidence was provided to support this claim, despite requests that the nominal roll of the agency showing staff distribution by states be published. It was clear that the presidency was only playing up some of the excuses that were adduced on social media by the administrations loyalists.

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President Muhammad Buhari has appointed more people from Ogun, Imo and Kano States than other states, the presidency said Saturday.

The claim came as the presidents office denied a newspaper report that an overwhelming majority of the Mr. Buharis appointees were from his native northern region.

The BusinessDay report that 81 of the presidents 100 political appointees are northerners is misleading, presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina, said in a statement.

To claim, suggest or attempt to insinuate that the Presidents appointments are tilted in favour of a section of the country is simply untrue and certainly uncharitable, he said.

Mr. Adesina showed a graphical illustration of different states and the number of top appointees from the respective states.

The graph shows that Ogun state has the highest number of appointments with 21, followed by Imo and Kano states with 15 each, and Edo and the presidents home state of Katsina with 14 each.

The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has no appointee  the worst case; while Ebonyi and Abia have two each, Kebbi has three, while Zamfara, Sokoto, Oyo, Enugu, Ekiti and Akwa Ibom have four each.

PREMIUM TIMES has not independently verified those figures, especially whether the list is exhaustive, and if it contains appointments also made by Mr. Buharis predecessor.

Mr. Adesina picked holes in the newspaper report, saying at least 50 appointees who are not from the north had been left out.

From all records, majority of the Presidents appointees across different portfolios are not from the North, as the publication erroneously alleged, he said.

A spokesperson for BusinessDay could not be immediately reached for comments.

Below is a distribution of the number of appointments made by Mr. Buhari from the 36 states and FCT, as tabulated by the presidency.
Her Majesty, Queen Maxima of the Kingdom of The Netherlands, has paid a scheduled visit to the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, as part of her global itinerary for advocacy on financial inclusiveness to enhance individual and national development.

The Queen commended NCCs robust regulation of telecommunication services in Nigeria, its collaboration on national financial inclusion strategy, and promised to support Nigeria to achieve greater safe, sound and sustainable financial inclusion.

The royal lady, who visited the Commission in her capacity as the Special Advocate of the United Nations Secretary General for Inclusive Finance for Development, was received with NCCs renowned warmth and enthusiasm by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Professor Umar Danbatta, who led other Management staff that include the Executive Commissioner Stakeholder Management, Mr. Sunday Dare.

Financial inclusion as defined by the UN and amplified by Wikipedia, is access to a full range of financial services to all households at a reasonable cost; build around sound and safe institutions governed by clear regulations and performance standards; financial and institutional sustainability for continuity and certainty of investments; and competition to ensure choice and affordability.

Accordingly, Prof. Danbatta said available statistics demand a strategic response to ensure greater financial inclusion in Nigeria, and recalled that Nigerias National Financial Inclusion Strategy is set to reduce the percentage of the financially excluded adult population in Nigeria to 20 percent by Year 2020  as at 2016, about 40.1 percent of the Nigerian adult population are financially excluded.

The EVC informed the Queen that NCC is very much committed to the actualization of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy. Just recently, the final draft of a Memorandum of Understanding between CBN and NCC was signed, and the CBN-NCC Joint Technical Committee on Mobile Money has instituted processes that will ensure that Mobile Network Operators, MNOs, register Special Purpose Vehicles, SPVs, to enable them become Mobile Money Operators (MMOs) Danbatta stated.

He praised the Queen for her global efforts at promoting financial inclusion and noted that Her Majesty has been a leading global voice advancing universal access to affordable, effective, and safe financial services, a worthy duty and service which Her Majestys commitment to is further demonstrated by the visit to Nigeria and the Commission.

The Queen commended NCC for its numerous regulatory strides and in particular the Commissions collaboration with other stakeholders especially the Central Bank of Nigeria to ensure greater financial inclusion in Nigeria. She said she was in Nigeria in 2012 when the National Financial Inclusion Strategy was instituted and prayed that Nigeria is able to sustain the ongoing collaboration to ensure the achievement of the Strategy targets.

Her Majesty cited Mexico among many nations that have made giants strides in rural connectivity, which is a critical backbone needed to enhance financial inclusion and terms of the identity factor which is also central to financial inclusion programmes, the Queen expressed delight that the National Identity Management Commission is on the right track in discharging its component of the responsibilities towards attaining greater financial inclusion.

On Her Majestys delegation is Seb Molineus of the World Bank; Sebnem Sener of the Office of the UN Secretary Generals Special Advocate for Financial Inclusion; Dr. Michael Wiegand of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, all of who spoke about the potentials of Nigeria and the need to move steadily and quickly towards ensuring financial inclusion for all. Also on the delegation is Nigerias Dr. Abi Jagun, the Programme Officer of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundations Financial Services for the Poor.

Her Majesty Queen Maxima of The Netherlands  mother of three, graduate of economics, and former investment banker  was appointed in 2009 as the Special Advocate of the United Nations Secretary General on Inclusive Finance for Development.

The Queen has served in this capacity since 2009 amplifying the voice of the UN for the democratization of access to affordable, effective and safe financial services to all.

Since early 2000  when financial inclusion was identified as correlational to poverty and underdevelopment  the UN has leveraged popular voices such as Her Majestys to raise the banner of awareness and instituted programmes to ensure more persons globally are able to access sound and safe financial services at reasonable costs to strengthen the fight against poverty and accelerated economic growth and development of nations.
A Jos East local government chairman under the Action Democratic Party, ADP has reportedly been killed according to an official.

The Plateau state chairman, ADP, Nanyah Daman, who disclosed this said the chieftain was killed by suspected assassins.

We received the sad news of the gruesome murder and assassination of the Jos East Action Democratic Party ADP chairman Mr. Waziri Fursom on Thursday 2nd November 2017 around 9:00pm in his village, he said in a statement, Saturday.

According to the party chairman, the deceased was shot several times by the assassins.

The ADP party chairman called on security operatives to arrest those behind the killing.

We will not accept anything short of arresting those behind the killing of our quiet and unassuming LGA chairman. We demand for fortified security protection to all ADP leaders in the country as the APC (All Progressive Congress) sees us as a threat.

He also spoke on rising insecurity in the state in recent months.

It is unfortunate that while the APC government describes itself as restoring peace on the Plateau, we are witnessing political assassinations and killing of farmers by Fulani herdsmen in the land.

ADP is among the five newly registered parties in the state expected to participate in the forthcoming local government elections slated for February 17, 2018.

Premium Times could not immediately get the reaction of the police to the killing.
The Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, on Saturday inspected the palace of Emir of Gusau being executed at a cost of N505 million by the state government.

The governor also inspected the reconstruction of 23-km Gusau Bypass.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government had in July awarded the road to TRIACTA Construction Ltd at a cost of N2.2 billion.

Mr. Yari, who expressed satisfaction with the quality and level of jobs done on the two projects, urged the contractors to ensure timely completion of the projects.

Our administration since inception has embarked on various development projects aimed at improving the lives of the people, the governor said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Ibrahim Dosara.

The governor, who had earlier met with heads of security agencies over the security situation in the state, urged the people to ensure that the projects were protected against damage or abuse.

Earlier, the Chairman of the State Project Monitoring Committee, Lawal Liman, assured the governor of supervision of the contractors to ensure delivery of quality jobs and timely completion.

NAN also reports that the new emirs palace which is one of the modern palaces being built by the government has facilities such as spacious reception, dinning room, Emirs wing and guest houses.

It also has boys quarters and girls arena, Sarkin Gida and Sarkin Dogarai quarters, a school and a mosque, perimeter fence with two gates.

(NAN)
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has charged Nigerians to resist and reject anybody who wants the country to disintegrate.

He maintained that the only way the country can move ahead is if the country remains one united and indivisible country devoid of corruption.

He spoke on Saturday at the wedding of one his aides, Nelson Nwokoro, at the Pastoral Centre in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital.

This country is better together; stronger together than separated; there is nothing we gain by being separated; the countries around us are tiny countries; very tiny countries.

Rwanda, which is celebrated in Africa, Lagos state alone is six times the economy of Rwanda, just one state in Nigeria.

We are a great country and anybody that wants to separate us, we must reject and refuse it because this country can provide for everyone of us; and provide well for us. Our problem is corruption; if we check corruption in this country, there is more than enough for all of us, he said.

The vice president called for dialogue to settle any difficulties and challenges that may arise.

He argued that balkanisation of the country into tiny countries will make such small countries vulnerable to bigger countries.

I want us to bear in mind, that our country must remain a united country, we must stand together. As we go along, where there are difficulties, we must sit down and talk about these difficulties and resolve them and move along as a family, as brothers ; that is the way great countries are developed, he said.

Mr. Osibanjo also commended the state governor, David Umahi, for his stand on the unity of the country.

The vice president assured the people of the South-east that the Maiduguri to Port Harcourt railway which has been approved by President Muhammadu Buhari will pass through states in the region.

It will pass through Enugu, Abakaliki and Awka, so there is no need to make that request because it has already been approved by President Buhari, he said.

Earlier, Governor Umahi appreciated the assistance President Buhari and Mr. Osinbajo have been giving to the state especially in the area of agriculture irrespective of party differences.

We want to work with the federal government. I thank Mr. President for the second Niger bridge. All federal roads in Ebonyi are built by me, let at least one federal road be constructed for us by the federal government, he added.

Others who attended the wedding include the governors wife, Rachel; Minister of Transport, Chibuike Amaechi; former Governor Martin Elechi; Sam Egwu and wife, Ukamaka; Speaker, Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Francis Nwifuru, among others.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commended the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) for organizing peaceful Local Government Elections in Enugu State, in spite of attempt to derail the exercise.

Speaking after monitoring the elections in the state, the National President of NANS, Chinonso Obasi, told journalists that he and his colleagues were pleased with the conduct of the elections, applauding Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for providing an enabling environment, which he said gave the electorate the opportunity to exercise their franchise.

Mr. Obasi explained that despite complaints by the opposition over alleged late arrival of election materials, which his teams observations from the polling units visited showed that the exercise was successful, peaceful and in accordance with the commissions guidelines.

He, however, requested ENSIEC to extend the voting time to accommodate willing voters, a suggestion the electoral body accepted by extending the polls till 5pm.

We are so glad for the peaceful conduct of this Local Government Elections in Enugu State and we thank the governor for this feat, at least the people are voting and the process is ongoing and we will continue our independent monitoring to enable us give a comprehensive report, the NANS President said.

Also speaking, another official of NANS, Chidi Ilogede, accused those he described as opponents of the Peoples Democratic Party of being behind some of the challenges encountered during the exercise in a failed attempt to discredit the elections.

He called on security agencies to investigate and fish out those behind the explosions.

The ENSIEC had organized Local Government elections across the 17 Local Government Areas and 260 electoral wards in the state to elect those who will be at the helm of the council areas as chairmen and councilors.

The results of the elections are being awaited.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 09:41:36|Editor: Liangyu

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TRIPOLI, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Unidentified gunmen attacked an army checkpoint in southeastern Libya later on Friday, killing two soldiers and wounding four others, according to an army source.

"A military checkpoint between the towns of Al-Jufra and Barak Al-Shati was attacked by an unknown armed group, killing two soldiers and injuring four others," the source told Xinhua.

"The attack was carried out in a sudden manner," the source said. "The attackers stormed the checkpoint, which was set up by the army in a desert area."

The source also confirmed that some of the attackers were killed and others fled. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.

Al-Jufra region, southeast to the capital Tripoli, has witnessed constant moving of Islamic State (IS) affiliates, who fled Sirte and Benghazi in the past few months to mountain and desert areas.

In October, IS affiliates attacked an army checkpoint in southern Libya, leaving two soldiers dead and three others injured. They also attacked another army checkpoint in southern Libya in August and slaughtered nine soldiers.
The pupils of St Johns Anglican School, Adekanbi-Agbena in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, are still receiving their lessons in a poultry shed weeks after the state government pledged to provide them classrooms and other facilities.

PREMIUM TIMES had in September exclusively reported the poor condition under which about 150 pupils were schooling at the primary school founded in 1955 by the defunct Western Nigerian government of the late Obafemi Awolowo.

Following the report, the Chairman of Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board, Olatunde Okedara, promised that the board would put up new structures at the school within weeks.

Mr. Okedara had added that the present location of the school was no longer conducive for learning and that the government will look into the matter and do the needful to make the school a better place of learning.

He said construction of three blocks of classrooms would be the first step to be taken by the government.

I have been to the school. It is not the best place to have pupils. I can assure you that State Universal Basic Education has plans to erect a block of 3 classrooms within the next few weeks, the official said.

However, when PREMIUM TIMES visited the school on Friday, the government was yet to take any step in addressing the problems of the school. The plight of the pupils and their teachers remained unattended to.

The primary school was initially located on a parcel of land that was later acquired by the state government for the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta.

The polytechnic upon fencing its premises, ejected the primary school into its current makeshift structure at Adekanbi-Agbena.

The Community Development Association, CDA, of Agbena provided the land and put up the temporary structure for the school to enable the pupils continue with their education.

The community wrote the state government two years ago to remind it of the need to provide a befitting infrastructure but the government has failed to act, although it has continued to post teachers to the school.

Inside its classrooms, pupils of St. Johns Anglican School were packed like sardine when Premium Times visited on Friday, while the staff room was small and bare of furniture.

The Vice-Chairman of Agbena CDA, Abiodun Adegoroye, lamented governments neglect of the school.

He recalled that the school was evicted from its old location by Moshood Abiola Polytechnic without the provision of alternative accommodation.

Mr. Adegoroye said the community offered to accommodate the school so as not to disrupt the education of the pupils.

He said the community was not comfortable with the plight of the pupils and their teachers and appealed to government to provide the necessary facilities for the school.

The place is an eyesore. Both pupils and teachers are exposed to sun and rain. The community and teachers submitted a letter to government but it is sad that after a year, the government failed to address the problem, Mr. Adegoroye said.

Oluseye Araba, a former treasurer of the community association, corroborated the claims of the vice-chairman. He said the head teacher approached the community for help to address the problems of the school.

When contacted for update on the pledge of the government to the school, the State Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Modupe Mujota, said she had written to SUBEB, which is responsible for primary education, to attend to it.

It is rather unfortunate that the school relocation planned elaborately by MAPOLY where they were occupying before did not pan out, she said.

We have since written to MAPOLY to ensure that what they planned to do for the school earlier should be done now. We have also written to the SUBEB to intervene and ensure what everything MAPOLY has to do is done.

We will also be maintaining oversight on it and expect that there should be resolution within a short time, Mrs. Mujota stated.
For the New World Order, a world government is just the beginning. Once in place they can engage their plan to exterminate 80% of the world's population, while enabling the "elites" to live forever with the aid of advanced technology. For the first time, crusading filmmaker ALEX JONES reveals their secret plan for humanity's extermination: Operation ENDGAME.

Jones chronicles the history of the global elite's bloody rise to power and reveals how they have funded dictators and financed the bloodiest warscreating order out of chaos to pave the way for the first true world empire.

Watch as Jones and his team track the elusive Bilderberg Group to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III.





to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. Learn about the formation of the North America transportation control grid, which will end U.S. sovereignty forever.





Discover how the practitioners of the pseudo-science eugenics have taken control of governments worldwide as a means to carry out depopulation.





View the progress of the coming collapse of the United States and the formation of the North American Union.

Never before has a documentary assembled all the pieces of the globalists' dark agenda. Endgame's compelling look at past atrocities committed by those attempting to steer the future delivers information that the controlling media has meticulously censored for over 60 years. It fully reveals the elite's program to dominate the earth and carry out the wicked plan in all of human history.

Endgame is not conspiracy theory, it is documented fact in the elite's own words.




NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq., a partner at the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF"), announces that KSF has commenced an investigation into Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation (NYSE: BAH).

For several years, Booz Allen, among the nation's largest defense contractors, has been the subject of investigations and adverse audits by several government agencies regarding its improper billing of governmental contract work, resulting in millions of dollars in fines and settlements. On June 15, 2017, the Company revealed that it was the target of "a civil and criminal investigation" by the U.S. Dept. of Justice relating to its billing practices that, as CEO Rozanski disclosed in a subsequent analyst call, would more likely take "years than months" to resolve. The Company has also been connected to high profile leaks of sensitive government data, most notably by former contractors Edward Snowden and Harold Martin, and recently the June 2017 discovery that sensitive data, including login credentials, was stored unprotected and visible on a public server by a company contractor.

The Company has been exposed to significant financial losses as well as a recent securities class action lawsuit for failing to disclose material information to investors, violating federal securities laws, which is ongoing.

KSF's investigation is focusing on whether Booz Allen's officers and/or directors breached their fiduciary duties to its shareholders or otherwise violated state or federal laws.

If you have information that would assist KSF in its investigation, or have been a long-term holder of Booz Allen shares and would like to discuss your legal rights, you may, without obligation or cost to you, call toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or email KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn ([email protected]).

About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

KSF, whose partners include Former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is a law firm focused on securities, antitrust and consumer class actions, along with merger & acquisition and breach of fiduciary litigation against publicly traded companies on behalf of shareholders. The firm has offices in New York, California and Louisiana.

To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com.

Contact:

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner

[email protected]

1-877-515-1850

206 Covington St.

Madisonville, LA 70447

SOURCE Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

Related Links

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DALLAS, Nov. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Christmas Decor has launched its fifteenth consecutive Decorated Family Program to transform the homes of servicemen and woman into magical winter wonderlands this holiday season. With more than 450,000 American men and women deployed overseas, the program is designed to boost spirits and spread cheer for military families across the nation who have to spend the holidays without their loved ones.

Now a seasonal tradition, hundreds of franchisees nationwide participate by donating products, resources, and time to decorate the homes of local military families with lights, garland, ornaments, and other trimmings. Following the decorating process, each decked out home is revealed during a surprise ceremony.

"This is a big year for us seeing it's the fifteenth anniversary of our favorite annual tradition," stated Brandon Stephens, president of Christmas Decor. "A way for us to show our gratitude and support our courageous troops, The Decorated Family program is the least we can do for our servicemen and women who risk their lives for us daily. It never ceases to amaze me the initial look on the faces of each family member upon seeing their home fully lit."

Community members are encouraged to nominate deserving military families by completing the Decorated Family submission form available on the Christmas Decor Facebook Page. This form provides a place to share the family's story and explain why they should become a "Christmas Decor Decorated Family." Winners will be awarded based on the impact the story has on the judges, as well as location to ensure there is a local franchise to provide the services. The company seeks to attract hundreds of nominations that will result in beautifully decorated homes for the 2017 holiday season. The deadline for nominations is on Veterans Day, November 11, 2017.

"We're truly grateful to see a local business offering this type of support to our family," said Don Johnson, whose son was deployed in Kosovo during the 2016 holiday season, leaving his daughter-in-law and three young grandchildren to spend the holidays alone. "It was just wonderful for the kids and the entire family to experience. This program is really one of the greatest things a company can do."

Operating in more than 300 markets and 49 states, Christmas Decor, Inc. is the largest professional holiday and event decorating franchise. The company offers complete decorating service programs including unique display design, installation, maintenance, and removal of holiday lighting and decorations - alleviating decorating stress while delivering the look customers want within a reasonable budget.

For more information on the Decorated Family Program, visit http://christmasdecor.net/cdi2/decorated-family.

About Christmas Decor

Since its inception in 1986, Christmas Decor has risen to become the premier holiday lighting and decorating company in North America. The Texas-based company was founded by Blake Smith as an off-season supplement to his landscape business and as a method to provide year-round work for employees. Christmas Decor quickly emerged as a viable business opportunity and today, operates in more than 300 markets in 49 states and Canada. Christmas Decor is highly revered in its field and has received consistent recognition for its efforts, including its popular Decorated Family Program which has been featured on The TODAY Show, TIME.com, CNN and FOX, among others. For more information, visit www.christmasdecor.net.

SOURCE Christmas Decor

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ST. GEORGE, Utah, Nov. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- busybusy is proud to join the community of sustainable building champions at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, in conjunction this year with ABX2017, in Boston, Massachusetts, Nov. 8-10.

Use the busybusy suite of apps to track crews and equipment on jobsites to gain greater insight into operations and increase the profitability of your besiness.

busybusy is a user-friendly mobile web app for iPhone, Android, and desktop that simplifies time tracking, GPS, telematics and equipment tracking, job costing, and real-time project documentation and communication in photos, notes, and other attachments. It supports payroll, accounting, and ERP integrations to boost office efficiency. It also configures project data in analytical reports to generate mission-critical business intelligence.

Stop in at booth 1052 in the Technology Pavilion to see how busybusy is committed to operating in an environmentally friendly way. Experience the simplicity and accuracy of a "Forever Free" subscription to our mobile app. It instantly eliminates paper from tracking time and equipment from the construction jobsite into the payroll office.

In support of the Greenbuild mission, busybusy is all in:

"When we come together at Greenbuild, we are one community of professionals, advocates and practitioners, students and teachers, designers and builders, and everything in between. We leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of what's next  new technology, new ideas and new ways forward. We are dedicated to transforming the market and changing the way the people all over the world experience buildings. WE ARE ALL IN."

[source: www.greenbuildexpo.com/en/home.html]

With busybusy, it's as easy and convenient as a smartphone in a pocket, and  did we mention  free to get started? No trees need to be harmed in tracking the day-to-day job costs that make all the difference in bottom-line results, and make sure crews get properly paid.

busybusy is a leader in eco-friendly digital, automated jobsite intelligence-gathering that makes an immediate environmental impact in paper-waste reduction. With additional reporting and analysis capabilities, busybusy can help transform paper costs into digital revenues. It helps sustain economic and environmental benefits at the same time.

About busybusy

busybusy is built by contractors for contractors, dedicated to helping construction owners and operators get information they can use to make more profitable business decisions.

busybusy currently employs more than 50 people in the greater Saint George, Utah, area and is a leader in software and technology solutions for the construction industry.

Press Contact

James Jarman

(385) 252-9033

[email protected]

busybusy.com

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busybusy Mobile Time Tracking App



image2.png

How the busybusy app works

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The busybusy Tradeshow Booth

Related Links

busybusy Homepage

busybusy Mobile Time Tracking App

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mcqv6MH1kiI

SOURCE busybusy

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Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 09:51:40|Editor: Liangyu

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by Xinhua writer Zhu Dongyang

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- While awaiting U.S. President Donald Trump's first visit to the region, Asian countries have been closely watching his soon-to-be-unveiled Asia policy. The White House host is well advised to divert his interest - if there is any - in the former U.S. divide-and-rule strategies, and instead steer his country back onto the track of consultation and cooperation.

Considering its seven-month track record of backtracking on almost everything former President Barack Obama had promoted, the Trump White House is likely to depart from the previous administration's "rebalancing to Asia" strategy.

The White House has already hinted Trump's intended focus on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and trade during the trip. Both issues, requiring more than ever his readiness to act constructively for win-win results in the region, test the flexibility of his America First policy, as well as his "art of the deal" that demands convergence gain an upper hand over divergence in most cases.

On the Korean Peninsula, the Trump administration has been sending mixed and frustrating messages.

The president and his Defense Secretary James Mattis have warned from time to time a full-scale military response to the nuclear ambition of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, however, insists that diplomacy remains the U.S. centerpiece to settle the confrontation. Trump teased Tillerson, saying he was "wasting time" talking to Pyongyang, and direct talk was unrealistic in the foreseeable future.

The nuclear crisis on the Korean Peninsula is in essence a crisis of trust between Washington and Pyongyang. Compared with pressuring Beijing to tame Pyongyang and others to isolate it, the U.S. willingness for dialogue and readiness to offer the country its much-needed security promise is a better option for all.

If the Trump administration is indeed interested in cooling down the nuclear-related tit-for-tat wrangle, not just fanning the flames to justify its presence in the region, it needs to work with all relevant parties to create conditions for a peaceful settlement.

On trade, the Trump administration said its top priority is to shrink the U.S. mounting trade deficits with many economies. However, Washington's obsession with cutting them down is misplaced.

To achieve that end, it has ditched the Trans-Pacific Pact (TPP), and threatened to slap punitive tariffs against its trading partners.

U.S. trade deficits with regional economies as well as with others worldwide are mainly caused by its low savings rate and persistent government budget deficits. If one consumes more than it can produce, its imports would certainly go up. Thus foreign trade should not be blamed.

Also, resorting to punitive measures against others is likely to spark countermoves, which may even result in a trade war. Expediting U.S. high-tech export would be a constructive solution, as it will help Washington trade with a market-oriented region featuring increasing openness, mature economic structure and complementarity with the United States.

"Putting America first" is the watchword of the Trump administration. Yet in an increasingly interconnected global economy, multilateralism, open-mindedness and cooperation should be valued over go-it-alone-ism.

Trump cannot expect to solve all his concerns overnight in one visit. For a master in transactions, as he typecast himself to be, odds of success in his coming Asia tour look high. But his ready commitment to a constructive Asia-Pacific policy would certainly be a plus.
CHICAGO, Nov. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Jon Goodman, real estate attorney at Frascona, Joiner, Goodman and Greenstein, P.C., shared information with Realtors and other attendees today at the 2017 REALTORS Conference & Expo about the risks of real estate fraud and how to avoid falling victim to scams in the marketplace.

During the session, Goodman said that real estate transactions are often complicated and tedious dealings and demand close attention from the agent, buyer and seller. He said many times real estate professionals and consumers do not consider the risks of fraud in real estate, even when wiring large sums of money. Goodman said that real estate brokers are especially vulnerable to becoming victims of wire fraud.

"You cannot be a successful real estate broker unless you are an optimist and open with your clients. I don't want you to change that professional quality, which is so crucial to success in real estate, but your relationship with clients makes you susceptible to fraud schemes," he said.

Goodman shared several red flags real estate professionals should keep in mind during a transaction and the steps agents can take to ensure transactions are secure:

Seek to work with people you know. Ensure you can recognize their voice and know something personal about them that you can ask to confirm their identity.

Do not be the direct source of wire instructions to clients, and let clients know that you will not be the source of those instructions.

Educate clients to not rely on wiring instructions that come through e-mail or from a website. Wiring instructions should come from a secured system or confirmed verbally from a voice the buyer knows.

Goodman went on to say that if agents are included on wire instructions to their clients, it is crucial to do the following:

Let clients know that you will not be e-mailing the wiring instructions, and only give clients the phone number to the wiring recipient verbally.

Also, verbally give clients some information to qualify the source of the wire instructions. Do not put the qualifying information in an e-mail.

Goodman said if fraud is suspected, it is imperative to act quickly or homebuyers might find themselves out of luck. Additional tips for real estate professionals and consumers for staying safe from fraud schemes are available from NAR and the FTC.

The National Association of Realtors, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing 1.3 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Information about NAR is available at www.nar.realtor. News releases are posted in the website's newsroom under the "About NAR" tab.

SOURCE National Association of Realtors

Related Links

http://www.realtor.org


WOODBRIDGE, N.J., Nov. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa joined hundreds of New Jersey Teamsters and members from other unions at a rally to support of Ambassador Phil Murphy for governor. Following the rally, union members volunteered to get out the vote for the campaign during the final weekend before Election Day on Nov. 7.

Speaking at the rally, Hoffa stressed the importance of taking New Jersey in a new direction following two terms under Gov. Chris Christie that saw the state rank near the bottom in job and economic growth.

"Phil Murphy is the right man for the job. He understands what it's like to grow up in a working class family and has a strong history of fighting on behalf of workers," Hoffa said. "We've all had enough of Chris Christie and his anti-worker policies. New Jersey needs a governor that is going to fully staff the Department of Labor so that it has the resources to enforce the laws against companies that attack working men and women."

Fred Potter, President of Teamsters Local 469 in Hazlet, N.J. and International Vice President of the union, highlighted Murphy's commitment to labor unions in New Jersey.

"There is no question that Phil Murphy supports labor," Potter said. "He is the kind of candidate that the Teamsters need to stand up to special interests and corporations that are determined to undermine and weaken workers' rights in our state.

Murphy committed to supporting labor by ensuring that the issues that impact the middle class and union members are addressed under his administration.

"We must make sure we get back to doing things like cracking the back of misclassification, respecting prevailing wage, honoring project labor agreements and having the backs of our union brothers and sisters," Murphy said. "It is the door through which so many in NJ walked into the middle class  we will hold that door open. I promise you that.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:

Galen Munroe, (202) 439-7427

[email protected]

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Related Links

http://www.teamster.org


On Thursday, November 9th, at The Graduate Institute of Geneva, in Switzerland, Founder and CEO Taynaah Reis will announce the 17 entrepreneurs who have been selected to be a part of Moeda's Seed Pilot Program. The chosen projects will be sponsored via Moeda's microlending program and Unicafes, a national organizing body of cooperatives in Brazil. Though each project will vary in scope, size, and focus, each will tackle one component of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals.

Moeda and its partners believe that through its multi-tiered community support system and signature cryptocurrency, that Moeda will demonstrate the exponential, sustainable impact that blockchain technology can provide global communities. This revolutionary vision has inspired the creation of several corporate partnerships -- including IBM -- and a $20 million fundraising campaign as of November 2017.

A signature component of this success is Moeda's vast global network. This network will be harnessed and nurtured through its inaugural Moeda Ambassadors for Change program. The Ambassadors for Change will include a diverse, hand-selected body of professionals of all experience levels and backgrounds -- from private investors to C-suite professionals to government officials to CSR-focused academics. This program will connect professionals and offer them the opportunity to collaborate with the Seed Pilot Program entrepreneurs as they develop their ground-breaking projects.

To be considered for the Moeda Ambassadors for Change program, contact the Moeda team at [email protected].



About Moeda:

Founded in April 2017 by Taynaah Reis, Brad Chun, and Isa Yu, Moeda is the first cooperative banking system powered by blockchain technology. Moeda harnesses the power, speed, and efficiency of blockchain technology to empower underfunded and unbanked entrepreneurs worldwide.

About The Global Goals for Sustainable Development:

The Global Goals are 17 goals adopted by the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in September 2015 and enacted in January 2016. The goals were established to provide concrete guidelines for improving the health of the planet and its people by 2030.

SOURCE Moeda

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https://moeda.in


ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Transportation should reject Arizona's request to allow the state to sell food and fuel at Interstate rest areas, says NATSO, the U.S. association of travel plazas and truckstops.

"Arizona wants to sidestep federal law--a law that has been debated and reaffirmed in Congress many times," said Lisa Mullings, NATSO's president and CEO. "Rest area commercialization threatens thousands of businesses serving travelers at the interstate exits. This ill-advised proposal risks the livelihood of hundreds of Arizona business owners and their employees, and would hurt local communities who depend on the property taxes these businesses pay to fund schools and police.

"What's more, the provision of federal law that Governor Ducey calls 'nonsensical' and would like to eliminate is in fact an important provision empowering the blind community in the United States. Blind-owned businesses currently receive priority for Interstate rest area vending opportunities," Mullings continued.

In a letter dated Nov. 6, 2017, Arizona's governor urges the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to allow his state to compete with small-town businesses, siphoning jobs, customers and local tax revenues, by establishing commercial rest areas along the Interstate right-of-way under a pilot program.

Arizona's governor wants the state to sell goods and services to travelers, a move that would displace many of the restaurants, travel plazas, truckstops, convenience stores and other businesses that already exist at highway exits throughout the state.

Congress effectively privatized highway services in 1960, when Congress prohibited states from offering commercial services at rest areas along the Interstate Highway System specifically so that private sector entities would grow and provide services to the traveling public. Today, hundreds of thousands of established businesses, including travel plazas, convenience stores, restaurants and hotels are meeting the needs of highway travelers.

"This is not privatization, as the governor maintains. In fact, commercialization of rest areas uses government power to establish one business as a monopoly to the detriment of others operating in the free market," Mullings said. "Rather than privatizing a government function, this proposal would transfer sales away from the private sector to the government.

"We don't need a pilot program to see the effects of commercial rest areas on local communities and businesses because there are at least a dozen states that oversee commercialized rest areas," said Mullings. (These state-controlled rest areas were already commercialized when the federal law was passed and were thus allowed to continue.) "We can witness the anti-competitive effect that commercialized rest areas has on Interstate businesses," she said, citing a study conducted by Virginia Tech. The report found that there are 46 percent fewer gas sales, 44 percent fewer restaurant sales and 35 percent fewer truck service business sales. In total, this is a loss of over $55 billion in annual sales for interchange businesses.

NATSO is the professional association of America's travel plaza and truckstop industry. Founded in 1960, NATSO represents the industry on legislative and regulatory matters; serves as the official source of information on the diverse travel plaza and truckstop industry; provides education to its members; conducts an annual convention and trade show; and supports efforts to generally improve the business climate in which its members operate.

CONTACT: Tiffany Wlazlowski Neuman

Phone: (703) 739-8578

E-mail: twlazlow[email protected]

SOURCE NATSO, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.natso.com


In her essay collection The Empathy Exams (Graywolf), one of the surprise hits of 2014, Leslie Jamison looked at a wide range of topicsdisease, incarceration, abortion, self-harmthrough the lens of few unifying questions: How and to what end do we feel the pain of others? How do our traumas manifest in our bodies? What can we learn from our uglier moments?

Those questions, and others, drive her new book, The Recovering (Little, Brown, Apr. 2018), which documents her years-long struggle with alcohol addiction and meditates on how others, especially fellow writers, have navigated dependence.

Her book is well timed: in the past few years, addictionto opioids in particularhas become a leading health issue in the U.S. The New York Times reports that drug overdose is the leading cause of death for Americans under 50, and a 2015 survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates that more than two million Americans struggle with opioid dependence. PW spoke with Jamison about the difficulty of talking about addiction, the relationship between substance abuse and creativity, and what in the way of help a book about recovery can hope to offer.

In your book, you refer to an Elizabeth Bishop poem in which she explains the origin of her alcoholism and then casts doubt on that explanation. How, in The Recovering, did you find a way around, to use a phrase from your book, the false coherence of addiction narratives?

Part of my desire to include many stories in the same book, rather than, say, just my own, in the way that a standard memoir might, was that I wanted to honor the multiplicity of narratives, as a way of avoiding the false coherence of a single narrative. The same goes for explaining addiction inside a life. In the Bishop poem, for example, it probably is true that there were early issues of abandonment and fear that were part of Bishops relationship to alcohol. But its also important to recognize that the truth isnt just that. [Its more about] thinking of truth as a cumulative, layered thing.

A striking feature of your book is your willingness to talk about the appeal of substances. Do you think that aspect of addictionthe fact that drinking or using drugs can give pleasureis missing from the conversations we tend to have about addiction?

I quote my dad at one point in the book. He says, essentially, that the problem with most drug-education programs is that they dont talk about how good [drugs] feel. That captures something that feels true to me. In order to have an honest conversation about addiction thats trying to suss out why and how addiction becomes a part of peoples lives, and how we can help get them treatment, it seems imperative to talk about, well, whats the draw in the first place? Its not an utterly senseless act. Theres a kind of relief, or bliss, or feeling of elevated consciousness. Theres something driving that experience.

As you point out, several writers, including Raymond Carver and Denis Johnson, seemed to find in substances a kind of gateway to profundity. How, as a writer yourself, did you reconcile that perhaps tempting outlook on substance abuse with your own need to get sober?

One of things that happened to me as I drank and then got sober was realizing that a lot of the writers that I had idolized as drunk prophets had gotten sober, or tried to. Their stories were more complicated than the mythos of drunken creativity that I had written for them. They tried to incorporate recovery and sobriety into their creative lives, with varying results. It opened up one of the central inquires of the book. How can recovery be another form, or another manifestation, of creativity?

You quote a line from Johnsons book Jesus Son: And you, you ridiculous people, you expect me to help you. Was it part of your goal, in writing this book, to help people?

Having a set moral to the story can be the least helpful approach to writing a book, in terms of reaching people. I wanted to speak to what I think is a pretty universal feeling of being overwhelmed by wanting, or craving, all kinds of thingspeople, lovers, attention, whatever it is. My vision of how a book might be helpful is not entirely dissimilar to how a recovery meeting is helpful: theres consolation in the fact of encountering other peoples stories.

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Since digital crowdfunding platforms first debuted, independent booksellers have consistently used them to help support a variety of initiatives. What was once an unusual and innovative approach to raising capital has, over the past decade, become a mainstream method for financing creative projects. From Oakland, Calif., to the New York City, crowdfunding booksellers have a shrewd sense of when to turn to a digital community for support, what it can do for their bricks-and-mortar operations, and where crowdfundings limitations lie.

Minneapoliss Boneshaker Books turned to Kickstarter and Indiegogo four times in its first seven years, beginning with a 2011 campaign to support its initial store build-out. The social justiceoriented community shop, which is run entirely by volunteers, raised a little more than its $5,000 goal in that early campaign. Boneshaker continued to use crowdfunding as a way of covering annual losses. For the first few years, every year we would do a fund-raising drive because we were a new business, explained Aaron King, a collective member and bookseller. We would go to our customers and say, This is how much we came up short. 

The platforms allowed Boneshaker to set fixed, all-or-nothing, or flexible fund-raising targets and offer rewards in return for support. Most importantly, King said, the platforms offered a professional look that a small bookstore might not otherwise have. It looked a lot more official, he said, and they made it easier for the bookstore to collect donations, providing a link and a streamlined online billing process.

As Boneshakers financial condition has improved each year, King said its inclination to use crowdfunding has diminished. Looking back, however, he believes the stores fund-raising success came from tying the financial goals to rewards that got people to come into the store.

For booksellers that use crowdfunding, getting people into their stores is the key to success, said John Trigonis, a creative campaign strategist with Indiegogo, a platform that indie bookstores tend to prefer to Kickstarter, which has connections to Amazon. Booksellers have to think strategically about how to get people into the bookstore, before it even opens, he added.

That was the case for Noelle Santos. Her store, the Lit. Bar, which is slated to open in 2018, will be the only bookstore in the Bronx. Santos said that lenders and landlords were unwilling to support her because they werent convinced she would be able to get readers to come into the shop. Raising capital in communities like mine is difficult, Santos said. Discrimination is a factor. With crowdfunding donors, on the other hand, nobody cares if youre black, Hispanic, a woman, fat, skinny, she added.

Santos said she was initially reluctant to turn to the community for support, but, in January 2017, she launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise $100,000. She ultimately took in more than $150,000 from 1,843 backers. It didnt just serve as a fund-raiser, Santos said. It served as a petition. After surpassing her goal, she said, banks and landlords were willing to speak with her because she had proven that the community was able to support the store.

For Brad Johnson at East Bay Booksellers in Oakland, Calif., crowdfunding was one component of a larger effort to shepherd his bookstore through a major transition. Johnson was the manager of the business, then called Diesel Books, when the owners offered him the opportunity to purchase the store in 2016. To generate the $200,000 needed to take over the store, Johnson primarily turned to a loan share model, seeking to have 51 supporters give the company low-interest loans of $1,000 and up. He soon realized, however, that two crucial audiences werent buying in: There were customers who were not able to give $1,000, and some people in publishing who didnt want to be bothered with the loan structure.

For Johnson, leaving anyone out seemed like bad business and poor community engagement. He decided to launch an Indiegogo campaign with a flexible goal to allow customers to donate as little as $25. While the loan shares ultimately provided the bulk of his goal$165,000the Indiegogo campaign chipped in another $9,165 from 77 backers, leaving only $25,835 for Johnson to finance personally.

For Aaron King, the basics of running a successful campaign are straightforward: Have a clear message and a clear reward. But he also cautioned that booksellers should be prepared for how long it takesit always costs a bit more and takes a bit longer than they might expect. Johnson and Santos echoed that sentiment, noting that the added effort of raising funds and delivering rewards caused delays in their planning.

King also points to a trend emerging as crowdfunding has become more mainstream, noting that he gave personally to almost 50 campaigns when he first discovered digital crowdfunding, but now only gives to three per year. Trigonis said King is not alone, noting that backers have become more savvy, because crowdfunding is not new anymore. He added, They have realized that they cant possibly give their money to 50 campaigns and make educated decisions.

Still, Trigonis believes that the community focus and creativity of bookstores will continue to be a good match for the technology of crowdfunding. Even as the novelty wears off, he said, simple common sense may mean that crowdfunding will be a mandatory part of setting up if you want to engage your audience before you get up and running.
Alabama native Steven Yates is coordinator of the school library media certification program and an assistant professor in the School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Alabama. Prior to teaching at the university level, Yates held posts as librarian at two Alabama high schools and, during one of those stints, worked simultaneously as a public librarian. He has long been a volunteer for AASL, and he was president-elect for the 20162017 term before becoming president this past summer. We spoke with Yates during the run-up to his organizations National Conference in Phoenix and asked him about the enthusiasm surrounding the gathering and his vision for AASL.

What are some of the pivotal issues your membership is talking about and dealing with?

What we hear from our members is that they are truly student-centered. They are talking about the same issues you hear about in the news; the same issues that are creeping into the minds of the adults also impact the students. Our members want to continue to receive resources and have thoughtful discussion about how school libraries can be the safest and the most nurturing environments, especially when it comes to resources for LGBTQ students. Not only for students looking for resources, but also providing a level of awareness, letting people know that the school library is a trusted resource in that area. Our members are also talking about looking for ways that they can support DREAMers.

As professionals in school libraries we are trying to not only provide that safe, nurturing environment, but also provide what we think is equally important for any issuean inquiry-based learning program. We are helping students to understand how they can navigate the news and social media and how to find quality resources about whatever topic theyre being faced with, whether it is a topic in their personal life or a political topic. Maybe their political awareness is blossoming and they want to find resources to help them better articulate their views. Or it may be just, I really need to understand what was going on during the War of 1812 for my history assignment. Whatever it is, we want students to be able to develop their critical thinking skills by working through whatever issues theyre faced with.

Another example is some of the natural disasters and other recent events. A few colleagues have asked, How do you help students build a level of discernment about which relief efforts are legitimate? So many students are coming in and they want to help, they want to make an impact. Some of them say they want to collect items, but you have to help them consider: Are items what the people going through that recovery process really need? Where would your resources be best utilized? Again, its taking that process of inquiry and thinking about how to apply it. If we are able to internalize that with our students, we are able to develop hopefully responsible producers and consumers of information.

What are your goals for helping to steer the organization during your term? Can you describe your presidential initiative?

In general, my role is to lead AASL in taking a strategic look at our resources and the needs of the profession and trying to best align those resources to meet the needs we see. If you think of it as a train on a track, or a ship on a specific course, I work with the executive committee and the board to make sure that were striving to meet the goals outlined in our current strategic plan.

Personally, my presidential initiative has three prongs to it. First, I want to support our National School Library Standards rollout. The way that I want to do that is to make sure that ALA members have a chance to see the standards and get to know them. Hopefully that will entail taking time to meet with executive committees or groups of members in other divisions and roundtables across ALA, at the Midwinter meeting in Denver and the ALA Annual conference in New Orleans; and I invited the presidents of the other ALA divisions to this years AASL National Conference.

We are introducing the ALA members to the new standards and also at the same time thanking them for their continued support over the years. I think the term silo can be overused, but we can sometimes get narrowly focused on divisional goals and do not always see ways that our colleagues in other areas of librarianship are helping us and can help us. We really saw that with the widespread ALA support we received from across the country and across the profession during the ESSA process [implementation of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act]. I want to take time to make face-to-face contact with as many of the conference attendees in these constituent groups as I can to say, Hey, thank you so much for supporting school libraryrelated endeavors.

And also, we want to take a few minutes and reacquaint people with what todays school librarians are doing. We are really highlighting this role and emphasizing our particularly strong skill set around collaboration. We are ready for new partnerships across ALA that can strengthen the position of school librarianship and raise awareness of the robust, diverse collections of resources were managing and how were working to impact student achievement in ways that some of our ALA counterparts may not realize.

Have you encountered any surprises yet during your presidency?

I recently talked with some colleagues about this. Its a matter of the year is short, but the days can be long. I knew there were passionate school librarians and that we had passionate advocates. I knew that in theory, but Im getting to experience that passion and how much those in our professionI see it from those who are members and not memberscare.

AASLs new national school library standards will be unveiled during the national conference. What was the impetus behind revising the standards? Are there some key themes of the revisions that you can share?

We have a rich tradition in AASL of setting standards for school libraries. We have not only developed the role of the school librarian but also provided guidance about what a well-developed resource collection looks like and how best practice can impact student achievement over time.

For the latest revision, we started back in 2015. We developed an approach to start by looking at our 2007 Standards for the 21st-Century Learner as well as our Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Programs from 2009. In 2015 we did surveys, focus groups, and multiple layers of research through this revision process. We talked to instructional technology experts, we talked to administrators, we talked to parents, asking, What do our current standards do for you, and what would you like the new ones to do? We not only looked at what worked well but asked, Where can we improve?

At the same time that we had a standards and guidelines editorial board working, we also had a task force working to develop an implementation plan so that the revisions of both Standards for the 21st-Century Learner and Empowering Learners could launch simultaneously. These efforts have produced the combined document National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries, which will launch at our conference in Phoenix. Parts are going to feel familiar, but there are going to be some evolved concepts.

To accompany the standards launch, we have launched our new standards portal at standards.aasl.org, where youll find updated Common Beliefs list [of principles answering the question, How do we define the qualities of well-prepared learners, effective school librarians, and dynamic school libraries?] and our new Shared Foundations infographics [that name and define competencies to foster in students]. The Shared Foundations infographics do a nice job of summarizing the competencies for learners that anchor the integrative framework for the AASL standards. After the launch, the portal will be a gateway to demonstration videos and all sorts of professional development resources to aid not only with implementing the standards but also with helping the profession and friends of the professionall parts of the education community, whether it be administrators or parentsto best understand the role of the school library in education.

Whats new at this years AASL conference? What are a few highlights you can point to? And what are you most looking forward to at the conference?

One of the things thats new this year is that we typically have conference celebration on Saturday, but we moved it this year to Friday. We did that because many attendees have to fly home on that last day of the conference, and we didnt want them to miss the celebration. We used to call it Closing Celebration, and now its called Conference Celebration. Its a unique event, and its always memorable. This year its going to be off-site, on a ranch, and it features a rodeo. My understanding is that I am somehow involved in that rodeo, so I can only imagine whats in store! AASL staff and the members of the committee know that Im a good sport, and I believe they are going to test my good sportness. But Im looking forward to it.

Thats the fun part. In addition to the fun, the networking opportunities are so critical. Its such a value-added portion of the conference that is hard to describe until youve experienced it. We have added a new author event, called Authors in the Afternoon. It will give a more intimate look than maybe our members are used to for popular authors Jordan Sonnenblick, Christian Robinson, and Sarah Dessen. Each attendee at that ticketed event will receive a signed book from each of those authors. People are excited about the chance to interact with authors, and that engagement is continuing to be more and more robust at our conference.

And, of course, the biggest thing, as weve been discussingthis conference is where our new national school library standards debut. There is so much excitement around that. One of the general sessions will be all about the standards.

Personally, Im really excited about getting to hear Jason Reynolds. Everything Ive read and seen about himhe is so inspirational. Assuming I survive that rodeo, Im really looking forward to hearing from him on Saturday morning.

Also, its such an exciting time for the fieldseeing the years of work come to fruition on these standards. I know how hard all the committee members have been working on organizing the conference. We can work day to day, sometimes as loners; some of us dont get that interaction with other school library professionals every day. This is a chance to be among your people and really talk about and dig into things. The concurrent sessions and the richness of themwe have more than 120 sessionsare a chance to learn new things and a testament to just how many entries we received. In Phoenix, weve created a desert oasis where we have the luxury of time, to dive in and celebrate and enjoy what it means to be a school librarian and the type of work we do as we strive to impact student achievement every day.
Jane Lofton

Retired teacher librarian and chair of the AASL Best Websites for Teaching and Learning Committee

I am going to be wearing a few hats at the conference. I did retire a year ago last June, but, being a lifelong learner, I cant stop!

I was just recently asked to coteach a course for Rutgers University for pre-service librarians. Its on emerging literacies. So, at AASL Im going to be especially interested in any of the emerging literacies, of which there are so many. Of course, librarians have always had a focus on literacy and information literacy, but now there are so many other things to think about, and theyre all overlapping: such as media literacy, tools literacy, things like digital storytelling. Building a personal learning network is part of being literate these days. Ill also be trying to connect with other educators of pre-service librarians to find out what theyre doing and gain insight from them.

Im also chairing the AASL Best Websites for Teaching and Learning this year. Im excited about attending the session presented by Heather Moorfield-Lang, last years chair. And Ill be keeping an eye out for any new websites that might be candidates for next year.

Ill also be copresenting an IdeaLab sessionlike an electronic poster sessionon green screening. We will introduce people to how easy and valuable this technology is for them and their students, and share ideas for how they can use it. Were going to have a green screen there so people can try it out taking green screen photos of themselves.

But my biggest focus is as social media chair for this conference. My job is basically to inspire as much positive social media sharing during the conference as possible, both for more learning and also, frankly, for fun. Its fun to take selfies with members of your personal learning network whom youve never met until just now or whom you havent seen in a long time. And I think the more fun we have the more we learn, too, and the better network we build for future learning.

Having a conference backchannel on the major platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook is really important. Were also looking at Snapchat, Google+, and weve set up a Google photo album for people to post photos to.

The platform Im the most focused on and best at is Twitter. Im going to be presenting a session on Twitter with my friend Katie McNamara, designed to get beginners going on it to build their, and their students, personal learning networks.

Twitter can really be a collaborative note-taking tool. If I hear a speaker give a link or say something that really struck me but I didnt get it down just right, maybe someone else will tweet it. And then I have it. If Im not in a given session or even not at the conference, I can still get something out of it by seeing the posts that someone who was at that session sends out.

One of the new things were trying this year is a daily social media-posting contest. Were going to recognize the various best posts in several different categories: most informative post, most entertaining, best picture, best notes, best selfie, best group photo, and best #notatAASL post. The prize is really just bragging rights, recognition, and a digital badge, but we think it will inspire more people to participate.

We also invited people to join a social media squad. Their job is to make sure that theyre doing a good number of posts each day, and encourage their colleagues to join the conference backchannel as well. We are also asking them to try recording videos, like a short Periscope for a portion of a session. Theyve been doing that a lot at conferences like ISTE, and thats going to be new for us.

Also, in addition to the conference hashtag, we will be using a #notatAASL hashtag to help people who cant attend. Were going to do some cheerleading for that, and we will have a few fun challenges for those people, such as creating a virtual badge and green screen images. My hope is well up our game on how many people are participating on social media and thereby enriching their learning at the conference.

Heather Williams

Public relations manager

Arbordale Publishing

AASL is always a good show for us. This year we are focusing on our technology and talking about all the benefits of our read-aloud e-books and literacy programs as well as our science and math programs.

Our content allows for cross-curricular learning, which is great for librarians who are introducing different topics. There are multiple types of content within one book that kids can explore. Maybe they want to go down the science path, or they might want to just read for a story. In the back of each book we have our For Creative Minds section that breaks down the different topics. The section has quizzes, which teachers love, and it always helps librarians whenever we can give them a broader range of material within one book or one app.

Our main thing is hoping to break the notion that all e-books are created equal. Our e-books have multiple languages, word highlighting, and audio speed controls. These things can make an enormous difference in developing childrens reading and vocabulary skills.

We work with teachers and librarians all around the country, so AASL is always a great opportunity to meet with the librarians weve worked with in the past and new librarians. Its great to talk to librarians who are super enthusiastic about child literacy and who are working with teachers to incorporate science and math into reading.

We love to hear the feedback on features that they need or something that theyre looking for, so that maybe we can drive in that direction in the future. Our speed control and word highlighting are two features that have come through conferences, from teachers and librarians asking over the years. We made sure to get that very precise.

We do have one author going to AASL. Terri Fields will be signing her book Tornado Tamer on Friday. She lives in Arizona and does a lot of school visits in the area.

Adrienne Waintraub

Executive director of school and library marketing

Random House Childrens Books

We are very excited to be going to AASL. We are focusing on books and authors that school librarians will be able to feature when working with teachers to support curriculum needs and have in their collections to suggest to students looking for their next favorite read. Its always enlightening to hear from the point of view of the school librarian.

We will have books with STEAM connections, graphic novelsJudd Winick, the author of Hilo, will be with usand new titles such as The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine by Mark Twain and Philip Stead, illustrated by Erin Stead, and the first book in Philip Pullmans The Book of Dust. We will also have Ellen Oh with us. Ellen is the editor of Flying Lessons & Other Stories, an anthology of 10 middle grade stories, and the cofounder of We Need Diverse Books.

Mary Ann Scheuer

School librarian

Berkeley (Calif.) Unified School District

AASL is such a special conference, with its focus on all aspects of our unique roles as teachers and librarians. There are opportunities to dig deeply into teaching strategies and digital tools. I love the chance to learn about new authors and share favorite books. While ALA can feel overwhelming, AASL feels focused and Im able to make connections more easily with colleagues. The size is so much more manageable!

As a co-chair of AASLs National Conference, Ive tried to ensure that our programs meet the diverse needs of our members as they support students and teachers across the nation. Whether youre interested in diversity and equity issues, digital literacy and inquiry, or new programming ideas, I hope youll find sessions that encourage you to think more deeply about your practice.

Im particularly excited to talk with several leading authors of books for beginning readers. Our concurrent session panel will explore how authors like Megan McDonald [Judy Moody] write books specifically for beginning readers. She will be joined by Fran Manushkin [Katie Woo], Dori Butler [King & Kayla] and Richard Haynes [Slingshot & Burp] as they talk about balancing the need to keep their books predictable, yet also sparkling with humor and wit. For these readers, a formula is appropriate and essential, but they also want funny, fresh stories.

Andie Krawczyk

Library marketing manager

Candlewick Press

We are excited to share with school librarians highlights from Candlewicks fall 2017 and spring 2018 lists. We will be distributing ARCs and resources for school libraries, including discussion and teachers guides, posters, bookmarks, and booklets of our new My First Book Club.

The authors we are sponsoring this year are Carole Boston Weatherford [Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library], Megan McDonald [Judy Moody and the Bucket List], and Richard Haynes [Slingshot & Burp], who will all be featured speakers. Weatherford will be moderating the Mirror, Mirror: Reaching All Readers panel, and McDonald and Haynes will be speaking on the Reading on My Own! Beginning Readers Series panel. Debut author-illustrator and local artist Juana Martinez-Neal will be at the show as well, to sign lithographs of her new picture book with us, Alma and How She Got Her Name, coming out next April.

The face time we get with school librarians at AASL is invaluablewe have the chance to hear about the exciting programs and initiatives in their libraries and receive helpful feedback on the books were publishing and how we can support their work. The exclusive exhibit time allows for these meaningful interactions. There are also many opportunities for authors and illustrators to engage with attendees, including the concurrent sessions, Authorpalooza, and Junior Library Guilds author meet-and-greets.

Lindsay Matvick

Publicity manager

Lerner Publishing Group

Lerner will be celebrating our new partnership with Crayola. We invite attendees to stop by and play a game to win a sample book from our new Crayola Seasons or Crayola Concepts series. Plus were hosting a prepub picture book signing of Can I Touch Your Hair? Poems of Race, Mistakes, and Friendship with authors Irene Latham and Charles Waters. Accompanied by artwork from acclaimed illustrators Sean Qualls and Selina Alko, Can I Touch Your Hair? presents paired poems about family dinners, sports, recess, and more, using the poems to explore what it means to be black and white in America. Free copies are available during the signing from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on November 10.

AASL is a terrific opportunity for us to talk with school librarians to better understand the challenges and opportunities they face within their schools. School librarians have been key partners in Lerners nearly 60-year history; weve consulted with them to develop topics and book features that serve the needs of students and educators. We host librarian focus groups during AASL, and we also gain great insights through conversations at our booth that influence our product development and help us better serve librarians.

Lucy Del Priore

Director of school and library marketing

Macmillan Childrens Publishing Group

My focus for this show is to evaluate exhibit floor traffic and attendee interest in the exhibitors and the amount of time theyre on the floor as opposed to being in programs. Since we have four authors on programsJack Gantos, Christian Robinson, Katherine Roy, and Dan SantatI thought it would be a great opportunity to spend time with our authors while evaluating the conference overall in terms of our future level of participation. Since were not exhibiting, its also an opportunity for us to partner with some of our key school and library wholesale accounts to arrange for author signings. We help generate traffic to their booths while our authors have the space and chance to meet and chat with attendees one-on-one.

Amy Cox

Marketing director

Capstone Publishing

Capstone is launching a new line of books featuring Capstone 4D augmented reading experiences. Libraries are really at the forefront of embracing what literacy means in the 21st century, and Capstones 4D books are an exciting way to blend the benefits of a print book with bonus digital content that appeals to the YouTube generation. Readers can download the free Capstone 4D app to their favorite device and see videos that relate to the book. Many of the titles are designed to support makerspaces, so kids get the benefits of reading the step-by-step instructions and the video to see how it all comes together.

School librarians are smart, innovative, dedicated professionals who have a way of making sure their voices are heard, whatever the conference. But when they are running the entire show, thats when the magic happens. Its inspiring to see their dedication to students, in big ways like developing the new set of learning standards to be unveiled this year, and in more personal ways like their excitement when they come across a book at the booth that is just the right match for a particular student. This year also promises to be an energetic one, as issues like information literacy and digital citizenship that school librarians have embraced for eons have become such a part of our national conversation.

Tim Ditlow

V-p of content

Epic

Tens of thousands of school librarians use Epic, and we look forward to meeting our customers in person, hearing what the librarians who use Epic like and what else they would like to see from us. Our digital library includes 25,000 high-quality bookscompletely free for teachers and school librarians to use in school. We are also grateful to have such an incredible group of librarians using Epic and helping to spread the word with teachers in their schools and provide access to even more books to more kids.

This is our first time exhibiting, and we were invited to take a table in a special pavilion section set aside for companies who were awarded Best Apps and Best Websites from AASL in 2016.

More than 50 of our publishing partners are exhibiting, and we look forward to meeting with them to find out about their 2018 childrens e-books. And we love authors, so we look forward to hearing many of them speak at the Authorpalooza.

Laurie Katz

Director of publicity

Infobase

Were excited to show off our new products at this Novembers AASL: our two new elementary resourcesThe World Almanac for Kids Elementary, a brand-new elementary edition of the trusted database, and The Mailbox School & District, an institutionwide edition of the teacher favoriteplus the relaunched Blooms Literature.

AASL is always a great opportunity for us to connect with our K12 customers in person and make new contacts and partnerships. Theres nothing like the face-to-face interaction with school librarians to help us get insight into their needs along with valuable feedback on our products. The fact that the conference is held only once every two years makes us look forward to it all the more.
In the lead-up to its 18th National Conference and Exhibition in Phoenix, which has as its theme Beyond the Horizon, AASL has been encouraging school librarians to be at the forefront of the journey as the organization launches its buzzed-about new standards. Though the unveiling of the standards will be a centerpiece of the conference, the more than 4,000 expected attendees can also look forward to speeches and signings from more than 100 authors, 120 concurrent sessions addressing issues most relevant to todays school librarians, and several informative and entertaining exhibits. Weve zeroed in on some of the highlights.

Unless otherwise noted, all room locations are in the Phoenix Convention Center.

AASL STANDARDS

AASL is supporting its rollout of the National School Library Standards with a full roster of programming.

Wednesday, November 8

14:30 p.m.

Investigate Your National School Library Standards for School Libraries (North 224 A)

Judy Deichman, AASL treasurer and a member of the AASL Standards and Guidelines Implementation Task Force, teams up with presenters including Kathy Mansfield from the Kentucky Department of Education to lead a workshop on planning implementation of the new standards into school library programs. (Two additional sections of this session featuring additional presenters will take place at 9 a.m. on Thursday, November 9, in North 131 A-B and North 132 A-B.)

Thursday, November 9

9 a.m.12:30 p.m.

ESLS Research Symposium (North 129 A)

This year is the fifth time that the Educators of School Librarians Section (ESLS) of AASL has presented a research symposium at the national conference. This time around, the focus is the new National School Library Standards.

9 p.m.12 a.m.

Unconference (South Ballroom, Renaissance Phoenix Downtown)

Attendees can familiarize themselves with the new National School Library Standards at this participatory networking event following a world cafe format centered on questions, discovery, and small-group discussion.

Friday, November 10

89 a.m.

Standards General Session(North 120 B-D)

The wait is over! After a two-year research and development process, the new National Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries will be unveiled during this special session. Members of the AASL Standards and Guidelines Editorial Board and AASL Standards and Guidelines Implementation Task Force will present the revitalized standards, explain how they were developed with input from AASL membership and others in the profession, and discuss plans for implementing them.

10:1011:10 a.m.

Inquire and Include with the New National School Library Standards (North 131 A)

Kathryn Roots Lewis, president-elect of AASL and a member of the AASL Standards and Guidelines Editorial Board, is among the speakers leading this interactive session exploring strategies and resources for implementing the Inquire and Include principles from the standards into library practice. (This session repeats at 11:20 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Friday, and at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday.)

10:1011:10 a.m.

Collaborate and Curate with the New National School Library Standards (North 131 B)

At this session, attendees will tackle the Collaborate and Curate principles from the standards; explore the different ways that collaboration and curation have been evolving for libraries, librarians, and students over time; and create a crowdsourced HyperDoc as a takeaway. (This session repeats at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Friday and at 10:40 a.m. on Saturday.)

10:4011:40 a.m.

Explore and Engage with the New National School Library Standards (North 131 B)

School librarians can join educator Susan Ballard, a past president of AASL and member of the Standards and Guidelines Editorial Board, and three colleagues for a discussion on how the Explore and Engage principles of the new standards relate to librarians current practice and how the new standards can be effectively implemented in a library program. (This session repeats at 11:20 a.m. and at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, and at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday.)

Saturday, November 11

3:104:10 p.m.

Reflect, Recharge, Return:

Planning for Beyond the Conference: AASL Standards Wrap-Up Session (North 131 A and North 131 B)

Members of the AASL standards Editorial Board and Implementation Task Force will make themselves available to answer questions, address concerns, discuss ideas, and help attendees devise action plans for implementing the new standards back at their home libraries.

ADVOCACY

Several sessions offer strategies to help school librarians find their voice and emphasize their value to administrators and to the community.

Friday, November 10

10:1011:10 a.m.

Leadership: Many Roles for School Librarians (North 129 A)

A panel of librarian advocates will discuss how leadership in the school library profession can be seen in such areas as literacy, professional development, advocacy, and technology integration.

11:20 a.m.12:20 p.m.

Youre Worth It, But How Do You Show It? Demonstrating Your Unique Value to Your School Administrators (North 128 A-B)

This session will provide attendees with a model and examples to use in making the case that they play a crucial role in helping teachers teach and students learn.

2:303:30 p.m.

Advocacy Begins with Each of Us: Resources and Strategies to Foster Administrator and School Librarian Partnerships (North 131 C)

AASL past president Audrey Church and members of her presidential initiative task force share resources, strategies, and action plans to help school librarians effectively communicate the value of their profession to administrators.

4:305:30 p.m.

Small Steps Toward Big Advocacy: Partnerships That Highlight Library Awesomeness (North 130)

Attendees will hear about successful partnerships and learn how to cultivate their own to build support for their libraries and their professional positions.

4:305:30 p.m.

Library Crusaders: Converting Nonbelievers by Campaigning for Your Library Program (North 131 C)

Presenters provide examples of best practices for school librarians to demonstrate the value that a well-funded school library and certified librarian add to the entire school community.

AUTHORS

Attendees looking to learn more about, or perhaps meet, favorite authors will not be disappointed at this years conference. A stellar lineup is in place for several showcase events and, according to AASL, there will be one concurrent session featuring an author panel during each time slot at the conference.

ThursdaySaturday, November 911

Authorpalooza

(Exhibit Hall North D-E)

A full roster of authors and illustrators grace the reading stage and meet attendees at the signing stations during scheduled sessions on the exhibit floor.

Thursday, November 9

12:302:30 p.m.

Authors in the Afternoon (North Ballroom, Renaissance Phoenix Downtown; ticketed event)

Award-winning authors Jordan Sonnenblick (The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade), Christian Robinson (Whens My Birthday?), and Sarah Dessen (Once and for All) will each speak about their work while attendees enjoy a complimentary box lunch included with their purchased event ticket. Each attendee will also receive a free book from the authors, who will be signing after the presentation.

2:303:30 p.m.

Picture Books:

The Power of Story (North 125 A-B)

Three accomplished authors, two of whom also illustrateJudy Schachner (Skippyjon Jones), Drew Daywalt (The Day the Crayons Quit), and Adam Rex (Nothing Rhymes with Orange)reflect on how they create memorable and effective picture-book texts.

4:305:30 p.m.

Elementary Graphic Novels:

Not Just for Non-readers

(North 125 A-B)

Author and illustrator Dan Santat, recipient of the 2015 Caldecott Medal, moderates a discussion about why graphic novels are important not just for reluctant or nonreaders, but for everyone. The panelists are Jennifer L. Holm (Babymouse), Victoria Jamieson (Roller Girl; Pets on the Loose), Kevin McCloskey (We Dig Worms), and Judd Winick (Hilo).

Saturday, November 11

89:30 a.m.

Author General Session and Signing (North 120 B-D)

National Book Award Finalist Jason Reynolds has three new book releases this fall, including his latest YA novel, Long Way Down, which is his first novel in verse.

3:104:10 p.m.

Keep Em Reading in Middle School: Books for Those Elusive 1113-Year-Old Readers(North 125 A-B)

Authors John David Anderson (Posted), Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (The War That Saved My Life), Jack Gantos (Joey Pigza; Writing Radar), and Stuart Gibbs (Spy School: Secret Service), reveal the key to success in hooking hard-to-reach tween readers.

4:305:15 p.m.

Author Meet & Greets (North 224 A-B)

Organized as a speed-datingstyle event, attendees can join in a session with authors of elementary school, junior, or high school level books.

DIVERSITY

Librarians looking for ways to make their lessons, their collections, and their libraries more inclusive of all students and community members are in luck with a robust collection of sessions and presentations on various aspects of diverse books and diversity in general.

Friday, November 10

10:1011:10 a.m.

From De-silencing to Empowering Discussions about Race and Culture with Diverse Books (North 124 A)

Once students have diverse books in hand, whats the best way to have a meaningful discussion about what theyve read? Participants in this session will learn strategies for generating rich and relevant book discussion on race and culture and gain confidence in addressing difficult questions. Nick Glass, who runs TeachingBooks.net, and Heather Jankowski, librarian at two Texas elementary schools, are presenting.

11:20 a.m.12:20 p.m.

Diversity in Collection DevelopmentSurely We Dont Need This Training. Dont Call Me Shirley! (North 123)

Educator librarian Nichole Bratsouleas-Urias offers insight into creating a collection that is more representative of an increasingly global world, and how that collection can be used to support students, staff, curriculum, and standards.

10:1011:10 a.m.

Promoting Civil Discourse and Competent Media Consumers in Grade 8 through the Lens of Race and Identity (North 128 A-B)

Head librarian Deeth Ellis and eighth-grade history teacher Cate Arnold, both of Boston Latin School, share the unit on identity, race, and civil discourse that they created together in the wake of a civil rights investigation of their school.

Saturday, November 11

9:3010:30 a.m.

Mirror, Mirror: Reaching All Readers (North 125 A-B)

Authors talk about how they have put themselves into their work in an effort to reach all readers. Participants include: Bill Konigsberg (Openly Straight), Irene Latham (Leaving Gees Bend; Can I Touch Your Hair?), Charles Waters (Can I Touch Your Hair?), Icy Smith (Half Spoon of Rice: A Survival Story of the Cambodian Genocide), Ellen Oh (Flying Lessons & Other Stories, We Need Diverse Books), and session moderator Carole Boston Weatherford (Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library).

10:4011:40 a.m.

Shining a Spotlight: The Brown Bookshelf Salutes Great Books for Kids (North 124 A)

Childrens book creators share their journeys to publication and celebrate titles that have appeared on the Brown Bookshelf blog, which features works by black authors and illustrators. Session speakers are: Don Tate (Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton), Gwendolyn Hooks (If You Were a Kid During the Civil Rights Movement), Kelly Starling Lyons (Jada Jones: Rock Star), Tameka Fryer Brown (My Cold Plum Lemon Pie Bluesy Mood), and Crystal Allen (How Lamars Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy).

23 p.m.

Welcoming the World: Growing Diversity in the School Library Media Program (North 129 B)

Ideas about how to increase diversity in your school library, including taking a close look at your collection and your policies, are presented by Michelle Easley, president of the Georgia Library Media Association.

3:10 p.m.4:10 p.m.

Picture Books as Powerful Portals: Exploring Diversity and Building Empathy to Inspire Action(North 124 A)

Speakers Julie Esanu and Meghan Fatouros, both elementary school librarians from Alexandria, Va., will help attendees explore how diverse booksand the ways they often transport readerscan help build empathy.

TECHNOLOGY

Whether its discovering a new website or teaching tool, or learning how to use social media more effectively, opportunities for exploring a spectrum of technologies abound.

Thursday, November 9

13 p.m.

IdeaLab (North 120 A)

Billed as a best-practice showcase, and sometimes described as an electronic poster session, the IdeaLab features a room filled with learning stations where attendees can view short presentations and engage with the presenters at a series of individual tables. Presentations include: Makerspaces Unplugged! Low-Tech, No-Tech Makerspaces, Spark Imagination in the Library with STEM, Connecting the Dots in a 1:1 School, and Reinventing the Urban High School Library.

3:305 p.m.

Opening General Session (North 120 B-D)

Keynote speaker Jaime Casap, global educational evangelist at Google, works to help spread the word about the power and potential of technology, the internet, and various tools his company has created. Casap believes that new questions need to be asked in the field of education. He recently posted this quote on #EdChat: Dont ask a student what she wants to be when she grows up, ask her what problem she wants to solve... then give her the environment to build the knowledge, skills, and abilities she needs to solve that problem!

Friday, November 10

10:1011:10 a.m.

Build Your Own and Your Students Global Personal Learning Networks with Twitter (North 128 A-B)

This session offers tips on how to best take advantage of Twitter for learning, networking, and teaching. Jane Lofton, 2017 AASL Conference social media chair, and high school teacher librarian, and co-founder of #calibchat Katie McNamara will share their expertise and oversee a scavenger hunt in which attendees can earn a digital badge.

11:20 a.m.12:20 p.m.

Broadening Your Librarys Horizons: Exploring the Physical and Virtual Spaces (North 131 C)

High school teacher librarians and former PW columnists Margaux DelGuidice-Calemmo and Rose Luna share ideas, budgeting tools, and tips for making over a librarys physical space and online presence to maximize the librarys potential. The presenters say attendees at their session can expect to learn about how to effectively manage the numerous components of a modern-day school library program to ensure that it is inclusive for all students [and] to balance the management of a hands-on makerspace without sacrificing the foundations of library services.

11:20 a.m.12:20 p.m.

Exploration into the AASL Best Websites for Teaching and Learning (North 121 A-B)

The 2017 Best Websites for Teaching and Learning were announced at the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago last June. During this session, members of the AASL Best Websites committee will present a hands-on tech event showcasing some of the winning sites from the past nine years.

4:305:30 p.m.

Social Media for the Library(North 124 A)

Nancy Jo Lambert, a high school teacher librarian in Frisco, Tex., will show attendees how to use Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and other social media platforms to tell the story of the various types of learning going on in their libraries.
Chilean picture book publisher Editorial Amanuta explores off-the-beaten-path topics in Latin American history and the folktales of indigenous people, in such titles as Sabores de America/The Flavors of America (2009), Son tantas cosas/So Many Things (2016), and Atlas americano/American Atlas (2017). Dozens of Amanutas titles have received accolades from such organizations as the Bologna Childrens Book Fair and UNESCO, and five have been included in the White Ravens list from the International Youth Library, which highlights the most compelling childrens and young adult titles.

The brainchild of cousins Ana Maria Pavez and Constanza Recart, Amanuta was conceived to fill a void in the local publishing industry: picture books that reflected Chiles identity. Our idea was not to have a business, but to create a cultural project, says Pavez. When she was at Yale studying for her masters degree in archeology, Pavez came across the works of Eric Carle. She was smitten by the beauty of the illustrations, the rhyming text, the uncomplicated design. She was also in awe of the sheer volume of literature available in the U.S. for the very young. Our children didnt have access to literature conceived in their own culture, says Pavez. We wanted children in Chile to have that.

Upon returning to Santiago, she found in Recart, then a child psychiatrist, the perfect partner. In 2002, Amanuta launched with Kiwala, a series of picture books that used animals from the Andes to tell the stories of indigenous people and their natural world. The fictional stories references real iconography, animals, and plants. Encouraged by good sales and reviews, Amanuta continued along that path, publishing folktales and nonfiction titles that were written and illustrated by Chilean artists and illustrators.

Then came Sabores de America, which surveys the continents indigenous foods, in 2009. With that title we stopped being just Chilean and just for children. We crossed that barrier, says Pavez about the award-winning title. Scholastic later published the paperback version in the U.S.

Amanuta had another big break in the international scene at the Bologna Book Fair in 2014. The publisher brought to the fair four newly released versions of classic childrens fairy talesCaperucita Roja (Little Red Riding Hood), Cenicienta (Cinderella), Blanca Nieve en la casa de los enanos (Snow White), and La Bella Durmiente (Sleeping Beauty)which won the prestigious Bologna Ragazzi Award in the New Horizons category.

These were no ordinary fairy tales: the books took as their text verse versions of the stories written and published in literary magazines in the 1920s by poet Gabriela Mistral, South Americas first Nobel laureate. The poems were brought out of obscurity by literary critic Manuel Pena, who presented them to the editors at Amanuta. Each book is very special, says Recart. We kept the original text and paired it with illustrations by different artists. Each book includes a brief afterword about historical context and the literary publication in which the poem originally appeared. The four poems were not edited for current sensibilities, leaving in even a gory detail in the demise of Caperucita, who is not saved by a lumberjack.

Amanuta now wants to broaden its editorial focus to encompass other cultures. El camino de Marwan/Marwans Journey (2016), a picture book about a young refugee that received this years Bologna Ragazzi Award and will be translated into seven additional languages, marks another departure for the editors. While they have always worked with Chilean artists and writers, this time they chose a team from Spain. This [story] has little to do with our identity, says Pavez. But it is extremely important for children in Chile to see the reality of others.

The recently released Atlas americano (American Atlas) covers each country in both South and North America, using detailed illustrations and brief captions to highlight food, music, cultural figures, flora, fauna, and other cultural elements. Mi cuaderno de haikus (My Haiku Notebook), about the origin, art, and technique of the Japanese poem, and Empatia (Empathy), created for adults and children to read together, are due in 2018.

Although the company does not have an exclusive distribution arrangement in the U.S., many of its titles are available at U.S. independent bookstores that carry Spanish-language titles. Amanuta will also have a booth at FIL.

Ximena Diego is the former children reviews editor at Criticas magazine. She is the founder of Chau Luna, a childrens book bookseller.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 11:16:55|Editor: Yang Yi

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Zambia's first President Kenneth Kaunda(1st L, front) and Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Yang Youming(3rd R, front) look at old photos of Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) during the launch of TAZARA exhibition at the Lusaka National Museum, Zambia, Nov. 3, 2017. The Chinese and the Zambian governments on Friday launched an exhibition to mark the construction of TAZARA, a joint railway project between Zambia and Tanzania built over 40 years ago. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)

LUSAKA, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese and the Zambian governments on Friday launched an exhibition to mark the construction of the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), a joint railway project between Zambia and Tanzania built over 40 years ago.

The launch of the "TAZARA: A Monument of Friendship for 40 Years" exhibition at the Lusaka National Museum was witnessed by Zambia's first President Kenneth Kaunda and Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Yang Youming as well as Zambia's independence fighters.

Sylvia Chalikosa, minister in the Office of the Vice President and the guest of honor, said the exhibition was intended to showcase the process of the railway's construction and its significance to a landlocked country like Zambia.

"I have no doubt in my mind that through this exhibition, our people will learn the history of the construction of TAZARA. It will also give a feel of the TAZARA spirit that inspired the men and women who were part of this great project in the middle of Africa that has stood the test of time," she said.

She hoped that the exhibition will help the young generation learn the history of the railway line and carry forwards its spirit in the future.

The Zambian government is committed to ensuring that TAZARA's operations were revamped so as to contribute effectively to national development, she added.

She paid tribute to both Chinese and Zambian nationals who sacrificed their lives during the construction of the project and hailed China over its dedication to the project even during the time when it was going through economic problems of its own.

Yang said the railway was a project of friendship initiated by the leaders of the three countries.

The Chinese envoy, who described the project as a great railway of freedom, noted that it provided the urgently needed and most important link to the sea when Zambia's southern routes were blocked due to instability in some countries.

The railway line, he said, has played a key role in the economic development of not only Zambia and Tanzania but also other neighboring countries.

The governments of the three countries have reached consensus on how to revive the railway line which has been facing operational challenges, he said, adding that its revival will usher in a new era for the railway and inject new impetus into the industrialization and agricultural modernization in the region.

Kaunda said the construction of the railway line was a shining example of the cooperation with China and that African leaders recognize the sacrifice China made to make the liberalization of southern Africa a reality.

The former Zambian leader further hailed the spirit of Chinese leaders to cooperate with African countries which has been carried on by their successors.

The construction of the railway linking Tanzania and Zambia started in 1970 and finished in 1976, covering 1,860.5 km from the Zambian town of Kapiri Mposhi to Tanzania's Dar-es-Salaam.
The Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL) will run from November 25 to December 3 this year, with professional dates set for November 2729. FIL is the largest and most important annual book fair in the Spanish-language book industry, established 31 years ago and still organized by the University of Guadalajara. In addition to attracting book professionals from all over the world, FIL is open to the general public.

This year, FIL expects to host more than 2,000 publishers from 45 countries, including 170 publishers and 420 book professionals from the U.S. Authors and editors who will participate in different activities throughout the fair, include Paul Auster (U.S.), Carlos Yushimito (Peru), and Azar Nafisi (Iran). Hundreds of writers representing 29 languages [will] go to the fair, says general director Marisol Schulz. There are multiple activities not just for adults but also for readers in training, she says in reference to FIL Ninos (FIL Kids).

The fairs opening ceremony, on November 25, will include the presentation of FILs Literary Award in Romance Languages, which this year goes to writer and journalist Emmanuel Carrere, for his versatile, broad, and transversal body of work that has earned him vast and enthusiastic international distinction.

One new element for the 2017 fair is its Comics and Graphic Novels Hall, which Schulz describes as a space where readers of comic strips can meet different artists and find materials from different publishers.

Below is a closer look at some of the fairs major components.

FIL Ninos

To attract more families to FIL Ninos, organizers have scheduled almost 1,500 different sessions that promote reading and creative writing, as well as spontaneous workshops, where children can join in creative exchanges with authors. Furthermore, 35 artistic companies from eight countries will offer more than 80 performances for theater, dance, and music, as well as clowns acts, marionette shows, and book presentations.

ALA Librarians

As in past years, FIL and the American Library Association are working together to attract more U.S. librarianswho often make most of their annual book acquisitions at the fair. To date, 172 librarians from 27 states are expected to participate. On November 26 a free gala dinner for ALA members, sponsored by publishers and distributors (and Publishers Weekly), will take place at La Tequila. Of particular interest every year is the annual International Colloquium for Librarians, held November 2729, and the International Publishers and Book Professionals Forum, November 2829. Both events are held in Spanish.

Guest of Honor

Madrid is this years guest of honor, and 90 authors from Spains capital will participate in a literary program that will pay tribute to the literature of the region, with various shows, films, and visual arts presentations, as well as about 50 workshops or forums scheduled.

Along with FIL, Madrid has prepared a program that includes established authors in contemporary literature, as well as new voices, and Mexican readers will be able to hear them speak at different events. Among the many activities planned for Madrid as guest of honor are nine concerts, where Spanish artists will perform along with Mexican talents. Madrid will also bring two major exhibitions to the Instituto Cultural Cabanas (Cabanas Cultural Institute) and a retrospective of Elena Asins at the Museo de las Artes de la Universidad de Guadalajara (Guadalajara University Art Museum).

Madrids presence will be [felt] all over the city, Schulz says. She adds that she is thrilled by the new voices and new trends at this years events, as well as the thousands of children and guests that will attend the fair. For nine days, she said, Guadalajara becomes the publishing and cultural capital of the world in Spanish.
In October, Iraqi, Syrian, and coalition forces celebrated the fall of Raqqa, one of the most important, and final, areas under ISIS control. However, despite this significant loss of territory in the self-proclaimed caliphate, ISIS has proven remarkably adaptable and resilient.

ISIS could continue to present a grave threat to the West for three reasons. First, individuals may continue to perpetrate simplistic terrorist attacks outside the conflict zone in the name of ISIS. Second, a number of potential ISIS perpetrators are not on the radar of security services in the West, particularly foreign fighters that could return to their countries of origin from Iraq and Syria. Finally, ISIS could regroup and recuperate in Africa, as parts of the continent are vulnerable to terrorism.

ISIS still retains influence over a number of terrorist cells and followers, making it likely that the group will seek to perpetrate more terrorist attacks outside of Syria and Iraq. A worrying trend is the extreme simplicity of the vast majority of these attacks, which use rudimentary tactics. A recent investigation by the Counter Extremism Project highlighted the growing use of vehicles as weapons of terror attacks: since 2006, 33 vehicular terrorist attacks occurred, killing a total of 186 people and injuring at least 1,034 others. Seven have occurred in 2017 alone, including the recent attack in New York City.

Stabbings are another worrying terrorist phenomenon; with the group's magazine Rumiyah, actively inciting the use of knives and even offering sympathizers advice on the best regions of the human body to target. This was demonstrated through the Westminster and London Bridge attacks, which both involved the fatal stabbings of innocent civilians. Identifying, preventing, and effectively responding to these types of attacks are likely to continue to be difficult tasks for Western policymakers and security forces.

In the UK alone, intelligence offices at MI5 estimated that there are 23,000 jihadists in the country.

This is a task made even more complicated by the fact that many potential perpetrators in Western countries are difficult to identify. In fact, many are not even on the radar of the security services. In the UK alone, intelligence offices at MI5 estimated that there are 23,000 jihadists in the country. The UK Security Services estimate that 3,000 pose an active threat to the UK and are under investigation or monitoring. The remaining 20,000 have been investigated in previous inquiries or are judged to be a residual risk.

Returning foreign fighters present another challenge for Western security. It is estimated that about 40 Americans are fighting for ISIS in Iraq and Syria. In comparison, it was estimated that in 2017 that 850 British citizens had joined ISIS or other jihadi groups, such as al-Nusra Front. According to figures disclosed by the Home Office in 2016, only one in eight returning foreign fighters are caught and convicted. The return of highly trained fighters to their countries of origin could result in additional attacks in the West.

Looking beyond Europe, the United States, and the Middle East, ISIS has taken clear advantage of the complex challenges in Africa. Poverty, corruption, and poor governance make the continent an ideal ground for an ISIS sanctuary, from which the group can launch a renaissance. The group has already received a pledge of allegiance from Boko Haram in Nigeria, rebranding the country as Islamic State in West Africa Province. ISIS has further established Islamic State in the Greater Sahara, taking advantage of Africa's migration hub, which has since claimed responsibility for several attacks in Burkina Faso as well as an assault on a high security prison in Niger. The group is also active in Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt. As its presence in Iraq and Syria has shown, the group thrives in countries suffering civil unrest, poor governance, racial tensions, and poverty.

Additionally, in the Middle East, the void left by ISIS could make Syria vulnerable to the growing influence of Iran and Hezbollah. Iran has long assisted Shi'a militias in the Syrian civil war, providing arms and material support. In a 2014 country report, the United States accused the Quds force, a special operations force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps, of being involved in several intelligence operations in Syria and Iraq and creating instability in the Middle East.

A Syria and Iraq free of ISIS do not, unfortunately, free the West from the ISIS threat. Instead, ISIS is likely to either disperse, with its followers prepared to carry out a range of further attacks, or attempt to regroup and recuperate in the fragile states of Africa. Overall, the fall of the caliphate is likely to present more security concerns for the West, with the ISIS threat unlikely to abate any time soon.

Antonia Ward is an analyst at RAND Europe. Her research interests include counterterrorism, countering violent extremism, and intelligence.

This commentary originally appeared on Georgetown Security Studies Review on November 2, 2017. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis.
The video-on-demand (VOD) platform Spcine Play is about to launch in Brazil with a catalogue focused on national productions.

Though it was initially announced for January 2017, the service has just now opened for subscribers registration, anticipating its launch on 23 November.Developed by the distribution house O2 Filmes and the technology provider Hacklab, the platform aims to boost Brazilians' access to the countrys prolific audiovisual production, with a special focus on Sao Paulos industry.Among the first films available in Spcine Play will be O Menino e o Mundo (The Boy and the World), which was up for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2016 , the documentary A Batalha do Passinho, and the film Uma Noite em Sampa.For now, the service will work as a transactional VOD platform, as the users will have to register for free and pay for each individual programme.
Genetically modified organisms allow scientists to modify crops to eliminate undesirable traits. According to molecular biologist Nina Fedoroff, GMOs are necessary to sustain the growing population but have an unfair reputation as being unsafe.
The musical Cabaret has been drawing audiences in for just over 50 years now and shows no sign of slowing its influence. The production has seen numerous revivals and continues to make an impact even in todays world. The shows entrancing songs and suggestive dance numbers are a large part of what makes Cabaret a cabaret; however, arguably the most important aspect is the powerful and ultimately jarring plot.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 11:26:57|Editor: Liangyu

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LUSAKA, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Edgar Lungu came under attack on Friday over his remarks to intimidate judges presiding in a case over his eligibility to contest the 2021 elections.

Speaking in northwestern Zambia's Solwezi district on Thursday, the president warned that there will be chaos in the country if judges try to emulate the Kenyan courts and stop him from contesting the elections.

The Zambian leader said he had intelligence information that some judges were working with some parties of the international community to bar him from participating in the elections, warning the judges against being used.

Lungu became Zambian leader in 2015 following the death of President Michael Sata who had not finished his term after winning the 2011 elections. Lungu later won the 2016 elections.

Critics say Lungu was not eligible to stand in the 2021 elections as the period he served when Sata died was his first term. The country's constitution only allows two terms in office for a president.

Some opposition leaders have petitioned the Constitutional Court to interpret whether Lungu was eligible to recontest the elections in 2021.

The Law Association of Zambia said in a statement that it was concerned over the statement coming from the Zambian leader which threatens the independence of the judiciary.

The association has since demanded that Lungu retract his statement and allow Constitutional Court judges to make an independent decision on his eligibility.

"Those who respect the constitution are patient at heart when the matter involves their interest. They do not go on a path which sends shivers in the spine of those on the bench, forcing judges of the highest court of the land to rule in their favor," Young African Leaders Initiative Governance Advisor Isaac Mwanza wrote on his Facebook page.

Mwanza said Lungu's remarks and warning to the Constitutional Court judges were damaging to the very independence of the judiciary especially that the court suffers from negative perception among citizens on its capability in the dispensation of justice.

Nason Msoni, leader of the opposition All Peoples' Congress party said the threats against the judges by the Zambian leader must be condemned by all well-meaning citizens and stakeholders as it abrogates the oath he swore to protect and defend the constitution.

"The moment you start threatening the judges that effectively ends constitutional rule and lawlessness creeps in automatically," he said.

But Zambian Vice President Inonge Wina said in parliament that Lungu was not threatening the judges but merely counseling them to be cautious in their operations.
Full coverage of the Delphi murders: Look back at 5 years of stories
Afghanistan has ordered a temporary ban on the popular encrypted-messaging services WhatApp and Telegram, citing "technical problems" and the need for greater oversight.



The two mobile apps are popular among smart-phone users in Afghanistan -- including Taliban militants.



Sayed Najib Nangyal, a spokesman for the Afghan Communications and Information Technology Ministry, confirmed to RFE/RL on November 4 that the order had been issued but did not elaborate on the reasons for the decision.



"Because of some technical problems and for better supervision, we have decided to stop services of these two applications," Nangyal said.



"It is a temporary decision and ban. It will be effective from today and will be for 20 days," he added, saying that other apps -- such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube -- are not affected.



The move has triggered a wave of criticism on social media, where users have assailed the ban as an attack on free speech.



Afghanistan's acting minister for telecommunications, Shahzad Aryobee, rejected that criticism. He said in Facebook post that the regulator was responding to complaints from citizens about the functionality of the apps.



"The government is committed to freedom of expression," he wrote.



Earlier media reports citing unidentified sources had reported that the ban was ordered by Afghan security officials in order to stymie the use of encrypted messaging by Taliban militants and other extremist groups.

With reporting by AFP, Reuters, and VOA
A parliamentary committee in Britain has asked Twitter for details of accounts linked to Russia, days after counterparts in the United States made similar requests of social media companies.

The House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport Committee (DCMS) on November 3 said the request was made in view of information provided to U.S. congressional committees investigating alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

Committee Chairman Damian Collins wrote to Twitter Chief Executive Jack Dorsey asking for information on any posting about U.K. politics by Russian accounts.

"During the hearings, it became clear that your organisation has discovered 2,752 accounts related to the St. Petersburg-based Internet Research Agency," he wrote.

"It has subsequently emerged that some of these accounts were also posting content that relates to the politics of the United Kingdom.

Collins gave Twitter a deadline for the end of November to provide the information.

In October, Collins wrote to Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg requesting details "relating to any adverts and pages paid for, or set up by, Russia-linked accounts" relating to the Brexit vote last year or the general election in June 2017.

On November 1, Britain's Electoral Commission said it was investigating whether Russia may have meddled in the Brexit vote by helping to finance an anti-European Union campaigner.

In the United States on November 1, U.S lawmakers released a batch of Facebook ads linked to Russias efforts to disrupt the 2016 presidential election and heighten tensions on sensitive social issues.

The release of the ads by the House Intelligence Committee came as Facebook, Twitter, Google, and other social media platforms have faced increasing pressure for not doing enough to block Russian interference on their sites and prevent meddling in the election.

Facebook, Google, and Twitter have said they found thousands of ads bought by Russia-linked accounts, including some paid for in rubles, and that they were potentially seen by some 126 million people.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller, the FBI, and at least two congressional committees are investigating Russias actions during the campaign.

The Kremlin denies that it interfered in the U.S. election.

With reporting by AFP and The Evening Standard
Moscow has vowed to hit back at Canada after Ottawa announced financial sanctions and other restrictions on 30 Russians in connection with a whistleblowing Russian lawyer whose 2009 death and the crimes he uncovered have been a persistent thorn in the Kremlin's side.



The Canadian list, released on November 3 by the Foreign Ministry, largely mirrors a similar list compiled by the United States after it passed the Magnitsky Act in 2012, which punished individuals alleged to be connected to Sergei Magnitsky's death and a massive tax fraud scheme he helped uncover.



Canada earlier this year passed its own version of the law which, as with the U.S. law, prompted vocal criticism from Russia.



Investigative Committee chairman Aleksandr Bastrykin is one of the most prominent names on the Canadian list, but it also includes several Interior Ministry and Tax Agency officials. A group of Venezuelan officials, including President Nicolas Maduro, were also named.



Russian officials had warned repeatedly they would retaliate if Canada went ahead with the sanctions.

In a statement on the Foreign Ministrys website after the list was released, spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said a "decision has been made" to ban "a whole cast of Canadian figures" from entering Russia as part of Moscow's response.



"It's a long list with dozens of names," Zakharova said. "We are talking about those Canadian citizens with Russophobic attitudes who have deliberately engaged in the destruction of bilateral relations."



The statement did not include any names of Canadians to be targeted by Moscow.



The Russian Embassy in Ottawa released a statement as well, calling the sanctions "absolutely pointless and reprehensible."



Isolating itself from one of the key world powers to please the Russophobic lobby, while praising an international fraudster sponsoring his personal vendetta, brings Canadian foreign policy back to the narrow black-and-white worldview inconsistent with modern geopolitics, the embassys statement said.



If the Canadian side prefers to play the sanctions game, Russia would be obliged to respond.



As of this time, dozens of Canadians are additionally barred from entering Russia. Its not our choice, but in the event of new sanctions, response will be imminent and reciprocal in terms of quantity and quality, it added without explanation.



Magnitsky was employed by British-American financier William Browder when he was arrested and charged with the $230 million tax fraud scheme that he helped uncover.



He died in Moscow jail in 2009, and the fallout from his death, as well as the original fraud, have rippled through U.S., and now Canadian, foreign policy, helping to send Moscow relations with Washington plummeting.



In the wake of the 2012 U.S. law, Moscow banned American parents from adopting Russian children. Congress later passed an expanded version of the Magnitsky law, amid a secretive lobbying campaign in Washington, aimed at undermining the facts of the Magnitsky case.



Some of the funds from the stolen $230 million allegedly were laundered by a Russian businessman to buy Manhattan real estate.

The Russian lawyer who represented him was involved in the lobbying campaign and met with President Donald Trump's son in June 2016.



Russia has also gone after Browder, accusing him of financial crimes and asking the United States for help in prosecuting him, pleas that Washington has ignored.



Like the United States and other Western nations, Canada imposed sanctions on Russia after its annexation of Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula in 2014.
An Iranian judiciary official said on November 12 that 11 people, including a woman, have been charged over the death of a member of the Basij paramilitary force during a ceremony last week in honor of a slain protester.

The incident happened on November 3 in Karaj, the capital of Alborz Province, when mourners were paying tribute to Hadis Najafi at a cemetery to mark 40 days after she was killed in the city amid nationwide protests triggered by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini.

The judiciary chief of Alborz Province, Hossein Fazeli Harikandi, identified the Basij member as Ruhollah Ajamian and said that he was killed by rioters.

"Rioters attacked this security officer, who was unarmed, stripped him naked, stabbed him with knives, beat him with brass knuckles, stones, and kicks, and then dragged his naked and half-dead body on the asphalt street and between cars in a horrific manner," Harikandi said.

The indictments followed an investigation launched after images posted on social media showed "a group of rioters assaulting and killing" Ajamian, the judiciary's Mizan news site quoted him as saying.

He said some face charges of "corruption on Earth," which is punishable by death.

They are also accused of serious disturbance of public order leading to murder, gathering with the intention to commit crimes against the country's security, and propaganda against the state, he said.

Amini died on September 16 following her arrest by Tehrans morality police for allegedly not complying with hijab regulations.

Since her death, Iranians have flooded streets across the country in protest, with women and even schoolgirls making unprecedented shows of support in the biggest threat to the Islamic government since the 1979 revolution.

The government has blamed Western governments for the unrest and has responded to the protests with a bloody crackdown that human rights groups say has left more than 300 dead and hundreds more injured. Several member of the security forces have been reportedly also killed. Thousands more have been arrested, including many protesters, as well as journalists, lawyers, activists, and others, amid concerns about the charges against them.

On November 12, UN rights experts urged Iranian authorities to stop indicting people with charges punishable by death for participation, or alleged participation, in peaceful demonstrations.

With the continuous repression of protests, many more indictments on charges carrying the death penalty and death sentences might soon be issued, and we fear that women and girls, who have been at the forefront of protests, and especially women human rights defenders, who have been arrested and jailed for demanding the end of systemic and systematic discriminatory laws, policies and practices might be particularly targeted, the experts said in a statement.

We urge Iranian authorities to stop using the death penalty as a tool to squash protests and reiterate our call to immediately release all protesters who have been arbitrarily deprived of their liberty for the sole reason of exercising their legitimate rights to freedom of opinion and expression, association and peaceful assembly and for their actions to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms through peaceful means.

With reporting by AFP
Iran put a ballistic missile on display on November 4 as thousands marched in Tehran to mark the anniversary of the 1979 seizure of the U.S. Embassy that led Washington to cut diplomatic ties with Iran. A crowd chanted "Death to Israel" and "Down with the U.S." during the celebration. Demonstrators burned an effigy of U.S. President Donald Trump, as well as Israeli and U.S. flags. (AP)
A Kremlin spokesman says there has been no cooperation so far between Russia and the United States on North Korea.

Dmitry Peskov said there were "only periodic exchanges of views" between the two sides.

Peskov's comments on November 5 come amid speculation that Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump may meet at an Asian economic summit in Vietnam next week.

Peskov said there was a "great probability" that the two would discuss the situation on the Korean Peninsula if such a meeting was held.

Trump is at the start of a five-nation tour of Asia with Japan set to be his first stop.

Peskov also said a Syrian settlement was also being discussed for the agenda of a possible meeting between Putin and Trump.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters
Kyrgyz authorities say they have opened a criminal case against the runner-up in last month's presidential election, accusing him of hate speech and publicly calling for the overthrow of the government.

The Kyrgyz Prosecutor-General's Office announced the case against Omurbek Babanov in a statement on November 4, just weeks after he finished second to former Prime Minister Sooronbai Jeenbekov, the preferred candidate of outgoing President Almazbek Atambaev, in the election.

Babanov was at the center of a recent spat between Kyrgyzstan and neighboring Kazakhstan.

The two Central Asian nations -- both former Soviet republics -- clashed over Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev's meeting with Babanov ahead of the election.

Atambaev, who was limited by the constitution to a single presidential term, accused Astana of "meddling in Kyrgyzstan's domestic affairs" and throwing its support behind Babanov. Atambaev later said that he "probably" went too far with his criticism of Nazarbaev.

Kyrgyz prosecutors said Babanov and other unidentified individuals are accused of "stoking ethnic, racial, and religious hatred" and "publicly calling for the violent change of the constitutional order."

They said Babanov attempted to curry support from ethnic Uzbeks on the campaign trail by discussing alleged discrimination and inequality they face at the hands of Kyrgyz authorities, "after which he called for them to actively fight against this situation."

Following a September 28 speech he delivered in the southern city of Osh, close to the border with Uzbekistan, footage of the appearance began circulating online in which he is heard saying: It's better to die standing than crawl on your knees."

His supporters say the quote was taken out of context, and that the phrase was meant to encourage people not to be pressured into voting for a certain candidate.

After losing the official tally to Jeenbekov in the October 15 election, Babanov said he and his supporters faced pressure and bias throughout the campaign.

He said, however, that he would not challenge the results of the election, which Jeenbekov won with more than 54 percent of the vote, according to official results.

Babanov won around 34 percent of the vote.

International observers praised the election as competitive and transparent, but said that "numerous and significant problems were noted" during the count and that "misuse of public resources, pressure on voters, and vote buying remain a concern."

Jeenbekov is scheduled to be inaugurated on November 24.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Russia to release the editor of a newspaper in the Baltic Sea exclave of Kaliningrad and investigate allegations that he was beaten while being detained on suspicion of extortion.

A Kaliningrad court on November 3 ordered Igor Rudnikov, editor in chief of Novyye Kolyosa (New Wheels), to remain in custody on suspicion of extorting $50,000 from a senior regional law-enforcement official in exchange for halting publication of potentially damaging articles about the official.

Rudnikov's colleagues, who dismissed the allegations as baseless, said the editor was severely beaten during his detention on November 1.

"We call on Russian authorities to immediately release Igor Rudnikov and drop all charges against him," Nina Ognianova, the Europe and Central Asia Program coordinator for the New York-based Committee To Protect Journalists, said in a November 3 statement.

She added that Russian federal authorities "must promptly investigate Rudnikov's beating in custody and bring those responsible to justice."

Harlem Desir, the media-freedom representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, said on Twitter that he was "concerned" by the detention and "reports of violence" against Rudnikov.

Russian state news agencies reported from the Kaliningrad courtroom on November 3 that the target of the alleged extortion was Viktor Ledenyov, a senior Kaliningrad investigative official.

Some of Rudnikov's colleagues contend his arrest was retaliation for material published by the newspaper, including reports suggesting Ledenyov owns luxury real estate.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Russian Service, RIA Novosti, TASS, Dozhd, Novaya Gazeta, and RBK
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 11:44:19|Editor: Yang Yi

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Tianjin-headquartered but globally active Tiens Group was selected into Chinas National Brand Publicity Project on October 31 in Beijing.

Tiens is the 17th corporate member of the project, launched by Chinas state Xinhua News Agency to strengthen the countrys economic competitiveness through building fame Chinese brands both at home and overseas.

Liu Zhengrong, vice president and secretary general of Xinhua News Agency, and Li Jinyuan, chairman and president of Tiens, attended the signing ceremony between the two parties on October 31.

Tiens entered international markets only two years after its founding in coastal Tianjin by Mr. Li Jinyuan in 1995. An international conglomerate boasting industrial, commercial and financial capital with stakes in fields spanning biological technology, health management, hospitality industry, tourism, education, e-commerce and financial investment, Tiens has branches in 110 countries and regions with business influences in more than 190 countries.

The Chinese self-made private international company, by partnering up with worlds top enterprises, has built a business empire, mainly outside China, based on a great variety of creative products on healthcare and skincare, cosmetics and household items.

According to Tiens, it boasts a stable consumer base of 40 million families around the world.

Comparing the company to be one as united as a clenched fist and able to embrace the whole world when its arms are opened, Tiens Mr. Li Jinyuan eyes a global business network excluding no country, pointing out high on the companys agenda lie three tasks, namely, further globalization, more solid business platforms, and broader growth room.

Tiens seems to be shifting part of its focus back into China, erecting a comprehensive university in Tianjin, close neighbor to Beijing. By partnering up with Xinhua, whose news outlets scattered across China and over 180 countries of the world, Tiens might achieve balanced influences both at home and abroad.

(Source: Xinhua)
MOSCOW -- Arsen Gasanov's nightmare began one afternoon at the end of February 2016. And it hasn't ended yet.



"I feel like Don Quixote," Gasanov told RFE/RL, "trying to defend myself from attacking windmills."

On that February day last year, Gasanov was on his way to pick up one of his six children at school when he realized he was 40 minutes early and decided to stop in at a mosque. A police officer stopped him outside the building, took a quick look at his passport, and hustled him into a nearby car with tinted windows for a trip down to the Sovetsky police station.



When he arrived, he found several dozen other young men sitting in the reception area. Everyone was questioned, photographed, and fingerprinted.



"They asked me how many years I have been going to the mosque," Gasanov recalled, "and what kind of Muslim I was, and which mosques I attend. I told them I'm not any particular kind of Muslim and I go to whatever mosque happens to be convenient. And that's the truth."



He signed a statement, but refused to leave his fingerprints, saying: "I don't want my prints to end up on some gun in the forest somewhere." To his surprise, the police let him go.

Only much later did Gasanov learn that his name had been added to a secret terrorism watch list as a potential "extremist."



Local human rights activists say the list was created on the basis of two orders issued by Daghestan's interior minister in April 2015 and April 2016.



"Neither of these orders has ever been made public," Galina Tarasova, a lawyer with the Conflict Zones project of the Memorial human rights center, who is representing Gasanov, told RFE/RL. But the consequences of being placed on the list are obvious and unpleasant, she said.



"If a person is in a car, he can be held at any traffic post for hours," Tarasova said. "There were cases when a person asked if he could leave Daghestan for a vacation or for medical treatment and he was told he'd be turned back at every traffic stop. [The authorities] hound their relatives, telephone constantly, ask after various unknown people, show up at their homes. We consider this a violation of the right to a private life."

Following lawsuits by Memorial, Daghestani Interior Minister Abdurashid Magomedov announced in early 2017 that the watch list had been cancelled and all its data had been destroyed. Tarasova said that after that announcement the detentions became fewer, but never stopped.

"But now it is harder to fight back," she said. "The watch list doesn't exist, but the way the police act hasn't changed. And that is the case with Arsen Gasanov."



Gasanov, a 40-year-old father of six, graduated from the Dzhemal Artistic Academy and the Daghestan Pedagogical University as a jeweler. After graduation, he moved to Moscow, where he lived for 10 years and was married. He then returned to Makhachkala and began working as a design consultant. About 15 years ago, he began occasionally visiting the mosque, like many in the republic where more than 80 percent of the population is Muslim. But, he emphasizes, neither he nor any of his relatives has ever practiced any radical form of Islam.

In October 2016, police officer Murad Khalayev showed up at Gasanov's home. He explained that from now on he would be calling every week to find out what Gasanov had been up to. He asked Gasanov to come to the police station to give his fingerprints and DNA and voice samples.



He was also given a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Murad Kurbanov that read: "You have been placed on the watch list under the category of 'extremist.'" Khalayev told Gasanov that if he tried to return to Moscow -- where he and his family are still officially registered -- then he would be declared a fugitive and an arrest warrant would be issued.



That was when Gasanov appealed to Memorial for help.

"As it turned out, I was sitting in Memorial when I got an SMS [text message, from Khalayev] saying that he had issued a warrant for me." In fact, that turned out not to be true. Gasanov filed suit.

The case only came before a court in March after months of delays caused by the police simply ignoring summonses. In the end, Judge Eldar Atayev rejected Gasanov's complaint, saying that he had not presented proof that he had been included on the watch list. The letter from Kurbanov was not considered sufficient.

"The Interior Ministry representative [at the hearing] just played dumb," Gasanov recalled. "He said the case had nothing to do with him and that I just made everything up."

Khalayev stopped calling after the court's ruling, but other officers called instead. One, who identified himself as Police Captain Nuriddin, ordered Gasanov to appear before an Interior Ministry "commission" with all his documents in order to be removed from the watch list. Gasanov refused to hand over his documents and said he would continue to pursue his case through the courts.

The Daghestani Supreme Court overturned the lower-court ruling and sent the case back for reconsideration. The second time around, Judge Mikhrab Adziyev asked the police if Gasanov was on the watch list and he received a letter signed by the same Lieutenant Colonel Kurbanov.

In the letter, Kurbanov says he did not order Gasanov to be placed on the watch list.

"We do not currently have any testimony or other information indicating that citizen Gasanov is a follower of religious extremism," Kurbanov added. "Police officials are not conducting any prophylactic measures against this citizen."

Although Kurbanov had written the exact opposite less than one year before, the judge again ruled that there was no evidence that Gasanov had been placed on the watch list and, anyway, the watch list itself had been officially cancelled several months before. Case dismissed.

But the harassment continues. Roughly once a week, police show up at Gasanov's home. Khalayev started appearing again.



When questioned by RFE/RL, Khalayev said only the antiterrorism department can answer questions about the watch list. He declined to answer any other questions, citing "secrecy." Kurbanov could not be reached for comment.



RFE/RL requests for comment from the Russian Interior Ministry went unanswered.

The police came most recently on October 16, when Gasanov was not at home.

"At first [my family] didn't open the door, but they kicked it with their feet so loudly that it became embarrassing in front of the neighbors," Gasanov said. "Just imagine all that noise echoing through the corridors."

When Gasanov's mother finally opened the door and said her son was not in, the police officer told her: "Don't be smart." Then he threatened to jail Gasanov's 12-year-old niece for recording the encounter with her telephone. Gasanov sent the video and other evidence to the Investigative Committee of Daghestan's Prosecutor-General's Office.

WATCH VIDEO (with English subtitles)

But he worries the police will ramp up the pressure on him as he takes more measures to assert his rights.

"I am afraid that these wolves in epaulettes will either plant something on me or that I will just disappear," Gasanov said. "I have six children, including infant twins. Who is going to feed them?"

Written by RFE/RL senior correspondent Robert Coalson on the basis of reporting by RFE/RL Russian Service correspondent Sergei Khazov-Cassia.
Police detained dozens of nationalist demonstrators in Moscow on November 4 at the Russian March coinciding with celebrations of the country's National Unity Day holiday. The crowd chanted slogans during the march such as "Who are we? Russians!" "Glory To Russia!" and "Russians go forward!" (RFE/RL's Russian Service)
Police detained dozens of nationalist demonstrators in Moscow on November 4 at an antigovernment rally coinciding with celebrations of Russia's National Unity Day holiday.

Organizers of the Russian March said more than 70 demonstrators were detained after gathering in southeastern Moscow for the annual rally, which organizers called off almost as soon as it began after police refused to allow participants to carry banners.

That figure could not immediately be corroborated. But OVD-Info, which monitors crackdowns on demonstrations, said "several dozen" people were detained.

Rally organizers said authorities had granted approval for banners at the demonstration. The city government had given official permission for the rally, and hundreds of participants had gathered for the event at the time police intervened.

Video footage showed one woman being carried off in a stretcher after what a Dozhd TV reporter at the scene described as a scuffle with riot police.

A second Russian March, meanwhile, was held in northwestern Moscow on November 4. There were no immediate reports of violence or detentions at that demonstration.

The standoff between police and demonstrators came at the start of a politically charged weekend in which Russians nationwide are marking National Unity Day.

The holiday, which the Kremlin established more than a decade ago, has replaced Soviet-era celebrations of the Bolshevik Revolution anniversary.

This year's holiday comes three days ahead of the centennial of the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution.

A day before the celebrations, Russian authorities on November 3 said they had detained several backers of a self-exiled Kremlin critic in the Moscow area, claiming they were plotting to trigger riots by attacking government buildings and police during the holiday.

The Federal Security Service (FSB) said the suspects are members of a "conspiratorial cell" of Artpodgotovka (Artillery Bombardment), a movement established by outspoken opposition activist Vyacheslav Maltsev.

Maltsev, who has described himself as a nationalist and anarchist, has said on YouTube that Russia is up for a "revolution" this weekend.

The RBK news agency cited unidentified Interior Ministry source as saying that a spate of additional raids targeting Maltsev's group were carried out in Moscow and the surrounding area on early on November 4.

Russia's state TASS news agency quoted officials as saying that more than 90,000 security personnel will be on duty for some 2,000 Unity Day events across the country.

Nationalists traditionally hold rallies on November 4, while Russians nostalgic for the Soviet Union, such as the Communists, celebrate on November 7.

National Unity Day, which President Vladimir Putin established in 2005, officially honors a Russian victory over Polish forces in 1612.

In a ceremony commemorating the event, Putin on November 4 placed flowers at the Red Square monument to Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky, who are credited with leading Russian troops against the Poles.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Russian Service, Dozhd TV, AP, TASS, RIA, Interfax, Kommersant, and echo.msk.ru
Authorities in the Russian city of Chelyabinsk have warned residents not to wear gas masks to publicly express their environmental concerns during Russian President Vladimir Putin's upcoming visit.

The administration of the Urals city issued a statement on November 2 noting that a federal law forbids demonstrators from hiding their faces during public gatherings.

The statement followed online discussions by local residents about staging a flash mob next week during Putin's visit to Chelyabinsk, where he is expected to meet Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev for a November 9 forum on bilateral cooperation.

Writing on the Russian social-networking site VKontakte, one resident described the planned flash mob by demonstrators wearing gas masks as a last-ditch effort to attract attention to locals' push for a cleaner city.

"Protests, referendums, petitions, and questions to the president have not led to the improvement of ecological conditions in Chelyabinsk," the user wrote.

The Chelyabinsk region has long been plagued by industrial pollution. Russian Natural Resources Minister Sergei Donskoi said last year that the region was among the country's worst in terms of air quality.

The Chelyabinsk city administration's statement specifically warned activists against wearing gas masks to greet the president.

It said residents should cast a "critical eye" on plans for the protest, noting that local authorities had not granted permission for such a demonstration.

With reporting by Vedomosti


U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Litigation Release No. 23979 / November 3, 2017 Securities and Exchange Commission v. Christopher A. Faulkner, Homes Inc., HOMESINC Renaissance, LLC, Matthew Rapoport, and Earl Nelson Davenport, Civil Action No. 3:17-cv-02405-B (N.D. Tex. filed September 11, 2017) SEC Obtains Preliminary Injunctions Against "Frack Master" and Four Others in Purported House Flipping Scheme The Securities and Exchange Commission has obtained court-ordered emergency relief to halt a real-estate scam perpetrated by Christopher A. Faulkner and four others. Faulkner is also the subject of another pending SEC enforcement action alleging he orchestrated an $80 million oil-and-gas scheme. According to the complaint in that case, Faulkner disingenuously promoted himself as an oil-and-gas expert and marketed himself as the "Frack Master." In the alleged real estate scheme case that was unsealed September 22, 2017 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, the Honorable Jane Boyle entered an ex parte order on September 14 granting a temporary restraining order, asset freeze, and other emergency and ancillary relief against Faulkner and Defendants Homes Inc. (Homes), HOMESINC Renaissance, LLC (Renaissance), Matthew Rapoport, and Earl Nelson Davenport. On September 28, 2017, the court entered an agreed preliminary injunction against Faulkner, Rapoport, and Davenport. On October 12, 2017, the court entered a preliminary injunction against Homes and Renaissance. These injunctions keep the defendants' assets frozen and restrain and enjoin the defendants, during the pendency of the case, from violating the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws and from participating, directly or indirectly, in the issuance, purchase, offer, or sale of any security. According to the SEC's complaint, which was filed under seal on September 11, 2017, Faulkner orchestrated a scheme involving Rapoport, Davenport, and others, to deceive and mislead investors about Faulkner's latest venture, Homes, by claiming that it: had a proven and extensive track record of offering and selling passive real estate investments to investors;

used investor funds for the acquisition, renovation, and re-sale of residential real estate in Southern California; and

consistently produced double-digit returns to its investors. The SEC alleges that these statements are untrue, that Faulkner created and disseminated misleading promotional materials, and that Faulkner and Rapoport created and maintained a website that touted properties the company falsely claimed to have flipped in prior offerings. The SEC further alleges that Davenport, a salesman previously sanctioned by two states for unrelated securities-law violations, lied to investors about Homes' track record and the purported past successes of Homes and Renaissance, which the Defendants falsely claimed was the latest in a series of Homes offerings. In reality, Renaissance was the only offering, and it was a scam, according to the SEC's complaint. The SEC contends that Homes has raised at least $168,750 from at least eight investors, but has not used any investor funds for real-estate transactions. The SEC's complaint charges Faulkner, Rapoport, Davenport, Homes, and Renaissance under Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 (Securities Act) and Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. The complaint further charges Faulkner, Davenport, and Rapoport under Section 5 of the Securities Act. The SEC seeks permanent injunctions, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains with prejudgment interest, and civil penalties against the defendants. In the alleged $80 million oil-and-gas fraud case - SEC v. Faulkner, et al., No. 3:16-CV-01735-D (N.D. Tex.) - the Honorable Sidney A. Fitzwater, on September 25, 2017, froze the assets of Faulkner and two others, appointed a temporary receiver over their assets, and preliminarily enjoined them from violating the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws. The SEC's investigation into the alleged real estate scheme has been conducted by Kimberly Cain, Scott Mascianica, and John Devine, and supervised by Jim Etri and Jessica B. Magee of the Fort Worth Regional Office. The SEC's litigation is led by B. David Fraser and Timothy McCole. https://www.sec.gov/litigation/litreleases/2017/lr23979.htm

Modified: 11/03/2017
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 11:52:00|Editor: Yurou

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by William M. Reilly

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- A crush of some 4,000 Rohingya refugees have fled Myanmar over the past two days, crossing the border into Bangladesh, and malnourished children in refugee camps in Bangladesh are threatened with death, UN officials said Friday.

"The UN Office on the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that some 4,000 Rohingya refugees have fled Myanmar and crossed the border to Bangladesh in the last 48 hours," chief UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York.

"The newly-arrived refugees say that thousands more people are waiting on the coast of Myanmar to make the crossing," he said, of an inlet of the Bay of Bengal. "UN agencies and their partners are providing food and other supplies, as well as transportation to transit centers, to these refugees."

Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi made her first visit to Myanmar's northern Rakhine State since Aug. 25, the day on which the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army extremist terrorists launched fresh attacks on police outposts in Rakhine, displacing residents and causing humanitarian issues.

An estimated 1 million Rohingyas were living in northern Rakhine State of Myanmar, an overwhelmingly Buddhist nation.

Over last weekend, a new surge of refugees swelled the number of Rohingyas who have fled Myanmar since Aug. 25 to 607,000. But officials said earlier this week that the flow had slowed, only to up-tick later in the week to bring the total to about 611,000. Some 800,000 Rohingyas in all have fled Myanmar since 2012, according to UN officials.

The UN Children's Agency (UNICEF) expressed concern that 7.5 percent of children at the largest refugee camp of Kutupalong in Bangladesh were suffering from severe acute malnutrition, double the rate seen among Rohingya child refugees earlier this year, Dujarric said.

"The Rohingya children in the camp who have survived horrors in Myanmar's northern Rakhine State and a dangerous journey here are already caught up in a catastrophe," said UNICEF Bangladesh Representative Edouard Beigbeder in a UNICEF press release issued at its headquarters in New York on Friday. "Those with severe malnutrition are now at risk of dying from an entirely preventable and treatable cause."

"Malnutrition rates among children in northern Rakhine were already above emergency thresholds," said the UNICEF. "The condition of these children has further deteriorated due to the long journey across the border and the conditions in the camps."

The UN agency also said around 26,000 people now living in the Kutupalong camp are faced with an acute shortage of food and water, unsanitary conditions and high rates of diarrhea and respiratory infections. Cases of measles have been reported.

The Kutupalong nutrition assessment, conducted on Oct. 22-28, surveyed 405 households including families who arrived in Kutupalong both before and after Aug. 25, UNICEF said.
H.S. polls: Washington girls steady at No. 1 in 4A, Marian girls No. 2 in 3A
The sun is a big ball of gas and plasma, but what is the sun made of exactly? Most of the gas  around 92%  is hydrogen, according to NASA (opens in new tab). It is converted into energy in the sun's core. The energy moves outward through the interior layers, into the sun's atmosphere, and is released into the solar system as heat and light.

Nuclear fusion

In the sun's core, gravitational forces create tremendous pressure and temperatures. The temperature of the sun in this layer is about 27 million degrees Fahrenheit (15 million degrees Celsius). Hydrogen atoms are compressed and fuse together, creating helium. This process is called nuclear fusion. As the gases heat up, atoms break apart into charged particles, turning the gas into plasma.

The energy, mostly in the form of gamma-ray photons and neutrinos, is carried into the radiative zone. Photons can bounce around at random in this zone from somewhere between a few thousand to about a million years before traveling to the surface, according to Sten Odenwald on NASA's Ask the Space Scientist (opens in new tab) page.

Why don't we know how long it takes for a photon to travel outward from the center of the sun? For one thing, scientists can't see into the core to track a photon from its birth. Instead, they must rely on models that follow the infamous "drunkard's walk (opens in new tab)" problem.

According to this scenario, the distance a drunken person travels while making random left and right turns is their typical step size times the square root of the number of steps taken. For a randomly traveling photon in the solar center, this depends on what is used for the mean free path (or average distance travel) of radiation. These numbers range from 4,000 years to millions of years, though most solar scientists tend to rely on 170,000 years, according to the book Welcome to the Universe: An Astrophysical Tour (opens in new tab).

Four hydrogen nuclei combine to release a helium nucleus. (Image credit: Getty Images)

"Photons go on a random walk within the sun," space scientist Lucie Green, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, told Space.com. "I would say 170,000 years for photon to escape."

"Most astronomers are not too interested in this number and forgo trying to pin it down exactly because it does not impact any phenomena we measure with the exception of the properties of the core region right now," Odenwald said (opens in new tab).

Scientists think the sun's magnetic field is generated by a magnetic dynamo in the radiative zone.

The convection zone (also known as the convective region) is the outermost layer of the sun's interior. It extends from about 125,000 miles (200,000 km) deep up to the visible surface or the sun's atmosphere, according to NASA (opens in new tab). The temperature drops below 3.5 million degrees F (2 million degrees C) in the convective zone, where hot plasma bubbles up toward the surface.

This image shows the sun's three major zones (convective zone, radiative zone and core). (Image credit: ESA&NASA/SOHO)

The convective motions carry heat quite rapidly to the surface, which is the bottom layer of the sun's atmosphere, or photosphere. This is the layer where the energy is released as sunlight. The light passes through the outer layers of the sun's atmosphere  the chromosphere and the corona.

We usually can't see these layers, but during a total solar eclipse, the chromosphere looks like a red rim around the sun, and the corona forms a white crown with plasma streamers spreading outward. The chromosphere gets its red color from the abundance of hydrogen, according to the National Solar Observatory (opens in new tab).

Abundance of elements

Astronomers who have studied the composition of the sun have catalogued 67 chemical elements in the sun. There may be more, but in amounts too small for instruments to detect. Here is a table of the 10 most common elements in the sun, according to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (opens in new tab):

Swipe to scroll horizontally Element Abundance (pct.

of total number

of atoms) Abundance

(pct. of total mass) Hydrogen 91.2 71.0 Helium 8.7 27.1 Oxygen 0.078 0.97 Carbon 0.043 0.40 Nitrogen 0.0088 0.096 Silicon 0.0045 0.099 Magnesium 0.0038 0.076 Neon 0.0035 0.058 Iron 0.030 0.014 Sulfur 0.015 0.040

Additional resources

For more information about the sun, read NASA Science's Solar System Exploration (opens in new tab) page. Additionally, you can find the answers to more questions about the sun at the Natural History Museum UK (opens in new tab) website.

Bibliography

"On the photon diffusion time scale for the sun". Astrophysical Journal, Part 1 (1992). https://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/1992ApJ...401..759M (opens in new tab)

"On the time scale of energy transport in the sun". Solar Physics (2003). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/226250698_On_the_time_scale_of_energy_transport_in_the_Sun (opens in new tab)

"The random walk of radiation from the sun". Walker, L. M. (2006). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/238080819_The_random_walk_of_radiation_from_the_sun (opens in new tab)

"Welcome to the universe: an astrophysical tour". Tyson, N. D., Strauss, M. A., & Gott, J. R. (2016). Princeton University Press. https://books.google.co.uk/books (opens in new tab)
The ozone hole over Antarctica shrunk to its smallest maximum-extent in September 2017. Here, in this false-color view of the monthly-averaged total ozone the blue and purple indicate areas with the least ozone, while yellows and reds mean the most ozone.

Higher temperatures over Antarctica this year shrank the hole in the ozone layer to the smallest it's been since 1988.

The ozone hole is a depletion of ozone gas (O3) in the stratosphere above Antarctica. The three-oxygen molecule is toxic at ground level, but high in the atmosphere, it deflects dangerous ultraviolet rays from reaching Earth's surface.

In 1985, scientists first detected the hole in the ozone layer and realized it was being caused by man-made chlorine and bromine, often found in chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), compounds used as refrigerants. In 1987, the Montreal Protocol initiated the phase-out of these chemicals. As they gradually leave the atmosphere, the ozone hole will heal, and scientists expect it to return to 1980s size by 2070.

Natural variability affects this healing year-to-year, however.

"The Antarctic ozone hole was exceptionally weak this year," Paul Newman, chief scientist for Earth Sciences at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, said in a statement. "This is what we would expect to see given the weather conditions in the Antarctic stratosphere." [Infographic: Earth's Atmosphere Top to Bottom]

Weather and ozone

In the upper atmosphere, CFCs break apart, freeing chlorine to react with ozone molecules, a reaction that creates oxygen and chlorine monoxide. Similar reactions occur with bromine. Polar stratospheric clouds, which form in frigid temperatures, speed up this process by providing surfaces for the reactions to occur on. That's why the ozone hole worsens in the Southern Hemisphere winter.

The hole in Earth's protective ozone layer that forms over Antarctica each September was the smallest seen since 1988, according to NASA and NOAA. (Image credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/Kathryn Mersmann)

Higher temperatures in the stratosphere, on the other hand, allow ozone to remain more stable in the atmosphere, meaning they keep the ozone hole smaller on a year-to-year basis. This year on Sept. 11, NASA measured the maximum extent of the hole at 7.6 million square miles (19.6 million square kilometers), 2.5 times the size of the United States.

That was smaller than in 2016, when the maximum extent was 8.9 million square miles (22.2 million square km), also a below-average size. According to NASA, the average maximum extent of the ozone hole since 1991 has hovered at about 10 million square miles (25.8 million square km).

Historic high

However, scientists said that two years of lower-than-usual ozone hole extent isn't a sign that the ozone layer is healing faster than expected. Instead, it's a side effect of the Antarctic vortex  a low-pressure system that rotates clockwise above the southernmost continent  undergoing a few years of instability and warmth, which prevented the proliferation of polar stratospheric clouds. [Image Gallery: Life at the South Pole]

Using an instrument called a Dobson spectrophotometer, NASA researchers monitor the concentration of ozone over Antarctica on a regular basis. On Sept. 25, the concentration of ozone reached a minimum of 136 Dobson Units, which is the highest minimum since 1988. However, that concentration is still low compared with the 1960s, before man-made compounds created the ozone hole. In that decade, ozone concentrations over Antarctica were between 250 and 350 Dobson Units.

Original article on Live Science.
A pair of physicists announced the discovery of a subatomic event so powerful that the researchers wondered if it was too dangerous to make public.

The explosive event? The duo showed that two tiny particles known as bottom quarks could theoretically fuse together in a powerful flash. The result: a larger subatomic particle, a second, spare particle known as a nucleon, and a whole mess of energy spilling out into the universe. This "quarksplosion" would be an even more powerful subatomic analog of the individual nuclear fusion reactions that take place in the cores of hydrogen bombs.

Quarks are tiny particles that are usually found clinging together to make up the neutrons and protons inside atoms. They come in six versions or "flavors": up, down, top, bottom, strange and charm.

Energetic events at the subatomic level are measured in megaelectronvolts (MeV), and when two bottom quarks fuse, the physicists found, they produce a whopping 138 MeV. That's about eight times more powerful than one of the individual nuclear fusion events that takes place in hydrogen bombs (a full-scale bomb blast consists of billions of these events). H-bombs fuse together tiny hydrogen nuclei known as deuterons and tritons to create helium nuclei, along with the most powerful explosions in the human arsenal. But each of those individual reactions inside the bombs releases only about 18 MeV, according to the Nuclear Weapon Archive, a website devoted to collecting research and data about nuclear weapons. Thats far less than the fusing bottom quarks 138 MeV. [Beyond Higgs: 5 Elusive Particles That May Lurk in the Universe]

"I must admit that when I first realized that such a reaction was possible, I was scared," co-researcher Marek Karliner of Tel Aviv University in Israel told Live Science. "But, luckily, it is a one-trick pony."

As powerful as fusion reactions are, a single instance of fusion on its own isn't at all dangerous. Hydrogen bombs derive their enormous power from chain reactions  the cascading fusion of lots and lots of nuclei all at once.

Karliner and Jonathan Rosner, of the University of Chicago, determined that such a chain reaction wouldn't be possible with bottom quarks, and, before publishing, privately shared their insight with colleagues, who agreed.

"If I thought for a microsecond that this had any military applications, I would not have published it," Karliner said.

To spark a chain reaction, nuclear bomb makers need large stockpiles of particles. And an important property of bottom quarks makes them impossible to stockpile: They wink out of existence just 1 picosecond after they're created, or in about the time it takes light to travel half the length of a single grain of salt. After that time span, they decay into a far more common and less energetic kind of subatomic particle, known as the up quark.

It might be possible to generate single fusion reactions of bottom quarks inside miles-long particle accelerators, the scientists said. But even inside an accelerator, one couldn't assemble a large enough mass of quarks to do any damage out in the world, the researchers said. So theres no need to worry about bottom quark bombs. [7 Strange Facts About Quarks]

The discovery is exciting, though, because it's the first theoretical proof that it's possible to fuse subatomic particles together in ways that release energy, Karliner said. That's brand-new territory in the physics of very tiny particles, made possible by an experiment in the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, the massive particle-physics laboratory near Geneva.

Here's how the physicists made this discovery.

At CERN, particles zip around a 17-mile-long (27 kilometers) underground ring at near light speed before smashing into one another. The scientists then use powerful computers to sift through the data from those collisions, and strange particles sometimes emerge from that research. In June, something especially strange turned up in the data from one of those collisions: a "doubly charmed" baryon, or a bulky cousin of the neutron and proton, itself made up of two cousins of the "bottom" and "top" quarks known as "charm" quarks.

Now, charm quarks are very heavy compared to the more common up and down quarks that make up protons and neutrons. And when heavy particles bind together, they convert a large chunk of their mass into binding energy, and in some cases, produce a bunch of leftover energy that escapes into the universe. [Wacky Physics: The Coolest Little Particles in Nature]

When two charm quarks fuse, Karliner and Rosner found, the particles bind with an energy of about 130 MeV and spit out 12 MeV in leftover energy (about two-thirds of the energy of deuteron-triton fusion). That charmed fusion was the first reaction of particles on this scale ever found to emit energy in this way, and is the headline result of the new study, published yesterday (Nov. 1) in the journal Nature (opens in new tab).

The even more energetic fusion of two bottom quarks, which bind with an energy of 280 MeV and spit out 138 MeV when they fuse, is the second, and more powerful of the two reactions discovered.

So far, these reactions are entirely theoretical and haven't been demonstrated in a lab. That next step should come soon though. Karliner said he expects to see the first experiments showing this reaction at CERN within the next couple years.

Editor's Note: This article was updated to correct a statement saying that top quarks make up neutrons and protons. Up and down quarks make up protons and neutrons.

Originally published on Live Science.
This illustration shows NASA's Juno spacecraft orbiting over Jupiter's south pole. The probe has just completed its eighth science flyby of the gas giant.

Juno's finally back in contact with Earth, confirming a successful eighth science flyby of Jupiter and sending along new data about the planet's vibrant cloud tops and composition.

The probe swung by the gas giant on Oct. 24, but because the sun was blocking the path of communication between Earth and Jupiter, researchers had to wait until Oct. 31 to hear about the spacecraft's journey. This was the eighth time Juno gathered data from the planet close up.

"All the science collected during the flyby was carried in Juno's memory until yesterday, when Jupiter came out of solar conjunction," Ed Hirst, Juno's new project manager from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, said in a statement. "All science instruments and the spacecraft's JunoCam were operating, and the new data are now being transmitted to Earth and being delivered into the hands of our science team." [Amazing Jupiter Photos by Juno and Citizen Scientists]

Since its arrival at Jupiter on July 4, 2016, Juno has braved the gas giant's fierce magnetic field  nearly 20,000 times the strength of Earth's and the strongest in the solar system  to send back data about the planet's weather systems, atmosphere and composition. The probe's JunoCam has also sent home spectacular images of the planet, which NASA makes available for citizen scientists to process; in fact, the public can vote on what JunoCam looks at next. The spacecraft's orbit brings it diving in toward Jupiter every 53 days.

Solar conjunctions of Jupiter  when Earth's and Jupiter's orbits take the planets on opposite sides of the sun  mean that a spacecraft orbiting Jupiter can't transmit to Earth without the charged particles the sun emits corrupting the probe's signal. The last solar conjunction of Jupiter was in September 2016, and the next will be in November 2018, according to in-the-sky.org.

Juno's next close flyby of the gas giant happens Dec. 16. The probe is currently scheduled to study Jupiter through 2018 and ultimately dive into the planet's atmosphere, although the mission could be extended, NASA officials said. In February, the team decided to keep to a slower schedule of flybys rather than switching to one every 14 days, so the probe would complete 12 science flybys by its currently scheduled end.

Editor's Note: This article has been corrected to reflect that the last solar conjunction of Jupiter was in September 2016, not August 2015.

Email Sarah Lewin at slewin@space.com or follow her @SarahExplains. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
The first stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lands at Floridas Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Sept. 7, 2017, shortly after launching the U.S. Air Force's secretive X-37B space plane on its fifth mystery mission.

Some of the spaceflight community's biggest movers, shakers and disruptors will gather in Seattle next week to discuss humanity's next giant leaps.

The Economist magazine is hosting its inaugural space summit, called "A New Space Age (opens in new tab)," on Thursday (Nov. 9) at the Museum of Flight, just outside Seattle.

Big names from a variety of spaceflight fields will speak at the conference, including Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides; billionaire investor Yuri Milner, a driving force behind the Breakthrough Starshot interstellar spaceflight project and the Breakthrough Listen search for alien life; Chris Lewicki, president and CEO of asteroid-mining company Planetary Resources; former NASA deputy administrator Lori Garver; and Carolyn Porco, the imaging team leader for NASA's just-ended Cassini Saturn mission.

"The ambition is to bring together a diverse group that will teach us, and itself, about quite how many different things there are going on in space," The Economist Briefings Editor Oliver Morton told Space.com.

And there is indeed a lot going on. For example, Morton cited the reusable-rocket successes of spaceflight companies SpaceX and Blue Origin, as well as the development of increasingly capable small and inexpensive satellites by private outfits such as Spire and Planet.

"It's quite a remarkable time," he said.

Other exciting advances appear ready to crest the horizon as well. On-orbit manufacturing and assembly are no longer pipe dreams, for instance. California-based Made In Space already operates a commercial 3D printer aboard the International Space Station, and the company is developing a robotic-armequipped system called Archinaut that's designed to build big structures on orbit.

Breakthroughs could also soon come via the combination of advanced machine learning and the profusion of data from small, Earth-observing satellites, Morton said.

"The world being reimagined as a huge database for training machine learning on  it's going to teach us a great deal about both the natural environment and the human world," he said. "That's really interesting, and it just wasn't conceivable five or 10 years ago."

Editor's note: Space.com is a media partner for "A New Space Age," and senior writer Mike Wall will be attending. So, stay tuned for stories coming out of the conference.

Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.
T he number of violent acid-related offences in London has soared by almost 200 per cent in the last 15 years, shocking statistics have revealed.

Since 2002, the number of corrosive fluid incidents considered to be violent offences have increased by 186 per cent from 145 to 416 last year.

The age of offenders has also dropped dramatically as more teens are convicted of crimes relating to acid.

The Met revealed the stark rise in numbers of the violent offences after a double acid attack in north and east London.

Spike: A table showing the number of 'violent offences' relating to corrosive fluids since 2012 / Metropolitan Police

Two delivery drivers were doused in acid in Tottenham and Waltham Forest on Thursday evening leaving a 32-year-old man in a critical condition in hospital. He could be left permanently blind.

In 2016 there were 664 corrosive fluid offences, 63 per cent of which were classed as violent, police said.

And the numbers are set to be even higher in 2017 as, between January and September, there have been 739 offences  411 of which were violent.

The Met classes violent offences as those recorded within the category "violence against the person" (VATP). These include assault  including actual bodily harm (ABH) and grievous bodily harm (GBH)  and murder.

Those not categorised as violent include offences relating to "harassment", "offensive weapons" and "other violence". This could apply to someone convicted of possessing a corrosive substance, for example.

In recent months the capital has seen a spate of horrifying "acid attacks" which involve the victim being doused in a corrosive substance.

It can leave people scarred for life, impact their vision, permanently damage nerve or muscle function and in extreme cases, be fatal.

The technique is increasingly being used by people attempting to steal mopeds off people and multiple takeaway delivery drivers have been targeted.

Food delivery riders demonstrate in Parliament Square after a spate of acid attacks in London / PA

In August, the Standard reported that Deliveroo staff were refusing to work jobs in certain parts of London after a spate of acid attacks and thefts.

The company revealed that, in the space of three weeks, 71 riders unassigned themselves from jobs in the capital and some were offered alternative work locations after expressing concerns for their safety.

Records show that the number of acid-related crimes gradually decreased between the years 2002 and 2012.

But since then numbers have soared to considerably higher than before.

Acid attack victims in Columbia tend to be women, says survivor

The age of the perpetrators has also dropped dramatically as the number of crimes has risen.

In 2016/2017, the majority of suspects identified are aged between 10 and 19-years-old. This has brought the average age down from 27 in 2002 to 21 in 2017.

The worst areas for acid crime are all in east London  Hackney, Newham, Havering, Tower Hamlets, Redbridge and Barking & Dagenham.

A spokesman for the Met said the force has in place a London-wide plan working with the Home Office and childrens charity the NPCC.

Police and fire crews at the scene treating the victim / Rex

The Home Office is developing a set of voluntary commitments for retailers which would serve to restrict access to acid and other harmful corrosive products to customers.

We recognise the lasting impact on victims of corrosive attacks, and are improving our response through training, investment and joint working, the Met spokesman said.

We have been guided by the NHS and the key treatment for these injuries is to flush the injury with lots of water. So some response cars are now equipped with five litre bottles, with a full role out to follow in the coming weeks.

We are also looking at a kit which would be available to every borough and as well as water would also include protective eyewear and gauntlets. We are also including a separate input into officers' first aid training.

A procedure has been introduced that automatically flags acid attacks to the London Fire Brigade in order to utilise the brigades access to gallons of water.

We would encourage anyone who has been a victim of a corrosive attack to report it to police, and we appeal to parents, relatives and professionals to assist us in identifying and challenging those who carry or seek to carry noxious substances in public without a lawful excuse, he added.

If someone is in fear of being attacked with acid, or knows someone who is going to use it, they need to report it to police or confidentially through Crimestoppers and it will be actioned and you will be fully supported.
T his is the first picture of a takeaway delivery driver who is fighting for life in hospital after being sprayed in the face with acid by moped thieves.

Muhammed Nawshad Kamal, 32, is likely to lose his sight in both eyes after he was attacked when two thugs tried to steal his moped on Thursday night.

He had just finishing dropping off a delivery in Walthamstow, north London, when the thieves demanded he hand over his keys.

Mr Kamal, who has lived in Britain for eight years, refused and was repeatedly doused with the corrosive liquid during the attack in Walpole Road at about 6pm on Thursday. He was sprayed in the face and chest.

On Friday, officers investigating the incident arrested a 14-year-old boy in connection with the attack. He was taken to an east London police station for questioning.

A friend of the victim Imran Rumel told the Daily Mail: "I have been to see him in hospital and he is in a terrible state. I don't know if he will ever see again."

Scotland Yard believes that the same attackers struck again at 6.30pm in Tottenham in another attempted robbery about a mile and a half away.

A second delivery driver, also 32, suffered non-life-threatening injuries when he was sprayed in the face by two males who were trying to rob his scooter, police said.

Detective Chief Inspector Gordon Henderson said the attack had "left a man fighting for his life and with terrible eye injuries".

"This was an innocent man going about his work as a delivery driver, who may never see again," he said. "This is not a time to hesitate, if you have any information about this crime I would appeal that you immediately call police.

"Your phone call could save some other innocent person; it is imperative that we arrest those responsible."

Police said they have fully not established whether the two incidents are linked and have not arrested anyone in connection with the second attack.

Any witnesses to the recent attacks are urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 11:52:01|Editor: Yurou

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BEIJING, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Wang Xiaohui, deputy head of the Policy Research Office of the CPC Central Committee, delivered a lecture on the spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress to an audience of around 3,000 people here Friday.

Wang is a member of a team of lecturers assigned by the central authorities to publicize the spirit of the congress across the country.

Around 3,000 party and government officials, military officers, leaders of state-owned enterprises, college teachers, students as well as people from various circles attended the lecture.

The team will embark on a lecture tour Sunday.
B ritain First and anti-fascist demonstrators staged rival protests outside a south-east London police station.

The far-right group descended on Bromley Police station to protest after two of its leading members face charges for causing religiously aggravated harassment.

Images from the scene on Saturday show dozens of campaigners carrying Union Jack flags as officers stand guard between the rival groups.

Anti-fascist demonstrators carrying banners that read: no to fascist Britain First were also pictured holding a counter-protest amid a large police presence in the area.

The protests come after it was revealed Paul Goulding and Jayda Fransen, Britain First's leaders, must sign in at Bromley Police Station as part of their bail conditions following the harassment charges.

Anti-fascist protesters gather for a counter protest outside Bromley Police station / Rex Features

They come also after police issued strict regulations on far-right protests to prevent violence, disorder and disruption for a demo in March.

Speaking at the demo - named 'Persecuted Patriots' - shortly after 1pm on Saturday, Goulding claimed on a live stream of the event on Facebook that the police attempted to sabotage their protest.

He said: The police have done absolutely everything in their power to try and sabotage this event. First they told us we could not under any circumstances march down the high street.

So we said do you know what, whatever, well hold a static rally outside the police station.

One man was arrested following the demos on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, Scotland Yard said. No further details on the arrest were issued.

Both Golding, 35, and Fransen, 31, deny the religiously aggravated harassment charges and will face trial next year.

Protesters gathered outside the south-east London police station / @BenLebLaw

The investigation related to the distribution of leaflets in the Thanet and Canterbury areas, and the posting of online videos during a trial held at Canterbury crown court the same month, officers said in September.

The trial involved three Muslim men and a teenager who were eventually convicted of rape and jailed.
A British tourist has claimed she is facing the death penalty in Egypt for carrying painkillers in her suitcase.

Laura Plummer, 33, from Hull, was arrested when she was found to be carrying tramadol and Naproxen in her suitcase, The Sun reported.

The newspaper said she signed a 38-page statement in Arabic which she thought would result in her being able to leave the airport, but she has been held in a 15ft by 15ft cell with 25 other women for nearly a month.

Her brother James Plummer, 31, said the family has been told she could face up to 25 years in jail, with one lawyer even mentioning the death penalty.

Mr Plummer said his sister had been arrested for what he thinks the authorities in Egypt call "drug trafficking", but said she had only brought a small amount of medication for her Egyptian husband who she visits two to four times a year.

The Sun said she took 29 strips of tramadol, each containing ten tablets, plus some Naproxen, adding that her husband suffers back pain due to an accident.

Mr Plummer said: "It's just blown out of proportion completely."

He said his sister just thought she was doing a "good deed" by bringing the medication over to her husband, and said she will be "completely out of her comfort zone" in jail.

"She's so by the book, so routine, she just likes her own home comforts, watches Emmerdale every night or things like that, going to bed at nine o'clock every night," he said.

Mr Plummer said his mother and sisters have travelled to Egypt to visit Laura following her arrest at Hurghada airport on October 9, adding: "They say she's unrecognisable. When they seen her, she's like a zombie, they said."

He said her hair is starting to fall out due to stress and he voiced concerns about how she will cope.

"I don't think she's tough enough to survive it," he said, adding: "She has a phobia of using anybody else's toilet, so let alone sharing a toilet and a floor with everybody else. That will be awful for her, it'll be traumatising."

Mr Plummer said the family feel "helpless" due to being in a different country, and said of his sister: "It's awful for Laura ... she's not a tough person at all. She's only small."

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are supporting a British woman and her family following her detention in Egypt."
P resident Donald Trump has visited Pearl Harbour and its memorial to the USS Arizona before his tour around Asia.

Accompanied by his wife, Melania, the President saluted before entering the memorial.

The couple provided a gift of a wreath of white flowers and watched as two soldiers placed it near a wall of names of the fallen.

During the Second World War, hundreds of service members were killed in a surprise attack by Japan on Pearl Harbour. The USS Arizona Memorial marks the final resting place of more than 1,000 sailors and Marines who were killed on the battleship on December 7, 1941.

Melania and Trump throw flowers over the sunk ship / AP

During the memorial visit, President Trump did not speak publicly, but had said during an earlier meeting on Friday with military officials that he eagerly anticipated the visit.

He said: "We are going to visit very shortly, Pearl Harbour, which I've read about, spoken about, heard about, studied, but I haven't seen. And that is going to be very exciting for me".

After delivering their gift, the Trumps tossed white flower petals into the water above the battleships sunken hull.

Upon arrival the President and his wife both quickly donned leis and signed autographs for civilians and service members who had gathered to greet him.

President Donald Trump greets servicemen after arriving aboard Air Force One / AP

Mr Trump will be travelling to Japan on Saturday and will be visiting South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines during the 11 day tour. It is his first trip to Asia as President.
S audi Arabia has intercepted a ballistic missile from Yemen, according to reports.

It comes after a loud explosion was heard near Riyadh airport.

Saudi air defence forces said they intercepted the missile north-east of the capital, according to broadcaster Al-Arabiya.

A TV channel linked to Houthi rebels in Yemen said the missile was launched at the airport, the BBC reported.

State news channel Al-Ekhbariya said no damage was caused and that the missile was "of limited size".

Saudi Arabia is leading a campaign to defeat the Houthis.
P rince Charles has paid solemn tribute to the fallen heroes of the Second World War.

He laid a wreath for Christian and Muslim servicemen today on the royal tour of Malaysia.

Charles visited the Taiping Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Malaysia, praising the hard work of the volunteers who look after it.

He was given a walking tour of the pristine graves by Paul Price, the CWG Commissioner, and Colonel Stephen Hall, British defence advisor to Malaysia.

The Prince of Wales attends a Gala Dinner to celebrate 60 years of UK/Malaysia diplomatic ties at the Majestic Hotel in Kuala Lumpa, Malaysia, during their 11-day autumn tour of Asia. / PA

Greeted by a military piper from the Royal Gurkha Rifles Brunei, he first walked to the Muslim cemetery, laying a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance and bowing his head in acknowledgement of their service.

He then crossed the dusty road to the Christian cemetery opposite, where he paused at the grave of VC winner Squadron Leader Arthur Stewart King Scarf.

Laying a second wreath at The Cross of Sacrifice, the Prince again bowed his head to reflect.

A card on the wreath read: "In grateful remembrance of your service and sacrifice."

Introduced to four local volunteers who tend to the cemetery, the Prince asked them how long they had worked there - two or three years each - and said he had heard there was a problem with wild boars digging in the grass.

"You look like you take very good care of it," he said

"It makes such a difference. I can't thank you enough.

Moving into the shade of a gazebo, the Prince spent time meeting around 60 veterans, who served with the Commonwealth or British forces in the Second World War, Malayan Emergency or Borneo Campaign.

Brigadier General Dato' Lau Kong Cheng (rtd), a Malaysian Air Force veteran who served in the Malayan emergency, said veterans had travelled from far and wide to meet the Prince.

"He asked us about where we had served and was very interested in listening.

"It's a great honour," he said.

Hj Ahmad Tejuddin bin Hj Abdul Majeed, from the National Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association, said: "It was fantastic. How do you describe it when you're too happy? Overjoyed!

"I never expected the next King to be so polite and kind."

First Admiral Datuk Kay Hai Thuan (rtd), Vice President of the Malaysian Armed Forces Chinese Veterans Association, said: "He was very pleased to see all the veterans here.

"For His Royal Highness to come and see this is quite something.

"The families of the people buried here, will be very proud and honoured."

Mr Price said the cemetery was currently mostly visited by historians and researchers, and the families of those laid to rest there, as he welcomed the wider interest the Royal visit would bring.

"It's a great honour to have His Royal Highness visit the Taiping Commonwealth War Graves.

"Anything that gets people interested and wanting to visit to learn more is a wonderful thing.

"We want as many people as possible to come, learn about what happened and pay their respects."

Colonel Hall said the Prince had paused at the grave of Arthur Scarf, listening to the story of how he won his VC at 28 and "marvelling at his heroism".

On December 9, 1941, Squadron Leader Scarf had been at the Royal Air Force base at Butterworth, Malaya, when he was on duty as all available aircraft were ordered to attack the Japanese Air Force at Singora, Thailand.

Instead, before the could take off, they were dive-bombed by the enemy, which destroyed or damaged everything but the Blenheim piloted by Squadron Leader Scarf which was already airborne.

Against the odds, and vastly outnumbered, he continued the mission to Singora and completed it, making a forced landing at Alor Star mortally wounded.

Among the nurses working frantically to save his life at the local hospital was Elizabeth Lunn, his pregnant wife who donated her own blood in a last-ditch bid to help.

Her efforts were unsuccessful. He died and, soon afterwards, she lost their unborn baby.

He now lies in Taiping Cemetery, one of 35 Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemeteries in Malaysia, created by the British Army after the defeat of Japan.

There are 864 Second World War Commonwealth casualties and one Dutch casualty commemorated on the site, built in 1947; more than 500 of whom are unidentified.

Before leaving, the Prince signed and dated the visitor book.

According to staff, it is the first time a member of the British Royal Family has visited the site.
N etflix is believed to have completely dropped Kevin Spacey as allegations against the House of Cards star mount.

Casting doubt over the hit political drama's future, Netflix said it was working with House of Cards studio Media Rights Capital to "evaluate our path forward as it relates to the show".

The move comes after British police said they are investigating an allegation of sexual assault involving the Oscar winner.

In a statement to the Hollywood Reporter, the streaming service said: "Netflix will not be involved with any further production of House of Cards that includes Kevin Spacey.

"We have also decided we will not be moving forward with the release of the film Gore, which was in post-production, starring and produced by Kevin Spacey."

Kevin Spacey in 60 seconds

Netflix said it had also canned a biopic of US writer Gore Vidal, produced by Spacey, that had completed filming and was due for release in 2018.

On Thursday it emerged that the Metropolitan Police had opened an investigation into an allegation of sexual assault made against the star.

It is understood officers from the Met's child abuse and sexual offences command are looking into claims Spacey sexually assaulted a man in Lambeth in 2008.

The Met declined to identify the alleged attacker but said in a statement: "On Wednesday, 1 November, City of London Police referred an allegation of sexual assault to the Metropolitan Police Service.

"It is alleged a man assaulted another man in 2008 in Lambeth.

"Officers from the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command are investigating."

City of London Police confirmed they had referred an allegation of sexual assault from 2008 in Lambeth to Scotland Yard.

Production was halted on the sixth season of House of Cards after historical allegations of inappropriate behaviour against the star began to emerge.

Actor Anthony Rapp claimed Spacey had placed him on a bed and climbed on top of him following a party at his apartment in 1986.

The former artistic director of the Old Vic Theatre would have been 26 at the time of the alleged incident, while Rapp would have been 14.

Following Rapp's allegation in a BuzzFeed interview, Spacey said in a post on Twitter he did not remember the alleged incident and announced he is living as a gay man.

Several men have spoken out against Spacey, including a West Sussex barman who alleged the actor offered him a 5,000 watch when he was 19-years-old to keep him quiet after exposing himself. An unknown UK journalist, and the filmmaker Tony Montana, also made allegations.

Another man also came forward to the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme alleging that he woke up to find Spacey lying on top of him.

And on Thursday, actor Roberto Cavazos, who worked at Londons Old Vic theatre where Spacey was artistic director between 2004 and 2015, said he had had encounters with Spacey "that verged on what you could call harassment".

Eight House of Cards employees have also accused Spacey of sexual misconduct.

Spacey's talent agency, CAA, is no longer representing the actor amid the growing claims of sexual harassment, according to Associated Press.

On Wednesday, Spacey's representative said the actor was "taking the time necessary to seek evaluation and treatment" in light of the allegations.

His lawyers have been contacted for comment.
T atler has apologised to former Downton Abbey star Daisy Lewis after it said that the actress was "probably fun in bed".

The remarks appeared in the Little Black Book segment of the magazine alongside a picture of the British star

It read: "As Daisy is quite small, you might be tricked into believing she's quiet. LOL. She isn't. This actress is LOUD.

"Which makes her fun at a party. And in bed probably."

Former Downton Abbey star Daisy Lewis / Getty Images

Ms Lewis issued a statement on social media which said: "I'm really shocked and upset by this. But thankfully I'm loud enough to say it.

"Does anyone at Tatler read the news?"

It comes as a sexual harassment scandal sweeps Hollywood. Men and women have come forward with stories about unwanted sexual advances, assault and other sexual misconduct by prominent Hollywood figures including Dustin Hoffman, Harvey Weinsten and Kevin Spacey.

A tweet shared from the magazine's official account said: "Tatler apologises unreservedly to Daisy Lewis. We will also be publishing a full apology in the next issue."

Tatler faced a furious backlash after Ms Lewis tweeted a picture of the magazine. She was inundated with messages of support.

Playwright Rebecca Lenkiewicz said: "Daisy Lewis writer of words and thoughts... something this pseudo journalist is incapable of... it takes bravery to write. Tatler gibberish."

Philippa Perry wrote: "Christ Daisy that's such sexist crap. Apologise and go on a course @TatlerUK."

Another person wrote: "Does anyone still read Tatler is the question? They won't bother now, this article makes the Beano look intellectual in comparison."

Ms Lewis played local schoolteacher Miss Sarah Bunting in Downton Abbey. She also starred opposite Michael Gambon and Lindsay Duncan in Churchill's Secret
In late 2017 the U.S. Army ordered another 1,500 M982 GPS guided Excalibur 155mm artillery shells, to be delivered by 2019. These are expensive shells, costing over $60,000 each (more than a hundred times what a traditional unguided shell goes for),While there are cheaper alternatives the Excalibur has proved the most accurate option and remains in demand for those situations where too much accuracy is not enough. The cheaper alternative, the M1156 PGK (Projectile Guidance Kit) can turn any 155mm shell into a GPS guided one but it generally lands 3-5 times farther away from the target than Excalibur, is less reliable but costs about 70 percent less than Excalibur. PGK showed up seven years after Excalibur and proved effective enough to gain a lot of sales that would otherwise have gone to Excalibur. But the need for extreme accuracy was still there and so was the demand for Excalibur.

Nearly a thousand Excalibur shells have been used already and have proved reliable and very accurate (landing within two meters of where aimed). Troops who have a choice still preferred Excalibur. But in combat there are many situations where a little less accuracy, and a much lower cost per shell, is nore important. That proved to be true when a cheaper, but less accurate, alternative to Excalibur showed up. The cheaper alternative was more likely to be available and most troops could not tell the difference except in rare situations were that extra bit of accuracy and reliability was a matter of life or death. Experienced combat troops have encountered these situations, especially when fighting in densely built urban areas, where the more accurate Excalibur is a life saver, enabling friendly troops to get closer to the enemy and still call in artillery fire and that making the enemy use of nearby civilians as human shields much less effective.

Both Excalibur and PGK provide unprecedented accuracy. An unguided shell will normally land within 267 meters of where it is aimed at maximum howitzer range (18 kilometers). The original Excalibur shell was built to always land within 10 meters of the target and subsequent upgrades have reduced that to about two meters. But PGK was a lot cheaper, got to be nearly as accurate as the early Excalibur and turned any unguided shell into a GPS guided one. The U.S. Army sent the first PGKs to Afghanistan in 2013, after successful testing in the United States. The big question was how important would the troops find the accuracy and reliability differences between Excalibur and PGK. Initially the army bought 2,400 PGKs and the U.S. Marine Corps got 700. There was one export customer. Australia ordered 4,000 PGKs and it was the Australians and other export customers who made PGK the preferred solution for GPS guided shells. The Australians had used Excalibur and were even more discouraged by the high price. But PGK was a bargain and more flexible in comparison to Excalibur.

Thus while Excalibur revolutionized the use of artillery when it appeared in 2005, it has been largely displaced by the smaller, less capable but much cheaper PGK alternative. In mid-2017 the U.S. Army ordered another 5,600 PGK fuzes for 155mm artillery shells. A year earlier M1156 was cleared for mass production. Up until mid-2016 4,800 PGKs has been produced under a limited production arrangement. But because of growing export orders and the fact that PGK cost so much less than the more accurate competition the U.S. Army has decided to stock up on the PGK in a big way.

With PGK the army has two GPS guided artillery shells; the older, more accurate and expensive Excalibur and the new M1156 PGK. The advantage PGK has is that the GPS guidance is not built into a shell but instead it is a slightly heavier (about 1.4 kg/3 pounds) and larger fuze that screws into the front of a 155mm. This PGK fuze contains a GPS and small fins to guide the shell to a precision hit. Normally the fuze just controls how the shell will explode or when (using a timer or small radar). No one had been able to put a GPS guidance in such a small package but many have been trying for several decades.

The original (2009) version of PGK was much less precise than Excalibur and could only ensure that the shell landed within 50 meters (160 feet) of the target. If it did not hit within 150 meters, PGK deactivated and the shell dose not explode. In original version of PGK was subsequently tweaked so that by 2012 it landed within 32 meters (100 feet). By 2012 PGK was been further improved to put a guided shell within 19 meters (60 feet). By 2015 accuracy was improved to 10 meters or less and the reliability problems largely eliminated as the PGK was now over 90 percent reliable.

Meanwhile early users noted that the less accurate PGK was adequate for most missions requiring a guided shell, but not all situations. Potential export customers were particularly eager because they had plenty of 155mm shells and word of the PGK accuracy and reliability improvements had gotten around, especially customer satisfaction comments from troops who called in PGK fire during combat. The lower cost was a big deal because it meant units could have a lot more access to GPS guided artillery fire when using PGK fuzes. Excalibur was so expensive that it was made available in limited quantities.

By 2015 the U.S. Army was thinking of buying over 20,000 PGKs, but thought that would take a lot longer with the increasing budget cuts. The success of PGK in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan plus growing demand from allies threatened by Russia or North Korea has made PGK a much more popular solution for those wanting GPS guided artillery shells and shrinking ammo budgets turned into demands that stockpiles be replenished and expanded. During 2017 the heavy urban combat in Iraq and Syria saw heavy demand for guided 155mm shells and the American supported infantry were often accompanied by U.S. Special Forces advisors who noted many situations where the additional accuracy of Excalibur was worth the price.

When artillery units had used both they still preferred the more accurate and reliable Excalibur. But they also found PGK could do the job just as well as Excalibur simply by firing two PGK shells to ensure the target was hit. This was still cheaper (by about half) compared to Excalibur. But for the ground troops who were calling for the artillery fired, one, more accurate, 155mm shell was preferred.

The manufacturer of Excalibur tried to cope by developing a dual mode version that all allows for use of a laser designator. This provides even more accuracy, usually putting the shell within a meter or two (less than seven feet) of the aiming point. Excalibur is often called in when precision is the main requirement and this dual mode version provides the greatest accuracy available with any guided munition. But this level of accuracy is rarely needed from 155mm artillery and the infantry often have guided missiles or helicopters armed with Hellfire to take care of the targets that required laser accuracy. Most of the time having PGK guided shells was good enough and often a lifesaver.

The Excalibur shell cost went below $70,000 each by 2016, which wss down from $150,000 each when Excalibur first entered service in 2007. Ultimately the price was to get down to $50,000, which some say has already been achieved if you dont count development costs. But as a practical matter the much cheaper and almost as accurate PGK means less demand for Excalibur and less likelihood that the per-shell price will come down. Meanwhile development work continues. In addition to the laser guidance option Excalibur shells had range increased from 25 to 40 kilometers. Because Excalibur uses a lot of Swedish technology the Swedes will continue development if the United States drops out. The U.S. Army spent millions to develop the highly accurate M982 Excalibur GPS/laser guided 155mm artillery shell. But because so many other weapons have shown up with the same kind of accuracy, Excalibur was not called on nearly as much as originally believed. Excalibur was less frequently used than anticipated and orders for these weapons had to be reduced. By 2016 the army has bought or ordered only 6,876 Excalibur shells.

There were other factors that reduced demand for Excalibur shells; there were a lot of other precision munitions available to take out targets before Excalibur got a chance to. Since the late 1990s theres been a growing number of other GPS (or laser) guided weapons put into service. The GPS guided MLRS (GMLRS) rocket has been especially popular. And the army uses a lot of laser guided Hellfire missiles, fired from AH-64 helicopter gunships or UAVs. In addition to the reduction in Excalibur production, the army cut orders for GPS guided 120mm mortar shells (introduced in 2011) after a year of use.

The army wants to build up its stockpile of Excalibur and PGK, but because Excalibur got into service first and proved more accurate and reliable than the later PGK the army is stocking up on Excalibur first, and then the cheaper (and improving) PGK. Ultimately items like PGK will replace Excalibur, but for now Excalibur is the more mature and effective technology. But if there is a major war, the cheaper and easier to produce PGK will be the more practical choice because production can be increased more quickly and the PGK is a lot easier and cheaper to store and transport.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 12:17:05|Editor: Yurou

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NEW DELHI, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- India successfully tested indigenously-developed light weight guided bombs in eastern state of Odisha, defense ministry officials said Saturday.

The tests were made from an Indian Air Force aircraft at the Integrated Test Range, off the coast in Chandipur.

The SAAW (Smart Anti Airfield Weapon), released from the aircraft and guided through precision navigation system, reached the targets with high accuracies.

"A total of three tests with different release conditions and ranges were conducted and all were successful," a statement released by India's defense ministry said.

According to officials, the guided bomb is developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) along with other laboratories of DRDO and the Indian Air Force.

Indian Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman congratulated the DRDO scientists and the Indian Air Force for the successful tests.
On Tuesday, Brazilian President-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva met with envoys from the U.S. and China in the framework of the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference. | Read More
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 13:52:19|Editor: Liangyu

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NEW DELHI, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- At least three persons have been killed and more than 10 others injured in a stampede in eastern Indian state of Bihar Saturday, police said.

"The stampede broke out this morning at Simaria Ghat (bathing spot) on the banks of the river Ganges in the state's Begusarai district, where hundreds of devotees had gathered to take a holy dip on the occasion of Hindu festival of Kartik Purnima," a police official said.

While three persons died on the spot, those injured have been rushed to a nearby government hospital by local residents, the official said, adding, "some of the injured are said to be in critical condition and may be shifted to a hospital in state capital Patna."

Local TV channels showed footage of the crowded bathing spot where the incident took place and reported that a rumor led to a stampede.

Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has expressed grief over the incident and also announced a compensation of 400,000 rupees (6,000 U.S. dollars) each to the families of those killed in the stampede at Simaria Ghat.

"A probe has been ordered into the incident," the official said.

Kartik Purnima is an auspicious day for Hindus and celebrated on the 15th lunar day in the month of Kartik (according to Hindu calendar) with much gusto in several parts of India.
One of the victims of the Walmart shooting, Victor Vasquez, a young father. (Screenshot via GoFundme)

3 Killed in Random Walmart Shooting Identified

The three people fatally shot at a suburban Walmart in Denver, Colorado were identified after police took suspect Scott Ostrem, 47, into custody.

The Nov. 1, Wednesday night shooting took the lives of a grandfather, a grandmother, and a young father with another child on the way, CBS News reported.

All three victims were identified by the Adams & Broomfield counties coroner.

Officials called the incident a random shooting, as they continue the investigation and search for a motive.

Grandfather Carlos Moreno, 66, was a longtime maintenance worker for a group universities in downtown Denver, according to CBS.

Moreno took his large family on trips to the mountains near Rocky Mountain National Park to explore wildlife, and to Sea World in Texas, cousin Russ Cordova told CBS.

The victim was described as a Broncos fan, and avid fisherman with an adventurous spirit of exploring and adventure.

A very loving, passionate, and sociable person, Cordova told the network. People just navigated toward him and latched onto him. Hed just take them under his wing.

The grandfather worked as a structural trades technician at the Auraria Higher Education Center, center spokesman Blaine Nickerson said.

The death leaves a big hole in both his department and the campus as a whole, Nickerson told CBS Denver.

He always had a smile on his face. He often had a Road Runners hat from Metro State University, again he took a lot of pride in the campus, was a very can-do attitude kind of person and genuinely cared about what we were doing with the students and staff here on campus, Nickerson told CBS Denver.

Pamela Marques, 52, was a proud mother and grandmother as well. Her niece said that her life revolved around her daughters and granddaughter, CBS News reported.

They were her life, Anntionette Marque said in a Facebook message. Shes generous, caring,  and her smile is contagious.

Her niece said the mothers daughter remains in disbelief over the sudden death.

On the day of the shooting, Pamela Marques was with her husband at Walmart, the niece said.

Father Victor Vasquez, 26 had two daughters and a third child on the way, when he was fatally shot at Walmart, according to a GoFundMe page set up by his family.

As many of you have heard, there was a shooting at the Thornton Walmart. One of the fallen was Victor Vasquez, a father of two beautiful little girls with another child on the way. We are starting a go fund me to help out his fiance, Alexis, his mom Jovita, and his children the page read.

All donations will be used to help fund his funeral services and any other needs the family may encounter. As of writing on Friday, Nov. 3 the GoFundMe page garnered $23,601 out of the $25,000 goal.
Accused Killer of Mother of Bride-to-Be Faces Judge

Jeffrey Scullin, accused killer of his future mother-in-law Melinda Pleskovic, made his first court appearance on Friday, Nov. 3, reported WKYC Channel 3 news.

Scullin, who lived in the victims house and was poised to marry her daughter, was charged with murder in conjunction with the shooting and stabbing death of the Ohio sixth grade teacher.

Pleskovic was found dead in her home earlier this week, according to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiners Office.

Investigators linked Scullin to the killing after a search of his truck turned up a knife with Pleskovics blood on it and Scullins DNA.

Strongsville police arrest future son-in-law in murder of teacher https://t.co/jfearCobEg pic.twitter.com/kiffC5kyOf  fox8news (@fox8news) November 1, 2017

It was Scullin who made the initial 911 call from the crime scenethe kitchen of the victims Blazing Star Drive home in the Cleveland suburb of Strongsville.

We found her in the kitchen. Shes not moving, Scullin told the dispatcher.

Theres a lot of blood, he said.

A recording of the 911 call can be heard here in its entirety.

The victims husband, also on location, made a separate call to 911 reporting the incident.

I think my wife is dead, Bruce Pleskovic told 911.

Here's another part of the 911 call from Strongsville. Husband of Melinda Pleskovic says he called for help when he got home. @wews pic.twitter.com/SqWjNjpj1h  Meg Shaw (@MegDShaw) October 24, 2017

Scullins bond was set at $1 million in the Friday arraignment in Cuyahoga County and he faces a grand jury on Nov. 13.

The accused had been living with the Pleskovic family and had fathered a child with Melindas daughter, Anna. The two planned to marry last Saturday, but the wedding was canceled for Pleskovics funeral, at which Scullin was a pallbearer.

The murder followed multiple reports of suspicious incidents at the Pleskovic home since 2016, ranging from harassment to attempted break-ins, reports Clevelands Fox 8 News.
Tourists ride camels in Egypt's Red Sea resort. Laura Plummer was heading for a break at a Red Sea resort before she was detained. (STR/AFP/Getty Images)

British Woman Detained in Egypt for Carrying Painkillers

Egyptian authorities have detained a British woman who entered the country with painkillers for her husbands sore back.

Laura Plummer, 33, from Kingston upon Hull was taken into custody for carrying prescription tramadol tablets in her suitcase, reports said.

She was visiting her Egyptian husband, Omar to take a two-week break near a Red Sea resort.

She had no idea she was doing anything wrong, Lauras mother, Roberta Sinclair told The Sun.The painkillers were placed at the top of her suitcase, she wasnt hiding them.

She added, Weve been told shes facing either 25 years in prison or the death penalty. Were beside ourselves worrying that theyll make an example of her.

The newspaper said that the 33-year-old was held for five hours at the airport and signed a 38-page statement in Arabic that she thought would see her leave. But, shes been held with 25 other women in a 15-foot by 15-foot cell for nearly a month.

Tramadol has a strong potency and is similar to morphine. It is legal in Britain as prescription medication, but it is not legal in Egypt, where it is used by some as a substitute for heroin, reported the Guardian.

Briton Laura Plummer, arrested, cld face 25 yrs in prison after flying into Egypt with 25 worth of painkiller Tramadol for husband's back pic.twitter.com/Eor6qerlHZ  Zora Suleman (@ZoraSuleman) November 3, 2017

Lauras sister Jayne who visited her in Egypt described Laura as looking like a little child who kept pleading please help me, please help me.

She is still wearing the same clothes she flew out in, Jayne told The Sun.

When she came into court that first time she looked dead behind the eyes and was handcuffed to a 6-foot 4-inch policeman holding a machine gun, she said.

An online petition to help free Laura from Egypt describes her carrying 23 ($38) worth of the prescription painkiller Tramadol as just an innocent mistake.

The last text message she sent was to her father, Neville and said, Im in trouble and I need your help, according to the Mail Online.

Laura had 29 strips of 10 tramadol tablets for her Egyptian husbands bad back, the website reported. She had flown to Hurghada airport to go on holiday with her husband, who she meets with four times a year.

Her family have now reportedly spent 10,000 ($13,000 ) on legal bills.

Lauras brother, James feared that she could face the death penalty.

Its just blown out of proportion completely, he said, per the Press Association.

Shes so by the book, so routine, she just likes her own home comforts, watches Emmerdale every night or things like that, going to bed at nine oclock every night, he said.

She has a phobia of using anybody elses toilet, so let alone sharing a toilet and a floor with everybody else. That will be awful for her, itll be traumatising.

He added, Its awful for Laura  shes not a tough person at all. Shes only small.

A Foreign Office spokesman told the Press Association that they are supporting the British woman and her family following her detention.
Isabelle Lagace pleaded guilty to attempting to smuggle cocaine into Australia has been sentenced to five years in prison. (Instagram)

Canadian Pleads Guilty to Smuggling 200 Pounds of Cocaine Into Australia

A Canadian woman who pleaded guilty to attempting to smuggle cocaine into Australia has been sentenced to five years in prison.

Isabelle Lagace, a 29-year-old part-time actress and model said she only agreed to carry the drugs because she was $21,000 in debt.

Lagace was traveling with two other Canadian nationals. Altogether, the three had over 200 pounds of cocaine in their suitcases.

This was the largest Australian seizure of narcotics carried by passengers of a cruise ship or airliner, according to Tim Fitzgerald, New South Wales regional commander for the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

The maximum penalty would have been life in prison.

Luxury Drug Cruise

Lagace and her two companions, 23-year-old Melina Roberge and 64-year-old Andre Tamineall residents of the area around Montreal, Canadaboarded a Sea Princess ocean liner for a 51-day, multi-country cruise on July 9, 2016. The ship, departing Dover, England, was due to stop at a dozen different ports before docking in Sydney, Australia.

It is not yet known how the three planned the cruise. Though they all lived in the same Canadian province, they didnt appear to know each other.

Both young ladies were active on social media, but were not Facebook friends or followers.

The Australian Border Force (ABF) believe the three were working for an international drug-smuggling syndicate.

Commander Fitzgerald said that Australian officials had done a significant amount of risk assessment on the passengers aboard the vessel prior to its arrival in Sydney and were able to identify high risk passengers.The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Canadian Border Services Agency helped identify the three people arrested as high-risk passengers.

Among the stops the boat made were layovers in Cartagena, Colombia; Manta, Ecuador; Lima, Peru; and Valparaiso, Chile. Colombia and Peru are two of the largest cocaine producers in the world. Ecuador is believed to be a major trafficking hub and Chile is a major transit point for cocaine headed to Australia.

Australian Border Force officers brought drug-sniffing dogs to the cabins of the three suspects. A suitcase in the cabin shared by Lagace and Roberge contained approximately 35 kilograms (77 pounds) of cocaine, Fitzgerald said.

During a second search of a cabin where a Canadian male national was residing, again officers interdicted and identified a number of suitcases that were locked in that particular cabin, Fitzgerald added. Subsequently, opening those suitcases, we detected 60 kilograms (132 pounds) of cocaine. So as a result, there was three arrests.

The drugs are valued $23 million.

Working Off a Debt

Lagasse, a high-school graduate who had enrolled in a business and restaurant hospitality course in 2008, found a new job in 2016, possibly involving risque modeling or movies. Lagace described the job as a new work environment allowed me to borrow money from certain people for a new start in life.

She borrowed $20,000 from an undisclosed source, spending $15,000 on a new car and paying off debts, leaving her with $5000 at the time she embarked on the cruise.

When she was unable to pay back the loan, she was offered the chance to make good on her debt by taking the cruise and delivering the drugs.

I was to provide my bag to another passenger who would insert what I understood to be an illegal substance, she said in her affidavit.

Judge Kate Traill decided Lagace displayed contrition and remorse, at her trial, and had very good prospects of rehabilitation, but rejected Lagaces claim that she had no option and acted under duress.

The judge pointed out that Lagace still had $5000 which she could have used to defray her debt, and also had a supportive family which might have assisted her.

I have embarrassed my family, my friends myself, Lagace said in her affidavit. It pains me to know my most defining years of womanhood will be spent in jail  I feel remorse and anger at myself about being involved with people who are part of a dirty, dirty drug trade.

Lagace was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in jail, but with good behavior, she could be out by 2021.

Crown Prosecutor Lincoln Crowley told the court that although the Crown case against Roberge was circumstantial, it seemed unlikely that the two young ladies could have traveled so many thousands of miles in the tiny cabin with a suitcase packed with millions of dollars worth of cocaine and never mentioned it to one another.

Added to this was the fact that Roberge apparently had very little other luggage, but had a mobile phone and a Blackberry. Roberge allegedly told investigators you wont be getting that when they asked for its password, the Sun reported.

The Court will decide on Dec. 21 whether to try Roberge. Andre Tamine is set to go to trial in February, 2018.

From NTD.tv
An ambulance leaves the concert venue after a mass shooting at a music festival on the Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas, Oct. 1, 2017. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun/Reuters}

Clark County Fire Department Releases Audio of Radio Traffic From Mandalay Bay Massacre

The Clark County Fire Department released three hours of radio traffic recordings on Friday, Nov. 3, from the night of the Las Vegas shooting massacre.

The transmissions show the chaos that unfolded starting at 10 p.m. on Oct.1 when alleged gunman Stephen Paddock opened fire on the crowd attending the Route 91 Harvest music festival killing 58 people and injuring more than 500 before he turned the gun on himself.

The recordings reveal that the first ambulances arrived on the concert grounds 25 minutes after the shooting began.

The initial arriving units were swamped with patients running away from the ground, Fire Chief Greg Cassell told Las Vegas Review-Journal. They just couldnt get there.

The files also show an erroneous report, about two hours into the recording, that the University Medical Center (UMC) has run out of beds. The UMC is the states only level 1 trauma center. It took 30 minutes to clear up the confusion.

The emergency communications also reveal that first responders ran out of ambulances and had to improvise.

Chief, were currently loading patients into private vehicles. We have no more ambulances, and were getting pickup trucks full of patients coming in, Engine 11 reported from near the intersection of Tropicana Avenue and Koval Lane.

The audio recordings also show that shootings were reported at six hotels and the McCarran International Airport. Reports of shots fired came from the New York-New York, MGM Grand, Tropicana Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood Resort, Caesars Palace, and Hooters Hotel.

The fire chief told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that the reports were erroneous. Cassell said that as victims fled to nearby hotels people inside those buildings thought that the shooting occurred there.

The radio traffic from the police department also showed that multiple active shooters were reported at multiple hotels.

Cassell praised his personnel for a calm and composed reaction to the deadliest shooting in modern U.S. history.

Theyre able to stay that calm because we practice radio discipline, we preach radio discipline, he said. If someone had put that in front of me and I hadnt known what happened, I would have thought it was a drill because of how professional and calm everyone sounded.

Listen to the full audio:

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Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 14:07:21|Editor: Liangyu

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KABUL, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- A fire broke out at a market opposite to Shah-e-Doshamshira, a well-known mosque, in downtown Kabul on Saturday, gutting numerous shops, a senior police official said.

"The fire broke out early Saturday morning in Timoor Shahi locality of Police District 1 after second floor of a line of two-storey buildings caught fire. The fire was put off by fire department personnel within hours," Abdul Azim Uryakhil told Xinhua near the site.

The blaze sent a thick black smoke to rise in the area, which is located near to the business hub in the city.

Several shops used as warehouses by local traders were damaged on the second floors.

The reason behind the fire, the shopkeepers said, was explosion of a gas-balloon.

An investigation was underway to ascertain how much property losses, the incident had left, but no death or injuries have been reported, the police official said.
Fathers Life Insurance Paid Bond for Daughter Who Allegedly Killed Him

Prosecutors want to reverse the bond for a teenage girl accused of killing her father after her mother allegedly used money from the dead mans life insurance to pay the bond.

The girl, whose name is omitted as shes a minor, allegedly picked up a 9mm handgun on Feb. 23, loaded it, and shot her 71-year-old father, James Ponder, in the head as he laid in bed.

I just shot my dad, she told a 911 dispatcher in a sobful call moments after the shooting.

Police arrested the 14-year-old high school freshman in the driveway of the Hamilton, Ohio, family home.

The girl, now 15, was indicted for aggravated murder by a Butler County grand jury and is being tried by the countys Juvenile Court Judge Kathleen Romans. Prosecutors unsuccessfully requested she be tried as an adult. As a juvenile offender she was entitled to a bond, set at $300,000, Journal-News reported.

Only 10 percent of the bond was required for her release. The $30,000 was paid in September and she was placed on home incarceration at her grandmotherswith an electronic monitoring device.

On Sept. 29, however, the prosecutors requested the bond be revoked.

Ponders son, James Ponder Jr., filed an affidavit stating the bond was paid from a $250,000 benefit his step-mother, Heidi Ponder, received from the dead mans life insurance.

I have knowledge that my step-mother  posted the bond for [the teen] in the amount of $30,000 out of funds from the life insurance benefit, he said.

He said the defense for his half-sister is also paid from the insurance.

Defense attorney Matthew Fritsch has requested a psychological evaluation of the girl. He also sought to suppress her statement to the police after she was arrested and to ban media from pre-trial hearings.

He reasoned the girl didnt understand her Miranda rights because she doesnt know what it meant to remain silent, according to Journal-News.

No motive for the murder has been presented in court.
Fund Manager of Major Democrat Financier Accused of Rape and Torture

A former portfolio manager for an investment fund of Democrat financier George Soros is being sued for $27 million by three women who claim he brutally raped and beat them in a penthouse dungeon.

The lawsuit is against Howie Rubin, a 62-year-old married father of two, who allegedly carried out his acts in an $8 million penthouse in Metropolitan Tower, according to the New York Post. He allegedly carried out his acts in a side room with ropes and chains.

The three plaintiffs remain unnamed, but include two Playboy Playmates. Rubin allegedly paid women $2,000 to $5,000 for each session, and the plaintiffs claim, according to court papers cited by New York Post, that he raped and beat them to the point that they needed extensive medical attention.

It states Rubin gagged, tied up and viciously abused the women, allegedly punched one in the head, and allegedly told one of his victims, Im going to rape you like I rape my daughter.

The report explains several other brutal attacks on the women allegedly carried out by Rubin. It states that Rubin is declining to comment.

Jeremy Saland, a lawyer representing one of the women, told the New York Post that While arrogance and self-import may convince certain men otherwise, neither money nor power gives any person the right to victimize a woman.

Rubin is a portfolio manager for Soros Fund Management, LLC. According to MS Cure for a Hope, which lists him as a director, Rubin had been retired but was coaxed back to work by George Soros to run the Mortgage-Backed Securities Fund of Soros Fund Management, LLC.

Soros is a controversial multi-billionaire who has financed numerous revolutions around the world, several far-left organizations in the United States, and Democrat political campaigns.

A We the People petition to the White House in August called for Soros to be labeled a terrorist, alleging that he willfully and on an ongoing basis attempted to destabilize and otherwise commit acts of sedition against the United States and its citizens.

The petition received 151,417 signatures, more than 100,000 required to get a response from the White House.

Soros is described in Chinese military doctrine as a financial terrorist, and a key Chinese military document from 1999, Unrestricted Warfare, describes Soros as a model for the Chinese Communist Partys financial warfare strategies.

The typical characteristics of terrorism including being transnational, concealed, without rules, and tremendously destructive, have given us reason to call it financial terrorism, the document states, adding, Judging by this kind of standard, who can say that George Soros is not a financial terrorist?

The charges against Rubin follow a series of sexual assault and rape accusations on numerous key figures in Hollywood, news agencies, and political circles. They began after a New York Times report from Oct. 5 exposed sexual harassment accusations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.

After Weinsteins alleged victims stepped forward, other victims of rape, sexual harassment, and assault also began to come forward.

Among the latest cases were NPRs senior vice president of news Michael Oreskes who stepped down on Nov. 1 amid allegations of sexual harassment; actress Paz de la Huerta alleging on Nov. 2 that Weinstein raped her twice; and child actor Corey Feldman re-emerging to expose what he says is a pedophile ring in Hollywood.

Meanwhile, actor Kevin Spacey is being accused of making sexual advances on a 14-year-old boy, and on Nov. 2 Spacey was accused of sexual misconduct by eight employees on the House of Cards show where he starred.

Spacey was caught up in similar accusations in 2015, after details emerged on billionaire convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. He ran his notorious Lolita Express, which allegedly held underage girls as sex slaves. Epstein allegedly invited men to engage in group pedophilia.

After Epstein was exposed, according to the UK Independent, it was also exposed that others including Spacey, Chris Tucker, and Bill Clinton flew on the Lolita Express.

The Daily Mail reported in May 2016 that Epsteins jet was reportedly set up with a bed where guests had group sex with young girls, and that one of the girls, Virginia Giuffre, claims she was held as a sex slave in Epsteins harem when she was just 15 years old.

Fox News reported in May 2016, citing flight logs, that Bill Clinton took at least 26 trips aboard the Lolita Express,' and allegedly ditched his Secret Service details for at least five of the flights.
Grumpy Farmer Writes Giant Apology in Field

A police helicopter got caught up in the delivery of a romantic apology when the pilot spotted the giant writingSue x mysteriously written in a field.

The British police helicopter was flying over the Oxfordshire countryside when the pilot spotted some giant lettering in a field.

Not knowing the reason behind the message, the Benson National Police Air Service (NPAS) tweeted a picture, commenting: Does anyone know Sue just south of Tetsworth, the other side of the M40?! WhoIsSue?

Over 600 retweets, and a lot of amused speculation later, and they had the answer: Sue was the wife of the farmer who owned the field.

Farmer Murray Graham had written the lettering into his field with crop-spray, as a romantic apology to his wife for being too grumpy.

He had used GPS-guided crop-spraying on his tractor to etch out the message.

Expecting the message to remain hidden from his wife, Graham had been waiting for the writing to appear in the field and then to get his son, a pilot, to take a picture.

Does anyone know Sue just south of #Tetsworth, the other side of the M40?! #WhoIsSue #p1526 pic.twitter.com/OhBIVqbyey  NPAS Benson (@NPASBenson) November 2, 2017

But the police helicopter beat them to it.

Graham said he was very pleased with how it had all turned out in the end, according to The Telegraph

I had some leftover chemical and I thought Id give it a go and see if I could put a smile on her face, he said.

Graham told BBC Radio Oxford he wanted to prove Im not quite as grumpy and old as perhaps I make out occasionally.

As ever, everything has its ups and downs, so I thought Id try and make a gesture at some point, and that was the one I chose, he said. His son George Graham said that his father had been in the doghouse with his wife because he hadnt been pulling his weight. I dont know if what hes done is sufficient appeasement for Mum, but it certainly caused a stir on social media, he told the BBC. One Twitter user even posted a satellite photograph that showed the message etched into the field on Oct. 27. Here's #suefromspace on the edge of a satellite image! #whoissue @bournemouthuni @BU_Research @ESA_EO @CopernicusEU @NASAEarth @itvmeridian pic.twitter.com/BSztJIdwJx  Andy Ford (@SpatialProf) November 3, 2017

Before Sues identity was revealed, social media users had fun speculating, with some correctly guessing that it was a romantic gesture from farmer to his wife.

Behind this lovely gesture HAS to be a big romantic love story.hopefully! What's the story #Sue from #Tetsworth?! ?  ?Little Parry? (@MadameCupcakes) November 4, 2017

Being police with detectivisty skills, AND a helicopter, maybe you could just ask the farmer! #askingforafriend #getthatbloodythingoffmyland  Justin de Lavison (@doublemeasure) November 3, 2017
'He pulled out a gun and shot him'  casino witness said. (welcomia/Shutterstock)

He Pulled Out a Gun and Shot Him  Witness Describes Bakersfield Casino Shooting

Police say one man was killed and another wounded in a shooting at Golden West Casino in Bakersfield

About a dozen shots rang out just before 6 p.m. on Friday Nov. 3, at the Golden West Casino in South Bakersfield, California, according to a witness interviewed on KBAK Eyewitness News.

Witnesses say an angry patron shot, killed the security guard who wouldnt let him in the casino. KCSO says the suspect is in custody. pic.twitter.com/xKxkIQaQwz  Hanna Battah (@HannaBattah) November 4, 2017

A man identified in an eyewitness interview as Doug, a regular at the Golden West Casino, said a black male got into an argument with a security guard when he was asked for ID. The man then pulled out a gun and shot the guard dead, wounding another. Security personnel returned fire but failed to bring down the shooter, who escaped from the scene of the incident.

When Kern County Sheriffs Department deputies arrived on the scene, they found the security guard dead outside the casino entrance, said spokesman Lt. Ian Chandler. Police did not confirm that a second security guard had been wounded.

The police located a man with a gunshot wound at a nearby market and took him into custody. The department is treating the individual as a person of interest in the shooting, according to Chandler.

More than 100 people were inside the casino at the time of the shooting. None were shot, but some sustained injuries while running for cover.

I saw chaos, straight chaos. It was people going everywhere, they just didnt know what to do, people on the ground. Just chaos, said the eyewitness Doug.

When asked if anything like this had happened before, Doug replied 10 years ago they came in with AK-47s.

Police said the casino has been secured and there is no ongoing threat to the community.
Lebanese Prime Minister Resigns, Saying His Life in Danger

BEIRUTLebanese prime minister Saad al-Hariri resigned on Saturday, saying in a televised broadcast he sensed a plot to target his life and criticizing Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah.

We are living in a climate similar to the atmosphere that prevailed before the assassination of (his father the late prime minister) martyr Rafik al-Hariri. I have sensed what is being plotted covertly to target my life, he said.

In his statement, Hariri said Iran was losing in its interference in the affairs of the Arab world, adding that Lebanon would rise as it had done in the past and cut off the hands that wickedly extend into it.

Hariri became Lebanons prime minister late last year after a political deal that also brought Hezbollah ally Michel Aoun to office as the countrys president.

Hezbollah is politically dominant in Lebanon, but its ties to Iran and its support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have angered some Lebanese.

Hariri has visited Saudi Arabia, a political foe of Iran and Hezbollah, twice in the past week, meeting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other senior officials.

Beirut-based al-Jadeed television reported Hariris resignation statement was made and broadcast from the Saudi capital Riyadh.

By Angus McDowall
The approximate location where Brandon Hurley pulled over an off-duty police officer on Oct. 28, 2017, in Louisville, Ky. (Screenshot via Google Maps; marked by The Epoch Times)

Man Pretends to Be Policeman, Pulls Over Real Officer

A Kentucky man was arrested and accused of impersonating a police officer after he pulled over a driver who happened to be an off-duty policeman.

Brandon Hurley, 24, was driving down Hurstbourne Parkway near New La Grange Road in Louisville on Saturday, Oct. 28, when he turned on flashing lights and honked his horn, making the car in front of him pull over.

Apparently acting as a police officer, Hurley got out of his car, approached the other vehicle, and accused the driver of hitting a curb, WLKY reported. He also asked the driver if he knew how fast he was going.

Hurley told the officer he was not going to issue him a ticket.

The man asked Hurley which department he worked for. Hurley said Jefferson County, but that he didnt have his badge. He then informed Hurley he was a Louisville Metro Police Department officer, except he was off-duty and in his personal car.

The officer asked Hurley for his badge number. But Hurley got back into his car and drove away in the wrong way of traffic.

The officer managed to write down Hurleys license plate number.

Thats just some bad luck theredropping behind a police officer, Judge Sean Delahanty said during a Nov. 1 hearing.

ICYMI: Police said a man in Kentucky was pretending to be a police officer when he pulled over an actual officer https://t.co/TGXu8krKeo  KALB News Channel 5 (@KALBtv5) November 2, 2017

But that wasnt all.

Officer believed he recognized defendant from high school, which is another bad break, Delahanty said.

Louisville police impersonator arrested after pulling over real officer https://t.co/zHUp3HnzlN pic.twitter.com/lcOWmKOWHa  WLKY (@WLKY) November 1, 2017

Hurley was charged with impersonating an officer and second-degree wanton endangerment, for creating a substantial danger of injury to another person.

The judge told Hurley to turn the flashing lights from his car over to the court, and let Hurley go until Nov. 21, when Hurley is due to appear in court.

A similar incident happened three years ago just 10 miles north of Louisville in Sellersburg, Indiana per WLKY. John Brock, 42, pulled up next to an unmarked police car on a red light, gestured at the off-duty officer to pull down his window, and then spewed profanities at the officer while flashing a real-looking badge.

Both cars moved on upon green light, but the officer followed Brock to a store and called for backup. Brock was arrested for drunk driving with suspended license and for impersonating an officer.
A man pulled gun on a McDonald's drive-thru employee because the restaurant was out of Egg McMuffins. (Philip Lange / Shutterstock)

Man Pulls Gun at McDonalds, Angry Over No More Egg McMuffins

A police manhunt is on for a disgruntled McDonalds customer who threatened a drive-thru worker with a gun after being told the restaurant was out of Egg McMuffins.

Police said the fast-food restaurant employee told them the male driver shouted obscenities at her and brandished a firearm when told none of the breakfast sandwiches were available for him and his passenger, according to the Associated Press. The driver then continued to curse at the worker and drove away with his companion.

Police say the man pulled out a gun after being told there were no McMuffin sandwiches available https://t.co/6npUqylnmP  Las Vegas RJ (@reviewjournal) November 2, 2017

Police say the man pulled out a gun after being told there were no McMuffin sandwiches available.

The employee said she had never seen the two suspects before and provided a description to the authorities, according to the police report.

The two men inside the car, who remain at large, are said to be around 20 years old, according to the Vindicator.

Local investigators intend to rely on surveillance footage and the victims eyewitness account to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

The incident occurred shortly after 3:30 a.m. at a McDonalds in Warren, a small town in Northeast Ohio.
The approximate location where Douglas Parsons spent the night trapped in his crashed car near Scappoose, Ore., on Nov. 2, 2017. (Screenshot via Google Maps)

Man Trapped in Car for 12 Hours After Crash

A man spent some 12 hours trapped in his car after he got off the road and crashed into trees in Columbia County, Oregon.

Douglas Parsons, 45, was driving down the Dutch Canyon Road near Scappoose, some 10 miles northwest of Portland on Thursday, Nov. 2, at about 8:30 p.m. when he drove his car over an embankment, and pinned it against trees.

BREAKING: rescuers doing rope rescue of man whose car went over embankment. He told rescuers crash happened at 8 LAST NIGHT! Info #LiveOnK2 pic.twitter.com/T8V6oBrMiV  Mike Warner (@MikeKATU) November 3, 2017

A disabled veteran, Parsons couldnt free himself or reach his cellphone. He waved a flashlight at cars passing by, but nobody saw him or stopped.

Dave Miller walked across his pasture on Friday morning, spotted the car, and called police.

Firefighters had to cut off the roof of Parsonss Subaru and it took six of them and a rope to lift him out of the wreck.

WOW! man trapped in crashed car since 8-ish last night near Scappoose. Non-life threatening injuries. Great job rescuers! Info #LiveOnK2 pic.twitter.com/8jJ1wKUNue  Mike Warner (@MikeKATU) November 3, 2017

He was talking while they were cutting him out and everything. But hes going to have a long road, Miller told KATU 2.

Parsons was taken to a hospital with broken ribs and swelling caused by the seat belt. He was being held in the hospital overnight as a precaution.

Update: man has been removed from car and transported. This is off Dutch Canyon Rd. near Scappoose. Gathering info #LiveOnK2 https://t.co/hSoyBK0bay  Mike Warner (@MikeKATU) November 3, 2017

Speed and road conditions likely contributed to the crash, according to the Columbia County Sheriffs Office, KATU 2 reported.

Miller, who lived in the area for 30 years, said he saw two cars go off the road on the same curve. The county is considering installing a guardrail along that part of the road.

The county is considering putting a guard rail here. No update on the drivers condition, witnesses say hes badly bruised. #LiveOnK2 https://t.co/hH5BtfkePW  Reed Andrews (@ReedKATU) November 3, 2017

A similar situation occurred two years ago in Pennsylvania. A driver crashed into a creek in Montgomery County and only the next day, after about nine hours, did a police officer noticed the car and called for a rescue. The firefighters had to cut off the doors and the dashboard to free the man.
North Koreans watch a statement delivered by dictator Kim Jong Un on a television screen outside of the railway station in Pyongyang on Sept. 22, 2017. (ED JONES/AFP/Getty Images)

North Korea Admits Its Hurting Under Sanctions

U.S.-led sanctions imposed on North Korea are starting to have an impact on the reclusive communist state.

North Koreas regime, which frequently boasts of being a model socialist country, has been forced to admit just how much of an impact the sanctions are having.

In a letter to the United Nations earlier this month, North Koreas envoy described the sanctions as brutal. The diplomats in the letter went as far as describing them as genocide.

Despite decades of poverty under failed communist economic policies, North Korea spends up to 24 percent of its GDP on its military, according to the U.S. State Department. It is also relentlessly pursuing nuclear weaponsat great cost, relative to the size of its economy, whose GDP South Koreas Central Bank estimates to be at $28.5 billion. The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons estimated that in 2011 North Korea spent $700 million on developing nuclear arms. In 2012, CNN quoted South Korea estimating that the North had spent $1.3 billion on two missile launches.

The communist regime has been responsible for several famines resulting in millions of deaths.

Since assuming power following his fathers death in 2011, Kim Jong Un has conducted an estimated 85 ballistic missile tests.

In its letter, North Korea blamed the sanctions for not allowing certain U.N. relief goods to enter the country. However, according to former North Korean defector Ri Jong Ho, the regime uses these relief goods for its military instead of its people. Speaking in New York last month, Ri said he had personally seen North Korean military personnel loading such goods onto military trucks.

The admission by North Korea that the sanctions are working comes after the U.N. security council imposed a new round of them in early September following North Koreas sixth underground nuclear test.

The U.N. sanctions prohibit the sale of natural gas to North Korea and limit the amount of oil that can be sold to it. It also cuts off a vital economic lifeline to North Korea by prohibiting exports of cotton products.

China has given official support for the sanctions, and even went a step further, ordering its banks to stop providing financial services to North Korea. It also ordered North Korean businesses operating in China to close down within 120 days. Russia, on the other hand, has allowed an increase in smuggling traffic to North Korea, providing the isolated nation an important lifeline.

President Donald Trump believes that China can do much more to restrain North Korea.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Joseph Dunford, said in a testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Sept. 26, that China putting economic pressure on North Korea is a key element to avoid war.

The Trump administration has prepared a range of military options while it simultaneously tries to find a diplomatic solution to the problem.

According to National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster, time is running out on a diplomatic solution to North Korea.

CIA Director Mike Pompeo believes that its just a matter of months before North Korea finalizes its nuclear weapons program, giving it the capability to successfully fire a ballistic missile with a nuclear warhead.

North Korea has repeatedly threatened to use such a weapon against the U.S. mainland, South Korea, and Japan. So far North Korea has not shown the ability to launch an ICBM that can successfully leave the atmosphere and return.

The territory of Guam could potentially be reached by North Koreas conventional ballistic missiles.
Sayfullo Saipov, the suspect in the New York City truck attack in this handout photo released Nov. 1, 2017. (St. Charles County Department of Corrections/Handout via Reuters)

NYC Terror Suspect Was Disgruntled, Planned Attack for Year

Sayfullo Saipov, the Uzbek immigrant accused of attacking cyclists and pedestrians in Lower Manhattan with a truck, was unhappy with his life in the United States and, for a year, planned an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack.

Saipov, 29, allegedly killed eight and injured at least 12 in the attack. His aim, however, was to kill as many as possible, according to the federal complaint against him.

He had been preparing for the attack for a year and about two months in advance decided to use a truck. He was motivated by watching on his cellphone propaganda videos by the ISIS terrorist group, the complaint stated.

Investigators are still exploring how exactly Saipov was radicalized, but, based on accounts from his family and acquaintances, he seemed to have had problems adjusting to life in the United States.

Saipov came to America in 2010 after he obtained a green card through the Diversity Immigrant Visa lottery.

But it seems he wasnt particularly eager to become an American. He entered the lottery almost as a joke, his mother, Muqaddas Saipova, told The Wall Street Journal. It came as a surprise to him when he was picked.

He didnt even know what a green card was, Saipova said.

At the time, Saipov was 22 with a fresh degree in accounting from Tashkent Financial Institute. his mother said he had a happy childhood, didnt drink or smoke, and had good grades.

After he came to the United States, he became a truck driver.

For a short time he lived in Cincinnati, then in Cuyahoga Falls near Akron, Ohio, where he got married in 2013.

He was difficult to work with and often yelled at his customers, according to Mirrakhmat Muminov, 38, another truck driver from the small, tight-knit Uzbek community in Cuyahoga Falls.

He wasnt socially attached to the community, not even the Uzbek community, said Azam Haque, a volunteer at the Islamic Society of Akron and Kent, where Saipov attended prayers.

At some point Saipov moved to Florida. His truck engine blew up and he lost his job, Muminov said.

In 2016, Saipov moved to Paterson, New Jerseya home to the second-largest Muslim community in the country. His wife, Nozima Odilova, gave birth to a boy, an addition to their two daughters.

Saipovs mother came to visit him. She said he was unhappy, tired, and wanted to return to Uzbekistan. I saw with my own eyes how much he was working, how hard it was for him, Saipova said. He said, Ill save money, and well build a new house.

By the end of the year, however, Saipov was already planning a terrorist attack, according to the FBI.

He couldnt get a job as a truck driver, a neighbor said, and instead, around May 2017, started driving for Uber, a ride-hailing company.

Around August or September he decided to use a truck for the attack. He rented a truck from Home Depot around Oct. 22 and practiced making turns with it, the complaint states.

https://twitter.com/PoliticalShort/status/925856927267020800/

On Oct. 31, he rented the truck againfor two hours. But he never returned it. Instead, he allegedly drove across the George Washington Bridge into Manhattan, followed south on the West Side Highway, and near Pier 40 entered the adjacent Hudson River bike path and drove down about 4,000 feet, plowing through cyclists and pedestrians until he intentionally crashed into a school bus near the Stuyvesant High School.

He then exited the truck, shouting Allahu Akbar (Allah is great in Arabic), brandished a pellet gun and a paintball gun and ran through traffic on the highway until he was shot in the abdomen by NYPD Officer Ryan Nash, 28, who was out on a different call but spotted Saipov and chased him.

A note was found in the truck he rented indicating that Saipov carried out the attack for ISIS. He actually wanted to continue to the Brooklyn Bridge and kill as many people as possible, the federal complaint stated.

Saipov is being held in a federal detention center in New York. Hes charged with providing material support to a foreign terrorist group and with violence and destruction of motor vehicles causing the deaths of eight people.

On Nov. 1, the FBI said it had located another Uzbek man, Mukhammadzoir Kadirov, 32, wanted for questioning as a person of interest in the attack. Saipov had been in contact with Kadirov and another person of interest in the investigation, a U.S. law enforcement officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because the investigation was ongoing, told Reuters.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 14:17:24|Editor: Liangyu

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WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. soldier who deserted in Afghanistan in 2009 was sentenced Friday to a dishonorable discharge, but no prison time.

Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl will lose all benefits, including medical care, afforded to military veterans. He will also be demoted to private.

Bergdahl pleaded guilty in October to charges of desertion and misbehavior before the enemy, which can lead to a life sentence.

Bergdahl was captured by the enemy and kept for five years in captivity after he left his camp. Bergdahl said he was tortured and held in a cage while being held hostage.

The military secured his release in 2014, but six soldiers were reportedly killed during the search for him and the U.S. government had to release five Guantanamo Bay prisoners.

Bergdahl's desertion and subsequent efforts to save him caused great controversy in the United States, as many say it is unworthy to uphold the Army's principle of leaving no man behind for a deserter.

U.S. President Donald Trump has openly called Bergdahl a traitor and said he should be executed.

Following the sentence, Trump tweeted that the decision was "a complete disgrace to our country and to our military."
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii on Nov. 3, 2017. (JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)

President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump Visit Hawaii

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump paid their respects at the USS Arizona Memorial in Hawaii on Friday.

They placed a wreath in front of the white marble wall, which has the name of 1,177 crewmen who died in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

After standing for about a minute in front of the wall, they threw white pikake flower petals into the water where the remains of more than 900 Arizona crewmen rest.

The President and the first lady were accompanied by Admiral Harris and his wife during their visit to the shrine.

It is very special being in Hawaii, Trump told reporters on Friday.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump throw flowers during their visit to the USS Arizona Memorial on Nov. 3, 2017. (JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)

When asked about his visit to Pearl Harbor, Trump told reporters he had studied it before, but has never seen it. That is going to be very exciting for me, he said.

Upon arriving in Hawaii they were met with a group of around 100 enthusiastic military and civilian supporters.

Several women in the crowd had shouted to White House Chief of Staff Gen. John Kelly, We love you General Kelly! According to White House pool reporters who were there, Kelly responded by smiling and placing his right hand over his heart.

As chief of staff, Kelly is known to keep a low profile, and is often praised by Trump at rallies and speeches for his great work.

President Donald Trump arrives at US Pacific Command at Aiea, Hawaii, on Nov. 3, 2017. (JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)

The president received a garland of maile and ilima flowers, a combination traditionally presented to royalty on the island.

During their stay in Hawaii, the president stopped by the Trump International Hotel Waikiki, about a quarter mile from the Ritz, where he and his wife spent the night.

The President stopped by the Trump Hotel on his way to the airport, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said. It has been a tremendously successful project and he wanted to say hello and thank you to the employees for all their hard work.

During his visit to Hawaii, Trump received two military briefings from Pacific Command leaders.

Trump wrote on Twitter, Thank you to our GREAT Military/Veterans and @PacificCommand.

A day Ill never forget.

Thank you to our GREAT Military/Veterans and @PacificCommand. Remember #PearlHarbor. Remember the @USSArizona! A day Ill never forget. pic.twitter.com/CMkB0kTkSc  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 4, 2017

An important part of Trumps 12-day visit to Asia is dealing with the North Korean threat to the region. The White House has been using diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea in an attempt to get it to abandon its nuclear weapons program.

Trump has met with top military leaders on multiple occasions in recent months. Defense Secretary General Jim Mattis has said a wide range of military options has been prepared and told Congress last week that scenarios of a nuclear attack are rehearsed routinely.

President Trump left Hawaii on Saturday to travel to Japan where he will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
The presidential motorcade aboard a transport aircraft in a photo shared by the Secret Service on Nov. 4, 2017. (Secret Service)

Secret Service Shares Sneak Peek at Trumps Motorcade on Airplane to Asia

The U.S. Secret Service shared a rare sneak peek on Saturday inside the aircraft that carries the presidential motorcade.

President Donald Trumps limousine, codenamed The Beast, can be seen among a lineup of Chevrolet Suburban armored SUVs.

The president started a 12-day trip to Asia on Friday, Nov. 3, with stops in China and Japan. Trumps motorcade is following him inside a C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft, Fox News reported.

With #POTUSinAsia we couldnt very well leave The Beast behind!, the Secret Service tweeted Saturday.

The Beast is a specialty Cadillac limousine designed under a shroud of secrecy. It carries the president and operates out of a classified motor pool operated by the Secret Service.

The car is armored against ballistic, explosive and chemical weapon attacks. Advanced communications equipment and medical supplies are also on board.

Trump was to ride in an all-new model upon taking office, but the car was still in the works on Inauguration Day. General Motors has a $16 million contract to build an unspecified quantity of the new Beast. Spy photos showed the car going through a test drive back in January.

Trump has been riding the car that predecessor, Barack Obama used until the new Beast is rolled out. That car was introduced on the inauguration day on Jan. 20, 2009. It is believed that the Secret Service maintains 12 copies of the 2009 Beast.

Although little is known about the car, experts speculate that it weighs from 15,000 to 20,000 pounds. Given the extensive weight, the cars maximum speed is estimated to be 60 mph with a fuel economy of about 4-8 miles per gallon.

Despite its looks, the new Cadillac limo Trump will ride in is actually an armored truck. A spy photo obtained by Fox News in February shows the limo dwarfing a Chevrolet Suburban in terms of size. It is believed to be built on a medium or heavy-duty truck chassis, Fox News reported.

It is Cadillacs great honor to design and build the presidential limousine, a great American tradition, a spokesperson for Lincoln said, referring further comments to the Secret Service.

From NTD.tv
KayLee Danielle and Kenlie Henderson, ages 7 and 5, respectively, were shot in the head by their mother, Sarah Henderson, on Nov. 2. (GoFundMe)

Sheriff Releases 911 Tapes of Double Child Murder in Texas

The Sheriffs Office of Henderson County, Texas, has released 911 tapes, which shed light on the incident where a local woman shot and killed her two daughters.

Sarah Nicole Henderson is charged with killing her two girls, 7-year-old KayLee Danielle, and Kenlie, 5, at their home in Mabank, Texas, on Nov. 2.

According to Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse, Henderson confessed to the crime during an interview with investigators.

Investigators now believe that the 29-year-old mother of three planned the murders in advance.

Over the last 24 hours, the investigation shows that she planned these murders for at least the last two weeks, Sheriff Hillhouse said. It appears she also intended to kill her husband, but the entire crime did not go as planned.

Hendersons third child does not live in the same home and was not involved in the incident.

Hendersons husband called 911 three times on the night of the incident. He made the first call at 11:29 p.m. on Nov. 1, reporting a suicidal woman and requesting assistance. The Emergency Medical Service dispatcher called the Sheriffs Office asking them to investigate.

Hendersons husband called back seven minutes later saying there was no problem and no one needed help.

Sheriffs deputies had already been dispatched. They reached the Henderson residence at 11:45 p.m. The Hendersons met the deputies at the door and told them everything was fine and no one was in danger.

At 2:24 a.m. on Nov. 2 Hendersons husband called 911 again, this time reporting that a woman had shot her children.

I wonder if I could get somebody out here to check my wife out, he said. My wife, shes like, I dont know, like, somethings going on with her.

Can you describe whats going on, the symptoms?, the operator asks.

Like shes freaking out like someones out to get her. She wont listen to me, she wont talk to me.

In the background Sarah Henderson can be heard telling her husband she was good, she was okay.

In response to questions, Hendersons husband tells the 911 operator that his wife is alert she was just in a different state of mind.

Hendersons husband spoke with a different 911 operator seven minutes later and said he wanted his call disregarded, because Shes fine now, referring to his wife.

When Hendersons husband calls back the third time, he reported the murders and said his wife is suicidal.

My wife, my wife just shot our kids, he told the operator, crying. Sarah Henderson can be heard in the background crying, What have I done? and Sorry, girls  God forgive me, please.

She then asked her husband, Why did I do that, babe? What did I do? What did I do, God?

Her husband told the operator, She was asleep when I went to sleep last night and I woke up and she comes in there and says, Babe, I just shot the kids and I didnt want to believe it. And I went in there and they were dead.

In the background Sarah Henderson can be heard crying and imploring her husband, Please, just shoot me.

Sarah Henderson apparently did not have a history of mental illness or Octcriminal behavior. Police were called to her home in 2015 to investigate a report of excessively loud voices. Child Protective Services had not been had a case on Henderson since 2010.

Jaylyne Palmer, who lives across the street from the Henderson family, said, Those little girls were so adorable. They would come over here on their little bicycles.

She said that although she had heard Henderson shouting loudly at her children, she had seen no signs of violence.

She said the news of their murder was difficult to grasp.

Its very upsetting, Palmer said. Ive never had anything tragic like that happen so close to us, [her and her husband].

Henderson is being held at Henderson County Jail on one count of capital murder. Sheriff Hillhouse said another capital murder charge is pending. Bail is set at $2 million.

Henderson is on around-the-clock suicide watch.

From NTD.tv
Countries Around World Urged to Cut Diplomatic Ties With North Korea

North Korean defector says that countries maintaining diplomatic relations legitimizes Kim regime

The United States needs to take a firmer line with allies in its diplomatic effort to isolate North Korea, a high-level defector told lawmakers this week.

Ironically, so far, only a few countries in the world expelled North Korean ambassadors as a protest of the current continuation of the nuclear program, said Thae Yong-ho, a former deputy chief at the North Korean embassy in London.

Thae made the comment at the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Nov. 1 as he urged Congress to consider a wider use of secondary sanctions against Chinese and Russian firms and a broader soft-power campaign to cut North Korea off from the international community.

For North Korea, the loss of diplomatic relations would counteract constant efforts the regime makes to promote its international legitimacy to its citizens.

North Korean state media make news of virtually any incident that points to foreign countries accepting the Kim regime or its communist ideology.

In recent days, the Korean Central News Agency has produced stories on foreigners allegedly studying North Korean ideology in Spain and Slovenia, foreign webpages belonging to communist groups in Russia, socialist Venezuela posting articles about the anniversary of the Workers Party of Korea, and similarly trivial events.

While reporting on such incidents would seem desperately self-promotional in normal countries, for isolated North Korea, they are some of the preciously few examples of foreigners paying attention to or accepting the regime.

Thae believes every possible diplomatic avenue must be exhausted in the effort to stave off a military confrontation.

He called on the United States to ask more of its allies in that effort.

North Korea has conducted six nuclear tests, but except for Spain, no European countries so far have ever expelled or downgraded the current diplomatic relations with North Korea, he said.

In 1989, governments of the European Common Market, the predecessor to the European Union withdrew their top diplomats from Iran to protest Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeinis fatwa ordering Muslims to kill novelist Salman Rushdie.

Britain pulled out its entire embassy staff.

Thae suggested North Koreas nuclear provocations should have prompted a similar reaction.

But so far we havent seen that kind of concerted or unified response from Western European countries with which we share common ideas and values, he said.

He also said the United States should push Middle Eastern allies to expel North Korean workers, a crucial source of revenue for the Kim regime.

Tens of thousands of North Korean workers are working in American Middle East allies like Kuwait, the Arab Emirates, but these Arab countries are still allowing North Korean workers working in their countries, he said.

American allies like Poland are still allowing North Korean workers to work in their shipyards, he added, saying a lot of measures can be taken with the cooperation of American allies.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 14:43:59|Editor: Yang Yi

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Farmers harvest radishes in a field at Lizhizha Village of Huanghua City, north China's Hebei Province, Nov. 3, 2017. Cultivating radish is a new way for local people to increase their income. The cultivating area has reached to 600 hectares and some of the white radishes will be exported to Japan and South Korea. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 14:37:26|Editor: Liangyu

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KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- At least nine militants were killed and 13 others wounded following an Afghan army's operation in northern province Kunduz, an army source said Saturday.

The operation was launched in the restive Khan Abad district Friday night, where a joint Afghan and NATO forces' unit attacked Taliban bases, leaving nine fighters, including two of their commanders dead and 13 others wounded, Abdul Khalil, a press officer of the army's Division 20 Pamir based in the region, told Xinhua.

Unofficial sources said several civilians were also wounded during the fighting in Khan Abad overnight.

But, Mohammad Nayeem Mangal, a doctor in the provincial hospital, said five wounded civilians including one child were transported and admitted to the provincial hospital Saturday morning.

The Taliban has not commented on the report.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 14:42:28|Editor: Liangyu

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HAVANA, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Cuba said Friday it will guarantee air security for travelers flying to and from the Caribbean nation, to be prepared for its high tourist season which lasts from November to April.

Armando Lopez, president of Cuba's Institute of Civil Aeronautics, said the island's air security is guaranteed and endorsed by international entities, the official agency Prensa Latina reported.

Lopez recalled that Cuba was a founding member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) when it was created in the U.S. city of Chicago in the 1940s, and has always met its requirements.

The ICAO carried out an audit in Cuba in August 2015, coinciding with the country's resumption of formal ties with the United States and the planned resumption of bilateral direct flights. The island's compliance with air safety protocols was acknowledged by the organization.

"These data ratify the security for the flights to and from the island, including those established with the United States," said Lopez.

He made the remarks a week after the U.S. Republican Senator Marco Rubio reintroduced a bill demanding the strengthening of security at Cuban airports, where commercial U.S. flights have been landing since Nov. 28, 2016.

Rubio, born to Cuban parents, is a well-known hard-liner toward the island's Communist government, calling it "a top national security threat" to the United States.

Rubio demanded the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) establish an agreement with the Cuban government to allow its inspectors to conduct complete assessments of the 10 international airports on the island and brief the Congress about it.

Lopez stressed the close ties of cooperation between his institution and the TSA, which have been reinforced since 2003.

Since then, TSA experts have visited the island 40 times, including seven occasions since the resumption of direct flights between the two neighboring nations, and their last visit was in October, said the Cuban senior official.

Lopez added that since 2000, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has visited the country for similar purposes.

Cuba's 10 international airports operate with more than 80 airlines, cooperating with nine American companies.
What's next for SD Gov. Kristi Noem as she heads into her second term?
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 15:22:34|Editor: liuxin

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NEW DELHI, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- A branch manager of a nationalized bank in northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a 20-year-old Russian woman, police said Saturday.

The bank manager was arrested on the complaint filed by the young woman.

"A manager of UCO Bank at Vrindaban branch, Mahendra Prasad Singh, has been arrested on a complaint filed by a Russian woman," a senior police official said. "In her complaint she told us the manger repeatedly raped her since she came to India on Sept. 17 this year."

The woman has been sent for medical examination, police said.

They came into contact with each other on social networking site Facebook in 2016.

The victim told police she came to India at the invitation of the banker and that she met another Russian woman who counselled her to file a complaint.
It was one of those inherently Canadian winter scenes.

Steel blades scraping against ice, interspersed with squeals of laughter. Rosy-cheeked children bundled up, the rising anticipation of Christmas morning in the air.

Save for a single boy, sitting alone on a log, watching but not joining.

A young woman approached and asked why he wasnt on the ice.

I have no skates, he told the woman.

Would you like skates? she replied.

Oh, very much, he said.

The boy, Joe, would grow up to be the Stars famed publisher, Joseph E. Atkinson. But he always remembered what it was like to sit on that log.

That Christmas morning, a pair of skates was left at his home. It was the happiest Christmas he had ever had.

The kindness shown to Atkinson that day has reverberated over the last century, not just through Atkinsons life, but through his legacy.

More than a century later, on Christmas morning 2016, little Olin Herath received a gift box. Inside was a toy, a book, a hat, mitts, a toothbrush, toothpaste and cookies.

It was a gift to a boy, inspired by another who knew the intricacies and the heartbreak of being a child in need.

Herath is one of 45,000 underprivileged children provided with a Christmas gift through the Toronto Stars Santa Claus Fund, established by Atkinson in 1906.

During Atkinsons lifetime, he came to lead a media powerhouse. Under his guidance, the Star became the paper it is today. Nobody can escape his beginnings, and I despise the man who is untrue to them, Atkinson once said. His beginnings, and the Atkinson Principles and social justice ideals that stemmed from it, have defined more than a century of reporting at the Toronto Star.

Those principles can be summarized as: A strong, united and independent Canada; social justice; individual and civil liberties; community and civic engagement; the rights of working people; and the necessary role of government.

Born just east of Newcastle, Ont., in 1865, Atkinson was the youngest of eight children. Atkinsons father, John, died when his youngest son was 6 months old, leaving his wife, Hannah, a struggling single mother. When her children were old enough to leave school, they were sent to work.

Atkinson worked at the post office at 16. The small teen had to stand on a box to help customers at the wicket. It was there that he began signing his name with the middle initial E.  he had no middle name, but it sounded important.

Atkinson left the post office in search of better pay. He ended up accepting a position collecting outstanding accounts for the Port Hope Times.

I did not have the faintest intention of becoming a newspaperman when I accepted this job, Atkinson later recalled. I wanted to be a banker. But six dollars a week was too good to turn down.

During his nearly 50 years as publisher, his strong views based on belief in progressive policy formed the Atkinson Principles.

Atkinson never formally codified his principles, but they remain the bedrock of Star reporting. The philosophies Atkinson espoused during his tenure at the Star remain as true today as they did Dec. 21, 1899, when the one-cent papers masthead was ready to include for the first time: Joseph E. Atkinson, editor and manager.

Social justice

The point at issue is simply this, a Star editorial in 1946 asserted. Is it or is it not desirable that out-of-work people should have some means of subsistence? Is it or is it not desirable that people should be able to give their children a proper start in life? . . . In brief, are human beings in a prosperous country like Canada entitled to some means of security in life? The Star thinks they are.

Atkinson believed the state had a duty to the old, the unemployed, the widowed and others who were disadvantaged. This included a sense of obligation to the sick, and a 1979 campaign was in that spirit.

Little Herbie Quinones Jr.s windpipe was stuck between his heart and esophagus  a birth defect that meant baby Herbie wasnt far from death. The outpouring of support, after a series of Star stories in February 1979, amounted to $16,000.

The funds allowed Herbie to get lifesaving surgery at Sick Kids. The Herbie Fund has since helped more than 777 other children.

Strong, united and independent Canada

Atkinson was a nationalist through-and-through.

We believe in the British connection as much as anybody does but on a self-respecting basis of equality, of citizenship, and not on the old basis of one country belonging to the other, a 1928 editorial declared.

Atkinson believed Canada should rise above colony status, unfurl her own flag and decide her own legal matters.

Over the years, guarding against American influence became more of a priority, as did maintaining unity amid interprovincial tensions.

An editorial in 1990, amid constitutional debates, riffed off the common line What does Quebec want?

While 47 of Ontarios 839 municipalities, representing only 300,000 people, petulantly declare themselves English-only, another 33 larger municipalities, representing 635,000 people, proudly declare themselves bilingual . . .

What does Canada want? Surely, most Canadians want tolerance, understanding, and dialogue; official bilingualism in Parliament, and the unofficial bilingualism of French immersion classes for their children; a sense of common purpose to overcome Western alienation, Atlantic Canadas economic hardship, Quebecs cultural challenges . . . 

Individual and civil liberties

Since its inception, the Star has advocated for free speech and the right to public assembly. Past articles have grappled with racial and religious bigotry, police power and deportation, often sparking controversy.

In 2010s groundbreaking Race Matters, reporter Jim Rankin told the story of countless Black men in Toronto, who are stopped, questioned and documented by police at rates higher than white people. The 2010 investigation found Black people were three times more likely to be stopped than white people.

It took seven years for the reporting team to get the data on carding through a freedom-of-information request.

There was a real commitment to getting the data, Rankin said. And that really speaks large to the Atkinson principles and what drives a lot of the journalism at the Star.

The stories led to further work on police carding that sparked political action.

Community and civic engagement

Atkinson believed in Toronto and the people living here. In a 1900 editorial, Atkinson wrote that Toronto was going to be a big city. We should begin to shape things accordingly.

Around the turn of the century, Atkinsons wife, Elmina, suggested the Fresh Air Fund, allowing Star readers to donate money to send children on excursions and to summer camps. The tradition continues to this day.

A century later, the Star looked at a basic part of city life: the food we eat.

Reporter Robert Cribbs Dirty Dining expose in 2000 resulted in an inspection blitz of Toronto food establishments. The multi-month effort that brought about headlines reading Health check finds rats at eatery, Latest closing is 50th since food inspection blitz began and Filthy eatery passed March test: Restaurant given clean report now has visible vermin.

The investigation resulted in the DineSafe program.

The public is much more aware that there are clean restaurants and restaurants that arent so clean, John Filion, chair of the citys health board, said in a June 17, 2000, story by Cribb.

People are a lot more interested in making sure places they eat in are clean and thats good for everyones health.

Rights of working people

Atkinson once said: The human element in the manufacturing industry, the quality and standards of living of the workers and workmen, is more important than the product.

And labour remains at the forefront of the Stars reporting. As recently as September, Sara Mojtehedzadeh and Brendan Kennedys Undercover in Temp Nation exposed workplace conditions at Torontos Fiera Foods.

Temp Nation was meant to shine a light on a workforce that is pretty invisible to a lot of people, Mojtehedzadeh said.

Necessary role of government

During his tenure at the Star, Atkinson pushed for playgrounds and sanitariums.

In 1914, he advocated for some form of unemployment insurance at the Toronto Moose Club. The following year, at the Canadian Club of Toronto, he warned that: After the war things will not be the same as they were before. Many pet prejudices will have to go by the board, and more attention and sympathy will have to be devoted to the everyday life of the people.

Sometimes that everyday life was shockingly dire.

In 1996, reporters Moira Welsh and Kevin Donovan investigated the deaths of 77 children in Ontario.

An ongoing Star investigation of 77 child deaths in the past five years has uncovered serious warning signs prior to death in at least 23 cases, they said in the article, titled They died despite signs of abuse.

On Sept. 18, 1996, deputy chief coroner Jim Cairns announced a joint task force with the Ontario Association of Childrens Aid Societies to study child mortality in Ontario to help prevent further deaths.

The Stars legacy of being, as the masthead said, a paper for the people did not end when Atkinson died in 1948 at age 82.

In 1957, his son Joseph Story Atkinson became president of the Star. He told employees the paper had been part of his life for as long as he could remember.

From its inception in 1892, the Star has been a champion of social and economic reform, a defender of minority rights, a foe of discrimination, a friend of organized labour and a staunch advocate of Canadian nationhood, Atkinson said.

We shall continue to support these principles with all the vigour at our command, Atkinson promised.

It was a promise that would have made his father proud.

With files from the Star archives and the book J.E. Atkinson of the Star by Ross Harkness.

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NEW YORKNetflix says Kevin Spacey is out of House of Cards after a series of allegations of sexual harassment and assault.

Netflix said in a statement Friday night that its cutting all ties with Spacey, and will not be involved with any further production of House of Cards that includes him.

The company says it will evaluate whether the show will continue without him. Spacey has been the star of the show about political intrigue in Washington since it debuted in 2013.

Read more:

Eight House of Cards workers accuse Kevin Spacey of harassment, report says

Kevin Spacey seeking evaluation and treatment amid sexual assault accusations

House of Cards producers press pause on filming in wake of Kevin Spacey allegations

CNN reported that eight current or former House of Cards workers claim that Spacey made the production a toxic workplace and one ex-employee alleges the actor sexually assaulted him.

Netflix said it also will not release the film Gore, starring Spacey, which was in post-production.

Spacey has not been arrested or charged with any crime.

Earlier Friday, producers of House of Cards were considering killing off Spaceys character in the wake of sexual assault allegations against the actor.

Its creators were discussing alternatives for the popular shows future without the actor, who portrays protagonist Frank Underwood, a villainous politician in the series, according to a Variety report.

One possibility was to concentrate the series sixth and final season on Underwoods wife, played by Robin Wright.

The show is produced by Media Rights Capital, whose producers are looking for a way to keep the show alive  and to keep its 300 cast and crew members employed, Variety reported.

Filming on the shows sixth season had recently begun, which suggests its not too late to amend plot lines, according to the report.

Fans say theyd be interested in seeing Wrights character take over the lead role.

Producers could face legal hurdles if they try to write Spacey out of the show.

Spaceys contract could prevent the show from continuing without him, according to Variety.

Production on the shows sixth season was suspended Tuesday, two days after Anthony Rapp claimed Spacey sexually assaulted him when he was 14 years old.

On Thursday, Spacey was dropped by his agent at CAA. His publicist, Staci Wolfe, also severed ties with the actor.

On Friday, Scotland Yard said it was investigating an allegation that Spacey sexually assaulted a male actor in London.

Media Rights Capital is also reportedly weighing a possible spinoff of House of Cards, Variety reported.

With files from the New York Daily News

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OTTAWAIts lunchtime on a Thursday and Riviera is packed. Beneath the din of many voices and a brass-blasting Sinatra song, there doesnt appear to be a free table in the joint. Patrons are stacked elbow-to-elbow all down the gleaming, steel-top bar that curls near the front door and stretches to the back of the restaurant, where busy cooks lean into plumes of steam that sprout from stovetops in the corner.

Business as usual, in other words, for the fancy cocktail bar and eatery thats become one of the trendiest hangouts near the Hill.

It would be totally unremarkable if it werent for the whiff of scandal.

Rivieras co-owner, Matt Carmichael, a prominent figure in the capitals restaurant scene who has been described as a celebrity chef, admitted last week to having sexually harassed women with inappropriate comments. Carmichael put out a statement that said he went to rehab this summer for addiction to drugs and alcohol and, in his new-found clear state of sobriety, apologized to the women he harassed.

The Ottawa Citizen reported allegations from Riviera staffers, one of whom told the paper Carmichael sent her an inappropriate message on Facebook.

The situation appears to be another example of a powerful man falling from grace at a moment when the cultural domain roils with allegations of sexual harassment and assault, as well the denunciations that attend them. Its happening in Hollywood with Kevin Spacey and Harvey Weinstein. Weve seen in it in Montreal with the creator of the citys Just for Laughs festival. And just Wednesday, the U.K.s defence minister resigned and apologized for gripping a radio hosts knee in 2002.

Carmichaels case has an added dimension. Riviera is known around town as a favoured haunt for the politically connected. The restaurant with the 80s-style neon pink sign is situated in an old, art deco bank just steps from the Prime Ministers Office, and hosted a government soiree when the 2017 budget came out last March.

This brings up an interesting thought: when something like this happens in proximity to those with public duties, how far does the requirement to condemn it extend? Can Liberal insiders still drink their Femme Fatale cocktails and nosh Le Big Matt burgers (think like a Big Mac, but better, a reporter was told) without fear of troublesome optics?

Those questions may ring louder for a government that has made gender equality an unprecedented priority in the echelons of power, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stating that he has a zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment in his own Liberal ranks.

Speaking in Brampton on Thursday, when the government released a report on workplace harassment, Trudeau said far too many Canadian women have such experiences.

One of the things we are seeing now is, there is an awakening, he continued.

Its never all right, and regardless of the power or influence or money or fame of the person doing the harassment, its never excusable and it should never be kept hidden.

Charlotte Triggs, senior editor for People Magazine, discusses the sexual harassment, abuse and assault allegations leveled against some of Hollywood's biggest stars. (The Associated Press)

Erin Gee co-hosts a feminist pop culture and politics podcast in Ottawa called Bad and Bitchy. She points out that Veterans Affairs Minister Seamus ORegans husband, Steve Doussis, was Rivieras general manager until news of the scandal broke. He resigned Oct. 25, the same day Carmichael apologized publicly, saying in a statement that he could not in good conscience continue in this workplace environment.

So far, however, Gee says she hasnt seen any condemnations from inside the political bubble. If people think that was awful then they should stand up for what they believe in and their morals, and boycott his establishment for a certain period of time, she says, while acknowledging that to avoid the restaurant is tricky, given that innocent people who work there could suffer.

Its also unclear when such a stand could be deemed sufficient, she says, and people could return to enjoy their venison tartare (with sour cherry and toasted pepitas) without shame. All the same, she said she wont be returning anytime soon to Riviera or to the other two restaurants in town that Carmichael co-owns.

Tim Powers, vice-chair of Summa Strategies, says the situation at Riviera is certainly a topic of debate in political circles, especially for a Liberal party he said is undoubtedly preoccupied with its own brand and image.

But he hastens to add that there should be no expectation that people from Parliament Hill avoid the restaurant  especially if the people mistreated by Carmichael still work there.

Who are you penalizing? In the end youre probably penalizing the people you dont want to penalize, the people whove been speaking up, he says.

Does it impact the Liberal brand because Liberal staffers go there? No, thats a friggin stretch.

Outside the restaurant, its raining on Sparks St. Sarah Hurman passes by under her umbrella. She says she loves Riviera, and would go back despite the scandal, especially now that Carmichael has apologized and stepped away from the business.

The fact that were having this conversation at all is a sign of progress, she says. Younger people expect a fairer workplace, and they have a much better idea of that than their counterparts 20 to 30 years ago, says the 58-year-old consultant. Its just a slow process of levelling the playing field.

Moments later, a woman who is texting as she walks glances up at Rivieras facade. She shrugs. I heard its great, and I want to try it soon.

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Daylight saving time ends on Sunday in most parts of the country, with many Canadians dreading the darkness that will come earlier every night until the solstice on Dec. 21.

As usual, most people will turn their clocks back an hour on or before Sunday at 2 a.m. with little complaint. But there are rumblings across the continent that people are growing weary of moving their timepieces ahead one hour in the spring  losing an hour of sleep  and then turning them back in the fall.

Most people dislike having to change their clocks and lose an hour of sleep, said David Prerau, author of Seize the Daylight: The Curious and Contentious Story of Daylight Saving Time and one of the worlds leading experts on the subject.

Its a pain. They think its easier just to get rid of it.

As a result, the daylight-optimizing system, largely standardized across North America in the 1960s, is facing a new wave of challenges.

In Alberta, proposed legislation that would have ended the practice won overwhelming support in August when the public was asked to weigh in on the idea. Of the 13,000 submissions received, 75 per cent were in favour of scrapping the system.

However, the Alberta legislature shot down the idea this week after an all-party committee said the impact on business would be too onerous.

Still, those opposed to the system can always point to Saskatchewan, which rejected daylight saving when the idea took hold more than 50 years ago. To this day, turning clocks forward and backward is a foreign concept in all but a few corners of the province. Arizona also abstains when it comes to DST. Indiana held out until 2006.

Meanwhile, opposition to daylight time, which extends from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, has been gaining ground among the six New England states, which could have repercussions for the Maritimes and Newfoundland and Labrador.

In September, a special commission in Massachusetts recommended the state  now in the eastern time zone  should extend daylight saving year-round, but only if the other states in the region follow suit. Some of the other states have already tabled bills to make the change, though it could take years to accomplish.

The main goal, according to proponents, would be to add an extra hour of afternoon daylight in the winter. Such a change could increase productivity and curb on-the-job injuries and traffic fatalities, according to one Massachusetts study.

However, plans to eliminate the twice-a-year time change have failed in the past, Prerau said.

When the United States was hit by an oil supply crisis in the early 1970s, the federal government decided to extend daylight time year-round for two years in a bid to save energy.

But the plan unravelled that first winter as schoolchildren headed off to classes in the dark, raising the ire of parents across the country.

In more northern areas, not only would it be darker in the morning, it would be colder because the coldest hour in the day is the one before sunrise, said Prerau, who has co-authored three major U.S. government reports to Congress on the effects of daylight saving time.

The issue became very unpopular . . . Most people preferred having the daylight in the morning.

During the second year of the U.S. program, daylight time was lifted between November and February, the darkest months of the year.

As for the proposals emerging in New England, the one from Massachusetts calls for pushing back the start of the school day. Bills have been filed in Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Prerau said hes surprised these proposals have progressed as far as they have, considering the economic powerhouse in the U.S. northeast, neighbouring New York State, appears uninterested in the scheme.

If New York didnt change, that would be a negative for Boston, he said.

However, if the proposals are adopted, New England would become part of the Atlantic Standard Time zone, which would mean that its clocks would be synchronized with those in the three Maritime provinces between November and March.

Theres some benefit to being in the same time zone with someone youre dealing with in a business relationship, Prerau said, suggesting the Maritimes would be under pressure to drop daylight time to stay in sync year-round.

In no secret that Canada, in general, has followed the United States in lockstep when it comes to making the most of daylight hours.

Thats what happened in 2007 when daylight time was extended in the U.S. by a month in the spring and by a few days in the fall.

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VANCOUVERNew rules for legalized marijuana need to consider the impact on workplaces and clarify the rights of both employers and employees, say some business groups.

Ottawa has set July 1 as the deadline for regulations to be in place and many provinces and territories are still working to craft legislation, including British Columbia, where a public consultation on legal pot wrapped up this week.

Anita Huberman, CEO of the Surrey Board of Trade, said large and small companies need guidance from the provincial and federal governments on how they should balance employee privacy with safety in the workplace.

Read more: New provincial marijuana corporation will control weed sales and close illegal dispensaries

LCBO announces first 14 cities to have legal recreational marijuana shops

For any employer, what are their rights and responsibilities in the face of an employee who is under the influence of cannabis? she said.

How is an employer supposed to be able to deal with that type of situation without compromising their business and their workplace?

Huberman said the board of trade wants to see the provincial Employment Standards Act amended to specifically address marijuana usage.

The law does not include any provisions on marijuana, although WorkSafeBC regulations prohibit workers with any physical or mental impairments from doing work that could pose harm to themselves or anyone else.

The rules also say employers cannot allow anyone at a workplace to stay if their ability to work is impaired by alcohol, a drug or any other substance that could put anyone in danger.

Those rules apply to workplaces in B.C., but regulations for legalized marijuana should be standardized across the country, Huberman said.

In every province, in every territory, we want to make sure this is done right, she said, adding that creating the right rules may take more time than the federal governments timeline allows.

As business groups express their concerns about looming legalization, unions have been quiet on the issue.

Paul Finch, treasurer for the B.C. Government and Service Employees Union, said the group has submitted recommendations to the province on how and where recreational marijuana should be sold, but the union does not take a position on legalized marijuana in the workplace.

Several other unions declined comment or did not respond to requests for comment.

The BC Trucking Association, meanwhile, is asking for a legalized framework for random drug and alcohol testing.

We recognize that there is an increased safety risk due to the possibility of impairment and in order for the public safety risk to be reduced, we think its imperative that employers be allowed to randomly drug test workers that are in safety-sensitive positions, said Louise Yako, the associations president and CEO.

The issue of workplace drug and alcohol testing has already gone before Canadian courts, including Albertas Court of Appeal, which ruled in September that the energy company Suncor could continue testing workers at its sites in the oilsands.

While testing is allowed under some specific circumstances, the rules around random testing are not as clear as they should be, Yako said.

Given the change in the regulation affecting marijuana, we think that employers should have every tool available to them, she said.

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OTTAWACanada is taking aim at corruption and rights abuses in Russia, Venezuela and South Sudan by imposing targeted sanctions on 52 individuals, including Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

It is the first use of the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, the so-called Magnitsky law which won final approval in Parliament two weeks ago.

The law allows for sanctions against individuals who the federal government holds responsible for, or complicit in, gross violations of internationally recognized human rights or acts of significant corruption.

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The legislation, like that of other countries, including the United States, is linked to the Russian whistleblower Sergei Magnitsky, who died in a Moscow prison in 2009 after accusing officials of a $230-million tax fraud.

The first sanctions under that act are aimed at 30 individuals tied to Russia, 19 Venezuelan officials, including Maduro, and three individuals from South Sudan.

The law will freeze any assets they may hold in Canada and render them inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

The Russians named Friday are linked to fraud uncovered by Magnitsky and to the violations of his legal and human rights during his investigation and pretrial detention, including psychological and physical abuse that led to his death.

The Magnitsky law was passed with cross-party support in Parliament.

It almost immediately drew the ire of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who complained that Canada was playing unconstructive political games.

The Russian embassy said the law would cause irreparable harm to Canada-Russia relations.

These warnings cut no ice with Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland, who welcomed the use of a new tool against abusers.

Canada is determined to protect human rights and combat corruption worldwide, she said in a statement on Friday.

Todays announcement sends a clear message that Canada will take action against individuals who have profited from acts of significant corruption or who have been involved in gross violations of human rights.

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For a citizen whose complaint about a police officer results in a professional misconduct charge, walking into the ensuing hearing may be, well, jarring.

Ontario police tribunals have the look, feel and customs of a typical courtroom  except in the place of a judge in robes is a high-ranking police officer in uniform. The prosecutor also wears a police uniform.

Add to this equation a lawyer hired to represent the accused cop, and the complainant may be forgiven for thinking everyone is on the same team.

But questions about impartiality are not unique to complainants. The accused officers, too  whose jobs may be on the line  have their own concerns about an employer with, say, an axe to grind.

Theres a reason its referred to as a kangaroo court by police officers, said Peter Brauti, a sought-after police lawyer who often represents officers at misconduct hearings.

If passed, a massive set of policing legislation tabled at Queens Park Thursday would establish the Ontario Policing Discipline Tribunal, a body with the specific task of adjudicating disciplinary matters and ensuring public complaints arent handled by the police services themselves.

Replaced would be the current system, which allows police chiefs to appoint both the hearing officer and the prosecutor. Under the new regime, an independent adjudicator would act as the de-facto judge, and independent counsel from the Ministry of the Attorney General would act as the prosecutor.

The proposed change comes as a direct response to a recommendation from Court of Appeal justice Michael Tulloch, who in a report on police oversight released earlier this year said both police and complainants see the process as rigged.

This is a much more intelligent way to get to the truth: independently, said former Ontario ombudsman Andre Marin, who called the current system incestuous.

Howard Morton, a criminal defence lawyer and former head of the Special Investigations Unit (which probes deaths, serious injuries and allegations of sexual assault involving police) said the change could result in tougher penalties for officers, which he calls way too lenient under the current regime.

I think bringing it within the ministry (of the Attorney General) may well result in more thorough prosecution in some cases, Morton said.

A high-profile case currently before the Toronto police tribunal would, under the proposed legislation, be heard by an independent adjudicator. In fact, that is exactly what lawyer Selwyn Pieters has asked for.

Pieters client, Waseem Khan, complained to the Office of the Independent Police Review (OIPRD) about the conduct of Toronto police during the arrest of a man near Ryerson University earlier this year. Toronto police Sgt. Eduardo Miranda faces two professional misconduct charges, in part for telling Khan he could not video record the arrest with his cellphone (citizens have a right to record police if they are not obstructing their actions).

The misconduct case is ongoing, and as it stands Khan doesnt feel that he can get a fair hearing, Pieters said in an interview Friday. He supports the provinces proposed changes and said he hopes it will help his clients case be heard before a retired judge.

This new legislation will work well for everybody and were embracing it. And hopefully Mr. Khan gets to benefit from it, Pieters said.

Brauti, who is Mirandas lawyer, said he absolutely supports having the case tried before a retired judge.

Id like to see all disciplinary matters be referred outside of the various police services, and move towards independent adjudication, he said. The system proposed by the government could work, Brauti added, but stressed the importance of neutral individuals being tapped to hear the cases.

Renu Mandhane, chief commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, said she supports both the independent adjudication of police misconduct cases as well as the new proposed complaint system.

As recommended in the new legislation, the agency known today as the OIPRD would be renamed as the Ontario Policing Complaints Agency. Within the next five years, the agency would no longer refer any of its complaints back to the police service where the complaint originated for an investigation, as currently happens. It would conduct all of the investigations itself, at arms-length.

Mandhane added that she hopes stronger police oversight mechanisms proposed throughout the legislation will allow for more robust adjudication of complaints that involve systemic issues, such as racial bias.

Wendy Gillis can be reached at wgillis@thestar.ca

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Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 16:02:43|Editor: Xiang Bo

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General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong(R) meets with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in Hanoi, Vietnam, Nov. 3, 2017. (Xinhua/Wang Di)

HANOI, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam and China have pledged here to seize the opportunities brought about by China's Belt and Road Initiative to achieve common development and common prosperity.

The pledge came when General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi separately.

In his meeting with the Chinese foreign minister on Friday, Nguyen Phu Trong congratulated Xi Jinping on his re-election as the general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the elevation of the Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era into the party's guiding principles.

Nguyen Phu Trong said his country will learn from China's successful experiences to further push forward the development of its own socialist cause.

He said the forthcoming visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Vietnam shows that China attaches great importance to the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries and Vietnam is willing to work with China to further deepen cooperation between the two sides in all fields.

For his part, Wang Yi said Chinese President Xi Jinping, while meeting with Hoang Binh Quan, special envoy of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong days ago, noted that remaining true to the original aspiration and keeping the mission firmly in mind also apply to the development of China-Vietnam relations, both sides shroud view the China-Vietnam relations from a higher vantage point and a deeper level and firmly promote the building of a community of shared future.

The two countries should elevate the bilateral ties to a new high and open a new chapter for the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries by building a community of shared future, Wang said.

Also on Friday, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met with the Chinese foreign minister. The prime minister said Vietnam and China are both socialist countries and Vietnam is willing to unswervingly stride forward along the socialist road with China.

He said to further consolidate the traditional and friendly ties and deepen cooperation in all sectors between the two sides are in the interest of both peoples and no forces can undermine the development of bilateral ties.

Wang said China's Belt and Road Initiative creates important opportunities for China and Vietnam to carry out pragmatic cooperation, which will accelerate the achievement of common development and common prosperity between the two sides.

In his meeting with the Chinese foreign minister on Thursday, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said Xi's forthcoming visit to Vietnam will become a new milestone in the communication history of the two parties and the two countries.

Pham Binh Minh said Vietnam values the friendly ties with China and will work with China to ensure Xi's visit a successful one.

Wang said Xi's forthcoming visit to Vietnam is the most important political agenda in the bilateral ties this year.

The Chinese foreign minister hoped that the visit will determine the development direction of the relations between the two parties and the two countries.

Wang believed that the visit will further consolidate the political and strategic mutual trust and the basis of public opinion of the friendly ties between the two countries.
A York police officer who killed an 18-year-old pedestrian will be going to trial for a third time on the charge of dangerous driving causing death.

Det.-Const. Remo Romano was on duty and driving an undercover pickup truck as part of a surveillance team when he hit Natasha Carla Abogado as she crossed St. Clair Ave. E. at around 8 p.m. in February 2014. He was travelling at least 109 kilometres per hour in a 60-km zone, trying to catch up to and assist other members of his team, according to the court of appeals decision.

Romano, 45, was tried in May 2016, but a jury was unable to come to a unanimous verdict after days of deliberating, resulting in a mistrial.

He was tried again in September 2016 and a jury acquitted him of dangerous driving causing death. The Crown filed an appeal, taking issue with how the judge directed the jury to come to its verdict.

About a year later, Sept. 28, 2017, a panel of three court of appeal judges agreed with the Crown and ordered a new trial. They found the trial judge, Justice Brian OMarra, wrongly explained the dangerous driving law to the jury. He incorrectly instructed the jurors to not only focus on how Romanos actions as a driver caused Abogados death, but also how Abogado might have been at fault.

Most significantly, the trial judge made irrelevant and adverse comments about Ms. Abogados conduct, Justice David Paciocco said in his decision.

According to Paciocco, OMarra told the jury to consider that Abogado was jaywalking and described it as an inherently risky activity and that pedestrians must be aware, when they jaywalk, that drivers are not always paying attention, not always concentrating on what is going on ahead of them. OMarra also pointed out that Abogados clothing was dark and had poor visibility at the time of the collision.

These statements turned the jurys attention away from the main issue of whether or not Romanos driving was, in fact, dangerous.

After that, OMarra did properly reorient the jury, but it was too late, Paciocco said.

The errors in the charge  are sufficiently serious that the jury was not in a position to evaluate properly the dangerousness of the operation of the motor vehicle, leading to a miscarriage of justice.

At the second trial, Crown prosecutor Philip Perlmutter said that Romano operated his vehicle at such a high rate of speed, it became impossible for him to adjust his driving if something unexpected happened. His speeding was also unnecessary, the Crown alleged, because the surveillance operation was focused on intelligence-gathering and was neither dangerous nor urgent.

Romanos defence lawyer Bill MacKenzie said his clients undercover work was unpredictable and he wanted to rejoin his team as quickly as possible. MacKenzie also highlighted the risk Abogado took by jaywalking, stepping into traffic on a four-way road at night.

Faced with a third trial, Romano is very disappointed, MacKenzie said in an email Friday.

It is a rare occurrence that a court overturns a jury verdict that unanimously acquits, MacKenzie said. Not many people have to endure three jury trials for the same alleged offence.

York Regional police confirmed Romano is an active officer on the force.

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The end of Prohibition gave birth to the LCBO nearly a century ago.

Now the legalization of marijuana is giving rise to the OCRC: Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation.

Thats about as awkward an acronym  if not anachronism  as the Liquor Control Board of Ontario. While todays LCBO has become a brand in its own right, its fair to say the OCRC will never become a household word.

Leery of being branded a bunch of fuddy-duddies  especially when all the critics try to sound so hip  Liberal cabinet ministers went out of their way this week to stress that the title is just a corporate placeholder. The government has promised a proper rebranding when the first 40 outlets open with a less lumbering name next July 1.

Thats when cannabis consumption goes legitimate across Canada. Yet after a year of provincial preparations, and barely eight months until people start lighting up legally, we remain in the dark on key questions.

Its not just the future name (surely not The Weed Store) but the storefront locations that remain a mystery. We got a hint Friday when the government announced the first 14 cities selected for retail recreational marijuana (unsurprisingly, the GTA made the cut, but no specific GPS co-ordinates yet for readers to search on Google Maps).

By 2020 Ontario will have 150 rebranded OCRC outlets open for business. Despite the impatience of pot smokers, the governments go-slow rollout looks more realistic when you consider some of the challenges.

How do you square commercial demand with social concerns, notably nearby schools? For example, Torontos Yonge and Eglinton area is a major shopping and transit hub that cries out for a storefront, but its also surrounded by several schools where students hang out. Good luck to politicians trying to reconcile pot smokers with parents, not just in big cities like Toronto  with about 700 elementary schools and 140 high schools  but in rural redoubts.

For all the clamour from critics who dream of cannabis in every corner store, people tend to overlook the online component of the OCRC, enabling customers to place orders for delivery anywhere in the province. Not quite Amazon (delivery drivers will require ID with proof of age, and wont leave packages at the door), but better than bricks and mortar in some ways. After all, retail outlets will require you to line up at a counter  no self-serve aisles for browsing  just like the old days when drinkers had to submit their booze orders to LCBO staff (and not unlike todays illegal drug dispensaries, soon to be shuttered).

By sticking to 19 as the minimum age for marijuana, in line with the provincial drinking age, Ontario is departing from the federal minimum of 18. But with all the evidence of cannabis affecting the developing brains of young people, it only makes sense to avoid giving kids a head start with pot over booze.

Recreational users of all ages will be confined to their own homes, which seems only fair given the effects of second-hand smoke and marijuana odours. Legalization will embolden some to light up in public, generating a future flashpoint not unlike the effects of cigar-smoking and pipe-smoking in the past. Neighbours living in apartments, condos and semi-detached homes will have to figure out a modus vivendi.

The biggest uncertainty lies on our roads. After decades of research we know how alcohol impairs drivers, yet we are only beginning to understand the (varying) impacts of cannabis on consumers. The government has increased punishments for driving while under the influence, yet there will assuredly be accidents and heartbreaks ahead.

We need to keep the problems in perspective, by bearing in mind the legacy of prohibition. As cannabis takes root, lets not forget how it was driven underground in the past.

Underage kids bought dope of questionable quality from pushers close to their schools, smokers drove their neighbours crazy, and people drove while stoned. The government points to a roadside survey in 2014 showing more than twice as many drivers tested positive for drugs compared to those under the influence of alcohol.

Drug use was always there, we were just less aware. No one knows how much cannabis consumption will increase next year, but we do know that legalization offers an opportunity to educate and regulate in a way we never could under prohibition and criminalization.

Its easy for hipster pundits to mock Ontarios go-slow approach, caricaturing it as a hang-up from Loyalist and Victorian times. And it will be tempting for opponents of legalization to say we told you so, nostalgic for the status quo ante.

Recent polling shows public opinion more or less supports an LCBO-OCRC model controlled by government. And recognizes that the time has come for people to roll their own joints legally.

That doesnt mean we need to roll out retail stores in record time.

Martin Regg Cohns political column appears Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. mcohn@thestar.ca, Twitter: @reggcohn

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MOGADISHU, SOMALIAThe U.S. military for the first time has conducted two airstrikes against Daesh, also known as ISIS, fighters in Somalia, where the extremists are a growing presence in a country long threatened by the Al Qaeda-linked al-Shabab.

The U.S. Africa Command said the two drone strikes killed several terrorists in northeastern Somalia, the first around midnight local time and the second later Friday morning. The strikes were carried out in co-ordination with Somalias government, the statement said.

Local officials confirmed the airstrikes. At least six missiles struck in Buqa, a remote mountainous village roughly 60 kilometres north of Qandala town in the northern state of Puntland, a Somali security official told The Associated Press. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

The strikes sent terrified nomadic villagers and their animals fleeing, said Qandalas mayor, Jama Mohamed.

The U.S. has carried out well over a dozen drone strikes against al-Shabab this year after the Trump administration approved expanded efforts against the group. Al-Shabab was blamed for carrying out Somalias deadliest attack last month, a massive truck bombing in the capital, Mogadishu, that killed more than 350 people. Somalias president has vowed a state of war, with neighbours sending thousands of troops to help the local military and an African Union force.

But Daesh-linked fighters who have split from the Somalia-based al-Shabab in the past couple of years pose a growing threat, notably in a part of the country far from al-Shababs strongholds in the south.

In May, Daesh claimed responsibility for a deadly bombing in Puntland  said to be the first time the extremist group had claimed an attack in the Horn of Africa nation. Police said a suicide bomber detonated at a military checkpoint in the commercial hub of Bossaso, killing at least four people.

Daesh in Somalia group was formed in late 2015 when al-Shabab fighters in Puntland broke away, perhaps influenced by a Daesh social media campaign urging them to defect, and their leader Abdulqadir Mumin pledged allegiance, according to a report in January by the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point.

It is now believed that the group has between 100 and 200 fighters, the report says. Importantly, the Islamic State (Daesh) has not officially acknowledged Mumins pledge ... Nevertheless, operationally, ISS has arguably been the most powerful of the new Islamic State affiliates in sub-Saharan Africa.

The group briefly seized control of Qandala town late last year, making the town the first territory the Islamic State has held inside Somalia, the report says.

A report by United Nations experts monitoring sanctions against Daesh noted in a report circulated in August the terrorist threat posed by its affiliates in Puntland.

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BRUSSELSThe ousted leader of Catalonia remained the subject of a European arrest warrant Saturday as questions mounted over how long he would elude the Spanish justice system by staying undercover in Belgium and delaying extradition.

Former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont and several members of his separatist government fled north to Brussels after Spanish authorities removed the regions top officials from office a week ago. It is thought that Puigdemont and four others still are in Belgium, but sources close to them would not reveal their whereabouts.

Puigdemont wrote in Dutch on his Twitter account Saturday that he would co-operate with Belgian authorities, although his lawyer has said the pro-independence politician would fight a forced return to Spain.

Read more: Spain obtains international arrest warrant for ousted Catalan leader, aides

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We are prepared to fully co-operate with Belgian justice following the European arrest warrant issued by Spain, Puigdemont wrote in Dutch on his Twitter account.

Prosecutors in Belgiums capital, Brussels, said they were examining the arrest warrants for Puigdemont and four of his associates Saturday and hope to launch extradition proceedings as soon as possible.

Federal prosecutors in Belgium shared the warrants with their city counterparts due to links the five politicians from Catalonia have to Brussels, a statement from the Brussels prosecutors office said.

The statement did not explain what those links are. Puigdemont spoke at a news conference in Brussels on Tuesday and appeared on Belgian state television on Friday.

Besides the Dutch tweet he posted on Saturday, Puigdemont also sent a Twitter message written in Catalan to political followers in northeastern Spain. He weighed in on a debate among secessionists in Catalonia regarding strategy for the December snap election Spains government has called as part of its temporary takeover of the restive region.

Its the moment for all democrats to unite. For Catalonia, for the freedom of political prisoners and the Republic, Puigdemont wrote, endorsing calls for pro-secession political parties to unite in a coalition for the upcoming election.

Spanish government spokesman Inigo Mendez de Vigo said Friday that politicians, even those who are jailed on suspicion of a crime, can run in the upcoming election unless they are convicted before it takes place. Puigdemont has left the door open to running.

Back in Barcelona, the government seat of Catalonia, pro-union parties criticized Puigdemont for his flight to Europes capital 1,066 kilometres (662 miles) away.

Albert Rivera, the leader of the liberal Citizens party, said that Puigdemont had gotten what he asked for when he pushed ahead with plans for secession despite warnings from Spanish authorities that he was breaking the law.

Mr. Puigdemont, wherever you are, come back to Spain and show your face before the law, Rivera said. When you once bragged about flouting the law, you cannot now be indignant when a judge opens an investigation into your acts.

Miquel Iceta, leader of Catalonias Socialists, said at a separate rally: We have members of the government in prison, and others in Brussels trying to avoid the law. This is time to build bridges, not raise frontiers.

Puigdemont and the four former ministers are being sought for five crimes, including rebellion, sedition and embezzlement, for their roles in pushing regional lawmakers to declare independence from Spain.

But the longer Puigdemont can delay his arrest and extradition, the greater chance he would have of being a factor in the Dec. 21 election.

Legal experts have told The Associated Press that the process of getting another countrys suspect turned over to face charges  from arrest to extradition, including appeals  could take about two months in Belgium.

Belgian Justice Minister Koen Geens said his government will have no influence over the future of Puigdemont or the other Catalan officials because the European arrest warrant is a completely legal procedure.

He said, unlike a normal international extradition, the executive power does not play any role in the EAW procedure. Everything goes through direct contact between the justice authorities.

Puigdemonts Belgian lawyer did not answer calls requesting comment on the arrest warrant but has said his client would fight extradition to Spain without requesting political asylum. Belgian federal prosecutors said they could question Puigdemont in coming days.

We will study it, and put it in the hands of an investigating judge, prosecutors spokesman Eric Van Der Sijpt told The Associated Press. That could be tomorrow, the day after or even Monday . . . we are not in any hurry.

In all, Spanish prosecutors are investigating 20 regional politicians for rebellion and other crimes that could be punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

While Puigdemont and his four aides hid in Belgium, nine members of his deposed government complied with a summons to appear in a Madrid court. National Court judge Carmen Lamela jailed them all, although agreed to let one former regional minister go free on bail.

On the other side of the political divide over Catalonia, a senior official of a large separatist party, the Republican Left, conditioned her partys participation in the Dec. 21 elections on the release of all the jailed separatists.

One of them, Republican Lefts president, Oriol Junqueras, is the regions former vice-president.

If (Spain) wants democratic elections, if it wants to show that it is really democratic, it is necessary that it releases the main leaders of one of the options that will run for elections, Republic Left general secretary Marta Rovira said.

Rovira appeared to issue a veiled threat that, saying that if her partys demands were not met, separatists could try to scuttle the elections by encouraging pro-independence local officials to not manage the election or open their town halls as polling places.

Elections here can only happen here if we say they do, Rovira said.

Fuelled by questions of cultural identity and economic malaise, secessionist sentiment has skyrocketed to reach roughly half of the 7.5 million residents of Catalonia, a prosperous region that is proud of its Catalan language spoken along with Spanish.

The separatist majority of Catalonias Parliament voted in favour of a declaration of independence on Oct. 27. The next day, Spains central government used extraordinary constitutional powers to fire Catalonias government and dissolve its regional parliament.

Spains Constitution says the nation is indivisible and that all matters of national sovereignty must be handled by the Spanish Parliament.

In the Basque city of Bilbao in northern Spain, several thousand people marched Saturday despite the rain to protest the intervention of the Spanish government in Catalonias self-rule. The Basque Country region has its own separatist movement.

More rallies in support of secession are planned for the coming days in Catalonia.

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BEIRUTLebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned from his post in a televised address from the Saudi capital Saturday, accusing Hezbollah of taking the country hostage, in a surprise move that plunged the nation into uncertainty amid heightened regional tensions.

In his resignation speech, Hariri fired a vicious tirade against Iran and its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah group for what he said was their meddling in Arab affairs and said that Irans arms in the region will be cut off.

The evil that Iran spreads in the region will backfire on it, Hariri said, accusing Tehran of spreading chaos, strife and destruction throughout the region.

Hariri was appointed prime minister in late 2016 and headed a 30-member coalition government that included members of the Shiite militant Hezbollah. But its been an uneasy partnership between Hariri, who heads a Sunni-led camp loyal to Saudi Arabia, and Hezbollah, which represents a camp loyal to Shiite Iran. President Michel Aoun, who was elected in October 2016 after more than a two-year presidential vacuum, is a close ally of Hezbollah.

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As U.S. and Saudi Arabia sought ways to curb Irans growing influence in the region, Hariri has come under pressure to distance himself from the militant group which has sent thousands of troops to neighbouring Syria to shore up President Bashar Assads forces.

It was not immediately clear whether Hariri intended to return to Lebanon. In a statement, the presidential office said Aoun was informed by Hariri in a phone call of his resignation, adding that the president now awaits Hariris return to clarify the circumstances of his resignation and proceed accordingly.

Hariris bombshell resignation  even close aides seemed unaware of the announcement  ushers in a stage of deep uncertainty and potential instability. It also throws into doubt parliamentary elections slated for early next year which have been repeatedly delayed.

It comes amid a sharp escalation in Saudi rhetoric against its regional archrival Iran and puts Lebanon at the centre of that rivalry.

Hazem al-Amin, a Lebanese writer who follows regional affairs, said Hariris resignation is completely a Saudi step that comes in the context of an international and regional atmosphere against Hezbollah and against Iranian influence in the region.

Lebanon is a fragile country. This confrontation (between Saudi Arabia and Iran) is more violent than Lebanon can stand up to, he said, warning of economic and security ramifications.

Irans foreign ministry spokesperson Bahram Ghasemi said the resignation is a plot by the U.S., Israel and the Saudis to foment tensions in Lebanon and the region, the semi-official Iranian Tasnim news agency reported.

Ghasemi dismissed Hariris baseless accusations, which he said indicate that a new scenario for the region was being drawn.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hariris resignation and comments are a wake-up call to the international community to take action against the Iranian aggression that is trying to turn Syria into Lebanon 2.

This aggression endangers not only Israel but the entire Middle East. The international community needs to come together and stand against this aggression, he said.

Hariris resignation was unprecedented in the way it was announced, in a televised address from an undisclosed location in Riyadh. In his speech, Hariri suggested he feared for his life and said the climate in the country is similar to the one that existed before his father, the late prime minister Rafik Hariri, was assassinated in 2005.

Several Hezbollah members are being tried in absentia for the killing by a UN-backed tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands. Hezbollah denies any involvement.

Hariri said Hezbollahs policies have put Lebanon in the eye of the storm. His attacks on Hezbollah come on the heels of new U.S. sanctions on the group that many fear will impact negatively on the Lebanese economy. Hariri has frequently called on the group to withdraw its fighters from Syria.

I declare my resignation from the premiership of the Lebanese government, with the certainty that the will of the Lebanese is strong, Hariri said.

When I took office, I promised you that I would seek to unite the Lebanese and end political division . . . But unfortunately, this pushed Iran and its allies to more interference in our internal affairs, he said.

In Beiruts Tarik al-Jadideh neighbourhood, a predominantly Sunni neighbourhood supportive of Hariri, residents described the shock resignation as a positive step.

Prime Minister Hariri has reached the stage where he is not able anymore to bear the pressure on Lebanon by Arab nations, due to the intervention of Iran, said Mohyeddine Awwad, sitting in a cafe where posters of Hariri hung.

Earlier this week, Saudi State Minister for Gulf Affairs Thamer al-Sabhan sharply criticized Hezbollah, calling for its toppling and promising astonishing developments in the coming days during an interview with the Lebanese TV station MTV.

Al-Sabhan met with Hariri in Saudi Arabia when the now resigned prime minister was visiting earlier this week. Hariri abruptly returned to the kingdom again on Friday after a meeting in Beirut with Ali-Akbar Velayati, foreign adviser to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader.

In tweets after meeting Hariri, al-Sabhan criticized the Lebanese government for tolerating Hezbollahs criticism of the kingdom.

Maha Yahya, director of the Beirut-based Carnegie Middle East, said that with the Syrian war calming down, Hariris move could be a message from Saudi Arabia to Iran that it cant have it all.

So Lebanon is back on the table as a stage for the next tug of war, she said.

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The only two living Republicans presidents to precede Donald Trump openly castigated him in interviews last year, an extraordinary rebuke revealed in a new book on president George W. Bush and his father.

Former president George H.W. Bush mocked Trump as a blowhard and voted for a Democrat over him, while the younger Bush worried aloud that Trump would destroy the idea of a Republican president in all but name, according to The Last Republicans, which is scheduled to go on sale later this month.

The author, Mark Updegrove, interviewed the Bushes last year  long before Trumps inauguration  and found neither wanted to see the coarse, populist campaigner become president.

I dont like him, George H.W. Bush told Updegrove in May 2016, according to CNN. I dont know much about him, but I know hes a blowhard. And Im not too excited about him being a leader.

Not only did the Bush presidents lament the prospect of a Trump presidency, Updegrove told CNN  they even shunned their partys nominee on Election Day.

The younger Bush reportedly ticked None of the above when it came time to choose a president.

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The elder Bush told the author he voted for Hillary Clinton, a Democrat.

During the presidential campaign, Trump had famously cited himself as his own best foreign policy adviser. Because I have a very good brain and Ive said a lot of things, said the candidate, who had no diplomatic or military experience.

Upon learning this, Updegrove told CNN, George W. Bush told him, Wow, this guy doesnt know what it means to be president.

Those comments came as Trump neared the Republican nomination for president, having vanquished most other contenders, including another member of the Bush family, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.

The White House responded after quotes from the book were published on Saturday, entering an extraordinary war of words involving three presidents from the same party.

If one presidential candidate can disassemble a political party, it speaks volumes about how strong a legacy its past two presidents really had, the White House wrote to CNN. It called the younger Bushs decision to wage war on Iraq one of the greatest foreign policy mistakes in American history.

George W. Bush didnt expect Trump to win the general election, according to the author.

When Trump started to rise, I think he became concerned because he saw this populism of Donald Trump getting in the way of Americas position in the world, said Updegrove, who founded the National Medal of Honour Museum this year, after several years as director of LBJ Presidential Library.

As he watched Trumps campaign, the younger Bush feared he would be the last Republican president, the author told CNN.

And it wasnt just about Hillary Clinton becoming president, he said. It was because Donald Trump represented everything that the Bushes abhorred.

Trump stood for rudeness, international isolationism and weak leadership in the eyes of the BushesEND, according to CNN. This would track with a speech George W. Bush gave last month, in which he didnt name the president but lamented these same vices and politics that seems more vulnerable to conspiracy theories and outright fabrication.

Despite such reservations by the Bushes and other establishment Republicans, Trump  who has made more than 1,300 false or misleading claims in less than a year and almost constantly insults his many rivals, including upending the Republican primary with stinging attacks on low energy Jeb Bush  did win the presidency.

Its rare in the modern political era for former presidents to openly criticize their successors.

Trumps immediate predecessor, Barack Obama, whose Democratic administration has been endlessly berated by Trump, generally limits his rebuttals to attacks on Trumps policies  never the man himself. And all five living ex-presidents partnered with Trump (who appeared via video feed) for a hurricane fundraiser just last month.

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The 11-minute deactivation of U.S. President Trumps Twitter account couldnt have come at a worse time for the social network.

The deletion, which Twitter admitted was caused by a rogue employee on their last day of work, is the latest in a line of incidents that could raise concerns that the social networks have partisan biases.

It gives people an opportunity to continue a narrative of, these platforms are against us, theyre censoring us, or theyre against us in some way, shape, or form, said Jack Gerard, a Republican digital consultant who has worked with Mitt Romney and Medium.

On Friday, The New York Times reported that the individual responsible was a contractor for Twitter, not a full-time employee.

That a single contractor can disable an account used by the most powerful individual in the world as a primary means of communication is troubling. It also once again brings the question of the social media giants political agnosticism to the fore.

Its not hard to imagine this being abused by another employee who isnt a fan of Trump, Christine Rousselle wrote in Townhall.

Given that Twitter, Facebook, and Google are currently under Congressional scrutiny, this only gives skeptics further fuel.

Sen. Ted Cruz raised the question of the platforms political neutrality during a Senate Judiciary hearing with Facebook, Twitter, and Google on Oct. 31. The purpose of the hearing was to investigate malicious Russian activity on these platforms during the 2016 election, but Cruz took the conversation further.

Given the percentage of news and political information that Americans receive online through social media or through other online avenues, the prospect of Silicon Valley companies actively censoring the speech or the news content is troubling to anyone who cares about a Democratic process with a robust First Amendment, Cruz told representatives from the tech giants.

Cruz cited specific controversial incidents involving Google, Facebook, and Twitter, including Facebooks Trending news team, and a temporarily suspended Twitter ad by Rep. Marsha Blackburn, a candidate for Senate.

Facebook caught flak in 2016 after reports emerged that the team that once curated its Trending news box had suppressed conservative news from appearing in the influential feature. There were many, many issues with Trending, but this flaw in particular raised conservative eyebrows.

Twitter got in hot water last month with Republicans after it temporarily chose to not allow Blackburn to advertise her launch video for her U.S. Senate campaign. BuzzFeed reported that the video apparently ran afoul of Twitter because of the line we stopped the sale of baby body parts, which Twitter deemed inflammatory. Blackburns claim about fetal tissue is based on a video by a conservative activist that was deemed to have been heavily edited to make misleading claims about Planned Parenthood. However, Twitters intervention raised questions about the platforms political neutrality.

Though the video was not removed, merely prevented from promotion, Blackburn used the incident to rally support from her followers. Join me in standing up to Silicon Valley! she declared, much in the way that a politician might attack Washington or the Swamp.

In response to Cruz questioning, Facebook and Twitters representatives were quick to defend their platforms political stance.

We think of Facebook as a platform for all ideas, said Colin Stretch, Facebook VP and General Counsel. We do not in any way discriminate on the basis of viewpoint or ideology.

Free expression and free speech is at the core of the Twitter mission, and we do everything we can to enable that, said Sean Edgett, Twitters acting general counsel.

But the incident with Trumps Twitter account could make Edgetts assurances ring hollow. Though we do not yet have all the information about the deletion or the perpetrators motives, it did seem that, in this case, Twitter did not do everything they could to enable the expression of a very prominent account.

Trust in information on social media platforms is already pretty low, according to the Pew Research Center. They found that just 5% of web-using U.S. adults have a lot of trust in the information they get from social media.

Gerard recommended social networks make a greater effort to hire people with more right-leaning views so as to avoid more partisan pitfalls. I think theyre missing out on huge opportunities to reach out to certain audiences that are somewhat turned off by the way that content is served up, he said.

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JOHANNESBURG Zimbabwean police on Friday charged U.S. human rights activist and television producer Martha ODonovan with attempting to overthrow the government of President Robert Mugabe by allegedly sending out a tweet deemed to be offensive, according to lawyers.

Police raided her apartment in the Zimbabwean capital, Harare, around 5 a.m. and took her to the Harare Central Police Station. She was charged in the late afternoon.

Police claimed ODonovan had tweeted, We are being led by a selfish man and a sick man, and charged her under the countrys repressive laws.

The tweet came from the account of @matigary, with a profile photo of a Black man in a suit who joined Twitter in February 2016. Zimbabwe authorities say they believe ODonovan is the author of the tweet based on her IP address. ODonovan, who is white, has denied this and @matigary has continued to tweet since ODonovan was jailed.

She has been charged with subversion and attempting to overthrow the Mugabe government. That charge carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

ODonovans arrest comes a month after Mugabe appointed Patrick Chinamasa to head a new ministry targeting crime on social media and other websites. It was the first arrest in Zimbabwe since the Cyber Security Ministry was established and an ominous sign of the countrys intensifying crackdown on activism and freedom of speech. The arrest suggested that Zimbabwes vibrant social media, one arena in which activists and citizens freely express dissent, is being targeted.

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ODonovan works as a producer and project officer with local television network Magamba, which produces satirical content for distribution by Facebook and YouTube, designed to provoke activism and open up Zimbabwes democratic space.

The producer has been working with Magamba for about a year, according to network co-founder Tongai Makawa. She has also worked with the Childrens Radio Foundation, an organization that trains children in Africa to create their own radio programs.

ODonovan was represented by Rose Hanzi and Obey Shava, the latter from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), an organization that often represents activists who are arrested in the country.

In a statement to police, ODonovan, who grew up in New Jersey, called the allegations baseless and malicious.

Hanzi has argued that the charge is illegal because the police did not inform ODonovan of it when she was taken Friday morning from her home. Her bail hearing is set for Nov. 15.

The U.S. State Department says it is aware of ODonovans situation, but declined further comment.

Lawyers said the police decision to opt for the more serious charge of attempting to overthrow the government was dramatic.

High drama in Zim as police currently preferring a charge of attempting to overthrow Mugabe govt against @MarthaODonovan, ZLHR said in a tweet.

Human rights and pro-democracy activists face arrest or being jailed in Zimbabwe. Some dissidents have simply disappeared.

The human rights organization Freedom House describes Zimbabwe as a nation that is only partly free. The organization says while social media remain partially free, the countrys media are far from free.

Most Zimbabweans do vent on social media about the state of the country, so if they arrest her for this, they might as well arrest all Zimbabweans on social media, activist Munya Bloggo told BuzzFeed News. I dont think anyone is exempt.

ZLHR says at least 200 people have been charged for alleged insults against Mugabe in recent years.

This arrest marks the start of a sinister new chapter in the Zimbabwean governments clampdown on freedom of speech, and the new battleground is social media, Muleya Mwananyanda, Amnesty Internationals deputy regional director, told The Associated Press.

ODonovans laptop and cellphone were confiscated by police when she was arrested. Her colleagues at Magamba said they were puzzled why she was targeted and saw her arrest as an effort to muzzle free speech and intimidate activists.

Its one more violation of our already shrunken human rights space, Makawa said. Its terrible and unfortunate.

Makawa said he believed ODonovan was targeted because of the work she did for Magamba.

We produce satirical content that speak the truth to power, he said. I think the nature of the work that we do at Magamba TV would be like low-hanging fruit, he said, referring to harassment of activists by the authorities. He said he was puzzled she was arrested rather than himself or others.

It could be a message to send to foreign nationals who are involved in the media, he said. Its definitely designed to instill fear because there was a resumption of activism and online conversations that were transforming into offline activism and engagement.

Its designed to whip people into line before the upcoming election, he said, referring to elections due next year.

With files from the Washington Post

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First, let us acknowledge what a considerable achievement Jason Kenney has just pulled off.

He returned from more than a decade outside Alberta provincial politics just two years ago. Within a few months he managed to nudge one political party to suicide, aggressively drive the merger of its remains with a sworn enemy, and then rise to the top of the publicly forced marriage as its chosen leader.

Not many politicians of any stripe could have pulled off such a Game of Thrones set of crushing victories. It is especially impressive, given who it is that has achieved this, and what his new flock would normally see as an authentic and desirable leader. Jason Kenney is now to lead a pro-family party having had none of his own. He is to navigate the somewhat closeted homophobia in his new tribe as a man who has refused to discuss his own sexual orientation.

He is the Harper minister who, to his credit, led the opening of the party and governments doors to thousands of non-white Canadians. Except that he will now lead a group with decidedly mixed views on immigration, refugees and Islam. He is a former Trudeau pere Liberal who, in his drift to the far right, has managed never to hold a job in the private sector.

While a capable minister on several files, his leadership skills remain untested. He is seeking to lead and manage the fifth largest and most complex government in Canada, potentially herding a green and fractious team into government.

He is a deeply evangelical Christian, with many of the social views and values that come with that choice. He has several times already gotten politically burnt for letting those usually well-hidden prejudices poke through his disciplined disguise. Opponents and the media will return to his peregrinations over Catholic education, rainbow clubs and same-sex marriage, relentlessly.

Perhaps most improbable of all, Kenney does little to disguise his bemusement at the theatre of his public performance as a mean-eyed, smash-mouth opposition brawler. Its one thing to be a savage political heavy for real  there is a large slice of mostly angry male voters for whom it is seductive.

But to make fun of his public performance, as Kenney does often in private with journalists and friends with devastating wit and sarcasm, is a little reckless. He also does hilarious imitations of some of his closest colleagues and his former boss, not always a wise party trick for a public figure. But most risky of all, when you make such cruel fun of the convictions of your true believers, you may appear to be saying to the knuckledraggers that they really are just easily conned dopes.

Kenney is an estimable politician, one who, despite his curious biography, has risen to the top of the political greasy pole. But he appears to still be afflicted with a hubris that could make his slide sudden and devastating.

He needs to be especially careful in the current atmosphere of intolerance for patronizing, or worse, verbally abusive men. In challenging a well-liked and sunny woman premier he must not be seen as just another threatened male dinosaur, where women in leadership roles are concerned. To inflict a devastating blow, in response to such a slip, Ms. Notley would not need to say much more than:

Mr. Kenney has been away from Alberta for a long time, perhaps consorting with people trapped in another era for too long. Alberta has changed in the many years you were not here, sir. That type of language is not how Albertans address each other.

In an era of disengaged partisanship, voters make leadership assessments increasingly on character and authenticity. The proof points they seek are often unfair to men like Naheed Nenshi or Jagmeet Singh, because they focus on shared experience and lives, not difference. They look for things in common like proud fatherhood, strong community roots, inclusive religious values, etc. Kenney starts out with a clear deficit on several such tests.

The province has occasionally elected less than ideal leaders, but the lineage going back to Preston Mannings dad and earlier is of a preference for serious, statesmen-like leaders. Kenney, in a more statesmanlike version of his previous self, could make a successful premier. But if he were not to choose Peter Lougheed as his political lodestar  in favour of, perhaps, Ralph Klein  this next chapter of his career risks being brief and humiliating.

Robin V. Sears, a principal at Earnscliffe Strategy Group, was an NDP strategist for 20 years.

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Yet another shoe has dropped in the investigation into Russias involvement in the last U.S. presidential election.

Close associates of President Donald Trump have been indicted, including his former campaign manager, Paul Manafort.

Many view the Russia inquiry, overseen by special counsel Robert Mueller, as the silver bullet to the Trump presidency. These opponents believe that a finding of collusion will end the regime and bring Trump down.

They reason that, much like the Watergate scandal, the lies and resulting coverup will reveal a deeply compromised president whose tenure will be irreparably damaged.

But critics who think that way continue to be naive to our new political world.

Even if Mueller finds hard evidence of collusion, it may not be enough to bring down a president who remains buoyed by his supporters. Perhaps even more problematically for these opponents, a successful impeachment may represent a long-term setback for their own side.

There are a multitude of reasons for this, but among the most prominent is President Trumps remarkable ability to obfuscate and confuse stories. Aided by a network of conservative media outlets, the president has managed to refocus and deflect allegations by constantly relaying messages on irrelevant or tangentially related issues.

For instance, on the same day that the media  CNN the lead among them  were breathlessly reporting the indictment of Manafort for suspicious activity with the Russian government, Trump began tweeting about Hillary Clintons relationship with a mining company acquired by a Russian corporation.

The issue had nothing to do with the Mueller investigation. Nonetheless, it successfully gained traction on a number of platforms, including much of television news. The problem is that most consumers of news do so casually at best.

If you had watched the news or skimmed the headlines that day, it would be difficult to not conflate Clinton, Russia, collusion and Trump.

None of this is a coincidence. The Mueller investigation is extremely complicated and the presidents messages only make the issue more difficult to follow.

Trump seems to have a mastery of this communication strategy. He and his White House allies, aided by the 24/7 media cycle, have managed to noticeably turn the dial and intentionally confuse the issue on Russias election involvement.

To the well-read and focused reader, it seems rather obvious that the Trump campaign  or at least some of those embedded within it  worked with agents of the Russian government to release information that would hurt Clinton in the election.

And yet, the general population has far less understanding of this issue. And that will be critical for Mr. Trumps survival when the inevitable fallout from Mr. Muellers investigation occurs.

Trump has a dedicated following that has demonstrated considerable resistance to abandoning the president, and it seems unlikely that the complicated Russia issue will dissuade them any further.

If, in the end, the issue is not a cut-and-tried accusation that has direct ties to the president, it is unlikely that those who have not yet abandoned him will all of a sudden head for the doors. The issue has now been around long enough and has become confused enough that the media apparatus that supports Trump will prove, once again, to be his biggest asset.

As we have seen all year, Trumps appeal to a loyal base places considerable pressure on Republican members of Congress to remain loyal to the president.

Further to the practical challenges of the Mueller inquiry, it remains a question if it is even advisable to try to tackle the president in this way. Trump was elected to drain the Washington swamp and attack the entrenched Washington interests that voters revile so much.

Should the president be removed from office by the Congress, aided by investigations undertaken by federal agencies, it is almost certain that it would be seen as a coup by his supporters. Trump would claim, and would likely be supported by the conservative media network, that his ouster was the inside-the-Beltway crew yet again protecting itself.

Such an outcome could be disastrous for those who revile Trumps presidency. Their attempt to eject him from office could well backfire and, instead, inspire a backlash in the next election.

Those opponents of Trump who are watching the investigation unfold with glee need to beware. It is a road filled with traps, detours and blind spots. And while many want to storm down that road with little caution, heed must be paid to the many unforeseen consequences that lie ahead.

Jaime Watt is the executive chairman of Navigator Ltd. and a Conservative strategist.

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Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 16:07:45|Editor: liuxin

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KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- As an open economy, Malaysia is set to gain from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), that covers the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its major partners including China, Malaysian government officials and analysts said.

Malaysia sees RCEP as a bulwark against the rising protectionism in parts of the world and is working with other RCEP countries for the early conclusion of the trade pact.

The 10 ASEAN countries would like to continue free trade and working as a whole to strengthen their position in the negotiation of a major trade agreement like RCEP, said Ong Ka Chuan, Malaysia's second minister of international trade and industry.

"If protectionism rises, we would have to negotiate trade bilaterally with one individual country after another, few of which would attach great importance to us," he told Xinhua.

"But if we negotiate a trade agreement as a group, we would have a heavier weigh with a population of over 600 million," he added.

RCEP will provide exponential economic boost to Malaysia as it involves 10 ASEAN countries and six dialogue partners, namely China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, Malaysian government said its recent-released annual economic report.

Collectively, RCEP represents almost 50 percent of the world's population, with a combined gross domestic product of some 23.5 trillion U.S. dollars and accounting for about 28 percent of the global trade, said the report.

"The realization of RCEP not only is positive to boost ASEAN's and regional economic growth via the deepening of trade, services and investment flows but also complements the on-going work in deepening economic integration within ASEAN with the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025," said Lee Heng Guie of Malaysia's Social Economic Research Center.

"The creation of a large integrated market in RCEP would attract global companies to locate their business in the region, and be part of the growing global value chain activities," he told Xinhua.

Malaysia was among the 12 countries involved in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), but the country's focus has shifted to RCEP and to the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, said Ong, the Malaysian official, following the withdraw of the United States from TPP that cast doubt on the future of the agreement.

Proposed in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative aims to build trade and infrastructure networks on and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes. Malaysia is one of the first countries that supported the initiative.

The negotiations for the RCEP, launched in November 2012, have advanced in areas including liberalization of goods and services and the rules on the country of origin. The latest round of negotiation was held in South Korea in late October.

"ASEAN economy is extremely external-oriented, with extra-ASEAN trade making up three quarters of ASEAN trade volume. As such, the earliest conclusion of RCEP can only help spur further growth in ASEAN, and we are looking very much forward to it," said Oh Ei Sun, special adviser for International Affairs of Malaysia's Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute.
Nestle SA (NSRGY) - Get Free Report Friday, Nov. 3, said that its U.S. business has purchased Chameleon Cold-Brew as it expands its coffee portfolio.

Austin-based Chameleon Cold-Brew is a provider of premium crafted coffee sourced consciously and grown sustainably, since it was founded in 2010 it has become the No. 1 cold-brew brand in the U.S. one of the top three refrigerated cold brew brands.

Nestle, the world's largest coffee producer, said that Chameleon's has a current portfolio of multi-serve concentrates and single-serve ready-to-drink products, two segments that account for 18% of the $2.5 billion in-home coffee category.

The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"We believe the Chameleon brand is perfectly positioned to support Nestle's strategy for coffee, which is to have a variety of offerings in terms of format, taste and price points," said Nestle USA Chairman and CEO Paul Grimwood said in a statement. "We believe this relationship will benefit both of us as we expand our access to the emerging cold brew category while helping Chameleon grow so that more people can enjoy its delicious, premium crafted coffee."

More of What's Trending on TheStreet:

Nestle USA in September acquired a majority stake in coffee chain Blue Bottle Coffee Inc. for a reported $700 million and expects to double the store count to 55 from 29 at the end of 2016.

Nestle is no stranger to coffee, controlling about a quarter of the world coffee business and half the world instant coffee business, according to Euromonitor data. It's new to the coffee shop segment, however.

The company in October reported a 2.6% increase in organic growth for the nine months to the end of September, with coffee contributing significantly to the growth. Its Nespresso business recorded mid-single-digit organic growth, including double-digit growth in North America.

Activist shareholder Third Point LLC on June 25 unveiled a 1.3% stake in Nestle, describing it as "a conglomerate with unrealized potential for margin improvement and innovation in its core businesses, an unoptimized balance sheet, a number of noncore assets and a recent history of meaningful underperformance versus peers."

Third Point's Dan Loeb chastised Nestle in a letter for failing to adapt to "changes in consumer tastes and shopping habits, as well as an influx of new competition from smaller, local brands."

Nestle has been reconfiguring its U.S. portfolio, acquiring vegetarian food maker Sweet Earth Inc. in September and putting its confectionary business up for sale.

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Editors' pick: Originally published Nov. 3.
S&P 500 3,991.73 DOW 33,592.92 QQQ 289.39 Retiring Soon? 8 Facts About Retirement You Need to Know Invest in Innovative Tech for the Smart Home (Ad) Three Penny Stocks Making Big Moves In November Agilent Remains In Buy Range Ahead Of Next Week's Q4 Report Invest in Innovative Tech for the Smart Home (Ad) Dont Chase Walmart Higher, Wait For Extra Low Prices Russian airstrikes reported in cities across Ukraine Invest in Innovative Tech for the Smart Home (Ad) Stocks gain ground after wholesale inflation eases in US The Latest | UN Climate Summit

S&P 500 3,991.73 DOW 33,592.92 QQQ 289.39 Retiring Soon? 8 Facts About Retirement You Need to Know Invest in Innovative Tech for the Smart Home (Ad) Three Penny Stocks Making Big Moves In November Agilent Remains In Buy Range Ahead Of Next Week's Q4 Report Invest in Innovative Tech for the Smart Home (Ad) Dont Chase Walmart Higher, Wait For Extra Low Prices Russian airstrikes reported in cities across Ukraine Invest in Innovative Tech for the Smart Home (Ad) Stocks gain ground after wholesale inflation eases in US The Latest | UN Climate Summit

S&P 500 3,991.73 DOW 33,592.92 QQQ 289.39 Retiring Soon? 8 Facts About Retirement You Need to Know Invest in Innovative Tech for the Smart Home (Ad) Three Penny Stocks Making Big Moves In November Agilent Remains In Buy Range Ahead Of Next Week's Q4 Report Invest in Innovative Tech for the Smart Home (Ad) Dont Chase Walmart Higher, Wait For Extra Low Prices Russian airstrikes reported in cities across Ukraine Invest in Innovative Tech for the Smart Home (Ad) Stocks gain ground after wholesale inflation eases in US The Latest | UN Climate Summit
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 17:48:12|Editor: ZD

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PHNOM PENH, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Saturday that the country's biggest opposition party was on the brink of dissolution after its leader Kem Sokha was charged with treason.

Speaking in a video live broadcast on his Facebook page, the prime minister said the Supreme Court would hear the case of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) dissolution on Nov. 16 and he totally believed that the CNRP would be dissolved.

"The Cambodia National Rescue Party is on the verge of dissolution," he said. "Until now, there is only 12 days left."

Hun Sen said the CNRP would be dissolved before Kem Sokha was convicted.

According to the prime minister, when the CNRP is disbanded, more than 100 CNRP's standing and central committee members will be barred from politics for five years.

Meanwhile, Hun Sen, who is also president of the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP), renewed his call for CNRP lawmakers and commune councilors to quit their party and join the CPP before their party was dissolved and promised to keep the same positions for CNRP commune councilors.

The government lodged a complaint to the Supreme Court, requesting the dissolution of the CNRP on Oct. 6, a month after its leader Kem Sokha was arrested for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government with the U.S. support.

He was charged with treason, a charge that could face up to 30 years in prison.

CNRP is the main rival to the CPP, as the Southeast Asian country is gearing up for the national elections in July 2018.

In the last national elections in 2013, the CNRP earned 55 parliamentary seats and the CPP won 68 seats in the 123-seat parliament.

And in the commune elections in June this year, the CNRP received about 3 million votes, or 43.8 percent of the total votes, as the CPP won 3.54 million votes, or 50.7 percent.

The CNRP is currently holding 5,007 commune council seats, including 489 commune chief seats.

Under the country's recently-amended election laws, if the CNRP is dissolved, all its parliamentary seats and commune council seats will be redistributed to other political parties taking part in the elections.
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe attends the ruling ZANU-PF Youth League National Assembly meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Oct. 7, 2017. (Xinhua)

HARARE, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean police on Friday arrested an American citizen and confiscated her laptop, claiming that she had insulted President Robert Mugabe through her social media post, her lawyers said.

Martha O'Donovan was detained on Friday morning. Her lawyer, Obey Shava, told media that O'Donovan had been accused of tweeting "We are being led by a selfish and sick man" on Twitter. The tweet also had a photo illustration of the 93-year-old Zimbabwean President with a catheter.

However, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) said police officers claimed that O'Donovan, who is represented by one of its members, posted a tweet on her profile during the recently held Shoko Festival, which referred to a certain Goblin, whose wife and step sons imported a Rolls Royce vehicle.

"The reported offensive and insulting tweet does not make any mention of the president's name," the ZHLR said.

Recent media reports have claimed that Mugabe's wife and sons imported luxury vehicles from neighboring South Africa.

O'Donovan is an American citizen who works for Magamba TV, which describes itself as Zimbabwe's leading producer of political satire and comedy shows.
Al Saraya Properties, a leading real estate brand in Bahrain, has signed an agreement with Al Baraka Bank to provide its customers a number of unique benefits including credit card facility with mortgage, a grace period of up to three months and and competitive insurance price with the option of accepting other insurance companies suggested by the customers.



Al Saraya Properties was established in 1999, under the leadership of industry pioneer Saud Abdul Aziz Kanoo. With its signature motto we build your dreams, it has become one of the most trusted real estate brands in the kingdom and a pathbreaker in building ultramodern living spaces, ensuring luxury, elegance and convenience, said a statement from the company.



Al Saraya boasts several prime properties at some of the most sought-after locations in Bahrain including Orca, Views Terrace, The Peak and Dragon villas on the prestigious Amwaj Islands, and Al Reem in scenic Saar, and many more are in the planning stage, it added.



The group's objective is to ensure and elevate customer satisfaction beyond building the finest living spaces and this memorandum of understanding (MoU) is one such initiative, said Redha Mukhtar, the general manager of Al Saraya Properties, after signing the deal with Mohamed Isa Al Mutaweh, the chief executive and board member of Al Baraka Bank.



On the partnership, Al Mutaweh said: Al Baraka Bank, being proactive, always tries to reach out to customers with custom-designed products and services."



"Signing the agreement with Al Saraya Properties is an important step towards making the bank the preferred choice of its customers. We have designed a special package, making banking with us more flexible for Al Sarayas valued customers," he added.



S Purushothaman, the director for finance at Al Saraya Properties, and Rashid Hasan Al Alaiwi, the deputy general manager, also attended the signing ceremony.-TradeArabia News Service
A security officer stands guard outside Kasarani stadium in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, April 17, 2014. (Xinhua/Allan Muturi)

by Chris Mgidu

NAIROBI, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan police on Friday interrogated 132 Ethiopian nationals after arresting them in a security operation at a residential estate in Nairobi.

Area police commander Joseph Gichangi said the illegal immigrants had sneaked into the country from Moyale by road and were in the process of being smuggled to South Africa.

"The 132 suspects were arrested on Friday afternoon in a residential house in Mihango. We don't know how they passed many police roadblocks without being detected," Gichangi told journalists in Nairobi.

He said during the sting operation, the security officers arrested two Kenyan nationals profiled as transporters in the illegal human trafficking trade.

A similar operation carried out on Oct. 6 in Mihango led to the arrest of another 67 Ethiopian immigrants.

Police and immigration officials have decried increased cases in which Ethiopian nationals are nabbed in the country while on transit to Tanzania or South Africa.

Police face difficulties in dealing with the illegal immigrants as they can not speak in Swahili and English.

On several occasion the immigrants were found locked up in congested rooms in Kenyan towns and cities but the trade continues to thrive even as many were repatriated.
As every good organic gardener knows, healthy plants need healthy, living soils. In fact, one acre of soil can contain as much as 40 tons of lifeall working together to maintain what's known as a soil food web.

So how do you tell how healthy and happy your soil is? Well, you look at it.

In this short video from the always entertaining Growing Your Greens, John Kohler explains what to look for as you dig into your soil. From earth worms to fungi, there's plenty of visible animal and plant activity you can see that should serve as an indicator of a healthy, living soil. Besides the worms and the fungi, I might add that color and structure can tell you an awful lot.

The darker your soil, generally speaking, the more organic matter it is likely to contain. And if you pull up a plant, the roots are well-spread out, and the soil comes crumbling awaythen you are doing something right. If the soil comes up in hard clumps and/or the roots are stunted, you may have a problem. (You can also look for water gathering on the soil surface as a sign of compaction.)

Just pulled up some soil and it's not looking good? Never fear. From no-dig gardening to extensive composting, there are plenty of ways to bring soil back to life.

If they can green an arid, salty desert, then you can revive an abused or neglected backyard plot.
Like Turtle said. If you have a Scotia (or Tangeine) account already, there are no fees to withdraw from Scortia ATMs in Jamaica. There are at least three in Negril. Take CAD cash as well in case you can't make it to an ATM or they're not working at the time you go. As already mentioned, you can exchange CAD cash at cambios (money exchanges) at very reasonable rates in Jamaica, except for the airport. You can also order some JMD from your bank in Canada before you go. Not a great exchange rate, but better than the airport. I like to have the equivelant of about $100 in JMD for arrival...about $10,000 JMD. If you have a private airport transfer driver, you can ask them to stop at a Scotia ATM on your way to your hotel on arrival.

I opened a Tangerine account specifically for traveling to Jamaica. Easy to do online and no fees at all.

In the tourist restaurants, you'll find many menus priced in USD. I ignore that and tell them I'm paying in JMD. No problem.

Jamaica still has its own currency. There's no reason for a non American to use USD. Jamaican tourist businesses started accepting USD as a courtesy to US tourists. Unfortunately, it's gotten to the point where it's becoming more common and where menus just a couple of years ago had prices in USD and JMD or only JMD, many have changed to only showing USD prices. However, doesn't change the fact that JMD is legal tender and is therefore accepted everywhere...and Canadians will pay more using USD than JMD.
We are looking to go to Costa Rica in a few months; however, we are on a budget as we are getting married next year. We may not get a honeymoon for at least a year+ after our wedding, so we want to go on a vacation prior and were looking at Costa Rica.

We are looking at travel websites with hotel + air packages, and transportation for ~6 nights. I hear very mixed reviews from Travel by Jen, but so far that is the cheapest for 3 nights by Arenal Volcano, and 3 all inclusive nights by Guanacaste Beaches.

We don't really want to rent a car and drive around after long hours of flying from the West Coast, USA. We don't want to spend the whole trip just driving around hours from place to place. We want to be able to enjoy the trip and relax some.

Is it smarter to just stay by Guanacaste and do a day trip to the hot springs/tours, etc. by Arenal Volcano?

Or should we do 3 nights in both areas?

Or any other areas that are must see?
Thanks for the input, everyone!

As far as why Turrialba, I'm not 100% sure myself, but mainly thinking to experience an area that is not so heavily touristed, and fits with the rest of our plans. Likely visit an off the beaten path waterfall or two, possibly the Guyabo monument, likely take a long winding drive up to Irazu (we went up last visit but they were closed - lack of planning on my part - but the drive was intersting, some cloud-forest-y sections, etc), and my son and I will likely raft the Pacuare from there. Also just gives us a different feel and vibe from the two prior coastal lowland stops, as we're looking to show my wife's father several 'sides' of the country.

Regarding the car, I know some of our itinerary can be done without one, but that's just a personal preference thing. I'd never go without unless it was impossible to have it. We just like the freedom to go wherever, whenever, change stops, add stops, follow interesting little "hey, what's that over there" type rabbit trails, etc. But appreciate the advice, it's good that you provide it to folks, as I know there are many for whom driving even at home is more of a chore than an enjoyment, and for whom the idea of driving in a foreign country just has them a nervous wreck. That's no way to vacation, for sure. Me though, I actually looked forward to self-driving last time, and the first visit didn't change my mind. To each their own... :)

Thanks again!
Hi John

I am sure if you shopped around you could possibly find things cheaper from another tour agent but you may find the overall service and quality of transportation and hotels are not of the same standard of what you have shown above.

I think if you were to go through and get some prices of individual nights stay and bus prices individually it could quite well add up to significantly more that what you have been quoted.

Not only that if you travel as part of an organised tour you know your not going to fall victim to any rogue tour guides ect. that can be quite persistent in attempting to get you to purchase tours off them.

It may be worth consulting tour company to see if you could have a day or two at the beginning of your trip just to get over flight ect. as usually flights from UK leave around Midday(UK Time) and arrive in Vietnam early to mid morning (VN Time)

Another thing to consider would be price vs how much time you have to invest in searching and planning whereas with a tour company all you have to do is turn up and also the extra information you would receive whilst on tour or visiting historic sights.

They have include a lot of very nice places to see in your tour and the price doesn't seem unreasonable. the tour company in question has a good reputation and i believe you wouldn't receive a substandard experience.

I believe overall the Tour would be a good option maybe ask for a couple of small alterations which have been recommended in previous posts. It will allow you to have a nice relaxing time and also visit many places.

All the Best

Laura
Hello Vikas

You seem to have put together a big list of places in Vietnam you want to see but have not done much research about HOW you might do that. There is no way you can jam all those places into the time you have so you need to start again.

If you have 14 days then you need to decide which 4 places you want to see - you don't have time for any more - you really don't.

December will be cold in the north - does that bother you?

Go back to the drawing board - get a map and see how far apart all these places are - Vietnam is a very long country.

When I am researching/planning a tri to a new destination I follow this advice - it is something I wrote for visitors to Cambodia but it is equally as applicable to any country.

~~~

There is so much to see as a newbie on TA that it can all be a bit overwhelming. Some things you should remember  members here are not travel agents  we are a community of fellow travellers who assist with information where possible. Some are locals, others are members who have visited the places you are interested in. While we're always happy to help you tweak YOUR itinerary we don't actually do them for you. Many questions are asked & answered over and over and it gets a bit much so we tend to re-direct new members to where they can find their own information rather than simply answer the question for the millionth time. I know this may sound harsh but its far better in the long run if we help you make the most of this amazing website.

the best place for you to start is the top questions - upper right of this screen  and in the same place for each city forum pick out the ones that seem relevant. Just be aware that the TQs are not visible when you use the phone app version of TA  you need to be on a laptop or pc.

then have a look in the 'things to do' link in the green bar at the top - make a list of things there which interest you - handy when deciding which cities you want to try and fit in and how much time you might need in each.

then for further info on any of these things - the search box (directly above your post on this page and at the top of the list of topics on each forum front page) will be your new best friend - use this function like a google search - key words & phrases - you'll get to all previous posts on that topic

while you're using the search box - look for trip reports (aka JBRs - just back reports) - I find these the best source of info when I start to plan a trip to a new destination.

for accommodation - check out the big online sites like agoda, or booking.com - make a short list and then check the review via the 'hotels' tab in the green bar at the top. Using these big sites you can filter for price and the hotel & room facilities you want.

if you have more questions, work up a draft itinerary (or at least a list of things you want to see), post it here for comment - it's much easier for the regulars to help you if they have something to work from. It's a good idea too to give an indication of your budget, interests, number of travellers and style of travel

you should also check out are http://www.travelfish.org - links to each country are in blue in the top bar

hope this gets you started

cheers

helen

Edited: 5 years ago
Trip Report:

For the last three autumns, I have traveled four times to the traditional farmhouse village of Shirakawago deep in the pine-y, mountainous valleys of Gifu prefecture Japan. There, I have enjoyed some peaceful inaka, country, time amidst the hulking, traditional three and four story thatched roof farmhouses and rice paddies which, this time of year, turn greengold in the crisp autumn air. Not surprisingfly, the village is extremely photogenic, and I have finally gotten around to writing up some of my experiences and impressions for other travelers, pasted below. For good measure, I have also posted some details about sites in the village, plus added a photo gallery which you can access on the original post at https://medium.com/the-big-sushi/shirakawago-traditional-farmhouse-village-in-the-japanese-countryside-1d5d021b37cd

Shirakawago: Traditional Farmhouse Village in the Japanese Countryside

An open-air living museum of traditional farmhouses deep in Japans countryside

Steep-sloped thatched rooftops reach for the sky like hands raised in prayer. Narrow, fast-flowing drainage ditches alive with carp and trout knit the rice paddies and the hulking, three- and four-story farmhouses together into the village of Ogimachi, the main attraction of the Shirakawago region in a remote, pine-covered mountain valley in Gifu prefecture. The total effect is like something out of a Japanese folktale perhaps: Momotaro Peach Boy, or a whimsical Ghibli Studios anime such as My Neighbor Totoro.

Until recently at least, the river valley was well off the beaten path. The area was only settled in the 12th century; the first road wasnt built until 1925. Even today, Shirakawago is somewhat out of the way, about four hours by bullet train and bus from Tokyo, and an hour from burgeoning tourist hotspot Takayama. Still, since receiving World Heritage status from The United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO) in 1995, many more tourists are making the trip by bus or car.

Every year however, the tour buses seem to arrive earlier, and theres more of them. The once hidden village in a remote, secretive mountain valley has been discovered, and is now very much on the tourist circuit, especially amid the green fields of summer, and in winter when the snow-covered houses are lit at night. For the last three years, I have visited in autumn, when the rice paddies glow greengold in the crisp autumn air and the crowds are a little thinner.

The nine-metre tall, steeply pitched thatch roofs gassho-zukuri praying hands style sheltered multi-generational families of farmers and their servants from the deep snows of this part of Japan. Their unique A-frame design also provided attic space for raising silkworms and, at times, manufacturing gunpowder to earn scarce cash.

When new, the thatch roofs are a golden brown; after thirty years or so, they have turned a mangy, mossy grey. Traditionally, it took the whole village to replace the thatch on one of the houses. Everyone would pitch in, the householder providing food and drink for the workers until the roof was complete  or the owners were eaten out of house and home. These days, artisans are hired, though metal roofs are slowly creeping into the village as skilled workers are increasingly hard to find and costs rise.

Still, the houses themselves remain impressive feats of peasant architecture and engineering. The snow-shedding roofs are built around a system of A-frames which distribute the heavy burden of the thatch and snow efficiently to the rest of the house, stabilising the whole structure against earthquakes and strong winds. Through a clever arrangement of drafts and vents, smoke from the hearth fire used to cook on the first floor rises to the upper stories and coats the thatch in soot, helping to preserve it against rot and insects. The A-frames make for airy, spacious attics used to raise silkworms for silk production.

The gassho-zukuri farmhouses of Shirakawago are masterworks of eco-and social-engineering. Or, in the words of UNESCO, are outstanding examples of a traditional way of life perfectly adapted to the environment and peoples social and economic circumstances. For this reason, UNESCO granted the region world heritage status in 1995. The unique gassho farmhouses and the way of life they support will remain an important part of Japans living tradition  and a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
I just did exactly what youre asking. I decided to come to Japan October 31 and got on the plane November 1.

I did not want to stay in Tokyo on arrival. Arrived at Narita around 6 PM. I did not have time to buy my JR pass ahead of time, which you will be able to do. You will definitely save money buying it ahead having it FedExd to you. I paid the surcharge and bought it from the JTB travel desk in the airport. The helpful staff advised me to stay in Tokyo for the first night because I would arrive in Tokyo so late, but I prefer to push through so when I wake up the next morning, I am where I really want to be. I took the 6:48 PM Narita Express train from the airport into Tokyo then Shinkansen to Kyoto, arrival at 11 PM.

JTB (travel agency in USA, Japan, presumably other countries) handles the JR pass. If you buy it outside of Japan, you will be sent a voucher which you will need to exchange the airport at JTB. During this one-year trial period, JR pass can also be purchased right at the airport for a higher price than if you pre-purchased it at home.

So, yes, depending upon your arrival time, if you have to retrieve luggage,clear and immigration and customs, if you can make the train, I would go with your desire for Kyoto.

Edited: 5 years ago
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 19:13:30|Editor: Xiang Bo

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NANNING, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- China and Malaysia plan to expand bilateral agricultural trade, officials told a forum Friday.

"Malaysia expects to expand exports of its edible bird's nests, seafood and fruits such as durians and pitayas to China," said Quaza Nizamuddin, an official with the Malaysian Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry, at an agriculture forum in Qinzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Gao Pu, a Qinzhou Industrial Park official, said China and Malaysia planned to jointly develop several industries, including bird spit processing and traditional Chinese medicine in the industrial park.

China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner for eight years in a row since 2009. The two countries have cooperatively set up twin industrial parks, with the one in Qinzhou launched in 2012 and the other in Kuantan, Malaysia, opening in 2013.

Friday's forum attracted more than 200 officials and businessmen from both countries to discuss cooperation on agriculture and trade under the Belt and Road Initiative.

The Belt and Road is a trade and infrastructure network envisioned to connect Asia with Europe and Africa along -- and beyond -- the ancient Silk Road routes.

"China and Malaysia will make full use of their advantages in resources based on the twin industrial parks and share the opportunities brought by the Belt and Road Initiative," Gao said.
A few questions from first time tourists to Costa Rica at the end of this month...

Tipping- how much and for what? Would like to know how much is an appropriate tip for maids, restaurants, at the bar, cab drivers, etc., and tip in Colones or US dollars? Seeing as how we are from Canada we were not planning on converting to US, only to Colones. Since this is an AI we're not sure what prices would be (for example dinner or drinks) so not sure how much to tip for service. Is there a post somewhere that suggests appropriate amounts?

1) What style of coffee machine (pot or pods) and what coffee is available in the rooms at the Westin? Is it dark/bold tasting or mild to appeal to mass tourists? We like a rich dark roast and need to know if I need to bring my own for the room.

2) I've read inconsistent info on the Westin reviews about what to do in the evening...I've read it is dead quiet after dinner but I've also read there is a loud bar. We have our 2 kids with us- are there any shows or anything to do in the evening (other than a bar) with kids ages 8 and 12 or is the pool lit and open late or should I bring lots of games/cards?

3) What are your favorite excursions that you would suggest to do with kids ages 8 and 12? We would like 2-3, ideally one water related, one forest or "green" related, and one city or town tour related. We are fine with having to travel further out of the area if it's a 2 hr ride one way. My concern is that the 8 year old might not be able to do some activities (ie. horse back riding, ATV, zip lining, due to his age/size if there are minimum age requirements).

Thanks for any advice! We are looking forward to our first visit!
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Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 19:23:32|Editor: Yamei

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SEOUL, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Rallies both welcoming and opposing U.S. President Donald Trump's two-day travel to South Korea next week were held here on Saturday.

Conservative voters, composed mainly of elderly loyalists to impeached South Korean President Park Geun-hye who was ousted from office in March and stood trial over corruption charges, held a rally and press conference here on Saturday, according to local media reports.

They waved national flags of both South Korea and the United States, with some of them lifting a photo of Trump high in their hands to welcome the U.S. leader's first state visit to South Korea in over two decades.

The so-called "rally of Taegeukgi," the South Korean national flag in Korean, also demanded the release of Park, the impeached president.

Similar welcoming rallies were also conducted in different areas of Seoul as Trump is scheduled to visit South Korea from Nov. 7 to Nov. 8.

According to the presidential Blue House of South Korea, Trump will arrive in the country at about noon on Tuesday and will hold a summit meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

On the second day, Trump will deliver a speech to the National Assembly, becoming the first U.S. president to do so in 25 years.

On the other side of the central Seoul, protest rallies were held against Trump's visit, which protesters claimed the U.S. president's belligerent rhetoric against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) escalated tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

The protesters urged the Moon government to veer away from the hostile policy, which the Trump administration adopted, and to stop annual war games between the two allies to bring peace and dialogue to the peninsula.

The anti-Trump protesters reportedly requested over 100 rallies to be held in Seoul during Trump's two-day stay.

Rallies outside the Blue House will be prohibited, or restricted for the two days, marking the first such measure taken under the Moon government, which was inaugurated in May.

Two anti-American youth activists were arrested earlier this week as they attempted to hold a protest rally against Trump's state visit in front of the U.S. embassy in Seoul.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 19:23:33|Editor: liuxin

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TEHRAN, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- At least eight Iranian border guards were killed in the clashes on Friday night with the rebels in the country's northwestern Azerbaijan Province, Tehran Times daily reported on Saturday.

"At Least eight Iranian guards were killed in heavy clashes between Iran's border guards and a group of terrorists in the Chaldoran border area on Friday," said Alireza Radfar, the deputy governor general of the province was quoted as saying.

"The terrorists sustained heavy losses during the clashes which are still ongoing on the border with Turkey," the official said.

The Chaldoran border, around 860 km northwest of the capital Tehran, is near neighboring Turkey and Iraq's borders.

Northwest of Iran has been the scene of sporadic clashes between the Iranian Kurdish militants and the country's security forces over the past years.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 19:23:34|Editor: liuxin

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TEHRAN, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Tens of thousands of Iranians held demonstrations nationwide on Saturday to mark the 38th anniversary of the seizure of the former U.S. Embassy in Tehran.

On Saturday, demonstrators gathered outside the former U.S. Embassy in central Tehran, now called "den of espionage," carrying placards and shouting anti-U.S. and anti-Israel slogans.

Since the 1979 takeover of the U.S. mission by Iranian students, which followed the overthrow of the then U.S.-backed shah, or king, in Iran, Iranians have been marking the occasion every year by holding rallies on the anniversary dubbed as "National Day against the Global Arrogance."

The occasion this year followed the aggressive remarks of the U.S. President Donald Trump against Iran last month, who accused Iran and its Islamic Revolution Guards Corps of agitating regional instability and exporting violence.

Trump also refused to recertify and threatened to terminate the hard-won Iran nuclear accord, saying it was "one of the worst and most one-sided transactions the United States has ever entered into."

In an address to the rally in Tehran, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani said that the U.S. foreign policy has failed vis-a-vis Iran.

"American politicians and its people have had second thoughts about their choice of president and acknowledge that the U.S. has been defeated in materializing its foreign policy," Shamkhani was quoted as saying by Press TV.

Shamkhani said that the countries which have U.S. pace of anti-Iran stance over the past years have also sustained losses with their Iran relations.

The U.S. embassy in Tehran was stormed by Iranian students on Nov. 4, 1979, and its personnel were held hostage for 444 days. The United States broke off diplomatic relations with Iran in 1980 and the ties between the two countries have remained severed ever since.
- Raila Odinga will not support an ODM candidate in the Kitutu Chache South by-election to be held on November 7

- Instead, he will throw his weight behind Ford Kenya's Richard Momoima Onyonka

- Onyonka is the current MP for Kitutu Chache South

- He is facing stiff competition from Jubilee party's Anthony Kibagendi who ditched ODM when he lost in nominations

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate in the Kitutu Chache South constituency by-election will have to fight it alone after Raila Odinga failed to back him.

Instead, the ODM leader indicated he will throw his support on current MP Richard Onyonka who is vying under a Ford Kenya ticket.

Onyonka was elected on an ODM ticket but ditched Raila's party for Moses Wetangula's Ford Kenya.

Raila has decided to support Ford Kenya's Richard Onyonka (right) Photo: Star

READ ALSO: NASA planning to petition Uhuru's win through the back door - Jubilee

The ODM candidate in the race is Samwel Omwando.

We came to an agreement that we support one strong candidate and we must also vote as one unit, NASA, so that we can defeat Jubilee, Raila said in Kisii as quoted by Nation.

Anthony Kibagendi (right) ditched Raila's ODM and is vying on a Jubilee ticket Photo: Facebook/Anthony Kibagendi

READ ALSO: I have officially joined National Resistance Movement as a general - Miguna Miguna

NASA parties ODM, Ford Kenya and Amani National Congress (ANC) have all fielded candidates in the race and will battle it out with Jubilee party's Anthony Kibagendi in the by-election slated for Tuesday, November 7.

Kibagendi ditched ODM after he acrimoniously lost in the nominations in April. He accused Kisii Governor James Ongwae and other leaders of masterminding his loss.

NASA leaders agreed to support one candidate to defeat Jubilee Photo: Star

READ ALSO: List of companies that NASA says supporters should boycott

He was a key figure in the Jubilee party campaigns in the region, something that earned him the trust and support of the party leadership, leading to an award of a direct ticket.

The Kitutu Chache South parliamentary election was postponed when Jubilee party candidate Leonard Mwamba died in a grisly road accident in Kisii days to the August 8 general election.

NASA supporters asked to boycott Safaricom, Brookside and Bidco on TUKO TV

Source: TUKO.co.ke
Just days before the Prison Officers Association is expected to meet with the Minister of National Security, another officer has been attacked however, he was not hurt in the incident.
Three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone in eastern Ukraine over the past day.

Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Spokesperson for ATO issues Andriy Lysenko said this at a press briefing on Saturday, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

"Three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded as a result of fighting near Kamyanka, Avdiivka and Novooleksandrivka. The soldiers have been hospitalized," he said.

Over the past day, illegal armed groups violated the ceasefire 29 times. The Ukrainian Armed Forces opened fire on the enemy 17 times, Lysenko said.

ish
Ukraine expects the arrival of the Canadian trade mission early next year.

Deputy Economic Development and Trade Minister, Trade Representative of Ukraine Natalia Mykolska said this in an interview with Ukrinform.

"I do hope that this visit will take place early next year," Mykolska said.

According to her, this issue was discussed during a meeting with Canadian Minister of International Trade Francois-Philippe Champagne this week. Mykolska recalled that several large trade missions had been already carried out from Ukraine to Canada.

The deputy minister also said that the issue of organization of a business forum regarding relations between Canada, Ukraine and the EU was also being considered.

ish
Ukraine constantly increases exports of high value-added products to Canada.

Deputy Economic Development and Trade Minister, Trade Representative of Ukraine Natalia Mykolska said this in an interview with Ukrinform.

"Ukraine's trade with Canada is growing. Our exports increased by 74% for eight months. It is extremely important that the supply not of raw materials but of products with high added value is increasing, in particular: juice, special-purpose machines, plastic containers and ceramic tiles," Mykolska said.

She added that one of the main issues of the visit of the trade mission headed by the Ukrainian prime minister to Canada was the subsequent increase in trade turnover between the countries. "Our task in Canada was to discuss promising sectors of cooperation and concrete steps taken by the governments to ensure growth of trade and cooperation between our enterprises," she said.

ish
President Donald Trump could be presented with an option to approve a $47 million grant to allow the Ukrainian government to purchase American defense arms aimed at deterring aggression from pro-Russian separatists.

Three State Department officials said this to ABC News.

National Security Adviser Gen. H.R. McMaster has been presented with three options for arming the Ukrainians as outlined in an interagency memo sent last week to the National Security Council. Of those three options, the State Department and Defense Department are advocating for the $47 million arms package funding, according to a State Department source.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary Gen. Jim Mattis have been in discussions since June about how to best make the sale which could include anti-tank missiles that require approval from the president and congress.

A State Department official cautioned that the proposal is unlikely to get approval while Trump is on a 13-day foreign trip to Asia.

The State Department declined to comment on the details of the recommendation.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 19:33:37|Editor: liuxin

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by Lyu Tianran and Apollinaire Niyirora

BUJUMBURA, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- At a busy street corner in Burundian capital Bujumbura, cars and pedestrians were waiting for the newly installed traffic lights to turn from red to green, a sight that has been absent in the small African country for a long time.

Traffic lights in Burundi stopped functioning due to a lack of repair mechanism less than one year after being installed in 1999, Burundian traffic police chief Roger Bankibigwira told Xinhua in an interview.

Many pedestrians do not know when to cross the road as traffic lights are a new sight for them, he said.

Funded by the African Development Bank, STECOL Corporation, a Chinese firm focusing on engineering and construction works, started installing traffic lights at 19 street corners across Bujumbura in May. All of the traffic lights, made in China, have been put to use since August.

To minimize the impact on traffic, workers assembled light posts, signal lights and other components of the traffic lights at the company's compound before they started installation at street corners, according to Hu Jianjun, the site manager.

The workers only had to connect the post and the base and then plugged them in at the installation site, which largely reduced installation time on streets, he said.

"Traffic lights restored discipline among drivers. Drivers from the countryside or foreigners freshly coming to Bujumbura were facing challenges to drive in Bujumbura," said minibus driver Gerard Bizabityo.

"Only those who didn't fear anything could easily drive in Bujumbura," he said, adding that many drivers are now enjoying the respect of traffic rules thanks to the traffic lights.

"I am sure that accidents have reduced during these weeks when the traffic lights started working. They also reduce traffic jams and disorders," said, Onesphore Rukere, a 34-year-old motorbike taxi driver.

A campaign of explaining how traffic lights work also started recently to target all users of roads, according to the police chief.

The traffic lights have already shown their ability to reduce traffic jams and accidents, Burundian minister of transport Jean Bosco Ntunzwenimana told Xinhua in an exclusive interview.

The government no longer need to deploy police officers at major road junctions thanks to the traffic lights, he said.

"The work done by the Chinese company so far is great. We highly appreciated what has already been achieved," said the minister.

According to him, the government is negotiating with the African Development Bank to allow Burundi to use the remaining fund in the installation of traffic lights at 16 more places in the capital. The traffic lights might be extended to other major towns if the funding is available, he said.

"Burundi and China have strong and traditional relations. Projects carried out by Chinese companies in Burundi are well done," he told Xinhua.
The Visual Prostate Symptom Score (VPSS) is an image-based interpretation of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) intended to quantify frequency, nocturia, weak stream, and quality of life (QoL) in a literacy-independent manner.

Ugandan men presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) to a rural clinic completed VPSS and IPSS independently and then with assistance. They verbally interpreted VPSS images, rated question usefulness, and suggested improvements. Responses between word-based and image-based measures were compared (Student's T, Fisher's exact, and Spearman's correlation tests).

132 scores from 33 men (mean age: 61 years, range 28-93; education: no schooling 20%, grades 1-4 62%, 5-79%, 8-12 9%). Correlation between IPSS and VPSS scores was positive (r= 0.70), as it was between the individual irritative, obstructive, and QoL questions. Independent of education, the weak stream image was best recognized. Likert scale measures indicated this was the most useful image, followed by daytime frequency. Nocturia and QoL images were rated as less clear, with explanation required before most understood that QoL facial expression images reflected overall LUTS impact. Improvements suggested included: increased image size for frequency and nocturia pictograms, increased black/white contrast for nocturia, and addition of an image to allow reporting of urgency.

In a population with little formal education, there was positive correlation between IPSS and VPSS, with inherent recognition best for weak stream and worst for QoL images. Increased image clarity and an additional image for urgency will enhance the global utility of the VPSS for men to report symptoms of LUTS.

Canadian Urological Association journal = Journal de l'Association des urologues du Canada. 2017 Nov 11 [Epub ahead of print]

Lynn Stothers, S Mutabazi, F Bajunirwe, Andrew Macnab

Department of Urologic Sciences and Associate Member School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, Principal Investigator International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD)., Director, Cure Medical Centre, Busheyni, Uganda., Department of Community Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda., Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study, Wallenberg Search Centre, Marais Street, Stellenbosch, South Africa and Associate Member Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

PubMed http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29072569
Prime Minister Hun Sen said on Saturday that the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party would definitely be dissolved later this month, and warned that more than 100 opposition politicians would be barred from politics for five years if they did not defect to his party soon.

The premier has cracked down on NGOs, independent media and the opposition party in recent months ahead of general elections set for 2018, which were predicted to be a close call between his Cambodian Peoples Party and the opposition CNRP.

In September, police arrested opposition leader Kem Sokha on charges that he was involved in a US-backed plot to topple the government. A month later, the Interior Ministry filed a complaint with the Supreme Court asking for the entire party to be dissolved.

In an apparently spontaneous live-streamed speech from his house in Phnom Penh on Saturday, the last day of the national Water Festival holiday, Hun Sen said that the dissolution of the opposition party was a sure thing, despite the fact that the Supreme Court has yet to rule on the question.

I bet my life that the situation is serious since [Kem Sokha] was arrested and handcuffed at 12 a.m., he said.

He also repeated a call to all opposition officials, at both national and local levels, to defect to the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party, saying he was being magnanimous by giving them an opportunity to continue serving the people.

It is not only that the party will be dissolved and it is finished. More than 100 people will be banned from doing politics for five years, Hun Sen said.

He added that at least 112 opposition officials would be subject to the ban, including all members of the CNRPs steering and permanent committee and almost all its lawmakers.

The dissolution of the CNRP could leave Mr. Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party unopposed in parliament. The CNRP currently holds 55 of the National Assemblys 123 seats, with the ruling CPP holding the other 68.

Son Chhay, one of the few CNRP lawmakers who has remained in the country during the political crisis, said the party would hold discussions in upcoming days on how to handle Mr. Hun Sens threat.

He said until then he could not indicate what the partys response would be, but noted that if the party were dissolved and its politicians banned from the political arena, there would be repercussions for the entire nation.

This is a serious national disintegration and a return to the awful history of our Cambodia that politicians have to avoid and consider responsibly, he said.

Political commentator Meas Nee said dissolving the opposition and banning its politicians would call into question the legitimacy of the government and the upcoming election, adding that it might also have an impact on the economy via pressure from Cambodias donors and trade partners.

He uses laws to forcefully dissolve a party that has support from nearly half of the countrys population, he said. If those people think it is unfair for them, they will not vote.

A European delegation on Tuesday warned that a deterioration in the countrys human rights situation could affect European Union aid and trade preferences, both of which provide substantial economic benefits to Cambodia.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 19:53:43|Editor: liuxin

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ADEN, Yemen, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Up to 35 fighters of the Shiite Houthi group were killed and 19 others wounded during intense gun battles with pro-government Yemeni forces across the southwestern province of Taiz within one day, a military commander told Xinhua.

Military units loyal to the Saudi-backed Yemeni government launched military operations against Houthis in many areas of Taiz province, killing 35 militants, injuring 19 and arresting eight others over the past 24 hours, the military commander said on condition of anonymity.

The pro-government forces also destroyed a factory of landmines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) building belonging to the Houthi rebels in Taiz outskirts, the source said.

The military commander did not mention if there were any casualties on the side of pro-government forces in Taiz fighting.

However, a local medical source confirmed to Xinhua by phone saying that "about 20 fighters loyal to the government were injured and transferred to hospitals for treatment."

Elsewhere in Yemen, the pro-Houthi forces launched an all-out attack against areas controlled by the government in the neighboring province of Lahj.

Tribal sources said that local fighters supported by the Saudi-led Arab coalition managed to thwart the Houthi attack after several hours of fighting.

Yemen's internationally-backed government, allied with the Saudi-led Arab military coalition, has for more than two years been battling Iran-backed Shiite Houthi rebels over control of the country.

The coalition began a military air campaign in March 2015 to roll back Houthi gains and reinstate exiled President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi and his government to the power.

The coalition also imposed air and sea blockade to prevent weapons from reaching Houthis, who had invaded the capital Sanaa militarily and seized most of the northern Yemeni provinces.

UN statistics show more than 10,000 people, most of them civilians, have been killed since the coalition intervened in the Yemeni civil war that also displaced around three million.

The impoverished Arab country is also suffering the world's largest cholera epidemic since April, with about 5,000 cases reported every day.
Prominent Washington correspondents discuss the weeks top headlines including the recent terrorist attack in New York City and its implications for future immigration to the United States. Join moderator Thomas DeFrank, Contributing editor for National Journal, along with panelists Dan Raviv, Israeli-based i24 News and Oren Dorell, Foreign Affairs Reporter for USA Today.
In the days of communist Albania's near-total isolation, Saimir Maloku used his technical know-how to gain illicit glimpses of the outside world. Unluckily for him, as he and his father watched forbidden Italian television, the regime was watching him.

Maloku was jailed for nine years in 1976 after the secret police bugged his home. Four decades on, he can visit a unique Tirana museum and see for himself the kind of listening devices that betrayed him.

At the Museum of Surveillance, created in the former headquarters of the feared Sigurimi security service, Albanians can now inspect some of the spying paraphernalia used by dictator Enver Hoxha's totalitarian state as well as the files kept on many of them.

"Until now nothing had been done to show how Albanians were spied upon and kept in check, so this is a good step to illustrate the history of spying we were the victims of," Maloku, now 71, told Reuters.

Visiting the museum, Maloku told the story of how he had wanted to help his paralyzed father by broadening his television viewing beyond the drab daily four hours of Albanian state broadcasts.

'Opened a window'

An electronic engineer, he built a device he called "the can" to convert UHF signals from Italy's RAI television so they could be viewed on an Albanian set.

"The can opened a window into the West for the Albanians. I made them free of charge for my friends, but later learned some of them had denounced me," Maloku said.

The Sigurimi planted a listening device in a wall to gather evidence against him.

The same model of device  once attached to a broomstick to spy on the Italian Embassy in Tirana  is on display in another museum depicting the work of the communist-era Interior Ministry.

In the age of the smartphone, both Maloku's and the Sigurimi's electronic gizmos now look quaintly crude. But they did their jobs, and Maloku went to prison for devising his, convicted of hostile "agitation and propaganda." He remembers singing Rolling Stones and Beatles songs in his underground cell to preserve his sanity.

Before the collapse of Albanian communism in 1990, the building that now houses the Museum of Surveillance was known as the "House of Leaves"  a pun referring to both its ivy-clad walls and the "leaves" of secret police files kept on citizens.

During World War II it was used by the Gestapo of the occupying Nazi forces.
A Spanish judge on Friday issued an international arrest warrant for Catalonia's ousted president, a day after she jailed members of the region's separatist government pending possible charges over last week's declaration of independence.

The national court judge issued the warrant for Carles Puigdemont in response to a request from state prosecutors.

Puigdemont flew to Brussels earlier this week with a handful of his deposed ministers after Spanish authorities removed him and his cabinet from office for pushing ahead with the declaration, despite repeated warnings that it was illegal.

Puigdemont's Belgian attorney said he would fight extradition without seeking political asylum.

The ousted president told Belgian state broadcaster RTBF he would turn himself in to Belgian authorities, "but not to Spanish justice."

He said he would run for re-election and, if need be, run his campaign from Belgium, where he remained in hiding.

Puigdemont told RBTF Friday that he was "ready to be the candidate" in the election, scheduled for late December.

"We can run a campaign anywhere because we're in a globalized world," he said.

The beleaguered president was due to appear at Spain's National Court on Thursday to answer questions in a rebellion case brought by Spanish prosecutors, but he did not show up.

The judge jailed nine former members of Catalonia's separatist government on Wednesday, while they were being investigated on possible charges of rebellion, sedition and embezzlement connected to their push for achieving the region's independence from Spain.

She later granted one of them bail at $58,300.

In an earlier address from Brussels broadcast by Catalan regional television TV3, Puigdemont called for the release of "the legitimate government of Catalonia" as hundreds of people gathered outside the Catalan parliament also calling for them to be freed.

"As the legitimate president of Catalonia, I demand the release of the members of my cabinet," he said. "I demand respect for all political options, and I demand the end of the political repression."

Puigdemont said the imprisonment of former Catalan Vice President Oriol Junqueras and eight members of his cabinet was an attack on democracy and not compatible with a "Europe in the 21st century."

Meanwhile, data released Friday showed that unemployment rose sharply in Catalonia in October, more than anywhere else in Spain, as companies fled in the midst of the country's worst political crisis in decades.
A militant allegedly involved in the deadly 2012 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, made his first appearance in a U.S. federal court in Washington, Friday, where he was ordered to remain in custody until a preliminary hearing next week.

Mustafa al-Iman, a Libyan national, is facing charges of killing a person in the course of an attack on a federal facility and providing material support to terrorists resulting in death.

Judge Deborah Robinson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ordered him held pending a preliminary hearing Thursday, the D.C. federal prosecutors office said.

Al-Imam, a Libyan national about 46 years old, arrived in Washington earlier Friday, the office said in a statement.

The charges stem from the Sept. 11, 2012, attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi by Islamic militants that killed U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced last week that al-Iman had been captured.

Our memory is deep and our reach is long and we will not rest in our efforts to find and bring the perpetrators of the heinous attacks in Benghazi to justice, the president said in a White House statement.

The attack led to a long congressional investigation and numerous hearings on whether former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and other senior U.S. officials ignored warnings to bolster security at the consulate because of possible violence.

Despite the hearings and Republican-led investigations, there was no evidence found of wrongdoing or deliberate negligence by Clinton or the State Department.

Al-Imam was recently captured in Libya by U.S. Special Operations Forces and transported to the United States by the military, according to U.S. officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Last month, U.S. prosecutors opened their case against the suspected ringleader, Ahmed Abu Khatallah. That case is being heard in the same court in Washington.

Reuters contributed to this report.
California Gov. Jerry Brown and lawmakers asked the U.S. government Friday for $7.4 billion to help rebuild after a cluster of fires tore through the heart of wine country, killing more than 40 people and leaving thousands without housing.



In a letter to the White House, Brown joined California's U.S. senators and 39 members of its congressional delegation to urge President Donald Trump and Congress to quickly adopt a disaster-related appropriations measure to support the state's recovery.



Brown said the funding would go toward cleanup and programs to support housing, transportation, agriculture, environmental protection and other services for those affected by the fires.

A series of blazes that started in Northern California the night of Oct. 8 killed at least 43 people and destroyed about 8,900 homes and other buildings. At the peak, thousands of firefighters battled 21 blazes that burned simultaneously.

Officials have not yet assessed all the damage and effects of the fires, but the governor's office and the affected counties determined that $7.4 billion in federal funding is needed to help California recover, the letter says.



The wildfires significantly damaged farmland, rangeland and watersheds, and more than a third of the funding requested, $3.1 billion, would go toward helping agricultural industries bounce back, including affected wineries, California officials said.



"The full economic impact to the agricultural, tourism, hospitality, and wine industries is still not known,'' the letter says. "Nine California wineries were destroyed and 21 were damaged in the nation's most prominent winemaking region.''

Congress last month approved $576.5 million in aid for wildfires earlier this summer in California and the U.S. West. It also has approved billions in relief funding to help states affected by hurricanes and other weather-related disasters this year.



Trump pledged aid for California fire victims on Oct. 10, saying he had told Brown that "the federal government will stand with the people of California.''



Brown said he has asked the California Department of Finance to expedite doling out $41.5 million to support the immediate needs of victims not eligible for federal aid.

During the wildfires last month, Brown declared a state of emergency for the Northern California counties of Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Yuba, Butte, Lake, Mendocino and Nevada as well as Orange County in the south.
Troops serving at Chinas first overseas military base, in the Horn of Africa country of Djibouti, should help promote peace and stability, President Xi Jinping told them in a video chat, encouraging them to promote a good image.

China formally opened the base in August on the same day as the Peoples Liberation Army marked its 90th birthday. It is Chinas first overseas naval base, although Beijing officially describes it as a logistics facility.

Djiboutis position on the northwestern edge of the Indian Ocean has fueled worry in India that it would become another of Chinas string of pearls military alliances and assets ringing India, including Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.

Speaking to Chinas Djibouti-based forces during a visit to a joint battle command center in Beijing, Xi got a good understanding of the bases operations and the lives of the soldiers there, Chinas Defense Ministry said late Friday.

Xi encouraged them to establish a good image for Chinas military and promote international and regional peace and stability, the ministry said.

The soldiers responded that they would not let Xi or China down, it said.

China began construction of the base in Djibouti last year.

It will be used to resupply navy ships taking part in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions off the coasts of Yemen and Somalia, in particular.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is overseeing an ambitious military modernization program, including developing capabilities for Chinas forces to operate far from home.

During his visit to the command center, Xi also instructed the armed forces to improve their combat capability and readiness for war, the ministry said.

Xi said progress in joint operation command systems, especially in efficiency at the regional level, was needed and troops must conduct training under combat conditions.

Djibouti, which is about the size of Wales, is at the southern entrance to the Red Sea on the route to the Suez Canal.

The tiny, barren nation sandwiched between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia also hosts U.S., Japanese and French bases.

There has been persistent speculation in diplomatic circles that China would build other such bases, in Pakistan for example, but the government has dismissed this.
Protesters clashed with police in western Ivory Coast's cocoa belt on Friday after the death of a youth leader, raising the prospect of more disruptions to the harvest.

Nearly 7,000 people have fled illegal plantations and 10 have died in the past month because of land disputes between native groups and migrants from other parts of Ivory Coast and neighboring countries.

Ethnically charged conflicts over land in Ivory Coast's fertile west were at the heart of a decade of turmoil that culminated in a brief civil war in 2010-11 that killed more than 3,000 people.

Members of the We alliance from the Guere, Yacouba and Wobe ethnic groups have in recent weeks entered the Cavally and Gouin-Debe reserves and threatened ethnic Baoules and migrants from Burkina Faso farming there, hurting cocoa deliveries.

Violence flared after well-known We youth leader Modeste Nenonhon was shot dead on Thursday in the village of Beoua, the Red Cross and a government spokesman told Reuters.

The house of a local prefect was ransacked by protesters in the town of Guiglo, where many of the farmers have fled, said government spokesman Bruno Kone, adding that an inquiry into the violence and the death were underway.

It was not clear who was responsible for the shooting, but thousands of We demonstrators again took to the streets in the towns of Blolequin and Guiglo on Friday. In Guiglo, police fired tear gas to disperse protesters.

"There is a big march to Blolequin and another one also to Guiglo," said Franck Gaba, an official with the Ivorian Red Cross. "Last night, a vehicle was set on fire in the court where Baoule displaced people are set up."

Baoule and Burkinabe farmers in the region were on edge, fearing retaliatory attacks after the youth leader's death.

"We are afraid for our safety in the villages here because ... the youth of the alliance will seek revenge," said Felix Kouadio, who cultivates seven hectares of cocoa in the Gouin-Debe reserve.

The volume of cocoa beans from the area has already dropped in recent weeks as farmers flee. Continuing tensions could impact more deliveries just as the cocoa harvest picks up pace this month.

The Ivorian Parks and Reserves Office (OIPR) estimates that up to 40 percent of Ivorian cocoa production comes from illegal plantations like the ones impacted by the violence.
The European Union vowed to ensure that Malta finds the "barbarous" assassins of a journalist being buried there on Friday and to resolve "potential structural problems" with the rule of law on the island.

Reflecting concern in Europe over possible systemic failings in Maltese democracy, European Commission First Vice President Frans Timmermans called on the EU's smallest state to leave "no stone unturned" in hunting the killers of investigative blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia, who died in a car bombing last month.

"The eyes of Europe are on the Maltese authorities," wrote Timmermans, a former Dutch foreign minister who as Jean-Claude Juncker's deputy oversees the Brussels executive's efforts to ensure member states respect democratic and judicial standards.

"If journalists are silenced, so is democracy," he said in a reply, seen by Reuters, to a letter from European media editors urging the EU to ensure justice for Caruana Galizia.

"We want those directly and indirectly responsible for this horrible murder to be brought to justice. And we want the investigations to run their full course, so that any other related wrongdoings that may emerge can also be prosecuted and potential structural problems be resolved," he added.

Caruana Galizia was a controversial figure who accused many of the most senior figures in both government and opposition of corruption and involvement in international money-laundering.

"We insist that the Maltese authorities leave no stone unturned to make sure that this atrocious, barbarous assassination does not lead to the situation that the perpetrators apparently want to achieve: that no-one dares ask pertinent questions and no journalist dares investigate the powers that be," he added. "This will not happen in Europe. Not on this Commission's watch."

The Commission said in a separate statement that Juncker condemned such attacks in the strongest possible terms. "The right of a journalist to investigate, ask uncomfortable questions and report effectively, is at the heart of our values and needs to be guaranteed at all times," the statement said.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, who is himself suing Caruana Galizia's son for libel over allegations of corruption, says everything will be done to find her killers.

His government has offered a one million-euro reward and protection for anyone providing information to identify them.

The Commission has limited powers to intervene directly in member states. It has applied largely moral pressure on Hungary and Poland to reverse proposed laws that it sees as breaching EU treaties by curbing judicial, media or other freedoms.

It has warned that it could seek to suspend Poland, but this would require support from all member states - something the Commission sees as difficult to obtain.

The Commission does have powers to fine states for breaches of EU legislation.

European Parliament President Antonio Tajani said in a statement he would attend the funeral in Malta at the invitation of Caruana Galizia's family.
Amado Boudou, who had been former Argentine President Cristina Fernandez's economy minister and vice president, was arrested on corruption charges on Friday, becoming the second major official in her government to face detention.

Police arrested Boudou and an alleged associate, Jose Maria Nunez Carmona, in an upscale neighborhood of Buenos Aires for racketeering and money laundering.

Local television showed Boudou, grim-faced and wearing a plain black T-shirt, as he stood beside two bearded security officers. In other photographs broadcast on television, he was in handcuffs, standing in what appeared to be his home.

Boudou's lawyer denounced the arrest on Friday, calling it "arbitrary."

"We never had any problems, and overnight, just in the week that there is a complaint to the Magistrates Council, the arrest was ordered," attorney Eduardo Duranona said on local television.

The 55-year-old economist faces three counts of "illicit enrichment" dating back to 2009, the year he was promoted from heading Argentina's social security administration to become Fernandez's economy minister.

He became vice president in 2011, when Fernandez won reelection. But he was largely absent from public view during that four-year term as accusations of corruption mounted against him.

He and Carmona "developed their criminal schemes at least since the start of August 2009, when Amado Boudou took charge of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, until the month of December 2015, when he finished his term as vice president," according to the arrest warrant.

Fernandez's former planning minister, Julio De Vido, was arrested on Oct. 25, just three days after current President Mauricio Macri's "Cambiemos," or "Let's Change," coalition swept Argentina's Oct. 22 midterm elections.

Fernandez herself is facing corruption allegations stemming from her eight years as president. She will, however, be immune from arrest after being elected to the Senate under Argentina's list system despite coming in second to Macri's candidate.

Fernandez was indicted last year on charges that she and her public works secretary, Jose Lopez, embezzled money meant for road projects. Lopez was arrested in June 2016 while trying to stash bags of cash in a Catholic convent.

In a statement on Friday afternoon, Fernandez's "Citizens' Unity" party accused Macri of using the judicial system to persecute political opponents, putting Argentine democracy "at risk."

"The deprivation of the former vice president's freedom has nothing to do with the case being investigated. It is a clear maneuver to intimidate, extort, and discipline union leaders and the political opposition," the party wrote.
The former leader of Spain's Catalonia region said Saturday that he would cooperate with Belgian officials following Spanish authorities' issuance of a European warrant for his arrest.

Carles Puigdemont said in a tweet: "We are prepared to fully cooperate with Belgian justice following the European arrest warrant issued by Spain."

A Spanish judge issued the warrant for Puigdemont a day after she jailed nine members of the region's separatist government pending possible charges over last week's declaration of independence. One person was later granted bail.

Puigdemont, who was thought to be in Belgium, didn't specify his current location, though he and several aides fled to Brussels last week after Spanish authorities removed them from office.

The National Court judge filed the request with the Belgian prosecutor to detain Puigdemont and his four aides, and issued separate European search and arrest warrants to alert Interpol in case they fled Belgium.

Belgian federal prosecutors said they had received the arrest warrant and could question Puigdemont in coming days.

Puigdemont's Belgian attorney did not answer calls requesting comment, but had said that his client would fight extradition to Spain without seeking political asylum.

Puigdemont and the four others were being sought on charges that included rebellion, sedition and embezzlement as a result of a Spanish investigation into their roles in pushing for secession for Catalonia.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 20:03:47|Editor: ZD

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Arken Imirbaki (1st R), vice chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), presides over an oath-taking ceremony for new-appointed official at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 4, 2017. Zhao Kezhi was appointed minister of public security in accordance with the decision by the NPC Standing Committee at a bi-monthly session. After the Standing Committee concluded its session, Zhao attended an oath-taking ceremony to pledge his allegiance to the Constitution. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

BEIJING, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Zhao Kezhi was appointed minister of public security in accordance with the decision by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) at a bi-monthly session, which closed on Saturday.

Zhao replaced Guo Shengkun, currently secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Committee under the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Zhao was previously the secretary of CPC Hebei Provincial Committee.

After the Standing Committee concluded its session, Zhao attended an oath-taking ceremony to pledge his allegiance to the Constitution.
An ambush that killed four U.S. Special Forces soldiers in Niger recently drew attention to the deteriorating security situation in parts of the Sahel region of sub-Saharan Africa.

Niger is part of a group of five Sahel nations that is pushing a joint military force to tackle terrorism threats in the region. Defense and foreign ministers on a visit to the United States this week reiterated the dangers they face on a daily basis.

WATCH: G5 Sahel Joint Military Force to Tackle Terrorism

Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop, speaking about Tuesdays ambush on a member of parliament and chairperson of the high court for justice in Mali, says he was traveling in the region of Tenekou  Mopti. His car and convoy came under attack. It was ambushed. Unfortunately the driver has died as well as five soldiers who came to their rescue.

Diop notes this kind of attack has become common.

If we dont work collectively to provide a response as it was done in the Boko Haram region in the Lake Chad basin, this issue might go out of hand and has a direct impact on international peace.

Therefore, Diop told VOA, its urgent to deploy the G5 Sahel joint force with the mission to combat terrorism and international organized crime but also the need to work collectively to provide assistance and support to the G5 Sahel.

Group of Five

The group was set up by Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger and has its command base is in Sevare, in central Mali. The plan is to coordinate with the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) established in 2013, and Frances anti-insurgent Operation Barkhane.

Burkina Fasos Foreign Minister Alpha Barry says the work of the G5 Sahel will complement what exists in the region.

Burkina Faso has about 1,800 soldiers in MINUSMA in Mali, but we think thats not enough to protect our countries and borders. In 18 months weve had 80 attacks, mostly in the borders but two big ones in Ouagadougou, and has caused the death of 134 including some from the West so this is a global threat.

Barry also says that thousands of children and teachers are missing school in some areas because of fear of terrorist attacks.

White House wants stability

On Monday, the Trump administration expressed its commitment to stabilize the Sahel region and support the G5 counterterrorism efforts.

We plan to provide up to $60 million in bilateral assistance, which we will work with our Congress to identify to help stand up the joint force, US ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley said.

The bilateral funding was announced as the Security Council met to discuss how to drum up international support for the G5 force.

This support fell short of hopes by France and other nations that Washington would back direct funding from the U.N.

But, Chad Foreign Minister Hissein Brahim Taha welcomed the move, telling VOA, this is the biggest contribution weve gotten so far and we thank the U.S., but we hope that more money will be pledged at our upcoming donor conference meeting in Brussels in December so that this joint force can gear up and declare war on terrorism.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said multilateral backing would be an important signal of support from the international community to the G5 countries in their struggle against terrorist organizations.

Commenting on the recent death of four American soldiers, Nigers Foreign Minister Ibrahim Yacoubou says his government is working with the U.S. to find out what happened.

We owe it to the family members of the dead soldiers but also for us so we can draw lessons, because this conflict where these soldiers lost their lives is not over, Yacoubou told VOA.

He added that terrorism has no borders or colors, its a global threat that needs to be dealt with  a fight the G5 is committed to wage.

Until we win the fight against terrorists/narco and human traffickers in northern Mali, they will become more powerful and will only spread further, he said.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has announced that the country and state oil company PDVSA will restructure its burgeoning foreign debt, even as he vowed to make a payment of more than $1 billion that came due on Thursday.

The announcement did not put Venezuela or PDVSA into default, but suggests that Maduro's cash-strapped government may be preparing to do so as heavy debt payments aggravate the country's crippling economic crisis.

Why is Venezuela so heavily indebted?

Even though the OPEC nation was flush with cash during a decade-long oil boom, Venezuela's ruling Socialist Party borrowed heavily during the era of late president Hugo Chavez to finance generous social programs that made him popular. The country also dismantled mechanisms meant to ensure Venezuela saved money when oil prices were high, leaving it without sufficient hard currency reserves to import basic goods such as food and medicine after prices crashed in 2014. Hunger and preventable diseases are as a result taking a growing toll on the population of 30 million.

Why can't Venezuela refinance its debt?

The most common refinancing mechanisms are effectively blocked by U.S. sanctions levied this year, in response to accusations that Maduro was undermining democracy, which prevent U.S. banks from acquiring newly issued Venezuelan debt.

Venezuela and PDVSA cannot carry out "swap" transactions in which they exchange maturing bonds for ones that come due further down the road because financial institutions with U.S. headquarters would not be able to acquire the new debt. Investors also say bondholders would have no interest in renegotiating payment timelines without a cohesive plan to reform the country's dysfunctional socialist economic model. Maduro has repeatedly balked at carrying out such reforms.

Who are the major holders of Venezuela and PDVSA bonds?

These securities are popular among funds that invest in emerging market bonds. Their high yields - which are close to 10 times higher than those of neighboring Colombia - help increase the overall profitability of the portfolios.

Institutional investors with big holdings include T. Rowe Price Associates Inc., Ashmore Investment Management Ltd., and BlackRock Investment Management Ltd. Goldman Sachs Group Inc came under heavy fire this year for purchasing $2.8 billion in PDVSA bonds at a steep discount, which opposition critics dubbed "hunger bonds."

What would be the consequences for Venezuela of default?

Creditors could seek to seize assets Venezuela owns in other countries, including refineries such as those operated by PDVSA's U.S. refining and marketing subsidiary Citgo. A default could also make it more complicated for Venezuela to import products from foreign companies. Providers of goods such as food and medicine may reduce sales to Venezuela on concern that they will not get paid, or that they could find themselves ensnared in creditor lawsuits.

What is the role of Russia and China in financing

Venezuela?

Venezuela has borrowed heavily from both nations via oil-for-loan agreements in which it pays back in deliveries of crude and fuel. Investors believe support from Moscow and Beijing has been instrumental in allowing Venezuela to keep up with bond payments so far. Russia recently said it was willing to restructure a $3 billion loan. But both China and Russia have shown impatience with Venezuela's continued refusal to reform its Byzantine socialist economic regulations that are widely cited as the principal obstacle to growth.

Could multi-lateral institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank get involved in the country's debt restructuring?

Maybe, but substantial obstacles loom. There has been no formal contact between Venezuela and the IMF and World Bank although it does have a representative on each of their boards. Before the fund could get involved again, Maduro's government would have to agree to an economic and financial assessment - something it has for years refused to do on the grounds that it violates sovereignty. Its current willingness to submit to such a review is unclear.

How would a default affect daily life in Venezuela?

Default would likely further pummel the country's already bruised bolivar currency, which has depreciated 99 percent on the black market since Maduro took office. Reluctance to do business with Venezuela could make it harder to import goods.
As the Iraqi forces come closer to expelling the Islamic State (IS) terror group from their last remaining enclaves inside Iraq, Shiite paramilitary groups aligned with Iran are attempting to retain their power by integrating into the Iraqs political system.

Those paramilitary groups started to gain prominence due to their battlefield successes against IS after the collapse of the Iraqi army in mid-2014. They operate under an umbrella organization of nearly 70 militia groups known as Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) formed following the Shiite Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistanis fatwa to fill the security vacuum and drive IS militants out of Iraq.

What was initially thought of as a temporary set up to resist IS expansion in Iraq, is now positioning itself to become a permanent institution in the Iraqi system of government. Leaders of the so-called PMF are now pushing the central government in Baghdad to recognize them as a part of the states defense system and provide its fighters with salaries and pensions.

The government should fulfil its responsibility of granting the rightful share of salaries for the members of Popular Mobilization Forces in the 2018 budget, Ahmad al-Assadi, spokesperson for the PMF and a Shiite member of the Iraqi Parliament said on Thursday.

Those salaries need to be equal to their counterparts from the security forces, Assadi added.

PMF demands come at a time when Iraq prepares for a new budget and general elections in 2018.

The Iraqi government has already legalized the PMF and since 2015 dedicated a budget of nearly $60 million for its operations. A parliament bill passed in November 2016 recognized the group as a government entity alongside the military and said it will represent and defend all Iraqis, wherever they are.

But al-Assadi said the parliament bill is missing details about fate of the group after Islamic State is pushed out of its last stronghold in the western Anbar province.

He also added that some Iraqi parliament members have sent a draft law to the Iraqi Council of Ministries that lays out the future responsibilities of the group.

We want them to speed up the process of discussions on the draft and send it to the parliament for approval, al-Assadi said during a press conference in Baghdad.

Political ambitions

Al-Assadi did not mention if the draft also included the prospect of PFM participation in the Iraqi electoral process, but multiple local media sources have reported that the groups political wings intend to compete in the general elections next year.

The Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, however, on Wednesday said that no political party with armed wings will be allowed to take part in the elections.

Political parties should give up their armed wings, or they will be prevented from taking part, al-Abadi said during a press conference.

Despite al-Abadis call, according to pan-Arab media outlet al-Arab al-Jadeed, over 20 political affiliates of the PMF have been registered for the May 2018 elections.

The news outlet reported that controversial groups such as Badr Organization, Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, and Kataib Hezbollah are among the political wings that have gained permission to participate in the elections. Those groups are known to receive direct support from Iraq and are designated terrorist organizations by the U.S. due to their involvement in attacks on Americans since 2003.

U.S. perspective

During a rare joint meeting with the leaders of Iraq and Saudi Arabia in Riyadh last month, United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said it was time for the Iranian-backed militias and their Iranian advisers to go home.

The U.S. is concerned that Iran will use those militias to expand its influence in Iraq after the defeat of the so-called Islamic State in the country.

Attempts to fully integrate the PMF into the Iraqi government system are likely to also face a strong local opposition, particularly from the Kurds and Sunnis who accuse the group of committing human rights violations against non-Shiite groups and pushing a sectarian agenda.

Those militia groups do not serve the interests of Iraq, Faris al-Faris, a Sunni parliament member representing Anbar province told VOA, adding that the central government should disarm those within PMF who are closely tied to Iran.

The future safety and prosperity of Iraq depends on the extent to which its sovereignty is preserved, Faris added.

Militias present challenge

Experts say bringing those militias under full control of the Iraqi government will be challenging for a state deeply divided along sectarian lines and strongly influenced by regional powers.

The United States can play a major role in helping the government of al-Abadi reorganize armed groups after the defeat of Daesh, said Iraqi expert Mahmoud Fuad using another acronym for IS. But this effort will be faced up by Iran which has reaped most of U.S. efforts in Iraq since 2003.

Fuad added that the influence of the Shiite militias would likely determine the future of conflict in Iraq as it prepares to recover from the Islamic State take over.

The defeat of Daesh is a good news for Iraq but the way ahead is challenged by sectarian groups that are not quite disciplined and controlled by the state. Those groups could easily turn the country back to instability if not managed appropriately, Fuad said.
Iran on Saturday celebrated the 1979 U.S. Embassy takeover and hostage crisis by displaying a surface-to-air missile at the site of the former embassy in Tehran.

Thousands of Iranians gathered for the annual celebration, where they engaged in anti-U.S. and anti-Israel chants and burned an effigy of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Iran's semiofficial Tasnim news agency reported the missile on display at the former embassy was a Qadr-F model, which has a range of about 2,000 kilometers.

The former embassy now serves as a cultural center and a de facto symbol for anti-U.S. sentiment.

Following the Islamic Revolution in 1979, hundreds of students stormed the embassy, where they took 52 Americans hostage for more than a year because the U.S. refused to hand over Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. He was in the United States, purportedly for cancer treatment, and Iran wanted him back to stand trial for crimes he was accused of committing during his rule.

The protest Saturday came amid heightened tensions between the two countries after Trump refused to recertify Iran's compliance with a 2015 deal between Iran and world powers to limit the country's nuclear ambitions.

In refusing to recertify the deal, Trump forced the U.S. Congress to decide what to do about the deal moving forward.
Government documents newly released Friday regarding John F. Kennedys assassination say allegations that Lee Harvey Oswald was connected to the CIA were totally unfounded.

A 1975 CIA memo says a thorough search of agency records in and outside the United States was conducted to determine whether Oswald had been used by the agency or connected with it in any conceivable way.

The memo said the search came up empty. The memo also said there was no indication that any other U.S. agency used Oswald as a source or for recruitment.

Third document release

The National Archives released another 676 government documents related to the assassination, the third public release so far this year. Under law, all the documents were to be disclosed to the public last week.

Most of the latest release includes 553 records from the CIA that previously were withheld in their entirety. There also are records from the Justice and Defense departments, the House Select Committee on Assassinations and the National Archives.

University of Virginia historian Larry Sabato complained that many of the documents in the latest release were heavily redacted. He tweeted about a 144-page record, titled Material Reviewed at CIA headquarters by House Select Committee on Assassinations staff members, that had writing on only a handful of pages.

President Donald Trump has ordered the release of all records related to the assassination, and they are expected to be made public on a rolling basis during the next three to four weeks. He also directed agencies to take another look at redactions and withhold information only in the rarest of circumstances.

Oswalds Mexico trip

One record showed how U.S. officials scrambled after the assassination to round up information about Oswalds trip to Mexico City weeks earlier. Officials wondered whether Oswald had been trying to get visas at the Soviet and Cuban embassies in Mexico City in order to make a quick escape after assassinating the president.

A CIA message sent Nov. 24, 1963, two days after Kennedy was killed, said an important question that remained unsolved was whether Oswald had been planning to travel right away or return to the U.S. and leave later.

The message said that although it appeared Oswald was then thinking only about a peaceful change of residence to the Soviet Union, it is also possible that he was getting documented to make a quick escape after assassinating the president.

Another record dated April 11, 1964, recounted a visit to the CIA by three staff members of the Warren Commission, which was set up to investigate the assassination.

The memo said the staff members indicated that Thomas Mann, former ambassador to Mexico and then-assistant secretary for inter-American affairs, still has the feeling in his guts that (Cuban leader Fidel) Castro hired Oswald to kill Kennedy. They said, however, that the commission has not been able to get any proof of that.

MLK document released

Also in the latest release was a 20-page FBI analysis of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. dated March 12, 1968, a month before he was assassinated April 4, 1968. One section alleges that King was attracted to former members of the Communist Party in America. It notes that two previous aides were party members and eight others, who helped shape Kings organization in its early stages, had communist affiliations.

The analysis said that in the early 1960s, the Communist Party was trying to get a black labor coalition to further its goals in the United States. It referenced a May 1961 issue of a communist newspaper that stated, Communists will do their utmost to strengthen and unite the Negro movement and ring it to the backing of the working people.

The FBI said King and his organization were made-to-order to achieve these objectives.

The FBIs surveillance of King is well-known, and the analysis includes several pages about his sexual life. One document said a black minister who attended a workshop to train ministers in February 1968 in Miami expressed his disgust with the behind-the-scene drinking, fornication and homosexuality that went on at the conference.

Throughout the ensuing years and until this date, King has continued to carry on his sexual aberrations secretly while holding himself out to public view as a moral leader of religious conviction, the FBI report said.
A man accused of assaulting Republican U.S. Senator Rand Paul on Friday in the lawmaker's Bowling Green home has been charged with fourth-degree assault, Kentucky State Police said.

Rene Boucher, 59, of Bowling Green, was arrested shortly after the incident Friday afternoon, state police said. He was being held on $5,000 bail.

Kelsey Cooper, Paul's spokeswoman, confirmed the incident on Saturday in a statement: "Senator Paul was blindsided and the victim of an assault. The assailant was arrested and it is now a matter for the police. Senator Paul is fine."

According to a statement by the Kentucky State Police, troopers were called to Paul's home about 3:30 p.m. local time Friday, where officers determined Boucher had intentionally assaulted Paul. The statement did not specify what injury Paul suffered.

An investigation continues, police said.

Paul, an ophthalmologist, was first elected to the Senate in 2010. He announced a run for president in 2015, only to suspend his campaign in early 2016 after poor showings in the primary season. He is the son of former U.S. Representative Ron Paul of Texas.
Kosovo's prime minister called on Friday for an international investigation after some of his countrymen were convicted of taking part in a gun battle with Macedonian police.

The men were part of a group of ethnic Albanians jailed in neighboring Macedonia on Thursday, some of them for life, on charges of plotting attacks and clashing with the police in a 2015 shootout.

Crowds took to the streets of Kosovo's capital after the sentencing, accusing the Macedonian authorities of staging the attack. Protesters in the eastern Kosovan town of Gjilan burned the Macedonian flag.

Kosovan media and officials have regularly said the accused Albanians were innocent and the victims of a plot by Macedonia's former nationalist government - an allegation dismissed by Skopje.

"Justice must be done," Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj said in a statement. "An international investigation would help find the truth which we are all demanding."

He did not say who or what should carry out the inquiry.

Kosovo's foreign minister, Behgjet Pacolli, said he had called his ambassador in Skopje for consultations and asked for a "clarification" from the Macedonian ambassador in Pristina, without going into further details.

Most of the defendants in Thursday's hearing were from neighboring Kosovo, while others were from Macedonia's own Albanian minority. They all denied the charges.

The 2015 shootout occurred during a police raid that followed an attack by armed men on a border post. Some of them were former guerrillas from the National Liberation Army (NLA), an ethnic Albanian militia that had fought an insurgency in 2001 in which scores of people were killed.

Macedonia, a small ex-Yugoslav republic of about two million people, declared independence in 1991 and mostly avoided the violence that accompanied the break up of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, until the clashes with ethnic Albanian fighters in 2001.

Albanians are believed to make up around 30 percent of Macedonia's population, living mostly in the northwest near the borders with Kosovo and Albania.
A Las Vegas sheriff says the man who killed 58 people at a country music festival in the city last month had lost a significant amount of money in the two years before the shooting and had bouts of depression.

Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo told Las Vegas news station KLAS-TV that the loss of money may have been a determining factor in why gunman Stephen Paddock carried out the mass shooting.

Investigators have still not determined exactly what led Paddock to open fire at a country music festival on Oct. 1 from his high-rise suite. Paddock fatally shot himself after the mass shooting, which also left more than 500 people wounded.



Since September 2015, he's lost a significant amount of wealth, and I think that might have been a determining factor on what he was determined to do, Lombardo said in the interview.

He described Paddock as a narcissist who may have seen his image as a high-rolling gambler declining.



This individual was status-driven based on how he liked to be recognized in the casino environment and how he liked to be recognized by his friends and family, the sheriff said.



So obviously that was starting to decline in the short period of time and that may have had a determining effect on why decided to do what he did.

Lombardo confirmed that the gunman's girlfriend, Marilou Danley, continues to be interviewed and is still considered a person of interest. Danley has repeatedly denied knowing anything about the attack.

Lombardo said investigators have found that Paddock carefully planned his attack and was purposeful in concealing his actions. He said hard drives that were removed from the computers found at Paddock's hotel have not been found.
Lebanon's Hezbollah group is accusing Saudi Arabia of forcing Prime Minister Saad Hariri to resign.

The head of Lebanon's Shiite Hezbollah movement, Hassan Nasrallah, said Sunday the group that participated in Hariri's government during the past year had not pushed for the resignation.

"It is clear that the resignation was a Saudi decision that was imposed on Prime Minister Hariri. It was not his intention, not his wish, and not his decision" to quit, Nasrallah said in a televised address.

Hariri announced his resignation Saturday, after delivering a blistering attack on Iran and its proxy militia, Hezbollah, both in Lebanon and across the region. The resignation followed consultations with Saudi Arabian leaders in Riyadh, and an earlier meeting with Irans top foreign policy adviser, Ali Akbar Velayati, in Beirut.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun indicated that Hariris office had called him from outside Lebanon to relay the news of his resignation. Commentators on Saudi-owned al-Arabiya TV stressed that Hariris resignation speech was made from the Saudi capital, Riyadh, and that it had regional implications.

Hariri blames Iran, Hezbollah

In his speech, Hariri accused Iran and its Lebanese proxy militia, Hezbollah, of creating discord in the country, as well as across the region.

He says that outside parties, alluding to Iran, that wish ill on Lebanon have sown sectarian strife among the Lebanese, gaining control of the levers of power, and setting up a state-within-a-state. He also accused Iran of meddling in the internal affairs of other Arab states, including Syria, Iraq, Bahrain and Yemen.

Hariri went on to claim the political climate inside Lebanon resembled the one that prevailed in the months before his father, the late Prime Minister Rafiq al-Hariri, was assassinated in February 2005, and that he sensed a covert plot against his own life. Arab and Lebanese media have long accused Hezbollah of killing the elder Hariri.

He added that the Lebanese people are determined to be free and independent, and he insisted the country must have only one state, one army, and one set of arms.

Hariri met Friday with Irans top foreign policy adviser, former foreign minister Ali Akbar Velayati.

New government unlikely soon

Hilal Khashan, who teaches political science at the American University of Beirut, tells VOA he thinks Hariri might have wanted to tell Iran he was not seeking to escalate the conflict, despite his impending resignation.

Khashan says he does not think a new government will be formed any time soon and that Hariris government will continue to govern in a caretaker capacity for a long time.

We are used to having a caretaker Cabinet perform its functions for a year or so. So, it will be a long time before another Cabinet is formed [and] it will be a long time before another Sunni leader will accept to form a Cabinet. ... Otherwise, he would be labeled a traitor.

Despite the sudden political storm, Khashan does not believe that it is in the interest of either Iran, or Hezbollah to escalate tensions following Hariris resignation.

Israel: a wake-up call

He said outside parties like Israel, however, are taking a more muscular attitude toward Hezbollah. He says recent Israeli raids against Hezbollah (targets) in Syria ... mark an escalation in their attacks.

He also points out that Israeli warplanes have been making intensive overflights in the south of Lebanon during the past few days.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hariris resignation is a wake-up call to the international community to take action against the Iranian aggression that is trying to turn Syria into Lebanon.

The Israeli leader said, This aggression endangers not only Israel, but the entire Middle East. The international community needs to come together and stand against this aggression.

Bahram Ghasemi, Irans foreign ministry spokesman dismissed the resignation as a plot by the U.S., Israel and the Saudis to incite tensions in the region, according to the semi-official Iranian Tasim news agency.

Ghasemi said Hariris baseless accusations indicate that a new scenario for the region was being created.
The New York City Police Department said Friday that it had a credible narrative from an unidentified woman who has made a rape allegation against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein and was gathering evidence for a possible arrest warrant.

Reuters requests for comment from Weinstein's representative and his attorney were not immediately answered.

Robert Boyce, the police department's deputy chief of detectives, said at a news conference that the alleged victim "put forth a credible and detailed narrative."

"We have an actual case here," Boyce said.

He said the police department became aware of the accusation October 25. Boyce said it was a seven-year-old case and "we have to move forward gathering evidence."

Boyce said that because Weinstein was out of state, the police department would need a court-ordered warrant for any arrest.

More than 50 women have claimed that Weinstein sexually harassed or assaulted them over the past three decades.

Encounters denied

Weinstein has denied having nonconsensual sex with anyone. Reuters has been unable to independently confirm any of the allegations.

Boyce said police had spoken to the woman and "we found corroboration along the way."

He said the NYPD was working on the case with the Manhattan district attorney's office.

"Right now [Weinstein] poses no threat to anybody in New York City. He's out of state. So it's a continuing investigation," Boyce told reporters.

Earlier Friday, in response to media reports, Joan Vollero, a spokeswoman for Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr., told Reuters, "A senior sex crimes prosecutor is assigned to this investigation, and the office has been working with our partners in the NYPD since the new allegations came to light."

Police in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and London have also said they are investigating sexual assault allegations against Weinstein, but no charges have been brought against him.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 20:43:56|Editor: liuxin

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BEIRUT, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- In an unexpected move, Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation Saturday, claiming that it stemmed from a "rejection of Iran's political over-extension in the region."

"I declare my resignation from the premiership of the Lebanese government, with certainty that the will of the Lebanese is strong," Hariri said in a televised statement he read from the Saudi capital Riyadh.

Hariri blasted Iran's interference in the region, arguing that the "Islamic Republic has a desire to destroy the Arab world and has boasted of its control over the decisions of Arab capitals."
A Nigerian militant group whose attacks on energy facilities in the Niger Delta last year helped push Africa's biggest economy into recession said Friday that it had ended its cease-fire.

The Niger Delta Avengers announced a halt to hostilities in August 2016, although they carried out attacks in October and November last year.

"Niger Delta Avenger's cease-fire on Operation Red Economy is officially over," the group said on its website.

"Our next line of operation will not be like the 2016 campaign, which we operated successfully without any casualties; this outing will be brutish, brutal and bloody," it said in a section of its statement addressed to oil companies.

The move threatens Nigeria's fragile economic growth and poses a further security challenge for President Muhammadu Buhari, in addition to the jihadist Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast and rising secessionist sentiments in the southeast.

The government has been in talks for more than a year to address grievances over poverty and oil pollution, but local groups have complained that no progress has been made, despite Buhari's receiving a list of demands at a meeting last November.

Buhari's office did not immediately comment.

The 2016 attacks cut oil production from a peak of 2.2 million barrels per day (mbpd) to near 1 mbpd, the lowest level in Africa's top oil producer for at least 30 years.

Result was recession

The attacks, combined with low oil prices, caused the OPEC member's first recession in 25 years. Crude sales make up two-thirds of government revenue and most of its foreign exchange. Nigeria came out of recession in the second quarter of this year, mostly because of the rise in oil production after attacks stopped and as prices strengthened.

The Niger Delta Avengers, who say they want a greater share of Nigeria's energy wealth to go to the impoverished swampland region, said they decided to end the cease-fire because they had "lost faith" in local leaders.

"We can assure you that every oil installation in our region will feel the warmth of the wrath of the Niger Delta Avengers," it said.

There have been no substantial attacks in the region since January.

Eric Omare, president of the Ijaw Youth Council, which represents the largest ethnic group in the Niger Delta, said the government had paid only "lip service" to communities' concerns.

"The truth is that the federal government has not demonstrated any seriousness towards addressing the issues that led to the Niger Delta agitation," Omare said, while adding that his group sought a "peaceful dialogue."

Nigeria's economy grew 0.55 percent year-over-year in the second quarter, largely on higher oil receipts.

The World Bank cut its 2017 growth forecast in October to 1 percent from 1.2 percent, as the oil production increase was lower than expected and non-oil sector growth was subdued.
For Yu Kaiguang, harsh new United Nations sanctions on North Korea are a disaster.

The trader in the Chinese border city of Dandong has seen business all but dry up, and he spends his days scrambling to obtain payment from the suddenly broke North Korean state companies to whom he sold on credit.

They have no money to pay us in cash, and the worst is that because of sanctions they cant settle the bill with goods such as coal, as they did in the past, said Yu, reached by telephone at the offices of his Dandong Gaoli Trading Company.

Yu said hes owed about $1 million in all for deliveries of toothpaste, instant noodles and other household items. Hes trying to avoid laying off staff by continuing to export foodstuffs such as pine nuts and red beans. If they become unemployed, it would be bad for both the state and society.

Common problem for traders

Yus plight appears increasingly commonplace across Dandong, where the bulk of the cross-border trade is handled. Interviews with four trading companies and recent media reports indicate Chinese companies are hurting in a city where North Korean trucks used to rumble across the Yalu River bridge several times a week delivering metal scrap and returning with everything from televisions to toilet bowls.

The owner of another firm, Dandong Baoquan Commerce and Trade Co., which used to import iron ore and coal and export basic consumer goods, said he was owed around $200,000 by his North Korea clients.

I had to lay off about 10 staffers, but I had no other choice because it was the government policy, Han Lixin said, referring to the sanctions. Im still in business hoping to trade with other countries, but it takes a lot of time and efforts to develop customers.

Large-scale trade involving North Korean resources such as iron ore and coal has been banned entirely under the sanctions, dealing a big blow to Dandongs port, whose operator defaulted on a $150 million corporate bond this week in part because of cratering revenues.

Both economies hurting

The sanctions have a broad effect, and both the economies of North Korea and China are suffering a lot, said Jin Qiangyi, professor at the Institute of Northeast Asia Studies at Yanbian University in Northeast China. Chinese companies doing business with North Korea may see quite a lot of losses, and the companies that have already invested in North Korea will suffer more.

Dealing with North Korean companies was never easy. Wang Chengpeng, former manager of Dandong Hongwei Trading Company, quit doing business with the North entirely because of hassles, restrictions and low-profit margins, even before the latest sanctions began to bite.

Despite that, China has long been the Norths biggest economic partner. Beijing accounted for more than 90 percent of its neighbors foreign trade of about $6.5 billion in 2016, according to the South Korean-owned Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency. China continues to be a key source of food and fuel aid to help keep North Koreas weak economy from collapsing, and Chinese officials say they wont agree to measures that could cut off basic life necessities and possibly cause Kim Jong Uns dictatorship to topple.

Sanctions holding

Chinas patience with Kim has grown increasingly thin, however, and Beijing has lent its support to increasingly tough resolutions unanimously approved by the Security Council this year that target North Koreas economy in response to its ballistic missile launches and latest nuclear test.

China has said it sees sanctions purely as a means of inducing North Korea to return to nuclear disarmament talks and has rejected unilateral measures not approved by the Security Council, of which it is one of the five veto-wielding permanent members.

Still, despite some allegations of cheating, China appears to be seeking to enforce the sanctions that also ban exports of lead, textiles and seafood, prohibit joint ventures, and bar any country from authorizing new permits for North Korean workers, all sources of hard currency for Pyongyang.

The sanctions have also blacklisted a number of firms in the extraction and financial industries, imposed travel bans and frozen the assets of some government officials, banned the import of natural gas liquids and condensates, and capped the countrys crude oil imports.

Its hard to gauge the exact impact of sanctions on the North Korean economy because the crucial food and energy sectors are less likely to be hurt by external conditions, said Lee Seok-ki, a senior researcher at the South Korean government-run Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade.

However, while the Norths economy has been expanding, by 3.9 percent in 2016, according to an estimate by the Bank of Korea in South Korea, that rate almost certainly cant be sustained if sanctions continue, Lee said.

China for its part is watching North Korea to see how its ally will respond to the new measures, eager for signs of a shift in tactics by Kim and an improvement in relations between Beijing and Pyongyang that have sunk into a standstill, as Jin puts it.
Thousands of people rallied in Melbourne Saturday in support of 600 men refusing to leave an Australian-run migrant camp in Papua New Guinea (PNG) that closed this week.

The center on Manus Island was ruled unconstitutional by a court in PNG last year. Australia is steadfastly refusing to accept the refugees, while New Zealand has offered to resettle some of them.

Campaigners say the government in Canberra is treating the men like animals and are demanding they be allowed to resettle in Australia.

Six hundred refugees and asylum-seekers remain inside the camp on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea.

Australia wants them to move to new accommodation units, but the men fear more attacks by locals, who are opposed to their presence on the island.

The units have been built by Australia in the PNG community of Lorengau. But the United Nations says some of the new community housing is not ready, a claim denied by Australia.

Activists rallying in Melbourne accuse Australia of trying to starve the refugees into submission. Among them are about 90 Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar, about 200 men from Iran, and others from Afghanistan, Somalia and Pakistan.

Food, medicine, power and water have been cut from the former detention center.

Sudanese refugee Abdul Aziz Adam accuses Australia of abandoning them, and hopes New Zealand will offer them sanctuary.

Australia deny to give our fundamental rights such as water and food," said Adam. "They force us to starve. They want us to be resettled in Papua new Guinea where even the people of Papua New Guinea they do not want us to resettle in their country. And we on Manus Island we have lost hope. And the only hope we now have is the New Zealand government. The honorable prime minister of New Zealand, we are begging you and pleading you to help us. We need your help.

New Zealand's Labor Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is expected to urge her center-right Australian counterpart, Malcolm Turnbull, to let her country accept some of the refugees held on Manus Island and another Australian-run migrant camp on Nauru. The leaders meet in Sydney on Sunday.

Since 2013, Canberra has locked up all asylum seekers who try to reach its shores by boat in camps in the South Pacific.

Australia says the policy stops migrants risking their lives at sea and protects its maritime borders. Critics argue the measures are punitive and extreme.

Australian actor Russell Crowe said Australias treatment of refugees held in Papua New Guinea is a "nation's shame."
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies says it has discovered several cases of fraud committed during the height of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa from 2014 to 2016.

In a statement, the aid agency said it was "outraged" by the discovery and would "ensure any staff involved are held to account."

The outbreak killed more than 11,000 people, infected another 29,000 and cost more than $6 million during its height, when it ravaged the countries of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.

In Sierra Leone, the Red Cross said it had found evidence of "likely collusion" between a bank and former Red Cross employees that resulted in a $2.1 million loss.

In Guinea, overbilling and fake invoices cost the agency about $1.2 million. The Red Cross said two other investigations were underway in Guinea.

And in Liberia, the organization found that inflated prices for relief items and payroll had cost an extra $2.7 million.

The Red Cross said it was committed to holding to account all those involved in the illegal activities, and also to reclaiming all misappropriated, diverted or otherwise illegally taken funds.

The organization, which has undergone past corruption scandals, said that since 2014 it has implemented cash spending limits in "high-risk" settings and has begun deploying auditors when it sends out relief teams.
The second phase of a campaign to vaccinate tens of thousands of Rohingya refugee children against cholera gets underway Saturday in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh.

The oral cholera vaccination campaign, which is being led by the World Health Organization, is targeting nearly 180,000 children between the ages of one and five years. They will receive an additional dose of the vaccine for added protection.

The children had received a first dose of the vaccine when the campaign was launched on October 10. At that time, the oral cholera vaccine was administered to more than 700,000 people above the age of one.

WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic says health workers also will give all children up to the age of five oral polio vaccines during the campaign to protect them against this crippling disease.

He says so far, no confirmed cases of cholera have been reported.

But, there is a risk and this is why we are doing this oral vaccination," Yasarevic said. "And, WHO has set up a lab together with the ministry to do water-quality monitoring. And, the results show that this testing from drinking water that only 17 percent of the samples collected and tested from various settlements met Bangladesh and WHO standards during the reported period.

More than 600,000 Rohingya refugees escaping violence in Myanmar have arrived in Coxs Bazar since late August. They are living in congested, squalid, unsanitary makeshift settlements  a perfect breeding ground for cholera and other diseases.

Jasarevic says there has been an outbreak of acute watery diarrhea. At present, though, none of the lab tested cases has been confirmed as cholera. He says the most serious health risks are acute respiratory infections and measles.
Russia is not currently cooperating with the United States on discussions about North Korea, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reportedly told the Russian RIA news agency.

"There is no cooperation so far. Only periodic exchanges of views," Peskov said, saying that Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump are likely to meet during an Asian economic forum next week.

If the two leaders do meet, Peskov said there is a great probability they would discuss the situation in North Korea.

Trump and Putin will be in the Philippines to attend the East Asia Summit, in addition to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting.

Ahead of Trumps visit, two supersonic aircraft conducted a bombing exercise over the Korean Peninsula as a show of force against North Korea. The B-1B bombers were escorted on the simulated drills Thursday by two South Korean fighter jets, according to an official with that countrys military.

North Korean state TV denounced the exercise as a surprise nuclear strike drill and said gangster-like U.S. imperialists were attempting to provoke a nuclear war.

The increased tensions on the Korean peninsula come as North Korea has, in recent months, tested nuclear bombs, missiles that could potentially reach the U.S. mainland and launched multiple missiles over Japan.
Amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, President Donald Trump received a classified briefing Friday from the U.S. militarys Pacific Command.

The briefing took place after Air Force One landed at Hickham Air Force Base on the Pacific island of Oahu where he and first lady Melania Trump were given a traditional Hawaiian welcome of wreaths of flowers, known as leis.

The president received a brightly colored lei made of maile and ilima flowers, a combination traditionally presented to royalty on the islands. Mrs. Trumps white lei consisted of jasmine and rose.

Pacific Command

President Trump then went directly to the Marine Corps installation where Pacific Command, the largest of Americas unified combat commands, is headquartered.

You have a lot of tough people and a lot of talented people and we appreciate it, Trump told U.S. Navy Admiral Harry Harris, the commander of Pacific Command.

Were all honored to have you on the island, Harris replied before the two shook hands for the cameras and reporters were ushered out of the room.

After the briefing, Trump and his wife went to Pearl Harbor to lay a wreath at the memorial for the USS Arizona, the battleship that sank during the Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese naval attack that plunged the United States into World War II. The Trumps also scattered pikake petals, a variety of jasmine, into the water over the Arizona, and the president quietly said thank you a couple of times.

East Asia Summit

Trump, on Air Force One, said he had wanted to spend another day in Hawaii at the end of what he called this very important trip, but canceled that plan to stay longer in the Philippines to attend the East Asia Summit, in addition to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting.

As citizens, we will represent you well. OK? As reporters, I dont know, Trump, who spoke briefly to the media on his plane, said on the 10-hour flight from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland to Hawaii in the mid-Pacific.

Before Trump arrives in the Philippines, the 13-day trip will take him to Japan, South Korea, China and Vietnam, his longest journey as president.

In his meetings with other leaders, the president is to tell them that the world is running out of time to stop North Koreas nuclear warhead and ballistic missile development, which U.S. administration officials deem to be the biggest threat currently faced.

The discussions will be around mainly what more we can do now to resolve this, short of war, recognizing that all of us are running out of time, according to National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster. The United States, South Korea, Japan, China are running out of time on this.
Anti-Taliban U.S. airstrikes in northern Afghanistan have killed dozens of insurgents and also caused civilian casualties, said residents and local media Saturday.

Afghan special forces, backed by foreign airpower, have engaged in a major counter-insurgency offensive in the volatile Chardara district in Kunduz province.

The Taliban sent reinforcements from neighboring Baghlan province, prompting Afghan forces to request NATO airstrikes late Friday, in support of local forces, said commando forces spokesman Ahmad Salem.

He denied claims of civilian casualties, saying villagers had vacated the area before the anti-Taliban operation began and the airstrikes killed more than 30 anti-government fighters.

Residents and local politicians said a group of civilians was forced by the Taliban to go to the bombing site early on Saturday to collect bodies and injured people when missiles fired by unmanned U.S. drones struck and killed them.

A Taliban spokesman said its fighters repulsed the Afghan offensive and intense fighting was raging in the area. He claimed the overnight bombing was carried out by American planes and killed "tens of civilians."

It was not possible to verify from independent sources battlefield claims made by either side. The U.S. military has also not yet commented on the allegations of civilian casualties.

The Taliban controls or influences areas around the provincial capital of Kunduz and attempts by U.S.-backed Afghan forces to evict insurgents have reportedly not produced results.

The insurgents briefly seized Kunduz two years ago. During the U.S.-backed counteroffensive, which enabled Afghan forces to retake the provincial capital, an American air raid mistakenly hit and damaged the only hospital run by Doctors Without Borders in the area.

Afghan civilians continue to fall victim to the intensified war in Afghanistan. The United Nations has warned civilian casualties have spiked to record levels this year and documented a 52 percent increase in civilian casualties by airpower in the first nine months of 2017.

Reports of the latest civilian casualties came a day after the chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced she planned to pursue a formal investigation into war crimes committed in Afghanistan since May 2003 when the war-torn country became a member of the court.

In a statement issued Friday, Fatou Bensouda explained that "there is a reasonable basis to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed in connection with the armed conflict in Afghanistan. She also raised the possibility of probing abuses committed by U.S. forces and Central Intelligence Agency officials.

The U.S. is not a member of the ICC.

Human Rights Watch welcomed the ICCs announcement as a long-overdue step.

The possibility that the ICC investigation may include abuses by U.S. soldiers and Central Intelligence Agency officials drives home the point that with this court, nationals from more powerful countries do not necessarily stand outside the law, according to HRW.

Whatever the court decides about the role of U.S. forces, the people in Afghanistan who have suffered enormously for decades deserve the worlds attention. More importantly, they deserve justice, it said.

The U.S. military, meanwhile, says an American soldier has died as a result of wounds sustained during operations Saturday afternoon in the eastern Afghan province of Logar.

"On behalf of U.S. Forces -- Afghanistan, we offer our deepest condolences to the family of our fallen brother," said General John Nicholson, commander, U.S. Forces-Afghanistan.

"Despite this tragic event, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the Afghan people and to support them in our mutual fight against terrorism," Nicholson added.
The United States has ordered all non-essential employees of its mission to Somalia to leave the capital, Mogadishu, citing specific threat information against them.

The statement issued Saturday by the U.S. State Department relates the threat information to Mogadishu International Airport, protected by African Union Troops and run by a Turkish firm.

Due to specific threat information against U.S. personnel on the Mogadishu International Airport, the U.S. Mission to Somalia has directed its non-essential U.S. citizen employees to depart Mogadishu until further notice, said the statement.

It also urged U.S. citizens who decide to remain in Somalia to be vigilant.

The Department of State urges all U.S. citizens who decide to remain in Somalia to review your personal security plans, take appropriate steps to enhance your personal safety, remain aware of your surroundings, monitor local media for updates, and maintain a high level of vigilance, the statement reads.

Speaking to VOA on the condition of anonymity, authorities at the airport said the threat information has been submitted to airport security and they do not know the specific threat.

Brigadier General Abdi Ashkir Jama, the general manager of Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport  named after Aden Abdullah Osman, the first president of Somalia  was contacted by VOA, but he has declined to speak about it, referring the case to the Somalias security ministry.

Airport security

Aden Adde International Airport, formerly and still commonly known as Mogadishu International Airport, is Somalias largest airport.

Car bombs and deadly suicide attacks, later claimed by militants, have struck more than 10 times near the airport since the deployment of African Union troops to Somalia on March 6, 2007. In 2016, a major security incident inside occurred when a terrorist suicide bomber managed to smuggle an explosive device in his laptop, boarded a passenger plane and detonated it.

The mid-air blast blew a hole in the aircraft and forced the pilot of Flight 159, bound for Djibouti with 74 passengers on board, to make an emergency landing about 15 minutes after take off from Mogadishu.

Officials later announced that a man who was ejected from the plane, Abdullahi Abdisalam Borleh, was carrying the laptop that contained the bomb.

The incident briefly disrupted airport operations and those of Turkish Airlines  the only international carrier flying into Somalia  and forced airport administrators to implement stringent measures to improve safety and security.

According to authorities, the measures include a 24-hour security surveillance system, electronic detection systems, physical checkpoints, and tough passenger luggage and cargo screening. Sniffer dogs are used when necessary, and firearms have been banned from the airport.

To step up standards, the airport has been reconstructed and renovated. It has a new terminal run by Favori LLC, a Turkish company. Its roads are freshly paved by TIKA, Turkey's development agency, and it has solar-powered street lights. The Turkish Red Crescent provides services, including trash collection, road construction, and waste water treatment to debris removal.

In September of this year, the airport made history after a cargo plane carrying 200 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia landed at night, marking the first flight in 27 years since the collapse of the former military regime in 1991.

Despite slow recovery and remarkable diaspora investment, Somalia remains one of the worlds most dangerous countries. The U.S. hasnt had an embassy there since 1991 and calls security extremely unstable.

Last month, the capital city was rocked by the countrys worst attack, which killed more than 350 people, including Somali-Americans.

On Friday, the U.S. carried out its first airstrikes against Islamic State fighters in Somalia.

In Mogadishu, Somali leaders and the governors of Somali states met for a fourth consecutive day in an effort to agree on implementation of a joint security plan. The government is said to be preparing for a major offensive against al-Shabab.
One of Venezuela's major opposition parties has decided to run in local elections next month despite a boycott by others, deepening a split in the Democratic Unity coalition to the glee of President Nicolas Maduro and his ruling Socialist Party.

Three of the four main groupings in the coalition have vowed not to participate in the Dec. 10 balloting for 335 mayors and one governor because they believe the election system is rigged.

But the fourth party, A New Time, based in oil-rich western Zulia state where the governorship is up for grabs, argues Maduro must still be fought at the ballot box to avoid simply handing him more political space.

Manuel Rosales, a former Zulia governor who fled to Peru in 2009 after corruption charges leveled by the government of Maduro's predecessor Hugo Chavez, said on Thursday he would be running again on behalf of A New Time.

"I'm not going to leave Zulianos alone," Rosales told supporters.

Rosales was jailed in 2015 on his return from exile.

Authorities lifted a ban on him running for office just this week.

His party's stance has infuriated many anti-Maduro activists. Another opposition leader won the Zulia governorship in elections last month but was prohibited from taking office for refusing to bow to a pro-Maduro legislative superbody.

"He's a sellout," said Juan Carlos Rivero, 34, at an auto repair shop in Zulia state capital Maracaibo. He had voted for Rosales in the past but did not plan to in December.

Opposition leaders under pressure

Having failed to oust Maduro via street protests earlier this year  which left at least 125 people dead  and having then performed badly in the Oct. 15 gubernatorial vote, Venezuela's opposition is in its worst crisis of recent years.

Though polls show it has majority support, and Venezuelans are angry at Maduro over an unprecedented economic crisis, the opposition has failed to capitalize.

Maduro has been exulting in the opposition disarray, saying parties ordering members to abstain next month were behaving undemocratically even as they accuse him of being a dictator.

When they lose elections, they cry fraud and when they know things are against them, instead of fighting, they withdraw, Maduro said in a recent speech, adding that Venezuela's elections were clean.

There is speculation the government may take advantage of opposition weakness by moving up the expected December 2018 date for Venezuela's next presidential election.

Various opposition politicians, including twice-presidential candidate Henrique Capriles, remain banned from standing for office on various charges of corruption or plotting.

And rights groups say there are nearly 400 political prisoners, including well-known protest leader Leopoldo Lopez.

Authorities deny political persecution, saying all detentions of politicians are for breaking the law.

In the latest threats against opposition leaders, Maduro said in a speech on Friday that congress head Julio Borges should be tried for treason after lobbying against his government abroad, including in financial circles.

The pro-Maduro Supreme Court, meanwhile, said opposition leader Freddy Guevara  who runs the militant Popular Will party in the absence of its leader Lopez  should be prosecuted for "instigation" and using children in protests.

Guevara, who is congress vice president, was prohibited from leaving the country.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 20:48:58|Editor: ZD

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Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri makes a statement at the parliament in Beirut, capital of Lebanon, on Dec. 28, 2016.(Xinhua file photo)

BEIRUT, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation Saturday, claiming that it stemmed from a "rejection of Iran's political over-extension in the region."

"I declare my resignation from the premiership of the Lebanese government, with certainty that the will of the Lebanese is strong," Hariri said in an unexpected move in a televised statement he read from the Saudi capital Riyadh.

He stressed that the "country would be able to overcome political influence exerted by internal and external forces."

Hariri blasted Iran's interference in the region, arguing that the "Islamic Republic has a desire to destroy the Arab world and has boasted of its control over the decisions of Arab capitals."

"Iran's hand would be cut off," Hariri said, adding that "Lebanon would not play a role in destabilizing the region."

He also implicated Hezbollah in what he views as Iran's race to regional domination.

"Hezbollah was able to impose a reality in Lebanon by force of arms, and their intervention causes us great problems with our Arab allies," he said.

Hariri also drew a comparison between the political situation in Lebanon today and in 2005.

"The atmosphere in Lebanon is similar to the situation before the assassination of Rafik Hariri," Hariri said, adding he had feared for some time that he might be assassinated.

"When I took office, I promised you that I would seek to unite the Lebanese, end political division and establish the principle of self-sufficiency, but I have been unable to do so. Despite my efforts, Iran continues to abuse Lebanon." he said.

"Lebanon is a great country, governed by laws and protected by one army and their weapons. We reject any weapons outside the legitimate authority of the Lebanese state. I thank all those who worked with me and placed their trust in me," Hariri added.

Hariri's speech was widely broadcast on local television stations.
A court in Zimbabwe on Saturday ordered a U.S. citizen held in jail while she faces allegations of subversion and undermining the authority of President Robert Mugabe.

The American, Martha O'Donovan, who works for a Zimbabwe online TV station, was arrested Friday after police converged on her house with a search warrant during a dawn raid.

On Saturday, a lower court referred her to the High Court to apply for bail, as she was facing a "third schedule" offense.

O'Donovan's representative, Obey Shava of the group Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, said, "We will be approaching the High Court on Monday for bail application. But what we then did was to challenge the arrest of our client. We were contending that the arrest was not in compliance with the mandatory provisions of the constitution  in particular, that the police were obligated to inform our client for the reason of the arrest at the time they arrested her, something which they didn't do.

"Unfortunately, the [judge] was not with us on that particular issue. As a result, our application was dismissed."

According to state court documents, police observed tweets from O'Donovan saying a sick person was leading Zimbabweans.

The American denied both charges of subversion and undermining the authority of Mugabe as "baseless and malicious."
A U.S. federal judge has proposed a May trial date for President Donald Trump's former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, who was recently indicted on a string of charges that included conspiracy to launder money.

U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson set a Monday hearing to consider the proposed trial date of May 7 for both Manafort and his right-hand man and former Trump campaign adviser, Rick Gates.

Both men were indicted as part of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian attempts to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

The judge also ordered Manafort and Gates to remain under house arrest, rejecting their arguments for less stringent bail conditions.

In addition, Jackson warned the pair's attorneys not to speak about the case outside court.

"This is a criminal trial and not a public relations campaign," Jackson said.

Manafort and Gates were indicted on 12 counts that included conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, being an unregistered agent of a foreign principal and making false statements. The allegations do not include collusion with Russia during the presidential campaign.

The two could face decades in prison if convicted, and both have pleaded not guilty to all charges. They've been placed under house arrest and released on multimillion-dollar bonds.

The indictment against both men, the first charges brought by Mueller, was approved by a federal grand jury and unsealed Monday after Manafort and Gates turned themselves in to the FBI.
A Nigerien man who says he found three of the four U.S. soldiers killed in Niger last month says the bodies were bloodied and stripped of their uniforms.

Adamou Boubacar told VOA's French to Africa service that he was the first to discover the bodies after the October 4 battle between U.S. Army Special Forces and the jihadist militants who ambushed them in the western Nigerien village of Tongo Tongo.

Boubacar, a resident of Tongo Tongo, said he was searching for his wife and children in nearby fields.

"When I came out of the village, I saw the bodies of the three white American soldiers. There was a lot of blood  you cannot imagine," he told the VOA Afrique program.

He said he found two soldiers in a vehicle and the other on the ground.

"Two of them are big, they are also heavy," he said. "The third is also heavy but not as big as the other two. There was one who had tattoos on his arm," Boubacar said.

Stripped of clothing, weapons



VOA asked the Pentagon on Friday to confirm the details. A Pentagon spokeswoman told VOA that an investigation was under way and that there would be no comment until all the facts had been gathered.

Asked whether the American soldiers were wearing their combat gear, Boubacar said one was naked and the others were in their underwear. He said all their weapons and equipment had been taken.

The U.S. military has identified the three soldiers found together on October 4 as Staff Sgt. Dustin Wright, 29, Staff Sgt. Bryan Black, 35, and Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson, 39.

As for the fourth American soldier  Sgt. La David Johnson, 25, who was found two days later  Boubacar said it was children who discovered his body. "There must be at least two kilometers between where his body was found and the place where the attack took place," he said.

"These young people informed the village chief, who then called the soldiers, who came and they went together to take him," Boubacar said.

A U.S. official told VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb there was "no indication" that Johnson was ever in the custody of hostile forces.

Complicity suspected

The village chief was subsequently arrested by Nigerien authorities on suspicion of helping to facilitate the attack.

Four Nigerien soldiers and a Nigerien interpreter also were killed in the October 4 ambush, for which a pro-Islamic State group in Niger claimed responsibility.

U.S. troops are in Niger and other West African countries to help regional governments battle jihadist groups that include al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb and Boko Haram.

Nicolas Pinault, VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb and VOA national security correspondent contributed to this report.
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President Donald Trump is heading to Asia for a 12-day, five-nation tour as tension builds on the Korean Peninsula over North Koreas continuing development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. North Korean defectors wanted to see come of Trumps first official visit to South Korea.
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Zimbabwean artistes have joined the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission in canvassing for potential voters to register in the country's new voters' roll. They have been doing the rounds in Bulawayo with several non-governmental organizations. (Video: Nompumelelo Moyo)
The African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights currently meeting in Banjul, Gambia, was Thursday briefed about the alleged unconstitutional activities of President Robert Mugabe and First Lady Grace Mugabe.

Addressing participants in Banjul, human rights lawyer, Lizwe Jamela of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), raised serious concern with Mr. Mugabes decision to rescind the appointment of Prosecutor General (PG), Ray Goba calling the move unconstitutional.

President Mugabe on Friday 27 October 2017 reversed the appointment of Advocate Goba as the countrys PG through an Extraordinary Government Gazette, General Notice 642 of 2017.

Mr Mugabe did not give reasons for the shocking decision. It is hereby notified that the captioned General Notice (493 of 2017) that was published in the Gazette Extraordinary on the 13th September, 2017 is repealed, read the notice. Advocate Goba had, however, not officially taken up office as he was yet to be sworn-in.

According to Section 259 (6) of the Constitution, before taking up office, the Prosecutor-General must take, before the President or a person authorized by the President, the oath of office in the form set out in the Third Schedule.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Mrs. Virginia Mabiza, told the state-controlled Herald newspaper that the president has the discretion, at law, to order the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to submit another list of candidates for appointment.

But ZLHR has described the decision as unconstitutional and has dragged Mr. Mugabe and the JSC to the High Court. In a founding affidavit filed together with the urgent chamber application and signed by ZLHR Executive Director Roselyn Hanzi Wednesday, the human rights organization argued that it has a direct and substantial interest in the obedience and observance of the provisions of the Constitution by all individuals and organs bound by it and that the Constitution is the supreme law of Zimbabwe and every conduct inconsistent with it is invalid to the extent of the inconsistency.

The human rights organization contended that the PG can only be removed from office by President Mugabe upon the advice of a tribunal set up in terms of Section 187 of the Constitution and that the Constitution does not provide another different route that can be followed to remove the PG from office.

Until he was appointed substantive PG following interviews conducted by the JSC, Goba had been acting since the July 2016 suspension and subsequent dismissal of Johannes Tomana on alleged gross incompetence and misconduct.

Tomana became the first occupant of a separate office of criminal prosecutions created by the new Constitution in 2013.

Under the old Constitution, the Attorney-General was responsible for advising the government and prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the state.

Under the new dispensation, the two functions have been separated, with the PGs office now responsible for criminal prosecutions.

FIRST LADY GRACE MUGABE

The ZLHR also tabled the issue of First lady Grace Mugabes alleged misuse of the police to violently evict settlers at Arnold Farm in Mashonaland Central Province. The Mugabe family has three farms in the province  Gushungo Farm, Iron Mask Farm and Mazowe Citrus Estate - they occupied in 2001. Arnorld or Manzou Farm was owned by Anglo-American before it was invaded by villagers when the ruling Zanu PF party embarked on a land reform program targeting white commercial farms in 2000.

At least 200 families face eviction from the farm to pave way for the establishment of a national park. Mrs. Mugabe confirmed her interest in taking the farm when she addressed a rally in 2014 in the province.

I applied for a conservancy in this area (Manzou) which was being run by whites. I had seen it lying idle and I applied to use it to raise money to look after children at the Mazowe Childrens Home and I was given an offer letter by authorities. The people who were squatting on that conservancy were then ordered off the property.

VOA Zimbabwe was the first to exclusively get official confirmation from the governor of Mashonaland Central province, Martin Dinha, that the first lady wanted to occupy the farm and it is the province that had approached her to establish a game reserve.

I want to place it on record as I have done before that Manzou Game Reserve is a designated parks and wildlife area. Manzou Game Conservancy and the surrounding farms are protected areas and should not be subjected to any settlement. Anyone who occupied or resettled in Manzou did so illegally. The state cannot promote or allow squatters or legalize illegal settlements. As provincial authorities, we have a duty to protect the environment and our heritage such as the sacred land of Gomba and Manzou where Mbuya Nehanda lived.

THE Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) produced a report ordering Mrs. Mugabe to stop her violent eviction of villagers and the hostile takeover of Arnold Farm in Mazowe for the expansion of her business empire.

The report alleged that Mrs. Mugabes actions, abetted by state institutions, violated villagers rights to shelter, water and education, among others.

The ZHRC notes that the relocation of people from Arnold Farm without suitable alternative land was not sanctioned by the courts as required by the law, and is, therefore, in violation of numerous rights, the commission said.

In the course of the evictions, the rights to freedom from arbitrary evictions, education, health administrative justice [and] freedom of movement were chief among those negatively impacted.

The police in March 2015, demolished homes and evicted over 700 villagers from the same farm, allegedly at the instigation of the First Family.

The villagers were later dumped in Rushinga, Lazy and Blagdon farms in Concession before they took legal action and got a High Court reprieve to stay at the property until they had been allocated an alternative piece of land to settle.

Jamela also told VOA Studio 7 that human rights activists want the Commission to investigate the appointment of a cyber minister and the alleged crackdown on social media users.

The first victim of the crackdown is American citizen Martha O Donovan who is being charged with attempting to overthrow Mr. Mugabe for allegedly twitting that, We are being led by a selfish and sick man, on 11 October 2017 and posting a photo illustration showing that President Mugabe is surviving on a catheter.

Jamela says he further presented before the commission evidence of the worsening political and economic crisis in Zimbabwe.

Director of the Africa Programme at International Commission of Jurists, Arnold Tsunga, commenting on the Afican frican Commission told VOA Zimbabwe that, there is also the usual business where they look at the situation of human rights defenders on the continent and hear it from civil society that have observer status, then ultimately make decisions on some of the countries.

PRESIDENT BARROW

The 61st Ordinary Session of the African Commission for Human and Peoples' Rights runs from November 1st to 15th.

The session is aimed at highlighting the performance and challenges of the Commission as well as further cement the respect and protection of fundamental human rights. The 61st ordinary session also coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Commission since it came into being in 1978.

In his official opening statement, the president of The Gambia Adama Barrow, assured the Commission of his government's continuous cooperation and collaboration with the Commission.

He said the people of the Gambia recognizes the commitment and support of the African Commission in ensuring that human rights are respected in The Gambia, despite the uncooperative attitude of the former regime.

"The Commission never shied away from carrying out its responsibility even when it seems impossible in the country", he said.
President Robert Mugabe on Saturday threatened to fire Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa after his wife, Grace, was booed by some Zanu PF activists while she was addressing the ruling partys election campaign rally in Zimbabwes second largest city, Bulawayo.

Speaking at the Presidential Youth Interface Rally at White City Stadium attended by thousands of party followers, the visibly angry Zimbabwean leaders expressed dismay over the booing of his wife, who attacked Mnangagwa for causing internal Zanu PF conflicts with the hope of succeeding the 93 year-old veteran politician.

In a ZBC broadcast monitored from Washington DC, Mr. Mugabe said, We are here in Bulawayo to make sure that what we do today will encourage people in Bulawayo to vote for the party. This is the second city to Harare and we cant afford to be losing it. But what I did not expect which I had a bit of information about is that some people sent some persons to boo the first lady. She speaks her mind. We cannot keep quiet. We know in Masvingo there are people who claim the province does not belong to President Mugabe but to Mnangagwa. The same is happening in Midlands.

We cannot have what is happening in Masvingo and Midlands where we are told these provinces are not President Mugabes but they belong to VP Mnangagwa. I am told that this is being done in the name of Mnangagwa. Did I make a mistake in appointing him as VP?

The furious former freedom fighter had no kind words for his vice president, who is said to be harboring presidential ambitions and is using a faction of the party known as Team Lacoste in an effort to succeed him.

Did I make a mistake in appointing Mnangagwa as my vice president? If I erred I will drop him by end of day tomorrow. If he and his backers want to form their own party so be it. We cannot have a party of friction and personal insults  Today when we have reached the tail end of the interface we get all this nonsense. I dont like this.

So, to the people in Masvingo with their attitude, you can go ahead and form your party because we honestly cannot have this. We cannot be insulted on a daily basis.

Please dont use your positions to fight your wars. I am the First Lady I have never used my position to gain unfair advantage.

His wife, who addressed the crowd earlier on, claimed that Mnangagwa has caused a lot of instability in the party as he has even allegedly attempted to force the ouster of Zanu PF political commissar, Saviour Kasukuwere, and Higher Education Minister Jonathan Moyo, who are said to be spearheading a faction of the party known as Generation 40 that wants Mrs. Mugabe to succeed the president.

The first lady claimed that some Zanu PF activists were paid to boo her. I dont care whether you boo me  You were paid to boo me but I will say it as it is even if you bring soldiers with guns I will say the same thing. Stop it, whatever you are doing. There were demonstrations to fire Kasukuwere but President Mugabe noted that he did not commit any crime. He (Kasukuwere) is not going anywhere.

She claimed that Mnangagwa is causing instability in the ruling party and as a result he needs to be disciplined. I am leading the calls. So many people have been fired.

The angry first lady further noted that time has come for Zanu PF to replace former Vice President Joice Mujuru, who was expelled from the party for allegedly attempting to topple President Mugabe.

The constitution was changed from requiring one of the VPs to be a female when Joice Mujuru left and we put VP Mnangagwa. Now we want our position back.

Mrs. Mugabe said a vice president will be picked from the powerful party organ, the Womens League, which she leads.

Zanu-PF secretary for the youth Kudzayi Chipanga expressed the same sentiments, noting that the proposed ruling partys Extra Ordinary Congress set for December is expected to settle this issue.

Next year we are going for elections, every province requested an Extraordinary Congress to reaffirm the support the party has for you. The youth league supports calls for an Extraordinary Congress. We need to affirm our partys position that you are our candidate for 2018 election.

He said the partys secretary for legal affairs, Patrick Chinamasa, should start the process of amending the Zanu PF constitution in order to create a post in the presidium for a woman.

We dont want provinces to approach this issue with dirty hands. This should be a collective decision.

Mnangagwa was not reachable for comment.
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Igls / Light shaking (MMI IV) : We live on the top (third) floor of an apartment block. The flat is in the corner. It felt for few seconds as if the whole block turned into a huge swing and was going to collapse. Then it stopped, and repeat once more few minutes later. It was scary beca

Peseux, Neuchatel District, Neuchatel (340.7 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt (reported through our app / not felt

innrbruck / Weak shaking (MMI III) : I was in my apartment and suddenly a very strong vibration started rumbling the floor, first i thought there's some construction happening outside but then it got a little strong to the point i realised it was the whole earth rumbling,it lasted about a go

Innsbruck (8.1 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : I was on the 13th floor of a high rise apartments and could feel the vibration and then the building swaying. Vertigo te feeling for 2 hours after.

Richterswil, Bezirk Horgen, Zurich (204 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt (reported through our app / not felt

Innsbruck / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Mutters, austria (4.8 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) : Building was a little bit shaking. Felt when lying down.

Innsbruck (10 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Austria / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Zurich (Kreis 12) / Saatlen, Zurich (215.6 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt (reported through our app / not felt

Steinach / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Innsbruck (8.1 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Innsbruck-Igls (4.5 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Wattens / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Bulle (335.3 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt (reported through our app / not felt

Schalders (56.1 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt Wie ein tiefes brummen in der Erde (reported through (reported through our app / not felt

Fulpmes / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Innsbruck, Wilten / Strong shaking (MMI VI) : That was the strongest one since 1976, when I felt the quake from Friaul. Things on shelf moved and two books even fell down. Quite long too, more than 3 sec, I'd guess

Innsbruck, Franz Fischer Strae / Strong shaking (MMI VI) : book fell down

Sterzing / Light shaking (MMI IV) : 2 sec shake

Pradl, Innsbruck, Tyrol (7.7 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) (reported through our app / Very weak shaking (MMI II)

innsbruck / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Inzing Osterreich / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : Fuhlte es sehr stark

Kreith, Mutters (2.3 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) : Loud noise and vibrations in the house for about two seconds.

wattens (18.9 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Amras, Innsbruck (8.2 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Mild 6068 (29.1 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI)

Innsbruck Wilten / Very weak shaking (MMI II)

Telfs / Very weak shaking (MMI II)

Innsbruck / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : The first earthquake in Austria that has ever woken me. Intense vibrations but over quickly.

Ridnaun (31.3 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III)
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Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 22:04:16|Editor: liuxin

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NEW DELHI, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a scathing attack on opposition the Congress party over corruption, describing it as "termite."

Modi was addressing a political rally at Kangra in northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh when he used the term. He urged voters to abandon the party and vote his ruling Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP).

"If you clean just on the surface, termites come back after a few days. The Congress party's depraved mentality is like termites," Modi described.

"You cannot just change the government and expect to be done with it, you have to take them out from the roots. Only then we can free Himachal of this disease," Modi added.

The local elections in Himachal Pradesh are scheduled to be held on Nov. 9.

"There should not be one polling booth where this termite called Congress be allowed to thrive," Modi said.

Currently, the Congress party rules the northern Indian state.
President Trump has used Twitter in unprecedented ways, sharing his thoughts about national policy, his own appointees and even the leaders of other countries. (Handout)

Twitter was thrust once again into a debate over the companys ability to prevent abuse on its platform after a rogue employee, on the last day on the job, shut down the presidents personal account, @realDonaldTrump.

The deactivation Thursday evening by an unidentified customer service contractor renewed questions about the security of the Twitter account the president uses to set policy agendas and communicate to the world.

Twitter spokeswoman Emily Horne declined on Friday to answer questions about whether people at the company have the power to take over or close accounts.

The company released a statement on Twitter on Friday: We have implemented safeguards to prevent this from happening again. We wont be able to share all details about our internal investigation or updates to our security measures, but we take this seriously and our teams are on it.

An industry official familiar with Twitters systems said the company has ways to prevent employees from tweeting from accounts that are not their own. The person declined to answer further questions about the matter.

President Trump has used Twitter in unprecedented ways, sharing his thoughts about national policy, his own appointees and even the leaders of other countries. He once took to Twitter to call Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, Little Rocket Man.

That penchant for social media has worried national security experts, who have said that Trumps Twitter account could be vulnerable to hacking  or that impulsive tweets, read the wrong way, could spark a national security crisis. Researchers have said that foreign agencies are also using Twitter to analyze Trumps personality and track his habits.

But some analysts said an 11-minute shutdown of the presidents account did not amount to a national security risk.

Is that a national security problem? I think that may be going too far, said Kurt Opsahl, general counsel of the Electronic Frontier Foundation. It is bringing to light that its possible for a rogue employee to do something of this significance. And so I imagine it would lead to some consideration on the part of social media companies whether there will be further checks and balances.

Lawmakers are already scrutinizing Twitter over the widespread exploitation of its platform by Russian agents, who created more than 2,700 fake accounts and 30,000 bots to promote divisive and pro-Trump messages during the 2016 election  figures the company disclosed for the first time in congressional testimony this week.

The deactivation of Trumps account, which occurred around 7 p.m. Thursday, only deepens the companys political challenges, heightening the perception that it cannot manage its own platform.

Initially, at 8:05 p.m. Thursday, Twitter tweeted that Trumps account had been inadvertently deactivated due to human error.

Two hours later, the company admitted that the incident was not accidental: Through our investigation we have learned that this was done by a Twitter customer support employee who did this on the employees last day. We are conducting a full internal review.

Some took to Twitter to make light of the incident, thanking the unnamed employee for silencing the president. But others on Twitter raised questions about whether the worker could have taken over the account and tweeted about a fictional nuclear strike on North Korea.

At 3:51 a.m., Trump chimed in, tweeting in a tone that was more sanguine than usual. The tweet contained no exclamation points or words in all caps, and it did not include a pointed attack.

My Twitter account was taken down for 11 minutes by a rogue employee. I guess the word must finally be getting out-and having an impact, the president tweeted.

Meanwhile, a Twitter rival pounced.

Twitter is not safe for anyone, said Utsav Sanduja, chief operating officer of Gab, a social network that bills itself as a pro-free speech alternative to the bigger platforms run by tech giants. This is a very flawed company that goes on arbitrary political bends and doesnt have proper mechanisms for restraining this. This isnt an isolated incident.

Both Democrats and Republicans have criticized Twitter in recent months.

Liberals have complained that Twitter aided Trumps election by facilitating the spread of fake news and did not aggressively close fake pro-Trump accounts.

Conservatives say the left-leaning Silicon Valley executives have biased the companys decision-making. Its chief executive, Jack Dorsey, is a well-known supporter of liberal causes, including the Black Lives Matter movement. Twitter has taken down, and sometimes restored, accounts of right-wing figures, including former Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos and white supremacist Richard Spencer.

Last month, the company blocked, and then restored, a campaign video ad by Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), who talked about her effort to stop the sale of baby body parts in a reference to false claims about Planned Parenthood.

Even some of the companys executives now say they worry that the platform has been used to stoke social divisions. Earlier this year, a co-founder of the network, Evan Williams, said that Trumps election highlighted deep problems with the way social media platforms dumb the world down and undermined the publics perception of truth.

On Friday, Twitter employees who came to work for the regularly scheduled companywide volunteer day, called Twitter for Good, also encountered an email telling them not to talk to the media, an employee said. A daily communication that alerts employees about the previous days blocked accounts did not go out, causing some consternation among workers.

Whether Twitter pursues legal action against its former worker, federal officials could be motivated to prosecute the person  if only to deter future cases, analysts say.

If I were this employee, Id be hiring a good criminal defense lawyer who knows something about the CFAA, said Paul Ohm, a law professor at Georgetown University, referring to the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.

Meanwhile, the president returned to his usual tweet storms after his account was restored.

Everybody is asking why the Justice Department (and FBI) isnt looking into all of the dishonesty going on with Crooked Hillary & the Dems ... Trump tweeted, one of several missives he fired off Friday morning.

Hayley Tsukayama and Brian Fung contributed to this report.
Columnist

One of the financial tips Ive passed on to my children is the concept that it never hurts to ask.

I was reminded of this during a recent online chat. Every Thursday, during my live discussions, I encourage people to share a testimony. Its my way to get good news during all the accusing and aggrandizing we see in politics. (With the release of the Republicans tax plan, get ready for a lot of arguing about money.)

Anyway, a reader wanted to share something under the headline, It never hurts to ask.

A few months ago, I traveled a toll road and realized that I had inadvertently left my E-ZPass transponder at home. Even though I had traveled only a few exits, I had to pay the full turnpike toll at my exit. It was around $44. The turnpike worker said this happens all the time, and he gave me a form for me to request a refund. He said it was probably a long shot to get a refund since this was my mistake, but you never know. I submitted the refund form, owning up to my mistake and saying that I hoped they would have mercy on me because I certainly learned my lesson. I got a refund of $37 in the mail! I know its a small amount, but that made my day, and I realized it never hurts to ask.

A number of folks reminded the person that he or she could have used the E-ZPass lane and settled up later after explaining the situation. But the point is that its okay to ask for grace.

I put out a call for other stories of it never hurts to ask.

Loved this one: Over a Thanksgiving visit with family, my wife and I took a bunch of nieces/nephews (8 to 15 age range) to see the new King Kong movie. About 20 minutes in, we realized that it was way too scary and violent for the younger kids, and decided to leave. On a whim, my wife asked the theater if we could get a refund (long shot!). We got one. For all the tickets, it was well over $100.

Ask and you might receive  such as in this story: I did that with Verizon when my spouse traveled to Canada. We set up an international plan that only cost a pittance for his calls there, but I found out he had made a bunch of trip-planning calls in advance of the trip, which were charged at the regular (higher) rate. While I was chatting with the service rep to set up the plan for his trip, I said. Gee, I wish I had known about those planning calls. I would have signed up for the international plan earlier. I honestly wasnt expecting anything. The rep adjusted the charges on the spot.

Ask when the unexpected happens: One year we paid our taxes late because our second child came early. I paid as soon as I could, then wrote to the IRS (and included a photo of both cute kiddos) explaining what happened. They sent us a one-time refund of most of the penalty and interest! I sent a copy of their letter with a similar letter to my state tax authorities and they gave us a refund, too! Never hurts to ask or include cute photos  maybe use cats if you dont have kids.

Another story about taxes: My Fairfax County business tax is due March 1. One year I was late. I sent the full payment with the late fee. I wrote a note explaining that my mother had died the Friday before and I left town in a hurry. I wasnt asking for a refund, just that I not be reported to a credit agency for a late payment. A couple months later, I received a check refunding the penalty amount with a yellow sticky note that said, So sorry for your loss. 

After this last testimony, Id like to end with a caution from a reader who got asked a lot.

Ive worked retail and customer service positions for years, and people expecting compensation for their own mistakes is really difficult to deal with  not just because they are often rude, but oftentimes the employee they are dealing with doesnt have the ability or authority to do so. So, yes, it never hurts to ask, but please stress that no company or employee is obligated to do so.

If its the companys mistake, definitely ask. But if its your fault, dont demand. Be humble. And dont grumble if the answer is no.


Screenshot from the Turkish television show Sifir Bir.

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A vicious stabbing. An evening of booze, cigarettes and casual hookups. Bored young men with dead-end lives, racing motorcycles for thrills.

This was not what Turkish television usually looked like.

"Sifir Bir," an underground hit about an upstart crime gang, has struck a nerve in Turkey and garnered millions of viewers here and around the world since it launched last year. The show's creators and fans say that its uncommonly frank depiction of life in a poor neighborhood, and the struggles of the people stuck there, is precisely the reason for its popularity.

The team behind the production  inspired by American crime shows such as "The Wire"  intended it as a retort to the lavish historical epics, summer-romance serials and white-collar crime dramas that dominate Turkish television. Those shows, which are among the country's most popular exports, are dubbed into local languages from the Middle East to South America and beam a largely lustrous image of Turkey around the world.

They have also frequently reflected the priorities of Turkeys leaders by amplifying nationalist rhetoric or, more recently, reviving the Ottoman historical legacy that is central to President Recep Tayyip Erdogans conservative Islamist appeal. The striving ethos of the Erdogan era is often reflected in the extravagantly wealthy protagonists, ensconced in Bosporus mansions.

Television projects the presidents morals, too: Alcohol and cigarettes, for instance, are blurred out or covered up in television shows.

But the appeal of Sifir Bir suggests that some portion of Turkeys television-obsessed population was yearning for something a little more real. The main characters are working-class anti-heroes. They preside over streets a million miles removed from the Turkey of travel brochures: neighborhoods that recall Rio de Janeiros favelas, long neglected by the government, where policemen feared to tread.

Sifir Bir features no-name actors and residents recruited from quarters of the city where it is set. Scenes are often shot with handheld cameras, and Turkish rap music thumps in the background.

Its realistic. Its raw. It doesnt hide anything, said Yigit Cakir, 33, a barista and actor in Istanbul who is one of the shows fans. They use the language that we use in our daily life.

The first two seasons were carried on YouTube, freeing the creators from the conventions of Turkish broadcasters and allowing them to evade government censorship of difficult topics such as teenage drug addition (and also allowing the characters to smoke). The decision to post on the Internet did not prevent Sifir Bir  Zero One in English, for the first two numbers of the Adana license plate  from finding an audience. The first episode has racked up more than 10 million views on YouTube, though the shows producers say the number of regular viewers each week is about 2 million to 3 million.

The plot follows a group of young men from a hardscrabble Adana neighborhood as they form a gang and methodically eliminate their rivals. The violence  drive-by shootings, beatings and stabbings  is graphic. In the first seasons finale, young boys shoot two of the protagonists in the back.



A sequence of scenes from the season finale of Sifir Bir.

But in a nod to conservative Turkish values, the gang leaders possess an unshakable, if particular, moral sensibility. So, as they murder competitors, they also rub out pimps who abuse sex workers and drug dealers blamed for hooking teenagers on heroin.

It also depicts a world almost exclusively of men: The few female characters play love interests or a doctor who patches up the bloodied gang members.

One of the stars of Sifir Bir, Cihangir Ceyhan, created the show with Kadri Beran Taskin, the director. Both grew up or spent portions of their childhood in the setting they chose for the drama, a city of 1.7 million people near the Mediterranean coast that is known for its summer heat and high crime rate.

The show is a riff on a well-worn genre in Turkey, crime shows revolving around the culture of what is known as kabadayis, or tough uncles  mafia bosses who protect their stomping grounds and their kin by any means necessary. But theirs are rarefied worlds of fitted black suits and entourages and chauffeurs.

The stories in "Sifir Bir," by contrast, are mined faithfully from Adana's streets. The episodes are largely shot in the city's ethnically mixed Hurriyet neighborhood, with regular input from locals as well as the crime bosses who still hold sway here.

The result was something different, in all sorts of ways: the language they use, the lives they portray, said Elcin Yahsi, a former journalist who is the founder and editor of Ekranella.com, a Turkish website that tracks television shows.

Some of Sifir Birs innovations were subtle  a scene, for instance, where a mother mourning her dead son grieves in Kurdish, rather than Turkish, in a rare acknowledgment on television of the countrys minority. Such scenes tore at the uniformity of Turkish television, Yahsi said.

The show may have a much larger audience soon. The third season will move from YouTube to BluTV, a paid subscription channel in Turkey. Taskin and his colleagues said they did not think the switch would compromise their vision. It also meant they could stop paying for the filming largely out of their own pockets, Taskin said.



Director Kadri Beran Taskin, center, discusses a scene on the set of Sifir Bir in Adana, Turkey. Taskin and his co-creators drew inspiration from shows like The Wire and mined their story lines from Adanas streets. (Kareem Fahim/The Washington Post)

The creators were reluctant to discuss aspects of the show that could be viewed as sensitive and said they were determined to keep a distance from Turkey's charged political debates. With its depictions of casual street violence and policemen as bystanders, "Sifir Bir" challenged the government's confident projection of power and control at a time when authorities have embarked on a wide-ranging hunt for state enemies after an attempted coup last summer.

The show is set in the 1990s, when Adanas streets were more chaotic, the filmmakers explained. But also, in some parts of Turkey, the rule of law is not enough, Taskin said. You have to make your own rules. People know that.

The creators were also hesitant to say too much about the crime bosses who served as their underworld consultants or to discuss how closely their story lines matched real events.

You cant show too much truth, said Savas Satis, who shares a first name with his Sifir Bir character, the leader of the gang. We have to show our respect to people who do this underground work.

The crime bosses of Hurriyet, though, seemed pleased.

Thanks to these brothers, we have gotten such positive feedback, said one, known as Uncle Emin, who did a stint in prison on a murder charge and spoke on a recent afternoon in a teahouse that doubles as his office.

We are watching ourselves, he said.

Read more

American author James Baldwin found solace in 1960s Turkey

Erdogans speech on anniversary of coup attempt highlights Turkeys divisions

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
Columnist

Adapted from a recent online discussion.

Dear Carolyn: What am I supposed to do about an ex who regrets calling off our wedding? It was a few years ago, and I married someone else (two years after the split) and we have a family. My ex never married and is still single in his late 40s.

As with every communication I get from a regretful ex or an ex who wants to just talk, I chalk it up to loneliness and/or boredom, i.e. nothing to do with me personally. Ignore, ignore, ignore, ignore, right?

 Anonymous

Anonymous: No chalking up necessary, with this or any ex, because what any of them feels is no longer relevant to you.



(Nick Galifianakis/for The Washington Post)

Maybe an ex or two really did miss out or really does think youre awesome, but, you know what? Not relevant.

So, of course you can choose not to respond to an ex who pops up with an email or text or call out of the blue. If youre forced to respond by circumstance  say, you run into each other at a party or something  then just say its in the past and you are not interested in revisiting it, then excuse yourself for a bathroom run/drink refresher/Oh, theres Mazie, excuse me  good to see you.

Right? There isnt more to this on your end, is there?

Obviously if all parties involved are open to friendship, then thats a different answer  one that doesnt start with a question about guys who see you as the one who got away.

Dear Carolyn: My husband and I want to have kids soon. The problem is that my job is grant-funded from year to year, so its unclear what my situation will be next year at this time. I am also looking for jobs. My husband is considering joining the military as an attorney. We wouldnt have a definitive answer until about nine months from now. Then, if hes accepted and he completes training, wed probably have to move and Id need to find another job. I feel like we keep putting off kids because Id like more stability in our future, but it feels like real stability is a long way off.

Everyone keeps telling me there is never a perfect time to have a baby, so part of me thinks we should go for it and part of me thinks that would be financially irresponsible. Any thoughts?

 Right Time?

Right Time?: There is never a perfect time to have a baby.

There are responsible and irresponsible ones, though, youre right. So: Are you saving money? Do you have a cushion? Do you have a place to go if you bottom out? Have you developed wise spending habits? Can you adjust your circumstances and lifestyle to get by on one salary, just in case? With a baby?

And if work is a must: Are your skills portable from one area to the next or one career field to the next? If not, can you retrain now (at community college, say) for a more portable career? Can you become an independent contractor or work remotely?

The military is real stability, by the way  its just of a different kind from the one youre accustomed to.

Write to

Carolyn Hax

at

tellme@washpost.com

. Get her column delivered to your inbox each morning at

wapo.st/haxpost

.
The activists had wanted to place a 45-foot-tall statue of a nude woman on prime land on the Mall. They said it would be a symbol of feminine strength and power, a sign that women should never feel ashamed in their bodies.

But the National Park Service last month rejected a permit for such a large and heavy structure on land near the Washington Monument, scuttling the activists project.

Now, activists have a new plan. They want to erect a 26-foot-tall scaffold covered on two sides by 26-foot-tall digitized portraits of a nude woman.

The Park Service hasnt finalized the permit for the structure, but Mike Litterst, a spokesman for the agency, said it is in the final stages of issuing it.

The structure would be part of a three-day Catharsis on the Mall festival, starting Nov. 10, that has been dubbed the Burning Man of Washington. Burning Man, an annual desert festival outside Reno, Nev., is known for building a hippie-like community that promotes art, self-expression, inclusiveness and civic engagement.



Activists hope to display this 26-foot-tall image as part of an annual festival later this month on the Mall. (Women of Catharsis)

[Park Service denies permit for a 45-foot statue of a naked woman on the Mall]

Its about making women feel safe. You can feel safe and be nude, said Natalie White, a spokeswoman for the event. Its a healing image and its about making women feel safe in their environments.

White said that after the Park Service rejected the groups initial permit application, women behind Catharsis decided they still wanted to promote a message of female empowerment. Twenty-seven women involved in the project submitted nude photos of themselves to an artist. In each photo, the woman had one hand over her heart, the other on her stomach.

An artist then combined and manipulated the images to form a single image of a nude woman. The front and back of that digitized woman will be displayed on two sides of the scaffold, White said. The festival also will have a tent where women can take photos of themselves that will be projected and morphed onto the image of the woman on the scaffold.

White said activists are making the best of the situation while still fighting to bring the original 45-foot statue to the Mall. They argue the Park Services rejection of its permit was an infringement on their First Amendment rights and say they are considering filing a lawsuit.

We will not be silenced just because the National Park Service wants to take away our statue, White said. If one groups First Amendment rights are being infringed upon, then that puts everyones First Amendment rights in jeopardy.

The original statue measured just over 47 feet, including its base, weighing 32,000 pounds. The statue, called R-Evolution, is in San Francisco, and activists have raised about $100,000 to transport and reassemble it on the Mall. The plan was to keep the statue in place near the Washington Monument for four months.



Activists hope to display this 26-foot-tall image as part of an annual festival later this month on the Mall. (Women of Catharsis)

The National Park Service said it rejected the original permit application because the agency was concerned the statue would damage the Malls turf. It also slightly exceeded the 45-foot height limit of temporary structures on the Mall.

[This 45-foot statue of a naked woman could be coming to the Mall for four months]

White said her group hasnt returned the money donated to transport the statue across the country. It still hopes for a permit to display the statue in time for the first anniversary of the Womens March on Jan. 21.

No matter its fate, the R-Evolution statue by artist Marco Cochrane wont make it in time for the third annual Catharsis festival this month. Each year, the event has revolved around a different theme, with the first two years focusing on healing from the drug war and recovering from trauma. This years theme is nurturing the heart and equal rights.

The Park Service last year denied Catharsis organizers a permit to light a 30-foot-tall wooden structure on fire as part of a demonstration calling for more funding for veterans and research for post-traumatic stress disorder. The group challenged that decision, and a federal judge sided with the government, citing concerns that embers from the fire could ignite other structures.
A small preschool in Bethesda has a big problem on its hands, and God  or at least teaching about God  is at the center of it.

For as long as anyone can remember, the Concord-St. Andrews Cooperative Nursery School has been educating young children without including much, or anything, in the way of religious instruction, say numerous parents at the school, some of whom attended when they were children. That secular approach was fine with many at the close-knit school, where families and teachers come from a range of religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds and find harmony in their divergent viewpoints.

But all of that appears primed to change.

The school community was roiled in early October when the Rev. Susan Brown, the pastor at Concord-St. Andrews Church, told the schools director that beginning next academic year, all classes will incorporate age-appropriate Christian lessons in their daily activities, according to a letter sent to parents.

It feels like a crusade where theyre trying to bring God to the godless nursery school, said Kate Mueller, who is Catholic and has a 3-year-old daughter in the school. It took so much time and energy and devotion to build what is there now, and now its being stomped on.



Leah Markowitz with children Mira Budd, 5, and Solomon Budd, 2, left. Complete disappointment, that was my first reaction, Markowitz said of the planned change to the curriculum. And then disgust. What is happening? Why is this happening? (Bill OLeary/The Washington Post)

At a presentation for staff members and parents in October, Brown distributed a handout  which was obtained by The Washington Post  that noted the United Methodist church had hired a director for children and youth ministries to help design and integrate new lessons into the curriculum. The document also talked about incorporating prayer and chapel into the regular schedule.

The planned curriculum changes have not been well-received by many of the parents of the schools 60 or so students. Although the preschool is housed in the church basement, parents say they chose to send their children to Concord-St. Andrews precisely because it did not teach religion and had a reputation, built up over its 60-year existence, as a school that welcomed children of all faiths  or no faith at all.

They say they willingly signed up for the cooperative aspect of the school, which requires parents to regularly help out in the classroom, but they did not sign up for a school where religion is an organizing structure of the day.

The question of why the church chose to make the switch, after having had such a hands-off policy for years, is one many parents are asking. So far, they havent heard any satisfactory answers, they say.

Brown did not respond to requests for an interview. The schools director, Amy Forman, declined to comment.

In the handout provided to parents, the church notes, The CSA Nursery School is not a secular organization; it operates under the churchs exempt status with all of the privileges of that status. As such, it must include religious education as part of its primary mission. The handout also references guidance from the United Methodist Churchs Book of Discipline, which sets laws and doctrine for the denomination.

But parents say the meeting held by Brown to explain the change did little to address their concerns or answer their questions.

Complete disappointment, that was my first reaction, Leah Markowitz, a parent of two children at the school, said of hearing of the planned change to the curriculum. And then disgust. What is happening? Why is this happening?

Markowitz, who is Jewish, said she and her husband, who was raised Lutheran, looked at eight preschools before discovering Concord-St. Andrews, which sits at Goldsboro and River roads. They loved the school immediately, but they are planning to take their children out at years end after Brown addressed parents and staff members in a tense meeting last month.

I dont want my kids there, she said.

None of the parents questions whether the church has the authority to change the schools mission. But they still wonder why it is happening now, when they had been given no indication the church was unhappy with how the school operated.

Other parents, who are already scrambling to find preschools for their children to attend next year, are particularly unhappy with how the church has handled the situation.

Some of us have said we wouldnt have had such a negative reaction if it had played out differently, if the church had acted in a cooperative manner to find a compromise, said Kelly Headd, who has a 4-year-old at the school.

All of the parents reached for this article said news of the change came as a surprise, given that the church leadership has had little interaction or involvement with the school in the past.

Its almost like a Hallmark movie, where the big bad corporation is coming in to destroy the little guys, and were hoping there will be some warm, happy ending, Headd said.

For now, few parents are optimistic about finding an ending that will be satisfactory.

Darren Higgins, who has a 4-year-old at the school and describes himself as nonreligious, said a compromise at this point would not make much of a difference. He and his wife, who attended the cooperative when she was a toddler, still plan to take their child out of the school and will not send their newborn there, either.

We wanted to give the church the benefit of the doubt, but the way the church went about it was, in short, a very un-Christian thing to do, Higgins said. In truth, bridges have been burned. If they wanted to resolve this amicably, it would have been a fairly easy discussion to have.

A breach of trust has occurred.
Rosa Maria Hernandez, 10, was detained by federal immigration agents in Texas after she passed through a Border Patrol checkpoint on her way to a hospital to undergo surgery. (Courtesy of Agustina Arroyo)

Federal officials on Friday released a 10-year-old girl with cerebral palsy who was detained in Texas Oct. 25 after undergoing surgery because she was an undocumented immigrant traveling without her parents.

Rosa Maria Hernandez was transported from a federally funded shelter in San Antonio, where she had been held for 10 days, to her familys home 150 miles south in the border city of Laredo. She was born in Mexico, but has lived in Texas since she was three months old.

I am incredibly happy that shes going to be reunited with her mother and the rest of her family, said Andre Segura, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, which filed a lawsuit seeking her release this week. The family is obviously very excited to have her back.

The girls case sparked national outcry from members of Congress, physicians and lawyers who urged the government to let her go. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) called on the Senate Judiciary Committee to hold a hearing and even celebrities got involved, such as Tony-award-winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, who tweeted #FreeRosa.

On Friday, as federal employees drove her home, advocates cheered the governments decision and called on the Trump administration to drop any plans it may still have to deport the girl.

Her lawyers said Rosa Maria has been served with a notice that she could face deportation but charges have not been officially filed in immigration court.

This family has gone through enough, said Michael Tan, a staff attorney with the ACLUs Immigrants Rights Project. It is the most outrageous case I have ever worked on.

Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Tex.) also urged the Trump administration to drop her case, saying, The United States should not be a place where children seeking life-sustaining medical care are at risk of apprehension.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which handles the charges, did not immediately respond to a request for comment late Friday.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also declined to comment. The agency oversees the Office of Refugee Resettlement, which cares for unaccompanied minors and arranges their release to parents or guardians.

The episode began in the early morning of Oct. 24, when Rosa Maria left her Laredo home in an ambulance to head to a scheduled gall bladder operation at a hospital in Corpus Christi.

Her mother, Felipa de la Cruz, who is also undocumented, did not accompany her daughter because she feared being detained at a Border Patrol checkpoint several miles inland. Instead, she signed documents authorizing a U.S. citizen cousin to travel with the child.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers screened the vehicle at the checkpoint and discovered that Rosa Maria was undocumented. They said federal law required them to take her into custody because she was undocumented and without her parents.

Border agents trailed her to the hospital, guarded her during the surgery and then took her into custody. The agents then turned her over to the Office of Refugee Resettlement.

While she was at the shelter, Tan said, the girl's parents told her she was in a hospital, to avoid frightening her with the prospect of deportation. She has the cognitive capacity of a 6-year-old child, and had never been away from her family before.

Still, during a visit with her father, Tan said, the girl burst into tears and pointed to the healing wound from her operation and asked why she couldn't go home.

"She's profoundly traumatized," Tan said.

Lawyers and advocates argued that the government should not have detained Rosa Maria because she had a family  parents and two sisters  in Laredo.

The case marked the second time in a month that the ACLU had sued the federal government over an undocumented minor in federal custody. Earlier, the organization represented a pregnant 17-year-old who had been blocked from obtaining an abortion while in a government-funded shelter. The D.C. appeals court ordered the government to let her have the procedure.
Salvador Minuchin, an iconoclastic child psychiatrist who revolutionized 20th-century family therapy by bringing the whole clan into the room and tugging their emotional strings like a master puppeteer, died Oct. 30 at a nursing facility in Boca Raton, Fla. He was 96.

The cause was heart disease, said his son Daniel Minuchin.

The origins of Dr. Minuchins work in what came to be called Structural Family Therapy took root in his work with delinquent boys and impoverished families in the ghettos of Philadelphia and New York. Many of his contemporaries in the 1950s and 60s considered his patients clinically unreachable.

An Argentine-born Jew who felt the sting of anti-Semitism in his early life, he became a rare champion of the underclass at a time when psychotherapy was largely reserved for the well-to-do. He spent a decade fighting  mostly unsuccessfully  to convince New Yorks foster care system that reunified families were better off than broken ones.

In the early 1960s at the Wiltwyck School for Boys in New York, a reform school for mostly black and Latino youths, Dr. Minuchin began to question the traditional wisdom of leaving families out of the treatment picture. His research into delinquent boys garnered attention with its premise that a childs problems should be viewed in the larger context of the family.

The authorities were taking children out of the ghettos and sending them to Wiltwyck for a few years before returning them home he told Newsday in 1993, noting that the children often relapsed. That research led to his co-writing the first of many books, Families of the Slums (1967), and laid the groundwork for his theory of Structural Family Therapy.

He became one of a handful of pioneers at the forefront of a therapeutic movement that challenged Freudian techniques by focusing not on a single identified patient  the alcoholic father or the depressed son  but on the patients entire family.

While family therapy is mainstream today  former president Bill Clinton and former vice president Al Gore have acknowledged its benefits  the very idea was radical in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Researchers were only beginning to notice that mentally ill patients who improved in the hospital often relapsed at home.

Under Dr. Minuchins direction in the 1960s, the Philadelphia Child Guidance Center came to be known as a mecca for family therapy. The center he later founded in Manhattan continues to treat families and train therapists today, and his 1974 book, Families and Family Therapy, is considered a field manual for mapping out how dysfunctional families interact.

Structural Family Therapy is now recognized as a psychotherapeutic staple  one of the most sophisticated methods for working with struggling families and a clear guide for navigating the sometimes stormy seas of family life, said Andrea Wittenborn, a professor at Virginia Techs marriage and family therapy program.

When Dr. Minuchin began practicing psychotherapy in the late 1950s, he entered a field made in Sigmund Freuds image  a blank-slate doctor with unflappable equilibrium on a tour of a patients psyche. In time, he broke all the rules.

He asked families to act out their problems in his office, pinpointed their troubled choreography and rewrote it on the spot  shushing a domineering mother, prodding a reticent son, mocking, cajoling, praising, teasing.

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Dr. Minuchin helped pioneer the notion that each of us is shaped by the family system in which we live, as he once put it, with all its potential for both destruction and healing.

With a thick Argentine accent, big black-rimmed specs and a rakish mustache, Dr. Minuchin herded his clients around the room in, as the New Yorker once described, "a tightly constructed, well-directed, magnificently acted play." There was no delving into the troubled past in Dr. Minuchin's therapy room. He was more interested in the shapeable now.

In Dr. Minuchins view, families fell into two troubled patterns: too enmeshed or too disengaged. His theatrical antics in the therapy room were usually aimed at changing the boundaries between family members  separating those too close and bringing together those too distant.

In one instance, he took a wilting mother and her bratty pint-sized son, stood them back to back and reminded them who was in control:

Who is bigger? he boomed. How did he manage to convince you that he is so much bigger?

Minuchin could size up a family in three minutes . . . herding them from chair to chair like a scrappy border collie, wrote Richard Simon, editor of Psychotherapy Networker, which in 2007 named Dr. Minuchin one of the 10 most influential psychotherapists of the past quarter-century.

Most therapy is like watching paint dry, but he did not tread lightly. There was artistry in his performance, it was gripping.

Dr. Minuchins brand of therapy was not for everyone. Some peers found his hands-on methods too confrontational. He also came to the forefront along with a growing feminist movement that found him too willing to accept and reinforce traditional gender roles and stereotypical family units.

Minuchin was a controversial fellow at times, Wittenborn said. Though he worked with economically and ethnically diverse families, he was slow to acknowledge non-traditional family structures such as one-parent households.

Nonetheless, Dr. Minuchins work with children with diabetes, asthma and anorexia attracted worldwide attention in the 1970s. He said he believed those illnesses served as a sort of glue to hold the family together by deflecting attention from parental conflict.

His treatment for anorexic girls involved sitting the whole family down for lunch and urging the parents to use all means to get their daughters to eat. So would begin the real work of family therapy: exploring the underlying emotional pain and conflict and altering the way family members related.

I bring the family drama into the therapy room, he once said. I encourage members to interact directly with one another in the belief that the family is the arena in which people can most fully express themselves in all their complexity,

Salvador Minuchin was born in San Salvador de Jujuy, a town north of Buenos Aires, on Oct. 13, 1921. His father was a shop owner who later worked as a gaucho.

A scrappy street fighter who felt he needed to defend his honor against rampant anti-Semitism, Dr. Minuchin grew into a social activist who spent three months of his college life in jail for opposing dictator Juan Peron in the 1940s. Such early experiences, he said, later helped him relate to the underprivileged children he would one day treat.

After earning a medical degree from the University of Cordoba in Argentina in 1947, Dr. Minuchin went to Israel to serve in the nascent Israeli army. His interest in families first surfaced in the late 1940s, when he worked with children of the Holocaust and Jews who emigrated to Israel from Arab nations.

When he came to the United States in the 1950s, Dr. Minuchin spoke Hebrew, Yiddish and Spanish, but little English. That skill he honed in Times Square movie theaters watching Hollywood westerns.

He began his psychoanalytic training in 1954 at the William Alanson White Institute in New York and began taking on the hard cases of delinquency and poverty that many in his field considered beyond help.

Under his direction from 1965 to 1975, the Philadelphia Child Guidance Clinic, located in the heart of the inner city, became known for cutting-edge family therapy treatment and bold experimentation. He recruited fellow pioneers such as Jay Haley to train lay people from the neighborhood to work as therapists without a degree, a practice that raised considerable professional skepticism.

In 1981, Dr. Minuchin founded what is now the Minuchin Center for the Family, based in Woodbury, N.J.

After retiring in 1996, Dr. Minuchin settled in Florida with his wife since 1951, the former Patricia Pittluck, a developmental psychologist. She died in 2015. Survivors include two children, Daniel Minuchin of Brooklyn and Jean Minuchin of Boca Raton; a sister; and a granddaughter.

Through cultural revolutions, rising divorce rates and family values battles, Dr. Minuchin said he never lost faith that the fundamental institution he had devoted his life to healing would endure.

You see, he said, nobody has a substitute for carrying out the essential functions of a family.
Update: The U.S. Attorneys Office in July, 2018 dismissed all charges against Hutchinson in this case, according to court records. A spokesman from the office declined to comment on that decision.

A D.C. police lieutenant was arrested Friday after being accused of physically abusing a young family member, District police said.

David Hutchinson, 55, of the District, was charged with second-degree cruelty to a child and has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation, police said. Hutchinson, a D.C. police officer for 27 years, most recently worked in the Second District.

Police said Hutchinsons abuse on Oct. 30 left the childs face, ears, eyes, neck and mouth bruised and swollen. Hutchinson told police he didnt assault the child and didnt know how the child was injured, according to the charging document. The child initially reported being injured from falling down the stairs but later said it was from Hutchinson, according to charging documents.

Keith L. Alexander contributed to this report.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 22:19:21|Editor: liuxin

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PHNOM PENH, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, accompanied by Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, attended the closing ceremony of the annual Water Festival here on Saturday.

During the ceremony, the king presented awards to the winning teams in the boat races over the Tonle Sap River.

Some 270 dragon boats with about 17,826 rowers joined this year's boat races, according to Bou Chumserey, head of the boat control sub-committee.

The Water Festival is Cambodia's largest annual festival. During the three-day holiday, over 1 million people from across the country took part in the festival, said Lieutenant General Chhay Kim Khoeun, a senior national police official in charge of the festival's security and public order sub-committee.

"In sum, the situation of security and public order was good and between 1.3 and 1.5 million people joined the festival," he said in a report.

At the festival, aside from watching the regatta during daytime, visitors enjoyed viewing the procession of well-lighted and decorated floats and fireworks over the Tonle Sap River at night. There were also trade fairs and concerts.

According to history, the Water Festival traced its roots back to the 12th century when Angkorian King Jayvarman VII's navy defeated that of his Cham rivals.

The festival is also a traditional event that marks the end of the rainy season.
More doorbells will be rung, phones called and text messages sent this weekend than any contest for Virginia governor has ever seen, according to Republicans and Democrats mounting a mammoth final push ahead of Tuesdays election.

And the campaigns are on track to spend a record amount of money in the statewide races for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general, much of it coming from groups outside Virginia battling for a win with national implications.

In the end, a race whose outcome will be cast in epic terms  a referendum on the presidency of Donald Trump, the fates of both major parties in the balance  will turn on the simplest of factors: who shows up to vote.

Democrat Ralph Northams campaign says it is fielding a historic army of staffers and volunteers who are working three times as many shifts and making more than twice as many calls and home visits to get out the vote than on the same weekend during the 2013 governors race.

Republican Ed Gillespie and his campaign had already knocked on doors 2.7 million times heading into the weekend and were expected to reach about twice as many as in 2013, said Garren Shipley, Virginia spokesman for the Republican National Committee.



Gillespie campaigns at Accotink Academy in Springfield on Saturday. (Astrid Riecken/For The Washington Post)

Polling suggests that Gillespie and Northam are in a dead heat. Libertarian Cliff Hyra is running in the single digits but could play the spoiler in a close race.

The final, frantic efforts suggest the stakes involved. A Northam loss would be seen nationally as a catastrophic failure by the Democrats. Virginia almost always elects a governor of the opposite party from the president, and Trump is deeply unpopular in the state.

But that holds only if Democratic voters show up at the polls. Northam has been criticized for running a lackluster campaign and for not devoting enough resources to woo African American voters in particular, who make up 20 percent of the electorate and have powered recent statewide wins for Democrats.

Republicans, on the other hand, are burning to deliver such a demoralizing blow to Democrats and show that Trump is not a liability in swing states. A victory would give Republicans full control of the state government, and the next governor will oversee redistricting, which could cement that control for years.

The candidates themselves were barnstorming through the weekend. Northam scheduled at least 15 appearances between Friday and Sunday, and Gillespie had six.

Northam started with a Saturday morning rally in Annandale with hundreds of union canvassers  including teachers, plumbers, carpenters and firefighters. We cannot take anything for granted, Northam roared in his speech to the crowd.

He then swung by a farmers market in nearby Burke to shake hands with shoppers, coo over babies and trade details of military service with fellow veterans.

View Graphic The latest stories and details on the 2017 Virginia general election and race for governor.

Renate Wood, pushing her baby, Oliver, in his stroller, shook hands with Northam and later said she was voting for him because of a string of negative ads Gillespie has been airing since September.

My child is only 16 months, and I have to turn the TV off when commercials come on, Wood said. Its gone too far, and it needs to stop.

Meanwhile, in a Springfield school parking lot, Gillespie was flanked by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) and former Virginia governor George Allen (R), who urged about 50 enthusiasts to knock on doors and call friends and neighbors.

Carly Fiorina, the former Hewlett-Packard chief executive who ran in the GOP presidential primaries last year, also appeared and called Gillespie a decent man of deep substance.

This isnt a guy whos thrown dirt throughout this campaign, she said, ignoring the negative ads the Republican ticket has produced and aired. We could not do better than Ed Gillespie as governor of Virginia.

[Gillespies ad suggests Northam supports MS-13 gang violence]

Gillespies ticket-mates, state Sen. Jill Vogel (R-Fauquier), the lieutenant governor nominee, and John Adams, candidate for attorney general, were also on hand.

But the biggest draw seemed to be Hogans wife, Yumi. After the rally, the South Korean-born first lady of Maryland instantly drew a big contingent of fans who sought a photo with her, and eventually with Allen, as well. The candidates, who had left the stage and ducked into the Accotink Academy school, didnt attract nearly as many fans.

Donations from outside groups make up half of all funds raised by Northam and Gillespie, according to an analysis by the nonpartisan Virginia Public Access Project. And those groups are also putting feet on the ground this weekend.

Look Ahead America, a group of veterans of Trumps presidential campaign, plans to spend the homestretch nudging disaffected, rural, blue-collar Virginians to the polls.

Look Ahead is reaching out to 12,000 registered voters who have not gone to the polls since 2009, the last year Republicans won statewide, through direct mail, phone calls, robo-calls, emails, social media and door knocking.

The National Rifle Association and the anti-tax group Americans for Prosperity also will knock on doors to try to rally conservative voters, although officials with those groups did not offer specifics.

On the Democratic side, the Virginia League of Conservation Voters will have 300 organizers in the field on Election Day reminding people to vote in the Richmond and Hampton Roads areas. BlackPAC, a newly formed political action committee devoted to turning out black voters, will be sending get-out-the-vote text messages to 50,000 African American voters and deploying 50 canvassers, also in Hampton Roads.

NextGen America, an organization founded by California billionaire Tom Steyer that focuses on turning out millennial voters, will have nearly 1,600 volunteers working to get college students to polling places on 17 campuses with a variety of events, including a petting zoo on the Virginia Tech campus that lures students with the appeal of baby animals and steers them to polling places.

Planned Parenthoods political arm is also launching canvasses in Alexandria, Chantilly and Virginia Beach on Election Day, and operating phone banks throughout the state. CASA in Action, a Latino advocacy group, said it will have knocked on 50,000 doors by Election Day in Hispanic neighborhoods in the D.C. suburbs, as well as texting more than 20,000 voters.

Besides the statewide races, all 100 seats in the House of Delegates are on the ballot. While Republicans have a 66-34 advantage in the legislative body, Democrats have fielded a historic number of challengers and are hoping at least to gain some seats.

Virginias off-year elections are generally ghostly affairs, often with less than half the electorate showing up. There are signs that this year might be different.

The contest has set a record for absentee voting. The more than 147,000 absentee votes cast as of Friday night is the most for a nonpresidential year in Virginia history.

In the rural southwest part of the state, where Gillespie is counting on a big edge, absentee voting is up compared with the 2013 governors race. But that increase is below the state average, and a smaller gain than in many of the more populous parts of the state, according to an analysis by VPAP.

But all recent Virginia governors races have been decided by very close votes, and this years is especially hard to predict  partly because its unclear whether national politics will motivate voters to cast ballots or stay home.

Trump, who has cast a long shadow over the race, left for a trip to Asia on Friday without appearing in the state to campaign. Gillespie reacted gingerly last month when Trump issued several tweets urging Virginians to vote for him.

His Trump strategy has evolved since the spring, when Gillespie nearly lost the GOP nomination to Prince William Countys supervisor, Corey Stewart, who wholeheartedly embraced Trumpism. Stewart aimed his campaign at rural and blue-collar white voters and campaigned on protecting Confederate monuments and fighting illegal immigration.

[Gillespie once preached a big tent for the GOP; as a candidate he wants to crack down on illegal immigration]

Gillespie has tried to avoid reacting to the daily barrage of Trump controversies, largely bypassing the mainstream press in favor of appearances before friendly groups he can later trumpet on social media.

But from his initial emphasis on the economy and taxes, Gillespie steered toward illegal immigration and Confederate statues  a strategy that polling suggests helped him firm up support among conservatives.

Northams campaign has concentrated largely on the states population centers, where a more diverse electorate has helped Democratic candidates win recent statewide races. The urban crescent from the D.C. suburbs through Richmond to Hampton Roads helped Virginia become the only Southern state last year to back Hillary Clinton.

[President Obama returns to the campaign trail to stump for Northam]

Criticized by some within his own party for being too low-key, Northam has run an almost old-fashioned campaign of promising bipartisanship and emphasizing his background as a doctor and state legislator. He has said he would continue popular policies of outgoing Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D), including expanding the states economy and resisting Republican efforts to limit gay rights and abortion.

But Northam also has drawn the ire of some environmental groups for refusing to condemn two natural gas pipelines planned in rural parts of the state. And he has sometimes struggled to balance his own competing interests.

Northam responded to the racial violence of Charlottesville by promising to lead a campaign to remove Confederate statues, then reverted to his original stance that decisions should be made locally. He has blasted Trump as a "narcissistic maniac," then promised to work with him when it's in Virginia's interest. And he has condemned Gillespie's TV ads that link immigrants with Hispanic street gangs as fearmongering but stood by an ad from a Latino group that depicted a white Gillespie supporter stalking brown children.

[Virginia ad features minority kids chased by white Gillespie supporter]

The trick for Northam is to bring out huge support from African American and other minority voters while also attracting suburban whites. Gillespie, meanwhile, needs a strong showing from Trump voters as well as help from moderates and independents.

Patricia Sullivan contributed to this report.
An agreement will halt the practice of gunning down coyotes from helicopters and airplanes in parts of California. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Reuters) (Handout)

In a deal hailed by activists as a first, a federal judge last week approved an agreement between conservationists and the U.S. government halting controversial methods such as aerial gunning to kill nuisance animals in northern California.

Under terms of the accord, Wildlife Services, a branch of the Department of Agriculture, will suspend for at least six years its practice of gunning down coyotes from helicopters and airplanes and using traps to kill creatures in wilderness areas in 16 counties in California.

The agreement stems from a June lawsuit filed by WildEarth Guardians and other conservation groups alleging that Wildlife Services had violated federal law by failing to analyze the environmental impact of killing hundreds of wild animals in Shasta, Sierra and 14 other California counties.

We are working to put Wildlife Services out of the cruelty business by dragging its archaic practices out of the shadows and pushing the program to embrace modern ethics and science in wildlife management, said Michelle Lute, wildlife coexistence campaigner for WildEarth Guardians.

Wildlife Services is to complete an extensive study of its activities in those areas by 2023, including its use of M-44s, spring-loaded devices that emit sodium cyanide and have been called cyanide bombs.

Wildlife Services is at the center of several lawsuits across the West, including some linked to those sodium devices after one placed in Idaho this year to kill coyotes instead temporarily blinded a boy and killed his dog.

Lute said the settlement in California was the first of its kind and would be used as a template in cases in other states.

Tanya Espinosa, a spokeswoman for the USDA program, said the deal was struck in the spirit of compromise and settlement, and did not constitute an admission of any kind to claims or facts relating to issues in the legal dispute.

While the settlement conditions may affect the use of certain tools in some areas of the state, she said in an email, the government believes the changes do not restrict our ability to protect agriculture, property, natural resources or public health and safety in California.
What can be done about negative stereotypes that portray older adults as out of touch, useless, feeble, incompetent, pitiful and irrelevant?

With late-night TV comedy shows where supposedly clueless older people are the butt of jokes and with ads for anti-aging creams equating youth with beauty and wrinkles with decay, harsh and unflattering images shape assumptions about aging. Although people may hope for good health and happiness, they tend to believe that growing older involves deterioration and decline, according to reports from the Reframing Aging Initiative.

Dismal expectations can become self-fulfilling as people start experiencing changes associated with growing older  aching knees or problems with hearing, for instance. If a person has internalized negative stereotypes, his or her confidence may be eroded, stress responses activated, motivation diminished (Im old, and its too late to change things) and sense of efficacy (I can do that) impaired.

Health often suffers as a result, according to studies showing that older adults who hold negative stereotypes tend to walk slowly, experience memory problems and recover less fully from a fall or fracture, among other ramifications. By contrast, seniors whose view of aging is primarily positive live 7.5 years longer than other seniors.

Can positive images of aging be enhanced and the effects of negative stereotypes reduced? At a recent meeting of the National Academies of Sciences' Forum on Aging, Disability and Independence, experts embraced such steps and offered several suggestions for how they can be advanced:

 Become aware of implicit biases, which are automatic, unexamined thoughts. An example: The sight of an older person using a cane might trigger associations with dependency and incompetence.

Forum attendee Charlotte Yeh, chief medical officer for AARP Services, spoke of her experience after being struck by a car and undergoing a lengthy, painful rehabilitation. Limping and using a cane, she routinely found strangers treating her as if she were helpless.

I would come home feeling terrible about myself, she said. Decorating her cane with ribbons and flowers turned things around. People were, like, Oh, my God, thats so cool,  said Yeh, who noted that the decorations evoked the positivity associated with creativity instead of the negativity associated with disability.

Implicit biases can be difficult to discover because they coexist with thoughts that seem to clash with them. For example, someone may implicitly feel that being old is terrible, while explicitly that person may think, We need to do more, as a society, to value older people. Yet this kind of conflict may go unrecognized.

To identify implicit bias, pay attention to your automatic responses. If you find yourself flinching at the sight of wrinkles when you look in the bathroom mirror, for instance, acknowledge this reaction and then ask yourself, Why is this upsetting?

Use strategies to challenge biases. Patricia Devine, a professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin at Madison who studies ways to reduce racial prejudice, calls this tuning in to habits of mind that usually go unexamined.

Resolving to change these habits isnt enough, she said at the NAS forum: You need strategies. Her research shows that these strategies are effective:

Replace stereotypes. This entails becoming aware of and then altering responses informed by stereotypes. Instead of assuming a senior with a cane needs your help, for instance, you might ask, "Would you like assistance?"  a question that respects an individual's autonomy.

Embrace new images. This involves thinking about people who don't fit the stereotype you've acknowledged. This could be a group of people (older athletes), a famous person (TV producer Norman Lear, now 95, who just sold a show on aging to NBC) or someone you know (a cherished older friend).

Individualize it. The more we know about people, the less we're likely to think of them as a group characterized by stereotypes. Delve into specifics. What unique challenges does an older person face? How does that person cope day-to-day?

Switch perspectives. This involves imagining yourself as a member of the group you've been stereotyping. What would it be like if strangers patronized you and called you "sweetie" or "dear," for example?

Make contact. Interact with the people you've been stereotyping. Visit and talk with that friend who's now living in a retirement community.

Another strategy  strengthening implicit positive stereotypes  comes from Becca Levy, a professor of epidemiology and psychology at Yale University and a leading researcher in this field.

In a 2016 study, she and several colleagues demonstrated that exposing older adults to subliminal positive messages about aging several times over a month improved their mobility and balance  crucial measures of physical function.

The messages were embedded in word blocks that flashed quickly across a computer screen, including descriptors such as wise, creative, spry and fit. The weekly sessions were about 15 minutes long, proving that even a relatively short exposure to positive images of aging can make a difference.

At the forum, Levy noted that 196 countries have committed to support the World Health Organization's fledgling campaign to end discrimination against people because they are old. Bolstering positive images of aging and countering the effect of negative stereotypes need to be central parts of that endeavor, she remarked. It's also something older adults can do, individually, by choosing to focus on what's going well in their lives rather than on what's going wrong.

Claim a seat at the table. "Nothing about us without us" is a clarion call of disability activists, who have demanded that their right to participate fully in society be recognized and made possible by adequate accommodations such as wheelchair ramps. So far, however, seniors haven't similarly insisted on inclusion, making it easier to overlook the ways in which they're marginalized.

At the forum, Kathy Greenlee, vice president of aging and health policy at the Center for Practical Bioethics in Kansas City and a former assistant secretary for aging in the Department of Health and Human Services, called for a new wave of advocacy by and for seniors, saying, We need more older people talking publicly about themselves and their lives.

Everybody is battling aging by themselves, reinforcing the notion that how someone ages is that individuals responsibility rather than a collective responsibility, she explained.

This column is produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent news service and program of the Kaiser Family Foundation.

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SPRINGER NATURE publishes books and prestigious journals, including Nature and Scientific American, and portrays itself as a champion of open access to reports of scientific research. Its website declares that "research is a global endeavor and the free flow of information and ideas is at the heart of advancing discovery." Yet in China, the company has compromised this core principle.

The Financial Times disclosed Wednesday that Springer Nature has blocked access in China to at least 1,000 articles from the websites of the Journal of Chinese Political Science and International Politics, two of its journals, in response to Beijing's censorship demands. The newspaper said all the articles in question "contained keywords deemed politically sensitive by the Chinese authorities," including "Taiwan," "Tibet" and "cultural revolution." According to the FT, a search for "Tibet" on the Journal of Chinese Political Science website in China returned no results, whereas a search outside China showed 66 articles. No articles mentioning the "cultural revolution" could be found on the website in China, the newspaper said, whereas 110 were visible outside.

China's Great Firewall, a gigantic digital cordon, attempts to keep out information that Chinese authorities find potentially threatening. Within China, the Internet is policed by a vast censorship regime backed by restrictive laws on what can be expressed. For foreigners wanting to do business in China with products that disseminate information, this poses a vexing problem: To obey Chinese law means to give in to censorship.

Western companies have responded variously. Apple, which sees China as a vital market, acquiesced to removing the New York Times app from its China App Store at the behest of the authorities. Google tried to work in China for a few years but eventually left. Cambridge University Press at first agreed to remove some 300 sensitive articles in the prestigious China Quarterly journal from its website for a Chinese audience but in August reversed course and refused to give in. Springer Nature said the China blockage was compelled by local laws, that the censored articles were "less than one percent" of its content in mainland China, and that the other 99 percent is "safeguarded for all our customers in China."

It was once thought that Western intellectual and business engagement with China would promote liberalization and was preferable to isolation. But rather than show more tolerance, China is showing less. President Xi Jinping has been on a crusade against free expression, from the press to universities to social media. Foreigners must be careful not to abet this repressive campaign. When it comes to the principle of free expression, there is no way to say that half or even 99 percent is good enough. A journal collection missing pieces of Chinas history  the Cultural Revolution, or Tiananmen Square massacre  is absent truth. Springer Nature should reverse its censorship and insist that the Chinese people be exposed fully to the free flow of information and ideas.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 22:34:24|Editor: Mengjie

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The 30th session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee concludes at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 4, 2017. Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presided over the closing meeting, as well as a meeting attended by the chairman and vice chairpersons beforehand. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

BEIJING, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) closed its bi-monthly session Saturday, adopting a new law on public libraries, revisions to several laws, and decisions on reforms.

Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presided over the closing meeting, as well as a meeting attended by the chairman and vice chairpersons beforehand.

Zhang urged members of the NPC Standing Committee to study and implement the spirit of the 19th Communist Party of China (CPC) National Congress and push forward relevant legislation work.

"The NPC Standing Committee will firmly support the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at the core and completely implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era," he said.

NEW LIBRARY LAW TO PROMOTE READING

The new law aims to promote the development of public libraries and help boost reading among ordinary Chinese.

The law asks the governments to increase input in public libraries, listing it in their budget and development plans.

Libraries are pushed to apply modern technology including digitalizing content and improving online services, better protecting ancient books and promoting traditional culture.

Libraries will be punished if hosting or allowing others to host activities undermining state security and the public interest. Those directly responsible for the offences will face penalties.

LAW REVISION FOR UPDATED, CLEARER STANDARDS

The top legislature adopted a revision to the standardization law, 28 years after it took effect.

The revised law clarifies what standards are compulsory and what are recommendations, expands the scope of standards from industrial products, construction and environmental protection to much broader sectors, including agriculture, industry, services and social programs.

Technical standards concerning health and life and property safety, as well as national and ecological security are prioritized.

The government is required to better exercise their duty of coordinating different standards to avoid overlapping and duplication and supervising implementation of standards.

Lawmakers also adopted the revision to the law against unfair competition, an amendment to the country's criminal law to punish acts of gravely disrespecting the national anthem, as well as minor amendments to several clauses of 11 laws that facilitate cutting red tape.

DECISIONS ON REFORMS

The top legislature passed a decision to extend a pilot program of reforming land use rules in selected areas for one year, from Dec. 31, 2017 to Dec. 31, 2018.

Approved in February 2015, the pilot program involves reforms to the way rural land is expropriated, easing restrictions on rural construction land trading, and reforming the administration of rural residential plots,

It also adopted a decision to expand across the country a pilot project to reform the supervision system, launched in Beijing, and Shanxi and Zhejiang provinces in January.

Other decisions adopted include temporarily adjusting application of laws and regulations during armed police reform, and applying the new National Anthem Law in Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions.

Lawmakers also approved reports on the dismissal and appointment of NPC deputies and officials, two international treaties as well as several reports from NPC committees about motions raised by NPC deputies.
Columnist

Christine Emba is a Post opinions writer and editor.

This story has been floating around on the Internet for a while is a line that rarely inspires confidence.

Nevertheless, that's how Sarah Huckabee Sanders kicked off Monday's White House press briefing. The press secretary spent nearly five minutes reading from the lectern a lengthy and convoluted allegory about 10 reporters splitting a $100 bar tab, apparently to explain the logic behind the Republican tax plan. It was baffling. Later research by skeptical reporters revealed that the story has been circulating in and out of inboxes since at least 2003. It's even been investigated by urban legend website Snopes.

Not to be outdone in the "email forwards from an elderly uncle" department, Donald Trump Jr. the next day tweeted a picture of his 4-year-old daughter in a Halloween costume, ostensibly to illustrate the downsides of alternative economic systems. "I'm going to take half of Chloe's candy tonight & give it to some kid who sat at home. It's never to [sic] early to teach her about socialism."

That particular analogy has also been making its way around the Web for some time. Most recently, it appeared on conspiracy theorist Alex Jones's Prison Planet website the day before Trump Jr. tweeted his own version. Econ lessons from a Pizzagate truther's viral video: trustworthy!

And then, of course, there's President Trump himself. The president appears to get all his news and policy advice from "Fox & Friends," a morning show that traffics in unsubstantiated rumor and echo-chamber thinking. On Twitter, he retweets bogus crime statistics and memes from alt-right message boards.

We're in the era of the chain-letter administration.

Instead of justifying policy through facts and data (which are being deleted from government websites as we speak), the administration and its allies rely on viral stories and dubious parables to inform the public. And while allegory, anecdote and analogy can be useful in explaining complex policy issues, this administration uses them in all the worst ways.

For one thing, the stories are often just wrong. In his tweet, Trump Jr. used the word "socialism" to describe being forced to share the fruits of your labor (broadly defined, considering how trick-or-treating works) with a stranger. Except, that's not socialism. The term has a specific meaning: government control of the means of production and of the distribution of goods and services. It's not the same thing as coerced sharing.

Sanders's bar tab analogy went similarly wide of the mark. Her tale was of a wealthy, generous beer drinker forced to abandon his nightly draft because of the loud complaints of his poor, overly entitled companions. But the story conveniently elided both the mathematics of income distribution and Trump's original promise that tax reform would focus on helping the middle class rather than the wealthy.

Of course, the point of these fables was never to provide an accurate explanation of policy issues. Rather, the Trump team uses chain-email fabulism to advance its own agenda and promote a skewed interpretation of reality.

Trump Jr.'s socialism tweet is meant to darken the public perception of any sort of redistribution, associating it with stealing candy from babies rather than undergirding a functioning health insurance system or social-welfare programs to help the less fortunate. Sanders's beer story was less an explanation of how taxation works than an attempt to garner sympathy for the wealthy. The end goal is to persuade anyone listening in from the middle class not to grumble when the tax cut for those in higher brackets is larger than for them.

These stories would fall apart if anyone questioned their premise. The slightest bit of research would provide a more accurate explanation of how taxes and socialism work and poke holes in the misinformation issuing from the White House. But the success of these well-worn analogies relies upon and entrenches the lack of critical thinking that's become all too common since Trump's political career began.

That's what makes this brand of storytelling so pernicious  and what makes these tales seem more plausible than ever before.

When all news is fake and all reporting is leaks and lies, people still need to be informed. That vacuum is filled by folk wisdom shared by family and friends, or rumors and information shortcuts circulated by those who seem as though they're in the know. And there's no reason to spend your own time searching for truth when you've been informed by a reputable-enough source who happens to confirm your biases perfectly.

But the "wisdom" emanating from the White House these days comes from those who aren't wise at all. That's what your delete key is for.
Quinta Jurecic, an associate editor for the Lawfare blog, is currently serving as a member of the Post editorial board.

This week's congressional hearings on social media and disinformation ostensibly focused on Russia's use of advertisements to meddle in U.S. politics. But at their heart, they were about much more: the growth of these technology companies to a scale and power neither the platforms nor Congress really understand.

Representatives from Facebook, Google and Twitter all agreed with the assessment of Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) that the companies have responsibilities beyond simply providing a forum for users to share content. This admission may seem minor, but it represents a sea change in how these companies think of themselves. They're no longer fighting to be seen only as neutral platforms disengaged from the questions raised by the material their users choose to post.

Those who advocate that technology companies do more to combat disinformation and misbehavior often argue that they should be seen as media organizations with editorial control. But Facebook, Google and Twitter have consistently rejected this idea. While the companies have now accepted some responsibility for the material on their platforms, it's not clear what form they see that responsibility taking or how far it goes. If they're more than neutral platforms yet not publishers, it's not even clear what they are.

Many of the hearings most revealing exchanges put this confusion on full display as members of Congress and technology representatives struggled to understand one another.

At one point, Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) quizzed Facebook general counsel Colin Stretch: "Do you think the Constitution protects intentionally false statements?"

Were trying to provide a platform for authenticity, Stretch answered, explaining that on Facebook, our job is not to decide whether content is true or false. The reason Facebook froze Russian accounts distributing divisive political advertisements, he said, was not that those ads contained false information but that the accounts were inauthentic  fakes.

For the life of me, Gowdy said, I do not understand how a republic is served by provably, intentionally false information.

The exchange was dizzying. Gowdy posed a question of constitutional law, which controls the governments behavior. Stretch responded by asserting Facebooks role as a platform, not a government, bound by its terms of service  which prohibit fake accounts but take no position on truth or falsehood. Then Gowdys closing remark pivoted back to the question of how Facebook shapes American society, as though the company were quasigovernmental.

Other lawmakers expressed astonishment that Facebook stores more information on U.S. citizens than the federal government does. They questioned whether the company should understand itself as loyal to the United States or as some kind of amorphous transnational entity.

Underlying all this confusion was a simple question to which no one  neither members of Congress nor the technology representatives  seemed to have an answer: What exactly are these companies? They are not newspapers but have made themselves into the place where millions of citizens go every day to read news and discuss politics. They are not governments but enjoy enormous authority, reaching across borders and negotiating with governments. They are extraordinarily powerful but have so far evaded significant regulation  although that may change. They are not controlled by the constitutional limitations that bind U.S. government and yet have established themselves as the inadvertent custodians of the country's democracy.

This is how we end up with Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) asking the entirely reasonable yet wholly absurd question of whether Russian election meddling violated Twitter's terms of service. (According to Twitter's acting general counsel, Sean Edgett, it did not.) And it's why the exchange between Stretch and Gowdy was so telling. Stretch spoke in the language of Facebook's terms of service while the congressman responded in the language of the Federalist Papers.

Precisely because these companies  particularly Facebook  have such vast reach, any meaningful conversation about their influence over elections and the health of the republic has to extend beyond the issue of Russian ads. As Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.) noted, the much larger issue is how powerful social media companies stoke division by enabling their users to live within curated political worlds, not only disconnecting left from right but providing them separate realities to call home.

Everyone who shows up on Facebook is required to be their authentic self, Stretch said. Yet rather than allowing us to express our authentic selves, Facebook itself shapes our behavior by showing us what it thinks were most likely to click on. And if the Russian propaganda was effective, it worked because it resonated with the selves we create in conjunction with Facebook: our ugliest fears and desires, our willingness to set aside truth when it becomes inconvenient. Facebook, Twitter and Google have put that ugliness on the market. This would be bad enough, except the market has also become the new American public square.

Meanwhile, the midterm elections are approaching. All three companies said they were unsatisfied with their response to the 2016 election, but they showed little understanding of what would have constituted a satisfactory response. The only proposed legislation, from Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), focuses narrowly on mandating transparency for political ads online. Even if Russia leaves social media alone in 2018, we will still have to deal with ourselves, clicking and scrolling our way to the polls.
THE DEATH of four U.S. servicemen in Niger has prompted a flurry of questions inside and outside Congress about U.S. military operations in that country and in Africa more generally. Some seem misinformed: A couple of senators have protested that they were unaware of the extent of U.S. deployments in West Africa, despite regular Pentagon reports and briefings to Congress. Other questions appear to be based on unfounded speculation. While the incident that led to the soldiers' deaths is still under investigation, Pentagon officials say it does not result from, or augur, an expansion of U.S. combat missions in Niger or in Africa more generally.

About 800 of the 6,000 U.S. military personnel posted in Africa are now in Niger; most of the rest are at a base across the continent in Djibouti. But only in Somalia and Libya are U.S. forces authorized to carry out direct action against terrorist groups  and Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said there would be no "mission creep." Instead, the Trump administration has announced its backing for a five-nation West African force to combat extremists and will continue training and intelligence missions.

The administration inherited this prudent approach from the Obama administration and has done little to alter it. But the debate sparked by the Niger incident nevertheless will be helpful if it motivates Congress to take up a long-neglected piece of business: updating the legal authorization for U.S. military action against terrorist groups. U.S. drone and commando strikes in Somalia, Libya, Yemen, Syria and other far-flung places are still conducted under the aegis of the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) passed by Congress after the 9/11 attacks.

As several senators pointed out during a hearing of the Foreign Relations Committee on Monday, few who voted for that law imagined it might be used to justify operations far from al-Qaeda's 2001 base in Afghanistan. Legal experts divide over the Obama and Trump administrations' judgment that the law covers action against the Islamic State, which did not exist in 2001. But senior Trump administration officials agreed during the hearing that a new AUMF would, at least, reinforce the political mandate for defeating Islamist terrorism.

The problem, as committee Chairman Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) observed, is bridging the gap between legislators who want to provide clear authorization for military action and those who want to constrain it. A bill sponsored by Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) would replace the 2001 AUMF while narrowing its authority; the Pentagon could not target new al-Qaeda or Islamic State groups unless they attacked U.S. forces, and Congress would have the option to block new operations with a vote of disapproval. In addition, the authority would expire after five years unless Congress reauthorized it.

The administration contends that the proposed process for designating new terrorist groups is too restrictive, though its not clear it would have blocked the counterterrorism expansions that have occurred since 2001. The administration also objects to the sunset provision. But the absence of a time limit would allow the executive to wage war for decades across the world without congressional reauthorization. Whether or not thats constitutional, its unwise.
FILE - In this May 16, 2012, file photo, the Facebook logo is displayed on an iPad in Philadelphia. Facebook says a Russian internet agency posted more than 80,000 pieces of content during and after the 2016 election, and that content was distributed to an estimated 126 million users. The company plans to disclose the new numbers to Congress in testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2017, according to a source familiar with the testimony. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

Regarding the Nov. 1 news article "Tech executives try to placate lawmakers on disclosure":

The German justice minister, Heiko Maas, has threatened to fine social networks as much as 50 million euros ($53 million) if they fail to give users the option to complain about hate speech and fake news or refuse to remove illegal content. In addition, the first draft of legislation presented would fine individual corporate officials as much as 5 million euros. "We have to increase the pressure on social networks," Maas told reporters. "Too little illegal content is deleted, it's not deleted quickly enough, and it looks like the operators of social networks aren't taking their users seriously enough." Social networks need to delete or block "obviously illegal" content within 24 hours of it being flagged and other illegal content within seven days.

Its sad that our government doesnt care enough to actually do something to protect our democracy. Sad, too, that our president rarely acknowledges and sometimes dismisses Russian intervention. Its obvious from the actions of these companies, which dissemble about Russian involvement, that they arent really interested in doing something. Perhaps a $50 million fine might get their attention, as it has in Germany?

Allen Ahearn, Silver Spring
Handcuffs are on display at the "Fifty Shade of Grey" booth, featuring the "official pleasure collection" inspired and approved by best seller author E.L. James, at CurveExpo New York, North America's leading designer lingerie trade show in New York, February 25, 2013. The biannual three-day trade show showcases leading lingerie designers in North America. AFP PHOTO/EMMANUEL DUNANDEMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images (Emmanuel Dunand/AFP via Getty Images)

BEWARE, YE foul-mouthed citizens of Fairfax County: The sensibilities of your police force are so delicate, their taste in language so virtuous, their ears so unsullied by rude speech that they regard the utterance of profanity as justification for a half-dozen of them to throw you to the ground, crush your head to the pavement with their knees, wrestle you into submission and arrest you.

A Fairfax ordinance seems to give the police carte blanche in this regard, proclaiming that "if any person profanely curse or swear or be drunk in public, he shall be deemed guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor."

The trouble is, the ordinance, like the police policy, is flatly unconstitutional, as the Supreme Court and lower tribunals have ruled repeatedly. And the Fairfax County police chief, Edwin C. Roessler Jr., only encouraged police to overreact and use gratuitous violence by offering an unqualified defense of some officers recent actions, even as the police opened an internal investigation of the incident that prompted the chiefs remarks.

The incident in question involved Mike Stark, a journalist who, while covering a political rally in Annandale last weekend, was confronted by an officer who told him to get on the sidewalk. (He was barely off it.) In a video of the incident, Mr. Stark, who works for Shareblue, a left-leaning website, is seen protesting: "I'm a f---ing reporter doing my job."

Another officer informed him that if he swears again, youre going to jail. Mr. Stark replied, F--- this, whereupon the police officer pounced, threw him to the ground, and, joined by reinforcements pinning him to the ground, handcuffed and arrested him. Ultimately, Mr. Stark was charged with disorderly conduct and avoiding arrest  not with swearing.

Mr. Stark may not have been wise in his dealing with the police. Its equally true that the officers response was unprofessional, at the least. A citizens lack of social polish or politesse does not justify the officers use of violence. Theres no excuse for verbally abusing police officers, but in real life it happens plenty, and if police officers cant take foul language directed at or used around them now and then, theyre in the wrong line of work. (The same goes for journalists.) At no time did Mr. Stark threaten the officers or anyone else.

Courts have been clear that, as Justice John Marshall Harlan II wrote for the Supreme Court in Cohen v. California, a free-speech case in 1971, "one man's vulgarity is another man's lyric." In that case, the court ruled that the First Amendment protected an individual's right to wear a jacket inscribed with the words "F--- the Draft." And while the court has exempted "fighting words" from First Amendment protections, those are generally considered language meant to incite others to violence. Mr. Stark may have been irascible and ill-tempered, but he was hardly trying to start a riot.

Fairfax County police have opened an internal investigation of Mr. Starks arrest. Thats a good thing. Mouthing off is not cause for arrest, let alone physical abuse by police.
ON THE campaign trail, President Trump promised to "load [the detention center at Guantanamo Bay] up with some bad dudes" and hinted he would be open to trying American citizens suspected of terrorism at military commissions there. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has called Guantanamo a "very fine place" to hold terrorism suspects. And last week, the president suggested that Sayfullo Saipov, the man allegedly behind the Halloween attack in New York City, should be sent to the prison.

Ultimately, Mr. Saipov headed not to Guantanamo but to a federal courtroom where he will face criminal charges. That's for the best. Rhetoric aside, the White House seems to be learning that there's no benefit in doubling down on the mistake of Guantanamo.

Prosecutors allege that Mr. Saipov killed eight people when he drove a rented truck into a bike lane in southern Manhattan, drawing inspiration from the Islamic State. When asked by a reporter whether he would send Mr. Saipov to Guantanamo, the president said that he'd "certainly consider it." He later called the civilian criminal-justice system "a joke and a laughingstock," declaring that Mr. Saipov deserved "much quicker and much stronger [justice] than we have right now." By the end of the day, however, the Justice Department had charged Mr. Saipov with terrorism in civilian court.

Despite Mr. Trump's suggestion  and the encouragement of Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.)  it's far from clear that the government would have the authority to hold Mr. Saipov as a military prisoner or try him in military court. And as Mr. Trump appeared to recognize the following day, the criminal-justice system has proved adept at dispensing "quick . . . and strong justice" to defendants convicted of terrorism. In fact, just two days before Mr. Saipov was charged, the government announced that it would bring criminal charges in federal court against Mustafa al-Imam, a suspect in the 2011 attacks on American diplomatic facilities in Benghazi, Libya, who had been captured abroad.

While Mr. Trump mused on sending Mr. Saipov to Guantanamo, the detention center's military commissions system spiraled into chaos. Lawyers for the detainee charged with masterminding the USS Cole bombing argued that they couldn't ethically represent their client given the possibility that the government might be listening in on them. In response, the military judge held the general overseeing all Guantanamo defense lawyers in contempt of court, confining him to his trailer. A Pentagon official has now temporarily allowed the general to walk free, but the legal battle continues.

"Quick justice" this is not, and the Trump administration made the right decision in declining to worsen the morass. But "quick and . . . strong justice" must still be justice. Mr. Trump's tweets demanding the death penalty for Mr. Saipov undermine not only the government's case against him but also the strength and independence of the U.S. justice system. We are glad that the president placed his trust in the men and women of the Justice Department to prosecute Mr. Saipov to the fullest extent of the law  and not an inch beyond. Now he should remain silent and let them do their work.
Columnist

Not since Philippe Petit stepped onto a wire surreptitiously rigged between the towers of the late, lamented World Trade Center in 1974 has there been a tightrope walk as perilous and as public as Ivanka Trump's.

Its hard enough trying to be Queen of Manhattan in the 21st century, when the fame factory of social media has scrambled the delicate balance of wealth, glamour and ambition required to wear the crown. Over the past year, Ivankas social climb has been further complicated by business woes, legal thickets and  most of all  her fathers snatching of the presidency, which has turned the Trump name to poison in chic society.

Those of us who don't belong to Manhattan society (meaning nearly everyone) might wonder whether queens are necessary in the first place. But through reigns of terror and periods of grace, matriarchs have ruled for nearly 150 years over America's island principality between the East River and the Hudson. Caroline Astor is often cited as the first Queen of Manhattan. The Gilded Age made overnight millionaires, but only Mrs. Astor could make a rich person into a socialite. Her guest list was law  at least until she met Alva Vanderbilt.

Alva, an Alabama native with the bearing of a linebacker, usurped Astor's crown and raised the stakes for future queens. Where Astor reigned in passive silence from a divan raised above her ballroom floor, Vanderbilt was an activist monarch. She led suffrage rallies and organized pro-labor fundraising events (when she wasn't summering at her Newport mansion, where even the driveway was Italian marble). But her greatest achievement may have been her daughter Consuelo, a slender beauty whom Alva forced to marry the Duke of Marlborough, forever infusing New York society with cosmopolitan worldliness and a bias in favor of the comely.

Since those days, presiding over Manhattan has been a balancing act: a queen must be famous and mysterious at the same time; scheming in private but serene in public; always busy but never tied down. The best of them  Babe Paley, Jackie Onassis  know everyone, yet remain somehow unknowable themselves.

All true of Ivanka, who appears to combine the grit of Vanderbilt with the swanlike elegance of Paley, of whom Truman Capote observed that her only flaw was her perfection. But perfection is a higher bar for a woman today than it was in Paley's 1960s. Today's Queen of Manhattan needs more than looks and money. She must be an entrepreneur, a TED-talker, a woke woman and a mother, climbing the best-dressed list even as she floats somehow above the world on a raised platform.

What this looks like in real time Trump demonstrated this week. A post to her Instagram feed (she has more than 4 million followers) showed her stretched out on a bed for story time, surrounded by her three perfect children. "I'm looking forward to visiting Japan, but sure will miss these three!" Queen Mommy chimed. The next we knew, she was smiling upon arrival halfway around the world, her sunglasses opaque, her bow-topped shoes entrancing. Then it was on to Toyko for a speech to the World Assembly for Women, where she dwelled on the importance of opening traditionally male-dominated occupations in science, technology, engineering and math.

"Female and minority participation in STEM fields is moving in the wrong direction," the Visionary Queen observed, now clad in a pink suit that managed to be at once businesslike and flashy. Fashion websites and news websites tracked her moves with equal intensity  the former telling readers where to buy her outfits, the latter reporting that Ivanka would quickly return to the United States to take up the job of tax reform.

This is a long way from 1980s New York, with Nan Kempner and Pat Buckley trading sly jokes between graceful puffs on their cigarettes, and just as far from the glitz and ditz of a decade ago, starring Paris Hilton and Tinsley Mortimer. It's a good fit for today's Manhattan, except for one problem: The Trump name is like a curse throughout the realm.

Her apparel business has been buffeted by anti-Trump boycotts and scrutiny of her China ties. Her husband, Jared Kushner  the silent Ken to her Everything Barbie  is hampered by ethics watchdogs in his desperate attempt to bail out a family-owned skyscraper and at the same time under pressure from special counsel Robert S. Mueller III's investigation. Adding insult to injury, her father is said to be blaming Kushner's bad advice for some of his own worst decisions, egged on by Javanka-hating Svengali Stephen K. Bannon.

That's a fine how-do-you-do from a father who knows, down deep, that he alone may keep Ivanka from the throne. "If she weren't my daughter, it would be so much easier for her," the president has said. That wasn't always true, but it is now.

Read more from David Von Drehle's archive.
Henry M. Paulson Jr., treasury secretary from 2006 to 2009, is chairman of the Paulson Institute and author of Dealing With China: An Insider Unmasks the New Economic Superpower.

Many have crowned Chinese President Xi Jinping the most powerful man in the world following the 19th Chinese National Congress of the Communist Party. And, indeed, Xi is a dynamic leader who is transforming China. He has swiftly consolidated his authority to drive an ambitious domestic and international effort to establish China as a modern superpower.

Our preoccupation with Xi's grand ambitions, however, has led us to neglect the scope of the challenges he and his country face. Simply put, ambition and power are not a substitute for deep and enduring reform, and a leader is only as powerful as the country he leads. As Xi knows all too well, China has serious and growing vulnerabilities. When President Trump visits China next week, he may well find he can leverage these emerging dynamics to advance U.S. interests.

In recent years, Xi has moved to address these challenges with a bold strategy aimed at consolidating the tools he needs to govern. Although he has crafted ambitious economic reform policies, he could not assure that they were implemented on a consistent basis in the provinces. And some of his most important and difficult goals have not been attempted.

During his first term, Xi tightened and made sweeping reforms to the Chinese legal system; took control of, cleaned out and started professionalizing the military; and restructured, centralized and, through an anti-corruption campaign, moved to shore up the domestic credibility of the Communist Party as the countrys primary means of governance.

As the party and the central government take power from the provinces, he has begun strengthening the Beijing bureaucracys capacity to manage a nation of 1.4 billion people. At the same time, he has neutralized his opposition and positioned trusted advisers to help implement his agenda.

Thus, Xi enters his second term better able to govern, but serious challenges stand in his way. He faces four major economic risks: overreliance on debt to finance growth; a failing state-owned sector; excess capacity across a range of industries, particularly steel; and the real prospect that markets will be closed to China in the United States and elsewhere if the country does not move more quickly to open its economy to foreign competition.

Xi must address Chinas unsustainable accumulation of sub-national debt  much of it created by hundreds of thousands of failed firms kept alive by the state to preserve jobs. China wont be able to grow out of its debt problem.

If China is to avoid a hard landing, it will need to stem the flow of credit and accept slower growth. The government has indicated its intention to do that, but it will require significant political will. Importantly, it must subject failing firms to the discipline of the marketplace. The longer China waits to deal with these problems the riskier and costlier it will get.

Xi will be increasingly pressed by the United States and other major economies to demonstrate that his government intends to uphold its pledge to lift restrictions blocking foreign competition. And he drags his feet at his own peril because the United States and others are reexamining their open-door policies and demanding greater reciprocity in China. This new attitude will put pressure on China just as Xi most needs the worlds export and investment markets. But competition from the private sector is ultimately the best way for him to address the inefficiencies with Chinas state-owned enterprises and its massive overcapacity in steel, which, when exported, will increasingly lead to trade disputes.

Xi, however, seems undaunted and remains confident he can manage all the challenges in front of him. Trump and Xi have developed a good personal relationship. Xis new consolidation of power  and ability to use it now to get difficult things done  means Trump may have a greater opportunity on his trip to achieve breakthroughs in the security and economic arenas.

Progress on the most important economic issues has potential to build the mutual trust that would make it easier to achieve what is by far our top priority: a denuclearized Korean Peninsula. But no nation should trade away its vital interests; North Korean and economic negotiations should proceed at their own pace.

Trump should be strategic and forceful in defense of Americas industries of the future. It is essential that he fight to open markets and achieve a level playing field in sectors where the United States is most competitive  technology, financial services, the Internet, agribusiness, health care, environmental goods and services, autos, and movies. This has the potential to benefit both countries, particularly in the financial services, where Chinas underdeveloped financial markets would clearly benefit from some world-class participants.

The United States should also focus on expanding our economic relationship with China to include direct investment, which creates U.S. jobs and ties our economies together in enduring and positive ways. Without increased market access, the path we are on could lead to important parts of the global economy being walled off from competition and trade. This risks hurting both the United States and China, which are the biggest beneficiaries of a rules-based economic order.

Xis new platform presents risks for the United States in an era in which there will be increasing security and economic competition. But it also has the potential for further collaboration with a leader who now has greater ability to deliver. It has always been as big a risk to overestimate Chinas power as it is to underestimate its potential. Now the same could be said of Xi. Trump should test Xis new position of power by pressing China hard for movement on U.S. priorities.
This photos is from the Oct. 9, 2016, presidential debate. But if it seems like only yesterday, its because the 2016 election seems to be continuing. (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg News)

A full year has passed since Donald Trump was elected president, yet the campaign of 2016 will not end. The president remains obsessed with it, Democrats are still wrangling over a bitter primary contest and a shocking loss in the general election, and analysts are still trying to understand better exactly how it all happened.

The public has not moved on, either. The divisions that produced the outcome on Nov. 8 remain as deep and pervasive as they were then. Views of the president, pro and con, have changed only a bit among the most partisan.

Trump has problems galore that should occupy his time, as his trip to Asia that began Friday will highlight. But in so many of his public utterances and especially his tweets, he refuses to let go of the campaign. At rallies, he has replayed his victories as if they happened yesterday. He demands respect for what he accomplished and doesnt believe he has gotten it. Hes still trying to score points against his rival, hammering on Hillary Clinton as if the election is in its last few days.

Clinton, however, is mostly a foil as Trump seeks to distract attention from special counsel Robert S. Mueller IIIs investigation, which has worried the president since it began.

Trumps tactic isnt working.

Last weeks indictments of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort and Manafort associate Richard Gates, along with the guilty plea of Trump campaign foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulos, demonstrated the degree to which Mueller and his team refuse to become sidetracked or intimidated by all the noise from the White House.

The Democrats, meanwhile, have been plunged back into another round of recriminations over what happened a year ago. Like Trump, they have not gotten past election night 2016. They cannot erase the sting of the defeat few expected, and the pain is still close to the surface. Clinton offered her view of why she lost in her recent book What Happened. But that hasnt ended the discussion of whether she and her campaign team did all they could have to prevent Trump from winning.

Donna Brazile, who served as interim chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) during the general election, has thrown gasoline on this still-smoldering fire with her forthcoming book, Hacks: The Inside Story of the Break-ins and Breakdowns That Put Donald Trump in the White House.

[Brazile, Warren say the system was rigged against Sanders]

The book offers a litany of criticisms aimed at the Clinton camp and includes an incendiary section in which Brazile describes how she considered trying to replace Clinton, at the time of the candidates fainting spell in September 2016, with then-Vice President Joe Biden. Brazile writes that Clintons campaign had taken on the odor of failure and recounts her own concerns about the campaigns operations.

Brazile also asserts the Clinton team wrongly took control over the finances and operations of the DNC long before Clinton was the effective nominee of the party, as a condition of helping finance an institution that was debt-ridden during the Obama years.

Braziles claim has been challenged as misleading by Clintonites, who say the agreement giving Clintons campaign power over the DNC, applied only to the general election. But the whole uproar has added to the grievances among the followers of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), that the deck was stacked against him in the primaries.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who shares many of Sanderss views on policy, quickly waded into the controversy over whether the DNC had put its thumb on the scale for Clinton. Asked by CNNs Jake Tapper whether she thought the nomination process last year was rigged, Warren, a possible 2020 presidential hopeful, said, Yes.

She could have deflected the question but chose not to.

There will be more coming from Braziles book when it is published next week that will grab headlines and potentially further inflame the resentment toward the Clinton team among Sanderss followers while restarting the bigger debate over how the campaign managed to lose an election so many thought she should win.

At a minimum, the unfolding controversy among Democrats is a distraction they dont need right now. But it could reflect deeper differences inside a party that cant shake off 2016 and is still searching for a comeback strategy that goes beyond being anti-Trump.

[Amid controversy, DNC leaders vow changes to 2020 nomination rules]

That question hinges in part on which voters are seen as most important to the party's coalition: African Americans and other minorities or the white working class. A new report from the Center for American Progress (CAP), a progressive think tank, offers fresh analysis of 2016 that tries to answer that question. The authors, Rob Griffin, Ruy Teixeira and John Halpin, plumbed available resources to produce the analysis, one that they say provides a more accurate portrait of the electorate than did the exit polls. The study does not attempt to evaluate the impact of Russian hacking on the campaign.

Among the conclusions is the electorate on Election Day 2016 included a higher percentage of white voters than the exit polls said at the time.

More significant, the composition of those white voters was strikingly at odds with the exit poll estimates.

Briefly put, the exit polls radically overestimated the share of white college-educated voters and radically underestimated the share of white non-college-educated voters, the authors write.

Exit polls said white college-educated voters made up 37 percent of the electorate, while white non-college-educated voters constituted 34 percent.

The CAP analysis says whites with college educations accounted for 29 percent of the electorate while whites without college educations made up 45 percent. A post-election online poll by SurveyMonkey reached a similar conclusion.

The report looks at the national electorate as well as those in some of the key states that decided the election, including Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, the three Rust Belt states that sealed Trumps victory.

After assessing how shifts in support and levels of turnout affected the most crucial states, the authors made other calculations and argue that Clinton would have won the election if either of two things had occurred. She would have won if black turnout and support levels had been identical to those of 2012 or if white non-college-educated voters support had been similar to that of 2012.

Neither course was as easy as it might have seemed, however.

The authors note that any Democrat would have had difficulty re-creating black turnout and support levels of 2012, given the election involved the first African American elected to the White House.

Anyone following would have struggled to generate both the turnout and support levels of those campaigns.

Nor do the authors underestimate the difficulty of retaining the 2012 levels of support among white non-college-educated voters, given shifting allegiances among that group that have been ongoing.

But the authors argue that even a modest improvement in her performance in 2016 would have allowed Clinton to win the three Rust Belt states.

Trump will be vulnerable in 2020, but Democrats still must better learn the lessons from Clintons defeat. To appeal to the full range of voters they need to win, the authors argue, Democrats must go beyond the identity politics versus economic populism debate to create a genuine cross-racial, cross-class coalition. Is there a leading Democrat out there who has cracked that code yet?

Trump, meanwhile, faces the challenge of reassembling the coalition that brought him to the White House at a time when demographic and other shifts continue to shrink that group. Added to that is the fact that so far, his performance in office creates barriers to expanding beyond his 2016 coalition.

The 2016 campaign has now effectively lasted for three years, and the debates over it continue. Imagine what the coming three years are likely to bring.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 23:09:32|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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RABAT, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Moroccan police said on Saturday that they have arrested two Dutch nationals over shooting in a cafe in the tourist city of Marrakech.

On Thursday, two hooded armed men opened fire in a coffee shop, leaving one person dead and two others wounded before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle.

According to a statement from the police, the two suspects, aged 29 and 24, are originally from the Dominican Republic and Suriname.

The coordination operation made as part of international security cooperation revealed that the arrested have antecedents in cases of international drug trafficking, kidnapping, armed robbery, and attempted homicide, the statement said.

The suspects entered Morocco about a week ago, and they were staying in two separate hotels, one of which is located near the cafe where the crime took place, the statement pointed out.

The same source noted that the international security coordination procedures are underway to locate and arrest the main instigator of the crime, who has turned out to be the subject of international arrest warrants issued by Morocco and another European country for his involvement in international drug trafficking and homicide.

On Friday, Morocco said it arrested six people in the city of Casablanca over their suspected involvement in the shooting.
The couple, who have a boy named Archie, announced on Jan. 8 that they would step back from being royals, become financially independent, and split their time between North America and the United Kingdom.
President Trump on Friday repeatedly called on the Department of Justice and FBI to investigate his Democratic political opponents, a breach of the traditional executive branch boundaries designed to prevent the criminal justice system from becoming politicized.

Trump urged federal law enforcement to do what is right and proper by launching criminal probes of former presidential rival Hillary Clinton and her party  a surprising use of his bully pulpit considering he acknowledged a day earlier that presidents are not supposed to intervene in such decisions.

In a flurry of accusatory morning tweets, Trump claimed there was mounting public pressure for new Clinton probes, including over her campaign's joint fundraising agreement with the Democratic National Committee that effectively gave her some control over the party's finances, strategy and staffing before the primaries began.

Trump invoked Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who had said that she believed the Democratic primaries were rigged in Clinton's favor based on details of the arrangement in a new book by former DNC interim chair Donna Brazile. Using his pejorative nickname for Warren, Trump tweeted: "Pocahontas just stated that the Democrats, lead [sic] by the legendary Crooked Hillary Clinton, rigged the Primaries! Lets [sic] go FBI & Justice Dept."

[Clinton campaign, DNC paid for research that led to Russia dossier]



President Trump listens as Attorney General Jeff Sessions speaks during a swearing in ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House on Feb. 9. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

Trump also called for probing the deleted emails from Clintons private server while she was secretary of state, as well as the sale of a uranium company to Russia and the international business of Democratic super-lobbyist Tony Podesta, the brother of John D. Podesta, who served as Clintons campaign chairman.

People are angry, Trump wrote in one tweet. At some point the Justice Department, and the FBI, must do what is right and proper. The American public deserves it!

Trump amplified his message later Friday morning, as he spoke to reporters on the South Lawn of the White House before he departed for a 12-day trip to Asia.

Im really not involved with the Justice Department, Trump said. Id like to let it run itself. But honestly, they should be looking at the Democrats . . . And a lot of people are disappointed in the Justice Department, including me.

Trump has long been irritated, and at times outright angry, with Attorney General Jeff Sessions for refusing to prosecute Clinton and for not better protecting him from special counsel Robert S. Mueller IIIs wide-ranging probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election, the presidents advisers have said.

Trump made his displeasure clear in a Thursday radio interview on "The Larry O'Connor Show."

You know, the saddest thing is, because I am the president of the United States, I am not supposed to be involved with the Justice Department. Im not supposed to be involved with the FBI, Trump said. Im not supposed to be doing the kind of things I would love to be doing and I am very frustrated by it.

The president said it was very discouraging to me that the Justice Department and FBI were not going after Hillary Clinton. He added, Hopefully they are doing something and at some point, maybe we are going to all have it out.

The White House offered no explanation for why Trump publicly pressured the Justice Department on Friday. A Justice Department spokesman also declined to comment.

Senior officials at the White House and some key Republican lawmakers have raised concerns in recent days about the level of access the Justice Department has been providing to congressional investigators to review materials.

Some lawmakers have sought more information than the department has provided related to a dossier that contained lurid allegations about Trumps alleged ties to Russia, in addition to material related to the uranium deal, according to administration and congressional officials.

A White House official said Trump wants the Justice Department, as a general policy, to be transparent and provide Congress with the information it is requesting. A Justice Department official said the White House overtures were not considered inappropriate because they were about the agencys compliance with congressional oversight. Both officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter on the record.

Fridays public pressure marks the latest attempt by Trump to use his presidential megaphone to direct the criminal justice process.

Trump delivered off-the-cuff remarks this week recommending punishment for Sayfullo Saipov, the suspect accused of killing eight people with a rental truck in New York City. He at first said he was considering sending Saipov to the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, but then reversed course and advocated a civilian trial in federal court and the death penalty for the terrorism suspect he called an animal.

The presidents comments complicated the work of FBI agents and federal prosecutors as they were investigating the attack and preparing criminal charges.

[Trump speaks, but prosecutors may not listen]

The Justice Department is a part of the executive branch; the attorney general is nominated by the president, as is the FBI director. So it is normal for the White House to direct the department and bureau on broad policy goals.

But unlike other executive branch agencies, the Justice Department traditionally enjoys a measure of independence, especially when it comes to individual criminal investigations. Government lawyers have long sought to enforce a clear line preventing White House officials from influencing specific investigations or prosecutions to ensure their work is not politicized.

Trump has departed from tradition when it comes to the Justice Department in other ways as well, including by talking with some candidates for some U.S. attorney jobs. Although they are presidential appointees, U.S. attorney candidates have not traditionally had personal interviews with the president before they were selected.

Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), who is not running for reelection and has become an outspoken critic of Trumps, issued a statement saying that the justice system should be independent and free of political interference.

President Trumps pressuring of the Justice Department and FBI to pursue cases against his adversaries and calling for punishment before trials take place are totally inappropriate and not only undermine our justice system but erode the American peoples confidence in our institutions, Corker said.

Matt Axelrod, who served as the principal associate deputy attorney general interacting with the White House during the Obama administration, said Trumps comments were a very troubling and shocking departure from the way things are supposed to work and have worked historically through both Democratic and Republican administrations.

But former attorney general William P. Barr, who served under former Republican president George H.W. Bush, said it would not be automatically inappropriate for a president to ask for possible wrongdoing to be investigated.

The president is the chief executive and, if he believes theres an area that requires an investigation, theres nothing on its face wrong with that, theres nothing per se wrong about that, Barr said.

I dont think all this stuff about throwing [Clinton] in jail or jumping to the conclusion that she should be prosecuted is appropriate, Barr added, but I do think that there are things that should be investigated that havent been investigated.

The president directing a particular investigation  especially of a former political rival  would be viewed by most officials in law enforcement as improper. This, though, is not the first time Trump has suggested putting Clinton in law enforcements crosshairs.

During the campaign, Trump repeatedly led rally crowds in chants of Lock her up! that were aimed at Clinton. And during a presidential debate, Trump told Clinton he would instruct my attorney general to get a special prosecutor to look into your situation, because there has never been so many lies, so much deception.

Trumps comment sparked a torrent of criticism, including from former attorney general Michael Mukasey, who worked under former Republican president George W. Bush and was a vocal Clinton critic.

"It would be like a banana republic," Mukasey, who could not be reached for comment Friday, said at the time. "Putting political opponents in jail for offenses committed in a political setting, even if they are criminal offenses  and they very well may be  is something that we don't do here."

Devlin Barrett, Spencer S. Hsu and Julie Tate contributed to this report.
Director of the London Academy of Diplomacy Joseph Mifsud attends the Special Meeting of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States in Washington in 2014. (Juan Manuel Herrera/OAS)

His affiliations were a roll call of institutions whose very names suggest power, influence and global reach: the London Academy of Diplomacy, the London Center of International Law Practice, the Euro-Mediterranean University.

His titles had a loftiness to match: president, director, and according to his online biography, "founding father of the term 'Academic Diplomacy.' "

But in the plea agreement unsealed last week as part of special counsel Robert S. Mueller IIIs investigation into Russian influence on last years U.S. presidential election, he is simply and mysteriously the professor.

Joseph Mifsud, the man who, according to court papers, offered himself as a bridge between the Trump campaign and the highest echelons of the Kremlin, has spent his career trading one impressive-looking business card for the next.

[Who is George Papadopoulos, the Trump adviser who pleaded guilty to lying to federal investigators?]

To George Papadopoulos, the Trump foreign policy aide who liaised with Mifsud, the Maltese academic may have appeared to be just the sort of man needed to cut through the impenetrable fog of Moscow power structures.

But a review of Mifsuds credentials and connections reveals plenty of fog there, as well.

At the Scottish university where he was a professor, he was seldom if ever seen by fellow faculty or students. At the Slovenian university where he was president, he left amid a swirl of accusations of financial impropriety, including a cellphone bill that topped $1,000 a month. And at the London law center where he served as an adviser, others named as part of the firm's "team" were shocked this week to learn of the association.

Seriously, I work there? Does anyone else work there? said Gary Born, a specialist in international arbitration who was surprised to hear when reached by a Washington Post reporter that his picture and biography were on the London Center of International Law Practices website.

Whether there is much more to Mifsud than meets the eye  or perhaps much less  will now be a question for Mueller.

In the plea agreement, Papadopoulos depicts Mifsud as a contact eager to help play matchmaker between the Trump team and President Vladimir Putins inner circle.

Mifsud introduces Papadopoulos to a woman he identifies as Putins niece, promises top-level Russian meetings for Trump aides and returns from a visit to Moscow offering dirt on Hillary Clinton based on thousands of emails obtained by the Russian government.

The plea agreement makes no direct accusation against Mifsud. But a sworn affidavit from FBI Special Agent Robert Gibbs at least raises the possibility he was a Russian cutout.

[The] Russian government and its intelligence and security services frequently make use of non-governmental intermediaries to achieve their foreign intelligence objectives, Gibbs writes. This structure serves in part to hide the overt involvement of the Russian government.

Russia, he continues, has used individuals associated with academia and think tanks in such a capacity.

Mifsud last week insisted he was not a secret agent. I never got any money from the Russians.

[Professor at center of Russia disclosures claimed to have met with Putin]

But on other points he has been contradictory.

When the indictment was unsealed on Monday, he initially denied that he was the professor cited in the court papers. Then on Tuesday he confirmed it, but told Londons Daily Telegraph that the descriptions of his role were exaggerated and insisted he had had no contact with Russian officials.

But the same day, The Post reported that he had boasted to his former assistant late last year that he had had a meeting with Putin.

On Wednesday, he told Italy's La Repubblica that Papadopoulos's claims about him in the indictment were "nonsense."

I strongly deny any discussion about secrets concerning Hillary Clinton, he said. I swear it on my daughter.

But then, minutes later, he related that he had been in Moscow during the presidential campaign and had had a conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. He also said he was in touch with officials at Russian think tanks that are considered close to the Kremlin and the Foreign Ministry.

As for the alleged niece of Putin, Mifsud laughed off the suggestion that she was related to the Russian president. Shes just a student, he said. A very good-looking one.

Mifsud also told La Repubblica that he had been speaking with the FBI.

Mifsud has not responded to calls or emails from The Post.

To former colleagues in his native Malta, Mifsuds sudden entrance into the center of the worlds most-watched investigation is a surprise. But not a total one.

Hes a charmer, said Dominic Fenech, a dean at the University of Malta.

Mifsud was once a lecturer in education at the university. But Fenech and other colleagues said his interest in the normal preoccupations of academics  research, publishing and teaching  was minimal.

[Paul Manaforts lavish lifestyle highlighted in indictment]

Instead, Fenech said, Mifsud was more focused on creating international educational partnerships.

One was a for-profit branch of the University of Malta that Mifsud helped to establish in Rome with a senior Italian politician who had been implicated in a series of scandals. The university later withdrew its participation.

Another was the European Union-funded Euro-Mediterranean University in Slovenia. Fenech, a scholar of Mediterranean history, said the school had little to no academic profile.

To me, frankly, people who get these jobs in these kinds of institutions, well, it often makes me wonder, he said. Im not saying hes wheeling and dealing. Im just saying everythings possible.

Mifsud left the university under a cloud, with Slovenian government ministers expressing disappointment at the institutions progress and officials claiming that Mifsud had left behind tens of thousands of euros worth of unexplained expenses.

Mifsud told the Times of Malta when the claims came to light in 2013 that it was a private matter.

The university released a statement this week saying its relationship with Mifsud was "completely severed since he has resigned from his post as President of the University in July 2012."

In fact, the statement continued, following his resignation, the University was unaware of the whereabouts of Mr. Mifsud.

His whereabouts were mostly in London, though exactly what he was doing there is difficult to pin down.

His roles included professorships at the University of Stirling in Scotland and the University of East Anglia  both of which were associated with the London Academy of Diplomacy, where Mifsud was honorary director.

Andrew Glencross, a politics expert who taught at Stirling between 2013 and 2016, described Mifsud as personable, congenial and an inveterate name dropper in terms of politicians.

But Mifsud was not a typical professor. The universitys student newspaper reported last week that Mifsud had no office on campus, and it could not find any students who had met him.

Hes not your run-of-the-mill professor with a large hinterland of research, of teaching, of supervising research students, grant applications . . . no. That was why, from the first instance I was aware of the collaboration with [the London Academy of Diplomacy] I was perplexed about who exactly they were and what they brought to us.

When the university announced the association in 2014, Glencross said he and his colleagues had never heard of the organization. They werent on the radar.

Equally perplexing was the London Center of International Law Practice.

The center supposedly operates from a fine Georgian building overlooking a leafy London square.

When a Post reporter buzzed the door on several occasions during business hours last week, no one answered.

Until recently, the staff Web page had 33 people listed on it, including Joseph Mifsud. But the page was deleted on Oct. 23, a week before the Papadopoulos plea agreement was unsealed.

Several of those listed as being part of the team were only loosely affiliated  if at all.

Born, the arbitration specialist whose name was listed on the site, said he met once with one of its employees, who pitched him on a forum for academic and public policy discussions. It was pretty vague and aspirational. As far as Born knew, nothing came of it.

Another person connected to the center was Papadopoulos, who worked there in the spring of 2016 under the lofty title of director of the Center for International Energy and Natural Resources Law & Security.

Its unclear whether the center explains how the young Papadopoulos and the middle-aged Mifsud first connected.

But Glencross, the political analyst, speculated that whenever they met, they probably saw in each other kindred spirits.

[Mifsud] is exactly the type of person who is on the make, or wants to be on the make in foreign policy circles, he said. I can see why someone like Papadopoulos, if he wanted to make himself seem more important, he would want to latch on to someone like Joseph.

Adam reported from London. Isaac Stanley-Becker in Oxford, England, contributed to this report.

Read more

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For Austrias Muslims, countrys hard-right turn is an ominous sign

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned Saturday in a surprise move that upended his alliance with the powerful Hezbollah movement and raised the risk of conflict in Lebanon.

Hariri announced his resignation in Saudi Arabia and cited the influence of Iran over the Lebanese government as the reason for his decision to step down, putting Lebanon squarely on the front line of an accelerating power struggle between Tehran and Riyadh.

Through Hezbollah, Iran has created a state within a state in Lebanon, Hariri said in a televised address from Riyadh. He accused Iran of sowing sedition, devastation and destruction in any place it settles in.

I want to tell Iran and its followers that they are losing in their interferences in the affairs of Arab nations. Our nation will rise just as it did before, and the hands that will harm it will be cut, Hariri said, suggesting that his move represented the beginning of a broader effort backed by Saudi Arabia to confront Iran in Lebanon.

The resignation signaled an end to the shaky alliance that had underpinned Lebanons government between Hariri, a Sunni Muslim who is a longtime ally of Saudi Arabia, and the Shiite Hezbollah movement, which is backed by Iran. The arrangement helped Lebanon keep a distance from the violence convulsing neighboring Syria and the wider region but stirred deepening concerns among Irans foes about growing Iranian influence in the country.

Israel, which has threatened in recent months to go to war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, welcomed Hariris decision as a wake-up call to the international community to take action against Iranian aggression, according to a statement issued by the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In another sign of the deepening regional tensions, Iranian-backed Houthi militias in Yemen fired a missile toward Riyadh shortly after the announcement in a rare attack on the Saudi capital. The Saudi authorities announced that the missile had been intercepted, but parts of it landed in the vicinity of King Khalid International Airport.

[The U.S. is on a collision course with Iran in the Middle East]

The United States, which has been pushing a more assertive stance toward Iran in the region, did not immediately comment, and it was unclear whether the Trump administration was involved in what appeared to be a Saudi initiative to confront Iran in Lebanon.

An adviser to Irans Foreign Ministry, in comments quoted by the Iranian news agency Fars, directly accused President Trump of coordinating the Hariri resignation with Saudi Arabia. The resignation was planned by the Americans to make up for their losses after ISIL was defeated in the region, said Hossein Sheikholeslam, using an acronym for the Islamic State.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi called it a source of pity and wonder that Hariri announced his resignation in a foreign country, and he disputed Hariris allegations against Iran. Hariris unreal and baseless accusations . . . show that the resignation is designed to create tensions in Lebanon and the region, he said.

The announcement appeared to take most of Lebanon by surprise, including Hezbollah, according to an official familiar with Hezbollah leaders thinking. It also stirred widespread concerns about the dangers of conflict in Lebanon, which had become a surprise beacon of relative stability in the region throughout the turmoil of recent years.

Hariri hinted that he believed his life was in danger, describing the atmosphere in Lebanon as similar to the national mood when his father, Prime Minister Rafiq al-Hariri, was assassinated in 2005 after resigning from office. I sensed what is being woven in secret to target my life, Hariri said.

Saudi Arabias gulf affairs minister, Thamer al-Sabhan, later said in a television interview that Hariris bodyguards had received confirmed information of a plot to kill him but that the allegation could not be independently confirmed.

The assassination of Hariri's father, blamed by a United Nations inquiry on Hezbollah operatives, was followed by years of tensions in Lebanon between Hezbollah and U.S.-backed allies in the Sunni and Christian communities. A string of bombings killed more than a dozen Hariri allies and Christian politicians, and there were periodic firefights between rival militias. The tensions culminated in Hezbollah's armed takeover of the streets of West Beirut in 2008, which secured Hezbollah's political sway over the Lebanese state.

In a brief statement, Lebanese President Michel Aoun, a Hezbollah ally, said Hariri notified him of the decision, which would be discussed further when the former prime minister returns to Lebanon.

Aoun, a close ally of Hezbollah, was elected president in October 2016 after more than two years in Lebanon without a head of state. He appointed Hariri in late 2016 to a 30-member national unity cabinet that includes Hezbollah.

It is not clear who will succeed Hariri, but under Lebanons constitution, the prime minister must be a Sunni Muslim.

Hariri previously served as prime minister starting in November 2009, but he lost the title in early 2011 when the Hezbollah members of his cabinet resigned.

Since the outbreak of the Syrian war in 2011, Hezbollah has emerged as one of the most powerful military and political forces in Irans arsenal as it seeks to increase its influence across the region. Designated a terrorist organization by the United States, Hezbollah has sent thousands of its members to Syria to fight on behalf of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and it has contributed a smaller number of fighters to battle alongside allies in Iraq and Yemen.

Loveluck reported from London and Sly from Washington.

Read more:

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In besieged Syria, one wasting death just the start of a tragedy

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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Iranian President Hassan Rouhani sits next to Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of the Islamic Republics founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, during a ceremony commemorating the death of Ruhollah Khomeini's son, in Tehran on October 23, 2017. (Handout/Reuters)

Escalating tensions with the United States have stirred nationalist sentiment in Iran, giving its hard-liners an opportunity to more fiercely target critics and settle old scores, rights advocates and analysts say.

The clampdown on activists, journalists and even politicians has served as a warning to pro-reform leaders who have pushed for a more tolerant and open Iran.

In recent weeks, hard-line judges have confined a reformist ex-president to his home, sentenced pro-reform leaders to prison and opened a criminal investigation into BBCs Persian-language channel for conspiracy to harm national security.

They also placed travel restrictions on the family of late president Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, another reformer, and on Wednesday an appeals court upheld a sentence for a pro-reform activist on national security charges.

The rivalries predate the current turmoil with the United States. But the moves also come as hostilities between the two countries have reached a fever pitch. Last month, President Trump announced a new strategy to combat Iran, blasting its government as a fanatical regime that has spread death, destruction and chaos all around the globe.

Trump also refused to certify Irans compliance with a nuclear deal it signed with world powers in 2015, threatening a landmark accord that curbed Iranian nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.

Trumps Iran policy makes it much easier for Iranian hard-liners to put the country on a war footing, crack down on civil society and invoke Iranian nationalism as a rallying cry, said Nader Hashemi, director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Denver.

[Trumps anger over Iran deal forced aides to scramble for a compromise]

Hard-liners in the judiciary and security and religious establishments have been saying to the Iranian public: See, we told you so  about the hardening of U.S. policy, he said.

And that has given them space to suffocate the reformists, said Omid Memarian, deputy director of the New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran.

But while Iran's reformists have suffered far worse, the timing of the most recent moves has stoked particular concern.

Trump's rhetoric may have offered an opening in which to ramp up pressure. But the convictions, arrests and other restrictions also follow the May reelection of moderate President Hassan Rouhani, a reformist ally who harshly condemned hard-liners' more authoritarian tendencies during the campaign.

For years, the divide between hard-liners and reformists has colored  and fractured  Iranian politics, beginning with former president Mohammad Khatamis efforts in the 1990s to nudge the system toward reform. Khatami, who remains popular, is barred by authorities from speaking to or appearing in the media. Last month, security forces prevented him from leaving his home, according to local media reports, effectively putting him under house arrest.

Khatamis vision for a less rigid and more tolerant Islamic Republic, established in 1979, prompted Irans powerful Revolutionary Guard  then just a paramilitary organization  to enter politics and back Iranian conservatives.

The enmity between the two sides came to a head in 2009, when reformists challenged the disputed results of that years presidential election. Mass demonstrations alarmed the regime, which responded with a brutal crackdown and sweeping arrests. The reform movement appeared all but decimated, and hopes for a comeback were dim.

But Rouhanis presidency, coupled with recent victories for reformists in parliamentary and municipal elections, have again amplified pro-reform voices, much to the hard-liners chagrin.

[Irans Revolutionary Guard is facing more pressure from Trump administration]

The most recent moves probably were initiated to blunt any prospect for a reformist revival, said Suzanne Maloney, an expert on Iran at the Brookings Institution, adding that the surge of chauvinism provoked by Trumps speech gave [Supreme Leader] Khamenei some additional room for maneuver.

In an article published late last month, a news outlet linked with the Revolutionary Guard called the ongoing investigation into BBC Persian, including the seizure of local journalists assets, part of the spoils of war in Irans conflict with the West.

The ability of the United States to greatly affect Irans domestic politics is still limited, and reformists, too, will unite with conservatives to oppose any outside aggression. But even beyond the recent crackdown, analysts have pointed to noticeable shifts.

In his Oct. 13 speech, Trump said he would sanction Irans Revolutionary Guard, more aggressively target its missile program and work with regional allies to counter its support for proxies.

Hard-liners in both the U.S. and Iran have a mutually reinforcing effect on each other because they tend to bolster the other sides worldview, Hashemi said.

After Trump was elected, Khamenei gave a speech blasting liberal democracy for producing such an electoral outcome, telling Iranian youth that their fascination with the West was misplaced, he said.

And while Rouhani was the reformists main hope for progress, he remains a pragmatist and has tempered some of his own criticism of hard-line institutions like the Revolutionary Guard.

Since starting his second term, Rouhani, who pinned his presidency on the success of the nuclear deal, has worked to keep himself in the conservative camp in case something unexpected happens with the United States, Memarian said.

He might think that he wouldnt survive if the nuclear deal collapsed and he was fighting with hard-liners over domestic issues at the same time, he said.

Read more:

Security forces reportedly bar Irans popular ex-president from leaving his home

Europeans say Trump has no power to cancel Iran nuclear deal

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Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 23:29:35|Editor: huaxia

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BEIRUT -- Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation Saturday, claiming that it stemmed from a "rejection of Iran's political over-extension in the region."

"I declare my resignation from the premiership of the Lebanese government, with certainty that the will of the Lebanese is strong," Hariri said in an unexpected move in a televised statement he read from the Saudi capital Riyadh. (Lebanon-PM-Resignation)

- - - -

ADEN, Yemen -- Up to 35 fighters of the Shiite Houthi group were killed and 19 others wounded during intense gun battles with pro-government Yemeni forces across the southwestern province of Taiz within one day, a military commander told Xinhua.

Military units loyal to the Saudi-backed Yemeni government launched military operations against Houthis in many areas of Taiz province, killing 35 militants, injuring 19 and arresting eight others over the past 24 hours, the military commander said on condition of anonymity. (Yemen-Houthis)

- - - -

TEHRAN -- At least eight Iranian border guards were killed in the clashes on Friday night with the rebels in the country's northwestern Azerbaijan Province, Tehran Times daily reported on Saturday.

"At Least eight Iranian guards were killed in heavy clashes between Iran's border guards and a group of terrorists in the Chaldoran border area on Friday," said Alireza Radfar, the deputy governor general of the province was quoted as saying. (Iran-Kurdish Rebels)

- - - -

HANOI -- Typhoon Damrey has claimed at least 11 human lives and left many people missing after striking Vietnam's central region on Saturday morning, local authorities said.

The 11 victims are from the three central provinces of Khanh Hoa, Phu Yen and Binh Dinh, the provincial People's Committee said, adding that the severe typhoon also ripped off roofs of thousands of houses and uprooted many trees. (Vietnam-Typhoon-Deaths) Enditem
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 04/11/2017 (1838 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Some Manitoba book publishers may be forced out of business and others may have to lay off workers or slash wages if the provincial government eliminates long-standing printing and book publishing tax credits, industry officials warn.

KPMG, a consultant hired by the Pallister government to help it find ways to control costs, has recommended it phase-out or eliminate the print and book publishing tax credits, which cost about $1.8 million per year.

But the president of the Association of Manitoba Book Publishers (AMBP) said Canadian and Manitoban book publishers are already reeling from a number of other major setbacks, including the loss of millions of dollars in copyright revenues and distribution challenges created by Amazons entry into the Canadian market.

WAYNE GLOWACKI/WINNIPEG FREE PRESs FILES Gregg Shilliday says the publishing tax credit helps him pay staff a livable wage.

So for some local firms, the added loss of the tax credit could be disastrous, Wayne Antony added.

I guess its like the proverbial final straw. For many independent publishers, were not big businesses. So for many of us, that would mean the difference between continuing or going out of business, or laying people off.

Antony said the AMBP currently has about 15 members, with two smaller firms waiting to join.

He said his company  Fernwood Publishing  is one of the provinces larger book publishers, with three full-time workers and about a dozen freelance employees. While it could survive the loss of the tax credit, it would mean big changes.

Theres no question it would be very difficult for us to keep everyone at full time and at the salaries theyre at now. Or wed have to stop using as many freelancers, or maybe cut back on the number of books we do. Wed have to find ways to cut some of our costs.

The co-owner of another local award-winning book publishing firm  Great Plains Publications  said the loss of the tax credit would also have a big impact on his business.

It pretty much has made the difference some years between it being a profitable year and not, Gregg Shilliday said.

Some years we would have been profitable regardless, but the margins are so tight in book publishing that it often does make the difference (between an operating profit or a loss).

Shilliday said the tax credit has also enabled Great Plains to pay its employees a more livable wage, and to extend the hours of some of its part-time workers. Without it, that may no longer be possible.

The potential loss of the tax credit has also threatened his plans to retire and sell the company to his employees.

Theyre now a little apprehensive ,because for the last few years weve had this tax credit which made things more predictable in terms of the yearly income, he said.

It probably means if my staff is willing to take a chance and proceed, well probably have to have a more open-ended agreement where the sale price would be predicated on whether or not the tax credit continues.

Antony said he understands the government wanting to rein in spending and balance its budget. But in this case, the savings would be a mere $1.8 million per year.

He also argued the KPMG report fails to take into account the benefits of having a healthy and vibrant book publishing industry.

He noted the majority of the books published by Manitoba publishers are written by local or first-time authors, and about 20 per cent also are either by Indigenous authors, or are about local Indigenous communities.

JEN DOERKSEN/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Wayne Antony, owner of Fernwood Publishing, says he would have to take cost-cutting measures if the printing and book publishing tax credits were eliminated.

We help (Manitoba) stories to be told in ways that otherwise wouldnt be told. The KPMG report, I dont think, puts any of this in context.

He also noted the industry employs about 120 people, and most of the money local publishers spend is spent in Manitoba.

The president and CEO of the provinces largest book printing company  Altona-based Friesens Corporation  said eliminating the printing tax would also have a big impact on local book printers.

The cultural industries printing tax credit levels the playing field for Manitoba printers competing in the three largest Canadian publishing markets in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia, Chad Friesen said.

Without them, Manitoba printers would be at a 10 to 15 per cent price disadvantage when competing for book-printing jobs in those markets, he said, so theyd have to make up the shortfall by cutting costs elsewhere within their operations.

In Friesens case, options would include setting up a printing facility in Ontario in order to qualify under their tax credit scheme, scaling back its business and eliminating jobs, or reducing its capital investment in future growth, Friesen added.

None of these options benefit the province of Manitoba or the local economy in the Pembina Valley, he added. We understand the fiscal pressures the government is under, but it is not in the financial interest of the province to make Manitoba companies less competitive in other markets.

Sports, Culture, and Heritage Minister Cathy Coxs office was non-committal about whether the tax credits might be eliminated.

The department will consider the information and advice provided by KPMG, along with other sources of information, as it reviews its programs and services, she said in an email.

murray.mcneill@freepress.mb.ca
Opinion

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This article was published 04/11/2017 (1838 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Trade pundits in this country generally agree that the demands the U.S. negotiators placed on the table during the most recent North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations place the whole deal in jeopardy.

Even if Canada and Mexico capitulated on all fronts, the proposed five-year sunset clause would undermine any sense of stability for industries looking to benefit from freer trade between the three countries.

Whats emerging, however, is that U.S. trade interests are equally worried, and some of those interests hail from deep within U.S. President Donald Trumps base of support.

A broad coalition representing 65 food and agriculture organizations and businesses in the U.S. appealed to the commerce department in late October to live up to its pledge to do no harm to the food and agriculture sector in the attempt the update the 23-year-old agreement.

In the initial stages, many U.S. farm groups interpreted the administrations blustering about no deal being better than the existing deal as little more than that.

They were fine with the idea of opening it up if it resulted in gaining some concessions on sectors such as dairy without messing with the status quo.

Now that there is a growing likelihood that the no-deal option will prevail, theyre feverishly rallying to underscore the reality that the U.S. might be the biggest loser if trade rules revert to a pre-NAFTA state.

In a five-page letter to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, they cite a study by ImpactECON that shows a return to the pre-NAFTA rules would have a negative impact that far outweighed any benefits from higher U.S. tariffs on imported goods.

That research showed there would be a net loss of 256,000 jobs, including 50,000 jobs in the U.S. food and agriculture industry, and a drop in farm sector GDP of US$13 billion.

NAFTA withdrawal would also disrupt critical industry supply chains, close markets, eliminate jobs and increase prices for the basic needs of American consumers, the groups said.

Under NAFTA, American food and agriculture exports to Canada and Mexico grew by 450 per cent, they said. In 2015, the United States held a 65 per cent market share for agriculture products in the NAFTA region, and in 2016, we exported nearly (US)$43 billion worth of food and agriculture goods to Canada and Mexico, making our NAFTA partners the largest export consumers of U.S. agriculture.

Not only that, the agreement has helped make U.S. agriculture more competitive globally, it said.

The letter then outlines the negative impacts, commodity by commodity.

Canadian farm groups are equally worried about NAFTAs potential demise. Few in agriculture want to return to the days when access to the U.S. was frequently challenged and occasionally curtailed by political persuasion.

In the years immediately preceding ratification of NAFTA, pork, beef and wheat exports to the U.S. were frequently the subject of trade actions mounted by U.S. protectionist interests. The Canadian government voluntarily limited wheat exports to the U.S. in 1994.

Under NAFTA, that market access, while not wrinkle-free, became markedly more secure. So much so, that it became too easy for many exporters to simply focus on the markets next door.

That explains the concerted push by Canadian export commodity groups representing the grains, oilseeds and red meat sectors as Canadian negotiators attended talks this week aimed at reviving the Trans-Pacific Partnership without the U.S.

With uncertainties surrounding NAFTA, its essential for our globally competitive agriculture and agri-food sector to have improved access to markets in the dynamic Asia Pacific region, the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance said in a release issued Friday.

Gaining better access to key markets such as Japan would diversify Canadian exporters market options.

It would also improve the economics of value-added processing in Canada.

For example, Australia canola oil entering the Japanese market currently pays a six per cent lower tariff than the Canadian product.

There would be pain on both sides of the border if the U.S. kills NAFTA, but it might also be the impetus Canada needs to pursue a truly global trade agenda.

Laura Rance is editorial director for Glacier FarmMedia. She can be reached at 204-792-4382 or by email: laura@fbcpublishing.com
Opinion

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This article was published 04/11/2017 (1838 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Something has been missing in news stories about the self-professed lonely senior whose request for a medically assisted death has been ensnared in a controversy over a faith-based health-care facility refusing to co-operate.

Whats been missing is who Cheppudira Gopalkrishna is. I mean, other than the way hes been briefly described: as an 87-year-old former high school teacher with a terminal illness.

Thats what I went looking for Friday morning at the Misericordia Health Centre. The visit, and my curiosity, had been prompted by an email from one of his former students at Springfield Collegiate back in the late 1960s.

GORDON SINCLAIR / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Former student Sandra Scrymgeour with her favourite teacher Cheppudria Gopalkrishna at the Misericordia Health Centre Friday.

Sandra Scrymgeour  or Sandy Hadaller as she was known to the then-eager and energetic young teacher from India  was responding to last Saturdays column that centred on Gopalkrishnas plea for people to help lonely folks like him.

The words in the emails subject line hinted at the tender, and touching tribute that she was moved to write: My Favourite Teacher.

Ive been thinking about Mr. G near the end of his life here on earth, the 66-year-old, now-retired social worker wrote.

And I wish I could tell him what a huge impact he had on my life, during my teen years and beyond. My sister, Maureen, would agree that he was a teacher who went above and beyond in caring about his students.

He had high expectations for each student to do their best, listen respectfully, complete homework assignments, and study for tests and exams. He did not tolerate unruly behaviour or disrespect.

His classroom rules were clear. And Im not pretending every student admired and appreciated him the way I did. But he helped average students like myself believe that we were capable of doing better. He encouraged brilliant students like my sister, Maureen, to pursue higher education and excellence.

Im sad to hear about Mr. Gs loneliness, not uncommon for seniors. If I could sit down with him for a chat, Id say thank you for all his dedicated years as a high school teacher. And Id ask him if he is still an atheist, as he was way back then? Did he know that his sharing about religion and short comments about the Bible piqued my interest and made me a stronger Christian? That might get a chuckle.

Mr. G knows he was a fantastic, energetic teacher who loved his work, no doubt.

Im certain there are many former students thinking about him now. And Id like him to know that he leaves behind a legacy of love. I believe many folks will hear his plea, for reaching out to those around us who may be feeling lonely. I am again inspired by his words and actions. And I wish I could say good-bye

On, Thursday evening, after Sandra and I spoke over the phone, her wish was granted. Another former student was just about to leave when Sandra arrived to see Gopi, as he was known at Springfield Collegiate. They had met previously at a reunion back in the 1980s, where he had written his own tender tribute to her in an autograph book she still has.

Sandy, I had a great time in my first year teaching with your group. I love you 

Later, Sandy told me there were tears in his eyes when she read what she wrote about him.

They didnt talk long on Thursday  because he was tired  but long enough for him to tell her about his memory problems and to suggest there might be some doubt about his ALS diagnosis.

And long enough for Sandra to ask about his now 48-year-old daughter Nicola and how, she would remind him, when she was born prematurely he had prayed that she would survive. One is left to imagine how a devout Christian and professed atheist would both be smiling about that.

Sandra also recalled how Gopi told her about reading to Nicola at bedtime and what he said before turning out the lights, Theres got to be an end to a story.

It was a wonderful experience, Sandra told me later.

Uplifting, she called it.

Then Friday, at his request and Sandras urging, I joined her, Gopalkrishna and his wife Marianne as he recounted the trajectory of his life. His privileged private school upbringing as the son of an Indian officer in the colonial British Army.

GORDON SINCLAIR / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The two shared memories as they looked through a Springfield Collegiate yearbook.

How he spent a year at Harvard University as an exchange student before choosing to become a teacher in the more familiar and politically fitting climate of Canada. And how he met his future German-born wife while taking Spanish language lessons at the University of Manitoba.

Inevitably our conversation turned to questions about his loneliness and his future. When I asked him if he was still lonely he indicated he was, but added another word that sounded like a synonym.

Bored.

Last week he was psychologically assessed as part of the process undertaken by the medically assisted dying team.

They thought he was not ready, Marianne said.

I asked how he felt about that.

I feel that it is not fair, said Gopalkrishna. It would be much better off for everybody. I wouldnt be, kind of wasting my time on earth. And wasting resources, too.

There was a brief awkward pause. Then I suggested there was an upside to hanging in for a while longer; seeing and enjoying the company of people like Sandra, and other former students.

I could still enjoy that, no doubt, he agreed.

Then he recalled what he would tell his little daughter at bedtime, before he turned off the lights.

Theres got to be an end to a story.

But, for now, the end of this story belongs to Sandra, and how she closed the tender tribute she wrote for her favourite teacher.

Love to you, Mr. Cheppudira Gopalkrishna,

May you find the peace and comfort you are seeking.

gordon.sinclair@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 03/11/2017 (1839 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries wants to handle all angles of legal pot in Manitoba  everything including production, distribution, and sales.

The Crown corporation said Friday that it submitted an expression of interest to the government of Premier Brian Pallister in September.

Pallister will issue a request for proposals Tuesday, setting out for anyone interested in getting a piece of the action in the legal pot business, where the government wants to go when cannabis becomes legal July 1.

PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporate office at 830 Empress Street.

MLL declined Friday to elaborate or provide any further detail of what it has in mind.

Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries submitted an expression of interest for all or part of production, distribution, and retail of cannabis in Manitoba to the province in early September, and is expecting that the results of that process will be announced soon, corporate affairs director Andrea Kowal said Friday.

All we can confirm is that we submitted an expression of interest in the fall, Kowal said. The province has not released or published anything yet as a result.

It would be premature to provide any other comment, she said.

The Manitoba Government and General Employees Union has been a strong advocate for handling legalized pot through the public sector.

Ontario is handling pot sales through its Liquor Control Board of Ontario.

The Toronto Star reported Friday that the LCBO-run Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation has just announced that 14 municipalities will have 40 stores in the first wave of legal pot locations, with more to follow.

New Brunswick has said it will create a new crown corporation for cannabis.

British Columbia has said its existing dispensaries of medical marijuana could be involved in its plan, which, like Albertas, is still to come. The Saskatchewan government website says cabinet will announce its plan sometime this winter. Quebec media are reporting the provincial government will also go the public sector route.

Like Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador are weighing feedback from public consultation.

nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca
35 Yemeni Houthi fighters were killed in battles with the Saudi-backed government forces on Saturday. (Reuters Photo)

ADEN, Yemen, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Up to 35 fighters of the Shiite Houthi group were killed and 19 others wounded during intense gun battles with pro-government Yemeni forces across the southwestern province of Taiz within one day, a military commander told Xinhua.

Military units loyal to the Saudi-backed Yemeni government launched military operations against Houthis in many areas of Taiz province, killing 35 militants, injuring 19 and arresting eight others over the past 24 hours, the military commander said on condition of anonymity.

The pro-government forces also destroyed a factory of landmines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) building belonging to the Houthi rebels in Taiz outskirts, the source said.

The military commander did not mention if there were any casualties on the side of pro-government forces in Taiz fighting.

However, a local medical source confirmed to Xinhua by phone saying that "about 20 fighters loyal to the government were injured and transferred to hospitals for treatment."

Elsewhere in Yemen, the pro-Houthi forces launched an all-out attack against areas controlled by the government in the neighboring province of Lahj.

Tribal sources said that local fighters supported by the Saudi-led Arab coalition managed to thwart the Houthi attack after several hours of fighting.

Yemen's internationally-backed government, allied with the Saudi-led Arab military coalition, has for more than two years been battling Iran-backed Shiite Houthi rebels over control of the country.

The coalition began a military air campaign in March 2015 to roll back Houthi gains and reinstate exiled President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi and his government to the power.

The coalition also imposed air and sea blockade to prevent weapons from reaching Houthis, who had invaded the capital Sanaa militarily and seized most of the northern Yemeni provinces.

UN statistics show more than 10,000 people, most of them civilians, have been killed since the coalition intervened in the Yemeni civil war that also displaced around three million.

The impoverished Arab country is also suffering the world's largest cholera epidemic since April, with about 5,000 cases reported every day.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 03/11/2017 (1839 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Keeping cannabis out of the hands of minors will be of paramount concern when the Pallister government announces how the drug will be legally sold in Manitoba, Justice Minister Heather Stefanson says.

Speaking Friday to the annual general meeting of the Manitoba Progressive Conservative party in Winnipeg, Stefanson blasted the federal government for rushing cannabis legalization and failing to estimate its associated costs, many of which are expected to fall to the provinces.

Public health and safety has been our No. 1 priority as we manage the consequences of cannabis legalization, she told PC members.

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Heather Stefanson, Minister of Justice and Attorney General

In August, the government issued an expression of interest for potential retail distribution models for legal cannabis in Manitoba.

On Tuesday, the government will be announcing details regarding the production, storage and sale of legalized marijuana.

I can tell you that our entire team has two top-of-mind concerns for our future distribution model, Stefanson told party members. First, we need to keep cannabis out of the hands of our kids by restricting market access. And second, we need to keep the profits from cannabis sales out of the hands of gangs and organized crime by ensuring adequate supply and (that) pricing is effective in coming down hard on the black market.

Manitoba passed legislation this year giving police the ability to issue 24-hour licence suspensions where an officer has reasonable grounds to believe a driver is unable to safely operate a vehicle due to being under the influence of a drug. Bill 25 also prevents consumption of cannabis in vehicles and protects Manitobans from second-hand cannabis smoke in enclosed public places.

Stefanson called Bill 25 the most comprehensive legislation yet passed by a provincial government to deal with the public safety consequences of cannabis legalization.

The federal government, however, has not come to the table with policy clarity and the financial resources necessary to get this (the move to legalized pot) right, she said.

The Trudeau government wont even tell Canadians, let alone provincial governments, how much cannabis legalization is expected to cost them, she complained, noting that the Parliamentary Budget Office has indicated that the federal government has the information but is withholding it.

Later, Stefanson told reporters she had no estimate for how much marijuana legalization might cost the province in additional policing and other costs.

Meanwhile, she said a number of different stakeholders from the private sector had responded to the provinces call for an expression of interest for distributing legalized pot. Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries has also responded.

Stefansons presentation kicked off a two-day meeting of Progressive Conservative party members at the RBC Convention Centre.

PC members will debate 20 policy resolutions on subjects ranging from physician recruitment and reducing government red tape to restricting the speed of trains carrying hazardous materials as they pass through communities.

One resolution would require that all Manitoba political party leaders undergo a criminal background check, with the results made public. Another would discourage the government from offering subsidies to print media outlets. Yet another would encourage more Manitobans to complete advance care plans, in which individuals express in advance what medical interventions they would and would not want done to them if they were to be in a situation in which they were no longer able to convey their wishes.

Premier Brian Pallister was to briefly address convention goers at a social event on Friday evening. He will also speak Saturday afternoon in a 45-minute question-and-answer session thats being billed as a fire side chat.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 03/11/2017 (1839 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Manitoba woman shot in the stomach in the Las Vegas mass shooting last month is finally home, just in time for a social in her honour.

All 500 tickets sold out in six days for the Teulon event tonight for Jan Lambourne, who was released from hospital Thursday.

But whether Lambourne, who requires a walker as part of her recuperation, will attend is a question mark.

FACEBOOK Manitobans Jan Lambourne (from left) and Jody Ansell were shot and injured during the Las Vegas mass shooting in early October.

We are not sure. It depends on how she feels, said Linda Greig, the socials organizer and Lambournes friend for more than 20 years.

She really wants to, so hopefully shell be well enough to make an appearance.

Her husband, Joe, who frequently works out of the province, will be there.

Lambourne and friend Jody Ansell were at the Route 91 Harvest country-music festival in Las Vegas on Oct. 1 when a man sprayed gunfire into the crowd from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, across Las Vegas Boulevard.

He killed 58 people and wounded more than 500 others in the largest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Ansell was shot in the wrist and Lambourne was hit in the abdomen; the bullet tore through her intestines and broke her pelvic bone.

Ansell was able to run and flagged down a car to take her to safety. Lambourne, who was badly hurt and bleeding heavily, managed to get to an area where she was able to take cover under a flipped-over wheelbarrow. She underwent an emergency operation to remove shrapnel. She spent a week in a Las Vegas hospital and was then moved to a Winnipeg hospital.

The 42 staples used to close her stomach were removed less than two weeks after her surgery.

The bullet remains lodged in her pelvis but doctors dont want to remove it unless they absolutely have to, Greig said. They figure it should heal around the bullet.

Greig said the recovery has been, and will continue to be, a long, slow process for her friend.

She is doing pretty good and it helps being at home, Greig said, adding Lambourne reacted badly to some painkillers, forcing doctors to keep changing her medication until they hit the right combination.

She cannot be alone yet because of mobility issues, so her mother is staying with her, Greig said.

Lambourne purchased travel insurance before the trip, but there could be costs not covered under the policy for her treatment in the Las Vegas hospital that exceeds $200,000, which is where the socials proceeds will come in, Greig said. And Lambourne, a self-employed hairdresser, has lost significant income and doesnt know when  or if  shell be able to return to work.

She felt bad because she didnt do some haircuts that were scheduled, Greig said.

Thats the kind of person she is. Shes an awesome person, very caring, very loving. She worries about everyone, all her clients, all the time.

Lambourne has begun physiotherapy and her therapist is encouraged by her progress, Greig said.

Shes got a lot of support. Everyone talks to her every day by text or whatever.

A social is also being organized for Ansell in Inwood on Nov. 18.

bill.redekop@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 04/11/2017 (1838 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

BERLIN  As North Americans were about to go to bed last Saturday, Europeans were already starting to wake up into a new time zone, one that has long been associated with heavy economic and health burdens. A week earlier than Canada and the United States, European countries set their clocks back by one hour early Sunday, marking the start of winter time.

Like in the United States  where daylight time could soon be abandoned in states like Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire  EU nations are increasingly vocal about what some perceive as a waste of resources with little benefit. In Poland, there was recently rare cross-party agreement when parliamentarians pursued efforts to end summer time.

The time changes can lead to imbalances in the body clock, leading to mood swings, trouble with sleeping, and an increased risk of heart attacks and road accidents, said lawmaker Bronislaw Karasek, who worked on the bill for the centre-left Polish Peoples Party.

ANDREW VAUGHAN / THE CANADIAN PRESS Daylight Saving Time comes to an end this weekend

The country is technically not allowed to implement such changes alone because it is bound by European Union rules, but the Polish initiative was still welcomed by a number of other member states which are similarly opposed to sticking with daylight time.

The EU Commission is now reportedly considering a proposal to end it altogether.

The biggest challenge with abandoning the practice will be to agree on whether Europe should be on permanent summer or winter time in the future.

Time zones often stretch across continents without a clear pattern: looking at a map one would assume that France, Spain and Britain are in the same zone, for example, but they arent. Hence, for some EU nations, it would make more sense to abandon summer time. For others, sticking with winter time even during the summer would be more advantageous to save energy.

Daylight time was introduced during the First and Second World Wars to save energy costs, both in the U.S. and in Europe, although its modern-day impact on energy consumption is disputed.

It was standardized across Western Europe in the early 1980s and has since been in place more or less without modifications. Although more than 70 countries use some form of daylight time today, the practice is still most popular in Europe and the United States  as other countries either never joined or have since abandoned it.

Turkey ended daylight time last year and moved to permanent summer time and the Moroccan government suspends it during the fasting month of Ramadan, which currently falls during the summer.

In Europe, the status quo has faced mounting criticism as researchers have pointed out the health and economic burden. Russian scientists, for example, found that the risk of heart attacks increased by 50 per cent and the rate of suicides grew even more when clocks were changed. As a result, then-president Dmitry Medvedev ended daylight time in 2011 and moved the country to a permanent summer time. Complaints mounted in response, as residents in more remote parts of Russia noted the decision meant the sun would only rise at 9 a.m. When he resumed office, President Vladimir Putin decided to move to a permanent winter time instead.

The same controversy is now set to hit the European parliament, where lawmakers are preparing a legislative framework for abandoning daylight time. Whereas a number of experts, policy-makers and many Europeans appear to agree with the idea, implementing it will likely prove challenging. A British effort to investigate whether abandoning daylight time in its current form would make sense was itself abandoned in 2010, although it was supported by then-prime minister David Cameron.

If Poland were to push ahead with its own reform proposals this time, other countries may follow, though. A parliamentary committee in Finland urged EU action last week after 70,000 signed a petition. And in Germany, two out of the three parties which are most likely to form a coalition government in the coming weeks are in favour of abandoning the time change, too.

 Washington Post
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-04 23:39:38|Editor: Mengjie

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Foreign buyers select forklift at the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 15, 2017. China's largest trade fair concluded its 122nd session on Saturday in Guangdong Province, with more foreign buyers and more deals. Export turnover reached 30.2 billion U.S. dollars, up 8.2 percent year on year. A total of 191,950 buyers from 213 countries and regions attended the fair, up by 3.4 percent, according to fair spokesman Xu Bing. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

GUANGZHOU, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- China's largest trade fair concluded its 122nd session on Saturday in Guangdong Province, with more foreign buyers and more deals.

Export turnover reached 30.2 billion U.S. dollars, up 8.2 percent year on year. A total of 191,950 buyers from 213 countries and regions attended the fair, up by 3.4 percent, according to fair spokesman Xu Bing.

Xu said that over 60 percent of industries saw an increase in deals.

"Steady growth of China's foreign trade is expected to continue, on the premise that no major risk events would happen," according to Xu.

The China Import and Export Fair, known as the Canton Fair, is held every spring and autumn in Guangzhou. It is widely seen as a barometer of China's exports.

The fair's double surges in export turnover and buyers attested to the effectiveness of Chinese foreign trade companies in business innovation and economic restructuring, according to industry insiders.

More than 160,000 types of products manufactured by about 25,000 companies were exhibited in some 60,000 booths at the fair. And a large proportion of the exhibits at the fair were smart, low-carbon and customized products of local brands.

More than 2,000 domestic manufacturers with their own brands attended the event, many bringing their state-of-the-art products.

The fair also attracted 84,445 buyers, up 3.48 percent from last year, from countries and regions along the Belt and Road.

Export turnover with the Belt and Road countries and regions increased by 13.6 percent to 9.37 billion U.S. dollars, or 31.1 percent of the fair's total.

Exhibitors from various sectors, including construction materials, machinery, home appliances, textiles and food, saw robust demands and growing deals from such countries and regions.

Wenzhou Reluex is a manufacturer of health care and massage equipments based in east China's Zhejiang Province. Its export turnover expanded by 62.5 percent in the first eight months of this year, thanks to a larger market share in Southeast Asia and countries along the Belt and Road.

Besides, 341 companies from 17 Belt and Road countries and regions also attended the fair's import exhibition, which provided a major platform for them to explore the Chinese market and meet buyers from around the world.

However, Xu also warned that rising raw material prices, exchange fluctuations, manufacturing refluxing of developed countries and the rise of middle and low-end manufacturing in emerging economies would still have an impact on China's foreign trade development.

Protectionism, sluggish external demands, and the struggling recovery of the world economy were also among the "many uncertain and unstable factors" affecting China's foreign trade.

Many buyers at the fair remained cautious and just placed short-term orders of no more than 6 months, Xu noted. He called for continued efforts to reform and upgrade China's foreign trade industry.

"The Canton Fair will continue to support Chinese foreign trade companies in their supply-side structural reform, forge a comprehensive and open platform, and make contributions to the transformation and upgrading of Chinese foreign trade," he said.
Prince Harry may have had his eye on Meghan Markle long before the couple ever met.

According to royals expert Katie Nicholl, Harry had a crush on the actress from watching her on "Suits" two years before he was ever introduced to the star.

SEE ALSO: Meghan Markle & Prince Harry likely shacking up next month, June wedding 'best bet' sources say

"He had a crush on [Markle's character] Rachel Zane two years before he met Meghan," Nicholl explains in Channel 4 special "When Harry Met Meghan: A Royal Romance" airing on Friday. "The reason I know is because I was having drinks with one of his friends."

Not only did he have a crush on Markle from her time on the USA hit, but he went so far as to describe her as his "ideal girl."

See photos of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry together:



"She told me she'd been on a night out with Prince Harry," Nicholl continued. "He was single at the time, so she said, 'Harry, who's your ideal girl?' And he said, 'Meghan Markle from 'Suits.''"

If Nicholl's story is correct, that would mean that Harry has had his eye on Meghan since 2014, as they first met in July of 2016. They've been dating ever since, with more and more details of their notoriously private relationship slowly coming to light as public intrigue grows.

SEE ALSO: Meghan Markle meets Queen Elizabeth for palace tea in her 'private sitting room': Report

The pair made their public debut at Harry's Invictus Games in Markle's adopted hometown of Toronto, where they adorably held hands and packed on some PDA at various events throughout the two-week event.

Markle even reportedly met Queen Elizabeth earlier this fall with an intimate tea in her "private sitting room" at Buckingham Palace.

Multiple reports have claimed that the couple is already engaged, but are waiting for the right time to come forward with their exciting news. The reports have not been confirmed or denied by palace officials, who will be the first to officially announce the engagement when they're ready.

Story continues

See more photos of Meghan Markle:



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As the NYPD proclaims that it has an actual case stemming from new rape claims against Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced producer today faces a new investigation by Los Angeles police. The probe, which is in its early days, could see him behind bars for up to a year and possibly having to register as a sex offender if found guilty.

We had a second victim come forward this week accusing Mr. Weinstein of lewd conduct, which occurred in 2015, LAPD Public Information Office Tony Im told Deadline on Friday. We are still working on the case, he added of the matter that became public yesterday.

Beyond that, the LAPD had no more official information.

However, a law enforcement source told Deadline that the woman in question has very credible claims that detail an incident with similar patterns to past allegations describing Weinsteins behavior. The incident in question here seemingly involves Weinstein allegedly exposing himself and masturbating in front of the woman.

Considered a misdemeanor under California law, lewd conduct carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail and a fine. However, if melded with indecent exposure, as it sometimes is, the charge could require that the guilty party register as a sex offender, which is a permanent status.

RelatedHarvey Weinstein Scandal: NYPD Investigating Paz De La Huertas Claim That Producer Raped Her Twice In 2010

Where this might get more complicated for Weinstein, the cops and the alleged victim is that lewd conduct has to be reported with one year of the incident to be actionable. The event having occurred in 2015 would seem to stop any action. However, the offense also can be a year from when the individual discovered it occurred, to employ some legal jargon  which basically means when the woman says she realized what had happened, which seems to be the case here.

Representatives for Harvey Weinstein did not respond to a request for comment on this matter. Weinstein retained powerhouse criminal attorney Blair Berk on October 11 to represent him in any potential matters such as this new probe.

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This new matter is in addition to the alleged 2013 sexual assault by Weinstein of an Italian woman that the department started looking into late last month. Dozens and dozens of women have gone public with accusations of sexual harassment or sexual assault by Weinstein since The New York Times published its detailed expose on the producer on October 5.

Currently, UK Police and the Beverly Hills Police Department as well as the NYPD and the LAPD, are formally looking into allegations against Weinstein. The New York Attorney Generals office also issued subpoenas on October 23 against The Weinstein Company seeking documentation of their former co-chair.

RelatedHarvey Weinstein & James Toback Under Investigation By Beverly Hills Police

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Houston Astros' Carlos Correa Proposes to Girlfriend on Live TV After World Series Win -- See the Ring! You can't miss this bling!

It was a big night for Carlos Correa!

Not only did the Houston Astros shortstop celebrate his team's World Series win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he also popped the question to his 21-year-old girlfriend, Daniella Rodriguez, on live television!

Right now, Im about to take another big step in my life, Correa announced during an interview with Fox Sports: MLB on Wednesday night while on the field at Dodgers Stadium.

MORE: Houston Astros Take Home World Series Title Over the Los Angeles Dodgers

That's when the 23-year-old athlete got down on one knee in front of his girlfriend. "Daniella Rodriguez, you make me the happiest man in the world," he said while pulling out a huge diamond ring. "Will you marry me?"

Rodriguez was clearly overwhelmed by the proposal but was quick to pull back the barrier between them, exclaiming, "Oh my God! Oh my God!"

When Correa asked if her response was a "yes," she proclaimed, "Yes!"

Rodriguez -- who was Miss Texas USA 2016 and Miss Texas Teen USA 2013 -- happily posed with her huge ring for photographers. "Lets celebrate!" Correa told spectators after his successful proposal.

Photo: Associated Press

PHOTOS: Kate Upton Plants Huge Kiss on Fiance Justin Verlander After Houston Astros' World Series Win

Rodriguez and Correa weren't the only adorable couple spotted at the World Series this year. Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel and Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis were also in the stands.

Here's a look at the other stars that were in attendance:

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Maybe Lou Diamond Phillips should have just used Waze instead.

Longmire star Phillips was arrested for drunk driving early Friday morning, after pulling up to police and asking for directions, Portland, Texas, police chief Mark Cory told TheWrap on Friday.

According to Cory, at approximately 1:35 a.m. on Friday, an officer was on an unrelated traffic stop when Phillips vehicle pulled up to the patrol car to ask for directions, and appeared to be highly intoxicated.

Also Read: Toby Keith's Daughter, Family Nearly Killed in DUI Car Crash

Phillips, whose demeanor was polite and cordial according to Cory, was arrested, and testing determined that the actor had a blood-alcohol content of .20  more than twice the legal limit of .08.

The actor has since been released on bond.

Also Read: 'Work Out' Alum Jackie Warner Reaches Plea Deal in DUI Case

According to the Associated Press, Phillips, who was raised in Texas, was scheduled to appear Friday afternoon at a historical event in Corpus Christi, where he attended high school.

TheWrap has reached out to a spokesperson for Phillips for comment.

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Iranians burn a doll representing Israel and America during a demonstration outside the former US embassy in the Iranian capital Tehran on November 4, 2017, marking the anniversary of its storming by student protesters that triggered a hostage crisis in 1979. (AFP Photo)

TEHRAN, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of Iranians held demonstrations in Iran's capital Tehran on Saturday to mark the 38th anniversary of the seizure of the former U.S. Embassy in Tehran.

On Saturday, demonstrators gathered outside the former U.S. Embassy in central Tehran, now called "den of espionage," carrying placards and shouting anti-U.S. and anti-Israel slogans.

Since the 1979 takeover of the U.S. mission by Iranian students, which followed the overthrow of the then U.S.-backed shah, or king, in Iran, Iranians have been marking the occasion every year by holding rallies on the anniversary dubbed as "National Day against the Global Arrogance."

The occasion this year followed the aggressive remarks of the U.S. President Donald Trump against Iran last month, who accused Iran and its Islamic Revolution Guards Corps of agitating regional instability and exporting violence.

Trump also refused to recertify and threatened to terminate the hard-won Iran nuclear accord, saying it was "one of the worst and most one-sided transactions the United States has ever entered into."

The embassy was stormed by Iranian students on Nov. 4, 1979, and its personnel were held hostage for 444 days. The United States broke off diplomatic relations with Iran in 1980 and the ties between the two countries have remained severed ever since.
President Donald Trumps former campaign national co-chair Sam Clovis has ixnayed his own nomination to the U.S. Department of Agricultures top scientist post. This after the Washington Post this morning reminded the conservative radio host/climate change skeptic that he lacked any research or agricultural science experience.

Maybe more to the point, it was only a matter of time before people began speculating over who would be cast to play him in the inevitable made-for-TV movie about Special Counsel Robert Muellers Russia campaign-meddling investigation. Various news outlets Wednesday unveiled Clovis as the unnamed campaign supervisor in Muellers indictments, with whom George Papadopoulos exchanged emails about meeting with suspected Russian officials. TV news outlets gorged themselves on that that Clovis feast Thursday morning.

The political climate inside Washington has made it impossible for me to receive balanced and fair consideration for this position, Clovis complained in his statement Thursday morning.

The relentless assaults on you and your team seem to be a blood sport that only increases in intensity each day. As I am focused on your success and the success of this administration, I do not want to be a distraction or negative influence, particularly with so much important work left to do for the American people, Clovis added in his withdrawal statement addressed to President Donald Trump.

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[MUSIC] [MUSIC] Purple Hobbit Home [MUSIC] [BLANK_AUDIO]

First Lady Melania Trump and her husband, Donald Trump, embarked on their 11-day tour of Asia on Friday.

Melania, 47, boarded Air Force One in a knee-length belted Pucci coat and matching Christian Louboutin pumps, and her go-to oversize black shadesa traditional White House-appropriate look in a bold jewel tone. Straightforward as it seems, the First Ladys ensemble has us asking a very pressing question: WHAT COLOR IS IT?

From this image, we noted that Melania was wearing head-to-to cobalt blue:

 but then we saw this photo and we began to question our eyesight:

Is she wearing blue? Is she wearing purple? Our office stands divided.

Melania wore a similar (albeit far less confusing) ensemble on Tuesday during the White Houses Halloween festivities, pairing a light brown pea coat with dark brown pumps, her ombre locks brushing each shoulder in typical fashion.

For now, the mystery of the color-shifting outfit remains. Well update you as details are made available.
Photos of Prince Harry meeting Melania Trump at the Invictus Games in October quickly spread like wildfire on the internet over an awkward hand signal he flashed next to the first lady.

Some speculated that Harry's hand gesture looked like a "devil's horn," while one body expert claimed that it was a sign of "self-comfort." CNN reporter Kate Bennett -- a White House correspondent who closely follows the Trump family's day-to-day lives -- has now finally cleared up the mystery behind the bizarre photo op.

In an interview with The Daily Front Row, Bennett revealed that Harry "was reaching in to unbutton his coat to sit down, but the cameras kept clicking so he still had his hand in there in that weird way."

"He was pausing," she continued. "He wasnt throwing a secret gang sign. They got held up in the pictures."

We would have never guessed -- mystery solved!

Bennett then went on to reveal more details about Melania's first solo international trip as first lady, calling the experience an "amazing day."

"It was very moving to watch her at the Invictus Games as the Wounded Warriors and the USA team came out ... Although the press was seated quite far from her, we could see her, and I could tell that she was doing the hand motions or when she was doing a standing ovation. It was very interesting to watch her."

RELATED: Melania Trump's fashion as FLOTUS:



Prior to covering the Trumps, she spent the final year and a half of the Obama administration writing about the former first family. Bennett pointed out there are actually a lot of similarities between former FLOTUS Michelle Obama and Melania.

"Theyre not that dissimilar in their enthusiasm for the job, but their skill sets are obviously different because they have different strengths and weaknesses," Bennett said. "I think people categorize Melania as a whole. They say she doesnt want to be here, she doesnt deign to touch the White House. I think those people would be surprised by just how opposite [of that] she is."

For more on Melania Trump, watch the video above.
Bullying at school led an 11-year-old Hampton, S.C. girl to fatally shoot herself, he family said

Toni Rivers, who was a sixth grader at a Hampton County School District 1 elementary school, had been bullied for months, her family said, and her mother, Amy Thomas, had been in contact with the school multiple times, WTOC reports. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating the girls death

On Wednesday, Rivers told five of her friends that she just couldnt do this anymore, and she was going home and she was killing herself, Maria Petersen, the girls aunt, told WTOC.

Rivers sister found her lying on her back with a gunshot wound on Wednesday afternoon. She called 911, and Rivers was rushed to Charlestons Medical University of South Carolina Health, where she received treatment for 72 hours before being pronounced dead.

The girl had her own gun, according to her stepfather, Robert Thomas, which she used to take her life. Thomas told WTOC that the family regularly shoots, but that bullets are kept away from guns in the house and that the children typically did not touch them.

Petersen told WTOC that the family is upset with her nieces school, which she says did not do enough to stop the problem. Obviously, were devastated beyond any type of words, and were angry, Petersen said. Were angry at a school system that failed that little girl, failed this family and failed this community.
The California family kidnapped by pirates on the Amazon River has been spotted for the first time since their dramatic rescue.

Read: Rescued Sailor Insists She Wanted to Be Rescued Amid Doubts Over Story

Emily Harteau was seen limping after she, her husband, Adam, and their 3- and 7-year-old daughters escaped the river pirates in Brazil.

On Wednesday, they were discovered in the Amazon River delta alive, and spent the night in a hospital in the city of Breves, near where they were found.

Suffering only insect bites and scratches, the family had been missing since Sunday.

The family was headed to Breves when the pirates boarded a ferry they were on and forced it toward the city of Porto dos Dias, Brazilian police say.

They escaped three days later and trekked through the dense Amazon jungle to safety.

Read: Bus Driver Rescues Shivering Little Boy Wandering Lost With No Shoes

The Harteaus have been on a never-ending adventure for the last five years and was exploring South America in their Volkswagen van. Their daughter, Sierra, was actually born during the trip.

They often posted videos of their travels on Facebook.

Related Articles:
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-05 02:05:09|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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CAIRO, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Egypt is verifying and probing into the death of an Egyptian citizen who was reportedly killed by a gang in South Africa, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

Mohamed Ahmed Sherif has been reported missing since Sept. 29 and the Egyptian embassy in Pretoria has been communicating with South African authorities until the latter reported his death after more than a month of investigation, said Egypt's Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular and Expatriate Affairs Khaled Rezq.

"The South African police tracked the missing citizen's cell phone and located his car that they found in the possession of a South African national, who was arrested and confessed killing and burying the Egyptian with fellow gangsters," said the Egyptian diplomat.

"The Egyptian embassy immediately informed the South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs to identify the dead body through necessary medical analysis," Rezq added.

He added that the consular section of the Egyptian Foreign Ministry would provide all necessary assistance to the man's family if his death is verified.
Its iPhone X day, but not all iPhone fans are happy, yours truly included. Apple stores in France are not selling the iPhone X to walk-in customers, just as some reports said earlier this week. That explains why there were virtually no lines at two of the three Apple stores in Paris.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in Apple land, some stores in the United States received far more supply for walk-in buyers than anticipated.

Don't Miss:Amazon just launched its Countdown to Black Friday event with 10 killer deals

BGR already confirmed with multiple sources that Apple stores in the US are getting more iPhone X inventory for walk-in buyers than expected, as much as double the anticipated stock per store.

A similar story now comes from 9to5Mac, which says that Apple stores have more iPhone X stock than expected. Furthermore, London stores have 500 to 1,000 models each, according to an unconfirmed tip.

That still requires you to act as fast as possible. If youre already in a queue waiting to get your iPhone X, dont give up your spot just yet, even if it looks like there are too many people in front of you. You may get lucky after all. Even if youre forced to buy the most expensive iPhone X version on Friday, youre still going to get a better price than whats currently available on eBay or Craigslist.

If you cant get your iPhone X today, remember that you can still reserve one starting November 4th, if youre in one of these countries. Or you can just wait until later this month, as Apples delivery estimates have already improved to 3-4 weeks for online orders placed right now.

Trending right now:

See the original version of this article on BGR.com
The beluga whale has learned to speak 'dolphin' - Shutterstock

A beluga whale living in captivity with a pod of bottlenose dolphins has learned their language of whistles and clicks, scientists believe.

The four-year-old whale was moved to live with dolphins in the Koktebel dolphinarium in Crimea, in 2013 but initially struggled to communicate with her new tank mates.

However within just a few months, she had begun to copy their whistles in clicks.

Scientists think it could be the first example of an animal changing its vocalisations in an attempt to talk to another species.

Two months after the belugas introduction into a new facility, we found that it began to imitate whistles of the dolphins, whereas one type of its own calls seemed to disappear, said researcher Elena Panaova, of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow.

"While the imitations of dolphin whistles were regularly detected among the beluga's vocalisations, we found only one case in which the dolphins produced short calls that resembled those of the beluga.

This case may be an interesting example of interspecies communication.

Beluga whales are very intelligent and social animals Credit: Caters

Dolphins have signature whistles, like names, which they use to call to each other. After just a few months the beluga had stopped using its own contact calls and switched to dolphin signatures.

The researchers have so far recorded more than 90 hours of audio, where the whale communicates like the dolphins.

Beluga whales are highly intelligent and have been known to imitate people, other animals and other sounds they hear.

However, researchers say the belugas dolphin-like sounds are more interesting because she has given speaking beluga to fit in with the group.

Although the group were originally afraid of the whale, even the dolphin calf now swims beside her.

The research was published in the journal Animal Cognition.
Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker criticized President Trump for urging the U.S. Department of Justice to go after Democrats, saying it erodes the American peoples confidence in our institutions.

The Republican lawmaker, who has clashed with Trump numerous times, including when he called the White House an adult day care center last month, said it is important that the justice system is independent of the president.

Like me, most Americans hope that our justice system is independent and free of political interference, Corker said in a statement Friday. President Trumps pressuring of the Justice Department and FBI to pursue cases against his adversaries and calling for punishment before trials take place are totally inappropriate and not only undermine our justice system but erode the American peoples confidence in our institutions.

Trump has tweeted numerous times over the last day to ask why the Justice Department and the FBI have not investigated his former presidential opponent Hillary Clinton and other Democratic officials.

....People are angry. At some point the Justice Department, and the FBI, must do what is right and proper. The American public deserves it!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 3, 2017

Trump has called for Democratic officials to be investigated several times, but the latest insistence that the Justice Department look into, as he specifically tweeted, the deleted E-mails, Uranium, Podesta and the Server, marks a break in protocol for how presidents usually engage with the Justice Department, which maintains a level of independence from the White House so it can conduct investigations without political pressure.
(FORT BRAGG, N.C.)  A military judge ruled Friday that Bowe Bergdahl should serve no prison time for endangering his comrades by walking off his Afghanistan post.

The sentence caps a politically divisive episode that centered on one soldiers decision that affected many other lives. President Barack Obama was criticized for trading Taliban prisoners to bring him back. As a presidential candidate, Donald Trump had called for Bergdahl to face stiff punishment.

The judge also gave Bergdahl a dishonorable discharge, reduced his rank to private and said he must forfeit pay equal to $1,000 per month for 10 months. The judge made no other comments.

Bergdahl appeared tense, grimaced and clenched his jaw. His attorneys put their arms around him and one patted him on the back.

Bergdahl pleaded guilty to desertion and misbehavior before the enemy and had faced up to life in prison. The judge had wide leeway because Bergdahl made no deal with prosecutors to limit his sentence.

Prosecutors had sought stiff punishment because of wounds to service members who searched for Bergdahl after he disappeared in 2009. He was held captive by Taliban allies for five years.

The defense sought to counter that evidence with testimony about Bergdahls suffering during five years as a captive of Taliban allies, his contributions to military intelligence and survival instruction and his mental health problems.

A punitive discharge deprives Bergdahl of most or all his veterans benefits.

Bergdahl had faced up to life in prison after pleading guilty to desertion and misbehavior before the enemy.

In closing arguments, defense attorneys argued Bergdahl already suffered enough confinement during five years of brutal captivity by Taliban allies. They asked the judge to give their client a dishonorable discharge and no prison time. Their argument for leniency also cited harsh campaign-trail criticism by Donald Trump and Bergdahls mental disorders.

Capt. Nina Banks, a defense attorney, said it wouldnt be justice to rescue Bergdahl from the Taliban only to place him in a cell now.

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During the multiday sentencing hearing, Bergdahl himself testified that he was sorry for the wounds suffered by searchers. He also described brutal beatings by his captors, illness brought on by squalid conditions and maddening periods of isolation. A psychiatrist testified that his decision to leave his post was influenced by a schizophrenia-like condition called schizotypal personality disorder that made it hard to understand consequences of his actions, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder brought on partly by a difficult childhood.

Prosecutors had asked for a sentence of 14 years in prison, citing serious wounds to service members who looked for Bergdahl.

Sgt. Bergdahl does not have a monopoly on suffering as a result of his choices, said Maj. Justin Oshana, a prosecutor.

Bergdahl pleaded guilty Oct. 16. The judge has wide discretion on sentencing because Bergdahl didnt strike a deal with prosecutors to limit his punishment.

The 31-year-old soldier from Hailey, Idaho, was brought home by Obama in 2014 in a swap for five Taliban prisoners at Guantanamo Bay. Obama said at the time the U.S. does not leave its service members on the battlefield. Republicans roundly criticized Obama, and Trump went further while campaigning for president, repeatedly calling Bergdahl a traitor who deserved serious punishment.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- California Gov. Jerry Brown and lawmakers asked the U.S. government Friday for $7.4 billion to help rebuild after a cluster of fires tore through the heart of wine country, killing more than 40 people and leaving thousands without housing.

In a letter to the White House, Brown joined California's two U.S. senators and 39 members of its 52-member congressional delegation to urge President Donald Trump and Congress to quickly adopt a disaster-related appropriations measure to support the state's recovery.

Brown said the funding would go toward cleanup and programs to support housing, transportation, agriculture, environmental protection and other services for those affected by the fires.

A series of blazes that started in Northern California the night of Oct. 8 killed at least 43 people and destroyed about 8,900 homes and other buildings. At the peak, thousands of firefighters battled 21 blazes that burned simultaneously.

Officials have not yet assessed all the damage and effects of the fires, but the governor's office and the affected counties determined that $7.4 billion in federal funding is needed to help California recover, the letter says.

The wildfires significantly damaged farmland, rangeland and watersheds, and more than a third of the funding requested, $3.1 billion, would go toward helping agricultural industries bounce back, including affected wineries, California officials said.

"The full economic impact to the agricultural, tourism, hospitality, and wine industries is still not known," the letter says. "Nine California wineries were destroyed and 21 were damaged in the nation's most prominent winemaking region."

Congress last month approved $576.5 million in aid for wildfires earlier this summer in California and the U.S. West. It also has approved billions in relief funding to help states affected by hurricanes and other weather-related disasters this year.

Trump pledged aid for California fire victims on Oct. 10, saying he had told Brown that "the federal government will stand with the people of California."

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Only one Republican member of California's congressional delegation signed the letter released Friday: Rep. Ed Royce of Orange County.

Brown said he has asked the California Department of Finance to expedite doling out $41.5 million to support the immediate needs of victims not eligible for federal aid.

During the wildfires last month, Brown declared a state of emergency for the Northern California counties of Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Yuba, Butte, Lake, Mendocino and Nevada as well as Orange County in the south.
Beijing (AFP) - China has unveiled a massive ship described as a "magic island maker" that is Asia's largest dredging vessel, state media reported Saturday.

The ship, capable of building artificial islands of the sort the country has constructed in the contested South China Sea, was launched Friday at a port in eastern Jiangsu province, according to the state-owned China Daily.

The boat named Tian Kun Hao is capable of digging 6,000 cubic meters an hour, the equivalent of three standard swimming pools, the newspaper said.

It is a larger version of the one China used to dredge sand, mud and coral for transforming reefs and islets in the South China Sea into artificial islands capable of hosting military installations.

When testing of the ship is completed next June, it will be the most powerful such vessel in Asia, the paper noted, nicknaming it the "magic island maker".

Beijing's aggressive campaign of archipelago building in the South China Sea has been a point of contention with neighbouring countries that lay claim to parts of its waters.

China claims nearly all of the sea, through which $5 trillion in annual shipping trade passes and which is believed to sit atop vast oil and gas deposits.

Its sweeping claims overlap with Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei, as well as Taiwan.

China has previously said that it had completed its reclamation projects in an area of the sea known as the Spratlys.

But a US think tank, the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, said in August that Beijing has continued the work in a northern part of the waters around the Paracel islands.
The surprise guilty plea of Donald Trump campaign aide George Papadopoulos has put Attorney General Jeff Sessions back in the hot seat. A lot of people are starting to roll out the p-word: perjury.

CNN reports:

Sessions is once again under scrutiny on Capitol Hill regarding his candor about Russia and the Trump campaign amid revelations that he rejected a suggestion to convene a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump last year.

The Papadopoulos plea states that in a March 31, 2016, meeting of the Trump campaigns national security team, Papadopoulos expressly raised the possibility of setting up a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Sessions was in attendance, and according to news reports, the then-senator personally shut down the idea. As the New York Times puts it,

[Papadopoulos] went into the pitch right away, said J. D. Gordon, a campaign adviser who attended the meeting. He said he had a friend in London, the Russian ambassador, who could help set up a meeting with Putin.

Mr. Trump listened with interest. Mr. Sessions vehemently opposed the idea, Mr. Gordon recalled. And he said that no one should talk about it, because Mr. Sessions thought it was a bad idea that he did not want associated with the campaign, he said.

The trouble for Sessions is that he recently testified before Congress that he knew of no collusive Russian contacts with the campaign. In an October hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sessions had the following exchange with Sen. Lindsey Graham.

Graham asked: Did you ever overhear a conversation between you and anybody on the campaign who talked about meeting with the Russians?

Sessions responded: I have not seen anything that would indicate a collusion with Russians to impact the campaign.

In the same hearing, Sen. Al Franken pressed Sessions more specifically in this exchange: You dont believe that surrogates from the Trump campaign had communications with the Russians? Is that what youre saying? Sessions replied, I did not  and Im not aware of anyone else that did. And I dont believe that it happened.

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Both of these statements were made under oath. Hence the mentions of perjury.

People claiming perjury may want to hold their horses longer. Clearly, Sessions has an embarrassing issue hell now need to address. Sen. Franken has already written a letter requesting that he clarify his comments. And even Sen. John Cornyn, a fellow Republican, has indicated that he thinks Sessionss statement in light of the meeting is a legitimate area of inquiry.

That said, an actual prosecutor would need to know a whole lot more than we do now before even getting close to the question of perjury.

This isnt Sessionss first brush with controversy over his sworn statements. Question arose about his statements during confirmation hearings that he had not met with Russian representatives during the campaign following revelations that he, in fact, had met with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak. Sessions responded strongly to the allegations, claiming he was answering a distinct and narrower question and going on to say  in later sworn testimony: Let me state this clearly: I have never met with or had any conversations with any Russians or any foreign officials concerning any type of interference with any campaign or election. Further, I have no knowledge of any such conversations by anyone connected to the Trump campaign. Sessions contended in this earlier instance that he had been taken off guard late in the day by a question from Franken that, though worded broadly, was actually in the narrow context of Trump campaign collusion with Russian interference. He answered the narrow question, not the broad one of whether there had been any contacts.

These latest revelations about Papadopoulos contradict Sessionss effort to clarify the earlier answers. And it properly induces head-scratching that even in attempting to explain and contextualize his earlier statements, Sessions appears to have left out a meeting in which a staffer suggested a Trump-Putin meeting and in which he personally shut the matter down because it might leak and look bad. This has already proved to be politically embarrassing.

But political embarrassment and perjury are very different animals.

The perjury statutes do not criminalize all false statements before Congress, not even all lies before Congress. As Helen Klein Murillo explains in a Lawfare post on the subject:

Perjury, criminalized at 18 U.S.C. 1621, is perhaps the most recognizable law against lying. The statute makes it a crime to willfully and contrary to [an] oath state[] or subscribe[] any material matter which he does not believe to be true. It likewise criminalizes doing so in a written statement made under penalty of perjury, and it applies to statements made in federal court or other proceedings under oath, including congressional hearings.

Perjury is extremely difficult to prove. A prosecutor has to show not only that there was a material misstatement of fact, but also that it was done so willfullythat the person knew it was false when they said it.

Likewise:

By far the broadest federal statute criminalizing lying is 18 U.S.C. 1001, which makes it a crime to knowingly and willfully  make[] any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in the course of any matter within the jurisdiction of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the federal government. Theres no requirement that the statement be under oath.

In Section 1001 cases, there is still the requirement both that the statement be a knowing and willful lie, not an error, and that it be on a point material to the testimony.

In other words, for a prosecutor  as opposed to a Twitter user  to allege that Sessions had committed perjury or violated Section 1001, he or she would have to do a lot more than note a discrepancy between his sworn testimony in October and the revelations this week about Papadopouloss contacts with Russians during the campaign (and, for that matter, those of Carter Page). For starters, the prosecutor would have to be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the truth resolves any discrepancy in favor of the new revelations, as opposed to Sessionss prior story. That is, he or she would have to be able to show that Sessions was wrong then and that the news stories are true now. Some of the facts in those news stories are also in the Papadopoulos stipulation of fact, so we know that Mueller thinks he can prove them. But others, including Sessionss alleged reaction to the idea of a meeting, are not. So the first question would be whether the provable facts are really as bad for Sessions as the apparent facts.

Second and more difficult, a prosecutor would have to be able to prove, also beyond a reasonable doubt, that the falsity of the statement was not an accident, an oversight, or a creature of forgetfulness. People get things wrong all the time, even under oath. A prosecutor who wanted to prosecute Sessions would need to be able to prove that he hadnt, at the time he gave his testimony, forgotten about George Papadopoulos, only to remember the young advisor later, when the public discussion came to be about him. As the U.S. Attorneys Manual explains, the government must demonstrate the defendant voluntarily made the false statement with knowledge of its falsity. If the defendant believed his or her statement to be true when it was made, even though it was false, this essential element will not have been proven.

This is a particularly hard element because Sessions will have an argument  as he did in the last round of concern over whether his testimony was truthful  that his answer was true in the specific context in which he said it. Sessions, after all, was not denying that any Trump surrogates had any contacts with the Russians. He had already, after all, admitted that he had met with Kislyak. And he acknowledged immediately after the above-quoted exchange with Franken that other Trump campaign figures known to have met with the Russians were reasonably called surrogates. So he could presumably argue now that the communications with surrogates of which he denied awareness were only those involving collusion with Russian interference in the campaign. Papadopoulos, in the meeting in question, was merely describing an attempt to set up a meeting, he might argue, not trying to collude over emails (though he apparently did that, too) and while Sessions thought this was a terrible idea, he didnt think it was collusion. So while the facts might contradict the literal words he said to Franken, he might contend, they do not contradict what he meant, and he therefore did not have the requisite criminal intent to violate the statute. Unless a prosecutor can prove unequivocally that this explanation  and any variant of it  is factually false, there will be no perjury case.

Third, a prosecutor would also have to prove that this knowing and willful lie was material to the matter at hand. In this case, materiality probably wouldnt be the hardest element to prove, but it often is. As the Congressional Research Service puts it, Materiality is perhaps the most nettlesome of perjurys elements. It is usually said that a statement is material if it has a natural tendency to influence, or is capable of influencing, the decision of the decisionmaking body to whom it is addressed. In other words, it wouldnt be enough to show that Sessions was lying. Youd have to show, again beyond a reasonable doubt, that he was lying on a point that actually matters.

You cant do these things simply by comparing newspaper stories to what Sessions said before the Judiciary Committee. You can only do them by investigating both the underlying facts and the mans state of mind at the time he gave the testimony.

All of which is to say that while Sessions will soon face a reckoning over his testimony, its not in the first instance a criminal reckoning. His first problem is political: Every time he goes up to Capitol Hill to testify, new revelations seem to contradict what he says. It doesnt have to be perjury for that to be a serious problem for an attorney general of the United States.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-05 03:05:21|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BERLIN, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- A German man was detained and relieved by Austrian police for carrying nearly half a kilogram of explosives that he claimed he found on his travels through Europe, German news agency DPA reported on Saturday.

An employee at a petrol station in central Vienna alerted officers on Friday after the 54-year-old from Frankfurt had told her about his possession, police said.

Numerous police as well as sniffer dogs were deployed to the scene, where the man was detained and his 400 grams of TNT seized, along with a military cartridge and a knife.

"He handed it over voluntarily," a police spokesman told DPA on Saturday, adding that "this is not related to terrorism in any way".

The man told police that he left Germany in 2008 and has been roving Europe by bike ever since. He said he had found the block of explosives on a military training range in Slovakia.

Although the traveling man was let free, he now faces charges of illegally possessing and importing war materials, according to DPA.
US President Donald Trump has claimed he does not need to fill vacant government posts because he is the only one that matters.

The President has failed to fill dozens of vacant positions in his administration, particularly at the State Department. He has successfully nominated only one of six under secretary positions at the department, and only three of 24 assistant secretary positions.

Employees at the governments diplomatic wing have called the current situation a disaster.

Addressing the situation on Thursday, Mr Trump said: We dont need all the people that they want. I am a business person. When you don't need to fill slots, don't fill them.

"The one that matters is me, he added. I am the only one that matters. When it comes to it, that's what the policy will be."

Mr Trump made his comments in a Thursday night interview with Fox News, on the eve of his first diplomatic trip to Asia.

During the interview, Mr Trump was asked about his relationship with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who has clashed with the President on several occasions.

Asked whether Mr Tillerson would be with the administration for the remainder of the presidency, Mr Trump replied: "We'll see. I don't know who's going to be [here for the] duration.

Later, he said Mr Tillerson is "working hard" and "doing his best.

Tensions flared between Mr Trump and his Secretary of State last month, when NBC News reported that Mr Tillerson had called the President a moron behind his back. The report also stated that Mr Tillerson had considered leaving his role over the summer, and had to be talked out of it by Vice President Mike Pence.

Mr Tillerson later gave a speech in which he denied ever wanting to quit, but refused to answer questions about calling the President a moron.

"I'm not going to deal with petty stuff like that," he said at the time. ...The places I come from, we don't deal with that kind of petty nonsense.

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A State Department spokesperson later denied that Mr Tillerson had made the comment.

Mr Tillerson will not be accompanying Mr Trump on his 12-day tour through Asia, which will bring him to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The President left for the tour on Friday with First Lady Melania Trump, White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, US Trade Representative Bob Lighthizer, and several members of the national security team.

The trip is the longest taken by a sitting president since George HW Bush's trip to Asia in 1992. According to national security adviser HR McMaster, it will focus on reducing the nuclear threat from North Korea, advancing international trade, and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Protesters holding signs line up on Beretania Street during President Donald Trump's visit to Honolulu: AP

Protesters in Hawaii mocked Donald Trump with signs that said "welcome to Kenya" as the President touched down on the first leg of his Asia-Pacific tour.

Making light of the President's past enthusiasm for the so-called "birtherism" conspiracy that targeted Barack Obama, who was born in Hawaii, demonstrators also held signs that read "Aloha means goodbye" and "Immigration gave me my family".

State congressman Kaniela Ing told Hawaii News Now: "Hawaii is the most diverse state in the nation, and just a few days ago Trump literally said, Diversity sounds like a good thing, but it is not a good thing. That statement alone undermines the values that make Hawaii, Hawaii."

Islanders called their rally "Hawaii 3, Trump 0", referencing the number of times courts in the state have blocked the President's attempts to institute a ban on travel from majority-Muslim countries.

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Mr Trump was in Hawaii on Friday for a briefing by US Pacific Command military leaders on North Korea and other issues, ahead of his trip to a string of Asian nations over the next week or so.
Getting medical cannabis in some states is harder than others. Apparently it's so difficult in Pennsylvania that dudes are calling up an OB-GYN in an attempt at getting their hands on the sticky icky.

After some local press revealed that Dr. Liang Bartkowiak of Altoona, Pennsylvania was licensed to prescribe medical marijuana, her office became inundated with phone calls from potential patients looking to book an appointment. The problem? Bartkowiak works at a gynecologists office, which treats women exclusively, and most of the phone calls were from men, the Altoona Mirror reports.

SEE ALSO: Manhattan is getting its first medical marijuana dispensary, but there's no weed

I was shocked, Bartkowiak, told the Mirror. "Were fielding phone calls from male patients who want to schedule appointments."

While states like California operate relatively relaxed medical marijuana laws, allowing patients to access the plant with symptoms such as migraines, anxiety, and insomnia, the state of Pennsylvania has much stricter laws, and patients must have a "serious medical condition," such as Epilepsy, cancer, and severe chronic or intractable pain.

Because of this, and due to the fact that the program is still quite new, only a number of doctors are allowed to prescribe cannabis as a treatment. Bartkowiak told the Mirror that she sought certification because she treats women with endometriosis and severe pain from surgeries.

With the opiate epidemic in full force, doctors like Bartkowiak are seeking alternative medicines in order to help treat pain.

While providing access to medical marijuana is a big step for Pennsylvania, the state is playing it quite safe by banning the use of smokable flower, following in the footsteps of states like New York. So it's likely those dudes looking for medical cannabis wouldn't be able to get access to the pot they were expecting, even if they did qualify.
Escaping ethnic cleansing, the Rohingya of Myanmar flee to Bangladesh Thousands of Rohingya refugees fleeing from Myanmar walk along a muddy rice field after crossing the border in Palang Khali, Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh, on October 9, 2017. Well over a half a million Rohingya refugees have fled into Bangladesh since late August during the outbreak of violence in Rakhine state causing a humanitarian crisis in the region with continued challenges for aid agencies. (Photograph by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)

In Paula Bronsteins photographs of the Rohingya exodus from Myanmar, there are no shoes. Men, women and children trudge wearily along the embankments of rice paddies, wade muddy rivers, or pick their way across flimsy bridges of lashed-together bamboo poles, all in their bare feet and carrying almost nothing but the occasional bundle of clothes, and their infants.

Bronstein, who has covered wars and refugees from Afghanistan to Sudan to Lesbos, Greece, has been photographing the Rohingya, an essentially stateless Muslim minority among the Buddhist majority in Myanmar, off and on for years. She was drawn back there after a clash with the Myanmar police in August touched off a swift and brutal campaign of ethnic cleansing that in less than two months has driven more than a half-million people from their homes and villages to refugee camps in neighboring Bangladesh.

Read the rest by Jerry Adler and see the video >>>

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Geneva (AFP) - The Islamic State group executed 741 civilians in the battle for the Iraqi city of Mosul, the UN said Thursday, accusing the jihadists of perpetrating "international crimes" during the nine-month military campaign.

A total of 2,521 civilians were killed, mostly by IS attacks, during the fight between IS and the internationally-backed Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) that ended in July, the UN rights office said in a report.

"Those responsible must answer for their heinous crimes", the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, said in a statement.

Mosul, Iraq's second city, was captured by IS in 2014 and became the capital of the group's self-styled "caliphate" in the country.

Following IS's defeat in the city, the rights office said it had compiled witness testimony documenting "mass abductions of civilians, the use of thousands as human shields, the intentional shelling of civilian residences, and indiscriminate targeting of civilians trying to flee the city".

More than 800,000 people were displaced by the fighting, the report said.

The rights office also called for investigations into alleged violations committed by the ISF and their allies, including militia groups.

The report "recorded 461 civilian deaths as a result of airstrikes during the most intensive phase of the ISF-led offensive from 19 February", the UN said in a statement, noting that it was impossible to establish responsibility for the strikes "in almost all cases".

The rights office urged the Iraqi government to invite the International Criminal Court to investigate the country's situation "as an immediate step".

"By prosecuting those responsible for 'international crimes' in Mosul the Iraqi authorities would be sending a message to the people of Iraq who have suffered, no matter when or where, that justice is eventually delivered," the rights office said.
As President Donald Trump makes his journey to Asia for a 12-day, five-country trip, international security experts are urging him to stick to the script and avoid making incendiary comments while discussing North Korea.

The America first leader has engaged in an escalating war of words with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un in recent months. In September, Trump threatened to totally destroy the rogue nation, which is home to an estimated 25 million people, if provoked.

Pyongyang has made significant advancements to its internationally condemned nuclear program this year and has repeatedly claimed that it is capable of striking the U.S. mainland with a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile. Kims regime is expected to be a key topic of discussion during Trumps meetings in China, South Korea and Japan.

As tensions rise, experts fear Trumps response to the situation is only fanning the flames, not dousing the fire.

President Donald Trump's taunts and insults directed at North Korean leader Kim Jong Un create an incentive for the North Koreans to stage provocations to show him up, a nuclear nonproliferation expert said. (Photo: Reuters)

Trumpian rhetoric to totally destroy North Korea is not helpful at a time when, alarmingly, the likelihood of all-out war on the Korean Peninsula has moved from remotely possible to almost palpable, William Choong and Alexander Neill, senior fellows at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, wrote in a report published Friday.

It is critically important for Asia-Pacific security that Trump does not fly off the handle, they warned.

On Thursday, national security adviser H.R. McMaster told reporters Trump is unlikely to moderate his remarks overseas.

The president will use whatever language he wants to use, obviously, McMaster said. I dont think the president really modulates his language. I mean, have you noticed him do that? He has been very clear about that.

This is hardly surprising to Catherine Dill, a defense analyst at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, but it is absolutely concerning.

In my view, with North Korea  and to some degree, also with [U.S.] allies in the region  there is a real risk of miscalculation and unintended escalation. A lot of that could occur because of sloppy rhetoric, she said.

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If Trump makes bellicose comments about Pyongyang during his travels through Asia, Dill worries possible reactions from the North Korean regime could range from moderate, such as a short-range missile test, to severe, like a longer-range missile launch that overflies Japan.

Shes not optimistic that Trumps visit to Asia will serve to improve relations with the North Korean regime. I dont really have any hopes, she said with a laugh. I think the best possible outcome is that it doesnt lead to war.

On the other hand, Dill sees the trip as an opportunity for Trump to reassure Japan and South Korea, and also try to have a measured, constructive conversation with China.

Due to their proximity to North Korea, American allies Tokyo and Seoul are especially vulnerable to a potential retaliatory attack by Pyongyang if it felt threatened or provoked. Trump has aggressively pressured Beijing to leverage its influence over the hermit kingdom to curb its nuclear ambitions.

Jeffrey Lewis, director of Middleburys East Asia Nonproliferation Program, also frets that more hostile statements or tweets from Trump about North Korea could exacerbate an already-tense standoff between Washington and Pyongyang.

The presidents taunts and derogatory nicknames for Kim, such as Little Rocket Man and other insults, create an incentive for the North Koreans to stage provocations to show him up, said Lewis. If the situation deteriorates into an acute crisis, such aggravating remarks from Trump could give the impression that a military strike is imminent, he added. If that happens, my belief is the North Koreans would use their nuclear weapons first, in order to try to repel an invasion.

Lewis does not anticipate a nuclear test or missile launch by North Korea during Trumps Asia trip but notes that its possible theyll try to upstage [Trump] with such a provocation as a form of political messaging.

[North Korea] could totally do that. That is the kind of thing that they would do, but they tend to scale back their missile tests during the colder months, he explained.

The regime has timed several tests to coincide with politically significant events, including Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abes visit to America and the eve of Independence Day in the U.S.

As to whether Trumps inflammatory rhetoric would be more damaging if issued while hes in Asia rather than back in Washington, Lewis said, Its all bad. He likened the scenarios to choosing between plague and cholera.

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Students Jo Jong-Im, 19, (left) and Jo Kwang-Hyok 31, pose for a portrait following a mass dance event in central Pyongyang.

Marathon runner Pak Chol poses for a portrait after winning the Pyongyang Marathon, at Kim Il-Sung stadium in Pyongyang.

Pak Han-Song, 11, poses for a portrait on a beginner's slope at the Masikryong, or Masik Pass, ski resort near Wonsan. AFP was told that Pak was a member of a youth ski camp.

Shooting instructor Kim Su-Ryon poses for a portrait at the Meari Shooting Range in Pyongyang. Kim is holding a Paektusan target pistol, gifted by late North Korean leader Kim Il-Sung. Visitors to the range can pay $10 to shoot 10 rounds.

Figure skaters Nam Yong-Myong (left) and Choe Min pose for a portrait in Pyongyang. The skaters were performing at the Paektusan Prize international figure skating festival.

Student Jo Chong-A, 10, poses for a portrait in a subway station of the Pyongyang metro.

Sailor Kim Il-Su poses for a photo on a boat used to host wedding photo shoots on the Taedong river in Pyongyang.

Hong Kum-Ju, 27, poses for a portrait at the food factory where she works, in the eastern port city of Wonsan.

Toddler Mun Ji-Song poses for a photo with his parents at the entrance to the Central Zoo in Pyongyang.

Kim Chol-Nam, 30, poses for a portrait at the ski hire desk where he works at the Masikryong, or Masik Pass, ski resort near Wonsan.

Ri Yong-Hwa, 23, poses for a portrait in a classroom at the Kim Jong-Suk silk mill in Pyongyang. A regular fixture on the itineraries of foreign journalists and tourists, the Kim Jong-Suk textile mill is named after the grandmother of current North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.

Kim Su-Min, 11, poses for a portrait before offering flowers to the statues of late North Korean leaders Kim Il-Sung and Kim Jong-Il at Mansudae hill in Pyongyang.

Jong Kwang-Hyok, 10, poses for a portrait on a football field at a school for orphans on the outskirts of Pyongyang.

Chief Engineer Choe Yong-Jun poses for a portrait at the Wonsan Youth Power Station, a hydroelectric plant outside the eastern port city of Wonsan.

Amateur volleyball player Kim Hyok poses for a portrait during a practice session, in Pyongyang.

Student Cha So-Yon, 18, poses for a portrait in a subway station of the Pyongyang metro.

Kim Hyun-U, 12, poses for a portrait as he takes part in a seasonal initiative referred to as a "do good things" campaign, in which residents are encouraged to sweep and tidy the city, in a park in Pyongyang.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Borzin Mottaghian, 34, of Utah allegedly posed as a doctor in order to assault women. He has been charged with 17 felony counts of sexual assault and abuse. (Photo: Utah County Sheriffs)

A Utah man posing as a doctor on Craigslist is in jail after being charged with rape. Borzin Mottaghian, 34, and a married man with three children, was charged with 17 felony counts. If convicted, he could face life in prison.

The charges stem from encounters with three women, one of them an undercover police officer, in October.

According to court documents, Mottaghian lured women to an office suite in Provo, Utah, via an ad on Craigslist offering $200 for participating in anatomy research for a new medical device.

The first woman met him on Oct. 18. In emails exchanged between the two, he assured her that he was a real doctor. When she arrived, he had her sign a nondisclosure form before disrobing. He claimed that he was developing a new kind of medical catheter. Mottaghian is not a medical doctor, but he does reportedly own restaurants in Provo, Utah, and claims to be a Marines veteran and hold a law degree.

During the examination, Mottaghian allegedly photographed the womans genitals and sexually assaulted her with his fingers and a metal rod.

In the second encounter, he told the woman that the exam was to help develop a new kind of tampon. According to documents, the woman was disturbed by the nature of the examination, put her clothes on, and excused herself to go use the restroom. She called police shortly after.

In their investigation of the matter, police responded to the Craigslist ad and set up an appointment with Mottaghian on Oct. 25. A female undercover officer arrived, and once again Mottaghian claimed to be a doctor conducting research. Moments later, before the officer was to disrobe, police arrived with a search warrant and arrested Mottaghian.

After posting bail, Mottaghian was rebooked the next day on suspicion of identical crimes at $250,000 cash bail after the second woman spoke with police.

Mottaghian has been charged with 12 counts of object rape and two counts of attempted object rape. He also stands accused of two counts of second-degree felony forcible sex abuse and one count of third-degree felony attempted forcible sex abuse.

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A court hearing is scheduled for Nov. 6.

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An upcoming book shows that former President George H.W. Bush did not mince words when asked about President Donald Trump, back before Trump had won the election.

I dont like him, Bush told historian Mark Updegrove in May 2016, according to The New York Times. I dont know much about him, but I know hes a blowhard. And Im not too excited about him being a leader. Bush added that Trump appeared to be driven by a certain ego.

Updegroves book, The Last Republicans, deals with the relationship between the senior Bush and his son, former President George W. Bush. The title was inspired by a quote from the younger Bush, who told him during the 2016 election, Im worried that I will be the last Republican president.

And it wasnt just about Hillary Clinton becoming president, as the Republican Party was having a difficult time finding itself, Updegrove told CNN. It was because Donald Trump represented everything that the Bushes abhorred.

The elder Bush also said that he voted for Clinton in 2016, while his son said he voted for none of the above as president and Republican candidates on the rest of the ballot.

Their newly revealed criticisms of Trump come just weeks after George W. Bush appeared to criticize the president at a New York policy seminar, though he didnt mention Trump by name.

We have seen our discourse degraded by casual cruelty, Bush said. Weve seen nationalism distorted into nativism, forgotten the dynamism that immigration has always brought to America.

The White House responded to news of the criticisms Saturday morning, saying in a statement, If one Presidential candidate can disassemble a political party, it speaks volumes about how strong a legacy its past two presidents really had.

NEW: WH responds to Bush41 calling POTUS a "blowhard". Calls Iraq "greatest foreign policy mistakes in American history". via/ @NoahGrayCNN pic.twitter.com/XQ2f1JK81C  Ryan Nobles (@ryanobles) November 4, 2017

Though liberals have historically been sharp critics of the younger Bush  for reasons including the decision to invade Iraq, a slow and widely panned response to Hurricane Katrina, and his administrations wholesale embrace of torture  his star has risen in the Trump era. In the wake of Trumps frequent inflammatory comments and constant ad hominem attacks on Twitter, many people seem to long for a president who maintained a relatively more dignified demeanor.

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An October survey showed that 51 percent of Democrats hold at least a somewhat favorable view of Bush. On Friday, former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann  who has previously called Bush a fascist and a liar  said he owed Bush an apology and would prefer a third Bush term to Trump as president. Last year, the public went wild with glee over a photo showing Bush and Michelle Obama enjoying a brief embrace.

All the newfound nostalgia seems to ignore just how terrible many people  especially Democrats  thought Bushs presidency was at the time. For many, his lasting legacies are a disastrous Iraq war and the spread of chaos in the Middle East, as well as the financial crisis beginning during his second term. Some have argued those very conditions helped fuel the rise of the far right in the United States and abroad, paving the way for Trump to get elected.

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"I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully." -- September 2000, explaining his energy policies at an event in Michigan. Source: The Associated Press (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

"Rarely is the question asked, is our children learning?" -- January 2000, during a campaign event in South Carolina. Source: The Associated Press (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds, file)

"They misunderestimated the compassion of our country. I think they misunderestimated the will and determination of the commander in chief, too." -- Sept. 26, 2001, in Langley, Va. Bush was referring to the terrorists who carried out the Sept. 11 attacks. Source: The Associated Press (AP Photo/Doug Mills)

"There's no doubt in my mind, not one doubt in my mind, that we will fail." -- Oct. 4, 2001, in Washington. Bush was remarking on a back-to-work plan after the terrorist attacks. Source: The Associated Press (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

"It would be a mistake for the United States Senate to allow any kind of human cloning to come out of that chamber." -- April 10, 2002, at the White House, as Bush urged Senate passage of a broad ban on cloning. Source: The Associated Press (MANNY CENETA/AFP/Getty Images)

"I want to thank the dozens of welfare-to-work stories, the actual examples of people who made the firm and solemn commitment to work hard to embetter themselves." -- April 18, 2002, at the White House. Source: The Associated Press (Photo by Stefan Zaklin/Getty Images)

"There's an old saying in Tennessee -- I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee -- that says, fool me once, shame on _ shame on you. Fool me -- you can't get fooled again." -- Sept. 17, 2002, in Nashville, Tenn. Source: The Associated Press (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." -- Aug. 5, 2004, at the signing ceremony for a defense spending bill. Source: The Associated Press (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

"Our most abundant energy source is coal. We have enough coal to last for 250 years, yet coal also prevents an environmental challenge." -- April 20, 2005, in Washington. Source: The Associated Press (MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images)

"Too many good docs are getting out of business. Too many OB/GYNs aren't able to practice their love with women all across this country." -- Sept. 6, 2004, at a rally in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Source: The Associated Press (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

"We look forward to hearing your vision, so we can more better do our job." --Sept. 20, 2005, in Gulfport, Miss. Source: The Associated Press (MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images)

"I can't wait to join you in the joy of welcoming neighbors back into neighborhoods, and small businesses up and running, and cutting those ribbons that somebody is creating new jobs." -- Sept. 5, 2005, when Bush met with residents of Poplarville, Miss., in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Source: The Associated Press (JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)

"It was not always a given that the United States and America would have a close relationship. After all, 60 years we were at war 60 years ago we were at war." -- June 29, 2006, at the White House, where Bush met with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. Source: The Associated Press (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

"Make no mistake about it, I understand how tough it is, sir. I talk to families who die." -- Dec. 7, 2006, in a joint appearance with British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Source: The Associated Press (MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images)

"These are big achievements for this country, and the people of Bulgaria ought to be proud of the achievements that they have achieved." -- June 11, 2007, in Sofia, Bulgaria. Source: The Associated Press (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds/file)

"Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for your introduction. Thank you for being such a fine host for the OPEC summit." -- September 2007, in Sydney, Australia, where Bush was attending an APEC summit. Source: The Associated Press (TIM SLOAN/AFP/Getty Images)

"Thank you, Your Holiness. Awesome speech." -- April 16, 2008, at a ceremony welcoming Pope Benedict XVI to the White House. Source: The Associated Press (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

"The fact that they purchased the machine meant somebody had to make the machine. And when somebody makes a machine, it means there's jobs at the machine-making place." -- May 27, 2008, in Mesa, Ariz. Source: The Associated Press (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

"And they have no disregard for human life." -- July 15, 2008, at the White House. Bush was referring to enemy fighters in Afghanistan. Source: The Associated Press (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds, File)

"I remember meeting a mother of a child who was abducted by the North Koreans right here in the Oval Office." -- June 26, 2008, during a Rose Garden news briefing. Source: The Associated Press (Photo by by Ken Cedeno-Pool/Getty Images)

"Throughout our history, the words of the Declaration have inspired immigrants from around the world to set sail to our shores. These immigrants have helped transform 13 small colonies into a great and growing nation of more than 300 people." -- July 4, 2008 in Virginia. Source: The Associated Press (JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)

"The people in Louisiana must know that all across our country there's a lot of prayer _ prayer for those whose lives have been turned upside down. And I'm one of them. It's good to come down here." -- Sept. 3, 2008, at an emergency operations center in Baton Rouge, La., after Hurricane Gustav hit the Gulf Coast. Source: The Associated Press (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

"This thaw -- took a while to thaw, it's going to take a while to unthaw." -- Oct. 20, 2008, in Alexandria, La., as he discussed the economy and frozen credit markets. Source: The Associated Press (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds, File)

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Paz de la Huerta at the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival: Getty

The New York Police Department (NYPD) have said they are investigating a "credible" rape allegation against disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.

The force's chief of detectives, Robert Boyce, said they were working with New York's attorney general to gather enough evidence before obtaining an arrest warrant.

His comments came after he was asked about a claim made by former Boardwalk Empire star Paz De La Huerta that Weinstein raped her in 2010.

Vanity Fair magazine reported that she gave her account to the publication over the phone.

Mr Boyce said the actress came to authorities with allegations that Mr Weinstein raped her last week.

He said she had a credible and detailed narrative and investigators found corroboration of her claims.

The actress had the ability to articulate each and every movement of the crime - where she was, where they met, where this happened and what he did, he added.

We have an actual case here," he said. "Were happy with where the investigation is right now."

Officers were continuing to gather evidence, he added.

Police officers would need to secure a warrant to arrest Mr Weinstein and Mr Boyce said that the case was complicated by the facts that Mr Weinstein lives in another state and that the alleged crime occurred in 2010.

But he said that if the producer "was still in New York and it was recent, we would go right away and make the arrest - no doubt."

In an interview with CBS news, Ms de la Huerta alleged that Mr Weinstein raped her twice in 2010. She described one alleged incident as occurring after Mr Weinstein drove her home from a party and said the second alleged rape occurred after he drove to her apartment, and she was too drunk to consent.

Mr Weinstein's representative Sallie Hofmeister did not immediately respond to questions about Ms de la Paz's claims and the NYPD's characterisation of her case.

Mr Weinstein has faced a torrent of sexual harassment accusations in recent months, but this would be the first time he has been charged as a result. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed last month it was investigating a separate sexual assault allegations against Mr Weinstein.

Dozens of women have accused Mr Weinstein of harassment or rape, allegations that cost the mogul his position with the Weinstein Company. Mr Weinstein has denied that non-consensual sex occurred.
(Reuters) - A man was found guilty on Friday of murdering an Iowa teenager who identified as both male and female, the Des Moines Register reported, in a case that had led U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to dispatch a federal civil rights prosecutor.

The jury deliberated for 90 minutes before returning the guilty verdict against Jorge Sanders-Galvez, 23, for shooting Kedarie Johnson, a 16-year-old high-school student who sometimes went by the name Kandicee, in March 2016, the newspaper reported.

Sanders-Galvez, who had testified he did not kill or even know Johnson, faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole under Iowa law.

"Justice was served for my baby!" Johnson's mother, Katrina Johnson, said in the corridor outside the courtroom following the verdict, the newspaper reported.

Johnson's family had said the teenager identified as both male and female, and prosecutors said Sanders-Galvez targeted Johnson partly for this reason.

Sanders-Galvez was charged in January with the murder alongside his cousin Jaron Purham, 26. Purham is awaiting trial.

Prosecutors said the cousins attacked Johnson after realizing he was a biological male during a sexual encounter.

Johnson's body was discovered in a Burlington alley doused in bleach in an apparent effort to destroy DNA evidence, the Des Moines Register reported.

The case had been moved from Burlington, Iowa, to Keokuk because of pre-trial publicity.

The case drew national attention when Sessions assigned Christopher Perras, a Justice Department lawyer with the civil rights division, to join local prosecutors in the case.

Although Sessions, a conservative Republican, has generally opposed efforts to expand rights for gay, lesbian and transgender people, his department said he took the rare move of sending a prosecutor because of his commitment to "protecting the civil rights of all individuals."

(Reporting by Jonathan Allen in New York; Editing by Frank McGurty and Andrew Hay)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-05 03:45:31|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BERLIN, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier raised the situation at the Manus Island refugee camp with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Saturday during a meeting in Perth, German news agency DPA reported on Saturday.

The German president is in Perth to attend a German-Australian business conference.

"I was assured that options for better care and accommodation for the remaining refugees will be examined," Steinmeier said, quoted by the DPA report.

Australia, according to the German president, was looking for a quick solution to the refugee crisis that included resettlement options.

On Friday, United Nations aid agencies called on the Australian government to stop its "policy of deterrence by rescuing people at sea, mistreating them and abandoning them".

"We are concerned by events in the past week at Australia's offshore Regional Processing Center on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea where refugees and asylum seekers are holding out after the Australian government's decision to close the facility and pull out its support staff," said Rupert Colville, spokesperson of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

"We share the concerns of other UN agencies, including UNHCR, about what is an unfolding humanitarian emergency," he added.

The spokesperson for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) Babar Baloch said, "Australia's policy of deterrence by rescuing people at sea, mistreating them and abandoning them has become a notion of cruelty."

Both UNHCR and OHCHR said they are seriously concerned about the well-being of the 600 men who remain at the center due to both a lack of basic amenities as well as rising tensions with the surrounding local population.

The situation at the Manus Island refugee camp in Papua New Guinea has deteriorated since Australia shut down the center on Tuesday.

Some 600 refugees have refused to move to temporary accommodation -- some of which is not yet ready -- in the island's main town due to fears of being attacked by locals, according to the DPA report.

Electricity and food supplies have been cut off, while men at the camp have been digging into the ground to find drinking water, according to photos shared on social media.
Lasers. (ESPN)

West Virginia fans in Morgantown had a lot to cheer about in the first half of Saturdays game against No. 15 Iowa State, but shining a laser beam onto the field wasnt the right way to show their excitement.

As WVU led the Cyclones 20-0 with just under two minutes left in the second quarter, a fan decided to shine a laser beam on Iowa States kicking team. But you know, thats not allowed  anywhere, at any time, ever.

So, after the referees tried to find the source of the laser beam  with two referees seemingly pointing in opposite directions trying to figure it out  it was announced to the crowd in Morgantown that their antics would not be tolerated:

We have a laser beam shined on the kicking team, the referee announced.

After a brief moment of confusion and frustration from the home crowd via some booing, Iowa State kicker Garrett Owens hit a 42-yard field goal. No laser beams were in sight on the play and no penalties were assessed to West Virginia.
Sir Jony Ive at the Apple Store in Regent Street - Ashley Gilbertson

The release of the iPhone X saw long queues return to Apple Stores on Friday as the new device appeared to reverse a trend of more muted launches in recent years.

Thousands appeared to line up in cities across the world for the phone, which has generated excitement among Apple fans for being a major design departure from its predecessors.

New iPhone launches once reliably drew in huge queues of overnight campers and early risers, but the trend had seemingly tailed off in recent years as excitement over the new devices appeared to wane. But the iPhone X, which features facial recognition technology and a new design with an edge-to-edge screen, bucked the trend.

Labelled the "future of the smartphone" by Apple chief executive Tim Cook, the iPhone X is the first mass market smartphone to break the 1,000 barrier, with its most-expensive model costing 1,149. But the price has seemingly failed to dampen demand among early adopters.

The phone sold out in minutes when online pre-orders opened last week and stock was limited for Friday's release, leading hundreds to queue up outside Apple's flagship Regent Street London store overnight.

Early morning queues outside the Regent Street Apple Store Credit: Bloomberg

The first in line was Marco Pierre White Jr, the reality television star and son of the celebrity chef, who bought two models and paid in cash. Sir Jonathan Ive, Apple's chief design officer, attended the Regent Street store for the launch.

Scenes in London appeared to be repeated elsewhere across the world, although protests against the company were held in some locations.

Overnight queues in Singapore Credit: Reuters

Apple's shares rose on Friday in response to better-than-expected financial results released on Thursday night. The company forecast strong sales for the Christmas quarter, the first to feature iPhone X sales, and indicated that supply pressures would loosen in the coming weeks.

Shares rose 2.5pc to a record high, with the company's market value closing in on $900bn.
London (AFP) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday that the threat posed by Iran to its Middle Eastern neighbours was driving them into hitherto unthinkable alliances with the Jewish state.

"Iran is devouring one nation after the other," Netanyahu said at Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs think-tank in London.

"It is doing so either by direct conquest or by using proxy. They took over Lebanon, Yemen... they try to do the same thing with Iraq, in Syria.

"The good news is that the other guys are getting together with Israel as never before. It is something that I would have never expected in my lifetime."

He said Israel was working "very hard" to establish an effective alliance with "the modern Sunni states" to condemn and counter Iranian aggression.

"I think that actually has a great promise of peace" for the region, he said.

He said the Middle East was witnessing "the emergence of a battle between the Islamists and the modernists", provoking a "new alliance between Israel and Islamic states".

Israel has long viewed Iran as its number one enemy, while Sunni Arab nations such as Saudi Arabia are regional rivals of the Shiite country.

Since Israel was established in 1948, only two Arab states -- Egypt and Jordan -- have signed peace deals with the country and established full diplomatic relations.

The United States has sought to promote links between Israel and the Arab world, with President Donald Trump's administration hoping to leverage regional interests to reach an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu said the 2015 Iran nuclear deal reached with the international community does not go far enough to prevent Tehran from getting a nuclear weapon.

The agreement "basically says within X years of time, not much -- and times goes quickly -- you will have unlimited capacity to enrich uranium," he said.

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The greatest danger is not that Tehran would violate the deal, "but that Iran would keep it".

He demanded tough sanctions be put in place and inspections of Iranian military sites.

Turning to relations with Washington, he said ties were stronger since the election of President Donald Trump.

He said he had "very strong" disagreements with Trump's predecessor Barack Obama, saying the former US president saw Iran as part of the solution to problems in the Middle East, while he saw it as the main problem.

Netanyahu said he thought Trump saw Iran as the problem.

"And that a strategical and important shift that we appreciate," he said.

Netanyahu is in Britain for events marking the centenary of the 1917 Balfour Declaration, the British statement which helped head to the creation of the state of Israel.
Baghdad (AFP) - Iraqi forces said they recaptured an important crossing on the border with Syria from the Islamic State group on Friday as they advanced into the jihadists' last bastion in Iraq.

Iraq's Joint Operations Command said troops had "regained full control" of the Husaybah border post on the edge of the town of Al-Qaim after launching a push to oust the jihadists.

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi released a statement congratulating the armed forces for "entering into Al-Qaim and liberating" the border crossing.

An Iraqi army officer told AFP that the jihadists "deserted the border post after several of them were killed" and headed off into Syria.

Al-Qaim and the surrounding areas are the last remnants of the self-styled caliphate IS declared after rampaging across Iraq and Syria in 2014.

Iraqi forces backed up by air strikes from a US-led coalition launched the operation last week to seize back the strategically located pocket of barren desert along the Euphrates river.

IS is simultaneously battling for survival in its holdouts across the border in Syria, where government troops said they ousted the group from the key city of Deir Ezzor on Friday.
By Barbara Goldberg NEW YORK (Reuters) - Islamic State has claimed responsibility for a truck attack this week that killed eight people in the deadliest assault on New York City since Sept. 11, 2001. The militant group on Thursday described accused attacker Sayfullo Saipov, 29, as "one of the caliphate soldiers" in a weekly issue of its Al-Naba newspaper. The Uzbek immigrant was charged in federal court on Wednesday with acting in support of Islamic State by plowing a rented pickup truck down a popular riverside bike trail, crushing pedestrians and cyclists and injuring a dozen people in addition to those killed. According to the criminal complaint against him, Saipov told investigators he was inspired by watching Islamic State propaganda videos on his cellphone, felt good about what he had done, and asked for permission to display the group's flag in his hospital room in New York. Saipov was taken to Bellevue after being shot in the abdomen by a police officer before his arrest. U.S. President Donald Trump, who has called for Saipov to receive the death penalty, said on Twitter on Friday that Islamic State had claimed as their soldier the "Degenerate Animal" who killed and wounded "the wonderful people on the West Side" of Lower Manhattan. "Based on that, the Military has hit ISIS "much harder" over the last two days. They will pay a big price for every attack on us!" Trump tweeted. In the Middle East the Islamic State's self-proclaimed caliphate looked to be on the verge of defeat on Friday, with Syrian government forces seizing its last major city on one side of the border and Iraqi troops taking its last big town on the other. The group's leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, is believed to be hiding in the desert near the frontier, and regional officials fear it will reconstitute itself as a guerrilla force, capable of waging attacks without territory to defend. Saipov's sister believes he may have been brainwashed, and she appealed to Trump on Friday to ensure he gets a fair trial. Speaking by phone from the Uzbek capital Tashkent, she told Reuters she hoped Trump would help make sure her brother was given "more time" and "a fair trial." In a separate interview with Radio Free Europe, she said she spoke with her brother the day before the attack and he was in a good mood. "It was a usual, good conversation," she said. Five Argentine tourists, a Belgian woman, a New Yorker and a New Jersey man were killed in Tuesday afternoon's attack. The attack unfolded just blocks from the site of the World Trade Center, where some 2,600 people were killed when suicide hijackers crashed two jetliners into the Twin Towers 16 years ago. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has said it has located another Uzbek man, Mukhammadzoir Kadirov, 32, who it said was wanted for questioning as a person of interest in the attack. (Additional reporting by Mohamed el-Sherif in Cairo, Angus McDowall in Beirut, Raya Jalabi in Erbil, Ian Simpson in Washington, and Olzhas Auyezov in Almaty; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Andrew Hay)
Ivanka Trump took fashion inspiration from another iconic D.C. woman  Elle Woods! The first daughter channeled Reese Witherspoons beloved Legally Blonde character with her pink ensemble on Friday during her trip to Tokyo, Japan. President Donald Trumps adviser stepped out wearing a mini skirt suit by Miu Miu for her appearance at the World Assembly for Women.

Ivanka paired the $1,960 straight fit jacket and $1,445 flared skirt, which both feature jeweled buttons, with black pumps, while styling her glossy, golden tresses down.

CLICK FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM IVANKA'S TRIP

VIEW GALLERY Ivanka (pictured with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe) spoke at the World Assembly for Women Photo: EUGENE HOSHIKO/AFP/Getty Images

The mom-of-three was on hand to discuss the economic empowerment of women. In her speech she said, We dont label men working men. And it is my hope that by the time my daughter Arabella grows into a woman she will not be defined by whether she works inside or outside the home. She will simply be a woman, afforded the same opportunities as her male peers and equipped with the education and support she needs to fulfill her unique potential.

GALLERY: INSIDE IVANKA TRUMP'S FAMILY LIFE IN D.C.

The Women Who Work author, who turned 36 on Monday, October 30, took to her Instagram to share a photo from the summit, reiterating her message. Alongside the picture, she penned, The fact is, ALL women are working women. Whether they make the commute to work each morning, or spend each day with their children at home, or some combination of both.

VIEW GALLERY The first daughter channeled Reese Witherspoon's Legally Blonde character with her latest outfit Photo: Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage

She added, It is time for our societies to find new and innovative ways to make it easier for women to experience the joy of motherhood, without facing career setbacks. This isnt a womens issue  its a family issue. Let's work together to empower women and ensure they succeed in our modern economy. #WAW2017#WomensEconomicEmpowerment.

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VIEW GALLERY Melania left the White House on November 3 to begin her 11-day trip throughout Asia Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images

Ivanka wont be the only member of her family to visit Asia this week. First Lady Melania and President Donald Trump departed the White House on November 3 to begin their 11-day trip to Asia. Barron Trumps mother showed off her fashion credentials wearing a cobalt belted fit-and-flare coat by Emilio Pucci. The first lady completed her stylish look with her signature stilettos and shades.
In recent months theres been a litany of news stories about how big Ivanka Trump is in Asia.

Why Japan loves Ivanka Trump, The Independent wrote in January. Donald, Who? Ivanka Trump Is the Star in Japan, read a Toronto Star story in February.

In June, TIME explained Why Americas First Daughter Is a Hit In China. And earlier this year there was story after story about Chinese companies trying to snap up Ivanka trademarks so they could slap the first daughters name on products from weight loss services to wallpaper.

The articles reached a similar conclusion. People in China and Japan are, to some extent, buying what Trumps selling: her image as a have-it-all feminist whos masterfully balanced her roles as successful entrepreneur, mother of three, and style icon.

In Japan especially, shes an aspirational figure for women who are regularly sidelined from their careers after having children.

"Women have to work more than twice as much to compete against men, but she has led her father's business successfully while raising kids," one women told The Japan Times in January.

Now, the first daughter is visiting Japan--in the flesh!--ahead of her fathers Asia trip, and she was greeted as a celebrity, with at least four television stations live-broadcasting her airport arrival. The Japanese government added an extra day to whats typically a two-day summit to accommodate Trump, whom an aide of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe described this week as "one of the most remarkable people in the world because she is actively trying to support women entrepreneurs and improve women's participation in society," according to The Washington Post.

Tokyo even assembled an all-female police unit to accompany Trump during her visit.

Trump promoted her own arrival in a series of Instagram posts.

Instagram Photo

On Friday, Trump addressed the World Assembly for Women conference in Tokyo, touching on her trademark issues of female entrepreneurship and women's economic advancement, topics that align with Abes much-touted Womenomics agenda aimed at adding women to Japans workforce.

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"When women work, it creates a unique multiplier effect: women are more likely than men to hire other women, to give them access to capital, mentorship and networks," she said, as Abe sat nearby. "Womenomics recognizes the centrality of women, who represent roughly half of our global population, in achieving true economic growth."

More women have entered Japans workforce in the years since Abe launched his Womenomics effort, but they remain over-represented in part-time or irregular work. In a report from the World Economic Forum on Thursday, Japan ranked 114th out of 140 nations in gender equality--ranking the lowest of the G7 nations by a long shot. While Japan has made progress on economic participation and opportunity for women--one of the reports four gender equality measures--its seen a reversal in womens political empowerment.

Elsewhere in her speech, Trump targeted workplace culture that fails to treat women with appropriate respect. She identified harassment as a form of this ill treatment, which can never be tolerated, she said.

The comment called to mind the on-going scandal involving allegations of sexual misconduct against Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein. (That controversy, it should be noted, has drawn attention--yet again--to the allegations Trumps father faced during his presidential campaign.)

Despite the official fanfare that surrounded Trumps arrival, media outlets covering her speech noted that the hall where she spoke was half-empty. A White House official blamed the light turnout on security that delayed attendees entrance to the hall, but reporters on the scene said they didnt see evidence of that.

Trump is scheduled to dine with Abe on Friday night before leaving the country on Saturday, a day before her father arrives for his three-day Japan visit, his first as president.

See original article on Fortune.com

More from Fortune.com
Damascus (AFP) - Jihadists launched an assault Friday on a government-held village in Syria's Golan Heights, killing at least nine people in a car bomb, and clashing with regime troops, state media said.

The attack hit the village of Hader, populated by members of the Druze majority, which lies near the disengagement line that divides the Syrian-controlled part of the Golan from that occupied by Israel.

The fighting prompted concern from Druze residents of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, and a statement from the Israeli army, which pledged to "prevent Hader from being harmed or occupied".

The assault began when a suicide car bomb attacked the outskirts of the village, Syrian state media said.

"A suicide bomber from Al-Nusra Front detonated a car bomb in the midst of the homes of citizens on the outskirts of Hader, killing nine people and injuring at least 23," SANA said.

Al-Nusra Front is the old name for a jihadist group that was formerly Al-Qaeda's affiliate in Syria and is now known as the Fateh al-Sham Front.

"In the aftermath of the terrorist attack, terrorist groups carried out a heavy attack on Hader, and army units and the Popular Defence units (pro-government militants) clashed with the attackers," SANA added.

The agency said the toll was expected to rise because a number of those wounded in the bombing were in serious condition and the ongoing assault on the town made it difficult to remove the injured to safety.

SANA did not provide details on the identity of the victims.

- 'Shots fired from Syria' -

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, said the clashes that followed the blast killed several forces on both sides.

Hader lies in southwestern Syria's Quneitra province, around 70 percent of which is held by either rebel or jihadist groups while the government controls the remaining 30 percent, according to the Observatiory.

Some Syrian Druze have expressed sympathy for opposition forces battling the government since the start of the civil war but the community has largely been loyal to the regime.

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Israel seized 1,200 square kilometres (460 square miles) of the Golan Heights from Syria in the Six-Day War of 1967 and later annexed it, a move never recognised by the international community.

The Jewish state has officially maintained a posture of non-intervention in the war in Syria that erupted after anti-government protests in March 2011.

But it has bombed Syrian territory on a sporadic basis, sometimes in response to stray Syrian army fire.

On other occasions, it has been accused of carrying out air strikes targeting weapons intended for Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group that is an ally of Damascus but has fought Israel.

The Israeli army said Friday that a civilian in the town of Majdal Shams in the Israeli-occupied part of the Golan was lightly wounded as a result of "shots fired from Syria".

It said the shots were "stray fire resulting from the intense fighting on the Syrian Golan Heights".

- Israel pledges help -

Israeli army spokesman, Brigadier General Ronen Manelis, said the military was ready to "prevent Hader from being harmed or occupied, as part of our commitment to the Druze population".

Nearly 140,000 members of the Druze minority, which follows a secretive offshoot of Shiite Islam, live in Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan.

In Majdal Shams, Druze residents gathered along the buffer zone seeking to cross over and help.

Around 10 of them entered the buffer zone, the Israeli army said, before forces caught them and returned them to the Israeli-occupied side.

"This behaviour is a serious violation of the law," the Israeli army said, urging all civilians to refrain from crossing the fence or even approaching it.

Speaking from London, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "we safeguard our borders. Our borders in the south, our borders in the north. And we also cherish our sympathy for our Druze brethren".

Israel has a policy of providing medical assistance to Syrians wounded in the conflict, transporting some into its territory for treatment.

The policy has been controversial, and in 2015, members of the country's Druze minority attacked two ambulances transporting Syrians, killing one and injuring another.
Tupolev Tu-95 strategic bomber fleet fly over the Red Square during the military parade marking the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2015. (Xinhua/Jia Yuchen)

MOSCOW, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Russian long-range military bombers conducted air strikes on terrorist facilities in eastern Syria on Saturday, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

The targets, including weapon and ammunition depots of terrorists as well as command posts of Islamic States (IS) terrorist group, were located near the city of Abu Kamal in Syria's eastern province of Deir ez-Zor close to the Syria-Iraq border, the ministry said in a statement.

Monitoring data confirmed the destruction of all targets, and all the aircrafts returned to their base in Russia after completing the combat mission, the statement said.

The Russian military has recently intensified its efforts to combat IS terrorists in Syria. According to the Defense Ministry, Russian long-range bombers carried out 18 air strikes, and Russian submarines fired cruise missiles against IS targets in Syria since Wednesday.
UPDATE: A Koenigsegg Agera RS driven by factory driver Niklas Lilja hit a VBOX-verified average top speed of 277.9 miles per hour. In one direction, the Agera RS hit 284.3 mph; in the other the max velocity was 272 mph. The official top speed of 277.9 is the average between the two runs.



Jalopnik reports that the Koenigsegg was fitted with standard Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and reps from the tire manufacturer were on hand to oversee the high-speed runs. Check out a video of the run from inside the cockpit up above. The original story continues below.



An 11-mile stretch of highway plays host to a top-speed record attempt by Koenigsegg this weekend. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the Nevada Department of Transportation granted a special permit to the Swedish automaker to close a long, straight stretch of State Route 160 between Vegas and Pahrump. The event is hosted by Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club, and it's apparently been in the planning stages for over a year.



A reporter from the Journal reports on Twitter that an Agera RS has already hits speeds of 291 miles per hour, albeit unofficially. If that's true, it'll handily destroy the current 268-mile-per-hour top-speed record set by Bugatti in 2010. Of course, Koenigsegg has a habit of one-upping Bugatti, having broken the Chiron's 0-248-0 record of 41.96 seconds by a comparatively massive 5.2 seconds.



The Koenigsegg Agera RS being used reportedly has the factory's one-megawatt upgrade, which means it's sending 1,360-horsepower and 1,011 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. We'll have to wait for an official Guinness-approved record announcement, but we're guessing that's only a matter of time.



Related Video:

Koenigsegg closes highway near Vegas for top-speed record attempt [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Nov 2017 15:50:00 EDT.
HONOLULUAloha Green is situated in a downtown building whose austere beige-ness belies the companys more therapeutic purpose: Its a medical-marijuana dispensary.

As soon as I tried to walk inside for an interview, I was met by a metal detector and a large man who demanded to see my medical-marijuana card. I dont have oneI dont live in Hawaii and am not seeking the most herbal of cures for my ailmentsso Im told to wait outside. All I catch a glimpse of is a small window behind which some workers toil away quietly, like theyre at a bank.

Instead, I was lead upstairs to the dispensarys office by Helen Cho, Aloha Greens director. Printed out and wallpapering half the conference room was the entirety of Hawaiis medical-marijuana legislation. They dont want to miss a single, nit-picky detail.

And there are a lot of them. They cant sell paraphernalia, like rolling papers, or edibles. Everything has to be grown indoors and tested before it can go out to customers. Shoppers can look at the bright-green buds under a magnifying glass, but theyre forbidden from touching the product.

Recommended: What It's Like to Learn You're Going to Die

The litany of restrictions might seem odd for a state thats solidly Democratic and is knownor at least stereotypedas being easygoing and fun. As more and more states legalize marijuana, Hawaiis cautious attitude shows just how much the definitions of legal can vary. The stereotype is that everything east of the Mississippi is medical, like Delaware and New York, and everything west of it is the Wild West [of pot], said Mark Kleiman, a professor of public service at New York University who has researched marijuana laws extensively. I guess if you go east to Hawaii rather than west, you can count them as part of the east-coast school.

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Cannabisknown locally as pakalolohas a long history in Hawaii, both before and after criminalization at the federal level. As Lawrence Downes, a New York Times journalist from Hawaii, explained in an editorial for the paper in 2012:

Hawaii in the late 70s was a land of artisanal home growers and farmers producing legendary strains like Maui Wowee and Puna Butter. Rolling Stone in 1979 called pakalolo Hawaiis No. 1 crop, above sugar and pineapple. Its sickly sweet haze hung heavily over concerts and beaches, and there was a remarkable tolerance in the air, too.

Medical cannabis was legalized here rather early, in 2000, but Aloha Green and other dispensaries only secured licenses in the past year or so. It took that long for the state to authorize dispensaries.

Recommended: When Kids Have to Act Like Parents, It Affects Them for Life

Aloha Green is one of eight such dispensaries in the state, and one of three on Oahu, the island thats home to the bulk of the states population. About 5,000 patients participate in Oahus medical-marijuana program, the only way to gain access to the dispensaries and their goods.

After the licensing, it took nearly a year for Aloha Green to actually open for business. In the interim, they were growing their own productanother requirement. Dispensaries cant buy their pot from one another or other sources.

In a recent editorial, Chris Garth, the head of the Hawaii Dispensary Alliance, argued that this so-called vertical-integration mandate drives up prices and has limited cultivation on the island to just a few strains. If marijuana is considered medicine, this would be like going to a drugstore and finding just Vicks VapoRub and Pepto-Bismol on offer, he argued.

Because they are upright citizens, they dont really know about cannabis culture and the way that it works.

In an interview, Garth explained that he understands the public-safety reasons for controlling the plants from seeds to sale. Still, the vertically oriented market is incredibly cumbersome when it comes to the costs of production, he said.

These regulations make the pot at Hawaiis dispensaries more expensive than it is in places where marijuana flows freely and recreationally, like Colorado or Washington State. (Customers can pay with cash or with CanPay, an app designed for cannabis retailers. Aloha Green doesnt take regular credit cards.)

Recommended: The Surprising Revolt at the Most Liberal College in the Country

Cho, who doesnt use cannabis herself, seemed drawn to the cannabis industry by these challenges. She worked in start-ups in New York before moving hereapparently the only thing as tough as venture capital in the big city is operating a marijuana store in paradise.

Dispensaries here are regulated by the health department. Cho speculated, nicely, that their bureaucratic overseers might be, well, a little square. They all have very good intentions, but because they are upright citizens whove not done bad things, they dont really know about cannabis culture and the way that it works, she said. Understandably, they havent ventured into it, because they are good citizens who dont break the law.

She has the health department virtually on speed dial. On a given day she might ask them, for example, does posting a menu of available products violate the ban on advertising? Right now we are trying to understand the language thats in legislation for packaging, she said. Its not allowed to be attractive to children.

Why Hawaii hasnt gone ahead and legalized marijuana, I dont know.

Franklin G. Snyder, a law professor at Texas A&M University, says that while nothing Hawaii is doing is especially unusual, the combination makes it one of the strictest laws in the country. The vertical-integration rule might be there to prevent a big tobaccoesque conglomerate from taking over the states marijuana market. Or it might make the industry easier to regulate. He predicts Hawaii might loosen its medical-marijuana regulations after the first few dispensaries get off the ground.

Given the general attitudes in Hawaii, once they get their feet wet, I think they will liberalize, he said.

Kleiman, meanwhile, thinks medical marijuana is often just the first skid on the slippery slope to full legalization. Why Hawaii hasnt gone ahead and legalized marijuana, I dont know, he said.

There is, of course, the other possibility. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who is notoriously anti-pot, might shut Aloha Green and other dispensaries down entirely by enforcing federal drug laws more rigorously. In case that day comes, Cho and her colleagues are making sure theyve followed the law to the letter. It helps that several members of the dispensarys executive team are lawyers.

Everyone wants to just be sure that they are doing the right thing, Cho said, because at the end of the day, we are still dealing with a Schedule I drug.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
Saad al-Hariri said he had been unable to stop Iranian interference in Lebanon - REUTERS

Lebanons prime minister resigned abruptly on Saturday, saying that he was stepping down in protest at Irans interference in his country and feared he would be assassinated like his father 12 years ago.

Saad al-Hariri announced his resignation from Saudi Arabia and the move appeared to have been done in coordination with Riyadh, which sees Iran as an arch-rival to be countered across the Middle East.

"The evil that Iran spreads in the region will backfire on it, Mr Hariri said in a televised address. Despite my efforts, Iran continues to abuse Lebanon.

He also said his life was in danger and he was believed he was being targeted like his father, former prime minister Rafik al-Hariri, who was killed by a massive car bomb in 2005.

We are living in a climate similar to the atmosphere that prevailed before the assassination of martyr Rafik al-Hariri. I have sensed what is being plotted covertly to target my life, he said.

Saad al-Hariri's father, Rafik, was assassinated in 2005 Credit: REUTERS/ Mohamed Azakir

Mr Hariri also lashed out against Hizbollah, the Lebanese militant group which plays a major role in the countrys politics and is strongly supported by Iran.

Hizbollahs armed wing is considered a terrorist group by the US, UK and most Gulf Arab states and new American sanctions imposed on the group may harm Lebanons overall economy. Mr Hariri said the groups actions had put Lebanon in the eye of the storm.

Mr Hariri had been in the role a little over a year and his resignation plunges Lebanon into uncertainty after what had appeared to be a period of progress in the small Middle East state.

In October, the parliament passed its budget since 2005 and last year it successfully elected a president, ending a standoff which had left Lebanon without a head of state for more than two years.

Under Lebanons complicated political power sharing system, the role of prime minister must be held by a Sunni, while the president is Christian and the speaker of the house is a Shia.

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Hizbollah plays a major role in Lebanon's politics and its armed wing is beyond the control of the government

Michael Aroun, the president, is closely aligned with Hizbollah and Mr Hariris resignation may remove one of the few anti-Hizbollah bulwarks inside the Lebanese government.

Mr Hariri announced he was stepping down after a flurry of visits to Saudi Arabia. He travelled to the Sunni kingdom earlier this week and met with the Thamer al-Sabhan, the Saudi minister for Gulf affairs, who takes a hawkish stance against Iranian influence in the region.

Mr Sabhan called for the toppling of Hizbollah and days before Mr Hariris resignation he said he expected astonishing developments, suggesting he may have had advance warning of the Lebanese politicians plans.

Mr Hariri quietly returned to Saudi Arabia later in the week and made his resignation speech from there. Minutes after Mr Hariris speech, the Saudi minister tweeted what appeared to be a warning to Iran: Hands of treachery and aggression must be cut off.

         (@thamersas) November 4, 2017

Iran immediately cast Mr Hariris resignation as part of a US-Saudi plan for control in the Middle East.

"Al-Hariri's resignation was done in coordination with Trump and [Saudi Crown Prince] Mohammed bin Salman to foment tension in Lebanon and the region, Hossein Sheikholeslam, an advisor to Irans foreign ministry, told the Fars News agency, which is closely linked to the government.

Mr Hariri was born in Saudi Arabia and holds Saudi citizenship.

Saudi Arabia has taken a more aggressive stance against Hizbollah in the last two years, arguing it is an Iranian proxy force that is destabilising the Arab world. Hizbollahs supporters say it is an organic Lebanese group that rose up to fight against Israel.

While Hizbollah is fighting in Syria in support of the Assad regime, it also maintains large stockpiles of weapons in southern Lebanon pointed at Israel.

Both Israeli and Lebanese fear that an eventual clash between Hizbollah and the Israeli military is almost inevitable and likely to be bloodier than the 2006 war, which killed around 1,000 Lebanese civilians and 44 Israeli civilians.
Tripoli (AFP) - A Libyan armed group said Saturday it had closed a comic book convention in Tripoli and detained the organisers for an "attack on morals and modesty" in the strife-ridden country.

Hundreds of young Libyans on Friday flocked to the opening of the city's second Comic Con festival, including some dressed up as their favourite heros from American comic books and Japanese manga.

Later in the day members from the Deterrence Force -- a group of mainly conservative Islamists that acts as the police for the UN-backed government -- entered the venue, seized computers and arrested organisers, a participant said.

The group said those responsible for the event would be handed over "to prosecutors for an attack on morals and modesty" as they looked to prey on youths in the city.

"This sort of festival imported from abroad exploits the weakness in their religious faith and their fascination with foreign cultures," said a statement posted on Facebook.

Comic Con began in 1970 as a convention of a few dozen fans who swapped superhero magazines in the United States.

The event has grown in size and spread around the world, including to ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia.

Libya has been wracked by conflict since the fall of dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011 and the country has two rival governments: a United Nations-backed one in the west and a rival administration backed by a military strongman in the east.

Hundreds of different militia groups have stepped in to impose their authority in the security vacuum.
By VIBE

Lil Kim plans to contribute to the market with an upcoming album, aiming to give fans a taste of whats in store with Took Us A Break. But you cant discuss the Queen Bee in this new generation of rappers without traveling back in time to revisit her historic trajectory in the music industry.

While chatting with the crew on HOT 97s Ebro in the Morning, the The Jump Off rapper discussed her debut critically-acclaimed album, Hard Core, and how the cover art took on a life of its own.

That poster was so influential in prisons, in homes, in hoods. I went into the pose naturally Biggie actually picked that photo, she said. Atlantic wasnt too sure if that was the right way to go with me first coming out, This new girl, shes this young girl, I dont know if this is it.' Hard Core made its way to double platinum status with singles like Crush On You, Not Tonight, and No Time.

The Brooklynite also shared her thoughts on Jermaine Dupris headlining story that Biggie pulled a gun out on her in a studio. The memory was recently revealed on the Drink Champs podcast. The story is not exactly how he said it, but its very close to the truth, she said. We did have a very violent relationship. I hate that, but for a while, that was all I attracted. It is what it is. He was everything. You know how it is when youre in the industry, the guys get you whatever you want, but you cant do sh*t. You cant do nothing. The internationally-known artist then broke down the story even further.

First of all, when I was going to do the song with Jermaine, they contacted Un. Biggie wasnt even involved in that, he put himself there. He came because he just wanted to make sure I wasnt going to have any eyes for Usher or Jermaine so he put himself there. Everybody knows I get busy with the pen, but I love when Big used to come and persuade some of my raps because hes the freaking greatest, why wouldnt I? But everybody knows all of my hit records; All About The Benjamins, Get Money, Crush On You, is all me. Puffy can tell, all of these people can tell you. But the influence that he had on my raps in my music, and he used to say it made me lazy sometimes when hes around because I know if Im sitting there and Im stuck on the fourth bar, I know hes got to jump in and be like, Say this. He always wanted me to stay on my own so Hard Core was mainly me and a couple of influences and songs that he influenced. But when we were together it always turned into a lovers quarrel or a lovers nest.

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On the music side, Kim landed a feature with Remy Ma for the latters forthcoming track, Wake Me Up. The morning show hosts asked Kim to speak on the rumors that she and Remy were planning to diss Nicki Minaj on the melody to which she said: I hate that because number one, my mind is always on that bag. The messed up thing is because were real artists, and Remy and me do what we do, no matter what I say, theyre going to be like shes talking about such and such, Kim stated. I feel like people know me and Remy well enough that if were going to talk about somebody were going to say their name, were going to address them, were going to make it that or whatever. Were just making music, were doing what we do. My mind is always on that bag, my mind aint on ol girl or anything else. I dont care about that.

That topic then opened the door for Kim to address her past with Minaj and she said if a conversation ever happened, it would have to be a lucrative discussion.

Some things just cant be mended unless theres a different type of conversation. Some people take it too far. Some people take it to a point where they try to take everything from you or they try to deliberately see you in the ground, she said. With that situation, you get so many windows in life and you get so many times in the music industry to make something right and when you shun it, at one point, people are going to be like youre phony. A snake is a snake. Im not going to pick it up because it was being nice to me, wrapping around my leg. Its still a snake at the end of the day. With that situation, it would probably have to be a business move or conversation because at the end of the day youve proved its a lot of damage. Me and Remy, it was never that much damage between us because there was always a respect there, but when there is a lot of damage done, its like at the end of the day it could happen, but if it happens now its about a check, its about that bag because youre not really real.

Watch the full interview below.

This post Lil Kim Addresses Story That Biggie Smalls Pulled A Gun On Her first appeared on Vibe.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-05 04:45:44|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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KHARTOUM, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) on Saturday regretted entry of Sudanese government forces into a camp for internally displaced persons (IDP) without coordination with the mission.

"On Nov. 2, armed government forces entered Kalma IDP camp, South Darfur, in a show of force to conduct a weapons collection campaign in the state," said UNAMID in a statement Saturday.

"The UNAMID regrets the entry ... was not coordinated with the mission to avoid any potential tension and violence," said UNAMID Joint Special Representative, Jeremiah Mamabolo, in the statement.

UNAMID peacekeepers on the ground during the incident reported that more than 100 government military vehicles, including trucks with mounted weapons and armored personnel carriers, entered parts of the camp.

The mission called on the government and IDPs to work with UNAMID in a collaborative way in order to advance the weapons collection campaign.

Last Sept. 22, at least three IDPs were killed and 26 others injured in clashes between government forces and IDPs who protested in Kalma IDP camp in rejection to a visit by Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.

The Sudanese authorities accused the majority of Kalma IDPs of being loyal to the Sudan Liberation Movement led by Abdul-Wahid Mohamed al Nur, a major armed rebel group in Darfur which refuses to sign a peace deal with the Khartoum government.

The Kalma camp was established in February 2004 in Bileil, some 15 km east of Nyala, the capital city of South Darfur State.

According to the UN World Food Programme and the International Organization for Migration, Kalma, which accommodates 126,200 IDPs, is the biggest IDP camp in Darfur.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-05 05:05:48|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TRIPOLI, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Libyan militia Tripoli Rebels Battalion, the largest armed group allied with the UN-backed government in Tripoli, on Saturday announced willingness to take part in a military operation against criminal groups in southern and western Tripoli.

"The battalion is fully ready and willing to participate with the Western Military Region Command and the Zintan Military Council to clear Jafara and Aziziya areas of illegal criminal gangs," the battalion said in a statement.

The statement referred that the areas of Aziziya and Jafara in western Tripoli, also known as Warshaffana, are a stronghold for many criminals, such as the Popular Front for the Liberation of Libya, a military opposition wing loyal to the late Gaddafi.

"This operation is not against the people of Warshaffana. It aims to secure the area, arrest criminals, and help the official institutions of the state to return, particularly the military and police institutions," the statement stressed.

Although the Government of National Accord in Tripoli denied issuing any orders for military action, the city of Aziziya, some 30 km south of the capital Tripoli, has witnessed movements of forces allied with the government on Thursday to "eliminate crime in the area," according to the military council of the city of Zintan.

Warshaffana suffers unprecedented security chaos, including kidnapping, armed robbery and murder by criminal armed groups.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-05 05:15:50|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ALGIERS, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Book prices have soared in the 22nd International Book Fair of Algiers (SILA) on Sunday amid the financial crisis that the country is currently suffering.

The prices of books are becoming far from the reach of readers, which made it impossible for many of them to buy their preferable books during the fair.

"There was a slight fall in the sales compared with previous fairs," said Head of Algerian Publishers Association Ahmed Madi.

The main cause of the price hike is "the devaluation of the dinar by 35 percent in a year, as all materials used in the process of publishing books, including paper, ink and printers, are from abroad with foreign currency," Mustapha Guellab, owner of the private book publisher El Houda, told Xinhua.

Algeria is hit by a financial crisis due to the decline of crude oil prices in global markets, and the erosion of local exchange reserves, which fell from about 200 billion U.S. dollars in 2014 to 97 billion dollars.

As many as 638 foreign publishers representing 52 countries are exhibiting their books on the fair, including South Africa, China, Russia and India.
Global warming is real. It's happening because of human activities, and it's on the cusp of pushing the climate toward tipping points or other "unforeseen consequences" that could reshape the planet as we know it, warns a new federal report released on Friday.

The report, part of the Fourth National Climate Assessment, is mandated by Congress, and has undergone extensive peer review by the National Academy of Sciences, various federal agencies, and the public. It's the most up-to-date climate science report since the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's last report was issued in 2013, and it paints an increasingly dire picture of where the planet  and the U.S. in particular, is headed.

SEE ALSO: Memo to Trump: Climate change could cost the U.S. government trillions

According to the report, global annually averaged surface air temperatures have increased by about 1 degree Celsius, or 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit, during the past 115 years. "This period is now the warmest in the history of modern civilization," the report states.

Surface temperature change since 1880.

Image: nca4 executive summary.

The last three years alone have been the warmest years on record for the planet since record keeping began, and have featured "record-breaking, climate-related weather extremes," many of which cost billions of dollars.

Contrary to the waffling of Trump administration officials, who have sought to portray climate change as real but the cause of global warming as up for debate, the dozens of scientists who wrote this report found no ambiguity about causality.

The report states (original emphasis included):

This contradicts the views espoused by President Donald Trump, his administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and heads of the Interior and Energy departments.

EPA administrator Scott Pruitt has said that it's not clear how much human activities, such as burning fossil fuels for energy, are causing climate change.

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"I think that measuring with precision human activity on the climate is something very challenging to do and there's tremendous disagreement about the degree of impact, so no, I would not agree that it's a primary contributor to the global warming that we see," Pruitt said in an interview on CNBC, when asked whether he thinks it's been proven that carbon dioxide is the main cause of global warming.

The report isn't exactly heartening

The new study includes updated estimates on sea level rise, and they're not comforting. The report finds that global average sea levels have risen by about 7 to 8 inches since 1900, but that about half that increase  3 inches  has occurred just since 1993.

"Human-caused climate change has made a substantial contribution to this rise since 1900, contributing to a rate of rise that is greater than during any preceding century in at least 2,800 years," the report states.

The relatively small increase in sea level has already resulted in a large increase of so-called "nuisance flooding" in more than a dozen Atlantic and Gulf Coast cities, including Norfolk, Virginia and Miami.

Its having impacts that are detectable, said Bob Kopp, an expert on sea level rise at Rutgers University, in an interview. He cited a five-to-ten-fold increase in nuisance flooding at some locations, and said this is only going to worsen in coming years.

The report projects that future sea level rise will amount to "at least several inches in the next 15 years" and 1 to 4 feet by 2100. The report's authors caution that an increase of as high as 8 feet by the year 2100 "cannot be ruled out," particularly if the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets prove more sensitive to global warming than currently expected.

Compared to the previous National Climate Assessment, which was issued in 2014, this report contains more details on how extreme weather and climate events are changing nationwide. In general, it found that heavy rainfall is "increasing in intensity and frequency" across the U.S., though the increases are highest in the Northeast.

Heatwaves have also become more frequent since the 1960s, which is consistent with expectations from a warming climate, the report found.

Sea level rise projections compared to historical record.

Image: NCA4 Executive summary.

According to the report, between 2021 and 2050, annual average temperatures in the U.S. are expected to rise by about 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit, relative to the period from 1976 to 2005.

The report contains new warnings that the course of climate change beyond the year 2100 will depend on choices made in the next decade or two, since the magnitude of climate change will depend on the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted.

It's possible that if the world does not rein in greenhouse gas emissions, there could be as much as 5 degrees Celsius, or about 9 degrees Fahrenheit, of warming by the end of this century. Already, the amount of carbon dioxide in the air has passed 400 parts per million, which last occurred about 3 million years ago, at a time when sea levels and air temperatures were far higher than today.

"Continued growth in CO2 emissions over this century and beyond would lead to an atmospheric concentration not experienced in tens to hundreds of millions of years," the report warns.

Kate Marvel, a climate scientist at NASA, said the report drives home the fact that "climate change isn't a future issue, it's a current event. We're already experiencing changes in heat waves and heavy precipitation, rising seas, and forest fires," she said in an email.

"There are really no surprises here. It's getting warmer, it's our fault, and we have choices. We're very confident greenhouse gases have driven many observed climate changes. The level of greenhouse gases in the future will determine how bad it gets, and that's our decision," she said.

So far, the Trump administration's policy decisions have been to raise the likelihood that carbon dioxide emissions won't fall according to the most ambitious scenarios outlined in this and previous reports. President Trump announced in June that he's pulling the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Agreement, joining just one other country  Syria  in standing against that treaty. The agreement, which went into force in 2016, aims to limit global warming to well under 2 degree Celsius, or 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit, compared to preindustrial levels by the year 2100.

Trump, along with Pruitt and the rest of his cabinet, have also been dismantling the Obama administration's regulations put in place to cut emissions, including a plan to limit emissions from coal-fired power plants.

There are really no surprises here. It's getting warmer, it's our fault, and we have choices.

Therefore, the report has an air of cognitive dissonance to it, given the huge gap between the conclusions of federal science agencies and federal policies.

The National Climate Assessment is mandated to occur every 4 years under a 1990 law passed by Congress. This chapter, known as the Climate Science Special Report, was already well into its review phase when Trump took office, which made it difficult for the Trump administration to stop, slow, or subvert the process.

Katharine Hayhoe, a climate scientist at Texas Tech University and one of the authors of the new report, said it's "One of the, if not the, most thoroughly peer-reviewed climate science reports ever produced in the United States."

"The findings of this report underscore what weve known to be true for decades: that climate is changing, humans are responsible, and the risks are serious. It also quantifies how every additional gigaton of carbon we produce narrows the window of opportunity to meet global temperature targets and "prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system.

Unlike the previous National Climate Assessment, the new one, of which the report released Friday is just a part, discusses the potential for nasty climate change surprises.

"There is broad consensus that the further and the faster the Earth system is pushed towards warming, the greater the risk of unanticipated changes and impacts, some of which are potentially large and irreversible," the report states.

Examples of such unforeseen changes include a shutting down or dramatic slowing of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, of which the Gulf Stream is a part, as well as the loss of huge portions of the Antarctic and Greenland Ice Sheets.

"We care about a changing climate because it affects us," Hayhoe said. "As the planet warms, many of the natural risks we already face, from heatwaves and wildfires to hurricanes and floods, are amplified. And the further and the faster it changes, the greater the risk of such impacts, on our food, our water, our health, our economy and more."
A Utah man wanted for the murder of a college student killed during an attempted carjacking was arrested after an alert librarian spotted him and tipped off authorities to his whereabouts, police said.

Austin Boutain, 24, is accused of shooting ChenWei Guo in an attempt to take the University of Utah computer science students car in Red Butte Canyon on Monday night.

Guo was with a fellow student, who ran away as Boutain allegedly fired two rounds at her, CBS News reported.

Police said Boutain told them he fired at the woman so there would be no witnesses.

Though she was unharmed, the woman was reportedly so traumatized that she has reportedly struggled to talk with police since the shooting occurred.

Authorities launched a massive hunt for Guos killer, who fled the scene and remained on the loose Tuesday.

Amanda Knox Memorializes Meredith Kercher in Essay on Anniversary of Her Murder

That was when Boutain ducked into Salt Lake City Main Library, where he was greeted by a librarian who immediately recognized him as the man whose photo police had released.

The librarian waited until Boutain was out of earshot and called security, City Library Communications Director Andrew Shaw told The Salt Lake Tribune.

Within minutes, security officers apprehended Boutain in a restroom and held him until police arrived.

He appeared to be unarmed.

A big shout out to a librarian, Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown told reporters at a news conference Tuesday.

Boutain was booked into the Salt Lake County jail on suspicion of aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, criminal homicide, felony discharge of a firearm, possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person and aggravated assault.

He was being held on $2 million bond.

Boutain was recently paroled from an Alabama prison, where he served a year and a half for being a convicted sex offender and failing to report his whereabouts to police.

Police said Boutain told them he recently stole three guns from a home in Colorado.

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It was not clear whether the weapons were taken from the home of Mitchell Ingle, a 63-year-old man who was found dead in his Golden, Colo. trailer on Tuesday.

Ingle was believed to have been dead for several days before his body was discovered.

Boutain and his wife allegedly took Ingles pickup truck and were wanted for questioning in his death, CBS News reported.

Boutain's wife was taken into custody on Monday on unrelated drug and theft charges after she reportedly went to campus to report an assault by her husband.

News of Boutains arrest was bittersweet for those mourning the loss of Guo, a devout Mormon from Beijing who was remembered for his friendliness and generosity.

He would have turned 24 on Sunday.

Boyfriend of Woman Who Vanished 28 Years Ago Is Arrested in Her Murder

When I think about the kind of person I want to be like, I instantly think of you, one friend wrote on his Facebook page. I cant stop crying every time I think about how youre not with us. Tonight it really hit me. I am so blessed that I was one of the people who got close to you. We love you.

The Universitys Asian American Student Association held a candlelight vigil for Guo on Wednesday.

This was a sobering, touching event, a friend wrote. To see the photo of his bright, smiling face lit by all the candles, surrounded by throngs of mourners, was powerful.

A GoFundMe page created to help Guos family and to create a charity in his name had raised more than $28,000 as of Thursday.

Related Articles:
(Photo: Katrina Johnson)

WASHINGTON  A jury in Iowa on Friday found Jorge Sanders-Galvez guilty of first-degree murder in the death of a gender-fluid teenager. The case had attracted the attention of President Donald Trumps Justice Department, which sent a federal hate crimes attorney to aid the prosecution.

Sixteen-year-old Kedarie Johnson was found shot to death last year in Burlington, Iowa. Prosecutors suggested that Sanders-Galvez, 23, and co-defendant Jaron Purham, 26, intended to have sex with Johnson  as they routinely did with women in the house where they stayed  but that they became violent after discovering that Johnson was assigned male at birth. A plastic bag was stuffed down Johnsons throat, and the teenager was found shot and killed in an alley.

Sanders-Galvez argued that he did not know Johnson and had nothing to do with the murder, according to The Des Moines Register. Purham is being tried separately.

Johnson, a well-liked high schooler, sometimes liked to wear girls clothing and go by the name Kandicee, Katrina Johnson, the teens mother, told HuffPost last month. But she compared Johnson to RuPaul, referring to RuPaul Andre Charles, a professional drag queen who is gay and identifies as male. When Johnson came out to her as being interested in boys, she said, she was supportive, though she worried some peers were bullying her child.

The cases against Sanders-Galvez and Purham are not being prosecuted as hate crimes under Iowa state law, which covers sexual orientation but not gender identity. However, a federal grand jury is reportedly being convened to investigate the murder as a possible hate crime, as federal law does cover gender identity.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions took the unexpected step of sending a federal attorney, Christopher Perras, to help prosecute Sanders-Galvez. Given that Sessions has rolled back protections for LGBTQ people more broadly, the move was viewed by some as a Band-Aid on the widespread discrimination that the Trump administration has helped facilitate against this community.

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I love the fact that they have intervened, Katrina Johnson told HuffPost last month. But it shouldnt have taken for a child to lose his life, and for everybody to think it was a hate crime, for them to step up and do something, she added, using the male pronoun to refer to Kedarie Johnson. They need to continue to do something, even after this case is over.

Katrina Johnson did not immediately respond to comment on Friday, but she wrote in a Facebook post that JUSTICE HAS BEEN SERVED.

Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's former campaign manager Paul Manafort offered to post $12 million in real estate and life insurance assets and to limit his travel in a bid to avoid continued house arrest, according to court documents filed on Saturday.

Manafort, who ran Trump's presidential campaign for several months last year, and associate Richard Gates earlier this week pleaded not guilty to a 12-count indictment by a federal grand jury. The charges included conspiracy to launder money, conspiracy against the United States and failing to register as foreign agents of Ukraine's former pro-Russia government.

In the Saturday court filing, Manafort offered to limit his travel to New York, Washington and Florida.

U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson had said on Thursday initial bail terms would remain in place and set a bail hearing for Monday to consider changes. On Friday, she suggested a potential May 7 trial date.

Manafort and Gates are under house arrest, under unsecured bonds of $10 million and $5 million, respectively, which means they do not have to post the bail unless they fail to show up for court or violate other conditions.

Prosecutors have argued there is a risk the men would flee and they are subject to electronic monitoring.

The charges include conspiracy to launder money, conspiracy against the United States and failing to register as foreign agents of Ukraines former pro-Russian government. They are part of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of alleged Russian efforts to tilt the 2016 election in Trump's favor and into potential collusion by Trump associates.

Peter Carr, a spokesman for Mueller, declined to comment on Saturday.

Manafort in the filing also explained why he had three passports, a fact noted by prosecutors. Manafort's lawyer, Kevin Downing, rejected suggestions that Manafort was a "Jason Bourne character" - referencing a fictitious, globe-trotting rogue covert agent.

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"The facts are much more mundane," Downing wrote.

Rather, Manafort had two passports, including one for submitting to foreign governments to receive visas while traveling on the other, his lawyers said. A third passport was issued because he had lost one and contacted passport services to advise them he had found it.

Downing also wrote that funds Manafort had deposited in Cyprus accounts were legal.

Federal prosecutors said in a court filing on Tuesday that Manaforts financial assets were substantial, but difficult to quantify because he listed figures on loan applications and other financial documents since 2012 that ranged from $19 million to $136 million.

The investigation has cast a shadow over the first nine months of the Trump presidency. For Manafort and Gates, a conviction on conspiracy to launder money alone could carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

(Reporting by David Shepardson, Additional reporting by Karen Freifeld editing by G Crosse)
Aloha!

President Trump and Melania Trump made a quick stop in Hawaii on Friday before officially beginning their tour of Asia, and the first lady stepped off the plane in an outfit fitting for the warmer temps. Melania was a vision in a white, sleeveless wrap dress that she accessorized with a skinny black belt that cinched at her waist.

The 47-year-old added a bold twist to the look with a pair of Manolo Blahnik snakeskin pumps.

During their short visit, the first couple headed Honolulu, Hawaii, to visit the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, being greeted with traditional leis around their neck. They also participated in a wreath ceremony to remember all those who died on the attack on December 7, 1941, and threw flower petals into the battleships sunken remains underneath.

Earlier in the day, Melania turned heads while departing the White House in a striking purple Emilio Pucci coat dress that she paired with stilettos of the same hue and dark sunglasses. The belted number hit below the knees and showed off her toned stems.

The first couple is headed to Asia for the longest presidential trip in years. The president and first lady will visit Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines until November 14.

For more on Melania's fashion, watch the video above!
Taika Waititis Thor: Ragnarok does a lot of weird things and goes to a lot of strange places, but the craziest thing to happen in the movie has everything to do with, well, Ragnarok itself.

Major spoilers for Thor: Ragnarok and the Asgardian apocalypse follow.

Youd think that the destruction of Asgard would come at the hands of the films principal villain, Hela, the Goddess of Death. (Actually, you might not expect Asgard to actually get destroyed at all, since these movies usually dont have quite so dire endings). Hela draws power from Asgard, and can materialize Necroswords of all shapes and sizes, flinging them about with her telekinetic powers. Hela also uses a magical firepit called the Eternal Flame to reanimate tons of undead soldiers and her monstrous black wolf Fenrir. She might be the films Big Bad, but its sort of a fakeout all along.

In real Norse mythology, Ragnarok is your run-of-the-mill apocalypse resulting in lots of death and destruction. Within Marvel comics, it represents a cycle of death and rebirth that climaxes with the destruction of Asgard. Over in the MCU, the only slight difference is that Thor has visions of Asgard getting totally destroyed by fire, he spends the movie trying to prevent it yet ultimately causes it himself.

Wow.

Not even the Revengers can stop Hela directly.

When Thor: Ragnarok opens, the God of Thunder is imprisoned in the lair of a hellish-looking fire demon named Surtur. The opening sequence does a great job of re-establishing Thor as a badass, introducing the films humorous tone, and offering up a really fun spectacle to watch. He takes care of Surtur, kills his pet dragon, and makes it back to Asgard in time to depose the false king. Normally, youd think that after Thor ripped Surturs crown off, hed just lock it in Odins vault and thatd be the last we ever saw of him.

But when the Revengers cant defeat Hela in battle, they realize the only way to get rid of her is to deliberately cause Ragnarok by summoning a fully-powered Surtur. The Asgardian survivors leave on an arc stolen from The Grandmaster, but a gigantic Surtur kills Hela (presumably) and reduces Asgard to a pile of dust, Alderaan-style. Thors now the ruler of a migrant race of people, most of the friends he grew up with are dead, refugees en route to Earth.

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Its totally insane.

Silly Hulk tries to fight Surtur.

The first post-credits scene of Thor: Ragnarok makes it seem like someone powerful has a very different idea in mind for Thors ship.

If the Avengers: Infinity War trailer played at D23 and Comic-Con is any indication, then Thors bound for a meeting with the Guardians of the Galaxy before long. Its going to be a rough, wild ride for the God of Thunder.

Thor: Ragnarok is now in theaters.

Photos via Marvel Studios (1, 2, 3)

Photos via Marvel Studios (1, 2, 3)

Written by Corey Plante

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Jerusalem (AFP) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that the resignation of Lebanon's premier, and his stated reasons, should serve as an "alarm call" to the world about Iran's ambitions.

Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri said earlier he was stepping down, citing Iran's "grip" on his country and what he called threats to his life.

"The resignation of Lebanese Prime Minister Hariri and his remarks are a wake-up call to the international community to take action against Iranian aggression," Netanyahu said in a Hebrew-language statement released by his office.

Israel says that Lebanon's Iran-backed Shiite movement Hezbollah has long held the reins of power in Lebanon and is seeking to strengthen its role in neighbouring Syria, where it is allied to President Bashar al-Assad in the country's brutal civil war.

Iran, said Netanyahu, "is trying to turn Syria into Lebanon II".

"This aggression endangers not only Israel, but the entire Middle East," he added. "The international community must unite and stand up against this aggression."

In a speech broadcast from Saudi Arabia by the Al-Arabiya news network, Hariri accused Tehran of "creating a state within the state... to the extent that it gets the final say on how Lebanon's affairs are run".

"Iran has a grip on the fate of the region's countries," Hariri said. "Hezbollah is Iran's arm not just in Lebanon but in other Arab countries too."

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said that Hariri confirmed what Israel has long been saying.

"In practice Lebanon has been occupied by Hezbollah and the Iranians," he told the private Reshet TV channel on Saturday.

"This axis is operating inside Lebanon, inside Syria and is extending its patronage into the Gaza Strip," Lieberman said.
By Greg Lacour

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (Reuters) - U.S. Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl on Friday was spared prison for endangering his comrades in arms when he deserted in Afghanistan in 2009, a sentence swiftly condemned by President Donald Trump, who while seeking election had called for his execution.

"The decision on Sergeant Bergdahl is a complete and total disgrace to our Country and to our Military," Trump posted on Twitter from Air Force One as he flew to Asia at the start of a lengthy tour of the region.

A military judge recommended that Bergdahl should be dishonorably discharged from the service, demoted to private and forfeit $10,000 in pay. Army Colonel Jeffery Nance took less than a minute to render his decision and made no other comment.

Bergdahl was captured eight years ago by the Taliban after walking off his combat outpost. He endured torture and malnutrition while held prisoner by the insurgent group for nearly five years. His case sparked a national debate over whether he was a victim or a villain.

The soldier, who had pleaded guilty to desertion and misbehavior before the enemy, faced a maximum term of life in prison.

Late Friday morning, the 31-year-old Hailey, Idaho, native trembled as he waited to hear his punishment in a courtroom in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Defense lawyers, who had urged Nance to show leniency, said after sentencing that Bergdahl was relieved and eager to move on, though they would not discuss his plans. Bergdahl has remained on active duty at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.

"This has been a terrible ordeal," said one of his lawyers, Eugene Fidell.

Neither Bergdahl nor prosecutors, who had sought a 14-year prison term, commented.

Soldiers who testified about the hardships and injuries suffered in the hunt for Bergdahl after he walked off his post in Paktika province in June 2009 without permission said they were disappointed by the sentence.

"Its definitely a slap in the face," former Army Specialist Jonathan Morita said in a phone interview. Morita's right hand was mangled by a rocket-propelled grenade during a July 2009 raid seeking intelligence on Bergdahl's whereabouts.

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Along with criticism over the years from U.S. political leaders and fellow soldiers over the dangerous searches prompted by Bergdahl's actions, the conditions of his release sparked controversy.

In May 2014, Bergdahl was handed over to U.S. special operations troops in Afghanistan in exchange for five Taliban detainees, who were released from the Guantanamo Bay prison and flown to Qatar.

Last year, as a Republican presidential candidate, Trump called Bergdahl "a no-good traitor who should have been executed."

Responding to a defense motion on Trump's comments, Colonel Nance ruled they had not influenced him nor affected Bergdahl's chances of a fair sentence. However, the judge said he would consider them a mitigating factor.

Defense attorney Fidell said on Friday that Americans should be offended by Trump's behavior.

"President Trump's unprincipled effort to stoke a lynch-mob atmosphere while seeking our nation's highest office has cast a dark cloud over the case," he said.

A dishonorable discharge, issued for the most serious offenses, cuts off all military and veterans benefits, including healthcare from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

That could pose difficulties for Bergdahl, who, according to testimony, suffered significant nerve damage while a Taliban prisoner and has several mental health conditions.

His punishment must be approved by the commanding general of the U.S. Army Forces Command and then will automatically be reviewed on appeal. The discharge will not take effect until an appellate court affirms Bergdahl's conviction and sentence.

Two portraits of Bergdahl emerged during the sentencing proceedings.

Defense lawyers said he was a young, hardworking soldier who did not understand the full consequences of his actions when he left to report what he said were problems in his unit.

Bergdahl apologized in court this week for the pain he caused fellow service members and admitted he had made "a horrible mistake."

But prosecutors said Bergdahl knew he would trigger alarm in the war zone. They acknowledged he suffered during his years as a Taliban prisoner, but argued it resulted from his choices and did not diminish the harm he caused others.

Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Addicott said he was surprised by the judge's decision.

"You had several members of our military who have been maimed for the rest of their life because of what Bergdahl did, so he should have received jail time, in my opinion," said Addicott, now a law professor at St. Marys University in San Antonio, Texas.

(Reporting by Greg Lacour; Additional reporting by Jim Forsyth, Colleen Jenkins and Makini Bruce; Writing by Colleen Jenkins; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-05 06:16:02|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ANKARA, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim held a phone conversation with his Libyan counterpart Fayez al-Serraj late Saturday to discuss the situation of three Turkish nationals kidnapped in Libya.

According to a statement from Turkish Prime Ministry's Press Office, Yildirim said that Turkey expected the three Turkish citizens to be found "as soon as possible."

"We are ready for granting any kind of assistance in this matter," said Yildirim.

Al-Serraj informed the developments, saying that Libyan government would use every means available to help rescue the Turkish workers.

An armed group kidnapped on Friday three Turkish and one Germany workers from a Turkish engineering and construction firm in Libya's southwestern Ubari region.

The Libyan security forces have launched an operation to find the missing workers, said Libyan officials.
(NEW YORK)  New York City police said Friday that an actress rape allegations against Harvey Weinstein are credible, and if the movie mogul was in the state and the accusation more recent, they would move to arrest him immediately.

Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce said investigators have interviewed actress Paz de la Huerta. She has publicly accused Weinstein of raping her twice in her apartment in 2010 and called police about it on Oct. 26.

Boyce said detectives found the Boardwalk Empire actress story believable and that two people corroborated portions of her account. They have subpoenaed people in the case.

If this person was still in New York, and it was recent, wed go right away and make the arrest. No doubt, Boyce said of Weinstein. But were talking about a 7-year-old case. And we have to move forward gathering evidence first.

The factors that made her story credible included: The ability to articulate each and every minute of the crime, where she was, where they met, where this happened and what he did, he said.

An email message sent to Weinstein representative Sallie Hofmeister was not immediately returned. Weinstein, 65, has previously denied all allegations of non-consensual sex.

The investigation comes a month after The New York Times published an expose of sexual harassment allegations against Weinstein, leading to his firing from the company he co-founded and his expulsion from the organization that bestows the Academy Awards. Since then, dozens of women have come forward to tell similar tales of harassment or assault.

Investigators in London and California were also looking into allegations made by women, but no other department has suggested allegations could result in criminal charges. New York doesnt have a statute of limitations on rape charges.

De la Huerta told CBS News that the first rape occurred in October 2010 after Weinstein gave her a ride home from a party, insisted on having a drink in her apartment and forced himself on her. She said the second rape occurred in December 2010 after Weinstein came to her apartment. She had been drinking and was not in a condition to give consent, CBS reported the actress said.

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Police said she didnt come forward earlier because she was afraid of damaging her career and wasnt sure anyone would believe the allegations against such a powerful Hollywood player.

Weinstein has an apartment in New York City, but his exact whereabouts Friday were unknown. His representatives have not responded to inquiries about where he is, but TMZ on Friday posted a photo of a man it said was Weinstein in disguise eating at a Phoenix restaurant.

A person who answered the phone and said he was a manager at the Chestnut Fine Foods & Provisions restaurant in Phoenix said Weinstein dined there Thursday night. The person declined to give their name.

New York City investigators could seek an arrest warrant, which requires a court order, or hand the evidence over to prosecutors to put the allegations to a grand jury to seek an indictment. Either way, they need collaboration from Manhattan prosecutors, who put the brakes on a 2015 investigation into Weinstein.

Ambra Battilana Gutierrez told police the movie magnate touched her thigh, grabbed her breasts and asked are these real? during a meeting in his Manhattan office on March 27, 2015. Police investigated it as a possible case of forcible touching, a misdemeanor with a two-year time limit for bringing charges under New York law.

Investigators conducted a sting, listening to a call between the two and getting the Italian model to record an in-person encounter in which Weinstein alternated between trying to persuade her to come into his hotel room and apologizing for his conduct at his office.

No charges were brought, because the district attorney concluded they were not supported.

After the recent flood of allegations against Weinstein brought new scrutiny of that decision, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vances top assistant prosecutor said that police had arranged the 2015 sting without prosecutors knowledge and that there were other proof issues. The NYPD pushed back, saying it had used established investigative techniques to present prosecutors with a recording that corroborated Gutierrezs complaint, plus other statements and information.

But Boyce said detectives were working collaboratively with the district attorneys office on this case. Vances office said a senior prosecutor has been assigned but didnt comment further.

The Associated Press does not typically identify people who say they are victims of sexual assault unless they speak publicly, which de la Huerta and Guiterrez have done.
Deaths by drug overdose spiked by 21% last year, amounting to a larger jump than over the previous four years combined, according to new federal data that starkly illustrate what President Trump has declared a national emergency.

Every quarter of 2016 saw an increase in drug-related deaths.

Overall rates of overdose-related deaths in America have more than tripled in this century, according to Bloomberg. The analysis for 2016 is anchored in provisional data from the CDC, which calculates mortality data from death certificates maintained by state and local authorities. Because drug deaths take a long time to certify, final numbers will be calculated by the end of the year.

Trumps emergency declaration last month was intended to unlock additional funds and allow wider, quicker access to treatment. However, some state officials and medical experts have argued that, while a definite step in the right direction, the newly-released funding will still take time to reach states and counties.

Trumps declaration came after allegations that the U.S.s biggest drug distributors  and some senior politicians had colluded to fuel the opioid epidemic, leading directly to thousands of avoidable deaths.

Addictive opioids were responsible for more than 60% of the 52,000-plus drug overdose deaths in 2016. On Tuesday, the State of New Jersey sued OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma, accusing it of deceptive marketing to doctors and patients, including the elderly and the opioid-naive.
Special counsel Robert Muellers indictment of Paul Manafort and Rick Gates isnt just making the White House anxious, its also drawing some scorn a few blocks away from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. on the famed K Street lobbying corridor.

Thats because two of the included charges are for violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), a provision of federal law that requires lobbyists to disclose ties to foreign clients. FARA has become a bit of a headache for individuals in President Donald Trumps orbit, several of whom have seemed to struggle with complying with the law.

FARA has been popping up all over the investigation into Russian interference and possible collusion in the 2016 election. Even before the Manafort-Gates indictment, FARA registration questions surrounding Russian propaganda outlets RT and Sputnik made headlines, as did the news that former Trump national security advisor Michael Flynn was forced to belatedly disclose lobbying activity he had conducted on behalf of entities tied to the Turkish government. (See, for example, Steve Vladecks primer on the law from back in April).

Still, few could have seen Mondays stunning indictments coming. Washington lobbyists  many of whom regularly represent the interests of foreign governments, companies, or individuals  are crying foul over the apparently selective indictment of Manafort and Gates for their violation. As one writer noted:

Manafort is hardly the only Washington lobbyist who appears to have flouted the FARA rules. Evading registration is childs play for Washington pros.

Why? Because even though its been commonplace for firms and individuals to sidestep filing requirements for decades, FARAs 79 years on the books have produced few prosecutions and, since heavy revisions in 1966, precisely one criminal conviction. Given that enforcement history, its easy to understand why some are so baffled by the Mueller teams approach in indicting Manafort for the FARA violations and why they might be suddenly concerned about their own legal liability.

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But any shifts in FARA enforcement pertaining to Manafort become clearer when considered against the background of how the law has been enforced until now, and why.

FARA says that No person shall act as an agent of a foreign principal unless he has filed with the Attorney General a true and complete registration statement and supplements thereto. This means that anyone who qualifies as the agent of a foreign principal  not to be confused with an agent of a foreign power under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act  must submit a registration filing with an array of information including names and business addresses, plus copies of contractual arrangements with and contributions from foreign principals. (For an example of the requirements, see this summary of Paul Manaforts 87-page filing, the statutory provision listing the requirements, 22 U.S. Code  612, or check out Steve Vladecks primer from back in April.) Registrants must make supplemental filings every six months to update the Department of Justice on their status. All registrants must attest to the truth of their statements under oath, which makes any false or incomplete FARA statements a crime.

So who qualifies as the agent of a foreign principal? Section 611(c) defines an agent of a foreign principal as:

any person who acts as an agent, representative, employee, or servant, or any person who acts in any other capacity at the order, request, or under the direction or control, of a foreign principal or of a person any of whose activities are directly or indirectly supervised, directed, controlled, financed, or subsidized in whole or in major part by a foreign principal, and who directly or through any other person (i) engages within the United States in political activities for or in the interests of such foreign principal; (ii) acts within the United States as a public relations counsel, publicity agent, information-service employee or political consultant for or in the interests of such foreign principal; (iii) within the United States solicits, collects, disburses, or dispenses contributions, loans, money, or other things of value for or in the interest of such foreign principal; or (iv) within the United States represents the interests of such foreign principal before any agency or official of the Government of the United States; and any person who agrees, consents, assumes or purports to act as, or who is or holds himself out to be, whether or not pursuant to contractual relationship, an agent of a foreign principal as defined in clause (1) of this subsection.

As to foreign principal, 22 U.S. Code  611(b) says they may be:

Foreign governments or political parties Persons located outside of the United States who are not U.S. resident citizens A foreign company, including a partnership, association, corporation, or other combination of persons organized under the laws of or having its principal place of business in a foreign country

And for the purposes for FARA, Section 611(a) says, persons includes an individual, partnership, association, corporation, organization, or any other combination of individuals.

Nearly every agent of a foreign principal must register with the Justice Department, with exceptions for people like diplomats, foreign dignitaries, lawyers engaged in the legal representation of a registered foreign principal in U.S. courts, priests, artists, and perhaps most notably, any news or press service organized under the laws of the United States. (So a law firm lobbying on behalf of a foreign government to change import tariffs probably has to register, but the BBC? No need.)

Keep in mind: FARA does not prohibit foreign agents from any specific actions (besides lying on a FARA registration form). It merely creates a system that lets the Justice Department monitor the political activity of foreign agents within the United States and creates criminal liability  to the tune of up to five years in prison  for those who dont do so.

Why, then, are some observers questioning the propriety of charging Manafort  who doesnt obviously qualify for any of the above exceptions  with a FARA violation? The answer has to do with how the Justice Department has enforced FARA in the past.

The Foreign Agents Registration Act was originally enacted in 1938 as a measure to monitor foreign propagandists, especially from Nazi Germany, in the United States. Early enforcement practice was to send letters to potential agents of foreign powers advising them of their possible obligation to register. As the U.S. Attorneys Manual entry on FARA enforcement notes:

The practice was not without its enforcement significance, since receipt of the letter could sometimes be used to help prove the willfulness of the failure to register, as, for example, in United States v. John Joseph Frank.

But as the United States and Soviet Union entered the Cold War, Congresss priorities for FARA changed: A cadre of amendments in 1966 refocused the law on targeting agents engaged in political activity to influence U.S. government decisionmaking for their foreign principals advantage. The higher burden of proof arising from the political activity standard, along with other administrative procedures that the Justice Department uses in FARA enforcement, drastically reduced the incidence of criminal FARA prosecutions and increased civil and administrative resolution of FARA questions. Since the amendments, as the U.S. Attorneys Manual explains, the cornerstone of the [National Security Division] Registration Units enforcement efforts is encouraging voluntary compliance where there is no evidence of bad intent.

Potential or current registrants may also ask the National Security Division about its intentions to enforce FARA under 28 CFR 5.2 (colloquially called Rule 2). That provision says:

After submission of a review request, the National Security Division, in its discretion, may state its present enforcement intention under the Act with respect to the proposed conduct; may decline to state its present enforcement intention; or, if circumstances warrant, may take such other position or initiate such other action as it considers appropriate.

Modern practice under current department policy has been that if, through Rule 2 guidance, the Justice Department informs a current or potential agent that theyre violating FARA, the department typically allows some period of time for the party to come under compliance before considering further action.

Given that the department hasnt been enforcing the criminal provisions of the law, is the special counsel giving Manafort and Gates an unfair shake by charging them with FARA violations?

Some of that depends on facts we still dont know. But we do know that according to the indictment, Manafort and Gates lobbied members of Congress on behalf of the party and government of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych  entities that clearly fall within 22 U.S. Code  611(b)s definition of a foreign principal  about political repression in and U.S. sanctions on Ukraine. They were paid many millions of dollars for the effort. And both failed to register in a timely manner under FARA.

At least some of those facts line up with the common threads in recent FARA investigations. Though, as many are noting, criminal investigations under FARA are infrequent, the U.S. Attorneys Manual states that recent investigations tend to involve:

Millions of dollars in receipts or expenditures by the prospective defendants Core violations of FARA with jury appeal Evidence of willfulness

(We dont know how many such investigations resulted in filed charges.)

Moreover, a change in Justice Department enforcement priorities may have been in the pipeline anyway. A September 2016 audit by the Justice Departments inspector general concluded what many already knew: FARA procedures are not producing their intended results.

FARA registrants are frequently late in submitting required documentation and are often unresponsive to FARA Unit requests to update their information. Because timely and complete disclosure of foreign agent political and quasi-political activities are central to the act, we believe the FARA Unit should be more proactive and assess whether additional tools may be available to assist it in its efforts to identify and monitor these foreign agents.

The high profile of the special counsel investigation makes the charges against Manafort and Gates an especially resonant shot across the bow, but that doesnt mean that the Justice Department didnt already have plans in the works to ramp up FARA enforcement. Well have to wait and see whether the trend continues, but it appears to have caught the attention of Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), who introduced legislation to amend FARA to improve compliance and give the attorney general more authority to bring civil and criminal actions against those who violate the law.

Lobbyists, be vigilant.
The deadliest terror attack in New York City since 9/11 left people in mourning across the country. Sayfullo Saipov is accused of killing eight people and injuring several others by mowing them down in a rented truck on a Manhattan bike trail. President Trump tweeted that the Uzbek immigrant should get the death penalty and that he'd love to send him to Guantanamo Bay.



Other major headlines of the week included U.S. Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl being spared prison time in his desertion case, a man fatally shooting three people inside a Colorado Walmart and the unveiling of the massive new GOP tax bill.

Click through the slideshow above to see photos from all of these events and more, and be sure to check back next weekend for our selection of the best photography from the week.
A rogue customer service representative shut down President Trumps Twitter account on their last day of work, an 11-minute outage that prompted the Presidents critics to celebrate online.

But while it was mostly harmless, the brief suspension of the most-followed world leader on Twitter raises serious questions. In fact, Trumps critics should be the most concerned about how it happened, since theyre more likely to be worried about Russian attempts to meddle in U.S. politics.

My Twitter account was taken down for 11 minutes by a rogue employee. I guess the word must finally be getting out-and having an impact.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 3, 2017

A former senior employee of Twitter told BuzzFeed that a lot of employees can suspend a users account and that a few hundred can deactivate one using a process that does not require any special engineering skills.

Its one click if you have the rights to access the tool, the employee told BuzzFeed.

(Technically, Trumps Twitter account was deactivated, not suspended or deleted.)

That might make sense for a staffer whose job is to look for accounts specifically set up to harass other users. In fact, critics have long charged that the social media company doesnt do enough to fight harassment, especially of women and minorities.

But for a high-profile political account like President Trumps, a simple move like requiring two employees to sign off before shutting down an account would be a simple engineering fix.

The fact that Twitter didnt make that change  in spite of the huge risk to its own image, as seen by Fridays news  raises questions about how its handling other sensitive questions behind the scenes.

The same week that Trumps Twitter account was suspended, a Twitter employee told Bloomberg News that the company ignored evidence that Ukranian and Russian trolls were setting up accounts. The Daily Beast revealed that Trump campaign adviser Michael Flynn, who later served as national security advisor, followed and retweeted some of the 2,750 Russian trolls in the days leading up to the election. And Jenna Abrams, a Twitter user whose deliberately provocative conservative opinions were spread all over the internet, was revealed to be a Russian troll.

Meantime, Facebooks general counsel admitted to Congress that the company should have caught Russian accounts which were used to buy ads in an attempt to influence the U.S. election. The companys estimate of how many users saw Russian propaganda was updated to 126 million users. And Congress released images of some of the ads which were bought, showing how they played up divisions among Americans along lines of race and religion.

In two days of testimony before Congress this week, representatives of Facebook, Google and Twitter promised that they would do more to crack down on Russian attempts to meddle in U.S. politics. But Twitters handling of the president of the United States own account shows they have a long way to go to earn back Americans trust.
President Trump said he doesnt remember much about meeting with a campaign adviser who pleaded guilty to lying to federal agents.

Speaking to reporters on the White House lawn before leaving for a 12-day trip to Asia, Trump downplayed a meeting his campaign had which featured foreign policy advisor George Papadopoulos in March of 2016. Trump posted an image of the meeting on Instagram and Twitter at the time, noting that he was meeting with my national security team.

But speaking Friday, Trump downplayed the meeting.

It was a very unimportant meeting, he said, according to pool reports. It took place a long time ago. Dont remember much about it.

In recent days, Trump has dismissed Papadopoulos as a low-level volunteer and a liar, while White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders has argued that the one-time advisers contacts with Russians, which got him in trouble when he lied about them to investigators with special counsel Robert Muellers probe, were outside the scope of the campaign.
When Donald Trump was a presidential candidate, hed often lead his crowds in chants of lock her up, arguing that his opponent Hillary Clinton should go to jail. Now that hes president, his continued calls for Clinton and Democratic officials to be investigated take on a new, inappropriate heft.

Over the past 24 hours, Trump has said multiple times that the Justice Department should investigate Clinton and the Democratic Party. At some point the Justice Department, and the FBI, must do what is right and proper, he tweeted, specifically saying they should look into the deleted E-mails, Uranium, Podesta, the Server.

....People are angry. At some point the Justice Department, and the FBI, must do what is right and proper. The American public deserves it!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 3, 2017

This marks a major breach of protocol for how presidents typically interact with the Justice Department. While nested within the executive branch, DOJ operates with some independence from the White House so its work isnt swayed by political pressure.

The public needs to have confidence that DOJ chooses to investigate and prosecute a particular person not in order to please the President or others in the White House, but rather because the interests of justice are furthered by that use of prosecutorial powers, says Jonathan Biran, a former federal prosecutor.

In a January memo, Trumps counsel Don McGahn wrote that the White House should communicate with the Justice Department on matters that do not relate to a particular contemplated or pending investigation or case. This and other rules concerning communication between Justice and the White House, McGahn wrote, must be followed in order to ensure that DOJ exercises its investigatory and prosecutorial functions free from the fact or appearance of improper political influence.

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If a DOJ prosecutor or FBI agent received information warranting an investigation of Clinton or Democratic entities, the prosecutor should move forward with that investigation based on her considered judgment, says Andrew Wright, associate professor at Savannah Law School. That decision should not be made because Donald Trump wants it done or it would make his political life easier.

Trump knows this, at least on some level. The saddest thing is, because I am the President of the United States, I am not supposed to be involved with the Justice Department. Im not supposed to be involved with the FBI. Im not supposed to be doing the kind of things I would love to be doing and I am very frustrated by it, Trump said a radio interview Thursday. Its very discouraging to me. Ill be honest, Im very unhappy with it, that the Justice Department isnt goingmaybe they are but you know as president, and I think you understand this, as a president youre not supposed to be involved in that process.

Now, even if the Justice Department were to determine on its own that it should investigate Clinton or the Democratic National Committee, Trumps comments could make a legitimate investigation harder to carry out. There [would be] an appearance that youre doing it for political reasons, says Solomon Wisenberg, who was in the independent counsels office for the Whitewater investigation during Bill Clintons presidency.

The Justice Department declined to comment for this piece.

Its worth nothing that the FBI did investigate Clintons use of a private email server while she was Secretary of State, and in the summer of 2016, former FBI chief James Comey said the agency did not recommend bringing any criminal charges against her. But Trumps treatment of Comey marks the most significant example so far in his presidency of his willingness to smudge the lines traditionally separating the Justice Department (of which the FBI is a part) from the West Wing.

In May, Trump fired Comey, ostensibly because of his handling of the email investigation but in part, critics worried, because of the investigation into Russian influence in Trumps campaign. According to congressional testimony by Comey, the president had told him, I expect loyalty. The president has the power to fire the head of the FBI, but it had only happened once before in American history.

Its unlikely that Trumps tweets will have any undue sway over the Justice Department lawyers. But the behavior is troubling, says Wisenberg, particularly when you have a president like Trump who doesnt understand anything about the norms of these things.
President Trumps declaration of opioids as a public health emergency left jurisdictions across the country  including New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago, the cities and county we serve as health commissioners and director  scrambling to understand the actual impact that this legal action will have on our response to an alarming increase in drug overdose deaths. In our cities, 2,650 people died last year of a drug overdose, the largest number on record.

Given the public health emergency designation, answers to three basic questions will determine the significance of this action: How much funding for public health responses will states and cities actually be able to access to support a long-term response to this deadly epidemic; how those dollars can be used; and for how long new funds will be available.

To be clear, the Presidents declaration of a public health emergency is an overdue recognition of the reality of the opioid epidemic in our cities and across the country. But it is definitely short from the much anticipated declaration of national emergency the President had promised, and without much-needed resources to expand effective interventions it will be largely symbolic.

The Presidents commission on combating the opioid epidemic has reportedly finalized a 53-page recommendation document that will guide the implementation of this plan. While we wait for official details, we remain very concerned about the future of another crucial piece in our nations response to the alarming increase in overdose deaths: Medicaid  perhaps the most significant source of funds to treat opioid addiction.

In his speech last week, the President prompted Americans to know that the federal government is aggressively fighting the opioid epidemic on all fronts. As we assess the Presidents announcement, we must remember that the true test of how seriously our country takes the opioid crisis will come down to our commitment to preserve our public insurance program for low-income people.

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Ironically, just as President Trump hypes his announcement, at the same time  in a position drastically at odds with a plan to combat the opioid crisis  he is still pressuring Congress to make extensive cuts to Medicaid. His tax plan, now being debated by Congress, includes a substantial $1 trillion cut to the program by 2026. His Administration has also overtly advocated for including cuts to Medicaid in a new health care bill. While not in the headlines at the moment, the legislative push for repealing the Affordable Care Act is far from over. In his announcement of an executive order on health care two weeks ago, the President promised a new bill in the coming months that will have broad support from the GOP; if the two failed health care bills are any indication of what is to come, an ACA repeal will slash Medicaid by hundreds of billions of dollars.

If the President succeeds at dismantling Medicaid, the emergency declaration will do little to reverse Americas upward trend of overdose deaths.

Medicaid has given millions of Americans access to substance use disorder treatment, providing health care coverage to some 3 in 10 people with opioid addiction in 2015. The program covers addiction treatment services, including reimbursement for the life-saving medications buprenorphine, methadone and naloxone. It also helps fund other approaches that we know work  including raising awareness and reducing stigma about drug use and distributing naloxone, an emergency medication to reverse overdose. Currently, over half of the states have increased access for Medicaid enrollees to naloxone. This is not just about the urban centers we serve; a cut to Medicaid is going to be felt in other parts of the country where the epidemic is acute, from New Mexico to New Hampshire.

For a full and honest response to the opioid crisis, we urge President Trump to support the bipartisan health care bill currently before the Senate, which would not change the number of people with Medicaid or private health insurance coverage. The Presidents support of this bill, along with the emergency declaration, will protect access to health insurance for people with drug addiction and at risk of an overdose. We cannot risk their lives. Our leaders in Washington must continue to give Americans the resources they need to get effective care to prevent overdose and treat addiction. Without a true commitment to reverse this deadly trend, these entirely preventable deaths will continue to soar.
Protests in Seoul ahead of Trumps South Korea visit Demonstrators march toward the U.S. Embassy during a protest ahead of President Donald Trumps visit in Seoul, South Korea, on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017. (Photo: Seong Joon Cho/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

In South Korea, President Donald Trump  unlike many of his predecessors  will not travel to the Demilitarized Zone dividing the Korean peninsula. Instead he will deliver what is set to be a closely-scrutinized speech before the countrys national assembly.

Seoul will be hoping during Trumps two-day visit starting Tuesday for a reaffirmation of its alliance with Washington, at a time when the North is pushing ahead with its nuclear and ballistic missile programs in defiance of the international community.

There is widespread concern in South Korea that Trumps visit might worsen the situation if he fails to dampen his fierce rhetoric.

Because of his tendency to veer off the script, many Koreans are worried that he may let loose, Professor Yang Moo-Jin of the University of North Korean Studies told AFP.

Some 500 protesters took to the streets in Seoul Saturday, chanting slogans and waving banners as they accused Trump of bringing the Korean peninsula to the brink of war. (AFP)

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Racist flyers began to circulate on Friday night falsely linking a New Jersey mayoral candidate with terrorism.

Ravi Bhalla, who is running for mayor of Hoboken, posted a photo of the flyer on Facebook. It has a picture of Bhalla, a Sikh who wears the traditional turban, with the words Dont let TERRORISM take over our Town! directly above him.

The flyer also warns of a potential conflict of interest regarding the citys water supplier, which is a client of the law firm where Bhalla is a partner. That issue, however, has no connection with terrorism and the explanation of the conflict appears in much smaller print.

Of course, this is troubling, but I want to be clear: We wont let hate win in Hoboken, Bhalla wrote on Facebook. I want people to know that Hoboken is a welcoming community where my wife and I are proud to raise our two young children.

Sikhs have repeatedly been the victims of hate crimes and harassment by people who mistake them for Muslims. A 2015 study conducted by the National Sikhs Campaign found that 20 to 28 percent of Americans misidentify Sikh men as Middle Eastern or Muslim. A large part of that is due to the turbans that Sikh men wear as part of their faith.

Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) tweeted in defense of Bhalla to denounce the flyers. Booker served as mayor of nearby Newark from 2006 to 2013, before running for Congress.

My friend @RaviBhalla is running for Hoboken mayor, Booker wrote. This vile hateful flyer was put out. I condemn it! We all must condemn bigotry & hate!

My friend @RaviBhalla is running for Hoboken mayor. This vile hateful flyer was put out. I condemn it! We all must condemn bigotry & hate! https://t.co/3Wz5Io9kNZ  Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) November 4, 2017

This isnt the first racist incident during New Jerseys local elections this year. Xenophobic mailers circulated earlier in the week over a school board election in Edison. They featured two Asian-American candidates with the word deport stamped on their pictures. The anonymous flyers also claimed, The Chinese and Indians are taking over our town!

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The flyer falsely tying Bhalla to terrorism showed up just days before voters go to the polls on Tuesday. Language on the flyer claims it was paid for by a rival mayoral candidate, Michael DeFusco, who denies any association with the item.

I condemn this piece of racist garbage in the strongest possible terms, he said in a statement. Political stunts like this are everything thats wrong with politics today.

In a video posted to his campaign Facebook page, DeFusco rips the flyer in half.

The Hoboken police are investigating the flyer as a possible bias crime, Chief Ken Ferrante said on Saturday.

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Florida Sen. Jack Latvala (R-Clearwater) is facing allegations of sexual misconduct from six women, Politico reports.

Latvala is being accused by several women who work in the state Legislature of inappropriately touching them without consent or making demeaning comments about their bodies. The accusations come months after Latvala threw his name in the race for governor.

All six women have remained anonymous, which is not uncommon for victims of sexual harassment or misconduct who might fear retaliation. Latvala has denied the allegations, accusing Politico of being fake news.

The women have accused the state senator of misconduct over the course of several years, including nonconsensual touching of their buttocks or other private areas of their bodies. Accusers also said they felt degraded due to Latvalas comments on their weight and breast size.

.@JackLatvala issues statement from his campaign threatening to sue pic.twitter.com/VhZgwIpsdy  Matt Dixon (@Mdixon55) November 4, 2017

One accuser said the senator would grunt in her ear during prolonged hugs that left her feeling humiliated.

You dont force your kids to hug relatives and kiss relatives, and this is why, one of the women, a fellow Republican who has worked with Latvala in the Florida Senate, told Politico. There are other senators, male and female, who I hug and kiss on the cheek on a regular basis, but theyve never touched the places on my body where only my bikini touches.

In response to the allegations, Latvala told Politico, Im sure that you have handpicked people and you are going to let anonymous people have this kind of impact on the career of a guy who has been there for 16 years,

Politicos Florida bureau chief, Matt Dixon, tweeted another response from Latvalas campaign informing the publication that he will take all legal actions necessary to clear [his] name.

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Latvala also questioned the timing of the accusations, which were not formally reported, to coincide with his run for governor.

Since the bombshell reports against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, men and women alike have been more vocal in sharing stories of sexual harassment. Powerful men such as director James Toback, NPR editor Michael Oreskes, New Republic publisher Hamilton Fish, and actors Kevin Spacey and Danny Masterson have been accused recently of sexual misconduct, ranging from harassment to assault.

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In Paula Bronsteins photographs of the Rohingya exodus from Myanmar, there are no shoes. Men, women and children trudge wearily along the embankments of rice paddies, wade muddy rivers, or pick their way across flimsy bridges of lashed-together bamboo poles, all in their bare feet and carrying almost nothing but the occasional bundle of clothes, and their infants.

Thousands of Rohingya refugees fleeing from Myanmar walk along a muddy rice field after crossing the border in Palang Khali, Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh, on Oct. 9, 2017. (Photo: Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)

Slideshow: Escaping ethnic cleansing, the Rohingya of Myanmar flee to Bangladesh >>>

Bronstein, who has covered wars and refugees from Afghanistan to Sudan to Lesbos, Greece, has been photographing the Rohingya, an essentially stateless Muslim minority among the Buddhist majority in Myanmar, off and on for years. She was drawn back there after a clash with the Myanmar police in August touched off a swift and brutal campaign of ethnic cleansing that in less than two months has driven more than a half-million people from their homes and villages to refugee camps in neighboring Bangladesh.

Bronstein spent a month on the assignment, roughly from the middle of September to mid-October, toward the end of the monsoon season. It was, she says, one of the most physically challenging environments she has ever worked in  rainy and muddy and hot and humid, even for Southeast Asia. From the border, she saw smoke rising from villages torched on the Myanmar side.

One refugee, heavily bandaged from her wounds, told Bronstein that the attackers had locked her family in their house before setting it afire; she and her 8-year-old daughter had crawled to safety, but six other members of her family, including four children, perished in the fire. Bronstein photographed the funerals of five children and witnessed the capsizing of two small watercraft crossing the Naf River.

Mumtaz Begum, 30, with bandages covering her wounds, is held by her daughter Rosia, 8, on Oct. 15, standing outside their makeshift tent in Balukhali camp, Coxs Bazar. Mumtaz arrived over a month ago from Myanmar. She had suffered injuries after being attacked with a machete and burned when Burmese military men torched their house with everyone inside. She says that they locked the door, so she had to crawl out to escape to survive. She lost six members of her family, including three sons and one daughter. (Photo: Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)

Unfortunately, the children always end up drowning because theyre so small, she said. Rohingya families are quite large  six to eight children is not unusual. I saw way too many images Id rather not remember of gorgeous little children that drowned.

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For the fleeing refugees, the trek to the border from their villages typically takes anywhere from three to 10 days. The end of their journey is immense sprawling camps in the Coxs Bazar district of Bangladesh, where they are fed and cared for by refugee agencies  but they have no clear idea of where they will end up. Bangladesh authorities have warned of an environmental catastrophe in the region, as the desperate refugees have denuded hillsides for wood to build shelters and burn for cooking. The area is also the site of wildlife refuges, and at least six Rohingyan refugees, having survived the slaughter and trek from Myanmar, have been killed by wild elephants in the camps.

Although she was well aware of the oppression of the Rohingya, Bronstein says, I never thought it would happen. Nobody ever thought this would happen. This level of brutality is just unthinkable. The word that people are using is genocide.

Photojournalist Paula Bronstein, covering the Rohingya crisis in Bangladesh. (Photo: Reza Chowdhury)

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Moscow (AFP) - Russian riot police detained dozens of people Saturday at a nationalist anti-Kremlin march on a public holiday known as the Day of National Unity.

Marchers at the event which attracts nationalist protesters shouted slogans including "Putin is a thief" and "freedom for political prisoners."

Police in helmets and body armour moved in to seize activists, mostly young men, at the authorised event on Saturday afternoon in Lyublino, a suburb of southern Moscow.

The detentions come after police banned demonstrators from bringing in banners bearing slogans. Organisers then formally called off the march.

Some 32 people were detained, a law enforcement source told TASS state news agency, although police have not made an official announcement and others disputed the figure.

OVD Info, which monitors detentions of political activists, said at least 25 people were held, including an organiser from the Party of Nationalists, Konstantin Filin.

Party of Nationalists leader Ivan Beletsky, told Interfax news agency that more than 70 were detained.

He wrote on Facebook that police searched his family's flat ahead of the march, while he was not at home.

This year, police said around 200 people attended the annual march, while an AFP journalist put the number at 300.

- Against 'genocide' -

"We are against the tyranny of (President Vladimir) Putin's regime of occupation, which we don't recognise at all," said one young protester from a group called the Black Bloc, who gave his name only as Artyom.

"The Russian March comes out to show that our rights are being violated," said Dmitry Golikov of the Party of Nationalists, which claims ethnic Russians are experiencing a "genocide".

The nationalist movement has split in recent years, with some backing the Kremlin's annexation of Crimea while others oppose Putin.

Since Putin's return to the Kremlin in 2012, Russia has cracked down on nationalist leaders, many of whom are jailed or living in exile.

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Opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who has espoused some nationalist views, was a speaker at previous Russian Marches, most recently attending one in 2011.

He coined the slogan "Putin is a thief" which others shouted at Saturday's rally.

Navalny has announced he intends to stand for the presidency in 2018 but the authorities say he is ineligible due to a fraud conviction.

This year, nationalists held two separate authorised marches in Moscow due to disagreements between organisers.

At the second march in northwestern Moscow on Saturday afternoon, which police said had around 200 people, eight were detained, mainly for wearing masks over their faces, TV Dozhd independent television reported.

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Moscow (AFP) - Russia has reacted to Canada's imposing sanctions on 30 Russian officials linked to human rights violations by announcing "mirror-image" measures.

Canada on Friday banned and froze assets of 30 Russians linked to the case of Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, who died in prison after exposing a $230-million tax fraud.

"We have to respond with mirror-image (sanctions)," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement late Friday.

"If our Canadian partners like playing sanctions games, we will be forced to respond," Moscow said.

The ministry announced it had decided to "bar entry to Russia to a whole number of Canadian figures," adding that this affected "dozens."

It did not give any names but specified that those targeted are "Russophobic Canadian citizens who have consistently worked to destroy bilateral relations."

It warned that Canada must step away from a "destructive course, leading to further aggravation of bilateral relations."

Canada last month passed a "Sergei Magnitsky Law," which targets Russian officials for human rights violations.

This follows a Magnitsky Act passed by the United States which led to sanctions on more than 40 senior Russian officials.
(Photo: Ji-Sub Jeong/HuffPost)

Over the past two years and up until at least August, Russian Twitter accounts masquerading as American people, news outlets and political groups regularly appeared in the articles published in many of the United States most famous media outlets. This wasnt a matter of fake news; this was real news made a little less so.

The Boston Globe quoted @Pamela_Moore13, who hated a Stephen Colbert joke about Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. NBC News, in the aftermath of the Pulse night club shooting, gave space to @lgbtunitedcom on the subject of the Chicago gay pride parade. Vox and HuffPost both turned to the thoughts of @Crystal1Johnson, the former on the bullet holes in an Emmett Till sign and the latter on quadruplets attending Yale together.

We know now that these were trolls working on behalf of the Russian government. Without knowing, we laughed or scowled at their jokes. We mocked or cheered their opinions. We looked at their photos and watched their videos, and few if any of us batted an eye as they covertly shaped the way we looked at our own country.

This week, Congress released a list of 2,752 accounts that Twitter identified as tied to the Internet Research Agency, a troll farm through which the Kremlin conducts international and domestic influence operations, including during the 2016 U.S. presidential election. The accounts have all since been deleted, but I decided to Google more than 1,000 of them to find out just how often and in what ways they were able to embed themselves in the work of U.S. news organizations. The vast majority that I checked never made it into stories, but more than 20 did in myriad ways and in all types of organizations.

In total, I found more than 40 examples of the accounts weaseling their way into articles. Organizations that embedded or used tweets from the Russian troll farm included Mashable, The Telegraph, NBC News, ATTN:, the Washington Post, Vox, RT, Medium, Salon, Fox News, the Miami Herald, CNN, BuzzFeed, Thought Catalog, Newser, the New York Post, The Blaze, Breitbart, the Boston Globe, Vice, Circa, Complex, the Los Angeles Times, the Daily Dot, The Daily Caller, the Washington Examiner and our site, HuffPost.

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This was hardly an infiltration. We, the media, practically let the trolls in the front door. Thanks to the cockeyed incentives of online publishing, all they had to do was knock.

Method No. 1: Embed the photos and videos news organizations want for free

(Photo: HuffPost)

The most effective way for Russian troll accounts to end up in news posts was simple: They tweeted newsworthy photos and videos, even if they were not the ones that shot them. Buying photos is an expensive and complicated process for news organizations, which have become increasingly happy to embed tweets that include the photos they desire as something of a workaround. Its free, easy and legally colorable. The only issue, it ends up, is that you might be embedding a tweet created by a Russian troll farm as part of a massive conspiracy to influence the American political system.

Such was likely the case with articles like NBC News Gay Pride Events Festive But Some Concerned After Orlando, which included a tweet by @lgbtunitedcom; Voxs Someone shot 30 holes in the Emmett Till memorial. The sentiment behind that is normal in politics. (@Crystal1Johnson); ATTN:s What This Company Is Offering Employees Is Raising a Privacy Debate (@LuceelysToP); HuffPosts This Malibu Official Sanctuary City Sign Is Not Quite What It Seems (@Jenn_Abram); and Breitbarts Texan Trump Supporter Pays for Billboard Ripping ABC over Russia Coverage (@Pamela_Moore13).

Sometimes, entire stories were based around a Russian accounts video, as was the case with a Complex post from August titled Donald Trump Claims His 17-Day Vacation Isnt Really a Vacation. The post included a tweet from Trump and a video from the aforementioned @Pamela_Moore13, a prolific Russian troll farm account that has appeared in news articles at least a dozen times since October 2016.

(Photo: Complex)

In 2015, The Washington Post wrote a story entitled Russian TV channel sees Putin in the sky above New York, which was based around a video by someone named Sheryl Gilbert. Gilbert had the handle @_SherylGilbert, which has been identified as part of the Russian troll farm. Gregory West, who claims to be the husband of Sheryl Gilbert, had the handle @DrGregoryWest, also associated with the farm. The story was consequently picked up by news outlets including the New York Post and Newser.

(Photo: HuffPost)

Method No. 2: Make a joke off of a trending topic or hashtag

In the last few years, news organizations have found that an easy and quick way to gobble up internet traffic is to round up funny tweets related to one topic and throw them under a captivating headline  sometimes with a larger point, sometimes not.

That was how Russian troll accounts ended up in articles like the Miami Heralds Here are the best Tweets about Ivanka Trump running for president; HuffPosts Twitter Lets Hillarity Ensue With #SurvivalGuideToThanksgiving; CNNs Black olives matter: Just a joke or real disrespect?; BuzzFeeds People Are Challenging Each Other To Make Sex Awkward In Five Words And Its Hilarious; and Thought Catalogs Heres 23 Hilarious Ways To Make Sex Awkward In Five Words.

BuzzFeed included tweets from two separate Russian troll accounts  @MeggieONeil and @queenofthewo  as did Thought Catalog with @EricaRutter and @KenCannone.

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Two tweets included in the BuzzFeed article "People Are Challenging Each Other To Make Sex Awkward In Five Words And It's Hilarious" were from a Russian troll farm. (Photo: HuffPost)

Method No. 3: Express outrage over a prominent person or institution, preferably one that is highly politicized

More troubling, Russian troll accounts ended up in news articles as a representation of the American people  a faster, cheaper way into the minds and moods of Americans than the classic Area Man interview. Such was the case with the Fox News article Trump supporters vow to boycott Starbucks over CEOs plan to hire refugees, in which two of the four Trump supporters supplied as evidence came from a Russian troll account:

(Photo: HuffPost)

But Fox News wasnt alone. Vice also included one of Moores tweets in its own post on the subject. In the Salon think piece The rise and fall of Ken Bone, writer Nico Lang took exception to a joke the Russian troll account @kathiemrr made about Bones weight, calling it obviously over the line.

(Photo: HuffPost)

Moore also appeared as a representation of American opinion in the Boston Globes Stephen Colberts joke about President Trump and Vladimir Putin backfires; The Blazes Internet destroys Rachel Maddow after Trump tax return scoop fails miserably; and the Los Angeles Times Supporters and opponents of Trumps refugee ban take to social media to put pressure on companies.

A Los Angeles times article from January referred to two consecutive Russian troll farm accounts, @Pamela_Moore13 and @TEN_GOP. (Photo: HuffPost)

In the case of the Los Angeles Times article, @Pamela_Moore13 stood in agreement with the account @TEN_GOP, which itself was revealed to be part of the Russian troll army  but not before it was also cited as an example of American sentiment in The Daily Caller, Washington Examiner and CBS Philly, and referred to as a prominent conservative social media account by The Daily Dot just weeks before the 2016 election.

The Russian trolls didnt have to break into the American media ecosystem. All the holes were already there, created by news organizations and the incentives generated by the attention-gobbling social media platforms they rely on. It turns out the media was just another American institution that found itself sufficiently weakened by its own hand, aching to be exploited.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) slammed Donald Trump on Friday, calling his intimidation of U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions totally inappropriate and accusing the president of undermining our justice system.

Trump told reporters as he was leaving for a 12-day trip to Asia that he was disappointed in the Justice Department for failing to investigate the Democrats and his former presidential rival Hillary Clinton.

Im not really involved with the Justice Department, Trump said. Id like to let it run itself. But honestly, they should be looking at Democrats. ... They should be looking at a lot of things, and a lot of people are disappointed with the Justice Department, including me.

Asked if he would fire Session if he doesnt investigate Trumps Democratic political rivals, Trump answered: I dont know.

Corker said in his statement: Like me, most Americans hope that our justice system is independent and free of political interference.

President Trumps pressuring of the Justice Department and FBI to pursue cases against his adversaries and calling for punishment before trials take place are totally inappropriate and not only undermine our justice system but erode the American peoples confidence in our institutions.

Corkers comment about calling for punishment likely refers to Trumps demand for the death penalty before Uzbek immigrant Sayfullo Saipov, who was charged in a truck attack that killed eight people in Manhattan, has faced trial.

Like me, most Americans hope that our justice system is independent and free of political interference. My full statement: pic.twitter.com/R4WrhSPQz3  Senator Bob Corker (@SenBobCorker) November 3, 2017

Trump indicated in an interview Thursday with conservative radio host Larry OConnor that he would love to be in charge of the Justice Department and the FBI so he could sic them on Clinton. The saddest thing is that because Im the president of the United States, I am not supposed to be involved with the Justice Department, said the man whose campaign is being investigated for possible collusion with the Russian government in the presidential election. Im not supposed to be involved with the FBI.

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Trumps comments to reporters before his trip followed a shrill series of tweets early Friday calling for the Democrats and Clinton to be investigated.

Everybody is asking why the Justice Department (and FBI) isn't looking into all of the dishonesty going on with Crooked Hillary & the Dems..  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 3, 2017

Trump pointed in a tweet to former interim DNC chair Donna Braziles recent accusations that Clinton had gained control of the committee during the 2016 election before becoming the partys nominee. But Brazile told the president to stop trolling and misquoting her.

Todays lesson: Being quoted by Donald Trump means being MIS-quoted by Donald Trump. Stop trolling me. #NeverSaidHillaryRiggedElection  Donna Brazile (@donnabrazile) November 3, 2017

Mr President, pleasego back to attacking me. Its better than having my own words scrambled and spewed out by you.  Donna Brazile (@donnabrazile) November 3, 2017

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By Aleksandar Vasovic BELGRADE (Reuters) - Serbia wants to maintain its delicate balancing act between Russia and the West, its foreign minister said on Thursday, dismissing U.S. calls for it to pick a side. The largest of the states to emerge from the collapse of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, Orthodox Christian and Slavic Serbia has natural affinity with Moscow, but it is keen to join the European Union. This month, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Hoyt Brian Yee told Belgrade it "cannot sit on two chairs at the same time". His remarks sparked sharp criticism in the Serbian capital. Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic, who heads the co-ruling Socialists, once led by late strongman Slobodan Milosevic, said Belgrade would maintain balance with the West, Russia and China. "What we do not want is that someone pulls our own chair from under us ... what is important is to see what is in our own best interest," Dacic told Reuters in an interview. Although the EU is Serbia's single largest trade partner and investor, Russia controls its oil and gas supplies. Moscow has also sought to bolster military ties with Belgrade with the donation of six MiG-29 fighter jets. At Serbia's request, Moscow blocked independent Kosovo from becoming a member of the United Nations. The ethnic Albanian-dominated Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 following a bloody 1998-1999 war. It has been recognized by 115 countries including the United States and most EU members, but not Serbia or Russia. Dacic likened Serbia's opposition to Kosovan independence to Spain's rejection of Catalonia's referendum on secession. "If Spain can fight for its concept of Catalonia then we Serbs can fight for our country," he said. Serbia, which cherishes Kosovo as its historic birthplace, and the government in Pristina should seek "a win-win solution" and "an international conference" that would prevent future wars "for a century," Dacic said. Earlier this year he suggested autonomy and delimitation for Serb areas in Kosovo. "That would be the only possible, realistic and lasting ... solution of the problem," he said in the interview. There are around 120,000 Serbs in Kosovo and most of them, mainly in the north, just outside Serbia, oppose the Pristina authorities. (Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
ALMATY (Reuters) - The sister of the Uzbek immigrant accused of killing eight people in New York said her brother might have been brainwashed and appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday to ensure he gets a fair trial.

Sayfullo Saipov, 29, was charged in a federal court on Wednesday with driving a rented pickup truck down a riverside bike trail, crushing pedestrians and cyclists, in support of Islamic State.

A dozen more people were injured in the city's bloodiest single attack since Sept. 11, 2001. Trump called for Saipov to receive the death penalty.

Speaking from Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, Saipov's sister, Umida Saipova, said she hoped Trump would help ensure her brother was given "more time" and "a fair trial".

She told Reuters by telephone that she and her family had been shocked to see Saipov grow a long beard after he got married in 2013.

Umida Saipova told Radio Free Europe (RFE) that her family believed that her brother may have been brainwashed.

"We don't know who has brainwashed him," Saipova said. "Perhaps he's become part of some organized group. I don't know, honestly, how long it will take for his head to get rid of that poison, but I'm sure he will come to his senses, God willing.

She said she had spoken to her brother the day before the attack.

"He was in a good mood. It was a usual, good conversation," she told RFE.

Saipov's mother, Mukaddas, told Reuters she last saw her son in August when she visited the United States. The attack was a "total shock" to the family, she said.

"I was shocked by the news and I have been in hospital (since then) until this afternoon," she said.

Mukaddas said Sayfullo told her in August he missed Tashkent. She wanted to bring him home, but could not do that because his youngest child was only 20 days old, she said.

Sayfullo never complained about his life in the United States and was able to support his family and help his parents at the same time, she said.

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"He was kind with all of his friends," Mukaddas said.

"No, he was not religious and never visited mosques because he was always busy with studying and then working."

Trump has tweeted of Saipov: "should move fast. DEATH PENALTY!"

Umida Saipova told RFE she and her family hoped her brother would not be sentenced to death in some rushed show trial. Amid unconfirmed reports that the Uzbek authorities are questioning her family, she added that she did not know where her father and uncle were.

(Reporting by Olzhas Auyezov in Almaty; Writing by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Andrew Roche and Robin Pomeroy)
Stephen Hawking is worried that artificial intelligence could copy itself and replace humans as Earths dominant life form. It sounds farfetched, but the 75-year-old physicist is not alone in his predictions, as tech entrepreneurs have also sounded the alarm over such systems.

I fear that A.I. may replace humans altogether, Hawking said in an interview with Wired this week. If people design computer viruses, someone will design A.I. that improves and replicates itself. This will be a new form of life that outperforms humans.

Hawking isnt the first big name to warn about A.I. SpaceX and Tesla founder Elon Musk has claimed the technology poses a fundamental risk to the existence of human civilization, and its exponential growth is advancing like a tidal wave. Among other projects, Musk has criticized plans to develop a godlike A.I. capable of forming its own religion:

On the list of people who should absolutely *not* be allowed to develop digital superintelligence...https://t.co/reNZ50FGNC  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 24, 2017

Musk and Hawking have worked together before to warn about the future of A.I. The pair joined hundreds of other researchers and experts earlier this year to endorse a list of 23 guiding principles for future A.I. development. The Asilomar A.I. Principles includes basic ideas like ensuring humans have control, but also cover bigger concepts like ensuring such systems have a shared benefit and designing machines with compatible human values.

In the wider tech industry, responses to these warnings have varied. But as A.I. forms a bigger part of peoples lives, the conversation is shifting.

[Musk is] a deep thinker about problems, and I think its right to be concerned about A.I., Google CEO Sundar Pichai said in an interview, when told Musk had raised concerns about his companys A.I.-powered camera.

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Like Musk, Hawking is worried people arent concerned enough about the pace of change. At the launch of Cambridge Universitys artificial intelligence center last year, he said that while experiments with machines learning how to play Go were cool, they will surely pale against what the coming decades will bring.

I believe there is no deep difference between what can be achieved by a biological brain and what can be achieved by a computer, Hawking said . It therefore follows that computers can, in theory, emulate human intelligence  and exceed it.

Photos via Getty Images / Bryan Bedder

Photos via Getty Images / Bryan Bedder

Written by Mike Brown

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BEIRUT (Reuters) - The Syrian government declared victory over Islamic State in the eastern city of Deir al-Zor on Friday, a big blow to the jihadists as their last stronghold in Syria crumbles. Deir al-Zor, on the west bank of the Euphrates River, is the largest and most important city in eastern Syria, and is the center of the country's oil production. "The armed forces, in cooperation with allied forces, liberated the city of Deir al-Zor completely from the clutches of the Daesh terrorist organization," the military source said, using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State. The army, backed by Russian bombers, Iran and Shi'ite militias, is advancing toward the last significant town held by Islamic State in Syria, Albu Kamal, which is also located on the western bank of the Euphrates. A rival offensive by Kurdish and Arab militias supported by a U.S.-led coalition with air strikes and special forces, is pressing Islamic State on the eastern bank. Iraqi forces on Friday said they had begun their own final offensive against Islamic State on the Iraqi side of the jihadist territory that straddles the border between the two countries, entering the city of al-Qaim. Islamic State had for years besieged a government enclave in Deir al-Zor until an army advance relieved it in early September, starting a battle for jihadist-held parts of the city. The army captured al-Hamidiya, Sheikh Yassin, al-Ardhi and al-Rashidia districts in recent attacks and the al-Hawiqa district was the last to be held by the jihadists, a military media unit run by the army's ally Hezbollah reported. Engineering units were searching streets and buildings in those districts for mines and booby traps left by Islamic State, the military source said. (Reporting By Angus McDowall, editing by Tom Perry and Gareth Jones)
Lome (AFP) - Togo's government has scrapped a ban on weekday marches after a series of anti-government protests defied the order, the country's security minister and the opposition said on Saturday.

The restrictions were introduced on October 10 on security grounds following a wave of demonstrations that saw hundreds of thousands of people on the streets calling for the removal of President Faure Gnassingbe.

Some protests had resulted in violent clashes with police and soldiers and come amid calls from a coalition of 14 opposition parties for Gnassingbe to step down, and for a limit of two, five-year terms to be introduced for presidents.

"The measure banning marches during the week has been lifted," Togo's security minister, Colonel Yark Damehame, told AFP, adding that security forces were at marches purely as "observers".

"It's up to the organisers to flag up troublemakers," he said.

Coalition spokesman Eric Dupuy said the original protest ban was unlawful, adding: "The regime has to learn to respect the laws of the land."

Talks have been held to discuss the itinerary for planned marches on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, he added.

A government official said there was an agreement to ensure "peaceful protests", with demonstrators sticking to agreed routes and the security forces ordered to be "professional and patient".

- Death toll -

France -- the former colonial power in Togo -- and others have expressed concern at reports of plain-clothes militia working alongside the military and being involved in beatings last month.

More than 500 Togolese nationals from the north -- traditionally a Gnassingbe stronghold but where the opposition has gained support -- have fled across the border to Ghana and alleged human rights abuses.

The West African regional bloc ECOWAS has urged dialogue between the two sides.

Gnassingbe is the scion of Africa's oldest political dynasty. He has been in power since 2005, taking over after the death of his father, General Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled Togo for 38 years.

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In his first comments on the unrest, he told his ruling Union for the Republic party last weekend that he was "optimistic" about riding out the protests.

A coalition of independent human rights groups on Saturday said they had recorded 14 deaths between the first protests on August 19 and October 31.

Among the casualties, nine people were shot dead and 236 injured.

40 of the injured were shot, many others beaten, while 60 members of the security forces were also wounded.

Of the nearly 400 people who were arrested, 227 have been freed and 86 charged and sentenced, according to the CACIT umbrella group of organisations.

A separate AFP count put the death toll at 16 with some 200 injuries.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A foreign policy adviser to Donald Trump's presidential campaign met Russian government officials last year, the New York Times reported on Friday, citing testimony he gave this week to a U.S. congressional committee.

In numerous media interviews in recent months, the adviser, Carter Page, has either denied meeting Russian government officials during a July 2016 trip to Moscow or said he met "mostly scholars," the newspaper said.

Page sent an email to at least one Trump campaign aide describing his insights after conversations with Russian government officials and others, the Times reported, citing a person familiar with the message.

The newspaper said the email was read aloud during the closed-door testimony on Thursday to the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, which is investigating efforts by Russia to tip the November 2016 election in Trump's favor and possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.

Russia says it did not interfere in the election and Trump has denied any collusion.

Page played down the significance of the meetings in an interview with the Times on Friday.

"I had a very brief hello to a couple of people. That was it," he said. Page said one of the people he met was a "senior person," but would not confirm the person's identity.

Special counsel Robert Mueller, who has impaneled a grand jury in his probe of the collusion allegations, charged Trump's former campaign manager Paul Manafort and another aide, Rick Gates, with money laundering on Monday.

It was announced the same day that another Trump adviser, George Papadopoulos, had pleaded guilty early in October to lying to the FBI.

Page was questioned by the FBI earlier this year and has also appeared before the grand jury as part of the special counsel's probe, the Times said.

(Reporting by Eric Beech; Editing by Paul Tait)
The Trump administration has pulled out of a global deal to combat corruption in the fossil fuel industry, a move critics said could help oil companies keep hidden how much they pay in U.S. taxes.

The Department of the Interior announced the decision on Thursday in a letter to withdraw immediately from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), which compels oil, gas and mining companies to disclose payments to governments worldwide.

The United Kingdom, Canada and many European Union nations already require such disclosures, and the 15-year-old initiative is credited with establishing the foundation for reform in countries such as Ghana and the Democratic Republic of Congo. But the U.S., which joined in 2014, only finalized rules calling for disclosures in July 2016, under the Dodd-Frank reform law passed during the Great Recession. In February, Trump signed a congressional resolution to repeal the Securities and Exchange Commission regulation, essentially leaving the U.S. without a tool to enforce EITI standards.

The rule would have required companies to file annual reports revealing how much they paid in taxes, royalties, licensing fees and other payments. Some firms, including BHP Billiton and Houston-based Kosmos Energy, voluntarily released tax data in recent years. The countrys top three oil companies  Exxon Mobil Corp., Chevron Corporation and ConocoPhillips Co.  did not.

They want to continue operating in the murky and opaque world that Dodd-Frank was intended to change, Daniel Kaufmann, an economist who studies corruption and serves on the global EITI board, told HuffPost by phone on Friday. Even Russian companies are all disclosing. So the rest of the world, and the rest of the oil companies, have moved ahead.

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan looks on as President Donald Trump speaks about tax reform legislation in the Cabinet Room at the White House on Nov. 2, 2017 in Washington. (Photo: Drew Angerer via Getty Images)

The U.S. ones refuse to change their old habits of operating in opacity, he added. Thats means tax avoidance, obviously, and it raises the risk of more corrupt deals.

The secrecy underscores the generous subsidies and tax credits afforded to the oil and gas industry. Nearly half of all untapped oil reserves in the U.S. would be unprofitable without subsidies, a study published last month in the journal Nature found. Exxon Mobil alone received $12.8 billion in subsidies and paid a tax rate of 13.6 percent over the past eight years, according to a report by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. (The report did not calculate data for Chevron or ConocoPhillips.)

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For comparison, nurses and appraisers earning on average $60,000 per year pay an individual tax rate of about 15 percent.

If people see that Chevron and Exxon are making bank, making hand over fist extracting resources from the U.S. and not paying their fair share, people would have a problem with that, Jana Morgan, director of the Publish What You Pay coalition that supports the EITI initiative, told HuffPost. So they want to keep it secret.

The move came the same day House Republicans introduced a tax bill that preserves generous subsidies and tax credits for fossil fuel companies, and eliminates incentives to buy electric vehicles or use renewable energy.

Were spending so much time in the U.S. focusing on the cost of health care and taking away money from Planned Parenthood and social welfare, Morgan said. Were so focused on getting rid of those but we dont want to get rid of corporate welfare.

In a statement to HuffPost, Chevron spokeswoman Melissa Ritchie said the company has been working to meet EITI standards. Chevron spent a significant amount of time preparing and reconciling USEITI report data, she said, but not payments to the IRS, given the confidential nature of IRS data. Exxon Mobil spokesman Scott Silvestri directed HuffPost to a January op-ed published in The Dallas Morning News that focuses on our commitment to transparency initiatives. ConocoPhillips did not return a call requesting comment on Friday.

The American Petroleum Institute, the industry group that lobbied the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers to overturn the SEC disclosure rule, said it would continue working with the U.S. Department of Interior in reporting revenues and disbursements and with the U.S. State Department to drive global transparency.

On a broader level, the decision to stop participating in the EITI echoes President Donald Trumps withdrawal from the Paris climate accord. As with EITI, the administration stopped implementing policies to meet the pacts standards before formally pulling out.

The decision to pull out was of greater symbolic significance than anything else, Matthew Stephenson, a Harvard Law School professor who writes a blog about corruption, told HuffPost by phone on Friday. It indicated the U.S. no longer had an interest in working with, let alone leading, the international community on this issue.

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I Just Denied In Your Arms Tonight#ClimateChangeMusic  Corey Miller (@StopEatingBees) June 6, 2017

I got ninety nine problems, but the beach is gone#ClimateChangeMusic @HuffPostComedy  CK (@charley_ck14) June 6, 2017

Born to Run from the Truth #ClimateChangeMusic  Jeff Dwoskin (@bigmacher) June 6, 2017

(Miami Is) Under the Sea #ClimateChangeMusic  Edward J Thomas (@UnknownWr1ter) June 6, 2017

Ice Age Baby #climatechangemusic  Shane D. Leer (@LeerShane) June 6, 2017

I'll Stop the World and Melt the Glaciers with You #ClimateChangeMusic@HuffPostComedy  View from my Office (@viewfrommyoffic) June 6, 2017

Where Have All The Noahs Gone #ClimateChangeMusic  Jim McDoniel (@JimMcDoniel) June 6, 2017

#ClimateChangeMusic



House of the Rising Sunburn  Whoopie Kat  (@WKatCrook) June 6, 2017

Get Out of My Dreams, Get Into My Carbon Footprint@HuffPostComedy #ClimateChangeMusic pic.twitter.com/ZZA3J6iYkF  Thomas Whaley (@AuthorTomWhaley) June 6, 2017

#ClimateChangeMusic

April in Paris Agreement  Kristine Laraway (@klynnelaraway) June 6, 2017

I Got 99 Scientists But You Won't Listen To One#ClimateChangeMusic  Alex Rios (@alexrioscomedy) June 6, 2017

Bitch better have my carbon credits #climatechangemusic pic.twitter.com/TJRKGLyuDh  LJ & 10,000 others (@Ljmasternoob) June 6, 2017

Every Rose Used to Have Thorns Back in the Day When Roses Used to Grow#ClimateChangeMusic @HuffPostComedy  Eric Schmeric (@HepatitisAtoZ) June 6, 2017

#ClimateChangeMusic Flight of No Bumblebees.  General Maitriser (@local1976) June 6, 2017

#ClimateChangeMusic

What's coal got to do with it?



BTW- a lot! pic.twitter.com/HlBS81zmbc  Blue Rona (@RonaHayes) June 6, 2017

We Now Live In Yellow Submarines#ClimateChangeMusic  The Grim Rieper (@RiepTide1999) June 6, 2017

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before departing the White House for a trip to Asia, Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, in Washington: AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Donald Trump has descended into a darker place as he adopts far-right views to please his base, the Presidents biographer has said.

By ghostwriting Art of the Deal, Tony Schwartz helped build Mr Trumps persona as a savvy and sometimes ruthless businessman. He has since become a critic of the President, often pairing his broadsides with insights into Mr Trumps psychology.

Mr Schwartz said Mr Trump used to be non-ideological and mostly uninterested in politics, contributing money to both parties and evincing few beliefs beyond being social liberalism.

But that has changed in recent months, Mr Schwartz said.

Today, I believe, he has adopted a pretty hard-right set of beliefs Mr Schwartz told The Nation. I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that he believes what he says now, and thats because his base, the people who still love and adore him, are on the far rightand thats what compels him the most.

Despite running as a Republican candidate, Mr Trump has frequently rejected party orthodoxy. He can seem most in his element when he is speaking to campaign-style rallies, where he is able to appeal directly to his most fervent supporters.

I think hes drifted into that more for emotional and psychological reasons than for political and ideological reasons, Mr Schwartz said of his perception that Mr Trump has turned to the right.

But some things, Mr Schwartz said, have not changed.

He was then and is now always 100 per cent self-absorbed, incapable of interest in other human beings, and completely self-referential, Mr Schwartz said. He viewed every event through the lens of its impact on him.

Asked if Mr Trump could become "more cautious" as the investigation led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into the possible ties between the his presidential campaign team and Russia mulls further indictments after three were revealed earlier this week - Mr Swartz said "not a chance in hell". However, he did said that the president "is certainly feeling under threat right now."

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By Jonathan Allen

(Reuters) - The U.S. government released from custody a 10-year-old Mexican girl with cerebral palsy on Friday, the American Civil Liberties Union said, 10 days after the ambulance taking her to surgery in Texas was stopped at a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint.

Rosa Maria Hernandez has lived in the United States illegally since her family brought over the border to Texas when she was 3 months old. Her detention was criticized by civil rights groups and some Democratic politicians who oppose the crackdown by Republican President Donald Trump on illegal immigration.

The circumstances of Hernandez's release into her family's care were not immediately clear.

It came three days after the ACLU sued the U.S. government, saying the government arrested the child without a necessary warrant and was violating her rights, in part by denying her doctor's orders for follow-up appointments in the days after the surgery.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which took over custody of Hernandez after she was detained by immigration officials, said in a statement it could not comment on individual cases, but that it treats each child "with the utmost care."

Hernandez needed gallbladder surgery last Tuesday, and was taken in an ambulance with her cousin, a U.S. citizen, from Laredo, on the border with Mexico where the girl lives with her family, to a hospital in Corpus Christi, about 130 miles (210 km) away.

Her ambulance had to pass through one of the dozens of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol checkpoints set up on highways close to the Mexico border.

The border agents allowed Hernandez to proceed to the hospital and waited outside her room while she began her recovery before taking her into custody and driving her to a federal shelter in San Antonio, Texas, according to Leticia Gonzalez, a lawyer for the girl's family, who filmed the encounter.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Health declined to say if Hernandez or her family would have to meet with immigration officials again or have their case brought to court.

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Michael Tan, an ACLU lawyer, said in a statement that Hernandez would "go home to heal" with her family.

"Despite our relief, Border Patrol's decision to target a young girl at a children's hospital remains unconscionable," he said.

(Reporting by Jonathan Allen; Editing by Leslie Adler)
By Brian Ellsworth and Eyanir Chinea

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela on Thursday announced plans to restructure its burgeoning foreign debt, a move that may lead to a default by the cash-strapped OPEC nation whose collapsing socialist economy has left its population struggling to find food and medicine.

President Nicolas Maduro vowed to make a $1.1 billion payment on a bond maturing on Thursday, but also created a commission to study "restructuring of all future payments" in order to meet the needs of citizens.

Venezuela has few avenues to do that though because of sanctions by the United States that bar American banks from participating in or even negotiating such deals.

Thus, Maduro's most readily available recourse to ease payments is unilaterally halting them.

"I am naming a special presidential commission led by Vice President Tareck El Aissami to begin refinancing and restructuring all of Venezuela's external debt and (begin) the fight against the financial persecution of our country," Maduro said in a televised speech.

Venezuela and state-owned companies have $49 billion in bonds governed by New York Law and promissory notes, according to New York-based Torino Capital.

The government and state oil company PDVSA owe some $1.6 billion in debt service and delayed interest payments by the end of the year, plus another $9 billion in bond servicing in 2018.

The next hard payment deadline for PDVSA is an $81 million bond payment that was due on Oct 12 but on which the company delayed payment under a 30-day grace period. Failing to pay that on time would trigger a default, investors say.

"Without a team, without a communications strategy and without a plan, I see a restructuring impossible," said Asdrubal Oliveros of Caracas-based Ecoanalitica. "However, if the government decrees a unilateral restructuring - they say 'take it or leave it' - that is an event of default."

That would likely make countries less willing to do business with Venezuela, aggravating shortages of food and medicine and creating further problems for its all vital oil industry that is already hobbled by under-investment.

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Venezuela's latest move could unleash a sovereign debt crisis of a scale not seen in Latin America since the massive 2001 default in Argentina that shut it out of global financial markets for years.

Wall St. for years pumped billions of dollars into Venezuela by way of bond purchases, passing off the revolutionary rhetoric of the ruling Socialist Party as bluster that belied an iron-clad willingness to pay its debts.

Maduro surprised many by maintaining debt service after the 2014 crash in oil prices, diverting hard currency away from imports of food and medicine toward Wall St. investors.

PDVSA carried out a debt renegotiation in 2016.

But that option was taken off the table after U.S. President Donald Trump levied sanctions blocking the purchase of new debt issued by Venezuela and government-owned entities.

INVESTORS PUZZLED

Investors seemed puzzled by Maduro's statements on Thursday, which neither clearly declared default nor laid out a path to easing payment burden.

And a restructuring plan would not get investor support without a clear plan to create a functioning market economy, said Jorge Piedrahita of New York-based Gear Capital Partners.

"I don't think they've thought through the issues," said Piedrahita. "You need an economic program with some credibility behind it, otherwise why would people give you the benefit of the restructuring?"

The mere presence of El Aissami on the new debt commission makes it a non-starter for U.S. financial institution. He was blacklisted this year by U.S. Treasury Department on accusations he is involved in drug trafficking.

The increased pressure of the sanctions has already made banks more nervous about working with PDVSA, according to financial industry sources, leading to delays in simple operations.

PDVSA struggled for days to deliver funds for a bond payment due last week amid confusion over which banks were charged with transferring the money.

El Aissami on Thursday said settlement agent Euroclear had "blocked" a $1.2 billion bond payment.

Critics say Maduro's decision to put debt above imports has taken a huge toll on the population.

Child malnutrition has reached the scale of a humanitarian crisis in four Venezuelan states, according to a May 2017 report by Caritas Internationalis, a Rome-based non-governmental organization with links to the Catholic Church. Medicine shortages have also left children dying of preventable diseases.

Officials say ideological adversaries are exaggerating problems for political effect.

But the situation is a stark contrast to the oil boom years of late socialist leader Hugo Chavez, who spent generously on social welfare programs while borrowing profusely to keep spending at full tilt.

Venezuela's debt is the highest yielding of emerging market bonds measured by JPMorgan's EMBI Global Diversified Index <.JPMEGVENR>, paying investors an average of 31 percentage points more than comparable U.S. Treasury notes.

That is nearly double the spread on bonds issued by Mozambique, which is already in default, and more than six times the spread on bonds from war-torn Ukraine.

(Additional reporting by Andrew Cawthorne, Corina Pons, Deisy Buitrago; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne and Clive McKeef)
ZURICH - Switzerland's defense ministry has admitted sending staff to test reconnaissance drones in contested land held by Israelan embarrassing blow for the neutral European country's status as an honest broker in the Middle East.

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Swiss officials visited an airfield in the Golan Heights region on three occasions in 2012, 2013 and 2015 to monitor tests of the Israeli-built Hermes 900 aircraft that they are buying for $265 million.

The visits, which lasted several days, took place in an area which Switzerland does not recognize as being part of Israel, which took the land from Syria following the 1967 Six-Day War.

Hermes 900 drone test in the Golan Heights (Photo: AFP)

Following an internal review this year, the Swiss found the presence of their personnel at the airfield contradicted the Swiss position on the Middle East conflict, the ministry said.

The visits took place without the knowledge of the Swiss Foreign Ministry. No further visits have taken place since the affair came to light, it said in a statement.

"This incident was a communication breakdown," it said. "Those who were informed about the activities did not realize Swiss officials were not allowed to be there, and those who knew about the restrictions were not informed about the planned activities."

Future tests will now take place at an airfield within Israel, it added, with the drones due to enter service in 2020.

Switzerland has frequently acted as a broker in the Middle East, most recently hosting peace talks about the Syrian civil war in Geneva and carrying out consular services for Iran and Saudi Arabia in their respective countries.

"This case damages the credibility of Switzerland with regards to all governments in the region which are in conflict with Israel," veteran diplomat Tim Guldimann, a lawmaker from the Social Democrat party, told the Tages-Anzeiger paper.
Riots near near Majdal Shams over Friday's attack on the Syrian Druze village of Hader have subsided, but emotions of Druze residents are still in turmoil as they continue blaming Israel for supporting the village's attackers, saying that stopping them again from crossing the border to help their bretheren will only focus their anger on the state.

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"We are not hurting anyone, nor will we remain silent over this attack on us," said Ali Abu Jaber, a resident of Majdal Shams. "The terrorists from Al-Nusra Front, with the help of their Israeli partners, penetrated the village from all directions and began firing at people.

"If this attack repeats itself, then Israel will be certain that we will remove the security fence and enter the village to protect them, and no one can stop us."

Druze demonstration following Friday's attack (Photo: AFP)

He added that "Israel supports Al-Nusra Front. The day will come when this organization will harm Israel. They are like ISIS. They don't accept Druze, nor Muslims, nor Christians, only Muslims of their kind.

"Thank God, the residents there, together with our support, overcame them and foiled their plans. It's true that martyrs fell, but in the end they survived."

If this attack repeats itself, then Israel will be certain that we will remove the security fence and enter the village to protect them, and no one can stop us."

Hassan Fajr al-Din, also a resident of Majdal Shams, reinforced Abu Jaber's words.

"The terrorists from Al-Nusra Front tried to conquer the village of Hader. They shot and murdered residents," he said. "We stood at the fence to support our keen, and to convey a message to Israel that supports them. We will not allow anyone to harm the village.

"If this happens once more many people will come and break through the fence by force in order to help the residents of Hader."

Druze protesters at the border fence (Photo: AFP)

"What happened today is very serious," said another Druze resident who asked to remain anonymous. "This time we did not do enough. Next time we will cross the border. If the police try to stop us or shoot us, then we too will use weapons. They should not try us, otherwise the war will be braught here.

"The Israeli government is playing with fire. It needs to stop supporting terrorist organizations."

Another resident asserted: "I personally am willing to sacrifice my life for the sake of the residents of Hader. Any harm to them hurts us greatly. We will not calm down as long as there are attempts to conquer the village. Any damage to it is a red line that could inflame the whole area.

"It will not be an easy war, but I'll be the first to cross the border. Ready to give up children and family and friends but not let them occupy lands. "

IDF forces deployed near Syrian border to stop crossings (Photo: AFP)

After the attack on the village, hundreds of Druze from the Israeli side of the border rioted near Majdal Shams.

The IDF said the rioters broke through a gate in the border fence and ten of them came within several dozen meters of the fence. IDF forces gave pursuit and returned the Druze protesters to Israeli territory. The rioters were handed over to the police, which will decide whether to further detain them.

The near break-through, the first since the May 2011 riots to succeed despite the new, double fence built on the border, came on the heels of an particularly tense day that started with a suicide bombing in Hader, claiming the lives of at least nine and wounding 23 when al-Nusra Front terrorists detonated a car bomb there.

The riots in Majdal Shams escalated further when some of the village's residents found out their relatives were murdered in Hader.

In light of the Syrian accusations levied against the IDF for supposedly helping rebel forces carry out the suicide attack in Hader, the army published an extraordinary announcement Friday saying it was "Ready and willing to assist the people of the village and would prevent Hader from being harmed or occupied out of a sense of commitment to the Druze people."
LONDON - Some 5,000 people participated in a protest march against Israel on Saturday afternoon on the streets of London.

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The march, which began near the American embassy, ended outside the British Parliament building at the Palace of Westminster.

Anti-Israel protesters in London

X

The demonstrators protested against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the capital, who arrived in London on Thursday and is expected to remain in the city until Sunday.

Netanyahu arrived in London to mark 100 years to the Balfour Declaration at a special banquet hosted by descendants of Balfour and the recipient of his declaration, Jewish community leader Walter Rothschild, in the gilded halls of Lancaster House mansion.

The demonstrators protested against the centennial celebration, holding signs declaring the British declaration has led to the "Palestinian disaster."

The demonstration was relatively quiet. Unlike similar demonstrations in London in the past, there were no Hezbollah flags on display. Many of the protesters are supporters of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and opted instead for Palestinian flags.

Nevertheless, the demonstration was still considered a success as it drew a fairly large crowd compared to other anti-Israel protests held in the British capital in recent years, which only drew several hundreds of people.

Demonstration organizers claim this was the largest anti-Israel protest in London since the 2014 Operation Protective Edge in Gaza.
President Reuven Rivlin and his wife Nechama will leave early Sunday for a state visit in Spain as the guests of the King of Spain, Felipe VI.

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The Israeli president is heading to Madrid to mark 30 years to the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, as well as 100 years to the return of Spanish Jews to the country after the expulsion in 1492.

Rivlin's visit comes in the midst of a political crisis in Spain after the region of Catalonia announced its independence.





President Reuven Rivlin (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

Catalans protested the Israeli president's visit, calling to cancel it, following the imprisonment of eight Catalan ministers and the arrest order issued against Catalonia's president, who is currently in Belgium.

Rivlin's trip would be the first state visit by a foreign leader, and it's important to Madrid to send out a message of "business as usual."

"This is a historic and significant visit to a country that is a true friend, and it also shows the deep friendship between the two peoples," Rivlin said ahead of the visit.

"Israel and Spain are tied together by the bonds of a shared past. Thirty years ago, our prime ministersthe late Shimon Peres and Felipe Gonzalez, may he live longlaid the foundations for the future and established the diplomatic relations between the two nations," he continued.

"We must realize the unique potential in our ties, which are based on shared values and vision, alongside ability and strength," the president concluded.

Rivlin will be accompanied by a 37-person business delegation of leading Israeli companies and trade figures, and an academic delegation including leading figures and Nobel Prize laureates. During the visit, Spain and Israel are expected to sign agreements in many different fields.

On Monday, Rivlin and his wife will be received at an official state reception by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano at the Royal Palace (Palacio De Oriente). The ceremony will include the playing of national anthems and an honor guard.

Later in the day, Rivlin and his wife will be hosted at the royal residence, the Palace of Zarzuela, for lunch with the king and queen, followed by a private meeting between Rivlin and King Felipe.

The king and queen will also host Rivlin and his wife at a state dinner, where both Rivlin and King Felipe are expected to speak.

The next day, Rivlin will open an economic conference at the offices of the Spanish manufacturers association. Later, he will meet with Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and the two will oversee the signing of bilateral agreements between the two countries.

Rivlin will also address a special plenary of both the Senate and Congress of the Spanish parliament, where he is expected to also speak about Catalonian independence. He will express Israel's support for the Spanish people and talk about the importance of maintaining unity in Spain and reaching understandings and agreements in peaceful ways. The Israeli president will be then awarded medals of both houses and sign the official guest book.

Rivlin and his delegation will return to Israel on Wednesday morning.

Joining the visit are Minister Gila Gamliel (Likud); Israel's Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef; the head of the Association of Imams in Israel, Sheikh Muhammad Kiwan; the spritual leader of Druze in Israel, Mowafaq Tarif; Archbishop George Bacouni, the leader of the Melkite Greek Catholic Archeparchy; Israeli Nobel Prize laureate Ada Yonath; and Amos Yadlin, the head of the Institute for National Security Studies.
- Nana Addo is saying he is not interested in meddling in chieftaincy matters in the North

- He says he will honor his promise by creating new district out of the Tempane constituency

Yen.com.gh brings to you the latest news in Ghana

The Paramount Chief of the Bawku Traditional Area, Naba Asigri Abuagrago Azoka II has paid a reciprocal courtesy call on Presidency Nana Addo in Accra.

Nana Addo in a handshake with Naba Asigri Abuagrago Azoka II

READ ALSO: Bring me your used underwears, brassieres  Obinim orders Church members in latest video

The Paramount Chief together with some of his elders called on the president at the Flagstaff House on Thursday.

The people of Bawku, in a run up to the 2016 elections voted massively for President Nana Addo and the NPP.

President Nana Addo with some of the Chiefs

Nana Akufo-Addo in a conversation commended the Bawku Naba and his sub-Chiefs for their role in ensuring that peace prevails in Bawku chieftaincy dispute.

READ ALSO: Pregnant women queue for spiritual palm nut soup at Koforidua prayer camp

Nana Addo in an interaction with Naba

He also insisted that his administration is not interested in meddling in Chieftaincy matters and other stool conflicts in the Northern Region.

The Bawku Naba with some of his elders at the Flagstaff House

The president stressed that the decision to create a new district out of Tempane constituency was on-going, and the Minister for Local Government would announce the new district anytime soon.

READ ALSO: Im in love with Ebonys 'Sponsor'  Prophet Kobi confesses

Naba Azoka brought Nana Addo a gift

Your stories and photos are always welcome. Send us a message via YENs official Facebook page

Source: YEN.com.gh
A Spanish judge has issued European Arrest Warrants (EAW) for sacked Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont and four of his allies who went to Belgium, BBC reports.

November 4, 2017, 10:33 Spain Issues European Arrest Warrant for Catalan Leader

STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 4, ARTSAKHPRESS: The five failed to attend a high court hearing in Madrid on Thursday when nine other ex-members of the regional government were taken into custody.

One of those detained has been freed on bail of 50,000 (44,000; $58,000).

They all face charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds for pursuing Catalan independence.

Puigdemont declared he would not return to Spain unless he receives guarantees of a fair trial.

A spokesman for the state prosecutor of Belgium noted that they will "study" the warrant.
Over the next six weeks, trainee teachers will participate in lectures, practical sessions, workshops and assessments across two locations: 572 teachers in Simbu Province and 174 in Central Province.

Generously funded by ExxonMobil, the Australian Government and KTF donors, the training enables partially-trained elementary teachers to complete their Certificates of Elementary Teaching and become fully-fledged elementary teachers.

PORT MORESBY - This week the Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF), the Papua New Guinea Education Institute and the National Department of Education are expanding the Teach for Tomorrow program to a further 746 trainee teachers across Simbu and Central Provinces and the National Capital District.

Once certified, the graduate teachers will have the opportunity to access government payroll positions for the first time after volunteering in schools for many years.

The 746 trainee teachers have waited a long time for this training and have worked tirelessly as volunteers in village schools, said KTF CEO, Dr Genevieve Nelson.

These are the eighth and ninth provinces in which KTF has rolled out training. In the past 15 months, KTF and its partners have trained teachers in Oro, Gulf, Milne Bay, Morobe, Manus, New Ireland and Bougainville.

The Central/NCD teacher training is co-funded by ExxonMobil.

By supporting teachers to further their training, we are supporting over 6,000 children in Central Province and NCD to have access to basic elementary, said public and government affairs manager Robert Aisi.

The teachers trained in Simbu will provide an elementary education to more than 17,000 children across the province.
This week's recipe roundup is all about simple, delicious meals that can be on your dinner table in as little as 15 minutes.
I have had the privilege of meeting Kathleen Gorr this past year as she embarked on the journey of campaigning to represent District 9 as a county legislator. She has worked tirelessly to meet as many people as is physically possible in the towns of Moravia, Niles, Sempronious and Summerhill. If she works even half as hard as your county representative, she will be a superstar at the job!
As a starter, you could choose lab sweetbreads, friendly foie gras or in vitro oysters and then move on to a ravioli of cultured Bresse chicken or homegrown charcuteries for a main course.

The restaurant websitewww.bistro-invitro.comlooks authentic, but it doesn't provide an address or a contact telephone number for reservations. It's only after scrolling down a bit that you find that the bistro does not yet exist.

"Bistro In Vitro is a fictitious restaurant with a menu of in vitro dishes that may one day end up on your plate," the site says.

The restaurant may be fictional, but the kind of food it discusses is far from a fantasy. In September, China and Israel signed a $300 million deal by which China would fund Israeli scientists trying to master the production of laboratory meat, grown from stem cells. When the scientists have managed to hone their techniques and reduced the cost, China will be able to start producing the meat for its own market.

It is not like meat substitutes such as tofu. It is grown from stem cells in a lab, rather than in a body.

The technology is not new; the first lab meat burger was produced in London in 2013. That burger was estimated to have cost 215,000 pounds ($285,500) to make and was funded by Sergey Brin, one of the founders of Google. People who tasted the burger, which was made by Mark Post of Maastricht University, described it as "close to meat, but not that juicy" and said "it feels like a burger".

Three Israeli entitiesSuper Meat, Future Meat and Meat the Futurespecialize in the production of chicken meat, which is less complex than beef and therefore more likely to go into mass production sooner. All three are connected to Israeli universities that are public bodies, which is why the deal was government-to-government rather than an acquisition.

While many will balk at the idea of eating unnatural meat, the logic is clear. As China Science and Technology Daily stated after the China-Israel deal was announced: "Imagine the future. You have two identical products, one that you have to slaughter the cattle to get. The other is exactly the same, and cheaperno greenhouse gas emissions, no animal slaughter. Which one would you choose?"

The reality of most meat production is that it is highly industrialized and far removed from the pastoral scenes of our imagination. Lab-grown meat could happily supplant most of the cheap meat production that goes into fast food and other areas, leaving farmers to focus on higher-quality produce such as steaks and cuts for roasts.

Most will not be able to tell the difference between a fast food burger made of real beef and one made of lab beef and, just like today, consumers will be able to pay a premium for meat from well-raised animals.

The reduction in the number of animals, primarily cattle, will result in a fall in the emission of methane gas and also protect forests from devastation by farmers seeking new grazing land, as in South America.

Consumers, particularly in Europe and North America, also have a part to play by eating less meat, which will enhance their health as well as the environment. Such a change in eating habits will need a change in mentality, and that is what Bistro In Vitro is pioneering. As the site explains: "By exploring and pushing the boundaries of our food culture, we want to do away with the idea that cultured meat is an inferior meat substitute."

The author is a senior editor at China Daily UK. conal@mail.chinadailyuk.com
Like so many, I have avoided, for the most part, any sort of involvement in politics due to its often acidic and cynical characteristics (in particular in more recent times). Only recently, when a very good friend of mine, as well as a professional contemporary, "threw his hat into the ring," did I take a more intimate interest in what is happening in our community. Mike Lesch is a dynamic young professional with a work ethic that I believe is unparalleled. He works a floor below me in a building that houses many businesses, and I can state unequivocally that he is often the first person in and one of the last to leave. Hes developed into a sought-after CPA providing both technical and practical advice to businesses of all types and sizes.

Unfortunately, and consistent with my fears mentioned above, I recently read with dismay an OpEd published by The Citizen regarding the water quality of Owasco Lake and the candidates position on the matter. The Citizen, potentially unwittingly, took a statement out of context and made it appear that Mike Lesch was ill-informed on a subject about which he is passionate; Mike is unequivocally concerned about our lake and our water quality, and recognizes we need immediate action and reform. Given the foregoing, I am hopeful The Citizen will take the initiative to immediately right this wrong.

Regardless, but most importantly, we live in a community that has witnessed its youth scatter for bigger and better things and places  this only makes our local economy and general appeal weaker, and we continue to struggle to attract younger people, or keep those that we do have with us. We now have the rare opportunity to elect someone to a position with the power and ability to effect real change and have a positive impact on our local future. I cannot imagine a better or more opportune time to seize this moment  to grab ahold of youth, hope and ingenuity. I cannot vote for Mike Lesch as I am not in his district, but I do hope and trust that those that are will realize that he is without question the right individual for this position. On this Nov. 7, vote for Mike Lesch!

Patrick A. Carbonaro

Owasco
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When we pay attention towards environment, there won't be any tension about future of mankind: Vice President

New Delhi, Sat, 04 Nov 2017 NI Wire

Inaugurates International Conference on Environment - 2017

The Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that when we pay attention towards environment, there won't be any tension about the future of mankind. He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the International Conference on Environment - 2017, organized by the National Green Tribunal, here yesterday. The Chief Justice of India, Justice Dipak Misra, the Minister of Science & Technology, Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the Chairperson of the National Green Tribunal, Swatanter Kumar, Justice of the National High Court of Brazil & Secretary General of the UN Environment International Advisory Council of Environmental Justice, Justice Antonio Herman Benjamin, the Attorney General for India, K.K. Venugopal and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The Vice President said that the GDP is important but it is even more important to improve human lives. He further said that quality of life is the ultimate test of all our development efforts. Development has very little meaning if it doesnt lead to health, happiness and harmony, he added.

The Vice President said that he has often confronted this question of what takes priority - environment protection or development. He further said that he can say confidently that there is no intrinsic contradiction between the two; all that is needed is to check over exploitation.

The Vice President said that each wing of our polity has a distinct role to play. He further said that the legislatures frame laws that address the concerns of the people, the executive effectively implements and delivers. The judiciary ensures that the laws are interpreted and implemented both in letter and spirit, he added.

The Vice President said that rapid economic growth and intensified industrialization has also led to increasingly unhealthy, polluting and carbon-intensive lifestyles. He further said that we have to adopt a better way of measuring growth, which is more holistic and reveals a truer picture of progress and quality of life and not merely economic growth. We have to invent and innovate methods to maintain economic growth and bring holistic prosperity without adverse impacts on the environment, he added.

Following is the text of Vice President's address:

"It gives me great pleasure to be a part of this august gathering. I must take this opportunity to appreciate the efforts of the National Green Tribunal (Indias foremost Environmental Justice Court), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Asian Development Bank, the Ministry of Environment Forests & Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation in successfully organising such events in the past at International and National levels and for the present event- World Conference on Environment, November 2017.

These events serve as forums for discussion on wide ranging environmental issues of universal concern. This is the second International Conference on the subject this year and fourth International Conference on Environment being organised under the aegis of NGT.

Brothers & sisters, we have had decades of deliberations on international environmental consciousness, jurisprudence and laws. We have progressed from denial to acceptance of global warming. We have moved from non-voluntary non mandatory contributions to voluntary commitments to mitigate the threat of climate change. Many countries have started taking proactive measures for protecting the environment.

We all are realizing a little slowly, a little painfully that we have been recklessly damaging our environment. Wisdom is slowly dawning upon all countries that our existence is at stake and we have to act fast to avoid a catastrophe.

At this point, I am reminded of the words of Mahatma Gandhi. He stated:

The earth, the air, the land and the water are not an inheritance from our fore fathers but on loan from our children. So we have to handover to them at least as it was handed over to us. These times call for collective intervention by the international community for pushing the environmental agenda and working on a meticulously charted sustainable development path of keeping global warming well below 2C, while pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5C.

Economic Growth should not be seen as independent of environment. What nations needs to work together for, is sustainable economic growth.

Many countries around the world call our planet the Mother Earth. Many religions have given us a rich heritage of thoughts and ideas on living harmoniously with nature. In India too, we have a rich repertory of hymns and practices that celebrate, worship and preserve nature. For instance, Bhu-Suktam in Atharva Veda written almost 20 centuries ago, celebrates nature and seeks to see it protected and preserved.

O Mother Earth, may your hills and snow clad mountains spread their coolness, may your forests spread delight. On your firm foundation which is unconquered, unslayed and unbroken, I stand firm. Destruction of trees is frowned upon. As Prophet Mohammed said He who cuts a lote-tree, Allah will send him to Hellfire. In the Hindu tradition, all trees are sacred, all living and non-living creatures are valued and treasured. The seers have said Ishavasyam Idam Sarvam (The whole universe is divine and sacred).

These well-springs of our collective heritage need to be revived. We must not only recollect some of the best thoughts from our past but also shape our present in line with those noble ideals. Or else, our future might turn to be dark and bleak.

The signs of a catastrophic future are already actually here for us to experience. We do not have clean air and clean water in many cities. Our quality of life is constantly declining.

GDP is important but it is even more important to improve human lives. Quality of life is the ultimate test of all our development efforts. Development has very little meaning if it doesnt lead to health, happiness and harmony. When we pay attention towards environment, there won't be any tension about the future of mankind

Having served in the Government of India for nearly four decades, I have often confronted this question of what takes priority- environment protection or development. I can say confidently that there is no intrinsic contradiction between the two; all that is needed is to check over exploitation. As Gandhiji had said, Nature provides enough to meet our needs but cannot provide for our greed. The challenge is huge. However, if we have the political will, the legal frame work and an able Judiciary, we can achieve results.

Each wing of our polity has a distinct role to play. The legislatures frame laws that address the concerns of the people, the executive effectively implements and delivers. The judiciary ensures that the laws are interpreted and implemented both in letter and spirit.

I do hope each of us in each of these spheres of responsibility, act in unison with a common objective but within the clearly defined parameters delineated by the Constitution.

The environmental change is occurring at a much faster rate than previously thought. These threats are population growth, rapid urbanization, rising levels of consumption, desertification, land degradation and climate change have combined to leave countries suffering from severe water scarcity. These highly disturbing trends are also making it increasingly hard for the world to feed itself.

To speak of Asia Pacific region, the rapid and much desired economic growth has left very huge impact on the natural resources and ecosystems. Worsening air quality, extreme water scarcity and humungous waste generation are threatening human and environmental health.

The region continues to be the worlds most disaster prone region having a 41% share of all natural disasters reported over the last two decades, which also accounted for 91% of the worlds deaths attributable to natural disasters in the last century.

In Southeast Asia, the average area deforested annually is more than 1 million hectares, resulting in the release of hundreds of millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide every year between 2005 and 2015.

The contamination of water sources by human and industrial waste, including pharmaceutical and personal care products, is a major problem in the region.

It is estimated that about 30% of the population uses contaminated drinking water. Water-related diseases and unsafe water contribute to 1.8 million deaths annually in the region. Unsafe sanitation, disposal of untreated wastewater and runoff of agrochemicals are responsible for a rise in water-borne diseases, especially in Asias population-dense urban areas.

Uncontrolled dumping, which is still the main waste disposal method in the region, is also a major source of disease. In Mumbai, for example, about 12% of total municipal solid waste is burned either openly on the streets or in landfills.

Rapid economic growth and intensified industrialization has also led to increasingly unhealthy, polluting and carbon-intensive lifestyles.

Global Warming is not merely a concern due to increased temperatures. It is displacing people out of their homes, where their ancestors and forefathers have dwelled for centuries, in search of livelihood, food and shelter due to altered geographic and climatic conditions.

According to WHO, approximately 12.6 million deaths are attributable to unhealthy environments, i.e. nearly 1 in every 4 death recorded globally. Out of this 8.2 million deaths have resulted from non communicable diseases like cancers, strokes, heart problems, chronic respiratory diseases, etc. Regionally, the low and middle income countries in South-East Asia and Western Pacific Region are the worst hit.

Distinguished speakers and audience, I would like all of us to reflect on certain key issues and seek solutions to our current predicament.

1. Is it time for the World to formally adopt a better way of measuring growth, which is more holistic and reveals a truer picture of progress and quality of life and not merely economic growth?

2. Can we move beyond the boundaries of countries and adopt a regime of Global Civics and World Governance, in matters which are of great concern to the entire humanity?

3. Is it time to move towards an eco centric approach, where the role of human race is not merely that of stewardship, but that of Earth Trusteeship?

4. Can we discover, invent and innovate methods to maintain economic growth and bring holistic prosperity without adverse impacts on the environment?

We must find answers to these questions; and initiate swift action.

Let us not wait for the disaster to strike.

We have to combine knowledge and wisdom with concrete action.

We must define our roles and be watchful trustees of our natural wealth.

We must enhance awareness and proactively involve all sections of the population.

The agenda of the Conference is quite timely. I look forward to your fruitful deliberations and eagerly await your implementable recommendations.

I wish you all a successful conference!

Jai Hind!

Source: PIB
PM Modi addressing the gathering at the inauguration ceremony of the World Food India 2017

New Delhi, Sat, 04 Nov 2017 NI Wire

PM's address at World Food India 2017

Excellencies,

Captains of Business and Industry,

Ladies & Gentlemen,

I am happy to be a part of this august gathering of global leaders and decision makers of the food processing sector. I welcome you all to World Food India 2017.

This event will provide you a glimpse of the opportunities that await you, in India. It will showcase our potential in the food processing value chain. It will provide a platform to connect with various stakeholders, and collaborate for mutual prosperity. And, it will present to you, some of our most delightful cuisine, which has stimulated taste buds across the world.

Ladies and gentlemen.

India's strengths in agriculture, are many and diverse. The second largest arable land area, and as many as 127 diverse agro-climatic zones, give us global leadership in a number of crops like bananas, mangoes, guavas, papayas, and okra. We are second, globally, in terms of production of rice, wheat, fish, fruits and vegetables. India is also the world's biggest milk producer. Our horticulture sector has shown an average growth rate of 5.5 per cent annually over the last ten years.

For centuries, India has welcomed traders from distant lands, who came in search of our distinctive spices. Their travels to India, often shaped the course of history. Our trade synergies with Europe and South East Asia through the Spice Route are well known. Even Christopher Columbus was attracted to Indian spices, and reached America, as he searched for an alternate sea route to India.

Food processing is a way of life in India. It has been practiced for ages, even in the humblest of households. Simple, home-based techniques, such as fermentation, have resulted in the creation of our famous pickles, papads, chutneys and murabbas that now excite both the elite and the masses, across the world.

Ladies and gentlemen.

Let us turn, for a while, to the big picture.

India is today one of the fastest growing economies of the world. The Goods and Services Tax, or GST, has eliminated the multiplicity of taxes. India has jumped thirty ranks this year, in the World Bank Doing Business rankings. This is the highest ever improvement for India, and the highest jump for any country this year. From a rank of 142 in 2014, we have now reached the top 100.

India was ranked number one in the world in 2016 in greenfield investment. India is also rapidly progressing on the Global Innovation Index, Global Logistics Index and Global Competitiveness Index.

Starting a new business in India is now easier than ever before. Procedures for obtaining clearances from various agencies have been simplified. Archaic laws have been repealed, and the burden of compliances has been reduced.

I now turn specifically, to food processing.

The Government has undertaken a range of transformational initiatives. India is now the most preferred investment destination in this sector. It is a priority sector in our Make in India programme. 100% FDI, is now permitted, for trading, including through e-commerce, of food products manufactured or produced in India. A single-window facilitation cell provides handholding for foreign investors. There are attractive fiscal incentives from the Union and State Governments. Loans to food and agro-based processing units, and cold chains, are classified under priority sector lending, making them easier and cheaper to obtain.

The unique portal  Nivesh Bandhu  or "investor's friend"  that we have just launched, brings together information on central and state government policies, and incentives provided for the food-processing sector. It maps resources upto the local level, with processing requirements. It is also a platform for business networking, for farmers, processors, traders, and logistics operators.

Friends.

Private sector participation has been increasing in many segments of the value chain. However, more investment is required in contract farming, raw material sourcing and creating agri linkages. Many international companies in India have taken a lead in contract farming initiatives. This is a clear opportunity for global super-market chains considering India as a major outsourcing hub.

On one hand, there are opportunities in post-harvest management, like primary processing and storage, preservation infrastructure, cold chain, and refrigerated transportation. On the other hand, there is immense potential for food processing and value addition, especially in niche areas such as organic and fortified foods.

Increasing urbanization, and a growing middle class, are resulting in an ever-growing demand for wholesome, processed food. Let me share just one statistic. Over a million passengers have a meal on a train in India, every single day. Each one of them, is a potential customer for the food processing industry. Such is the scale of opportunity that is waiting to be tapped.

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Lifestyle disease is raising consciousness globally, about the nature and quality of food consumption. There is a growing aversion to the use of artificial colours, chemicals and preservatives. India can provide solutions, and offer a win-win partnership.

The combination of traditional Indian food, with modern technology, processing and packaging, can help the world rediscover the health benefits, and refreshing taste of Indian food ingredients such as turmeric, ginger, and tulsi, to name just a few. The perfect blend of hygienic, nutritious and tasty processed food, with the added benefits of preventive healthcare, can be produced economically, here in India.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has been engaged in ensuring that processed food made in India, matches global quality standards. The harmonization of the food additives standards with Codex, and the building of robust testing and laboratory infrastructure, will go a long way in creating an enabling environment for food businesses.

Ladies and gentlemen.

The farmers, whom we respectfully call our "Annadaata" or the providers of food are central to our efforts in food processing. We have a stated target of doubling farm incomes within five years. Recently, we launched a national level programme, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, to create world-class food processing infrastructure. This is expected to leverage investment of five billion US dollars, benefit two million farmers and generate more than half a million jobs over the next three years.

The creation of Mega Food Parks is a key component of this scheme. Through these food parks, we aim to link agro-processing clusters with key production centres. This will offer immense value proposition in crops such as potato, pineapple, oranges and apples. Farmer groups are being encouraged to set up units in these parks, thereby reducing wastage and transportation costs, and creating new jobs. Nine such parks are already operational, and more than thirty others are in the process of coming up across the country.

To improve last mile delivery, we are improving governance, by increasing access to digital technology. We plan to link our villages through broadband connectivity, within a clear timeframe. We are digitising land records, and providing various services to the people on mobile platforms. These steps are building momentum towards real-time transfer of information, knowledge and skills to farmers. The e-NAM, our national agricultural e-Market, is connecting our agricultural markets nationwide, thereby giving our farmers the benefit of competitive pricing, and freedom of choice.

In the true spirit of cooperative and competitive federalism, our State Governments have also aligned with the efforts of the Union Government to simplify processes and procedures. Many States have come up with attractive food processing policies to attract investment. I urge each State of India to identify at least one food product for specialisation. Similarly, each district can also select some food items for production, and one item for specialisation.

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Today, our strong agricultural base provides us a solid launch pad to create a vibrant food processing sector. Our vast consumer base, rising incomes, favourable investment climate and a Government dedicated to ease of doing business, all make India the place to be' for the global food processing fraternity.

Each sub sector of the food industry in India offers immense opportunity. Let me give you some illustrations.

The dairy sector has emerged as a vital area for the rural economy. We now aim to take this to the next level by increasing production levels of multiple products based on milk.

Honey is nature's gift to mankind. It offers several valuable by-products, such as bee wax. It has the potential to increase farm incomes. Currently, we rank sixth in the production and export of honey. India is now ripe, for a sweet revolution.

India contributes over six per cent of global fish production. We are the world's second largest exporter of shrimps. India exports fish and fisheries products to about 95 countries. We aim to make a big leap in the ocean economy through the blue revolution. Our focus is on development of untapped areas, such as ornamental fisheries and trout farming. We also wish to explore new areas, like pearl farming.

Our commitment to sustainable development, is at the heart of our thrust for organic farming. Sikkim, in north-eastern India, has become India's first fully organic state. The entire north-east offers opportunities to create functional infrastructure for organic produce.

Friends.

In order to be successful in Indian markets, understanding Indian food habits and tastes is a key requirement. To give you just one example, milk based products and fruit-juice based drinks are an intrinsic part of Indian food habits. That is why, I have been suggesting to manufacturers of aerated drinks, the potential of blending five per cent fruit juice in their products.

Food processing also holds solutions to nutrition security. For example, our coarse grains and millets have high nutritional value. They can also withstand adverse agro-climatic conditions. They can be called "nutrition rich and climate smart" crops. Can we take up a venture based on these? This will raise incomes of some of the poorest of our farmers, and also enhance our nutrition levels. Such products, shall, of course, find resonance across the world.

Can we link our potential, to the world's requirements? Can we link Indian traditions with the future of mankind? Can we connect India's farmers with markets around the world? These are some questions that I wish to leave you with.

I am confident that World Food India will help us take some concrete steps in this direction. It will also provide valuable insights into our rich culinary landscape, and highlight our ancient wisdom of food processing.

I am also happy to note that the Department of Post has released a set of twenty four commemorative postage stamps on this occasion, to illustrate the diversity of Indian cuisine.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I invite each one of you to become a part of the exciting growth journey of India's food processing sector. I assure you of my whole-hearted support, whenever required.

Come. Invest in India.

The place with unlimited opportunity from farm to fork.

The place to produce, process, and prosper.

For India, and for the world.

Thank You.

Source: PIB
Prime Minister of Latvia calls on the President of India

New Delhi, Sat, 04 Nov 2017 NI Wire

His Excellency Mr Maris Kucinskis, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, called on the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, at Rashtrapati Bhavan (November 3, 2017).

Welcoming the Latvian Prime Minister to India, the President said that this visit is of historic significance as it is the first ever visit of a Latvian Prime Minister to India. It takes place as we are celebrating 25 years of establishment of our diplomatic relations.

The President said that bilateral relations between India and Latvia are warm and friendly. We should work together to enhance our economic relations. We deeply appreciate Latvias participation in the World Food India 2017 event. Latvia has acquired strengths in the agro-food processing sector and the participation of Latvian companies at World Food India will benefit both sides. The President stated that the Government of India has introduced programmes like Make in India, Smart Cities, Digital India and Clean India which present opportunities for Latvian companies. Latvia can also gain from the strengths of Indian industry, particularly in the IT and pharma sectors.

The President said that we deeply value our strong cultural ties and people-to-people connect with Latvia. He expressed happiness that the Centre for India Studies and Culture established in the University of Latvia is promoting yoga and Hindi. He was glad that a new Centre for Baltic Culture and Studies has been opened at the Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya in Haridwar. He stated that this will further deepen cultural and academic contacts between India and the Baltic region.

The President noted that the Latvian Prime Minister will be inaugurating the Honorary Consulate of Latvia and attending business meetings in Mumbai tomorrow. He expressed confidence that these will help in further strengthening our bilateral ties.

Source: PIB
Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana launched to promote philately: Manoj Sinha

New Delhi, Sat, 04 Nov 2017 NI Wire

Minister of Communications Manoj Sinha yesterday launched a Pan India scholarship program for school children called Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana to increase the reach of Philately. Under the scheme of SPARSH (Scholarship for Promotion of Aptitude & Research in Stamps as a Hobby), it is proposed to award annual scholarships to children of Standard VI to IX having good academic record and also pursuing Philately as a hobby through a competitive selection process in all postal circles. Briefing the media after the launch of the scheme, Sinha said that under the scheme, it is proposed to award 920 scholarships to students pursuing Philately as a hobby. Every Postal Circle will select a maximum of 40 scholarships representing 10 students each from Standard VI, VII, VIII & IX. The amount of Scholarship will be Rs. 6000/- per annum @ Rs. 500/- per month.

The Minister said that to avail this scholarship, a child must be a student of a recognized school within India and the concerned school should have a Philately Club and the candidate should be a member of the Club. In case the school Philately Club hasnt been established a student having his own Philately Deposit Account will also be considered. Every prospective school, which participates in the competition, would be assigned a Philately mentor to be chosen from amongst the renowned Philatelists. The Philately mentor would help in formation of the School level Philately Club, providing guidance to young and aspiring Philatelists on how to pursue the hobby and also helping the aspiring Philatelists on their Philately Projects etc.

Sinha said that selections under the Deen Dayal SPARSH scheme would be made based on the evaluation of Project work on Philately & performance in Philately Quiz conducted by the Circles. The details of the Scheme will be available on the website at www.postagestamps.gov.in and www.indiapost.gov.in

Philately is the hobby of collection and study of Postage stamps. It also entails the collection, appreciation and research activities on stamps and other related philatelic products. The hobby of collecting Stamps includes seeking, locating, acquiring, organizing, cataloguing, displaying, storing, and maintaining the stamps or related products on thematic areas. Philately is called the king of hobbies because Stamp collection as a hobby has lot of educational benefits - it teaches a lot about the socio economic political reality of the period in which the stamp is issued or the theme on which it is issued.

Source: PIB
Youve gotta believe me! Photo: Andrew Harrer/Getty Images

Donna Brazile writes in her new book that after Hillary Clinton fell ill with pneumonia in September 2016, she considered replacing the Democratic nominee with Vice-President Joe Biden, the Washington Post reported on Saturday:

In an explosive new memoir, Brazile details widespread dysfunction and dissension throughout the Democratic Party, including secret deliberations over using her powers as interim DNC chair to initiate the removal of Clinton and running mate Sen. Tim Kaine (Va.) from the ticket after Clintons Sept. 11, 2016, collapse in New York City.

Brazile writes that she considered a dozen combinations to replace the nominees and settled on Biden and Sen. Cory Booker (N.J.), the duo she felt most certain would win over enough working-class voters to defeat Republican Donald Trump. But then, she writes, I thought of Hillary, and all the women in the country who were so proud of and excited about her. I could not do this to them.

On Thursday, Brazile caused a stir when the first excerpt of the book, Hacks, was published on Politico. In it, Brazile wrote that the Democratic National Committee, which she took control of in 2016, had rigged the primary for Hillary Clinton, in part by instituting a quid pro quo system that would give Clinton full control of the organization. The seemingly explosive claim helped reanimate the acrimonious, seemingly never-quite-ending struggle between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders partisans. But NBC News later reported that the joint agreement in question only applied to the general election, a claim that took much of the sting out of Braziles allegations, since such an arrangement has been standard operating procedure for many years.

Her Biden deliberation story seemed more immediately ripe for debunking: The Democratic National Committee chair does not have the power to unilaterally remove a candidate. The Washington Post updated its story on the book Saturday afternoon to clarify that Brazile knew the process would be more complicated.

Still, in the context of what seems to be a pattern of exaggeration, reactions to Saturdays revelations ranged from dismay to comic disbelief.

This is just gross, and Im sure Biden would agree. https://t.co/tLNIt0nHfs  Jon Favreau (@jonfavs) November 4, 2017

This is such grandiloquent nonsense. The idea that Brazile had it in her power to do this but had mercy on Clintons followers. My god. pic.twitter.com/mBY8rD7y4i  Josh Marshall (@joshtpm) November 4, 2017

Donna Brazile: "I contemplated telling the Atlanta Falcons to not get comfortable after obtaining a 25 point lead in the first half"  Joe Perticone (@JoePerticone) November 4, 2017

Braziles book is full of incendiary commentary, the Post reports. She writes that the entire Clinton campaign carried the odor of failure, and recounts her personal problems with several top aides, including campaign manager Robby Mook. She writes about an exchange in which she told three campaign officials to stop treating her like Patsey the slave, a reference to the movie 12 Years a Slave. She calls President Obama, Clinton, and exDemocratic National Committee head Debbie Wasserman Schultz three titanic egos who had stripped the party to a shell for their own purposes.

Most bizarrely, she writes of fearing for her life after the murder of Seth Rich, the DNC staffer whose death has been the locus of deranged Republican conspiracy theories surrounding WikiLeaks and Hillary Clintons emails.

Whether Braziles apparent fabulism will be dismissed as a bookselling stunt or cause any real internecine conflict among Democrats is unclear. But with a pivotal, uncomfortably close gubernatorial election just around the corner in Virginia, one things for sure: The timing for a massive distraction for the party could scarcely be worse.

This story has been updated to include the Posts clarification of Braziles account.
Rand Paul. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Senator Rand Paul was assaulted by his neighbor while mowing his lawn at his residence in Bowling Green, Kentucky, on Friday afternoon, suffering minor injuries. His assailant, a 59-year-old man named Rene Boucher, was subsequently arrested by Kentucky State Police and charged with fourth-degree assault, a misdemeanor.

The FBI is currently investigating the incident to see if it was politically motivated, but according to WAVE 3 News, the GOP senator and his neighbor have had an ongoing feud. The Bowling Green News reports that, according to the police report, Paul said that Boucher attacked him from behind, knocking him to the ground. Paul apparently suffered injuries to his face and was having some trouble breathing on account of an injury to his rib.

Per KSP, Rene Boucher, 59, assaulted @RandPaul causing minor injury last night Boucher charged 4th degree assault More soon at @bgdailynews pic.twitter.com/5EUthFUOEY  Joe Imel (@joeimel) November 4, 2017

Boucher, an anesthesiologist, was reportedly once registered as a Democrat and had criticized President Trump on his Facebook page  but it is not clear that the assault had anything to do with politics, and WAVE 3 didnt find any Facebook posts from Boucher mentioning Paul. Boucher also once developed a back-pain vest, which was marketed by QVC.

One of the senators spokespersons explained on Saturday that Paul was blindsided in the attack, but that the senator was fine and everything was now a matter for the police. That investigation is ongoing.

This post has been updated.
A village in Abim. Councillors support the age limit bill

Abim district council has assented to the removal of the presidential age limit cap from the constitution amid protests from sections of community members.



In a decision arrived at during the consultation meetings with the members of parliament from the district, majority of the councillors said they were comfortable with the proposed amendment of Article 102(b) of the constitution which bars anyone above 75 years or below 35 years from becoming president of Uganda.



Out of eleven councillors in the district, only Abraham Kitacho, the Abim town council councillor and the district speaker, Godfrey Omara, rejected the proposed amendment. The position of the district chairperson Jimmy Ochero is, however, yet to be revealed since he has reportedly been out of the country since the consultations commenced.

According to reports in the district, the position of the councillors has triggered mixed reactions with sections of youths threatening to beat up some of them. The youth claim the decision was arrived at after the councillors received bribes.



Akeno Akendo, one of the youth in the district blames the MPs for campaigning and coercing people to assent to the amendment.



"Today our two MPs were at a consultative meeting in Nyakwae for the controversial age limit bill. It was rather a campaign not consultation since the MPs talked about the achievements of the NRM government other than telling the truth to the community," Akeno wrote on his Facebook page.



But Michael Ayepa, the Labwor county MP says the consultations were done according to the guidelines given in parliament. He notes that the councillors and other people are willing in support of the amendment.



Simon Peter Olum, a member of the opposition in the district, urged MPs to be objective while consulting with the electorate. He notes that consultations are different from campaigns, appealing to MPs to stop what he described as lies to popularise the bill.



Several MPs in Karamoja sub-region have finally started the consultations in the villages, leaving most of urban areas for later dates.
RIP: William Zinkuratire Beijukye

Ruhaama county member of parliament, William Zinkuratire Beijukye is dead.



Chris Obore, Parliament's director of Communication and Public Affairs, says Beijukye, a first-term legislator, had been admitted at Nsambya hospital in Kampala where he passed on Friday night.



Beijukye was elected Ruhaama county MP in February 2016 under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket. He replaced the First Lady Janet Museveni who held the seat in the 8th and 9th parliaments.

While URN could not immediately confirm the cause of death, the deceased last year travelled to India where he was treated for Hepatitis B virus.



He hailed from Kakururu in Rweikiniro sub-county in Ntungamo district. Obore says burial details will be communicated after discussions with family members.



Beijukye becomes the fourth legislator to die this year. In July, Iganga district Woman MP Grace Hailat Kaudha Magumba died after suffering pregnancy-related complications.



Moroto woman MP Annie Logiel died in February after undergoing brain surgery in Sweden. Just a month later, Toroma county MP Cyrus Amodoi Imalingat was among 10 people who perished in motor accident along the Kampala-Jinja highway.
National Service Scheme (NSS) has launched a 12-month insurance policy package for National Service Personnel (NSP) across the country.



The package covers death, injury, medicals among other serious implications that may affect their wellbeing during the year of service.



According to the agreement, insurance company, GLICO Life Insurance, will be required to pay a claim of GHS15,000 to the next of kin of personnel in case of death of any personnel during the period of service.



Same applies to any critical situation that may render the personnel disabled or any form of implication, Board Chairman of the scheme, Professor Kofi Osei Akuoko, told journalists.



In the event of personnel becoming temporarily disabled for a period not less than one month due to accidental injury, the insurance company would also pay the affected NSP GHS3,000.



The board chairman said provisions of the National Service Scheme Act, 1980, Act 426 approve the package after vigorous and wide scrutiny and consultation.



Professor Akuoko, therefore, cautioned insurance companies not to drag their feet when payment is due to any personnel.



Acting Executive Director of the Scheme, Mustapha Ussif, disclosed other complimentary packages which accompanied the policy.



He said, Personnel, as part of the insurance package, would be entitled to other complimentary packages including a loan facility of GHS500, payable within a 6-month period.



The loan facility, he said, would ease up the financial burden of personnel while waiting to be paid their monthly allowance.



Free inter MTN calls for service personnel each month, a recharge credit of GH5.00 for calls to other networks. Free browsing on Facebook, Whatsapp, Twitter, Instagram, WeChat, Jobberman website and GLICO website. Additionally, personnel will enjoy 500 free SMS each month, 100% bonus on all MTN recharge made by personnel and a free movie viewing twice a year at Silver Star Cinema(s). All this will be enjoyed under a premium of GH15.00, he added.



President of National Service Personnel Association, Philip Quaye, in a speech, said national service personnel go through life affecting situations that do not only affect their term of service but also affect their lives and that of their families as well.



In the recent Gas explosion at Atomic Junction, one of the personnel was among the injured. If this policy had come earlier, the person could have enjoyed the package, he said.

Source: today









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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One hundred and sixty-five Gambian migrants voluntarily returned home from Libya on Thursday, the Interior Minister, Mai Ahmad Fatty has disclosed.



According to the minister, the return of the current contingent takes the total figure of returnees to 1,467. The tiny west African nation is a known origin of migrants seeking to reach Europe via Libya.



A similar contingent of returnees were received at the Banjul International Airport in April this year. The Minister added that the government was going to offer them relief services to help them resettle.



Young Gambians have often attempted the perilous journey because of tough economic conditions back home.



Aid agencies and rescue outfits have often reported about death of migrants in the Mediterranean. Rebel groups are also known to be keeping some of these migrants under very harsh conditions in poorly run centers.



Meanwhile, The Gambian government has entered a deal with the European Union in the area of irregular migration. Interior Minister Mai Ahmad Fatty signed the 3.9m euro deal on behalf of the government.



Other sub-Saharan Africa countries that contribute huge numbers to illegal migrants include Nigeria and Eritrea. Most Nigerians have also voluntarily returned home from Libya in the last few months, local media has often reported.

Source: africanews









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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QUEENSBURY  The new ward boundaries in Queensbury mean new polling places for many voters on Tuesday.

The Warren County Board of Elections sent out yellow postcards to every voter, describing their new polling place, but commissioners expect trouble.

We are prepared for a lot of confusion in Queensbury, said Commissioner Beth McLaughlin.

The commissioners will place a computer at five of the six town polling places so that poll workers can quickly look up the right location for lost voters.

Unfortunately, the county only has five such computers. So the sixth polling place  North Queensbury Firehouse  will not have a computer.

Commissioners are urging voters to call the Board of Elections on Monday if theyre not sure where they are voting.

Voters can also call Tuesday, but the office will likely be busy that day. On Monday, voters will get a much faster answer, Commissioner Bill Van Ness said.

The easiest way is just call us, Van Ness said.

At the polling places, five computers will run a program from a thumb drive called the Voter Referral Application. Poll workers will type in the voters address and it will display the right polling place.

The computers are not linked to the internet, so they cannot be easily hacked.

The state Board of Elections also runs a website that has been updated with the correct polling places for Queensbury. That site is https://voterlookup.elections.state.ny.us/

Its been a confusing two years in Queensbury. In 2015, the county consolidated its polling places. Two of Queensburys seven sites were eliminated and voters had to learn their new polling place.

Then, when Queensbury redistricted its wards, a process that ended in January, everything changed again.

The election commissioners tried to keep as many voters as possible in their current location.

We tried to accommodate voters, McLaughlin said.

Some voters from two different wards will vote in the same location. The ballot reading machines had to be specially programmed to read both sets of ballots and print out results by ward.

They also added a polling place in hopes of reducing travel time.

But Ward 4 and Ward 3, unfortunately, theres several roads where voters will be going all the way to the activity center, McLaughlin said.

The six polling places are North Queensbury Firehouse, Bay Ridge Firehouse, West Glens Falls Firehouse, the Warren County Municipal Center, the Queensbury Activity Center and the (corrected) William H. Barton Intermediate School gym.

Corrections A story in Sundays editions about polling places in Queensbury repeated an error from the W
A century-old community bank quietly entered the Quad-City market three years ago, but there is nothing low profile about the site where it will open its first full-service Quad-City bank branch  the intersection of Davenport's 53rd Street and Interstate 74.

Fortress Bank is transforming the former Mimzi Art & Frame store into a new branch due to open in early January. Fortress planted its Quad-City roots under its previous name, First State Bank, with a small loan production office located in Middle Road Plaza in Bettendorf.

"Banking is changing today, having a branch on every corner isn't as important now," said Lee Garlach, Fortress' chairman, CEO and principal shareholder. "Banks are closing branches... but you still need to be very visible."

High visibility was the thinking behind the bank's decision to locate among the big box retailers along the well-traveled thoroughfare. "I wanted to be in the I-74 corridor to be convenient to the whole area," Garlach said.

The 53rd Street location will be bank's first eastern Iowa branch as well as the first new branch to open under the Fortress name. Effective Dec. 1, the Fortress name will roll out across the bank's nine other branches. The bank's parent company is First State Bancorp. Inc., of which Garlach is the president.

Now headquartered in Peoria, the bank traces its roots to western Illinois, where it first opened 113 years ago in 1904 in LaHarpe to serve the surrounding agricultural community. Garlach was the key organizer behind the 2008 acquisition of then Illinois State Bank of Western Illinois. The bank dropped the Western name after moving to Peoria.

Garlach said leaders decided in 2014 to expand geographically into other states, including Iowa.

The Davenport branch will join sister banks in western and central Illinois, including Peoria, Pekin, Macomb, Monmouth, Carthage, LaHarpe, Hamilton, Blandinsville and Colusa. It will offer a full array of banking products and services including deposit accounts, commercial and consumer loans, a drive-up, ATM, safe deposit boxes and more.

The current Bettendorf office will be consolidated into the new operation.

In acquiring the bank, Garlach, a former CPA and bank examiner for the Federal Reserve, brought together his financial background and entrepreneurial spirit. A Quad-City resident for 21 years, he also has extensive experience in the merger, acquisition and operations of small to medium-sized businesses. He had been owner of the former United Distributors, an Illinois Quad-City beer distributor.

Garlach has been joined by veteran bankers John "Omar" Bradley, Keith Worner, Sue Lerschen-Cassatt and Kristal Koberg Schaefer in leading the bank's commercial and mortgage lending.

"The Middle Road location was great, but we'd outgrown it," Garlach said, adding the site, across the street from Duck Creek Plaza, could not have accommodated a drive-up or ATM to make it full-service. "It was ideal for lending."

Fortress acquired the former Mimzi's from George Elliott IV and his wife, Mimzi Haut. The 8,000-square-foot building began life as a Gateway computer store.

The building proved a natural structure to become a bank with its cinder block construction, Garlach said. "We took down a couple of walls and started with a rectangular shell."

The construction is being led by Kevin Koellner of Build-to-Suit Inc. with Greg Gowey of Architects 483 as the architect.

The branch will employ 11 existing employees, who will transfer from the Bettendorf office, as well as another five to be hired, Garlach said. Company-wide, Fortress employs about 100 people.

Bringing the brand to the Quad-Cities was based, in part, on the fact that some of the bank's investors are Quad-Citians. "I wanted to expand here to my home market," said Garlach.

Jillian McCleary, communications vice president for the Quad-Cities Chamber of Commerce, said the new banks arrival fits in well with the chambers goal of targeting new corporate offices to locate in the region.

"It shows that they recognize the growth and potential among our businesses and the broader community," she said.

Fortress has grown to $390 million in assets from $109 million when Garlach and other investors purchased it.

"I wanted a good conservative, well-run bank and to use that as a platform (to grow)," he recalled. He expects more branches in the Quad-Cities, but said that in some of its other locations, Fortress is the only bank in the community and primarily involved in ag lending.

"That's a niche for us," he said of the secondary market locations, some of which are as many as 175 miles from a major metropolitan area.

He described the Quad-Cities as a "very strong community bank" environment. Asked if the community is overbanked, he said "As I told my board, every community worth being in is overbanked."
If a 105-year-old stained glass window could tell a story, what a tale would come from the newly restored window at New Life Church, Davenport.

Located at 1107 Wisconsin Ave., New Life traces its history back 87 years.

In 1958, New Life purchased the former Zion Lutheran Church building at 8th and Gaines streets. Zion Lutheran, which now is at 1216 W. 8th St., last week celebrated its 155th birthday and is the oldest continuously working Lutheran church in Davenport.

The stained glass window had been created by an artist who worked 1911-12. That same artist created pieces that still exist at St. Mark Lutheran Church on West 3rd Street in Davenport, according to the New Life Church pastor, the Rev. Edward Anglin.

New Life hosted a special unveiling of the stained glass window on Oct. 8. Over the years it had gotten worn and a bottom piece had been lost, the minister said.

A regular window replaced the missing bottom piece, and Anglin said while that was well-intentioned, it ultimately detracted from the original. The red was covered with a blue curtain, and ultimately, black paint. The outside was a white frame showing rust and a large fissure.

Patrons of New Life Church, Mary Putnam and her family, offered to fund the window restoration cost and the repairs were made by The Glass Blast, Bettendorf.

The piece is now called "Mary's Window," and is covered by tempered glass, which replaced Plexiglas. It sits high in the sanctuary, above a large stage.

"For many years, its beauty was hidden, dulled by the one-fourth-inch exterior Plexiglas," Anglin said in his sermon on Oct. 8.

"So often what occurs in the spiritual realm manifests in the physical. I believe this is true of Mary's Window. Our long-time members provided a structure. The new members of our congregation were the missing pieces.

"Together you shine beautifully. A spiritually restored church is now physically restored, and the intertwining restorations have led to growth and expansion."

Members of the church are very happy with the restoration, and consider it to be a connection from the newly restored church to its roots. "When looking at the window, you'd never know it hasn't been there forever," the pastor said.

Anglin, who arrived in 2015, describes New Life as a Christian Church, nondenominational, with a Pentecostal spirit vibe.

Considering the restored historic stained glass window, and building improvements, he is positive about the future. "This is a very exciting time for our church," Anglin said.
Greek lunch returns to RI church

The women of the St. George Philoptochos Society, Rock Island, will host a Pastitsio Lunch at noon on Saturday, Dec. 2. The cost is $20 and includes pastitsio, Greek salad, bread, butter and drinks. Seating is limited and reservations are required. They are taken until Nov. 22, or until they sell out. To make a reservation call Patti at 563-940-1453 or send a message at patti.kenyon@gmail.com

St. Mark group meets for lunch

The Friendship Group at St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church, Davenport, will meet at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Iowa Machine Shed, 7250 Northwest Blvd., Davenport. A sign-up sheet is in the lobby of the church, 2363 W. 3rd St., Davenport.

$5,000 award to Christian Care

The Moline Foundation has given Christian Care Center in Rock Island a $5,000 award for its case management programming. The service is for homeless men, ages 18 years old and older, who are in need of safe shelter, food and clothing. Christian Care was founded in 1916 by Guy Rodgers, and formerly called the Rock Island Rescue Mission.
Former second lady Jill Biden delivered a heartfelt, "everyone can make a difference" talk on Friday to about 850 people gathered to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the YWCA, located in downtown Rock Island.

Sponsored by Royal Neighbors of America, Rock Island, the event at Rhythm City Casino, Davenport, also included recognition of 100 influential Quad-City people or groups. Those honored have inspired change and given of themselves to improve the lives of others in the areas of racial justice and civil rights, empowerment and economic advancement and health and safety.

Acknowledging that "Iowa has been good to the Biden family," a reference to political campaigns in the state, Biden otherwise steered clear of politics, instead expounding on themes of supporting others, not being afraid to ask support for yourself and the importance of not wasting your opportunity to effect change.

Biden began with a quote from Alice Paul, an American suffragist, feminist, and women's rights activist who was one of the Silent Sentinels who picketed the White House in 1917, the same year the YWCA was organized in what is now the Quad-Cities. Paul spoke about how each individual can contribute "one little stone" that will, in the end, make a "great mosaic," Biden said. "A great mosaic of women's progress."

She noted that "our mosaic is still unfinished" and has some cracks.

Paul lived during a time of transformation, just as people today, Biden said. Referring to the recent hurricanes and the mass shooting in Las Vegas, she said, "You all are feeling the weight of these losses, and I see it every day in the faces of my students." Biden, who holds a doctorate in education, teaches English at a college in Virginia.

"Even when times are tough, we are tougher," she said. "We are capable of better."

She recalled the years when she taught full-time while raising three children and studying at night to further her education. "Those were some of the best years of my life, but they weren't always easy. How many of you," she asked her audience, "are just plain exhausted? I was able to do it because of the support of others. I worked hard, but I got help when I needed it. Often even a little help can make such a big difference.

"None of us have to fix the whole world, we just need to do what we can. Those little things, they matter," she said.

She also stressed the importance of speaking up for principles you believe in.

When she was first asked to give talks to large groups in her role as second lady, her hands trembled, she tripped over her words and her voice choked, she said. But she realized that she had been handed an incredible opportunity for advocacy. She vowed that she would "never waste my platform."

She concluded with a quote from 13th century Persian poet Jalaluddin Rumi: "Be a lamp, or a lifeboat, or a ladder. Help someone's soul heal."

Before her speech, a group of children enrolled in the YWCA's preschool program sang a song about peace. At the end, they walked to all the tables handing out pictures they had colored.

In conclusion, officiate Berlinda Tyler-Jamison asked everyone for contributions so the YWCA can continue its mission of "trying to level the playing field for every child and family in the Quad-Cities."
Moline police are asking the publics help in locating a man who fled in his car after fighting with and injuring a Moline Police officer Friday morning.

Moline Police Detective Michael Griffin said that at 8:30 a.m. officers were dispatched to the 1800 block of 18th Avenue A to investigate a call about a suspicious vehicle.

The first officer on scene located the car, a 2010 Honda sedan with Illinois license plate Z660134. The officer then began talking to the two men inside the vehicle, the driver, Austin D. Clenney, 20, and Mario Pena, 20, both of East Moline.

Clenney and the officer began struggling and they both went to the ground. The officer was injured during the struggle and Clenney was able to break free and flee in his vehicle.

Pena had fled the scene on foot but was soon captured.

The officer was taken to Trinity Rock Island for treatment and later released.

Pena was wanted on a warrant for a charge of mob action out of Waukegan, Illinois. Pena was taken to the Rock Island County Jail to await transfer back to the Lake County Jail.

The Rock Island County States Attorneys Office has issued warrants for Clenney charging him with aggravated battery to a peace officer and aggravated assault. Bond for Clenney is set at $75,000.

Anyone with information on Clenneys whereabouts is asked to call the Moline Police Department at 309-524-2140 or Crime Stoppers of the Quad-Cities at 309-762-9500.
A Davenport man was arrested Thursday after police say he stole a truck from Buffalo and burglarized a business in October.

Christopher Fitzgerald Williams, 47, was booked into the Scott County Jail at 6:55 p.m. Thursday. He faces charges of first-degree theft, third-degree theft, and interference with official acts in connection with the stolen truck and third-degree burglary and third-degree theft in connection with the business burglary.

Bond was set Friday at $15,300 cash or surety. He will be arraigned Nov. 16.

According to arrest affidavits filed in support of the criminal complaint:

At 2:52 p.m. Oct. 26, Williams was in possession of a 2004 Dodge truck that was reported stolen from Buffalo two days earlier.

He was in the drivers seat and then fled on foot after police commanded him to stay inside the vehicle and to stop running.

Dash camera video was provided to the Department of Corrections and Williams was identified by staff. Witnesses said they also saw Williams driving the same vehicle near Humility of Mary.

Inside the truck, police found a number of items that were reported from burglaries in Davenport.

On Tuesday, Davenport police investigated a commercial burglary in the 5900 block of North Brady Street, which occurred at 5 a.m. Oct. 27.

Williams broke a front window and entered the business and took a laptop and two cell phones. He was captured on video surveillance inside the business, according to the affidavits.

Williams was released from prison in June in a 2011 burglary case.

A warrant was issued Friday for his arrest for violating his parole.

Davenport police on Friday said they are investigating Williams in connection with other business burglaries throughout the city.

Police have said they have investigated 21 reports of commercial burglaries since Oct. 23.
On Iowa Politics discusses Sam Clovis' withdrawing from the nomination to be the USDA's chief scientist, Bill Northey's political limbo regarding his post with the USDA, and Gov. Kim Reynolds on the campaign trail.

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast which re-creates the conversations that happen when Iowa's political reporters get together after deadlines have been met. This week's show features Erin Murphy, James Q. Lynch, Bret Hayworth and Todd Dorman.

This week's show was produced by Max Freund and the music is courtesy of I Cry Wolfe.

Find us at qctimes.com, chat with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @OnIowaPolitics and subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher. Know an Iowa musician who should be on our show? Send their band sound files to oniowapolitics@gmail.com.
Thumbs up to Birdies for Charity and its record-setting 2017 haul of $12.3 million.

More than 500 charities will benefit from this year's benefit, sponsored by Deere and Co., and centered around its John Deere Classic PGA tournament.

It's a boon for groups that do a host of good works throughout the Quad-Cities.

Thumbs down to Iowa's foundering Medicaid system.

The now private-run health insurance program for Iowa's poor was dealt another blow this week when one of its three carriers, AmeriHealth Caritas, pulled out. The firm bolted after state officials refused to provide the metrics that justified the rates Iowa pays the companies, reported The Des Moines Register.

Since its inception, Iowa's privatization campaign has been a bad idea. Federal officials warned then-Gov. Terry Branstad. So, too, did providers. But privatization was always about ideology over facts.

Predictably, things aren't going well. And it's the poor that are bearing the brunt of the move.

Thumbs up to Kathy Wine, who this week was named recipient of 2017's top award from Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.

Wine, co-founder of River Action Inc., has been a champion of ecological and cultural preservation for years in the Quad-Cities.

The foundation's distinction was most certainly earned.
Lead-Deadwood Community Business Day luncheon

DEADWOOD | On Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 11:30 a.m. a business luncheon will be held at Deadwood Gulch Creekside Restaurant featuring South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley.

The luncheon will be sandwich and soup buffet for $15 per person. Please RSVP by calling the Lead Chamber at 584-1100 by Friday, Nov. 17.

Deadwood Gulch Resort presents The Potter Family

DEADWOOD | On Sunday, Nov. 12, at 2 p.m. the Potter Family will sing patriotic songs during a special Veterans Day performance at Deadwood Gulch Resort.

In other concerts throughout the holiday season, The Potter Family will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 30; 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 3; 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 6; and 2 p.m Sunday, Dec. 10.

Tickets for each show are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets can be purchase by calling 800-695-1876.
RAPID CITY - The South Dakota National Guard continued to provide domestic operations support to the citizens of South Dakota and the nation throughout 2017.

Soldiers and Airmen responded to a variety of missions at the state and federal level that supported civil authorities, emergency management personnel and law enforcement agencies.

"In times of need, South Dakota National Guard forces provide response and recovery assistance to federal, state and local governments," said Lt. Col. Jim Selchert, director of military support to civil authorities. "Civil authorities understand the unique capabilities of the National Guard when additional assets are needed in an emergency or natural disaster."

Located in 22 communities across the state, the SDNG has more than 4,100 service members that can provide overwhelming capability and capacity to the governor before and after disasters strike. In 2017, Guard members were called up by Gov. Dennis Daugaard to support 11 state active duty missions that involved 90 personnel and totaled over 300 man-days.

The majority of the response involved wildland fire support providing aerial water suppression assistance using HH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crews and ground support personnel. The Army Guard responded to eight fires throughout the Black Hills and western South Dakota from March through September.

"Helicopter flight crews certify annually with the South Dakota Wildland Fire Division in order to provide assistance when wildland fires develop," said Selchert. "The crews conduct water-bucket drops to aid firefighters on the ground by cooling off hot spots, save structures and help get some containment on the fire."

When not dropping water, flight crews are also picking up people in need. One crew assisted in the rescue of a male hiker who was injured on Black Elk Peak and airlifted from Custer State Park on April 13.

The man was found near high rock formations by Custer County Search and Rescue personnel about two-thirds of the way up the 7,200-foot peak in rough terrain. The man was airlifted to Rapid City Regional Hospital for treatment.

"Our aviation assets also provide a unique hoist capability to be able to safely remove personnel from difficult or hard to reach areas," said Selchert. "Our crews train every year with interagency partners for these scenarios."

Another team training and ready to support a variety of local and state agencies in 2017 was the 82nd Civil Support Team. Deployable within 90 minutes, the 22-member unit conducted numerous exercises this past year to maintain their preparedness level for responding to chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear threats.

"We train constantly. Every month we do exercises. Sometimes we do a couple exercises in one week," said Lt. Col. Dale Gadbois, CST commander. "We have to constantly hone our skills because we have so much specialized equipment and we need to be on top of our training, and these exercises definitely afford us the ability to sustain our operations."

The unit uses high-tech equipment for substance detection and has an array of testing, laboratory and communications gear to help identify natural or man-made hazardous materials.

As the state's all-hazards response team, the 82nd serves as subject matter experts on any CBRN event and supports civil authorities in major disasters and help emergency management personnel get a clear picture of what's happening and how to address it.

"It's very critical that we work with agencies in the local area, because as the Civil Support Team we typically work for an incident commander from a civilian-led agency, whether it be a fire department or law enforcement - and working with them and establishing relationships is going to pay dividends in the end when it comes to a real-world emergency or response.

"By building relationships with first responders, law enforcement, fire departments and hazmat teams, we are able to interoperate, communicate and understand each other's capabilities and how we can complement each other during a response," said Gadbois.

While the CST was training to protect against CBRN dangers, a new team was activated this year to respond to cyber threats.

In June, an activation ceremony was held for the newest SDNG unit; Detachment 2, Cyber Protection Team 174. CPTs are part of the National Guard Bureau's ongoing growth of cyber forces throughout the Department of Defense.

The team can be called up by the president or governor to assist local, state and federal agencies' in protecting domestic critical infrastructure and to provide support to law enforcement, homeland defense and defense support of civil authority activities in support of national objectives.

"Our mission is to coordinate, train and assist mission partners in an advisory-type role to steer them in the right direction in the event of a cyberattack," said Staff Sgt. Mike Reiprich, senior security analyst for Det. 2, CPT 174. "We would strictly be an extra set of eyes for our mission partners in that advisory role."

Reiprich also emphasized the team does not perform offensive cyberattacks to any intruder or potential attacker.

"We're there to defend a network and protect it if an intrusion happens," he said. "We are preventative and then reactive until a network is secured."

However, it's not just within the state that South Dakota Guardsmen responded this year. When disaster stuck the island of Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, the state responded.

Gov. Daugaard activated four members of Company A, 139th Brigade Support Battalion, at the request of Puerto Rico government authorities to help with recovery operations and provide water distribution capabilities to those in need.

On Oct. 8, the Soldiers deployed with two Load Handling System vehicles and trailers equipped with four Compatible Water Tank Racks, or "Hippos." The Hippo has the capability to receive, store and distribute up to 2,000 gallons of potable water per system.

Whether responding to natural disasters or preparing to defend against cyberattacks, on any given day, SDNG Airmen and Soldiers are ready to provide assistance.

"The National Guard is the military first responder for our communities, state and nation and the primary domestic response option for the Department of Defense," Selchert said. "We stand trained and prepared to assist civil authorities in protecting lives and property."
Oct. 23

9:48 a.m.  Non-injury accident at 10th and Chadron Avenue.

11:58 a.m.  Criminal mischief reported in the 200 block of West Second Street.

1:53 p.m.  Disturbance reported in the 700 block of Bordeaux Street.

5:20 p.m.  Theft by unlawful taking reported in the 100 block of Lake Street.

6:14 p.m.  Theft of bicycle reported in the 600 block of King Street.

Oct. 24

2:24 p.m.  Disturbance reported in the 400 block of West Third Street.

4:23 p.m.  Trespassing reported in the 300 block of Main Street.

8:19 p.m.  Theft by unlawful taking reported in the 1000 block of Main Street.

Oct. 25

3:47 a.m.  Suspicious circumstances reported in the 1000 block of Main Street.

12:14 p.m.  Suspicious circumstances reported in the 500 block of Main Street.

2:27 p.m.  Suspicious circumstances reported in the 1000 block of Main Street.

3:26 p.m.  Issued 17-year-old a juvenile citation for theft by shoplifting in the 600 block of South Highway 385.

6:48 p.m.  Theft by shoplifting reported in the 200 block of Morehead Street.

8:07 p.m.  Trespassing reported in the 400 block of King Street.

8:07 p.m.  Third degree assault reported in the 400 block of King Street.

9:10 p.m.  Theft by unlawful taking in the 1000 block of Main Street.

11:21 p.m.  Theft by unlawful taking in the 1000 block of Main Street.

11:59 p.m.  Arrested 59-year-old male for DUI, first offense in the 1100 block of Highway 20.

Oct. 26

12:31 a.m.  Domestic disturbance reported in the 200 block of Oak Street.

4:05 a.m.  Suspicious circumstances reported in the 200 block of Oak Street.

7:03 a.m.  Suspicious circumstances reported in the 200 block of Oak Street.

8:34 a.m.  Suspicious circumstances reported in the 200 block of Oak Street.

11:44 a.m.  Trespassing reported in the 1000 block of Main Street.

2:44 p.m.  Non-injury accident at Third and Main Street.

8:33 p.m.  Arrested 24-year-old male for disturbing the peace, criminal trespassing in the second degree and criminal mischief in the 1000 block of Maple Street.

Oct. 27

8:20 a.m.  Criminal mischief reported in the 1200 block of Main Street.

9:45 a.m.  Non-injury accident in the 1000 block of Main Street.

6:40 p.m.  Arrested 37-year-old female for open container, DUI and felony child abuse in the 100 block of East Third Street.

6:52 p.m.  Theft, fuel drive off, in the 200 block of Mears Street.

Oct. 28

12:47 a.m.  Arrested 20-year-old male for assault on an officer, third degree, minor in possession, false reporting and resisting arrest in the 100 block of Bordeaux Street.

9:18 a.m.  Domestic disturbance in the 400 block of North Mears Street.

11:55 a.m.  Disturbance reported in the 800 block of Maple Street.

7:48 p.m.  Non-injury accident at Stockade Road and Highway 20.

11:35 p.m.  Suspicious circumstances reported in the 200 block of East Second Street.

Oct. 29

1:23 p.m.  Arrested male subject for DUI, first offense, at Third and Chadron Avenue.
PIERRE | Copper recently recovered from the roof of the states Capitol building might be recycled into a sculpture.

Members of state governments Arts Council learned about the possible project Friday from their executive director Patrick Baker.

The story gets better. The governors wife, Linda Daugaard, cut a small piece of the metal and had the sample sent to South Dakotas state artist laureate, sculptor Dale Lamphere in Sturgis, for testing.

Baker said he and Lamphere plan to talk in the coming days about the potential for some type of sculpture.

The decision whether to commission a work would ultimately be up to Gov. Dennis Daugaard.

Its in the ideation phase, Baker told council members.
A woman sitting in a wheelchair, one of her lower legs missing, said Friday that she had been waiting more than two years for an apology.

I thought, this girl will come forward and say 'Im so sorry,' Colene Bald Eagle said in federal court.

The awaited words came an hour later, when 27-year-old Sophia Janis apologized for checking Facebook on her iPhone while driving and causing a collision that killed one woman, injured another and led to Bald Eagles amputation.

Janis, then an Oglala Sioux Tribe corrections officer, was driving a Department of Corrections vehicle on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation when the accident occurred July 30, 2015.

Im sorry, Im very sorry, Janis said, explaining she couldnt communicate with the victims beforehand due to her lawyers orders. I cant live with myself sometimes  Please have mercy on me and my family.

Driving while checking her phone, which Janis described as bad judgment, will cost the Wounded Knee woman three years of freedom. She pleaded guilty in April to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced Friday to 37 months in prison and three years of supervised release, the maximum penalty she faced.

U.S. District Court Chief Judge Jeffrey Viken rejected Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Keldermans five-year probation recommendation, part of Janis plea agreement with the government.

Viken described the recommendation as disturbing and unacceptable after Janis caused the death of Theresa Martinez, a 58-year-old Martin resident, and injuries to her friends Bald Eagle and Audrey Yellow Hair.

The three women were traveling west on U.S. Highway 18 in a minivan, on their way to play bingo, when Janis collided with their vehicle, the court was told.

Janis was heading east on the same road in a Ford Expedition transport vehicle, and while checking Facebook on her phone, attempted to turn north on Bureau of Indian Affairs Highway 27. She ended up crossing into oncoming traffic.

My mother died a horrible death and was wide awake till her final breath, Shawn Imitates Dog, one of Martinezs children, said at the start of Fridays hearing at the Rapid City federal courthouse. He talked about Martinezs grave injuries and the decision to take his mother off life support a few days later, the toughest decision a kid should never have to make.

He said to Janis: I dont know what was so important on your phone to distract you.

Janis' father shook the hand of Imitates Dog and hugged Bald Eagle after he spoke before Viken, asking for leniency.

Defense lawyer Erin Bolinger had argued also for a probationary sentence. Citing a study by iPhone maker Apple, she said an average person unlocks his or her phone 80 times a day  once every 12 minutes  driven by the same compulsion that had affected Janis.

Were all guilty of some form of that if you have a smartphone, Bolinger said.

Janis didnt have a criminal history and had devoted her life to family and work, the lawyer said. Putting Janis in prison, she said, would just bring suffering to her children, who are between 5 years and 4 months old.

Viken, however, said he needed to hand down punishment for a serious criminal offense that resulted in a terrible loss.

Distracted driving creates enormous risk in modern society, the judge said. He quoted from a recent publication by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which stated that in 2014, some 3,100 people were killed and 431,000 injured in crashes involving distracted drivers.

As part of Janis sentence, Viken ordered her to perform 100 hours of community service to educate the public about the dangers of combining driving with phone use.

Because Janis is still nursing her youngest child, the court gave her 30 more days with the infant before starting her prison sentence.
Theres a dream here of giving back.

Martin Digler hopes to complete an unlikely circle that has taken him through childhood beatings, civil war massacres and into a Rapid City cardiology clinic.

Its a vague and outsized dream. Far-fetched, maybe. Unless you stick around to hear the first part of Diglers improbable story.

Who can say he wont do all of these things? Raise medical standards at Phebe Hospital in his native Liberia; further the good work being done at Liberias Hope Village school and orphanage; and fund his nephews medical school tuition.

Who can say the hard part isnt past this Regional Health physician assistant whose education was delayed by poverty, suspended by war, rendered impossible by any reasonable definition?

When I got that email that said I needed to come here to (Rapid City) to go to school, it was like I was dreaming, Digler said Friday. In Africa, he said, people believed America was a land without dirt. Everything here was gold and money trees.

In the years since 1999, when he first came to live with sponsors Joel and Ellie Schwiesow, Diglers America has become more like the rest of us see it  home.

In October he experienced the emotion of his 18-year-old trip in reverse. Returning to his former home near Phebe Hospital in Bong County, Liberia, for two weeks of mission work, Digler said the health care conditions he found broke his heart.

He is struck by what once seemed normal.

I lived in it, but my eyes were not open, Digler said.

A bucket of water and soap stood near patients for infection control. He described a desperate search among scarce medicines to treat a 4-year-old dying from a combination of typhoid, malaria and anemia. A late discovery of available steroids helped pull the boy through.

Local medical providers scoffed when he asked for an ultrasound to diagnose a man suffering with a possible bowel obstruction. There were no nearby ultrasound or CT scanners, they explained. Doctors in Liberia perform a Sahara CT, splitting the patient open to see what they can find.

The 4-year-old who lived reminded him of his own 4-year-old child, Digler said. He doesnt know what became of the suffering man.

It has been a dream of his since he left Liberia, Digler said, to someday return and do something to help. Gratitude and a sense of responsibility make the task grand.

He hopes to continue the nonprofit mission begun by his sponsor, Joel Schwiesow. Bridges of Hope has become a sustained connection between Rapid City and Hope Village, a growing school and orphanage established in 2005.

Digler also wants to support his original home community of Phebe Hospital, where more than 100 people were massacred in September 1994.

And there is also his family responsibility, like paying for the college tuition of a nephew.

Gratitude weighs heavily.

God moved mountains for him, he said.

I was blessed to get a sponsor, he said. They considered me to be one of their own children.

Born in a Bong County village, Digler considered quitting school after fifth grade, but a hard year of farming convinced him to seek more education in a larger town. His first sponsor forced him to sell fritters and beat him when accounts were 5 cents short. His next sponsor whipped him bloody with an electrical cord over a house cleaning dispute.

And then war got in the way. Rebels killed his uncle in 1990. The 1994 massacre at Phebe Hospital forced his family to live barefoot in the bush for months, surviving off dirty water. The three months they spent in the Ivory Coast were worse, he said, and forced them back into Liberia.

A halt in the civil war allowed him to graduate high school in 1997.

On Friday, he struggled to describe the next stage of his dream.

In the next five years, he said, if everything goes right, hell have a proper Liberian clinic in operation. Hell spend his vacations working there and also bring coworkers from Regional Health Heart and Vascular Institute to help train medical staff.

And if it could happen, he said, a school where a student wouldnt have to pay much tuition.
SPEARFISH | Authorities have identified a Whitewood man as the victim of a fatal rollover crash earlier this week near Spearfish.

Richard Griffith, 47, died on Thursday from injuries he sustained in the one-vehicle crash, according to a release from the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.

According to the release, Griffith was driving a 1998 GMC Sierra north on Acorn Ridge Road about 2 miles east of Spearfish just after 10:45 a.m. Wednesday when his vehicle hit the side of a bridge, went into the north ditch and rolled.

Griffith was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle. He was transported by ambulance to a Spearfish hospital and then airlifted to Rapid City, where he died.

South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. The Lawrence County Sheriffs Office, Spearfish Police Department and Spearfish Ambulance were also on scene.
This week, it was my honor to participate in the investiture of Steven R. Jensen as the newest member of the South Dakota Supreme Court. Justice Jensen is a native of Wakonda and has been a circuit judge in Elk Point for the last 14 years.

Rather than come to Pierre, he held his swearing-in ceremony at the USD Law School in Vermillion, so that he could be near to his family, friends and peers.

One of the governors most important responsibilities is to appoint Supreme Court justices and circuit court judges. While Supreme Court justices are always appointed by the governor, periodic statewide retention elections ask voters to choose yes or no on retaining each justice. Circuit judges are elected to eight-year terms, but often retire mid-term, in which case the governor appoints a successor.

A screening committee called the Judicial Qualifications Commission screens applicants to ensure they are qualified. A governor may appoint only from the list of candidates submitted by the commission. I typically interview between three and five candidates for each position.

Appointing judges has kept me busy. In South Dakota, judges must retire when they turn 70 but sometimes retire earlier. As of today, 28 of South Dakotas 43 circuit court judges are new since I took office in 2011. Three more circuit judge positions are soon to be filled.

I have also made three appointments to the state Supreme Court. My first appointee, Lori Wilbur, was the second woman to serve on the court when appointed in 2011. My second appointee was Janine Kern, who had been a longtime circuit judge in Rapid City. Justice Wilbur retired earlier this year. Justice Jensen replaced her. Justice Jensen is the 50th justice to serve on our five-member court.

A new generation of younger judges has brought more women to the circuit court bench. Since 2011, the 28 new circuit judges have included 11 women. Women today make up more than one-quarter of the circuit judge positions in the state, and their number continues to increase.

South Dakotas judges dont often get much attention, and they dont seek it. But they play an important role in our society. Whether it is a high-profile murder trial, a child custody case, a million-dollar contract dispute, or a small claim, we look to our judges to administer the law in a fair and speedy manner. South Dakota is fortunate to have so many attorneys who are willing to serve the public in this important role.
WASHINGTON | Let's assume, just for a moment, that the great political leaders of the past were not cynical, deluded or deceptive when they talked about morality and religion. Let's posit that, at least in some instances, they were not just striking poses but making arguments.

Early in 1939, President Franklin Roosevelt delivered his State of the Union address in an atmosphere charged with menace. Germany had just occupied the Sudetenland. Kristallnacht was recent news. Roosevelt was beginning to prepare Americans for the exertions of a global war.

Yet FDR did not begin his address by talking about rearmament. "There comes a time in the affairs of men," he said, "when they must prepare to defend not their homes alone but the tenets of faith and humanity on which their churches, their governments, and their very civilization are founded." At that moment of national testing, Roosevelt felt it necessary to clarify and reaffirm the transcendent commitments that undergird self-government.

He identified three of them: Religion, which "gives the individual a sense of his own dignity and teaches him to respect himself by respecting his neighbors." Democracy, which is the "covenant among free men to respect the rights and liberties of their fellows." And "international good faith," which "springs from the will of civilized nations of men to respect the rights and liberties of other nations of men."

Our public and political life, Roosevelt assumed, is ultimately a reflection or echo of our spiritual life. Here I use "spiritual" broadly to mean a set of beliefs that challenge our natural egotism and cause us to respect the rights and dignity of others. A democracy especially is based on generally held convictions about the nature and equality of human beings. Its idealism is inherent.

A few years later, as World War II raged, the Catholic philosopher Jacques Maritain took up this argument. "Right political experience," he said, "cannot develop in people unless passions and reason are oriented by a solid basis of collective virtues, by faith and honor and thirst for justice." In particular, it is the "urge of love" which allows us "to surmount the closed borders of the natural social groups  family group and national group  and extended it to the entire human race."

In the absence of a "democratic state of mind," warned Maritain, "nothing is easier for political counterfeiters than to exploit good principles for purposes of deception." "Moreover," he said, "nothing is easier for human weakness than to merge religion with prejudices of race, family or class, collective hatred, passions of a clan."

What can be learned from that distant world facing an existential threat? Our crisis is so different. Yet it is a crisis of the "democratic state of mind." What voices and institutions are proclaiming and defending the "tenets of faith and humanity" that make democracy both pleasant and possible?

For many secular liberals, such language is inherently suspect. On what basis can any set of beliefs be preferred above another? Democracy requires, in this view, not just a political pluralism but a pluralism of values. Such a position is absurdly lacking in self-awareness. A commitment to pluralism is itself a value, which must be preferred above other values such as, say, the interests of a master race or the dictatorship of the proletariat. The democratic faith now emerges from more diverse sources  both religious and non-religious  than Roosevelt might have imagined. But it is still a moral and spiritual commitment that must be taught in order for any democracy worthy of the name to survive.

Yet also try to imagine Maritain  who helped draft the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights  trying to speak to a Republican Lincoln Day dinner about the "urge to love" extending to the entire human race. Globalist! Conservative media is in love with a "political counterfeiter." Conservative religious leaders regularly and shamelessly merge their faith with collective hatreds and the passions of a clan.

Our political renewal must somehow begin here, in recovering the democratic spirit  in confidently encouraging the decency, compassion and spirit of sacrifice that can alone overcome egotism and tribalism. That is a task for both individuals and institutions  the essential preparation for all other democratic tasks. The largest obstacle is individual  the high barrier of our own doubt.

In his poem "September 1, 1939," W.H. Auden felt the hopes of a "low dishonest decade" expiring and compared his generation to children "lost in a haunted wood." His conclusion? "We must love one another or die."
During the fall of 1994, my lifelong friend Keith Seppel invited me on my first Fall Run. Keiths father, Guy, and his brothers, Jim and Jay, had begun the tradition in 1985. Like clockwork, on the first weekend in October, the brothers would pick a destination and head to the woods in search of, among other things, fish.

The Fall Run was my first taste of an annual trip. It was awkward, at first, being an outsider on this time-honored Seppel family trip, but it was also enlightening. The casual ease with which the three brothers interacted spoke of serenity. Excitement permeated everything they did - from cooking breakfast, to building the campfire, to eating fish cheeks, to the spirited games of washers. Merriment ran rampant. I was hooked.

I have spent a lifetime since that first Fall Run peppering my life with annual fishing trips, the latest being the New Years resolution Keith and I made to fish together once a month for the as long as time will allow. Trip 46 of that resolution was also our 23rd Fall Run.

Destinations for the Fall Run vary. For years we had talked about fishing for an odd native species of lake trout in Twin Lakes in the Beaverhead Mountains. A little digging and we discovered we could rent a quaint, rugged, forest service cabin at the lakes. Visions of Walden danced in our heads. We shot out our usual mass invite, expecting a couple people might join, and waited for the date to arrive.

Soon after sending out the invite, seven high school buddies- Erik Hayes, Casey Calkins, Carl Hennell, Cid Robinson, Nathan Paul, Ladd Cotton, and Jake Powell- replied that they were in. A number of species of fish go on spawning runs in the fall, traveling from afar to the waters of their youth. Like fish on October spawning runs, these old friends began their migration home from all over the country, flying in from Indiana, driving from Salt Lake City, Boise, Kalispell, and Missoula, back to the waters of their youth.

In the Big Hole, as we traded pavement for dirt road, and valley floor for forested mountainside, we were suddenly surrounded by snowflakes and silent pines. At Twin Lakes, which rests at 7,200 feet, winter had settled in completely. Snow blanketed the earth. Wind blasted off the 10,000-foot peaks. The temperature plummeted below freezing. We quickly realized we wouldnt be fishing much, at least not for fish. We would be fishing for memories.

The cabin next to the lake certainly spoke of Walden and quiet solitude. However, as the party assembled - greetings, hugs, and huge smiles abound - the Walden aura was replaced by a raucous return to youthful exuberance. Time vanished. Light turned to dark. The campfire turned into a bonfire. With each passing hour, we felt younger and more invincible.

After a childhood gauntlet was thrown down, six of us stood in the snow at the waters edge readying for a swim. We plunged into the lake, howls and hollers piercing the night air, every nerve ending pulsing with life. As we stood around the fire, grinning from ear to ear, an Oliver Wendell Holmes quote came to mind, We dont stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing. It seemed a fitting mantra for the first night of the trip.

Soon after breakfast the next morning, a stranger and his two dogs wandered through the snow and into camp. He sidled up next to our campfire, and struck up conversation. It was clear from the get-go he was happy to have some company, especially a group of people who found joy in the outdoors.

His name was Richard Layne. He was 66 years old, and he was an adventurer, to say the least. He was on a mission to snowshoe the continental divide, and was at Twin Lakes to store some food caches along his route. He had tried the day before to hike back to the divide, but had been repelled by the waist-deep snow.

We traded outdoor stories. Richard shared a few of the most harrowing, insane, outdoor tales I have ever heard. I consider myself adventurous, but when he recounted a three-day snowshoe in Glacier Park that only covered one-third of mile, I realized he was on a completely different level. Yet, there we were, complete strangers, sharing backcountry stories around the campfire as if we had known each other for years. After a bit of time, Richard appeared to recognize that he might be trespassing on something sacred, thanked us for the warmth of fire and conversation, and headed back to his camp, to continue his journey.

We continued on ours.

On the second and last night, washer boards clanging, conversation rumbling, I looked at the group of people, my oldest friends, lost in the reverie of the moment on this 23rd Fall Run. Their faces flickered in the firelight, eyes alight with joy. I stared into the campfire, and my thoughts quieted. They drifted to Keiths uncle, Jim.

In 2007, Jim, who enjoyed a campfire more than anyone I have ever met, unexpectedly passed away. I watched the flames reach into the night, consuming the darkness. I saw Jim with his wild curly blond hair, piercing blue eyes, and blazing smile that had its own way of consuming the darkness. Every salient moment I shared with Jim was a direct result of the Fall Run. My relationship with Keiths father was forged and strengthened on this trip. I looked again beyond the fire at my friends, and pondered the steady flow of time, and the sometimes turbulent waters of chance.

At some point the Fall Run transformed into something so much more than a fishing trip. I am not certain I have the words to explain what it has become. I am certain, however, I do not have the words to explain its significance.
A partisan battle over how to patch a $227 million hole in the state budget escalated Friday when Republican legislative leaders said Gov. Steve Bullock was "grossly overstating'' their party's interest in a proposed compromise.

Earlier this week, Bullocks office said it was close to an agreement to patch the hole through a combination of cuts, temporary tax increases and transferring funds.

But Republican legislative leaders shot back Friday, saying the governor was getting ahead of himself and mischaracterizing where the GOP sits at the bargaining table. They also questioned the governor's call for a deal to be in place by Thanksgiving.

Dan Villa, the governors budget director, has said some sort of deal needs to be struck before a Nov. 28 payment the state must make to local school districts.

The governors office said this week it would not be able to make the payment to schools unless either lawmakers in a special session agree to a combination of temporary tax increases and fund transfers, or if the governor makes deep cuts to nearly every state agency.

But Friday, Sen. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, said the governors office can find a solution to make the schools payment without involving the Legislature by transferring funds from the treasury as a temporary loan.

We could cash flow through this issue if we needed to, he said.

The Legislative Fiscal Division released a chart on Wednesday also saying a transfer from the treasury fund is possible.

But Villa said his office has already done an analysis of where the state can borrow funds and determined there isnt enough eligible money in the account to make the school payment. The treasurers account contains money that belongs to the state, but also schools, cities and counties. Some of the funds are restricted to certain purposes by law and cant be transferred by the governor.

Susie Lindsay, a spokeswoman for the Legislative Fiscal Division, said she doesnt have the same legal concerns as Villa.

I think (Villas) point is hes just not going to use that option, Lindsay said.

Even the Republican Superintendent of Public Instruction weighed in, sending out a press release late in the day saying there is enough money to pay the bill.

Montana is in a budget crunch because lawmakers adopted a revenue estimate that has so far proven to be overly optimistic. Through the end of fiscal year 2017, which ended in June, revenues were down $75 million from what was expected, leaving the state to start out the biennium in a hole.

Based on revenue collections after an Oct. 15 deadline, Villas office has estimated revenue growth for the rest of the year at 4.3 percent, while the estimate the budget was built on assumed growth of 6.6 percent. To climb out of the $75 million hole the state started this biennium in, Villa said growth would need to reach 10 percent.

At the start of October, Villas office certified revenues low enough to trigger a law that allows the governor to make cuts of up to 10 percent to most state agencies. A list of the proposed reductions, which includes cuts to early childhood programs, tuition increases and prison guard layoffs, has caused outrage statewide.

The governors office proposed a plan to address the budget shortfall by splitting the $227 million problem roughly into thirds. The first third would be filled with temporary tax increases to pay a $75 million firefighting tab after a summer when more than a million acres burned.

Another $75-$80 million would come from fund transfers and cuts to budgets the governor doesnt control, such as the Legislature and Attorney General's office.

The final $75-$80 million would be cuts made by the governors office through a law that allows him to reduce most agencies spending by up to 10 percent.

The governors office released a list of possible tax increases and ways for the Legislature to transfer money, but didnt release how it would make its own third of the cuts.

Earlier this week, Villa said he expected a deal to be reached in the coming days and a special session would follow in the weeks after. But Republican Austin Knudsen, speaker of the House, said its grossly overstating where Republicans stand.

Candidly, we still have some issues about the governors proposed cuts and his reluctance, for a lack of a better term, to show his hand, Knudsen, R-Culbertson, said. He certainly would like us to come in and raise some taxes but he refuses to say what hes going to do.

Knudsen said hes still not sure theres even a revenue problem and wants to wait for new projections in the coming weeks. On Friday, he called the revenue shortfall a perceived deficit, even though the state is starting the biennium in a $75 million hole and revenues so far this fiscal year are not meeting the rate of growth lawmakers predicted.

Rep. Nancy Ballance, R-Hamilton, said theres still an appetite from Republicans to consider temporary taxes to pay a nearly $75 million fire bill, but she also questioned if the revenue problem is as large as the governor is making it out to be.

Were not even sure this revenue issue is real and wont know that until we get further down the line, she said. So raising taxes on a permanent basis to cover something that we still believe is a temporary shortfall revenue, if any shortfall at all, is not something our people will gravitate toward at all.

Rep. Casey Schreiner, D-Great Falls, fired back at Republicans on Friday, saying its their fault the state is in this situation. While Bullock would have to make cuts to balance the budget, the Republican-dominated Legislature is responsible for creating the $10.8 billion state budget by adopting revenue estimates and setting spending.

"It was the Republican majority's budget that created this crisis, and now they want a pound of flesh before they'll consider helping us fix the mess they made, Schreiner said. Democrats won't be blackmailed into granting a sweetheart deal to Republican leadership just so they'll finally do their constitutionally mandated jobs. Republicans must get serious and work with us on long-term, bipartisan solutions that will benefit all Montanans."
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For the second time in as many days, the planned launch of a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base early Wednesday morning was called
 Army deserter Bowe Bergdahl gets no prison time, Prez Trump not too pleased | Main | Some more diverse reading about the opioid crisis 

November 4, 2017

"Can Jared Kushner Save Criminal Justice Reform?"

The question in the title of this post is the headline of this recent Marshall Project article about a figure who has long been seen as an important figure in the fate of federal criminal justice reform in the Trump Era. Here are some excerpts:

In July, [Pat] Nolan, now director of the American Conservative Union Foundations Center for Criminal Justice Reform and a leading figure in a conservative reform effort that goes under the rubric Right on Crime, picked up the newspaper and saw that Jared Kushner was well-placed to advance the cause. Nolan reconnected and began sending Kushner memos on how private businesses and church groups could be mobilized to become mentors for released prisoners. Kushner almost always responded within hours. Nolans faith has been bolstered by a flurry of meetings, summits and dinners that Kushner has held in recent weeks with lawmakers and criminal justice reform advocates, leading the more optimistic activists to believe the tough-on-criminals posture of President Donald Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions may not mean a complete freeze on federal reforms. Many wonder whether Kushner has the clout and skill to maneuver any reform to enactment. No new initiatives or official messages of support for reform legislation have come from a White House that has ratcheted up enforcement of drug and immigration offenses. But given a window into the 36-year-olds dealing with bipartisan groups seeking reforms, Nolan thinks Kushner, driven by his own personal frustrations with the criminal justice system, stands a chance of success. He cares passionately about this, Nolan said.... In September, Nolan was among faith leaders invited by Kushner to discuss ideas for a national mentoring program to help released prisoners resettle in their communities -- a measure that would require minimal federal effort. Later that afternoon, Kushner convened a roundtable of politicians, criminal justice reform groups, religious leaders, employers and others in the Indian Treaty Room in the East Wing of the Eisenhower Executive Building. The conference was called the Prisoner Reentry Summit and participants had been sent questions in advance to prepare. Please let us know if there are ways in which the President can amplify already successful programs, Federal and private sector/nonprofit, or assist in making a program more effective, the questionnaire said. While suggestions for the investment of Federal resources are appreciated, please also be sure to highlight opportunities that do not require Federal funding.In a navy blue suit, Kushner sat in the middle of a long conference table flanked to his left and right by Nolan and Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin. Others at the meeting included U.S. senators Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and John Cornyn of Texas, U.S. representatives Chris Collins of New York and Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas, Gov. Sam Brownback of Kansas, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson and Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. Participants spoke for three to five minutes each on a range of challenges faced by released prisoners, including housing, education and employment while Kushner took notes, asked questions and identified next steps, Holden said. A Department of Justice official who attended signaled that the DOJ was interested in drug courts and programs that could help released prisoners transition back to communities, a surprise to those who feared that Attorney General Sessions agenda would only focus on enforcing laws and punishing criminals. It wasnt lock em up and throw away the key, Holden said. (About a week after the summit, the Department of Justice announced that it was awarding more than $9.5 million to juvenile and family drug court programs across the country.)... No new initiatives have been launched by the White House since the meeting but other positive signs for reform have followed. Early this month a bipartisan group of senators led by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin and several others reintroduced the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act, a popular bipartisan bill that died last year when it was never put up for a vote. The bill would give judges more discretion at sentencing to skirt mandatory minimum sentence requirements for people with short criminal histories, and its revival was unexpected; Sessions had strongly opposed the bill last year when he was in the Senate.Something happened, said Inimai M. Chettiar, Justice Program director of the left-leaning Brennan Center for Justice. We dont know what happened. What I found interesting about the resurrection of this particular bill is that Sessions did a lot of work to kill this bill. Sources in the Senate say Kushner has pledged White House support for the bill. Does that mean he believes he has more sway with President Trump than Sessions does? Or has Sessions changed his mind or reached a compromise with Kushner and senators? Attempts to reach Kushner through the White House communications director were not successful. A DOJ spokesman declined an interview request for Sessions.... In talks with Nolan, Kushner has indicated that he believes Sessions is more of a proponent of second chance programs than many have been led to believe. Sessions Senate record includes sponsoring legislation that reduced the discrepancies for penalties for using crack versus cocaine and the Prison Rape Elimination Act. He thinks that the press and the public have misinterpreted where Sessions is coming from, Nolan said. He thinks there is a lot more commitment from Sessions to working toward reforms. But even if Kushner can hurdle Sessions reservations, Whitehouse said, White House leadership will be needed to persuade House Speaker Paul Ryan to guide a bill through a House obstacle course, and convince Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to give the bill floor time and line up votes. There are ways to get there but it requires levers to be applied that the White House has and I do not, Whitehouse said.... Of the conservatives who have Kushners ear, Whitehouse says, To be blunt, I am skeptical of their motives. But having participated in two meetings with Kushner on the subject, Whitehouse said he believes the presidents son-in-law is serious about improving the criminal justice system. Ive seen the way he talks about it, Whitehouse said. I havent the faintest idea of how he polls in the White House, but I know hes sincere about this.

November 4, 2017 at 11:09 AM | Permalink

Comments

Jared Kushner will soon be an expert on the criminal justice system from the inside that is. Just sayin'

Posted by: Dave from Texas | Nov 4, 2017 12:35:03 PM

Of the conservatives who have Kushners ear, Whitehouse says, To be blunt, I am skeptical of their motives.

I'm not so much skeptical of their motives as I as skeptical of what they want to achieve. There are certain parties that want to wear the mantel of reform but don't actually want reform or they do what "reform" but the reform they want is so slight and tangential that it amounts to no reform at all. Now, this may be because of bad motives or it may be that they simply don't want to stick their neck out and get burned politically.

Posted by: Daniel | Nov 4, 2017 12:52:36 PM

I don't think there was a question of Kushner's sincerity. Instead, does anyone who wants meaningful reform have the clout to push this through in the face of people who do not want reform (Attny General) and those who like to talk righteously about reform but don't want the political liability associated with sending fewer people to prison. Congress will be working on tax cuts for the rich, and I remember some promises of an infrastructure bill. And, as @Dave from Tx mentioned, Kushner needs to worry about being indicted by Mueller.

Bet a year from now, there will be similar pieces about hopes for CJ reform. Only difference will be that Doug will have fewer opportunities to blame Obama.

Posted by: Paul | Nov 5, 2017 10:52:43 AM

You insights are wise, Paul, and they only lead me to be even more inclined to blame Obama. For two years, his party had control of large parts of Congress and all he cared to help get done was a weak version of crack reform (better than nothing, but just barely). And in 2013 there could/should have readily been a deal to get at least crack reform retroactivity and mens rea reform done with the Rs, but Prez Obama and AG Holder were seemingly more content to talk about statutory reform than to actually do what was needed to get any more done.

I remain hopeful that reform can still happen so that I will not spend generations being grumpy about what Prez Obama left on the table. But there was an opportunity to greatly improve federal law and make history during a unique window of time simply by urging Rs in Congress to follow what Rs have been doing nationwide at the state level, and yet Prez Obama was unwilling or unable to help get it done. There is plenty of blame to go around, but Prez Obama merits plenty and always will.

Posted by: Doug B | Nov 5, 2017 7:43:43 PM

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He congratulated the Communist Party of China for the successful conduct of its 19th Congress, expressing his belief that under the leadership of the CPC and General Secretary Xi Jinping, the Chinese people will complete all targets set.

He stressed that the Party and State of Vietnam always pays great attention to fostering and promoting the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with China.

The Party chief welcomed the upcoming visit to Vietnam by CPC General Secretary and President Xi Jinping and his attendance at the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting.

Wang Yi, who began a three-day official visit to the country yesterday, affirmed that the Party, State and people of China always attaches great importance to developing their traditional friendship with Vietnam.

He briefed the Vietnamese leader on major contents and outcomes of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

He also noted that Vietnam and China share many similarities in their development ideals and paths, and in their desire to create favourable conditions to strengthen practical cooperation in all fields, benefiting the people of both countries and promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world.

Wang Yi said that CPC General Secretary and President Xi Jinpings State visit to Vietnam and his attendance at the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting was his first trip abroad after the 19th CPC National Congress, showing the Chinese leaders and CPCs special sentiments towards Vietnam.

Trong stressed that, in the future, the two sides should continue increasing meetings between senior leaders, while promoting practical co-operation in all fields, and effectively follow up on and implement all important common perceptions and signed agreements.

He said this would enhance political trust and respect for each others legitimate interests and facilitate proper settlement of existing issues in bilateral relations.

VNS
SIOUX CENTER, Iowa | The public is invited to attend a free panel discussion on "The Boys in the Bunkhouse," a nonfiction One Book, One Sioux County selection, at 7 p.m. Thursday in the B.J. Haan Auditorium, at Dordt College, 498 Fourth Ave., N.E.

Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Dan Barry, "The Boys in the Bunkhouse" tells the true story of dozens of Texas men with intellectual disabilities who lived in a schoolhouse in Atalissa, Iowa, a town with a population of 300 in Muscatine County.

From the mid-1970s until 2009, the men were bused to a nearby turkey processing plant in return for food, lodging and $65 a month. They endured increasing neglect, exploitation and physical and emotional abuse. In 2009, journalists, social workers and a labor lawyer for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission helped the men gain their freedom.

The Dordt College panel will include Des Moines Register investigative reporter Clark Kauffman; Disability Rights Iowa director Jane Hudson; Dordt agriculture Professor Emeritus Ronald Vos; and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission expert witness Sue Gant in a program moderated by Abby Foreman, an associate professor in social work at Dordt.

In preparation for the panel discussion, eight public and three academic libraries in Sioux County have been hosting book groups and screenings of "Men of Atalissa," a companion documentary to the book produced by PBS and The New York Times. Check with your local library or visit the One Book, One Sioux County Facebook page for times and locations.

Funding for One Book, One Sioux County is provided by the Sioux County Board of Supervisors and the participating libraries.
VERMILLION, S.D. | As the youngest of three children, Steven Jensen learned at an early age the importance of seeking justice, or at least fighting against injustice.

His two older sisters seemed to make sure he understood that things weren't always going to be fair -- at least not when you're the little brother.

"They taught me at a very early age what injustice looked like," Jensen told a laughing audience shortly after being sworn in as the 50th justice of the South Dakota Supreme Court Friday afternoon in the University of South Dakota School of Law courtroom.

After taking the oath of office upon a Bible held by his wife, Sue, Jensen told a standing-room-only crowd that since his appointment was announced on Sept. 17, he had been greeted with the title of "justice" by an increasing number of people. The 54-year-old Dakota Dunes resident said it made him think about what that term means, and he was reminded of a Bible verse from the book of Micah in which the Lord requires him "to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

It's a reminder, Jensen said, that justice is a God-given duty that he and others should strive for.

"I believe the title of justice is really just a daily reminder to me and the other members of the Supreme Court of the importance of the task we have," said Jensen, who had served the previous 14 years as a circuit judge in the state's 1st Judicial Circuit in southeast South Dakota.

The Wakonda, South Dakota, native and 1988 USD law school graduate spent 14 years practicing with the Crary Huff law firm in Sioux City and Dakota Dunes before then-Gov. Mike Rounds appointed him to the bench in 2003. Jensen was re-elected in 2006 and 2014. He was appointed the circuit's presiding judge in 2011.

South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard, who appointed Jensen to the Supreme Court, told the crowd that Jensen had built up an impressive resume that included service on numerous panels and committees that have helped reform and improve the state's judicial system.

"Judge Jensen, you may know, has been a leader in our state's legal community," Daugaard said. "I have an immense amount of respect for Judge Jensen."

Chief Justice David E. Gilbertson said the South Dakota Supreme Court has existed for 128 years, and there have been only 50 justices, many of them serving lengthy terms. It shows the importance that each new appointee is the right choice. Daugaard made the right choice in appointing Jensen, Gilbertson said.

"The Supreme Court is only as good as those justices called to serve on it," he said. "Today, we welcome onto the court one of the best, Steven Jensen."
SIOUX CITY | The Sioux City Council's decision to allow a developer to build a five-story hotel on the current Sioux City Convention Center parking lot drew ire from several residents when the project passed in June.

It has remained a sore subject for some leading up to Tuesday's election, and the candidates challenging the three incumbent City Council members looking to retain their seats say they would have taken a different approach to the vote.

At the same time, incumbents stand by their votes, saying they believe the project was the best move given the circumstances and will be a vital step in moving the community forward.

On June 5, The Sioux City Council voted 4-1 in favor of entering into a development agreement with Kinseth Hospitality Inc., a North Liberty, Iowa-based developer, for construction of a hotel adjoining the Sioux City Convention Center on Fourth Street. Mayor Bob Scott cast the lone dissenting vote.

As part of the agreement, the city will grant Kinseth up to $6 million in tax rebates to construct the $20.2 million hotel, as well as spend more than $5 million -- using mostly state funding -- to upgrade the Convention Center and build an adjacent 140-space parking garage to serve hotel guests.

The hotel serves as a cornerstone piece of the Sioux City Reinvestment District, a project that includes five large-scale development projects that will receive $13.5 million in state funding through the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The IEDA's award will be repaid through the state's portion of hotel and sales taxes on the properties over a 20-year period.

Candidate Doug Waples, who has voiced his beef with the council's decision on the hotel project several times throughout his campaign, said several people he has talked with have taken issue with the city's decision on the location.

"Not one person I've talked to has come up to me and said, 'Boy, that hotel downtown is a really good deal,'" he said.

Waples said he would have rather pursued an alternate location for the project, such as the former Riviera Theatre site. He said he also takes issue with how the current hotel designs provide a narrow path for trucks backing in to access the back of the convention center.

"I personally think its going to kill the back of the convention center because you wont be able to load in and out of that overhead door," he said.

Denny Quinn, another challenger, referred to other empty buildings downtown and said he would have liked to have seen the council look into another option.

"I don't know why we're building a hotel that will take up that area of parking," he said. "I would have probably looked for other alternatives."

Candidate Jake Jungers has said he supports the Reinvestment District project as a whole but would not have voted for the hotel as is. He said he wishes a refurbishment of the existing Howard Johnson hotel, which is connected to the Sioux City Convention Center via skywalk, would have been possible, although city officials have been adamant that such an avenue had already been explored.

"I think they should have done a better job of educating people first instead of rushing into it," Jungers said.

City Council members have said they believe the hotel in its current location provides the best option to boost downtown's appeal for hosting conventions and thus reducing the annual subsidy paid by the city.

Councilman Dan Moore said he wishes the city would have been able to find a way to rehabilitate the nearby Howard Johnson, but that when those expectations were found to be unrealistically expensive and did not interest developers, a new hotel became the best choice.

"Do I wish that things might have worked out a little different with the city with the other hotel? Sure," Moore said. "But the money wasn't there. There were a lot of factors that the stars didn't line up for that to happen."

Moore said while he understands people's issues with losing the surface parking lot across the street from the convention center, he believes the city will be able to find alternative locations elsewhere to lessen the impact.

Moore also said he wants the council to ensure the logistics of how trucks will back in and out will be feasible for drivers.

Like Moore, Councilman Pete Groetken said he has heard the arguments against the project, including from within the local hotel industry. Groetken said he would have been receptive to plans to renovate the Howard Johnson had they been feasible.

"What I mention to a lot of people is you don't understand is that the hotel is owned by a corporation that has the ability to upgrade if they wanted to. They've chosen not to," he said. "If they would be, I would be willing to work with that hotel."

Councilman Alex Watters said he spoke with developers about the Howard Johnson renovation, and the numbers came back too high. He said he believes the hotel will give the Convention Center a needed boost and create more of a market for that space.

"I wish, I really do, that the Howard Johnson renovation was more feasible, but when you crunch the numbers it wasn't," Watters said. "It would have been irresponsible of taxpayer dollars to go down that road."

Work could begin as early as this fall on the hotel site. While the vote has passed, the next City Council will oversee construction of the new hotel as well as renovations to the convention center and the new parking deck, including the necessary decisions associated with them.
SIOUX CITY | Alex Watters typically ends each City Council meeting the same way.

During the time allotted for council members' concerns, he uses his turn to highlight upcoming major events across Sioux City. Sometimes it's two or three. Other times it's a half-dozen.

In Watters' mind, there's never "nothing to do in Sioux City." And as a council member, he believes Sioux City can do more to promote what it has to offer.

"I think we need to start marketing ourselves and the awesome momentum we have," he said.

Seeking his first full term on the City Council, Watters said he not only thinks about Sioux City today, but also 20 years down the road. He also believes his own involvement and community presence puts him in a good position to make a difference.

"I have a proven track record of being involved," he said. "I believe in order to make your community better, you have to integrate. You have to engage in your community and listen to people and hear what their ideas are, and then try to implement them."

Watters, 31, is the youngest sitting member on the Sioux City Council by more than three decades, as well as the council's most recent addition. He took his oath in February when he was selected to fill the vacancy left when Keith Radig joined the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors through a high-interest appointment process that brought forward 14 total applicants, four of them former City Council members.

Now, Watters is seeking his first full term in the Nov. 7 election against a field of six candidates vying for three open seats. Watters came in second in the voting during the Oct. 10 primary.

Waters first moved to Sioux City to attend Morningside College in 2004. He grew up in Ocheyedan, Iowa, and moved to the Okoboji area in eighth grade.

Shortly into his freshman year of college, a diving accident left him paralyzed from the chest down. Watters looks back on the medical care he received in Sioux City and the community support as a reason the city holds a place in his heart.

"Sioux City picked me up when I was at one of my lowest points and really enabled me to feel like I could achieve whatever I wanted," he said.

Watters went on to earn a degree in political science from Morningside and a master's in negotiation and conflict resolution from Creighton University. He returned to Sioux City in 2012 and has since been involved with various groups including the Sioux City Growth Organization, Events Facilities Advisory Board and Young Professionals of Iowa.

"I dont just talk about trying to make a difference, Im going to the meetings and trying to be a part of the dialogue to see how we can shape the future of Sioux City," Watters said.

As a first-year adviser at Morningside College, Watters said he talks frequently with students about their concerns and what they want out of the city. He said attracting and retaining young people and families is one his main goals for the city.

Other main issues include continuing to market the community, add quality of life projects and repair infrastructure in a fiscally responsible way.
WASHINGTON -- Robert Mueller's conviction of a former Trump campaign adviser and his indictment of two more finally prove it: Hillary is guilty!

Technically, President Trump's standard line of defense in the Russia probe -- we did not collude -- suffered a bit of a blow Monday. In a plea deal with the special counsel unsealed Monday (at about the time Trump was tweeting the phrase "there is NO COLLUSION!"), Trump campaign adviser George Papadopoulos admitted to having had contacts with Russians offering the Trump campaign Hillary Clinton's emails and other "dirt," and Papadopoulos tried to arrange meetings with Russian officials. That's pretty much the dictionary definition of "collusion."

But Trump's deficit of honesty is offset by a surplus of dexterity. Though not abandoning the there-is-no-collusion defense, the White House is already elevating a secondary position -- the OK-maybe-we-colluded-but-Clinton-colluded-more defense.

"There's clear evidence of the Clinton campaign colluding with Russian intelligence," White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders proclaimed at Monday afternoon's briefing, after the indictment by Mueller of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort and a colleague.

Trump, who often accuses others of the exact thing he stands accused of, reacted to the indictments with abundant punctuation: "But why aren't Crooked Hillary & the Dems the focus?????" he tweeted.

Trump has been complaining about "the lack of investigation on Clinton made Fake Dossier," and "GUILT by Democrats/Clinton." He tweeted a Hill article with an exculpatory quote from Fox News' Chris Wallace (Headline: "More evidence of Dem collusion with Russia than GOP") and a New York Post column arguing that perhaps Clinton "came closer to colluding with the Russians" than Trump.

The evidence of Clinton's alleged "collusion" with Russia? She and the Democrats hired an opposition-research firm that wrote a dossier on, um, Trump's collusion with Russia. She also colluded with Russia by being secretary of state at a time when another arm of the U.S. government approved a uranium deal with a Russian-owned company that had given money to her husband and his foundation.

Both of these are about as compelling as saying the guilty plea entered by Papadopoulos is further evidence of Clinton's collusion with Russia because "George Papadopoulos" sounds like "George Stephanopoulos," who once worked for Bill Clinton, who is married to Hillary Clinton.

By Trump's new standard, "collusion" now covers not just Russia's election interference but anything that has to do with Russia done by anybody at any time for any reason. If that's the rule, there is indeed plenty of evidence that Clinton colluded with Russia. She has visited Russia often, spoken with Russians and even tried to reset relations with Russia. I'd bet she has also watched Russian ballet and read Russian novels.

But by that standard there's also evidence most everybody else colludes with Russia, too. Therefore, the Mueller investigation will need to expand significantly. The following people should present themselves at the earliest opportunity to the special counsel's office for interviews:

-- All persons who now consume or in the past have consumed vodka. This includes but is not limited to Black Russians, White Russians and Moscow Mules.

-- All persons who now consume or in the past have consumed beluga or osetra caviar.

-- All persons who now play, or previously have played, with nesting dolls.

-- All persons who watch or have watched the FX drama "The Americans."

-- All persons who have viewed "The Nutcracker" (including children's performances) or "Swan Lake," or hummed the "1812 Overture."

-- All persons who have dined at the Russian Tea Room in New York.

-- All persons who have read, or have caused to be read, "Anna Karenina," "War and Peace," "Crime and Punishment," "The Brothers Karamazov" or any play by Anton Chekhov.

-- All persons who have heard, or have caused to be heard, the work of Rachmaninoff, Shostakovich, Stravinsky or Mussorgsky.

-- All persons who have played against, or watched a match involving, Anna Kournikova, Maria Sharapova or Garry Kasparov.

-- All persons who have experienced the work of Wassily Kandinsky, Groucho Marx or John Lennon.

-- All persons who have played Russian roulette or flown in a Sikorsky helicopter.

-- All persons who own Siberian huskies, or any dogs exhibiting Pavlovian responses.

-- All persons of Russian ancestry, including but not limited to those with the following endings: -ov, -sky, -ski, -ic, -vic, -in, -enko and -uk.

-- And all persons whose ancestors may have once occupied Russian territory, including but not limited to all those of French, German, Swedish or Mongol ancestry.

Hmm. Mueller: Is that a German name?

Collusion! Looks as if we're going to need a special counsel to probe the special counsel.
WASHINGTON -- Democracies sometimes collapse suddenly. More typically, they waste away.

One major cause of institutional decline involves politicians putting their own immediate interests ahead of their obligations to democratic norms. We wake up one day and discover that a long series of individual choices has rotted out the constraints on authoritarian rule.

President Trump plainly feels no sense of stewardship when it comes to our political system or to any accepted standards of truth. From the moment he descended that escalator at Trump Tower in 2015, he made clear that he would say and do anything to advance his purposes and to eviscerate anyone who opposed him.

It should thus not surprise us that in anticipation of Robert Mueller's actions this week, Trump rolled out an assault on the legitimacy of the special counsel's investigation and brazenly insisted that not he but Hillary Clinton (the holder of no public office) should be the subject of prosecutorial interest.

Trump's Distract-O-Rama ought to be met with derision and condemnation. Note that by securing a guilty plea from former Trump adviser George Papadopoulos for lying to FBI agents about his contacts with Russians to secure "dirt" on Clinton in 2016, Mueller confirmed the central premise of his probe. Yes, there was collusion between Russia and the Trump apparatus aimed at defeating Clinton.

We don't yet know for certain how high up engagement with the Russian project went. But media disclosures about contacts made by top Trump officials suggest the story won't stop with Papadopoulos.

As is his way, Trump lied right out of the box after Mueller's announcements by claiming that the charges brought against his former campaign manager Paul Manafort entailed behavior that long predated last year's presidential contest. In fact, the money laundering at the heart of the indictment was, according to prosecutors, ongoing in 2016.

Trump's rampage against Clinton focuses on the 2010 purchase of Uranium One, a Canadian company with American assets, by the Russian nuclear authority. The deal was approved by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States when Clinton was Secretary of State.

But the conspiracy side of this story was debunked long ago. As the Washington Post's fact checker Glenn Kessler reported this week, Clinton, "by all accounts, did not participate in any discussions regarding the Uranium One sale" and it "does not actually result in the removal of uranium from the United States."

Then on Wednesday morning, Trump moved to exploit the murderous New York City truck attack by casting blame on Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer because the Democrat had backed the Diversity Visa Lottery. Trump tweeted in response to the then-unconfirmed but later verified reports that the driver of the truck, Sayfullo Saipov, entered the U.S. from Uzbekistan under the program. Schumer, by the way, supported a bipartisan 2013 immigration reform bill that would have abolished the lottery.

It's essential to recognize that Trump is faithfully following the autocrat's playbook. He's trying to undermine a lawful inquiry that endangers his hold on power. He has suggested that his opponent in the last election deserves to be jailed. He's inventing stories about dark coverups by his enemies to sow confusion about the proven facts of his own team's skullduggery. And now he is blaming his foes for violence and disorder.

Even more alarming is the extent to which Republicans in Congress and Trump's media allies are falling into line behind their leader's efforts to obstruct and divert. As The Post's Philip Rucker and Robert Costa noted, "Republican lawmakers have mostly split into two camps: those who are wary of weighing in on Mueller's investigation and those who see it as a prime political target."

Notice what's missing here: an unambiguous defense of Mueller's work. Few Republicans have stood up unequivocally on his behalf. And the pro-Trump media, from Fox News to the Wall Street Journal editorial page to the radio talk show hosts, have willingly served as bullhorns for the president's anti-Clinton, anti-Mueller strategy.

What's going on cannot be written off as normal partisanship. The push to discredit and derail Mueller risks becoming an existential threat to our democratic values and republican practices. The interference by a foreign adversary in our electoral process is not a routine event. Resistance to uncovering what happened should not be seen as part of the everyday give-and-take of politics.

Republican patriots have to know that what's at stake matters far more than the quick passage of a tax bill. Don't they?
Systems that fell back a century therefore have the weekends two days early. They will also have Summer Time and many Church and secular holidays wrong. Beware of automatic controls.

1999-09-06 : Updated, esp. Sco, from 1999-2000 IoP diary. W/h: Working day, though half-holiday for many. "Holidays aren't uniform over Scotland - different places have different odd days here and there, but over the new year period they are relatively standard". * "In the USA, banks and exchanges will open Dec 23 and 27, but either may be a state or local holiday in some locales. Some companies will be closed." URL? * See also Annual Holiday Dates .

JRS - Critical and Significant Dates - J R Stockton

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The major criticalities are, sequentially, the August 1999 GPS rollover, the Year 2000 and all its two-digit rollover consequences, the Leapness of 2000 (including Day 366), and the 32-bit UNIX (and C library) Year 2038 problem; and also the various dates relating to introduction of the Euro currency.

There are or have been other critical date lists at Cinderella "Timeline", at Volker Kolberg's site, in Capers Jones's "Dangerous Dates" page, etc., etc. My more general Year 2000 and Date/Time references are now on other pages. Excerpts on Computer Calendar-Clock Problems by Peter G. Neumann (2000) is instructive. Some errors are described in Software Horror Stories by Nachum Dershowitz, with links.

Much of the following was picked up from the comp Y2k, UK Y2k and Risks (Risks Digest) Usenet newsgroups and from a Y2k FAQ, with the aid of the Calendar FAQ; also doncio and other Web pages such as at Mitre.

See also Wikipedia Time formatting and storage bugs, Notable epoch dates in computing.

See also, at IET, Dates Potentially Causing Problems in Computer Systems from 2001-2100 (discovered in 2011).

When I receive E-mail information correcting or extending the list, I will assume permission to quote.

Links like _ are not intended for general use.

This is, fundamentally, a list of Critical and Significant Dates, which is not quite the same thing as a list of dates which ought to be used in testing; for example, 2000-02-29 was critical as possibly unexpected, but in testing one should also try 2000-02-28, 2000-02-30, 2000-02-31, 2000-03-00 & 2000-03-01, in order to make sure that the valid dates are consecutive and without overlap (Note 19); likewise for 2000-366. Some of the dates are those resulting from other date failures.

Some are important; some are possibly just amusing - it is up to you to discriminate.

This List is not a prediction of disaster; it is an indication of when error may be prevented by sufficient care.

Software errors may have been fixed in later versions.

The Gregorian calendar, with Historical year numbering, is to be assumed where necessary (some dates are UNCHECKED - you MUST verify - they may be a day or two out). However, many of the critical dates would be the same dates (which currently occur thirteen days later) in a consistently Julian environment. Note that, in computing, conventional day-numbers preceding 1900-03-01 and day-counts spanning 1900-02-28 to 1900-03-01 might be a day out, if a day in between those dates was assumed.

The more Critical Dates may have been chosen as trigger dates by virus writers - 2000-01-01, 2000-02-29, 2001.02.29, etc. - and may emulate date errors.

Some dates of non-computer origin are included. Historical dates are mainly limited to those of significance to UK history and culture.

For near-present Space dates, see Ron Baalke.

Virus trigger dates are NOT included - use a virus checker such as F-Prot (see PC Links Reference) and others.

Abbreviations should be obvious enough to those for whom they are significant.

2006-08-01 - New Warning

In general, I have mainly considered events relating to counting UP to particular numbers. There are also events relating counting DOWN; and those are less well predicted.

See 2006-05-13 and 2008-01-19 below as examples.

To simplify use of my DoW checker :-

 Julian dates are given as YYYY/MM/DD.

 Only Gregorian AD dates are ISO 8601 hyphen-separated, unless invalid, when dots are used : otherwise, spaces are used.

Some of these are local date/times; some are GMT/UTC or similar. I use GMT for legal GMT, with date changing at London mean solar midnight; the term UT might be confused with UTC.

It is very important to remember that the local time corresponding to a given GMT depends on the local Time Zone, and on Daylight saving; also that the time in question will be the time that the system is actually set to, not what it should be set to.

For example, a DOS/Windows PC will with high probability be set to local time internally, but a UNIX computer should be on GMT/UTC internally. DOS software translated from UNIX may default to California time settings.

Leap seconds may affect some dates, e.g. GPS rollover 1999, UNIX 2038.

The form a^b is used for "a to the power b" = ab . The form mEe is used for m10e .

N.B. Two aspects of the year before AD 0001 are presented below, as BC 0001 and as 0000 Astronomical.

1.37E+10 years - The Big Bang, approximately

- The Big Bang, approximately 4.567E+9 years - Solar System formed

- Solar System formed 5509/09/01 Sat - Byzantine Empire, Creation and year-count start (Authors vary in detail; Julian?)

- Byzantine Empire, Creation and year-count start (Authors vary in detail; Julian?) 4714 11 24 Mon - (Gregorian) Julian Day 0 started at noon GMT, 24th Nov 4714 BC, Proleptic Gregorian Calendar

- (Gregorian) Julian Day 0 started at noon GMT, 24th Nov 4714 BC, Proleptic Gregorian Calendar 4713/01/01 Mon - (Julian) Start of First Julian Period

- (Julian) Start of First Julian Period 4713/01/01 Mon - (Julian) Julian Day 0 started at noon GMT, 1st Jan 4713 BC, Proleptic Julian Calendar.

Historians seem to treat it as starting at 0000h local - Chronological Julian Date, CJD

- (Julian) Julian Day 0 started at noon GMT, 1st Jan 4713 BC, Proleptic Julian Calendar. Historians seem to treat it as starting at 0000h local - Chronological Julian Date, CJD 4236 -- -- --- - Alleged start of Egyptian Calendar - first recorded year in history. Note 21.1, 21.2

- Alleged start of Egyptian Calendar - first recorded year in history. Note 21.1, 21.2 4004/10/22 Sat - (Julian) The Creation of the World, at six in the evening, according to Archbishop James Ussher of Armagh (1581-1656) - see Note 22

- (Julian) The Creation of the World, at six in the evening, according to Archbishop James Ussher of Armagh (1581-1656) - see Note 22 4004/10/23 Sun - (Julian) The First Complete Day

- (Julian) The First Complete Day 3761/10/07 Mon - (Julian) Anno Mundi 1, the origin of the Jewish Calendar, starting at the previous sunset. Sources may differ in detail : Note 20

- (Julian) Anno Mundi 1, the origin of the Jewish Calendar, starting at the previous sunset. Sources may differ in detail : Note 20 3374/11/11 Mon - (Julian) And

- (Julian) And 3114/09/06 Mon - (Julian) And

- (Julian) And 3114/09/08 Wed - (Julian) Possible start of current Mayan Great Cycle (Long Count) (see AD 2012-12-23). Note 21.1, 21.2, 21.4

- (Julian) Possible start of current Mayan Great Cycle (Long Count) (see AD 2012-12-23). Note 21.1, 21.2, 21.4 2637 -- -- --- - Legend: Emperor Huangdi invented the Chinese Calendar. Note 21.1, 21.2

- Legend: Emperor Huangdi invented the Chinese Calendar. Note 21.1, 21.2 1976/11/08 Wed - (Julian) CJD 1E6 (approximately)

- (Julian) CJD 1E6 (approximately) 0776 -- -- --- - Base of "Olympiad" dating - the first Games

- Base of "Olympiad" dating - the first Games 0753 -- -- --- - The Founding of the City - base for Roman a.u.c. dates (March 1st)

- The Founding of the City - base for Roman a.u.c. dates (March 1st) 0432 -- -- --- - Beginning of the First Metonic Cycle

- Beginning of the First Metonic Cycle 0046 -- -- --- - (Roman) The "Year of Confusion", 445 days long; Julian Calendar decreed;

- (Roman) The "Year of Confusion", 445 days long; Julian Calendar decreed; 0045/01/01 Fri - (Julian) Julian Calendar began; but Leap Years were implemented wrongly (Calendar FAQ, S.2.1.1) before 8 AD (some say 4 AD)





- (Julian) Julian Calendar began; but Leap Years were implemented wrongly (Calendar FAQ, S.2.1.1) before 8 AD (some say 4 AD) 0001/02/29 --- - (Julian) did not occur; as for AD 0004

- (Julian) did not occur; as for AD 0004 0001/03/25 Tue - (Julian) The Day of the Incarnation/Annunciation, according to Dionysius Exiguus. Other Days follow naturally

- (Julian) The Day of the Incarnation/Annunciation, according to Dionysius Exiguus. Other Days follow naturally 0001/12/31 Fri - (Julian) B.C. ended with this day, the 365th of the year.

0000 -- -- --- - Year number did not occur, except for Astronomers; like 4 AD, it was not Leap ; defective software may erroneously return some form like 0000-00-00, 0000-01-01, 0001-00-00, 0001-01-00, etc.

- Year number did not occur, except for Astronomers; like 4 AD, it was not Leap ; defective software may erroneously return some form like 0000-00-00, 0000-01-01, 0001-00-00, 0001-01-00, etc. 0000/01/01 Thu - (Astronomical Proleptic Julian)

- (Astronomical Proleptic Julian) 0000-01-01 Sat - (Astronomical Proleptic Gregorian)

- (Astronomical Proleptic Gregorian) 0000 02 29 --- - (Civil) did not occur; as AD 0004

- (Civil) did not occur; as AD 0004 0000/03/01 Wed - My preferred (Astronomical Proleptic Gregorian) Day Zero for calculation (except when I prefer to use CMJD).

Doubtless I've missed a lot ... Leap seconds may be omitted above. Each "999" problem may be accompanied by a "1000" problem, and so on. For over three decades after 2000, it will not be possible to discriminate between YY/MM/DD and DD/MM/YY by inspection.

Cory Hamasaki (kiyoinc@ibm.net) wrote:

"... EXPDT=98000 or EXPDT=99000 or EXPDT=99365 which are fun dates, ..." which I think are specials in an expiry date field on some misbegotten systems ...

Also critical - the start of any regular period which first includes 2000 (the Jo Anne Effect) - for example corporate FY 1999-07-01..2000-06-30; or includes 1999. Note that while the UK national FY starts on April 6th, UK companies can choose their own FY, and I understand an April 1st start is common. Also that some bodies number their FY with its start year, some with its end year; the rational ones will, unless starting on Jan 1, use for example 1998-99 or 1999-2000 - which is a longer string.

When checking, verify Day-of-Week, especially across the Feb-Mar transitions, and at the ends of 2000.

Foreigners, beware side-effects of peculiar calendars, and North-South differences. Summer Time (Daylight Saving Time, DST) rules mean that time errors may arise from Date or Day-of-Week errors.

Any other date which used to seem far in the future (or past) may have been used as a "special" marker. Consider YY/MM/DD with YY=MM=DD12.

For many dates bearing an arithmetical relationship with the start of 2000, there may be corresponding problems with dates bearing the same relationship with 2038-01-19 (or other range-end dates) - cf. 2008-01-19.

At MSU.

Some listed here as Y2k hay have correponding Y2038 risks.

20#0-01-01 - Likely date windowing critical points.

- Likely date windowing critical points. 2000-01-(01-M) - M days to 2000, for any special short-term M (30 days, ...).

####-01-01 - N years to/from 2000 - possible problems with N-year subscriptions.

####-##-## - N years to/from your FY 2000 - fiscal year 2000 (Jo Anne effect).

FY 2000 - fiscal year 2000 (Jo Anne effect). ANY date with a memorable pattern early or late in the 1900's/2000's may have been chosen in the past as a "signal" date.

In fact, any digit or field rollover may fail; I have read of an OS that, at midnight, rolled the last digit of the 9th, 19th, 29th of the month from "9" to "A".

digit or field rollover may fail; I have read of an OS that, at midnight, rolled the last digit of the 9th, 19th, 29th of the month from "9" to "A". TJD = 0 recurs every ten kilodays from 1968-05-24.

Leap Years - Any ####-02-29 and the following ####-03-01 and ####-12-31 (Day 366). Digital watches, etc., may need a 1-day adjustment - check date and day-of-week.

Leap Seconds; Risks Digest 24.02/9.

PC Time Dilation.

Summer Time - BST/DST - Daylight Saving Time :-

Alterations, temporary or permanent, in Rules may cause difficulty or confusion; the US has new Rules from 2007.

Misunderstandings, of Rules may occur; the US 2007 change has been described as "Spring, 3 weeks earlier", which is true in 2007, but only in 3 years out of 7.

Spring :- Clocks go forward in EU & NA (and ZA, AU, NZ, etc., ?). One hour's worth of civil time is omitted, timed events may be skipped. EU-NA time differences change, previously for about a week, but for three or four weeks from 2007; beware auto-changers.

Spring And Autumn :- North-South time differences change, perhaps twice. Brief time difference changes occur within NA; their zones ripple-change at 0200h clock time, whereas all EU changes simultaneously at 0100h GMT. The USA clock change is at 0200h clock time, the UK at 0100h GMT; so do not be surprised if systems change an hour late. My Win98 1st Edn + MSIE 4 changed at 0200h GMT, as was shown by JavaScript Calendars and Clocks. See 2001-04-01 - the effect probably repeated, on average, every seven years. Dual-boot systems may dual-change. Beware possible effects on apparent Windows file timestamps; Risks Digest 22.35/10.

Autumn :- Clocks go back in EU & NA (and ZA, AU, NZ, etc., ?). One hour's worth of civil time is repeated, timed events may be duplicated. VCRs (Risks Digest 19.43, #11/19), ATMs (ibid. #12/19), birth times (RD 24.92 #9/13), ... can get confused. EU-NA time differences change, currently for a few hours. AIUI , the first version of Windows 95 ( cf. ibid. 13,14/19) sets the clock back whenever it thinks that the clock has reached 2 a.m. on the day in question, not just on the first occasion. Reported that some Windows 95 applied out-of-date EU/CET Autumn rules.

UNIX CRON is OK; periodic jobs should not be controlled by local time. Or should they?

Old DOS GAWK and C Library week numbers - see 2002-12-30 and Batch; affects many years.

Apparently, systems for NASA's shuttles may have inadequate provision for the Year Number to change during flight, so that 2007-01-01 would be 2006-366 - "YERO (Year End Rollover)".

In some countries, the dates of certain public holidays are governed by that of Easter Sunday. Problems may occur when those coincide with other important dates, such as the beginning or end of a financial year.

Other faiths may give similar problems.

Some "Diary" software is wrongly influenced by Summer Time or Time Zone, using absolute where it should use local, or vice versa. A regular 0900h meeting in Mar-Apr may shift to 0800h. A Londoner, having entered a meeting for 1000h in Paris, may find on arrival that it is now listed as at 1100h. It is unsafe to rely, in today's world, on a time of dubious offset from GMT.

HMG Red Tape Change Days, April 6 & October 1.

GPS rollover every 1024 weeks, less LeapSecs.

VMS TODR clock needs annual re-basing before 466 days (2^32  10 ms) from previous Jan 1st, or next reboot will hiccup. "Information about the VMS TODR (time of day register) problem is in section 20.5.2.1 of the OpenVMS System Manager's Manual".

Windows 98 - any year/day end - The Sunday Times and the BBC report that, at the end of each year, Windows 98 gains two days or loses one. Microsoft agreed saying that this only occurs if Windows 98 is started within a particular but defined second of the last minute of the year; a fix is being developed. See here? But Risks Digest 19.92 #11 says that it can occur any day , if one boots during a critical five seconds near midnight.

, if one boots during a critical five seconds near midnight. Some Microsoft Outlook Calendars have holidays such as US Memorial Day, UK Spring Bank Holiday, UK Late Summer Holiday on the fourth Monday of the month, rather than on the last one as it should be - so being a week early three years in seven. See 1999 above; I only give samples.

Reported that UNIX systems often contain that "Fourth-is-Last" error.

Reported that the Delphi IDE may misjudge file state if the state of Summer Time changes during use. Other IDEs, etc.?

In general, these may start, and therefore finish, at any time. They are based on counting in units of time : note that it is not uncommon to count in fractional units, such as tenths of a second.

While not necessarily significantly repetitive, a system with an uninitialised or mis-set calendar or clock may reach a significant moment, Y2k or otherwise, at any time.

Preferred financial periods are likely to be country-dependent - 40-year term loans, 30, 25, 20-year mortgages, etc.

Multiples of Units of Time Years Days hh:mm:ss.sss Duration Text ## - - 09:06:08 2^15 seconds Signed WORD wraps 1 - - 18:12:16 2^16 seconds Unsigned WORD wraps 2 - 24.85 20:31:23.648 2^31 milliseconds Signed DWORD wraps 3 - 49.71 17:02:47.296 2^32 milliseconds Unsigned DWORD wraps 4 - 248.55 13:13:56.480 2^31 centiseconds Solaris; Galaxy? 5 4.91 1762.0 00:00:00 2^8 weeks GPS rollover 6 31.90 11650.8 20:16:00 2^24 minutes 7 68.05 - 03:14:08 2^31 seconds Signed time_t wraps 8 136.10 - 06:28:16 2^32 seconds Unsigned time_t wraps 9 179.43 65536.0 00:00:00 2^16 days 10 1. -

2. -

3. Windows GetTickCount is a DWORD of milliseconds from boot.

4. Windows GetTickCount. Also used in Internet RFCs.

According to Microsoft, Windows 95/98 could [Q216641] hang; VTDAPI.VXD needs fixing. The problem apparently was fixed in Windows 98 Second Edition and in Windows Millennium. (see Risks Digest 23.53/1,2,3)

According to Microsoft, Windows 95/98 could [Q216641] hang; VTDAPI.VXD needs fixing. The problem apparently was fixed in Windows 98 Second Edition and in Windows Millennium. (see Risks Digest 23.53/1,2,3) 5. Report seen : Solaris 2.x hangs when lbolt , which is zeroed at boot and increments every centisecond, flips its MSB. Sun bug ref is 4032974; fixed in 2.6, patches for earlier 2.x.

Also reported - and denied (see Risks Digest 19.93) - that this failure, in the ground controls, killed the Galaxy IV "pager" satellite in May 1998.

, which is zeroed at boot and increments every centisecond, flips its MSB. Sun bug ref is 4032974; fixed in 2.6, patches for earlier 2.x. Also reported - and denied (see Risks Digest 19.93) - that this failure, in the ground controls, killed the Galaxy IV "pager" satellite in May 1998. 6. GPS. See 2003-11-28 above.

7. -

8. -

9. -

10. -

These may be of interest, but are unlikely to be of much technical importance.
Le Collectif Cheikh Yassine a organise un certain nombre dactivites et de festivites pour les enfants de Gaza sous le theme  La joie des enfants de Gaza pour lAid . Ces activites ont commence le premier jour de lAid et continue jusquau 4eme jour de lAid dans la bande de Gaza.



Plusieurs activites, ont ete organisees parmi lesquelles : des competitions recompensees par des prix, des jeux, des animations et des chants presentes par un groupe ainsi que des distributions de cadeaux et daides financieres.




Asteroid Tracking Exercise NASA

An international team of astronomers led by NASA scientists successfully completed the first global exercise using a real asteroid to test global response capabilities.

Planning for the so-called TC4 Observation Campaign started in April, under the sponsorship of NASAs Planetary Defense Coordination Office. The exercise commenced in earnest in late July, when the European Southern Observatorys Very Large Telescope recovered the asteroid. The finale was a close approach to Earth in mid-October. The goal: to recover, track and characterize a real asteroid as a potential impactor  and to test the International Asteroid Warning Network for hazardous asteroid observations, modeling, prediction and communication.

The target of the exercise was asteroid 2012 TC4  a small asteroid originally estimated to be between 30 and 100 feet (10 and 30 meters) in size, which was known to be on a very close approach to Earth. On Oct. 12, TC4 safely passed Earth at a distance of only about 27,200 miles (43,780 kilometers) above Earths surface. In the months leading up to the flyby, astronomers from the U.S., Canada, Colombia, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Russia and South Africa all tracked TC4 from ground- and space-based telescopes to study its orbit, shape, rotation and composition.

This campaign was an excellent test of a real threat case. I learned that in many cases we are already well-prepared; communication and the openness of the community was fantastic, said Detlef Koschny, co-manager of the near-Earth object (NEO) segment in the European Space Agency (ESA)s Space Situational Awareness program. I personally was not prepared enough for the high response from the public and media  I was positively surprised by that! It shows that what we are doing is relevant.

The 2012 TC4 campaign was a superb opportunity for researchers to demonstrate willingness and readiness to participate in serious international cooperation in addressing the potential hazard to Earth posed by NEOs, said Boris Shustov, science director for the Institute of Astronomy at the Russian Academy of Sciences. I am pleased to see how scientists from different countries effectively and enthusiastically worked together toward a common goal, and that the Russian-Ukrainian observatory in Terskol was able to contribute to the effort. Shustov added, In the future I am confident that such international observing campaigns will become common practice.

Using the observations collected during the campaign, scientists at NASAs Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California were able to precisely calculate TC4s orbit, predict its flyby distance on Oct. 12, and look for any possibility of a future impact. The high-quality observations from optical and radar telescopes have enabled us to rule out any future impacts between the Earth and 2012 TC4, said Davide Farnocchia from CNEOS, who led the orbit determination effort. These observations also help us understand subtle effects such as solar radiation pressure that can gently nudge the orbit of small asteroids.

A network of optical telescopes also worked together to study how fast TC4 rotates. Given that TC4 is small, astronomers expected it to be rotating fast, but were surprised when they found that TC4 was not only spinning once every 12 minutes, it was also tumbling. The rotational campaign was a true international effort. We had astronomers from several countries working together as one team to study TC4s tumbling behavior, said Eileen Ryan, director of the Magdalena Ridge Observatory. Her team tracked TC4 for about 2 months using the 7.9-foot (2.4-meter) telescope in Socorro, New Mexico.

The observations that revealed the shape and confirmed the composition of the asteroid came from astronomers using NASAs Goldstone Deep Space Network antenna in California and the National Radio Astronomy Observatorys 330-foot (100-meter) Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia. TC4 is a very elongated asteroid thats about 50 feet (15 meters) long and roughly 25 feet (8 meters) wide, said Marina Brozovic, a member of the asteroid radar team at JPL.

Finding out what TC4 is made of turned out to be more challenging. Due to adverse weather conditions, traditional NASA assets studying asteroid composition  such as the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) at the Mauna Kea Observatory in Hawaii  were unable to narrow down what TC4 was made of: either dark, carbon-rich or bright igneous material.

Radar has the ability to identify asteroids with surfaces made of highly reflective rocky or metallic materials, said Lance Benner, who led the radar observations at JPL. We were able to show that radar scattering properties are consistent with a bright rocky surface, similar to a particular class of meteorites that reflect as much as 50 percent of the light falling on them.

In addition to the observation campaign, NASA used this exercise to test communications between the many observers and also to test internal U.S. government messaging and communications up through the executive branch and across government agencies, as it would during an actual predicted impact emergency.

We demonstrated that we could organize a large, worldwide observing campaign on a short timeline, and communicate results efficiently, said Vishnu Reddy of the University of Arizonas Lunar and Planetary Laboratory in Tucson, who led the observation campaign. Michael Kelley, TC4 exercise lead at NASA Headquarters in Washington added, We are much better prepared today to deal with the threat of a potentially hazardous asteroid than we were before the TC4 campaign.

NASAs Planetary Defense Coordination Office administers the Near-Earth Object Observations Program and is responsible for finding, tracking and characterizing potentially hazardous asteroids and comets coming near Earth, issuing warnings about possible impacts, and assisting coordination of U.S. government response planning, should there be an actual impact threat.
The Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association (SBOANJ) is looking for pacing stallions to stand stud in the state of New Jersey.

A press release from the SBOANJ states that, "While our state is fortunate to have several strong trotting stallions standing in 2018, we lack significant representation on the pacing side."

The SBOANJ has developed the Home Grown Pace for pacing foals of 2016 in an attempt to increase racing opportunities for pacers. New stallions will help populate this stakes program as well as increase New Jersey Sire Stakes entries.

The SBOANJ is considering financial incentives for pacing stallion owners who bring their stallions to New Jersey.

If you are interested in standing a pacing stallion in New Jersey, please call the SBOANJ office at 732-462-2357. Representatives from the SBOANJ will also be available at the upcoming Harrisburg Sale to discuss current New Jersey programs and the incentive program.

(with files from SBOANJ)
Every Six Minutes a Christian Dies for Their Faith Making Christianity the Most Persecuted Religion in the World

Contact: Rev. Patrick Mahoney, 540-538-4741



WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2017 /Standard Newswire/ -- Christians to gather in prayer and public witness in front of the White House for the persecuted church.



Group to gather Sunday, November 5 at 3:00 P.M. on Pennsylvania Ave. NW in front of the White House.



November 5 is the "International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church." Below is a link to our Facebook Event page: www.facebook.com/events/137699060312410/



The group will pray for the persecuted church and leave a rose in front of the White House every six minutes to remember those Christians who are martyred for their faith.



They will also be praying that the Trump Administration and that America would continue to protect and embrace religious freedom globally.



Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Pastor of Church on the Hill and Director of the Christian Defense Coalition in Washington, D.C., states;

"Every six minutes a Christian dies for their faith around the world making Christianity the most persecuted religion on the planet. We gather in front of the White House to pray for our brothers and sisters and stand in solidarity with the persecuted church on this special day.



"We can never be silent or indifferent when it comes to violence and persecution directed toward those who choose to follow Christ. No one should face intimidation or harassment because of their faith, beliefs or religious convictions.



"We will also be praying and calling upon the the Trump Administration and America to continue to protect Christians and religious freedom around the world."

Kristopher Keating, Director of World Horizons USA and International Director of Hillside Missions Organization, adds:

"As an American, I was born into the privilege of having access to the gospel and Christian community. Much of the world is not born with that privilege. So many Christians face real persecution and oppression as a result of their faith. We in the United States must be grateful for the religious freedom granted to us.



"Also, we must take action on behalf of those people who are oppressed due to their faith simply because they were born somewhere else. We should pray and we should live toward the accomplishment of our prayers. Today, I invite the church to take new steps toward meeting the needs of our Christian brothers and sisters living in the hard places."

For more information or interviews call

Rev. Patrick Mahoney at: 540.538.4741
November 3, 2017 - Following recent reports regarding the death of protestors in Eritrea, the Eritrean government has categorically dismissed reports that protesters had died from gunfire discharge by Eritrean security forces.

Eritrean Information Minister, Yemane Ghebre Meskel, slammed a former BBC reporter, Martin Plaut, and Ethiopian based Associated Press (AP) correspondent, Elias Meseret Taye, for false reports and spin. According to him "subversive groups and quislings based/linked to Ethiopia were also behind the reports.

The said protest is a rare incident in the Eritrean capital, it was started after students of a community based school hit the streets asking for the release of a prominent member of their school who was reportedly arrested for resisting state regulating affairs of the school.

In other developments, the security swoop that led to the arrest of people believed to be linked to the protest was confirmed whiles fresh reports indicate that the children among the arrested party have since been released.

There has been a return to normalcy in the capital and the school has reportedly been reopened.

Source: Africa News
It's Election season and our editor's mailbox is overflowing. Who do your neighbors support? Read about it here.
Theres an internal congressional battle for wildfire management reform. The long-standing battle progressed Wednesday as the U.S. House approved the Resilient Federal Forests Act with a vote of 232 to 188.

The bill expands access to logging and exempts 30,000 acres of annual forest land activity from environmental review, refers federal Endangered Species Act lawsuits to an arbitrator in lieu of a courtroom and allows the U.S. Forest Service to use disaster funding to fight fires if earmarked funding runs out.

Local lawmakers agree: Something needs to be done to fix wildfire funding. But support for the Resilient Federal Forests Act is minimal. The White House doesnt support the bill as is, according to a statement released Wednesday. The administration stated that it supports land management reforms outlined in the bill, but not the revisions to the Stafford Act, which would force competition for funding between wildfires on Federal land and other disasters already covered by the Stafford Act, including hurricanes, the statement read.

This isnt the first time the Resilient Act has been introduced. The bill was first brought forward in 2015, when it passed in the House but died in the Senate. This time, the number of logging acres with categorical exclusions is up to 30,000, from a previously proposed 15,000. And the first 10,000 acres of clearcutting are exempt from public consideration, up from 5,000 acres in the 2015 version.

Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, voted in favor of the bill both times.

With the recent wildfires that drove people from their homes and scorched the habitat of countless endangered species, we are unfortunately reaping what was sown through 20-plus years of failed forest management, Herrera Beutler said. Skamania County was once the envy of other counties; now it struggles to pay for basic police protection and essential school services, and we have diseased forests and declining wildlife numbers to show for it. The bipartisan bill we passed today begins to reform this complete mismanagement of our forests in a manner that focuses on healthier ecosystems while preserving environmental safeguards.

She added that legislators can either have another wildfire season like this last one that is estimated to have emitted as much carbon from the California fires as every car in that state combined last year, or move forward to protect the national forest system.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., agreed that Congress needs to address the growing threat of wildfires and do more to protect local communities.

Which is why Im fighting for bipartisan bills that emphasize prevention and improving forest health, Murray said. What I wont support is legislation that not only fails to establish long-term solutions, but would also upend our bedrock environmental laws in the process.

Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., is also against the bill.

The House bill would lead to clearcutting our forests and lead to post-fire work that would cause flooding, Cantwell said. Further, much of this bill focuses on the salvage logging to happen after a wildfire. A smarter approach is to be proactive  to restore our most at-risk forests with better management ahead of wildfires.

Murray and Cantwell instead favor the Wildland Fires Act and Wildfire Disaster Funding Act.

The Wildland Fires Act, introduced by Cantwell in October, provides up to $100 million in funding for at-risk communities to plan and prepare for wildfires and emphasizes prescribed fire to prevent future wildfires.

Our bipartisan senate bill has all six senators from Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, who support reducing fire risk upfront and reduces costs, Cantwell said.

Meanwhile, the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act attempts to fix fire funding issues. The U.S. Forest Service has to borrow funding from other parts of their budgets if allocated fire funding runs out. The bill creates a new budget for wildfire suppression, starting at $1.4 billion for fiscal year 2017 and increasing to nearly $2.7 billion in fiscal year 2026. The percentage of the forest service budget allocated to fighting wildfires would also be capped. Budget allocations are currently calculated using the average cost of wildfire suppression over the last 10 years.

Both bills await a vote in the Senate before moving to the House.
Deepika Padukone all set to star in xXx4?

Queen D, Deepika Padukone has been rolling on the highway of success non-stop. After proving her mettle as one of the most promising actresses in Bollywood, Deepika made her big Hollywood debut this year opposite Vin Diesel in xXx: Return Of Xander Cage. Even though the film wasn't able to make a mark at the Indian box-office, it sure became one of the highest grossers in the international market.

In xXx, Deepika impressed the audiences mind with high-octane action scenes. If the memory of that film excites you, we've got new that will blow you away.

According to a recent report in a leading daily, the makers of the film are now planning to make a sequel to xXx and there are high chances of Deepika reprising her role in the sequel.

A source close to the makers of the film, told a leading daily, "Deepika will, in all probability, be a part of the sequel because her contract reportedly has a clause that says if the box-office business of the film crosses the $170 million mark (which it did and did far more), she will definitely reprise the role of Serena. It also apparently specifies that her role will become meatier and longer in the next outing."
I should moan about Pogba more, says Mourinho

AFP, Manchester :

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho believes he deserves credit for not complaining more about Paul Pogba's injury problems and those affecting the rest of his squad.

France midfielder Pogba has been absent for almost two months because of a hamstring injury sustained during a 3-0 Champions League victory over Basel on September 12.

Five other players -- Marouane Fellaini, Michael Carrick, Marcos Rojo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Jesse Lingard -- are currently sidelined and Mourinho says their absences should be taken into account.

"You know, I think it's my fault because I should cry every week about our injuries and remind everybody, day after day or press conference after press conference," he said.

"It's my way of dealing with problems. It's my way of trying to motivate and respect and give confidence to the players that are going to replace those people.

"But maybe I have to reconsider my profile. I know that I moan with a lot of things, but I don't do with the injuries and probably I should.

"I think any other manager would be speaking about Pogba every day. 'Oh, I don't have Pogba. Oh, when will I have Pogba?'

"'Oh, 10 matches without Pogba. Oh, all the Champions League group phase without Pogba. Oh, all the big matches -- against Liverpool, against Chelsea, against Spurs -- without Pogba. Oh.'

"I don't speak about Pogba one single time. It's only when you ask me about his situation.

"And it's not just Pogba. It's Pogba, it's Fellaini, it's Carrick, it's Ibra, it's Marcos Rojo. It's a big group of players. So yes, I think we are doing very, very well."

Mourinho has repeatedly refused to predict when Pogba might be fit again.

The former Juventus midfielder returned to United's Carrington training headquarters just over a week ago after spending time rehabilitating in Miami.

- 'Just a normal guy' -

United are five points below Premier League leaders Manchester City ahead of their trip to champions Chelsea on Sunday.

Mourinho's preparations for the match against his former club were disrupted by the fact he had to travel to Madrid on Friday to settle a tax case with the Spanish authorities.

United's trips to Stamford Bridge have become fraught affairs since Mourinho joined United in May 2016, but he says he is still popular with Chelsea's supporters.

The United manager is one of the most significant figures in Chelsea history, having ended the west London club's 50-year wait for a league title in 2005 at the end of his first season as their manager.


No emphasis on producing experts

EVERY year 2 lakh foreigners, mostly Indians, employed in Bangladesh received Tk 40 billion as salary and perks as the country has lack of technical and managerial skilled personnel necessary for the manufacturing and industry sector. When the country has been blessed with demographic dividends and more than 70 lakh migrant workers remit some Tk 120 billion annually, the trade off is pathetic and speaks of our apathy.





The low skilled or unskilled working age population is a barrier in the way of attaining the potential economic growth. It has entrapped the economy in agriculture and service sectors instead of the industrial sector. To attain the potential growth, the country has to go for industrialization. It needs a skilled workforce, mostly with managerial skills. To get the benefit of demographic dividend, the government, universities, NGOs and all other stakeholders should coordinate to formulate vigorous action plans for producing a higher skilled workforce.





The graduate unemployment rate is tremendously high at 47 percent in the country meaning the higher education has failed to produce the needed skilled manpower for fulfilling market demand. The entrepreneurship skills among the employable work force is much lower than the global level. Over the years, the number of higher educational institutions mushroomed without proper strategy, diversity and without maintaining standard or quality. Thus, many studying at higher educational institutions have become worthless and just a wastage of time. New higher education and vocational education strategies aligning the national interest and market-based economy and economic potentiality must be devised.





Some of the East and South-East Asian countries have invested heavily in human resource development, in particular, education and health, to achieve a higher economic growth rate during their time of demographic dividends. China, Japan, and many other countries developed their economies using the demographic dividend but we are not on the right track. Experts said the size of the working-age population of Bangladesh would start to decline and the country may not get this dividend again in the near future. Economists said when the domestic job market is declining to cope with the larger unemployed and underemployed youths, many midrange jobs are gradually being occupied by foreigners as local university graduates fail to achieve the required level of skills under the faulty education system. Unless the country capitalizes on the opportunity, the window would not remain open forever. Developing a brand of highly proficient workforce, particularly with quality managerial ability is now a crying need for the country. Failure to do so would only open doors to the foreigners to be hired at a high costs. Failure to seize the opportunities now would only push the national economy further backward.
US Under Secy of State due today

US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas A Shannon will be here on a two-day visit on November 5-6.

He will also visit, Colombo and Sri Lanka on November 5-7, according to the US Department of State.

While in Dhaka, November 5-6, Under Secretary Shannon will co-lead the US-Bangladesh Partnership Dialogue and discuss bilateral, regional, and global issues, including the Rohingya crisis, with government and non-government officials.

Under Secretary Shannon will then travel to Colombo on November 6, where he will co-lead the U.S.-Sri Lanka Partnership Dialogue and meet government and non-government officials.
Extramarital affair led to Badda father, daughter killing: Police

Prime accused of Badda double murder, Shahin Mallik, a sub-let tenant of the victim\'s residence, was brought to Dhaka on Saturday after arresting him by a DMP team from Khulna on Friday. The photo of Shahin along with his lover Arzina Begum [victim\'s wi

Staff Reporter :

Nine-year-old Nusrat Jahan was murdered as she had witnessed her father's killing, police said Saturday after arresting her mother Arjina Begum and a couple who lived as tenants in the same flat.

On Thursday, the girl and her father Jamil Sheikh, 38, were found dead inside their home in the city's Badda area.

Investigators said Jamil, who worked as a chauffeur, and his second-grader daughter were murdered by Arjina and Shahin Mallik. Shahin alongwith his wife Masuma lived in the same flat as Jamil's tenant.

Arjina and Shahin were involved in an 'extra-marital affair', Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Deputy Commissioner Moshtak Ahmed told the media on Saturday.

Police detained Arjina on Thursday while Shahin and his wife Masuma were held from Khulna the next day. Ahmed said that Jamil was sleeping with his two children, when Shahin hit him on the head on the night of Thursday.

"Shahin hit him on the head with a piece of wood, when Jamil woke up. He was struck once again and died."

Jamil's daughter Nusrat woke up then and asked why her father was being assaulted, according to the senior DMP Officer. "Arjina then took her daughter outside, when the 9-year-old was still asking the same question."

Investigations revealed that it was then when Arjina and Shahin decided to murder Nusrat, according to Ahmed. "Arjina did not agree in the beginning, but later switched her mind to save herself."

Nusrat was then taken inside and suffocated to death by a pillow, said the DMP deputy commissioner.

Arjina's 5-year-old son also woke up then, but fell asleep immediately, he added.

Police said they believe Shahin's wife Masuma, who was in another room in the same flat during the killings, was not aware of the plan to murder Jamil.

"She came to know after the murders took place and fled to Khulna with her husband," he said.

Investigators said Arjina tried to save herself by claiming that the murders happened during a robbery.

Jamil, who was a chauffeur in the capital's Gulshan, had been living in Badda for 18 years.

Three months ago, he moved into the flat for Tk 7,000 a month and rented out a room to Shahin for Tk 3,000, said police.

Jamil's brother Shamim Sheikh has started a murder case with the Badda police accusing Arjina and Shahin.

Earlier, Shahin, a boyfriend of the deceased's wife Arjina, was detained in a drive conducted by Badda police in Khulna early Friday.
Airports on alert

Four-tier security at HSIA

A heightened security alert has been imposed in and around airports across the country after law enforcement agencies uncovered a 'terror plot.'

"Security remained heightened in airports with more intense screening of luggage and passengers to guard possible terror activity," a senior CAAB (The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh) official told The New Nation yesterday, seeking anonymity.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on Tuesday arrested four suspected militants, including a pilot of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, for planning sabotage using aircraft.

CAAB on Thursday held an emergency meeting in response to the terror plot.

High officials of local and foreign flight operators and airport security agencies attended the meeting. When asked, the CAAB official said, "A four-tier security system has been installed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) after law enforcement officials thwarted a terror plot using aircraft."

He said, the four-tier security cordon with a centralised control room has been installed at HSIA as per international standard. A dog squad has been deployed at the main entry of the airport to intensify passengers and baggage screening. Besides special emphasis is being laid on securing surrounding the airports, funnel areas, tarmac and landing areas

"We have increased and strengthened the patrolling and access control in and around the airport. Additional security personnel has also been deployed there," he added.

The CAAB official further said other airports across the country would also be upgraded with four-tier integrated security system as par the heightened security alert.

An official of foreign flight operator, who was present on Thursday's meeting, told the New Nation that the authorities have asked them to be more cautious in using airports citing a thwarted terror plot.

"They have issued a set of directive for the flight operators to deal with any possible terror plot on board," he added.

Besides, the law enforcement agencies have brought 15 pilots under their intelligence vigilance for their alleged link to militancy.
Humanitarian needs of Rohingyas rise as displacement continues: IOM

Most of the Rohingya children fled from Rakhine State are parentless and have been sufferings from acute malnutrition at different camps in Cox\'s Bazar. This photo was taken from Shahparir Dwip near Teknaf on Saturday.

As displacement continues, the humanitarian and protection needs of the Rohingya also rise, said UN Migration Agency IOM in its latest report.

"New arrivals are living in spontaneous settlements with increasing need of humanitarian assistance, including shelter, food, clean water, and sanitation. Poor road networks and insufficient drainage in the displacement sites make it difficult to reach new arrivals with urgent support," it said.

The report also stated that IOM and the humanitarian community are scaling up operations to respond to the needs of new arrivals, existing Rohingya, and affected host communities.

Since 25 August 2017, an estimated 607,000 Rohingya have crossed into Bangladesh fleeing violence in Myanmar's Rakhine State, increasing the total Rohingya population in Cox's Bazar to 820,000.

The IOM report on Rohingya Crisis Response, said that Rohingya women, children remain most at risk and require specialist care and attention.

IOM health teams have provided emergency and primary healthcare services to 61,000 patients and continue to provide emergency health services to new Rohingya arrivals. The team has set up child delivery facilities and a patient stabilization unit in Kutupalong.

Since 25 August IOM is supporting over 38,000 vulnerable individuals including having provided over 2,000 people with psychological first aid (PFA), referred 1,000 people to health services for specialist care services and providing 2,100 dignity kits and 3,000 solar lanterns distributed to vulnerable women.

An average 500 Rohingya are using the Emergency Information Services per day, said the UN Migration Agency.

According to the report, 741,000 litres of water have been trucked into spontaneous settlements with limited access to water to support SPHERE standards.

Over 35,000 individuals have received hygiene kit distributions. 800 emergency latrines have been constructed and 100 mobile toilets have been installed to date which has supported 40,000 individuals. Fourteen deep tube wells have been completed, it added.

To date, IOM has distributed 102,000 tarpaulins which have benefited 461,000 new arrivals. 32,000 individuals have also received NFI distributions.

Over the last 48 hours, some 4,000 Rohingyas crossed into Bangladesh from Myanmar at the Anjumanpara border crossing point, said the IOM on Friday.
Myanmar responsible to take back Rohingyas

A visiting US official Bangladesh said Saturday that Myanmar must take the responsibility for repatriation of thousands of Rohingya refugees who were forced to flee the country amid a brutal military crackdown in Rakhine State.

"Rohingya Muslims should be taken back safely to their homes after they were forced to flee Bangladesh following military crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine state," said Simon Henshaw, the visiting acting assistant secretary for the US Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration.

He said this at a news conference in Dhaka on Saturday.

"Myanmar must take responsibility for the refugees' repatriation and the US would continue to support Rohingya who have fled to Bangladesh because of persecution in Myanmar's Rakhine State. The US wants speedy efforts to bring stability to Rakhine, he added.

Henshaw, who visited Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar on Friday, said that the Rohingya crisis was a complex one and that the US would continue to encourage dialogue for resolving it.

"Myanmar must ensure a safe and stable environment in Rakhine so that the Rohingya can return home," he added.

Henshaw praised Bangladesh's government and its people for supporting the refugees.

More than 600,000 Rohingyas have crossed into Bangladesh since late August amid a crackdown that the UN has called "ethic cleansing."

Heather Nauert, a spokeswoman for the U.S. State Department, told the news conference that

the Rohingya crisis was getting the "top attention" not only in the State Department but in the White House.

"White house is very concerned about this Rohingya crisis. It is in fact, it is at the top of discussions in Washington," she said.

Heather Nauert also said the US was working so that Rohingya can return to their homes voluntarily and with dignity.

The US has already allocated $32million in aid for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
Payra 3600MW power plant

BD, German cos to sign MoU today

Anisul Islam Noor :

The country's largest LNG-run power plant having 3600MW electricity generation capacity will be set up at Payra in Patuakhali.

To implement the project, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed today (Sunday) between North-West Power Generation Company Limited (NWPGCL) of Bangladesh and Siemens AG, Germany.

Three power plants having 1200MW generation capacity of each will be set at payra, the largest Liquate Natural Gas (LNG) base power plant in the country.

Prime Minister's Energy Adviser Dr. Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid, Prime Minister's office chief coordinator (SDG) Md. Abul Kalam Azad and German Ambassador to Dhaka Dr Thomas Prinz will be present in the signing ceremony.

Talking with The New Nation, State Minister Nasrul Hamid said that the government gives importance to diversification in electricity generation. The project will be the best of an example, he said.

"The NWPGCL and the Siemens AG will jointly finance the project," he said.

Several solar power projects, including the establishment of solar parks, are being implemented to bring diversification in power generation, the state minister said.

According to the project details, the companies will also construct the LNG terminal there for ensuring availability of necessary natural gas to generate electricity.

Nasrul Hamid said the government will build energy hub in different parts of the country to smooth and uninterrupted electricity supply.

As per the line in July 13 this year, the state-owned Ashuganj Power Station Company Ltd (APSCL) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China Energy Engineering Corporation Ltd, commonly known as Energy China, to set up a 1,320MW coal-based power plant in Patuakhali.

The state minister also said Bangladesh will need to produce 24,000 MW of electricity to achieve the middle-income country status.

"After achieving the 24,000MW goal, we will be planning for producing 60,000MW of electricity," hoped Nasrul Hamid.
North Korea rules out negotiations as Trump heads to Asia

US President Donald Trump is due to arrive in South Korea on Tuesday, after first visiting Japan.

AFP, Seoul :

North Korea ruled out talks and threatened to increase its nuclear arsenal in a fresh warning to Donald Trump's administration Saturday as the US President set off on a tour of Asia.

Trump departed for his first presidential trip to Asia Friday, with tensions over North Korea's nuclear and missile threats looming large. He is due to arrive in South Korea Tuesday, after first visiting Japan.

The North's state-run KCNA news agency said in a commentary that the US should be disabused of the "absurd idea" that Pyongyang would succumb to international sanctions and give up its nuclear weapons, adding that it is in "the final stage for completing nuclear deterrence".

"It had better stop daydreaming of denuclearisation talks with us", said the commentary titled "Stop dreaming a daydream".

"Our self-defensive nuclear treasure sword will be sharpened evermore unless the US hostile policy toward the DPRK is abolished once and for all", it said, using an acronym for the official name of North Korea.

The White House said Trump will deliver a speech at South Korea's National Assembly and urge "common resolve in the face of shared threat".

But there is widespread concern in South Korea that the US president's visit might worsen the situation if Trump fails to rein in his fierce rhetoric.

Trump and the North's leader Kim Jong-Un have traded insults and threats of war in recent months.

"Because of his tendency to veer off the script, many Koreans are worried that he may let loose", Professor Yang Moo-Jin of the University of North Korean Studies told AFP.

Some 500 protesters took to the streets in Seoul Saturday, chanting slogans and waving banners as they accused Trump of bringing the Korean peninsula to the brink of war.

"No Trump, No War", read one of the banners, while others portrayed the US President wearing a Nazi uniform.

Nearby, a rival group of some 100 Trump supporters, including many military veterans, chanted: "Welcome to Korea, We believe in Trump".

Trump, who dismissed direct talks with Pyongyang as "waste of time", will meet with President Moon Jae-In, who came to power early this year advocating for engagement with Pyongyang, a stance denounced as "appeasement" by Trump.

Professor Koh Yu-Hwan at Dongguk University, a leading policy advisor to the government, said Seoul expected Trump to avoid putting Moon in a quandary by renewing pugnacious threats against the North, particularly with South Korea hosting the Winter Olympics in February next year.

Moon has had to dial back his policy of engagement with the North in the face of Pyongyang's persistent nuclear and missile tests.
KHULNA: Staff of Khulna Zilla Parishad greeting Sheikh Harun-ur- Rashid, Chairman, of the Parishad after returning from foreign visit recently.
Protracted Qatar rift could dampen Gulf mid-term growth:IMF

AFP, Dubai :

The economic impact of the diplomatic rift between Qatar and its Gulf neighbours has so far been limited but a prolonged crisis could weaken the region's mid-term growth, the IMF said Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt on June 5 severed diplomatic ties with Qatar and imposed an economic blockade, accusing Doha of promoting extremist groups. Qatar, which is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council alongside Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, has denied the charges.

The four nations froze all economic deals with gas-rich Qatar, and Riyadh closed the only land exit for the Gulf peninsula.

"The diplomatic rift between Qatar and the neighbouring countries had a limited impact on the Qatari economy and its impact on the region is muted in the short-term," said the IMF director for the Middle East and Central Asia, Jihad Azour.


BFRI working to artificially boost Hilsa production

UNB, Bagerhat :

Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) has been carrying out intensive research to cultivate Hilsa in the hatchery by producing larvae from the eggs using artificial methods in a bid to increase the production of the national delicious fish.

BFRI in association with WorldFish, a Malaysia-based research organisation, has been conducting the research, said Dr Khan Kamal Uddin, chief scientific officer of Bagerhat Shrimp Research Station.

"We are trying to produce larvae from eggs collected from natural sources. However, we are yet to reach our destination. Once the research gets success, we will release two-three inch long Hilsa fries after proper nursing to coastal ponds or artificially-constructed pan," Dr Kamal added.

A matured mother Hilsa can release three lakh to 20 lakh eggs throughout the year, said the scientist adding one egg out of every 1,000 eggs can produce larva while rest of the eggs get destroyed.

"The larva turns into jatka (fish fry) on its way to physical development. However, it takes at least two years to become a matured Hilsa and release eggs," Dr Kamal said.

"We assume that Hilsa change gender during their lifetime. Because most of the Hilsa more than 30 cm in length are female while all Hilsa over 40 cm are female. We are yet to start research on the matter," he added.

Meanwhile, the government has imposed a ban on netting, selling, preserving and transporting Hilsa fries (less than 25 cm) from

November 1 to June 30 in a bid to ensuring a safe pasture for the physical development of the national fish.

However, the government will distribute 40 kg rice per month to every fisherman, who regularly catches fish in the sea, in March, April, May and June as part of food assistance to the fishermen in return for not netting Jatka, said Bagerhat district fisheries officer M Zia Haider Chowdhury.

Anisur Rahman, a fisherman of Rayenda village in Sharankhola upazila, said the fishermen catch Hilsa of different sizes as they use nets with large and small leaks.

If the government can shut down the production of nets with small leaks, the Jatka catching will be stopped subsequently.

Babul Khan, proprietor of Kalifa Ice Mill in Pathaghata upazila of Barguna district, alleged a group of fishermen in association with some corrupt government officials catch Jatka and sell those in the wholesale market during the ban.

According to the sources at the Fisheries Department, the country witnessed approximately 5.5 lakh metric tonnes of Hilsa production in the last fiscal.
Govt influencing cases against Khaleda: Fakhrul

UNB, Dhaka :

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday alleged the government is abusing its power for accelerating the hearing on the cases filed against their party Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

"The dates are being fixed every week for hearing on the cases against our

leader (Khaleda). They (govt) are doing it abusing their power as they want to keep her confined," he said.

Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader said Khaleda herself fears that the government is trying to keep her away from the next election by convicting her in the cases.

Fakhrul said a unity of those who believe in the country's sovereignty and independence, democracy and restoring people's rights is crucial now to resist the government's such move.

"It doesn't matter which party we belong to. We must get united to defeat an evil force like Awami League to protect the country, democracy and ensure a credible election," he added.

Afsar Ahmed Smrity Foundation arranged the programme at Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU), marking the 16th death anniversary of ex-BNP vice chairman Afsar Ahmed Siddique.

Referring to the attack on Khaleda's convoy on her way to Cox's Bazar to visit Rohingyas last week, he said though journalists and BNP leaders and activists came under attack and a Swechchasebak Dal leader died, the ruling party is saying it is an outcome of BNP's intraparty feud.

"Journalists and the entire nation witnessed they (AL men) carried out the incident. But they're still spreading lies. Even, they arrested our leaders and activists and filed cases against them. It's tantamount to deceiving the nation," Fakhrul observed.

He said people cannot keep confidence in a government which deceives them and tries to establish a lie as a truth. "The government wants to hang onto power by filing false case and carrying out repressive acts, killing and enforced disappearance as it has got isolated from people."




Ex-President Rahman Biswas laid to rest

UNB, Dhaka :

Former President Abdur Rahman Biswas, who passed away on Friday night, was laid to eternal rest in the city on Saturday.

He was buried at Banani Graveyard around 6pm after his fifth and final namaz-e-janaza at Gulshan Azad Mosque.

BNP leaders and activists, his family members and relatives attend the janaza and the burial.

Rahman Biswas, who had long been suffering from old-age complications, breathed his last at United Hospital around 8:27pm on Friday at the age of 91.

His body was flown to Barisal from United Hospital's mortuary in the morning and his first janaza was held on Barisal Zila School ground.

His second namaz-e-janaza was held in front of BNP's Nayapaltan central office around 2:25pm while the third one on the Supreme Court premises and fourth one at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

Rahman Biswas was the President of Bangladesh during the 1991-1996 tenure of BNP.




A Billings man arrested on suspicion of arson earlier this week told law enforcement he had been drinking that night after arguing with his wife and has only limited memories of what happened afterward.

Edward Michael Halvorson, 43, appeared in Yellowstone County Justice Court Friday facing five felony charges of arson.

Court documents show that a fire marshal with the Billings Fire Department requested BPD detectives investigate the fire after he observed several "unusual" things around the house on the 700 block of Terry Avenue.

Deputy Fire Marshal Jaime Fender told BPD the fire originated in a basement office, an attic door had been propped open with a mop, books and papers belonging to Halvorson's wife had been thrown into an alleyway behind the house, fire and smoke detectors had been "tampered with or completely pulled off the ceiling and walls," and that other items had been thrown around inside the house.

Fender also alerted BPD to text messages between Halvorson and Halvorson's wife that suggested they had been fighting.

The fire was reported at about 1:20 a.m.

Before BPD learned about the fire marshal's observations, police had already dealt with Halvorson that night. An officer who had arrived during the fire had found the man trying to crawl into the burning house through a sliding glass door.

An officer pulled at Halvorson and told him it was too dangerous to go inside before escorting him to the front yard. The officer was told by Halvorson that no one was in the house and that his wife was at a party.

He was "insistent on going back inside," the house and later tried to enter again while firefighters were battling the blaze, according to court documents.

When officers moved to stop him he took "an aggressive stance" toward one officer, after which police took him to the ground and handcuffed him. He was later released and taken to a hotel.

Two hours later, Halvorson returned to the area, where he was seen hiding from officers at the corner of Custer Avenue and Eight Street West, according to court documents. Halvorson told police "he wanted to retrieve his shoes from the home."

Court documents indicate that it was sometime after that encounter when police spoke to the fire marshal about the unusual circumstances inside the house.

Halvorson was then interviewed by BPD Detective Steve Hallam. Halvorson denied he had been arguing with his wife and said she gone out for the night with friends after they came home from a movie at around 8:45 p.m. Halvorson said when they got home he found his wife's papers scattered in the alleyway but that it was too late to pick them up.

Halvorson said smoke alarms woke him up. He also said the alarms that had been removed because "they were always going off," according to court documents. He denied setting the fire and denied arguing with his wife. After being shown text messages, he "admitted that he had been angry with his wife."

BPD then interviewed Halvorson's wife, who told police that she had stayed at a hotel the night of the fire after she and her spouse had been arguing.

"In the meantime, the defendant was arrested because he had disobeyed lawful orders and returned to the home yet another time," according to court documents.

Halvorson's wife told police that the downstairs office housed her "diplomas, paperwork, certificates" and other valuables.

She told police Halvorson has "impulsive anger issues," according to court documents.

After her interview, Halvorson's wife returned to the home. She said that her husband "appeared out of nowhere and attempted to get into her vehicle," so she drove off.

She called Hallam, who learned Halvorson had bonded out of jail. The detective agreed to walk her through the house. She told him that she found her good wine from her office had been consumed and the bottles left upstairs, one of them on the stove near a food package with the word "sorry" written on it, according to court documents.

Hallam interviewed Halvorson again. He admitted his wife had not been with friends and that he had lied about finding paperwork in the alley when they came home from the movie, saying later that he might have thrown it out after drinking, according to court documents.

He said his wife left the house after their argument and that he "didn't want her to leave and was under the impression that when she left it might be for the last time."

"He said he began drinking everything he could get his hands on," according to court documents. He said he wrote "sorry" on the food package to apologize for his behavior. He said the next thing he remembered was waking up next to the office "choking on smoke."

Damage to the home was estimated at $150,000 and investigators found that the fire had endangered a neighboring residence.

The gas line to a hot water heater in the downstairs office had been cut and, "based on the fire pattern on the water tank itself, it appeared that gas had ignited to a flame and was burning at one point."

All the basement's windows had been opened despite it being a cold night, according to court documents.

Friday, Halvorson's bond was set at $250,000. If released, he must consent to GPS monitoring, and he can't be within 300 feet of his wife.

Arson is punishable in Montana by up to 20 years in prison and or a fine of $50,000 or less.

Halvorson is scheduled to appear before District Court Judge Michael Moses on Nov. 15.
Former U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock is appealing a recent lower-court decision allowing prosecutors in his corruption case to take the Peoria Republican to trial on 22 criminal counts.

The federal trial judge in central Illinois says in a Friday posting that a Jan. 22 trial date is cancelled and trial preparations suspended until the Chicago-based 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rules.

Schock's lawyers notified the 7th Circuit Wednesday that they're appealing in hopes of having all the counts tossed. They have until Dec. 11 to submit the full appeal.

Judge Colin Bruce last week tossed two counts in Schock's 24-count indictment, including one alleging he illegally pocketed leftover event fees. The still-serious allegations remaining include that he misspent government funds.

The 36-year-old has pleaded not guilty.

 Associated Press
U.S. Rep. Greg Gianfortes chief of staff has been appointed the U.S. Department of Agricultures Rural Development director of Montana.

USDA announced directors of Rural Development and Farm Service agencies late Friday. Charles Robison will direct the Rural Development program in Montana.

Robison leaves Gianforte's staff after the first five months of the Bozeman Republicans' term.

Robison was also U.S. Sen. Steve Daines state director for four years, starting when Daines was in the House. The Republican senator issued a statement congratulating Robison.

Charles understands the unique needs of Montanas farmers and ranchers and will be a great advocate for them at USDA, Daines said.

Robison has also previously worked with Attorney General Tim Fox at the Helena law firm Gough, Shanahan, Johnson and Waterman. Robison has a law degree and MBA from the University of Montana. He has a bachelors degree from Hillsdale College in Michigan.

The Bozeman native previously worked in the Montana secretary of state's office.
Tara Cady Niche Publications Senior Editor for Niche Publications of the Billings Gazette Follow Tara Cady Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

In the seven years Gainans Flowers Downtown has hosted its Christmas Dream Home, families have seen everything from lift chairs swinging overhead to reindeer figurines made of cork.

This year, it will be A Christmas to Remember, coined for the floral shops last year in downtown Billings before its move to Grand Avenue next spring.

The big red doors opened Nov. 4 and remain open through the holiday season.

Jim Gainan, President of Gainan Floral Inc., and his team spend a year developing the holiday theme. Gainan flies as far as Germany just for ornaments and it takes three weeks to set up the displays.

The products have evolved alongside a changing market. Gainan explains that items are tailored to a price-conscious consumer, and many things for sale are also eco-friendly and for a good cause. Its what he calls buying with a purpose.

The Christmas trees are made of biodegradable and recycled materials. And Gainans sells items from The Blessing Basket Project, an African company that builds the economy of small villages through its sales.

A village in Uganda is going to have their first college graduate in three years, Gainan said.

Despite its name, the Christmas Dream Home is meant to inspire homeowners with ideas that go beyond seasonal decorating.

It gives us a way to focus on the story were trying to tell for the year, he said.

Examples include paint color combinations and textures, like deep navy blue, green and live plants. Combined with black and tan, youve got the it thing in your dining or living room. Gainans is calling this look, Love by Nature.

In line with this years Pantone Color of the Year, greenery, the Love by Nature Christmas tree has real succulents amid the ornaments. Gainans CEO Mick Gainan says they can be misted weekly and then set in a soil and sand mix after the holidays.

The number-one accessory for millennials are live green plants, Jim Gainan added. We found a way to incorporate them into Christmas trees.

Its that outside-the-box thinking that Gainan hopes to rub off on homeowners.

I want it to be over the top because theres a lot of benefits to being creative, he said.

Gainan understands not everyone is ready to embrace Christmas the first weekend of November, nor are some ready to put it all away come 2018. Thats why many of the products can be utilized year-round, or have elements that translate to Montanas long winter, like snowflakes.

The Winter Spice display incorporates warm colors like red and orange alongside gold and copper. A metallic ball garland replaces tinsel and pinecone ornaments resemble hedgehogs.

The Winter Sky display includes several shades of green that Gainan says people wouldnt normally place together. Aqua is the happy medium between the trending green and blue combination and can be seen accented with many white owl ornaments.

Altier, or industrial, is the fourth theme featured in the holiday displays. Included are varying textures and lots of gray.

Anything that you dont see other places is what we try to have, he said.

Gainans wants to tip its hat to the past and embrace the future, which is why many of the price tags display a logo with the original owners and building. In its 67th year of business, the family-owned floral shop hasnt forgotten its roots or influence on tradition.

Families come in and take their Christmas pictures here in front of the displays, Gainan said. Its an experience.

Live music from Montana Piano will play outside the red doors from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for the course of the Christmas Dream Home display.
Holly Hill Mayor William Johnson is being challenged by Billy Chavis in Tuesdays mayoral election.

Billy N. Chavis

Chavis said hes running for the future generations of Holly Hill.

I was seeking change for this town, Chavis said. We want things that are going to better our town and better us in the long run.

I love this town and everything that I want to do for this town, I want to do for us, he added. We have a lot going for us right now.

Chavis said he has a vision for where he sees the town being and that the current environment didnt just get like this.

He wants the town to push for new stores and industries.

He hopes these new opportunities will allow the town to retain recent graduates and young adults.

Chavis said. Its not going to be an easy process.

He said young adults and teenagers may feel left behind, looking for things to do.

The Lumberton, North Carolina, native has lived in Holly Hill since 2006.

He is married with two daughters.

After high school, Chavis entered the Navy. He served for 10 years.

William Johnson

Johnson is running for his third term as Holly Hill mayor.

I like what Im seeing and I want to be a part of it, he said.

Johnson said he is running for re-election because the town, still has some needs in terms of infrastructure.

We need to have more wastewater capacity, he said.

Along with that, Johnson says he wants to repair roads as the improvements will help attract new businesses.

Johnson said another major concern is having a community with the skills for new companies. He wants to push for more job training opportunities or an Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College satellite site.

Were trying to find a way to get our people employable for the type of skills sets for places like Volvo, he said.

During his time in office, Johnson said he is a proud to have, finished the work that was needed to bring together the county-town complex which houses a number of departments.

Holly Hill has made strides in community policing, he said.

Johnson said while serving as mayor, he has made several connections with local, state and congressional representatives, which will help in the future.

Originally from Louisville, Missouri, Johnson moved to Holly Hilly in 1997.

He graduated from Alcorn A&M University, which is now Alcorn State. He received a degree in agricultural education.

Johnson said he has also taken and passed advanced courses with the South Carolina Municipal Association.

He spent 30 years working in cement manufacturing, most of it in supervision. He is retired.
A retired United Methodist minister who served in Orangeburg County has died, allegedly after being abused and neglected by his son and daughter-in-law.

The Rev. James Boyd Chewning was a wonderful man, said the Rev. Sandra Whetsell, pastor of New Hope United Methodist Church in Rowesville.

He was loved by everyone at The Oaks and St. Pauls UMC in Orangeburg, Whetsell said.

Everywhere he went, he was well-loved. He was a kind and caring man, she said.

Donald Ralph Chewning, 51, and Kathy Laine Chewning, 48, have each been charged with abuse and neglect of a vulnerable adult resulting in death. Rev. Chewning was living in Saluda County with his son.

A SLED warrant alleges Rev. Chewning was abused earlier this week, and was battered, restrained to a bed using zip ties and rags and duct tape were used to cover the victims mouth and eyes.

If convicted, Donald and Kathy Chewning could face up to 30 years in prison.

The 79-year-old Rev. Chewning had been a minister for more than 50 years, Whetsell said. He retired in 2004.

When Whetsell joined the ministry in 2013, Chewning went to New Hope every Sunday to help her and provide advice.

He was a wonderful, wonderful mentor and guide, Whetsell said.

Once he joined her when she went to take communion to a person who was dying.

He was a wonderful, wonderful, kind Christian man. He knew the Lord and the Lord knew Boyd, Whetsell said.
By Trend

The trilateral meeting of the presidents of Azerbaijan, Russia and Iran in Tehran, first of all, means stability in the region, and secondly, the beginning of a new stage of economic cooperation, Azerbaijani MP Aydin Huseynov told Trend.

Huseynov noted that after the first trilateral meeting, the three countries trade turnover has increased significantly.

After the economic agreements signed following the recent meeting, the trade turnover and, in general, economic ties will expand even more. The economic significance of the trilateral format is much higher, added the MP.

Presidents of Russia and Iran also attach great importance to this cooperation, he said.
By Trend

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has decreed to amend the Decree on Additional Measures in Regulation of Turnover of Items with Limited Civil Circulation, dated Sept. 12, 2005.

In accordance with the amendments, Azerbaijan gives permission for the import of cornea into the country.
By Trend

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has congratulated Shinzo Abe on his re-election as Japanese prime minister.

President Aliyev expressed satisfaction with the current level of development of the Azerbaijan-Japan relations.

The head of state also expressed hope that the two sides will continue efforts to further strengthen the friendly ties between the two countries and their peoples, and expand mutual effective cooperation.

I wish you robust health, happiness, continuous success in activities for prosperity of the friendly Japanese people, said President Aliyev in his congratulatory letter.
By Trend

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev today signed a decree extending the moratorium on inspections of business activities in Azerbaijan until Jan. 1, 2021.

The moratorium will not apply to quality control of medicines, compliance with safety regulations, and safety control of food products.

Meanwhile, according to the decree, quality control of medicines and compliance with safety regulations will be conducted by the Ministry of Healthcare, while control over food quality will be carried out by the Food Safety Agency of Azerbaijan.
G&Co Real Estate Development, a premium property developer based in Dubai, UAE, has showcased its $2-billion project portfolio - including its Cassia at the Fields development - at the International Real Estate and Investment Show 2017 (IREIS 2017) in Abu Dhabi.

IREIS 2017 concluded on November 4 in Abu Dhabi.



Nestled in District 11 of Mohammad Bin Rashid (MBR) City, Cassia at the Fields will be Dubais premier residential destination for families as well as investors. The four-bedroom ultra-spacious family villas offer first class amenities, said the developer in its statement.



Cassia is surrounded by well-known attractions such as Dubai Mall for shopping, Dubai Opera House for arts and culture; Kent College and other quality educational institutes; and DIFC and Business Bay for commercial opportunities.



The development is 10 minutes away from Dubai International Airport and affords easy access to three main connective roads: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Road, Dubai-Al Ain Road and Al Khail Road.



Joseph Ghossoub, the chairman of G&Co, said: "The Cassia development offers the best of both worlds, right in the heart of Dubai. The peaceful and tranquil setting is enhanced by abundant green spaces. However, this serene living is close enough to also enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city."



G&Co, he stated, is a trusted name behind a selection of top quality developments in Dubai, including the luxury townhouse development Grand Views and Millennium Estates, both at Meydan; and well as further developments in District 11 at MBR City.



"Our commitment to excellence has helped us build strong relationships with diverse clientele and investors across a broad range of property markets. This has helped us build a loyal client base and close to 60 per cent of them are repeat investors in many of our properties," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Dubai-based Binghatti Developers has taken the spotlight at the third annual Dubai Property Show in Mumbai, with its chief executive winning the Real Estate Tycoon Award from Dubai government for his outstanding contribution in making the company a top real estate developer in the emirate.



The award was presented to Muhammad BinGhatti at the Dubai Land Department (DLD)-sponsored property exhibition at the Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai which concludes on November 5.



BinGhatti won the top honours at the event based on the companys dynamic growth and success.



A leading player in the region, Binghatti Developers is active throughout the UAE with an investment value in excess of Dh3 billion ($816 million) across a portfolio of more 30 projects, including its strategic partnership in the Dh1 billion Swarovski Sparkle Towers in Dubai Marina.



The company currently operates in several areas throughout Dubai including Dubai Silicon Oasis, Business Bay, Al Jadaf, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Village Circle, Liwan, and Dubai Land Residence Complex, in addition to a mega commercial project in Abu Dhabi covering an area of 1 million sq ft and a value in excess of Dh500 million.



The company possesses bold plans for expansion in the coming years, specifically focusing on the growth of its real estate portfolio in Dubai.



With so many major players in the Dubai real estate market, the award is considered to be one of the most prestigious in the industry. The company looks to capitalise on winning the award and the publicity that comes with it to expand its iconic real estate portfolio and continue developing properties throughout the UAE.



BinGhatti said: "I am absolutely ecstatic to win the Real Estate Tycoon Award from the DLD, one of the most highly regarded entities in Dubai government."



Receiving this type of prestigious recognition from the department is an incredible honour and "we thank the Dubai Government and DLD for their continued innovation, creativity, and support".



"This award is a testament to our commitment to Dubai real estate and we look forward to the continued growth and success of the Dubai property market," he added.



Most recently, the company was ranked 30 in the Forbes Top 100 Real Estate Companies in the Arab World publication. This prestigious recognition joins the companys previous awards including the Cityscape Global Awards, the International Property Awards, as well as the Dubai Land Department sponsored Gulf Real Estate Awards.



The company was also recently recognised as the best developer architecturally by Business News Middle East magazine.-TradeArabia News Service
UAE-based Gulf General Investment Company (GGICO) said work is in full swing at its key developments including Topaz Premium Residences at Dubai Silicon Oasis with over 50 per cent of the project already completed.



Dubai Silicon Oasis is a uniquely designed community, built to ensure comfort and convenience of its residents. It is an integrated city within a city offering a plethora of residential and lifestyle facilities like education, shops, services and leisure facilities.



With the stable and maturing real estate sector in Dubai, wealthy foreigners and expats are investing a lumpsum amount in their dream houses or business properties that can be rented out for profits or held as investments, said the statement from GGICO.



The Dubai developer had launched all its projects in Dubai Silicon Oasis post its 50 per cent completion such as Axis 1 to 8, Axis Silver, Platinum Residence 1 and 2, Topaz Residences 1, 2 and 3.



It is offering a stylish assortment of generously-sized one-bedroom apartments with exceptional facilities and services for a tranquil lifestyle, after 50 per cent completion of its project in Dubai Silicon Oasis, said a top official.



GGICOs new development, Topaz Premium Residences, is the ideal choice for growing families, the residences are well-designed living spaces that maximises efficiency, remarked Mohammad Harib Fadhel Almazrooei, the managing director.



These residences are well-designed and boast efficient living spaces, offering panoramic and peaceful views of the city. All the apartments are well equipped with spacious balconies that extend space for ideal indoor and outdoor living.



The bespoke one-bedroom apartment with a store room, modifiable to a second bedroom, is designed in Italian style with a high-end finish and a fully-equipped modern kitchen, said the developer.



These residential properties at Topaz have a family-friendly community, international schools for education and connectivity to the proposed metro. The rich ambience includes restaurants, healthcare centres, supermarkets and banking. It is also in close proximity to popular shopping destination The Dubai Mall, Dubai International Airport among others, remarked Almazrooei.



Topaz Premium Residences provides its residents with a rooftop health club, swimming pool, a gym with sauna and steam and ample parking bays for visitors. Dubai Silicon Oasis is a prime residential location within Dubai to experience a lifestyle community living, he stated.



Considered one of the oldest real estate companies in the emirates, GGICO emphasises on quality in every project.



Today, Topaz Premium anticipates good demand for premium apartment with affordable prices in the heart of Dubai, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Abu Dhabi's Media Zone Authority (MZA), the regulatory body of twofour54, said it has collaborated with Saudi-based General Commission of Audiovisual Media (GCAM) to enable the growth of media sector in the region.



The Media Zone Authority (MZA)  Abu Dhabi, the regulatory body of twofour54, said it has signed a MoU with General Commission of Audiovisual Media (GCAM) of Saudi Arabia for joint collaboration on boosting the media sector in the region.



The agreement aims to strengthen ties between both organisations, enhance the sharing of experiences and knowledge, and collaborate on initiatives that will support Saudi Vison 2030s goal to foster job creation and enable the establishment and growth of SMEs in the media sector, remarked Maryam Eid AlMheiri, the chief executive of MZA and twofour54, after signing the deal with Redha bin Mohammed Al Haidar, the general director of GCAM.



"At MZA, we are actively supporting the growth of the regions media industry as it contributes significantly to local GDPs and is a key economic driver in supporting governments diversification efforts,' remarked AlMheiri.



"We are proud that MZAs contribution to non-oil GDP of Abu Dhabi continues to grow year on year and that our twofour54 community continues to provide job opportunities for both Emiratis and residents of the UAE," she stated.



"Our relationship with Saudi Arabia has always been strong and we have developed close partnerships with Saudi media companies such as Saudi Broadcasting Corporation and MBC Group," she added.



According to her, the new agreement with GCAM reflects its ongoing commitment to the development of the regions thriving media landscape.



"We share the same passion and values as GCAM, and we look forward to working together in building a vibrant regional media industry where young people can achieve their full potential and contribute to the future growth of the region," she noted.



On the joint collaboration. Al Haidar said: "The media sector is an exciting and rapidly evolving industry  rich with opportunities for the youth of Saudi Arabia to learn, grow, and express their creativity."



At GCAM weve been taking active steps to nurture this industry as per the National Transformation Program 2020, which has seen the complete revamping of the audiovisual media ecosystem," he noted.



"We are delighted to be partnering with MZA to exchange knowledge and create opportunities in the media sector for the Saudi and Emirati youth," remarked Al Haidar.



"We look forward to working with the regions leading creative hub to share knowledge, best practice, and expertise that will help us achieve the bold vision outlined in Vision 2030," he added.



Over the last few years, twofour54 signed an MoU with the Saudi Broadcasting Corporation to exchange knowledge and has hosted delegates for training. twofour54 has also collaborated with O3 Productions on a state-of-the-art backlot in Abu Dhabi, where Saudi drama series are filmed.-TradeArabia News Service
German auto brand Borgward is set to introduce its renowned brand of aesthetics and performance to automobile enthusiasts across the GCC during its debut participation at the upcoming Dubai International Motor Show.

Borgward occupies a prominent place in German automotive history. Founded by automotive genius Carl FW Borgward in Bremen in 1919, the company was the third largest German automotive manufacturer during its prime.

It was formerly the largest German automotive exporter, with its consignments to Europe, North and South America, Africa and Asia accounting for more than 60 per cent of Germanys total automotive export volumes.

Borgward successively broke 51 world racing records prior to its long industry hiatus.

Since 2015, the group has embarked on an ambitious campaign to reestablish the global prominence of its brand. Borgward unveiled its first sport utility vehicle during the 2015 edition of the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA), the worlds largest motor show, and released several models afterwards to expand its market share.

The company launched its modern four-door, four-seat electric coupe interpretation of its iconic Isabella concept sedan at IAA 2017. The original Isabella achieved global sales of more than 200,000 units during its production run from 1954 to 1962.

Borgward is now all set to showcase its user-friendly intelligent models featuring competitive German-made technology at the five-day Dubai International Motor Show which opens on November 14.

The newer generations of Borgward automobiles have been earning global acclaim for craftsmanship, intelligence, progressiveness and accessibility.

In April the company unveiled its Market Strategy for the Middle East, followed a few months later by the announcement of plans to tap the GCC markets with an emphasis on delivering revolutionary automotive customer care and setting new industry benchmarks.

As the commercial hub of the GCC, Dubai was a natural choice for initiating Borgwards regional thrust, , said a company spokesman.

The flagship models to be displayed at Dubai International Motor Show 2017 embody the top auto brand's focus on introducing models in the GCC with renowned German automotive technology, performance and design, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Its been a positive three months for Powder River Basin coal with the largest producer, Peabody Energy, posting $203 million in profits, nearly $500 million for the year so far.

Production in the PRB climbed by about 13 million tons in the third quarter, though the final tally was shy of the third quarter numbers last year when Wyomings mines hit a high point in an otherwise dismal 2016.

The market is still in correction-mode after two difficult years, and production numbers may be firming around new expectations as coal companies adjust to fewer longer-term contracts and more spot buying, experts say. The bankruptcies and layoffs were likely an exaggerated reaction to uncertainties in the coal sector, and recent improvements in added jobs or production are leveling out to what is repeatedly referred to as coals new normal, in which coal faces steep competition with other fuels.

In this day and age, the long-term contracts where companies are just delivering on a contract they signed five years ago are not there anymore, said Travis Deti, executive director of the Wyoming Mining Association. In a tight energy market with higher competition from gas and renewables, thats just where we are right now.

PRB mines produced 82.6 million tons of coal between June and September to be shipped out to power plants across the Midwest, about 1.5 million less than last year. The largest surface mines in the country, Peabodys North Antelope Rochelle mine and Arch Coals Black Thunder, both in Campbell County, dug 27.8 and 19.3 million tons respectively, their highest volumes since the last quarter of 2016.

***

Earnings reports so far have also been welcome news.

Peabody in particular stood out with a proud call with investors Oct. 25, boasting their $203 million profit, a dramatic turn around for the company that slid into tremendous debt and filed for bankruptcy in 2016. It emerged earlier this year.

Recent news of more coal plant closures from their customers down in Texas did not dent the firms enthusiasm last week.

We dont view plant closures in a singular sense as being game changers to us, said Amy Schwetz, Peabodys chief financial officer. The companys portfolio in the Powder River Basin is diverse, and the company has already adjusted its expectations to the projected coal closures in the coming years.

The PRB has also proved its ability to withstand a 2 percent decrease in electricity demand this year, said the companys president, Glenn Kellow.

I expect the PRB and Illinois Basin are most competitive in natural gas over time, he said. The PRB was a standout this quarter, increasing 8 percent, as electricity demand for all other coal basins weakened.

Other companies also showed improvements this quarter, with Arch reporting a net income of $37.2 million.

Cloud Peak, a smaller producer by Peabody and Arch standards, posted a far more modest $2.7 million in earnings for the quarter and a year-to-date net loss of $24.5 million.

The companys CEO noted a struggle finding demand to justify producing its lower heat coal during an investors call on Oct. 26

Marshall said the general outlook right now depended on the weather, particularly the need for a cold winter.

I think wed actually be seeing some reasonable strengthening in demand and some interest in the utilities as they will be burning a lot more coal, and I think it would be quite a positive report you would be getting in February, Marshall said. If we have another winter like last year than that wouldnt be so good.

***

This years total Wyoming production is expected to be higher than the last, which started out with record lows, but the numbers also reflect the fluctuations of the market.

Deti said he agreed with state economists' recent revenue report projecting the yearly total for Wyoming would fall to around 330 million tons.

And the ups and downs of the market are impacting the employment figures, with more short-term workers being hired on and let go quarter by quarter as companies adjust to selling with short term contracts, Deti said.

I think what it reflects is a different energy market, he said. If they need to hire on a few more temporary workers to fill an order then thats what theyre doing.

Jobs lost in the downturn totaled about 964, according to the state mine inspector report released at the beginning of the year. According to self-reporting from the mines, about 330 coal miners came back to work.
Two months ago, Katie Hughes received an unusual Facebook message from her Laramie hairstylist.

The stylist, Paige Elliot, had heard about a program in Illinois that trained beauty professionals to recognize the signs of domestic violence and refer their clients to support services. She wanted to know if Hughes, who works at the Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, could help launch a similar program in the Cowboy State.

Hughes brought the idea to her coworkers at the coalition and at the end of October the group hosted its first online training for Wyoming beauty professionals. The program, called Cut It Out, teaches stylists about the realities of domestic violence and ensures they know where to refer clients if they believe they are victims of abuse.

Were not asking them to become an advocate, Hughes said, but to be supportive, to show compassion and to know where their clients can go for support.

Thousands of people are abused by loved ones every year in Wyoming. In one day in 2014, the states domestic violence resource centers served more than 270 victims, according to data from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Beauticians, hair stylists and other salon workers are in a unique position to help survivors of domestic violence, Hughes said. Beauty professionals often develop a trusting relationship with their clients over an extended period of time and the sessions leave plenty of time for talking.

They have more of a personal connection, so survivors are more likely to reach out and connect on a personal level about what they have going on in their life, she said.

When she first heard of the program, Elliot thought the work was a little out of her job title. But the more she learned about the training she found that she wanted to be involved. She knows many of her clients very well  some have been with her since she started work as a stylist eight years ago. She hears about their work, their families and their relationships.

Im close with my clients and I care about them, whether Ive done their hair once or a hundred times, Elliot said in an email. I feel like Im a safe space for someone to open up, or maybe Im the only person to ask if theyre okay.

The training covers the power dynamics of domestic violence and what constitutes abuse. It trains stylists to recognize the signs that someone is being abused, like bruising across the body, low self-esteem or fear of their partner. Finally, beauty professionals learn to refer clients who are victims of abuse to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which connects survivors to local resources.

The training also combats common misunderstandings about the dynamics of domestic violence. For example, Hughes said that many people believe abusers hurt their victims due to mental illness or addiction, or because of a genetic trait. While those may be factors in the violence, abusing someone is always a choice, Hughes said.

The training program also explains the barriers that keep victims, who are often women, from leaving those who abuse them. Victims sometimes stay with an abuser because they fear the violence against them or their loved ones will escalate if they attempt to leave. Other victims have limited financial resources and fear leaving a provider will make them homeless or unable to feed their children.

Victims are not weak, Hughes said. Victims are often staying in relationships because its risky to leave.

Hughes said the training is a positive trend across the country. The Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence created the program in 2002 and in 2003 the National Cosmetology Association began offering the training across the U.S. Now, many states offer the program and Illinois passed a law last year that mandated all beauty professionals receive similar instruction.

A handful of participants signed up for the first online training on Oct. 30 and in the future Hughes hopes to host in-person training sessions across Wyoming.

Its a really exciting partnership that were going to build over time, Hughes said.
ROCK SPRINGS  Wildfire conditions will remain in effect in Sweetwater County until it receives measurable amounts of precipitation, according to Sweetwater County Fire Warden Mike Bournazian.

The Sweetwater County Fire Department has responded to four wild land fires in the last four days.

A wild wind fire is a non-structure fire that occurs in vegetation or natural fuels, according to the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

Most of the fires have been controlled to less than a couple acres each.

They all have been human related in one way or the other, Bournazian said.

He said the public needs to remain vigilant in fire preventions.

Fire conditions are still present, and with the prolonged lack of moisture with our very dry fuels, all it takes is a spark or careless act to start a wildfire, Bournazian said.
CHEYENNE  Representatives from state agencies and an international technology company tested Wyomings pilot batch of digital drivers licenses Thursday.

A total of 64 people within the Wyoming Department of Transportation downloaded the licenses, and Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers conducted mock traffic stops using the new technology.

Wyoming is the fifth state to participate in the pilot program, along with Colorado, Idaho, Maryland and the District of Columbia.

The new application can be downloaded to Android or iPhone smartphones and has four different functions  a screen that looks much like a regular ID, a law enforcement function, an age verification mode and a screen for the Transportation Security Administration.

Wyoming Highway Patrol spokesman Sgt. Kyle McKay said since the program is in its early stages, he couldnt offer many details, but he did say he could see benefits in the future.
Soaring high over the Arizona desert, condors search the landscape for meat. Anything will do: a gut pile left by a hunter; a lightning-killed bison; or a tourist falling over the edge of the Grand Canyon.

On an autumnal drive through northern Arizona, my Uncle Gerry Gagnon and I turned off a highway to the House Rock condor viewing area. The white guano-stain marks, just beneath the nests of the great birds, can be seen with the naked eye from miles away. The dark spots, against the blue sky, are condors. They glide swiftly and seemingly without effort. They fly alone or with a partner. One group of three seemed to be arguing over a lover.

With a good pair of binoculars, the huge birds, with wing spans of up to 114 inches (thats nine and a half feet), you can see their nonchalant grace, masters of the sky. Under each wing they have an acute-triangular patch that is white.

Friends of mine, who live at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, tell me that the condors who live here at House Rock routinely fly over the crowds of people enjoying the views of the canyon, sometimes stealing the show. The distance is over fifty miles.

Most of us associate the condor with the coast of California. In fact, they once ranged over the Great Plains of North America, too. There they disappeared, in the eighteen hundreds, with the near extermination of the bison. They were also known to soar over the Rockies, the Columbia Plateau, the Basin and Range and far down into Mexico.

Condors are scavengers. They usually eat large dead animals, which they can easily spot from far above. The rugged California coast, with many large sea mammals, was the last place offering a livelihood for condors. By 1987, they were down to just twenty-two birds. Thanks to a privately funded captive-breeding program, nevertheless very expensive, together with some help from the California legislature, condor numbers have increased.

In 1996, six were released here in Arizona. Upon these fabulous and endless cliffs of Arizona and southern Utah, they now number about seventy. In addition, there are about 161 in the wild in California and in Mexico, and 200 or so in captive breeding centers. By rough count, thats 431. These thirty years, then, can be viewed as a spectacular success, but their numbers are still dangerously low, and dangers there are.

Power lines and car accidents take some out, as do coyotes and golden eagles, but by far the biggest killer is toxic lead poisoning. Hunters who use lead tipped bullets shoot animals who sometimes get away, only dying later of their wounds. Alternatively, the gut piles of field-dressed animals are left behind. In either case, since lead bullets shatter into countless pieces, dispersing as much as two feet from the bullet entry point, pretty much the entire dead animal is poisoned.

If a condor looks weakened, and if it can be captured, it is possible to do a complicated medical procedure called a chelation treatment. In doing this the digestive tract is cleaned out. During this time, which can take more than two weeks, the condor is fed through a tube. The stress on the poor bird must be awful. Condors in a healthy environment can live to seventy. The first condor released in Arizona died of lead poisoning at age seventeen. And then it gets political.

On Jan. 19, 2017, during President Obamas last full day in office, he banned all lead ammunition and fishing tackle on federal property. In the new administration, with NRA prodding, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke overturned Obamas order.

Incidentally, however, what can sicken and kill a condor can do the same to humans. Much processed wild game has hundreds of toxic particles of lead. Some food pantries for the poor no longer accept donations of wild game. Cooper and polymer tipped bullets are just as accurate and are far less toxic. They currently cost more, but not excessively so.

An important source of my information comes from a book published this year, called Grand Canyon for Sale, by Stephen Nash. The first two words in the title are a metaphor for all of the public lands. The last two words are no metaphor.

Perhaps the current occupant of the White House, and many on Capitol Hill, could use a good chelation treatment, to detoxify. While the condor soars, our morals, compassion, and intelligence descends.
We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some Nov. 4 papers in history. With a subscription to newspapers.com you can search the Arizona Daily Star and many other newspapers using keywords or dates, and download articles or pages.
Rick Parker knew he had valley fever, but his doctors wouldnt test him.

The 48-year-old was prospecting gold in Mojave, California, in 2013 when he inhaled some dirt. Not long after, he became fatigued, developed a cough, had lung pain and experienced chills.

The Phoenix native had heard all about valley fever while living in Arizona, where the disease infects thousands annually. But when he asked his doctors in Torrance, California, to test him, they refused.

Emergency room doctors at Torrance Memorial Medical Center told him that nobody in Los Angeles develops valley fever and diagnosed him with tuberculosis.

Then his general practitioner said he had pneumonia, then tuberculosis again. Parker said she was about to begin treating him for lung cancer when he locked himself in her office and demanded that she test him for valley fever.

I knew what I had, and I wasnt going to put up with a lung cancer misdiagnosis and have them remove a lung for no reason whatsoever, Parker said.

After his tests came back positive, his general practitioner called to apologize, he said, and admitted he was her first valley fever patient.

Its frustrating, and its even more frustrating when you know what you have and nobody will listen, Parker said.

Parker faced one of the most challenging aspects of valley fever: a lack of awareness among physicians, the very people whom patients tend to trust the most.

Fungal spores

Valley fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is caused when fungal spores common in the southwestern United States get released into the air and inhaled.

Most people dont develop symptoms, but others come down with a fever, cough, extreme fatigue and a rash, among other symptoms. In rare cases, the fungal spore can spread to the bloodstream, infect other organs, and cause cocci meningitis, leading to a lifetime of health issues and potentially to death.

Cases have spiked recently, with infections in California last year reaching the highest number ever recorded. More than 6,100 cases were reported in Arizona in 2016, including 57 deaths.

All local doctors in Californias Central Valley and Arizonas valley fever corridor, through Maricopa, Pinal and Pima counties, should recognize valley fever symptoms, public health officials say.

But thats challenging in a medically underserved region known for having a revolving door of new doctors. Once those doctors begin to understand the disease and become good at diagnosing it, they often relocate for new career opportunities, public health officials say.

Despite the high infection rate in Kern County, California, and throughout Arizona, theres no mandate that all new doctors undergo training on valley fever and how to diagnose it.

There are no agreed-upon best practices for raising awareness among doctors. And its unclear whether medical professionals even know when valley fever cases are surging because counties have no uniform guidelines for when to declare an epidemic and are not equipped to disseminate the message effectively.

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who formed a Congressional Valley Fever Task Force in 2013, said in an August interview that educating doctors in areas where the disease is endemic could lead to the greatest improvement in reducing the toll.

When asked whether he would push for legislation that would mandate training for doctors new to areas where valley fever is endemic, he instead urged insurers to put pressure on health plans. Insurance networks, McCarthy said, need to do more to educate their doctors.

Health Net and Blue Shield in California, which insure roughly two-thirds of the Kern County market, did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

Kaiser Permanente declined to comment, providing a prepared statement affirming its commitment to continuing physician education on relevant clinical issues, including infectious diseases such as valley fever.

None of the four major Arizona health insurance companies contacted for this story  Humana, Health Net, UnitedHealthcare or Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona  said they are not promoting valley fever awareness at the moment.

We frequently communicate health and wellness information to our member and provider community, and valley fever has been a topic in the past, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona spokeswoman Anne Christenson wrote in an email. We have not, however, communicated anything on the topic of valley fever recently.

Repetition is key

Dr. John Galgiani, director of the University of Arizonas Valley Fever Center for Excellence, recommends going further, with regular briefings for doctors in endemic areas.

Going to a course sounds good, but that information gets catalogued in the backs of doctors minds and doesnt necessarily come bubbling up to the surface if the next patient in their clinic has valley fever, he said.

Repetition is key, as is engaging doctors in their workplaces, Galgiani said.

Changing practices requires constant and repetitive attention to staying on message and telling people this is important, Galgiani said.

One solution could be if the Arizona Medical Board created a continuing medical education course on valley fever thats mandatory for licensed physicians on a periodic basis, suggested Will Humble, who is executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association.

But the Arizona Medical Board does not mandate any continuing medical education, though it is currently involved in a rulemaking process to require mandatory education in opioid prescribing, executive director Patricia McSorley said.

Right now, Arizona physicians may choose continuing education topics that are most valuable to the individual physician to remain current in medical practice, and well informed in medical advancements, McSorley said.

One way that Galgiani is hoping will effect better physician knowledge is through an effort to alter protocol within Banner Health.

Galgiani is trying to create change through a Banner-wide process called Clinical Consensus Groups, where system changes in protocol happen through consensus-building.

The protocol hes proposing follows a COCCI algorithm  Consider the diagnosis; Order the right tests; Check for risk factors; Check for complications; Initiate management.

It doesnt get done overnight, Galgiani said. The reason Im working with Banner is that Im in Banner. Its the tools I have to work with.

Under the proposed protocol, patients who are diagnosed with pneumonia and prescribed medicine by their doctor, whether a primary care doctor or a specialist, would get a valley fever test.

People with valley fever who get treated for pneumonia with antibiotics, for example, could end up just getting sicker and sicker. The treatment for valley fever is typically an anti-fungal drug and antibiotics wont help.

Galgiani views the effort as a pilot population health management approach that could be used in the future for other diseases.

He would like the change through Banner to happen within the year, but the process has just begun.

If Banner does end up adding valley-fever tests as a best practice for certain patients, other health systems could take notice and thats how Galgiani expects real change will occur.

Banner Health is a Phoenix-based nonprofit health system with 28 medical centers in six states which has an academic affiliation with the UA.

The UA Valley Fever Center for Excellence printed 7,000 information books about valley fever for physicians in 2015 and has since done a second printing. But distributing those booklets is paltry compared with the possibility of more systemic change, Galgiani said.

Physician groups

In May 2015 the Arizona Medical Association passed a resolution to use its resources to promote valley fever visibility, its importance as a public health problem in Arizona, and how its members could improve their clinical practices to the benefit.

The resolution called for allying with the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association, the Arizona Lung Association and other groups to jointly take a public position that coccidioidomycosis is an important public health issue.

Since then, the Arizona Medical Association has posted information about valley fever, including physician education opportunities, on its website, and in its magazine, and held a stakeholder meeting in October 2015, said Sharla Hooper, associate vice president of communications for the association.

Most of the American Lung Associations work in Arizona is directed at COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma, and lung cancer, though the association has information about valley fever on its website, including key facts and questions to ask your doctor, marketing and communications director Heather Mangan said.

In addition, the association recently did a blog post about the relationship between valley fever and climate change. Also, its Lung HelpLine (1-800-LUNGUSA) is staffed by lung experts who will answer questions about lung diseases, including valley fever, Mangan said.

Since 2015, the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association participated in a joint meeting on valley fever with the Arizona Medical Association and the UA, executive director Peter Wertheim said.

We have hosted continuing medical education lectures at our conferences and have a program available online, he wrote in an email.

Hooper says a current project she is working on, for physicians new to Arizona, will feature a public health appendix and information about valley fever and other public health issues specific to Arizona.

We are strongly supportive of efforts to educate physicians and all health care providers of valley fever, as it is a disease and public health concern very specific to our region and environment, she said.

Bill Fearneyhough, executive director of the Pima County Medical Society, says as far as he knows, local doctors know everything about valley fever, particularly since the UA Valley Fever Center for Excellence is in Tucson.

The information is out there. If you move to Southern Arizona youve got to be aware of valley fever, he said. This topic has come up so many times in educational programs. ... Maybe Im just jaded but it seems like this thing never goes away.

But Galgiani says published data by the Arizona Department of Health Services indicates practical physician knowledge about valley fever remains a problem. In a 2007 survey of Arizona health providers, 21 percent of respondents correctly answered all four valley-fever treatment questions. And new doctors who werent trained in Arizona continue to be licensed here, Galgiani said.

The fact that Fearneyhough believes awareness is not an issue, he said, is a symptom of the problem.
A fiery fatal crash with an overturned vehicle is impacting traffic on Tucson's southeast side, north of Rita Ranch.

The crash occurred at South Houghton Road and East Seven Generations Way, according to a Tucson Fire Department official in a tweet at about 5:30 p.m.

Houghton Road is closed between East Bilby to East Irvington roads, said Sgt. Pete Dugan, a Tucson Police Department spokesman.

One person was transported to a hospital by Tucson Fire Department paramedics, said fire Capt. Andy Skaggs.

More than one vehicle was involved in the crash, said Skaggs. He said he could not comment further.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area.

No further information was immediately available.
Long lines of vehicles waiting to get into the Arizona Air National Guard base at Tucson International Airport on some weekends is more than just a routine traffic jam.

The traffic issue highlights what has become a dispute between the Guard, which trains F-16 pilots, and the Tucson International Airport Authority over access to the facility, which has one permanent entrance on East Valencia Road.

The problem revolves around the lack of a second  or completely relocated  permanent entrance for 162nd Wing personnel off South Park Avenue south of Valencia, something the Guard has wanted for years.

The Guard has offered to pay for all the necessary improvements on land owned or otherwise leased by the Airport Authority for a formal second entrance.

Moving the main entrance to Park Avenue would help meet new security guidelines outlined by the Department of Defense as well as solve a more public problem like traffic congestion on heavily traveled Valencia.

It has been a problem for decades, says County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry.

It should have been done years ago, he said. County leaders in July passed a resolution that called on the city and airport to approve a new, relocated main gate for the Guard on Park Avenue.

A former member of the Guard in the 1970s, Huckelberry said traffic on Valencia backed up on drill weekends when he was serving.

Last Saturday about 1,900 Guard members headed to the facility before dawn as part of their weekend of drills. The Guard facility occupies about 90 acres of land next to the airport.

Huckelberry is concerned that without a secure new entrance, the Guard could struggle to bring in critical new missions in the coming years.

The Guard is a major employer in the county. A 2008 study suggests the Guard facility brings roughly $280 million into the Tucson economy annually. The 162nd Wing is one of the largest Air National Guard wings in the country.

Unless they secure a second entrance on Park, which really should be their main entrance, they cant guarantee that the unit will receive new missions, he said.

The issue has been complicated by a decision by airport authorities to lock a gate at a secondary entrance on Park Avenue last month, as well as move construction equipment and material into the area of that entrance preventing access.

Gate No. 39 has been used by the Guard for more than two decades, explains Robert Medler, the president of the 162nd Air Guardians. The group advocates for the 162nd Wing on local and national issues.

The backup along Valencia posed a safety hazard, Medler said, with many Guard members choosing to use the Park Avenue gate for easier access.

That was until Octobers drill weekend, when personnel found the gate closed and the locks changed without notice.

Bonnie Allin, president and CEO of the Airport Authority, confirmed Friday that the gate was recently closed, but the airport is offering alternate access for the Guard at another entrance, which is also on Park.

She said recent runway improvements have required contractors to store construction material and equipment in the area of the Park gate that the Guard used as a secondary entrance.

Medler was skeptical, saying the airport could have picked another place to store material and equipment, even on a temporary basis. Did it necessitate that the gate be closed and the tailings stacked right there? he asked.

As for the alternate access along Park, Medler said the Guard was approached about possibly using it  but time and money are needed to make the necessary surface improvements to use it for access.

The current Guard entrance off Valencia, Medler notes, has to allow large commercial vehicles past the security checkpoint so that they dont disrupt the flow of traffic. Only once the commercial vehicle is past the security station can it be inspected by Guard personnel.

He called that a security concern.

On Friday, Allin said the Airport Authority remains committed to working with the Guard on a long-term solution to the gate issue.

The TIAA board met in executive session Wednesday and discussed the Guard issue but did not take any action, which would have had to occur in open session. Several board members would not comment after the meeting.

Lt. Lacey Roberts with the Arizona Air National Guard declined an interview request on the issue.

Ownership of various parcels near the Park Avenue gate means the issue isnt solely between the Guard and the Airport Authority.

The city of Tucson owns a small strip of land between Park and land owned by the airport, right where the Guard would like to establish a permanent entrance.

City Manager Mike Ortega confirmed the city does lease the land to the Airport Authority.

He said he is aware there has been an issue about access for the Guard for some time, and is hopeful a resolution can be reached.

However, he said, if the airport and Guard continue to have issues, he could have the Tucson City Council re-examine the lease. Action by the council could potentially require the airport give access to the Guard.
The Arizona Board of Regents is expected to vote in two weeks to approve an $8 million renovation of the Oro Valley building that will house the University of Arizonas new veterinary medicine program.

If approved by the board, renovations on the UAs newest campus, near North Oracle Road and North First Avenue, can begin in July 2018, with completion scheduled in 2019.

The state-funded renovations will include classrooms, laboratories and veterinary surgical suites.

Its a 30-year-old building. Most of the renovation is in infrastructure, said David Besselsen, UA veterinarian and director of university animal care. The configuration of the floor plan is good.

The Oro Valley campus was chosen because the university owned the building. It is also the right size and already includes labs and ventilation.

Oro Valley is a wonderful community. Theres a biotech presence there. Veterinary medicine has feet in both health science and agriculture. Its a nice fit for what (the College of Veterinary Medicine) needs at this point, Besselsen said.

The renovation project to create the veterinary school campus was announced in September 2015 and was expected to be operational in 2016 and begin enrolling students in 2017, according to a 2015 UA news release.

Plans were stalled when the American Veterinary Medical Associations Council on Education rejected the schools accreditation in August 2015, citing a lack of program planning.

The UA then requested an appeal hearing and lost in November 2016.

Accreditation was rejected again in April, but the associations council allowed the UA to reapply in June instead of waiting the standard year.

The UA hopes to begin enrolling students as soon as the association gives approval and renovations are finished, Besselsen said.

The school will be open year-round, allowing students who have met prerequisites to obtain their degrees faster and cheaper  the UA touts that the schedule will save Arizona students up to a quarter of a million dollars in tuition  than a typical program.

The school will also participate in the One Health initiative, which aims to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration to improve health care for humans, animals and the environment.
As a bicycler, vehicle owner and Tucson citizen, I'm concerned and dismayed by the growing numbers of "motorcycles" (a vehicle with two wheels that is powered by a motor) in bicycle (a vehicle with two wheels powered by human driven pedals) lanes. I've even seen these motorcycles on The Loop!

These motorcycles are moving at 20-35 mph in the bike lanes, spewing emissions and are not licensed nor required to have emission testing. It is dangerous enough for cyclists to negotiate streets in a designated bike lane without motorcycles. When motorcycles are allowed to take over a bike lane, the bicycle or the motorcycle has to move into the motorized lane, creating a bigger hazard for everyone. Please, Tucson and Pima County, enforce the law that bike lanes are for HUMAN powered vehicles, not motorized vehicles.
In 2005, when the peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians failed once again, the Palestinians were left with no recourse but to call for the Boycott,Divestment, and Sanctions(BDS) movement.

According to the UN -Gaza will be unlivable by 2020. They only get 4 hours of electricity a day and drinking water is increasingly scarce due to Israels control of the water to Gaza.

The West Bank-settlement expansion continues. Permanent water shortages due to Israeli control of all water sources and the prohibition on Palestinians digging new wells, forcing Palestinians to buy back their own water at elevated prices from the Israeli state water company.

In a UN rapporteur report, S. Michael Lynk, a Canadian professor of law and human rights expert, urged sanctions on Israel for driving Palestinians back to the dark ages

Boycotts are justified when no other legal means exist to attain justice.

Lena Rothman

Midtown
Editors note: Tucson is divided into six wards and general elections are citywide, which means voters outside specific wards can decide races. You will find other races on your ballots, depending on where you live, because various school districts, fire districts and towns are asking their own questions of voters.

We offer a recap of the Star Editorial Boards endorsements in the following Tucson races for the Tuesday, Nov. 7 general election:

TUCSON CITY COUNCIL WARD 3: GARY WATSON, INDEPENDENT

In Ward 3, we believe Gary Watson is the better person for the job. He is a fire captain, teacher and union leader and is running as an independent against attorney and consultant Paul Durham, a Democrat.

As a Democrat, Durham has a numbers advantage, according to voter party registration. But we encourage all voters to see beyond the party labels and look at Watson. Of the two candidates for Ward 3, we find him the better match for the job.

While we dont think Watsons desire to move Tucson to a zero-based budget system  start at zero and build each departments budget from scratch based on need  is feasible, or a potent source of revenue, we were less than impressed with Durhams reliance on annexation as a way to grow the city budget.

Watson has a smart approach to building businesses, job readiness and opportunities, a strong need in Ward 3. Instead of pinning Tucsons hopes on luring major companies to town with tax breaks, Watson advocates an apprentice or internship program with existing businesses in exchange for property tax incentives.

In an interview with the Star, Durham tried to deride Watson as a Republican, a reference to Watsons party registration before he changed it to independent  a decision Watson said he made after meeting with the local Republican Party and disagreeing with its view that there are no good taxes.

TUCSON CITY COUNCIL WARD 6: STEVE KOZACHIK, DEMOCRAT

In Ward 6, we endorse incumbent Steve Kozachik. Hes proved himself a highly effective council member in his ward and citywide. A Democrat, hes running against Republican Mariano Rodriguez and Green Party candidate Mike Cease.

Kozachik has been a leader in his Ward 6, working with residents who have had concerns about large student housing complexes in their neighborhoods, and using his experience to ask difficult, specific and worthy questions about everything from Rio Nuevo to the city budget to the citys approach to solving homelessness.

He is a bulldog and an asset to the Tucson City Council.

PROPOSITION 204 STRONG START TUCSON: NO

Proposition 204, known as Strong Start Tucson, would increase the Tucson city sales tax by a half-cent and generate an estimated $50 million a year to help pay for as many as 8,000 young children to attend a high-quality early childhood education programs.

We would like to be able to endorse Proposition 204 and there are reasons to do so, especially because Strong Start Tucson, as far as we can tell, is the only group with early childhood as its focus and with a broad plan.

But, in light of serious concerns and questions about its parameters and governance structure, we find ourselves unable to recommend it.

We do not quibble with the need. It is real and it is worthy. To get the most bang for your education buck, investing in early childhood is the way to go. The benefits are great to the individual student, and, as weve said before, education is a shared benefit to the community.

Every family should have affordable, high-quality child-care available, particularly from birth to 5 years old, when the brain is receptive and rapidly developing.

Strong Start Tucson makes a solid case. They have reasons  good reasons  for their decisions in crafting the initiative language and scope.

Their case begins to waver, however, under the weight of unanswered questions and red flags. Specifically, our concerns:

Proposition 204 would have the Tucson mayor and City Council create a seven-member commission that would decide what high quality preschool entails. The commission would create the criteria, eligibility, scholarship amounts and distribution and hire a nonprofit organization to operate the program.

The mayor and council appoint many commissions, but not with the power this commission would hold. There isnt a clear and direct way to hold the members accountable, other than through electing or lobbying mayor and council members.

Additionally, Tucson is bound by state-determined expenditure limits, which means its possible that even if there was money from the Proposition 204 sales tax in the bank, Tucson might not be able to spend it.

Proposition 204 does not give benchmarks or a framework for how the commission would decide what high quality means.

First Things First already has a clear definition of what high quality means in a preschool. We shouldnt have to re-invent the wheel, or leave it open to possible wide interpretation that would set the bar low.

Proposition 204 does not have a sunset, or ending, date.

Strong Start Tucson organizers explained that they did not include a sunset because campaigns are expensive and difficult, and they believe it should be up to opponents to mount an effort to end the program rather than on supporters to keep it going.

We disagree, and this was the fatal flaw to our minds. Every use of tax dollars should require a periodic review and renewal process. Yes, a renewal campaign can be a hassle and yes, it can be expensive. But it is not reasonable or prudent to approve a half-cent sales tax for perpetuity, even for such a worthy cause.

So, while we support Strong Start Tucsons mission and goal, we are not convinced this is the best, or only, way to improve early childhood education opportunities in the Tucson area.

PROPOSITIONS 202 and 203 FUTURE OF YOUR ZOO: YES

These propositions, known as the Future of Your Zoo initiative, would raise between $8 million and $10 million annually by increasing the Tucson sales tax by one-tenth of one percent for a decade. The revenue would be spent on infrastructure upgrades, expanding exiting animal habitats (including a larger space for tigers), a new hippo habitat and new shade structures for visitors. The funding would also pay for school field trips to the Reid Park Zoo.

We support the propositions because while the zoo is in the city, it serves the whole community.

The sales tax would be levied in the city, but its reasonable (one estimate puts it at under $1 a month for an average resident) and it sunsets after 10 years.
Help India!

By Afshan Khan for TwoCircles.net

The Indian History Congress (IHC) seems to be landing into a big crisis, arguably on trivial reasons which threaten its annual session that has been held each year except for certain years of some exceptional national crisis. The first session took place in the Bharat Itihas Sanshodhan Mandal, Pune in 1935; rechristened as the IHC, it is the largest professional and academic body of Indian historians. It has at present 7,000 ordinary and life-members. It also publishes very thick volumes of Proceedings, even though a certain degree of favouritism in providing spaces to the contributors also prevails, according to some of the members.

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This year, the next session, i.e., the 78th session, was scheduled to be held at the Jadavpur University, Kolkata (West Bengal). Yet, without any national crisis, the next session of it is in danger. The reason behind this is internal and has been caused by some of its very influential members, according to the sources.

The members of Indian History Congress have been informed with a message via email that the organisation of next session is in doubt. According to the Facebook post on the timeline of Prof. Hitendra Patel, of the Rabindra Bharti University (Kolkata), the Executive Member of IHC, Ishrat Alam has sent a message to all members of the IHC regarding the next session of Indian History Congress. He has requested not to send delegation fee or book ticket until further notice. Some developments have taken place at the local level. We hope everything will be clear shortly. All members should see the message issued by our General Secretary. A similar post is available on the wall of Prof. Syed Ali Nadeem Rezavi, former President, Medieval Indian section, IHC, and Chairman, Dept. of History, AMU, who adds his conjecture that the Jadavpur University is no longer intending to host now.

It has also been mentioned by the General Secretary of the IHC on its official website that a problem has arisen about the availability of the Jadavpur University to host the session of December, which was scheduled to be held on 28th, 29th and 30th of December, 2017. He has asked the members to wait till his next circular clarifying the situation which will be issued soon. In a conversation with the TwoCircles.net, Prof. Ishrat Alam, AMU, the General Secretary of IHC, said in a calm tone that the matter has been resolved and it will be organised as per the schedule. On the question related to the discrepancy, he said that there occurred a problem regarding the availability of the Jadavpur University but the matter will be resolved within two days. Now, the question is if the matter has to be resolved within two days, then why he issued the notice. He should have waited for the next two days!

According to the confidential sources, the biggest reason behind this uncertainty about the next session is the unwillingness of the President of IHC, Prof. Irfan Habib to share a stage with Mamata Banerjee. It has been reported that Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, has funded 40 lakhs for the organisation of 78th session and hence she has expressed her wishes to be the Chief Guest to inaugurate the session of the IHC. Now, one must add this is not an uncommon trait among the annual sessions of the organisation. Earlier too, Chief Ministers have attended its sessions. But the reluctance of Prof. Habib is understandable, given that he is a cardholder of the CPI-M, the bete noire, of Mamta Banerjee. While the political reasons for this stalemate become too obvious, it is to be noticed that he did not have any problem in accepting Rs 40 lakh from the government of Mamata Banerjee. In that case, it would be interesting to wait till the next announcement by the General Secretary would be made, and to see whether the issue would really be resolved. So far, most often, politicians, dignitaries, chief ministers have been inaugurating the IHC sessions.

The Local Secretary, Prof. Subhasis Biswas of Jadavpur University, was not available for his comments. Sources close to him, however, shared that he had indicated the Secretary about it in early October, through email. But the members and participants were kept uninformed about the stalemate. Some of the IHC members are in touch with the Trinamool leader, Derek OBrien. Sources close to him also told us that Banerjee should be the chief guest to inaugurate the IHC session.

Many members are at gross unease as they have already booked their travel tickets. Discontents have already been brewing at the undemocratic and whimsical style of functioning of the people at the helm of its affairs. They are angry that gradually this august body (IHC) is losing its sheen. Many less deserving and least accomplished people have been promoted. Even the Secretary does not have any book to his credit. He has published some essays in lesser-known journals, on the history of technology, a subject on which Prof. Irfan Habib has already published a popular book, says a very senior member of the IHC on the condition of anonymity.
Help India!

By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter

A case has been registered against film actor Kamal Haasan in Varanasi for his Hindu Terrorism remark which sparked a controversy.

Support TwoCircles



The case was registered under Sections 500, 511, 298, 295(a) and 505(c) of Indian Penal Code.

In his column for weekly Tamil Magazine Ananda Vikatan, Haasan wrote, Hindu right-wing groups have unprecedentedly started indulging in acts of violence.

He further wrote, The right-wing cannot challenge anyone asking the question: show me, one Hindu terrorist. Terror has spread into their camp as well.

His remark drew sharp attention from right-wing groups including Bharatiya Janata Party. BJPs spokesperson VL Narasimha Rao had said, Haasan is actually joining the ranks of P Chidambaram and Hafiz Saeed and if possibly angling to become an extension of the Congress.

Kamlesh Chandra Tripathi, a lawyer from Varanasi who filed the case against Haasan told TwoCircles.net, Hindu never raised any weapon against anyone. How can one call us a terrorist?

Hindus have a long history of forgiveness and kind-heartedness. Such statements can destroy the faith and understanding of billions of Hindus, added Tripathi.

Soon after the issue picked a pace, Hindu Mahasabha threatened to shoot down Kamal Haasan.

Tripathi is the president of Varanasis wing of Hindu Jan Jagriti Samiti and is famously known for filing such cases against various personalities. Earlier he has registered cases against Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal.

The case will be heard on November 22, and Tripathi hopes that Court may add few more sections against Kamal Haasan.
Never before has there been such a constant change and speed in the development of Technology. The changes are more radical and more frequent year on year and month on month. One of the results of the increasing change is the increasing presence of A.I. in all aspects of daily life. This change in technology is expected to have a large knock-on effect on the economy as well.

What are the potential benefits for the economy?

A.I. is expected to add over $600 Billion to the exchequer within the next twenty years. Most of the additional revenue is due to come from improved resource utilisation, improved data reporting and overall usage and overall personalised end-user experiences in a wide range of services.

Currently, the UK is amongst the forerunners in relation to A.I. development and implementation. There is a belief that currently there is not enough being done to consolidate this position by the government for the future. There needs to be a developed strategy for the future of A.I. from the government.

A new report has been commissioned by the government, has recommended the creation of funding for up to 300 new masters degrees for students in AI each year and up to 200 doctorate degrees as specialists in the topic of Artificial intelligence. This is the current number of individuals that it is estimated is required for developments at the current rate. This number may well increase as we see more resources being allocated to this field.

Are there any risks?

As with any new technology and the subsequent management of the technology, there are a number of risks. Currently, there is a risk due to a brain-drain of subject matter experts in the field as many of these experts have been drawn to work for a small number of private large tech companies. The issue is that experts are moving away from public sector roles and away from academia in general.

Due to the rapid changes in the technology, a lack of staff for in academia could lead to issues in teaching the students for the future. The brain-drain also leaves a small group of companies with a sort of a monopoly on the knowledge. It is hard to see how the government and the public sector, in general, will be able to reverse this brain train trend.

The deep pockets of the tech companies allow them to offer perks that public sector jobs simply cannot.

Whilst the UK currently has the skills that are needed for the A.I. revolution that we are currently going through, where these experts end up working is something that the government needs to ensure is managed better than it is currently. After all, A.I. is being touted as the most powerful development and potentially dangerous development that mankind has made to date. In the economy and world where knowledge is power, we need to know what the main experts are working towards.
Idaho is not really known for much of anything but potatoes. This back-of-the-woods state has made huge changes to many cities to become very progressive in today's society. Whether you or someone you know is considering going to the local university, Boise State, or you're just enjoying all 4 seasons Idaho has to offer, here are the Top 10 restaurants you and your family can enjoy!

10. Boise Fry Company

Boise Fry Company is a homegrown, burger-and-fry joint for only the most adventurous people. With six different types of potatoes and 5 different options for ways to cut them, you can get many combinations to go with your burgers.

Although their motto is "burgers on the side," Boise Fry Company includes 3 different kinds of meat - including Bison! - and a vegan option to start your hamburger off right, don't even get me started on the many options they have for burger toppings! Once you get seated in the homey atmosphere, there is a seasoning bar, where you can choose from different spices to top your already delicious fries with. Need dipping sauces? Don't worry, they have you covered with unique fry sauce options for your side, including huckleberry BBQ sauce (seasonal)!

9. Big Juds

Most famously viewed on "Man vs. Food," Big Juds is known for its 1 pound challenge: finishing a one pound hamburger, fries, and a drink within half an hour.

If you aren't crazy enough to try this feat, you can still visit Big Juds and enjoy a normal sized burger. Another burger-and-fry joint places high on the list because of its college hang-out spot feel and well-priced food. There is plenty of variety for everything the family may want - including the best finger steak basket in the valley.

8. Pie Hole

Pie Hole is the classic hipster hang-out spot. Whether you need something quick and easy, or you want to sit down and enjoy the friendly atmosphere, Pie Hole is a great option. The staff is very out-going and the pizza is very cheap - but not in quality! Amazing taste with an amazing price. If you're looking for a quiet place to have a fancy meal, this may not be your first choice.

But, if you're still hungry and need a filling slice of pizza, stop in and grab a slice. There are many flavors to choose from!

7. Goldy's Breakfast Bistro

Goldy's is held as the place to go for breakfast if you ever find yourself in Boise. Although it is a small location -and fills up very quickly- everyone highly recommends Goldy's. When you step in, the atmosphere feels crowded and loud, but when you sit at your table, it feels like you are the only people there because of the excellent customer service. Goldy's offers the classic breakfast foods with the same, amazing taste; the thing you really need to order is their special Sunrise Mimosa (non alcoholic). Made fresh every morning, this juice will add a flare to your breakfast like you've never tasted before.

6. Elmer's

Another breakfast place?! If you thought you couldn't get any better than Goldy's, you thought wrong. Although the aforementioned breakfast place is hailed as the best in Boise, Elmer's reigns superior. Both places are fantastic, don't doubt that, but Elmer's is the place to be for true hospitality and giant portion sizes. For the very small price you pay, you get back double in delicious food. No matter what time of day it is, the customer service is outstanding, going above and beyond to serve their customers and make them want to come back - sometimes even twice in one trip!

5. Moon's Cafe

This is the last breakfast place listed, I promise. Located in the heart of Downtown Boise, Moon's Cafe is your classic diner setting.

It opens early - 6:30 am - so all the early birds can fill up before they start their days. But, no matter what time of day you come, you need to get a milkshake (there is no shame in having dessert with your breakfast). If you don't order one of their milkshakes, you wasted your entire trip to Boise! (If you're more of a hot drink fan, the hot chocolate is equally as delicious). They're huge - but not that cheap - and absolutely delicious; paired with one of Moon's famous breakfast or lunch dishes, this sounds like a heavenly start to any day. If you're on a campus tour at Boise State, it is a beautiful walk from the campus to Moon's Cafe with your family or friends!

4. Lucky fins seafood grill

On the outside, Lucky Fins has an ocean-like aesthetic which looks very fun and themed to their seafood-based menu. They have a very diverse food menu including sushi (the star of the show), delicious tacos, and soups and salads; you pay a little too much for the portions you get, but the taste makes up for it. The environment is friendly in this sit-down restaurant with a bar area for the adults but plenty of room for the kids and teenagers to love the atmosphere too. The service is impeccable as the workers always greet you within 30 seconds of you entering the building. If you are looking for a great environment to catch up with friends or have an enticing meal with your family, Lucky Fins is the high-energy place for you.

3. Bardenay

Are you in Boise celebrating something? Ranking number 3 on the list, Bardenay is a fancy environment to have a beautiful meal with anyone! Bardenay is definitely a more up-scale, fine dining establishment but still offers great food and fine portion sizes for what you are paying. Like any fine dining options, you will be paying a bit more for your food, which isn't always worth it to some people. It deserves the number 3 spot because of the quality of the food. If you are looking for a laid back meal, this may not be the option for you. If you want to take your family out for a lovely meal though, Bardenay is a nice choice.

2. 10 Barrel brewing company

10 Barrel Brewing Company is the perfect places for everyone in the family; your parents can enjoy a nice, home-brewed beer and you and your siblings can enjoy the wonderful food.

With a cabin, outdoorsy feel in the restaurant, you feel like you're in the woods! The prices are average for the food you receive but it is delicious nonetheless; 10 Barrel deserves the number 2 spot for the unique atmosphere and inclusiveness for everyone in the family. Plus, the food is great too. The mac and cheese will change the way you think about pasta.

1. Tucanos

Technically not located in Boise, it is right next to the border of Meridian. A little bit of a drive away, but extremely worth it. Tucanos is a Brazilian grill with a salad bar. Once you sit down, each table has a colorful indicator of the needs for each group: turn it to green, it means you're ready for the endless buffet of meats, yellow means occasionally but slow down the flow of food, and red means stop.

The servers will bring around different assortments of meat straight to your table, cut off a slab for you if you want, and come around again in a short period of time with more meats to sample. If you need something in between or want to start with a salad, there is a HUGE salad bar. Including salad, salad toppings, desserts, bread, and sushi, the salad bar is almost an entire meal in itself. Definitely come hungry; Tucanos is filling! Although it is pricey, you absolutely get what you paid for, in quality and quantity.
Micah West, 33, is dead from gunshot wounds after breaking into a Baton Rouge, Louisiana home on Halloween Night. Police do not know why West chose to break into the home, but West's choice proved to be the last one he would ever make.

The invasion began at around 11 PM, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department. West was able to gain entry to the home after smashing out a window and unlocking the front door. However, little did West know that the home was occupied by an armed resident who was willing to defend their life and property with deadly force.

According to WAFB.com, Sgt. L'Jean McKneely stated that West was shot twice in the chest but did not immediately die at the scene. When paramedics arrived on the scene they were able to stabilize West's wounds and he was transported to a nearby hospital and died sometime after arriving. West lived about three blocks away from the home where he was shot, but he did not know the homeowner.

West's history of criminal violence

There have been no reports to indicate West was armed during the invasion, but he did have a history of violence. In November of 2016 WBRZ.com locally reported that West was given medical assistance after he was found drunkenly walking into traffic. At the time, he was carrying a half gallon bottle of liquor.

West was not under arrest at that point and was taken to a hospital.

During the ride in an ambulance, West became belligerent and threatened to kill the paramedic and the driver, forcing the driver to stop driving and call for assistance from police. Before police arrived, West assaulted the driver. He was charged with battery of emergency personnel.

The homeowner will not face charges, investigation continues

Police are treating the case as a Home Invasion. It cannot be ruled out that West was merely drunk and broke into the home without intention to cause any harm. As West is now dead he cannot speak for himself or why he broke into the home. Police will not be charging the homeowner with killing West, as regardless of West's motivations, which will never be known, he ultimately committed a home invasion and the homeowner had the legal right to shoot him.

Toxicology reports will take several weeks before the results are returned.

The gun debate continues in the United States

A homeowner has a right to use a gun to protect themselves, their families, and their property from intruders. The world will never know what would have happened had the homeowner not had a gun the night West, a violent criminal, broke inside in the middle of the night.
It's no secret that Donald Trump is not well liked by some in the Republican Party. While Trump has had a war of words with current members of the GOP, it's two former Republican presidents that are now speaking out.

Bush on Trump

Following eight years in office, George W. Bush left the White House in January 2009 with a record low approval rating as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan took their toll on the nation. In addition, the financial collapse of 2008 put further pressure on the GOP, which carried over into the presidential election and helped push Barack Obama to victory.

As Bush handed over the reigns to the new Democratic president, the Republican Party was primed for a new direction. Like his father before him, Bush excited the presidency on a down note and leaving much to be desired for the party in the future. However, over the next eight years, the far right Tea Party movement took control of the GOP and became a metaphorical brick wall for Obama and the Democrats during that time. By the time Obama was ready to leave office, the Tea Party movement morphed into the current leadership in the form of Donald Trump. With Trump in the White House, the old guard is not pleased, though many have remained silent. According to CNN on November 4, both George H.W.

Bush and George W. Bush are not fans of the current commander in chief.

George W. Bush on @realDonaldTrump: This guy doesn't know what it means to be president." Who gets to tell Trump?!? https://t.co/5fQvQkmh1d  Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) November 4, 2017

In an upcoming book titled "The Last Republicans," historian Mark Updegrove dug deep into George H.W.

Bush and his son, George W. Bush. When the issue of Donald Trump was brought up, neither man was impressed. "I don't like him. I don't know much about him, but I know he's a blowhard," the elder Bush said of the former host of "The Apprentice." "I'm not too excited about him being a leader," the former president added during a sit-down interview that was recorded in the spring of 2016, but made public to CNN this week.

As far as George W. Bush goes, the former president was surprised that Donald Trump was able to win the election, but thinks he doesn't have what it takes to be the leader of the free world. "As you know from looking at my family, (humility) is a certain heritage," he said, while stating, "That's what they expect, and we're not seeing that." In addition, the younger Bush was quoted as saying, "Wow, this guy (Trump) doesn't know what it means to be president." Both men also came clean with who they voted for in 2016 election, with H.W.

Bush supporting Hillary Clinton, and W. Bush leaving his presidential choice unchecked.

Moving forward

With the release and promotion of "The Last Republicans," the two former Bush presidents have gone on the record to speak out against Donald Trump. It was well known that Jeb Bush wasn't a fan after the controversial Republican primary in 2016, and it appears that the rest of the family is right there with him in his opposition.
hillsborough county in Florida will have new start times for schools. The School Board voted 6-0 Tuesday (Oct. 31) on the new school times after the county ended courtesy busing to save money. The new school times will take effect the following school year in August 2018. A report by TampaBay.com has confirmed all this information as presented in the article.

Ending tardiness

Superintendent Jeff Eakins said that the new Bell times come from the stress of late students showing up to school. When a student is late to school, it would mean being sent to detention or they have missed the first few minutes of class.

Nearly 12,000 students arrive late to school on a daily basis and it was not flying with the superintendent.

The new bell times the school board voted for have high schools starting at 8:30 AM and ending at 3:25 PM. Elementary schools will start from 7:40 AM and end around 2:00 PM while middle schools will start at 9:25 AM and will end at 4:20 PM. But many parents are not happy with this new bell time. For so, e it would mean sending their kids to a daycare center, which costs money that they don't have, or that it could cause more problems with getting to work and not being on time.

Schools who need extra reading time have different start and end times to allow students more reading time. Hillsborough County hosts nearly 40 schools that require more reading time for their students.

These schools will start at 7:30 AM and end at 2:25 PM. The benefit for elementary schools starting earlier than the high schools would mean that they would be able to get breakfast at school before heading to class.

Planning education

In a scripted presentation provided on the Hillsborough County website, Jeff Eakins stated that high schools will start later than elementary due to the research correlating sleep deprivation and obesity among high school students.

He also said in the presentation that he promises to provide affordable child care to families of middle and elementary school students. The presentation also states that on shorter school days there will be more instruction time than required by Hillsborough County to ensure that the students are getting the benefit of their education.

But once the presentation was voted on in unison, many teachers and bus drivers have started to come forward about their pay. Teacher contracts have been dragging on in Hillsborough County and there has been no agreement made yet on how much teachers should be paid. Last year several teachers who were recently hired to teach were dismissed due to budget cuts and trying to save money. Hillsborough County's education board overspends its budget on an annual basis and with some consulting from business groups they are learning how to save money and not overspend on paying teacher's money that they cannot afford to offer.
The Washington Post reports that Rep. Jim Bridenstine, R-Oklahoma had his confirmation hearings before the Senate Commerce Committee for the post of NASA administrator. Led by ranking member Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Florida, committee Democrats tag teamed against him, accusing the Oklahoma lawmaker of being everything from a climate change denier to a partisan politician. Bridenstine was also savagely attacked for his opposition to same-sex marriage to his vote (on Constitutional grounds) against the Violence Against Women Act. The Democrats conducted what amounted to a coordinated attempt to take down Bridenstines nomination.

Republicans shocked by the attacks

Bridenstine has warm support for his nomination from commercial space groups, eminent scientists, and even Apollo astronaut Buzz Aldrin. The Republican members of the Commerce Committee expressed shock at the partisan savaging that Bridenstine underwent. Sen Ted Cruz, R-Texas expressed the sentiments of the Republican members, according to Space News, when he said, I would say to my Democratic friends on this committee, that if the confirmation ends up going down to a party-line vote, I think that would be deeply unfortunate for NASA and for the space community. Another Senator, sarcastically summoning the spirit of Joe McCarthy, asked Bridenstine, Are you or have you ever been a conservative?

What are the Democrats up to?

It would be easy to conclude that the Democratic members are merely up to the strategy of obstruction that they have employed against other Trump nominees, albeit with unbecoming nastiness.

However, a far darker purpose may be in play here. Bridenstine, during his time in the House, has led efforts to reform how the United States conducts space policy through his sponsorship of the American Space Renaissance Act. He is a warm supporter of focusing NASA on space exploration through partnerships with commercial companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin.

In this Bridenstine is aligned with the policy thrust of the Trump administration.

The Democrats may be sending a signal that any attempt to change business as usual at NASA is not going to happen if they have anything to say about it. The excuses that they are employing against Bridenstines nomination are nonsense. The congressman is not going to discriminate against women and gays nor is he going to muzzle NASA scientists on the subject of climate change.

They are, if one reads between the lines, terrified at the idea of an experienced politician who knows how to deal with Congress running the space agency.

Cruz is likely correct that Bridenstine is likely to be confirmed, albeit on a party-line vote. However, the Democrats have done damage to Congress relations with NASA with their partisan posturing.
Wyoming is expected to announce the creation of an Office of Outdoor Recreation at a legislative committee meeting Monday, WyoFile has learned.

Sources close to and familiar with the Governors Outdoor Recreation Task Force anticipate the announcement will be made in front of the Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Interim Committee that meets Monday and Tuesday in Cheyenne. A state official would not confirm any announcement, saying confirmation would be premature and improper before the lawmakers committee is briefed.

But a 46-page report from the governors task force recommends rebranding the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources to prioritize statewide outdoor recreation. The report is posted on the departments website and was unveiled Thursday at the SHIFT outdoor recreation conference in Jackson.

Either Gov. Matt Mead or the Wyoming Legislature could rename the department, expand its charter and direct it to prioritize outdoor recreation as recommended, said Domenic Bravo, administrator of the state parks division of the Parks and Cultural Resources department. He and department director Darin Westbay are on the travel and recreation committees Monday agenda to deliver the report, which has been a year in the making.

Were just going to present [to the committee] what the different recommendations, options are, he told WyoFile. Well see what the committee is feeling. The biggest thing is including everybody from all different leaderships.

I think making sure we elevate outdoor recreation into some form within our department is critical  we are primed for that.

Regarding a potential announcement, It would be premature to have anything come out before [the committee meeting,] Bravo said. Id hate to preempt anything.

In addition to restructuring the parks and cultural resources department, the report recommends directing the Wyoming Business Council to focus on recreation as it does with agriculture and industry. The council should prioritize outdoor recreation as a growth target industry, the report says.

In all, the report makes 11 recommendations, including attracting and retaining outdoor recreation businesses and improving, expanding and maintaining digital and physical infrastructure that connects communities and local businesses. Mead announced the creation of the task force a year ago at the SHIFT festival. The report comes at a time when the state is struggling with faltering mineral revenues and seeking alternatives to replace those losses.

Time is right?

Is it time for Wyoming to have an Office of Outdoor Recreation? Its time for every state to have one, said Brett Prettyman, Intermountain communications director for Trout Unlimited. It is important to recognize the value of recreation.

So often thats the only thing that matters to the powers that be, he said. They want to know the monetary value of that experience, that place.

Wyomings outdoor recreation industry generates $5.6 billion in consumer spending annually and employs 50,000 persons, the Outdoor Industry Association says. Thats more than oil and gas and mining combined, according to the group. Outdoor recreation generates $1.6 billion in annual wages and $514 million a year in state and local taxes, the group says. Tourism is the second largest segment of the states economy and outdoor recreation is a significant part of that, the governors task force reports.

Bridger-Teton National Forest Supervisor Tricia OConnor, a member of the governors task force, said Wyoming must decide for itself, but ought to elevate outdoor recreation in the state hierarchy. The 3.4-million-acre reserve she manages is often touted for its unparalleled wildlife and recreation opportunities.

There has to be some substance at a high enough level so this lasts, beyond the tenure of a single governor, she said.

Utah led the way

For a statewide outdoor recreation department to be effective, it must have authority and autonomy said Peter Metcalf, founder and former president of Black Diamond Equipment. Many credit him with convincing Utah Gov. Gary Herbert to create the first such state office in the nation.

Black Diamond and others involved with the lucrative Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City threatened to move the annual event from Utah if the state continued policies seen as detrimental to public lands, the environment and recreation. After years of back and forth, Outdoor Retailer announced this year it would leave for Colorado.

Despite Utah being a model for other states  Metcalf pointed to Colorado and Montana  Herberts new office was a bone thrown to protesters, Metcalf said.

Despite some original autonomy, the department is as much window dressing as it is substantive, he said. Today, it is pretty tightly muzzled and operates within guardrails.

Having the office is better than not, Metcalf said. But giving it authority allows the person to pushto find a better policy, even if that is not aligned with a state Legislature.

Creating the role is the first step toward starting to change, he said.

Bravo said there could be some low-hanging fruit the Legislature could grab to recognize the value of outdoor recreation and begin to fund it. Tim Young of Wilson, chairman of the state Bicycle-Pedestrian Task Force, suggested one  a non-motorized user fee that would entirely benefit public land trails.

Im going to make that point to the (travel and recreation) committee, he said.

SHIFT festival founder and director Christian Beckwith said the task force and the state are on the right track. Were encouraged by Wyomings commitment to a blended economy and its investments in outdoor recreation as a vehicle to get there.
Donald Trump left the White House on Friday to take part in his longest foreign trip since becoming president. After announcing on Twitter about his first stop, Trump was met with mockery from critics.

Trump in Hawaii

Years before Donald Trump decided to run for president, he stuck his neck out in the world of politics. The first time the former host of "The Apprentice" got political in a mainstream way was back in 2011 when he quickly became the highest profiled name to back the controversial "birther" movement, which accused former President Barack Obama of faking his birth certificate in order to run for the president.

Trump and company also claim that Obama was hiding the fact that he was actually born in Kenya, while accusing him of having his documents forged to say he was an American citizen born in Hawaii. Despite the overwhelming evidence proving otherwise, Trump never fully backed off the allegations, which he attempted to distance himself from during the 2016 presidential election. While the billionaire real estate mogul was able to weather the storm of controversy and win the election, Trump found himself in the awkward position of meeting Obama at the White House following his inauguration. Though the two were cordial at the time, Trump has since lashed out at the former president on more than one occasion.

As seen on his Twitter account on November 3, Trump commented about his arrival in Hawaii.

Getting ready to land in Hawaii. Looking so much forward to meeting with our great Military/Veterans at Pearl Harbor!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 3, 2017

Taking to his Twitter feed on Friday night, Donald Trump posted about the first stop in his 12-day foreign trip.

"Getting ready to land in Hawaii," Trump tweeted, before adding, "Looking so much forward to meeting with our great Military/Veterans at Pearl Harbor!"

Trump, dogged at home, heads on longest presidential Asia trip in years https://t.co/EwL1uFJqKy pic.twitter.com/Vwuz6HwRbL  Reuters Top News (@Reuters) November 3, 2017

Donald Trump's stop in Hawaii will be followed by trips to China, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, and Vietnam.

As the president landed in the Aloha State, those who oppose him were quick to point out that it's the birthplace of Barack Obama.

Twitter reacts

Just after Donald Trump sent out his tweet about visiting Hawaii, social media critics wasted no time firing back. "Say hi to Barack for me," one tweet read.

That where Obama was born!!  Troy Masters (@futureman631) November 3, 2017

Say hi to Barack for me.  Josh (@Joshy_Mitchy) November 3, 2017

You just called the military court disgraceful this morn?? You are so manic. Guess grandpa got a nap & some medication and is on an upswing   TrumpLies  (@JustTheJune0101) November 3, 2017

"Hawaii! The Birth Place of Barack Obama. Wait. Trump, Is that in the United States?" another tweet added.

"That's where Obama was born!!" one Twitter user stated.

Ah, the birthplace of Barack Obama. Beautiful.  AltHomelandSecurity (@AltHomelandSec) November 3, 2017

Whats his infatuation with the name Barron? His pseudonym and his sons name? Weird, I tell ya!!  Trumps friend, Jim (@JimTrumps) November 3, 2017

"Home of the best president ever...@BarackObama!!" yet another tweet pointed out. "Ah, the birthplace of Barack Obama. Beautiful," a follow-up tweet noted. As the trolling continued, it proved that many Americans weren't going to let Donald Trump forget about his debunked birther conspiracy anytime soon.
Secretary of Energy Rick Perry recently returned from a trip to Africa and noted a relationship between the availability of energy and Crime Prevention. According to the Houston Chronicle, Perry recounted a conversation with a young girl in South Africa who noted that her family needed electricity so that she could read without using an open fire. He stated, --"those fumes literally killing people. But also from the standpoint of sexual assault." He also noted that street lighting helps to reduce crime such as sexual assault and that electricity can be easily generated by fossil fuels.

The media and environmentalists go crazy

The Washington Examiner noted that the Hills Timothy Cama made a caustic tweet about Perrys statement.

Also @SecretaryPerry just said fossil fuels can prevent sexual assault  Timothy Cama (@Timothy_Cama) November 2, 2017

Cama later quoted the full Perry statement in context.

Full Perry quote on fossil fuels/sexual assault pic.twitter.com/KH6pyApIYU  Timothy Cama (@Timothy_Cama) November 2, 2017

Even so, the Sierra Club demanded that Perry immediately resign his position before he does more damage. In fact, Cama and the Sierra Club beclowned themselves from their ignorance of the use of street lighting to prevent crime.

How electric lights cut down on crime

The blog Ace of Spades notes that before the use of street lighting, first gas then electrical, crime was rampant after dark in big cities in Europe and North America. One ventured out at night at ones peril, with armed servants carrying torches if one could afford them. Some towns had curfews that prohibited going out after dark unless one was on some urgent business, like a doctor seeing a patient

When gas lighting became available, London and Paris went to the high expense of putting in street gas lights solely as a crime prevention measure.

The fact that it also increased the time in which commerce could happen, by making streets safer, was a happy side effect.

The National Institute of Justice indicates that street lighting decreases crime for two reasons. First, it increases a potential offenders perceived risk of apprehension. If the street is well lit, someone bent on robbery or worse, thinks twice for fear that he will be seen while committing the crime.

Second, street lighting sends a signal to a community that investments are being made, thus providing a motivation for cohesion and pride that in turn leads to people working together to tamp down on crime.

But, fossil fuels?

In theory, any reliable source of electricity will provide power for street lighting and thus reduce crime. Some rural areas of India are turning to solar power backed by batteries to offer both street and home lighting. Perry, however, is noting that as of now, fossil fuels are more reliable given a well-functioning power grid. That last can be problematic in the developing world and is thus a possible flaw in Perrys reasoning.
The words tolerance, helpfulness, democracy, and non-idolatry are familiar. The ideals of freedom, love, and justice are well-known. But true progress has been elusive because our premises have been wrong.

The premises of our past have been binary  explaining everything as two sides only. Rational-romantic, transcendent-immanent, liberal-conservative, war-peace. Binary is an intellectual and cultural habit. It is easy to do and fatal to human progress.

Reality is all sides of everything. Add in everything we do not yet know, think, or imagine. Embrace our fallibility.

Accept our need to move ahead with care. We need a new premise based on universal values. We need ethical signposts that tend toward Truth And Beauty

Reality, ethics, aesthetics

Seeing things in twos splits reality. We need a triadic way of thought that moves from reality through ethics to aesthetics,- We need ethical input and aesthetic outcomes. Our lives should be expressions and actions that create and enhance well-being.

I listen to would-be philosophers almost every day dutifully treating systems, theories and individual thinkers as though understanding them would be the key to everything. I despair at this cul-de-sac tendency. We live in a fragmented, corporate-oriented intellectual wasteland.

The box persists

Much of todays talk is not heard or understood because we are so locked into boxes, some simplistic, others dauntingly complex. We need to say a definitive sayonara to the binary box.

My books are an articulation of triadic philosophy, ethics, aesthetics, and ideas about the city and ending violence. I see the triadic way as the key to global progress.

Triadic thinking is always underway and at work for the actual salvation of humankind. This is the time when it should become universal.

A triadic approach

We cannot continue to see only two sides of everything. We need a triadic, relative, open approach which accepts science as our fallible truth teller. As noted, the truth is grim because we have watched binary courts give to corporations the rights of human beings, We see political parties flaunt ethics and aesthetics as they serve their corporate masters.

But we will overcome. Good values are the heart of progress.

It may cost us as much as the American Revolution cost the colonists, if not in blood, then in suffering and struggle. But our aim is a non-violent democratic revolution. We shall rebuild the world as an equal opportunity field for all.

Universal messaging

We'll win by spreading messages universally with the same words embedded in them all. It's a small vocabulary that contains the goals of the revolution Triadic Philosophy embodies and represents.

Our ethics are tolerance, helpfulness, and democracy, all based on non-idolatry, Our aesthetic is truth and beauty fused. Our ideals are freedom, love, and justice. These ideals are impossible if they are not unified in the mind of each person.

There can be no true freedom. love or justice without the other two.

Review: Greta Gerwigs Lady Bird Is Big-Screen Perfection https://t.co/wOhhD2h8Z8  Stephen C. Rose (@stephencrose) November 2, 2017

Always present

This philosophy already exists and is responsible for all the progress that has ever remotely approached the aim of ultimate reality which is goodness. It is in all the words above insofar as they have played a part in getting us to where we are right now.

When I say bring on the progress, I mean goodness. Send these words out. Make this our century.
"American Horror Story: Cult" fans have really been getting into the story over the past couple of weeks. The creepy FX series has finally started to explain some of the backstories and reveal major plot points. However, this week's episode will have one gruesome scene cut out. That's right, there is one scene that viewers will not get to see in the episode, and the show's creator Ryan Murphy was the one to make the decision to cut it.

'AHS' to cut disturbing scene after Las Vegas shooting

According to the latest "American Horror Story: Cult" news and spoilers, the latest episode was supposed to open with a scene depicting a mass shooting.

However, due to the latest real-life nightmare that happened in Las Vegas, where a lone gunman opened fire on a large group of concert goers with an automatic weapon, killing and injuring hundreds of innocent victims, the scene has been cut from the show. The terrifying scene could have been straight out of a movie or television show. However, sadly it was real. 58 people lost their lives that night, and another 500 were injured.

Ryan Murphy made the decision to re-edit

Now, Ryan Murphy is speaking out. Ryan Murphy revealed that he completely believed he had the right to air the mass shooting scene in the latest "American Horror Story: Cult" episode. However, he also believes that out of respect for the many victims of the Las Vegas tragedy watching the scene could trigger them or upset them, which would not be his intention.

Murphy revealed that he ultimately decided to re-edit the episode and cut the scene. The mass shooting will now take place off camera, and Ryan says he feels like the re-edit was the right choice.

Other TV shows have done this in the past as well

Of course, "American Horror Story" won't be the first Television Series to have to alter their programming due to a national tragedy.

A 2015 episode of "Mr. Robot" that depicted a character committing suicide was delayed after a Virginia reporter was killed on-air. An episode of "Shooter" was also postponed after a Black Lives Matter protest turned deadly. Even "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" had to delay an episode featuring a school shooting back in 1999 after the tragedy that happened at Columbine.

'Cult' is politically charged

As many "American Horror Story" fans know, "Cult" centers around the character of Kai Anderson, played by actor Evan Peters. Kai, an avid Donald Trump supporter, begins gathering lost souls into a cult after the 2016 Presidential election. Kai's group cause chaos and even go as far as to kill people in the name of their cause. Kai then puts on a front and campaigns to run for local office in his town, all the while torturing a local woman with emotional issues, Ally, played by actress Sarah Paulson.

Fans are torn about the decision

Meanwhile, "American Horror Story" fans are torn about the decision to cut the shooting scene. Some fans agree with Ryan Murphy and feel that the scene should have been re-edited out of respect to those victims and their families. However, others think that censoring his art due to the actions of a murderous madman only gives the killer more power, even in death. What are your thoughts on the subject?
A few short hours after his release on $2,500 bond from San Patricio County Jail in Texas on Friday (Nov. 3), Lou Diamond Phillips made a public apology for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol in Portland, TX, at approximately 1:30 AM, according to numerous media reports nationwide.

According to Mark Cory, who is chief of the Portland Police Department, the 55-year-old Longmire star approached an officer who was in the middle of an unrelated, routine traffic stop. Phillips pulled up to the police unit, asking for directions to Flour Bluff High School, the Chicago Tribune noted.

The officer suspected Phillips had been drinking.

Actor allegedly failed sobriety and breathalyzer tests

After Phillips took a field sobriety test and a breathalyzer test, he reportedly failed, according to People. His blood alcohol level test exceeded twice the legal limit at .20, allowed for driving a vehicle.

Phillips was, then, arrested, charged with a Class a misdemeanor, and transported to San Patricio County Jail, which is located in the nearby town of Sinton, according to the police chief and USA Today. Phillips posted bail at roughly 11 AM on Friday and was released.

Phillips didnt skirt arrest, apologized for his actions

Phillips was the keynote speaker at an event on Friday in his hometown, Corpus Christi, TX.

Standing before a crowd gathered at Voices of South Texas, he didnt deflect and addressed his arrest in a straightforward manner, after stating that he was hopeful that his actions would not take attention from the events importance, USA Today reported.

First things first, he said, I want to sincerely apologize, USA Today also relayed.

Phillips stated that he was there to promote and celebrate the event, which he described as amazing. He further apologized in case his actions diminished the event that focuses on the history of South Texas through storytellers, historians, re-enactors, live folk music, and a tour of homes in Heritage Park.

Suspected of driving drunk, but Phillips thought he was fine, acknowledged mistake

Phillips characterized his behavior as a lapse in judgment, according to WUSA 9. He also addressed the proverbial pink elephant, answering the question that many likely have wondered: Obviously, he said, I did not think I was in that state. After all, as the police chief also pointed out, Phillips approached an officer. I thought I was fine, he added. His arrest occurred when the officer thought otherwise.

While speaking at the Heritage Park event, Phillips shared that he is proud seeing how Corpus Christi has changed. He also said that one of the reasons he feels happy about returning to his hometown is the diversity of this city, WUSA 9 wrote.

We were diversity, he said, before diversity was a hashtag.

Phillips also reiterated that his alleged DWI incident, which resulted in his arrest was a mistake, according to WUSA 9. It was stupid of me, he said. I regret it. He also assured the crowd of fans and supporters that it will never happen again.

Phillips delivered moving words about hometown, diversity, and racism

Apparently very mindful of the incident that took place prior to his speaking engagement at the event, Phillips also relayed poignant information about his past. He shared how his awareness of racism surfaced in stating, I never knew racism until I left for University of Texas Arlington. He emphasized how important he believes it is for people to reflect on Americas history.

Its that getting out into the world, he observed, and seeing how other people perceive you. That he had the opportunity to return to Corpus Christi, a city Phillips called accepting, he said inspired him to feel happy about his hometown visit and being at the Voices of South Texas event.
Contemporary dance by the Nederlands Dans Theater is one of the most highly anticipated shows in this year's CSIAF. PHOTOS PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY

The Shanghai Chinese Orchestra will premiere Shanghai Odyssey - The Bund, a new musical piece by German composer Christian Jost, during this year's China Shanghai International Arts Festival (CSIAF), highlighting the event's continued commitment to fostering artistic exchange between China and the world.

The performance will be held at the Shanghai Grand Theatre on Nov 8.

In an introduction to the piece, which was commissioned by CSIAF, Jost wrote: "In the reecting fronts of the modern prosperous Shanghai, the old is in a constant mirroring", referring to the blend of modern skyscrapers and European style buildings from the late 19th century that define the cityscape.

He added that this concept of the old reecting the new is one of the major themes in his piece Shanghai Odyssey - The Bund.

Of his decision to pick a musical piece by a foreign composer, Shanghai Chinese Orchestra director Luo Xiaoci said: "Chinese music is open and tolerant not only to Chinese musicians, but also outstanding artists from all over the world."

Another reason, Luo said, was Jost's passion for Chinese culture and the city of Shanghai.

Jost has worked with prestigious institutions such as the Lucern Festival, the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and the Zurich Opera throughout his illustrious career. Apart from a series of successful opera creations, such as The Arabian Nights and Hamlet, the Berlin-based composer is also the composer of Heart Sutra, an opera adapted from Chinese author Eileen Chang's short story of the same title. The play premiered at the Taiwan Festival of Arts in 2013.

The German then went on to create Red Lantern, which is based on Su Tong's novel Wives and Concubines, as well as Lover, a music-dance-theater production commissioned by Drummers of U-theatre from Taiwan.

"China's folk music is much like China's ink painting, it starts from a simple line, and develops into infinite variations," said Mao Donghua, a Shanghai-based ink artist, whose paintings depicting the architectures along the Huangpu River will be presented in digital animation during Shanghai Odyssey - The Bund.

A chance meeting

The collaboration between the two started when Jost, who was a visitor at Mao's solo exhibition at Liu Haisu Art Museum, realized that the Chinese artist's works matched the imagery of his music. He then invited Mao to one of his rehearsals.

Through the years, a number of Western composers have created music about Shanghai, but none of them featured Chinese instruments except for Jost's creation. Mao described Shanghai Odyssey - The Bund as a polyphonic piece that incorporates Chinese folk music as naturally as "steel bars in concrete".

In July, Mao began to work closely with Jost and the orchestra on the visual presentation of the performance.

"You can't simply project the paintings, like how you would show a PowerPoint document, so we worked with an animation studio, a playwright and photographer to create a dialogue between visual and audio art," she said.

"Both ink painting and Chinese folk music represent the beauty of Chinese culture, and we hope to create quality work that can evoke wide interest in China."
Christine Ip says anyone with the right capabilities can succeed in banking. PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY

Rising through the ranks in a male-dominated profession, banker uses her role to empower local communities

Altruism is a word not commonly associated with the world of banking. But, if Christine Ip has her way, that perception might very well change.

As CEO of the Greater China division at Singapore's United Overseas Bank (UOB), she has risen through the ranks of the male-dominated profession.

Ip is not only forging a successful path for women, but is also using her role to assist philanthropic initiatives.

"While many people say that life is the art of living, I believe that life is the art of drawing without an eraser," she said.

Making every day count is a philosophy she is determined to live by.

Ip was born and raised in Hong Kong, in a family of five children. Her formative years were shaped by her mother's role as head of a school for special needs children, where the young Ip often helped out during her childhood.

"There I spent my after-school hours learning Braille and soft skills, such as interpersonal and communication skills. I also volunteered my time during summer breaks to help the visually impaired students. I was inspired to see children with different abilities overcome life's challenges to gain knowledge and skills."

Most of her remaining free time was taken up with artistic pursuits.

"I have loved art, especially the performing arts, since I was a little girl. I learned ballet and to play the piano when I was in primary school. Art has always been part of my DNA," Ip said.

"When I was a child, I dreamt of becoming a performing artist at the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre because I enjoy performing and acting on stage."

As a student, Ip chaired the dance club and was active in the drama society while studying at the University of Hong Kong.

Despite her passion for art, Ip studied geography for her first degree.

"Upon graduation, I wanted to take on new challenges, so I looked for an industry that could provide me with an array of career opportunities," said Ip.

"Realizing that the banking industry is very dynamic as it requires a variety of roles and skill sets, I submitted my job application, succeeded in entering this industry and working for more than 30 years."

In 1987, Ip's first break in banking came at HSBC, where she remained for seven years. There she earned her stripes in various managerial positions.

In 1994, she joined Standard Chartered and worked her way up to become head of consumer banking for China. She switched to Australian bank ANZ in 2009 as CEO of its China division.

Ip joined UOB in 2011, becoming CEO of the Hong Kong division the following year. Last year, she stepped up to become CEO for Greater China.

She remains unfazed by her rapid rise in what is traditionally regarded as a male profession  certainly in the upper echelons. But Ip believes that anyone with the right capabilities can succeed in banking.

"In the banking industry, which is highly competitive, diverse strengths among the workforce help to enrich business competitiveness and organizational performance," Ip said.

In her current position, "the practice of diversity extends beyond gender to include drawing on the range of experiences and abilities individuals can bring to the organization", she said.

But coupled with Ip's performance, it is perhaps her philanthropic commitment that truly stands out.

"I have been the co-chairperson of the Wu Zhi Qiao (Bridge to China) walkathon foundation's fundraising committee since 2013," she said.

"I also worked with a group of expats in China to form a nongovernmental organization called CEO Global, which aims to mentor the next generation of business leaders through training and talks."

In line with the bank's corporate social responsibility to focus on art, children and education in Hong Kong, Ip helped establish the UOB Art Academy in 2015 to highlight the importance of cultural heritage by nurturing local talent.

The academy organizes outreach activities to educate the public on art, help to develop the skills of young artists and promote cross-cultural dialogue.

"For example, in October 2015, we held a workshop to teach less-privileged children the importance of protecting the environment and how they can turn plastic flotsam into installation art. Their colorful and vibrant works were displayed at public exhibitions," explained Ip.

"It was a meaningful project to me as these young people injected the city with more positive energy through their artworks and enabled the community to appreciate different art forms."

Ip remains buoyant about the opportunities that China presents to the banking sector.

"In light of China's Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and HongKong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, which will be completed soon, we see huge business opportunities arising from greater economic connectivity within Greater China and in Asia."

The Belt and Road Initiative is a plan to boost trade and infrastructure across the ancient Silk Road routes and beyond, the Greater Bay Area aims to develop a world-class city cluster; while the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge will be the world's longest over-water bridge at 55 kilometers.

When asked about the secret of her success in ascending the corporate ladder, Ip is frank.

"I attribute my accomplishments to a number of factors  belief, action and discipline. You need to have faith in your goals. Once your mind is convinced that you can do it, nothing is impossible," she said.

"Then when you act upon what you believe, there is focus and energy. And that energy propels you to greater heights.

"Lastly, willpower helps increase the chances of success, because you will consistently follow up on your plans."

Ip also indulges her interest in performing through her speaking engagements. She has addressed public forums and undergraduate programs at various universities in Hong Kong.

Topics she covers are as broad as business and banking sector trends and opportunities, workplace inclusiveness, career development, and arts and culture.

Ip predicts the biggest change in banking over the next decade will revolve around digital transformation and will "continue to evolve with advancements in financial technology", or fintech.

"To enhance the customer experience, to provide more creative solutions and to be more efficient, banks could look to using more fintech and strengthen partnerships with fintech companies and help to accelerate the growth of fintech startups in Asia."

With Ip's involvement, UOB has teamed up with SGInnovate, a Singaporean organization that provides a bridge between academia and entrepreneurship, to bring "deep tech" products to the market.

"(This) is one way through which we help to mentor promising fintech startups on refining their business models and propositions."

Ip said banks can play a major role in alleviating world poverty "by providing funding to businesses, creating jobs and sourcing locally" to help empower local communities.

"For example, UOB Venture Management set up the 100 billion yuan ($15 billion) Sino-Singapore Connectivity Private Equity Fund, in partnership with three companies, to invest in companies that contribute to the infrastructural development of western China."

The bank has also undertaken projects in other countries in the region.

"In Myanmar, (the bank) has helped facilitate the financing of the construction of telecommunications towers and gas-red power plants to help the country meet the infrastructural needs and energy demand arising from its economic development."

Such projects fit in with Ip's sense of corporate social responsibility.

"I believe in treating people with fairness, respect and integrity, showing care, compassion and concern, and giving back to society. I believe it is a blessing to serve others and to make others shine," she said.
Philippine adventurer Carina Dayondon is set to sail to China aboard a wooden replica of an ancient boat, such as the one pictured above in Manila Bay. The 39-year-old, who climbed Qomolangma in 2007, is planning to sail early next year, recreating trade and migration voyages made before Spaniards colonized the Philippines in the 1500s. NOEL CELIS / AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

MANILA - After conquering Qomolangma, which is also known as Mount Everest in the West, Philippine adventurer Carina Dayondon is set to sail to China aboard a wooden replica of an ancient boat in the hopes of raising national awareness of her country's forgotten maritime prowess.

Dayondon is planning to sail from Manila to southern China early next year, recreating trade and migration voyages made before Spaniards colonized the Philippines in the 1500s.

"People tell me I am crazy. They ask: 'Wow, why climb Mount Everest? Why go to China on this tiny thing,'" Dayondon, 39, said in Manila Bay aboard one of the two boats that will make the expected six-day sailing journey.

"I'm excited because our team will be more inspired realizing how good our forefathers were. We have to let people know we should be proud of being Filipino."

Dayondon, a Coast Guard officer, created history in 2007 when she and two other countrywomen became the first Filipinas to summit the world's highest mountain.

Arturo Valdez, who led their Everest support team, is also heading the sailing mission and similarly sees the journey to China as a chance to inspire Filipinos.

"Like Mount Everest, I want this to be symbolic of what our people can accomplish, of what can be possible out of the so-called impossible," the 69-year-old said.

The vessels are a copy of a "balangay", which date back as far as 320 AD.

"Early trade with China and Southeast Asia was made possible by watercraft," said Ligaya Lacsina, researcher at the National Museum's maritime division.

"Europeans during the colonial period were effusive in their praise of Southeast Asian boatbuilding skill. But somehow we've paid very little attention to this."

The boats, 18 meters long by three meters wide, are made of hardwood planks, include two sails, two rudders and a roofed area.

Their journey to the southeastern Chinese city of Quanzhou will be about 1,000 kilometers, and the crew members are aiming to do it with as little modern technical help as possible.

"We have no night-sailing capability so we can be run over by a supertanker. That's my fear. The greatest difficulty of replicating an ancient voyage is modernity because there are new port protocols," Valdez said.

"This kind of boat is being treated as a maritime hazard."

Spirit of a nation

Daily life aboard the boat is a struggle, according to Dayondon.

"We sleep anywhere because we don't have quarters. We have no toilet. We just hold the rope and use a harness and do the proper position so we don't fall," she said.

Their trip is planned to commemorate a journey made about 600 years ago by a sultan from the southern island of Sulu who went to China to pay tribute to Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) rulers there but who but died of an illness on his way home.

The voyage to China will be the team's second maritime quest following a 17-month journey that began in 2009 around Southeast Asia.

"Blazing a trail and going beyond what is normal, that is the spirit of a nation. That is how you build a nation, out of a dream," Valdez said.

Agence France-presse
Wu Tong (right), a virtuoso Chinese musician and composer, was honored by the Asia Society in New York as one of the leaders transforming Asia and the world. Also honored at the "Meet the Asia Game Changers" event on Wednesday were Sherrie Westin (second from right), executive vice-president of Sesame Workshop; Leng Ouch (third from right) of Cambodian Human Rights Task Forces; Sonita Alizadeh (center), an Afghan rapper and passionate advocate for ending child marriage; the actor Dev Patel (third from left), star of Slumdog Millionaire, which won the Oscar for Best Picture in 2008; and Aisholpan Nurgaiv (second from left), a Mongolian girl who has shattered gender barriers and was the subject of the award-winning film The Eagle Huntress (her translator is at left). ZHANG RUINAN / CHINA DAILY
From beautiful green spaces to a diverse selection of museums, weddings venues, tours, free attractions, parks, and restaurants, Charlotte is a fun city to visit year-round. Discover the Mint Museum, the oldest art museum in North Carolina, tour the 150,000-square-foot NASCAR Hall of Fame, and watch a theater performance. ImaginOn is one of the best things to do in Charlotte, NC with kids. You may also enjoy visiting one of the nearby beaches or waterfalls.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1. Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary, Charlotte, NC  Courtesy of Mariusz Blach - Fotolia.com

Founded in 1927 by Elizabeth and Edwin Clarkson and later donated to the Wing Haven Foundation, the Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary is a beautiful public garden and bird sanctuary that is open year-round. The well-kept gardens were designed to resemble a Cross of Lorraine, with shorter perpendicular paths crossing a longer central path, and are home to a wealth of ornamental trees, shrubs, and flowers as well as pools, fountains, sculptures and a beautifully preserved English sundial dating back to 1705. The gardens also feature a poem by Japanese pacifist Toyohiko Kagawa and a statue of Saint Fiacre, the patron saint of gardeners. If you are looking for fun things to do in Charlotte NC with kids, the Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary is a beautiful place to visit. 248 Ridgewood Ave, Charlotte, North Carolina 28209, Phone: 704-331-0664

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2. Things to Do in Charlotte, NC: The Mint Museum  The Mint Museum

The internationally-renowned Mint Museum is at the forefront of Charlottes arts and culture scene, inspiring creativity through an unrivaled collection of art. The Mint is the oldest art museum in North Carolina and home to a globally significant collection of works and ground-breaking exhibitions housed in two locations in the city: Mint Museum Uptown and Mint Museum Randolph. Mint Museum Randolph is located in the original branch of the United States Mint and has incredible collections of European and African art, ancient American art, ceramics and decorative arts, and fashion. Mint Museum Uptown features outstanding collections of American, European, and contemporary art as well as a world-renowned craft and design exhibition. The Mint Museum offers guided tours of the permanent collections in both buildings and special exhibits and presentations throughout the year. If you are wondering what to do in Charlotte, North Carolina with kids on a rainy day, this is a great place to visit. 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28207, Phone: 704-337-2000

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3. NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte, North Carolina  NASCAR Hall of Fame

Located in Uptown Charlotte, the NASCAR Hall of Fame documents, celebrates and honors the history and heritage of NASCAR. One of the citys most popular attractions, the 150,000-square-foot state-of-the-art venue features a variety of interactive exhibits, informative displays, and hands-on presentations about the cars, the races, and the fans. The modern, 278-seat High Octane Theater plays an exciting informational film about the history of NASCAR. More video, innovative graphics, and rotating displays greet visitors in the Great Hall. Induction ceremonies take place in the outdoor ceremonial plaza. Glory Road is lined with historic cars while Race Week is an interactive area which provides a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation a NASCAR team goes through before race day. The Hall of Fames racing simulators are a popular attraction where visitors can take the drivers seat and experience racing first-hand. 400 East Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, Phone: 704-654-4400



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4. Carolinas Aviation Museum, Charlotte, North Carolina  Courtesy of Ogovorka - Fotolia.com



The Carolinas Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International Airport is dedicated to educating visitors about the importance of aviation to society. Founded by Floyd and Lois Wilson in 1992, the museum aims to preserve aviation heritage with a collection of more than 50 stationary aircraft and smaller historic aviation-related items. The museum also boasts an array of still-operational historic aircraft such as the B-17, B-24, B-29 and Berlin Airlift C-54. The Carolinas Aviation Museum is home to an extensive research library - the 9,000-volume Dolph Overton Aviation Library-- and the Bat Cave Storage and Restoration Facility. The museum also presents a variety of educational exhibits, programs, and activities and resources for classroom learning. More: North Carolina destinations, beaches and lighthouses 4672 First Flight Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina 28208, Phone: 704-997-3770

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5. Discovery Place, Charlotte, NC  Discovery Place



Discovery Place is dedicated to promoting exploration of the natural world and is one of the top family attractions in Charlotte NC. The centers wealth of outstanding exhibits and dynamic displays inform, challenge, and engage audiences of all ages. One of the leading hands-on science centers in the country, Discovery Place also operates the Charlotte Nature Museum next to Freedom Park. At the Nature Museum, visitors can get close to nature by observing live animals including free-flying butterflies and other insects. Another satellite of Discovery Place is the newly-opened Discovery Place KIDS museum in Huntersville. Discovery Place KIDS provides a rich and rewarding play experience that engages childrens imaginations and inspires learning. 301 N Tryon St., Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, Phone: 704-372-6261

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6. Feast Food Tours, Charlotte, North Carolina  Courtesy of jgolby - Fotolia.com



Owned and operated by Kristi Martin, FEAST Food Tours is a culinary events company that runs walking food tours around some of Charlottes best restaurants and eateries. Feast Food Tours takes visitors all over the city, from the Historic South End and Plaza Midwood to the artistic district of NoDa and the stylish and chic Uptown. Visitors will get to see some of the citys best restaurants, meet the chefs behind the culinary masterpieces and taste some of their delicious fare. Tours will also delve into the history and culture of each neighborhood and discuss how each eatery supports the community through locally sourced ingredients and sustainable food. Feast Food Tours also offers private tours. Visitors planning to take a tour should wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes (Phone: 980-258-9992).

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7. ImaginOn, Charlotte, North Carolina  ImaginOn

ImaginOn is a childrens library and theater that brings stories to life. Inspiring, encouraging, and educating children, the center is home to two state-of-the-art theaters, a multimedia production studio, a dedicated library for kids under 11, and a teen-only library. The center also features four multi-use classrooms and an interactive exhibit space. Library services at ImaginOn and drop-in program participation are free of charge; however, tickets are required for the shows and pre-registration is required for childrens theatre classes and some library programs. 300 East Seventh St., Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, Phone: 704-416-4600



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8. Sea Level NC, Charlotte, North Carolina  Sea Level NC

Sea Level NC is one of Charlotte's premiere seafood restaurants, opened in 2016 within the city's Hearst Tower by noted restaurateur Paul Manley. The restaurant is North Carolina's only destination for farm-to-fork oysters on the half shell, serving up a full menu of fare focusing on non-threatened species catches from regional farms and coastal fishers. Diners can enjoy a wide variety of Southern seafood favorites, including delectable entrees such as Thai-fried grilled salmon, fried North Carolina catfish, and squid chow chow with sweet and spicy sauce or shareable platters of Maine mussels or Calabash shrimp. At lunch, diners can choose from lighter coastal fare favorites such as catfish reubens, shrimp po'boys, and classic lobster rolls. An extensive regional draft beer list is offered, along with refreshing cocktails and mocktails perfect for enjoying on the restaurant's low-key outdoor patio. 129 E 5th St, Charlotte, NC 28202, Phone: 704-412-2616



9. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Charlotte, North Carolina  Courtesy of digidreamgrafix - Fotolia.com

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, located inside the Levine Center for the Arts, is dedicated to modern art. Housed in a beautiful 36,500-square-foot space designed by Mario Botta, the museum features a collection of more than 1,400 artworks. The downtown museum is named after the family of Andreas Bechtler, who assembled the collection of works by famous artists such as Leger, Matisse, Degas, Warhol, Miro, Picasso, and Le Corbusier. Visitors are welcomed to the museum by the awe-inspiring, 17-foot Firebird (Le Grand Oiseau de Feu sur lArche) by artist Niki de Saint Phalle, made of over seven thousand mirror mosaics. 420 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, Phone: 704-353-9200

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10. Blumenthal Performing Arts, Charlotte, North Carolina  Courtesy of mountaira - Fotolia.com

Blumenthal Performing Arts is the heart of Charlottes performing arts scene and is home to such outstanding organizations as the Charlotte Ballet and Symphony, the Community School of the Arts, and Opera Carolina. The Blumenthal has six theaters under its management. The Booth Playhouse, the Belk Theater, and Stage Door Theater are in the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center building while the Duke Power Theater and McGlohon Theater are both in Spirit Square. The Knight Theater is also under Blumenthal management, and the company presents additional performances at the Ovens Auditorium. If you are looking for romantic date night ideas in Charlotte, look up the Blumenthal Performing Arts schedule. The Blumenthal provides performing arts courses, classes, and events throughout the year. 130 North Tryon ST., Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, Phone: 704-372-1000



11. Charlotte NC Tours  Courtesy of Alexey Rotanov - Fotolia.com

Charlotte NC Tours is a full-service tour company that offers a variety of adventures from walking, cycling and Segway tours to ghost tours, family reunion adventures and relocation tours for those new to the city. The tours are guided by friendly staff with a broad knowledge of Charlotte and its rich history. Theyre a fun way to see the city and will leave you feeling like a local by the end.Charlotte NC Tours has suitable vehicles, from vans to buses, for groups of every size. The company also offers bicycle rentals and customized tours for special events such as team building and birthday celebrations (Phone: 704-962-4548).

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12. UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, Charlotte, North Carolina  Courtesy of Hendrik Schwartz - Fotolia.com

UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens serve as an educational resource for the university and the public. The gardens consist of three distinct areas: the 7-acre Van Landingham Glen, the 3-acre Susie Harwood Garden, and the McMillan Greenhouse complex. All of the areas are well-maintained and have unique varieties of plants, shrubs and trees, from native wildflowers in the Glen and ornamental plants in the Harwood Garden to lush tropical flora in the greenhouse. The Botanical Gardens offer a wealth of classes, and workshops and guided group tours, as well as plant sales, membership, volunteer opportunities, and plant society meetings. UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens are one of the best Charlotte attractions for garden lovers. 9090 Craver Rd, Charlotte, NC 28262, 704-687-0721



13. The Charlotte Museum of History , Charlotte, North Carolina  The Charlotte Museum of History

The Charlotte Museum of History consists of several historic structures on a wooded eight-acre campus in east Charlotte. The oldest of these structures is the Hezekiah Alexander House, a 5,000-square-foot rock house built circa 1774. The Alexander House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest surviving house in Mecklenburg County. It features a reproduction log kitchen, barn, and reconstructed two-story springhouse. The museums exhibits span three galleries and document the history and heritage of Charlotte and Mecklenburg from the 18th to 20th centuries. Guided tours of the museum are held daily and special tours for groups can be arranged. 3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina 28215, Phone: 704-568-1774 More trip ideas: Best Things To Do in Charleston, SC



14. Levine Museum of the New South, Charlotte, North Carolina  Levine Museum of the New South

Charlottes Levine Museum of the New South aims to encourage a deeper understanding of the past: to teach visitors how history has shaped the present and how it affects the future.The museum's permanent exhibit is called "Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers: Charlotte and the Carolina Piedmont in the New South" and features excellent displays that reflect the regions history. Other exhibits include an authentic African-American hospital, a tenant farmers house, a cotton mill and millhouse, and a Civil Rights Era lunch counter. The exhibits serve to educate visitors on local history and culture. 200 E 7th St, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, Phone: 704-333-1887 Family vacation ideas: Top 10 Things to Do in San Francisco with Kids



15. Things to Do in Charlotte, North Carolina: Sharon Square  Sharon Square



Snuggled between Whole Foods and the SunTrust Banks regional headquarters, Sharon Square is a mixed-use, walkable community in Charlottes South Park that combines a range of residences, businesses, first-class dining, shops, cafes, and bars and is modern, attractive, and easily accessible. Some of the best Charlottes restaurants are located on the Sharon Square  Dogwood Southern Table, and Oak Steakhouse. There is also the Denise Antonacci Salon, the gourmet pet shop Woof Gang Bakery, Design Gaps, a drive-through Starbucks, and much more. Solis Sharon Square offers a range of upscale apartments with superb amenities such as a modern fitness center, a resort-style pool with a sundeck, a games room, and courtyards.

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16. Things to Do Near Me: Carowinds  Carowinds



Carowinds is a fun family destination. This huge amusement park offers almost 60 breath-taking rides, live entertainment and a brilliant Water Park, all in the same complex. The highlight of any visit is doubtlessly the thrilling Fury 325 roller coaster, but riding the Fury is just the tip of the iceberg. Once you have come back down to earth you can look forward to dozens of other rides in categories suitable for all ages. The Carolina Harbor Water Park offers hours of fun in the sun with wave pools, giant water slides and a 3-acre area for younger visitors. Combination passes are available. 300 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273, 704-588-2600



17. Things to Do in Charlotte, North Carolina: Chef Alyssa's Kitchen  Chef Alyssa's Kitchen



At Chef Alyssas Kitchen, cooking novices can learn the basics, more experienced cooks can enhance their culinary skills, and anyone can have a great time cooking, eating, drinking and making new friends. Run by Alyssa Gorelick and Andrew Wilen, Chef Alyssas Kitchen is located in South End and offers healthy sustainable cooking lessons for everyone. Classes are designed to be fun and informative. Students learn how to cook based on seasonally available ingredients, and ultimately how to live a healthier life. Chef Alyssas Kitchen offers five levels of classes, from beginner classes to advanced courses for professional chefs looking to hone their already-mastered skills. Chef Alyssas Kitchen also hosts private events and functions such as team-building, corporate events, and birthday parties. 4001 Yancey Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217, Phone: 704-817-7568 Fun destinations: Southwest Vacations, waterfalls near Charlotte

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18. Lenny Boy Brewing Company  Lenny Boy Brewing Company



Lenny Boy Brewing Company is one of Charlotte's premiere microbreweries, originally opened in 2011 as a non-alcoholic kombucha production company in the city's historic South End district. Since 2013, the company has been the American Southeast's only certified organic kombucha producer, serving up delicious variants of the health-conscious probiotic drink, including flavors such as ginger, beet, strawberry, lavenderade, and blueberry yerba mate. That same year, the company also began producing their own alcoholic brews, including now-flagship ales such as their Citraphilia IPA, Life in the South Southern Lager, Ground Up Coffee Stout, and Dat Pale American Pale Ale. A wild ale series is available on tap at the company's taproom, which showcases periodic trivia nights, community festivals, farmer's markets, film showings, fitness events, and art shows. Growler fills, pints, and flights are served up Tuesdays through Sundays at the taproom, which also showcases food from The Hunter's Wife and Poppy Handcraft Popcorn. 3000 S. Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28217, Phone: 980-585-1728



19. Haymaker  Haymaker



Haymaker is a Southern-influenced farm-to-table offering from executive chef William Dissen, located in Uptown Charlotte near beautiful Romare Bearden Park. The LEED-certified restaurant is known for its unique seasonal fare showcasing the production bounty of Appalachia and the Piedmont region, supplied with daily farm-fresh deliveries and structuring its kitchen around a traditional brick hearth. Seasonally-changing menus are available at dinner seven days a week and brunch service on the weekends, showcasing artisanal fare such as wild-caught North Carolina grouper, crispy duck confit, and herb dumplings served with root vegetables and braised greens. House-cured charcuterie boards are also served up, along with a rotating selection of fine wines and draft beers and a carefully-curated list of unique cocktails. At brunch, diners can choose from options such as bacon fat beignets, cornmeal-fried catfish, and housemade granola and yogurt parfaits. 225 S Poplar St, Charlotte, NC 28202, Phone: 704-626-6116

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20. Things to Do in Charlotte, NC: Legion Brewing Company  Legion Brewing Company



Legion Brewing is a popular brewery, pub, and restaurant on Commonwealth Avenue near the lake that attracts a loyal following with its great IPAs, many other styles of beer, excellent pub grub, and wonderful social atmosphere. The spacious dining room is made warm and cozy with reclaimed wood, and the back room has a balcony from which you can watch your favorite beer being made. With plenty of board games, TVs for following your favorite team, and occasional live music, Legion Brewing is a fun spot to enjoy with friends or family and even the family dog. It can get noisy, but it is worth it. 1906 Commonwealth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205, Phone: 844-467-5683



21. Things to Do Near Me: Latin American Contemporary Art Projects  Latin American Contemporary Art Projects



Latin American Contemporary Art (LaCa) Projects is an exciting new platform for presenting Latin American art and culture and encouraging dialogues between artists. Located in the heart of the revitalized FreeMoreWest neighborhood, LaCa Projects works to develop Latin American Contemporary Art by exhibiting influential and thought-provoking works by emerging and mid-career artists. The museum features a permanent gallery exhibiting the work of local artists and another gallery which hosts a variety of exhibitions by established Latin American artists throughout the year. Visitors can watch artists at work in their studios and tour the galleries. 1429 Bryant Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28208, Phone: 704-837-1688 More places to visit: 25 Best Things to Do in Minneapolis

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22. Things to Do in Charlotte, NC: Growlers Pourhouse  Growlers Pourhouse Growlers Pourhouse is a popular neighborhood pub in Charlotte with exposed bricks, a nice and friendly atmosphere, and 14 rotating beers on tap. Most beers come from several neighborhood breweries such as NoDa Brewing and Birdsong Brewing. The large wooden bar and communal tables are often packed and the atmosphere is lively, especially on days when the big game is on one of the many large TVs. There are complimentary bowls of popcorn and one of the most popular offers on the pubs menu is a plate of raw oysters on the half shell. There are also house-made sausages and brats and other popular pub grub. 3120 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205, Phone: 704-910-6566



23. Things to Do in Charlotte, North Carolina: Hendrick Motorsports  Hendrick Motorsports Hendrick Motorsports is a NASCAR championship-winning team and race car center located in Concord, just one mile from the Charlotte Motor Speedway. NASCAR fans can visit the campus at no cost during regular hours of operation and explore the state-of-the-art facilities, which feature the Hendrick Motorsports Museum and the Team Store. Hendrick Motorsports has earned a record 11 car owner championships in NASCARs premier division, the Sprint Cup Series, since 1984. The museum documents this successful history with photography exhibits. The Hendrick Motorsports extends its operating hours on race weekends, during which time visitors can watch the preparations for a big race. Public events such as autograph sessions occur regularly, and autographed merchandise can be purchased from the Team Store. 4400 Papa Joe Hendrick Blvd, Charlotte, North Carolina 28262, Phone: 704-455-3400



24. Charlotte Roller Derby  Crin/stock.adobe.com Charlotte Roller Derby is a skater-owned and operated non-profit organization involving multiple roller derby teams and programs made up of individuals of all ages and backgrounds. As well as training up and playing in bouts against other teams in the Women's Flat Track Derby Association leagues, Charlotte Roller Derby also aims to enrich and inspire the local community through various events and programs, as well as by donating profits and proceeds to local charities and good causes in Charlotte. If youd like to attend a roller derby bout and cheer on the teams of the Charlotte Roller Derby, its very easy and affordable to do so. You can check out the full bout calendar on the official site for Charlotte Roller Derby and buy tickets to individual events for you, your family, and your friends. charlotterollerderby.org



25 Best Things to Do in Charlotte, North Carolina

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Things to Do in Charlotte, North Carolina: Lake Norman

Just 15 miles from Charlotte, Lake Norman is a beautiful man-made lake that offers a wealth of leisure activities for visitors. The lake was created by Duke Energy in 1963 and is still the largest man-made lake in the Carolinas. Lake Norman and the surrounding towns of Cornelius, Davidson, and Huntersville offer shopping, golfing, fishing, and a variety of water activities.

The lake is 34 miles long and features numerous attractions such as the Cowans Ford Dam and the Marshall Steam Station. Cornelius is a tranquil, pleasant lakeside town. Huntersville is packed with historical and cultural sites, including the historic homesteads Rural Hill and Latta Plantation, as well as shopping and entertainment. Davidson has excellent hiking and biking trails.

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RuRus Tacos & Tequila, Charlotte, North Carolina

Ru Rus is Charlottes elegant, sophisticated version of a taqueria, filled with art and antiques, a serene oasis both inside and outside on a magnificent patio surrounding the cool fountain. It is located in the beautiful historic Reynolds-Gourmajenko House, handsomely renovated with iron gates, rough-hewn woodwork, and beautiful touches everywhere. The food matches its lovely surroundings. There are nine variations on tacos in soft, tender, house-made flour tortillas filled with simple, wholesome fillings such as grilled chicken, salsa and smoked aioli, or the slightly less Mexican Korean barbecue flavored skirt steak with red cabbage. There is a whole range of margaritas, all sorts of other cocktails, and a number of local beers on draft.

715 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207, Phone: 704-332-7933

Tin Kitchen Food Trucks, Charlotte, North Carolina

Tin Kitchen Food Trucks have been familiar sight around Charlotte since 2010. Calling themselves the freestyle gourmet food truck, they serve unique and original sliders, tacos, and quesadillas made of fresh, seasonal local ingredients. Try their chicken tinga with pulled chicken simmered slowly in tomatoes, onions, and chipotles served with salsa verde, queso fresco, and scallions. The menu changes often depending on the season and the chefs new ideas. The food is prepared in a communal kitchen shared with other food trucks and vendors, then loaded on one of their shiny silver trucks to make the people of Charlottes various neighborhoods happy. Tin Kitchen is also a reputable caterer providing delicious food for any size party, from backyard birthdays to corporate events.

Third Ward, Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, Phone: 704-750-0477

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Things to Do in Charlotte, North Carolina: Stoke

With a bright, open kitchen at its heart, Stoke is an upscale, spacious eatery with high ceilings, located in uptown Charlottes Marriott City Center. This all-day restaurant offers contemporary American cuisine ranging from wood-fired meats to oysters, charcuterie boards, and salads. Try their simple but perfect flat iron steak with salsa criolla and avocado. All the ingredients are seasonal and regional, the flavors are exquisite, and the atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable. Try the chicken biscuit with pimiento cheese, maple syrup, and bacon; it is a meal in itself. They have 25 revolving regional craft beers on tap and interesting and original cocktails with a spotlight on a specialty teas and fruit-infused cocktails.

100 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202, Phone: 704-353-6005

More weekend and day trips: Best Family Vacation Ideas in North Carolina and Romantic Weekend Getaways in North Carolina.

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Shabbat shalom! Thank you for welcoming Rabbi David and me into your synagogue and into your community this weekend.

We named our weekend together "Visions of Renewal." I want to unpack that a bit. Why "vision," and what's "renewal"?

Over the last few years, as Rabbi David and I have traveled the U.S. and Canada, we've noticed that Judaism we all inherited often feels like a Judaism of receptivity. We've all received a tradition that others created. Receiving can feel passive  like we receive the news on TV, or receive the family constructs into which we're born. It just happens.

But this week's Torah portion, Vayera, is about a quality of vision that's not passive but active, literally a making-seen. "God caused [Avraham] to see, on the plains of Mamre, as he sat in the opening of his tent in the heat of the day."

"God caused Avraham to see." As we'll learn in tomorrow morning's Torah study, this Torah portion is about how Avraham sees, how we see, what he saw, what we see and why. The upshot is this: in changing how he sees, Avraham changes his life.

We can spend a lifetime talking about Avraham, but I want to talk about us. What do we see and tend not to see? What covers our vision? What can we do to make our vision clear? That's the work of spiritual life: clarifying and renewing our vision so we can act in the world.

When we look at spiritual life, do we see something obligatory? That's the classical view -- we do things because God commands us to do them. Or we don't, because those who brought us Reform Judaism rejected that paradigm. I serve a Reform shul not unlike this one, and most of my congregants tell me they don't feel "commanded." But then do mitzvot simply become irrelevant? (Spoiler alert: I'm going to say no.) Whether or not we see mitzvot as obligatory, they can renew our hearts and spirits.

The Hebrew word  / mitzvah is related to the Aramaic  / tzavta, "connection." Whatever your beliefs or disbeliefs about God, to me the key thing is how we connect  to God (whether far-above or deep-within), our ancestry, each other, our hearts and souls. If we see the connection hiding in each mitzvah, might that change how we feel about doing it -- or how we feel while doing it?

What about prayer: do you see liturgy as something you do because it's written in a book -- or something you don't do because it's written in a book? Do you see holidays as something you do because they were given to you -- or something you don't do, because they don't speak to you? Do you see spirituality as something that the rabbi and cantor give to you? Whether or not you were raised Jewish, do you see Judaism as something you either keep, or let go?

What if we could see all of this -- mitzvot, prayer, holidays, spiritual life writ large -- as something we actively make our own? The practices we name as  / hitchadshut, "Renewal," are about doing just that: making it our own, renewing and being renewed. Renewal isn't a brand or label. It's a way of living our Judaism, refining our capacity to see the richness and authenticity of spiritual life hiding in plain sight... and actively making it our own, so both our souls and our traditions can shine.

Take a step back and look at tonight's prayer service. Maybe you noticed chant, weaving of Hebrew and English, uses of silence, a focus on joy, themes popping out of the words  like vision, chosen for this week's Torah portion (Vayera)  a mix of ancient music and modern music. These reflect the spiritual technology we call "davenology" -- from the Yiddish "daven," to pray in meaningful ways attuned to spirit and heart. Renewal seeks to infuse prayer with heart -- and to infuse our hearts with prayer.

To use a metaphor I learned from my teacher, Rabbi Marcia Prager, prayer is a meal and liturgy is a cookbook. We can't eat a cookbook. Renewal teaches: what matters is what helps us have a spiritual experience that actually connects us. That's why we'll use Hebrew words, English words, sometimes no words. Classical words, contemporary words. Poetry, music, dance... This isn't experimentation for its own sake: it's for the sake of deepening our experience of prayer.

Judaism is more than prayer, and Renewal is about more than "just" renewing our prayer lives. We bring this experiential approach to everything. One tool we use for that is hashpa'ah: in English, "spiritual direction." The Hebrew hashpa'ah comes from the root connoting divine flow. A mashpi'a(h) helps others experience the flow of divinity in the real stuff of their lives  family, work, faith, doubt, health, illness, sex, you name it. About everything in our lives, we ask, "where is God in this?"

It's a big question. When I began my training as a spiritual director -- both Rabbi David and I hold that second ordination -- my teachers asked me about my spiritual practices, and I started making excuses. "Well, I know I should be praying three times a day, but life gets in the way..." And my mashpi'a stopped me, gently, and said: I'm not asking you to tell me what your spiritual practices aren't. What are you doing in your life that opens you up?

We can vision our spiritual lives negatively, in terms of what we don't do  we don't come to services "enough," or meditate "enough." But then our spirituality is negative, based on what we lack. What if we actively vision it positively, based on the lives we actually live? If we're washing dishes, if we're folding laundry, driving the carpool, buying groceries: where is God in that? (We'll talk more about infusing ordinary practices with holiness in Sunday morning's session "Spirituality on the Go.")

Another of our tools is the collection of teachings, texts, and perspectives that come to us from Zohar and kabbalah and the Hasidic masters. These exquisite teachings can change the way we read Torah, how we experience time, how we live our lives. We'll use these tools to study Torah tomorrow morning, tomorrow night when we enter into Jewish angelology, and on Sunday morning's session on "Mitzvah and Mysticism." All of these are about connecting, actively changing how we see.

Davenology, spiritual direction, and mysticism are among the Renewal spiritual technologies especially near and dear to our hearts. And here's the thing that's most important to me  not as a rabbi, but as a seeker like you: you don't have to be a rabbi for Renewal to enliven your spiritual life. You don't even have to be Jewish. These tools can help all of us transform our vision: whoever we are, wherever we're coming from, whatever we do or don't "believe in."

That's what this weekend is about. "God caused Avraham to see." It's about seeing different, and being changed for the good.

On this Shabbat Vayera, this shabbat of active vision, may our eyes be opened to see what's been hiding in plain sight. May the Holy One cause us to be active partners in seeing the Judaism we yearn for, and bringing it into being in a world that needs us more than ever.

Offered at Temple B'nai Chaim in Wilton, Connecticut, where Rabbi David Markus and I are scholars-in-residence this weekend.
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HA NOI  Quang Ninh, Kien Giang and Khanh Hoa are gearing to develop special administrative-economic zones with expectations that preferential policies will be increased as the National Assembly is discussing the Law on Special Administrative-Economic Units.

The southern province of Kien Giang Peoples Council, at a meeting on Thursday, approved the Phu Quoc Special Administrative-Economic Unit project.

Under this project, Phu Quoc will have an area of more than 57,530ha and population of 117,460, with nine administrative zones which were founded from two existing towns and seven communes (excluding Tho Chau Commune as the province is planning to turn it into a district).

The province expected that the establishment of the Phu Quoc Special Administrative-Economic Unit would bring into play the islands potential to attract investment and high technologies to boost development.

By 2030, Phu Quoc is expected to become a modern tourism and resort hub, as well as a hub for trade, exhibition and meeting, with international competitiveness towards global reach.

Investments in Phu Quoc have been robust in recent times, especially in tourism development, with the island having rich potential.

Phu Quoc has, so far, attracted more than 250 projects with total registered capital of some US$16.7 billion.

Quang Ninh also hastened preparations for Van on.

The northern province recently said it would not seek funds from the central budget to develop Van on into a special administrative-economic unit.

Vu Van Hop, chief of the provincial Peoples Committee, said entire expenditure for developing the Van on Special Administrative-Economic Unit project and implementing the infrastructure system would be done through the local budget and investments of businesses.

The province would only, therefore, require preferential mechanisms for Van on.

Vu Hong Thanh, chairman of the National Assembly Economic Committee, said special administrative-economic units would need preferential mechanisms, rather than investment from the budget, adding that appropriate mechanisms would create resources and impetus for development.

The Van on Special Administrative-Economic Unit project, which got approval of the provincial Peoples Council late last week, proposed to the Government 12 groups of preferential policies for Van on, according to Hoang Trung Kien, deputy head of Quang Ninhs Economic Zone Management Board.

These included policies in taxes, land-real estate, finance-banking and monetary, as well as investment-business, human resources, immigration and import-export, along with strategic investors, hi-tech development and tourism development.

Kien said proposed preferential policies for the project were developed on the basis of international experiences and trends and in compliance with established laws.

The project was under development since 2012 with the aim of creating outstanding institutions to boost growth and develop an innovative administrative management system.

The project also received approval from residents, with more than 98.78 per cent of voters in the district saying they agreed with the project.

The northern province is now gearing up its efforts to develop social, technical and transport infrastructure systems to attract investors to Van on.

The province is also hastening the construction of important infrastructure projects, including Van on International Airport, a tourism-casino complex, and Ha Long-Hai Phong and Van on-Mong Cai expressways, which are considered the driving force for the development of Van on into a special administrative-economic unit.

Statistic showed that Quang Ninh has, so far, attracted investment worth some VN55.1 trillion ($2.5 billion) in Van on.

In 2018, a series of large-scale tourism complex projects worth a total of some VN61 trillion will begin construction in Van on, such as the VN4.95 trillion Sonesea Dragon Bays phase 1, the five-star Furama Ha Long Viet Nam Resort & Vilas (worth VN1.12 trillion), the Van on Heritage Road estimated at VN5 trillion and the Ngoc Vung Complex.

Nguyen Van Thanh, deputy chairman of Quang Ninh Peoples Committee, said he expected the Law on Special Administrative-Economic Units would be passed soon to create a legal framework for development of Van on, as well as two other selected special zones -- Phu Quoc and Bac Van Phong.

Meanwhile, central Khanh Hoa Province is also implementing a project to turn Bac Van Phong into a special administrative-economic unit.

Bac Van Phong has significant potential for developing ports, logistic services, trade and international financial services, as well as tourism and high technologies. - VNS
HA NOI  Experts and businesses are raising concerns about the shortage of E5 bio-fuel supply as there are two months left for E5 to be fully replaced RON 92 petrol.

Moreover, they are worried about the monopoly in material supply for E5 mixing.

Viet Nam will replace RON 92 petrol with E5 bio-fuel from the beginning of 2018, and with E10 after 2019. E5 petrol is a mix of A92 petrol (95 per cent) and bio-fuel ethanol (five per cent).

A report from HCM Citys Department of Industry and Trade earlier this week showed that most local bio-fuel ethanol production plants have operated at low capacity due to unstable input. High input prices and loss rate in preservation process have led to an increase in ethanol production fees.

According to online newspaper Phap luat thanh pho Ho Chi Minh (HCM City Law), prices of petrol A92 and A95 in the world market have been stable following an increase in 2016, and are currently on a downward trend. It is the reason why many petrol traders have increased their imports for stockpile.

E5 trading is in pilot implementation in some localities that lack integration, thus affecting E5 distribution, the department said.

It added that customers would prefer using A95 instead of E5 when the Government terminates the use of petrol A92 in the market.

Bio-fuel E5 depends a lot on ethanol supply for its mix. The country would need more than 275,000cu.m of ethanol per year to fully replace A92 petrol by E5.

Currently, the supply of bio-fuel ethanol for E5 petrol comes mainly from two plants owned by Tung Lam Joint Stock Company, which have total annual capacity of 200,000cu.m, resulting in a shortage of some 75,000cu.m a year.

The department said the Government should have a roadmap to invest in storage tanks, import amount and A95 reserve to avoid shortage in the market.

It added that some firms in the city sent documents asking to temporarily halt E5 trading due to low consumption and commission which could not offset operation costs.

The current commission for E5 bio-fuel is VN1,000-1,600 per litre, which is not attractive to petrol traders. Moreover, the selling price of E5 bio-fuel is not much cheaper than A92 (VN230 per litre), discouraging both customers and traders from using the fuel.

It said the Government should ask relevant ministries and agencies to implement policies on tax reduction and exemption to reduce E5 prices by VN1,000-2,000 less than A92 to attract customers.

Sharing the ideas, a representative from Cu Chi Industrial Development and Investment Company told the newspaper that consumption of A95 would be increased after A92 petrol termination.

Phan The Rue, chairman of Viet Nam Petroleum Association, said consumers have not paid much attention to E5 although it has been sold parallel with A92 petrol in the market. E5 consumption accounted for only nine per cent of the total.

Rue said total termination of A92 petrol would make customers shift partly to E5. However, it one could not avoid a preference for A95 over E5, especially among those with automobiles.

Ethanol supply from a sole company could possibly result in a monopoly in the market and affect customers.

He suggested that the Government resume the operation of ethanol plants in the central region and in Binh Phuoc Province.

Tran Ngoc Nam, Petrolimex deputy general director, said the group has striven to ensure A95 supply in case of its increasing demand.

He said the group has prepared two plans to ensure ethanol demand -- buying ethanol from local plants and imports.  VNS
HA NOI  In the countrys e-commerce industry, online payments account for only 3 to 4 per cent, while cash on delivery (COD) is still at 92 per cent.

This holds true even though e-commerce has seen rapid development in Viet Nam in recent years, said Le uc Anh, from the Viet Nam E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency (VECITA) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade

Anh attributed this to the lack of trust between customers and sellers.

Statistics from VECITA in 2016 showed that people often purchase clothes, shoes, cosmetics (56 per cent) and hi-tech and electronics products (55 per cent), as well as home appliances (48 per cent), air and railway tickets (45 per cent) and food (26 per cent) online.

Goods are often traded through online channels, including commercial websites, transaction floors, group buying, social networks and mobile phone apps.

In reality, most Vietnamese people are worried about the quality of products purchased online, thus making them hesitate in paying online. Meanwhile, local businesses have not built the trust necessary for customers to change their purchasing habits.

He added that the increasing number of businesses joining the e-commerce market could create a more fierce competition.

The country now has over 25,000 websites registering with the ministry for online transactions. The number of e-commerce firms has significantly increased from 13,000 in 2016 to 19,000 in 2017.

E-commerce companies should improve their products and sale services quality, he added.

The VECITA survey also revealed that online customers often paid most attention to the quality of goods and products (81 per cent), prices (79 per cent) and sellers reputation (69 per cent).

Products and services bought online are often not what were promised. This has reduced trust among buyers online.

Anh noted that building trust with customers has been a vital factor for online trading firms. In addition, they have to ensure quality, true advertisement, on-time delivery and also maintain prestige.

Viet Nam has a shortage of a system to supervise the quality of goods for e-commerce companies, causing difficulties for both sellers and buyers.

In the time to come, the ministry would have stamps ensuring the quality of products to make it easier for customers to buy online.

According to Nguyen Van Thien, CEO of Adam Group, businesses should pay attention to products with high consumption, big market scale and necessity in demand. Products in the price range of VN250,000-600,000 (US$10-26) should be easy for customers to select, while purchasing online.

In addition, up to 90 per cent of domestic businesses have not given priority to research and development (R&D) for their products and ignored market trends.

Many Vietnamese firms have concentrated on a key product and forgotten that each item should be special. They should therefore always develop new products to keep up with continuous changes in current consumption habits, Thien said.

Local companies were also urged to take advantage of the fourth industrial revolution to enhance competitiveness and maximize resources.  VNS
Ha Noi  An exhibition entitled Thu Vong Nguyet (Memories of the Mid-Autumn Festival) was held yesterday in Van Mieu (the Temple of Literature) in Ha Noi.

The exhibition, held by Quan An Ngon Restaurant chain and supported by the Van Mieu Managerment Board, after a big festival of the same name held in the Temple a month ago to welcome Mid-Autumn Festival, where thousands of visitors joined in.

The exhibition aims to promote tourism by introducing local and foreign visitors a collection of 200 photos of Ha Noi festivities in the past and present, representing both traditional and modern celebrations.

A photo book and postcard are also being published to popularise the Temple of Literature to guests.

Prominent among the photos are Lung Linh Khue Van Cac (Sparkling Constellation of Literature Pavillion) by Le Viet Khanh, em Hoa ang (Night Flower) by Nguyen Viet Thanh and many others.

Julia Epstain from Germany, who is visiting Viet Nam for the first time, said, The temple is our first destination to visit. I like the beautiful photos. Through them I learned how the Vietnamese welcome Mid-Autumn in the past and also present. I was very impressed by the culture.

Epstain said organisers should popularise it widely so that foreigners can learn more about Viet Nam and its customs and habits.

Resplendent: Sparkling Khue Van Cac by Le Viet Khanh is among 200 photos show at the exhibition, the first of such kind held in the capital by Quan An Ngon Restaurant chain.

Duong Trung Quoc, a historical researcher, told Viet Nam News that he was very impressed by the festival in the Temple a month ago. He praised photographers for capturing such beautiful photos for the exhibition.

The exhibition helps to keep and preserve beautiful images in visitors minds. The photos taken of childrens traditional games and food at the Mid-Autumn festival are valuable in particular, he said.

A Van Mieu Temple representative said he hopes the festivities will be held every year by Quan An Ngon and become a cultural trade mark of Ha Noi.

Pham Thi Bich Hanh, general director of Quan An Ngon Restaurant chain, said she will try her best to bring new activities to the Temple make its relics feel live to attract visitors while encouraging them to respect and preserve the cultural heritage left by Vietnamese ancestors.

On the first day, hundreds of local and foreign guests visited the exhibition, which will run until November 11.  VNS
HA NOI  Tran Minh Quang from ien Bien province yesterday won first prize in the journalism writing contest Young Francophones Reporters Viet Nam 2017, which was held for the second time by Le Courrier du Vietnam (CVN), a weekly French language newspaper under Vietnam News Agency.

Quang won for his reportage on Nev Tickners, an Australian man, and his love for the mountainous city of ien Bien Phu and Viet Nam.

Fascinated at the ien Bien Phu victory in 1954 against French colonialists, he was struck with ien Bien Province, where he decided to move, soon growing attached to the people.

The contest was very interesting as it has encouraged me a lot to learn French, and to improve my language, Quang said at the awards ceremony on Saturday.

Second prize went to ao Thi Nga with an entry about the role of Vietnamese mothers in war and society, and third prize was presented to Le Thi Bao Nhung for a story about young people preserving culture.

The competition, themed The power of words aims to encourage French-speakers in Viet Nam aged from 18 to 35 years old to write articles about Viet Nam in French, while showing the vitality of French through their writing.

It provides an opportunity for Vietnamese and foreign participants to express their points of view about the country, while highlighting the richness of French.

Over the six months of the contest, the organisation board received more than 50 entries.

The competition has fulfilled its initial goals, which are to promote the image of the only French-language newspaper in Viet Nam, to create a playground of creativity for young Francophones in Viet Nam, to offer chances for contestants to familiarise themselves with journalism as well as to introduce Viet Nams culture and people to the community of 80 Francophonie countries, said Nguyen Thu Ha, editor-in-chief of CVN.

The jury was composed of journalists, French language teachers, writers, representatives of OIF and of different Francophone embassies.  VNS
The central city of a Nang will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Summit from November 5 to 11. Top officials and more than 1,000 CEOs along with 15,000 guests from 21 member economies will take part.

People and expats living in a Nang share their views on the event with Viet Nam News reporters Hoai Nam and Phuoc Buu

Dale Gerstenslager, US expat

Showcase: American Dale Gerstenslager believes APEC is a testament to Viet Nams growing importance.

When I first heard that Viet Nams central city of a Nang would host APEC 2017, I was strangely proud and thought that it was an exciting opportunity to showcase the remarkable progress and development that Viet Nam has accomplished over the last decade.

Hosting APEC is quite a coup and one more testament of Viet Nams importance and growing stature on the world stage. Lets pull together and show the world whats being done in Viet Nam.

I think it is chance to develop relationships that will build trust.

Kozaburo Yazawa, Japanese expat

Opportunity: The event is an opportunity for the world to hear about a Nang, says Japanese Kozaburo Yazawa.

Since the media multitude represents the world, it is a big opportunity for people to learn the name of a Nang. It is also great that the President of the United States will come. This should lead to investment from more member economies - and more tourists.

APEC is similar to the Olympics and Expo. As the Government had to arrange the international conference, public works projects increased. After APEC is over, many foreigners will visit after learning about a Nang.

However, regarding the construction of hotels, it is a matter of over-supply I feel. I expect that the value of real estate will fall a little after APEC. Many rules were changed for APEC. I could not get a construction licence for a restaurant on the main street for a long time.

There are many problems, but that is due to the development of a Nang, not a negative thing I suppose. As Japans Prime Minister Abe will also visit APEC, I hope it leads to more Japanese visitors and investment.

Nguyen Thi Kim, 58

Little impact: Hotel owner Nguyen Thi Kim says APEC is largely for upmarket hotels and restaurants.

I feel APEC is a strange event for local people. Pavements have been newly tiled and sign boards promote the event at busy traffic roundabouts and road crossings.

I manage a coastal three-star hotel, but its still quiet in the low season - as usual. APECs delegates may stay at four and five-star hotels and resorts, but not two and three-star hotels.

APEC may be a major event for the citys administration, but not really many local people. The city hosts the event, but main preparations are covered by central governments and agencies in co-operation with local departments.

I have some hope APEC will lead to economic and tourism growth in the city.

Nguyen Xuan Binh, 41

Time: Nguyen Xuan Binh believes it will take time for the benefits of the summit to sink in.

I really hope APEC will help boost a Nang Citys economic growth. It will not happen in a few weeks or months after APEC, but the city will become known worldwide when its name is repeated at business forums and in APEC member economies.

APEC is a big opportunity for a Nang as business people, CEOs and journalists from 21 member economies attend. The preparation of the city will be highly appreciated by officials, businesses and tourists.

The many destinations available through a Nang - and its pristine white beaches - will be remembered by participants, while the hospitality of residents, volunteers, restaurants and hotel owners will boost the tourism brand of the city. The city also launched the a Nang Smile campaign during APEC to promote good manners.

APEC will be really a field trip in exploring the investment opportunities and potential of a Nang and central Viet Nam. Its also a big chance for industries such as tourism, hi-tech, property, green tech and services seeking partners.

I think the impact of APEC on a Nangs economic growth will come several years after APEC as foreign businesses learn of the citys investment environment and priority policies.

Victor Ceano, candy maker, Spain

Candy maker: Victor Ceano thinks APEC will provide a psychological push for a Nang.

I think that an event like APEC, apart from helping to put a Nang in the map, will generate a psychological push for the local economy.

At the end of the day, it is possible that the direct influence on the local economy will not be enormous, but it is clear to me that the momentum that it will generate will be highly positive.

I founded Pop Keo, a sweets and chocolate company in a Nang last year using Ben Tre chocolate and Quang Tri honey. Thanks to the event, some embassies and companies will order chocolates and sweets from me as gifts for their contacts.

Stuart Neal, publisher, Australian

New deals: Australian Stuart Neal believes the summit is the place where new deals will be forged.

The fact that APEC will be held in a Nang is not particularly relevant for big picture decisions and high level summit meetings. A lot of that stuff is probably known in advance by the main players and the meeting of economists with politicians at this level could happen anywhere.

Viet Nam is playing host to some of the most influential decision makers in the world, creating a fantastic opportunity to be heard before and after the big summit meetings and at dinners and functions during the process in every economic sphere of interest to Viet Nam.

This is where new deals may be forged and probably these unofficial discussions will be of more importance to Viet Nam than attempts to reach consensus in an environment where growing protectionist policies from the US appear to be disrupting former accords and creating mayhem.

Le Thi Thuy An, accountant

Paving the way: Accountant Le Thi Thuy An believes the event will pave the way for better understanding of women.

The APEC Summit provides a good chance for people to get to know a Nang, the most vibrant city in the country. The event is also helpful for local businesses servicing delegates from 21 member economies.

The citys leadership is shifting from old to new. And I think APEC held in the city offers a great chance for city authorities to have an overview on both achievements and shortcomings.

Furthermore, I overheard that the summit will make decisions over discussions by APEC forums in Hue on women and women-owned businesses. I believe APEC leaders will agree on policies that pave the way for greater contribution of women in economic development.  VNS
HA NOI  Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong yesterday hosted a reception in Ha Noi for Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

He congratulated the Communist Party of China for the successful conduct of its 19th Congress, expressing his belief that under the leadership of the CPC and General Secretary Xi Jinping, the Chinese people will complete all targets set.

He stressed that the Party and State of Viet Nam always pays great attention to fostering and promoting the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with China.

The Party chief welcomed the upcoming visit to Viet Nam by CPC General Secretary and President Xi Jinping and his attendance at the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting.

Wang Yi, who began a three-day official visit to the country yesterday, affirmed that the Party, State and people of China always attaches great importance to developing their traditional friendship with Viet Nam.

He briefed the Vietnamese leader on major contents and outcomes of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

He also noted that Viet Nam and China share many similarities in their development ideals and paths, and in their desire to create favourable conditions to strengthen practical cooperation in all fields, benefiting the people of both countries and promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world.

Wang Yi said that CPC General Secretary and President Xi Jinpings State visit to Viet Nam and his attendance at the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting was his first trip abroad after the 19th CPC National Congress, showing the Chinese leaders and CPCs special sentiments towards Viet Nam.

Trong stressed that, in the future, the two sides should continue increasing meetings between senior leaders, while promoting practical co-operation in all fields, and effectively follow up on and implement all important common perceptions and signed agreements.

He said this would enhance political trust and respect for each others legitimate interests and facilitate proper settlement of existing issues in bilateral relations.  VNS
Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh yesterday receives Chinese Deputy Minister of Public Security Fu Zhenghua, who is on a working visit to Viet Nam  VNA/VNS Photo Doan Tan

HA NOI  Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh yesterday received Chinese Deputy Minister of Public Security Fu Zhenghua, who is on a working visit to Viet Nam.

Binh lauded the success of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and welcomed Fus visit, during which the two sides will discuss issues of mutual concern.

He stressed that Viet Nam and China boast a long-standing and close-knit relationship, adding that leaders of the two countries have paid mutual visits and held meetings over the years to enhance bilateral relations.VNS
HCM CITY  HCM City will need at least 1,000 qualified interpreters and translators annually in the coming years as supply cannot meet demand, an official said at a meeting held on Wednesday.

The insufficient number has made it more difficult for many companies to look for qualified interpreters, said Tran Anh Tuan, deputy director of the HCM City Centre for Forecasting Manpower Needs and Labour Market Information.

From now to 2025, the city needs 270,000 to 300,000 new employees annually in all sectors.

The demand for interpreters and translators has increased in recent years as the country has signed many bilateral trade agreements with foreign partners, Tuan said.

Local enterprises in the midst of expansion also need many interpreters, he added.

Vo Thi Bich Thuy, head of the ManpowerGroup Viet Nam, said: One Japanese company is willing to pay VN16-20 million (US$700-880) per month to recruit a qualified interpreter even if they dont have experience.

Demand for qualified interpreters in Korean, Japanese and Chinese is on the rise, but the pool of candidates, especially those with good skills, is very low.

Job recruitment figures from last year and the first half of this year showed thousands of job orders for interpreters and translators.

Thuy said that some Korean companies had lowered their job requirements because they could not find enough candidates after five months of recruitment.

The four universities in the city that offer a variety of foreign languages besides English are Open University, Pedagogy University, University of Social Sciences and Humanities (under the National University of HCM City) and Foreign Trade University.

Each of the four universities has an enrollment quota of about 300 students for Korean-language studies, 300 for Japanese, and 500 for Chinese.

Nguyen Vu Linh, director of Innotech Viet Nam Corporation, said that although many interpreters and translators have good foreign language skills, they have little experience in other fields and cannot keep up with the job.

The quality of new graduates in the field is a problem, he said, adding that some of them cannot translate a simple document or communicate well in a foreign language.

Many companies said the quality of foreign-language programmes at universities was not good.

Pham Xuan Hoang An, an experienced translator, and former head of the politics and economics division at the citys Foreign Affairs Department, said interpreters and translators must also have a good memory, a wide range of knowledge, and good problem-solving skills.

Experts have urged universities to offer more courses in interpretation and translation and give students practical, real-life experience.  VNS
HCM CITY  Many in the education sector are concerned that the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) has permitted a pilot project allowing Hong Bang International University to offer courses in pre-school teaching.

The university will become the first private educational establishment in the country to offer teaching courses, a task traditionally performed by public colleges and universities majoring in education.

Prior to the ministrys decision, many people were amazed at a proposal by HCM Citys Peoples Committee that the education ministry allow some city-based colleges, such as the College of Construction No 2 and Phuong Nam Vocational College, to offer teaching courses, in co-operation with HCM City Pedagogical University.

These moves come at a sensitive time. Many public schools majoring in education have been asked by the ministry to consider cutting the number of new enrolments as oversupply has resulted in an increasing number of unemployed trainee teachers.

On the other hand, low employment has dramatically reduced the number of high school students pursuing teaching undergraduate courses at less-well known or provincial teaching colleges and universities. At the national university entrance exam this year, some teacher training institutions had to set their entrance scores at unexpectedly low levels to get enough student enrolments.

A former leader of a HCM City-based university told Thanh Nien (Youth) newspaper that in the past few years, the ministry had promulgated several documents asking public teaching schools to consider cutting enrolments by 20 per cent each year.

He wondered why the ministry allowed a private university that did not have experience in teaching courses offer such courses.

The inexperience of schools seeking to open teaching courses also raised a question of quality, said Doctor Hoang Ngoc Vinh, former head of MoETs Deparment of Professional Education.

Teachers, especially pre-school ones, not only need good knowledge, professional skills, but also love for children and other qualities, Vinh said.

An official at a university in HCM City said he worried that the shockingly low requirements for future teachers that had been seen in the university entrance exam this year would risk being repeated if the ministry opened the door for more private and inexperienced institutions to jump into the sector.

Until now, the ministry has not given a ruling on HCM City authoritys proposal to allow such as Construction No 2 or Phuong Nam to offer teaching courses.

When asked about Hong Bang Universitys case, deputy minister of education and training Bui Van Ga said the decision was based on the citys proposal on training pre-school teachers to meet local demand.

In fact, although the rate of unemployed trainee teachers in general is high, HCM City is suffering a shortage of pre-school teachers working for kindergarten and nursery schools.

According to the citys official statistics, the city lacks more than 11,000 teachers at this level, 7,600 of whom are for public schools. Every year, the city is in need of 2,000 new pre-school teachers but it can only hire about 1,500.

Ga said the project was only a pilot, adding that the university was only allowed to train two batches of students in two continuous school years during the first phase. After the pilot period, the school had to report the results to the ministry. The courses would only be continued if the quality was assured and HCM City still had a demand.

Associate Professor Thai Ba Can, rector of Hong Bang Univerity, said the wish to offer teaching courses originated from real demands by the educational system of Nguyen Hoang Corporation, owner of the university.

He said the company was planning for an expansion in the pre-school system and would need about 1,500 to 2,000 pre-school teachers in the next three years. He added that those enrolled in the courses would be guaranteed a teaching job in the companys education system when they graduated.  VNS
HCM CITY More than 800 local and international cardiologists are exchanging notes about the latest advances, new trends and innovative therapies for cardiovascular diseases at a congress on New Trends in Management of Cardiovascular Diseases that opened yesterday in HCM City.

More than 20 leaders in cardiovascular medicine from the US, the UK, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia and Viet Nam delivered updates on clinical practices in cardiology, chronic coronary artery disease, heart failure, interventional cardiology, aortic surgery, coronary artery bypass surgery, minimally invasive cardiac surgery and management of acute coronary syndrome during the two-day event.

The annual cardiovascular conference provide opportunities for local cardiologists and cardiac surgeons to share knowledge, and learn the latest techniques in the fields of cardiology and cardiovascular diseases as well as expertise along with networking opportunities between a large number of medical professionals, according to Truong Quang Binh, deputy director of the University Medical Centre, the congresss organiser.

According to the World Health Organisation, 17.7 million people die each year from cardiovascular disease. More than 75 per cent of cardiovascular disease occur in low-income and middle-income countries.

In Viet Nam, cardiovascular disease takes the lives of around 200,000 people every year, an estimated 25 per cent of all deaths nationwide. VNS
KHANH HOA  At 9pm yesterday, the centre of the typhoon Damrey - 12th storm in the East Sea this year  was 220km east of the Phu Yen  Khanh Hoa  Ninh Thuan coast.

Strong gusts near its centre reached level 12, or 115-135km/h, with the storm on a westbound course towards Viet Nam at the speed of 15-20km/h. The typhoon is expected to make landfall this morning between southern Phu Yen Province and northern Binh Thuan Province.

Thua Thien  Hue Province, together with five south central provinces of Binh inh, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, and Binh Thuan, have imposed a sea traffic ban  with ships not allowed to sail and ships already at sea ordered to return to land or to seek shelter.

More than 426,000 people in high areas of provinces forecasted to be hit by the typhoon could be evacuated. Khanh Hoa Province has already relocated nearly 6,000 people out of the planned 33,380 in the worst case scenario  the most out of all provinces expected to carry out evacuation, followed by Phu Yen Province with 85,000 people set to be relocated.

In Khanh Hoa Province, 4,300 tourists  2,220 of which are foreign  remained stranded on islands because ships and boats due to the sea-traffic ban.

From 6pm yesterday, the south central provinces of Quang Ngai and Binh inh experienced heavy rainfall of 20-30mm, resulting in elevated risks of landslides and flash floods.

No people left on the sea

Last afternoon, Deputy Prime Minister Trinh inh Dung arrived in the south central province of Phu Yen to inspect the provinces preparedness for Typhoon Damrey.

Working with Phu Yen leaders, Dung asked the province to monitor fishing vessels operating at sea and aquaculture farms, and to not leave any ship, including foreign ones, or any people on Viet Nams seas.

The Deputy PM urged Phu Yen to focus on ensuring safety for public works, while keeping a close eye on dams and lakes.

He inspected the 1.1km anti-erosion dam in Ro village outside of the Tuy Hoa City which is already facing structural damages from erosion.

Later in the day, Deputy PM Dung came to Nha Trang City of Khanh Hoa Province where the typhoon is expected to make landfall to hold an online conference with provincial leaders to direct the response to the typhoon.

The Deputy PM asked for cancellation of any flights that might enter the area during the typhoon, ensuring traffic flow on national highways, and to quickly storm-proof houses in the affected areas.

The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting and news agencies were ordered to provide frequent news on the typhoons latest developments.  VNS
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION  At least 20 people have died and 17 are missing as Typhoon Damrey, the 12th to emerge from the East Sea this year, made landfall Saturday morning in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa.

Located directly in the storms path, Khanh Hoa alone has reported 12 fatalities, while the coastal province of Binh inh and the Central Highlands province of Lam ong have reported five and three deaths respectively, according to the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control.

It said the 17 people missing are all crew of shipwrecked cargo vessels.

In the swathe of destruction carved by Damrey, 531 houses collapsed completely and nearly 24,000 houses were damaged, with Khanh Hoa once again bearing the brunt with 15,838 houses affected by the heavy rain, strong gusts, and flooding.

Reports say that as many as 40 vessels  mostly off the coast of Phu Yen Province  have been sunk.

Rainfall of 100-200mm has been recorded in Quang Nam and Khanh Hoa provinces and heavy downpours are predicted to continue even after the storm weakened into a tropical depression in the afternoon.

The forecasting centre has warned these localities of flash floods in mountainous areas and inundation in lowland areas.

In Khanh Hoa and Phu Yen, Damrey triggered a widespread blackout, hampering communication about storm consequences. However, by 5pm, the State-owned power utility, Viet Nam Electricity (EVN), said it had repaired and rendered operational all 220kV lines downed by the typhoon, and restored 50 per cent of 110kV stations and lines.

Deputy Prime Minister Trinh inh Dung yesterday visited several localities in Khanh Hoa, inspecting damage caused by the storm and directed relief efforts. In coastal Van Ninh District, he was told that the storm had claimed one life and left three injured, collapsed 14 houses and unroofed many others.

He urged Khanh Hoa leaders to provide prompt assistance for victims, including accommodation for those who need it, while ensuring the safety of dams and reservoirs, managing traffic and restoring the power network.

Earlier reports said flooding and landslides had completely isolated some areas in the south-central province of Binh inh.

The typhoon has also affected other provinces like Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Ninh Thuan, ak Lak, and ak Nong, causing blackouts and flooding, devastating crops and disrupting traffic.

People in a Lat City clear trees felled off by heavy rains and powerful winds of the typhoon Damrey.  VNA/VNS Photo Phuoc Ngoc

The Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control reiterated its advise to affected provinces and cities to evacuate residents from vulnerable areas.

As of 2am, November 4, the provinces of Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa and Ninh Thuan had moved over 35,100 people to safer places.

More than 1,700 people in coastal Can Gio District of HCM City had also been evacuated.

Heavy rains and high tides have inundated a number of areas in HCM City, with many roads in downtown districts being 40-60cm underwater, clogging traffic and inconveniencing local residents.

Flights cancelled

National carrier Vietnam Airlines and other carriers continued adjusting their flights to and from several central localities on November 4.

Vietnam Airlines cancelled 14 flights between Ha Noi/HCM City and Quy Nhon, between HCM City/a Nang and Buon Me Thuot, Ha Noi/HCM City and a Lat, and between Ha Noi and Chu Lai.

The cancelled flights are planned to operate on November 5.

Low-cost carrier Vietjet Air also cancelled 22 flights from/to airports in the central region, including a Nang, Chu Lai, Quy Nhon, Tuy Hoa, Cam Ranh and a Lat.

The airlines advised passengers to visit their official websites or call customer service centres for updated information.  VNS
UNITED NATIONS, United States  Russia demanded Thursday that the UN Security Council shelve a report blaming the Syrian government for a sarin gas attack and that a new probe be conducted into the use of the deadly nerve agent, according to a draft resolution obtained by AFP.

The text circulated to the Security Council also called for a six-month extension of the UN-led panel tasked with identifying who is behind chemical attacks in Syrias six-year war.

The United States put forward on Thursday a rival draft resolution that would extend for two years the mandate of the panel known as the Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM), according to the text seen by AFP.

Russia has sharply criticized the findings of the JIM which said the Syrian air force dropped sarin on the opposition-held village of Khan Sheikhun nearly seven months ago.

More than 80 people, including young children, died in the April 4 attack that provoked global outrage and prompted the United States to fire cruise missiles at a Syrian air base.

Russia has questioned the work of the panel because the experts did not go to Khan Sheikhun and worked from samples Moscow maintains may have been tampered with by Western intelligence.

The Russian-drafted measure "requests the JIM to retain its findings... until such time when full-scale and high-quality investigation on the site of an incident becomes possible."

US, Russia clash

The mandate of the JIM expires November 16 and its fate has been at the center of a major row between Russia, Syrias ally, and the United States, backed by France and Britain.

The White House issued a strong statement denouncing Moscows attempts to undermine the work of the panel, which Russia helped establish with the United States in 2015.

"Russias attempts to undermine and eliminate the JIM show a callous disregard for the suffering and loss of life caused by the use of chemical weapons and an utter lack of respect for international norms," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said.

The US draft resolution expresses "grave concern" over the report concluding that sarin had been used in Khan Sheikhun and reaffirms support for the JIM "to undertake their respective investigations in a manner that they deem appropriate to fulfill their mandate."

In the Russian-drafted measure, the council would request that the JIM send a team to Khan Sheikhun to "conduct full-scale investigation using the whole spectrum of relevant methods."

Another team should return to the Shayrat air base to collect samples to establish whether sarin was stored at the military facility, it said.

Russia maintains the sarin was most likely released by an explosive device set off on the ground, and not a Syrian air strike.

Moscow says UN report amateurish

Earlier in Moscow, a senior foreign ministry official rejected the findings, branding the report "superficial, unprofessional and amateurish."

"The mission did their research from a distance, that in itself is a scandal," said Mikhail Ulyanov, head of the foreign ministrys security and disarmament department.

The report by the joint UN-Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) panel has revived calls for UN sanctions to be imposed on Syria over the Khan Sheikhun attack.

Russia in late October vetoed a US-drafted resolution that would have extended the mandate of the JIM for a year, casting its ninth veto at the Security Council to block action against its Syrian ally.

Moscow opposed renewing the mandate of JIM before the release of the Khan Sheikhun report which occurred two days later.

Previous reports by the JIM have found that Syrian government forces were responsible for chlorine attacks on three villages in 2014 and 2015, and that the Islamic State group used mustard gas in 2015.  AFP
Last in a series of articles on Junior Achievement Hall of Fame recipients, first published in Cedar Valley Business Monthly magazine.

CEDAR FALLS  By 2000, the dot-com bubble had burst, and countless internet entrepreneurs saw their dreams of success come to a crashing end.

For a fledgling web-design and digital marketing company, now known globally as Spinutech Inc., it was just a beginning.

Marc Reifenrath, Adam Lewis and Cory Schmidt would not be flummoxed by the popping tech bubble.

The three college kids from small-town Iowa, as the trio describe themselves on their website, were determined to launch a business on a still-nascent internet.

What we lacked in experience was outweighed by passion, they said.

The trio started working out of their college apartments at the University of Northern Iowa. They joined the local chamber of commerce and started to network with other, more established local business leaders.

They named their fledging content management system Spinternet.

Within three years, the three company founders had moved into office space in downtown Cedar Falls and landed clients in several states.

More growth, and another move to larger quarters in downtown Cedar Falls, followed.

By 2005, the company had clients in 25 states; the next year, it opened a second office, in Des Moines. A Chicago office opened in 2016. Today, the company does business in all 50 states and eight countries and is a Google certified partner.

Reifenrath, Lewis and Schmidt also have launched Cedar Falls-based AgencyBloc, a web-based life and health insurance agency management system.

The three were honored with Young Entrepreneur awards at the 23rd annual Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa Business Hall of Fame induction ceremony Oct. 26 at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center at UNI in Cedar Falls.

Slow and steady growth has been the key to success, said Reifenrath, 39, a native of Audubon.

Weve always been growing, but I would call it controlled growth, he said. Specifically, we have grown by having a solid team that has built a really strong reputation. Our team is very talented, passionate and client-focused. We truly build long-term partnerships that are mutually beneficial.

The partners base their success on an earnest desire to be fair, honest and do our absolute best, Reifenrath said. We do whats right even when its harder. Our focus on building partnerships with our clients has also been a fundamental philosophy that weve stayed true to. Oftentimes, we say no to work that we could do, but it simply just isnt a perfect fit for us.

The dot-com bubble may have lain in ruins back in 2000, but it would not deny three passionate entrepreneurs, Reifenrath said.

I love marketing and technology, he said. When we started the business in 2000, it was a very interesting time for both of these. The constant change is good for me. I love learning new things and what makes them work or not work. With digital that is always the case, you must be a life learner or you will very quickly fall behind.

Lewis, 40, a native of Ames, said the business has grown through strong relationships with clients.

By focusing on our clients, they give us opportunities to build and apply technology to improve their organizations, he said.

Lewis said providing value and creating a culture that attracts talent, as well as clients, are fundamental to business success.

All the sales and marketing in the world wont help us accomplish our goals if our services and products arent delivering value to our clients, he said. Weve been incredibly fortunate with the team members that have joined our organization; all of whom have helped create a positive, collaborative work environment where people enjoy getting things done.

Lewis said a whole new world opened up when he got his first computer. He said he always wanted to share my knowledge with others  friends and family. It didnt take long after networking our college dorm just to play games that I realized I enjoy both technology and people.

When asked how he would advise other budding entrepreneurs, Lewis said there are ample opportunities still available.

There are not a lot of overnight success stories, he said. Find a challenge that excites you and have fun figuring it out, but be patient and flexible.

Schmidt, 40, from Audubon, agreed.

Figure out what youre passionate about and go after it, he said. There are a million great business ideas, but what separates successful ventures from the rest is the desire to live and breathe it.

Schmidt said its important to be a partner with clients.

As a result, weve gained a lot of new clients through referrals and mutual connections, he said. This enabled us to grow slowly via strong relationships. At the same time, we were able to assemble a great team that makes it all work.

Its important for entrepreneurs to understand their strengths, as well as their goals, Schmidt said.

And then take on the right work that aligns with those strengths and goals, he said. Continue to refine your craft and find opportunities to leverage it. Dont be afraid to turn down business that isnt in your sweet spot.

All three founding partners see continued growth for their enterprise.

Well continue working to find opportunities that fit our strengths  and the solutions weve created, Schmidt said. Im hopeful that our team continues to be passionate about their work and enjoys the journey.